Earth Day 2021 marks the 51st observance of this day set aside to reflect upon our home planet. April 22 was originally selected as the date to invite student participation. It was a day between spring break and final exams when young people could come together to learn more about their, OUR, impact in our “living room.” 

The first Earth Day brought together 20 million Americans. Their protests against the impacts of unchecked pollution and the deterioration of the environment led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and to the passage of many environmental laws, like the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  

Today, Earth Day is a global observance bringing together millions of people, thousands of partners, and nearly 200 countries to raise awareness of humans' impact on the earth. 

As National Geographic Young Explorer Ghaamid Abdulbasat, the Sub-Saharan Africa regional coordinator for the Earth Day Network, writes, “(My family) knows the work I am doing, and they understand now how small choices can lead to a larger impact. Each of us has this power and regardless of our paths, we have to put this power to use to save our planet and its oceans.” We all have a part to play in this effort to save ourselves and the rest of the planet. 

Many of Mast Store’s vendors are taking steps to reduce their impact on the environment and to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are just a few of them: 

Wet-It – Made from high-grade cotton and cellulose pulp, Wet-It cloths are highly absorbent and extremely useful. They can absorb up to 16x their own weight in liquid, which makes them an excellent choice for cleaning up spills or for cleaning in general. Wet-It cloths can take the place of sponges and paper towels and are lint-free and streak-free. They are also 100% compostable in your household compost bin.    

Klean Kanteen – This company is a Certified B Corp, which means it must create value for non-shareholding stakeholders, like their employees, the local community, and the environment. At Klean Kanteen, they use their B Corp status to put their community and the planet first by making products that won’t pollute the planet, by committing to be climate neutral, and by giving back through programs like 1% for the Planet. They are also actively campaigning for coffee shops and restaurants to allow patrons to use their own beverage containers for takeout coffee, soft drinks, etc. to reduce waste.  

Oboz – Based in Bozeman, Idaho, their name is a combination of “outside” and “Bozeman.” Their hiking boots and shoes help people better enjoy their time on the trail. They promote a relationship with the planet by planting “One More Tree” for each pair of shoes sold. Through a partnership with Trees.org, they are helping families and farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa replenish the soil through tree gardens. Not only can families reap the bounty from their farms, but women are empowered, children are educated, and other families are afforded the opportunity to reinvigorate their own gardens. During the month of April 2021, Oboz is planting two trees for each pair of their shoes tried on, so stop in to learn more about this footwear that is comfortable right out of the box. 

E-Cloth – These reusable microfiber cloths will clean your home using only water. E-Cloth is the perfect combination of passion and science. Basically, each microfiber cloth has tiny fibers with a positive charge. Dirt has a negative charge. When you add water to the cloth, a magnetic property is created which draws the dirt into the tiny voids made by the microfibers, and it stays there until you flush it away by rinsing the cloth under a faucet. Different surfaces demand different approaches; that’s why a different cloth is used for cleaning windows and another for cleaning dishes.   

Green Toys – From beginning to end, Green Toys are built with purpose. Not only do they close the recycling loop in a way that kids can see their efforts coming to fruition, but these toys also inspire open play, imagination, and creativity. Green Toys is 100% Made in USA. Recycled milk jugs are the primary ingredient, which is sometimes supplemented by other types of recycled plastics like yogurt cups. Their toy packaging is made from 100% recyclable cardboard and is printed with minimal color using soy ink. By diverting material from landfills and manufacturing in California, Green Toys is reducing greenhouse gases and saving on energy and transportation costs. 

Patagonia – When someone mentions companies taking a stand to reduce their climate impact, Patagonia is probably the first one on the list. Since its earliest days under the guidance of founder Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia has had an environmental focus. 1% for the Planet was started by Chouinard, and Patagonia became the first company to commit 1% of its annual sales to the planet. Its commitment is multifaceted with attention paid to environmental impacts as well as working conditions for employees in factories utilized by the company. Patagonia has set some lofty environmental goals for the short term including being 100% carbon neutral across its entire supply chain, having all apparel products made from 100% recycled, reclaimed, or renewable sources, and packaging that is 100% reusable, home compostable, renewable, or easily recyclable by 2025. Another goal for the company is to be an inspiration for others to follow.  

You can find more earth-friendly companies and products on our website and in our stores to help you celebrate Earth Day every day. 

Top photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels