Proposed by US Senator Gaylord Nelson and directed by a young activist named Denis Hayes, the first Earth Day celebrations took place on April 22, 1970 at roughly 2,000 colleges and universities, 10,000 primary and secondary schools and hundreds of communities across America.
Now here we are, half a century later, in quite a paradoxical situation. On one hand, the quarantining of the past couple months — and accompanying drop in energy usage, among other factors — has done wonders for the environment, reducing pollution and allowing animals to come out and play. On the other, many of the activities we generally partake in on Earth Day to improve our planet are canceled or severely curtailed.
In response, Earth Day is going digital with 24 hours of action, and you can get involved in a number of ways at EarthDay.org. You can also take a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made over the years, meditate on our continuing struggles and consider new approaches that will make tomorrow better than today. That’s the idea behind the stories that follow. We’re confident they will give you hope, help you make more Earth-friendly choices with regard to products and, most importantly, inspire you during these strange days…
How 5 Outdoor Brands Are Saving the Planet (Or Trying To, Anyway)
From energy gels to wetsuits to cycling kits, these outdoor players are tackling conservation challenges in creative ways.
This Is the Ultimate Reusable Straw, Thanks to Space-Grade Titanium
A reusable straw that looks so good, keeping that resolution to be more sustainable will be a breeze.
What the Hell Is a Wool Surfboard?
Firewire Surfboards replaced one key ingredient of surfboard construction with stuff from sheep.
This New Ski Jacket Is Made from Sugarcane
Thanks to its combo of sustainability and quality, Picture Organic's latest release was the toast of the outdoor industry's big winter trade show.
Reebok’s New Running Shoe Is Made Almost Entirely Out of Plants
Key ingredients in the Forever Floatride GROW include castor beans, eucalyptus, algae and natural rubber.
Can Better Denim Change the World? Levi’s Is Betting on It
Paul Dillinger has given himself the impossible task of transforming the global apparel business into a cleaner, more ethical, more sustainable industry.
You Might Already Own the Most Disruptive Piece of Outdoor Gear
Innovative sustainability is requisite in the outdoor industry these days. But the smartest way to move forward might be to look back.
Could Old Fishing Nets Be Outdoor Gear’s Next Innovative Material?
Bureo has been working since 2013 to turn discarded fishing nets into everything from skateboards to Jenga towers.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy New Outdoor Gear
Americans are quantifiably obsessed with outdoor gear. That's not necessarily a good thing.
Love the Environment? Don’t Buy These Cars, Study Says
Some of our favorite vehicles make the list, sadly.
How to Easily Remove Scratches from Your Watch Crystal
A fresh scratch on an otherwise flawless crystal is a devastating sight. Fortunately, fixing one is cheap and easy to do at home.
How to Repair a Ripped Rain Jacket
From hole to whole. It's shockingly easy.
How to Re-Waterproof Your Jacket
Save yourself a few dollars by learning how to revitalize it with the right tools and a few simple steps.
How to Re-Wax a Canvas Jacket the Right Way
If you're lucky enough to own one, you need to know how to re-wax it properly — instead of just buying a new one.
How to Repair a Ripped Tent
Breathe new life into your old tent with a few easy steps.
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