Self-care has become essential to our daily routines, whether exercising, doing your entire skincare routine, meditating, or spending time in nature! Whether we think about it or not, the environment plays a crucial role in supporting these practices. Access to clean air, water, and green spaces is essential for maintaining health and well-being. We know that the work we put in for ourselves is vital, as is caring for the planet.

April 22, 2024, marks Earth Day, a time to mobilize people to protect the planet... self-care but for Mother Earth!

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event, with billions of people acting to enact safeguards for the planet and a brighter future. Every Earth Day, a theme is selected, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics”. The theme calls to advocate for widespread awareness of the health risks of plastics, phase out single-use plastics, reduce plastic pollution, and address the impact of fast fashion (source: www.earthday.org).

Easy Eco-Wins

Starting a sustainability journey may seem intimidating, but making easy swaps and reading labels while you shop can make a difference. A small step may not seem like a lot, but when millions of people take a small step together, it creates a big impact!

Sustainable Swaps

By switching to items that can be reused, you’ll use less plastic without drastically changing your lifestyle.

Easy swaps to add sustainability to your routine:

1. Metal water bottle: Metal water bottles have become trendy (like Yeti and Stanley water bottles). Using a metal water bottle instead of a single-use plastic bottle eliminates the potential for plastic chemicals to leach into your water and avoids microplastics.
   
   
2. Glass or stainless steel straws: Plastic straws create excess waste with their outside casing and the straw itself. Glass or stainless steel straws are reusable and recyclable. Stainless steel straws are also travel-friendly, easy to throw into a purse or bag, and typically dishwasher-safe.
   
   
3. Reusable tote bags: Many cities across the United States have issued plastic bag bans to increase sustainability and reduce consumer waste. However, a reusable tote can be used for much more than transporting groceries. For example, you can use tote bags to organize your clothes and items while packing a suitcase or use them as laundry bags while on vacation.

Did you know that with every Cotz purchase you make this Earth Day, you’ll receive this cute tote?!

Shop Local, Shop Small

Shopping within your local community is the best way to make a sustainable effort! By shopping small, you directly support your community and neighbors (talk about microeconomics!). During the warmer months of the year, farmer's markets pop up everywhere! This is a great way to support many small businesses while getting artisanal products, local produce, and meats.

If you are shopping outside, don’t forget to wear your SPF to prevent skin damage. Environmentally safe sunscreens are crucial, especially during summertime. Chemical-based sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, can wash off your skin in the ocean or any body of water and harm coral reefs or other ocean life in the area.

We recommend using a mineral-based sunscreen, like our Cotz Silky Foam SPF 30 Tinted. Its silky soft, easy-to-apply foam blends translucent on the skin. Gentle Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide reflect away harmful UVA-UVB rays. Our products are animal-test-free and reef-friendly, so by using our products, you’re helping to keep the planet happy and safe!

We can leave our planet better than we found it by adopting some of these small changes. Let’s treat every day like it’s Earth Day!