Hey friend,
As I sat down I didn't know where I wanted to go with this newsletter.
To be honest, the inside of my brain is like a cage of agitated butterflies — each one representing another layer of BS from the current administration.
I imagine you’re feeling the same way?
So let’s take a break. For our mental health.
My youngest is headed off to college which means I’m officially an empty nester — until summertime.
I’m sad, but excited.
I’ve watched my boys grow into people.
Fill out their personalities and become independent thinkers (despite having a raging liberal for a mom).
Obviously letting go is far from easy, but I’m excited to see where they land.
Weirdly enough I’m also grateful to have college-aged kids right now.
I’m excited to be on a college campus and see kids young adults as fired up about making the world a better place as I was.
We need to forget the rage-bate TikToks and content and remember: These kids are our future.
Small business owners, engineers, politicians, teachers, service members and more.
And remembering that has been something positive and hopeful I keep turning to as the 47th continues to play with fire and as this administration lies to our faces.
But you and me? We see it.
And the kids? They see it too.
Right now is a good time to remember the phrase: easy times make weak (hu)mens, hard times make strong (hu)mens.
We’re all scared for the future, but as long as we want one it’s ours to fight for.
p.s. shop a brand that does some good for the planet
june's sustainable superstars: Hila the Earth
I don’t know what your algorithm looks like but mine connected me with Hila the Earth a few years ago.
And holy smokes, what a breath of fresh air!
The climate space can be very scientific, uptight, and a little… male.
We’re often fighting with each other about proper terminology and what sustainable ‘really’ means instead of making it a fun accessible place where all are welcome.
That’s where Hila shines!
Hila Perry is an environmental activist, entertainer, and actor who has created the character Hila The Earth.
She wears a giant globe around the streets and performs as Planet Earth — rapping and entertaining about all the things you would totally expect: composting, soil health, tree canopies, vegetables and more.
Is it silly? 100%
Is it exactly what we need? 120%
Laughter, humor, and fun are how we connect. And Hila the Earth has absolutely nailed it.
How can you support?
- Support Hila on Patreon
- Shop Earth Merch (all 2nd/3rd hand clothes made by artist Corinne Loperfido)
- Watch the videos!
My favorite videos are:
june's blog: dorm aesthetics & sustainability can work together
This month’s blog is very on theme — what to pack for a sustainable dorm move in. It’s been a minute since I was in school so don’t worry, I didn’t write this. Our blog writer Grace just graduated from Loyola (congrats, Grace)!
She put together a beautiful blog about looking past the dorm ‘aesthetic’ and creating a sustainable environment within your control.
p.s. I’m obviously biased but ( r e )x hangers make great dorm additions because of how damn strong they are. With limited space in a dorm, our hangers were made for packing it on.
read on for eco-packing ideas!
june's earth eco matters
🥳 An Environmental Law Center Sued The Current Administration & Won: Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) sued the government on behalf of 13 nonprofits & six municipalities after the administration froze funding, dismantled agencies, and fired federal employees at an astounding rate. SELC rightfully claimed the orders were catastrophic for the economy, the environment, and people. A federal judge ruled the administration would restore $176 million in grants to the agencies involved.
💪 Gen Z is reshaping the workforce: As every generation before them, the Gen Z’ers bring a different set of values. If you work with a Gen Z I’m sure it’s frustrating, but remember how it was when you first entered the workforce. I think it’s a good thing that Gen Z is bringing work-life balance and mental health to the work place. They’ve done a great job showing that not everyone wants to make partner, some people want a good job they enjoy that allows them to take care of their family. Either way, the UK legal field is already beginning to adapt with flexible hours, on-hand mentorship, and more communication.
🌎 Mayors are taking on climate change: Cleveland’s mayor Justin Bibb is making changes based on people and planet. And he’s not alone! With cities unable to rely on the federal government for (consistent) climate action, mayors across the US are taking matters into their own hands. Fortunately when city members take control, they’re able to move faster than the government with a good set of what the people actually want: jobs, affordable living, and safety.
⚡ Gen Z runs for office: Deja Foxx is someone to keep an eye on. She’s 25 years old running for office in Arizona’s open 7th Congressional District and if elected, would be the first Gen Z women elected to Congress. I highly recommend watching her videos. She’s young but she’s tough and she’s tired of elected officials ignoring the needs of people.
📖Something different: Climate Fiction Short Stories: For four years, Grist has held a climate fiction content encouraging artists to submit short stories that allow us to imagine the future we want where climate solutions thrive. All 12 visions are available to read — this might be a better option than doom scrolling.
that's all folks - until next month 💚