June 2024 Good Newsletter
Do you seasonally swap your closet? I just did.
A distant spring cleaning cousin, closet swapping is a great way to wear more, longer. Why? If you keep everything in circulation all year long, that LBD you fell in love with for fall will be old news by summer. But if you send the dress to hibernate in March, you might love it again in September. Learn more about closet swapping and the color connection on Mommy Greenest and take a minute to share your thoughts in comments.
Why is this important? Wearing a garment for nine extra months can reduce its carbon footprint by as much as 30% — yet one more reason to shop your closet (and preloved). Brands are embracing resale in a big way: Researchers predict 10% of clothing sold this year will be preloved, and Treet launched 150 resale programs for retailers in the last year alone.
LESS PLASTIC, MORE GOOD NEWS
Yet again, a new report proves that plastic bag bans work and your next delivery might just arrive wrapped in seaweed. UK Starbucks recently tested reuse incentives: Buy a grande latte, get a reusable cup and discounts on return. Could we soon see this everywhere? (And meanwhile, if you plan to sit at a table, reusable cups are already available!)
EPR IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS
The OECD recently analyzed Extended Producer Responsibility in new paper destined to be referenced. What can EPR change? Oh, everything.
CLIMATE POSITIVE NEWS
For the first time in history, renewable energy sources accounted for more than 30% of the world's electricity and, taking a page from FDR's New Deal, American Climate Corps jobs could put thousands to work. This spring, California generated nearly 100% of energy from sun, wind, and hydro and the state recently announced a new plan to build carbon sinks on 50 million acres. The Biden Administration announced $7 billion in solar support — with significant investment in low-income projects — and a new rule requires U.S. utilities and grid operators to work together on long term planning for power lines that will depend on clean energy sources. Oh, and these Grandmas own climate activism.
GOOD NEWS FOR REGISTERED VOTERS
Climate scientists say the single-most effective action for climate is to vote, but the biggest problem for environmental advocates is turning out voters. Luckily, the Environmental Voter Project builds solutions that work.
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