There’s so much of the world to see. From serene waterfalls to breathtaking deserts and towering mountains, the earth is filled with wondrous landscapes.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 as a way to raise awareness about environmental issues and focus on ways to limit our carbon footprint.

Earth Day is recognized every year on April 22 as a day to appreciate the earth and find ways to help take better care of it. Approximately a billion people participate in Earth Day in some fashion, which is roughly 15% of the world’s population - making it the largest secular celebration in the world!

One way you can celebrate the earth this year is by shopping with eco-friendly businesses and choosing sustainable clothing options. When it comes to your socks, EcoSox has you covered.

Bamboo Socks are Biodegradable

According to the US Environmental Agency, the volume of clothing Americans throw away annually has doubled in the last 20 years. In 2017, the EPA estimated 16.9 million tons of textile waste generated in the United States. Of that, just over 15% was recycled, which means the remaining 11.2 million tons ended up in landfills.

While it’s hard to say how many of those are socks, a study found that an average person loses 16 pairs of socks a year — many of those likely end up in a landfill.

Clothing and textiles take at least 200 years to decompose in landfills. Many take longer.

Using clothing made from sustainable materials is one way you can reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive change on the environment. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable, though how long it takes to fully biodegrade depends on the product and the environment it is in. On average, bamboo socks can fully biodegrade within one to 10 years.

In comparison, polyester can take between 20 and 200 years to biodegrade, and nylon 30-40 years. Spandex is non-biodegradable and will never break down.

Switching to bamboo hiking socks may seem like a small step but change often starts small.

Bamboo Socks are Sustainable

Bamboo is a fast-growing crop that has grown in popularity over a wide range of industries, including the clothing industry.

EcoSox are made from bamboo viscose derived from Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo). This type of bamboo is native to China and Taiwan — though it has been growing in the southern U.S. for more than 100 years.

Here are four quick facts that shows that bamboo is a great alternative choice for fabrics:

1. Bamboo requires no fertilizer and little water, which gives it a huge advantage over cotton. Cotton cultivation requires large amounts of water, pesticides, and labor.
2. Bamboo also sequesters a large amount of carbon dioxide. Bamboo absorbs five times more carbon dioxide and produces 35% more oxygen than similar plants.
3. Bamboo self-regenerates from its roots, so it doesn’t need to be replanted. Once mature, bamboo can grow up to 47-inches in a single day. It holds the record as the world’s fastest-growing plant.
4. There’s also little to no waste in harvesting bamboo, as nearly every part of the plant is used.

EcoSox is an Eco-Friendly Business

Not only does EcoSox work to reduce the carbon footprint of others by providing a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative sock, they also do their part by supporting One Tree Planted.

One Tree Planted is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting global deforestation.

Every second, we lose the equivalent of a football field of forest. Planting trees benefits every living thing. It helps clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and provide habitat to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.

With the help of your purchases, EcoSox has planted more than 13,000 trees. Once a tree matures, it sequesters 48 pounds of carbon annually. This initiative makes EcoSox’s product carbon negative over time.

Look for the “This Product Plants One Tree” stamp on designated products.

On April 22nd, take a moment out of your day to think of ways you can help save our planet. While there are many ways you can do your part, supporting businesses that care about their carbon footprint is a great place to start.

From using eco-friendly materials to supporting environmental nonprofits, like One Tree Planted, EcoSox is committed to living green. Do your part and take a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle with EcoSox.