By Katie Martlew
In case you didn’t know already, April is Earth Month- a month long initiative designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth’s environment.
The campaign is an extension of Earth Day, which this year will celebrate its 40th anniversary worldwide on April 22- because let’s face it, after all mother earth does for us, she deserves a month-long celebration, right?
We give the green thumbs up to these five companies who have all jumped aboard the Earth Month movement, in order to do their own bit to help reduce our carbon footprint…
1. Aveda Earth Month
Aveda pioneered Earth Month in April 1999, which has raised over $15 million dollars worldwide for environmental causes.
This year, Aveda plans to raise over $3.8 million dollars to donate to the Global Greengrants fund, to protect local waterways, empower 
communities and help make clean water accessible to everyone-everywhere.
Aveda will be donating 100% of the profits of their limited edition soy-wax lavender scented Light The Way Earth Month Candle, and their environmentally friendly Earth Month Sigg Water Bottle to the Global Greengrants Fund. Water Bottle RRP $39.95 and Candle RRP $19.95.
Aveda are also hosting ‘Walk for Water’ on Sunday 18th April, in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. The 6-kilometre walk represents the average distance that women in developing countries walk to collect water each day. Go to www.aveda.com.au for more info.
2. Fast Impressions Earth Day Speed Dating
Fast Impressions is promising to help you meet your ‘eco other’ to grow old and green with at their Earth Day Speed Dating events.
Held on Thursday 22nd April in locations such as Brisbane, Sydney CBD, Melbourne and Wellington, the event promises to hook you up with a ‘randy recycler’, charismatic composter’ and all matter of like-minded eco-conscious singles.
How it works: You will be treated to canapés and champagne while you spend 8-minutes chatting with each of your 10-12 dates. Once you’re done, let them know who caught your eye in your personal ‘match folder’ and the following day they will email you the contact deets of those who liked you too. Exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time, no?
Tickets are $89.00, and a 50% discount may apply if you’re eligible. For more info go to www.fastimpressions.com.au/earth-day-speed-dating
3. Jurlique launches Give a Gift
Jurlique is renowned for adhering to eco-sustainable practices, such as using non-toxic, renewable materials throughout all of their products. In honour of Earth Month, Jurlique is launching a recycle and reward scheme, where customers are invited to return all Jurlique packaging, such as bottles or tubes in exchange for a 10% discount off replacement purchases.
Give & Gift will become a permanent service in every Jurlique store, aiming to raise awareness for responsible recycling. www.jurlique.com
4. Give Back, Give Kiehl’s
In honour of Earth Day, Kiehl’s has released a limited edition Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist where 100% of net proceeds will go to the Rainforest Alliance- a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
There are four product labels to choose from, each designed by socially conscious celebs such as actress Julianne Moore, artist Jeff Koons, and musician Pharrell Williams- all illustrating their vision of social responsibility. Also featured is a pencil sketch hand drawn by one of the children of the community in the Brazilian Amazon, which cultivates the acai berries used in the product.
The ECOCERT-certified organic Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist is made up of a high-concentration of super-antioxidant organic acai berry, combined with Aloe Vera, Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils to refresh, repair and smooth the skin, while protecting against environmental aggressors. So in other words, it will protect your skin, and the environment all at the same time! Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist 180ml RRP $58.00 www.kiehls.com
5. Weleda Skin Food
Green hero Weleda’s iconic Skin Food is loved by beauty devotees around the globe for its super high quality and completely natural and organic ingredients.
Created in 1962 as a dry and rough skin saviour, Skin Food, like all Weleda products was cultivated in specially selected biodynamic organic farms, and is completely free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colours, and parabens.
Skin Food recently took centre stage at New York Fashion Week’s for The Green Shows Eco Fashion Week. Design visionary Gary Harvey created a one-of-a-kind garment made from recycled Skin Food packaging to make the ultimate green statement! Weleda Skin Food 75ml RRP $21.95. Available from health food stores and pharmacies nationwide. Stockists: 03 9723 7278
