Earth Day 2024: Harmonizing the Connection Between Our Planet & Herbalism
“There is so much wonder and magic in this world; you just need an open mind, an open heart, and to know where to look.”
You might presume that an herbalist feels a deep love for and connection to our Earth while seeing their work as intertwined with the good of our planet. In honor of Earth Day, which just occurred on Monday, April 22nd, we wanted to - yes, confirm your presumption! - and share our love for the earth and the little ways we can each try to do a little something for it every week.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual celebration, always held on April 22nd, to show our support for environmental protection. It began in 1970 as a Wisconsin senator raised awareness about environmental issues. Today, roughly 1 billion people spanning 190 countries participate!
There is a theme each year, and for 2024 it is “Planet vs Plastics.”
Some of us feel a connection to the earth. It took me quite some time to grasp that the Earth provides tremendously for us: the quality of the air we breathe, the oceans we swim in, the soil for our crops, and the grass our animals graze are ALL a reflection of how we treat this Earth.
How Does this Relate to Herbs?
The care, concern, and love we give towards our Earth and lands do in fact show.
Today, we can notice that herbs are not as potent as they once were. We have lost much of our inherent connection to the land, as many people have to drive miles to get to an unadulterated patch of land.
For herbalism (and the abundant species of plants in general) to endure, we must take care of our Earth. There are many plants that are endangered, or that have to be replanted in a new habitat, because they aren’t safe. It’s up to us if we want all the herbs we love to be around for generations to come.
A simple, yet immensely powerful step to the meaning behind Earth Day, is to begin spending more time in nature. Find what you love: the ocean, mountains, birds, trees, parks… whatever calls to you. When we spend intimate time with something, we cannot help but appreciate and honor it more. In doing this, the hope is we will take little steps- whether it’s picking up a piece of trash during our walk in the park or getting involved to ensure our kids have more access to open parks and fields- to collectively better this earth for everyone.
Andrea: The Founder of Herbs from the Heart
For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Andrea, she is by heart and soul what you would want in an herbalist, and what you might expect an herbalist to be. She is kind, respectful to everything and everyone, connected, wise, and free.
When I asked her what Earth Day means to her, this is what she told me:
“It’s about honoring the connection that we have with this beautiful planet that sustains us and listens to us and takes care of us in every moment… and it’s an opportunity for us to do the same. Not just on this one day… to take this and live that every day.”
She went on to tell me about her beginnings as an herbalist. She grew up in Wyoming, where she spent much time in nature. The herbs of this Earth were waiting for her, as she hadn’t yet become consciously aware of her mission. And eventually… they called to her.
One day, she was watering a rose bush outside, and it spoke to her and connected to her, saying “thank you.” She felt them calling, and a few years later she found herself exactly where she was meant to be: in herbalism.
Our Small Part
Herbs from the Heart proudly supports Tree-Nation, an organization committed to global reforestation efforts with the organization and execution of tree-planting projects all over the planet. People can select from over 300 tree species, which can be planted in 70 reforestation projects, across 4 continents.
Their goal is to have 1 trillion trees planted by the year 2050 to help offset CO2 emissions. A wonderful and proactive way we can give back to regional/local, national and international habitats, ecosystems and environments that give us so much.
Our Small Daily Choices
Now, what can we ALL do, that can give a little love and thank you back to the Earth?
Andrea asks herself every day: “With the small things I do every day, how can I do a few more things that bring less harm and more good for the planet?”
1) Cleaning products
Many cleaning products can be less than optimal, not only for the environment but for our health. To get your brain going, I’m going to share some of the “clean cleaning” products Andrea has created:
Home Cleaning Fizzers - Use these to clean your sinks, toilet bowls, and more.
Laundry Detergent
Lavender Laundry Bags - I haven’t personally used these, but whenever I’ve visited Andrea at the local farmers markets people are ALWAYS asking for these dryer bags!
Pine Hydrosol Cleaner - Use in the shower, as an air freshener, or as a general cleaning agent.
Where else can you make some swaps?!
2) Composting
This is another example of “apply this to other areas, too.” How can you help with other recycling efforts?
When you order from Amazon and it says wait another day to help use less packaging/boxes. If you can wait another day, why not limit the packaging?
Personal take: packaging is becoming a major issue. The amount of materials we use for delivered goods is problematic; where does all this end up after it’s used?. This is an area we might be able to easily make a difference!
3) Using Glass Bottles
4) Connect with Nature
We’re extremely grateful for your time and attention to this topic, which is so dear to our hearts. We hope it’s something you’re interested in supporting. Looking for more ways to help? Reach out to us! Or, look to the leaders in your community for projects and petitions to preserve or clean up the land. Everything, no matter how small, counts.
This article is for educational purposes only. Our articles have not been evaluated by the FDA and our products are not claiming to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
Tim Peters is the Founder of Mind Body Business as well as a Certified Herbalist. He provides 1 on 1 business coaching plus writing and copy editing for health professionals. If you want to connect or learn more about him:
Tim@mind-bodybusiness.com
www.mind-bodybusiness.com
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