Celebrating Earth Day

In honour of Earth Day 2021, we would like to share stories from two inspiring advocates that are all about restoring the planet we all call home and how they love to wear their favourite hiking styles.

ELLE KEFT 
Digital Creator / Outdoor Enthusiast - she/her
@ellielouhere

Ellie is a digital creator and outdoor enthusiast at heart. She is all about building climate and environmental literacy throughout the world; through open discussions and the distribution of resources, to preserve the earth’s timeless beauty.

We asked Ellie where her favourite place on Earth was to visit?

My favourite place to visit on the Earth would depend on my mood… I love heading to the Snowy Mountains region when I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and like I need some ‘me time’ and I need to cocoon in nature. But when I’m a bit more energetic, I love heading to the coast—either the far South Coast of NSW or Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

What does Earth day mean to you? & how can anyone get involved?

Earth Day is about building and maintaining momentum when it comes to taking positive and spirited climate action. It is about ensuring that we tackle climate change misinformation headfirst, by building climate and environmental literacy throughout the world through open discussions and the distribution of resources.

Why is it important to care and ‘Restore Our Earth’?

It’s important to ‘Restore Our Earth’ because we humans have done SO much damage during our time on earth, particularly modern, industrial societies. It can be difficult to think beyond our own little existence, our to do lists and our human worries, but if we don’t make some serious changes, it’s our kids, and their kids, and our kids’ kids’ kids that will be feeling the effects.
Climate change is inextricably linked with almost every aspect of our existence as humans, so it’s important that we take it seriously.

What is something we can do; individually or as a community to make the earth more beautiful?

Things like: eating less meat; voting for parties that support action; knowing where your money is being invested (like your super) and reducing your waste; and a bunch of other things. Another thing I’m passionate about in terms of environmental literacy, is simply getting outside. I can almost guarantee that seeing and experiencing the absolute splendour of the earth up close, will change how you feel about climate action.

We asked Ellie what her favourite Merrell Shoe is and why? 

I never go hiking without my Siren Traveller 3 hiking shoes. I love how this trail shoe fits comfortably with its women’s specific fit. They are also super breathable and great in wet conditions.

SAMUEL WINES
Co-founder @PhoenixSchoolProgram / Scientist. 
@samuelwines

Samuel is a Melbourne-based scientist, business owner and social entrepreneur dedicated to the promotion of eco-literacy, the transformation of business, society, and the self–towards a regenerative future. He decided to focus his attention on applying biological principles to the business ecosystem, with the hope of providing nature-based solutions to the planet's most pressing problems.

We asked Samuel where her favourite place on Earth was to visit?

Wilsons Promontory must be one of my favourite bioregions in Australia. I tend to visit each season. It never fails to disappoint!

What does Earth day mean to you? & how can anyone get involved?

Earth Day is about mobilising civil society to protect our planet, curb the climate crisis and begin our transition towards a regenerative culture that creates conditions conducive for life.

It represents the collective action of the environmental movement. Showcasing how individually and collectively we can connect and collaborate with other like minded people and organisations to catalyse systemic change, across all levels of society. There are so many ways to get involved, you can take action by donating, becoming a member, attending an Earth Day event near you, or by creating your own ‘Act of Green’. 

Why is it important to care and ‘Restore Our Earth’?

Fundamentally, caring for the Earth is caring for ourselves and our community. Once you realise that humanity’s survival is systemically interdependent on the health of ecosystems everywhere, you begin to appreciate the importance of caring for the world as a ‘whole’. Society, our communities, the economy–all are embedded in and dependent on the wider environment.

What is something we can do; individually or as a community to make the earth more beautiful?

Actively participate in the evolution of life on Earth. By that, I mean contribute to the restoration and regeneration of the socio-ecological systems that we inhabit. This could be done through direct action, like planting trees or participating in clean ups around beaches and rivers. It could be done indirectly via supporting environmental charities, switching your money to an ethical bank and super fund, or switching to a clean energy provider like Powershop. Every step, no matter how small, makes a difference.

We asked Samuel what his favourite Merrell Shoe is and why?

The MOAB 2 has been my go-to hiker for some time now. I love how they are waterproof with Vibram grip, light on your feet and provide great support on any terrain.

Check out the diverse range of Merrell Hiking styles to suit any outdoor adventure, rain, or shine. Let us all work together and continue to restore our earth!