Making Environmental Education Accessible

Download Free Eco-Education E-Book

Designed by Sara P. Mendes (@sara.p.mendes) and written words by Isaias Hernandez (@queerbrownvegan). Eco-Learners is a collaborative project that brings together creativity and environmental education. This is a free downloadable e-book that has 18 beautifully designed illustrations of environmental terms.

During my time in college, I had a hard time interconnecting terminology and concepts together. Upon graduating, I realized how important it was to simplify and breakdown each term. As someone who didn’t have support when navigating the environmental field, I asked myself who I wanted to be for others, and that’s an educator.

queerbrownvegan

It’s Spring and sometimes I forget to remind mys

It’s Spring and sometimes I forget to remind myself that I should also be blossoming during this time 🌸. I sometimes ask myself, are we required to lose something every season or gain something new every season? Whether we acknowledge it or not, we can’t always shed our inactions but we can become better equipped to build and create actionable steps.
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Around a year ago, I had just moved out of the East Coast back to the West Coast and felt like I didn’t get to fully experience the Spring Season in New York and told myself that one day I’ll be back. After surviving the Summer, Fall, and Winter, I’ve felt like I didn’t get to experience the challenges that Spring presents and the opportunities to be real with yourself.
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It’s been nearly fourth months since I moved back to the East Coast and have been experiencing the Spring season that it has left me full of excitement and tears. I didn’t know I’d be able to wake up every day to my dream career as a freelance content creator. I was always doubting myself every season that I was not good enough to do the work I wanted to do but Spring presented those opportunities of abundance and blessings. Like every flower, one doesn’t grow automatically, it sometimes takes weeks, months, or years. Spring is here and hope you all can enjoy it too. #springseason #springseason2021 #queerbrownvegan

Community-based frameworks are what make environme

Community-based frameworks are what make environmental justice. I have often found myself in various spaces that usually try to reinforce the ideas that institutional frameworks are more superior to community-based frameworks. In my view, I ask myself, for who and to whom do institutional frameworks serve to? For me, I see both values in the community and institutional-based frameworks. However, it is not always the case that community-based frameworks are valued as equal compared to the institutions because of the legacy of elitism and colonialism that it upholds.
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Environmental justice is rooted in community and collective care. If you are placing value in justice-oriented solutions, we need to recognize that the community should define them, not people who come from outside that environment. I often get frustrated when I hear that community solutions are not strong enough to fight against the climate crisis. In reality, they have been paving the way for many communities' actions against injustice.
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Does engaging in institutions help out communities? Yes and no, to a certain extent. On the one hand, it is an opportunity for voices to be centered and request allocations of resources to be invested in them. It's also not always the end all be all situation, especially when it comes to conferences that continue the endless cycles of conversations from the government's lack of actions to implement environmental justice policies. Do we need both local and system changes? We should never stop advocating for both and recognize that our roles in this movement are unique to each and their own. Recognizing that a variety of community-based frameworks come from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color is essential to our understanding of the environmental movement.
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Graphic: @ecoinprogress
#queerbrownvegan #environmentaljustice #environmentalracism #climatejustice #environmentalmovement #environmentalism #climatechangeisreal #climatechange #climatecrisis #environmentaleducator #ecoeducator #ecoeducation #ecofriendly

When was the last time you went to a green space?

When was the last time you went to a green space? I'm so happy to have teamed up with @trustforpublicland to share with you all about my story regarding green spaces. Growing up, I didn't have access to many green spaces. The only closest thing was the entrance to my elementary school, where there was grass. Even then, you weren't allowed to play on it due to school rules. Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 Americans don't have a park close to home — that includes 28 million kids? Parks serve as safe spaces for many communities across the world and cultivate communities to gather together. Unfortunately, most parks near communities of color are half the size of parks in the majority-white neighborhoods. As we get older, we can sometimes be too focused on our phones to forget to check in with nature. I am asking you all to join me in supporting the Trust for Public Land to ask your Representative to pass the Parks, Jobs, and Equity Act. The act would provide a $500 million emergency investment to bring more parks to people, especially in communities of color. This would give green spaces for historically divested communities, boost local economies, improve park equity, and allow people to access the outdoors! While every day is Earth Day, I am asking you to learn more about the Park, Jobs, and Equity Act and sign the petition today. Click the link in my bio to fight for green spaces for all.
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- #outsideforall #allinforoutdoors #earthmonth #earthday #parksuniteus #outsideforall #parksforpeople #parksforall
#powerofparks #getoutside #nature #outdoor #adventure #getoutdoors #ourparks #parks #findyourpark #community
#environment #trustforpublicland #equitablecommunities #publicland #conservation

Humanize us, do not commodify us. When you commodi

Humanize us, do not commodify us. When you commodify us for your Earth Month strategy, you are dehumanizing our culture, values, and work. While we may have heard greenwashing used all-year-round, Earth Washing focuses on the capitalization and mass production of increasing sales through the celebration of raising awareness for the protection of the planet. Unfortunately, the extraction rate to create products such as Earth Day T-Shirts, posters, or Earth Day collections is not as ethical as we think they are. To me, dismantling white supremacy is environmentalism.
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Many large-scale corporations that sell ideas of planting trees for every purchase you make are still linked to funding private prisons, slave labor, and the further depletion of natural resources in their supply chain. For many BIPOC communities, Earth Month is every day and justice is still not served. Indigenous People's world views, beliefs, and cultural traditions are essential when fighting for environmental justice. Community-based frameworks are crucial because they bring forth the ideas of how communities of color face high rates of injustice in a world that inflicts violence, pain, and trauma on those who have been actively protecting Earth.
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Yes, Earth Month is an opportunity for many of us to get paid for our work as we typically are not seen as favorable in a market based on overconsumption. While we are NOT going to shame those trying their best to earn funds for their work, we can critically extend ourselves to redistribute the funds to BIPOC activists and organizations that are often left out from media conversations. While we all contribute to forms of Earth Washing regardless if we like it or not (there is a spectrum), we can take a stance to help those who continue to pave the way to fight against environmental injustices. This Earth Month, I am pledging 10-15% of my earnings to grassroots Environmental Justice organizations that STILL receive a lack of funding compared to other environmental organizations.
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Graphics: @ecoinprogress
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#earthwashing #greenwashing #intersectionalenvironmentalist #environmentaljustice #queerbrownvegan

What is your favorite plant? I've never had someon

What is your favorite plant? I've never had someone draw an illustration of me ever before until I met @thecovatar project, a group of enthusiastic illustrators who help raise money for good causes by drawing beautiful portraits for people. They donate $5 from each picture to charities and so far, they've donated nearly more than $12,500 to dozens of nonprofits. Their illustration artist, Katie, drew this photo of me based on my cactus film photo that I had taken years ago.
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I love taking photos of natural landscapes because I feel that plants have many stories to tell. From their bents to buds, each plant carries a unique relationship to its environment and has passed down wisdom for living beings. While I have never been a plant expert, I learned how to grow plants from my mother, a true green thumb expert. Back when I moved to the East Coast a few months ago, I felt sad leaving behind my plant friends but knowing that they would go to a good home, I invested in buying new plants for my place. Ever since I've gotten plants for my new place, I felt like my mood, energy, and outlook in life has changed — sort of like a bright future.
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While our days are not always bright, I think what will remain truthful is that plants give us light. We don't elevate them, but they elevate us everywhere we go. What is your favorite plant and why? You can use QUEERBROWNVEGAN30 for 30% off your first digital art purchase 🖼
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#digitalart #intersectionalenvironmentalist #queerbrownvegan #ecoeducator #plantlife #plantlifestyle #plantdecor #plantart #digitalnft #botanicalgarden #botanicalgardens #artist #environmentaljustice #ecofriendly #zerowasteliving #ecofriendlylifestyle #climatejustice #climateaction #ecological #ecology

Being an imperfect environmentalist makes you a be

Being an imperfect environmentalist makes you a better environmentalist. I'm so happy to have teamed up with @inspirecleanenergy to share with you all why environmental education is essential to be a better advocate for the planet and how you can take action today. This Earth Month you can make a positive impact on the environment by accessing 100% renewable energy for your home. In minutes, you can reduce your carbon emissions and help combat climate change just by signing up for a clean energy subscription plan with Inspire.
- One of the prominent issues I had when learning environmental education is that we are often not equipped to learn about terminologies. Whether it be through a scientific standpoint or a cultural-based standpoint, there are so many terms to know. As someone who focuses on providing introductory forms of environmentalism, I think we should all take a step back and recognize, we are not experts but simply people who are constantly learning. - - As an educator, I have an eco-tip to help you feel confident when approaching terms you may not have heard before. Let's discuss what clean energy is and how it is characterized.
Start first with trying to guess what you think the word means to you. After that, look it up online and see if it makes sense to you. Watching videos or looking up diagrams helps you solidify in your mind what the process may look like. The final step is to practice what you read by explaining the word to your friends or family. Now that you have some tips to understand how to deconstruct terminologies let's define clean energy. Clean energy is generally characterized as renewable energy, which comes from sources that generate zero emissions, such as solar and wind. When we talk about non-renewable resources, we have to think of resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. While we think about clean energy, we also need to think about who has the access or support to achieve clean energy. I am always looking for ways to change my lifestyle, not to become eco-conscious but to challenge myself to lower my impact on the planet. What are your plans to be more eco-conscious? #renewrebuildrestore #ad

Are brand certifications designed to profit rather

What are my initial thoughts from #Seaspiracy ? I

What are my initial thoughts from #Seaspiracy ? I do think that while documentaries are extremely time limiting, it's also crucial that we can push for people to extend themselves further to understand how extractive industries operate rather than stopping at what is shown to us. The film is positioned to introduce many people to understand the injustices of the industrial fishing industry. The following thoughts are add on to each point.
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Point 1: The industrial fishing industry is unsustainable and is a product of environmental colonialism. The rise of commercialization and commodification for species has risen due to the effects of colonialism and imperialism. The film portrayed NGOs as complicit in their role of not advocating for more policy change. We have to remind ourselves that some NGOs have worked to strive for change in different ocean fields, whether it be conservation, ocean justice, or policy change. Can they do more? Sure, but we don't work there, so we should look into their history of work.
Point 2: Certifications should not end all be all for consumers. While some companies apply for logos to make sure they are aligned with their sustainability goals, we have to remember that they are designed for profit.
Point 3: We need to talk about the Somali people and humanize their narratives. Western influence has had huge impacts on increasing injustice for countries outside of the West. When we ignore the history of what institutions have created, such as the World Bank, we can understand that the West plays a massive role in decentralizing economic systems.
Point 4: Italy was brief touched upon compared to Japan. Would this increase the rise of Anti-Asian sentiment during these times? I hope that people critically look into Italy rather than first focusing their attention on Japan.
Point 5: Human trafficking and slavery are a direct result of the history of imperialism. When we think of dismantling the industrial fishing industry, how can we also protect people in this industry forced to work in this horrific industry?
Point 6: Yes, let's focus on commercialized waste and industrial sea practices than banning plastic straws!

How did you get your first environmental job? Due

How did you get your first environmental job? Due to popular demand, some people have asked, how did you get a career in the environmental field? Back in 2018, when I was finishing school, the conversations went from what are you doing this weekend to do you have a full-time job lined up after graduating? I was terrified and did not know where I was going to be. What I did know is that I had a massive passion for the environmental sector. I applied to several environmental NGO's and was rejected for each marketing and digital strategist role. While it was a bit overwhelming to handle during my time as an undergraduate, I realized that the environmental career sector wasn't suitable for me at the time.
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Instead, I took some opportunities to network throughout my circle and went to so many networking events in the tech industry. My first job out of college was through a startup and I had gotten an internship via messaging the account on Instagram and cold call emailing my boss at the time. Fast forward, I developed experience in that industry and moved to a different sector in the environmental sustainability field where I truly felt aligned with my values. One of the things that I realized is that I had zero success when applying online and would make it to final interviews then receive rejections. Instead, I tapped into all the networks I met and let them know what I was looking for and it is such a blessing to have gotten so many new career opportunities.
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While it can be very stressful leaving or entering the environmental career industry, here are a few tips I learned along my way that helped me so much!
1.) Stay at your pace: You don't need to have a full-time job out of college and if you don't get one out of college, you are not a failure. Everything happens for a reason and you'll find a job you love.
2.) Connect with Environmental people in your sector: I loved hearing people's stories out of their experience from post-grad and they ended in their role.
3.) Find a parallel industry: You have multiple interests? Try out different industries before entering the environmental one!
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Share your story or experiences below! GH: @ecoinprogress

You do not need a degree to be an environmentalist

You do not need a degree to be an environmentalist. Someone asked me the other day whether or not pursuing an environmental major is worth it. While we all have different and unique experiences with our academics, I thought I shared some of my own experiences. I majored in Environmental Science and it presented a holistic view of environmentalism through the social, biological, and physical side. I took rigorous courses in research writing, physics, organic chemistry, biology, calculus, biostats, and environmental economics. Most of my time was spent catching up at tutoring services because I heavily struggled in sciences and math. I realized how much of a sacrifice I made with my physical and mental health.
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Choosing an environmental major shouldn't be based on the status but your interest in the field. I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I chose environmental science because it was very broad and allowed different opportunities for me. One of my biggest regrets was not speaking up for myself in most academic spaces, especially when dealing with microaggressions, homophobia, and other problematic remarks made by my peers, teacher assistants, and professors. While I did love the subject, I also let myself be exploited by an educational system that is not welcoming for many students.
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Worth it is often defined by the social and economic status you achieve from a major. In reality, my first full-time job out of college wasn't even in the environmental sector and it gave me skills that I would not have learned in the environmental field. You are the one that gets to define your career, not society. It is okay if you don't know what you want to do because we are constantly curious and growing. While nothing is easy in life, especially when it comes to a major in the environment, you do not need to feel that you are alone because many of us have felt scared of the unknown. My past self was constantly stressed and scared, but sometimes I needed to tell myself that everything would be okay. Did you major in an environmental field, if so, how was your experience?
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#academia #academics #queerbrownvegan #intersectionalenvironmentalism
Graphic: @ecoinprogress

Did you know that I used to work for @terracycle a

Did you know that I used to work for @terracycle a year ago? Well, I worked at @shoploopstore that is the child company of Terracycle. During my time there, I loved my co-workers and manager, who always supported the work I did on QueerBrownVegan. Visting their office to see how they upcycled their plastic to make their office space creative made me feel at home. Although I spent most of my time working remotely, I did have time to explore the office the first day I entered. Terracycle is a recycling business that collects non-recyclable pre-consumer and post-consumer waste on behalf of corporate donors or municipalities to turn into raw material to be used for new products. Their zero-waste boxes are pretty popular. While we cannot Terracycle our way to zero-waste, it has allowed me to find different ways to recycle things that I have traditionally sent directly to the trash.
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One of the largest places I generate plastic waste is in my kitchen. As you all know, I use plastic every day and looking for plastic-free groceries is not ideal for my lifestyle. Since I've been working this whole time remotely, I've had the chance to cook homemade meals. I am so thankful to the Terracycle team for gifting me their zero-waste kitchen box to recycle the plastic that I cannot traditionally recycle. Some things that I can insert into the box are water filters, coffee and tea accessories, cleaning accessories, party supplies and dining disposables, candy and snack wrappers, paper packaging, plastic packaging, interior home furnishing, and fabrics. When you purchase one, you receive a prepaid shipping label and you can send it back to Terracycle.
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While boxes can be a bit high in price and not everyone can afford these boxes, Terracycle does offer free program services on their site, so don't feel guilty if you cannot buy one. You can use 'QBV15' for 15% off your first TerraCycle box!
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#terracycle #recycling #recyle #zerowasteliving #zerowaste #zerowastemovement #ecofriendlyproduct #ecofriendly #sustainability #sustainable #recyclebox #loopstore #downcycling #queerbrownvegan #intersectionalenvironmentalism #zerowastehome

Let's talk about #worldwaterday and the commodific

Let's talk about #worldwaterday and the commodification of natural resources. Sustainable development cannot be defined by an institution but rather by the community. Humans have been harnessing the power of water for years. Hydro dams utilize the potential energy from the dam water to produce electricity. According to Energy Gov, only 3% of 80,000 dams and beyond the West, building hydro dams has become an attractive policy solution to mitigate climate and fuel development. While large hydro dams have been advertised as a renewable energy resource, there is also a myriad of injustices.
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In 2006, a developmental company began building the Gibe III hydro dam in Ethiopia to provide large amounts of energy. The development of the dam impacted nearly 200,000 Indigenous Peoples that come from different tribes. The construction caused the immediate destruction of grazing lands in the nearby areas. Gibe III dam project threatened the Omo River's water flow, which contributes to 90% of inflowing water to Lake Turkana (nearby lake). In 2008, two years after the hydro dams construction phases, it was found on social and environmental reports that the GIBE III dam would not negatively impact the Indigenous communities. The World Bank, who had financed a percentage of the project, invested 668 million dollars into developmental projects. They had violated several of their safeguard policies and were seen as controversial in their mission to reduce poverty and decreasing inequality while actively displacing Indigenous communities.
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Their safeguard policy states that the World Bank will work with Indigenous peoples, consult with them, ensure that they participate in and benefit from Bank-funded operates in a culturally appropriate way. Later in 2016, the Gibe III dam was built and many Indigenous communities faced displacement. While there is a lack of justice for the communities, it is essential to ask who and to whom does sustainable development serve? Graphic: @ecoinprogress
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#sustainabledevelopment #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #sustainability #intersectioanlenvironmentalism #unitednations #climatecrisis #ecoeducation #ecotips

Did you know some cleaning supplies and household

Did you know some cleaning supplies and household products can contain harmful VOCs and other toxic substances? I am cleaning in color with @Cleancult colorful cartons and products! Cleancult is creating a new cleaning wave by providing a better cleaning system, cost-effective and using their coconut powered technology. Their non-toxic plant-based formulas and other biodegradable elements make sure that they are gentle on your skin and the planet. Most cleaning products come in plastic packaging, which is often hard for me to find the most eco-friendly packaging and design. Their refill system makes it easy for you to clean sustainably, with 100% recyclable packaging made in the USA, carbon-neutral shipments, and biodegradable formulas.
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Laundry days can be a bit time-consuming, but Cleancult's easy liquid laundry detergent refill makes the process much smoother. Their laundry detergent is GMO, Paraben, and Phthalate free, with their cap being from plant-based materials and lasts up to 64 HE Loads! You have the option to choose which colors you want and they have a variety of scent options.
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Who knew cleaning could be so colorful with @Cleancult ! What motivates you to clean your home? You can use ‘ISAIAS’ for 30% off your order 💫 Share your thoughts below! #cleancult #sponsored #zerowasteliving #ecofriendlyliving #ecofriendly #ecotips #queerbrownvegan

What is water conservation? I've teamed up with @n

What is water conservation? I've teamed up with @nebiainc to share with you all about the importance of preserving and fighting for water rights.
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Water conservation is the act of ensuring the availability of water for future generations while actively supporting policies, strategies, and activities to sustain water resources. In recent decades, the climate crisis has put a strain on water reservoirs around the world, raising questions and concerns globally as to how to be better stewards of our freshwater resources. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water demand has increased dramatically in the past 50 years and there is expected to be water shortages by the year 2024 in at least 40 states.
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While there have been global efforts to address the water crisis, Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of the fight for water rights. Indigenous communities have always understood that water is a source and sustenance of life, yet there has been an overwhelming destruction and privatization of water resources by large-scale corporations. Water should be a basic human right and there should not be a price on natural resources that give life to humanity. Supporting Indigenous leadership in communities fighting for water rights is a crucial component of the water conservation movement.
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When it comes to water conservation, there are many misconceptions. Let’s unpack one misconception on here:
There is water everywhere on Earth, so why should I care about conserving water? While the majority of our planet is covered in water, 97% of that water is undrinkable due to salt levels. Around 2% of the water that is drinkable is trapped in glaciers, ice caps, and snowy mountain ranges. That leaves just 1% of fresh water, obtainable through rivers, reservoirs, or underground, to supply the entire global population
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Individual change leads to collective change which then ignites systematic change. Here is a is a tip!
1.) Studies have shown that the average shower uses. Or, better yet, try a water-efficient shower. For example, Nebia Showers save up to 65% of water compared to standard showers.
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#nebiainc #waterconservation

Yes, toxic masculinity is fueling the destruction

Yes, toxic masculinity is fueling the destruction of the planet. Climate change, misogyny, and gender-based violence are interconnected. Extractive practices are rooted in colonialism and the patriarchy. Cara Dagget, who conducted research on energy policy and its social effects at Virginia Tech, coined the term petro-masculinity. She described it as the "relationship between fossil fuels and white patriarchal orders." In her research article, "Petro-Masculinity: Fossil Fuels and Authoritarian Desire," she addresses how the climate crisis poses a problem for fossil fuel systems and those who have been profiting off of natural resources for so long.
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In the wake of the 2016 election, the administration and political parties fueled fossil fuel systems' development and dismantled environmental policies. One included the withdrawal of the Paris Climate Agreement. With the rise of environmental justice being at focus, it further threatens these extractive institutions and systems that have a legacy of violence, murder, and colonialism. The fossil fuel system's history created a catastrophic convergence, leading to an increasingly fragile Western hypermasculinity. Petro-masculinity should be analyzed as "manifesting in multiple, and locally specific ways" (Sage Journal). Most explicitly speaking about the United States, Western countries exemplify petro-masculinity with its high energy consumption, militarism in climate politics, and the displacement and oppression of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. While industrialization further enhanced the idea of economic growth and domination, this allowed institutions that are known to uphold white supremacy to implement extractive policies that would also hurt Women, Trans Women, Femmes, and Non-Binary folks.
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The mid-20th century of American life was filled with white men ruling their housing as a sign-making America great. "Cars, suburbs, and the nuclear family, oriented around white male workers, formed a triumvirate that yoked the desires of Americans not only to wage labor, but to the continued supply of cheap energy that made the dream possible.". [Pt 1/2] #petromasculinity
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GR: @ecoinprogress

Buzzwords like carbon-neutral have been in popular

Buzzwords like carbon-neutral have been in popular demand, but what about plastic neutral? Plastic neutrality is the amount of plastic generated by the business and then it is measured to recover plastic waste that is removed from the environment. Corporations often team up with companies that offer recycling and waste management to earn plastic offset credits. While there is a legacy of plastic pollution from a variety of hair care, skincare, and body care products, these goals further reinforce the idea of net-zero emissions. The issue with recycling facilities is that they are not able to recycle every plastic. While large-scale corporations flock to earn Plastic-Neutrality, there is not much of a difference between Carbon-Neutral as they also contribute to some greenwashing rhetoric.
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Each year, 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced and 40% of that is single-use (BBC). Throwing away plastic does not disappear but instead stays on the land for decades. With more than 8 million tonnes of plastic entering the world's oceans each year, it brings more significant concerns whether or not corporations are taking stances to redesign their packaging. The issue with plastic neutrality credits is that, in reality, corporations opt into these programs because it is much cheaper than having to redesign their package. Every year, plastic production is increasing and there are thousands of dollars being poured into innovations to clean up the plastic. However, there is limited advocacy and stances where companies stand when detesting petrochemical industries that further influence plastic markets. Plastic is an environmental issue and most of the waste dumped into countries outside of the West face an enormous burden of environmental injustice. Are certifications helping brands or do you think they are merely stickers that allow them to exploit natural resources? Graphics: @ecoinprogress
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#plasticneutrality #plasticneutral #plasticpollution #environmentaljustice #environmentalracism #intersectionalenvironmentalism #queerbrownvegan #climatecrisis #plasticfree #zerowastelifestyle #zerowaste #zerowastemovement #plasticpackaging #ecofriendly #consciousconsumerism

While I don't have any plans to be on the moon, I

While I don't have any plans to be on the moon, I can bring my @moonshotsnacks to my fellow earthlings! These tasty climate-friendly crackers are organic, carbon-neutral, and use regeneratively grown wheat. I tried all three delicious flavors (sourdough sea salt, rosemary garlic, and tomato basil). I am a huge FAN of crackers + hummus (sprinkle a bit of olive oil), so whenever I am on a snack break, these are the go-to. Although the dinner parties haven't started yet, I can't wait to bring them to you all whenever we can reconnect in real life!
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Moonshot Crackers is a Black-owned business paving the way to providing more sustainable food alternatives for our consumer choices and focusing on regeneration as a core principle of their work. Their crackers are organic and contain non-GMO ingredients, using sunflower oil from regenerative farms in COLORADO, and use special milling processes that preserve the wheat's natural character by retaining a portion of the bran. When it comes to their packaging, they use 100% recycled cardboard for their cartons and recyclable plastic for their interior bags while continually researching how to improve their packaging. Lastly, when it comes to measuring their carbon impact, they measure, sequester, reduce, and offset with their partner, Native Energy. Small businesses like Moonshot have not only provided me with my mid-day snacks, but they are a proud supporter of my work for making environmental education accessible. If you are looking to switch to an eco-friendly snack, you can head over to moonshotsnacks.com to order yours! You can use QUEERBROWNVEGAN5 for $5 off your order. 🙂
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What is your favorite climate-friendly snack?
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#sponsored #moonshotsnacks #crackers #foodsnack #picnicfood #picnic #ecofriendly #sustainability #regenerative #queerbrownvegan

For me, being an environmentalist stems from injus

For me, being an environmentalist stems from injustice and recognizing that powerful oppressive structures threaten the justice of life itself. While media often influenced how I thought environmentalists looked like, I wish I had taken the time to recognize my community, especially those in my life that never labeled themselves an environmentalist. An environmentalist, often defined as a person concerned with or advocates the protection of the environment. You don't need to live a particular lifestyle to be an environmentalist, as I am sure that we define ourselves through our lived experiences. To call ourselves environmentalists means fighting to preserve and dismantle a poisonous system that upholds extraction, destruction, and colonization. Indigenous People's still exist today and protect much of the biodiversity.
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One thing that I've always advocated for is that people extend themselves to dig deeper than what the term means. Yes, local + system change is so significant, but also realizing that defining ourselves as environmentalists takes a lot of work and understanding of how we position ourselves in spaces. Environmental dimensions exist in various forms, which is why we see so much uniqueness in our work.
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When I was growing up, academia often reinforced the idea that you needed to go to higher education to achieve this to be an environmentalist. Dismantling that hierarchy was great for my mind, but I often feel like it manifests itself in many environmental movements. Investing less on the label and reinvesting in the work we do can do in our proximity can hopefully disrupt the change of how we label ourselves environmentalist. Anti-Racism work is integral when extending ourselves to learn more about how environmentalism is interconnected—being uncomfortable isn't about shaming yourself but providing an opportunity to regrow.
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If our climate crisis never existed, would you still call yourself an environmentalist? Graphics: @ecoinprogress
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#queerbrownvegan #climatecrisis #climatechange #intersectionalenvironmentalist #ecoeducator #sustainability #environmentalist #environmentalism

Around the world, Black communities bear an even h

Around the world, Black communities bear an even heavier burden from the impacts of climate change due to the historic and continuing impacts of colonialism, racism, and inequality. It is crucial that we listen and highlight Black environmental activists that know the issues, firsthand, and have the knowledge to help create just solutions. In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, I am teaming up with @BlackGirlEnvironmentalist, @PassTheMicClimate and @Generation_Green to launch the #ReclaimingOurTime campaign.
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The Reclaiming Our Time campaign seeks to highlight Black climate activists at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis. I am honored to be talking to Aalayna Green @aalayna.green who is a PhD student studying zoology. We will be discussing her journey and experiences with Veganism, Research, and Higher Education. Tune in tomorrow February 23 at 5:30PM EST on IG Livestream.
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Graphics by the talented @baileydaze, @aishah_nyeta @wawa_gatheru
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#environmentaljustice #environmentalracism #intersectionalenvironmentalism #ecoeducation #academia #climatejustice #climatechange #climatecrisis #globalwarming #veganism #intersectionalveganism #intersectionalvegan #researchanddevelopment #zoology #sustainability #regenerative #regeneration #educationispower #highereducation

Being an imperfect environmentalist makes you a be

Being an imperfect environmentalist makes you a better environmentalist. Normalize being imperfect environmentalists for your mind, community, and most importantly, your work. Coming in terms with imperfection makes you a better environmentalist than upholding yourself to a higher standard that is not recognizable to you. During my early environmental work, I held people dear to me on pillars rather than treating them as living beings. Whether through education, activism, art, singing, photography, etc., we've all had and continue to have ups and downs. Society reinforces the idea of having specific characteristics is what makes us certain environmentalists. There is no one set image of how an environmentalist looks like and that's the beauty of it. We can define ourselves even without labels as long as we recognize our intrinsic value.
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At Clubhouse, I had the opportunity to meet so many like-minded environmentalists from various backgrounds, work skills, and stories that reminded me of how imperfect we are. Yet, we are here to be better environmentalists. Recognizing flaws in our work and ourselves is a personal journey, but you get to define how you want to work on those things. Here are some takeaways that I've been up to since I am always making mistakes! LOL
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1.) Perfectionism is not natural, but imperfections are organic.
2.) Doing your best of what you can do rather than what you want to do creates realistic versions of how your work can translate into environmentalism.
3.) Recognizing mistakes is not harmful, but instead places to improve on. For example, the first time I went Vegan (early 2018) and was accidentally given cheese, I started over my journey because I felt that I failed my community.
4.) Being better is not about seeking congratulations from others but a form of self-love to undo harmful work.
5.) Speaking about imperfections disrupts the ideals of what it means to be an environmentalist and allows others around you to define what it means to be environmentalists for themselves.
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I hope this helps you all! Graphics @ecoinprogress
#queerbrownvegan #environmentaljustice #ecoeducator

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