Wednesday 22nd April 2020 is Earth Day, when people, businesses and communities across the globe will join in celebrating 50 years of supporting and protecting our planet. The world's largest environmental movement has been driving positive change for the Earth and its people since 1970, and this year’s theme is climate action.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day was initially founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in the USA as a teach-in in response to the environmental crisis (including a large oil spill in Ohio) that was escalating at the time. On 22nd April 1970, 20 million people took to the streets of America to protest and demand a better future for the planet and a more eco-conscious society. This protest subsequently started a political movement that saw several environmental laws and other positive legislative changes introduced.
Today Earth Day is the largest environmental movement of its kind. The day is honoured on 22nd April each year and has evolved into a global gathering to celebrate and reflect on the beauty of nature, and to take positive actions for our planet.
Earth Day at Hoselink
While Earth Day appears on the calendar just once a year, every day should be a day to consider the planet, and here at Hoselink, we have been making strides towards becoming an eco-friendlier company. In the past year we have:
- Removed 176,600 plastic poly bags from our product packaging
- Eliminated 1,500 metres of bubble wrap from packaging
- Replaced 100,000 plastic mailing satchels with biodegradable alternatives
- Reduced the amount of polystyrene included in Hose Reel boxes
- Reduced the size of the Hose Reel cardboard packaging
While we are incredibly proud of these changes, we are not done yet and are committed to achieving the following by 2030:
• Remove all plastic packaging from our products and replace it with 100% recyclable or reusable packaging
• Replace printed product instruction manuals with electronic alternatives
• Increase our use of sustainable materials in the manufacturing of our products
• Invest in software to further reduce our paper printing
• Raise funds for or partner with non-profit organisations that support sustainability
• Address the water challenges specific to each garden, region or outdoor space in Australia and increase water efficiency through our innovative product solutions
• Integrate social and environmental responsibility as a key strategy in our business
• Commit to the rejuvenation and protection of Australian flora and fauna through various initiatives
• Work towards making our office space and warehouse more energy-efficient and sustainable
What can I do for Earth Day?
Ordinarily, there would be thousands of events happening around the globe including beach clean-ups, talks and tree planting. This year, however, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, Earth Day is going digital with hundreds of virtual events to take part in around the world instead. You can find a map of events online here.
In Australia, you can join the Sea Life Aquarium in a series of talks and Q&A sessions, watch a film screening about 12 paddlers who braved the cold waters of Tasmania to call for the restoration of Lake Pedder, join Stature Australia on Instagram to watch athletes attempt Earth Day 2020 workout challenges, or participate in an online debate about how technology influences the environment. Plus, many more activities to enjoy on a live stream from around the globe available from 22nd to 24th April 2020.
You can also join the Earth Day Challenge here. This 22-day series of challenges provides actions you can take from your home or garden for the good of the planet.
Earth Day gardening activities
If, like us, you have a green thumb, then why not try one of these gardening activities to help give nature and your outside space a boost? You don’t need a big backyard to take part; all of these activities can be adapted to a balcony or courtyard:
• Plant Australian natives in your garden to boost local wildlife and create a healthy ecosystem. Discover some beautiful native wildflowers in our blog post here.
• Build a bee hotel and plant some bee-friendly flowers to encourage more pollinators into your garden.
• Conserve water by watering your garden more wisely with Hoselink’s no-leak, no-burst Hose Connectors.
• Plant a new tree in your backyard – growing a fruit tree is an efficient way of gardening and, if space allows, you could even start a mini orchard.
• Start recycling some of your garden and food waste by creating a compost heap. Fallen leaves, lawn trimmings, vegetable peelings, eggshells and even newspaper are suitable for composting. Discover how to create your own compost here.
• Consider planting up a veggie patch to grow your own fresh produce. Not only is this good for you, but you will be reducing your carbon footprint too.
• If you already have a veggie patch, now is an excellent time for pickling, preserving and drying your autumn crop. Find out how here.
• Upcycle old watering cans, boots and pots and use as new planters around the garden instead of sending them to landfill.
• Make a worm farm. Worm farms are a green way to get rid of food and garden waste, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll need a container with a lid that you can punch a few holes in, then line it with mesh and fill a quarter of the way with compost or manure before introducing your composting worms. Cover the compost with some newspaper and place the lid on your farm. In just a couple of days, you’ll be ready to start putting food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peelings, as well as leaves, grass clippings, tea bags and crushed eggshells in your worm farm.
• Make your garden more wildlife-friendly. You can do this by leaving out a bowl of water or installing a pond or birdbath, put out a bird or possum box to provide a safe shelter, provide large rocks for lizards to sun themselves on, and avoid using chemicals in your garden. You can find more ideas in our blog post here.
