March 2025 Good Newsletter
Funding freeze? No problem.
Funding freeze? No problem. New analysis shows that even without federal leadership, the U.S. can still reduce GHGs by as much as 62% by 2035. And governors representing 60% of the U.S. economy and 55% of its population announced they’re doubling down on climate action. In related news:
Illinois announced $100 million in rebates for EV projects.
New Mexico broke ground on its first community solar project.
In Massachusetts, new clean energy bills were introduced.
New York’s EV charging buildout charged ahead.
California now has more public EV chargers per capita than any other (because: cars).
Illinois received the highest state ranking for clean energy (click through to find out how well your state ranks).
California introduced legislation to hold (fast) fashion accountable for environmental impacts, following New York, Massachusetts, and Washington.
This new tool lets you enter a zip code and find out where climate funds are going and here’s a hot take: 80% of IRA manufacturing investments are tagged to Republican congressional districts, whose representatives will have a lot of splaining to do if freezes result in layoffs and cancellations. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court recently refused to block state climate lawsuits, which the Los Angeles Times called:
“The fossil fuel industry's worst nightmare — having to face the overwhelming evidence of their decades of calculated climate deception — is closer than ever to becoming a reality."
Sensing a theme?
BARN —> HORSE
Green energy is cheaper than ever and the world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels. A new report showed the UK could get to net zero for 75% less than previous analysis showed, and Germany generated 58% of electricity from renewables last year (despite lies told by Chris Wright in his U.S. energy secretary confirmation hearing).
MAKE LEMONADE
New study reveals play could be the secret to emotional resilience, clubs are great for maintaining your social biome, and 4 PM until the cops arrive proves you're never too old to party. And I’ve long been obsessed with Pattie Gonia — who uses drag to raise awareness about environmental issues and upcycles the most incredible costumes (like this one from a tent) — but especially for messages like this:
Yes to building a path of stepping stones, together — and to this preloved Pattie Gonia merch, sales of which support outdoor community for BIPOC, Queer, and underrepresented groups!
CIRCULAR WORLD
Glasgow celebrated the UK's first multi-brand returnable cup initiative, a new report on America's first citywide reusables program reveals incredible environmental impacts, updated FDA guidance makes it easier to reuse and refill, and there is now overwhelming bipartisan support for plastic reduction — including nearly 80% in favor of reducing single-use styrofoam. Also, straws are so 20th century. Watch my TEDx for stats that clap back.
TAKE ACTION
Want to help? Consider what the Environmental Voter Project has to offer in the way of motivating red, blue, and purple voters who prioritize climate to get to the polls for down ballot races. 5 Calls provides scripts and essentials to call your congressperson — with over six million calls logged so far, they're making an impact.
JOIN US!
Oh, I’m so excited for this one. Creatures is breathtaking — and also left me with so many questions. (Like: How did Crissy Van Meter get into my head?) Join us next month in conversation on Instagram.
Keep looking for those silver linings, people! And, as always, please let me know how I can help.
xoRachel
WHO’S THIS?
Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff is a climate communicator and sustainability storyteller who has been writing a better world since 2008, when she co-founded the website EcoStiletto and founded the Mommy Greenest blog. She swapped tips with notables from Jane Goodall to His Majesty King Charles lll and appeared on "TODAY" and TEDx. A former journalist with an MA from USC and an MFA from Pacific University, Rachel’s career as an environmentalist informs her fiction and creative nonfiction. She is currently querying her first novel.