As deadly wildfires continue to blaze around greater Los Angeles, the economic cost of the fires has now been estimated to be over $200 billion. That has made this tragedy, which started on January 7, potentially the most expensive wildfire event in U.S. history.
At least 24 people have died as of the time of writing, according to CBS News.
As Earth.org reported, the fires have already burned around 40,000 acres and counting, totaling an amount of land larger than San Francisco. More than 12,300 structures have been destroyed.
Of the five major fires burning in the Los Angeles area in early January, three are still active. The Hurst fire has burned 799 acres and is 97% contained at the time of writing. The Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres of the Altadena and Pasadena areas and is currently 35% contained. The largest of the five fires, the Palisades fire, has burned 23,713 acres and is 17% contained as of 8 a.m. PT on Tuesday, January 14, according to data available from CAL FIRE.
Map of active LA fires on Jan. 14, 2025). California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Official estimates of the damage have yet to be released; however, AccuWeather meteorologists have estimated the cost of these wildfires to be between $250 billion and $275 billion, an increase from the company’s initial estimates of $135 billion and $150 billion.
“These fast-moving, wind-driven infernos have created one of the costliest wildfire disasters in modern U.S. history,” AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement. “Hurricane-force winds sent flames ripping through neighborhoods filled with multi-million-dollar homes. The devastation left behind is heartbreaking, and the economic toll is staggering.”
The Palisades fire burned through a high cost of living area, where homes have a median value of more than $2 million, according to Porter.
“Should a large number of additional structures be burned in the coming days, it may become the worst wildfire in modern California history based on the number of structures burned and economic loss,” Porter added.
However, the economic damage does not just include the cost of multimillion dollar homes, but also lost businesses, relocation costs, job losses and emergency and long-term healthcare costs for fire-related injuries and exposure to poor air quality from the smoke.
“Tragically, lives have been changed forever in just a matter of minutes. Many families may not be able to afford to rebuild or repair and return. Businesses may not be able to recover, and jobs will be permanently lost. Thousands of people are in desperate need of help, initially the basic and life-sustaining needs of food, water and shelter, as this tragedy unfolds,” Porter said. “Many families will face significant unexpected costs to relocate to another area in Southern California. The recovery process will be extremely expensive and emotionally challenging in the months and years to come.”
AccuWeather is not alone in its prediction that this will be the costliest wildfire event in U.S. history. Aon PLC, an insurance broker, and Moody’s, a data analytics company, both echoed the sentiment, although they did not provide cost estimates, The Associated Press reported.
The Los Angeles wildfires are expected to cost at least $20 billion in insured losses, Reuters reported. This would cause these fires to surpass the previous most costly wildfire, the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, California, which killed 85 people and cost $12.76 in insured losses.
Residents now fear a worsening housing crisis in the greater Los Angeles area, as rental prices have already started spiking despite a law preventing price increases of more than 10% for housing, food, medical supplies and other essentials during emergencies. As LAist reported, Zillow listings in Los Angeles were found to increase by 15% to 64% in the wake of the fires.
“It will put a squeeze, especially on the adjacent communities,” Michael Lens, a professor of urban planning and public policy at University of California, Los Angeles, told LAist. “That might be particularly acute from the Palisades effect on the Westside.”
The post Los Angeles Fires Lead to Over $200 Billion in Losses, Potentially the Most Expensive Wildfire Event in U.S. History appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/los-angeles-wildfires-economic-cost.html
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
When it comes to establishing a “natural” skincare routine there are a few relatively simple swaps you can make: shampoo, skincare, deodorant, makeup and makeup remover — but, there’s one category that most people tend to struggle with and that’s non-toxic and eco-friendly perfume.
In this post, Madeleine of The Wise Consumer dives into what fragrance really is, if we should avoid all perfumed products, and how one goes about selecting an eco-conscious and natural perfume!
What is Fragrance Anyway?
For years I avoided any kind of perfume, eau de toilet, or spray — not because I didn’t love these kinds of products but because I was intentionally trying to avoid anything fragranced. And perfume is, in a word, just that — fragrance.
But what is “fragrance” actually?
As you’re most likely aware, fragrance is used to make things smell better, to mask unwanted odors, or to give something a more pleasant smell. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), “fragrance is a chemical mixture that has a smell or odor…The mixtures that make a fragrance may include natural aromatic raw materials, obtained from plants using distillation, expression, and extraction, or synthetic materials.”
And, fragrance is everywhere!
It’s in our shampoo, our deodorant, candles, cleaning products, laundry detergents, and even in certain menstrual hygiene products. Sometimes, even “unscented” products can contain fragrance. As the FDA explains, this is because the manufacturer may add just enough fragrance to mask the unpleasant smell of other ingredients, without giving the product a noticeable scent. Like, I said, it’s everywhere.
As a whole, the concept of fragrance isn’t bad. In fact, could you imagine how dull life would be without scents? I am the first to admit that I love soaking in a warm eucalyptus or lavender-scented bubble bath. But, as a conscious consumer, I also like to know what ingredients are in my lavender-scented bubble bath, or any cosmetic product I use for that matter.
Unfortunately, when it comes to fragranced products it’s not always clear what chemical mixtures and ingredients go into making these scented products, even “naturally” fragranced products don’t always disclose their ingredients.
Why is the Ingredient “Fragrance” So Opaque?
Generally speaking, any cosmetic product sold to a consumer must display a list of ingredients. But according to the FDA, “under U.S. regulations, fragrance and flavor ingredients can be listed simply as “Fragrance” or “Flavor.”
This is because “fragrance and flavor formulas are complex mixtures of many different natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, and they are the kinds of cosmetic components that are most likely to be ‘trade secrets’”.
In a way, this makes sense. If a company spends hours of research, time, and money formulating the perfect fragrance for their product, they’re not going to want to disclose the list of ingredients that went into making that product.
But, this can be especially problematic for people with skin sensitivities and/or allergies.
If you’re allergic to a certain ingredient being used in the fragranced product but that ingredient isn’t disclosed, then it’s going to be much harder to know which products to avoid.
In these cases, the FDA recommends that you choose products that are fragrance-free, and check the ingredient list carefully.
Easier said than done seeing that, as I mentioned above, even unscented products can contain small amounts of fragrance to mask unpleasant odors!
As Made Safe shares, “without information about what ingredients actually make up a fragrance, it is difficult to understand the true extent to which our health is compromised by fragrance ingredients.”
This can get even more challenging if you’re extremely sensitive to certain fragranced products and their scents. Products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, cleaners, and body splashes make me nauseated and give me headaches. As it turns out I am not alone.
A 2016 study found that approximately 35% of the population studied reported health problems — such as migraine headaches and respiratory difficulties — when exposed to fragranced products.
According to their research, “fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, are a primary source of indoor air pollutants and personal exposure….even those called green and organic emitted hazardous air pollutants.”
Not to mention that over the years certain fragranced products have been found to contain ingredients such as phthalates, synthetic musks, formaldehyde, and allergens, just to name a few, that have been shown to have negative health impacts, especially on pregnant women.
Are “Natural” Fragrance and Essential Oils Non-Toxic?
Even “natural” extracts, such as essential oils, can trigger allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group, certain essential oils, such as several citrus oil extracts or rose flower oil, which the European Commission has categorized as established allergens, “may trigger an allergic reaction after a few contacts or can cause someone to develop an allergy over a longer period of time”, EWG reports.
Additionally, a 2018 study found that essential oils, similar to certain synthetic fragrances, have also been found to emit numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
According to the report, “some of these VOCs are considered as potentially hazardous under federal regulations. However, essential oils are exempt from disclosure of their ingredients on their label. Thus, the public may lack information on emissions and potential hazards from essential oils.”
What I’ve learned over the course of my research is that sometimes a synthetic ingredient may actually contain fewer allergens than a “natural” ingredient. As discussed in a previous post about non-toxic skincare, the word natural doesn’t always mean better.
And, when it comes to fragrance, the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners shares, “It is important that companies look for safer alternatives where available and report all ingredients in their fragrances, both natural and synthetic, so that consumers are able to avoid potential allergic reactions and other health consequences.” We can all agree on that!
The good news is today more perfume brands are creating products that are not only free of potentially harmful ingredients but that are also eco-friendly, ethically manufactured, and, best of all, provide complete ingredient transparency so consumers can know what they’re buying!
How to Choose a Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Perfume
Check the brand’s website for a list of ingredients. What ingredients are being used? Are the ingredients safe? Are they phthalate-free?
If you have any concerns or doubts about a specific ingredient you can always get more information on the EWG Skin Deep Database.
If the brand doesn’t list the ingredients on their website, feel free to contact them directly and ask them to share their list of ingredients with you. If they don’t, it may be time to find an alternative brand.
Ideally, an eco-friendly perfume brand will not only be transparent about its ingredients as well as conform to IFRA guidelines but will also focus on low or zero waste packaging and ethical manufacturing.
To help save you time on your hunt for a sustainably-made non-toxic perfume, check out the brands below!
Editor’s note: this guide includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through these particular links. As always, all product and brand selections meet rigorous standards for sustainability and are brands we genuinely love — and that we think you’ll love too!
The Best Eco-Friendly Perfume Brands
1. Henry Rose
This sustainable perfume brand provides an array of fragrances that are EWG and Cradle to Cradle Certified. Henry Rose perfumes are made of a combination of both safe synthetics and natural ingredients and are free of harmful ingredients such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and styrene. This nearly zero waste perfume brand also uses 90% recycled and 100% recyclable packaging.
Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, EWG-Verified, Cradle to Cradle Certified (Gold), Eco Packaging, Gives Back
Scent types: Clean, Smooth, Spicy, Earthy
Price: $$
2. PHLUR
This certified B-Corp and eco-friendly perfume brand crafts their fragrances using only clean and safe ingredients. In fact, they vow to never use materials listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of threatened plants so as to ensure that their ingredients are always responsibly sourced. PHLUR is fully transparent about the ingredients used within their fragrances, both botanical and synthetics.
Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Gives Back, Recycled Packaging, Made Safe Supporter
Scent Types: Floral, Crisp and Fresh, Spicy
Price: $$
Check it Out: PHLUR | Credo Beauty | Sephora
3. One Seed
One seed makes honest natural and eco-friendly perfume from plants and tells you exactly what’s in it. Fully transparent about their ingredients, One Seed, uses no synthetic ingredients and is packaged in recyclable and reusable materials. In addition to working closely with their suppliers to ensure all their ingredients and materials are sustainably sourced. One Seed also offers customized fragrance blends of their sustainable perfume!
Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Only Natural Ingredients (80% Organic), Eco Packaging, Gives Back
Scent Type: Woodsy, Floral, Fresh, Warm
Price: $$
Check it Out: One Seed | Nourished Life
4. Leland Francis
Reviewed by CL&S Editor Elizabeth Joy
Crafted in small batches in Los Angeles with full ingredient transparency, Leland Francis fragrances are made entirely with plant-derived ingredients. Any sprays are blended with organic sugarcane alcohol.
When I read the scent profile of their fragrance, Rowdy Boy — made in collaboration with a queer-owned farm in Oklahoma City — of bergamot, clary sage, sandal wood, and vetiver, I was in. Their fragrances are unisex, but this one is an extrait de parfum which is more intense, so it was a better fit for my husband. We both love the scent!
Conscious Qualities: Cruelty-Free, Ingredient Transparency, 100% Naturally Derived Scent
Scent Type: Woody & Warm, Earthy, Herbal
Price: $$
5. Abbott
Abbott’s eco-friendly perfume is made using the cleanest conscious ingredients. These unisex fragrances are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other questionable ingredients. Carefully crafted using a mixture of natural and synthetic ingredients, Abbott discloses a full list of their ingredients on their website. Plus, their ingredients are sustainably sourced and they work closely with their suppliers to produce eco-minded packaging.
Conscious Qualities: 100% Ingredient Transparency, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Sustainably-Sourced Ingredients, Recyclable Packaging, Gives Back
Scent Type: Cool and Crisp (with a hint of spice), Fresh, Citrus, Floral
Price: $$
Check it Out: Abbott | Credo Beauty
6. The 7 Virtues
This fragrance brand is more than a fragrance, “it’s a movement to use business for peace. 7V (The 7 Virtues), founded by Barb Stegemann, a former journalist who never set out to make perfume, is a fair-trade, ethically sourced, and eco-friendly perfume brand on a mission to provide alternatives for farmers in nations rebuilding after war and strife around the world. Ingredients are ethically sourced from countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Rwanda, and Iran. In addition, 7V uses only clean and natural ingredients and is transparent about ingredients used in each fragrance.
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade and Organic ingredients, Ingredient Transparency, Supports Farmers, Cruelty-Free & Vegan
Scent Types: Warm, Spicy, Floral, Woodsy
Price: $$