Earth After Earth Day

Every year since 1970, people around the world have come together on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. Celebrating can take many forms: some people participate in garbage cleanups in their communities; others plant trees; some just take the opportunity to teach others about the way the choices they make — from the items they purchase, to their habits at home — have an impact on our planet.
But here at Green Matters, we know that education, action, and impact is important 365 days a year — not just on April 22. That’s why this year, we’re introducing a new campaign called #EarthAfterEarthDay, which will inform and highlight different ways our choices have an effect on not only our planet, but also our future.
During the coming weeks, we’ll be showcasing the different ways you can live sustainably and make the best choices when it comes to the ways we shop for food, fashion, and everything in between.
And while education is crucial when it comes to changing the direction of our planet, action is even more essential. Every action we take has an impact on our environment, so it’s up to us to make sure we are making sustainable choices.
We want to celebrate the different ways every single person can make a difference by doing something for our planet; while the benefits of acting sustainably are immeasurable — such as creating a better world for future generations — sometimes, the benefits can be a little more tangible, as well. During the next four weeks, we’ll be offering giveaways that will help you make better choices that will allow us to preserve the Earth.
To enter, all you have to do is post a picture on Instagram and show what you’re doing to reduce your environmental impact and tag both @GreenMatters and #EarthAfterEarthDay to be entered to win. You have until May 21 to show us all the ways you're making a difference — whether it's something big or small, it all counts! We can't wait to see what you're doing.
Our first giveaway will be a five-year membership and $500 gift card to Thrive Market, our favorite online grocery store that offers natural and organic products at unbeatable prices. Thrive Market is also offering all Green Matters readers a free 30-day trial and 25 percent off your first order by visiting thrivemarket.com/greenmatters.
To help you embrace greener habits while grocery shopping — on Thrive Market or anywhere else — our first week of programming will offer plenty of tips on making more sustainable choices while shopping for food. Whether you're new at the bulk section, don't have access to one, or just want to learn more about how your choices affect the planet (did you know some non-dairy milks are more eco-friendly than others?), there's something for everyone to learn.
Now that you’ve gotten your groceries, for week two, we’re focusing on what goes on in the kitchen. Changing the food you eat, and even how you prepare, can have a huge impact on the environment; did you know that between 30-40 percent of the entire food supply in the United States ends up in the garbage? This week, we’ll teach you all about how your choices in the kitchen and the food you use have an impact on the environment. Whether you’re ready to dive in and embrace a plant-based diet (which some experts say is the single best way to help the planet), or you just want to learn more, we have you covered.
To help you get started, we’ve teamed up with Purple Carrot — a plant-based meal kit — to give away a $500 gift card. Just like last week, all you have to do to enter is show us on Instagram how you’re helping the planet even after Earth Day, and tag #EarthAfterEarthDay and @GreenMatters. Our readers are also getting $30 off their first order using code “GREENMATTERS” — so it’s time to get cooking!
Week three, we're ditching the kitchen! This time, we're focusing on what it means to consider the planet when it comes to beauty, hygiene, and cosmetics. While makeup is often something incredibly personal — and something that most people do strictly for themselves — the choices we make when it comes to makeup and skincare can have an effect on the world at large. There are decisions we make when it comes to grooming and self-care — be it shopping for only cruelty-free products, or making sure we dispose of any makeup or skincare "empties" properly — that can have a greater effect on the planet and our environment.
This week, we're giving away a $500 gift card to Lush — think of all the zero-waste lotions and shampoo bars you could buy with that! Lush is committed to the environment, and are 100 percent cruelty-free and vegetarian; they also strive to be as zero-waste as possible, and encourage their customers to be as well. To enter, you just have to keep doing what you're doing: Take a photo showing us how you're being kind to Mother Nature even after Earth Day is over, and upload it to Instagram; don't forget to tag #EarthAfterEarthDay and @GreenMatters and you'll be entered to win!
Finally, we're ending this week focusing on fashion. Did you know that clothing and textiles make up around 5 percent of all landfills? That's because the average American gets rid of 70 lbs of clothing and shoes annually — and, often times, even clothing you donate ends up in the landfill. That's why it's important to think about the environmental implications when it comes to your fashion choices — from what you're buying, to the brands you're supporting, to how you dispose of your clothing at the end of its lifestyle.
This week, we're giving away a $500 gift card to Everlane, a fashion brand that sells sustainable, ethical, and modern basics. To enter, do the same thing you've likely done the past three weeks: Take a photo showing us how you're being kind to Mother Nature even after Earth Day is over, and upload it to Instagram; don't forget to tag #EarthAfterEarthDay and @GreenMatters and you'll be entered to win!
Be sure to check this space to see not only all the content we’re creating for #EarthAfterEarthDay, but also winners of the give aways who are helping us as we explore more about how sustainable habits could change our future.
We can’t wait to see all the ways you’re making the world a better place!
Latest Earth After Earth Day News and Updates

10 Eco-Friendly Swimsuit Brands for All Shapes and Sizes
Your summer swimwear can be cute and sustainable.

What Certifications to Look for When Clothes Shopping Sustainably
These certifications will make it easier for you to know whether your clothes are made and distributed in a sustainable fashion.

“Shopping Your Stash” Is the Beauty Trend That’ll Make You Quit Shopping for More Makeup
“Shopping Your Stash” is the makeup trend that could take down consumerism in the beauty world.

6 Tips for Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping, Even if You Don't Have a Bulk Section
Just because you don't live near a bulk shop doesn't mean you can't grocery shop sustainably.

Is Your Cookware Zero-Waste?
You’re doing everything you can to live an eco-friendly, nontoxic, and sustainable lifestyle. But is your cookware zero waste?

The Most Eco-Friendly Non-Dairy Milks
There are so many to choose from these days.

How to Remove Makeup Zero-Waste
Making your own makeup remover is one way to stay zero-waste (but still glam)!

7 Zero-Waste Natural Deodorant Options — And How to Make the Transition
Wondering about zero-waste deodorant?

What Is Fast Fashion? (Plus Alternatives That Are Sustainable and Affordable)
Fast fashion may seem good for your wallet — but it’s bad for the planet.

What Are Microfibers? Here's What You Can Do to Avoid Them
A garment can produce 1,900 microfibers in just one wash cycle.

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe, According To The Woman Who Invented It
Susie Faux, creator of the capsule wardrobe in the '70s, talks to Green Matters about the growing relevancy of the minimalist clothing movement she started.

Clothing, Shoe, and Accessory Options Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic
These products give ocean plastic a new life.

What Is Vegan Leather, Anyway?!
Vegan leather sounds like an oxymoron — because it is — but it’s also a better alternative to real leather.

Why You Should Consider Ethical and Sustainable Diamonds
When it comes to buying a diamond, you should make the ethical and sustainable choice — here’s why.

Tips for Thrifting: How to Master Secondhand Shopping
Shopping secondhand means not only scoring deals, but also lowering your impact.

9 Beauty Ideas That Are Zero-Waste and Do-It-Yourself
Going zero-waste doesn’t mean having to sacrifice your self-care routine!

Renting Your Clothes Gives You an Endless Wardrobe — While Helping the Environment
Renting your clothing is a good way to make sure that you aren’t contributing as much to the landfill.

How to Get Rid of Your Unwanted Makeup — Ethically
Getting rid of your makeup isn’t so easy — but there is a way to get rid of what you’re not using without increasing your impact.

What Makes 'Clean' Beauty Products Clean? Here's What You Need to Know About Makeup Claims
Clean vs. non-toxic vs natural... what's the difference?

How to Make Your Own Zero-Waste, Non-Toxic Bar Soap

Your Used Makeup Could Help Animals in Need
Here’s a creative way to keep your used makeup out of the landfill: Donate your used mascara wands to help wildlife in need.

A Guide to Composting While Living in an Apartment
Composting is an eco-friendly lifestyle choice that can work for everyone, even if you live in an apartment.

Recycling Literally Pays Off at These 7 Beauty Companies
These beauty brands will make sure you keep your “empties” out of the landfill — and will even reward you for doing so!

Cooking Sustainably: How to Cook More Zero-Waste With Ugly Produce
In the past, “ugly” produce may have gone straight to the landfill — now, it’s probably making its way to your plate!

5 Things to Change Now to Make Your Kitchen More Zero-Waste Friendly
Ready to start making your kitchen fit in with a low-impact lifestyle? Keep reading for five changes to make your kitchen more zero waste!

Oil-Free Cooking Basics: Why People Are Embracing the Trend
Buh-bye, olive oil.

7 Foods to DIY in the Blender to Reduce Your Plastic Waste
Get ready to reduce waste and save some cash.

Is There Plastic Hiding in Your Tea Bags? Plus, Zero-Waste Tea Options
Before you steep that lavender and chamomile nightcap before bed, there’s something you should know. There may be plastic hiding in your tea bags…

Eating Sustainably: What’s in Season?
By eating what’s in season, you’re actually being more sustainable — find out why!

Zero-Waste Uses for Basil Around the House
Basil is the ultimate zero-waste option: You can grow it at home, and it doesn’t require any storage.

How to Make Sustainable, Nut- and Oat-Based Milk at Home
Often, making milk at home can be cheaper in the long run because it means buying the nuts or oats in bulk.

How Plant-Based Diets Can Benefit the Earth
There are so many reasons to eat more vegan meals.

How Sustainability Is Changing the World of Grocery Stores
As the world has changed, so have our grocery stores — see their adaptations to become more "green."

5 Simple Ways To Shop Greener At The Grocery Store
Here are five ways to make a difference by going green at the grocery store.

Sustainable Liquor: What to Know When Shopping for Eco-Friendly Wine and Beer
There's a lot to consider when it comes to drinking sustainably.

These Snack Ideas Are Perfect for Any Zero Waster
Living a zero-waste life doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite things — like snacking.

Bulk for Beginners: How to Shop in the Grocery Store’s Bulk Section
The bulk section can be intimidating at first — but this guide will help anyone, from new shoppers to seasoned pros.