Greener Together: Earth Day with Vermont's Own

Abbey LaMay-WestApr 19, '25

Celebrate Earth Day with Us: Our Power, Our Planet

At Vermont's Own, we believe every day is an opportunity to care for the Earth—but Earth Day is our chance to celebrate it together. As a shop deeply rooted in Vermont's values of community, sustainability, and local pride, we want to take this moment to reflect on our collective impact and share ways we can continue making greener choices, one small step at a time.

Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or you've been eco-conscious for years, Earth Day is a powerful reminder that our everyday choices truly matter. Let’s take a look at how Earth Day began, how Vermont leads the way in green living, and how you can join the movement.

A Quick History of Earth Day

Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, sparked by growing public concern over pollution, oil spills, and environmental destruction. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin organized the first event as a national teach-in, engaging 20 million Americans—nearly 10% of the population at the time.

The momentum from that first Earth Day led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.

Fast forward to today, Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, with over 1 billion people in 193 countries taking part in eco-friendly actions every year.

This year’s theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," is all about collective action and renewable energy. It's a call to triple global clean electricity generation by 2030—a goal that starts with individual and community choices.

Vermont: Small State, Big Impact

Vermont may be small, but it’s mighty when it comes to sustainability:

Burlington was the first U.S. city to run on 100% renewable electricity and aims to be net-zero by 2030.
Vermont consistently ranks as one of the greenest states in the country, with some of the lowest emissions per capita.
Our farmers, artisans, and local makers are deeply committed to environmental stewardship, from sourcing locally to reducing waste.

At Vermont's Own, we’re proud to support makers who prioritize sustainability, including:

Bee’s Wrap who offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap, made from certified organic cotton and sustainably sourced beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. Their wraps, available in various sizes, are reusable and can last a year or more with proper care. Plus, they’re made right here in Middlebury, Vermont!

Soli Naturals offers botanical-rich, foam-free shampoo and conditioner bars that clean, strengthen, and nourish your hair. These pH-balanced bars are surfactant-based (not soap-based) and are made to help your hair look and feel amazing—without adding to plastic waste. Their shampoo and conditioner bars each come in four varieties to cater to different hair needs and are perfect for sustainable hair care.

Bubbe which offers beautiful, sustainable wooden bag clips made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. These clips are a renewable alternative to wasteful plastic bag clips and help reduce landfill waste while keeping your food fresh.

13 Simple Ways to Be More Sustainable

Living more sustainably doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are 15 small changes that can make a big difference:

Switch to reusable bags, water bottles, and containers.
Compost food scraps.
Buy local and seasonal produce.
Walk, bike, or take public transportation.
Unplug electronics when not in use.
Choose eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products.
Avoid fast fashion—shop secondhand or mend clothes.
Start a small herb or veggie garden.
Switch to paperless billing.
Support sustainable brands and local makers.
Reduce single-use plastics wherever possible.
Educate others about environmental issues.
Participate in local green events or clean-up days.

Ready to Celebrate Earth Day With Us?

At Vermont's Own, we believe in the power of local action to drive global change. Whether you shop with us in-store or online, you're supporting Vermont makers who care deeply about the planet and their communities.

This Earth Day, we invite you to: