Fabulous products that give back to the earth
This year marks Earth Day’s 47th year. The annual movement, which, at its inception, saw 20 million Americans participate, continues with a vision of environmental democracy. More important, it brings forth issues the world faces—whether it’s climate change or the importance of sustainability—to the public arena for discussion.
Through efforts around the globe, Earth Day remains the single most powerful tool—and an important call to action—for us to do whatever is necessary to leave a habitable planet for future generations. Here, a roundup of goods to support that goal.
GRAB AND GO
This expandable bag is handwoven in Ghana from jute, a durable, vegetable-based fiber. Each one-of-a-kind Chaka fits your daily life—keep necessities in it, or throw in essential gear for your chosen sport. (Image Above) Chaka Bag; plumandsparrow.com
Earth-saving initiative: Plum & Sparrow’s bags are made by African villagers who have turned the art of weaving into an essential life skill. They receive 10 percent back of purchases to continue the cycle. Their Fair Trade community receives school supplies, health care and funding to build centers where they can continue crafting their pieces.
DRINK MORE, SAVE MORE
Take the idea of reusable water bottles a step further with one that you can roll up to a small bundle. These BPA-free “anti-bottles” (as they’re called) can be frozen and do not get damaged in the dishwasher. Anti Bottles; vapur.us
Earth-saving initiative: Vapur Refill Stations are present across the U.S.’s many state and national parks, as well as colleges, universities and travel destinations. These water stations aim to significantly reduce the number of single-use water bottles, with only about 20 percent recycled. This initiative won Vapur a Public Lands Alliance Corporate Stewardship award last year.
ART THAT GIVES BACK
Royal Robbins’ former namesake was the inspiration for this line of moisture-wicking graphic tees. They commissioned the help of The Landmark Project, a Greenville, South Carolina-based firm, to create the designs inspired by iconic outdoor destinations. Mountain Paraphernalia Tee; royalrobbins.com
Earth-saving initiative: The company’s Rewear Program encourages consumers to think of longevity at the apparel store. This shift in buying habits can prevent thousands of pounds of discarded textile from ending up in landfills. The program also gives pre-loved clothing a second life by reselling still-wearable Royal Robbins goods at its retail outlets. All others will be turned into cleaning cloths or fibers for insulation and paddings.
OWN THE STREETS
The Madison is a featherlight everyday bag made of 100 percent vegan textured eco-polyurethane, with a lining from recycled plastic bottles. It can be worn on or across the shoulder using the detachable body strap. Madison; gunasthebrand.com
Earth-saving initiative: For the month of April, 20 percent of Gunas’s proceeds will go to Farm Sanctuary, to aid in ending cruelty to farm animals and promoting an earth-friendlier vegan lifestyle.
READY FOR THE AIRPORT
The Sycamore Overnighter has enough room in its water-repellant body to store more than a night’s worth of clothing. Hidden pockets—such as a quilted seam for your laptops and two removable snap travel pouches—extend the bag’s utility. Sycamore Overnighter; unitedbyblue.com
Earth-saving initiative: United by Blue has a straightforward approach to making a difference. Each product purchased from its store is equivalent to a pound of trash removed from the world’s oceans and waterways. Last year was the company’s most successful to date: 675,396 pounds of waste were collected over the span of 36 organized cleanups.
A LIVING BACKYARD
This book is a terrific resource for an experienced cultivator looking to grow more than just vegetable plots in the garden. Harvest takes 47 plants—some you can already find in your backyard—and transforms them to organic pantry staples and cocktail drinks, even beauty products and bridal gifts. Harvest hardcover; penguinrandomhouse.com
Earth-saving initiative: Even the smallest of gestures make a big difference—and it starts in your home to share.
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