Good news
It may feel like the world is running down (making the best of what's still around) but there's more positivity than I can fit into one newsletter this month! As always, if you know of a story I've missed, please respond to this email or message me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 
 
But before we get to the good news, I wanted to share a quick PSA. Benzene, that pesky toxic chemical that was detected in dry shampoo a few months ago, is back in the news with a sunscreen spray recall. But here's the truth: Any beauty product dispensed in aerosol form may contain   benzene. Choose pump-dispensed, clean products — which avoid the ingredients on my oldie-but-goodie red flag list — and if you have to use an aerosol, here's how to make it a little bit safer: open the window, hold your breath when you apply, leave the room, and let it air out before you return. 
 
Sunscreen is simpler, although it can feel more complicated because of the incomprehensible ingredients lists on some of those packages. Even so-called reef-safe sunscreens can contain toxic ingredients (that's just a marketing term). So here's a hack: Look at the “active ingredients” and if it lists anything else but zinc or titanium dioxide, try not to buy/use that sunscreen. 
 
Okay, hope that's helpful. Onward!
By design
Love love LOVE these de-influencing influencers and did you know our new Miss Universe is an upcycler? A few years ago, I worked on legislation to mandate microfiber filters on washing machines sold in California, and Oregon just introduced a similar bill bill! Meanwhile, make sure to keep handwashing your yoga pants in cold. 
Climate critical
A new study shows that nationwide, renewable energy is now cheaper than coal 99% of the time and community solar is happening, friend. Alaska's Tongass National Forest absorbs 44% of all carbon stored by our nation's forests and in January, the Biden Administration reinstated protections against logging and roadbuilding on 9.2 million acres. A new study shows that even a small number of zero-emissions cars can have a big impact: In California, just 20 EVs per 1,000 people in any zip code led to a more than 3% drop in asthma emergency room visits – oh, and bonus: In an emergency, electric vehicles can power up your home for as much as three days. How can we stop deforestation? Give Indigenous communities legal title to their land. Finally, if you want to get political about all this stuff, the Environmental Voter Project is just plain smart. 
Yes, this
have you tried?*
xo, Rachel
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*I have vetted these companies and love these products and the links are sponsored, because a girl's gotta pay for hosting. To learn more about how I manage these relationships, please click here. Got more questions? Reply to this email and I'll respond asap. Thanks for reading!
 
 

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