Let's Chat Sunshine with Sunrun

Hi everyone, by now you might be aware that I’m a bit of an environmental nerd and enjoy geeking out about renewable energy and sustainability in general. So I’ll cut to the chase, today we’ll be discussing solar energy aka how our radiant sun is able to power our homes, businesses, communities and beyond! I partnered with Sunrun, a company that wants to help make solar energy a viable, more sustainable, option through empowering + educating their customers so you can join your neighbors in creating a shared economy for clean energy that’s a legacy for your community and family

How lovely is it that despite the ups and downs in life, the sun will rise each day. Sunshine is not only one of life’s constants, it’s also a powerful renewable energy source that can power our households and communities through the use of solar energy. Solar power works by converting the light from the sun into electricity (which is so cool!!), sunshine is so powerful that it not only contributes positively to our wellbeing but when used as an energy source, can be much better for the environment and less expensive.

So how exactly does solar power work? Here’s a helpful Breakdown

A helpful graphic from: https://www.whe.org/blog/a-glimpse-into-how-solar-panels-work.html

What about environmental impact? There are many different ways that you can measure the positive environmental impact of your Sunrun home solar system. Here are just a few:

• Sunrun systems have produced 7.4 billion kilowatt hours of clean energy since 2007

  • Those systems have helped offset 5.2 million metric tons of carbon since 2007

  • That is the equivalent to negating 13 billion miles driven by an average passenger vehicle

    • Or 882,000 homes' electricity use for a year

So, should you make the switch to solar? If you’re in a position to do so, absolutely! Sunrun is helping make solar energy more accessible for everyone. To learn more, check out their website here

xo Leah

Nixit: Period Care Made Simple

Hi everyone, thanks for checking out my blog! Today I’ll be talking about the current period cup that I use, Nixit, that was recently featured in My Top 4 Sustainable Period Care Products guide. Period cups can take a little bit of time to get used to, but if they work with your body, I’d recommend giving them a try because they can really help you reduce your environmental footprint by doing away with single-use period products. Here are the key reasons I prefer using this brand!

12 Hour Protection

The best thing about period cups in my opinion is the length or wear without fear of Toxic Shock Syndrome caused by wearing a tampon too long. Nixit holds 70 ml (4 super plus tampons worth) and can be worn up to 12 hours. Since it’s quarantine and I’m mostly at home I prefer wearing the cup all day alongside my favorite pair of period underwear. I personally don’t feel comfortable changing the cup in places outside of my house (it can get messy) but since I’m at home all day this hasn’t been an issue!

Environmental Footprint

Tampons are usually wrapped in plastic, with a plastic applicator, and 90% of a pad is plastic. The typical tampon user uses 11,000 tampons in their lifetime - whoa. By using nixit, or a period cup, you can reduce this sort of waste by 93%. Nixit is made with BPA-Free silicone.

Ease of Wear

Their unique circular design fits my body better and doesn’t feel as uncomfortable as other cups that I’ve worn. It also has a double rim which helps prevent leakage. I’ve struggled with longer shaped period cups and this circle might not seem as large, but it actually holds a lot!

To learn more about Nixit check out their website here.

LT

My Top 4 Sustainable Period Care Products

Right before my instagram platform changed pretty dramatically *shyly waves at 100k new followers* I was working on a sustainable period-care guide to release on my blog. As someone who has struggled with difficult periods, I’m very particular about the products I use and want to support companies that are innovative, sustainable and effective. Below is my roundup of my favorite brands from over the years. For transparency, I haven’t been paid by any of the brands I’m mentioning, but a few companies sent me products to test. This roundup is a list of products that really stood out to me.

Joyja: The Happy Period Panty $20-$25

According to their website, 7 million tampons end up in landfills each year on average and many products can take up to 400 years to biodegrade. Finding ways to decrease my environmental footprint while on my period led me to the world of period underwear and this is by far one of the cutest brands I’ve tried. They go beyond the standard black, thick period-underwear with a size inclusive selection of thongs, bikinis, hipsters and more with light (1 teaspoon) to heavy (4 teaspoons) absorbency. For me, I use these as more of a backup method while at home (since i’m mostly staying inside) and I’ve found them to be very effective so far. The biggest draw for me is I feel safe from any leakage.

Nixit: Period Cup $49.00

Okay, I won’t lie. Their marketing and branding is really cute and this is what initially drew me into wanting to check out the brand. Also, the shape of the cup is really unique and it’s suction free (which makes removal much easier). I first used a period cup in high-school, at a time when not many people at my somewhat conservative high-school were discussing periods in general yet alone a period cup! I stopped using it because I never could get it to fit quite right; however, at 25 I decided to step back into the ring with a different design. I like the nixit because it helps save money (it typically lasts 5 years), you don’t have to worry about Toxic Shock Syndrome, and it lasts 12 hours. If I were in an office, I’d feel much more comfortable in this cup knowing that it fits comfortably and I wouldn’t have to worry about changing it until I got back home. As someone with anxiety, it’s such a relief! It’s also free of toxins (which unfortunately many tampons have), so I don’t have to worry about that and it’s BPA free. I’ve tried many and this is my favorite period cup currently on the market.

NannoCare : NanoPad $6.99 - $15.99

So as much as I try to opt for other options, I like to be extra careful and like to have backup protection just in case. Some days I also just prefer using pads, but I only opt for sustainable and organic brands (to avoid toxins and decrease my environmental impact). Another huge draw to this lesser known brand is that a lot of research and science went into creating a pad that could potentially minimize period pain and discomfort (hello! I need this!)

According to their website “Certified third party testing was conducted in 2018 with women aged 21 – 45, over a time frame of two months using our NannoPads and placebo-controlled products. The NannoPad group experienced less pain (at 95% confidence) and fewer days of menstrual pain after using the NannoPad. The result of NannoPad group also shows a significant reduction of painkillers being used for menstrual cramping. For additional studies and reference, click here. Nannopad® contains many of the same ingredients used in these studies. “

For me personally, I’d have to try them for a longer period of time to see if it helps ease any period discomfort, but I’m very curious to see if anyone else has tried this brand!

L. Organic : Tampons, Pads and Liners $6.99 - $11.99

When I do use tampons, which is rare, this are my go to. I discovered them at my local CVS and was happy to see the tampon applicators are BPA-free and they don’t contain rayon, chlorine bleaching, or synthetic pesticides. They’re also a benefit corporation and a buy 1: donate 1 brand. For every tampon, pad or liner purchased L. Organic makes one accessible to a person that needs it. I like that they’re mission based, fight to end period poverty, and their tampons come in pretty large packs of 30 so I don’t have to worry about going back to the store often. This is my favorite sustainable and mission-based brand for tampons.

These are my current favorite products that’ll help you reduce your environmental footprint while also being super effective! Let me know your favorites in the comments.

xo LT

Introducing P&G Good Everyday : A new socially conscious platform for shoppers

Whenever I do partnerships or work with a brand, I look into their initiatives and what they’re doing to better society and our planet. I’ve decided to remain inflexible on this and moving forward, will only partner with mission-based brands that are taking steps, no matter how big or small, to make the world a better place. 

I was happy to see that P&G is doing just that and has created a new rewards program, P&G Good Everyday, to help spread good in the world. This rewards program has popular brands and will allow you to earn gift cards and win sweepstakes, easily help causes you care about, and save cash with lots of coupons. 

The program is all about good deeds and good deals. Once you sign up, you can scan your receipts with P&G purchases and support charities while also earning rewards. P&G will automatically donate to the cause of your choice each time you shop. P&G has been doing good for over 180 years -- The Tide Loads of Hope disaster relief program, Always End Period Poverty product donation and education program, and Dawn Saves Wildlife program are just a few of the many ways P&G is making a positive community impact, supporting gender equality and diversity and inclusion.

The cause I’ve chosen to support is Always End Period Poverty, an initiative to make period care more accessible for everyone. In the U.S. alone, 1 in 5 girls have had to miss school or an opportunity due to a lack of period products. I was shocked to find out how prevalent this issue is globally and choose to wear red and use P&G Good Everyday to help support Always End Period Poverty. 

So how can you get started? 

●      Sign up at P&G Good Everyday, select your favorite cause and earn rewards points for joining

●      Take action. By scanning your receipt that includes any of your P&G brand purchases or by taking a survey online, you earn points AND P&G will make a donation to a cause of your choice. 

●      Redeem your points for gift cards, sweepstake entries, experiences, or to personally make a larger donation to a cause you care about. 

Conscious Conversations: Better Beauty With Juliet Simpson

What made you become interested in natural living and wellness? How did your experiences in Hawaii or your parents influence your choices to live more holistically? 

I was raised by parents who were very dedicated to a holistic lifestyle for my sister and I, so it was ingrained in me from day one. Back when there wasn't mainstream healthy living, no Whole Foods etc. We would pick up weekly fresh veggies, greens, fruit and eggs from a local neighborhood farm. They paid attention to the type of shampoo they were using on us, the foods they were feeding us and the toxins that we were exposed to (i.e. they never used weed killer on our 5 acres). I grew up on the island of Kauai in Hawaii so I was blessed with clean air, water and land. So my childhood was the foundation for this lifestyle I lead now.

What has being a mother taught you and what advice would you give to other parents that want to instill a sense of wonder, creativity and appreciation of nature in their kids? 

Becoming a parent has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. One of the biggest ones is trust! Trust in your child. They have it figured out... listen to them instead of telling them, follow them, instead of leading them, stop trying to always be their source of entertainment. I'm no perfect Mom and strive to find the balance daily but the more I stop trying to control, the easier things are. Embracing the chaos (I don't always do that very well though). My children have been my biggest teachers. Oh and yes, we spend a lot of time outdoors, outside the confines of walls and connected to the Earth. This is where they (and me) are happiest and most content. They really don't need toys to keep them entertained if you have a tree to climb, a creek to play in etc. Don't be afraid to get dirty!  Beautycounter has given me the opportunity to stay home and participate in their daily adventures and for that I am beyond grateful. 

How and why did you get involved with Beautycounter?

I joined Beautycounter because I was looking for a way to be at home full time with my little kids but I also needed to find a way to bring in income. I fell in love with their mission of "getting safer products into the hands of everyone" and knew I had to be apart of it. The work that Beautycounter is doing on a legislative level is big and the more voices to help educate people, the better. This isn't just about selling lipstick! It's about creating awareness and educating about the choices that we all have when it comes to safer and cleaner products. Oh and by the way, most people aren't aware that most lipsticks on the market contains polyethylene (plastic!) and we eat lipstick.

What are some of your favorite makeup tips? 

Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation

This skincare + makeup foundation comes in 18 shades for all skin tones.

I barely used any makeup on my face prior to working with Beautycounter so I am pretty simple with my routine. Now I use it daily because it makes me feel so much better, I know that's silly to say but it really does give me a pick me up. I use a lightweight foundation and tinted moisturizer, mascara, eyeliner, brow gel and a bronzer. But I think the biggest tip I'd like to share is making sure that your skin (your canvas) for applying the makeup is in tip top shape and for me that has been through using our Countertime Collection. When you use a regime all of the products are formulated to work together with one another and the results will be a lot better than a piecemeal of products.  My skin has changed dramatically from that which makes makeup application so much nicer.

What's the best or worst advice you've received? 

Advice from my mother that I have built into life, is making your bed every morning. It sets the tone of your day by starting off with an accomplishment and builds consistency with your routine for the day. It also feels so good at the end of the day when you go to peel back the covers. It's a simple act, yet I highly recommend it.

How can people better protect their skin?

I believe that the best way to protect your skin is by washing your face daily and staying consistent with a morning and evening regime. We are exposed to so many pollutants during the day and that gunk needs to be washed off and skin treated properly. Also, the use of both a daily vitamin c serum and a sunscreen are huge protectors of skin damage and preventives of sun spots, wrinkles and aging skin regardless of your skin tone.

You can learn more and follow Juliet @JewelBeautySB on instagram

The Cutest Farm Cart There Ever Was: A Chat With Farm Cart Organics

When I first moved to the quaint town of Carpinteria, CA in 2019 I couldn’t help but explore and go on walks whenever I had the chance. Each store I passed had a rustic charm, the beach breeze blew throughout the downtown area and the cutest little farm cart sat across the street from my favorite coffee shop — Lucky Llama. That little farm cart is none other than the lovely Farm Cart Organics, a Carpinteria staple owned by Katherine and Jason. Read my interview with the founders below to see exactly why I fell in love with supporting them and their mission to bring local + organic goodies to the people!

1. What's the story behind Farm Cart Organics and how it came to be?

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A post shared by Farm Cart Organics (@farmcartorganics) on Feb 14, 2020 at 10:41am PST

Katherine and I were gifted the opportunity to open the Farm Cart from her father, Tom Shepherd in 2012. Tom is one of this areas original Organic farmers. He has been growing vegetables and his famous Shepherd Salad mix since 1973, and he gave us his Farm Cart and the opportunity to harvest and sell directly from his Carpinteria farm to the community.  Katherine and I had just returned from traveling in Asia and were looking for a spiritually fulfilling business to dive into. The Farm Cart fit that bill perfectly, as there is nothing more fulfilling as a business than providing affordable, nutritious food to your community. It is so rare to be able to do something for money that you completely believe in.While it has been super fulfilling, it has also been super hard. Farming is tough, Tom’s farm moved out of town quickly, and The Farm Cart required long hours and years of commitment to get momentum going while we learned how to farm ourselves and built relationships with the growers around us, but after 5 years we were able to come out the other side and were stable enough to build an awesome team around us.  Nowadays, we are raising two small children, farming a couple of small plots in Carpinteria, working with a super inspiring crew of local growers that have our same intentions, and are looking to the future where are able to bring affordable, awesome truly organic food to the greatest community possible. Oh yeah, and we are opening a restaurant in Carpinteria this December as well!! :)

2. As a Carpinteria local I get so happy every time I see the farm cart in town. It's become a staple for many and also a big part of the Patagonia community at my job. Why is supporting local farmers so important and how does it help people improve their environmental footprint?

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Another week, another GOOD LOOKIN winter farm box 🙌🏻

A post shared by Farm Cart Organics (@farmcartorganics) on Feb 6, 2020 at 9:00am PST

Thanks Leah, we really appreciate the love and the fact that you see us as a community entity, because that is what we are striving to be!  We are striving to be a hub for our local community to access the best of what the local growers are working so hard to grow.

As for your question about supporting local farmers and how it helps people improve their environmental footprint.  It's a simple question and a complicated one in the same breathe.  

On the simple side of things, by buying from local growers at the farmer’s markets, through a local CSA like ours, or through a place like our Farm Cart immediately reduces fuel usage from long distance shipping and cuts out the majority of the packaging that would head to the landfill after delivery. Outlets like ours re-use and return the Farmer’s boxes and strive to eliminate waste and re-use everything possible in the distribution channel. It is a challenge, as we are forced to break many of the bureaucratic rules in place in these areas. The farmers and ourselves see our environmental responsibilities as a precedent above the restrictions placed upon us.

On the more complicated side, supporting our local organic farmers eliminates the distribution of out-of-season crops from far away places such as Mexico and Central America where large Agri-business takes disgusting advantage of low wages, horrible living conditions, and what we consider to be modern slavery to produce “organic certified” fruits and vegetables in huge quantities to fulfill large scale organic demand.  These businesses are supporting and facilitating large scale poverty by continuing to hold absurd profit margins above human and environmental integrity. As we all know, gross poverty and environmental destruction go hand in hand. Which is the case in these areas.   

Not to get on my soapbox too much, but local Organic farming is tough right now. Huge farms have gotten into the business and have developed huge farms in Mexico. Prices are low for local growers and labor prices are high. International produce crosses over the borders virtually tariff free, while international producers pay less for 7 days of labor than domestic growers pay for 1 day.

So, local knowledgeable for our people is that buying from the good regional farmers is making a HUGE, unseen impact on fuel consumption, landfill packaging, environmental destruction, and the exploitation of poor working peoples. So, THANK YOU! 

3. How does Farm Cart Organics incorporate regenerative, bio-dynamic and organic agriculture practices into the business?

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A post shared by Farm Cart Organics (@farmcartorganics) on Oct 29, 2019 at 5:10pm PDT

So, this is a tough topic for the organic farmers that are farming for their livelihoods right now.  I am fortunate to operate both a non-profit type of farm for a local University and a for profit farm that I grow a portion of our CSA’s produce for. On the non-profit farm, I farm minimum till, Bio-Dynamic, permanent beds, and incorporate a large chicken flock into our compost production system. My practice at the Pacifica Farm is as regenerative as possible in this zoning area, as I am breaking the rules deeply for the amount of animals I am allowed to have on the farm. On my CSA farm, I am striving to bridge the gap between the non-profit farm and the farm that must be profitable or as close as possible, by following these practices with a Tractor. It is really fun developing systems to bridge this gap with the idea that we can share and inspire others to do the same.   

And this is where I find real farmers, in the middle, wanting to create the perfect, regenerative, bio-dynamic "Biggest Little Farm." But, none of them have been given 10 million dollars to do it as they were, and they all are being put in a spot where they must compete with $80 dollar a week labor “organic” farms from Mexico or die trying. It is a tough place to be, and unfortunately it is getting tougher for our local farmers to compete in the organic marketplace.  

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A post shared by Farm Cart Organics (@farmcartorganics) on Aug 6, 2019 at 9:46am PDT

So, I do what is sensible for our business, I seek out the growers that care about their soil health, the growers that have robust compost programs, and that cover crop their field rotations. These are the guys that let crops go to flower and maintain informal hedge rows for their native pollinators, and they are the guys that don’t grow stupid things out of season, and the ones that have insect bites in their arugula when it gets hot. This is why we have come to love farms like Something Good and Cuyama Orchards. They care, they compost, and they are looking to do better all of the time. Their soil is alive, and their produce reflects that.

In the long term, I will continue to push my farming to be as completely traditional as a modern farmer with an efficient little tractor can be.  And that is what I see regenerative, and bio-dynamics to be.  A return to what farming was. A utilization and an appreciation of nature in its complexities. However, to create this beautiful food in scale, I am striving to bridge that gap with technology.  

My dream is to convert a large conventional Oxnard farm into a Bio-Dynamic, almost no-till, permanent bed, crazy diverse, beautiful, pollinator friendly example of what the modern tractor farm can be.  

We will see, maybe Patagonia wants to do this too.  

4. How can people find you or sign up for a farm box?

People can sign up at our website http://www.farmcartorganics.com/

Sign up, choose a box size, utilize our online resources, eat good, and be stoked!

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We are so obsessed with Romanesco right now, we even posted about it on our blog. Checkout our blog post this week for some fun facts and a feature of our favorite powerhouse blog gal @greengirlleah 🥦💪🏻 link in our bio

A post shared by Farm Cart Organics (@farmcartorganics) on Feb 12, 2020 at 9:02am PST

Conscious Conversations: Collin W. Elliott

I remember bumping into Collin at a second hand store in St. Louis during a visit to my hometown with my mom. It was one of those days when I was trying to keep a low-profile. My edges were so far from being laid that day it’s almost embarrassing to think about and I kept my head down, but at the cash register I heard someone say “Hi, is your name Leah?”. I held my head up and was greeted by a sweet smile and it was none other than Collin Elliott, today’s feature in the Conscious Conversations series I’m doing on my blog. Shortly after that run-in, I asked him to shoot a few photos of me for my blog after I realized he was a photographer. Little did he know, I was struggling with serious anxiety at the time, and even leaving the house felt daunting — which is why I flew home (hey there’s no shame in self care!).

We took photos at my grandmothers house and in those pictures I felt confident, beautiful and strong. I felt like I could hold my head up, just like I had to do when he said hello at the second-hand store. A photo he took of me, was the first one I posted after a month long social media hiatus. So I have a special place in my heart for this kind human being, who played a part in my journey to self-care and acceptance; without saying much at all. Long story short: be kind to people, even the simplest of interactions from a smile to a hello to a stranger or friend could make their whole day!

Collin is an incredible photographer and St. Louis creative. I’ve known Collin, through several degrees of friendship separation, for a few years now and it’s been nice to see his craft grow and how’s he’s acclimated himself in a very rad and beautifully black group of St. Louis creatives (many who are good friends with my sister). It’s dope as hell, but I won’t hold you any longer. Below is a snippet of my conversation with Collin Elliott here for you all.

Q: Who are you?

Hi! My name is Collin W. Elliott. I’m an Artivist based out of St. Louis, MO. Born in the 90s, I’m inspired by movies like ‘Love Jones’ which express connections to tangible experiences. In true Aquarius spirt (lol) I’m partially introverted. Being raised post-birth of the world wide web, I’ve developed an interest in virtual methods of connection and how that space pairs with our physical world. I feel very mobile!

Q: What was growing up in STL like for you and what has it taught you? 

St. Louis (one section of home for me) is a complex space. A majority of my life experiences are rooted here (family, youth, work, etc.). I’m thankful for the circles and spaces I’ve grown up in. At times, the infrastructure of this city makes it difficult to expand like other cities I’ve had the privilege of traveling to. I have family members and friends who haven’t had the luxury of exploring those outer spaces, so there’s challenges in explaining what’s possible. Despite those challenges, I work to expand upon the archaic ideologies of this city’s “gatekeepers” and loved ones. I think social networks like Instagram are great for seeing how communities are approaching relatable challenges. I’m inspired!

Q: What's a piece of advice you'd give to your younger self? 

To set the scene, we would be in a space similar to the one in Men In Black l when Will Smith screeched the table across the room. That conversation might sound a bit like this: “What’s up lil dude? I want you to imagine your ancestors having a conversation with a future version of yourself; aka me! We’re proud of you and are reassured that you’re doing well. We’re suggesting how important it is for you to be present right now. Explore options, work to understand and trust the process! Ight imma head out.

PC: Collin Elliott @n1frame

Q: What inspires you to be creative and what does creativity mean to you? What would a life without art feel like for you? 

I identified myself as a visual artist at age 17 when my father passed away. I took my therapist's suggestion to write out what I was experiencing, and ended up gravitating toward my camera (I started with an iPod touch). There were ideas that I could express better in one photograph (frame) than I could with words. Words sometimes felt finite, and an image appeared more open to possibilities. I would share my photographic essays, or discoveries on Facebook and received encouraging responses. I was intrigued by the idea of someone feeling connected to an image that was personal to me. For some, my work has been healing and relatable. I’ve always enjoyed helping people. I’m sure I get that from my mother who provided inspiring examples of what positive communities and giving back looks like. My father, who I connected with through technology, educated me on the possibilities of the internet. My parents made sure I had a well versed approach to life, and it’s complexities. My work as an artist & designer has been a combination of their parenting. For me, creativity means finding a strategic approach to a problem (at scale). Life without art would be stale. 

Q: What's your favorite building or space in St. Louis (other than my grandma's house)? 

(I love your grandmothers house! Definitely a favorite in the city.) Architecture in St. Louis is beautiful! The St. Louis Public Library on Olive St. downtown is one of my favorite buildings. Each visit, I feel like I’m in a contemporary Hogwarts. It’s been an incredible resource for research driven projects. I prefer a comfortable, quiet space to work in so if I’m not working from home, this is a great substitute. 

PC: Collin Elliott @n1frame

Q: Do you feel like black identity is a focal point of your work and if so, how?

In part, my work has contributed to understanding the expanding identity (and my personal responsibility) of being Black. I’ve grown to appreciate that part of my identity even more! St. Louis still feels very segregated. Crossing bridges, both physical and metaphorical, my identity as a Black man has travelled with me. Each side of the bridge display unique social challenges and immaturity. In many ways I identify with the bridge. I find enjoyable and useful information on either side of the structure. I work to connect the best of both sides. My mission for those who share my identity as a person of color, as well as other underrepresented identities, is to help echo their voice and provide support. Many courageous people are presenting innovative solutions to the limited structures we are living in. I choose to stand amongst them. 

Q: What's a project you're working on that you'd like to share? 

Recently, I’ve presented work in a group exhibit titled ‘Soft Scrub’ at The Luminary, curated by the incredible Katherine Simóne Reynolds. I’ve held on to some of this work for several years now. ‘Soft Scrub’ was an appropriate space to house the work. Releasing it has been a continuation of my journey of self care. The installation of my work was titled ‘In Memory’. It’s a presentation of my experience in attendance at family funerals. The display is designed to activate the 5 senses of a participant in the gallery, as well as in extended virtual space. Peppermints. Growing up, my grandmother kept peppermints in her house. I’d stuff my pockets with them for upcoming weeks at school. During loooong Baptist church Sunday’s I would ask her for some to pass time. I encouraged visitors in the gallery to take a peppermint and recall memories with their loved ones who’ve passed on. The peppermint represents recollection, process (unpacking) and revitalization. Vaughn Davis Jr., a fellow artist in ‘Soft Scrub’, mentioned how it was refreshing to taste and smell the peppermint throughout the gallery in the opening ceremony. The visual focused aid were five photographs communicating common colors, attire and posture at the funerals I attended. For those able to visit the exhibit, I recognize that experience as touch. I make some work to be experienced in physical space so that participants can step outside of their electronic devices. As mentioned, I’m also interested in how our physical world meets our virtual one. There were people who weren’t able to attend the gallery to see the work in person. I developed a fresh approach to extending my work virtually. I made a music playlist titled ‘In Order’ that paired with ‘In Memory’. It’s streaming on three platforms for accessible usage. This playlist inspired ‘In One Wav.’ which locates the final sense, sound. ‘In One Wav’ is a space encouraging artist to construct intentional music playlists that express one's headspace through the collection of relatable songs. Some participants who’ve made playlist have found the process to be constructive and soothing. I’m excited to see this community grow. 

PC: Collin Elliott @n1frame

Conscious Conversations: A Chat With Fatimah Austin Hunter

Black women are magic and former St. Louisan Fatimah Austin Hunter exemplifies that so well. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her, through friends of friends and family, for years and I’ve always been in awe of her overall presence as a person — from her airy disposition to her dedication to live life expansively and curiously. That’s why I’m excited to share this interview with her today as a part of the Conscious Conversations series.

Who are you and what do you do for work? 

I’m Fatimah Austin Hunter. I’m a businesswoman, mom, wife, and self-love advocate. Career-wise I do a multitude of things! However, I mainly do Management for musicians such as Mvstermind, PR, however I’m also diving fully into the corporate partnerships/sponsorships world (and I love it). I have a lot of other things up my sleeve, so stay tuned as I roll everything out this year. I’m even venturing into sustainability, but we’ll have a follow-up interview about what that entails! 

What was growing in STL like for you and what has it taught you? 

Whew, growing up in St. Louis was such an interesting juxtaposition. I went to school in the wealthiest part of the city from K-12 but I lived in what is considered the worst part of the city (on the Northside by Natural Bridge and Grand) for the majority of my childhood.

Experiencing that “juxtaposition” honestly taught me to be very adaptable. I like to think that’s one of my strong suits. I use this skill almost everywhere I go these days. Acquiring this skill from my childhood has taught me that no matter what room I’m in, I’m meant to be there. Whether I’m formally meeting with the Board of Trustees while I was SGA President at my Alma Mater Agnes Scott College, pitching a corporate client, or kicking it backstage with music artists I’m able to be comfortable and confident in my own skin because of my adaptability. 

What's a piece of advice you'd give to your younger self?

Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from even trying. I definitely have let this hold me back from fully giving my all into career opportunities. Also, in 2019 I started therapy and it was life-changing! I would also suggest that my younger self should go to therapy on a consistent basis. 

Fatimah and Smino

What are some of your best moments working in PR + Management and some of your roadblocks? 

My biggest moments weren't necessarily based on a project but all based on the way completing these moments made me feel. Hard to describe in words, but there’s been a sort of a high or really a peace I’ve gained while or after achieving certain accomplishments that have all affirmed that I’m on the right path. However, to give you tangible answers to my best moments, I would say they are the following:

1. Executing Mvstermind’s More Music video in two weeks and jetting set across the U.S. with an almost six-month-old!

2. Landing a Teen Vogue feature for my first EVER paid PR Client (who happens to be Leah’s incredible sister Cami!). 

3. Presenting Dr.Scholl’s Mvstermind’s Documentary and then leaving their office on the same day with a custom shoe collaboration! (The shoe is also 100% eco-friendly btw!) Also, launching Mvstermind’s shoe deal February 2019 with Dr. Scholl’s vía a launch concert at the Zappos Headquarters in Las Vegas. 

4. Witnessing my goal of creating an All St. Louis showcase for the A3C Festival + conference come to life! 

5. Executing a two-day pop up alongside the Atlanta Based agency WERC Productions during Afropunk weekend for the hip-hop artist Smino and witnessing the event turn out incredible! 

My biggest roadblocks were connections. I’ve never had a problem getting the work done or working hard, but I instead needed the right people to recognize and see what I was doing. I set out to break down that barrier as a 2019 goal and I’m incredibly proud of the growth, connections gained, and the reputation I’ve made for my personal name and my company Ahuntermgmt. 

How do you try to live a fulfilling life?

I try to live a fulfilling life by staying true to myself. Starting therapy has really allowed me to see the ways in which I’ve neglected myself in order to make others happy or to keep relationships in my life. I now move with love, empathy, confidence and in turn, I’m setting the boundary of staying true to who I am and my values. The people who are meant to stay in your life will respect your boundaries and growth, and most importantly celebrate your accomplishments! Just trying to be my best self, one day at a time.  

What has motherhood been like for you and how does it influence how you see the world?

Motherhood has been a beautiful journey! Although my journey into motherhood was unplanned for my husband and me, our son Adam (who’s now 2) was meant to be here! He has such a great personality, I know he’s going to be someone special. Also, finding out I was pregnant really solidified my career in management/entrepreneurship. I was originally planning to take a gap year between law school and I started managing my brother and artist Mvstermind while studying for the LSAT. I bombed my first LSAT Fall 2016 and was scheduled to retake it in February 2017 but I was so physically ill that I couldn’t take care of myself, let alone devote time to study for the exam. After my son was born, I felt like I owed it not only to myself but also to my son to fully devote myself to my passions, which happen to be helping others achieve their goals and music - which in turn pushes me to finally launch my consulting company Ahuntermgmt. Contrary to what I initially thought motherhood would do for my life, my son really helps to keep me on track and to move faster with my personal goals because he’s not only watching me but he also deserves to live that life that I’ve always desired for my children. 

You can connect with Fatimah and follow her on her journey at the links below:

Personal IG | Brand IG | Twitter | Website | LinkedIn

Images - Lola Scott @lolascottart

Wise Words with Mimi: An Interview with Jesse Galvez

I have a very special interview to share with you all today. Jesse Galvez has been my friend since my senior year of college and I can thank Jesse for two of the most hype semesters of all time. We bonded through our love for environmental science and got close when we both decided on a whim to join the lip syncing + dance battle competition at our Uni. I have so many memories with Jesse from camping to having heart to hearts under the stars, so sit back and let’s get to know Jesse or “Mimi” (inspired by Mariah Carey).

Q: Who are you and what do you want people to know about you? 

Hi Green Girl Leah and the world! My name is Jesse Galvez, I am a 23-year-old gender non-conforming person, who just graduated from Chapman University in May of this year! After graduation I decided to go into the Social Media Industry and bring my flavor into the social media industry. I work for a marketing company in Costa Mesa and I also intern for a eco-friendly/sustainable brand called “Give Back Goods” where I run the company’s social media accounts. I am a big on fighting for equal rights for every person in the LGBTQ+ community and also preaching about the importance of saving the planet. I also have a blog that I started post-grad called “Words of Wisdom From Mimi”. This blog is a way for me to talk about what is bothering me or what is on my mind. It is a way of therapy that allows me to relax and just get things off my chest. 

Q: When it comes to our friendship I think a lot about radical-self acceptance and being on a journey to truly love and value ourselves. It isn't always easy, but I see you doing that more and more. What has that journey towards self-love been like for you? 

For me self-love has always been a struggle and has been difficult to achieve. Growing up I was picked on because of my weight and because I was super shy and afraid to be my true self. When we met in college I was finally accepting who I was as a person and was discovering who I really was. College my confidence was at my highest because I was able to finally be myself. However, I also had really low times with my confidence in college because of trauma that occurred. For me self-love is like a roller coaster, there are many ups and downs and you have to keep pushing and learn from your struggles. In my opinion no one ever fully learns self-love and acceptance but you do learn how to keep pushing and moving yourself forward! Self-love will always be a learning process and will always be a challenge to keep and maintain consistently but the struggle is also the beauty of it. In the words of queer icon RuPaul “If you can’t love yourself then how in the hell are you are going to love somebody else.”

Q:What advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self that it is ok to be different and that being different is what makes you special. I would also tell my younger self to follow your dreams and don’t be scared to think outside of the box and to love yourself when no one else would. 

Q:What's one of your favorite quotes or lyrics? 

I would say my favorite quote would be from RuPaul. Which would be “If you can’t love yourself then how in the hell are you going to love somebody else.” This quote also sits with me because self-love is something that I always struggle with and for me I think that in order to help others, I need to help myself first. Putting yourself first is never selfish and is something that you should always do in order to help others. Loving yourself should always be high in your priorities and is necessary to truly love others as well. 

Q: Who are some of your favorite musicians and why? 

I would say that my ultimate favorite singer is Lady Gaga. For me Lady Gaga has always been a person that I inspire to be. Lady Gaga is in my opinion one of the biggest activist for the LGBTQ+ community and for people who aren’t what society considers to be normal. Lady Gaga is a true business woman with so many different talents and excels in all of them. If I could even have a quarter of her success than I would be the happiest person in the world. Another favorite artist of mine is Sam Smith. Being a person that is gender non-conforming I can truly appreciate Sam Smith and his bravery to come out as non-binary person. This representation in pop culture is much needed and gives a voice to a community that is not talked about a lot. 

Q: Why did you study environmental science and what do you do to be better to the earth? 

In high school I always knew I wanted to major in something that was science related and I originally thought that would be biology. But during senior year of high school I realized that biology was not the correct major for me in college. In high school I took an AP Environmental Science class and that class was what helped me decide that Environmental Science and Policy was something I had passion for. The earth is our only planet and protecting it should be everyone’s biggest contributions. For me I believe that my part in helping protect this planet is being able to do it through social media. I help give other tips and tricks on how to be eco-friendly through my blog and through my internship with “Give Back Goods”. I also practice what I preach and try to thrift my clothes when I can and use reusable bottles and utensils in my everyday life. 

Q: How can people follow you and stay up to date with your work?


If you are interested in following me and my journey you can follow me on Instagram @jesse__world and follow my blog “Words of Wisdome From Mimi” on WordPress. If you are interested in following my work through my internship you can follow @givebackgoods on Instagram. I would like to thank Leah for not only being a caring and love friend but for being a role model in many different ways. Lastly I would like to say to spread love and not hate towards every person you meet in this world.

Organic Basics: Conscious Clothing For Yoga and Relaxing

Organic Basics Black Triangle Bra $47

About a year ago I wrote about the brand Organic Basics for the first time and their items have become a go to in my closet. I like the brand because the concept is simple and their products can easily fit in everyone’s closet like quality socks, solid t-shirts, exercise gear and more. The more minimalistic I become, I start gravitating towards clothing items that I can wear for years and years to come — things without patterns that’ll become outdated soon or poorly made fabrics.

Read my previous blogs on Organic Basics Here and Here

I was excited when Organic Basics launched their activewear collection earlier in the year and I got to test out their SilverTech™ Active Yoga Shorts in Burgundy. I’m an active yogi — practicing 2-4 times each week and I need clothing that’s breathable, stretches nicely, and fits comfortably while flowing in a yoga class. I go to hot yoga from time to time and it’s great finding items that don’t get too gross during class.

Organic Basics Yoga Shorts

size xs, Burgundy. Made with 5.4 pounds less CO2 and 26 less gallons of water than traditional manufacturing of a similar product.

These yoga shorts are really comfortable and feel durable, without being too thick. They don’t rise too much, which is a blessing because I’d hate to flash my yoga class, and pair nicely with my sports bras and sweatshirts. I wore them to my studio and my yoga teacher even let me know after class how cute they were! Plus they’re treated with Polygiene® Stay Fresh technology so that you can spend your time stacking yoga blocks vs. doing your laundry excessively.

As an environmentalist, I adored the transparency on their website under each product so you can easily calculate your environmental footprint when you make a purchase.

The impact of these shorts is drastically less than what it would be using virgin nylon and standard practices. I feel great knowing I saved water, waste and pollution by owning these shorts vs. that of another brand.

The different sustainable fabrics and fibers they use in manufacturing. Learn more here

Overall I’m stoked on the activewear collection and can’t wait to see what else they come out with. I’d recommend checking them out for all your basics and check out their Low Impact Project, you might see a familiar face!

Activist Collective Skincare: Doing Good for your Face and the Planet

If you’ve read this blog before, you know I’m a fan of gentle, nourishing skincare; eco-friendly ingredients and packaging; and environmental activism. I recently discovered a brand that combines all three! Activist Collective infuses their line of green skincare products with a healthy dose of environmental advocacy by giving 5% of their revenue directly to environmental non-profits and 20% to activist ambassadors. Their activist ambassadors help select the organizations that receive donations, influence others to do well for the planet, and spread the word about Activist Collective’s products and mission. 

Activist Collective also makes sure to be mindful of the ecological impact of their products, using sustainably sourced vegan ingredients in recyclable glass packaging. They use only one box for shipping instead of the typical box-within-a-box approach, and they skip packing slips too. Their boxes and packing materials are all plant-based and recyclable.

My Thoughts on Activist Collective Skincare Products:

I tried four products from Activist Collective: Healing Water Toning Mist, Precious Oils Active Infusion, Botanical Cleansing Oil, and Cleansing Gel. All of them came in beautiful frosted glass packaging with a printed logo instead of a plastic sticker. I adore the packaging and the way the colors of the products show through.

My favorite product from the line, Precious Oils Active Infusion $64

 The Healing Water Toning Mist is gentle and soothing. It contains cucumber, calendula, and lavender essences, along with some more unusual and powerful soothing ingredients: MSM, panthenol (aka vitamin B5), and licorice root. It’s a clear liquid with a light and sweet scent that I appreciated.

Both of the Activist Collective cleansers I tried use gentle, nourishing ingredients to remove makeup and impurities. Despite being oil based, they are formulated to rinse easily, and I appreciated not having to scrub my face to remove them. The bright yellow Botanical Cleansing Oil has coconut triglycerides, olive and hemp oils, and flower oils of geranium, grapefruit, and lavender. The Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel uses coconut triglycerides too, along with grapeseed and sunflower seed oils and shea butter. It is also loaded with plant extracts like bilberry, citrus, maple, geranium, and green tea. Of the two, I preferred the Cleansing Gel for its lovely aroma and pretty blue color, which it gets from a nutrient-rich algae called spirulina.

Step 1, Sea to Skin Cleansing Gel $42

I’ve been trying a lot of facial oils as I have some sun damage and the beginning signs of smile lines. Precious Oils Active Infusion includes skincare staples grapeseed, avocado, hemp, and jojoba oils alongside more exotic oils like macadamia, tamanu, noni, and pomegranate. The oil blend is amplified with antioxidants like lycopene and beta carotene, which give it a sunny golden hue. Coenzyme Q10 adds anti-aging properties. I appreciate this oil blend’s smooth, luxurious feel and it smells much better than other facial oils I’ve tried.

I would recommend Activist Skincare for its pretty colors, gorgeous aromas, and natural ingredients. Plus, it feels great to know I’m helping the planet with each purchase!

Fleur & Bee: Clean Skincare Without Toxins

As I’ve spoken about before, our skin is the largest organ on our bodies and that means what we put ON it is just as important as what we eat. In recent years, as I’ve entered my mid-twenties (yikes!), I’ve started to try out more facial oils and creams to adjust to the changes in my skin. I don’t use facial oils or products that aren’t natural, which is why I was excited to test out Fleur & Bee’s Nectar of The C: Rejuvenating Vitamin C Serum. I spent way too much time in middle-school trying to get rid of zits and I don’t want to risk that again by using anything filled with toxins. No thank you!

It’s jam packed with Vitamin C and E as well as sage flower oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera leaf juice. It’s designed to soften the appearance of fine lines and hydrate the skin.

Rejuvenating Vitamin C Serum, $28

I’ve been looking for a good facial oil because I developed smile lines at a young age and I didn’t wear sunscreen for a lot of my life (thinking my brown skin was protected from the sun) so I’m playing catch up. I don’t mind my smile lines because they signify that I’ve lived a happy life even at 24, but I do want to take preventative measures to make sure my skin keeps its elasticity. It’s important to remember that beauty products only enhance your natural beauty and allow it to thrive — not cover up or hide anything. Which is why I love that Fleur & Bee promotes the phrase “It’s on the inside that matters”. They aren’t trying to guilt you into fearing aging or find problems with your skin, they providing tools to create a healthier skin routine.

My thoughts:

It takes me a few weeks to review facial oils and creams because results typically don’t show up right away. So for a few weeks I applied the facial oil right after washing my face and before bed.

I wasn’t used to going to sleep with glistening and oily skin, but I got used to it as time went on (sometimes over-covering my face because it felt so nice and smooth). My face is naturally oily in my t-zone and I use a lot of dewy finish products so I stick to using oils at night vs. during the day.

I like the packaging, it feels like a good quality and thick glass with a sturdy dropper. I like that they use natural ingredients in the products, it’s cruelty free, and 1% of profits goes to charities. In the morning I did experience a noticeably smoother face. My only concern with the product was the smell, I tend to like sweeter smells and this has a deep smell that reminds me a bit of algae. It isn’t too off-putting and I didn’t notice it as I slept, but it’d be great to see the line expand to include other options that are sweeter and refreshing like a citrus.

I received a mini package of their eye cream and decided to try it one night. I’d been staying up too late and had bags under my eyes so was relieved when I did wake up looking somewhat refreshed. I’m new to taking my skincare somewhat seriously in regards to the cleansers and oils i’m using so i’m still learning a lot. I would recommend checking out their collection and giving them a try!

Stay up to date with my happenings on instagram @GreenGirlLeah

Nécessaire: Safe Personal Care For All Bodies

Nécessaire takes nontoxic body care seriously. Their website even has a research page with their carefully researched lists of ingredients to seek out and avoid in your personal care products. Their products are free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, petro-chemicals, and more. The name Nécessaire is derived from their belief in using only what is necessary and minimizing excessive consumerism. 

Along with only using necessary and safe ingredients, Nécessaire considers the environmental impact of packaging and shipping their products, using recyclable jars and tubes with plans to convert to recycled plastic soon. They already use recycled boxes and packing paper. 

Nécessaire’s products are designed to be inclusive of all types of humans. Their simple packaging and clean design looks great while staying gender neutral. No pink tax here! 

Nécessaire makes body washes and exfoliants in unscented, sandalwood, and eucalyptus versions, and an unscented body lotion. They also make sex gel, which is a gentle and nontoxic aloe vera based lube that won’t interfere with safe-sex products like condoms. I haven’t tried the sex gel yet, but I think it’s awesome to that the company is working to make safe sexual care accessible. I have tried all three body washes and the body lotion. 



Nécessaire The Body Wash Review

I got to try the fragrance free body wash from Nécessaire as well as the sandalwood and eucalyptus scents. I love that they are all enriched with vitamins and several of my favorite luxurious-feeling skincare oils: marula, cacay, and meadowfoam. In addition to vitamins, oils, and gentle detergents, the body washes contain apple, orange, lemon, and green tea extracts. I particularly loved the sandalwood scent, with natural sandalwood and rosewood oils along with ginger and a touch of patchouli. Probably my favorite part, though, was the twistable lid, which made opening and closing the soaps in the shower a breeze.

Nécessaire The Body Lotion Review

The Nécessaire body lotion is fragrance-free and enriched with peptides, vitamins B3 and E, and essential omega oils 3, 6, and 9. The lotion is ph-balanced for optimal skin barrier support. It contains shea butter, jojoba oil, marula oil, cacay oil, and meadowfoam oil, along with skin conditioners derived from coconut, olive, and sustainable palm oils. It’s packed with the nourishing plant extracts: sugar cane, green tea, apple, orange, and lemon.

I really like the safe ingredients Nécessaire uses, their quality products, and their responsible packaging. Even more, I love that Nécessaire is making personal care accessible for all people and doing away with gendered stereotypes. 

You can learn more on their website https://necessaire.com/ and follow them on instagram @Necessaire

Woodlot: Artisan Self Care Rooted in Tradition

Woodlot is a premium line of natural home and body products inspired by ancient traditions and rituals. Their products are handcrafted with ethically sourced, natural ingredients. I appreciate Woodlot’s commitment to sustainable ingredients that keep people and the planet in mind. 

Woodlot makes clean-burning candles, soap, lotion, and skin mists, along with a line of facial skincare. They also produce a line of essential oils and incense, including ethically sourced Palo Santo wood, used in humanity’s most ancient wood-burning rituals. I tried Woodlot’s Cinder candle, Recharge Lotion, and Flora soap.

Woodlot Cinder Candle Review

I burn candles almost every night, so it’s important to me that my candles be nontoxic, safe, and clean burning. The cinder candle is made of coconut and soy waxes and scented with essential oils, so it won’t emit toxic chemicals into the air. The cinder scent, crafted with vetiver, cedar, orange, and cinnamon essential oils, reminds me of fall and winter. It is a nice, warm, smooth scent that continued my recent exploration of woodsy scented candles.

Woodlot Recharge Lotion Review

 The Recharge lotion is a rosemary and mint scented body cream that feels energizing. It definitely kept my skin hydrated with sunflower oil, cocoa butter, and MCT oil, but had a stronger scent than I’m used to. Mint isn’t something I tend to use in my skincare, so I plan to gift this lotion to a friend who I know will love it. If you like mint, this is a great lotion to help wake you up in the mornings.

Woodlot Flora Soap Review

The Flora soap was my favorite scent of the Woodlot products I tried: a blend of lavender, bergamot, cedarwood, and sweet orange. I also loved the beautiful, simple packaging and the moisturizing base of olive, coconut, and avocado oils.

I enjoy Woodlot’s mission of bringing back traditional self-care rituals from human civilizations around the globe. Their products feel luxurious while keeping to a mid-tier price point. I recommend these products, and I think they would make wonderful gifts for loved ones.

Bathing Culture: A Truly Green Clean

Bathing Culture makes biodegradable bath products from organically grown and sustainably harvested ingredients. Their products are inspired by adventures in the Northern California wilderness, and every step of Bathing Culture’s process is designed to protect the land their founders love to explore.

The products are good for people and animals as well as the land. All of Bathing Culture’s products are non-toxic and free from dyes, sulfates, and parabens. Plus, they’re vegan and never tested on animals!

Packaging and energy use are considered, too: Bathing Culture manufactures in the US with renewable energy, bottle products in 100% post consumer recycled plastic, and even their shipping process is green. As a bonus, they plant a native tree for every 5 gallons of soap they manufacture. The folks at Bathing Culture have really considered everything! 

Bathing Culture makes a liquid soap, a bath soak, a floral mist, and an adorable rainbow towel. I tried the soak and the mist and I’m happy I did.

Dipsea Soak Review

Dipsea Soak is a mineral-rich bath soak infused with CBD. I didn’t quite follow the directions—I’m not really a bath person, so I tried it as an exfoliant. Because of this, I may not have gotten the full effect of the CBD infused in the soak. But it still makes a good scrub! One word of warning: since the ingredients are water-soluble, try to keep the inside of the container dry.

Neroli & Rose Mist Review

While I like the Dipsea Soak, I LOVE the Neroli and Rose Mist! I take it with me everywhere. I like the smell of rose and the refreshing feeling this mist gives me. Made simply with floral hydrosols, it soaks all the way into my skin and doesn’t leave behind a film like some sprays can. I took the Neroli & Rose Mist with me on my long weekend to Yosemite with friends, and it was a nice refresh on the hot trails.

Bathing Culture is a truly responsible brand, and I identify with the way the prioritize green ingredients and environmental activism—two of my favorite things! All that and great products—what’s not to love?

All Images from BathingCulture.com

Conscious Conversations: Hip Hop and Veganism With Sir Eddie C

“I’m conscious of political frameworks, but I’m really into jiggy shit too”

I had the pleasure of chatting with Midwest born Sir Eddie C, a rapper and creative, with a unique sense of style and take on the world. We bonded a bit over our love of eco-friendly things and dismantling oppressive systems, but also got to explore the story behind his artistry. It’s not everyday that you meet someone like Eddie. He’s got charisma and our conversation left me feeling inspired.

Who are you?

I’m me. I’m a human being that’s really trying to figure out life. Not just in the internal sense with my personal self, but what this whole thing means. I’m trying to develop a full understanding of what it means to be human and I do that through my music and art.

I’m originally from Belleville Illinois and I was born in the suburbs in the 90’s when there weren’t a lot of black people in my town. I understand what it feels like to be the only black person in your homeroom.

I can for sure relate having gone to a private school in St. Louis with similar demographics. What was that like for you?

Growing up in the suburbs is a big part of my story and made me learn how to acclimate. The school I went to for k-8 education was semi-private and then all of a sudden my high school wasn’t. I went from a very small insulated environment into something so different and that shaped a big part of my identity.

What kind of music do you make?

“Everyday people music”

I’m a hip hop artist, but I don’t really like to classify my music as that because I feel like people get caught up on what type of hip hop it is. If I say that I’m a conscious hip-hop artist people might think of Mos Def and if I said I was a trap artist then people might think of Migos. I call my type of music everyday people music.

I feel like the best form of artistry is what’s truly representative of all people. When I make music I don’t want it to be just one thing.

People who are super conscious still want to turn up. 

I want to make music about whatever I’m feeling at the time, people are so multifaceted and have dimensions that make them up. I would be doing the audience a disservice by not giving them the full me. Sometimes I might rap about a break up and sometimes I’ll rap about turning up and sometimes I want people know how fresh I look. 

I have a song called “Lil black boy” that discusses black boy joy and how it doesn’t just come in one form. There’s a lot of us — like my homie that just gets dumb fresh every day to be care free. That’s why I call it everyday people music because it’s accessible to you because I'm touching on so many different things from the subject matter to music type. 

Who are some of your top artistic influences?

Lauryn Hill was a major influence on my love for music — she was one of the first hip hop artists that I was aware of as a little kid. Of course, Basquiat too. I like playing with different styles, some of my favorite influences are Jay Z (My favorite growing up) Cudi, Wale, Kanye West, and Gym Class Heroes

Can you tell me about your journey to having a plant-based diet and caring about the environment?

I became vegan to look better at first *laughs* it wasn’t really a health conscious thing. I gained a lot of weight in a relationship and realized my diet had to change. It helped me get more energy — and run and do things I normally wouldn’t have the energy to do. 

Eventually I started to think about things differently and think about human consumption in the world. Like how the Amazon was on fire due to cattle raising. Our environmental impact is directly linked to our diet. It’s something that was superficial at first but became a lot more to me and being conscious about our impact on the world. 

Eddie posted up on my grandma Janice’s couch in St. Louis, my second home.

Do you explore these topics in your music? 

Eventually I want to talk about veganism and environmentalism. Right now I want to reach a larger audience and be accessible with lyrics, but eventually that’s what I’d love to do. I want to incorporate those meaningful messages. 

Sometimes the vegan community might feel exclusive to people and I want to speak to people where they’re at. People might think veganism isn’t for them because it seems “uppity”, but it’s super important for black people in the inner city to not be in food deserts and to have healthy food that’s accessible. Sometimes only the “nicer” places have vegan food, so it’s important for our community too. 

How can people start to promote change? 

For me, I gained a lot of this knowledge through education and being in welcome spaces with people who were okay educating me on the transition to veganism. Things can only happen if we use our voices to demand access, for everyone.

Word.

You can follow him on instagram @SirEddieC and check out his music on Spotify and Apple Music.

Provided to YouTube by DistroKid Go Crazy (Young Eezy) · Sir Eddie C Go Crazy (Young Eezy) ℗ noWhere Released on: 2019-09-23 Auto-generated by YouTube.

Make sure to follow ya girl on instagram @GreenGirlLeah

Zero Waste Tea Strips: A Chat With Olyxir Founder Josephine Musco

Strolling through a wellness festival in early 2019 I stumbled across a table with tea samples. I was drawn to it because of the sweet smell, that somehow reminded me of all my favorite scents in one, and because I love tea. I don’t drink coffee and I much prefer the gentle flavors of tea blends. I started chatting with the barista and she told me about the brand Olyxir and how they were a zero-waste brand of tea strips.

I had a lightbulb moment and realized after all my years of tea-drinking I’d never considered the impact of all the excess packaging from tea-bags and containers. Tea strips are a creative and minimalistic solution to drink to more sustainably, you just drop a strip into hot or cold water and let it dissolve. There’s no need to remove a tea bag or carry around any additional accessories other than your refillable tea strip holder.

Months later I had the pleasure of interviewing Josephine Musco, the creative mind behind Olyxir tea strips, and feel honored to share her story here with you today. Olyxir was a simple reminder to me that there’s always innovation to be done in the world of sustainable living and that a lot of amazing women around the world are leading that change.

Hi Josephine, could you tell me a little about your background?

I was born in Lebanon. I have a Master’s degree in corporate leadership and restructuring. I had great interest in science especially biology and chemistry. 

What inspired you to create the tea strips and how do they work? 

After getting my patent for the olive leaf powder granted, I was particularly motivated to do something with it but all delivery methods that were there were messy and/or created post-consumer waste. I wanted something different, a product that respects Mother Nature so I invented the strip. 

Can you tell me more about olive leaves, their benefits and your choice to incorporate in your collection? 

Olive leaves were my father’s favorite healing recipe. He recommended them to people with diabetes, high blood pressure, to clean wounds, etc... He passed on and as homage, I wanted to validate his beliefs through science and I did. 

What does zero-waste living mean to you and why is eco-friendly living important to you? 

To me this just means; being vegan and being a mindful consumer in general (no plastic, buy in bulk, no processed foods, minimal packaging, not supporting fast fashion). It’s reduce, reuse, recycle. 

I love, respect, and revere  Mother Nature, that’s why I’m eco-friendly, because I want her to thrive for a long long time, because I don’t want the glaciers to melt, I don’t want forests to catch on fire...

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to break into the natural and eco-friendly market?

Be ethical. Be unique. Put out a good honest product that you truly and wholeheartedly believe in and don’t give up on it. Keep pushing till you see the light. It’s worth it, I promise.

You can find Olyxir Tea Strips here and follow them on instagram @Olxyir

Sustainable Lounging with L'Aquila Active and LA Relaxed

I’m so inspired by brands that make the choice to make and sell products that cause the least harm to the earth as possible. In a world of fast fashion, where the majority of big retailers use harmful chemicals and environmentally degrading practices to turn over clothes quickly, the brands that turn away from that and find sustainable solutions are heroic in my eyes.

When first transitioning to sustainable and ethical fashion it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I share some of my favorite brands here with you to make it a little easier to know where to shop.

Some of my friends call me the “Nap Queen” because there’s no denying I love a good nap. I’m a busy-bee, so during my time at home I like to lounge around and love a good groufit (gray-outfit). So I opted to try L’Aquila Active’s Sherpa Sunday set from LA Relaxed.  

L’Aquila Active is a one-stop shop to browse and buy from a lot of sustainable activewear companies. In their own words:

“We strongly believe that Eco-conscious and sustainable apparel isn’t just for the future, it’s also for TODAY. That’s why we have created one of the first platforms for sustainable companies from around the world. All of our collections are created by small companies that deeply care about their employees, customers, and the environment. “ L’Aquila Active

so cozy!

This Sunday Sherpa set is so soft and cozy, but still breathable. It’ll keep you warm enough in the house without breaking out in a sweat. 

It’s Made of Tencel™ Modal/Poly Sherpa fabric. I’ve mentioned tencel previously, it’s becoming a sustainable fiber alternative for activewear that has the same quality of other fabrics. It’s a moveable material and great from yoga and other activities (or naps in my case).

Every brand in L’Aquilla’s collection is eco-concious and dedicated to sustainability. They carry brands like yogavated, that sources fabrics from recycled scraps, and Yoga democracy, that uses 95% recycled fibers during production. The set I have is from LA Relaxed, and they use plant-based and organic fibers that are safer and healthier for everyone at every point in the supply chain. 

Use code “GreenGirlLeah” for a discount and you’ll also receive a FREE Bamboo Straw Kit – Custom Beach Theme with your purchase

I recommend giving them a try and follow along here: L’Aquila Active: Instagram: l_aquila_active • Facebook: L’Aquila Active

Pretty Mushroom: Balance and Beauty in Your Favorite Beverage

Pretty Mushroom makes adaptogenic elixirs that help the body perform its best. The company was founded by two people of color with a goal to make wellness more inclusive and approachable while helping others look, feel, and perform their best. They make three different blends using vegan, organic or wild, ethically sourced ingredients. You may remember I teamed up with Pretty Mushroom earlier in 2019 for this interview on wellness and authenticity.

What are adaptogenic blends?

Adaptogens are compounds found in some herbs and mushrooms that help optimize your body’s stress response. They help balance your hormones and maintain equilibrium in your brain and body. Adaptogens enhance your body’s resilience with no negative side effects. Pretty Mushroom makes three adaptogenic blends: Pretty Mushroom, Happy Mushroom, and Genius Mushroom.

All three adaptogenic blends are meant to be added to a favorite drink without altering the flavor too much. I tried each of them, adding 1 teaspoon to my homemade chai tea latte made with strong chai tea, almond milk, and date nectar. I appreciated that none of the blends had a very strong flavor. I like knowing I can get the benefits of herbal tonics without enduring a bad taste.

Pretty Mushroom Blend Review

The Pretty Mushroom Blend contains four adaptogens: turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory that eases acne, irritation, and aging; cordyceps medicinal mushrooms to fight fatigue and protect skin against UV damage; astralagus to fight eczema and UV-induced skin aging; and rose hips to combat hyperpigmentation and wrinkles and moisturize skin from within. This was my favorite tasting blend since I’m a fan of turmeric, and I love the benefits, especially in sunny California!

Happy Mushroom Blend Review

 The Happy Mushroom Blend contains three adaptogens: reishi medicinal mushroom, a stress reliever; eleuthero root (aka Siberian ginseng), which fights fatigue and increases workout recovery, and ashwaganda, a powerful stress and free radical fighter. This one wasn’t my favorite blend, but it wasn’t offputting either and I was getting a lot of great benefits by drinking it. This is the blend I likely need most in my life.

Genius Mushroom Blend Review

The Genius Mushroom blend has four adaptogens: Lion’s Mane and Snow medicinal mushrooms which both boost learning and memory while protecting against cognitive decline; that powerful stress fighter ashwaganda; and maca root, which improves recall and learning and combats brain aging. This blend was my second favorite, but I still like Pretty Mushroom best.

 I am happy knowing that the founders of Pretty Mushroom care about my health, the environment, and the well-being of their suppliers. And I’m always happy to enhance my natural beauty from the inside out!