In 1979, when President Jimmy Carter famously unveiled 32 solar panels on the White House roof, he remarked, “A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of a road not taken or it can be just a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American people.”
Despite his reputation as an often ineffective president, he had an enormous effect on the environment as an advocate for clean energy, protecting lands and regulating toxic chemicals.
Jimmy Carter was an early adopter of clean energy in an effort to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil following the oil crisis that preceded his presidency. Four years before Carter took office, the member nations of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries placed an oil embargo on the U.S. and several other western nations in response to their support of Israel during the Yom Kippur War. As a result, the price of oil rose by more than 300%, while American dependence on foreign oil was simultaneously rising.
After Carter took office, he responded by creating the U.S. Department of Energy. One of Carter’s major goals for the agency was to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels by pushing for the domestic production of energy. While this push wasn’t perfect — part of his solution for the complex crisis included propping up domestic coal power — it was also a first-of-its-kind endorsement for clean energy, championing sustainable sources like solar and nuclear. “No one can embargo the sun,” Carter once said. “No cartel controls the sun. Its energy will not run out. It will not pollute our air or poison our waters. The sun’s power needs only to be collected, stored and used.”
In 1979, a second oil crisis hit, this time spurred by the decline in oil trade in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Carter responded by laying out plans to expand renewable energy sources and made a pledge that 20% of American energy would be produced by renewable sources by 2000, but was voted out of office before many of these plans could come to fruition.
Carter also protected far more land than any U.S. president in history. In 1978, he advocated for the National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA,) which aimed to protect vast amounts of Alaskan wilderness from commercial use and destruction. After the bill failed due to a last-minute filibuster, Carter used executive authority to protect more than 56 million acres of Alaskan wilderness, designating those lands as National Monuments. This action alone would more than double the size of the National Park system.
Snowcapped mountains in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. In 1978, President Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act into law, creating 10 new national parks and preserves including this one, the largest U.S. national park. National Park Service
In December of 1980, roughly six weeks before Carter left office, ANILCA was debated again in Congress, and passed. Upon Carter’s signature, the law became the most expansive federal protection of American lands in history, granting protection to more than 157 million acres of Alaskan wilderness, which included further protections for much of the land Carter had protected two years prior. Of those 157 million acres, it also designated nearly ten million acres to the National Wildlife Refuge System, more than nine million acres to the Wilderness Preservation System, and more than three million acres to the National Forest System.
He was the first president to take notable action against federal water projects, arguing that building dams in the American West would harm river health. This stance was an extension of his conservation efforts as governor of Georgia, when, according to Stuart E. Eizenstat, his own domestic affairs advisor, he became “the first governor to block a Corps of Engineers dam,” and during his presidency was “the most consistently pro-environmental president since Theodore Roosevelt.”
Today, many rivers throughout the American West suffer from major droughts.
While it’s difficult to directly measure the impact his stance on these federal water projects had, these rivers would have surely been even worse off if it weren’t for Carter.
After Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring brought pesticides to the forefront of the public eye a little more than a decade earlier, Carter took broad steps to regulate pesticides. He passed major amendments to the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIRFA) in 1978, requiring stricter registration of pesticides, and in 1976, he passed the Toxic Substances Control Act, giving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the authority to require reporting, testing and record-keeping of toxic chemicals.
Of course, Jimmy Carter is nearly as famous for his exceptional post-presidency as his actual presidency. Likewise, his impact on the world outlives his time in the Oval Office. He and his wife, Rosalynn, famously worked with Habitat for Humanity, personally helping to build, repair or renovate about 4,400 homes, according to the organization’s website, for instance.
The Carter Center, his own nonprofit, has also had a significant impact globally. When the organization assumed leadership in the global fight against Guinea Worm in 1986, there were 3.5 million cases in Africa and Asia, according to the Carter Center. By 2022, that number had dropped to thirteen. It is currently on track to become the second human disease to be eradicated in history, following only smallpox.
Some of the Carter Center’s other achievements include:
- Rallying against other diseases, like trachoma, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and malaria;
- Increasing healthcare access in thousands of impoverished global communities;
- Pioneering “new public health approaches to preventing or controlling devastating neglected diseases in Africa and Latin America;”
- Observing elections in dozens of countries in an effort to strengthen democracies; and
- “Furthering avenues to peace in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, the Korean Peninsula, Haiti, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Middle East.”
Jimmy Carter has had a profound impact back in his hometown too. In 2017, nearly four decades after he had solar panels installed on the White House roof, Carter leased ten acres on the land he used to farm peanuts to build a 1.3-megawatt solar farm that’s been powering half of his hometown of Plains, Georgia ever since. Rather than a road not taken, it represents the life of a man who has perhaps paved too many roads to count.
The post What Is Jimmy Carter’s Environmental Legacy? appeared first on EcoWatch.
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Most sustainable lingerie is actually just basic undies and bralettes, but we’ve researched high and low to find you a curation of genuinely beautiful, sexy lingerie that’s made from lower impact materials with more responsible practices from small brands.
Why Do We Need Sustainable Lingerie?
It’s no secret that the brand that has dominated the lingerie market is problematic. Between a 2020 Times investigation uncovering Victoria’s Secret “entrenched culture of misogyny, bullying and harassment” to Hulu’s exposing Angels and Demons docuseries to their lack of supply chain environmental impact accountability.
But Victoria’s Secret isn’t alone. Many lingerie brands have their issues when it comes to perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, relying on synthetic fossil fuel-derived materials like polyester, and lacking supply chain accountability.
While some relatively big name lingerie brands are centering inclusive marketing, we still have to ask questions like: what are their products made from and how are they made? who is making those bras and are they being paid fairly and working in safe conditions?
Because if a lingerie brand is claiming to empower women, they must also consider the women sewing their undergarments.
What Is Sustainable Lingerie?
So enough of the doom and gloom here! Let’s talk about what sustainable lingerie entails and what an ethical alternative to Victoria’s Secret might look like.
Because the fact is that there are a number of incredible eco-minded and ethical lingerie brands out there doing things better! While brands might not meet all of this criteria, these are some general aspects to keep in mind:
Eco-Conscious Materials
Most lingerie is made from polyester and nylon (synthetic plastic fibers). On the other hand, sustainable lingerie materials might include natural fabrics like organic cotton and Tencel or repurposed materials like deadstock fabrics and vintage trims.
Production Size
No matter how eco-conscious the material is, it’s still unsustainable if a brand is overproducing and wasting those garments! An eco-friendly lingerie brand would produce intentionally in small batches, use pre-order or made-to-order models, or have seasonless collections that they won’t toss as soon as the month is over.
Ethical Production
People are part of sustainability too. Look for brands with transparent and socially responsible production practices.
This could include owning their own factory/workshop, developing close relationships with their suppliers, using certified vetted factories, and importantly: paying those supplier factories enough money so that they can pay workers living wages.
Other Sustainability Practices
Some other ways an eco-friendly and ethical lingerie brand might prioritize sustainability include: using renewable energy to power their operations, using zero waste design practices, giving back to their community, and using eco-minded packaging.
Where To Find Sustainable and Ethical Lingerie
From elegant lace bras to bold bodysuits, these ethical and sustainable lingerie labels have it all — and they do it without keeping dirty secrets.
For more basic everyday bras and underwear, check out our Organic Underwear Brands Guide.
For sleepwear, take a look at our Sustainable Loungewear and Pajamas Guide.
This article features affiliates and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for sustainability that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Araks
Araks is a conscious label with a stunning selection of intimates thoughtfully crafted in New York. From pastels to jewel tones, the sustainable lingerie brand has a lovely variety of hues to choose from.
As part of their efforts towards becoming zero waste, Araks selects intentional materials that are evergreen (meaning they can be used in many collections). And their sustainable bralettes, bras, and panties are made from materials like organic cotton, upcycled cotton, plant-dyed organic linen, and RECONYL.
Bralette Sizes: XXS – XL
Underwear Sizes: XXS – XXL
2. Maylyn & Co.
As a slow fashion brand, Maylyn & Co. crafts their timeless sustainable lingerie with intention.
The brand’s romantic slip dresses are made from plant-based Persian Lotus Silk
. In other words, the silky fabric is completely vegan and silkworm-free, made instead from Lotus fibers that are sourced from family farms in Persia.
Maylyn & Co.’s vegan lingerie and sleepwear is made in a small factory in Persia (which their team regularly visits) by makers who receive living wages, and have flexible working hours and lunch breaks.
Your eco-friendly lingerie from Maylyn & Co. is also shipped consciously in organic cotton and recycled packaging.
Sizes: M – XL
3. Juliemay
Designed for the ultimate all-day comfort, JulieMay’s feminine bras and briefs are synthetic free. Instead, most pieces are crafted from an all-natural blend of organic pima cotton and fairtrade mulberry peace silk.
The brand is accredited by AllergyUK to be safe for those with allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. (Elastane is a common irritant and is found in most undergarments.) The brand’s organic undergarments even feature a non-itchy soft tag!
Bra Sizes: 30B – 40G/42DD
Underwear Sizes: 8-18 UK
Use code CLS15 for 15% off!
4. Anekdot
Consciously handcrafted in Berlin by artisan sewers, Anekdot’s exquisite lingerie pieces and sets are soft, sophisticated, and come in confidence-boosting fits.
Anekdot uses many upcycled materials for their gorgeous pieces. They source surplus luxury fabrics from production leftovers, deadstock, off-cuts, and vintage materials.
Bra Sizes: XS – XL; AA – D cups
Underwear Sizes: XS – XL
5. Savara Intimates
Savara Intimate’s elegant bras (including a nursing bra!) are made from mindful materials like TENCEL, STANDARD 100 OEKO-TEX® certified cotton, and surplus lace that was leftover from large factories.
All of Savara Intimate’s sustainable lingerie is ethically made in a family atelier in Latvia and a factory in Romania, where women earn fair wages and work in safe conditions.
And for each bra sold, Savara donates €1 to Because We Carry, a nonprofit supporting refugee kids and moms.
Bra Sizes: S – XXL
Underwear (Slip) Sizes: S – XL
6. Aurore Lingerie
Celebrating the strength and independence as well as the femininity and sensuality of women, Aurore Lingerie designs elegant yet comfortable bras, bustiers, and thongs.
The conscious London-based lingerie label primarily uses deadstock lace, silk, and tule fabric (excess leftover stock) from Europe and Japan. Each piece is made by expert ateliers.
Bra Sizes: 32B – 38D (70B – 85D in cm)
Underwear Sizes: S – L
7. Underprotection
This Danish sustainable lingerie brand has bras, bodysuits, and briefs in neutral hues, full-on lace, and fun prints, depending on your preferred aesthetic.
The B-Corp Certified company sources from certified ethical and sustainable factories and uses eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel Lyocell, and Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified recycled nylon lace.
Additionally, Underprotection works with vetted suppliers within Europe that have Fair Trade, WRAP, BSCI, and/or GOTS certifications.
Bra Sizes: 30A – 40E
Underwear Sizes: XS – XL
8. Torlowei
Torlowei is a Black woman-owned luxury lingerie brand with exceptionally designed bras, briefs, corsets, nightwear and more — most of which are made from natural fibers (they’re working towards finding replacements for the remaining 20%).
The brand sources from responsible suppliers that have sustainability initiatives and follow ethical production standards. And, by using only durable materials and offering repairs, Torlowei’s lingerie is designed to last.
Bra Sizes: 32B – 36E
Underwear Sizes: US2 – US16 / UK6 – UK20
9. Brook There
Proving that beautiful lingerie can still be breathable and comfortable, Brook There has super soft slip dresses, bralettes, and a variety of bottoms ethically made in Massachusetts from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
In their collection you’ll find pieces to suit your aesthetic, from delicate pastels and bold bright colors to a diverse set of neutrals and even undyed options. Brook There’s bralettes are the comfiest I own! And I love that they ship in minimal, recycled packaging too.
Bra Sizes: 32A – 38D
Underwear Sizes: XS-XL
Slip Dress Sizes: XS-XXL
The post 9 Best Ethical Lingerie Brands Not Keeping Any Secrets appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
Sierra Orchards Craig and Emily McNamara credit Nick Roach, USSA
Sierra Orchards, a family farm located along the Putah Creek in Winters, California, has a long history of producing organic walnuts. However, as we learned when we met Craig McNamara and his daughter Emily on our recent USSA press trip, the farm is currently in transition. Facing market uncertainty and competition, the orchard is expanding into almonds, which it will grow conventionally at first, along with other crops.
History of Walnuts
For 47 years, walnuts have been the backbone of Sierra Orchards’ 450-acre operation, which has been certified organic since the mid-1990s. Over the past three years, however, the farm’s profile has changed: about 215 acres are still dedicated to walnuts, but 80 acres now grow almonds, and the farm is transitioning additional land to row crops and potentially olives.
Case for Change
Several factors prompted the decision to move away from a focus on walnuts. Emily and Craig explain that the main reason is that walnuts cannot be replanted after walnuts without major intervention. A phenomenon called allelopathy, a chemical reaction in the walnut tree’s roots and in the soil, makes it very difficult to plant a new walnut orchard after an old one. Diversification was also top of mind, they say. The rising cost of doing business, unpredictable markets, and a changing climate have made monoculture farming increasingly challenging.
Choosing Almonds
When planning a new direction, the orchard considered several alternatives, including pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans, and olives. Ultimately, almonds proved the best fit. The region’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for almond production; there are processors nearby, and the similarities between walnuts and almonds mean Sierra Orchards can use much of its existing harvest equipment. The almond industry’s excellent marketing support also added to the appeal.
Managing Almonds and Water
Craig highlighted that, just a few years ago, “almonds were the poster child for bad water consumption.” However, he points out that many crops require applied water during the growing season. Ultimately, what matters is how an orchard manages its water resources. Emily says that at Sierra Orchards, that means figuring out what each tree needs. The farm uses soil moisture sensors and pressure bombs, which measure the ‘blood pressure’ of trees from their leaves, to determine exactly how much water the trees need. A high-tech irrigation system collects field-level data, which the team reviews weekly to guide watering decisions. Sierra Orchards also relies on a buried drip irrigation system, delivering water directly to the roots while minimizing evaporation.
Transitioning the Orchard
Establishing the new 80-acre almond block called for careful planning. The orchard initially chose conventional methods over organic production, as the family was advised that growing almonds organically from day one would make it hard to manage the weeds and disease common in young orchards and the nutrients required.
They did not take this decision lightly. “Organic is our soul, it’s our blood,” concedes Emily. However, she says it reflects the reality of farming. “It’s a million-dollar investment for these 80 acres, and we had to be sure that we were planting the best trees that would take us through the next few decades of their lifespan and carry our farm as we transition other orchards.”
The farm has already started the three-year transition to organic, underscoring its continued commitment to organic practices.
The post Beyond Walnuts: The California Orchard Diversifying for the Future appeared first on USSA.
Beyond Walnuts: The California Orchard Diversifying for the Future