This week, we had a long conversation with Elisabeth Dimitras, a passionate researcher, activist, and tiny house dweller who has dedicated her life to promoting sustainability and conscious living. After years of feeling out of place in urban settings, she made a bold decision to leave behind the city life in Athens and embrace a nomadic lifestyle that eventually led her to a tiny house on wheels in the stunning landscapes of Greece. Her journey began in 2018, inspired by the documentary “The Minimalists,” which introduced her to the joys of tiny house living and the concept of living off the grid. Elisabeth’s experiences as a volunteer animal caretaker and researcher have deeply influenced her commitment to vegan permaculture and sustainable practices, reflecting her desire to live in harmony with nature.
Elisabeth at her tiny house
Throughout her journey, Elisabeth has faced numerous challenges, from adjusting to rural life to navigating social isolation in a community that often doesn’t share her values. Yet, her resilience shines through as she continues to prioritize self-care, rest, and connection with like-minded individuals around the world. In this interview, she opens up about her transformative experiences, the lessons learned along the way, and her unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable future for herself and the planet. Join us as we explore Elisabeth’s inspiring story of courage, compassion, and conscious living.
Tell us about your journey to living in a tiny house on wheels, off the grid. What inspired you to make this lifestyle change?
Everything started in 2018 while I was living in a small house in a Greek mountainous village with just 4 inhabitants. One day I watched the documentary “The Minimalists” where I first heard about the concept of a Tiny House on wheels and it was so interesting to listen to the people who were living in Tiny Houses because they were saying how happier they have been since they started living as such in comparison to living in the city in big houses.
The off the grid idea is something that I can’t tell you when I first heard about it but I was thinking that either I would construct a cob house or a Tiny House on wheels and I would live off the grid for sustainability reasons but also because I don’t believe in the current system and I don’t want to be part of it or support it in anyway.
At the time (early 2018), I had just felt the urge to leave the city because I was feeling that I don’t belong in the city nor in the society. I grew up in a suburb of Athens but I had also lived a semester in Montpellier, France & a semester in Lesvos island – for my masters – and later on in Almere, Holland – when I worked voluntarily through the EVS Erasmus+ program as an animal caretaker at Stichting AAP.
In hindsight, I can tell that what happened to me when I left the city is that I started seeing it with new eyes and I considered it for the first time as a concrete jungle. The pollution started annoying me. Both noise pollution and air pollution – and imagine that I wasn’t even in the centre but in a green suburb. But still, it was an urban setting.
So, I booked an Airbnb in that remote location of NW Greece and started living as a hermit with my pets. I was trail running every day with my dogs and it was the first time in my life that I was living remotely and exploring the mountains, because up until then, I was mostly attracted to the sea and visiting coastal areas.
Imagine that, for my masters, I had to go and live in a similar setting in 2011 because I was doing a thesis on bears, wolves and other mammals (and their use of the crossing structures under and over the Egnatia Highway), but I wasn’t enjoying life in the village back then. So, I was collecting the data from the camera traps and then going back to Athens or visiting friends in other places while I was working on my thesis. Back then, I wanted to do my thesis on cetaceans but I couldn’t find a reliable organisation doing such work in order to include me in their research so it felt like a compromise what I did instead.
In 2011, I just wasn’t ready to face myself and spend time alone & isolated back then. Whereas in 2018, I was more than ready to do the inner work and I was feeling very tired from people and at the same time disappointed by them, after my volunteer involvement in the refugee crisis, because most people were there for the wrong reasons and were doing more harm than good, to the refugees who were coming in Europe for a better life.
Anyway, long story short, without having this intention, I ended up living a nomadic life. I changed 26 houses in 6 countries (but mostly in Greece and in Spain), during the period 2018-2021, always with my 2 dogs and 1 cat. During this time, I decided to sell my house in Athens and I wanted to buy with this money a piece of land somewhere where I would install a Tiny House or build a cob house, to do what I am now actually doing.
If only I knew how hard this is though… But when you dream, you never imagine the challenges that may emerge from making the dream come true… It’s always greener on the other side, don’t they say?
How has your background as a volunteer animal caretaker and researcher influenced your decision to live sustainably and focus on vegan permaculture?
I think that the reasons which led me to this decision are not really related to these experiences. I mean, obviously when you love animals and take care of them for years, you are a person who wants to live close to nature, but I think what made me take this path is mostly the desire to live as much sustainably as possible, because during my studies in France, I realized that humans are causing the biggest harm to the planet and to other animals. I didn’t want to be part of the problem, but part of the solution.
Being an animal caretaker of wild animals ended up being something I can no longer do because: A) You have to feed meat to most wild animals and B) Most rescued wild animals are captive and rarely can be reintroduced in nature so they live their whole lives in captivity and this doesn’t give me joy as it’s something less bad than their previous experience. As a result, I started volunteering in farm sanctuaries where I could see animals enjoying their inherent value without being exploited by anyone and at the same time, I wasn’t hoping for something better for them because this is the ideal for these animals.
Elisabeth with Misoy and Roady
However, I have come to understand that domesticated animals will always be dependent on humans which means that they will never be liberated. In addition, animal care consists of vaccinating, applying chemical products on the skin of the animals etc. All these products are most probably made after being tested on some animals. This is something that makes me feel that I no longer want to be part of it, so I think that if we purely love non-human animals, it’s better to live in a natural setting where we can enjoy random encounters with free wild animals, rather than being on a constant hands on “policy” with rescued animals. Otherwise, we are unwillingly supporting practices and products which otherwise we wouldn’t.
Being a researcher has made me get to know things that I wish I wouldn’t. For example, solar panels and their batteries are made after a lot of extraction. They are also contributing to unfair job conditions and to environmental destruction. So, am I indeed living more ethically nowadays or is it just what I am telling myself?
Your journey involves a significant shift from urban living to a more rural, off-grid lifestyle. What were some of the biggest adjustments you had to make, and how did you overcome them?
This went smoothly and slowly. When I first moved to that remote village, I had to start making bread myself because it wasn’t affordable to drive to the nearest city/town in order to get some whenever I needed! This made me realize how spoiled I had been in my life until that day.
Where I am now, I may be in a remote location but the village is 10’ drive by car and 20-30’ by bike so if I need something it’s not that hard to get.
However, being vegan & following a low waste lifestyle makes things a bit hard to get in rural Greece. Although I am grateful for the Mediterranean cuisine which is mostly inherently plant-based, there are no vegan restaurants nearby so if I ever want to enjoy a vegan meal, which wouldn’t be full with olive oil (typical with the traditional Greek plant-based dishes) I must drive 1.5 hours to go to Athens. Furthermore, because I only use cruelty-free detergents, soaps etc. I order from vegan/zero waste shops in Athens as well. Especially for detergents, all these years while I was living a nomadic life in places farther away than now, I had to go to Athens every six months in order to refill my detergents!
My highest priority is to stay aligned to my values and this comes at a cost because sadly all these products are still more expensive than what you can find in a typical supermarket (I rarely go to supermarkets though; I prefer the open market with local farmers and to support small shops). When I first left Athens, it was impossible to find toilet paper in paper packages for example, but now it’s not! Even in rural Greece I can find this. But not in the village nearby. It needs good programming for errands. Another hard part of living as such is socializing. Maybe this is the hardest.
I am surrounded by hunters, shepherds and people who live a life in a sense of “business as usual”. Also, there is a lot of animal abuse (mostly passive, dogs living their whole lives chained) and littering the environment. All this is painful to experience on a daily basis so I often feel that I want to migrate to a country where at least some of these things aren’t a daily routine. And eventually I will do it, at least in a way to live 6 months in Northern Europe and 6 months here, when the summer will become unbearable here.
Luckily though, where I came to live, 9 months later I met a wonderful man who is now my partner and we agree on everything. But we feel lonely in our values here. Being childfree by choice, having pledged flightfree while you are already vegan and ecologically conscious, makes you an alien here. I try to overcome this by joining zoom meetings with people around the world who are spiritually and value-wise in the same level as me, because I need to nourish my soul with such contacts.
Misoy and Melo outside the tiny house, February 2024
Finally, a big problem is vets. Vets nearby are not as competent as in Athens. And they are more expensive. This is something I can only adjust with. I try to do my own research though and help my pets with natural remedies instead (which again must be ordered so my carbon footprint is not as low as I would like it to be).
Another challenge is when it’s snowing. I get stuck here for 3-4 days until the snow melts. The first year it was OK, I was prepared. I try to stay informed by looking at the weather forecast. The 2nd year though, my younger dog got sick and I couldn’t take him to a vet nor go buy meds. Thankfully someone who lives in the capital of the island bought us the meds and my partner went to meet him to collect them, and then left his car on the asphalt and walked 1 km to bring the meds to me. The next day he came again to pick me up, take me to his place where I could shower because the water wasn’t coming to the house as the pipes were frozen! I was melting snow in a pan on the stove…to wash dishes, and I had to unplug the fridge, and let the stuff from the fridge outside where the temperature was like a fridge’s (because I deny having a generator as a plan B). This year it didn’t snow…
Living off the grid means you can’t have an ADSL internet connection so I couldn’t take on a shitty job that I found to do for some time, because things are tight lately, because they wanted me to have specifically this type of internet. My internet works just fine so I don’t understand why this is a rule for them but the result is that I am still unemployed.
How do you prioritize rest and self-care in your daily routine?
To sleep well and to take good care of my pets are my top priorities.
I lost so much sleep while at school and during university years but even more while I was involved in the refugee crisis, that I no longer allow this, since 2018. As a result, I sleep A LOT and without any guilt. I know now that rest is resistance – against the grind culture & capitalism, so I never use alarms, I don’t wear a watch and when I sleep, I have my phone on flight mode.
13 January 2023
I often uninstall Instagram (or even deactivate the account), I no longer use Facebook and I spend some days with my phone on flight mode during the whole day. The ideal would be to take days off from using the laptop as well, but this is not as easy when you are looking for a job to sustain ongoing emerging needs (what I am doing since I came here…with no luck) or when you have a health issue of an animal and you are looking for ways to help them…Also I need to use the laptop or my phone in order to listen to the music so this is something I would like to find other ways to do so. I don’t like my dependence on technology but I can’t live without music.
Another way is that I do yoga, specifically kundalini yoga. Some days I listen to mantras and chant all day long. Or I am listening to Chantress Seba , Malte Marten and other similar artists. Sound baths are so healing.
I also try to spend days hiking in some areas nearby, a forest bath or Shinrin-yoku as the Japanese say, is the ideal way for me to disconnect from the madness of the world and rest my mind.
Finally, I swim all year round. This is helping my nervous system very much. I prefer winter swimming though because sadly from May until September beaches start getting crowded and most people are noisy, they litter and they don’t respect the others around them…
I am blessed to live on an island where in a 40’ drive I can be in the Aegean Sea and in a 40’ drive towards the other side, there is Alpine scenery.
Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced and lessons you’ve learned on your journey towards conscious living and sustainability?
The most important lesson is that I will never achieve the ideal. I can’t be perfect. Especially as long as I am using a car which is necessary where I live at the moment, mostly because of my dogs.
I try to buy everything in bulk but some things we just can’t find in bulk. It’s Okay though. No one is perfect. I try to stop shaming me if I buy something that’s not fully aligned to my values.
In the past I wasn’t allowing myself to buy mushrooms if I couldn’t find them in bulk or I was never buying plant-based milk because of the package (recycling in Greece isn’t working effectively). I was trying to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle. It’s not possible though. Low waste is okay too.
Olive harvest
When I go to the supermarket to get the toilet paper in paper package that I mentioned, I see what other people buy and what is there on the shelves and I wonder “why do I put so much energy and effort in this lifestyle while others just keep living as always and buying meat, dairy, stuff in plastic etc.?” I feel hopeless at these moments.
So, I now allow myself sometimes to make mistakes while in the past I wasn’t doing so. Some examples:
I can get myself a drink in a single use paper cup if I have forgotten my reusable mug.
I can use silicone to cover gaps while I construct something.
I tried to make this Tiny House 100% vegan and eco but it wasn’t possible to find wood in Greece with FSC certification for example. I brought vegan paint from the U.K and wooden insulation from Romania but how about silicone rubber? It’s needed. And it’s not eco.
Tiny home 2023
My partner recently constructed a shed for me and we had to use 4 bottles of this awful product. I don’t feel well with this but there is no other way to keep it insulated so the rain won’t come in (we installed in the shed the inverter, charger and batteries of the solar panels which until now were exposed to heat, on the side of the Tiny house, so it’s very important that no water will ever come in).
Challenges arise all the time. When I decided to live off the grid, I wasn’t expecting temperatures of 45 degrees…I only put a fan on the ceiling. Now I am about to install an air conditioner even if I didn’t want to. But it’s necessary if I want to protect my dogs from a heat stroke. I try to allow myself these kinds of setbacks.
Holiday in Messinia
Last year, I was left with no water during the heatwaves – because apparently this is a possible scenario when you are dependent on rainwater… while I had to keep alive 60 pumpkins and a veggie garden along with many newly planted trees. It was 1.5 months of constant stress. We had to bring water from elsewhere, daily. My partner and I, daily were carrying 10 plastic packages filled with 12L of water each (we were refilling them, we didn’t buy them) to bring here and water the plants. Also, I paid two other people with barrels (can’t find the right word for this vehicle) to come and fill my tanks so I could have some water in the house…. This was a very unfortunate incident that made me think small this year. I only planted a very small veggie garden and I will be observing how things will go during this summer. This was the biggest challenge. And when we overcame it, depression, grief and anxiety came. But I worked through the trauma, and I still do, hoping to become stronger and more resilient.
In your experience, how has living in harmony with nature and practicing vegan permaculture enhanced your connection to the environment and the world around you?
Vegan permaculture is very hard to achieve. You must observe each plant and try to find ways to keep insects away, without harming them. One day someone recommended that I make a liquid with water, soap and garlic if I remember well, to keep the ants away from corn. But it killed them. I felt terrible. Another day, I was putting wood on the stove and hundreds of ants came out of a piece of wood that was on the stove…I just left it out and I felt relieved that I hadn’t put it in the fire.
First year’s veggie garden
Each time I have to cut the weeds with the bush-cutter I feel awful again.
I am not sure how someone with my level of empathy can achieve this lifestyle without a constant feeling of guilt.
These experiences made me wonder if I am indeed capable of keeping living like this.
Also, I can’t really enjoy the beauty of birds, snakes, turtles … .as I have been living with 2 dogs and a cat. My younger dog recently found a poor turtle and was behaving to her as if she was a ball… I actually went down to see which ball he was playing with as they were in the house but he was out. I felt so bad for the turtle. Thankfully she wasn’t hurt but imagine the stress she went through.
When I walk them, if I see a snake, I have to go away because if it’s a viper, it’s dangerous.
And last year my cat killed a small bird, which made me cry so much. In addition to the moles that she constantly hunts and I constantly try to stop her from doing so.
I want to provide water to the birds who I have attracted because through planting perennials and flowers, insects came which as a result attract birds – and I need to find a way to do it without my cat being able to harm them.
If we genuinely love nature and the other animals, it’s very hard to enjoy interaction with them – as long as we live with pets. And this is a very sad realization because I can’t imagine myself living without pets.
This has made me decide that I won’t adopt again, at least animal species who are omnivores and carnivores.
Because I want to be able to observe the animal kingdom without the constant fear of keeping my pets away as they are destructive towards other animals.
I still don’t know if I will achieve it though. Maybe if I start volunteering again, in sanctuaries and having this place as my safe refuge for time to rest between volunteer experiences? But how will I live here without my pets’ company? They are my extension and their passing is the only thing I can’t get ready for, nor can I imagine myself without them. They bring joy and love, on a daily basis.
In the past, I was saying that I will rescue some goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys…and they will be happy here. But if I do this, I will constantly have the fear of a viper coming and killing them, or of a fox doing so – and I can’t keep living in fear and anxiety. In addition to the fear of a wildfire…
I must make an important decision one day….
As the founder of Ethos & Empathy, could you tell us more about your organization’s mission and the initiatives you’re currently involved in?
Ethos & Empathy was founded in 2017, and the goal was to promote in Greece anti-speciesism, the zero-waste movement and the idea of fair trade. I was still in Athens when I started it, so some in person actions were arranged too, through it, but then I left to start living remotely.
At that time, I had people who I trusted to coordinate actions in Athens. In 2018 we did for the world day for the end of speciesism an action in many areas in Greece, giving out leaflets talking about speciesism and later on I coordinated with the help of some volunteers the most successful animal rights march that has ever taken place in Greece.
Later on, E & E took part in some actions & meetings with WWF Greece and Greenpeace, but we soon after stopped trying to cooperate with huge NGOs who clearly won’t ever embrace anti-speciesism and have such a hard time to talk openly against animal agriculture.
So, in combination with COVID19, me leaving for Spain and already working remotely for anti-speciesist NGOs, it eventually transformed to “just” an online platform, an encyclopaedia for whoever wants to start living more ethically. It has a vegan directory that helps many people, and lists with documentaries &films and books (under the column ‘useful links’) for whoever wants to get informed on matters related to animal rights. I try to keep these lists up to date.
So far, in the Greek version, more than 80 articles have been published translated in Greek by volunteers -to whom I feel very grateful- and some 20+ articles / essays have been written by me and other activists or scholars / academics.
In the beginning, I wanted to give it a legal form and I tried to gather 19 more people to make it an association but it was extremely hard to find as many people with whom I would agree on everything so I left it as an initiative without a legal form. Majority of these people were absorbed by vegan capitalism and are constantly flying around while I realized that capitalism is the root cause of most suffering so we couldn’t continue together. Ever since, I sadly haven’t met any other Greek people to fit in E & E and my mindset. I mostly can relate with foreigners, because I grew up surrounded by foreigners (my parents were bringing “au pair” from Australia, New Zealand, USA and France who were living with us during my childhood)
As you can probably imagine, this has made me a very unpopular person within the vegan community in Greece. Sadly, most vegan people are obsessed with packaged vegan products which are also not healthy, and they only talk about non-human animals and vegan products, vegan restaurants etc. They gather in vegan festivals and that’s it. You won’t hear many vegan people in Greece speaking about Palestine, Sudan or Congo. And they won’t give up on flying.
Also, I won’t forget how many vegans were celebrating a horrible accident that happened to a man (who by the way was an immigrant from Pakistan) in a slaughterhouse who was grinded in the machine that grinds chickens. I felt such repulsion when I read the comments of these vegan people. I don’t like to use the word ‘vegan’ to self-identify to be honest. I don’t hate humans. And especially humans who are forced to do horrible jobs because they don’t have any other choice. I acknowledge my privilege and I try to be mindful when I speak about this issue. In fact, I have 2 posts on the website, they are in English too, on how these people (who work in slaughterhouses and fishing boats) are victims as well.
Εthos & Empathy may have come to a full circle. Lately, I am more interested in talking about eco anxiety, eco grief, degrowth and slow living but for the first two, again, no one else is talking about them, here in Greece so I am not sure there is an actual audience out there to feel that it’s worth to put the effort into translating all that. Although I know that all these subjects can go under the umbrella of Ethos & Empathy, I don’t have the energy anymore to keep writing or to look for volunteer translators.
I burnt out and only realized it two years ago while speaking to a Chinese Traditional Medicine practitioner about my younger dog’s kidney condition and he pointed it out to me. Better say, I suffer from compassion fatigue so I try to take things really slowly ever since. I try to rest more, I try not to feel that I must save all stray animals that I encounter, and overall that I am not going to change the world. As a result, I haven’t written anything since last January.
Living off the grid and growing food needs a whole lot of energy so there is really not much time left to sit down and write…especially when life threatening situations keep happening, due to the climate breakdown.
I am currently taking an online FREE webinar called “Active Hope” which I recommend to whoever experiences eco anxiety & eco grief. It’s based on Joanna Macy’s book with the same name, Active Hope. I am thinking of a career change, probably to become a grief counselor specializing in pet loss and eco- grief.
Elisabeth with her cat Tsifki
Can you share some tips or resources for our readers who are interested in learning more about vegan permaculture, minimalism, and conscious living?
Having lost my mother in 2008 while I was just 22 and she was my only caregiver, made me have to face a whole load of (mostly unnecessary) stuff that she was collecting and left behind – this has been a great lesson in my life. I keep saying to people “Stop collecting stuff! Who is going to deal with them after you die?”. I managed to donate her 2000 books to a bookshop run by an ex-homeless man who now helps other homeless people by selling books. I donated a lot of stuff to NGOs for their bazaars but I had to also throw stuff at some point and it was with a heavy heart.
But I feel so much lighter since I only have a few things. We really don’t need a lot to be happy. On the contrary.
Where can our audience follow along with your journey and learn more about your work?
My personal Bluesky account, my Eco Spiritual IG account (former Ethos & Empathy IG account) and the Ethos & Empathy blog (the blog post from January 2023 tells a lot about my decision to live off the grid, grow food, how I turned into medicinal plants etc. and it also has many resources from books and podcasts that have influenced me lately).
This is part of a series where Green & Beyond Mag explores the stories and takes a peek at the lifestyles of incredible people like green entrepreneurs, innovators, climate advocates, activists, community leaders, and content creators, all around the world, who love the planet and are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
The fast pace of modern-day living can feel overwhelming at times, especially when combined with the constant overstimulation from smartphones. It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters when we’re caught up in the chaos. That’s where minimalism can make a difference. By clearing out the unnecessary clutter — both physical and mental — we create space for what’s truly important.
Keep reading to find out how you can embrace this approach and travel light through life.
1. Decide your why
In my life, every time I’ve started something new without much thought, I’ve often found myself losing interest or becoming dissatisfied over time. This is especially true for lifestyle changes. Becoming a minimalist requires a significant shift in perspective, and jumping into it without conviction won’t be effective.
So, before you decide to toss all your stuff out the window, consider why you want to do so. Is it to reduce stress, save money, or find more time for what‘s actually important? Perhaps it’s about reducing your environmental footprint or seeking a deeper sense of peace. Whatever your reasons, make sure they are compelling enough to keep you going in the long run.
Photo by Ann H
2. Asses your situation
Have you unconsciously accumulated stuff over the years? Are you an obsessive hoarder who could star in your own reality show? Or are you simply a shopaholic? First, you need to understand where you stand on a scale of 1 to 10 — 1 being manageable and 10 being a nightmare. Then, identify the reasons behind your shopping and hoarding habits.
The reason I gathered a lot of stuff over the years is that I’m an aesthete; I really enjoy beauty. So, every time I saw something remotely pretty, I would buy it, whether I needed it or not. It took me some time to realize that you can enjoy and appreciate beautiful things without needing to own them. Once I understood that, my shopping habits changed automatically.
Photo by Alan Retratos
3. Start small
Making a lifestyle change is not an easy task, so don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at once. Start with the smallest and easiest task to get into the groove, and then go with the flow. Maybe start with a single drawer, a closet, or even just your purse. Additionally, starting small allows you to test out what works for you.
4. Organize by category
Photo by Kampus Production
It’s important not only to declutter your belongings but also to have a designated place for everything. When your belongings have a specific home, it’s much easier to maintain order and avoid clutter from creeping back in. This is especially useful when life gets busy, as it allows you to quickly find what you need without rummaging through piles of stuff.
5. Discard duplicates
Having multiple copies of the same item might sound nice in theory, but it doesn’t make much sense in practice. For example, do you really need three spatulas or five pairs of scissors? When you come across duplicates, ask yourself how often you use the item and whether having multiples genuinely adds value to your life. If you find that you rarely use the extras, it’s time to let them go. Remember, if you ever truly need a replacement, you can always buy it later or borrow it from someone. Simplifying by discarding duplicates not only reduces physical clutter but also mental clutter, as you’ll have fewer things to manage and maintain.
6. Choose quality over quantity
Photo by Liza Summer
One of the fundamental principles of minimalism is choosing quality over quantity. Low-quality items increase waste because they constantly need to be upgraded or replaced. Investing in high-quality, durable items might cost more initially, but they tend to last longer and provide better value over time. This mindset also helps curb impulsive shopping habits. Instead of being tempted by sales or cheap products, focus on purchasing items that are well-made, ethically produced, and genuinely useful.
7. Clear your phone
Our phones have become extensions of ourselves, filled with apps, photos, messages, and other digital clutter. Just as you would declutter your home, it’s important to regularly clear out your phone. Start by deleting apps you no longer use, organizing your home screen, and unsubscribing from unnecessary notifications. Next, go through your photos and files, deleting duplicates and anything that no longer serves a purpose. Consider creating folders or albums to keep everything organized. A cluttered phone can be just as stressful as a cluttered home.
Many times, we end up accumulating excess — whether it’s things, relationships, or appointments — because of our inability to say “no.” If you truly want to simplify your life, this is a skill you’ll need to master.
80% off at a store you don’t really like? Say no. A weekend party with people who make you feel lousy? Say no. Another meeting added to your already hectic schedule? Say no, no, no.
Like everything in life, practice makes perfect. The sooner you start saying “no,” the better you’ll get at it.
9. Consume consciously
Consistency is key. Once you minimize the things in your life, make sure you can maintain that simplicity. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters with discount codes, avoid malls if you don’t need anything, and focus on high-quality, ethically produced items. If you’re a compulsive shopper, you’ll need to adopt better habits and be consistent with your actions. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself stuck in a constant cycle of purging and overconsumption.
Photo by cottonbro studio
10. Take on a challenge
Does the idea of embracing minimalism seem overwhelming? Try one (or more) of the following challenges to make it seem less scary and more fun!
Dress with 33 items or less for 3 months with Projects 333.
Get together with a friend and challenge each other to minimize stuff each day for a month with the Minimalism Game.
One of the biggest challenges in today’s world is the constant pressure to keep up with others. But the idea of “keeping up with the Joneses” is a never-ending cycle that only leads to dissatisfaction. There’s no need to feel like your life is lacking just because people around you (or on your social media feed) seem to have more, do more, or live better. You can never truly know what goes on in someone’s life.
Similarly, try not to compare yourself to fellow minimalists. There will always be a minimalist who owns only 20 pieces of clothing or someone who can fit all their belongings into a small suitcase. If that’s the life you want, great! But also remember that what works for someone else might not work for you. Minimalism is not a competition. It’s a way to build a life that is authentically yours.
If, in the end, the label of “minimalism” still doesn’t feel right, discard it and simplify your life without any labels.
We’re living in a world that’s always on. Phones buzzing, notifications popping up, and the constant pull to check what’s new online. It’s exhausting, right? While technology has its perks, it can also feel like a heavy weight on our shoulders. We’re so connected, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. That’s where a digital detox comes in.
Unplugging from the digital world isn’t just about taking a break from social media. It’s really about giving your mind a much-needed rest. Studies show that spending too much time on screens can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. But what if there was a way to hit the reset button and feel better? Let’s explore how disconnecting can recharge your mind and improve your overall well-being.
The Impact of Digital Overload
On a typical day, you wake up, grab your phone, and before you even get out of bed, you’re suddenly bombarded with emails, notifications, and news alerts. It’s like your brain is on overdrive from the moment you open your eyes. That constant buzz, beep, and ping can really mess with your head.
It’s clear that our digital habits are taking a toll on our mental health. It’s time to hit pause and figure out how to reclaim our peace of mind.
Benefits of Digital Detox
You already know it, being glued to your phone isn’t doing wonders for your mental health. It might be time to hit pause on your digital life. Trust me, unplugging isn’t just about taking a break from social media, it’s about supercharging your mind and life. Here’s how it can help make your life better:
Boost Your Brainpower
Let’s talk about focus. Constant notifications and endless scrolling can turn your brain into mush. Unplugging gives your mind a much-needed break. Without those distractions, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done. Plus, disconnecting can spark your creativity. Ever had your best ideas in the shower? That’s your brain working without interruptions.
Photo by Tara Winstead
Deepen Your Connections
Let’s be honest, scrolling through your phone isn’t the same as hanging out with friends and family. Unplugging helps you reconnect on a deeper level. Imagine having heart-to-heart conversations without the constant ping of notifications. Or trying new things together without capturing every moment on camera. It’s about creating memories, not just content.
Photo by Aline Viana Prado
Make Better Choices
Ever made a rash decision because you were scrolling mindlessly? Yeah, me too. Unplugging gives you time to think things through. You can weigh your options without the constant pressure of the digital world. Trust me, your future self will thank you for making thoughtful choices.
Level Up Your Career
Want to crush your career goals? Unplugging can help. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, focus on building skills, networking, or learning something new. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you’re not distracted.
Photo by Eberhard Grossgasteiger
Find Your Happy Place
Let’s be real, life can be stressful. Unplugging is like hitting the reset button. Whether it’s going for a hike, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a good book, disconnecting helps you recharge and find joy in the little things. Trust me, your mind and body will thank you.
So, are you ready to give it a shot?
How to Start a Digital Detox
Here’s how you can disconnect to be more productive and happy.
Create Your Cozy Space
Designate a tech-free zone in your home – a cozy corner, a whole room, the dining table or even a comfy chair. Stock it with things that bring you joy: books, plants, candles, whatever makes you feel relaxed. This is your escape hatch from the digital world.
Photo by Samson Katt
Digital Sabbath
Take a whole day (or night) off the grid each week. No phone, no email, no social media. Spend time in nature, connect with loved ones, or simply relax. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world.
Swap screen time for real-life adventures. Go for a walk, read a book, learn a new skill, or spend quality time with people you love. These activities aren’t just fun; they’re like mental vitamins.
Photo by Samson Katt
Know Your Numbers
Track how much time you spend on your devices. This isn’t about guilt; it’s about awareness. Once you see the numbers, you can set limits and make intentional choices.
Mindfulness Matters
Start doing meditation and yoga. They can help you calm your mind, reduce stress, and connect with your body. Plus, better sleep is a major bonus.
Photo by Spencer Selover
A Better Night-time Routine
At least an hour before going to sleep, leave your phone away from the bed. Seriously. Sleep is crucial for your mental and physical health. A phone-free sleep sanctuary is a game-changer.
Photo by Ron Lach
Start Small, Dream Big
Don’t try to quit cold turkey. Start by limiting screen time or creating tech-free zones. Celebrate small wins and be kind to yourself. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but progress.
Remember, the goal isn’t to completely eliminate technology from your life, but to find a healthier balance. Let’s reclaim our time and attention, one unplug at a time!
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
Unplugging isn’t always a walk in the park. You might feel bored, anxious, or like you’re missing out. It’s okay to feel these things! But don’t let them derail your detox. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
Find your why: Remind yourself why you started this detox. Is it to reduce stress, improve sleep, or boost creativity? Keep your goals in mind.
Embrace boredom: It might feel uncomfortable at first, but boredom can actually spark creativity. Try journaling, meditating, taking a walk, cooking delicious meals for yourself or getting back to an old hobby like painting or crafting.
Build a support system: Tell friends and family about your detox. They can help keep you accountable and offer encouragement.
Reward yourself: Set small goals and reward yourself when you reach them. It could be anything from a bubble bath to a new book.
Be patient: Digital detox is a journey, not a race. It takes time to adjust. Celebrate small wins and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Millions of people are trying to find a better balance with technology. You’ve got this!
So, are you ready to hit pause on the digital world? Unplugging might just be the secret to a happier, healthier you. By taking a break from constant notifications and endless scrolling, you can rediscover your focus, improve your mood, and strengthen your relationships.
Photo by Magdalena Krekels
Remember, it’s not about becoming a total tech hermit. It’s about finding a balance that works for you. Start small, be patient, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Your mind and body will thank you.
Remember wandering the beauty aisles, hypnotized by the fancy colors and promises of perfection in a bottle? Girl, same. But lately, for me, something shifted. Call it curiosity, call it a growing conscience, but I’ve started to see the hidden costs behind those glossy labels. Turns out, that radiant complexion might come with a hefty price tag for the planet. So, here I am, a few discoveries and learning curves deeper, convinced that this Sustainable Beauty thing isn’t just a trend. It’s a revolution waiting to happen. It’s about peeling back the layers of what we put on our bodies, understanding how it impacts the world, and demanding better.
Think about the ingredients – what’s lurking behind those fancy names? Production – is it ethical, sustainable? Packaging – is it just another drop in a mountain of plastic? It’s a rabbit hole, and I’m still exploring, but I’m not going alone. Come join me, on this journey to unmask the truth about beauty and explore the world of Sustainable Beauty.
But First, What Exactly is Sustainable beauty?
Photo by Cottonbro Studio
Hold on, before we dive headfirst into the world of cruelty-free mascara and refillable moisturizers, let’s clear the air. What exactly is this “sustainable beauty” that everyone’s talking about?
Well, think of it like this: it’s not just about swapping your usual products for “green” versions (although, kudos if you already have!). Sustainable beauty goes way deeper. It’s about making conscious choices throughout your beauty routine, from the ingredients you put on your skin to the impact those choices have on the planet and its people.
Here’s the breakdown:
Ingredients: Sustainable beauty products often prioritize natural, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. This means avoiding harmful chemicals, minimizing use of synthetics, and supporting responsible farming practices.
Photo by Victoria Emerson
Production: It’s not just about what’s in the product, but how it’s made. Sustainable brands aim to minimize their environmental footprint throughout the production process. This includes prioritizing practices that minimize water usage, reducing pollution, treating workers fairly, and using renewable energy.
Packaging: Gone are the days of mountains of plastic waste. Sustainable beauty embraces eco-friendly packaging, like recycled materials or refillable options like glass, bamboo, or compostable or other compostable options. Reducing and minimizing packaging is also encouraged.
Photo by Alesia Kozik
Overall Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste throughout the product life cycle is crucial. This includes encouraging product longevity, offering refills, and promoting proper recycling or composting of packaging.
Ethics: It’s about looking beyond the surface and supporting brands that prioritize fair trade, cruelty-free practices, and responsible sourcing.
Now, Here’s Why We NEED to Choose Sustainable Beauty
The reality is, our self-care, just like our every other small choice, ripples outwards, impacting not just our skin but the entire planet. While we’ve been recently hearing a lot of talk about Sustainable beauty, it isn’t really a trend; it’s a conscious shift, a way to rewrite the narrative of beauty with respect for the Earth and its inhabitants. It’s about delving deeper than the surface, understanding the ingredients we put on our bodies, how they’re made, and the impact those choices have on our environment and the lives of others.
Zahra Kihel, co-founder of clean makeup brand Zakiella says, “Sustainability in beauty is all about caring for ourselves and our planet. When we choose sustainable products, like those created by Zakiella, we’re selecting items made with clean and carefully examined ingredients, tracing back to more local, organic sources whenever possible.” She further adds:
“Choosing sustainable beauty products means moving beyond just clean ingredients — the focus becomes a commitment to health and ethics, for ourselves and our environment.”
– Zahra Kihel, Co-founder, Zakiella
For the Earth We Share:
Reducing pollution: Ditch the harsh chemicals and microplastics that pollute our waterways and harm precious ecosystems. Opting for sustainable products means less environmental damage, cleaner water, and a healthier planet for everyone.
Saving Our Resources: From plant-based ingredients to recycled packaging, sustainable beauty conserves precious resources like water and energy. Think of it as giving back to the Earth that nourishes us all.
Fighting Climate Change: Climate change is real, and the beauty industry plays its part. Sustainable practices like eco-friendly production and reduced carbon footprints help combat the issue, one lipstick tube at a time.
Photo by Cup of Couple
For Your Own Well-being:
Saying No to Harsh Chemicals and microplastics: No more worrying about hidden toxins, microplastics or harsh ingredients that irritate your skin and affect your health. We talked to Corinne Lefebvre, Co-founder of River Organics
“There has been a lot in the news lately about microplastics and how they have found them inside pregnant women’s placenta, and that they are clogging our arteries and to me this will fuel a wake up call. This isn’t just about being ‘sustainable’, this is a health crisis.”
Sustainable beauty prioritizes natural, gentle ingredients that nourish your skin and promote overall health.
Photo by Bennie Lukas Bester
Bye-Bye Allergies: Say goodbye to itchy rashes and red eyes! By avoiding harsh chemicals and opting for natural ingredients, you minimize the risk of allergic reactions and enjoy the beauty routine you deserve.
Feeling Good Inside and Out: Sustainable beauty isn’t just about the surface. It’s about understanding how what you put on your skin affects your overall well-being. Choosing natural ingredients and supporting ethical practices promotes holistic health from the inside out.
For a World We Care About:
Fairness for All: Sustainable beauty champions fair trade practices, ensuring workers behind the scenes are treated ethically and compensated fairly. Your choices empower communities and promote a more just world.
Supporting Your Community: Supporting local, sustainable brands keeps your dollars circulating within your community, fostering growth and opportunity for businesses around you.
Kindness to Animals: Cruelty-free practices mean no animals are harmed in the name of beauty. Choosing sustainable brands ensures your beauty routine aligns with your values and promotes animal welfare.
Photo by Pixabay
Kihel further added, “At Zakiella, we took a stance to refuse to use microplastic ingredients in our products and striving for minimalist formulations with maximum performance. We focus only on what’s necessary and eliminate elements like microplastics, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and more.”
“Sustainable beauty helps protect our wellbeing and the health of pollinators and wildlife, all while reducing waste and keeping our environment cleaner and safer.”
So, you’re ready to dive into sustainable beauty, but where to begin? Navigating the aisle of green labels and eco-friendly claims can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics. Fear not, beauty explorer! Let’s shed some light on these key aspects:
Demystifying the Certifications:
Those little logos on your products can offer clues, but they’re not foolproof. Here are some common ones and what they mean:
Leaping Bunny: This bunny guarantees no animal testing at any stage of production.
B Corp: This certification signifies the brand meets high standards for social and environmental responsibility.
USDA Organic: This label assures at least 95% organic ingredients in cosmetics.
Remember, certifications are just one piece of the puzzle. Research the brand’s overall practices to get the full picture.
Ingredient Transparency: Don’t Be Fooled by Greenwashing
Beware of brands boasting “natural” or “eco-friendly” without being transparent about their ingredients. Look for specific ingredient lists and avoid products with hidden nasties like parabens or sulfates. Research unfamiliar ingredients and prioritize brands that prioritize transparency and ethical sourcing.
Packaging and Waste Reduction: It’s Not Just About What’s Inside:
Sustainable beauty goes beyond the formula. Look for products with minimal or recycled packaging, and consider brands with refill programs to reduce waste. Opt for solid products like shampoo bars or reusable applicators whenever possible.
Photo by Valeria Boltneva
Brand Values and Practices: Dig Deeper for True Sustainability:
Don’t just rely on labels; research the brand’s philosophy and practices. Do they prioritize fair trade? Are they committed to minimizing their environmental footprint? Choose brands whose values align with yours, supporting those who are truly walking the talk.
Getting Started with Sustainable Beauty
Feeling a little overwhelmed? Fear not! Here are some tips to make it accessible and easy to integrate into your routine:
Knowledge is Power:
Do your research: Explore sustainable beauty websites, blogs, and social media communities to learn about brands, certifications, and practices. Follow sustainable beauty content creators like Besma Wahyeb, Habiba Abdulrahman, Summer Dean, Chloe Freed, Michelle Sabado, and platforms like Sustainable Beauty Coalition to stay updated on sustainable beauty practices and brands that you can trust.
Understand the labels: Decipher common certifications like Leaping Bunny and B Corp, but don’t rely solely on them. Dig deeper into brand transparency and practices. You can check out platforms like Environmental Working Group (EWG), Credo Beauty, B Lab to find sustainable brands.
Swap it out: Don’t feel pressured to overhaul your entire routine. Choose one product at a time, like your shampoo or moisturizer, and replace it with a sustainable option.
Prioritize based on needs: Consider your budget and skin concerns when making choices. For example, if you have sensitive skin, prioritize natural and gentle ingredients.
Be a Minimalist, Not a Maximalist:
Multi-purpose magic: Opt for products that serve multiple purposes, like a tinted moisturizer or a cleansing balm that doubles as a makeup remover.
Simplify your routine: Focus on essential steps like cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Less is often more!
Support the Changemakers:
Shop local, think global: Seek out small, sustainable brands committed to ethical practices and local sourcing. Apps like Yuka and Think Dirty can really help with identifying sustainable products when shopping.
Consider natural alternatives like coconut oil for makeup removal or apple cider vinegar as a toner. However, always research extensively and do patch tests before applying things to your face.
Be Earth-Conscious:
Recycle and dispose: Properly recycle or dispose of used products and packaging according to local guidelines. Every little bit counts!
Last but not the least, always remember not fall for eco-shaming, and focus on doing the best you can instead. Don’t forget to always celebrate your small changes and build on them slowly. Be kind to yourself.
Challenges and Considerations
Greenwashing: Be wary of misleading marketing claims. Look for certifications from independent bodies like Leaping Bunny or B Corp for verified sustainability practices.
Cost: Sustainable products can sometimes be more expensive due to responsible sourcing and ethical production. Consider investing in key items like moisturizer or sunscreen, and prioritizing quality over quantity.
Accessibility: Not everyone has equal access to sustainable beauty options due to cost and availability. Supporting local, small businesses and advocating for wider accessibility are crucial.
The Future of Sustainable Beauty
Here’s the thing: the future is sustainable, or there is none. Hence, the world of beauty is brimming with exciting developments, paving the way for a more ethical and eco-friendly future.
“I don’t see any other way to operate or run a company in 2024. If I’m going to put something out there, with my name on it then it is not going to be part of the larger problem, and hopefully it will help in some way. Whether we help people make a non-toxic ingredient switch, a sustainable switch or we can help in any other small way, then that is the only way I feel we can operate.”
Let’s peek into the crystal ball and see what’s brewing:
Innovation on the Horizon
Biotechnology: Lab-grown ingredients are emerging as an alternative to resource-intensive cultivation practices. Think plant-based squalane or collagen!
Solid beauty: Shampoo bars, deodorant sticks, and even toothpaste tablets are gaining traction, reducing plastic waste significantly. You can check out brands like Brixy.
Waterless formulations: These innovative products like the ones from Dew Mighty minimize water usage and transportation emissions, offering effective alternatives to traditional liquids.
Upcycled ingredients: Food waste like apple cores or coffee grounds are finding new life in beauty products, reducing waste and adding unique properties.
Refill and reuse systems: Brands are offering refillable containers and encouraging consumers to reuse packaging, minimizing single-use plastics.
We hope that people will continue to discover the beauty of sustainable cosmetics and realize that we don’t need to compromise ethics for performance. If companies are held to a higher standard and products with microplastics or excessive packaging are avoided, that could make a huge impact on protecting our earth and water sources.
At this point, it’s crystal clear that sustainability is not really a niche trend; it’s a tidal wave reshaping the industry. Major brands are embracing eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and circular economies. This shift is driven by a growing consumer demand for transparency and responsibility, and it’s creating a future where beauty and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
Your Voice Makes a Difference:
Remember, you are not just a consumer, but a powerful force for change! It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making conscious choices that feel good for us, our skin, and the planet we call home. Let’s get curious, get informed, and get talking about the beauty that lies beyond the hype. It’s time for a change, and it starts with us.
What is the superpower of any kind of art? It has the unique ability to touch our minds, our hearts in such a way that can be inexplicable in words but so powerful that it can help us understand the complex, and make us achieve the unimaginable. You might ask, how? This year at COP28, we had the first ever Entertainment + Culture Pavilion that is now here to help you understand the answer to that question. Why? Because it is illogical and impossible to act on something meaningful without understanding, and without actions, nothing can be achieved. Achieving a safe future free from the threat of the climate crisis is the answer to that “why”, precisely.
You still might be wondering about how entertainment + culture can play such a significant role, in such a significant mission. We talked to twelve incredible game-changers in their respective fields to try to understand it a bit more clearly.
The Transformative Power of Entertainment + Culture
If you try to go through a little bit of research, it won’t be tough for you to understand that we, all around the globe, are going through a climate crisis. It also won’t be too tough to notice that numerous individuals and organizations from every corner of the world are tirelessly working not just to address the crisis but to overcome it. But still, it is not enough, it does not feel like enough, it does not seem like enough. An authentic global revolution is needed to actually get the job done.
Such a revolution can only be possible when we all feel like playing our own roles effectively to make that happen. For that to happen, understanding the climate crisis from an empathetic point of view, not just from numbers and graphs and data, is needed. “Getting this conversation started from a more human perspective is extremely important because facts have come out, scientists have come out, but it’s just not sticking. An important side to this is the human side, and I think that’s something that we can all connect on,” said Thai-Swedish model, actress, singer Maria Poonlertlarp who was crowned Miss Universe Thailand in 2017, also reached top five of Miss Universe Beauty Pageant that year.
She further adds,
“We have all, in one way or another, been affected by climate change, some more than others. Clearly, some more than others. So it’s important to bring these conversations to the table, and I think once this starts happening, people may start understanding more, and that’s actually how policies will end up being changed as well.”
Every form of art surely has the ability to present this scientific reality from an empathetic perspective. The arena of entertainment + culture can not only make that real but also has the ability to help us act on that understanding from a positive mindset.
Renowned climate author, Anne Therese Gennari, known as the Climate Optimist, says,” I believe art in any form is incredibly impactful in inspiring climate action and nurturing a mindset of optimism, possibilities, and change. It’s easy to get stuck believing we must either fight the old or fight to keep the old, but what we really need right now is the courage to dream of something new. What would the world look like if we embraced change and decided to take action? What if we acted on climate change, not because we’re afraid of what might happen if we don’t, but because we’re excited to find out what will happen if we do?”
According to Frausto, “I see myself as a way-shower. Through my work, I strive to contribute to a shift in consciousness that leans toward a more balanced, harmonious, and compassionate world. In this moment in time, the climate crisis is the fight of our lives. My hope is that my art connects with people universally on a deep intuitive level.”
Every form of artist holds this power of art to bring the cultural shift that is necessary to secure the safe future that we all deserve. There are different roles to be played and different audiences to be reached and inspired, differently.
Singaporean artist Dorcas Tang Wen Yu who plays her unique role as an artist in this mission says, “I see my art less as telling people what to do, but as creating that space where they can engage with sustainability in a gentle, fun way. For example, getting kids to participate in painting a marine mural. Or create a fun adventure about composting from the perspective of little soil microbes to teach children about our relationship with the environment.”
Helping children to learn about our environment, the climate crisis, and meaningful climate actions is an effective and amazing way to shape cultures and ensure a positive cultural shift, because surely, today’s empathetic children are tomorrow’s conscious empathetic guardians of our planet.
Inspiring Individual Empowerment and Collective Changes through Entertainment + Culture
Artists are the stewards of change, they have the amazing ability to inspire people at an individual level. As we are going through the climate crisis, it is crucial for artists to play their role not only as entertainers but also as that kind of stewards. When millions of individuals, inspired at their own personal levels, start taking action, we get collective changes, and surely that is the kind of change that we all need now.
“All social movements have been strengthened by creatives. Artists help people to process events, to connect emotionally with information, and to feel motivated to stand up and act.”
Every kind of artist has the power to contribute to this much-needed revolution. In the words of Singaporean climate activist and artist Qiyun Woo,
”Art transforms minds and hearts, and plays a revolutionary role in helping society imagine and visualize the green and just future that we want – can work towards.”
Artists, who are doing their parts know exactly how important the job is. The powerful rapper on the mic for our planet, Hila Perry says beautifully, “Culture is community.”, and artists have the power to shape communities because through their artworks and performances, they can shape cultures, build communities, and bring changes.
One of the major cultural changes that is needed to overcome the climate crisis is to move away from the toxic culture of hyper-consumerism, convenience culture, and the culture of throwing away. Instead of glorifying these harmful cultures, artists have the power to do the opposite and drive people in the right direction. “My mission really is to make loving the earth and living on earth really trendy and cool,” said Perry. It surely is not an easy job to shift the narrative, but it is surely important to do so to shift the culture, and entertainment + culture can bring that shift.
“When we have an earth consciousness attached to us, basically then we can live more in alignment with our planet and have a more harmonious life with animals and plants,” Perry added to emphasize on the mission that artists need to pursue to inspire people culturally and bring the much needed meaningful change for us and for our planet.
“Everything that you do from your lyrics to your shows, your live shows, to your merch, to your statements, what you put out into the world – you’re influencing people. Your fans are looking to you to know what to wear, what to drink, what to eat, how to be, how to live. So when you model earth consciousness in your art, you’re basically giving a lot of other people permission to think that that’s cool.” said Hila Perry when we asked about what message she wanted to convey to other artists,” Go deep with what it means to be a human being on Earth and discover that also just for yourself.”, she added.
Deciphering the Climate Crisis through Entertainment + Culture
It’s not tough to assume that we get confused and feel lost when things like the climate crisis are described from a scientific point of view. We, the general people, understand that it’s important, but the tough narrative makes us move away from the curiosity of learning about it properly. This is a crucial spot where entertainment + culture can play as a medium between scientists and the general people. Through their art, artists can help us not only to understand critical scientific theories but also to figure out and take proper actions guided by those theories.
“Culture and entertainment contribute significantly to inspiring change. The key to making climate science more accessible is clear communication! Simplifying complex scientific findings can help connect scientists to the wider public. By helping the public understand important scientific concepts, we can help increase awareness on climate issues and inspire real change.”
British Actress and BBC New Creative Amelie Edwards agrees to this by saying, “We hear all the stuff from scientists, which is so, so useful, but it can be quite overwhelming and hard to unpack and really complicated as well. Whereas seeing a story unfold from a human perspective is often easier for people to connect with and therefore easier to take action and see how you can change things within your own life and in your own world.” Edwards added further by saying, ” I feel like the best way to contribute to a message is through displaying it in our work because otherwise no one’s ever going to see it and no one’s going to know it exists or talk about it. And I feel like having a conversation is often the start of being inspired to take action and to make changes.”
Artists through their specialties can reach millions of people, and the science behind the climate crisis is crucial for everyone to understand to take action, to ensure a safe future.
“We need those that feel the strongest to create, to make meaning of this messy time and to decipher it.”
– said artist Artist and the Director of Sarcophagus Project, Joelle Provost while sharing her perspective about the role that artists need to play to make the science of climate accessible for all.
She also added, “Artists play a critical role in the reimaging of a better future. Artists push society along, just as Kandinsky said. All of this is vital; the difficult topics presented through visual and performing arts, and the dreaming of a better future.”
There are already many artists all around the globe who are actually doing this job if you’re wondering whether artists are playing their roles in it or not. Qiyun Woo said, “As someone who combines climate science and art, I hope to inspire action by quelling the panic, and fear and providing the tools to get things done.” Brenna Quinlan is also someone who continuously tries to educate her audience about the climate crisis and give them ideas to take action through her artworks. When we asked her about the knack of her artworks, she said, “My particular passion has been in making abstract information more accessible, and in changing the narrative on climate change from one of doom and gloom to one of positivity.“
Art can surely be the most effective force in transforming culture in the right direction and bringing meaningful changes. Amelie Edwards reminds us that by mentioning, “I think in the eighties, there was a hole in the ozone layer. And in this country, there was a soap opera that had a conversation between two girls about hairspray just whilst they were getting ready; and they discussed the fact that the hairspray was creating this hole in the ozone layer and all contributing to it. And it was through that that obviously, people started to think, “Oh my gosh, we need to actually do something about this.” And then the government started to ban aerosols that were contributing to the hole. And when you remember that things like that have happened, you think, oh yeah, we really can do something about this with the stories that we tell. And it’s so important to tell stories.”
Optimism and Inspiration for Positive Change:
It is undeniable that climate change as a topic can be really depressing. It will surely not be very effective if entertainment + culture just brings up the narrative of doom and gloom. In fact it has a chance to backfire because no one can take effective actions while feeling scared or depressed.
So it is important for artists not just to make scientific information accessible to mass people through their arts, but also and more to instill hope in them and inspire them to take meaningful actions. “Climate optimism is a mindset that nurtures that curiosity. It’s not about sitting back and hoping for the best to happen but about sparking the inspiration and courage needed to let go of the old and build something new. We know what to do to reverse global warming. We have the science, the tools, and much of the technology. What we need now is our shared willingness to accept and embrace the changes needed for us to get there. Art in any form, may it be written, painted, or through music, has the ability to transport our minds to those new places. It helps us imagine new realities and spark a feeling of both joy and excitement.”, said author Anne Therese Gennari.
Artists like Hannah Tizedeswho is also the founder of the nonprofit The Cleanup Club agree with Gennari by saying,
“Art is an incredibly important part of creating change and the world we want to live in. Creativity has a way of connecting with people and right now, that’s what we need most. We need people to care, to come together, and to understand why raising their voices for a better planet matters. Art empowers people and because of that, art can help create positive change.”
Talented musician Inanna also believes in the power of creative expression to inspire positive changes. ” Our creative expressions have the power to transcend, to connect with people on a profound level, and spark durable change. As performers, we are entrusted with a unique platform to influence hearts and minds. In this crucial time for our planet, it is fundamental to recognize and embrace the profound impact we can have on the global conversation surrounding climate action. It’s time to recognize the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the role we play in shaping the narrative around environmental stewardship.”
However, it is understandable that artists might also find scientific theories tough to understand. It won’t surely be possible for them to educate others and inspire actions if they don’t get it properly. But it is surely not impossible, rather it can be fun.
Maria Poonlertlarp shares her perspective on this from her own experience. She said,” For those who don’t know much about it, who feel like it’s too big of a topic to chew or it’s too serious, I just want to say I totally understand. I just also want to say that there are so many sources out there where we can get to, where we can learn, whether it’s through documentaries or blogs or just joining groups.”
She further adds, “I want everyone to ask themselves first and foremost what they care about. What is it on this planet that they care about? Maybe it’s fashion, maybe it’s food, maybe it’s art, and then from there see, okay, that’s what you care about. Now, what are you good at? And then third, what organizations or what groups or communities are working on this? And once you start getting involved, it’s beautiful because you get to work on something that you’re already interested in, and you get to utilize something that you’re good at to contribute to fighting for our world.
So I think it’s possible to do something about it. It doesn’t have to be big. You just need to start. And once you start, you’re going to be connected to more and more people who are doing this. And from my own experience, I can just say that it feels great. And I would want all my other friends in the entertainment industry to feel this feeling as well.”
So it can surely be very empowering for artists too, to learn, get involved, and share the lesson with mass people, and drive them in the right direction with an optimistic mindset to build the future that we all dream of, that we all deserve, that is possible.
The Universal Language of Art
Now you might wonder, why do artists have to carry out this responsibility to educate and inspire others. If you take a minute to think properly, you will find out that the answer is not only easy but logical too. It is because art is surely a form of global language that has the power to connect us all.
Inanna acknowledges the power of art from her perspective as a musician by saying, “Music has a global reach, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. This universality provides an opportunity to create a shared understanding of environmental challenges and global solutions.“
She further adds, “Art is a potent catalyst for change. Through music, film, poetry, visual arts, and more, we can elevate the environmental conversation, raise awareness, inspire action on a global scale, and contribute to a collective cultural shift that is essential for addressing the challenges our planet faces.”
Brenna Quinlan adds her thoughts on this by saying,” Artists help people to process events, to connect emotionally with information, and to feel motivated to stand up and act.”, and they surely need to use their platforms to make the climate conversation mainstream.
Artists can undoubtedly go beyond their art to play their roles. To reflect on her thoughts on this, Hila Perry said, “It’s important to make sustainability the norm. When you see what artists are wearing, when you see the production, you’re thinking, what if everything they did was very sustainably minded? They would be influencing so many people and their whole production would actually be a message, or it would have this bigger impact beyond just the music and their dancing and all the things that they already give on top of that.”
By using the power of the global language of art, artists have the ability to reach every corner of our planet and inspire people. That can surely bring cultural changes, and changes in the policies and how we do business. It is important for artists to realise the power they have. Just like Maria Poonlertlarp realized it and said, “For me in the entertainment business, I think it’s mainly about the fact that I can use my platform and try to make it mainstream.“
All of us love our families, our friends, our surroundings, and ourselves – and our planet is the home that holds these that we care about dearly. We need to understand that we all can play our parts to overcome the climate crisis through entertainment + culture. Some of us might not feel like we have an artist inside of us but that surely does not mean we don’t enjoy arts, so what we can do at least is to listen to the artists and share their message with others. Those of us who know that there is an inner artist, we need to step up now, not only because that would be an incredible experience but also it would mean something to contribute to the movement that matters, and it can surely give us a calm feeling of peace too.
In the words of artist Joelle Provost, “My aim is to express this admiration for Planet A and humility in the process, via paint and text. If my work is able to impact just a few lives then I can sleep well at night.“
In the vibrant heart of Kenyan ingenuity, a groundbreaking event is set to unfold, promising a week that transcends the ordinary realms of fashion. Welcome to Eco Fashion Week Kenya, a transformative experience conceived by the visionary Belinda Smetana, founder of Sustainable Fashion and Travel. This event, in collaboration with Cleanup Kenya, is not just about runway glamour; it’s a holistic celebration of sustainability, inclusivity, and a profound commitment to healing our planet.
A Visionary’s Dream
Belinda Smetana, the luminary behind Sustainable Fashion and Travel, envisions more than a fashion week; she dreams of a collective journey toward conscious living. Her brainchild, Eco Fashion Week Kenya, is a testament to her commitment to creating a transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark on Kenya’s fashion landscape.
As Belinda puts it, “Our vision is to be the first-ever Fashion Week in the world that focuses more on cleaning up textile waste by creating inclusive intergenerational activities that every human who wears clothes can relate to.”
In a world where inclusivity often stops at diverse models on the runway, Eco Fashion Week Kenya takes a giant leap forward. For them, inclusivity extends beyond the glamour, encompassing intergenerational activities that involve everyone who wears clothes. This commitment to inclusivity goes hand in hand with their core belief that sustainable fashion should be for everyone, breaking traditional beauty standards both on and off the runway.
Belinda emphasizes, “We are not just working with fashion brands; we are including other industry leaders contributing to a better environment. Our transformative experience aims to inspire positive change, making sustainable fashion accessible to all.”
The journey begins at The Artisanal Gallery, Nairobi, with a press briefing and networking day. The venue, known for its unique concept store, sets the stage for what promises to be a fashion week like no other. The welcome drink from official wine sponsors Le Decanter and gifts by JUA add a touch of celebration and community spirit to the event.
As we step into this artistic space, Belinda’s words resonate, “We want to create a Fashion Week where the power of fashion is harnessed to leave a positive imprint on our society and the planet.”
The Artisanal Gallery, Nairobi
A Tapestry of Experiences
The week unfolds with diverse activities, each day bringing a new facet of sustainable fashion to the forefront. From eco-fashion workshops and the selection of winning pieces to mending, repair, and swap workshops, the event is a rich tapestry of experiences. The emphasis on education through seminars and discussions underlines a commitment to not just showcasing fashion but fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable living.
Julie Adhiambo, Founder and CEO of Duara Textiles, who is one of the featured designers of the Eco Fashion Week Kenya, adds her perspective, “Embracing Circular fashion systems including recycling and upcycling is crucial. Brands should embrace slow fashion, make quality apparel that will last for generations, and use sustainable and degradable materials.”
One of the highlights is the “JUST Fashion Day,” a challenge presented by the JUST Fashion team through the Eyes of the Artisanal Gallery, AfroWema, and Seeds & Stories. Delight Fashion and Design School students are tasked with creating one piece each with the theme “No New Clothes.” This bold initiative aims to combat textile waste by using existing clothes that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Belinda expresses her confidence, “We are challenging designers, especially the students, to make a difference. The winning piece will be showcased and auctioned, supporting upcoming designers. It’s about avoiding waste and overproduction, aligning with our commitment to a sustainable fashion future.”
This addition emphasizes the pivotal role of student designers, making their contributions integral to the ethos of Eco Fashion Week Kenya.
An Evening of High Fashion and Responsibility
As the week progresses, the event moves to Lions Eco Resort & Spa for a night fashion show. Designers will showcase collections made from used materials, emphasizing the theme of “No New Clothes.” The emphasis on not purchasing new clothes for the event aligns with the ethos of discouraging overconsumption.
The week culminates in a beach cleanup day in Malindi, symbolizing the event’s commitment to actively contribute to environmental well-being.
A Collective Effort – Partnerships and Venues
Eco Fashion Week Kenya is not a solitary endeavor. It’s a collaborative effort with Cleanup Kenya, Delight Tailoring Fashion & Design School, Fashion Takes Action, Trashion Kenya and many more. The choice of venues, from The Artisanal Gallery to Lions Eco Resort & Spa, adds a layer of uniqueness to each event, creating an immersive experience for participants.
As Belinda emphasizes, “We are uniting Style, Sustainability, and inclusivity while disrupting the ‘Normal’ Fashion Week.”
As Julie Adhiambo, Founder and CEO of Duara Textiles, puts it, “Circular economy – reusing, recycling, and creating new materials and products from already existing materials hence reducing waste.” Julie’s dedication to sustainable materials and practices echoes the broader message of Eco Fashion Week Kenya.
In a world inundated with fast fashion, Eco Fashion Week Kenya emerges as a beacon of conscious choices, a celebration of slow fashion that values quality over quantity. It’s a movement that goes beyond trends, embracing the well-being of the planet and its people above all else.
As we step into the future of sustainable fashion, events like Eco Fashion Week Kenya play a pivotal role. The rising consciousness on the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility is turning it into a norm rather than an exception. More brands are adopting circular fashion systems, becoming accountable and transparent in their product cycles.
Belinda envisions, “It will become the norm rather than the exception. More people will start embracing unique handcrafted artisanal products that are of high-quality finish.”
Embrace the Change
Eco Fashion Week Kenya is more than a fashion week; it’s a call to action. It challenges norms, encourages dialogue, and actively engages individuals in the journey toward sustainable living. Belinda Smetana’s vision extends beyond the glamour of the runway, aiming to weave a sustainable future, one thoughtful choice at a time.
As the fashion world gears up for this groundbreaking event, it’s not just about style; it’s about shaping a future where fashion and responsibility go hand in hand. So, mark your calendars for a week that promises not just runway spectacles but a transformative experience that resonates with the rhythm of a planet in need of healing.
Join the movement, embrace sustainability, and be a part of Eco Fashion Week Kenya – where fashion meets responsibility, and every choice makes a difference.
In the enchanting realm of eco-conscious visionaries, Melissa Tan shines as a captivating force, effortlessly intertwining her profound love for nature with a multifaceted career that spans the worlds of media and entertainment. In this exclusive encounter, we embark on a remarkable journey through Melissa’s extraordinary life story. We delve into her origins as a “Recycle Junkie,” a title earned in her youth, and explore her transformative experiences, including a remarkable Antarctic Expedition with the esteemed marine biologist, Dr. Sylvia Earle.
With a background in acting and a passion for storytelling, Melissa brilliantly articulates her mission to weave environmental advocacy into the very fabric of our daily lives. Join us in this compelling exploration of Melissa Tan‘s unique fusion of media influence and environmental passion, where she reveals her ingenious strategies for fostering sustainability within communities and inspires us to embrace a more aspirational, eco-conscious way of living.
During Dr. Sylvia Earle Antarctic Climate Expedition 2023
Melissa, as an environmentalist with a background in acting, could you share your journey and how you became deeply involved in both of these fields?
The story I often share traces back to my childhood. I grew up as a nature-loving kid, always concerned about animals and the environment. My affection for animals is closely tied to my love for nature because even as a young child, I grasped the concept that preserving habitats meant safeguarding the lives of these creatures. I did everything within my power to be eco-conscious. I recycled diligently and stayed updated on environmental news. It was always heart-wrenching to come across those hard-hitting headlines, yet it felt like I was just a kid, and all I could do was recycle. So, I earned the title of a “Recycle Junkie.”
Fast forward, as I grew up, I ventured into modeling, hosting, presenting, and producing. Working within the entertainment and fashion industries exposed me to intense consumerism. I, in a way, became part of the mass advertising machine, encouraging people to buy and consume more. Even as a fashion model, I would change in and out of 150 dresses in a single day. Over the years, I noticed that trends kept repeating, the items were essentially the same, and the quality continually declined. This process led to a certain desensitization towards material possessions.
Fashion Revolution Week 2022 at REXKL – Fashion Waste Installation
Simultaneously, due to my contracts, I found myself living out of a suitcase for a few years, which turned out to be incredibly liberating. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle almost happened by accident. When I stumbled upon the concept of zero-waste living, it ignited a spark within me. It brought back those childhood feelings of deep environmental concern. It made me realize that caring about the environment was so significant that what I had been doing all along, like recycling, was hardly enough. In fact, it was a flawed approach from the start. I began to question, “What do you mean I can prevent waste? What do you mean I can avoid harm? What do you mean I can opt-out entirely by redefining how I live my life?” My perspective underwent a profound transformation.
This was a revelation for me, as I wondered why I hadn’t seen it earlier. It took someone introducing me to the concept of zero-waste living for me to truly grasp its significance. It felt glaringly obvious, and I questioned why I hadn’t recognized it before. It became evident that people needed their eyes opened to these ideas. I stumbled into minimalism, and someone else opened my eyes to zero-waste living.
Gradually, by adopting these two perspectives on life, I managed to untangle myself from the clutches of consumerism and relentless marketing. This is how I found a way to fuse my passion for both fields. Now, knowing the aspirational allure of social media and the world of entertainment, and being a self-proclaimed clothes enthusiast, I thought, “What if we could make environmentalism more appealing? What if it became aspirational in its own right?” We need to dispel the myth that taking responsibility for the environment means missing out or shortchanging ourselves when, in reality, it’s quite the opposite. “Less is more.” Consuming less, owning less, and freeing ourselves from consumerism truly liberates us, providing greater freedom. That’s how I united these two worlds.
How do you leverage your career in the media and your commitment to environmental advocacy to make a significant impact?
Building on the previous question, it’s about using your platform to promote a more meaningful way of life and an alternative perspective. The reality is that most platforms, including social media, are often used for advertising. Much of the content we consume, even unbranded content, tends to glorify consumerism and a certain lifestyle.
However, we can utilize these same platforms to convey a different message. It’s about living a life with purpose and disconnecting from consumerism. I firmly believe that everyone possesses influence, regardless of their role – whether they’re business owners, employees, homemakers, or kids. It’s about illustrating to people the link between their actions in their own lives, offering new ideas, broadening their horizons, and highlighting opportunities. This process slowly fosters a unique perspective and intuition that enables them to identify these opportunities for themselves.
You recently participated in an Antarctic Expedition with Dr. Sylvia Earle. Could you share your insights from this experience and how it has impacted your environmental activism?
The Antarctic Expedition was profoundly transformative for me. As someone deeply connected to terrestrial environments like forests and jungles, this journey shifted my focus to the vital role of the ocean in preserving our planet’s health and climate. It was eye-opening to be surrounded by passionate ocean conservationists, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our world. It made me realize that the solutions aren’t limited to what we’re most familiar with.
Dr. Sylvia Earle Antarctic Climate Expedition 2023
The expedition reinforced the idea that it’s not about one-size-fits-all solutions. For example, many focus on planting trees as a carbon offset strategy, but this might not be the most effective approach. Ocean conservation, a part of the bigger picture, deserves more attention. While terrestrial conservation is vital, there’s already significant emphasis on it, and initiatives like reforestation and carbon offsets may not be the most efficient means of addressing climate change.
Preserving what’s already in existence is critical. Damage to the ocean, the primary climate buffer, is irreversible, unlike planting more trees. Another aspect I admired was Dr. Sylvia Earle‘s unwavering stance on ocean conservation and avoiding seafood consumption. It’s a firm, some might even say extreme, approach, leaving no room for half-measures.
She’s unapologetic about it, unlike many conversations that sugarcoat reality. Climate solutions require drastic actions, just like the shift to a plant-based lifestyle that rejects meat consumption. I appreciate the expedition’s imperfections, characterized by diverse perspectives and, at times, egos. It highlighted that even people passionate about the planet can have misalignments when working toward a common goal. Imperfections are natural, but they don’t hinder great people from achieving great things.
In the realm of climate solutions, we must understand that perfect answers rarely exist. Solutions are transitional, and constantly evolving. The Antarctic Expedition showed me that progress involves continuous improvement, even if the path is imperfect.
Dr. Sylvia Earle Antarctic Climate Expedition 2023
You’re actively involved in various environmental initiatives. Could you share more about these projects and how they align with your vision for a more sustainable future?
My focus is primarily on community engagement because I firmly believe that effective climate action begins at home. To create true advocates who can influence change within families, workplaces, and positions of power, it’s essential to instill a personal mindset shift. Many of my projects are designed to involve people in climate solutions and change their perspective on their relationship with the environment. These initiatives include talks, environmental festivals, climate reality discussions, workshops on zero-waste living, and urban reforestation activities with the Free Tree Society.
The common thread in all of these projects is placing people at the heart of climate action. By doing so, they can bring their determination and mindset to any role they hold or may move into. You never know who might attend a community event – it could be a student or even a high-ranking executive in a large corporation. Such individuals can profoundly influence their respective spheres with a clearer, more sustainable perspective, furthering the cause of environmental change.
As an actress and environmentalist, you clearly understand the power of storytelling in raising awareness about environmental issues. Could you share specific projects or campaigns where you’ve successfully combined storytelling and environmental advocacy?
It’s widely recognized that people connect best with stories that evoke human emotions. They need relatable narratives because statistics and facts often fail to engage. The climate crisis and environmental news can be overwhelmingly negative and frightening, causing many to turn away from these emotions.
It’s more comfortable to ignore these issues and focus on other aspects of life, creating a kind of sub-reality where we can find peace. To truly connect with people, we must find points of resonance and storytelling is the ideal tool. It allows us to relate environmental concerns to elements in people’s lives that matter to them.
Whether individuals live in cities or rural areas and interact with nature daily, they may not always perceive the connection between their lives and the environment. Reminding them of their shared humanity is essential, and storytelling is the most effective approach. In fact, storytelling is integral to all aspects of my work, making it an intrinsic part of every project and campaign.
As the country coordinator of Fashion Revolution Malaysia, how do you personally define and practice sustainable fashion?
I often provide training on this topic, drawing from my own journey in zero-waste living and minimalism. I frame it as seven distinct ways to build a zero-waste wardrobe, emphasizing that you rarely need to buy new clothing because the world already holds an abundance of garments. In fact, owning fewer items can strengthen your sense of style. Rather than relying on a credit card, you’ll discover that creativity becomes your primary tool in fashion.
Sustainable fashion isn’t about consuming more; it’s about understanding what suits you best and getting creative to achieve your desired looks without buying new items. This includes practices like swapping, second-hand shopping, borrowing, restyling, shopping within your own wardrobe, embracing capsule wardrobes, and exploring so-called sustainable fashion brands.
It’s essential to note that no fashion or product is entirely sustainable, although some brands demonstrate improved practices. Even so, consuming from these “sustainable” brands should be a last resort. I use myself as an example, considering my role as a public figure who often needs to look good. I’m in entertainment, and I have a visible presence in various spaces. My aim is to show people that looking great without buying new clothing is entirely achievable. I encourage individuals to challenge themselves and set boundaries around their approach to fashion, as boundaries can be a source of inspiration, leading to more sustainable choices rather than opting for the quick fix of swiping a credit card.
Melissa, how do you incorporate sustainability into your daily life?
I lead a zero-waste lifestyle, which means I generate minimal waste. I’m committed to not purchasing new items. Moreover, I utilize my platform and my voice to influence the people around me by simply being myself. My actions and choices serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the possibilities of sustainable living.
What’s your perspective on climate optimism as an artist and environmentalist?
Dr. Sylvia Earle Antarctic Climate Expedition 2023
Climate optimism is a personal struggle for me, and I believe many environmentalists share this challenge. When you’re deeply involved in environmental causes, you’re constantly bombarded with grim news and stories of environmental issues. We often find ourselves immersed in discussions about negative events, which can be disheartening. The reality is that, as climate advocates and storytellers, we’re exposed to a constant stream of distressing information.
For those of us in this field, we have to work diligently to foster and maintain climate optimism. We have to find new and engaging ways to convey our message, even though it can feel like we’re saying the same thing over and over. Sometimes it’s frustrating because the change seems slow. We’re exposed to the often daunting reality of climate issues more than the general public, which can lead to climate anxiety and pessimism.
We are acutely aware of the complexities involved in shifting our course toward a more sustainable future. We understand the many layers of change required, and it can feel disheartening when we don’t see all the pieces coming together as we’d like. Unlike some who may be encouraged by surface-level green messaging, we know there’s more to the story.
To address this, we must cultivate our own climate optimism. Without it, we risk burnout and can’t contribute effectively. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals and engaging in inspiring projects keeps our spirits high. Achieving positive results from our efforts feeds our souls and sustains our motivation. Despite the challenges and the world’s ongoing struggles, the sense of fulfillment from our work keeps us moving forward.
What’s your favorite Malaysian food, and does climate change affect it?
I have to say Durian is one of my favorite Malaysian foods. However, the love for Durian, not just mine but globally, is leading to deforestation and monoculture. I’ve witnessed fields being cleared to make way for durian plantations. This beloved Malaysian fruit is contributing to climate change while also being influenced by climate change in the near future.
Regarding the specific impact of climate change on durian plantations, I’m not entirely sure at the moment. What’s clear is that its cultivation is contributing to deforestation, which is a significant environmental concern.
Being a Malaysian, tell us about a practice(s) in your culture that is actually very sustainable and good for the planet.
In Fashion Revolution Malaysia, we created a series of documentaries during Fashion Revolution Week that highlighted sustainable practices in fashion rooted in our culture but often forgotten. One notable practice is the tradition of mending and reusing our clothes, especially when it comes to making festive wear for celebrations like New Year, Hari Raya, and Chinese New Year. In the past, our mothers’ generation would have one set of clothing made new each year, often crafted by our grandmothers. These garments were treasured, passed down, and cherished for generations. While this practice isn’t unique to Malaysia, it reflects a mindset from a couple of generations ago that valued sustainability, which is sadly less common today.
Another sustainable tradition, although not as prevalent as before, is the use of tiffin carriers for food deliveries. Families would order weekday meals, and the food delivery person would transport the food in tiffin carriers containing two to three dishes. After delivering the food, they would collect the previous day’s tiffin carriers and exchange them. This practice is more common among those in landed houses because they could hang the tiffin carriers above their post boxes for easy exchange. While it’s less common now, it’s a practice we should strive to bring back and make more widespread, especially as it’s being replaced by less sustainable food delivery and takeaway options.
In your journey as an environmentalist, what are some of the major challenges you have faced, and how have you overcome them?
One of the major challenges I encountered on my journey as an environmentalist was dealing with climate anxiety and climate doomism. For a period, I grappled with these feelings, and it became challenging to stay motivated and continue my advocacy work. It often felt like a tremendous task to keep showing up. To overcome this, I realized the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals and immersing myself in spaces where I could draw energy and enthusiasm from others who shared my passion. Being with people who believed just as strongly as I did helped me rekindle my own motivation.
It’s crucial for those of us who are champions of sustainability and change to remember that in mainstream society, we often stand as beacons, and we might be the only person within our social circles or workplaces who are deeply committed to reshaping processes and systems. When we constantly encounter resistance to change, science, and our messaging, we must take the time to return to spaces that replenish our souls. This renewal allows us to continue facing the broader world and work on pulling others in the same direction we’re heading.
So when you constantly face resistance to change and science and your messaging, you need to then continuously put yourself back into spaces to feed your soul again.
Are there any specific moments or accomplishments that stand out to you?
Clothes Swap – DDY01743 – Photo by Dedy Andrianto
There have been several moments and accomplishments on my journey, although I can’t recall all of them at this moment. One standout experience was the opportunity to visit Antarctica. Initially, it seemed like an unattainable dream because I didn’t have the means to make such a journey. However, two years later, I took a chance and entered a competition. I presented myself to individuals who recognized my potential to convey their message, and I was selected.
This experience was incredibly validating for me. A lot of the work we do, both you and I, often happens behind the scenes and goes unnoticed. Yet, it can be emotionally taxing and challenging. For us to consistently operate behind the scenes, it takes a significant emotional toll. So, it was truly heartening to have our peers and those we admire acknowledge and appreciate our efforts.
What advice would you give to individuals who want to make a positive impact but are unsure of where to start?
My advice for individuals who want to make a positive impact but are unsure of where to start is this: Remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just take that first step. Begin by doing something small, and then let your curiosity guide you. Explore various paths and continuously find ways to use your voice, your influence, the space you occupy, and your daily decisions to instigate change in the culture around you.
Even if it seems like a minor change, every time you make a conscious choice, you are not only transforming yourself, but you’re also becoming a role model for those around you. People notice your passion and your ability to make a difference. They will start turning to you, seeking your insights and solutions. As a result, new opportunities will naturally open up. The next time someone says, “This could be improved,” they might say, “You’re the right person to ask about this.”
Absolutely, I admire Carolyn Lau, the current president of the Free Tree Society in Kuala Lumpur. Carolyn is a true inspiration. She’s a naturalist and landscape architect with a deep connection to the forest. Even in her late 50s, her enthusiasm for her work is boundless. Whether she’s talking about the trees in our urban forests or conducting workshops, her genuine passion for sharing her love of the natural world and educating others is infectious. What impresses me most about Carolyn is her character. She demonstrates that it’s not just the big actions that matter; it’s also how a person shows up in small and large roles. When I look at Carolyn, I see someone I aspire to be when I’m 59, still carrying that same fire, unwavering passion, and unbridled joy for the environment. She’s dedicated to bringing people along on the journey to nurture their love for our planet.
This is part of a series where Green & Beyond Mag explores the stories and takes a peek at the lifestyles of incredible people like green entrepreneurs, innovators, climate advocates, activists, community leaders, and content creators, all around the world, who love the planet and are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
Adding to a cart is one of the most fulfilling clicks in most of our lives. Especially when there is a 70% off sale on Shein, and with Black Friday coming up in a few short weeks, fashion brands like H&M and Zara will be sure to give the people what they want – clearance sales, and major discounts. The holiday season means new outfits to buy, and matching family sweaters to seek out – clothes have always been such a primal part of the celebration, but also everyday life.
But how often do we really stop to think before clicking “Add to Cart?” Serious questions like – how is this brand offering such a huge percentage off for the holiday season and still making profits? If they are not making profits, then why are they running their business? If they are making profits even after those significant discounts, how cheap are these clothes? What is the secret behind such low prices of these clothes – are the materials used in these clothes cheap or low-quality? If these materials are below quality, how long will we be able to use them – is it a good investment? What will happen to these clothes made from low-quality materials after we won’t be able to use them anymore? If the materials are not low-quality, then how come the prices are so cheap? If you are someone who thinks these are serious or at least interesting questions to be asked, then you are in the right place. It’s time to learn about fast fashion before clicking “Add to Cart” this holiday season. So, buckle up and brace yourself.
What is fast fashion?
Fast fashion is a phenomenon that has been noticed over the past 30 years, one that spread globally and quickly. According to the UN, fast fashion is a business model “of quick turnover, high volume, and cheap prices.” It is basically where fashion brands – to keep up with current trends and styles – mass produce their items at a low manufacturing cost to supply high demand. Fast fashion has been a booming industry since the late 1900s and the early 2000s, and these retailers include Zara, H&M, and Shein.
What customers usually notice is that clothing items in fast fashion brands are relatively cheap, with a magnitude of vast options.
Why does fast fashion exist?
Shopping for clothes was once considered an event. This means that people would save up throughout the year and purchase new clothes at specific times. Style-conscious people would be well aware of the latest trends and designs through the fashion shows that showcased clothing pieces months before they were available in stores. People were used to shopping for clothes once or twice per year, in the regard that it was an occasion.
However, in the late 1900s, that began to change. Shopping quickly changed into a form of entertainment and leisure, which consequently meant that people bought clothes more often, at a higher pace. This was what set off the concept of fast fashion – retailers could mass-produce clothing pieces at low prices, which made consumers feel they were up to date with the latest trends in real time. Fast fashion items were never made with the intention of lasting multiple years or wears – its goal was to manufacture cost-effective clothing directly satisfying the shifting demands of the consumer.
The fashion industry is one of the largest working industries globally, with a value of 2.5 trillion dollars, providing employment for over 75 million people worldwide, as stated by UNECE. In theory, and from pure definition, fast fashion sounds harmless – a company is mass-producing clothes, for a cheaper price, which people can afford. If anything, this can be seen as a strategy that grants people easier access to clothes due to their affordable price. However, the consequences of fast fashion are ones that aren’t easy to notice, but hard to ignore. Fast fashion directly contributes to waste colonialism and exploitive labor practices – which consumers are unaware of during their purchases.
How does fast fashion negatively affect the environment?
Alright, so what about clothes during the holiday season? According to USA Facts, clothing, and accessory retailers have the highest jumps in sales during the holiday season. Statista found that in 2022 47% of Gen Z purchased new fashion items for themselves to wear on Christmas, while Millennials were at an astounding 50%. This shows that there is a high intent for purchase and paired with the high discounts available in fast-fashion brands, it explains why people tend to buy more new clothes during the holiday season. Since fast fashion utilizes low-quality fabrics, that means the clothes purchased during the holiday season would have a life span of only a few months – and when that life span is over, people do what they always do when something has served its purpose – they throw it away.
Fast fashion relies on a business model that depends on “recurring consumption and impulse buying, instilling a sense of urgency when purchasing.” This business model has clearly succeeded, with global consumption rising to 62 million tons of apparel per year, and by 2030, it is expected to reach 102 million tons.
Fast Fashion’s Global Impact
The Ellen Macarthur Foundation – a UNEP partner – estimates that a truckload of abandoned textiles is discharged into landfills or incinerated every second. This is why it is estimated that people are buying 60% more clothes and wearing them for half as long. According to The Business Insider, 85% of all textiles go to dumps every year. The textiles in landfills have the capacity to contaminate soil. Countries such as Uganda, with high rates of agriculture and farmers, export contaminated food and resources to other countries. This can lead to major health risks and dangers, alongside negative side effects to animals and plants in their ecosystems.
This means that fast fashion contributes directly to waste colonialism. Most fast fashion exports are from developing countries across Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Cambodia etc. This means that the Global South is not only the one with the highest production of fast fashion but is also the one that suffers its consequences the most after it gets thrown out. The BBC reported in 2022 that more than half of the clothes imported to Chile end up in the Atacama Desert. On Jamestown Beach, located in Accra – Ghana’s capital – you must walk between mountains of shoes, pants, and tattered t-shirts. These used textiles come from Western countries and Asia to be dumped and dealt with in Ghana.
At the fishing port of Accra, the Ghanaian capital, on February 19, 2023. The beach is littered with used clothes from industrialized countries that arrive there every week. JEAN-FRANÇOIS FORT / HANS LUCAS
These discharged textiles contribute to microplastics found in the water, which can then affect marine food chains – which means that the Ghanaian people eat contaminated fish. Discharged textiles are often brought into the Global South without warning, leaving them to deal with methods to get rid of these clothes. Because the quality is so low, merchandisers can’t even sell discharged textiles – therefore, it is another burden of waste that they are responsible for getting rid of, or facing the consequences it brings – most of the time, it is both.
Fast Fashion and Climate Change
Besides the littering and waste of fast fashion, it directly affects global warming. Producing clothes requires natural resources, which emit greenhouse gases. According to the UN, the fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global emissions, surpassing aviation and shipping industries combined. The World Bank suggests that global clothing sales are to increase to 65% by 2030. A higher percentage in global sales indicates more discharged textiles to deal with – putting even more pressure on the Global South to manage the waste provided by the Global North.
Consumer Awareness
Some may argue that the average consumer isn’t aware of the negative connotations that come with fast fashion. According to Nayab Sohail, a Pakistani Slow Fashion ambassador, consumers must be educated about the issues fast fashion causes. Once consumers are educated on the link between fast fashion and climate change, that would allow for a change in their approach towards fast fashion. Merlina Carolina, the Global Creative Lead of the Slow Fashion Movement and founder of Slow Fashion El Salvador, believes that the average consumer is “so caught up in routine and system that they probably don’t have the energy to question or consciously think about how the environment works.”
Others argue that consumers are aware – to a small degree – of the link between fast fashion and the environment. Grace Kemp, another ambassador of the Slow Fashion Movement, believes that a “majority of people” are aware of the impact fast fashion has on the environment. Kemp claims that because of the sudden uprise of “green” campaigns in recent years, this must correlate to the level of awareness existing amongst consumers.
How can you reduce your fashion footprint?
Kemp mentioned how people might be aware of the negative link between fast fashion and the environment; however, they feel as though “it is too big for them to be able to do anything, so they carry on.” The typical solution to fast fashion has always been slow fashion. But slow fashion brands are usually expensive – the biggest disadvantage that fast fashion solves.
Even then, there are solutions to fast fashion that don’t necessarily have to break the bank. Karen James Welton, a slow fashion stylist, advises to wear what you own. Purchasing clothing pieces for the sake of a current, temporary trend usually means it won’t be worn again. Welton also advises shopping vintage and second-hand. Swapping clothes with your family members and friends, or borrowing clothes isn’t shameful in any way – it is a direct solution to make sure you aren’t buying too many clothes. Kristīne Čeirāne, an ambassador’s coordinator of the Slow Fashion Movement, says, “The most sustainable wardrobe is the one people already have. Look after your clothes and wear them for as long as you can. The greenest purchase is the one you didn’t make.” Welton also recommends that for new purchases, you save up for investment pieces that you will be able to wear for years. Timeless, classic pieces that will always look good regardless of the current trend going around.
A Joint Effort for a Sustainable Future
The solution to fast fashion isn’t reserved for individual consumers only. The UN initiated the #ActNow Fashion Challenge, which aims to show individuals and industries how to improve the environmental impact that fashion leaves. Limiting and decreasing the carbon footprint that the fashion industry leaves is a key factor in reducing global warming, which is why NGOs have pointed out fast fashion’s harmful business model. Greenpeace and other groups have urged the sector to slow down the trend of mass-producing clothes that are thrown away so quickly. In COP-27 in Egypt, the fashion sector did promise a net-zero carbon footprint, but giant clothing retailers still struggle to manage their own emissions, considering the high demand for fast fashion now.
It is essential that there is a joint effort – between the consumer and the industry – to work towards a less wasteful, more sustainable style of fashion. Looking good and trendy shouldn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. There is work towards sustainable fashion, and as long as there is work, there is always a way.
The holiday season doesn’t need to be ugly for everybody. You can still look wonderful in the clothes you have – maybe styling it differently will give it a new look! Remember the consequences of clicking “Add to Cart” from a fast fashion brand – no one should spend their holiday season struggling through mountains of discharged clothes for the sake of fashion.
In the heart of New York City, where the concrete jungle meets the green revolution, two visionaries are teaming up to catalyze a corporate sustainability movement. Anne Therese Gennari, renowned as ‘The Climate Optimist,’ and Monica Richards, the dynamic ‘Ecobabe,’ have embarked on a mission to redefine corporate responsibility through their innovative Counts in Climate workshop. This transformative initiative is poised to equip companies with the tools, mindset, and passion required to make sustainability a core part of their ethos.
As we journey through this exclusive interview, we uncover the extraordinary stories of Anne and Monica, delve deep into the ‘Counts in Climate’ workshop, and explore the profound impact of climate optimism. Join us in this unique narrative as we witness how these two exceptional individuals are igniting a sustainability revolution, one company at a time.
Monica Richards & Anne Therese Gennari
Anne, you are surely an all-rounder when it comes to sustainable living, climate optimism, and action. Could you please tell us your backstory? From where did it all start?
Anne: I wish I could tell you this one moment when it all began for me but honestly, I think I’ve been dedicated to work for the planet my whole life. Thinking back at my childhood I remember days spent outdoors and I learned early on how to respect and care for nature. However, I do have what I call my “climate optimist awakening” which I also talk about in my book. I was in my early twenties and had so far tried to change the world, so to speak, from a place of anger and despair. I thought that if only I could make other people as angry and concerned as I was, surely they would join me in wanting to make a change.
Anne Therese Gennari
But when I found myself on the floor of my parent’s guest room, crying over a silly conversation with my brother at the dinner table and feeling like no one in the world but I cared, I had my awakening. What came to me was that I was doing it all wrong and that if I wanted to truly have an impact on the world, I needed to change my ways moving forward. I received my mission as a climate optimist that night and what followed was a decade of understanding just what living life as a climate optimist means.
Monica, as a media personality who is also an environmentalist, could you tell us your backstory? How did you become passionate about both fields?
Monica: I became passionate about environmentalism before I knew it had even been termed, as I was raised on a small farm in South West Michigan. There, my chores included collecting chicken eggs, tending to our gardens and fruit trees, and caring for our animals. From a very young age, I experienced how humankind is nature. And that pillar of life has always stayed by my side. I’m blessed in that my upbringing funded Earth as my biggest interest, investment, and asset. It’s the thread of everything I do in life!
Photo Credit: Jean Richards (Mother of Monica Richard)
Media-wise, I also started modeling at a young age, which developed comfort and a love for being in front of the camera. After graduating in interior design and working in the UK and LA, I pivoted and returned to media as a TV Host, starting with hosting classes and then, reporting on red carpets, press junkets, and for an online news show. From there, I tucked back into my roots and founded Ecobabe, a lifestyle brand that marries environmentalism and media together to make sustainable living second nature with credence that what we do matters.
Anne, you are known as ‘The Climate Optimist’. Could you please tell us in your own words what Climate Optimism means to you and why we all need to be climate optimists?
Anne: Absolutely! And this right here is what it took me all those years to figure out. In the beginning, I thought that if I could only ignore the negative climate news and focus passionately on the few but very inspiring pieces of good news out there, I could lead with light and invite others to join in on this journey. But then, in a couple of years, I experienced climate anxiety more intensely than I ever had before, I knew something wasn’t quite right.
What I learned was that the body is always paying attention and even if you try to close your eyes or look the other way, your subconscious is picking up the clues and storing it for another day. Then one day when you least expect it, those feelings of anxiety and fear will come crashing down, and completely unguarded, you find yourself breaking apart.
I broke apart many times during those early days as a climate optimist and I started to feel more and more like a fake, like this mission of mine was built on dreams and wishful thinking. But then Paul Hawken’s Drawdown was released and for the first time, there was real scientific evidence that what I wanted to believe so badly – that we can reverse global warming – was possible! It reignited me to keep trying but I also understood that relying on this outside source of reassurance wasn’t sustainable, not in a world that’s filled with so much doom. So I began the work of figuring out what a grounded and sustainable life as a climate optimist would look like and I learned pretty quickly that it starts with you. To be and remain an optimist, you must create that optimism for yourself, but in doing so you not only fuel your optimism engine, you are what is making a better world possible.
My book, The Climate Optimist Handbook, is a guide on how to become that resilient change maker and the book I wish I had alongside me all those years. I hope to help people build emotional resilience and recognize the greatness of the times we’re living through. We are the change and to fully recognize that is an incredibly beautiful thing!
The climate optimist handbook
Shifting gears, Monica, let’s talk about climate optimism. How do you define climate optimism?
Monica: Climate Optimism is to view climate change – and act – from a place of opportunity and hope, not responsibility and fear. Hopefully, Anne will be proud of my answer. *smiles*
Monica, how do you integrate your career in media and environmental advocacy to create an impact?
Monica: For me, TV and media hosting is a form of education and I sincerely love raising awareness in this way! My favorite job in the world is using my voice to spread the truth. So, I consistently used my skills – talking – to create environmental advocacy. In fact, I’ve recently launched the Ecobabe 101 series: a weekly video where I share my key tips and tricks for taking the gray areas out of sustainable living. I also believe the way we communicate sustainability goals, climate, and social equality is essential to making a collective difference. So, I’ve really worked hard to be able to choose my words wisely from a neutral place that bridges extreme viewpoints while translating them from scientific jargon to language we all (including me!) can understand. I believe that’s how we can most efficiently activate people to start making a difference on their own. Because once you’re informed, you’re empowered. And once you’re empowered, you want to take action. And luckily, my host training has really supported this side of my environmental advocacy.
Photo Credit: Better Earth Solar
We are so used to learning about terrible news related to climate change and nature, almost every day. It seems like the mainstream media either focuses on climate change as ‘just another weather update’ or does not focus on it at all. Most people either tend to avoid such updates or they tend to give in to climate doomism.
So, Anne, what do you think is needed to shift our focus from these to become climate optimists?
Anne: I couldn’t agree more and that right here is what the problem stems from. It’s how we talk about climate change and more specifically – what we leave out. If people keep learning how climate change is affecting our world but the article lacks to offer ways that they can get involved, or at least deliver examples of solutions already on their way, a feeling of overwhelm will seep in. As a reader and individual, you should be aware of this so that you can intentionally limit your negative intake (no you don’t have to read every climate article) while also making sure you actively seek out positive news too. Furthermore, find ways to get involved in climate action in an area that interests and ignites you. Participating in the change is the foundation of being a climate optimist.
Anne Therese Gennari
When it comes to the media outlets I think they need to become aware of how big of a part they actually play in our chances of getting this right. They may think they’re innocently covering the “truth,” but the truth is that they are constantly comparing data and seeing what kind of headlines get the most clicks. And sadly enough, doomsday messaging will always win the prize! Ironically enough, consuming negative news releases dopamine, hence making us “addicted” to a negative news cycle. But I believe that we can play the click-bait game and also weave in some empowering optimism. This kind of grounded optimism, as I like to call it, leads with sharing some alarming facts but then makes sure to also include ways of how we can make it better. It’s time the media starts using their power to ignite people, instead of just alarming and overwhelming them.
Monica, can you tell us a bit about why you felt the need to start the journey of purpose-driven entrepreneurship?
Monica: Throughout my journey from living off country land to adjusting to bright city lights, I’ve seen a huge gap in society’s connection with nature and with one another. I am certain that bridging this gap is the passe-partout (the master key) to unlocking climate change solutions. So, I established my North Star: to connect people with nature, and with one another, to support the healing of our Earth and all who reside here. From hosting opportunities and consulting projects to ecobabe products and brand collaborations, I always follow my North Star – to help support in bridging that gap.
Throughout your journey what are some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered and how have you overcome them to continue advocating for climate optimism and sustainable change?
Anne: Oh, there are so many… But what comes to me right now is the constant challenge in believing that I can make a difference, that what I’m doing is enough, and that we do have a chance at actually getting this right. As mentioned earlier, your optimism will quickly fall flat unless you actively work to keep it alive but it can be hard to keep showing up for that work if you don’t think it actually matters.
That is why I’ve developed some guidelines that I come back to on those more difficult days and I share them all in my book. I have reminders of why our individual actions matter (they mean anxiety, building character, shifting norms and culture, and planting seeds) as well as how to think about this “work” as a journey that we’re traveling together. When viewed this way, it’s easier to accept the hard days as well as the times when we need to slow down and take a break. I keep reminding myself that this movement is only as sustainable as we are and that we’re not alone in this work. Finding community and sticking to what I believe is possible, no matter how silly and impossible it may seem at the moment, is what fuels my optimism and keeps me going.
Monica: It’s important to remember the high level of evolution to which one’s brand and oneself can be capable. And to be honest, I’m still sorting out which of my services will stick. One of my biggest challenges is my creativity. I’m an IDEAS girl. So, focus and refinement have been monumental in my evolution, both as an individual and a brand. I do this by going into inner space; a place where I am quiet and still and can ask myself where I truly want to focus, what will most resonate with my community, and what will bring the most joy. By refining with this lens, it allows you to keep evolving, flowing, and letting go of old ideas, services, and stories that will no longer serve you.
Because I’m a solopreneur of sorts, time is a constant challenge for me. There are so many tasks and projects I’d love to get done in a day, to make the most impact as possible. But oftentimes, all those to-do’s aren’t possible at all. So, I’ve become a pro at priority! Where I once would complete the tasks most inspiring to me that day, I now dive into what must be completed first. Sounds like common sense, but if you’re creative, you surely know the struggle! I also received the best productivity advice I’ve ever been given by a dear friend in LA: complete one non-work related task per day. Whether that’s laundry, food prep, paying bills, getting a massage, etc… this ‘one extra’ method keeps your life more organized and your person feeling more productive overall!
Last but not least, I’ve experienced massive intensity in the climate space. The intensity is essential, but the delivery can oftentimes be more harmful than not. I am challenged with these extremes constantly, where I have good days and can brush it off and where I have bad days and call Anne! I’ve handled these intensities, where blaming, shaming and separations lie, in two ways:
1) I know that every person and every idea counts in climate. We need everyone on board, no matter how they choose to advocate or activate. We need union! Therefore, I stay true to myself, and to my truth, and to how I choose to advocate, no matter what anyone else says. I choose to remain fiercely loyal to myself. And it definitely helps to align with a friend where you both truly listen and support one another.
And 2) I stay in the ascension attitudes of praise, hope, gratitude, love, and trust. When you adjust your perspective to arrive from these attitudes, your reality will instantly change. From that new reality, I’m able to stay grounded, happy, and humble and can therefore create a long-lasting impact. I highly recommend you try it!
Let’s discuss your collaboration on the Counts in Climate corporate workshop. What motivated you to develop this workshop together?
Photo Credit: Starky Morillo
Anne: Monica and I have both been hosting workshops on sustainability and climate optimism for a while and we decided that it would be so fun and empowering to merge the two and start pitching something together. We’ve also been hosting workshops mainly online and this one we aim to do in person as much as we can. We believe there to be a great deal of untapped potential when it comes to enacting positive climate change inside companies. When you ignite their employees to not only believe something can be done from within the company but actually create a culture that encourages creativity and excitement, we believe that BIG stuff can be made. And let’s face it, companies “run” the world today and we DO need them. Imagine the impact when we activate those companies from within and make them powerful climate forces to be reckoned with!
Monica: When we heard that 50% of employees are currently considering quitting their jobs due to a lack of alignment with their values (data by Kite Insights), Anne and I sprung into action! We had been hosting corporate workshops on climate optimism and sustainable living separately and knew we could make a deeper impact by joining forces. So that’s what we did!
Approximately 70% of the total emission reductions needed to avoid dangerous climate change lie in the hands of government, utilities, and businesses (data by Drawdown Labs). Our Counts in Climate Workshop integrates climate into company culture by teaching climate optimism and sustainable living to every business’s greatest asset – their employees! We aim to shift the overall mindset and yield purpose and agency in climate from within, no matter where a company stands on the sustainability spectrum. Can you imagine the possibility for positive change throughout a company’s processes, products, and output if its employees are educated, inspired, and activated in climate? It’s for this reason, as mentioned above, that every job counts in climate. And we’re here to prove it.
While the Counts in Climate corporate workshop is only available for businesses in New York City, such a valuable workshop is really needed for businesses from all around our planet. Do you have any plans to make that happen in the future?
Monica: You have read our minds! We would be over the moon to take our workshop on the road, as long as the travel method and stays are as sustainable as possible!
What advice would you give to individuals who want to make a positive impact but are unsure of where to start?
Anne: I always say this – start by slowing down. Yes, we need to activate and accelerate right now and do all we can (as fast as we can) to make a shift to a sustainable and net-zero or net-positive future. However, we can only make that reality come true if we act from a place of clarity and intentionality. That requires slowing down so that we can create space in our busy minds to reflect and think again. It’ll take a lot of courage to change our way of thinking – about life, society, the world – and that courage can only grow if we take a moment to just breathe.
So start there. Find ways to implement a bit more slow time in your day, if that means taking yourself to a park bench for 20 minutes to just jot some thoughts on a piece of paper. Dare to be still! And then, ask yourself: what is one thing I can do right now? One simple switch in my daily routine that would allow me to live with a smaller (negative) footprint? After you pick one, choose to go about that mission with passion. Fuel excitement into what you do and recognize that by adopting this new habit and mindset, you’re part of fueling the revolution! (And if you want tips and mindset tools of how to continue on that empowering journey, I guess I have to plug my book…)
Anne Therese Gennari
Should you struggle with picking something to get going with, I’ll give you composting as an example. To me, it’s one of the most rewarding climate actions and a simple way of significantly reducing your carbon footprint while at the same time increasing your positive footprint. By composting, you not only remove greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere but you also enrich the soil, hence enabling it to grow better foods, hold more water, and sequester more carbon. A win in so many ways!
Monica: The vastness of sustainability is one of the most difficult parts of this movement, as everything we touch (literally!) is connected to climate. Every single action we take as humans has an output that affects our planet. But vastness is also the best part; because this gives you the opportunity to pick your passion. Meaning, pick what you’re most interested in (think fashion, animals, beauty, food, oceans, etc.) and start there. Start making eco swaps, research bit by bit, and follow educators on social media, share this information organically with your community, sign petitions, and call Congress to request support for bills, and start integrating this part – your passion! – of sustainability in your daily life. You’ll be surprised by how much wisdom you acquire and how much impact you can make when you start from a perspective of focus, just like this.
Now, if you’d like to make a positive impact specifically throughout the home, go from micro to macro. Begin inside the home and make eco swaps room by room, not starting the next room until you’ve mastered the first. Then, graduate to bigger pieces of sustainable living like rainwater collection, composting, green energy, cleaner transportation, community tree planting, and so on and so forth. By integrating sustainable living on a micro-to-macro scale, overwhelm is avoided and the process is filled with attainability, longevity, and fun!
Photo Credit: Robyn Lindemann
Do you have an idol?
Monica: My lifelong idol is Dr. Jane Goodall. I studied Biological Anthropology in college and all I really wanted to do was work with the Great Apes. I admire her for her bravery in taking risks, for educating while advocating, and for communicating climate impact and animal empathy in a way that everyone can comprehend.
Anne: I have a few. But the one that comes to mind right now is Dr. Jane Goodall!
What’s your mantra for life?
Anne: Keep your room in your heart for the unimaginable. You never know what’s waiting around the corner…
Monica: When you connect, you care. When you care, you help. So get outside and tap in! X
This is a part of a series where Green & Beyond Mag explores the stories and takes a peek at the lifestyles of incredible people like green entrepreneurs, innovators, climate advocates, activists, community leaders, and content creators, all around the world, who love the planet, and are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
So how would you like to define “addiction”? We all know that there are several proper definitions of it according to study fields like medical science, psychology, and many more. Yet, I’m asking you to define it because I believe it’s important to define such things by ourselves. Because before defining it by yourself, you will take some time to think about it – how you feel about it, and I think that is what’s really important. Of course, I am not telling you to ignore the proper dentitions provided by the experts – we will definitely take those definitions and studies into account as we move forward.
To me “addiction” is a habit that one does not have control over. The starting of it may be simple or fun, but as time passes the habit does not stay as simple as it was in the beginning. It becomes so complicated that overcoming it needs a really powerful force. Along with it, I think the habit of “addiction” harms the one who is addicted, it also may harm the ones close to that person, and it surely has detrimental environmental, social, economic, and health aspects.
How real is Fast Fashion Addiction?
Let’s think about a narcotic substance that surely causes addiction. Let’s consider cocaine for the sake of the discussion. The first experience of cocaine for someone mostly starts due to simple reasons like curiosity, fun, or the fact that everyone else is doing it – the enjoyment really feels worthwhile. But as the habit grows, the person who started it due to simpler reasons gets into a solid web. Parties and hangouts become less fun if there’s no cocaine. Friends who have the connections to supply become closer friends. Numbers of drug dealers get saved in the phone books. Money starts to vanish. Health starts to go bad. Family and good friends start to get worried. To maintain the supply of cocaine “The War on Drugs” continues to fail, people get tortured, enslaved, and killed.
Now you might ask – “Seriously? You are comparing my shopping habit to something so harmful?”. My answer would be – “Yes! But I don’t have anything against you. I am simply trying to paint a picture for both of us to understand this more clearly.”
From what I understand, following fast fashion or following new trends is fun at the beginning – because it’s simple to follow trends ( no need to think much about our own point of view of style ). It’s also something that almost everyone is doing around you – so it’s easier to join that team. It’s super available. It’s cheap – because the industry that’s producing it is surely using cheap materials to produce those, not providing proper wages to the real producers of those items in the best-case scenarios because, in the worst-case scenarios, we still hear about modern-day slavery of the garment workers.
Now let’s talk about the detrimental effects of it. To keep up with the trends – to hang out with those friends, to join those parties; you need to keep buying the latest trends. Just like the drug dealers on speed dial, you have all the apps that you need to keep ordering new ones – otherwise, you will be the one who will feel like an outcast at the next party. Now to keep buying those, you need a constant flow of money and if you don’t have that – well they will be sold to you for credit, you will prioritise that over your basic needs.
Now let’s think about the social effects. By seeing you following the trends, your friends will be more intrigued to follow those too. I am saying “more” because the industry through its amazing marketing and advertising has fruitfully convinced us that – it’s important, it’s fun, and it’s the only way to stay relevant. So, when you’re someone who’s following those, you’re doing free marketing for the industry too – your friend who is being inspired to do so by seeing you (along with the advertisements and seeing others) and probably considering it more important than basic needs too, just like you.
If you think about the environmental effects of it – it gets more serious. To keep the price low, the industry seeks cheap materials. Those materials don’t last, but you won’t be wearing them after a few times eventually, so it doesn’t matter! So for those cheap materials, the industry turns to detrimental environmental practices of production which ensures bountiful materials at a cheap rate, and for that toxic chemicals are used. When those toxic chemicals get released into our water and air and soil, all of those get polluted – it affects our food production, puts our water security at threat, makes us inhale toxins harmful to our bodies. The process through its pollution affects all the other species too. Not to mention, to bring that product to your doorstep a huge amount of fuel is burned – the cost of which is way more than what you’ve paid for.
The health concerns now! I’ve already said how the production process can affect our environment. How tough it is to understand that what’s bad for the soil, the water, the air, and for other species – is harmful for us too? By wearing those things we let our bodies be in direct connection to those harmful materials.
Now let’s paint the picture for real
Let’s see how addiction is defined by the experts. According to the website of the NHS – “Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.”, it is also mentioned that while addiction is mostly associated with drugs, gambling, alcohol, and smoking; it is also possible to become addicted to things like shopping, internet or even work.
This is what the American Psychiatric Association says about addiction – “Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.”
So according to these definitions, we can surely say that:
“Not having control over” – is a major factor of addiction.
It is a complex condition.
It is possible to become addicted to shopping.
Despite harmful consequences, addiction goes on.
Can’t we all relate it to what I have said earlier about the addiction to fast fashion?
Let’s get inside the brain to understand fast fashion addiction
The whole idea of “addiction” is very complex, and what I have found out is – that there are many reasons behind the addiction to fast fashion too.
One of the most common things is something called FOMO (fear of missing out), but I guess you all know about it. This is what the European Union says about FOMO – “FOMO is an overwhelming fear that other people at any given time are participating in exciting experiences in which you are not part of”. Social media plays an important part in spreading this, and fast fashion brands are using it perfectly. They are constantly offering discounts that do not last long, showing photos of clothes that celebrities are using and claiming that the stock of those clothes is limited, and constantly releasing new designs to make you feel that you have missed the last trend and this new one won’t last long too; so you need to grab it right now!
Shopping can be addictive, and fast fashion brands know it well. According to a study by a team of researchers from Stanford, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon – the pleasure center of the brain gets activated when a person comes across something that she/he/they wants to buy. The more the person wants the item, the more the pleasure center in the brain gets active, and when the item can be purchased at a cheaper rate, the brain gives the maximum sense of pleasure.
Now fast fashion brands produce about 52 micro-seasons in a year or one new collection a week! Just think about, every week how many clothes they are putting on display for you to see and desire. The cheaper the clothes, the more people desire them, the more people purchase them, and the more you see them on social media ( because people like to show what they bought, that they are keeping up with the trends, and the brands encourage everyone to keep posting photos and videos of their clothes that people bought and tag the brands in those contents; that’s what “fashion hauls” are ), and the more you desire to own them too. The crazy part is, that this cycle goes on every week, and the fashion industry keeps feeding this loop in our brains which creates an effect something very similar to addiction.
To keep this cycle of consumption alive a culture of mindless consumption and throwing away has been established. There is a huge group of consumers who believe that they do not want to be seen in an item more than once because that might give others the idea that they have gone out of style! It’s important to point out that by “being seen” they mean that, they do not want to appear on social media twice in the same piece of garment!!
Let’s Calculate the Numbers for Fast Fashion Addiction
For the sake of the calculation, let’s say your favorite brand is H&M and you are someone who is willing to buy every week from their new collections. If you buy something in the price range from $20-$40 from them every week, then at the end of the year the amount of all your purchased items from this brand will be somewhere around $1040 – $2080 ( calculated in reference to 52 seasons a year ), and that is just one brand, and that is just a moderate pricing range considering different socio-economic situations. After this, to go with these clothes, you will need accessories and shoes too!!
Now think about that friend of yours who is super inspired by your shopping habit to do so! That’s another $1040 – $2080 dollars, plus the accessories and shoes!
Now, let’s talk about environmental numbers. Between 80 and 100 billion new clothing garments are produced globally every year, and from these new garment, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. This means a rubbish truck full of clothes ends up in landfills every second, and this industry is expecting to grow more every year! More importantly, around 60% of all clothing material now is synthetic fibers, which means plastic – nylon, acrylic, polyester, etc. The textile industry generates 42 million tons of plastic waste per year. Every time you wash a synthetic garment, it releases tiny plastic microfibers into the water. Up to 500,000 tons of microfibers end up in the ocean every year. This industry accounts for 9% of annual microplastic pollution added to our oceans. This is just a tiny fraction of the whole environmental problem caused by fast fashion, and it is expected that the apparel industry’s global emissions will increase by 50% by 2030 if the business-as-usual scenario continues. Along with every kind of plastic pollution, the fast fashion industry harms our environment through the usage of textile dyes, and pesticides, overproduction of low-quality garments that end up in landfills ( and creates waste colonialism too! ), excessive usage of water and water pollution, emissions from the transportation sector due to long supply chains and global shipping, energy-intensive production process which is heavily dependant on fossil fuels, methane emissions from the landfills due to overproduction of low-quality garments made mostly from synthetic fiber and waste colonialism.
It is not tough to understand that all of these adverse environmental impacts are harmful to our health too. Plastic pollution can damage human cells and can lead to infertility, obesity, diabetes, prostate or breast cancer, thyroid problems, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, among others. Prolonged exposure to textile dyes can lead to skin allergies, respiratory problems, hormonal imbalances, and even certain types of cancers. Methane emissions reduce the amount of oxygen breathed from the air and cause mood changes, slurred speech, vision problems, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing and headache, lung diseases, asthma attacks, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality, and heightened stroke risk. These are just some of the health effects that can be caused by the pollution generated by the fashion industry, and if you still want to learn more about it, I am sure you can google it and learn from verified sources.
All the other adverse effects
At this point of the article, I am really feeling overwhelmed and tired to even talk about all the other negative impacts caused by fast fashion, but they surely include serious factors like – labor exploitation, deforestation, biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, etc.
How to overcome the fast fashion addiction
Now that we’ve explored the deep-rooted addiction that fast fashion can become, it’s time to shed light on breaking free from this cycle. Embracing a sustainable, eco-conscious approach to fashion and lifestyle is not only a remedy for our planet but also for our well-being.
Slow Down, Choose Quality: Shift your focus from quantity to quality. Invest in timeless pieces that are made to last. Seek out brands that prioritize durability and craftsmanship. Remember, a well-made, classic garment can serve you for years, saving you money in the long run.
Circular Fashion: Embrace circular fashion principles. Explore thrift stores, vintage shops, and second-hand markets. Not only will you find unique pieces with character, but you’ll also extend the lifespan of clothing and reduce waste.
Regenerative Fashion: Support regenerative fashion practices. Look for brands that prioritize sustainability, ethical labor practices, and environmental conservation. These brands often use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and contribute positively to local communities.
Capsule Wardrobe: Simplify your wardrobe with a capsule wardrobe. Choose versatile, mix-and-match pieces that suit your style. This minimalist approach reduces the temptation to constantly buy new clothes.
Mindful Consumption: Before making a purchase, pause and reflect. Ask yourself if you truly need the item or if it’s just a fleeting trend. Consider its impact on the environment, and opt for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled fabrics.
DIY and Upcycling: Get creative! Learn basic sewing and repair skills to mend and upcycle your clothing. Transform old items into new, unique pieces. It’s a fulfilling way to reduce waste and express your individuality.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the fashion industry’s impact on the environment and society. Understanding the consequences of fast fashion can motivate you to make more conscious choices.
Community and Swap: Organize clothing swaps with friends and family. It’s an enjoyable way to refresh your wardrobe without spending money and gives previously-owned garments a new life.
Support Sustainable Brands: Discover and support sustainable fashion brands and designers. They’re leading the way in creating clothing that’s stylish, eco-friendly, and ethical.
Spread Awareness: Share your journey towards sustainable fashion with others. By raising awareness and educating friends and family, you can collectively reduce the demand for fast fashion.
Breaking free from fast fashion addiction isn’t just about changing our habits; it’s about transforming our perspective on fashion and consumption. It’s a shift towards a lifestyle that’s not only better for us but for our planet and future generations. Remember, small changes lead to big impacts. Together, we can create a fashion industry that values quality, sustainability, and ethical practices over mindless consumption.
How you dress is an expression of your identity, so explore and express yourself mindfully – let fashion be a force for good.
