Dear Readers,

This month, we have received a gift: incredible new images of our planet from the Artemis II mission. Our publication takes its name from astronomer Carl Sagan, who told us to “preserve and cherish the Pale Blue Dot, the only home we’ve ever known.” That Pale Blue Dot referred to Earth, as seen from 3.7 billion miles away by the Voyager I space probe in 1990. 

While Voyager showed us just how small we are, Artemis II — and the breathtaking photo, Hello, World — offers a new view of our home. It strikes me as startlingly intimate. We can see two auroras, the glow of the atmosphere, and dynamic swirls of clouds. The Earth appears “upside down” here, with the Northern Lights at top right and the Southern Lights at bottom left, forcing us to take an even closer look.

I can’t imagine NASA plans its missions around holidays like Earth Month, so I’ll just call the timing kismet. This April, I’ll be asking friends and family if they’ve seen the Artemis images. It’s a gentle way to ease into a conversation about our beautiful planet — and what we can do to take care of it. 

I’ll also be wearing a conversation starter on my head: a Bluedot Living ball cap. What I love about these hats is how they center sustainability in a way that’s fun, not didactic. Made from 100% organic cotton with a brass slider, these hats are comfy, cool, and made to last. With 13 phrases and multiple colors and fonts, there is definitely plenty to choose from. I’m “upcycled” — which one are you? 

Find your phrase and save with code BLUEDOTHAT15, now through April. We’ll plant a tree with every purchase. 

Happy Earth Month!

– Elizabeth Weinstein, Marketplace Editor