Earth Day 2023

As Earth Day 2023 approaches on April 22^nd, we want to acknowledge the essential role that clean air plays in building a sustainable future. Air pollution is a significant contributor to climate change, with its adverse effects felt globally, such as rising sea levels and melting glaciers. As we know at Airthings, air pollution doesn't only harm the environment but also poses a severe threat to human health. It can lead to a range of health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, and other complications. The adverse affects of pollution have resulted in reducing the lifespan of humans globally.

The history of Earth Day
Earth Day was created as an awareness movement, to highlight the need of governments and people to think more about the planet we're living on in their decision making. The movement began in the U.S. where all the way back in the time of the first Earth Day in 1970 there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act, no Clean Water Act. 

How you can spread awareness this Earth Day?
Did you know you can check just how much extra carbon is in the air since your birth? In other words, just how much things have changed in a short time. I for example am 26 years old, in only a little over two decades there's been an increase in 53.85 ppm, landing us at 416.43 ppm. Find out how much things have changed in your lifetime here. You can spread awareness by sharing your results with colleagues, friends, and families. Earth Day also encompasses thousands of events around the world, check out if there's one near you at earthday.org or through this link.

Let's take a deep breath
When thinking of the world and it's scale, things can get overwhelming. So lets focus for a moment on our own little worlds, our home. While the positive affects on indoor air quality are frequently greatly exaggerated, they can help to create a healthier living environment and are a wonderful mindfulness practice. Some houseplants such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants can absorb harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air, while releasing oxygen and moisture that regulate humidity levels and create a more comfortable living space. Additionally, houseplants add a touch of nature and greenery to your home's décor. This spring, consider adding some houseplants to your living space to reap the benefits of improved indoor air quality and remind yourself of the beauty of nature.

Airthings sustainability journey
The theme of this years Earth Day is "invest in our planet". As a business with a mission to empower the world to breathe better, it's crucial we take our own carbon footprint and other sustainable practices seriously. We try not to be full of hot air ourselves, hence we hold ourselves as accountable as possible for the areas where we can improve, but also note the strides we've already made. After all there's no point in helping millions improve their indoor air quality if we're simultaneously negatively affecting the outdoor air quality. This year, our Breathe Better Report displays our business and sustainability practices as transparently as possible. Here are some of the highlights: 

• We were awarded a Gold medal rating by EcoVadis (Top 5% of all companies).
• Airthings decreased it's scope 2 emissions by whopping 45%.
• The new Space CO2 Mini was launched with the lowest environmental impact ever from our portfolio following Airthings Circular Design Principles.
• 99% of our employees completed training in human rights and anti bribery practices.

Read Airthings full sustainability report to find out more.