Image: Tom-Fisk
Can agriculture meet the demands of a growing world population while ensuring environmental sustainability? Daniel Lapidus, Director of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems at RTI International, highlights important trends on both the supply and demand sides that suggest we are heading in the right direction.

It’s easy to look around and see stark challenges facing the agricultural sector – decreased investments, erratic weather, unpredictable commodity prices and thin margins for most farmers. Growth in Total Factor Productivity (TFP), or the metric used to track how efficiently agricultural output is produced, has slowed to its lowest rate in decades. This is occurring at a time when the world not only needs to ramp up production to meet the needs of a growing global population that demands more diverse foods, but also to do so in a way that ensures the health of our planet.
The agricultural sector has overcome challenges in the past. For example, the Green Revolution and subsequent widespread technological advancements brought us unprecedented agricultural production over the last 75 years that has tripled yields, keeping supplies high enough and prices low enough to avoid mass starvation. However, this progress has come at a cost, impacting water availability, leading to biodiversity loss and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite this history, it would be a false choice to think that agriculture has to choose between productivity and sustainability. There is increasing alignment between these two goals on both the supply (farmer) and demand (consumer) sides.
Supply-side Technology Trends
Farmers need to be nimble and resilient to stay profitable, which means investing in solutions that are both efficient and preserve the long-term viability of the land and soil. Three technology areas that are gaining traction and have the potential to transform the future of agricultural sustainability are:
- Agricultural biotechnology: Genetically modified organisms and gene editing, along with biostimulants, biofertilizers and biocontrols, received $1.9 billion in venture capital investment last year, representing the top investment in the farm tech category. Powered by artificial intelligence, there is potential to accelerate even more rapidly, making crops more drought resilient, increasing their nutritional content and combatting emerging pests and diseases.
- Precision agriculture: Enabled by GPS, precision agriculture allows farmers to boost yields while using fewer inputs. However, these technologies have been adopted mainly by large-scale farms and have yet to be successful in reaching smaller, less technologically advanced farms. Growth in precision technologies, including agri-fin tech, remote sensing and blockchain, is expanding opportunities to reach farmers both directly and passively through innovations in track and trace technologies, digital commerce and improved access to finance. They are also showing promise in developing countries.
- Regenerative agriculture: Regenerative agriculture embodies principles and management practices aimed at improving soil health, including minimizing tillage, planting cover crops, leaving residues on the soil and diversifying cropping and livestock systems. These principles have become increasingly sophisticated, and the body of evidence around their benefits is growing. Localized benefits to farmers include reduced input costs, decreased erosion, increased soil moisture content and enhanced soil carbon sequestration.
Demand-side Sustainability Drivers
The success of these innovations relies on markets that incentivize them. As the environmental sustainability movement evolves, consumers are demanding healthier food that doesn’t contribute to deforestation, climate challenges or water quality degradation. This demand and other equally important trends on the demand side continue to incentivize agricultural sustainability:
- Private Sector Sustainability Commitments: More than 600 large commercial food and beverage companies, including Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, Cargill and PepsiCo, have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Science Based Targets Initiative. Companies are also addressing sustainability issues like food loss and waste and finding alternatives to plastic packaging. If companies stick with these targets, a significant amount of investment currently sitting on the sidelines will need to be deployed.
- Food is Medicine Movement: This movement has grown out of recognition that nutrition-based interventions can be more cost-effective than traditional medical treatments. It is gaining public and private sector support as evidenced by the Make America Healthy Again Initiative in the U.S., and driven by consumer demand for foods that contain less additives, are less processed and are grown using fewer chemical inputs.
- Overcoming Transition Costs. Private sector commitments and consumer demand are necessary, but not sufficient, to finance the initial transition costs associated with the rapid adoption of sustainable technologies. Multiple foundations, multilateral institutions, development banks and national and sub-national governments have set up mechanisms and partnerships to address this challenge. However, scaling these efforts will take time.
Collective Approach
Agriculture sector innovation has been able to overcome fears that our food supply could not meet the rising demands of a growing population. However, looking ahead, it’s unlikely that a single solution will emerge for all productivity and sustainability challenges. Instead, it will require collective and collaborative action and investment in interconnected innovations with environmental, social, and economic sustainability at their core, supporting a healthier population, planet and meeting market demands.
The post Bright Spots for Sustainable Agriculture appeared first on USSA.
Green Living
You’re multi-dimensional. So is your style.
Personal style is a dance between dualities: fashion as art and fashion as function; clothing as self-expression and clothing for our circumstances.
Style is a medium for communication and self-expression, yes. But it’s also shaped by the environments and requirements around us, from workplace dress codes to city cultures, climates, and specific occassions.
In last Saturday’s workshop, where we talked about how to remix what you already have in your closet, attendees shared a common challenge:
How do you balance your personal style expression while dressing for the various situations and environments we operate in?
“I’ve found above all else my style is highly influenced by my environment (my job, my city etc.)—sometimes it becomes about ‘fitting in’ and losing individuality”
“I find I’m too led by my day-to-day lifestyle. I WFH and so often I just don’t get dressed at all.”
“There are too many applications: workout, work, at home, formal occasion.”
Style as Identity vs. Style as Communication
It’s no wonder style and getting dressed can feel so confusing.
In the personal style world, we learn to dress for who we are on the inside. And then we see the style rules in fashion media: here’s how to dress for this season, this dress code, this city.
And in our real lives, we have real dress codes we might have to follow, whether for a workplace or a wedding.
But what if all those sides conflict?
- If my style words are “casual” or “sporty” but I’m in a workplace 40+ hours a week that requires business formal, where does that leave my personal style?
- If I love vibrant and artsy looks, but I live in a city full of neutrals, what do I wear?
It’s no surprise it feels… complicated.
Here’s my take.
We’re Not One-Dimensional — Neither is Our Style
Sometimes I want to disconnect and live in cottage in the mountains, surrounded by more trees than people. Other days I dream of having an apartment in the center of Paris where I see more people in a day than live in my hometown.
I’m light, joyful, maybe even quirky with friends. I’m ambitious, intentional, perhaps more serious in work. There are times I feel it’s best to soften and let it go; other times it feels most aligned to be unapologetically outspoken.
We are human. We’re social creatures. We’re complex and full of contradictions.
Social media has trained us to fit people into neat boxes because “niche” is what performs in the algorithm.
In real life, though, our “authentic” selves aren’t so one-dimensional.
I’m not speaking to new networking contacts the same exact way I talk to my best friend I’ve known for years. That doesn’t mean I’m pretending to be someone else. It just means I’m showing up a bit differently depending on the context.
Similarly, our personal style doesn’t have to be expressed in one singular way.
That’s what’s beautiful about fashion! We have the opportunity to express ourselves a bit differently each and every time we get dressed.
What we wear might ebb and flow with a situation, the season, or our mood. There are common threads, but differentiators too.
Three distinctly different looks can all be authentic.
For me, personal style isn’t about being setting such rigid parameters that we can no longer embrace our multi-dimensional nature.
And there’s undoubtedly the layers of privilege at work here too. Is it safe to dress in alignment with your true identity in that particular situation? Will you be taken seriously? Could there be repercussions?
There’s a lot to untangle when it comes to what we wear.
Making Our Multi-Dimensional Style Practical
As I shared in last week’s workshops, style is many layers. The four I see it through are the vibe, the shapes, the colors & textures, and our lifestyle & values.

The aesthetic reflects your vibe, mood or style adjectives.
- For example, my vibe or adjectives are feminine, structured, grounded.
The shapes are the fits, silhouettes, and proportions you love.
- I often wear outfits with a straight silhouette or tailored fit balanced with a relaxed, flowy, or drapey element.
Colors & textures include your preferred palettes, fabrics, and the way materials feel.
- I prefer wearing natural fibers when possible. I like gold jewelry, and I feel more aligned in lower contrast looks. Lighter colors for day. Sometimes darker for evening or certain events.
The lifestyle & values element is the consideration of your actual day-to-day. What situations and environments are you dressing for? What is important to you?
- I work from home so comfort is key most of the time. I value slow fashion practices — rewearing, repairing, and supporting circular practices and sustainably-minded brands.
Once you understand these layers of your style, the next step is figuring out how to apply them in real-life situations.
Applying Your Style to the Situation
In last week’s workshops, I talked about the role of outfit templates here for various situations. What is the foundational blueprint of what you might wear to your office, working from home, in a school setting, at home, running errands, and so on?
There are opportunities to bring in the layers of your personal style in these various situations, but it does require some intentionally on the outset. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall into our old patterns or copy what others around us wear. (Even subconsciously, as fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell has shared!)

Here’s one of my work-from-home outfit templates that balances style and situational needs:
- Blouse with feminine detail: I start with the top for Zoom calls!
- Straight-leg bottoms: this could be jeans, colorful pants, or a column skirt
- Slim shoes: the general “slim” descriptor makes it versatile across seasons
- Structured bag: an option to add polish when coworking at a café
By thinking in these various layers (vibe, shapes, colors & textures, and lifestyle & values) you can build outfits that feel authentic to you while fitting the constraints of the external situation.
What About One-Off Unique Situations?
Like this Wednesday evening, I spoke on a “Sustainable Fashion in Action” panel with Chicago Climate Connect during Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago. But the panel was also taking place at the Patagonia x Worn Wear store.
So the vibe was professional meets fashion, but also kinda casual?! And we are still in the Midwest here. I have to say, this one wasn’t easy.
But here’s the step-by-step thought process that helped me balance my style, function, and a unique-to-me context.

- I picked a foundational piece: My navy wide-leg trousers were business casual without being too formal and were practical for train travel.
- And functional accessories:My old Coach bag fits everything and my chunky Veja sneakers matched the vibe I was going for so those were the picks.
- Then a piece that brought it all together:At this point I was mixing high-contrast colors (white with navy & black) and different vibes (trousers vs. sneakers). I felt like I needed a bridge for the outfit, and this navy-striped vest tied it all together.
- Finally, some final touches: Gold jewelry made the look feel more “me”, while this cap from Abbie at The Filtery made it all feel effortless.
In the end, this outfit took a lot longer to create than a typical look.
It took longer to create than my usual outfits, but it felt just right. The combination was practical, suited my style, fit the vibe of the panel, and aligned with the weather.

This panel outfit reminded me that style is what we wear to express ourselves, but it’s also a tool to help us navigate our lives. By thinking through these layers of personal style (vibe, shapes, colors, textures, and lifestyle needs) we can balance showing up authentically while honoring the nuances or navigating the constraints of a situation.
For me, that’s the real power of personal style.
One single outfit can’t tell the whole story of who we are. But personal style can be flexible, functional, and expressive of the many sides of our multi-dimensional nature.
So lately, more than asking “does this outfit perfectly express my full self?” I’ve been finding myself asking:
“Does this outfit help me show up in the way I want to? Does it say what I want it to say in this particular moment?“
The post You’re multi-dimensional. So is your style. appeared first on .
Green Living
What Is a Third Place and Why Do They Matter?
Last Updated on October 2, 2025
It’s no secret my greatest love is theatre. From the time I was three years old, I knew I wanted to be an actor.
In an effort to make new friends after moving to Maine, I auditioned for a local production of Shrek. (One of my least favorite shows, but full of some of my soon-to-be favorite people). And you know what it taught me? Third places (theatre being one of them) matter.

Thanks to theatre, I fell into a gorgeous community, and these days, I volunteer in (almost) every corner (painting sets, assisting with costumes, and of course performing!). Here’s everything you need to know about what a third place is and why we need more of them.
what is a third place?
A third place is a public spot you can meet and connect with others through a shared interest or skill (like theatres!).
Third places are fantastic for socializing, exchanging ideas, and building community. Basically, a safe space to be yourself and find like-minded people.
Many third places are also entirely free, or low-cost. This is incredibly important because almost everywhere you go nowadays requires payment just to get in or participate. This creates an air of exclusivity and can keep lower income communities away.
But several third place areas are entirely free (like libraries and parks), or accessible due to their affordable pricing.
And beyond being good for our wallets, third places are equally good for our health. That’s because humans are social creatures that enjoy being around other people.
At third places like cafes, you can interact with strangers from various backgrounds and incomes in a positive, safe environment. Because everyone, from all walks of life, are welcome there.

why are third places disappearing?
Third places aren’t necessarily disappearing, but they were impacted by the pandemic when being around groups of people became hazardous.
Specifically, third places like coffee shops, bars, and gyms were hit hardest. However, the opposite was true for parks – everyone became aware just how important our outdoor spaces are.
That said, many third places never fully recovered from the pandemic when certain businesses realized they could function 100% remote. For example, if no one is arriving in person to a business office, a nearby cafe might suffer from less foot traffic. And rising rents don’t help matters.
Last but not least, certain people may find it difficult to locate a third place near them if they live in a rural setting. Third places tend to be easier to locate in cities.
However, third places can also be found through online communities (more on that later). The irony is the internet has also led to the decline of physical third places.
I think it’s important to have both so there’s a balance. Online communities are amazing, but there’s something about meeting people in person that hits different.

how is a third place different from a hangout?
A third place is different from a hangout in the sense you go there to socialize without any specific goal in mind. Or sometimes, you don’t socialize at all – but simply want to be around other like-minded people.
Whereas a hangout is more planned, a third places doesn’t demand any kind of itinerary or interaction if you don’t want to. Sometimes just hearing neighboring gossip or interacting with a barista is enough.
For example, if you go to a gym, you could chat up the person using the machine next to you. Or, you could simply enjoy the presence of others. There’s no right or wrong.
But with a hangout, you go with the intention of socializing and getting to know someone (or multiple someones).
how is a third place different from a club?
A third place is different from a club in the sense that clubs tend to be more exclusive, whereas third places are for everyone.
Typically, third places don’t have memberships (unless they’re gyms). There’s no barrier between you and that place. Everyone is welcome.
For example, if you’re trying to get into a ‘Homeowners Club’ the one requirement would be to be a homeowner. Which many Americans cannot afford, especially considering the cost of living is going up.
There’s no obligation to be at a third place. Nor are there any specific dress codes or strict requirements. Anyone from any class, culture and gender can participate without pulling rank.

why do third places matter?
Third places matter because they offer people another place to relax, unwind, and connect outside of their homes. Without spending aberrant amounts of money.
Third places encourage social connection without any pressure to perform. We choose how much we engage, if at all. And sometimes just being around other people is enough.
During the pandemic when only essential personnel were leaving the house, it was a stark reminder of how important these spaces are. Without human connection, mental health suffers.
On top of this, third places can be wonderful, neutral areas to do work and start projects. Think of your local cafe, bursting with people doodling in sketchbooks, writing in notepads and typing on laptops.
People flock to these locations not just for free WiFi – but to experience a change of scenery. Make light hearted conversation. Savor a cup of coffee made by someone else. Whatever the reason, there’s a clear need for them.

what are examples of third places?
There are several examples of third places, including:
- Libraries
- Parks, playgrounds and dog parks
- Cafes
- Theatres
- Bars and lounges
- State parks and nature reserves
- Gyms and yoga studios
- Recreation or community centers
- Community beautification group
- Community gardens
- Privately owned public spaces (like a plaza)
These are just a few I could think of off the top of my head, but I’m sure there are plenty more third places.
Also, be mindful of online third places as well! For those who don’t have access to any of the above, you may be able to find solace with online communities like Reddit groups, digital book clubs, Instagram group chats, and WhatsApp community groups.
That being said, there’s a charm to visiting a third place in person. So if you’re able, and have access to one, definitely take full advantage!
So, will you be visiting a third place? Let me know in the comments!
The post What Is a Third Place and Why Do They Matter? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Green Living
How to Create Outfits That Fit Your Style and Your Life
Style should work with your life, not against it. So often when we talk about fashion and style, we focus on the aesthetics alone. The shapes, the colors, the designs we like.
But we aren’t mannequins in a showroom or models in a photoshoot — we have to actually wear the clothes in our actual lives.
The feel of the fabric, the flexibility of the fit, and the wearability of those silhouettes matters too.
One of the most common challenges I hear from the community is that their current style or closet is misaligned with their day-to-day lives.
“I feel like I know what I like but I have a hard time balancing that with my actual life.”
“I love structured outfits but I work from home and find the sensory feel of stiff clothing feels off/wrong somehow, so I always change back into sweats.”
“I struggle with keeping cute outfits for ‘occassions’ instead of getting cute for just regular life.”
Integrating Practicality and Expression
I’ve talked about the duality of fashion as art and fashion as function before, but I wanted to make it more applicable.
How can we actually balance those two sides of fashion (art and function) to create outfits that not only work for who we are, but what we do day to day?
I used to think “fashion as art” equaled dressing up with a gown and heels while “fashion as function” meant sweatpants and sneakers.
But it’s not so binary — there’s a beautiful spectrum in between. And that’s probably the space most of us are dressing in, most of the time.
Here’s what I’ve learned from integrating my style with practicality for my work-from-home or work-from-café attire.
Consider the Fabric:
The wrong fabric can quickly make an outfit impractical. If it’s itchy or isn’t breathable, you’re not going to last very long in it if you don’t have to. Alternatively…
- A breathable cotton dress can often be even more comfortable to me than sweats in the heat. It’s easy, keeps you cool, but isn’t fussy.
- A linen button-down or crisp cotton blouse feels much more put-together than a t-shirt but can offer a similar level of comfort.
- Some fabrics have more give than others. Generally knits are more forgiving than woven fabrics (if that woven fabric isn’t blended with elastane). When a brand advertises “stretch fabric” it usually mean synthetics, but a quality wool knit should also be able to stretch and spring back pretty well.

Ensure a Good Fit:
Sometimes it’s not the formality of the piece that’s the problem, but the wrong fit.
- Are the shoulders too narrow, restricting your movement?
- Is the fabric stretching or puckering at the bust?
- Are the sleeves allowing for bending without feeling tight?
- Can you sit in those pants without them pulling or the crotch cutting in?
Also the waist is a big one! For me, a trouser with a stretchy waist is almost as comfortable as a pair of sweats (I said almost!) but elevates the outfit 10x.
Remix the Garment Ingredients:
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to get more comfortable remixing the “ingredients” of my wardrobe in new ways.
A lace trouser doesn’t have to go with an elegant blouse! It can, if I want it to feel polished, but I could also pair those trousers with a tee and a denim jacket for a more smart casual look.
I could even wear the trousers with sneakers and pull my hair back for a fully casual option.

I also have a silky cupro jumpsuit that I used to only wore with heels. But I challenged myself to try three new styles with it that were more practical for my everyday.
- I wore it with a linen button-down wrapped around my waist and birkenstocks for casual day around the house.
- I paired it with a cotton vest for a day-running-errands look.
- And then I put a column skirt over the jumpsuit for an option that was elevated but not as “fancy” as it felt with a pair of heels.

The point is there are probably far more options to adjust the clothes in your closet to your current life than you think.
That’s exactly what my framework for remixing your closet is all about.
Finding new ways to wear old clothes so you can create outfits that meet what your present self needs. Not still wear your wardrobe like that version of you five years ago.
If you’re ready to go even deeper, you can join my 6-week live course, Love Your Closet Again! This is where you can start creating outfits that align with your style *and* life, using the clothes you already have. And if you do buy, you’ll know how to identify outfit multipliers — instead of just adding more stuff.
In the course, you’ll get step-by-step support plus opportunities for personalized feedback. Learn more here.
The post How to Create Outfits That Fit Your Style and Your Life appeared first on .
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