I Remember the First Earth Day — And Why It Still Matters to Me
With Earth Day approaching, I’ve been reflecting on what this day means to me personally.
For many people, Earth Day is a reminder to think about recycling, conservation, or making more sustainable choices. For me, it brings back a memory that goes all the way back to 1970 — the very first Earth Day.
It was four days before my 13th birthday.
That same week, I had been at a Boy Scout District Camporee. The Boy Scouts had a program called Project S.O.A.R. — Save Our American Resources — and as part of that effort, I was part of a team building small check dams on a hillside to help control erosion at the scout camp.
At 12 years old, I probably couldn’t have explained erosion control in technical terms. But I understood we were doing something important.
We were taking care of the land.
And that stayed with me.
Stewardship Isn’t New for Me
Over the years, I’ve sometimes seen environmental values treated as a trend — or worse, as a marketing message.
I wanted to share this story because for me, caring about the environment has never been about marketing.
It’s personal.
It has been part of how I think for more than 50 years.
That early experience, simple as it was, helped shape a lifelong respect for natural systems, conservation, and the idea that small actions can prevent bigger problems.
In many ways, that belief still guides me today.
How It Connects to PureClean Essentials
When I created PureClean Essentials, I wanted to make products that reflected those values.
That’s why my Pure Laundry Soap Flakes are made with organic ingredients, without dyes or perfumes, and packaged without plastic.
I wanted to create something effective, simple, and gentler — for people, for clothing, and for the environment.
Because every product we bring into our homes has an impact.
Everyday choices matter.
And I believe the products we use should align with the values we hold.
Small Actions Matter
One of the things I learned from that Boy Scout project is that small actions can have a real impact.
Those little check dams were modest structures, but they helped prevent erosion.
Small effort. Meaningful result.
That idea has stayed with me.
I still believe meaningful change often begins with small, thoughtful choices:
Choosing products with less waste
Avoiding unnecessary plastics
Supporting businesses that reflect your values
Making everyday decisions with a little more intention
Small actions add up.
They always have.
Why Earth Day Still Matters
Earth Day reminds me where some of these values began.
With a 12-year-old Boy Scout moving rocks and dirt on a hillside.
And in some ways, I feel like I’m still doing the same work.
Just in a different form.
If you support PureClean Essentials, I want you to know you’re supporting something rooted in deeply held values, not just a business idea.
And for that, I’m grateful.
This Earth Day, I hope you’ll consider making one small change — just one — that reflects your own care for the planet.
Because small things matter.
They really do.
Happy Earth Day.
— Gerald Belton
Founder, PureClean Essentials