As modern humans find ways to adapt and build resiliency to anthropogenic climate change, one art exhibition is looking to the past to uncover how the 17th century Dutch acclimated themselves to extreme weather.
The Getty Center, a museum in Los Angeles, opened an exhibition on May 28 titled On Thin Ice: Dutch Depictions of Extreme Weather, which features Dutch artists’ works from the 1600s.
The Little Ice Age
The exhibition, on display through Sept. 1, explores the everyday resilience to the extreme weather during a time period nicknamed the “Little Ice Age.” According to the museum’s representatives, this time period consisted of particularly harsh winters as well as cooler-than-usual summers.
While it wasn’t a massive ice age on a global scale, the Little Ice Age lasted hundreds of years, from around 1300 to 1850 and affected much of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe. This was caused in part by volcanic activity and changing wind patterns and ocean currents, and it led to long winters, with frequent and heavy snowfall.
While the Dutch struggled, facing extreme weather such as powerful storms and flooding, historians have uncovered more and more evidence that the Dutch in particular were able to build resilient communities that helped provide food to disadvantaged families, improve infrastructure, further scientific advancements and more, according to an essay in Aeon.
Building Resiliency
While the Industrial Revolution — and the emissions that skyrocketed since — didn’t begin until the 18th century, long after the artworks in the On Thin Ice exhibition were created, humans today can still relate to how people throughout history adapted to more natural bouts of climate change and extreme weather, the exhibition suggests.
A sense of community and innovation helped people of the past adapt to the extreme weather they were facing. In the Netherlands, this looked like adapting to frozen waterways that remained icy into spring with improved icebreaking tools and greasing ships and strengthening ship hulls to combat icy waters, as The Washington Post reported. If the ice couldn’t break down, communities would pivot and host ice fairs to attract visitors and generate income. During this time, the Dutch also invested in charities and established insurance policies to offer more protections against the many things that could go wrong in the face of extreme weather.
The Works on Display
The Getty Center exhibition includes around 40 drawings and paintings by Dutch artists, with a highlight on works by painter Hendrick Avercamp.
The entrance to the exhibition reads, in part, “In the seventeenth century the Dutch Republic experienced a period of political stability, economic prosperity, and great technological advancement. A complex system of levees, canals, and windmills protected the Netherlands from the encroaching sea and transformed marshland into highly fertile tracts of farmland.”
“Astute observers and critics of their time, artists underscored the fundamental uncertainty of climate conditions, and their works offer opportunities to reflect on our current environmental crises,” the exhibition introduction continues.
One painting by Avercamp, “Winter Landscape With Skaters,” was painted during one of the harshest winters of the time period. You can see moored boats partially frozen in a thick sheet of ice, and some people in the foreground standing near a large hold for ice fishing. Some people are walking together, some people are playing games on ice and others are hauling goods.
“Winter Landscape With Skaters” by Hendrick Avercamp. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam / public domain
Another work from Avercamp, “A Winter Scene with Two Gentlemen Playing Colf,” shows people enjoying time outdoors, whether they’re just standing on ice talking to one another or sledding and skating. Two people at the foreground of the painting engage in a game of colf, a Dutch game with similarities to golf and hockey.
“A Winter Scene with Two Gentlemen Playing Colf” by Hendrick Avercamp. Getty Museum
Another work, “January” by Jan van de Velde, shows a community coming together for merriment, like skating on a frozen lake and walking in groups on an outdoor path, despite the cold temperatures.
“January” by Jan van de Velde. UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts,
Hammer Museum, Rudolf L. Baumfeld Bequest
The Dutch were able to prosper economically during the Little Ice Age, in part by providing goods and supplies to other countries. We can get a glimpse of their work amid freezing temperatures in “Winter Landscape,” an artwork by Nicolaes Molenaer. In the piece, people are depicted moving goods across ice, which must be very thick and frozen to hold the weight of horse-drawn carriages moving supplies. People in the drawing are bundled in coats and hats.
“Winter Landscape” by Nicolaes Molenaer. National Museum in Warsaw / Wilanów Palace / public domain
In “A Winter Scene” by Hendrik Meyer, there are displays of harsh winter and hard work, yet comfort and warmth. Snow is piled up on a roof and the surrounding landscape, and workers are chopping and hauling wood and transporting people in carriages. People have flushed cheeks, and a mother and child stand in the doorway of a home with smoke blowing out of the snowy chimney.
“A Winter Scene” by Hendrik Meyer. Getty Museum
On the opposite site of “A Winter Scene,” the exhibition includes another work by Hendrik Meyer titled “A Summer Scene.” Here, people are tending to animals and agricultural work. According to the Getty Center, details like animals in the shade, dogs drinking water, and women in their bare feet may indicate hot weather. In the far distance, the viewer can spot windmills.
“A Summer Scene” by Hendrik Meyer. Getty Museum
These are just a handful of works on display in the exhibition, but they collectively show a range of families and strangers who are both working hard for the community and indulging in leisure time and recreation, despite facing extreme weather.
“During a period of extended cold in the 17th century, a number of remarkable Dutch artists created a genre of paintings and drawings that capture the icy landscapes and extreme living conditions of climate gone awry,” Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum, said in a press release. “There are obvious resonances with the opposite extreme we face today in the rising temperatures across much of the globe.”
Looking to the Future
The old adage goes that history repeats itself, and while the current climate crisis often comes with unprecedented events, this art exhibition reveals some hope in how humans can work together to adapt to climate change.
During the Little Ice Age, the Dutch, as depicted in the artworks, became important purveyors of goods to other countries, dedicated themselves to hard work for community betterment, and even participated extensively in charitable acts, as explained by Anne McCants, a history professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They adapted so well that their advancements during the Little Ice Age led to the Dutch Golden Age.
Rather than be passive bystanders to the worst impacts of the climate crisis, humans today can and should collaborate to work on slowing climate change and undoing some of the damage we’ve done to the planet. Like the people of the past, we’ll need to work together and tap into innovation and ingenuity to overcome the struggles we face.
“Today’s global climate crisis is an ongoing issue affecting current and future generations, and often inspiring the work of contemporary artists. This exhibition offers a glimpse at how Dutch artists in 1600s presented such topics,” said Stephanie Schrader, curator of drawings at the Getty Museum. “Not only will it give visitors a better understanding of the past, but it will also provide an example of how adaptation is our only hope for the future.”
The post Museum Exhibit Draws Parallels Between ‘Little Ice Age’ Resiliency and Modern Climate Crisis appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/dutch-paintings-extreme-weather-getty-center-art-exhibit.html
This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.
US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.
Focusing on what matters most
“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.
Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going
Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co
Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility
Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”
The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.
Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.
Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors
Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.
In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.
Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.
We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing
Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co
One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.
Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection
Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.
Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.
This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.
Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.
This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.
Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.
Balsam Cutoff TrousersThese Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.
Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.
This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.
Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.
Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.
The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.
Last Updated on November 21, 2025
If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!
I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.
If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.
I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).
what are good homemade Christmas gifts?
Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.
If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).
It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.
what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?
Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).
And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!
Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!
RELATED: Gift Wrapping: How to Keep It Easy, Eco and Chic
how can I make a last minute gift?
You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!
For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.
One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!
Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.
- Bath salts
- DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
- Bath bombs
- Lip scrub
- Lip balm
- Face mask
- Body lotion
- Natural perfume
- Dry shampoo
- Shampoo bar
- Body soap
- Deodorant
- Rose water toner
- Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles
- Simmer pot in a jar
- Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
- Handmade seasoning blends
- Vanilla extract
- Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
- Herb or citrus infused olive oil
- Peanut butter + jam
- Beeswax wraps
- Apple or pumpkin butter
- Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
- Finished embroidery hoops
- Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
- Sewn cotton rounds
- Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
- Hand warmers
- Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
- Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
- Hand painted or drawn artwork
- Air dry clay paint palette
- DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
- Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
- Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
- Carving wooden bowls by hand
- Natural branch coasters
- Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
- Seed balls using native seeds
- Handwoven baskets or bowls
- Macrame produce bag
- Macrame plant hanger
- Fabric paper mache bowls
- Upcycled paper earring jewelry
- Clay earrings
- Handmade plush toys
- Felt ‘food’ toys
- Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
- Knit or crocheted baby clothes
What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!
The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Last Updated on November 6, 2025
Did you know most rugs are made from polyester, aka plastic? Arguably, a good chunk of our furniture and home decor is nowadays.
And lets not forget – rugs can get a lot of foot traffic. If it’s made from polyester, chances are those plastic fibers are going to shed and get onto us. Or worse, in us.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
Microplastics have been found in human feces, blood, and even placentas. And according to a study from Stanford University, those who had microplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who didn’t.
On top of this, 5 billion pounds of rugs go to waste each year – that’s 2% of total US landfill. And if they’re made from plastic? They won’t biodegrade.
It’s more important than ever to reduce our exposure to microfibers where we can. Which is why I’ve rounded up the best non toxic rugs on the market.
what is the least toxic rug?
The least toxic rug will have sustainable materials and use no harsh chemicals (like PFAs) in their production.
Here’s what to look for when purchasing a non-toxic rug:
- Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or wool
- Low-waste packaging + delivery
- Natural, non-synthetic dyes
- Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEK, Fair Trade, GOTs
- Easy to spot-clean or machine wash
- Available in various styles, patterns + colors to suit your needs
do all rugs have PFAS?
According to Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), only four samples of 201 carpets and rugs were found to contain more than 100 parts per million in their fibers, indicating PFAS were intentionally added to the products.
However, while PFAs may not be a huge concern for rugs, microplastic pollution is, specifically if your carpet is synthetic. Your best bet is to check the material your rug is made from and choose natural fibers whenever possible.
what is the best non-toxic rug for nursery?
The best non-toxic rug for a nursery would be made from natural materials like wool and organic cotton (which are soft on baby’s skin).
I recommend also checking for natural latex for the rug backing and underlay pads. Brands on this list that offer kid-friendly sizes and patterns include Lorena Canals, Nestig, Quince, and Loomy (more on each below).
what brand of rugs are non-toxic?
The brands of rugs that are non-toxic are listed below. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. hook and loom
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Made from GOTs certified organic cotton, recycled cotton + wool
- No dyes or harmful chemicals
- No latex
2. lorena canals
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Handmade by artisans using recycled materials like organic cotton + wool
- Nontoxic dyes
- Make your own option
- Machine washable
- Rugcycled line made from recycled materials in their own factory
3. sabai
- Field rug
- Woven using wool + jute
- Available in 3 varying sizes
- Rug pad add-on available for reduced movement
- Certified B Corporation
4. quince
- Various sizes + patterns, best known for vintage-inspired looks
- Made from natural materials like wool, jute, + cotton
- Handcrafted by artisans in India
- Transparent pricing practices
- Compostable poly bags + recycled plastic mailers
5. west elm
- Rugs for every area of the home, in varying sizes
- Made from wool, jute, hemp, cotton, TENCEL + recycled materials
- Handspun by skilled artisans in India
6. nestig
- Area + washable rugs made with fun shapes/designs for babies + kids
- Washable rugs made with organic cotton + nontoxic dyes
- Area rugs made with cotton + each colored element crafted from recycled cotton
- Handmade in Brazil
7. cold picnic
- Various rug shapes + sizes, abstract patterns + bold colors
- Made with wool, bamboo silk, cotton, hemp, + deadstock materials
- Designed in a Brooklyn studio, handmade by artisans in India
- Committed to reducing packaging waste where possible
8. loomy
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Made from banana silk, hemp, jute, recycled fiber, viscose, or wool
- Any colored yarn dyed using low-impact techniques
- Handcrafted by indigenous artisans
So what do you think of these non toxic, sustainable rugs? Let me know in the comments!
The post 8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
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