We follow these 9 websites that are as resourceful as they are empowering and uplifting—covering everything from personal finance to mindful meditation.

Check out our favorite newsletters for women as well!

1. The Cut

Our Go-To For | News & politics
Topics | Style, self, culture, and power
A Feature We Love | 180 Female Execs Launch Time’s Up Advertising

When The Cut was launched years ago, it was an online publication for women with style and self in mind. Today, they’ve grown to be a leading resource for politics, current events, and the honest, challenging conversations we’re having with one another. Content some days will talk about Danity Kane and ‘Vanderpump Rules,’ while others revolve around March for Our Lives, career advice, and breastfeeding at work. Because what it means to be a successful woman can include style, self, and discussion around current events.

2. Salty

Our Go-To For | Body positivity
Topics | LGBTQIA+ lifestyle, sex & body, relationships, parenthood
A Feature We Love | How I Finally Liberated My Black Fat Femme Body

Unapologetic and intersectional, Salty is not here for censorship or the corporate brand of feminism. This volunteer-run, independent website is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women, trans, and nonbinary people on topics others may otherwise shy away from. Their perspectives around #MeToo, sex work, and body positivity are refreshing and insightful, and we’d all benefit from taking some time to dig in and read. With core tenets such as inclusivity, community, fun, and respect, their content celebrates and uplifts authenticity and living the most truthful lives we can. 

3. The Good Trade

Our Go-To For | Ethical & sustainable living
Topics | Lifestyle, fashion, beauty, self, home, culture
A Feature We Love | The 9 Best Meditation & Breathing Apps to Reduce Anxiety

Over the last seven years, The Good Trade has covered content around sustainable living and investing with socially conscious brands, knowing that we often vote for the world we want with our dollars. Today, it has grown to reach millions of readers with engaging content ranging from mindful living to personal finance to seasonal fashion. If you’re interested in fair trade fashion picks, local and sustainable spots to check out, or inspiring curated reads from across the Internet, you’ll especially love The Daily Good, a 30-second read sent each morning full of the team’s personalized recommendations.

4. Blood + Milk

Our Go-To For | Empowering wellness information and stories
Topics | Sex, body, menstruation, mental health, motherhood
A Feature We Love | Sacral Healing + The Importance Womb Healing 

Blood + Milk is more than an online publication or website for leisurely reading. It’s a community resource; a call for awakening; a collective cry for gender rights and the end of oppression for women. The editorial branch of organic tampon brand Cora, Blood + Milk is our favorite site for longer editorials, empowering stories, and inclusive advice about sex, body, menstruation, and more. For the kind of articles you’ll be forwarding to all your friends, add this site to your bookmarks. 

5. Darling Magazine

Our Go-To For | Inspiration
Topics | Culture, relationships, travel, style, creativity
A Feature We Love | The Habits of Highly Successful Women Condensed in One Infographic

Darling Magazine was born as a print mag to redefine the art of being a woman: all images they use are untouched and their content is written to empower readers. But today, Darling has evolved to so much more than just a print magazine—it’s the ideal resource whenever you need inspiration and motivation. And if you’re not sure where to start, they’ve handpicked choices for you when you’re feeling ambitious, overwhelmed, or adventurous. With powerful features from the likes of Meghan Markle, Joanna Gaines, and Rupi Kaur, Darling is media that makes us feel loved, not less.

6. Autostraddle

Our Go-To For | LGBTQ+ lifestyle
Topics | Arts & pop culture, sex & dating, community, identities
A Feature We Love | How Queer and Trans Women Are Healing Each Other After Hurricane Harvey

A past winner of the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Blog, Autostraddle has transformed the lives of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women (as well as non-binary people) for nearly 10 years. They offer a fresh voice and empowered perspective to make all women feel like they’re valuable, equal, and noticed, so it’s no wonder that they’re the number one lesbian lifestyle website worldwide. And what we love most are the values they apply to all of their content: never critical or teasing of women’s physical appearances, quality over quantity with a point, and diversity and inclusion with both imagery and written content. The Autostraddle team is also more than just online: they host worldwide meet-ups, sell merch, and arranged getaways, because their ultimate goal is to create a community wherever they reach.

7. Career Contessa

Our Go-To For | Career advice
Topics | Career tips, interviews, jobs, coaching & webinars
A Feature We Love | Empathy At Work—And Why It (Really) Matters

Whether you’re beginning your career, navigating a transition at work, or negotiating your next raise, Career Contessa has the resources you need to make the most of it. We love that they have resources for women in a wide array of industries, and their library of downloads, courses, and podcasts is unlike any other. Kickstart the career of your dreams with their guided 28-day plans for finding a new job, making more money, or learning new skills—or just browse their archives for plenty of valuable career content.

8. Create & Cultivate

Our Go-To For | Entrepreneurship
Topics | Career advice, women leaders, digital & tech
A Feature We Love | 3 Entrepreneurs Share Their Secrets On Building A Smart Brand

Create & Cultivate’s mission is to support women looking to create & cultivate the career of their dreams, and they follow through. The ladies behind Create & Cultivate are chock full of sage advice and resources for both budding and established entrepreneurs, from year-one tips to starting a business to handling an especially slow day at work. And they’ve taken their content on the road too, with their beautifully-branded conferences and pop-ups so you can engage with them online or IRL.

9. them

Our Go-To For | LGBTQ+ culture & essays
Topics | Pop culture, style, politics, news
A Feature We Love | Inqueery: Indigenous Identity and the Significance of the Term “Two-Spirit”

For our weekly dose of pop culture, style, politics, and news, you can find us reading them, a proclaimed next-generation community platform chronicling and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to sharing excellent and informative content (we love both the written articles and videos) them also sends out a newsletter for anyone who “wants the best of what’s queer” delivered right to your inbox.

The post 9 Lifestyle Websites For Women That We’re Obsessed With appeared first on The Good Trade.

But before we look outward, it’s worth turning inward. Real change starts with awareness — noticing how our habits, however small, add up over time. From the food we toss to the products we buy on impulse, each decision matters. The first step we can take to be more sustainable is to examine our daily choices and see where to make a change. Making sustainable choices doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire life. In fact, some of the most meaningful changes are the smallest ones — the kind you can do without spending extra money or time.

Whether you’re just starting out or already eco-conscious and looking for fresh ideas, this list has you covered. From your kitchen to your commute, your wardrobe to your weekend habits, here are 99 practical ways to live a little greener every day. While time, money, and accessibility all affect our ability to be sustainable, we hope that you’ll be able to find one (or a few!) that work well in your life.

Got some simple tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below!

For more everyday encouragement, subscribe to The Daily Good — a 30-second newsletter delivered to your inbox each morning with tips for self-care and sustainable living. 🌿

1. Cut stained or torn t-shirts into rags for cleaning or on your Swiffer.

2. If you’ve got an old towel laying around, say hello to your new bath mat!

3. Take a reusable tote to the grocery store or farmer’s market instead of wondering ‘paper or plastic?’

4. Write an email to your town’s leadership advocating for more eco-friendly practices (like more accessible composting), in lieu of scrolling Instagram. 😉

5. Wrap gifts with newspapers, packaging, or magazines in place of disposable wrapping paper.

6. Eat lunch with reusable cutlery or a set from home wrapped in a cloth napkin.

7. Invest in bamboo or cotton reusable face rounds, instead of single-use ones, for your skincare routine.

8. Bring a silicone or reusable container to restaurants rather than getting to-go containers.

9. Switch your iced coffee from single-use plastic cups to mason jars or upcycled pasta jars.

10. Use a metal straw for drinks when you can. 500 million single-use straws are thrown out each day.

“Take a reusable tote to the grocery store or farmer’s market instead of wondering ‘paper or plastic?’”

11. Swap a plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one.

12. Say goodbye to traditional mouthwash bottles by using mouthwash tablets, which dissolve in water.

13. Try laundry detergent tablets or powder for a plastic-free clean.

14. Hang-dry your laundry.

15. Pick up reusable plates for your outdoor picnics, and skip the styrofoam or single-use paper.

16. Give cloth diapers a go during changing time instead of disposables.

17. Switch your battery-operated items to rechargeable batteries.

18. Turn packaging products like peanuts and paper into sensory play for toddlers.

19. Store your prepped meals and leftovers with beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.

20. Choose regular shipping over expedited shipping when shopping online (and opt for fewer boxes when available!).

“Choose regular shipping over expedited shipping when shopping online (and opt for fewer boxes when available!).”

21. Repurpose shipping or storage boxes into containers for your space.

22. Unsubscribe from junk mail and newsletters you no longer read both online and in real life; both require a carbon footprint.

23. Reach out to brands and businesses you admire and advocate for social, environmental, and ethical responsibility, like minimizing their carbon footprint.

24. Compost food waste.

25. Or, save the scraps for a DIY & zero-waste veggie broth.

26. Call your city’s sanitation center to understand what they do or don’t accept for plastic recycling.

27. Bring new life into old clothes by using natural dyes.

28. Hear ye, hear ye: Swap your Q-Tips for a reusable ear swab.

29. Ordering takeout or delivery? Request “no cutlery” and use your own from home.

30. Do laundry with washing bags, like the GuppyFriend, to catch microplastic pollutants.

“Unsubscribe from junk mail and newsletters you no longer read both online and in real life; both require a carbon footprint.”

31. Get softer skin by applying used coffee grounds as an exfoliant.

32. Or use those coffee grounds as an easy DIY plant fertilizer!

33. Transform minis and sample containers into on-the-go pill packs, instead of buying travel size accessories.

34. Paper towels? No, thanks — opt for reusable towels.

35. In the words of Arthur, having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card. Borrow & swap at the library instead of purchasing books you may not even read.

36. When it’s available and possible, go for loose produce. (Or, bring reusable produce bags!)

37. Buy in bulk for items you know you’ll buy again and again to avoid excess packaging.

38. Say goodbye to liquid dish soap and containers with bar soap.

39. Better yet, grab Castile soap as an all-in-one product for hand and dish soap, household cleaner, and more.

40. If Castile soap isn’t your thing, distilled vinegar works for almost all your cleaning needs.

“Transform minis and sample containers into on-the-go pill packs, instead of buying travel size accessories.”

41. Go secondhand via thrift shops, garage sales, and estate sales for home decor and trinkets like plant pots, vases, and more.

42. Borrow tools from neighbors (and vice versa) so you don’t all have to purchase the same products.

43. Got a leftover wine bottle or other vessel? DIY it into a candle holder!

44. Skip the bottle of makeup remover and use coconut, olive, or jojoba oil depending on your skin type. For any existing cosmetics you have, here are the best practices for recycling empty makeup containers!

45. Shampoo bottles are out, too — consider shampoo bars instead.

46. Charmin or Scott’s? Neither, if you make the sustainable switch to a bidet.

47. Try a plastic-free safety razor for a close shave, without the excessive waste.

48. Walk, bike, skate, or public-transport it to work — if a car is a must, give carpooling a go.

49. Make laundry low-waste with dryer balls over single-use sheets.

50. When it’s that time of the month, try period underwear or a menstrual cup. It can be more cost-effective and eco-friendly than tampons and pads.

“Make laundry low-waste with dryer balls over single-use sheets.”

51. Clear up a window sill and turn it into a mini-herb garden rather than buying new every few weeks.

52. Consider eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning supplies — if you have a cleaning company you work with, ask if they can make the switch, too!

53. Get involved with your local community garden — along the way, you’ll learn more about composting, plants, and other sustainable initiatives.

54. Screw in energy-efficient light bulbs around the house.

55. Buh-bye, Ziplocs! Make the switch to reusable baggies.

56. Purchase an e-reader for tech-friendly (and sustainable) reading.

57. Try eating plant-based each week, like Meatless Mondays.

58. Before throwing away an item, ask if there’s any part of it that can be reused, repurposed, or fixed — even shoelaces can be upcycled!

59. DIY natural scrubs or masks with ingredients you already have for when you need a little spa time.

60. Limit how long you let the shower or sprinkler run, especially in water-drought areas.

“Before throwing away an item, ask if there’s any part of it that can be reused, repurposed, or fixed — even shoelaces can be upcycled!”

61. Skip the trip to the mall and host a local clothing swap with friends.

62. Turn empty candle containers into jars for sauce, drinks, or plants.

63. Ferment, pickle, or store ingredients in empty sauce containers.

64. Keep dressing and condiment bottles for homemade versions.

65. Turn an old sweater into your pet’s next modeling outfit.

66. Shop local by signing up with a CSA for nearby produce.

67. And when you are shopping at major chains, shop for seasonal produce.

68. Cut overripe bananas into pieces to store in the freezer for baking, eating, or smoothies.

69. Eaten your bananas already? Save the peels and soak them overnight in water for a nutrient-rich water to use on plants!

70. Part with moldy, smelly sponges and switch to an eco-friendly dish brush.

“Keep dressing and condiment bottles for homemade versions.”

71. Try plastic-free floss instead of the traditional nylon; your pearly whites and the environment will thank you.

72. Look for toothpaste that comes in an aluminum tube, like David’s. Hello, recycling!

73. Brew loose-leaf tea to avoid wasting tea bags.

74. Seek out packaging-free shops or groceries near you and bring reusable containers.

75. If you love baking, invest in a silicone mat and you’ll no longer need parchment paper or aerosol non-stick sprays.

76. Bring worn down clothes to a textile donation center to avoid landfills.

77. Learn which sustainable fabrics work best for your preferred style and shift away from virgin polyester or rayon.

78. Make sure your green is clean, too 💵: Look at green banking options for sustainable saving and investing.

79. Keep windows open (or closed) depending on the temperature in order to use less electricity.

80. Sign up for an organic meal delivery service or an organic produce delivery box — these can help you limit your food waste when cooking!

“Seek out packaging-free shops or groceries near you and bring reusable containers.”

81. Stop by used bookstores and library sales to pick up gently read books.

82. Learn about local sustainability initiatives and movements in your community and how to get involved over your next lunch break, like how to join the next weekend clean up or new environmental bills and proposals.

83. Learn how to mend, sew, or darn clothes — it’s a calming exercise and doesn’t leave you wondering what to do with hole-y socks.

84. Shop with businesses who prioritize low-waste or made-to-order practices.

85. Opt for classic items you know you’ll use, over collecting new or mini samples.

86. If you celebrate the holidays with a tree, bring it to a local composting center or nursery when you’re done.

87. Need to buy a new car soon? Check out hybrid and energy-efficient models; some areas even offer discounts or rebates for being eco-friendly!

88. Keep wilting herbs from going bad by turning them into long-lasting ice cubes.

89. Rather than giving away clothes that no longer fit (or buying new ones), see if you can get more life out of them with tailoring.

90. Don’t feel like you need to purchase brand new frames for your home; consider thrifting frames and giving them a DIY paint job to match the space.

“Don’t feel like you need to purchase brand new frames for your home; consider thrifting frames and giving them a DIY paint job to match the space.”

91. Pick up a reusable water bottle that works for your lifestyle — taking into account sizes, materials, and whether or not you prefer a straw.

92. Share baked goods with friends and package them in upcycled fruit and veggie containers.

93. Repurpose takeout containers for seed sprouting — they make a great mini greenhouse!

94. Keep like-new bags from previous presents for the next round of gifting.

95. Switch to reusable trash bags instead of plastic bags.

96. Planning a home reno, anyway? See if you can convert your home’s energy grid to solar.

97. No more plastic filters needed with a charcoal water filter.

98. Sign up for digital magazine or email newsletter subscriptions over hard copies.

99. Join a community swap group to sell and find gently used items like furniture, electronics, and sports gear.

Henah Velez (she/her) is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade as well as the Executive Producer and Operations Lead of Money with Katie at Morning Brew, a personal finance brand for women. She’s also the co-founder of Departure, a quiet travel newsletter for women. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Simple Tips For Sustainable Living appeared first on The Good Trade.

Tearing down the veneer of post-racial America was necessary work. We acknowledged the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as confronting the persistence of systemic racism in America on the world stage. However, just half a decade later, it seems like we’re starting from scratch. The global rise of fascism, the anti-intellectual push to forget our history, and the rollback of many DEI programs can make it feel like we’re worse off than we ever were.

“The hard times remind us that all we have is each other. And that in the most hopeless times, all this is still worth fighting for.”

When I spiral into racial doomism, I remember that we are all connected and so is all of this — every resistance movement giving way to a process of grief. So often, it gets worse before it gets better. From the collective support for immigrants and undocumented folx in Los Angeles to the nationwide No Kings protests, the hard times remind us that all we have is each other. And that in the most hopeless times, all this is still worth fighting for. Instead of getting complacent with the progress we made in 2020, this moment is calling us to elevate our actions and devote ourselves to our anti-racist practices.

For me, the core philosophy that keeps the heart of my resistance efforts beating is Afrofuturism. Afrofuturism, a philosophy embedded in Black Feminism, challenges us to imagine new worlds by embracing action alongside hope and knowledge. It’s an antidote to performative action and allyship, and, perhaps even more powerfully, a reminder that all we have is our collective power to dream a world better than this one.

We all have a role in creating this future — and part of creating an anti-racist practice is creating anti-racist communities IRL and online. Action can mean taking part in book clubs, third spaces, protesting, and community advocacy. But online communities are also powerful tools to organize and get educated. But where do you find spaces and creators whom you can trust? How do you engage meaningfully in their communities?

“But where do you find spaces and creators whom you can trust? How do you engage meaningfully in their communities?”

What’s worked for me is this: Following anti-racist educators across industries, specialties, and niches who remind me that anti-racism is work that is worth doing, and must be done, in all areas of our lives. But it’s easy to follow a bunch of accounts and let them fall to the bottom of your algorithm. Following anti-racist creators should be one part of your activism, usually a propulsive force that inspires and educates you so you can show up in life and in community with energy, enthusiasm, and hope. Below are some of the most inspiring creators that I follow, and I hope you will too.

1. Nicole Cardoza

Nicole Cardoza, aka the Black Girl Magician, describes herself as a “magician, writer, philanthropist, facilitator.” She runs the newsletter and community Reimagined (@ardtakeaction, formerly Anti-Racism Daily) to platform and support movement leaders reimagining our collective future. 

In a recent post reflecting on the five years since 2020, she said: “This isn’t easy work. But we don’t do it alone. We’re still here.” We all need to hear that.

Website | Instagram

2. Rachel Cargle

Activist, author of “Author of A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining,” Rachel Cargle is an educator committed to providing resources to support Black women. 

She is the founder of the Loveland Foundation, which works to reimagine a mental health care system accessible to Black women. She also runs The Great Unlearn on Patreon, which offers “sources and critical discourse to aid in unlearning.”

Website | Instagram | Patreon | Books

3. Andréa Ranae

Feel called to participate in anti-racist action? Don’t know how and where to start making change in your community? Andréa Ranae is an artist, writer, and guide who creates resources to help people define and make their contribution to social change.

Website | Instagram | Music

4. 15 Percent Pledge

In 2020, award-winning designer Aurora James called on retailers to contractually commit 15% of their annual spend to Black businesses. This birthed the 15 Percent Pledge, which furthers this mission by providing resources, education, and grants for Black-owned businesses.

Website | Instagram | Podcast

5. Wawa

Wawa Gatheru is the founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, a national org dedicated to empowering Black girls, women, and gender-expansive people across the climate movement, through which she advocates for intersectional climate action and an anti-racist approach to climate justice.

Website | Instagram

6. Tomi Talabi

As the founder of The Black Beauty Club, Tomi works to challenge dominant narratives about beauty hierarchy while also expanding our notion of beauty beyond Eurocentrism.

LinkedIn | Instagram

7. Camille Tenerife

Camille Tenerife is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) advocating for healing and self-actualization through racially informed therapy for people of color by people of color. Her social media presence breaks down common patterns and challenges BIPOC people face, from family to relationships and career, creating an anti-racist space in the oft-inaccessible therapy space.

Website | Instagram

8. Janea Brown

An ex-influencer, Janea Brown left a successful content creation career in Los Angeles to pursue direct community action and share resources online. Her content is an entry-point for people curious about making activism part of their lives and decreasing their dependence on capitalist systems over community. With guides like “How To Boycott with Low Energy” and “What I Wish Someone Told Me Before Boycotting,” she’s like your boycotting big sister using her influencer skills for anti-racist collective building.

LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

9. United We Dream

United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led community in the country, and their work centers on advocacy for immigrants in the U.S. They provide resources for people affected by immigration policies and enforcement — and they also provide community for immigrant youth and their families.

Website | Instagram | YouTube

10. Maryam Ajayi

As the founder of Dive In Well, Maryam works to make the wellness industry more accessible and inclusive. She is a speaker, breathwork instructor, and yoga teacher, creating community through wellness. Her work helps people nourish themselves so they can pour into their communities. 

Website | Instagram

Langa Chinyoka is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is a writer and strategist based in Los Angeles.

The post 10 Anti-Racism Educators To Follow And Support Online appeared first on The Good Trade.

Just about every major conglomerate has already invested in artificial intelligence: Microsoft, Meta, Google, Amazon, and more. We’re already seeing ways that the commercial and personal use of AI is shaping our culture — from how we think to what is considered art. But one of the major concerns people are raising about AI is its effects on the environment.

“It’s naturally concerning that something that’s already become as integrated into our daily lives as AI will have an even bigger environmental impact as it grows.”

Despite scientists ringing alarm bells for decades, the devastating effects of climate change are beginning to take hold —  so it’s naturally concerning that something that’s already become as integrated into our daily lives as AI will have an even bigger environmental impact as it grows.

Dr. Avriel Epps, a computational social scientist and author of the forthcoming “A Kids Book About AI Bias,” puts it bluntly: “Artificial intelligence is making it less likely that society will meet its climate goals to avoid ecological collapse,” they said. With rising global temperatures and unprecedented levels of biodiversity loss, it’s understandable why many people are feeling like AI is the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

“This is because AI is incredibly resource-intensive and is stressing our power grids, requiring a similar amount of energy as a small Western country. It’s also intensive in its usage of water, precious metals that have to be mined in ways that are environmentally degrading. At a time when we need to be figuring out how we will reduce our emissions and de-grow our economy, AI is a huge contributing factor in us not being able to do that.”

“AI is incredibly resource-intensive and is stressing our power grids, requiring a similar amount of energy as a small Western country.”

– Dr. Avriel Epps, computational social scientist and author

There are three main types of AI in use today: Narrow AI (built for specific tasks like ChatGPT, Google Translate, or Spotify recommendations), limited memory AI (which uses past data to predict future patterns, like predictive text), and machine learning (which analyzes data to make decisions, like in voice assistants). All of these require energy-hungry data centers to function. When Dr. Epps talks about AI’s environmental cost, they’re especially referring to large language models like GPT-4 (which powers ChatGPT) or Gemini (Google’s proprietary model).

Professor Shashi Shekhar, the Institute Director of AI-CLIMATE at the University of Minnesota, says that the rising popularity of chatbots and large language models (LLMs) in recent years has attracted attention to AI, triggering a passionate debate on pros and cons — and the recent growth in energy demand has co-occurred with the rise in the number of data centers and popularity of AI. “This is not sustainable over decades without newer technologies such as resource efficiency and renewables,” he said.

However, many experts like Dr. Epps and Dr. Shekhar agree that it’s not entirely a doomsday scenario. If used correctly and ethically, artificial intelligence can actually be an effective tool in the fight against climate change.

“There are some uses of AI in the climate change mitigation space that are useful — like researchers that are using AI to forecast climate change and natural disasters to try and help keep people safe, or run large-scale simulations of what switching to renewables could look like,” says Dr. Epps. “AI that can help society figure out how to best use our resources to avoid the worst of climate change.”

“If used correctly and ethically, artificial intelligence can actually be an effective tool in the fight against climate change.”

But even the most “efficient” AI model will never be carbon-neutral — just as you can’t shop your way into sustainability, you can’t use AI your way into it either.

As for individual usage, such as turning to ChatGPT for research or productivity — planning a plant-based meal, finding remote work options, or reducing unnecessary purchases — the climate cost is real, but nowhere near the worst offenders. Especially because, according to Dr. Shekhar, AI accounts for such a small share of global emissions when compared to sectors like transportation, energy, and agriculture.

“The last thing I would want to say is that AI is definitely getting us farther away from where we need to be for our climate goals, but it’s still a relatively small piece of the emissions pie. Things like cattle farming and meat-based diets, aviation, and cars are much bigger contributors to climate change still. Your individual usage of ChatGPT matters for the climate, but eating hamburgers does more harm to the planet,” says Dr. Epps.

“According to Dr. Shekhar, AI accounts for such a small share of global emissions when compared to sectors like transportation, energy, and agriculture.”

Where AI’s environmental toll becomes harder to ignore is at the industrial level. These commercial-scale uses — training large models, enterprise-level data mining, or content farms — demand enormous energy and computing power. But as Shekhar points out, many companies are already exploring ways to reduce that impact. “We’ve seen data centers move to cooler regions to lower cooling costs, adopt renewable energy, or shift workloads to areas with cleaner grids.”

Recent growth in data centers is not sustainable over decades without newer technologies such as resource efficiency and renewables. Also, geographic areas with water and energy constraints may have higher impacts. “One approach is to anticipate potential harms and proactively take steps. Some of this has been taking place in data centers for the last two decades due to economic reasons,” says Dr. Shekhar.

“If ChatGPT can be used to help you figure out how to transition to a plant-based diet or how to minimize your air or car travel for work, then we might consider it a net positive on an individual level.”

– Dr. Epps

Of course, he says, more can be done. For example, users may compare the resource efficiency of alternative AI (e.g., chatbot) brands and choose ones with lower environmental impacts based on comparison data from neutral third parties (e.g., Consumer Reports). But beyond that, many are finding ways to use artificial intelligence to further research around best practices in environmental conservation. “If ChatGPT can be used to help you figure out how to transition to a plant-based diet or how to minimize your air or car travel for work, then we might consider it a net positive on an individual level,” Dr. Epps points out.

AI is already being used to reduce emissions from agriculture to navigation. Dr. Shekhar cites eco-routing in apps like Google Maps as one small but meaningful example. “Broadly, AI has the potential to improve resource efficiency across transportation, energy, industry, and agriculture,” he says.

Artificial intelligence is a tool like any other, but it’s a tool being shaped by powerful hands with profit-driven priorities. In the face of the climate crisis, neutrality isn’t an option. The way AI is developed and scaled today reflects decisions that prioritize growth over sustainability. As we’ve seen, it is possible to use AI for good — if companies and researchers are intentional about it.

Sara Jin Li is an essayist, playwright, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is also the founder of Heretics Club, a literary salon for creative writers. You can find her on Instagram at @sarajinli.

The post What’s The Deal With AI And The Environment? appeared first on The Good Trade.

Our editors have written about sustainable brands for a decade. For Earth Day, we’ve compiled some of our favorites leading the charge in eco-consciousness.

Earth Day is here, and what better time of year to take stock of the brands we’re giving our money to and how our consumption is impacting the planet from the moment a product is made to the moment we open the package. Of course, it’s best to buy less and limit our consumption overall, but in reality, we’ll always have to buy some things. Thankfully, these sustainable and eco-conscious brands not only offer eco-conscious and environmentally-friendly products, but they’re also leaders in environmental efforts, from sequestering carbon to innovating new ways to grow cotton that are better for the earth and for us.

How can you tell if a brand is environmentally conscious?

Any brand can claim to be eco-conscious (have you heard of greenwashing?), so how can we know if a brand is truly dedicated to sustainability and the environment? First, it’s important to look at the brand’s sustainability certifications — third-party standards that hold brands accountable — that verify their claims and ensure that they’re not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, too. There are a lot of them, but some certifications to look for include Climate Neutral, Certified B Corporation, and Forest Stewardship Council. Each of these has its own set of standards that companies must follow in order to be certified, and if they meet the rigorous standards, they’re doing something right.

But certifications aren’t everything. You can also tell if a brand is environmentally conscious by looking at their transparency about their supply chain, materials, carbon footprint, and how they’re working to ensure that these all keep the environment at top of mind. All of the brands below outline on their websites how they are being mindful about the environment and how they are working to better it, through their materials, giving back, donations, and more. Usually you can find more about their sustainability initiatives in the footer of their website (they might list their certifications there too!), or in some cases, right on the top menu bar of their page.

Our criteria:

Our editors have written on sustainable fashion, home decor, clean beauty, and more for the past decade. For Earth Day, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite brands with impressive eco-conscious initiatives and give-back programs across categories. We regularly update this guide with emerging brands when they meet the following criteria:

• SUSTAINABLE/ECO-CONSCIOUS | First and foremost, the brands on this list are thoughtful about their impact on the Earth. We’ve chosen brands with credible sustainability certifications that back them up.
• GIVE-BACK | We’ve prioritized brands that give back to their communities. By reinvesting their resources, they’re making business more sustainable.
• AFFORDABLE | Eco-conscious shopping can be expensive! We’ve chosen brands for this list with accessible price points so you can be thoughtful, no matter your budget.

These brands are a mix of the best sustainable and eco-conscious brands. But if you’re looking for sustainable clothing or furniture brands specifically, we have guides for those too! 

1. Patagonia

1% for the planet

B corp

Circular fashion

Eco friendly packaging

FSC

Fair trade

Gives back

Plant trees

Recycled materials

Second hand

Best For | Outdoor gear and apparel 
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Patagonia Action Works, Protect America’s Arctic, Protected Ocean, Global Sport Activists
Prices starting at | $45 (new), $10 (secondhand)

Patagonia is the gold standard of eco-conscious brands. The company received its B Corp certification in 2011, and today its B Corp score is 166, over double the qualifying score and way above the ordinary business score. Patagonia is also Fair Trade, has a secondhand collection called Worn Wear, and creates sustainable apparel and gear made from recycled and organic materials. With their Patagonia Action Works program, they connect individuals with environmental activism, grassroots causes, and organizations in their communities. Beyond their dedication to bettering the planet, their products are also high-quality, comfortable, and made sustainably and fairly — and they last a long time. 

Customer Review | “I love my new retro fleece. It’s so comfortable to wear that it’s unimaginable. It also keeps me very warm when I need it. I have had several over decades that I purchased from the first store in Ventura, CA and they have lasted this long.” – Andrew U. (Read more reviews.)

2. Avocado

1% for the planet

American made

B corp

Climate neutral

FSC

Handcrafted

Made safe

Natural materials

Plastic/Pfas free

Vegan

Warranty offered

Best For | Zero waste furniture 
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Zero Waste Collection, Donation program for returned mattresses
Prices starting at | $38

Avocado offers organic, safe, and responsible mattresses, bedding, furniture, and more. And not only are their pieces made from the highest quality materials with the environment in mind, but they are also design-forward statement pieces that will look and feel good for years to come. There’s no better example of their commitment to quality and sustainability than their Zero Waste Collection. From the stunning Zero Waste Round Wood Table to the elegant and playful Zero Waste Stool, each piece in the collection is handcrafted from exclusively upcycled wood from their FSC-certified Los Angeles facility. The luxurious pieces — like everything at Avocado — are made with environmentally conscious, ethical, and sustainable business practices behind them. Avocado is a leader in the industry on this front; it’s a B Corp, Climate Neutral, 1% for the Planet, and more. They have donated over $11.4 million to organizations and initiatives working toward conservation, climate action, and sustainability efforts, including to the National Parks Conservation Association, Seatrees, the National Young Farmers Coalition, and more. The company also gives back to the community through its mattress donation program. In 2024, 99% of Avocado’s returns were donated to organizations dedicated to veteran support, mental health and addiction recovery, and community and emergency assistance. 

Our Editor’s Review | “I think it’s important to note the benefits of choosing a brand like Avocado for your next furniture upgrade. There really are no other brands creating furniture with this degree of sustainable and nontoxic certifications that I’ve ever come across.” – Emily McGowan [Read the full review.]

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3. Marine Stewardship Council

Gives back

Science backed

Best For | Sustainable fish
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Fishery certification program

The Marine Stewardship Council is an international nonprofit organization that recognizes and rewards efforts to protect oceans. If you see their blue label on seafood, it means that food meets their requirements for environmentally sustainable fishing, like only fishing healthy fish populations, being well-managed to help populations adapt to changing environmental conditions, not overfishing, and more. Doing this encourages and helps maintain healthy ocean ecosystems. Shopping for sustainable fish and seafood is a great way to be more sustainable in our lives, and MSC is a great resource for finding tips on how to eat more sustainably, cook delicious and eco-conscious seafood recipes, and overall keep the environment at the top of mind. Studies show that wild fisheries have a lower greenhouse gas footprint than land-based animal proteins. So if you’re looking to prioritize sustainability at the grocery store, look for the MSC blue label, and you’ll know it’s meeting the highest standards of environmental sustainability.

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4. Outerknown

Circular fashion

Fair trade

Natural materials

Second hand

Best For | Everyday organic clothing
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Supported farmers in implementing Regenerative Organic Certified practices, Partnership with Project Vermont giving new purpose to materials
Prices starting at | $48

Outerknown is a clothing brand committed to protecting the environment and supporting fair labor practices. It was co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore. The clothes definitely have a beachy vibe, featuring board shorts, swimwear, dresses, sweatshirts, and more, made from high-quality and sustainable materials like regenerative organic cotton, corozo nut buttons from the forest floor, recycled fishing nets, and recycled wool. For every product, you can see exactly where it was made right on the product page — showing how dedicated Outerknown is to transparency with its fair labor practices. Outerknown’s pre-owned platform Outerworn, offers secondhand pieces, with the intention of creating a more circular fashion economy. 

Customer Review | “Big fan of this new short. Fabric has more body so it doesn’t show as much (thank you!). Slightly slimmer feel to the cut but also a more tailored, modern look so I don’t mind it. Fits true to size. Beautiful update to an iconic piece of surf apparel! Well done Outerknown.” – Jackson (Read more reviews.) 

5. Dr. Bronner’s

American made

Budget friendly

FSC

Fair trade

Gives back

Vegan

Best For | All-purpose, purpose-driven soaps
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Regenerative organic agriculture, Offers refills in FSC-certified paper cartons
Prices starting at | $8

Founded in 1948, this is a true legacy eco-conscious brand. Dr. Bronner’s famous 18-in-1 Pure Castile Magic Soap can be used for laundry, body wash, mopping, toilets, and more. Plus, they also sell coconut oil, lip balms, bar soap, biodegradable cleaner, and even chocolate. It’s all made with clean ingredients by a company that cares about people, the environment, and advocating for both. And they’re extremely transparent about it all. Just look at their 2024 annual report, which highlights everything from their exact water usage to specific communities and organizations they’ve donated over $5 million to in 2024, their support ranging from environmental causes to social justice to animal advocacy. 

Customer Review | “This is the only soap I have used daily for at least 20 years. Including shaving and shampoo. Why? Because of its all natural ingredients, nontoxic. It cleans extremely well and never irritates my skin. I’m 72 years old and have no skin issues. You can’t put a price on health.” – Anonymous (Read more reviews.)

6. Thrive Market

B corp

Fair trade

Gives back

Best For | Eco-friendly groceries
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Reusable/recyclable packaging, working to be carbon negative
Prices starting at | $10/month or $60/year (membership)

Thrive Market is a grocery delivery service that focuses on sourcing brands that have the highest-quality ingredients and use ethical sourcing — you’ll find favorite brands like King Arthur, Amy’s, Honest, and Poppi, but they also have lesser-known brands committed to those values, if you want to try something new. Thrive also has its own line of staples, from laundry detergent to organic coconut oil. One thing that’s really great about Thrive is that for every annual membership someone buys, they donate an annual membership to someone in need. They’re also extremely committed to sustainability and working toward creating a healthier planet. Thrive Market is already carbon neutral, but they’re not stopping there. They’re currently on a mission to be carbon negative by optimizing shipment loads and continuing to invest in regenerative agriculture. All of Thrive Market’s warehouses are zero waste certified, and they’re plastic neutral too. 

Customer Review | “I wanted to give my children the options of having good, clean, healthy snacks, so it’s been so impactful to be able to do that and stock our pantry with options that are not high in sugar and that they both love.” – Andrea G. (Read more reviews.)

7. PrAna

Budget friendly

FSC

Plastic/Pfas free

Best For | Durable activewear
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Plastic-free-packaging, responsible material choices, using materials that would otherwise be discarded
Prices starting at | $25

Founded in 1992, PrAna makes sustainable, durable, stylish activewear for men and women. They have leggings, shorts, tanks, and other activewear for yoga, climbing, and more. The brand prioritizes using responsible materials in its clothing, from regenerative organic cotton and responsibly sourced wool to hemp and recycled rubber. PrAna is a part of Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Council), which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of the apparel industry. They also partner with organizations that protect and conserve the environment, including 5 Gyres, Canopy, The Conservation Alliance, and Outdoor Outreach.

Customer Review | “These are the perfect leggings. I teach very active yoga classes and these leggings are about as good as I could ever hope for. They offer slight compression without being restrictive. They move with me. The pocket fits my phone when I’m out in between classes. And they are VELVETY soft.” – Lacy K. (Read more reviews.) 

8. Ethique

B corp

Cruelty free

Eco friendly packaging

Plastic/Pfas free

Vegan

Best For | Plastic-free haircare
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Plastic-free products, removes plastic from coastal communities with CleanHub, donates 2% of sales to environmental and social causes
Prices starting at | $17

Ethique took the packaging and the water that usually comes with shampoo and conditioner out of the equation and made eco-friendly, plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars that come in compostable packaging instead. And one bar is the equivalent of eight bottles. Yes, eight. Having solid bars instead of water-based products has saved 6 million gallons of water — and you’re in the shower anyway, so the water’s there already! Plus, the way the bars are formulated uses less energy, giving them a much smaller carbon footprint than their water-based equivalents. Ethique also has plastic-free face cleanser, lip balm, and deodorant. It all comes in compostable packaging that breaks down within 12 months in a home compost. The B Corp also donates 2% of its sales to environmental and social causes. 

Customer Review | “This is my go to shampoo. It lasts a long time, lathers well, and leaves my hair feeling clean but not stripped. Highly recommend it!” – Natalie M. (Read more reviews.)

9. Pact

Budget friendly

FSC

Fair trade

GOTS certified

Gives back

Best For | Comfortable and stylish sustainable clothing
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Zero net carbon, Give Back Box program, paper packaging
Prices starting at | $19

Pact is a Colorado-based company founded in 2009 by Brendan Synnott that sells eco-friendly and ethical fashion that keeps the environment and the wearers of the clothing in mind. Pact partners with SimpiZero to measure the carbon impact of its products and offset it through reforestation, renewable energy, and community projects that sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Through this, Pact is a carbon neutral company. They’re also Fair Trade certified and GOTS certified, and they have a Give Back Box program, which takes clothes folks send in and donates them to nonprofits. What’s cool is it doesn’t even have to be Pact clothing; you can send in any used clothes (for free) and they’ll donate it to one of the five local charities they partner with. It’s giving back to the community, reducing clothing waste, and reusing old Pact boxes from returns. On top of all of that, the clothing is cute, comfortable, and lasts a long time!

Customer Review | “I bought the black Softspun Tank Midi Dress. It was so cute that I bought three in other colors. They are so soft and comfortable. They will pair well with a white or blue denim jacket for cooler evenings.” – Robin S. (Read more reviews.)

10. Veja

B corp

Fair trade

Recycled materials

Best For | Upcycled sneakers
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Transparent carbon footprint reporting, vegan line, and use of recycled materials
Prices starting at | Round up to the nearest dollar

Veja sneakers use Amazonian rubber purchased at five times the market price for the soles to protect and enhance the economic value of the Amazon Rainforest. And the rest of the sneakers are made from recycled water bottles and sustainably sourced materials. Did we mention that the sneakers are really cool too? They have lots of cute designs, like these and these, for example. Veja also ensures fair trade practices, and they’re very transparent about their environmental impact. For example, you can see the carbon footprint of their products, along with what they’re doing about it, here. They also have an entire line of vegan sneakers, made from CWL, which stands for “Cotton Worked as Leather,” a vegan alternative to leather that has a similar look and feel. 

Our Editor’s Review | “These shoes are everywhere on Insta and Pinterest style boards! If you want the immediate brand recognition of brands like Nike or Adidas but with a sustainable twist — Veja is the brand for you.” – Emily McGowan [Read full review here.]

11. Tentree

B corp

Circular fashion

Climate neutral

Second hand

Best For | Clothing that offsets carbon
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives | Offers carbon sequestration subscriptions, every item from Tentree sold plants trees
Prices starting at | Round up to the nearest dollar

Tentree is so much more than a clothing company (though they also have really great clothes!). For every item purchased, Tentree plants trees, but their climate action goes far beyond that, too. Their mission is to plant 1 billion trees by 2030 to reduce climate change. They’re also dedicated to circularity through their reselling platform The Reshop and their clothing recycling program, where anyone can send in clothes for credit, and they’ll sort and recycle or reuse them. Tentree also has Climate+, a program that lets people buy subscriptions to sequester carbon based on their lifestyle, with the ability to choose how often, how much, and even where they want to donate and plant trees. Beyond these initiatives, their clothes are made from eco-friendly materials like TENCEL, organic cotton, hemp, and more. 

Customer Review | “True to Tentree Apparel this flannel shirt is super soft and cozy, perfect for working from home, dog walks and going for coffee. Love it!” – Mary D. (Read more reviews.)

Brianna Schubert is a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade, an editorial assistant at Motley Bloom, and a freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or yapping with her friends at a café. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 11 Eco Conscious Brands To Celebrate For Earth Day appeared first on The Good Trade.

Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3s, iron, and vitamins B and D, and it’s one of the most carbon-efficient foods on the planet. If you’re looking to educate yourself about sustainable seafood, check out the Marine Stewardship Council’s website for information, resources, recipes, and more.

Whether it’s in a gooey tuna melt or rolled up into a maki roll, tuna is one of the most versatile kinds of seafood. It’s that versatility that makes the fish the third most popular seafood in the US, after shrimp and salmon, says Chef Adrienne Cheatham. “Given its popularity, it’s important to know how to look for sustainable tuna choices,” says Cheatham, “so we’re ensuring healthy fish populations now and for our future generations.”

What makes seafood sustainable?

According to the MSC, in order to be considered environmentally sustainable, seafood must come from healthy fish populations, have minimal impact on the marine ecosystem, and be properly managed (so no overfishing). Sustainable seafood can be harvested in perpetuity while still maintaining a healthy environment. That’s what “sustainable” means, after all — able to be sustained.

While most of the fish we get here in the states is wild caught, seafood harvested via aquaculture is the fastest-growing form of food production worldwide according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Note that not all wild-caught seafood is sustainable, and neither is all aquaculture seafood.

Because most of our fish comes from the ocean, it’s especially important to purchase sustainably fished seafood to ensure healthy fish and marine populations in the future. “I’ve worked with seafood for the entirety of my cooking career and am incredibly passionate about making sure we have access to it for years to come,” says Cheatham.

How do you know if your seafood was harvested sustainably?

In short, read the labels! One of the easiest indicators to look for is the MSC blue fish label, meaning the product has been certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard. The MSC blue fish label provides assurance that the seafood is wild-caught and comes from a certified sustainable source.

Another way to determine your seafood’s sustainability? Research the company that makes it. Companies with sustainable practices want you to know about them, so it doesn’t take long to Google a seafood producer and find out if it puts sustainability at the forefront of its business model.

The perfect tuna salad recipe for Earth Month

Cheatham crafted an easy meal with sustainably fished tuna that is perfect for a quick, healthy lunch. Her tuna tonnato is full of pantry staples like relish, mustard, and tuna, along with a few fresh veggies for a “light, bright dish that’s perfect for spring and summer,” she says.

Find the full recipe here, which uses lemon, celery, onion, eggs, and potato to liven up tuna salad, bringing it from sad desk lunch territory into “a great lunch or a patio snack to fix for guests, or dinner on a night in,” says Cheatham. She serves the tuna mixture over greens and alongside some satisfying, crusty bread. My local grocery store didn’t have any endive, so I heaped the tuna salad over a bed of spinach and arugula instead—it was one of the best lunches I’ve made in a long time. 

Cheatham notes that while the dish looks light, it’s packed with protein from the tuna and eggs. And she emphasizes the importance of buying canned tuna with an MSC label on it.

The MSC’s website features sustainable seafood recipes dishes from innovative chefs representing cuisines from all over the world, like Smoked Salmon and Mango Salad and Cape Hake Fillet with Zucchini Salad. After trying their recipes, you can read more about the fishermen behind the ingredient. Reading their firsthand stories forges stronger connections between our food and the sea they came from.

“Sustainability includes our future, is the way I think about it,” said Jack B. Vantress of the American Albacore Fishing Association in Cheatham’s recipe. “So it’s important to choose sustainable seafood because this is our future.”

THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT THE MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!

The post How To Ensure Your Seafood Is Sustainable, According To The Marine Stewardship Council appeared first on The Good Trade.

“Unlike women of prior generations, I was part of a group that believed we could do anything we set our minds to.”

Whether we started having children earlier or later, my female friends and peers believed we could combine family and career seamlessly. While I thought this would get easier for subsequent generations, it hasn’t. Many of my clients in their 30s and 40s talk about their internal conflict over being moms and working. They want the best for their children, and they want to succeed in their careers. They feel crushed by the mental load of keeping family and professional life running smoothly. Convincing them to practice self-care and put their health and wellbeing on their to-do list (even if it’s last) is challenging — but many learn that we can’t fully care for others when our emotional pitcher is dry. In counseling, I teach them that self-care is self-preserving, not selfish, and try to illustrate ways to keep their emotional pitcher full.

To this day, I remember the ad for Enjoli perfume where a professionally dressed woman is in the kitchen fixing dinner in an apron. The tagline was, “She can bring home the bacon. Fry it up in the pan, and never let him forget he’s a man. ‘Cause she’s a woman. Enjoli.” For me and my friends, this was our theme song, and we thought it was attainable. However, the majority of us discovered that the goal of combining career and family was much tougher than we thought and felt torn between the two. Although the women I knew had opportunities that were unavailable to women in prior generations, women of color and those from economically and socially disadvantaged groups still did not have them in my own generation.

Instead of our opportunities liberating us from becoming June Cleavers, we experienced a crushing guilt over falling short at home and in our work. Constantly dividing our energy, attention, and time between the two, one or the other got neglected. In her book “Be Brave Lose the Beige: Finding Sass in Your Sixties,” Liz Kitchens says, “Our DNA was hardwired for both social change and caregiving…” with not enough hours in the day to do both well. 

“Instead of our opportunities liberating us from becoming June Cleavers, we experienced a crushing guilt over falling short at home and in our work.”

Ultimately, each of us had to decide what the balance between personal and professional life would look like while discovering it was not possible to fulfill the dream of “having it all” in spite of what we were led to believe. In today’s world, this is even more stressful because most can’t afford the personal time or financial resources to lead their life in a balanced way. 

Many of my younger female-identifying clients report ongoing distress about how they are falling short in their personal and work lives as well as guilt over not having adequate time or energy for doing well in any area of their lives. When I ask them how they’re practicing self-care and living mindfully with awareness and presence, they laugh and say, “Who has time for that?” For this generation, there is a big question about how to sustain this lifestyle as they age. And while us Boomers might not have everything figured out, we are once again leading the charge in modeling a new way to age.

How are Baby Boom women redefining aging?

In her book, Kitchens discusses how women boomers or “lady boomers” are the first generation to “have the luxury to ponder meaning and purpose,” because we have the longevity and the prosperity to do so. Again, it is important to remember that not all Baby Boom women have this advantage and are still struggling to meet their daily needs. This makes it even more essential that for those of us who find ourselves in a fortunate position in our “golden years” to put attention and effort into “tikkun olam” or what those of us who are Jewish call “healing the world.”

“Kitchens discusses how women boomers or ‘lady boomers’ are the first generation to “have the luxury to ponder meaning and purpose,” because we have the longevity and the prosperity to do so.”

Like many Baby Boom women who thought they could have it all, Kitchens experienced her personal and professional life colliding when she turned 56. Although she co-owned a successful market research company, her children’s lives were imploding. Her daughter was lost in a problematic relationship and her son got kicked out of George Washington University for multiple bad choices. She said, “I felt that I’d let them down as a mom by having a full-time career, which led to a lot of guilt so I started a blog to talk about what I was going through. Writing was my survival technique. I don’t know what I think until I write it down, and once I did, it started to make sense.”

“Women our age are still actively parenting. Many of us have what we’re calling ‘boomerang children’ who have moved back home or are struggling to become self-reliant adults. In the first half of life, we focus on ego, cultural success, and listening to authority figures. We are mired in survival efforts, raising our families, and pursuing our careers. But the second half of life is an opportunity to think bigger about choices and options. It taught me bravery, the magic of creating and the impact and power of creativity. It’s been good for my brain, stretching my thinking and better, more creative problem solving.”

“The second half of life is an opportunity to think bigger about choices and options. It taught me bravery, the magic of creating and the impact and power of creativity.”

— Liz Kitchens, author

Kitchens, a self-professed color fanatic, encourages “lady boomers” to step outside the comfort of leading a conventional or beige-colored life and choose a “magenta” or more colorful and creative existence. She comments that Baby Boomers are primed for this. “We are used to challenging the status quo like we did in our teens and twenties. We were the generation of social change and flower power. We need to figure out what matters most to us now and how to change the world for the better. Reinventing what aging means is just our next step.”

Still, redefining what we are going to do next and how we want to pursue our purpose, passion, and quality of life as older women is not easy. We lack role models of women who may have walked this path before us. Family needs, including adult children, grandchildren, and aging parents often compete with personal needs for quality time and life satisfaction. In addition, we may be having our own health issues, questioning our identity (who am I now without the moorings of career and family I had earlier in life), experiencing financial uncertainty, and losing family and friends who were part of the foundation of our health and wellbeing. Finding our way through this next phase of life is a crisis and opportunity — and often both at the same time.

New ways that the Baby Boom generation is aging:

In spite of the challenges of combining career and family, Baby Boom women are again leading the charge to change what aging looks like. Unlike generations of women before us, we are not willing to accept being invisible and past our prime.

“Baby Boom women are again leading the charge to change what aging looks like.”

Erik Erikson, a well-known developmental psychologist, called the developmental challenge of aging deciding between stagnation and generativity, whether you decide to retire from life and wither or remain active and engaged. Baby Boom men and women are increasingly choosing generativity and redefining aging as a period of activity, growth, and fulfillment.

Here are some of the ways they are approaching aging with renewed energy, interest, and commitment.

1. Active Aging 

Baby boomers have cultivated health-promoting habits throughout their lives with routine exercise, sound nutrition, and sleep hygiene. According to the CDC, more than 50% of them engage in regular exercise, participating in running, cycling, and hiking. They make up one-third of the fitness industry’s clientele. They are driving the pickleball craze in the U.S. with enthusiasm and zest.

2. Mental Health 

Boomer women believe that mental health is an integral part of physical health. They think that their brain including their thoughts and mood, influences feeling good physically, mentally, and emotionally. They engage in therapy more than men their age and are more likely to seek mental health aid for stressful life changes. They are learning that periods of hormonal flux like postpartum and menopause may increase their vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and other health conditions and to seek treatment when needed.

3. Return to Work 

Baby boomers are working longer in full or part-time positions and often pursuing second careers once they retire from their first ones that add meaning and purpose to their lives. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 40% of people aged 55 and older were working or actively looking for work. Recently, the phase “unretirement” has been added to describe this new phenomenon.

4. Social Life 

Baby boomers are making an effort to maintain an active social life longer. They are making intentional decisions about where they choose to live during their 55+ years and seeking communities where they can be physically, mentally, and socially active. Developers are rapidly building 55+ communities across the U.S. to meet boomer demand for places they can reside with older adults who also want to stay active and fit.

5. Lifelong Learning 

Boomers want to keep learning regardless of age. Dr. Stephen Chung of California State in Northridge reported that they are returning to school in significant numbers to pursue degrees, certifications, or take classroom enrichment. He found that they “value lifelong learning and want to stay mentally sharp.” Chung also reported that they were tech savvy with 64% using social media and 70% being active internet users.

6. Age Perception 

Baby boomers tend to feel younger than their actual age. A 2009 Pew Research survey found that the typical boomer feels 9 years younger than their actual chronological age. Those who have a positive attitude towards aging often tend to age more slowly. However, aging is not the same for everyone. Factors like SES, healthcare status, and lifestyle can significantly influence vitality and health.

7. Promoting Social Change 

Comparing boomer attitudes about aging to the prior generation, Chung concluded that “Baby boomers have been associated with significant social changes and activism throughout their lives. Now as they age, many are continuing to challenge societal norms and engage in activities showing that age is not a barrier to making a difference in the world.”

Their contributions range from teaching grade school children to read to volunteering at their local food pantry to mentoring younger professional women to writing books promoting a different attitude towards aging. Their individual purpose and passions are contributing to their collective goal of making the world a better place and leading their best lives.

How to redefine aging for yourself:

Here are some steps you can take to redefine aging for yourself. These are only suggestions. Each woman’s journey is influenced by her own unique set of choices and challenges. Use what fits you best, but be open-minded to ideas you haven’t tried. Experiment to see what works. Be patient with yourself. Aging well is a marathon, not a sprint!

1. Practice active aging 

Staying healthy and fit won’t just help you live longer, it will help you live better. Try to cultivate health-promoting habits, including balanced nutrition, routine exercise, and sleep hygiene. Aim to make healthy food choices 80% of the time, practice portion control, and eat mindfully, one bite at a time. Move your body regularly through hiking, walking, biking, running, yoga, Pilates, dancing, gardening, pickleball, or other sports. Have a regular sleep schedule, unwind before bed, and give yourself time to wake up fully before going about your day.

2. Prioritize your mental health 

Practice stress reduction by taking deep breaths, thinking of a pleasant experience, taking a walk, savoring a cup of tea, or escaping into a good book. Watch a funny movie, play with your pet or grandchild, spend time in nature or talk with a friend. When stress, depression, or anxiety symptoms concern you or people tell you they’re concerned about your mental wellness, seek professional advice and treatment if needed.

3. Maintain your social life 

This means staying connected to friends, family, and/or broadening your social circle due to losing loved ones. Kitchens said that while women are good at connection, this may be tougher as they age. “It’s so important for us to support one another so we know that we’re not alone in our feelings and fears. We’ve done a lot by being alive this long and we need to share this wisdom with the next generation too!”

4. Be positive 

As I mentioned earlier, Baby Boomers who have a more positive attitude toward aging often age more slowly physically and mentally. Kitchens commented, “It’s ridiculous how much we’ve lived through.” Even with so many losses and changes, we’ve learned to keep going by controlling what we can and letting go of what we can’t.

5. Exercise your creativity 

“The meaning of life is to live in the present,” Kitchens remarked. “When we exercise our creative muscle, it strengthens our thinking about our life and a future in a healthier, more open way. It gives us hope, meaning, and something to look forward to. It lowers stress hormones including cortisol which has a big impact on our health.” So, find a way to express yourself that suits you and go for it.

6. Stay in the moment 

The more we experience life in the present moment, the calmer and more peaceful we feel despite ongoing stressors associated with aging, including losing friends and family and our own physical health failing. If we are frequently worried about the future or regrets of the past, moments where we could feel good will slip by without us noticing them. Disconnect from the noise in your head and get back into your life. To help with this, I’ve recorded some guided mindfulness exercises for women of all ages.

7. Make the world a better place 

I have lived on this planet for almost 68 years and been a practicing psychologist for 35. During that time, I’ve learned that the way we make the world a better place is one person at a time. It’s not necessarily the big things we do as much as everyday kindness, respect, and thoughtfulness for our loved ones, neighbor,s and communities. Even as we age, the opportunity for becoming the best version of ourselves always exists if we are brave enough to answer the call.

When I was in my 50s, I found a wonderful teacher, Dr. Jean Shinoda-Bolen, a Jungian analyst whose book I read, “Goddesses in Older Women.” Since my mid-40s, I’d been going to Diana’s Grove, a retreat center outside of St. Louis (where I live) that focused on professional development and personal growth by studying female archetypes from Greek and Roman mythology. After reading Jean’s book, I decided to attend a workshop she was giving called “A River Runs Through It” about the ebb and flow of women’s lives. There, I was introduced to two of her other books, “Crones Don’t Whine” and “Artemis: An Indomitable Spirit in Every Woman” which I highly recommend for support, comfort, and reassurance about aging and other life transitions we feel challenged by. They continue to inspire and motivate me to have courage and humor as I traverse the river of growing older.

“Like earlier phases of life, there is no one-size-fits-all path to follow to redefine aging for yourself.”

Like earlier phases of life, there is no one-size-fits-all path to follow to redefine aging for yourself. My friend Susie always says, “Look for the puzzle pieces that complete your life,” which will be similar but different from your friends because you are a unique and special person.

While finding your puzzle pieces and assembling them, enjoy and savor your life. Pursue purpose and passion, and preserve quality. Spend time with family and friends. Explore existing and new interests and adventures. Approach life with humor, courage, and compassion for yourself and others. Baby Boom women, we were trailblazers in our 20s — now it’s time we do it again!

Dr. Diane Sanford is a women’s health psychologist specializing in empowering women through every stage of life. For 35+ years she has prescribed self-care and mindfulness to guide her clients towards inner peace and self-awareness. To achieve clarity and balance in her own life, her self-care and mindfulness practices include yoga, meditation, walks in nature, reading, cooking, spending time with loved ones and playing with her 20-month-old grandson, Cameron. You can visit her at drdianesanford.com.

The post A Psychologist Explains How The Baby Boomer Generation Is Redefining Aging For Women appeared first on The Good Trade.

In 2020, amid the Black Lives Matter movement and a mass reckoning of racial relations in America, Aurora James asked major retailers to stock their shelves at least 15% with Black-owned brands, representing how Black Americans make up at least 15% of the country. What James highlighted is the inequality baked into our consumer habits. Many Black entrepreneurs cite the lack of inclusivity as the reason for starting their business, whether it be fashion, beauty, wellness, or more.

While it’s notable that corporations are taking more steps to include more Black-owned brands, there’s plenty that consumers themselves can still do to support these businesses. One thing to do is buy directly from the source rather than relying on the middleman — which means being purposeful and intentional about seeking out Black-owned businesses.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of sustainable black-owned businesses in areas ranging from beauty to fashion to lifestyle and beyond.

1. KNC Beauty

B corp

BIPOC Owned

Biodegradable

Budget friendly

Climate neutral

Cruelty free

Dairy free

Gives back

Gluten free

Small business

Best For: Cruelty-free lip masks
Price Starting At: $22

KNC Beauty is a Black-owned skincare brand founded by Kristen Noel Crawley, best known for its signature lip masks and collagen-infused beauty treatments. Inspired by a trip to Tokyo, Kristen sought to bring natural yet effective lip care to the market, launching the first all-natural collagen lip mask. Kristen Noel Crawley was strolling through a Japanese store and a wall of lip masks caught her eye. When she discovered there were no natural lip masks on the market, the solution was obvious: she had to create her own. Two years and countless trials later, Kristen created the first all-natural, collagen-infused lip mask that celebrities adore. Since then, KNC Beauty has expanded to include eye masks, lip scrubs, and balms infused with hydrating and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. The brand blends fun, playful packaging with clean formulas, making self-care feel luxurious and accessible.

2. Elexiay

BIPOC Owned

Handcrafted

Small business

Woman owned

Best For: Handcrafted crochet pieces
Price Starting At: $150

Elexiay is a Nigerian-based slow fashion brand specializing in handcrafted crochet pieces. The brand combines traditional West African craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering a range of statement knitwear, including sweaters, dresses, and accessories. By working with local artisans, Elexiay prioritizes ethical production and sustainability while preserving cultural heritage. Using knowledge passed down from generation to generation, Elexiay skillfully makes clothes without machines with the aim of producing clothes that cause little to no harm to the environment. All their crochet pieces are handmade and recyclable. “Our crochet pieces are made in Nigeria by the hands of female sartorially advanced crocheters. We believe in the creation of jobs locally and the empowerment of women, explains Elexiay’s founder Elyon Adede. The brand gained international attention for its intricate craftsmanship and bold, sculptural silhouettes, making it a go-to for unique, ethically made pieces.

3. Mela Vitamins

BIPOC Owned

Gluten free

Subscriptions available

Vegan

Best For: Vegan vitamin essentials
Price Starting At: $33

Mela Vitamins is a health and wellness brand formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin. Recognizing that people with darker skin tones often face unique skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation and vitamin D deficiency, Mela Vitamins creates science-backed supplements to address these needs. The brand is committed to natural and simple healthful solutions that are non-GMO, certified vegan, and gluten-free. They are also free from harmful fillers and unnecessary additives like magnesium stearate, magnesium silicate, and titanium dioxide. Their flagship product, a daily multivitamin, contains high-potency vitamin D, antioxidants, and skin-supporting nutrients tailored to promote radiant skin and overall health. Mela Vitamins is pioneering inclusive wellness by ensuring that traditionally overlooked communities have access to targeted health solutions.

4. House of Aama

BIPOC Owned

Handcrafted

Recycled materials

Size inclusive

Woman owned

Best For: Handcrafted Fashion Essentials
Price Starting At: $50

House of Aama is a fashion brand founded by mother-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka. Rooted in historical and cultural storytelling, the brand draws inspiration from the African diaspora, Southern traditions, and folklore. House of Aama’s collections feature intricate detailing, vintage-inspired silhouettes, and handcrafted textiles, bringing archival narratives to contemporary fashion. The brand’s pieces often incorporate elements like lace, embroidery, and natural dyes, making them both artistic and wearable. House of Aama stands as a testament to the power of clothing as a means of cultural expression.

5. Édas.Co

BIPOC Owned

LGBTQ friendly

Recycled materials

Size inclusive

Woman owned

Best For: Accessories Made From Recycled Materials
Price Starting At: $15

Édas.Co is a contemporary accessories and lifestyle brand founded by Sade Mims. Known for its minimalist yet sculptural handbags, jewelry, and homeware, Édas.Co merges craftsmanship with modern design. Through
creating quality items, Édas.Co hopes to reduce waste with items that will last for years while also repurposing and being a slow fashion business in a world of mass production. Each piece reflects a commitment to slow fashion, with a focus on sustainable materials and ethical production practices. The brand’s aesthetic is a blend of understated elegance and artistic experimentation, making it a favorite among fashion enthusiasts who appreciate timeless yet distinctive pieces.

6. ASHYA

BIPOC Owned

Circular fashion

LGBTQ friendly

Woman owned

Best For: Women-founded travel accessories
Price Starting At: $158

ASHYA is a Brooklyn-based accessories brand founded by Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece. Specializing in luxury travel accessories, the brand offers sleek, hands-free leather bags inspired by global travel and cultural exploration. The brand is a women-owned, LGBTQ-friendly brand that champions ethical fashion through sustainability and inclusivity. Committed to circular fashion, the brand minimizes waste by producing in small batches, upcycling materials, and using organic cotton linings. ASHYA’s dedication to thoughtful craftsmanship and responsible sourcing ensures that each travel accessory is both stylish and environmentally conscious, redefining luxury with intentionality and care. Their designs are a fusion of function and style, with crossbody and belt bags that embody minimalist sophistication. With its commitment to intentional design, ASHYA redefines travel accessories for the modern explorer.

7. Topicals

BIPOC Owned

Cruelty free

Science backed

Third party tested

Best For: Science-backed skincare
Price Starting At: $16

Topicals is a skincare brand revolutionizing treatment for chronic skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, and acne. Founded by Olamide Olowe, Topicals blends science-backed formulations with a playful, Gen Z aesthetic. The brand uses only ingredients and botanicals that have been scientifically proven through third-party, peer-reviewed clinical studies, and formulates its products in collaboration with a scientific advisory board. They continuously refine formulas based on customer feedback and new clinical research which ensures that Topicals’ products are effective, efficient, and gentle on all skin types. Additionally, all Topicals products are free from dyes and animal testing. The brand’s bestsellers, like the Faded serum and Like Butter hydrating mask, are designed to be effective yet gentle on sensitive skin. With a mission to destigmatize skin conditions and promote confidence, Topicals also donates a portion of proceeds to mental health initiatives.

8. Brother Vellies

BIPOC Owned

Circular fashion

Fair trade

Gives back

Best For: Fair-trade closet basics
Price Starting At: $35

Brother Vellies is a luxury footwear and accessories brand founded by Aurora James. Rooted in sustainability and African craftsmanship, the brand works with artisans across the continent to create handmade shoes, handbags, and accessories using traditional techniques and ethically sourced materials.  Every step of the production process is approached with care, ensuring respect for artisans, customers, and the environment. The brand incorporates sustainable materials such as vegetable-tanned leathers, soles made from recycled tires, hand-carved wood, floral-dyed feathers, and various by-product materials sourced from farmers worldwide. Each piece tells a story of cultural preservation and environmental consciousness, with the brand championing slow fashion and fair wages for artisans. Brother Vellies is known for its signature silhouettes, including handwoven sandals, sculptural heels, and artisanal leather goods.

9. Sami Miró Vintage

BIPOC Owned

Circular fashion

Fair trade

Natural materials

Recycled materials

Woman owned

Best For: Statement pieces made from recycled materials
Price Starting At: $45

“Protect Mother Earth. Without her, we do not exist.” – Sami Miró. Sami Miró Vintage is a sustainable fashion brand founded by stylist and designer Sami Miró. The brand specializes in creating beautiful, detail-oriented, long-lasting, and non-seasonal styles crafted from locally sourced deadstock and vintage fabrics, along with SMV-exclusive eco-responsible certified materials such as Tencel, hemp, and organic cotton. The brand’s sewing partners are family-owned facilities that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions, promoting equal partnerships within the community. Each collection emphasizes sustainability, with limited runs and small-batch production to minimize waste. Worn by celebrities and fashion-forward consumers, Sami Miró Vintage redefines luxury through a lens of environmental consciousness and innovative design.

10. The Honey Pot

BIPOC Owned

Gives back

Natural materials

Science backed

Third party tested

Best For: Affordable feminine care
Price Starting At: $10

The Honey Pot is a plant-based feminine care brand founded by Bea Dixon dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices. Their formulations are powered by herbs and science, ensuring efficacy and safety. The company emphasizes the importance of grounding their commitment in science-backed research, conducting clinical tests to ensure their products are safe for even the most sensitive skin. By utilizing natural ingredients and adhering to rigorous testing standards, The Honey Pot provides eco-friendly solutions for intimate wellness. As one of the first Black-owned feminine hygiene brands, The Honey Pot continues to innovate in the wellness space while promoting education and empowerment around intimate health.

Sara Jin Li is an essayist, playwright, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is also the founder of Heretics Club, a literary salon for creative writers. You can find her on Instagram at @sarajinli.

The post 10 Black-Owned Sustainable Brands To Support Now And Always appeared first on The Good Trade.

“Times like these are also opportunities to act. We can reframe despair as a call to connect and organize.”

Times like these are also opportunities to act. We can reframe despair as a call to connect and organize. If you find yourself in a state of political paralysis, remember that there are countless grassroots organizations that need your support.

Even in the wake of disheartening outcomes, the work is far from over — arguably, it’s when we feel most hopeless that we must reach for solidarity. Grassroots groups are vital to this work because they operate at the heart of the communities they serve, addressing time-sensitive challenges that larger organizations aren’t able to do.

Below are organizations to channel your angst into action. Together, let’s commit to building a more just and equitable future by starting right where we are.

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation (CCF) directs resources to those most in need by partnering with local organizations and using data-driven strategies to prioritize underserved communities. In response to the LA County wildfires, CCF has activated its fund to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery support, including housing, mental health services, medical care, and infrastructure rebuilding. With over $30 million raised from corporations, foundations, and thousands of individual donors, CCF continues to aid displaced residents and vulnerable workers through financial assistance, legal education, and community support.

charity: water

charity: water is on a mission to bring clean and safe drinking water to communities in need around the world. Since 2006, they’ve funded over 171,000 water projects in 29 countries, transforming the lives of more than 19 million people. Clean water is life — it means fewer illnesses, more opportunities for education, and a chance for women and girls to reclaim the 200 million hours they spend every day collecting water. With their 100% Model, charity: water ensures that every public donation directly funds water projects, making it easy for anyone to make a tangible difference. 

Tuesdays for Trash

Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tuesdays for Trash is a grassroots environmental movement that inspires individuals to take action by dedicating time each week to cleaning up their communities. Founded by two youth activists, the initiative focuses on the power of small, consistent efforts to create meaningful environmental change. The initiative has expanded to six continents, with participants in over 50 countries and 15 chapters, collectively removing more than 87,000 pounds of trash from the environment. By emphasizing simplicity and accessibility, Tuesdays for Trash encourages people of all ages to step into environmental activism, fostering a shared commitment to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Moms Demand Action

In the wake of escalating gun violence in the United States, Moms Demand Action is a collective working to pass stronger gun laws and close dangerous loopholes. They advocate for safer schools, communities, and public spaces. Founded by Shannon Watts after the Sandy Hook tragedy, this particular movement now has chapters in every state working with their specific legislation.

National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF)

With the overturn of Roe v. Wade, access to abortion care has become increasingly restricted, leaving many — especially marginalized folks — without critical reproductive healthcare. NNAF unites nearly 100 abortion funds across various cities to address these urgent needs, working to remove financial and logistical barriers for those seeking care. Their commitment to racial, economic, and reproductive justice is a beacon of hope in this challenging landscape. By supporting individuals and communities, NNAF empowers people to reclaim autonomy over their bodies and futures during a time of grave threats to reproductive rights.

Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef)

Many fear that under the next administration, immigrants will face more prosecution. That’s why ImmDef provides critical legal services to immigrant communities, focusing on representation, education, and advocacy for those navigating the complex immigration system. With offices across Southern California, they work to ensure that all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable populations, receive the due process they often don’t receive. 

SisterSong

SisterSong leads the fight for reproductive justice by centering the voices and needs of women of color, working to dismantle the systemic oppression that disproportionately affects their access to care. With abortion access increasingly restricted, and likely to be even more attacked under a Trump Presidency, their work is critical in addressing the stark realities faced by women of color — like the fact that black women in the U.S. are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. SisterSong’s mission is more than timely; it’s essential for creating equity and protecting the human rights of those most impacted by these disparities.

Disability:IN

Disability:IN is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces by collaborating with over 500 corporations to advance disability equality. Through initiatives like the Disability Equality Index, which serves as a comprehensive benchmarking tool for disability inclusion, and the Supplier Diversity Program, they assist businesses in implementing effective inclusion strategies. By providing essential resources and guidance, Disability:IN is transforming inclusion from a concept into actionable practices, creating opportunities that change lives and redefine possibilities for people with disabilities worldwide.

Trans Advocacy & Care Team (TACT)

TACT is a trans-led organization providing peer counseling, support groups, and training to create safe and affirming spaces for trans and nonbinary individuals. By reducing isolation and addressing barriers to care, TACT fosters resilience in the face of growing attacks on trans rights across the U.S. Their compassionate approach empowers communities to thrive during a critical moment for trans visibility and safety.

Free ALAS

Free ALAS, founded in 2019 by educator and social worker Lisa Maria Rhodes, is dedicated to creating educational access for immigrant and court-involved youth in New Orleans. The organization trains educators to connect undocumented students with legal representation and advocates for keeping students in school during pre-trial periods, rather than in jail. By addressing legal barriers and providing support, Free ALAS empowers vulnerable students to continue their education and build brighter futures.

Border Angels

Founded in 1986, Border Angels works to support and advocate for the rights of migrants and refugees, focusing on humanitarian aid, education, and outreach. They organize water drops in the desert to prevent migrant deaths, provide resources for shelters in Tijuana, and connect with day laborers to offer assistance. Their efforts address the ongoing humanitarian crises at the U.S.-Mexico border, emphasizing the importance of compassion and action in saving lives and promoting justice.

Dignity and Power Now

Dignity and Power Now is a Los Angeles-based grassroots organization fighting for the rights and dignity of incarcerated people, their families, and their communities. With a focus on Black and Brown-led abolitionist movements, DPN tackles systemic injustices through activism, arts, wellness programs, and leadership development. From challenging sheriff violence to creating spaces for healing and empowerment, their work uplifts those most impacted by incarceration and reimagines what true justice and community care can look like.

Crenshaw Dairy Mart

What began as a reimagined dairy mart in Inglewood is now a thriving artist collective and community hub addressing the intersection of poverty, systemic injustice, and healing. Crenshaw Dairy Mart blends art, advocacy, and care to support its neighbors, with projects like solar-powered, autonomously irrigated gardens and creative programs that nurture local voices. By centering the stories and needs of their community, CDM fosters connection and uses art as a tool for liberation and transformation.

The Claremont Forum

The Claremont Forum, located in the historic Citrus Packing House in Claremont, California, is dedicated to fostering connection through education, wellness, and the arts. Its Prison Library Project sends free books and educational resources to incarcerated individuals across the country, supporting literacy and personal growth. The Forum also hosts the weekly Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market, a gathering space for fresh produce and handmade goods that brings the community together. Its bookshop and art space fund these efforts, ensuring the Forum can continue providing meaningful programs that serve both the local and wider community.

Healing Our Homeland

Healing Our Homeland is a Palestinian women-led, volunteer-run grassroots movement dedicated to liberation and healing. Rooted in the Gaza Strip and inspired by the Holy Quran’s themes of justice and ethical consciousness, the organization empowers women and children through compassion, awareness, and individualized support. Their Homeland Center for Women and Children provides year-round assistance, fostering community resilience and addressing collective trauma. By promoting self-awareness and rejecting the normalization of oppression, Healing Our Homeland aims to liberate both land and minds, contributing to the broader movement for a free Palestine.

While it’s important to channel feelings of despair about our world into action, it’s essential to do so mindfully. It won’t benefit anyone to trade one kind of anxiety, stress, and pressure for another. Be realistic about your resources, especially your energy. Burnout is hard to recover from, so preventing it is the best way to invest in a long-term commitment to activism.

“Burnout is hard to recover from, so preventing it is the best way to invest in a long-term commitment to activism.”

If you’re looking to support a particular cause and you have a really great idea about how to do it, be sure to spend time searching for organizations and activists already in place before launching something new. Maybe you can join forces with a group or program already active and in alignment with your goals. Working together means sharing resources and ultimately compounding your impact.

If you’re able to give money, see if you can do so with local groups directly, rather than adding to funds that are distributed as awards or grants. These are essential systems for many nonprofits and community programs, but they can sometimes have restrictions in place that inhibit the organization from using the funds exactly how they might need to (like paying staff, for example).

To use an apt metaphor: No matter how big a black cloud might feel some days, just remember that all weather shifts. When you find yourself soaked to the bone, take a break. Go home, dry off, and have a warm drink. Then put on a fresh coat, grab your umbrella, and head back out into the storm.

Sara Jin Li is an essayist, playwright, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is also the founder of Heretics Club, a literary salon for creative writers. You can find her on Instagram at @sarajinli.

The post Our Favorite Grassroots Orgs For Turning Anxiety Into Action appeared first on The Good Trade.

Our family maintains a high level of awareness regarding a non-toxic home, food, and personal care environment. Safe cleaning and personal care products? Check. Stainless steel lunch boxes? Check. We own mostly glass storage containers and never microwave food plastic. Ever. We even recently retired our 13-year-old high-end, chipping non-stick pots and pans, replacing them with stainless steel. But if someone asked me the “why” behind that latest decision when it happened, my answer would have been that I’d heard a non-stick coating could become harmful as it started to peel. I never really dove into the real reason why.

Ironically, not long ago, while listening to a podcast interview on toxins, the interviewee frequently mentioned PFAS (pronounced PEE-FAAS). It’s a funny word, and it stuck with me. That evening, I started Googling. What I discovered was eye-opening and unnerving. I suddenly knew the “why” behind replacing those old pots and pans. 

What are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are artificial substances created by DuPont (the makers of Teflon) in the late 1930s. The company had set out to find an alternative refrigerant. However, while experimenting, chemists discovered a combo of certain chemicals, resulting in a sticky white substance that repealed water and oil. Eureka! By the 1950s, consumer goods manufacturers were coating pots and pans with it, baking it in layers, which was great for keeping those pesky scrambled eggs from sticking. But as their power of convenience grew, these synthetic coatings became a norm for creating superpowered clothing, furniture, and more. 

“We are in constant contact with various forms of PFAS that can be absorbed through our skin and quickly and unknowingly ingested.”

What started as an accidental but innovative way to save time on cleaning kitchenwares, protecting firefighters, and keeping our clothing and furniture stain-free ultimately created a chemical thunderstorm that we now know pollutes consumer goods and food and has even infiltrated our environmental resources. Whether we realize it or not, we are in constant contact with various forms of PFAS that can be absorbed through our skin and quickly and unknowingly ingested. 

Where are PFAS found?

However, you won’t find the myriad of PFAS substances listed on labels. Instead, you may recognize such substances only when furniture or clothing manufacturers claim their products to be stain- and wrinkle-resistant or when your to-go food comes in packaging that keeps grease from leaching onto your clothing or car seats. PFAS are even present in personal care products like gentle slide dental flosses, hair care products, and even in some brands of period underwear. 

Yep, from bibs to microwave popcorn bags to all-weather clothes and even foundation, mascaras, and eyeliners, if something is water-, grease- or stain-resistant or repellent, it likely contains some form of PFAS. 

“If something is water-, grease- or stain-resistant or repellent, it likely contains some form of PFAS.”

What’s scariest, though, is that even if you avoided all seemingly PFAS-treated or containing goods, it is impossible to avoid contact with PFAS in some way or another. PFAS are considered  “forever chemicals” because, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), once introduced into the environment through their production and use, “PFAS chemicals pollute water, do not break down, and remain in the environment and people for decades.”

The EWG states, “PFAS, the family of compounds including Teflon, is found not only in pots and pans but also in the blood of people around the world, including 99 percent of Americans.”

Are PFAS actually harmful? 

Although no one yet knows the true extent of potential harm to humans caused by constant exposure to PFAS due to a lack of human-based studies, independent studies conducted (mainly on animals) and projection models show that regular exposure to PFAS causes adverse health effects including high cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, decreases in infant birth rates, increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer, increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in women and more. More studies are underway, including some by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to examine the effects of PFAS on humans, specifically.

In late 2022, the EPA designated some of the most commonly used PFAS in consumer goods, specifically PFOA and PFOS (Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate) as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). 

“Even if PFAS alternatives prove to be safer, older generations will stay put in the environment, polluting water and soil until someone discovers a way to clean them.”

Although PFOA and PFOS started being phased out of U.S. chemical and product manufacturing in the mid-2000s, they are still used internationally. And stateside, the original PFOA has been replaced with a new generation of similar substances known as GenX, which could be just as toxic as its predecessor.

Even if PFAS alternatives prove to be safer, older generations will stay put in the environment, polluting water and soil until someone discovers a way to clean them. One United States Geological Survey study suggests at least one PFAS can be detected in 45 percent of U.S. drinking water samples. 

Still, it’s taking way too much time for the U.S. government to get involved in mitigating and regulating these forever substances, and for now, efforts seem primarily focused on reducing exposure to PFAS found in tap water. As of April 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for regulating six known PFAS that pollute our waters. however, until this proposed regulation is passed, no action is required. According to the EPA website, that is anticipated by the end of the year. Public water systems must monitor PFAS levels, report findings to the public starting in 2027, and implement solutions by 2029 if levels exceed regulatory limits.

“The race is on for scientists to create ways to clean our water of these substances and mitigate their existence in the environment.”

States like California, Washington, Maine, New York, and Minnesota have already begun to take measures to ensure manufacturers disclose and/or ban PFAS in certain items. Many responsible clothing and consumer goods manufacturers are phasing out PFAS and using or seeking healthier alternatives. In addition, the race is on for scientists to create ways to clean our water of these substances and mitigate their existence in the environment. 

What can consumers do about PFAS?

Although there is no need to panic, consumers must choose wiser until more research is conducted, results are released, and more regulation occurs. As with many manufactured and synthetic “conveniences” surrounding us, the amount and length of exposure counts. When you can control it, you should. Less burden on your body means less chance of adverse effects. 

“As with many manufactured and synthetic ‘conveniences’ surrounding us, the amount and length of exposure counts.”

For example, rain jackets may be an essential article of clothing in Florida, but they are designed to keep clothes dry until you can seek shelter. I won’t let my kids hang out in them when they get in the car or when we get home. 

And you don’t scrap your vintage adventure gear and waterproof hiking boots just yet. Use them when it makes the most sense — for what they were designed for — and remove them as soon as possible. And let’s make organic cotton leggings and shorts the norm for yoga class and outdoor runs and embrace wrinkles as the new fashion statement for all.

More ways to reduce daily exposure to PFAS:

• Replace nonstick pots and pans with nontoxic cookware like stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. Replacing that one chipping pan you use ALL the time can lower exposure, which will make a difference.
• Purchase natural fiber clothing and PFAS-free apparel for everyday use and be okay with a few wrinkles (gasp). Look for organic cotton, hemp, linen, and non-stretch denim. PFAS-free period underwear is also a must.
• Seek brands committed to cleaner adventure gear to achieve protection from the elements, especially raincoats. Patagonia aims to phase out all PFAS on its water-repellant gear by Spring 2025. Cotopaxi is working on solutions as well. When you must wear all-weather gear treated with PFAS, put a layer of clothing between the treated garment and your skin.
• Choose personal care products made with natural and organic ingredients (no waterproof mascara), and avoid coated dental flosses. If you want to see what is in your skincare, use an app like Yuka, a free mobile app that allows you to scan the barcodes of personal care products and food and easily see each one’s potential impact on health. 
• Invest in a drinking water filtration system. Tap water may prevent illness from harmful bacteria, but most municipalities don’t filter out toxic pesticides and chemicals like PFAS. Reverse osmosis filters the most, and plenty of point-of-source options exist. Charcoal-based filtration systems filter the majority of PFAS as well. We love our Berkey, which also comes in handy for emergencies when clean water is unavailable (like hurricanes). 
• Patronize food companies and restaurants that choose safer packaging, such as uncoated cardboard, bio-wax, or PLA. If you are worried about the oil and grease, keep a towel in your car to put in your lap or trunk. 
• Plants take PFAS up through their root systems. Eating organic does not ensure that the soil does not already contain PFAS. However, there are still benefits to going organic in this case, as some conventional farming uses biosolids as fertilizer, whereas certified organic does not.
• Write and call the White House and your state leaders, as no one is safe from PFAS exposure yet and that needs to change. Ask them to push harder for mitigation and aggressive research and cleanup on a wider scale. Advocate for stricter regulation on US and imported consumer goods.
• Be conscious of the following labels, as they most likely contain some form of PFAS: Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster, and Gore-tex.

If you’re curious and want to do some further reading, check out these resources:

• toxinfreeusa.org
• ewg.com
• Greensciencepolicy.org
• Nwf.org

Randi Donahue is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is currently earning an MS in Health Science and Functional & Integrative Nutrition from Northwestern Health Sciences University. She brings over 10 years of research and writing expertise, focusing on making complex health and wellness concepts more accessible to readers. When not writing about health topics, you can find her reviewing the latest outdoor products and wellness tech. Based on Florida’s Gulf Coast, she and her family are passionate about nature and believe the path to a healthy and prosperous life requires authenticity, kindness, and a whole lot of fresh air.

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