Just like a seed grows to be a tree, good things often start small but have a big impact over time. As a political response to budding environmental concerns about pollution and the impact pesticides like DDT were having on wildlife, Earth Day was introduced in 1970 by a democratic senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson. The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970 – and soon thereafter international groups adopted the date to focus on environmental awareness as well.

The U.S. has made progress towards environmental reforms in a short period of time, but there is so much more to be done.

Did you know that NCG has a number of resources to help you promote Earth Day to your owners and shoppers?

In-store ideas

• Use Co+op Explorers coloring pages (or your own) and host a coloring contest for kids in your community.
• Stock up on branded reusable bags and consider a promotion or giveaway. With warmer weather ahead, now is a great time to offer the insulated bags too.
• Offer food brochure titles like Natural Cleaners and Organic Foods at relevant demo or merchandising displays.
• Does your co-op track impact? Earth Day is a great time to use NCG’s sustainability impact templates to share your positive impact with your community.

Social media

Share any of the articles from grocery.coop’s Advocacy collection, or use our social media kit and images to promote articles from our climate change and the food system article series. Additional articles that are a good choice for the occasion include:

• Earth Day Starts at Home
• Shopping for Cleaning Products
• Composting 101
• Designing Your Own Vegetable Garden
• Organics and Pollinators: Making Food Happen

NCG’s advocacy and sustainability team wishes you and your co-op a very happy Earth Day—keep up the good work!