Earth Day: The story behind it and my advice on how to take part in the green revolution

Happy Mother Earth Day! There are countless special days. But today we’re focusing on something a little more serious, in my opinion – namely Earth Day – which is gradually gaining ground in Denmark.

The story behind Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event that has been celebrated on 22 April every year since 1970. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the world’s environmental problems. 22 April is therefore a day that holds a special place in our hearts, as we wish to play our part in the sustainable transformation – or ‘The Green Revolution’, as I call it.

Earth Day was established for the sake of Mother Earth. And on Earth Day, extra efforts are made for the environment and greater focus is placed on the importance of sustainable development.

Earth Day originated in the USA in the 1970s and was a reaction to an oil spill that took place in the state of California. The driving force behind the movement was Senator Gaylord Nelson, who managed to generate widespread support amongst the American public. At the time, 20 million people gathered in the streets to protest against environmental pollution and to raise greater awareness of environmental issues.

Since then, the anniversary has only grown in significance, and the day is now celebrated all over the world.

Why?

We were barely a quarter of the way through the year when Denmark had already used up its share of the world’s natural resources for 2022. This makes us the 15th country in the world to have used up its share of the natural resources that the planet can regenerate in a single year, according to the think tank Global Footprint Network.

This means that, on 28 March, Denmark entered a period of net overspending for the rest of the year.

We may see ourselves as a green pioneer, but in reality we are one of the most resource-intensive countries in the world. We are living far beyond our means with our significant overconsumption.

According to the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, it would take more than four Earths to meet resource consumption if everyone lived as they do in Denmark. One of the reasons why Denmark moves from consumption to overconsumption so early in the year is that Denmark is the EU country that produces the most waste per capita. That is why our waste could be a place to start.

Climate change is a serious threat, both now and for future generations. I think that perhaps this could be the opportunity for us, through a collective effort, to rediscover ourselves as part of nature. And perhaps we can reunite as ONE whole, united planet, where we have no time to fight one another, but instead help one another to restore our shared home.

We must begin to tell the inspiring stories that can give us new visions of what the good life is. Stories of closeness, relationships and responsibility, and a sense of community with both other people and nature. The reward is HUGE: that we can secure the future of our children and future generations on a planet teeming with life and diversity. The time has come for change and a different way of life.

What can you do?

Well, what on earth can we possibly do about this abysmal climate and environmental chaos we’re facing? When, like me, you occasionally lose heart and feel overwhelmed. I can be so deeply affected by the pain of the world at the thought that the universe’s billions of years of evolution have ended up like this: a culture where we are collapsing under the stress of trying to afford all the things that undermine the very foundations of our own lives, those of our children and those of many other species.

But surely something must be done! And we must start with ourselves. Just imagine if everyone did something! – as much as they can, in their everyday lives – at home and at work.

First and foremost – Join The Green Revolution – “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

First and foremost, we must soon grasp and acknowledge the gravity of the situation! Next, we must and shall take a good look at ourselves and open our eyes to the necessity of making significant lifestyle changes. And it must be NOW. We are the first generation to feel the consequences of climate change, and we are the last generation that can do anything about them. And it is urgent!

Even though making your everyday life more sustainable may seem like a daunting task, Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to rethink your habits and make an extra effort for the environment.

So here are 7 simple tips on how you can make your life a little more sustainable.

1. That rubbish business! Sort or recycle your waste.
2. Leave the car at home. Hop on your bike and give your leg muscles a workout. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also free exercise and good for your health. It’s a win-win, really.
3. Eat less meat and dairy products. I’ve made these changes in my own life and rediscovered the joy of cooking – now that I’m eating a 100 per cent plant-based diet. And I’d like to point out that meat-free dishes don’t have to be boring at all. But 2–3 meat-free days a week are better than none at all.
4. Switch off the light when you leave. I meant it when I said ‘simple advice’. Remember to switch off the light when you leave a room. And it’ll help keep your electricity bill down, too.
5. Turn off the tap when you’re putting shampoo in your hair. This advice probably needs no further explanation. Turn off the tap when you’re not using it.
6. Eat seasonal fruit and vegetables. Buy seasonal produce and try to buy Danish produce; this way, you’ll spare the environment from unnecessary strain.
7. Buy second-hand and choose small but good-quality items. If you need new furniture, clothes or other bits and bobs, first check whether you can get better value for money by buying them second-hand. And when you do buy new items, opt for sustainable, high-quality pieces that will last, rather than cheap products that break after only a short time.

Let’s get our climate gear on!

If you’re looking for a ‘climate uniform’ to remind you to make sustainable choices in your everyday life, I’ve now designed a number of ‘climate warrior’ prints, which you can order from the online shop.  I’ll print the designs myself once you’ve placed your order. So there’s zero overproduction :) See the full range here.

Happy Earth Day!