Sustainability 2020

A place for sustainable living tips, products, research & more.

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Hi friends! 🧚🏼‍♂️ It’s been a while since i’ve posted- sorry about that. Sometimes life gets to be too crazy & it’s necessary to take a step back and take care of oneself. That being said, I’M BACK and I wanted to touch on the subject of Environmental Racism today. . . . A couple of weeks back, I made a post on Environmental Justice. These two go hand in hand. How, you may ask? Well, to put it simply, environmental racism is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color. Environmental justice & the environmental justice movement is the response to this environmental racism. . . . While the concept of environmental racism was developed in the 1980’s, by no means is this a relatively new issue. In fact, the fact that communities of color and low income communities have been disproportionately impacted by polluting industries has been well documented over time. . . . These impacted communities have been on the frontlines of the environmental justice initiative but have been historically ignored & left out of the conversations and decision making surrounding the issues directly affecting their lives! Furthermore, instead of conversing with the relevant environmental justice groups led by people of color, the media and/or government often turn to mainstream environmental organizations for information despite both being led by predominantly white staff & being based on conservation. . . . For that reason, I challenge you to follow one or more of the following pages and/or to do your own research on environmental justice groups led by people of color to further your knowledge on these issues: 1- @intersectionalenvironmentalist 2- @weact4ej 3- @eji_org 4- @indigenousrising 4- @lilnativeboy 5- @kameachayne 6- @greengirlleah https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRRNmPnVoi/?igshid=1lyi2pumbyb1w

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As the great primatologist Jane Goodall once said, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”✨ The narrative that what we do as individuals doesn’t matter is not only wrong but dangerous. YOU matter and your VOICE matters. What you do and what you stand for matters.✨ Never forget that. Believe in that. Act on that. As cliche as it is to say, be the change that you want to see 🙏🏼 #janegoodall #yourvoicematters #vote #blm #nojusticenopeace #sustainability #socialsustainability https://www.instagram.com/p/CCBxc1LnVal/?igshid=10eduvpxr119e

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Alright y’all- Lets talk ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (defined above). It is not just an ideal, it is a movement and it creates a link between social activism and justice with environmental issues in a way that advocates for sustainable human rights ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻 . . . Environmental justice issues occur when a group of people or region is subjected to inadequate/dangerous environmental conditions compared to others. Meanwhile, this risk directly benefits the others 🍃 . . . These injustices are happening every single day and are not a new concept. Throughout history, those who live and work in America’s most polluted environments are commonly people of color. I recommend checking out “The history of environmental justice in 5 minutes” by Brian Palmer for a quick-run down on the long history of environmental justice in America 🌿 . . . . here are just a few RECENT examples that you would probably recognize- . . 1- Flint, Michigan Water Crisis 2- Dakota access pipeline 3- Louisiana’s Cancer Alley . . Environmental justice encompasses SO MUCH MORE than protecting wildlife, endangered species, air quality & waterways. It encompasses the environmental struggles of the poor and the people of color who are disproportionately impacted! It is important to understand that all of these issues intertwine, making the interconnected web that is the climate crisis. https://www.instagram.com/p/CB3QdannqaV/?igshid=1wllt2x2ktxoo

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Hi new friends & followers! 🌻 . I wanted to make a post with a bit of information about me, what I’m about and what my intentions for this page are✨ . . . My name is Corinne. Recently, I graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Science. While job searching & looking at possible grad school options, I found myself wanting to put my education and passion to good use while also keeping my knowledge fresh and learning more along the way. ✨ . . . That is when I had the idea for this page. I wanted to create a page that would not only shine light on today’s environmental issues, policies, injustices & solutions but also share ways that we can make a positive impact & change both independently and collectively.✨ . . . Specifically, I envisioned a page that would touch on the development of a sustainable future. For more about what that means, see my previous posts (however I will be certainly sharing much more about it). ✨ . . . So overall, my intentions for this page are to inform, share, learn and inspire in any way that I can. I find great joy in researching & sharing this content so I hope that you all enjoy! 🌻 https://www.instagram.com/p/CBgKWjeH6-i/?igshid=vh56tu37c6lq

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Racial injustice must stop. Social sustainability is the future 🖤 Social sustainability is a critical pillar of sustainability- this is when the formal and informal processes, systems, structures and relationships actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities Socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected and democratic and provide a good quality of life. Our system is NOT sustainable. It is time for that to change. Above are some resources, including voting resources, to check out in regards to the fight against racial injustice. https://www.instagram.com/p/CBL5tMznQpF/?igshid=ktvedzl1br62

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Honestly, I don’t even know what to say at this point. I am shaken & disturbed with the state of our country. As a Caucasian American woman, I have had the privilege to leave my home everyday, not wondering if I’m going to be murdered by the police. I have had the privilege to not be unfairly profiled by others based on the color of my skin. . . . The fact of the matter is that people of color do not get that luxury in this country & it has gone ignored and diminished for too long. If you’re like me, you should be asking yourself “what can I do?!” Well, there are many things you can do and being silent is not one of them. . . . As Martin Luther King Jr once said, there comes a time where SILENCE is BETRAYAL. We are at that point. It is that time. Justice & racial equality can’t be asked for, it must be demanded by all for all. . . . Educate yourself, spread your message, LISTEN, SHOW UP, DONATE, VOTE and then do it all over again! I cannot stress how important it is that we get people into office that can begin to repair the centuries of damage that has been done. https://www.instagram.com/p/CAxtVwEFQGnQ8dNXSneU1rxIji5mJtLgELv39I0/?igshid=h01t6vs4sljb

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The red field poppy, or the official flower of Memorial Day, was one of the first plants to reappear in the war torn fields following world war 1. These seeds sat dormant in the ground, only germinating when disturbed, as they were by war. Today, they are considered not only a symbol of loss of life, but of recovery & new life. 🌺 . . Memorial Day is a day to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  Remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflect on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today.✨ . . Furthermore, we should think about how we can support and protect remaining veterans during this pandemic. ✨ . . On that note, I hope everyone celebrating today make responsible decisions and has a good time. Although some restrictions are lifted, the pandemic is not over ✨ . . Happy Memorial Day, y’all! 🌺 https://www.instagram.com/p/CAnqHhuHIdG18oy7GCLw0uXDLVlNo5nTMEj7nY0/?igshid=o8aaf30sr9t4

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Endangered Species Day- an opportunity for people to learn about endangered species, educate people on how they can be protected, and celebrate those animals that have already recovered due to conservation efforts 💫 . . Because of the pandemic, the celebrations/events/activities will be held online, available for all who are interested. I’ll post a link at the bottom ✨ . . Ways that you can take part from home: - Learn about endangered species in your area/ that you are interested in. ✨ - Choose sustainable products ✨ - Do not support the selling of items made from endangered species or that contribute to their endangerment✨ - Opt for native species when it comes to plants✨ - Minimize/ stop using herbicides & pesticides ✨ - Get involved in conservation efforts ✨ . . “Not everyone has a chance to volunteer their time to protect endangered species, but many people can do their part to help preserve biodiversity from their own homes by becoming more aware of their environment and the impacts of their actions.” . . https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Wildlife-Conservation/Endangered-Species/Endangered-Species-Day . . #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #conservationbiology #conservationist #naturalscience #environmentalscience #environmentalscientist #sustainability #livesustainably #sustainableliving #sustainabilityblog https://www.instagram.com/p/CANgehhD1iJ/?igshid=zy5xj1s4n3zz

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Mother Nature- the personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it, in the form of the mother 🍃 . . Mother Nature is intelligent in its designs: plants purify our air, trees shade us from harmful rays, winds carry seeds & pollen, vast ecosystems intertwined to give new life🍃 . . Everything humans have needed to survive, and thrive, was first provided by the natural world around us: food, water, medicine, materials for shelter, and even natural cycles such as climate and nutrients🍃 . . Yet we have so disconnected ourselves from the natural world that it is easy—and often convenient—to forget that nature remains as giving as ever, even as it vanishes bit-by-bit🍃 . . Today is as good a day as any to remind ourselves all that nature does for us 🙌🏼 I challenge you to go outside and think of one thing you are grateful to nature for 🍃 . . My favorite painting that I own- by @emilytaymanpaints @seeemtayplay 💚 #mothernature #environmentallyfriendly #environmentalscience #naturalworld #protectourplanet #motherearth #artistsofinsta #sustainability #livesustainably🍃 #earthdayeveryday https://www.instagram.com/p/CADJQonjhng/?igshid=awxr4nvrvtkj

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I forgot to post the recipe for the whipped rose body butter. So, if you’re interested, here goes nothing 💕🌷: . . . Start by filling up the glass jar you will be using with water. Pour the water into a measuring apparatus and note what the volume is 🌷 . . Pour the water into a pot & place the measuring cup (if glass) or jar into the water. The volume of the water you measured divided by 4 is considered “one part” 🌷 . . Add 2 parts of unrefined Shea butter to the jar, followed by 1 part coconut oil & 1 part jojoba oil 🌷 . . Heat the mixture until fully melted & add about a tbsp of rose oil ( more if you want a stronger scent) 🌷 . . Place the mixture into the fridge for about 30 minutes & remove. Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture until smooth & creamy 🌷 . . & that’s all folks. Probably the easiest lotion I’ve ever made! Feel free to ask any questions if you have them 🌷 . . #ecolifestyle #loveyourskin #environmentalsustainability #ecofriendly #skincare #diyskincare #sustainablelifestyle https://www.instagram.com/p/B_-hav_DHxC/?igshid=e85q71mpmxmk

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While I am a few days late, I wanted to congratulate the White Light Foundation on 5 incredible years! To date, @whitelightfoundation & @twiddlemusic have donated over 250,000 dollars to countless charities ✨💛 . . . . . WHF is a non-profit organization built upon a common bond of music & founded on the principles of love, community, charity and generosity! You can learn more at the website: https://whitelightfoundation.org/about ✨💛 . . . @ktirwinning @steve_perlah @bouchdr @edmund_edwards @jamflowmgmt ✨💛 . . . #whitelight #twiddlemusic #nonprofit #charity #makeachange #sustainabilitymatters #environmentalscience #positivechange #musicislife #helpingothers #helpingeachother https://www.instagram.com/p/B_47rt_D77c/?igshid=kmdiuwljd03k

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“An activist and environmentalist, Sabraw’s paintings, drawings and collaborative installations are produced in an eco conscious manner, and he continually works toward a fully sustainable practice. He collaborates with scientists on many projects, and one of his current collaborations involves creating paint and paintings from iron oxide extracted in the process of remediating polluted streams.” . . . Painting by John Sabraw✨💛 #sustainability #sustainableartistry #environmentalscience #ecology #natureartistry #natureaesthetic #sustainabilitymatters #environmentalist https://www.instagram.com/p/B_3aQlGDQmu/?igshid=1rhp5jnxmmdwa

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Spring is in full bloom and our wee friends need our help. 🐝 . . Honey bees are important because they pollinate flowers and food crops. They play a key role in producing many of the fruits and vegetables we eat every day. Beyond that, they pollinate trees and vegetation that serve as shelter for wildlife. ✨ . . . In fact, over 90% of plant species rely on pollinators to reproduce. 🐝 . . . Today, honey bee numbers are declining rapidly due to various factors including pesticides, monoculture farming and parasites. ✨ . . Visit the website below to see 10 ways you can help sustain & save the bees from home 🐝 . . . https://thehoneybeeconservancy.org/how-to-save-the-bees/ ✨ . . . #savethebees #environmentalscience #sustainability #pollinators🐝 #pollinatorfriendly #beconscious #environmentallyfriendly #naturelovers #gardeningtips #beefriendly https://www.instagram.com/p/B_2eYldDB-j/?igshid=1rh7boz1phwj9

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How Has COVID-19 Impacted the Environment: Part 1

It is a strange and terrifying time, with the infection rates of COVID-19 continuing to climb here in the states and quarantine measures being extended across the country. While there are plenty of useful resources to visualize the affect of the virus on humans, I have found myself wondering just how the virus has impacted the environment as well. 

As we, the people of this planet, have had to change our everyday patterns and behaviors, subtle changes within the environment have been occurring and are already being noticed by many! 

I first began looking into this upon seeing videos of the world famous Venice canals since the quarantine. The water was strikingly clear & officials explained that it is the clearest the canals have been in a very long time. Because of heavy boat traffic, the loose sediments of the canals would generally be dredged up, discoloring the waters. Without that boat traffic, the waters are indeed clearer but they are not necessarily CLEANER. 

They simply appear to be due to the lack of sediment disturbance since the COVID-19 precautions were launched. However, the benefits of this undisturbed and clear water have been significant. For one, the clear waters have attracted various forms of wildlife. Swans that used to call the waters home have returned, schools of fish flow through the canals, and even dolphins have been spotted! Nature seems to be reclaiming its spaces during this quarantine, and rightfully so. 

Meanwhile, in China, decreases in industrial and transportation activities have resulted in a measurable decrease of NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) in the lower atmosphere. NO2 is a gas released when we burn fuels in airplanes or cars. It is primarily released into the lower atmosphere (troposphere-the air we breathe) and reacts with other nearby chemicals, such as VOC’s our volatile organic compounds, to create Ozone (O3). Breathing this gas can trigger numerous health problems such as airway inflammation, chest pain, throat irritation and more. It can also reduce lung function & harm lung tissue.

Similarly, as key industries in China are operating on much lower levels during the quarantine, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions have been at least 25% lower compared to 2019! These numbers are solely encompassing pollutant changes in China, so just imagine the impact that quarantine measures are having WORLDWIDE!

It is early on in terms of understanding the impacts of the virus on the environment and more analyses will be necessary to figure out how exactly the weather and climate are being changed as the quarantine drags on. 

In fact, scientists are using information from NASA’s Earth-observing satellites, on-the-ground sensors and computer-based datasets in order to study the environmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic!

“NASA has a unique role to play in response to this crisis,” said John Haynes, NASA’s program manager for Health and Air Quality Applications. “As we continue to collect Earth-observing satellite data on a global scale, we can aid in the understanding of global changes resulting from the pandemic, as well as investigate potential environmental signals that may influence the spread of COVID-19.”

I will continue to post relevant research and information as it is released & look forward to part 2 of this COVID-19 and the Environment series. 

Until then, stay kind, stay strong, stay HOME, and stay sustainable <3

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The beginning of something beautiful I think.

For years, I have wanted to further explore and share the things that I have learned throughout the years in regards to environmental protection, conservation and sustainability.

I grew up on one of the most polluted watersheds within my country and witnessed firsthand the absolute destruction that can occur when the environment is not protected.

As an Environmentalist with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies & Chemistry, I’ve been fortunate enough to further study my passion and to be able to pass on the information & resources that I have to others.

I truly hope you enjoy what is to come. Hit the follow button if you’re interested :)

Until then,

Stay kind. Stay safe. STAY HOME & Stay Sustainable.