Hard to believe it has been over 50 years since the concept of Earth Day was introduced. On April 22, 1970, about 20 million Americans took to the streets in answer to Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson's call for a "national teach-in on the environment". His partners in this effort were Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey and Denis Hayes from Harvard.
Fast forward to 1990 when a group of environmental leaders requested Denis Hayes to lead another big campaign. Many of us remember that day when 200 million people worldwide in 141 countries participated in efforts to boost environmental issues globally. In 1995, Senator Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest honor given to civilians in the United States - for his leading role as the founder of Earth Day.
Although Earth Day comes but once a year on April 22, it can be a part of our daily lives and inform many decisions. Here are some actions that we have incorporated into our lives, personally and at work:
- We make a conscious effort to print on post-consumer recycled paper for our flyers, newsletters, business cards and office needs.
- We save all internal drafts and packing slips and re-use the paper for our copy and fax machines and print on the unused side.
- We purchase and use biodegradable popcorn for packing our Teas.
- We keep our thermostats a few degrees warmer (or cooler) to conserve energy.
- We recycle plastic and glass wherever possible.
- All of us keep reusable bags in our cars to avoid adding to the already-growing piles of plastic filling our landfills.
- We use glass or other reusable, washable plates and bowls instead of plastic disposable items.
- We seek causes that promote the Greening of the Earth. A few years ago, we chose One Tree Planted and invited our customers to plant trees. Another year we selected Friends of the Earth as our worthy cause.
- We offer organic teas because they promote soil health and reduce the use of chemical pesticides.
- We buy Organic and are certified Organic by an independent third-party agency and comply with all USDA rules to maintain organic integrity.
We invite you to be conscious of the Earth not just on Earth Day but every day of the year. Sip your favorite organic tea and help the Earth at the same time. So, join us in celebrating our Earth - it's the only one we have.
