It's a little known fact, but I absolutely, completely love Earth Day. Always have, always will. By the time I came along in 1984, this annual event had already been underway for fourteen years and when I growing up, in grade school, it was always something that was acknowledged and celebrated in some capacity or another - from making papier-mâché globes to discussing ways we could do our part to recycle and compost at home.
Created, perhaps to little surprise, during the heart of the return-to-the-earth movement of the sixties and early seventies, Earth Day is a once yearly happening that takes place on April 22nd and shines the much needed spotlight on ways in which we can protect, nurture and love the beautiful living rock of a planet that we call home (Wikipedia has a great Earth Day history overview, if you want to learn more about this event).
One does not have to be a Green Peace activist by any means to embrace Earth Day and indeed, our world stands to be served all the better by huge numbers of ordinary folks doing than part than simply through the valiant efforts of a much smaller group of demonstrators (though of course it's wonderful that such exist and of course they make a big impact, too, don't get me wrong).
Of course, as a perpetual optimist, I like to think that we'll make it. That we, as a species will not be our own ultimate downfall, despite the valiant attempts (re: nuclear war, genocide, etc) that have been carried out at times. I want to believe that we'll exist as a species for as long as this planet survives in its natural state. No one can say for certain if such will happen, but it is epicly foolhardy of us to treat the earth in any other way.
The fifteen items in today's post won't save the planet unto themselves, of course, but each of them does tie into one or more marvelous aspects of just how diverse, beautiful, inspiring, giving, incredible and/or resilient this world of ours is, and would be a perfect way to help celebrate Earth Day all the more in future years to come.
1. This is so incredibly true. No matter our differences, we - like every human who has ever lived - all share the same planet. Downloadable art file, $6.00 from Noted Provision.
2. Handmade twig pencils have always appealed to me immensely. There's just something so satisfying about holding a tangible piece of nature in your hand while you jot down your thoughts. These paint dipped beauties are an especially chic and stylish modern take on this age old writing utensil. $12.60 for eight 3" long natural wood pencils from Storie Brooke.
3. Hailing from the 1960s - 1970s, but very classic looking and amply large enough to wear as a 1940s style headscarf, if so desired, this sophisticated earth toned Jacqmar square scarf has a beautiful foliage and butterfly pattern on it and strikes me as something that Mother Earth herself might enjoy wearing if she was a fashion blogger. $16.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.
4.You might not be able to hold the whole world in your hands, but you can wear a slew of planets on your wrist anytime you fancy with this absolutely charming handmade solar system bracelet, that, naturally, includes Earth in the mix. $23.50 from Diana Jewelry Design.
6. Hand painted in vibrant, eye-catchingly lovely hues, this precious little ceramic bird is equal parts cute + beautiful and would look as at home in a vintage decor setting as a 21st century one. $68.00 from Pearle’s Painting.
7. Made from laser cut real wood and recycled blank pages of paper, this awesome 90 page spiral bound notebook is such a fantastic way to keep track of anything your heart desires, from travel plans to your annual garden planting list. $7.73 from ADRGB.
8. Ideal for the sunny months that are upon us now, this immensely pretty mid-century vintage Swirl blue and white gingham dress is made all the more sweet by the floral embroidery on the skirt that channel a straight-from-the-garden vibe and suit Earth Day superbly. Fits up to a 36 inch bust/28 inch waist. $85.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.
10. I just adore how these featherweight, vibrant mid-century vintage marbled plastic bead clip-on earrings resemble the earth as seen from outer space. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.
11. Few things symbolize the earth quite like the sight - and scent - of verdant grass as far as the eye can see. If, like me, you're a huge fan of the aroma of a freshly mowed lawn, thank this wonderfully appealing sounding artesian Green Grass Perfume is for you. $23.00 from Wylde Ivy.
12. Boasting the classic earth hues of blue and green and looking rather like our planet when viewed from the heavens, these delightful handmade bath bombs - which are available in an assortment of different shapes - would make for such a great gift for any Earth Day fan in your life. $3.50 - $6.50 each (depending on size/shape) from Coraline & Zeus Bath Co.
13. Warm, inviting hues that telegraph the spirit of sprawling desert landscape call this elegant mid-century vintage polished river rock bracelet home, and would look sensational with a wide array of spring, summer and autumn outfits. $17.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.
14. Perfect for Earth Day revellers of all ages (and perhaps even cooperative long haired dogs, too :)) this super cute little felt planet hair clip is a sweet, darling way to inject some festive fun into any hairdo. $4.50 from Haylee's Boutique.
15. If you're looking for an especially apt piece of handmade jewelry to sport on Earth Day, may I suggest this wonderfully aged looking, patina enhanced bronze recycling symbol pendant necklace. $15.99 from Pure Impressions.
{To learn more about a specific item or image featured in today's post, please click on the link in the text below it to be taken to its respective source.}
♥ ♥ ♥
In whatever way(s) that you can, I encourage you to take some time today and reflect on what the earth means to you and how you can help to keep our planet health and happy for future generations.
Certainly, many of us in the vintage world already do a wonderful service on the front by virtue of the fact that we choose to wear vintage and thrifted - and/or handmade - clothing, often eschewing the fast fashion world and being very aware of the true cost of the modern day industry that produces the items that we wear and fill our homes with.
On Earth Day, I always like to spend as much time as possible. To - weather permitting - walk barefoot on the grass or sand, to sit quietly in the woods and listen as nature speaks to me. I don green and blue in honour of the two colours that make up so much of our world, and I make sure to assess the current state of my life and look for ways that that I can help do my own small part to help Gaia celebrate countless more birthdays to come.
Happiest Earth Day wishes, everyone! May today and the coming weekend abound with sunshine, fun, and many wonderful spring/autumn time reminders of why we're truly blessed to call this amazing planet home.
