How an Environmental Justice Documentary Is Building Solidarity in the Midst of the Racial and Health Crisis
23 June
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Indigenous leaders, environmental groups, interfaith and divestment coalitions are hosting online events, utilizing the film to support frontline and impacted communities. Courtesy / The Condor & The Eagle
By Tracy L. Barnett
A soon-to-be-released feature film exemplifies how independent media initiatives can be powerful tools for social and environmental justice organizing. Challenging the isolation and impotence that many are feeling in the face of the current health and racial crises, the internationally acclaimed documentary The Condor & The Eagle and its impact campaign "No More Sacrificed Communities" bring us together in these challenging times – reminding us of our deep interconnectedness with the Earth and one another.
<p>As we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, environmental racism is presenting a deadly parallel threat for Indigenous peoples across North and South America, who continue to defend the lands and waters, protecting their communities from extraction and the pandemic. Meanwhile, the climate crisis has not paused as we battle racialized violence and COVID-19. On the contrary, as countries ease restrictions, emissions levels have rebounded to just 5% lower than last year at this time, and experts warn that we could be facing increased emissions by year's end. Meanwhile those at the front lines of the struggle for climate justice are battling disproportionately high rates of infection from Covid-19 while facing heightened risks of violence and illness from the extractive industries.</p>
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A PROFOUND WORK OF CLIMATE JOURNALISM
<p>Oscar-winning editor and producer Douglas Blush says: "This documentary takes the struggle for climate justice beyond the standard borders of separate nations using thrilling cinematography, deeply personal stories and the urgency of tomorrow's headlines. <em>The Condor & The Eagle</em> is both a profound work of climate journalism and an exhilarating, emotional adventure film."<br></p><p>The recent burning of the Amazon, the mega-fires in Australia, and the current political climate bode ill for our planet's future habitability. But there is hope. This internationally acclaimed documentary chronicles the ongoing collective climate awakening and the imperative of urgent change. The film asks how social change happens, and explores best practices for building effective social movements, led by the most affected. As world climate scientists predict unprecedented global catastrophe, <em>The Condor & The Eagle</em> features Indigenous women leaders at the head of an unparalleled global response.</p>
<p>Four Indigenous leaders embark on an extraordinary transcontinental adventure from the Canadian boreal forests to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of "climate justice." <em>The Condor & The Eagle</em> offers a glimpse into a developing spiritual renaissance as the film's four protagonists learn from each other's long legacy of resistance to colonialism and its extractive economy.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQwODM0Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNzYxNzU5MH0.Oo9RwKPqrIS9q6Iz8Y2n0S9sxXZNQGiJOvfrAhwRI1U/img.png?width=980" id="bb09c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1a78d9f6c7bf91cd36016a49392517f5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Casey Camp-Horinek, Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, left, with Melina Laboucan_Massimo, Lubicon Cree First Nation of Alberta, in the front row of the half-million-strong People's Climate March in New York, 2014. Screenshot / The Condor & The Eagle
IMPACT CAMPAIGN: "NO MORE SACRIFICED COMMUNITIES"
<p>Indigenous leaders, environmental groups (including Amazon Watch, Sierra Club, Extinction Rebellion), divestment and interfaith coalitions (including Interfaith Power and Light, Unitarian Universalists) are <a href="https://thecondorandtheeagle.com/events/" target="_blank">hosting impressive online events</a>, presenting the film to large audiences along with a live-screen discussion with film and movement protagonists. In the weeks and months ahead, the film's impact campaign, "No More Sacrificed Communities," will explore how media highlighting the voices from impacted communities can compel a shift from witnessing environmental destruction to practical actions for sustainable, community-based initiatives.</p> <p>Each of more than a dozen online events is hosted by a different organization and offers the opportunity to raise funds for key environmental justice groups and impacted communities that are leading the charge against destructive fossil fuel projects.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQwODM1NS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTY1OTE4MH0.Z6ZOvelXtSKYGx_LNFr4MyUq6JtvMnTJxECCHLfKsko/img.png?width=980" id="fc2b5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4271ef679acb20176c4ba3d69d20652e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
At the Red Nation International Film Festival. Left to right: Festival director Joanelle Romero, co-director Clement Guerra, film protagonist Bryan Parras, Executive Producer Jacqueline Garcia and Impact Partner Kat Lo, Eaton Workshop.
INTERNATIONAL FILM RELEASE
<p>Since its premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival in October 2019, <em>The Condor & the Eagle</em> has been selected by more than 50 film festivals and has won 12 awards, most notably Best Environmental Documentary at the 2019 Red Nation International Film Festival in Beverly Hills, California.<br></p> <p>The film's international release date is set for Wednesday, July 1, and it will be available for rent on the <a href="https://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/the-condor-and-the-eagle/" target="_blank">Films For Action</a> website. That day also marks the film's Latin American premiere with "<a href="https://event.webinarjam.com/register/93/xyg1yuw9?fbclid=IwAR2pNe5jKZJ3jXlmHROc8ifD1JtxQkKNG1QB2xx41WST7XrL7knai_kGnHU" target="_blank">Defending the Defenders of the Mother Earth / Defendiendo las Defensoras de la Madre Tierra</a>," a bilingual screening event featuring Bertha "Bertita" Zúñiga Cáceres of Honduras, daughter of the environmental martyr Berta Cáceres, and the director, among others.</p>A MESSAGE FROM THE FILMMAKERS
<p>The film was directed and produced by Clement Guerra, a 37-year-old French international marketing manager, and his German wife Sophie. The couple left their comfortable careers in Europe and took their savings to live in a camper van and spend five years documenting the Indigenous-led climate justice movement.</p><p>"We don't want to be 'extractivist' filmmakers, but rather ones who work hand-in-hand with communities," Clement told The Esperanza Project in a recent interview, <a href="https://www.esperanzaproject.com/2020/native-american-culture/the-condor-the-eagle-takes-flight/" target="_blank"><em>The Condor & The Eagle' Takes Flight</em></a>. "On a personal level, this whole experience helped us face our own privilege, and we quickly realized that the pollution outside reflected the ego-toxicity we are carrying on the inside. We have been conditioned to believe that we are skin-encapsulated egos, that we are each an 'I' separate from every other 'I.' Thanks to our journey and the process of making this film, we came to realize that we all depend on each other; we are not separate."<br></p><p>You can support the team impact work <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=W44L44WM4ELDW&source=url" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><iframe title="vimeo-player" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/417898062" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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White gold man-made diamond solitaire engagement ring. Clean Origin
While keeping track of the new trends in the diamond industry can be hard, it is still an essential task of any savvy consumer or industry observer. Whether you are looking to catch a deal on your next diamond purchase or researching the pros and cons of an investment within the diamond industry, keeping up with the trends is imperative.
<p>
Like any industry, the <a href="https://www.econotimes.com/The-Diamond-Industry-in-2020-Where-Does-It-Go-from-Here-1572482" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">diamond industry is always evolving</a>. This year, manufacturers and consumers alike should be prepared for the changes that the industry will undergo, largely because millennials will be taking over the customer base. Not sure what's to come? Here's everything you need to know about diamond industry trends in 2020.
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New Trends in the Diamond Industry
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjgzMjk0NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NDkwNjIyNH0.Ex4mDy50fq4C4qOvWKRJyNMpDiTxubZw4uwrsoZ8gIA/img.jpg?width=980" id="0aec4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0bc6479bac5e6e069b4407382db706a3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Rose gold lab-created diamond solitaire engagement ring. Clean Origin
<p>2020 will be a big year for the diamond industry and we've got you covered. Here are the top trends in the diamond industry that you need to know about.</p>Millennials Are Shaping the Industry
<p> Love it or hate it, <a href="https://www.cleanorigin.com/blog/millennials-choosing-lab-grown-diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">millennials are changing the diamond industry</a>. However, while millennials have a reputation for "killing" industries, it would be a mistake to believe that the diamond industry is dying simply because the customer base is changing. </p><p> Millennials are making more financially conscious decisions regarding diamond purchases. Many Millennials regard diamond purchases as an investment into the future just as equally as they look at it as an investment into the relationship. </p><p> That said, millennials are looking for the most cost effective options that fit within their budget and lab-grown diamonds fulfill all of their needs. So, while the industry is changing, it's not dead. In fact, it might experience its highest growth ever in the coming years, so long as manufacturers consider new trends and act accordingly. </p>Non-Traditional Options
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjgzMjk1MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDM4MzMzM30.S_S3UO7uYloBcZ3LYGfMzgLudZUA0VxabH4qKGPvIBU/img.jpg?width=980" id="95e68" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="82d0b538a79d970200037f0e2e90f831" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />White gold lab-grown diamond classic engagement ring. Clean Origin
<h4>Lab-Grown Diamonds</h4><p> It's already been said, but it's worth repeating — millennials are the future of the diamond industry. As with every demographic before them, in order to survive, the industry must make some changes according to the issues of the day. </p><p> Many millennials regard climate change and eco-friendly practices as a top deciding factor in their purchases. If your company or brand has environmentally unfriendly practices or is simply towards the end of its mining life, it's imperative to consider making some eco-friendly changes. </p><p> <a href="https://www.cleanorigin.com/about-lab-created-diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Lab diamonds have a significantly lower impact</a> on the environment than mined diamonds. Not to mention, lab-grown diamonds don't differ from mined diamonds in the eyes of a consumer. In fact, mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds differ only in the eyes of an experienced jeweler who is able to read the microscopic inscription on the bottom of the lab diamond. </p><p> Overall, lab-grown diamonds have not only increased in popularity, but they are also on the verge of changing the industry. As a less-expensive option that is on par with even the most expensive diamonds, lab-grown diamonds offer the eco-friendliness and affordability that most consumers are looking for. </p><h4>Other Diamond Alternatives</h4><p> Outside of lab-created diamonds, <a href="https://betches.com/diamond-alternatives-engagement-rings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">other alternatives</a> have popped up as options for couples who'd like to opt out of going with a traditional mined diamond. Although man-made stones are leading the charge in terms of popularity, salt & pepper diamonds, moonstones, and moissanite have also gained traction for being "outside the box" and "non-traditional." </p>Key Takeaways
<p> Whether you're an industry observer or a savvy consumer, it's important to pay attention to the trends in the diamond industry. Following these trends can help you to prepare for anything from stock drops and saving big on your next jewelry purchase. As the purchasing demographic changes, so will the industry. <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/millennials/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Millennials are coming out</a> in a big way and shaking up the industry. The need for new mines, lab-grown diamonds, and other diamond alternatives are all big things to look out for in the diamond industry in 2020. </p>From Your Site Articles
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EcoWatch Daily Newsletter
(L) Selma Three Stone Engagement Ring. (R) The Greener Diamond Farm Project. MiaDonna
By Bailey Hopp
If you had to choose a diamond for your engagement ring from below or above the ground, which would you pick … and why would you pick it? This is the main question consumers are facing when picking out their diamond engagement ring today. With a dramatic increase in demand for conflict-free lab-grown diamonds, the diamond industry is shifting right before our eyes.
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<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjA2OTgwOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTYzMzg5NX0.lfzTyU2D5vdOgSjRcvxr_sXkm5E9RU4sezE4polebJA/img.jpg?width=980" id="f8837" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="80e87569e958bf21f06f0494728c7152" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Loose lab-grown diamonds and gem stones. MiaDonna
<p>The disruption of the earth-mined diamond industry has brought many new jewelers to the playing field offering ethical, cost effective, and often higher quality alternatives for consumers to choose from. The <a href="https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research/difference-between-natural-laboratory-grown-diamonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gemological Institute of America</a> (GIA) provides all the information to the consumer to make it crystal clear that lab-grown diamonds are in fact, 100% diamond. Made by either high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), each laboratory-grown diamond is created chemically, physically and optically identical to their earth-mined diamond counterparts, making them indistinguishable to the trained eye, and up-to 40% less the cost. Additionally, both types of diamonds are graded the same way, by the same laboratories that grade earth-mined diamonds.</p><p>Although the two diamond types are identical to the eye, their origin stories couldn't be more different. The diamond industry has been built completely on 'a diamond is forever,' but when our natural resources for mining these diamonds are quickly running out, where else are we to turn but to lab-grown diamonds? </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/australias-biggest-diamond-mine-is-running-out-of-diamonds-these-are-the-key-players-in-the-race-to-replace-argyle-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Business Insider Australia</a> recently reported that Australia's biggest diamond mine, Argyle Diamonds, which produces nearly 95% of Australia's earth-mined diamonds, will cut production this year by around 10%. The mines are running out and our planet is suffering from the open pits being completely emptied. On the opposing side, production for lab-grown diamonds has <a href="https://www.opb.org/news/article/columbia-river-lab-created-diamond-foundry-wenatchee-washington-hydropower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ramped up</a> with lab-grown diamond producer Diamond Foundry securing a new production factory in Washington State, which is said to scale up production from approximately 100,000 carats (of diamonds) per year currently, to upwards of 1 million carats per year. According to a recent article in the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/The-diamond-of-the-future-is-here-now-It-was-13654035.php#photo-16969954" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Chronicle</a>, Tom Chatham, CEO of Chatham Created Gems, says that there are two main reasons lab-grown diamonds are the wave of the future. </p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjA2OTgxMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzY2NTc3OX0.kbTwuuv157QR-tjT5ny89ASVpwYhslinPaCcynCtpM8/img.jpg?width=980" id="dd2c8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1faf8237efdec63755216adbf08c2fd7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Lab-grown diamond engagement rings. MiaDonna
<p>"One is that the major five producers of natural diamonds speculated that there will be no natural diamond production after 2050 because they've run out of profitable deposits. Reason two is that for the last 10 years, we've been sought out by people, Millennials, who want to buy something that doesn't come out of the earth, who care about the earth and the damage we've created," he adds.</p><p>When it comes to the effects related to the social and humanitarian issues of mining diamonds, lab-grown diamonds also have the upper hand here. In a recent case announced last month, the <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-issues-detention-orders-against-companies-suspected-using-forced" target="_blank">U.S. Customs and Border Protection</a> (CBP) admitted that gold from artisanal mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rough diamonds mined from Marange Diamond Fields in Zimbabwe are "produced, in whole or in part, using forced labor." </p><p>The CBP stated that they would issue Withhold Release Orders for gold mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rough diamonds mined from Marange, Zimbabwe, along with 3 other products believed to be produced using forced labor. Additionally, in a 2017 report from the <a href="http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/607311509663221201/pdf/Concept-Project-Information-Document-Integrated-Safeguards-Data-Sheet.pdf" target="_blank">World Bank</a> on extractive industries in Sierra Leone, research found that 'it's estimated that approximately 300,000 Sierra Leoneans are directly employed at artisanal mining operations.' </p><p>Although the diamond industry is expansive and abundant in many countries across Africa, it's rare that these artisanal mines enforce proper labor laws and environmental standards.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjA2OTgxMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNjQ5ODU0MH0.D273Rhn21oKUNGFuDVHjImwBXWHdq7IRCoURU_HJVzQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="9dfa3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5c67f5bde497f06b3026db826b12ca09" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Custom MiaDonna lab-grown diamond engagement ring. MiaDonna
<p> In a recent <a href="https://earther.gizmodo.com/beyond-the-hype-of-lab-grown-diamonds-1834890351" target="_blank">Gizmodo</a> article, GIA's James Shipley said that advancements in the lab-grown diamond industry has only really taken off in the last five years or so, when the mainstream jewelry sector began taking notice. The <a href="https://www.theigda.org/" target="_blank">International Grown Diamond Association</a> (IGDA), a non-profit organization formed in 2016 by a <a href="https://www.theigda.org/members" target="_blank">dozen</a> lab diamond growers and sellers, now has about 50 members, according to IGDA Secretary General, Dick Garard. When the IGDA first formed, lab-grown diamonds were estimated to represent about <a href="https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/diamond-market-lab-grown-disruption" target="_blank">1 percent</a> of a $14 billion rough diamond market. </p><p> This year, industry analyst Paul Zimnisky estimates they account for 2-3 percent of the market. He expects that share will only continue to grow as factories in China that already produce millions of carats a year for industrial purposes start to see an opportunity in jewelry. Zimnisky also <a href="https://5b16c634-a-8b9f6598-s-sites.googlegroups.com/a/paulzimnisky.com/paul-zimnisky/Jeweller%20Magazine%20-%20December%202018%2C%20PP%2032-33%2C%20Paul%20Zimnisky.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7crF_76zEujmBNhEZwCdCTFYygwqvs9ZPmRKxc9bn2NTsmLUk9hdFpt5wmTm5-1UjXgqJ8i3wFe0WUr8dKbkN2k7-nnyQL20shVtlHZBJb6Bke-PMyYOzTM2IBlOWxr0P-rkjGFvRPBFRQSmoc4RlzynNiHN8LHdQyEEWGGk83jZZduPu5hPDPC8lHCxvIOAPWCi5Y5ENeZQJEOxK6KoDRQKkoaSiFcGAJz6AiokfTXn2GPjRI5MuCD1z8praQuwxvRyqZKAxHXZ9KlO7qZQG1uQFlUWVPh3w1m3wtljQ1TKtRoB0v8%3D&attredirects=0" target="_blank">estimates</a> that lab-created diamond market shares in the fashion jewelry market are forecasted to grow to almost 7 percent by 2035. </p><p> MiaDonna, specifically, was founded with a single objective in mind: to offer consumers a beautiful, ethical and affordable diamond alternative which in turn, would support <a href="http://thegreenerdiamond.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Greener Diamond</a> to help free innocent children oppressed by the active conflict diamond mining industry. With every order placed at MiaDonna, they give back at least 10% of net profits to directly fund projects and initiatives to help local communities have alternative career paths to mining in countries such as Sierra Leone and Liberia. They aren't here to just sell consumers lab-grown diamonds, they're here to rebuild the lives and land damaged by diamond mining and provide better, safer and more sustainable options for those who would otherwise be involved in the conflict diamond industry. </p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjA2OTgxNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NjQ1MTk4N30.raUgtyjAnA1orrqJRIW43hG92hTYTZNzx0bN3Z5mToU/img.jpg?width=980" id="dc737" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="65e32560b0e122724d08157c5854d6c2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
The Greener Diamond Farm Project. MiaDonna
<p> In addition, this year MiaDonna became a <a href="https://bcorporation.net/directory/mia-donna-company" target="_blank">Certified B Corporation</a>, which takes into account the company's overall social and environmental performance and evaluates how its operations and business model impact not only their own employees, but also the community, environment and customers. On top of their B Corp efforts, MiaDonna uses only recycled precious metals for all of their engagement ring settings, all of their jewelry is handcrafted in the U.S.A. and they even created an eco-friendly jewelry cleaner using a non-toxic formula that is both environmentally safe and packaged in a fully recyclable, grade 1 container. Learn more about MiaDonna <a href="https://www.miadonna.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> and shop all lab-grown jewelry, engagement rings and accessories. </p><p> Whatever your personal preference may be when it comes to diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are here, and they're here to stay. By being an active, conscious consumer and doing your research into the products you're purchasing and the companies you're purchasing from, you'll have full control over what best fits your needs and desires. There will always be two sides to every coin, but with the resources available for consumers to make their own educated decisions on choosing their diamond, the power is in the people. </p>
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CBDfx
Maybe you've been hearing a lot about CBD lately. But what is it? What can it do for you? And why is CBD from CBDfx so outstanding?
<p>To start with, cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the substances that can be extracted from the cannabis plant. People inhale CBD vapor for a variety of reasons. Many people anecdotally report that CBD reduces anxiety and eases pain. According to some studies, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/" target="_blank">it may improve focus</a>. In general, users report that CBD use simply makes you feel more cheerful and more relaxed.</p><p>CBD vaping is a relatively new way to take in this compound. The vaping system, a wonder of modern technology, uses an electronic device to produce a harmless vapor that's much smoother than smoke.</p><p>In addition, with CBD vaping, you have a choice of various flavors besides the natural taste of the plant. Indeed, thousands of flavored liquids are now available — the choices are endless! Once you've found a taste and aroma that you enjoy, you'll appreciate the CBD experience even more.</p><p>CBD vaping offers a wide range of potential medical benefits, according to modern research. It may <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/" target="_blank">reduce inflammation</a>, and it can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/" target="_blank">lessen the effects of skin problems like acne</a>. Many users report that it can reduce nausea and limit vomiting as well. In higher dosages, CBD can possibly even be used to treat <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/" target="_blank">epilepsy and severe mental disorders</a> such as schizophrenia.</p><p>Based on exciting new research, it appears that CBD may play a role in the future treatment of several different health conditions. That's excellent news, and it explains why so many people are getting ahead of the trend and starting to use CBD now while also keeping an eye on the latest scientific developments.</p><p>However, with this type of vaping, there are a couple of basic safety tips to keep in mind. First, you should find an electronic device that isn't prone to overheating. And, second, you should only use CBD with a nontoxic flavoring liquid. Don't worry: if you're sourcing your CBD and vaping equipment from a reputable company, this should be no problem.</p><p><br/></p>
CBD Side Effects vs. Pharmaceutical Side Effects
<p>In some cases, CBD users will experience such mild <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476" target="_blank">side effects</a> as tiredness, moodiness and nausea. However, when present, those side effects tend to be very <a href="https://www.thestreet.com/lifestyle/what-are-the-side-effects-of-cbd-oil--14933788" target="_blank">moderate</a> at worst. And many people have no problem whatsoever <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700" target="_blank">tolerating</a> this substance.</p><p>By contrast, <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196135.php" target="_blank">pharmaceutical side effects</a> can sometimes be acute. They include dizziness, headaches and muscle pains, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, rashes, diarrhea, dehydration, blurry vision, constipation and weight gain.</p><p>In particular, the <a href="https://www.epilepsy.org.au/strong-foundations/how-epilepsy-can-affect-learning/side-effects-of-antiepileptic-medications/" target="_blank">side effects of epileptic drugs</a> can be severe. Depression, confusion and memory loss, weight loss, fatigue, vertigo, tremors, slurred speech, angry outbursts and hair loss are among them. CBD offers a huge beacon of hope to people who have had a difficult time tolerating their existing epilepsy treatment.</p><p>What's more, consider these facts about the safety of CBD:</p><ul><li>It's classified as nontoxic.</li><li>It's not intoxicating.</li><li>It doesn't raise a person's blood pressure or heart rate.</li><li>It doesn't lead to psychological problems.</li><li>You almost certainly won't get addicted to CBD, even if you were to use it on a regular basis and in high doses.</li><li>It appears that people are <a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/a26933414/cbd-everything-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank">unable to overdose </a>on CBD.</li></ul><p>Of course, medical experts will continue to investigate CBD. But, so far, the results of formal studies have been extremely promising. Again and again, researchers have confirmed this substance's excellent potential and minimal side effects.</p>CBD Vape Juice by CBDfx
<p>At CBDfx, our top-notch <a href="https://cbdfx.com/collections/cbd-vape-pens/" target="_blank">CBD vape pens</a> come with enticing flavors, including strawberry lemonade and fresh mint. And every aspect of our CBD is organic; there's no artificial flavoring here.</p><p>These pens are simple to operate. You don't even have to charge them. Instead, as soon as you buy one, you can pull it out of its packaging and start using it on the spot. Plus, you can carry it with you wherever you go, and no one will realize that you have this item with you.</p><p>Then, after you've enjoyed all of the CBD that it contains, you can just throw this vape pen away and move on to the next one.</p><p>Our medium-strength pens contain 50 mg of CBD, and they supply users with a strong concentration of <a href="https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/wellness/health-benefits-of-terpenes/" target="_blank">terpenes</a> as well. Terpenes are hydrocarbons that come from certain kinds of plants, including citrus plants. And they offer health benefits of their own. To name just a few, they may potentially fight tumors, ease inflammation, and even relieve pain. They may help to prevent seizures, too.</p><p>On top of that, when you take in CBD and terpenes at the same time, those two compounds likely magnify each other's benefits. Together, they're more than the sum of their parts. That's a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect," a hot subject of current research.</p><p>Last but not least, our CBD comes to us via the ultra-clean CO2 extraction method. This technique uses liquefied carbon dioxide to dissolve plant matter. When CBD is sourced in this way, the resulting product is especially pure.</p>Conclusion
<p>In sum, as long as it comes from a trustworthy source, CBD is a safe and convenient product to use. And CBDfx is exactly the trustworthy source you've been looking for. CBDfx even makes laboratory batch reports publicly available on their website, so you can see exactly what's inside the product you're taking.</p><p>Indeed, it's fun to vape CBD alone or with friends. With or without flavoring, its taste is delightful!</p><p>Above all, CBD holds great promise for people's physical and psychological well-being, in the short term and over the long haul. If this sounds good to you, CBD vaping could become a key component of a healthy and happy lifestyle.</p>
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Sponsored by Gundry MD
"Kelly, why do you have those dark spots all over your arms and face"?
<p>These are the words that left 64-year-old kindergarten teacher, Kelly* feeling completely rattled and embarrassed.</p><p>Kelly had first started to experience dark spots on her skin a few years ago and slowly over time they started to get darker and darker, and more started to appear.</p><p>She would always just put makeup on to try and cover up her dark spots and uneven skin tones, but the spots had gotten so obvious that makeup could no longer fully cover them up.</p><p>Kelly had always done everything right and was very cautious, consistently applying sunblock and limiting sun exposure.</p><p>Later that week she went out to lunch with one of her friends and explained the story of what happened to her earlier in the week.</p><p>She said, she knows exactly how she feels and that she also experienced the same issues, but she saw an amazing video last week about a special at-home method to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tones.</p><p>Kelly began using this special method at home, and one day her husband saw her and said "wow, what happened to your dark spots? I can't even tell you have them anymore."</p><p>She explained that last week she went to lunch with her friends and she told her to use this special method on the dark spots to help make them "disappear." </p><p>Kelly's husband was amazed by the results he saw, and he noticed that he had some age spots and he also tried this method on himself and experienced similar results.</p><p>You can find out about the special method by <a href="http://gundrymd.com/cmd.php?ad=932069" target="_blank">clicking here right now.</a></p><p>If you yourself have experienced dark spots, uneven skin tones, macules, freckles, and age spots then you need to <a href="http://gundrymd.com/cmd.php?ad=932069" target="_blank">watch the shocking presentation right now</a>.<br></p><p><em>*Names and certain other details have been changed to protect our customer's privacy.</em></p>
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Sam Cooper
By Sam Cooper
Thomas Edison once said, "I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power!"
<p>Over the last ten years, solar power has become ubiquitous in conversations about renewable energy. As the cost to produce solar photovoltaic cells has plummeted in recent years, more and more homes, businesses and communities have invested in solar.</p><p>Solar has become a foundational renewable energy source, with major investments driving new project development all over the country. As the technology continues to develop, the future of solar is an even more exciting place to look.</p>
The First Rays of Progress
<p>The year was 1839. At just 19 years of age, French Physicist Edmond Becquere created the world's first photovoltaic cell. His discovery, known as the Photovoltaic Effect or "Becquerel Effect," showcased the foundational physics and process for what we now consider solar power and cemented his place in the history books. However, his discovery did not kick off a solar revolution. Instead, it remained in the domain of the laboratory well into the 20th century.</p><p>In 1954, inventors David Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson capitalized on the Becquerel Effect, creating the world's first modern solar cell at Bell Labs. The very next year Hoffman Electrics produced their own solar cells, which sold commercially for 25¢ each. As solar technology continued to develop, solar power expanded to cars, planes, satellites, homes, commercial buildings and even spacecraft.</p><p>Over time, the basic concept behind solar hasn't strayed far from early models. However, the cells used to power our homes and lives today are much, much more advanced and efficient — driving down costs and opening up new uses for solar in our lives.</p>The Current State of Solar Technology
<p>The solar industry has expanded and matured in recent years, accompanied by advances in power storage, miniaturization and materials that combine to make solar photovoltaics more efficient and durable and versatile.</p><p>In a sure sign of industry maturity, some companies are beginning to focus on the aesthetics of solar systems, instead of concerning themselves solely with advances in performance. One such company is Sistine Solar, a Boston-based startup which has created a "solar skin" that covers solar panels, altering their appearance. From skins that match the roof to artistic flags and designs, these skins help homeowners blend or beautify their rooftop panels without affecting efficiency.</p><p>That said, scientists and developers continue to push the limits of panel efficiency. The more efficient a panel is, the more energy created, and cheaper these panels can be in the long term. Most solar panels fall in the 14 to 18 percent efficiency range, but in 2018 a number of companies brought panels to market in the 24 to 25% range.</p><p>The current state of solar technology is promising, but it pales in comparison to what the future holds.</p>A Limitless Solar Future — If We Can Build It
<p>Solar's potential seems limitless, but it would be wrong to <a href="https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/why-moores-law-doesnt-apply-to-clean-technologies" target="_blank">consider the matter settled.</a> Despite the astounding pace of innovation, solar technologies have only effectively doubled since the first cell was created in 1954. Furthermore, humankind's demand for reliable power shows no signs of slowing. In order to fully utilize clean, renewable solar energy, scientists, policymakers and financiers the world over are going to have to be clever. </p><p>Looking ahead, some researchers and thinkers asked: how could we offer solar energy round the clock, while maintaining the ability to meet increasing energy demand. The answer, it seems, is to create solar farms in space. </p><p>The idea of launching solar panels into space where they can generate electricity 24 hours a day and wirelessly transmit the power back to Earth might seem like science fiction, but it's becoming increasingly more likely by the day.</p><p>As a concept, wireless transmission of energy has been with us since the invention of the radio, and the first notable long distance power transmission experiments <a href="http://www.friendsofcrc.ca/Projects/SHARP/sharp.html" target="_blank">occurred in 1982.</a> In 2018, scientists from the California Institute of Technology announced that they had succeeded in creating a prototype of a lightweight tile which would be capable of harnessing and transmitting solar energy generated from space. These lightweight tiles would have the ability to follow the Earth's orbit, meaning power would flow continuously, without a night time dip.</p><p>While orbital solar farms might still lie in the future, terrestrial solar is a very real presence in our lives today. As solar power continues to enjoy advances in technology, performance and cost efficiency, solar looks poised to be one of our most prevalent sources of clean, renewable energy. Not just in our power supply, but in our tech, toys and daily lives. Without a doubt, solar will be one of the pillars of our 100% clean energy future.</p>Choose Clean Energy Today
<p>You can access clean energy today with <a href="http://arcadiapower.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=226&aff_id=1146&url_id=102&aff_sub=post_01_ap" target="_blank">Arcadia Power</a>. Arcadia Power is a free service that is dedicated to creating a 100% clean energy future by making clean energy an easy choice. Arcadia Power is not a utility and their platform doesn't replace your utility. They simply connect your utility account to clean energy and find you ways to lower your monthly power bill. </p><p><strong>Here's how it works:</strong></p><p><strong>1. </strong>Take 2 minutes to connect your utility account to Arcadia Power and sign up to pay your bill through their secure platform. </p><p><strong>2. </strong>They'll match your energy usage with clean energy from wind farms and let you know when they find ways you can save money, all at no cost.</p><p><strong>3. </strong>You get a single statement with your utility charge, details on your clean energy impact and any savings credits from Arcadia Power. Plus, they never charge credit card transaction fees, so you can earn points with each utility bill. </p><p>It takes just 2 minutes to sign up. That's it. Plus, you'll get $25 off your next power bill when you sign up this month. </p><p><a href="http://arcadiapower.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=226&aff_id=1146&url_id=102&aff_sub=post_01" target="_blank">Sign up for free today</a>!</p>From Your Site Articles
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Sam Cooper
By Sam Cooper
Summer is almost here, and while summer holds the promise of longer, sunnier days, it also means increased power bills and carbon emissions as we run air conditioners in our homes.
<p>Try a few of our easy, quick, and mostly free tips to keep your power bill at a reasonable level this summer. Your wallet will thank you, and the planet will thank you for your decreased carbon emissions.</p>
<p><strong>1. Install Energy Efficient Lightbulbs</strong></p>
<p>Incandescent bulbs are inefficient. You can save electricity and money over the long term by replacing those incandescent bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs or LED bulbs. Both have become quite affordable in recent years; LEDs convert more power to light.</p>
<p>LED bulbs cost more than CFLs, but are even more efficient at converting energy into light. A 15-watt CFL bulb will last for 10,000 hours and cost $1.20 a year to run for two hours a day, according to Department of Energy data. An LED bulb would last for 25,000 hours and cost only $1.00.</p>
<p><strong>2. Use Shade Strategically</strong></p>
<p>Cooling your home by blocking out the sun is called passive cooling, and you don't need any technical expertise to do this. Just install curtains or shades — whichever best suits your home.</p>
<p>Heat from direct sunlight makes your air conditioning work harder than it needs to. A bit of shade indoors will go a long way to keeping your home naturally cooler — saving a lot of money!</p>
<p>You can also go the extra mile by adding an inexpensive solar film to windows that get the most sunlight. It's a cheap way to save energy without closing out the natural light.</p>
<p><strong>3. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water</strong></p>
<p>Heating water for laundry takes a tremendous amount of energy. Also, it's usually unnecessary. Load up your washing machine and use a cold wash and rinse instead. You'll save a lot over the course of a year.</p>
<p><strong>4. Use Fans to Supplement Air Conditioning</strong></p>
<p>Central air is often the biggest energy expense in a home. However, column, box or pedestal fans use much less energy. Running a $20 desktop fan each night instead of full air conditioner will pay for itself within a year. Turning the thermostat from 78 to 76 will cost more than running the fans, especially if your home or apartment is poorly insulated or has an old air conditioner.</p>
<p><strong>Extra Tip</strong></p><p><strong></strong>If you have a window fan, try running it in reverse. You can push your home's hot air out, instead of pulling the hot air outside back in.</p>
<p><strong>Bonus Tip</strong></p><p><a href="http://arcadiapower.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=226&aff_id=1146&url_id=102&aff_sub=post_02" target="_blank">Find clean energy and savings with Arcadia Power</a>.</p>
<p>Arcadia Power is a free service that is dedicated to creating a 100% clean energy future by making clean energy an easy choice. Arcadia Power is not a utility and their platform doesn't replace your utility. They simply connect your utility account to clean energy and find you ways to lower your monthly power bill. </p>
<p><strong>Here's how it works:</strong></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>1. </strong>Take 2 minutes to connect your utility account to Arcadia Power and sign up to pay your bill through their secure platform. </p>
<p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>2. </strong>They'll match your energy usage with clean energy from wind farms and let you know when they find ways you can save money, all at no cost.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>3. </strong>You get a single statement with your utility charge, details on your clean energy impact, and any savings credits from Arcadia Power. Plus, they never charge credit card transaction fees, so you can earn points with each utility bill.</p>
<p>It takes just 2 minutes to sign up. That's it. Plus, you'll get $25 off your next power bill when you sign up this month. </p>
<p><a href="http://arcadiapower.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=226&aff_id=1146&url_id=102&aff_sub=post_02" target="_blank">Sign up for free today</a>.</p>
From Your Site Articles
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DoneGood
By Cullen Schwarz
Ethical shopping is a somewhat new phenomenon. We're far more familiar with the "tried and tested" methods of doing good, like donating our money or time.
<p>But while Americans generously donated $390 billion to charities in 2017, that number pales in comparison to the $130 <strong>trillion </strong>we spent on buying stuff in the same year. </p><p>How much of that went to huge companies that don't support your values-or worse, use their revenue to actively work against them?</p><p>Conscious consumers prefer to spend money with transparent companies that support the same causes they do.</p><p>And it really does make a difference.</p><p>Before we get to the impact, let's take a look at the who, what, when, where, and why of ethical consumerism.</p>
<p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<a href="https://donegood.co?ambid=ecowatch10_30" target="_blank"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTU0NDk4Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzY3NDk0M30.43PXuTY5ZRDYyVSGW6AB_WycorqFKLB0OhLFHG7ctW4/img.png?width=980" id="1fb17" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2781e8ba0c0e7d515dbb9383384e602" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="" /></a>
</p><p><em>Cullen Schwarz is head of Good Thoughts, <a href="https://donegood.co/" target="_blank">DoneGood</a>.</em><br/></p>
Who is the conscious consumer?
<p>Conscious consumers come from all walks of life and are represented across most age groups and economic brackets.</p><p>The simplest definition of a conscious consumer is someone who buys from brands that align with their personal values whenever possible or practical.</p><p>Of course, that broad definition leaves room for a lot of nuance.</p><p>Statistics show that the sustainable shopping sector is growing all the time, meaning more and more people are joining the ranks of conscious consumers.</p><p>These shoppers spend a combined $300 billion per year on ethical products, a figure which is growing by 10% year-over-year. That seems on track to keep increasing since <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2015/green-generation-millennials-say-sustainability-is-a-shopping-priority.html" target="_blank">73% of millennials</a> surveyed said that they're willing to pay more for sustainably-made goods.</p><p>One common belief that all ethical shoppers share is that it is possible to effect change by voting for your values with your dollars. And they're right!</p>What do conscious consumers buy?
<p>The particular products that an ethical consumer buys vary greatly depending on the individual. They may be interested in environmentally sustainable products, cruelty-free ones, fair trade, organic, items made in the USA, or any combination of those and other factors!</p><p>Just as important as what a sustainable shopper does buy is what they <em>don't </em>buy. Experienced ethical consumers make it a point to avoid buying products from brands that harm the environment, test products on animals, fail to treat their workers fairly, or engage in other unsavory practices.</p><p>There is also substantial overlap between conscious consumers and minimalists. Many sustainable shoppers choose to lessen their impact- environmental or otherwise- by buying only what they truly need when they need it.</p><p>These are all valid ways to practice ethical consumerism and are most powerful when combined.</p><p>Because ethical consumerism is heavily contingent on the shopper's own personal values, there's no "right" way to do it!</p>When do conscious consumers shop this way?
<p>In a perfect world, we would all buy ethical products 100% of the time.</p><p>But in reality, that's not always the case. Sometimes an ethical alternative can't be obtained on time, or at the right price, and sometimes it may not even exist at all!</p><p>Conscious consumers do the best that they can to shop with their values, but they understand that one impulsive Amazon purchase isn't reason enough to throw in the towel.</p><p>The great thing about ethical consumerism is that the more demand we create for ethically made products from great companies, the more supply there will be. So, shopping sustainably not only supports your values in the short term, but it paves the way for more similar options down the road!</p><p>Hopefully, one day, ethical options will be the default rather than the exception.</p><p>In the meantime, all we can do is what we can do. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and if you feel discouraged, remember this quote from Helen Keller:</p><blockquote>"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."</blockquote>Where does the conscious consumer shop?
<p>Well, we've built an entire <a href="https://donegood.co?ambid=ecowatch10_30" target="_blank">website</a> dedicated to answering this question!</p><p>But, in a nutshell, experienced ethical buyers shop with companies that share their values <em>and </em>put their money with their mouth is.</p><p>Ethical brands operate with sufficient transparency that their customers can clearly see how their purchases aid the causes that they care about.</p><p>As ethical consumerism catches on as a trend, more and more brands are wanting to hop on the bandwagon. That's great when these brands are really putting in the work to make their products and supply chains sustainable. </p><p>However, there are also bound to be some brands who want the glory without putting in the work. They make superficial changes to their marketing and engage in <a href="https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10946-greenwashing.html" target="_blank">greenwashing</a> to fool customers into thinking they're making ethical purchasing decisions when they're really not.</p><p>Even though the internet is a great resource for finding out what's the truth of a company's values and what's just hype, it can be exhausting to do extensive research each and every time you want to buy something.</p><p>That's why DoneGood exists. To help you sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to ethical shopping. All of our <a href="https://shop.donegood.co/d/brands/ambid=blog_donegood_20190512" target="_blank">DoneGood approved brands</a> are thoroughly vetted to ensure that they have substance and not just style, so you can shop with confidence.</p>Why do conscious consumers change their shopping habits?
<p>Ethical consumers change their shopping habits because they believe that voting for their values with their money is important, and can influence change.</p><p>They want to make sure that all the money they spend is having a positive impact on the world, not just their charitable donations.</p><p>For a lot of conscious consumers, their introduction the ethical consumerism actually starts as a boycott of certain companies or brands they know to be harmful.</p><p>Finding out negative things about one company usually leads them to examine their shopping habits as a whole, and they may find that a lot more brands aren't worth supporting!</p><p>Once you've eliminated these bad brands from your shopping "diet," the next logical step is to fill in the gaps with ethical brands that share your values. Once you see how many amazing brands there are out there doing amazing work, you may never want to stop!</p>The Impact of Sustainable Shopping
<p>Here it is, the big moment.</p><p>We've put in our dues sourcing the best products from brands who care about making the world a better place.</p><p>We've gone without that cute new dress from an unknown company and willingly paid more for everyday essentials made in a more sustainable way.</p><p>What do we have to show for all that?</p><p>Has it made a difference?</p><p>Yes!</p><p>Voting with your dollar <em>works.</em></p><p>Child labor rates dropped by <a href="https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_221568/lang--en/index.htm" target="_blank"><em>one third</em></a> between 2000 and 2012, and they've continued this downward trend since then.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://baptistworldaid.org.au/resources/2019-ethical-fashion-report/" target="_blank">2019 Ethical Fashion Report from Baptist World Aid Australia</a>, 24% more fashion companies have committed to paying their workers a living wage, and 61% are investing in using sustainable fabrics.</p><p><a href="https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/social-and-lifestyle/56-of-americans-stop-buying-from-brands-they-believe-are-unethical" target="_blank">56% of us</a> have stopped buying from brands we consider to be unethical.</p><p>Executives are frantically piling into conference rooms to discuss their "corporate social responsibility."</p><p>Because that's what attracts conscious consumers, who are a large and growing portion of the general public.</p><p>The economic landscape is changing before our very eyes.</p><p>Companies are changing and even our culture is changing, all because of conscious consumers who have banded together in their commitment to shop according to their values.</p><p>The market will always be beholden to the demands of the consumers. If we, as ethical consumers, consistently demand ethical, sustainably made goods and refuse to settle for less, then that's exactly what we'll get. We've seen the proof already. Companies are bending over backwards to appeal to the conscious consumer, and they know there's only one way to earn their business.</p><p>The impact of ethical consumerism is huge, and it's only going to get bigger.</p><p>Won't you <a href="https://donegood.co?ambid=ecowatch10_30" target="_blank">join us</a>?</p>From Your Site Articles
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Trending
Nicky Milne / Thomson Reuters Foundation
By Lucy Guanuna
The devastating storms of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 submerged more than 80 percent of New Orleans and left more than 1,800 fatalities in its wake. Meanwhile, rapidly melting glaciers and ice sheets have caused sea levels to rise by 3.2 millimeters a year since 1995, which some predict could leave New Orleans submerged by the end of the century. In both scenarios—the levee failures in the Lower 9th Ward and the flooding caused by sea level rise—the low-income communities of color along the water's edge are the first to go.
<p style="">
A new season of
<a href="https://www.kcet.org/" target="_blank">KCET</a> and <a href="https://www.linktv.org/shows/earth-focus?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=ecowatch" target="_blank">Link TV's</a> news-magazine series <a href="https://www.linktv.org/shows/earth-focus" target="_blank"><em>Earth Focus</em></a>, in partnership with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, explores how environmental change is forcing all living creatures to adapt in order to survive.
</p><p>
The first episode,
<a href="https://www.linktv.org/shows/earth-focus/episodes/sea-level-rising-living-with-water" target="_blank"><em>Sea Level Rising</em></a>, is an in-depth look at the movement brewing in Louisiana to help communities adapt to a changing environment. Community organizations are educating the people of New Orleans on <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-change">climate change</a> while residents are taking matters into their own hands by building homes elevated off the ground and planting rain gardens that hold rainwater and prevent stormwater runoff. Cameras follow New Orleans Councilman at Large Jason Williams, as he and architect David Waggonner walk through an industrial area of New Orleans that is dotted with green infrastructure and criss-crossed with canals designed to catch stormwater runoff and circulate it around the city as part of the state-funded Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan.
</p><p>
The episode then shifts its focus to the
<a href="http://www.cantstopthewater.com/the-island/" target="_blank">Native American Cajun community of the Isle de Jean Charles</a>, which is being displaced as coastal erosion and rising sea levels submerge the island, making them the first climate refugees in the U.S. The world watches as they partner with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop and implement a <a href="http://isledejeancharles.la.gov" target="_blank">pilot program</a> for the relocation of an entire community.
</p><p>
The six episodes in the upcoming season of
<em>Earth Focus</em> feature stories of both humans and animals surviving and sometimes even thriving in their rapidly changing environments as close as Los Angeles and as far as Madagascar.
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As
<a href="https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/index.cfm/publications/bulletin-of-the-american-meteorological-society-bams/explaining-extreme-events-from-a-climate-perspective/" target="_blank">global warming continues to drive extreme weather events</a> around the world, people are fleeing areas hit with unprecedented droughts and rain. <a href="https://www.linktv.org/shows/earth-focus/episodes/climate-migration" target="_blank"><em>Climate Migration</em></a>, episode two of the season, shines a light on how drought and extreme winters are eliminating a traditional, nomadic farming lifestyle in Mongolia. Farming communities are moving to the city, where the air quality is so bad that many children are too ill to attend school on peak pollution days.
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNzU5NDkyMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NDAyOTUxOX0.GQ6VFCWnPDe1jpi37df2VAhl7VwUe8F5pfmlGq8K0DI/img.jpg?width=980" id="8f72f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ce1a32884edb3908ca283d4deb3e43e3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Shanshan Chen / Thomson Reuters Foundation</small>
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The episode also examines the way a chain of text messages on Whatsapp and Facebook lead to the migration of thousands seeking asylum from earthquake and hurricane-ravaged Haiti to the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana. The episode explores how a system of migrant shelters struggles to provide aid to the large influx of Haitian refugees and how thousands refugees have resettled in Tijuana after President Trump ended a temporary residency permit program for Haitian refugees.
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Adaptation is a recurring theme this season with episode three,
<a href="https://www.linktv.org/shows/earth-focus/episodes/city-planning" target="_blank"><em>Urban Planning</em></a>, exploring the ways in which San Francisco and Freetown, Sierra Leone adapt to changing weather patterns that threaten communities built in areas susceptible to mudslides and flooding.
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Developers in San Francisco are pouring billions of dollars into developments to keep up with the city's growing tech industry, but with nowhere left to build, they're looking to waterfront real estate that sits on San Francisco's floodplains, while city officials look for ways to fund repairs for a century-old cracking seawall. The episode then looks at how years of civil war in Sierra Leone caused migration from rural areas to hillside slums in urban Freetown. Rocks to build homes were pulled from hillsides and slums expanded without infrastructure, contributing to massive floods and mudslides as unprecedented rainfall hit Freetown in 2017.
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While some parts of the world are facing torrential downpours, areas like Western Morocco and Fresno have faced unprecedented drought. Episode four,
<a href="https://www.linktv.org/shows/earth-focus/episodes/adaptation-to-global-water-shortages" target="_blank"><em>Adaptation to Global Water Shortages</em></a>, shows how 13 villages in Morocco are being taught to use the ancient method of gathering moisture from fog, giving villagers a level of local control over their own water sources.
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The episode also looks at how small unincorporated farmworker communities of Fresno struggle with water contamination while they work in agricultural fields that use up 80 percent of California's water supply. The viewer will learn how researchers are working to develop innovative affordable water treatment plants for the area.
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Episode five,
<em>Future of Food</em>, looks at how fishing villages in Madagascar dealt with overfished and underprotected oceans by developing sustainable fishing practices, particularly for sea cucumber, that are resilient to climate change and growing populations.
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Shifting to San Diego, California, the episode explores how aquaculturists are exploring open ocean farming as a more sustainable model for the fishing industry and the implications of this model for the local fishing industry.
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The season ends in Los Angeles with episode six,
<em>Urban Habitat</em>, which explores how the county's wildlife has been adapting and thriving in spite of urban sprawl and how people are learning to embrace wildlife by implementing city and county projects that expand and connect green spaces for Angeleno wildlife like bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions.
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"This is not a hoax, this is real. Climate change is real, so how do we live with it?" asks William P. Walters, a resident of New Orleans' 9th Ward. "[In] this section of town, we started to understand that water and climate change goes hand in hand."
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The Earth's changing environment is forcing living creatures to adapt in order to survive, but their experiences can provide blueprints for survival for others around the world. Tune in to the upcoming 2018 season of
<em>Earth Focus</em> to see just how resilient communities around the world can be.
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<span></span>The new season of <em>Earth Focus</em> premieres April 25 at 8:30 p.m. on KCET in Los Angeles, April 26 at 9 p.m. on Link TV on Dish and DirecTV in the United States, with FREE streaming worldwide on <a href="http://link.org/earthfocus" target="_blank">link.org/earthfocus</a>.
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Watch the new season of
<em>Earth Focus </em>below:</p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//players.brightcove.net/136368194/cd172251-0c8f-4f1f-9979-1f1f18022ca8_default/index.html?videoId=5776400315001" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
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