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    2 days ago Culture, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Money, Sustainability Matters

    Sustainability matters more than ever now. 

    Originally published on Medium.

    First I would like to address that not everyone can embrace sustainability and no waste living. Because not all of us have access, or can benefit from equal opportunities like our white race counterparts. We are all working to dismantle white supremacy that unfortunately is a disease that spreads just like cancer. And it has also created this “white washing” stigma in the green living and sustainability communities, just like in movies, music industry and commercial marketing strategies which they portray only the white race as being sustainable and eco-friendly leaders. 

    Because they are embracing it on social media and are being invited to participate with high paying brands, they are getting more sales and recognition because their white privilege makes it easy for them to do so. But hey! You do not need to be an environmentalist or any particular race to care and do what’s right for your planet any way you can. Yes! It doesn’t help that economically, BIPOC and any POC have to be labeled as “being brave” and other races get to “live free, enjoy” while others are left to fend for themselves. An unequal and unjust system is not sustainable any more. Our planet and our spirits cannot take this anymore. That’s why we are dismantling it and seeking liberation, healing and re-building a more renewable, cleaner, sustainable and equitable systems. 

    Let’s start with —  Here are some of our favorite Environmentalist, BIPOC and POC accounts you can start supporting, learning from and recommending to brands (especially, those who can be the gatekeepers for others to receive the same equal opportunities as you). Collaboration is the root of healing a system designed to divide. Let’s dismantle and decolonize our minds together. 

    @greengirlleah + @IntersectionalEnvironmentalist

    Leah Thomas is an activist for intersectional environmentalism. Along with her Instagram page, she also has a very informative IG account. Go check it out! 

    @mikaelaloach

    Mikaela Loach is a climate justice and anti-racism activist. Her website has a lot of great information!

    @Ajabarber

    Aja Barber is a writer and fashion consultant whose focus is race, intersectional feminism, and sustainable and ethical fashion. 

    @Toritsui_

    Tori Tsui is an intersectional climate activist. She runs a podcast called Bad Activist Podcast which focuses on intersectionality, feminism, climate justice, racial justice, and queer rights. Yes!

    Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

    Dr. Ayana Eliza is a marine biologist who founded @OceanCollectiv and @UrbanOceanLab. She focuses on climate change as a whole along with marine-focused initiatives. She’s also the lovely co-host of the new podcast I’m in love with @how2saveaplanet! 

    @Browngirl_green

    Kristy’s instagram page is very informational on news relating to climate change and intersectionality. She has a podcast and a blog along with other resources on her website!

    @Jeromefosterii

    Jerome Foster II is an environmental activist, an EIC at The Climate Reporter and the Executive Director at One Million of Us which is a “youth-led voting & advocacy organization that is rallying 1M+ young people to register & turnout to vote in the 2020 election and beyond.”

    @Hood_naturalist

    Corina Newsome is a biologist who focuses on nature education along with bringing people of color into the outdoors (especially birding!)

    @Unlikelyhikers

    Unlikely hikers is an Instagram community that brings the “underrepresented outdoor person” into the outdoors. They are “people of size, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, queer, trans and non-binary…people with disabilities and people who utilize the outdoors to aid our mental health”. Love this community ❤

    @Melaninbasecamp

    Melanin Base Camp is a group that brings people of color into the outdoors. Yei!

    @Gogreensavegreen

    By Ariel -Teaching people about the environment and how to help. Love her energy and her hilarious stories make my day. Highly recommended! 

    @Climatediva

    By Summer Dean- Climate communicator, model, & imperfect environmentalist ❤

    @jhanneu

    Making Low Waste + Sustainable Living Inclusive ❤

    There are 14 Costless Ways to Live More Sustainably during a pandemic. 

     I know that it may seem at first that if you want to live more sustainably, you have to buy fancy eco-friendly products and spend loads of money before you can truly call yourself an eco-conscious citizen. The truth is, these 14 costless ways to live more sustainably are super effective and they don’t require any unnecessary consumerism! 

    Now, why should you care about living sustainably during semi-lockdown?

    • Because of the environment 
    • Because of your own health (living sustainably usually means cutting out many nasty toxins that pollute your body and make you sick)
    • You’ll save lots of money! Once you’re done reading the article, you’ll understand how.

    Intrigued yet? I sure hope so! Now let’s jump into the 14 costless ways to live more sustainably TODAY.

    1. Freeze your food before it goes bad

    In the US and North america, about 35% of food goes to waste. Sure, it often isn’t on purpose. Maybe you just miscalculate how much you need and end up throwing out a bunch of rotten food. But if you just freeze all your fruits, veggies, and even prepared meals before they go bad, you’ll save TONS of food in the long run, plus a bunch of money. And use your veggie scraps for veggie broth. Yep, you can literally turn your trash into food! Try keeping a bin of your veggie scraps and once it’s filled, toss the veggies along with some spices in a pot and voilà! You’ve given your scraps a second life!

    2. Eat less meat

    I know, I know, you’ve probably heard this one before. I’m definitely not pressuring you to go vegetarian or vegan or anything. But something important to know is that the meat industry emits more CO2 than all cars on the road. So if you cut down to eating meat just 2 or at least 3 times a week, that will already make a huge difference!

    Example: I love the company Yves. This is my meal prep picture before making chilli that my girls and I love to eat. I still wish there weren’t any plastic-wrapped carrots and tomatoes, but again, not everyone has equal access to certain stores or can afford the stores where these sustainability practices can be embraced. But do tell the store or manager any chance you can. There should not be plastic packaging anymore!

    3. Reuse glass jars/bottles

    Think about the number of glass jars and bottles you buy and throw out in a year. Now think about how many times they might have come in handy for storing food, drinks, or any other random items. Think hard before throwing out your used jars because the possibilities are literally endless!

    4. Bring your reusable shopping bags! Use Reusable Masks!

    This is the most sustainable way to bring your groceries home and keep yourself and others safe! Also, it prevents the new polluter now, masks, from being thrown all over the streets, parks and other public places instead of being put in the recycling or garbage. So reusable bags and masks, will not only stop you from using plastic bags and save you tons of money, but you also won’t contribute to the energy and pollution coming from manufacturing a plastic grocery bag and those disposable masks!

    5. Reduce your paper towel usage

    It’s no secret that most people use paper towels like crazy. I get that it may be difficult to stop using them altogether at first, so try to use just one sheet instead of two next time. And always keep a dish towel in your kitchen for wiping down your hands, counter or dishes. I use old t-shirts, socks, or you can get dish towels from the dollar store. Use your imagination!

    6. Don’t use plastic straws

    I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of pictures of straws stuck in the bodies of poor marine animals by now. Plastic straws can literally be fatal to them. I haven’t been using them because I carry my own reusable ones. Here is the brand for the ones I use. ❤

    7. Opt for paperless billing

    Physical letters from banks are such an unnecessary waste of paper, fuel, time, and energy! Especially since you can get all the info you need online. So if you can do without them, definitely let your bank, phone company and any other company that needs to send you something by mail, send things by email if they have this option available. Or let them know that you don’t want to receive useless paper because it is not good for the environment.

    8. Sell/Donate/Recycle your old clothing

    Textile waste is HUGE, especially with the rise of fast fashion. So next time you’re done with your clothing, try to dispose of them in the most responsible way possible. After all, some people might be thrilled to have some awesome pieces of clothing that are just lying around in your closet collecting dust.

    9. Take advantage of the natural light

    Try doing most of your reading, writing, or anything that requires light, while the sun is still up high. You’ll save on your electricity bills and save the planet at the same time!

    10. Turn off the water more often when you shampoo/shave/brush your teeth

    This one I’m sure we’re all guilty of. I’ll admit, I used to love standing in the shower enjoying the warmth for even up to 30 minutes sometimes! But simply reducing the amount of time you keep the water running and turning it off when you don’t necessarily need it, will go a long way. Also, taking baths reduces stress, and you use the same amount of water, therefore you save water to wash yourself with and you are embracing self-care with a nice relaxing bath. Win-win for you and your planet!

    11. Wash your hair less often

    I personally went from washing my hair nearly every single day (curly hair life) to just once a week and I’ve been loving it! Here is my reel embracing this change. It will take some time to get used to, but in the long term, you’ll save tons of water, products, and packaging. Plus, it’s much healthier for your hair to wash it less often.

    12. READ MORE less TV or IPAD.

    If you’re a bookworm like me, then you know there’s nothing more amazing than reading any chance you can! Grabbing a new novel and then enjoying it with a cup of tea. But why not visit the library next time? Honestly, I can’t wait until I can go back and enjoy a good day in the library. Here in my city we can go but only stay for 60 mins… And only to grab not many books. However, remember we have a bookshop affiliate that helps us and other local bookstore. Enjoy reading! 

    13. Turn off the lights when you don’t need them

    Seriously, turning off the light when you leave the room is definitely not a huge inconvenience. And you’ll be surprised how much cheaper your electricity bill will be!

    14. Don’t use pesticides on your lawn

    A perfect lawn is certainly not worth risking your health and polluting the environment. Pesticides used on lawns have been linked to so many serious and deadly diseases that it’s just not worth it. Check out this article by Global Healing on natural pesticide ideas instead.

    Yep! so there you have it! 14 absolutely costless ways to live more sustainably. There are more, and I can’t wait to keep on finding it and sharing this journey with you too. It’s really the simple things that make a difference. And as you can tell, not only will you help the environment, you’ll also save loads of money. And honestly, who don’t want to save money and improve their health plus their planet during a world pandemic? Also keep connecting with others? Sharing your experiences can inspire others and we can all grow together. So there’s literally not a single reason NOT to follow these 14 steps I listed here.

    I hope you enjoyed this article and that you found the advice valuable. Please let me know what you think in the comments and also what you’d like to read about sustainability, climate change, creativity through adversity, Parenting, and/or creative writing in the future!

    Be kind to your planet, to you and others. Leave me in the comments which one is your favorite to do so far and if you have more to recommend. We highly appreciate it ❤

    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, follow us, leave us what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today. Edited by Vanessa H ❤

    ★ Support us on BookShop by reading 🙂 and help other bookstores too!

    You can view and read the journey : IG, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Thrive Global, HITRECORD and of course, here 🙂

    Where are we going next? Podcast @your_story_matters and bringing solutions with other change makers, leaders plus amplifying those who are voiceless. Creativity for intergenerational justice unleashed. Stay tuned!

    10 days ago #GiveBack, Anti-Racism Matters, Culture, Health & Wellness, Life Wisdom, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters

    Enough with #thanksgiving tradition that celebrates genocide and white supremacy. #indigenouslivesmatter

    Originally published: Medium

    Today October 12, in 1492 in human history. It marked the day Indigenous people discovered a man who was lost at sea, and landed in the Americas believing he was arriving in India. They took him in, and in their rich economy and culture they gave gifts and offered this man and his crew food and shelter. Their economy was a culture of reciprocity. Something the white settlers here in America and all around the world, when met with indigenous wisdom refused to reciprocate. 

    In the white cultures — focused on praising thought and individualism over collectivism and spirituality, there has always being limited beliefs at the core of their understanding of the world, where only few linear action were possible: to take, to appropriate and to conquer. 

    And so they did.

    “On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, with three small ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Nina. On October 12, the expedition reached land, probably Watling Island in the Bahamas. Later that month, Columbus sighted Cuba, which he thought was mainland China, and in December the expedition landed on Hispaniola, which Columbus thought might be Japan. He established a small colony there with 39 of his men. The explorer returned to Spain with gold, spices, and “Indian” captives in March 1493 and was received with the highest honors by the Spanish court. He was the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland in the 10th century.” source: History

    Taking without reciprocating to the Earth and to Indigenous and Black communities around the world is terrorism. From people, tribes, cultures, ancient wisdoms as a glorified act of theft and genocide has being celebrate for the past 500 years and call it “Thanksgiving”, “4th july”, “Canada day” “columbus day”. These “holidays”, traditions and practices are rooted into white supremacy, anti blackness and non indigenous as result of colonization. It’s time for change and it starts with institutions, policies and our government. 

    “Academicians, politicians, all the people that are supposed to be guiding this country say you’ve got to be neutral. As soon as I started looking at that word neutral and what it meant, it became very obvious to me there can be no such thing as neutrality. It’s a code word for the existing system…. Neutrality is just following the crowd. Neutrality is just being what the system asks us to be. Neutrality, in other words, was an immoral act.”

    – Myles Horton, co-founder of the Highlander Folk School, an incubator for the formation of the U.S. civil rights movement

    This became a glorified culture of supremacy, of greatness, and has infected the souls of many. Especially those who lack access to proper education. Racism, capitalism and white supremacy are human conditioned and programed diseases. These are the results of an unjust and unequal systems that benefits a specific race, gender, social, demographic or higher economic status while the rest are left to fend for themselves. These systems are deadly and unsustainable for all of us and this planet. We all know it by now thanks to a world pandemic and climate change impacts; we are experiencing in our countries. We have 3 months until 2021. Let’s not go through next year without a plan and better understanding of how to change internally and our external environments. WE are in this together. 

    Remember : Not teaching students about the historic injustices of indigenous people face as a result of colonialism is a conscientious erasure of history that benefits the government. Therefore, intergenerational trauma healing and decolonizing our minds is how we can take our power back and show others how to do the same. _AO

    For all the educators out there, who care and want to teach the right history to children, even if your school organization and their policies do not let you. It doesn’t matter. Tell the truth above all, you know better by now. Their system is racists and is meant to keep those who are oppressing the most vulnerable in power. It is your duty as a teacher and parents to guide the future generation and empower them with the truth. As citizen of this planet and environmentalist women of color. I will be teaching this to my children and will be covering more of this on my YouTube channel and podcast along other BIPOC leaders and activist for the youth generation. Thank you for your support, your comments, sharing our work and subscribe to our monthly newsletter so my team and I can continue to provide more educational content and help others stay inspire, creative, sustainable and spiritually conscious as much as we can. 

    For now, here is a cool way to start, by using geography as your beacon. 😉 https://native-land.ca/ Use this link to find native, indigenous territories that were there before, during colonization (invasion) and what they are called today in this colonized era that now we are (I hope) trying to dismantle and break free from. This link was giving to us during my climate reality project training by Indigenous queens and kings who also taught us valuable lessons. I hope this can give you a sense of where we have come from and what topics to study from real history (fact check and keep the books that lie and add plus share the real story). Let’s be the type of humans of the world we want our nature spirit to continue to live on. 

    The linear understanding is sterile in its root and isn’t natural to our existence on this planet. Ancient wisdom was stolen, erased and rewritten to serve a prefered group or race. But nature, our own included are not forgotten. I mean, we are in the middle of a world pandemic trying not only to survive, but also going through an awakening, to the reality that we all have been conditioned to believe is just and is the right way. But by now, you know is not true. So, what you do when you know the truth? 

    As Martin Luther King, Jr.said:

    “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

    Our souls cannot forget. I know I cannot. The day my father told me where his family came from and my mother read me the Tainos story when I was 7 years old. How they were genocide, women were raped and children were murder or trade for slavery. That’s when I understood, that I had a choice and my parents were giving me that with education. I’m thankful for my parents insistence into learn real history and to always question the status quo. Because real stories do exist and are not all written in books. It’s crazy that it took a world pandemic and a movement to realize that we were all lie to in school. Now is our job, to make sure that the younger generations do not learn this 500 years bs and are giving the right tools to learn the real history. 

    It must be re-written, especially now. 

    As you read this you know deep down, within you something is awaking. Let it rise. This is an universal intelligence awakening. In our blood, our ancestors memories cannot be erased. Don’t ever forget who we are and where we came from. And who’s real rights for these lands are. (the one you are on right now while you read this). 

    By collectively and in unity as human citizens, of this planet that’s our strength. Those who are opposing, are the supporters of a system that benefits them and they are using their 500 years of oppression and colonized language to gaslight those who are awake and ready to lead the way for truth, justice, sustainability and spiritually. 

    Don’t let them, they need you uneducated and not learning the real truth. Those who are in lockdown, instead of using your energy and time to hate and leave nasty comments on people who are speaking the truth and using their voice instead of remaining silent. Or worse gaslighting and use of violence to prove “right”. (a.k.a: colonized and white supremacy core traits) Please educate yourself, is embarrassing your behavior and your ignorance is killing people too. 

    We just added books I’ve read when I was younger about the Tainos, books you should read for you and for children and other Indigenous authors stories. Educate yourself, learn to listen to understand and don’t waste your time on trying to defend a system that literally does not care about you or your rights. Remember, those who you are opposing and gaslighting right now, are fighting for your human rights too. 

    Here are my favorites :

    The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus (Revised)
    “A model of clarity and lightly worn erudition, and it contains the best and most straightforward description of the…bookshop.org

    Taino
    “Written” by Guaik n, the elderly Taino man who, in his youth, was adopted by Christopher Columbus and saw history…bookshop.org

    Before Columbus: The Americas of 1491
    A companion book for young readers based on 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, the groundbreaking…bookshop.org

    People of the Longhouse
    Six hundred years ago in what would become the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, five Iroquois tribes…bookshop.org

    The Dawn Country: Book Two of the People of the Longhouse Series
    The epic tale that began in People of the Longhouse continues in this second book of the thrilling new Iroquois quartet…bookshop.org

    Anacaona: The Golden Flower Queen
    Anacaona lived during the time of Christopher Columbus. She was a Taina, a native from Quisqueya, the island that today…bookshop.org

    Imperial Subjects: Race and Identity in Colonial Latin America
    In colonial Latin America, social identity did not correlate neatly with fixed categories of race and ethnicity. As…bookshop.org

    The Women of Colonial Latin America
    In this second edition of her acclaimed volume, The Women of Colonial Latin America, Susan Migden Socolow has revised…bookshop.org

    For Kids and adults: 

    https://bookshop.org/a/11781/9780942961201

    Much controversy remains in the school system over Columbus’s legacy and which holiday should be celebrated. Children in schools have been taught about Christopher Columbus as a hero, but the book Rethinking Columbus: The Next 500 Years, presents an argument that children should also be taught about the truth of what Christopher Columbus started and what affect his actions had upon the native people of the Americas.[30] Rethinking Columbus offers counter narratives to the Eurocentric view of American history that is typically taught in American schools.[30] Furthermore, books like Rethinking Columbus allow students to interpret the history of the Americas in their own way after having multiple perspectives to reflect upon.

    Morning Girl
    Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award, this moving and poetic fictional story follows two Ta no siblings and their life in…bookshop.org

    Children of the Longhouse
    When Ohkwa’ri overhears a group of older boys planning a raid on a neighboring village, he immediately tells his Mohawk…bookshop.org

    Youth and adult read:

    “all the Real Indians Died Off”: And 20 Other Myths about Native Americans
    Unpacks the twenty-one most common myths and misconceptions about Native Americans In this enlightening book, scholars…bookshop.org

    An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States
    2015 Recipient of the American Book Award The first history of the United States told from the perspective of…bookshop.org

    Why Race and Culture Matter in Schools: Closing the Achievement Gap in America’s Classrooms
    Issues tied to race and culture continue to be a part of the landscape of America’s schools and classrooms. Given the…bookshop.org

    There are more out there. Do your own research. Please, share in the comments if you have more books, articles, Indigenous authors we can add here. 

    These are just some I’ll be reading and some I’ve read already thought you could read in your journey of decolonizing your mind daily while surfing … I mean surviving ( my soul misses the ocean, what do you miss the most during these times?) through a world pandemic. 

    This is some brain food to keep things in perspective plus keep ourselves awake. Honestly, the truth is painful to digest and can’t imagine living through it. Honoring my ancestors today, because they sacrifice so much, so we can now enjoy the rights that they fought so hard for us to have now. Especially, women. 

    Just keep in mind that knowing the truth, is liberation. Reading and education are their own form of revolution. Sharing what you learned through books, listing to someone’s life experience and understanding their struggles. Helping in any way, shape or form; reciprocity are act of kindness that can help your planet and liberate those who are being silence and oppressed. Especially those who do not believe they are slaves to the old system therefore they betray their own people for the sake of “neutrality”. Not knowing they just condemn their own people, by not using their power and their voice. By remaining silent and supporting the oppressors is how we all lose. By not changing and adapting, resisting to “normal” when that wasn’t normal. 

    Liberation comes with sacrifices, resilience and massive dedication to find the truth while living through adversity. 

    Movements create changes. Earth’s history and nature teaches us this everyday. Without friction there is no growth. So always remember that Books are there to learn about the past, stories are written to enhance imagination in order to keep moving forward. Taking care of our bodies, minds and spirits is vital for humanity survival (mental health is everyday, not just one day of recognition) and keeping constant learning mindset. It can and will set you free. Stay determined, be kind and keep your focus. Love is the new money. 

    Happy reading and learning! if this is the first time you’ve heard about this and you thought that “thanksgiving’ is really this fairy tale story about celebrating with lots of food and giving thanks for all the things you already have. 

    First, I hope you are doing that everyday and not just for some white washing and colonial holiday. I hope that you also know, this day also represents genocide, murder, slavery, rape, murder of innocent people that didn’t know what was coming by saving this asswipe and letting him in, helping him and his 39 crew of men… And look where that act of kindness got the Tainos and all Indigenous People for the next 500 years and still going unless we all do something about it. #Indigenouslivesmatter

    We need to listen to a wider range of voices. We need to hear from those whose lands and rights were taken away by those who “discovered” them. Their stories, too often suppressed, tells very clearly their 500 years of courageous struggle and the life wisdom the native ancestors have left behind for all of us to learn, remember and honor their sacrifice. Understanding what really happened to them in 1492 is key to understanding why people suffer the same injustices today.

    Be kind to your planet, to you and others. Leave me in the comments which one is your favorite book so far and if you have more to recommend. We highly appreciate it ❤ 

    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, follow us, leave us what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today.

    ★ Support us on BookShop by reading 🙂 and help other bookstores too!

    You can view and read the journey : IG, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Thrive Global, HITRECORD and of course, here 🙂

    Where are we going next? Podcast @your_story_matters and bringing solutions with other change makers, leaders plus amplifying those who are voiceless. Creativity for intergenerational justice unleashed. Stay tuned!

    13 days ago Science & Environment, ScienceYep, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters

    Come Join Us! Get a chance to plant a tree too ❤ 

    Saturday 10/10/20 4:30 pm Live on YouTube.

    We are at an inflection point. An unprecedented series of challenges — a global pandemic, climate crisis, racial injustice, and deep inequities — have transformed everyday life and created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for change that we cannot squander. A major global reckoning #Blacklivesmatter has open the pandora box (you know the one the oppressors, white supremacist and racist systems designed to benefit only the white race) on racial justice have forced us to rethink normal and created a new world of possibilities. Now it’s time to ask ourselves one simple question. What is the future we want?

    From October 10–11, former Vice President Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project will do just that with 24 Hours of Reality: Countdown to the Future , a global conversation on the future we want and how we get there, held in partnership with TED Countdown. For 24 straight hours, Vice President Gore and Climate Reality Leader activists across the planet will lead digital presentations and discussions exploring the historic conjunction of climate change, COVID-19, and structural racism that not only threatens our lives and deepest values, but opens the door to truly transformative change.

    Countdown to the Future will highlight how our current challenges open the door for collective and unify change and how — with a just green recovery — we can not only halt rising temperatures, but also build a truly equitable and sustainable tomorrow for all. 

    For audiences everywhere, beginning at 4 PM ET on October 10. Countdown to the Future is a chance to learn what the climate and justice crisis means for their lives and what they can do to help seize this moment and create the future we want.

    The kind of global action required to address the climate crisis must involve all of us, and it requires communities everywhere to recognize the urgent need for change, even if the conversation is happening online. By helping to lead this global conversation, you truly are fighting as if your world depends on it — and everyone here are grateful for you to come join us, share this article and our links to join us on Youtube live. Let’s begin our sustainable journey together. We don’t need to do this alone, and we shouldn’t. We are in this together for real. 7 years is not enough time right? Let’s fight for our future and for our future generations. Be part of this journey and take the first step, to action for a better, just and sustainable future we want for all of us.

    My presentation will be based on my experience as a founder and creative artist Womenx, Latina, Single Mother of two daughters and Environmental Scientist activist of social justice. Trying to survive this pandemic while also continue to influence youth, empower women and men, amplified melanin voices through my creative work alongside my team. Plus live through systemic racism and white supremacist in my province Quebec, Montreal on a regular basis. It’s a lot, for our mental health. However, resilience run through my veins as my ancestors are Indigenous (Tainos), Haitian, Dominican, African and Spanish descend. I’ve been teaching others how to regain their power back. As I have started the journey of dismantling this old system 4 years ago and this year, decolonizing my mind so then I can show others how to do it too.

    I’m here to not only to start a conversation about climate change and solutions which my team and I started long time ago and still going. About more action should be priority in terms of sustainability strategies, greener spaces, climate change education more in schools, change of policies, mental health , using creativity through adversity and the need to dismantle racism plus white supremacy that thrives in this city and Canada. Which these are deadly for BIPOC and POC during a world pandemic. In other words, climate justice is social justice.

    Remember by attending a presentation, you will receive a localized action to take following my presentation, as well as a tree planted on your behalf through Climate Reality’s partnership with One Tree Planted.

    Stay safe, wear your masks and remember to be kind to your planet, to you and others every day. Because we all depend on it now.

    Thank you for joining us! Here is the climate hub link so you let me know and the climate reality team you’ll be joining.

    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, follow us, leave us what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today.

    ★ Support us on BookShop by reading 🙂 and help other bookstores too! 

    You can view and read the journey : IG, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Thrive Global, HITRECORD and of course, here 🙂

    Where are we going next? Podcast @your_story_matters and bringing solutions with other change makers, leaders plus amplifying those who are voiceless. Creativity for intergenerational justice unleashed. Stay tuned!

    JOIN THE GLOBAL CONVERSATION BY ATTENDING MY PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND ITS SOLUTIONS 

    WHEN: Saturday 10/10/20 4:30pm (Montreal, Canada)

    WHERE: https://realityhub.climaterealityproject.org/events/item/359/54649 (don’t forget to let them know you will be joining so a tree gets planted for your presence<3)

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    24 days ago Anti-Racism Matters, Science & Environment, ScienceYep, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters

    We only have one planet Earth. And Black Lives Still Matter!

    Originally published on Medium.

    The greediest, wealthiest and most polluter corporations/companies along with their consumers, us. I swear it is a struggle, because we all need to change our mindset and our consumption habits in order to begin letting go of excess expenditure and take action to reduce our ecological footprint (click on this hyperlink to find a glossary of key words to learn from the global footprint network).

    “We are stripping the earth of its natural resources at a rate that’s increasingly leaving the planet barren and inhospitable.“ — according to the environmental nonprofit the Global Footprint Network.

    We now only have 7 years to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5 degrees celsius, or we will be facing the severe consequences of climate change and our inevitable extinction.

    This absolutely can be prevented if we UNITE and get to work. I’m going to start making more videos on our channels AngieBlog, WritersYep and most of the podcast episodes on Your Story Matters , alongside other climate leaders and BIPOC who have been doing this for a lot longer than we have. Our content will be mostly about sustainability, forms of creativity (writing, art, design, photography, music, movies, bookclub, yoga, consciousness) through adversity, mental health, social justice, climate crisis and human rights. Our story matters, and my team and I want to amplify the voices of the voiceless. Our goal is to inspire, educate and create a diverse and inclusive space for others to feel comfortable to share their story. Come join us, and let’s support each other. ❤

    First, let’s remember: we need to start boycotting polluted companies, and those not changing their practices to be more renewable and less toxic. For us, it is important to be conscious of our own consumptions.

    As the Earth overshoot day solutions mentioned:

    “The past does not necessarily determine our future. Our current choices do. Through wise, forward-looking decisions, we can turn around natural resource consumption trends while improving the quality of life for all people. “

    If you look at the map, you have access to see the ecological deficit/reserve, total ecological footprint, ecological footprint per person, total biocapacity and biocapacity per person (save and share this article ❤, help an eco-mom spread the word). In other words, by having access to this data we can all take control of our own consumption habits and take action by being an active agent reducing our own carbon emission and holding others accountable. Yes, just like you are holding yourself accountable for being anti-racist and checking your bias. The same thing that we must do daily, is to reduce our own personal co2 emissions and collectively.

    How can you ensure this work is collective? Use the power of technology and social media! Share with your communities your story so that others can learn from you! #ReduceC02challenge. Use the hashtag #Yourstorymatters and let’s do this! Tag me and my team, and I will share your journey alongside with us and our community ❤

    Reduce my own Co2 emissions? Start small, then go big.

    Start by:

    • Stopping buying items you don’t need on Amazon.
    • Supporting local businesses!
    • Opting for a bamboo toothbrush.
    • Purchasing self-care utilities from companies that produce low carbon emissions.
    • Educating yourself. Subscribe to our monthly newsletters about sustainability, creativity, mental health support, books to read, and collabs with businesses we are currently supporting, and join our eco-warrior community!
    • Bringing your reusable bag to the grocery store.
    • Saying NO to plastic bags and straws. Using less plastic in general.
    • Driving less. Try biking, walking or taking the bus (most of them are functioning by hydrogen now).
    • Saving and investing your money (our power as the people).
    • Encouraging your local store to change their plastic packing (show them the map above and the world clock ;).
    • Bringing your reusable coffee mug and water bottle when you got out (alongside your reusable mask!).
    • Buy local, and don’t buy fruits wrapped in plastic! (I’ve been removing the plastic wraps and leaving it at the store and letting their manager know why wrapping a banana is ridiculous and it’s killing our planet. Yep, be bold and let them know what you learn in your own sustainability journey).
    • Buying from black-owned or any BIPOC businesses helps to build wealth for them. As a result, it creates a more diverse, sustainable and equitable system that benefits all of us, and the planet. Also, it contributes to the abolition of white supremacy and this racist, fascist, and capitalist system. By removing their source of funding (our tax money) you control your own money and invest it on the right side of history.
    • Save money to take care of you and your mental well-being. Especially, during these uncertain times. The more you take care of yourself and focus on improving your lifestyle, and taking your money/power back, you are dismantling and decolonizing this system already. Remember, the oppressors want you to be silent, tired, and dependable on their games and they will fight you! They will always find ways to keep you manipulated. They have done it for centuries. It is important to be educated on this history, so that you can become confident in your decisions and take action accordingly. Don’t let them bring you down, and please don’t ever give up! Rome was not built in a day. So, be mindful of your time and well-being.
    Photo by Markus Spiske

    Another way to reduce your own Co2 emissions, is by starting to give to the sustainable, renewables, eco, and black-owned businesses [Black owned businesses 1 , Black Owned businesses 2 (Montreal) Black owned businesses (Canada)]. You honestly save more money and get better service, plus amazing quality. By shopping at these low carbon emission companies, we are providing them with the right ammunition to start abolishing the old system.

    This system was designed to benefit others, and their toxic and disgusting practices. Which they keep protecting themselves with our tax money which keeps them in power. This is why the system lies and does not give us the right tools through education; because that was their way to keep us oppressed and naive. As a result, their greed, colonial and white supremacy strategies are what has been affecting (mostly BIPOC, minorities, marginalized and oppressed individuals) our physical and mental health, our ecosystems and our planet. This is why history needs to be rewritten. The real truth. So that others can have a chance to act accordingly in the future. We are in jeopardy, and we have a way to prevent it, but it must be done collectively, and in unity to fight for what’s important and what really matters.

    We also need to address that not everyone has the privilege to save money, or be able to afford to change their habits to be more sustainable. I don’t want to be the cause for more eco-anxiety than we are all already experiencing. This article is to provide solutions and ways to create action. One day at time, and one person at time.

    It is definitely a huge issue that many communities face. The world clock has definitely created some new anxieties that were already an issue before. Some people are not convinced that displaying this is the most effective solution. That it is really scary and daunting to see how much time we have left until “our doom”, for people to walk past every day, especially low-income people and marginalized communities that are contributing the least. Not by option though. If companies and corporations change their global economy system into a circular economy, by creating affordable, equitable and sustainable initiatives (so we all can contribute to reduce C02 emissions), then, we all have a chance to reduce their ecological carbon footprint.

    Infographic: source

    In terms of climate change impact, the question that we need to ask ourselves is: “who is this clock actually serving?” The largest contributors to climate change are big corporations, however, they are not the target audience for this display or the ones who will be most impacted by seeing this. Which I agree with. Instead, it will be poor people and the communities of color that are currently experiencing environmental injustice.

    Which is why we ALL (those who are privileged to do so, we can help the voiceless by amplifying their stories and voices) have to continue by sharing our stories and putting pressure on these companies, corporations and hurt them where it needs to. WITH OUR MONEY. FREE WILL and OPTIONS are FREE. Yep, you can choose where and who you put your money on. Isn’t that amazing? You can contribute to dismantle this system by connecting, supporting our brothers and sisters, being an ally, sharing and choosing where you put your money. Saving, investing and having a side-hustle along with your part-time/full time job is also another way that you can control your own destiny, and still help others and your planet at the same time.

    As an eco-warrior mama, I believe that spreading awareness and helping to mitigate the climate crisis in any way we can is vital. Which is why we have become new climate reality leaders. I’m committed to sharing my knowledge as an environmental scientist and presenting sustainable solutions (trained by Al Gore) and climate change solutions.

    However, we have been seeing issues within the climate community of putting so much pressure, blame, guilt and responsibility onto consumers and actions like the world clock. It makes the climate crisis, which is already a source of eco-anxiety for so many impacted communities, feel so much more hopeless. Particularly for those who don’t actually have the resources to be able to make very big tangible changes. We believe that instead of placing so much responsibility on the consumers to be the ones to “fix” climate change. The funds that went into creating this performative gesture could have instead gone towards initiatives to make climate adaptation more accessible and inclusive or to fight environmental injustice. Same issues, but different scenarios are happening in Montreal, Quebec. Recently they have put 5 million dollars into French language initiatives. In other words, funding discrimination, racist, capitalist and white supremacy paid from our own taxes. Here are my two-cent thoughts about this.

    What are your thoughts?

    Breonna Taylor and Her Family deserve Better.

    Read this article from Jamil Smith (Happy Birthday by the way! It’s beautiful you wrote about Breonna Taylor injustice and disrespect from the racist US supreme court on your day. This is a great article, and I’m sure her family, her friends and those who knew her and loved her (who are in rage right now) will appreciate your kindness and courage to voice the truth in the Rolling Stone magazine.). After I heard the news, I made a vlog for my brothers and sisters to remember that we need to take breaks, and that this fight is not over!

    180 Black-Owned Businesses to Support (USA)

    All “good things” have to end too. It’s time and we all know it. Educated it enough this past 6 months?

    Thankful for the other day; planned, decorated, and enjoyed a good day with my mom for my Sofía’s birthday. We are getting ready and in the process, in our own way, to say goodbye to my mom. She’s weaker and getting more tired every day. This is the hardest part. To let go. Especially, when you no longer have the choice. This is why we’ve decided to start being more grateful for what we already have. Be more kind and proud of always learning through adversity and struggles. That life is very short and it matters a lot of how you spend your time and how you treat others. My mom is/was an amazing person. She taught us the meaning of being more present, and to treasure every moment. We are going to miss her a lot.

    Life is very simple. We have just been conditioned to believe that this is all there is. The educational system programmed us into learning to accept lies, and how to keep ourselves colonized and oppressed. That only “white” , “Male”, “straight hair”, and “wealthy” are the righteous privileged humans. Therefore we must try to be just like them, or get killed, or die trying. And it is now a crime to be a black woman or any woman of color. We are powerful and they know it. The system has conditioned us to live on a non inclusive, unequal and unsustainable world. It needs to change now.

    We are very aware that all we have learned is a lie right? Trying to sugar coat this very racist, white wash, capitalist system designed to keep us in mental slavery. We need to start to get out collectively and in unity. These systems we live in and we all pay so much for just living… all designed to keep us with the illusion of “freedom” .

    All the “isms”, mental health, inequality, White privileged and BIPOC traumatic experiences are the result of systemic racism and white supremacy.

    Mental slavery is our generation’s blueprint. We can change that, together.

    We are depriving ourselves of actually living to our potential… because of money, greed, hate,chaos, murdering by police brutality, hoarding money, buying things that you don’t need.

    It’s OUR job now to live more eco-friendly and change our buying habits, consumption products, and of course work on being anti-racist, abolish white supremacy and decolonized our mindset.

    How ridiculous was Labor Day weekend, huh? It’s in our faces that the inequality is very clear in this system and societies around the world. Now during a world pandemic is more like an insult and degrading. Plus, ignorant of the fact that there are people dealing with poverty, hunger and serious homelessness that has increased more during this year.

    Except in countries where homelessness and poverty does not exist. It’s insane to know and see that some countries can make sure it’s people are safe and not be exposed and in danger during COVID-19 rising again. Instead our countries we are living in, are investing in trying to get back to “normal” and trying to keep the old system going. Which by now, you are very aware that is not the way anymore. I hope so. Because millions of people are dying. While the system and those who control it, are trying to keep white supremacy and racist systems going. They are literally letting us know by their actions and through media, the old system are worth more therefore to keep in power at all cost, than actually saving human lives. The world is designed to keep us divided and now, we all have to work on staying together and making sure our rights are not being violated just because they can. Here is a video to give you some hope if we are back into lockdown and why our sacrifice will not be in vain if we do.

    Stay safe, wear your masks and remember to be kind to your planet, to you and others every day. Because we all depend on it now.

    *Remember we are still raising money for Lebanon, Beirut. Here is why.

    Here is the link: https://gf.me/u/ynwzwz (Donate and share)

    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, follow us, leave us what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today.

    Edited by Emma P❤

    ★ Support us on Patreon

    You can view and read the journey : IG, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Thrive Global, HITRECORD and of course, here 🙂

    Where are we going next? Podcast @your_story_matters and bringing solutions with other change makers, leaders plus amplifying those who are voiceless. Creativity for intergenerational justice unleashed. Stay tuned!

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    1 month ago #GiveBack, Anti-Racism Matters, BioScience, Chemistry, Money, Science & Environment, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters, Yeppin

    This Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) report is vital because it can support and inform the decision-makers of companies, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, as well as the public each year.

    Photo by Carlos “Grury” Santos

    In the journey of becoming Anti racist, (yes, as a latinx and mix-indigenous/Dominicana, I have lots of decolonization, dismantling of white supremacy, and bias to acknowledge, heal, and to overall change behaviours), decolonizing the mind is not easy work. It’s very deep and personal. And at the same time, fighting for climate change as an environmentalist, writer,founder, single mom and women of color, is on another level. 

    But it is necessary and painful work that I want to do and encourage you to do the same. We all have inner healing, and dismantle colonized mindset, oppressed, gentrified and discriminated traumas to let go and embrace new information and change. I know change is not easy, we are creatures that love comfort and safety-net. However, real life is not meant to be easy. 

    We all must work and learn to find joy through the chaos. _AO

     Earth was not created and all its organisms living on it, without going through painful and destructive experiences. There was a lot that our planet endured and our ancestors had to go through and adapt to a fast changing environment to get to where we are now. It really is up to us, to do something about what was NOT done well in the past. We have to fix it, all of us. We must research, find the truth and educate ourselves from what we all know by now, was a lie. History doesn’t repeat itself, but intergenerational trauma induce and a cycle system built to benefit some and zero for the other does. 

    Honestly, if 10 years ago, someone would have asked me if this was ever a possibility to do all of this… I probably would have said “Heck, no way”!

    This is where we are in a worldwide pandemic: 

    • We are on the rise of coronavirus again, and those who are more affected are trying to promote already their idea of a vaccine (which estimated time for a proper vaccine to developed and certified tested, has to be until the end of the year of 2021), that most probably is just test-runs; and we the healthy (working outside and being exposed to the virus or the survivors of the virus) are the subjects . With no scientific or result evidence that they work, but yet, political leaders are using it as a beacon of”fake-hope” to keep the public calm. 
    • Children and teachers risking their lives for the sake of “education”, parents working are either from home, or out with the public where they are exposed to the Coronavirus because their jobs allow them to feed their families and keep the mental-slave economy going .
    • Some countries and cities are still on lockdown since 9 months ago. The world, is on fire while most of us are getting richer and others are trying to survive injustices by police brutality, racism, misogyny, patriarchy, white supremacist, homo/transphobia, a pandemic, climate change and mental health issues. 
    • Traditional media and those who are in power, are making it very clear and not so subtle anymore, for us to STOP questioning their actions, the status quo, the system that keeps them in power and their so called “laws and policies”; which we all know needs to be re-written and changed. As well, it is not really advertised or spoken of, the long term effects this vaccine can create on our bodies since this virus has no cure as of yet. And the long term effects after getting the virus and surviving is another job on top of everything else going on in the world. Listen to the stories of those who survived. Data and numbers cases of survivors who are still having long term symptoms, and probably prolonged health issues, which were not a problem before they got covid-19.
    • Seniors, Children, Indigenous, Women, Parents, Single parents, Blacks, LGBTQ+, Transwomen and all people of color are suffering and dying faster than our fellow white counterparts during this pandemic. Our white peers are enjoying the privilege that their ancestors left behind (white supremacy, misogyny, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, patriarchy, capitalist/colonial mindset, Zero sum game bs, rapist, child molesters, police brutality, discrimination, segregation, oppression… I can keep going but do your research “on whiteness” ) for all the rest of us to deal. Now, 400 years later, we are demanding and fighting for justice, for our human rights and building equitable and sustainable systems that enhance our nations and our planet. With or without white people help. It will be amazing that our white peers become our allies. Because you do have the advantage of being born with the prefered skin color for now and use it for good; which is what we have been asking for decades. It feels good to benefit and profit from those who are suffering right now isn’t? Or educate yourself about systemic racism and white supremacy instead of experiencing it everyday? How was your vacation in the middle of a world pandemic? How were you treated in the hospital this year? Yep, check your privilege. Because Enough is enough! WE ARE TIRED! It’s exhausting trying to survive in a world designed Anti-black. Which is ridiculous. We are the by-product of multicultural and mixed races for many generations now. 
    • More jobs, the ability to rent a place in a safe neighbourhood, the right to get proper health care, financial assistance and mental health support are becoming less accessible than it was before for people whose skins are different than white. Those who denied this statement, please educate yourself, people are dying and we don’t have the time or the mental strength anymore to applicate to your wounded ego or feelings. 
    • There are those who are not able to find jobs or work right now; at the same time trying to survive themselves and provide for their loved ones with any means or ways they can. How are you surviving these days? 

    Honestly, I say and write thank you every single day, because sometimes I know it is a privilege to meditate or yoga, or take a walk for a few minutes. Without feeling guilty of not being a slave working for an economy and system that’s designed to keep us in control and letting them get away with horrible things done to us, the consumers and Earth, our home. 

    For now, let’s focus on those who need to be held accountable and how to start taking action. Tracking their actions and adding tax accordingly. It’s the fastest and most effective way to get to the core of most problems on this planet right now and making sure our human rights and health are not affected by their corrupted actions.

     We are paying and working, supporting companies and industries that are sick, toxic and twisted controlled by wealthy individuals. They also make sure they cover their tracks by paying enough to traditional media and politicians in order to keep the masses (us) distracted (using our psychological and intergenerational trauma to keep us oppressed and controlled. That’s why it is important to decolonize ourselves.Our minds can be easily manipulated if we don’t work on our mental strength too. ) from political bs, entertainment bs, news (keep us divided by lying and using racist and white supremacy tactics) and media power (them). Because the government and policy makers already knew, and always have known how bad climate change will be for all of us. Especially the most vulnerable and communities of people of color. They have the best scientists and research people on payroll that we pay them from our own taxes. They know the policies and regulations are mandatory for a reason. But humanity got distracted for the past 10–20 years. 

    Here we are. World pandemic, fighting for human rights again! and now, dealing with climate change impacts all in the same year. 

    2020 is not the problem, is what was already designed to benefit those who profit over inequality, and through the oppression of the most vulnerable communities. We see it through how children’s rights are being violated by ICE immigration and concentration camps. Humans rights violated in China, with genocide camps having muslims and other people locked up. The violations of Women’s rights in the ICE facilities recently reported through a whistleblowers (Thank god that you exist, I know is bad what you do because you get the most heat for speaking up and we are so grateful for your bravery. The universe always rewards the most stubborn souls. Especially those who are meant to show the light and truth. Integrity, compassion and honesty are vital these days. Don’t give up). 

    Money can buy mostly everything. But I’m telling you there are three things it CAN’T: Integrity, our mindset and hope. These grow, change over time and for the right reasons, giving the right circumstances and environment. Just like a diamond. 

    However, let’s focus on these corporations and large companies’ gadgets and how they need to report to the population their practises and their initiatives on lowering their environmental and health impact. It’s our basic human rights since we are the citizens paying to live in these countries that are supposed to keep us safe. Let’s start with:

    The TRI Report method can ensure for all of us citizens of the country we reside in, that manufactures and industrial systems, are held accountable in the goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5 degrees celsius for the next 10 years. We all know by now, due to Covid-19 and a worldwide pandemic, that certain areas and locations are more vulnerable and exposed to chemical hazards than others. That climate change impact hasn’t stopped because of the Coronavirus. We can clearly see it through many disasters and now, the fires in California.

    Meanwhile, some manufacturers and facilities operations are still working during these times too. Due to the non-stop work of these facilities, creating a TRI report for the EPA is now more important than ever; to have to produce a TRI report will ensure that these companies and manufacturers take accountability for their actions. It will keep them aligned with the world goals: to reduce CO2 emissions, plus better management of their release of toxic waste into the land, water, and air.

    Image credit: EPA (United States Environment and Protection agency)

    Why is TRI important?

    TRI tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment. This report is very important because it must contain these manufactures and facilities year’s- worth of releases to air (fumes, smoke, dust), water, and in the form of hazardous chemical waste. These companies can maintain their credibility and make sure that their actions align with greener standards. They can also create a leadership-type role, which other companies can view as an example for their future environmental protection policies within their organizations. The positive movement by providing this TRI report can create better acquisition opportunities and better advancement for the organization as well as their internal affairs.

    Now, there are three criterias that a facility must meet in the report:

    1. Specific industry sector e.g., manufacturing, mining, electric power generation). Note that federal facilities must report regardless of industry sector if they meet the other two criteria.
    2. Employs 10 or more full-time equivalent employees
    3. Manufactures, processes, or otherwise uses a TRI-listed chemical in quantities above threshold levels in a given year.

    Sources: EPA.

    The TRI program has expanded significantly since its inception in 1987. The APE agency has issued rules to roughly double the number of chemicals included in the TRI to approximately 767 individually listed chemicals and 33 chemical categories. This includes the PFAS chemicals added by the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2019. As a result, the types of chemicals covered by the TRI list of reportable toxic chemicals can vary from year to year.

    In general, the Toxic Release Inventory requirements are to report chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program; those that cause one or more of the following:

    • Cancer or other chronic human health effects
    • Significant adverse acute human health effects
    • Significant adverse environmental effects

    image:EPA

    Facilities that meet all of these criteria must:

    • Submit a TRI Form R for each TRI-listed chemical it manufactures, processes, or otherwise uses in quantities above the reporting threshold. (Note: Facilities may be eligible to submit the shorter Form A if they meet certain criteria. See the TRI Reporting Forms and Instructions for details.)
    • Submit each TRI form to both EPA and the state in which the facility is located (or to the appropriate tribe, if located in Indian country).
    • Submit each reporting form using TRI-MEweb, EPA’s online TRI reporting application.

    If a facility does not exceed an activity threshold for a listed toxic chemical, or is not in a covered NAICS code, or does not have 10 or more full-time employee equivalents, it is not required to report under EPCRA Section 313. However, such facilities may still want to keep records of the amounts of listed toxic chemicals they manufacture, process, or otherwise use, in order to defend against any claim that they failed to report.

    The parent regulation of TRI and the general goal of this parent regulation is in order to help with TRI reporting rules. In 1986, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to support and promote emergency planning and to provide the public with information about releases of toxic chemicals in their community. Section 313 of EPCRA established the Toxics Release Inventory. (source: EPA)

    TRI is for industries primarily including manufacturing, metal and coal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste treatment. Most recently, the APE Agency has reduced the reporting thresholds for certain persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals in order to be able to provide additional information to the public on these chemicals. (Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health promotion) For example, Mobile sources emissions, which account for approximately 50% of all air toxics, as well as smaller sources such as gas stations and dry cleaners are not included in TRI.

    As mentioned in the Climate Reality Training, “rebuilding with green jobs”, we must put people first, produce green jobs, create a zero carbon society, equity building, and take climate action. Express the need of policy and educational awareness by:

    • Putting people first.
    • Ceasing bail outs for fossil fuels.
    • Fostering a just transition to zero emissions.
    • Focusing on creating careers and economic opportunities in areas with most need.
    • Social, Human Rights, and environmental justice
    • Climate change solutions and greener spaces
    • Embrace companies and organizations that provide services in sustainability and they create equitable, clean and sustainable practices within their organization and brands that inspire their consumers and their communities to thrive and too.

    In other words, TRI properly reporting and including EPA programs can make sure these facilities and companies are held accountable while we are all in the process of creating a greener and healthier sustainable planet. All of this on top of surviving a world pandemic, climate change, human rights and social justice movement.

    In one of the training, we had to read an article and express our solutions for climate action. I loved the article:

    9 REASONS TO HAVE CLIMATE HOPE IN 2020

    For this exercise, I added a 10th reason to have hope for the climate, and something I’ll be potentially presenting in order to create more awareness and hold big polluters accountable for their actions each year here in Montreal, and in the rest of Canada.

    I don’t live in the US, but their EPA program and their TRI mandatory report is something I believe is important to enforce and create more awareness. The need to educate more the YOUTH about these programs, climate change, anti-racism, anti-white supremacy, living more sustainability and give them the tools to also educate their peers and families is vital. I’ll definitely be contributing through writing, art and sharing more educational content about climate change and social justice through our channels and podcast episodes, on why Montreal, Quebec, or Canada doesn’t require this report to be mandatory, yet in the USA is vital for obvious reasons of course…

    Either way, we will be going into more depth about climate change solution, sharing the story of other companies doing the work, sustainability, why is important to build equitable sustainable and cleaner energy systems, Greener cities, build and amplifying Black and BIPOC Wealth in all systems (education, media, health facilities,agriculture, government, justice system,etc) . It is necessary to keep in check or create programs that track big corporations and manufactures that need to be held accountable for their toxic waste release into land, water and our air in areas of minority and most vulnerable communities around the world.

    We want change, and it starts from those who think they have it. The “power to the people” is still very valid and freedom of speech was created in order to defy those in power who we know and clearly can see are not good for our nations and our planet. Our mixed races are beautiful magic and it is time for all of us to embrace our diversity, uniqueness and unconscious inner strength as we unite forces to do what’s right for our planet and ourself. 

    *Remember we are still raising money for Lebanon, Beirut. Here is why.

    Here is the link: https://gf.me/u/ynwzwz (Donate and share)

    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, follow us, leave us what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today.

    Edited by Emma P❤

    ★ Support us on Patreon

    You can view and read the journey : IG, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Thrive Global, HITRECORD and of course, here 🙂

    Where are we going next? Podcast @your_story_matters and bringing solutions with other change makers, leaders plus amplifying those who are voiceless. Creativity for intergenerational justice unleashed. Stay tuned!

    All Rights Reserved to WritersYep ©

    1 month ago Anti-Racism Matters, Culture, Science & Environment, ScienceYep, Social Justice, Sustainability Matters, WritersYepper's Journeys

    In the process of becoming a Climate Reality Project Leader. 

    Originally published on Medium.

    “The reality we now face implores us to act.”

    –AL GOREFounder & Chairman, The Climate Reality Project

    I am dedicating this article to my mother, Angela de Chevalier Olivo. She has been battling Alzheimer’s and Dementia for the past 7 years and at 55 years old, going through the last stages this year. Unfortunately, her days on this earth are getting shorter and this story would not be, if I didn’t take the time to acknowledge the person that encouraged, supported, and passed down her love for nature and humanity to me when I was younger. I’m from the Dominican Republic and I was born in Santo Domingo. We came to Montreal, Quebec 16 years ago.

    She was always my motivator as a child, whenever she would find me on top of a mango tree, trying to understand how fruits grow from trees. “Angie, did you find what you were looking for or do you want to find out together? Let’s go to the library” 🙂 That’s how she would get me out of trees and the ocean. With books. She and I used to love to read and then, I learned how to write. She would encourage me to write my dark and scary dreams which would happen more frequently after my parents divorce. My mother would encourage me to continue embracing art and creativity while also researching and trying to understand the environment. While she was dealing with being a single mother and working at the same time to keep us alive. Until a couple years later, she met my stepfather and my sisters were born. 

    Science fascinated me, but so did writing, painting, and photography (this I inherited from my dad who is also a photographer and a lieutenant officer from DR). It took me a lot of fails and tries, but eventually in 2012, on my last day of acting school at New York Film School, I called my mom, with my feet dark from walking through Soho and Manhattan street. “Mom, you were right. I want to go to university to learn science and how to help Earth and humanity. There are a lot of injustices in the world and I want to help change that.” I remember her words like it was yesterday: “I know. I wanted you to experience what it means to find your purpose and fight for it. You are a creative being, but you’ve always loved to find solutions to help our planet. I’m happy you realized this and don’t forget to write about it and take pictures okay?“. And that’s where the first seed of becoming a climate leader and environmentalist was born.

    The second seed was planted during my final presentations after 4 years of university and being 7 months pregnant with my first child. While I was presenting solutions, I would showcase the biggest polluters and why we should work in changing their strategies and show them, plans to reduce CO2 emissions, ideas to create more green spaces and inspiring people to start living more sustainably. Instead of working for them, and being manipulated in order for them to continue their greed and deadly strategies. 

    Also, I would show how the media’s data was corrupted and you clearly, can tell these publishing media companies were sponsored to keep these polluters and big corporations we already consume on a daily basis in power. 

    Media and journalists don’t publish the real deal about these big corporations, and if they do, it’s somehow omitted or disguised as the truth. Or worse, tell the truth and make us believe through social media that it is a lie, is propaganda or add it into the many conspiracy theories we already know and share. Mind games right? 

    We see it in the news and hear it on the radio regularly now, how words and images are being used to support white supremacy, racist and colonial mindset. In order to degraded and dehumanized those who are being killed and oppressed. 

    This is why doing your own research and learning how to properly get facts is vital to learn in schools. Remember, systemic racism, public health and climate change are intertwined. One cannot be fixed without the others at the same time. That’s why this inner work decolonizing, being anti-racist and anti capitalist is very hard but not impossible.

    My peers from University also for their finals presented and talked about companies that are the biggest polluters and major causes of the climate change crisis we are experiencing now.

    They got really amazing grades, and some got jobs in those companies, even though they knew that these companies’ strategies and ways of keeping minority communities in harm’s way was unethical and possibly deadly. This is what a competition mindset and greed designed inequality capitalist, racists and white supremacy system does to us. Or at least those who have to live with it on a regular basis but we now have to take extra time to educate and make clear our human rights to those who benefit from our oppression.

    I refused to work for those companies. Yes I was broke graduating from university, becoming a mother, working two jobs and building a company with no money, just the hope and courage to dare to do something completely out of my comfort zone. My mom taught me better, and I would rather be broke than give away my integrity for money. Either way, looking for jobs here in Quebec was also an exhausting struggle. In the environment and science community here in Quebec, there is racism and discrimination towards women of color and non-speakers of the French language, which is sickening. For example, my teacher in my last semester gave me some advice that pushed me to start planning and creating a space where people weren’t restrained, fighting the status quo and the system, and voicing concerns about climate change, inequality, public health, and environmental racism. “If you don’t speak Quebec french and if you are a woman, you are going to have a hard time finding jobs here. Might as well drop what you are doing and do something else instead.” Yep, I dropped out of her class and took another environmental course instead.

    I learned a lot in university about ethics, research and memorizing stuff to pass exams and how to create good scientific presentations that others can understand. Working in a low income gym facility, then telecommunication companies, then working as a waitress in a vegetarian restaurant, writing plus editing scientific papers and building a business at the same time. Is what taught me and now I’m passing down to you and my girls (if they ever get to read this one day) . The government and the education system are designed for these companies to gain more profit and slowly kill those who are more vulnerable. I started by getting familiar with building websites, then with writing monthly newsletters, then blogs and managing social media at first. Learning to network, and finding beautiful, creative, and changemaking leaders along the way, who helped us grow and believed in us. You know who you are if you are reading this ❤

    I knew there had to be ways through art and creativity to demonstrate real data and make those voiceless stories heard in an educational and inspirational way. 

    The environmentalist goal was to reduce human massive consumption, be plastic-free, and live more sustainably in order to make sure our future generations get a chance to survive. After I graduated, I gave birth to my first girl. While she slept, during breastfeeding, nap times, and working part time in a gym and lots of other horrible jobs to sustain myself and my little growing family, painful struggles and sleepless nights. The WritersYep seed was born after I gave birth to my second daughter in 2016.

    This space was created and launched in 2017, with love and for love of Earth and learning to embrace being a good human with consciousness. All from a woman who raises her daughters to be kind to others, their planet, and themselves. My mom didn’t finish school because she was forced to work to sustain her large family… who are now wealthy and they abandoned their sister when she needed them most. Learn from my mom. Don’t quit your dreams and passions to satisfy others and worse, the expectations of your family. My mom was always a nature-spirit, she would pass down her life lessons to us as storytelling, (I got it from my mama! 🙂 sorry needed to write it as I’m thinking about our happy memories together. Which in the end, that’s what really matters. Time is precious, so spend it wisely) she would listen, believe, and support her kids in doing what they love, which is what led to the journey that you are now a part of 🙂

    My other climate story was my journey in taking photos of buildings and places in New York where there is improvement in creating greener and more sustainable buildings and spaces. I also show why it is important that New York city starts doing this, because back then, by looking at the data, I already knew that this city that I love so much would one day, would be underwater due to the impact of climate change. Here is the article.

    Manhattan street on a Monday morning at 7am, 2019. 

    Then, I went to Samana, Dominican Republic.

    I came back to Montreal with a finished parenting book (Publishing soon!) , blessed gifts dipped in the Limon waterfalls for my loved ones and teammates (last day I was there it rained for the first time in 8 months!), mosquito bites (finally less itchy*_*), lower lady pains from riding a horse in the mountains for 1 hour and then walking for another hour until I got to my final destination.

    Limon Waterfalls, Samana Dominican Republic 2019. 

    However the pains were combined with a sense of joy and fulfillment that as a writer & environmentalist, were hard to describe. Since words have power, the best words for this trip were: Exquisite writing (night time), healing (meditation, sleep!, eating local & organic, yoga, dancing in the rain, tours, exploring, and meaningful conversations) expanding horizons, learning about the community you’re visiting (humbles you) and going on a self-care retreat. (definitely planning to create retreats like these for others on TravelYep 😉 Stay Tuned! )

    Even when everything was meant to fail… starting with my computer not working from the moment I arrived, among other things… anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have strong goals and ride alongside those limiting beliefs we all struggle to let go of. If you believe you can do it, then I’m telling you, you can do it. I’m living proof and I survived!

    Taking time off was vital in order to strengthen my goals and recharge myself so I can continue making positive changes for others, but more importantly for my girls and myself. They are my family and everything I work for. I hope you have been starting to save and invest to treat yourself this Christmas 😉 You know you deserve it.

    I came back with a bigger purpose and more sure of my mission and vision for the company and our team for the next five to ten years.

    Thanks to 4Oceans, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic, Eco influencers, some awesome content creators and filmmakers and the UN environment, that reached out to me through my stories on social media while I was in the jungle! The power of social media (free marketing) and targeting the right audience for the right reasons!

    Here is part 1 and part 2 of my Samana journey 🙂 Enjoy!

    Yep, this mama was ready to start with marketing strategies, reaching more online media experts (co-op publishing), the right influencers and organizations to collaborate with, along with our affiliates that follow our values and mission. All in order to ensure that our planet’s remaining resources (one city, community or country at times, starting in January whale season in Samana) are properly managed. The goal is to aid in creating an island (as an example for other islands or cities) that embraces Eco-tourism.

    I gathered and spoke with the poorest community in Samana about not burning their plastic waste — which is a lot! Their waste distribution can be properly managed if we are able to educate the people about simple tips such as recycling and plastic waste management, composting and maybe by creating a campaign alongside other sponsors to show them how to maintain it in the long run as well.

    Sharing educational ways to embrace eco lifestyles, creating less waste and reducing plastic pollution in marginalized and poor communities, is just one example of a ripple effect that can be spread in positive and realistic ways. Then, Covid-19 happened and locked down. Everything changed, because what scientists and environmentalists were predicting later and voicing for a while that people were too busy to listen… It happened before and much more deadly than anticipated.

    I’m still hopeful and we have been working through a pandemic, living in cockroaches, some of us got covid-19 and continue working. Now, we are in the right seat with climate reality leaders and can wait to continue this journey together.

    We know that this work cannot be done alone, the unity and the power of the people is what will create the change that we need for our planet and ourselves. I believe and have been voicing to other media companies here in Montreal, in the beginning of my entrepreneur journey. I strongly believe these agencies and individuals could help continue this moment and work. By creating a co-op media and eco publishing business model with existing influencers, agencies, and other changemakers in different parts of the world, I believe we can make progress in marketing and online media and encourage people to not only care about the planet but to also live a more mindful and sustainable life. We need to encourage cities and countries that green cities ABSOLUTELY Yes! and less CO2 emissions and plastic are not the way anymore! For our health’s sake and our remaining resources on this earth.

    These are some of the missions that will go alongside our other content; blog posts, guest posts, podcast episodes and email marketing content. These are in order to make sure we influence and inspire others. But more importantly, we want to create an awareness of a healthier planet and the people and animals living on it. All for our future generations to continue to thrive for many centuries to come.

    Yep, I’m not only building an empire and helping others along the way, I’m leaving a legacy for our children’s children. Because #sustainabilitymatters now more than ever!

    I know what you must be thinking…

    That’s a lot of work! There are 7.7 billion people…

    You are just one voice. Why would anybody listen to you, right? You are going to need a lot of money and a lot of people to do this…

    Well, if nobody says or does anything, then who will?!

    September 28,2019

    Greta’s march (here is the article) in Montreal, was an inspiration and great motivator to keep taking action. Even though in this city, she was used as political gain which is pretty sad. But I was so happy that a lot of people came out and supported the climate change march.

    Eco Mom

    Participating in Futuristic February with Sustainable Duo was an experience that I learned a lot from and I was glad I got to share it with my daughters and my community. Here is the article.

    Black Lives Matter March in the middle of a world pandemic in Montreal, 2020

    The BLM and social justice march (here is article) while in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, because of Covid-19 exposing all the inequalities and social justice work that needs to be addressed alongside the impacts of climate change. Which we all know by now, it is affecting more vulnerable, low income communities of colour. Now, we need to collaborate with key news media companies and declutter the colonized and racist media strategies of today, that we all know need to STOP! We need new change makers and leaders or we need to become one ourselves. The climate community provide the tools and support to continue to fight for our planet and humanity. I’m more hopeful than ever before, for future generations building equity alongside a more sustainable planet. Do you feel it too?

    Yep, we’re going to need all the help we can get. Money will come, I have no doubts anymore. Because if you care about yourself and your health in the next 75–100 years… or care about not eating plastic food that you know will kill you faster or living underwater… then money will not be the issue.

    I know I have a duty as an Environmentalist, Writer, Content Creator and Marketing Unicorn. But more importantly my drive is bigger than myself. My ‘why’ are my girls’ future and other children in this world. If it’s the same for you, I’m glad you are here.

    I’ve been studying this for years. My mom at a younger age explained the basics of how the planet provided the oxygen we need to breathe, how our oceans and all living organisms in it are one of the main sources of creating oxygen along with trees. When she didn’t know how to explain the concepts or processes, she got me books. So when I started university in Environmental Science, it was like the teachers were reciting to me what I’d already read at a younger age. Just more updated 🙂

    So a university education helped me research better and acquire the data (science and math numbers do not lie or try to omit the truth…we all are trying to live through the impacts of climate change at this very moment). I’ve read all the scientific papers about climate change, global warming, CO2 emissions, ocean patterns and glaciers melting at a faster rate than ever before, which causes sea levels to rise…man, I even edited those papers before they got published! If knowledge is power, why wouldn’t I use my power for good? Why wouldn’t I or show others to give the right tools for all of us to be able to use our voices to speak about what really matters? Health, environment, and justice are not political. These are essentials that we need our government, big polluter corporations and wealthiest individuals to focus on and do better for our societies and for the future of our children. Integrity and compassion is vital during these times.

    They fear our unity and our collective mental strength, don’t forget our minds and spirits are very powerful; imagine if we all learn how to use it wisely. That’s why schools systems and their education is designed to keep us mentally slave to this system. Entrepreneurship, money, taxes, saving lessons, women’s and children’s rights, mental health support and living sustainably. Does not benefit a system build on inequality and colonized structures designed many decades ago. The more mentally educated, stronger and independent you get, the less the system can control you. That’s why there is so much clutter in the internet now. That’s why covid-19 has exposed all that was already wrong and deadly. But those who benefit from inequality, called it “normal”. 

    We need to keep our energy clean and vibrant, therefore we must continuously work on ourselves every day and do the things we know we must to keep ourselves educated, decolonize our minds and stay true to our journey on this earth. Changing your thoughts and behavioral patterns changes your world.

    We hope this and our many content brings value to your life any way it can. Thank you for connecting with us. We hope that you will consider subscribing to our channels and newsletters to support us on our journey, as we wish to support you. It helps us more than you know. Our gratitude is beyond words.

    We believe in you.

    *Remember we are still raising money for Lebanon, Beirut. Here is why.

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    Thank you for your support!

    Love and Light,

    _AO.

    P.S: Happy Birthday Sofia, today four years ago was my second best day and happiest day of my life. This weekend was fun with Abuela, and she really loved that you kissed her a lot. If you ever get to read this when you are older. Remember, mami loves you very much ❤

    If you liked this blog make sure to subscribe, follow us, leave us what you think in the comments (let’s start real conversations) and share it with someone that needs to read this today.

    Edited by Vanessa H❤

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