Planting a Greener Future

Growing up on a farm where trash was either burned or taken to the dump, recycling was a revolutionary concept. My older sister learned more about it in school and started gathering old newspapers and other items to recycle. 

It stuck with me.

After college, I worked aboard a scientific research vessel and visited different countries. That’s when I discovered a bigger issue and the importance of taking care of the environment. Polluted cities left my eyes irritated and I experienced contaminated water and long beaches covered in trash. 

I taught English in the Marshall Islands almost 20 years ago and have since read many articles outlining the effects of climate change and rising sea levels on these small islands. To know that dramatic changes have occurred in such a short period of time has motivated me even more to take action. 

I knew I had to make a difference.

I am conscious of what I throw away knowing that our little dump will eventually fill up. So many items can be repurposed or reused and I know that recycling items, especially plastic, is an issue. Not all plastic gets recycled so I’ve avoided buying items with a lot of plastic packaging.

But I needed to do more. 

More than a decade ago, I wanted to start a business and settled on wool dryer balls—I knew this product would make a difference in people’s lives and the environment. Reducing dryer sheets in the world meant fewer toxic chemicals and more energy savings. It was important that we not only offered locally sourced wool dryer balls but also shared great ideas through our blog, Living Naturally. 

I’m always thinking about what more LooHoo can do to help care for the planet so we’ve committed to planting a tree for every LooHoo pack purchased, donated to Soul Fire Farm and switched to treeless paper and plastic-free packaging.

Today, my efforts are noticed. 

While our customer base has grown and enthusiastically support our product, at home is where it matters most. I love sharing the choices LooHoo makes in order to care for the environment with my young son, Graham. Our family also watches a lot of documentaries about climate change, food production and waste and ocean conservation that have helped us see the world from a broader perspective.

I often wonder what life would be like without reducing our environmental imprint. 

Well, environmental experts have been clear: We will be unable to breathe clean air, drink clean water and eat uncontaminated food. Our lives will be shorter, our health compromised and devastating illnesses will heighten. As for the next generation? The effects will only worsen. Pollution can cause everything from reproductive issues and neurological disorders to heart attacks and cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We can all make a difference. Use less water. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Utilize clean energy sources like solar. Cut down on the use of harmful chemicals. Support eco-friendly businesses. 

This month don’t just recognize Earth Day, celebrate with the gift of action. 

QUESTION

So how are doing your part to care for Mother Earth?