The North Face started a Change.org petition to campaign for Earth Day (this year on April 22) as a national holiday. In just a few days, the petition already has nearly 40,000 signatures with the goal to reach 50,000. I have no doubt they’ll well surpass that in no time at all, having seen several TNF brand ambassadors posting about it on IG this morning (Alex Honnold, Renan Ozturk, Jimmy Chin—to name a few). The goal is to encourage everyone to disconnect from their phones and explore our planet.
“Today, we’re spending more time in front of screens than ever before. The average person with a smartphone checks their phone 47 times per day, and we’re averaging 4 hours a day of emails, photos and a steady stream of “you might like” suggestions. This behavior is hindering our ability to discover and make meaningful connections in the real world. When we unplug, we’re more open to connect with each other, our communities, and the world around us.”
TNF has support of 15 other outdoor brands that are also backing the campaign, including Clif bars, Smartwool, S’well, National Geographic, Girl Scouts, Outside, Headspace, Latino Outdoors and more.
To coincide with the petition and celebrate Earth Day, TNF has arranged a series of Explore Mode events around the country throughout the weekend (and beyond). In California, there’s a live music event, yoga, trail clean ups, and a walking photography tour. In Chicago, there’s a global food tour, night of bouldering, more music, and a guided exploration of Sagawua Canyon. Events are also being held in Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee and Texas.
“When people take time to appreciate Earth, they feel more connected to it and are more likely to protect it. That’s why we are taking a stand and committing that on Earth Day we will explore and connect with our surroundings. We believe love for our planet comes from having the freedom to explore it, and that Earth Day should be recognized as a national holiday everywhere.”
TNF has also removed all of its IG posts except a few promoting the cause, urging people to “Stop Scrolling. Start Exploring.”
Sign up to show your support of Earth Day being a national day. Until then, make your own pact to go digital-less and explore outdoors this April 22.
