Almost five decades ago, the first peaceful movement advocating environmental reform filled the halls and streets of universities around America. It was a response to the devastating Santa Barbara Oil Blowout Of 1969 that endangered the lives of countless birds, fish and other underwater species. This protest, instigated by an intelligent set of young prime movers would later see the birth of Earth Day.
Today, Earth Day is no longer a small event that resonates with a select few. It has exponentially grown through the decades to inspire change at a global scale. This annual event is known as “the largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year.” And its messages each year have greatly influenced many lifestyle choices that encompass travel, entertainment, home, food and even fashion.
"Earth Day is no longer a small event that resonates with a select few, it has exponentially grown through the decades to inspire change at a global scale."
Case in point: During the 1990 Earth Day celebration, organizers and participants of the event emphasized the importance of recycling. This would later compel consumers and retail enterprises to implement changes in packaging that would encourage re-use and up-cycle of shopping bags. Plastic bags were soon replaced by alternatives made of recycled paper or lightweight fabric. There has also been widespread preference for reusable materials versus disposable plastic. This consciousness for minimizing waste also extended to the fashion industry. Clothing and accessories companies began to integrate eco-friendly values to the core of their CSRs. Labels like NOBASIC began to adapt production standards that ensured high quality of their items as an alternative to fast fashion choices. They also made a commitment to create pieces that discerning citizens of the world could use for seasons on end. This would subsequently change the usual “buy and discard” nature of modern day consumers.
"Clothing and accessories companies began to integrate eco-friendly values to the core of their CSRs."
At the turn of the millennium, sustainable had become important talk points and across various industries. Once again, this movement was seeded by the continued growth and conversation that materialized during Earth Day 2000. This impacted the food industry, ushering in a movement geared towards grassroots origins. Suddenly consumers were paying attention—and top dollar—for organic fare, ingredients sourced from farmer’s markets, seasonal products and farm-to-table dining experiences. Simultaneously, the world’s most beloved fashion brands began putting premium on items following fair-trade practices. While the “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” tags, for decades, were indicators of quality, new qualifiers for smart luxury choices began to emerge. Origin-related terms “naturally dyed,” “organic cotton,” or “in support of ethnic communities,” had become essential in influencing buyers to make smart choices for Mother Earth.
Online clothing label NOBASIC is upholding the ideals inspired and ignited by the spirit of Earth Day. As designers, manufacturers and retailers, they are utilizing fashion as a means impact positive change—through vertical integration, choice of materials with least carbon footprints and introduction of quality products that serve as anti thesis to fast fashion. This year, as we once again celebrate Earth Day, find out how you, too, can be part of this movement. Discover the NOBASIC story.
