dotington

[dotington]

The mycelium masters have taken over the planet. The civilization we once knew... is no more. Their roots have stretched deep into the earth and wide across the land. Slowly but surely, they overthrew the systems humans once controlled. As they say, all good things happen for a reason. 

As the fungi spread, people were forced to adapt. A new language was invented to help make sense of the shifting world. Communication changed as quickly as the environment around it. Our new language is centered around touch and feeling the earth with the bottoms of our feet, similar to a fungi's roots. 

The transformation happened rapidly and without warning. Cities fell silent as nature reclaimed them. What once felt stable was suddenly unrecognizable. Birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the air feels clear and crisp.  

Now, the world’s waste has been consumed and broken down. Everyone was happy to adapt in the end, life is greener and more tranquil. Saprotrophic fungi thrive, feeding on what was discarded. Towering mushrooms shoot up to the skies, symbols of a new, fungal age. 

[dotington]

Week 11: April 2: Sustainable Fashion: Innovators and Outliers in Fungi, Seaweed, Food Waste and Design

1. How does Fast Fashion impact you directly?

I currently work in fashion and I have for the last few years. When I started at Parsons I got a job at a lingerie store. Currently I work on their creative and marketing team. At work fast fashion impacts me because a lot of customers choose to shop elsewhere because of our prices. Although we are a chain store, it’s a mom and pop kind of business. We design everything in house and own the factory that makes all of our products in Italy. We do this to be able to produce ethically and efficiently. Many of the smaller details on our products are handmade. Because of places like Aerie and Victoria Secret, our prices tend to shock people. I do understand that a premium price isn't realistic for everyone to pay. But I do think the rise of fast fashion has caused people to not care about artisanship and quality. Our products are made to last and made to be worn multiple times opposed to being seen as a disposable commodity. 

2. Which celebrity brands are doing the most to address sustainability? Which ones are greenwashing?

Jayden Smith's brand JUST water is one of the only brands that comes to mind as a sustainable brand. According to their website, Click to View, “JUST is 100% mountain-sourced spring water… We don’t use water the surrounding community would otherwise need.” Their packaging is eco-friendly and produces 74% less carbon emissions than a plastic water bottle. 

 In the game of celebrity brands and greenwashing the most prominent player I can think of is Kourtney Kardashian. Specifically when she was named the “sustainability ambassador” at Boohoo, a notorious fast fashion brand. Over the years the Kardashians have received much backlash for their use of private jets, water waste at their homes and overall overconsumption in their lifestyles. So at the time, and still now, I don't see how Kourtney is qualified at all to advocate for sustainability. 

3. What are your thoughts on the viability of the Bio-textiles mentioned in the articles and video above?

I had actually seen the video about mushroom leather prior to this class! I do think that solutions such as that could exist successfully in the real world mainly because of the rise of brands making products out of materials such as that. One example I’ve found on my own time is the New York based brand Ground Cover click to view the site. They’ve gained massive traction in smaller circles surrounding fashion. Seeing this brand take off has given me hope that sustainable materiality is realistic and can sustain a brand as well. 

4. Choose Three Facts gleaned from this post and comment about your own practices with regard to fast fashion and sustainability.

Patagonia, Pact, ABLE, Tradlands and United By Blue are just a few of the sustainable fashion brands. available in the United States and globally. ~ When I don’t purchase second hand I try to only shop sustainable brands a couple of my favorites are STAATS BALLET, Grace Gui, Stockbridge US and Verconiik! 

Younger generations, more cautious about their fashion choices, could become the leaders in sustainable fashion. ~ Any chance I get I try to deter my mom from shopping at Shein and H&M. She didn’t really know what fast fashion was when she started shopping at those places and mainly favored them for their cheap prices. I’ve done my best to show her how to shop on poshmark and ebay for similar items. 

The best way to be more sustainable: choose quality pieces that will last a long time over cheaper ones that wear out and quickly go out of style. ~ Ever since I started at Parsons I’ve tried to avoid shopping trends when I can. Because of this I’ve found myself thinking more and more about timeless pieces and valuing the legacy of a piece when I’m shopping. One rule that has helped me when shopping is thinking about if there are 4 outfits (using things I already own) that I can make using the clothing item I’m thinking about purchasing. 

5. Include photos from your own sustainable clothing brands, thrift store shopping, dumpster sleuthing outside stores, etc. BE CREATIVE!

[dotington]

iCelebrities Final

The underconsumption movement in fashion is a growing response to the industry’s overproduction and the resulting environmental and social harm. It encourages consumers to buy less, choose more mindfully, and prioritize longevity, quality, and versatility over trend-driven shopping. Rooted in values of minimalism, sustainability, and ethical consumption, this movement challenges the fast fashion model and calls for a cultural shift in how we relate to clothing.

For my final project, I chose to focus on sustainable fashion. Around the same time, my roommate Julia and I were having conversations about her closet and shopping habits. I realized that one of the most impactful ways to practice sustainability is by curbing overconsumption, which often leads to waste. So together, Julia and I tracked what she wore each week, identified the pieces she wasn’t using, and looked for ways to upcycle or repurpose them. We also discussed smarter, more sustainable ways to fill any gaps in her wardrobe—if she felt the need to shop at all. So for my final project, I've helped Julia curate a capsule wardrobe.

The items that she wore the most were her Levi's jeans and Salomon sneakers. In general, the items she owned the most were vintage, practical, but elevated, and made out of nice materials.

From there, I researched capsule clothing collections, specifically those with the theme of underconsumption:

Main take aways:

Building a capsule wardrobe from existing clothes can save up to 75% or more on clothing expenses, as you buy less and make fewer regrettable purchases

There is a growing emphasis on thrifting, upcycling, and repairing clothes rather than discarding them, which extends the life of garments and supports the circular fashion economy

Focusing on your needs and tastes reduces susceptibility to advertising, peer pressure, and fleeting trends

The underconsumption movement: pushes back against social media-fueled shopping hauls and influencer culture, promoting authenticity, practicality, and the use of well-loved items over constant newness

After learning a bit more, I compared what Julia wore during the week to her closet and took an inventory count of all the clothes she owned. On the capsule wardrobe part, she was off to a good start because she didn't own a lot of clothes. It was mostly what she wore during the week, as well as summer dresses, jackets, and skirts. My suggestions for what she could invest in are accent tops and jewelry.

Here are my finds based off of her minimalist, vintage yet futuristic style:

I set out to find pieces made from quality materials that complemented her existing wardrobe—timeless in style, rather than overly trend-driven.

For next steps, we're going to upcycle a couple of her preexisting items she hasn't been wearing.

[dotington]

Week Nine: Wed Mar 19: Documentaries and Social Change: Part One: Film Review

1. Film trailer and link to film's website.

I couldn’t find the website for this 

2. What important social issue question does this documentary ask and what type of storytelling does it employ to answer it? (2 paragraphs)

The Beauty and the Bloodshed raises powerful questions about critical social issues, challenging viewers to reconsider societal norms and values. It asks why opioid addiction is so often surrounded by shame and stigma, while those who profit from it—such as the Sackler family—are celebrated and honored in elite cultural institutions. The film also highlights how nonconforming individuals, including queer, rebellious, or otherwise marginalized people, are frequently scapegoated or erased by mainstream society. At its core, the documentary questions who holds the authority to define what is considered “broken,” “moral,” or “worthy,” urging a deeper reflection on power, justice, and whose voices are truly heard and valued.

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed uses a deeply personal and nonlinear style of storytelling that blends art, activism, and autobiography. Through Nan Goldin’s own photographs, narration, and memories, the film adopts an intimate, first-person perspective that feels confessional. It intertwines her personal biography - including her family history, artistic development, and trauma - with her present-day activism, particularly her fight against the Sackler family’s role in the opioid crisis. The documentary also incorporates archival images, home movies, and real-time footage of protests, creating a rich tapestry that spans both personal and political histories. Structured in six nonlinear chapters, the film moves fluidly between past and present. 

3. What new story is revealed in this film, and what revelations have emerged from it to impact popular discourse? (2 paragraphs)

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed reveals several powerful narratives that reshaped public conversations around art, activism, and accountability. By chronicling Nan Goldin’s transformation from artist to activist, the film raised pressing questions about ethical philanthropy, especially the role of institutions that had long accepted donations from the Sackler family. It also exposed the Sacklers’ awareness of the dangers of OxyContin, leading to increased scrutiny of corporate influence within cultural and public spaces. These revelations forced a reckoning with how power and money intersect with prestige and public trust.

In addition, the documentary highlights the effectiveness of protest within cultural institutions, showing how strategic activism can drive real change and demand accountability from even the most powerful entities. It also explores how both personal and collective trauma can fuel movements for justice, helping to destigmatize addiction and connect it to broader systemic issues rather than individual failings. Together, these stories emphasize the role of art not just as a reflection of society, but as a force capable of transforming it.

4. What personal revelations did you glean from this film? What shocked or inspired you? How has this film changed your perspective on the subject? (1-2 paragraphs)

One of the things that shocked/inspired me the most was the arche of Nan's life. She has truly lived a billion different lives in her ongoing lifetime. Her persistence, passion and drive are deeply inspiring. She has faced adversity that many will never encounter in their lives, the fact that she was able to push through and survive is very impressive. From addiction to a tumultuous career she has kept a certain cadence of meaning and work that left me stunned. 

On the other hand the institutions being complicite with the Sackler family's donations knowing the terror and harm they have willingly inflicted, is frankly disgusting. Given the scope of people affected by the opioid epidemic, I’m surprised that no one connected to these museums has been affected. It makes me wonder and question the other large philanthropic families that exist. Is there blood money funding some of my favorite spaces? If they have the means to spend amounts of money most will never see in their lives, what stops them from using it for goodwill instead of as another commodity?

5. How did this documentary expand the reputation of the subject, and how did it serve to further the spotlight on a key social change issue? (2 paragraphs)

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed expanded Nan Goldin’s legacy by portraying her not only as a groundbreaking photographer but also as a fearless activist. The film traces her evolution from documenting the lives of marginalized communities to becoming a powerful voice against the Sackler family and the opioid crisis. By sharing her own experience with OxyContin addiction and highlighting her founding of the activist group PAIN, the documentary redefined her public image—from celebrated artist to a symbol of resistance and social justice. Its critical acclaim, including a Golden Lion win and an Oscar nomination, further elevated her activism to a global stage.

Beyond Goldin’s personal story, the film played a vital role in spotlighting the opioid epidemic and exposing the influence of pharmaceutical power. It drew attention to harm reduction strategies, pushed cultural institutions to distance themselves from the Sacklers, and inspired real-world change; from fundraising for harm reduction programs to policy shifts like OTC Narcan approval and expanded treatment access through the MAT Act. By linking individual trauma to systemic injustice, the documentary helped reframe addiction in public discourse and challenged the ethics of "toxic philanthropy" in art and culture.

6. Did the film prove pivotal for the director/producers' careers? Were they historic for expanded gender and racial representation in storytelling? (1 paragraph)

This documentary was a major milestone for director Laura Poitras and her team, reinforcing her status as a leading voice in investigative, socially driven filmmaking. Already an Oscar winner, Poitras earned further acclaim with this documentary, which won the Golden Lion at Venice, received an Academy Award nomination, and racked up over 80 nominations and 32 wins. For producer Howard Gertler, it was another standout moment in a career focused on impactful documentaries. The film’s success also boosted recognition for the entire creative team, many of whom were women, and highlighted the power of collaborative, cross-disciplinary storytelling that combines activism, art, and journalism.

7. Add interview clips, images, hotlinks and/or quotes from reviews.

[dotington]

Week Seven: Wed Mar 5: SHROOMS: Spotlight on the Superpowers of Fungi

In the year 2147, cities no longer reached for the sky in defiance of nature, but grew from the ground with it. Towering spires of chitin and mycelium spiraled upward like the fruiting bodies of ancient giants. Living, breathing infrastructure sustained by networks of fungal intelligence. Streets were soft underfoot, grown from engineered mats of fungal mesh that pulsed gently with bioluminescent light, directing foot traffic as needed. Skyscrapers flexed slightly in high winds, their cellular structures self-repairing and adaptive. No longer did humanity pour concrete into the Earth’s wounds; instead, it cultivated buildings like crops, pruning and sporing them into existence.

Children learned early how to speak with the soil. Mycelial interfaces connected minds to the vast decentralized wisdom beneath their feet. Information no longer passed through metal wires but was whispered along hyphal threads, knowledge and nutrient inseparable in a living internet of thought and sustenance. Governments became mycocracies—fungal councils governed cities with a logic born of millennia of symbiosis and survival, rooting out corruption not with force, but by isolating toxicity and metabolizing it into something useful. Decay was no longer feared. It was sacred.

War had become obsolete. Mycelial diplomacy was patient and slow, but thorough—fungi did not rush to judgment. When disputes arose, they were handed to the deep network, which processed emotion, data, and consequence with the same care it used to digest fallen trees. Conflicts resolved themselves in compost, nourishing new systems from the old. Humanity, once obsessed with permanence, had embraced transience and transformation. Death was not an end—it was architecture in waiting.

And in this quiet revolution, art thrived. Cathedrals of coral-pink mushrooms grew in city centers, their gills tuned to resonate with ambient emotion. Artists no longer danced in traditional theaters but in the hollows of giant, living mushrooms whose interiors swelled with breath and sound. Choreographers collaborated with bio-engineers to cultivate performance spaces that shifted and responded to movement—walls that trembled with rhythm, floors that released spore clouds in time with the music. Instead of costumes, dancers wore nothing but bioluminescent paint harvested from lichen, their bodies becoming brushstrokes in motion. Each performance was ephemeral, digested by the space itself, remembered only by the network of roots below.

^ it's starting !!!!!!

[dotington]

Week Six: Wed Feb 26: Climate Justice, Food Sustainability and Black Lives Matter

1. Who is Leah Thomas and what happened at COP 26? (1 paragraph)

According to Vogue “Leah Thomas is an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator based in Southern California. She's passionate about advocating for and exploring the relationship between social justice and environmentalism.” Her experience at the COP 26 conference was … interesting. It was said to be the most inclusive event they had had yet, but when it boiled down to it it was all smoke and mirrors. Each attendee had badges, which came with different unspoken levels of participation. Leah's badge blocked her from being allowed into many of the spaces at the conference. On top of that the fossil fuel industry was the largest delegation present at COP. 

2. Watch the video about Harlem Grown and visit their website. Choose one key aspect of the genesis and growth of this project that inspires you. How does this initiative relate to mutual aid, community health and sustainability? https://www.harlemgrown.org/Links to an external site.

I chose to look deeper into the Harlem Grown Summer Camp. This initiative relates to mutual aid because it ties local agriculture into education through teaching and empowering young kids. This strengthens community health because it’s free, not only helping out the kids, but their parents too. It deals with sustainability because it focuses on the topics of food and farm education. I personally went to summer camps when I was younger and I think being introduced to the skills and subjects I had stuck with me to this day. It helped to cultivate my taste, interests and overall personality so I find this kind of program to be a great idea based on the experiences I’ve had as well. 

2. What is Intersectional Environmentalism and how does it relate to Black Lives Matter (2-3 paragraphs)?

Intersectional Environmentalism is a movement that connects environmental issues with social justice. It advocates for protecting the planet and marginalized communities affected by environmental harm. It has to do with the Black Lives Matter movement because environmental issues do not impact people equally. Systems of oppression such as racism, colonialism and classism classify who is most affected by environmental harm. 

The principles of intersectional environmentalism closely align with the values of the BLM movement because they both aim to dismantle systematic injustice. The BLM movement sparked by George Floyd's death targets racial injustice specifically in the African American community and the climate crisis targets fighting for environmental care and injustice. 

3. Who is Leah Penniman? What is Soul Fire Farm and why is it important to the climate movement (2-3 paragraphs)?

According to the Soul Fire Farm website, Leah Penniman is a Black Kreyol “farmer, mother, soil nerd, author and food justice activist” (and writer!). In the Soul Fire Farm organization she acts as the Co-Executive Director of Farm Operations. She has been extremely successful in her role, in her time at the organization the farm has been recognized by the Soros Racial Justice Fellowship, Fulbright Program, Pritzker Environmental Genius Award, Grist 50, and James Beard Leadership Award, among others. 

The Soul Fire Farm ”is an Afro-Indigenous centered community farm and training center dedicated to uprooting racism and seeding sovereignty in the food system.” It is important to the climate movement because of the use of ancestral farming practices; using sustainable, regenerative practices along with ancestral practices including silvopasture, composting, and perennial planting-that rebuild degraded soils, sequester carbon, and boost biodiversity. They also empower frontline communities; the farm centers BIPOC who are often the most affected by both climate change and food apartheid with the aim of building local resilience and leadership. Lastly they focus on education and policy advocacy. 

4. Explore "Black Forager" aka Alexis Nikole on TikTok or Instagram (@blackforager): choose a favorite post and, ideally, try the recipe!

A standout post of hers that I have actually seen before is the acorn flour, where Alexis walks viewers through the process of collecting, leaching, and baking with acorns-a foraged staple with deep Indigenous and African American roots

What is your experience of her content and what important issues does she raise?

Her experience is educational, accessible, culturally grounded, and community-oriented. The community-oriented

What elements are key to the incredible growth of her following (4.5 million on TikTok, 1.8 million on Instagram, 15.5K on Bluesky and counting...)

She raises issues surrounding food sovereignty/ accessibility, diversity in outdoor spaces, environmental sustainability, and historical erasure.

5. How do you define food sovereignty in your own life? Do you grow your own food? Do you forage? Compost? Did the pandemic change your food habits? How do you connect to the 'black gold' of soil? Have you ever volunteered at a community garden?

Food sovereignty in my own life mainly depends on where I get my food from. I do try to eat on the healthier side when it's realistic. I think that I best practice it through getting some of my produce, and occasionally bread, from the Union Square farmers market. I find that the produce is always fresher and getting bread from there is a little luxury I let myself indulge in from time to time. 

At the moment I don’t grow my own food but in the past I’ve propagated green onions and I used to have basil plants when I had a backyard. 

I recently found out that there is a compost bin around the corner from my apartment so me and my two roommates are going to start composting! 

The pandemic didn’t change my food habits too much, I worked at a grocery store before and during the pandemic so I continued to get my food from there. 

I connect to the “black gold” of soil mainly through using handmade soap and skincare. I have eczema and psoriasis so my skin is extremely sensitive and I’ve found that using handmade products there's next to no unnecessary chemicals or fragrances. 

I volunteered at a community garden in LES when I was going into my sophomore year of college for a couple of months during the summer. I recently found a garden near my apartment that I am looking into volunteering at on the weekends. They have BBQ nights and a nice area for reading that I plan on taking advantage of during the summer. 

6. Choose one of the people mentioned in the article by Leah Thomas to profile with a one-paragraph bio.

Kristy Drutnam also known as “Browngirl Green” is a young entrepreneur focusing on the intersections between media, diversity and environmentalism. She is also the co-founder of the Green Jobs Board, a climate tech start up that deals with the green economy through advocacy and empowerment of the next wave of environmentalists. Kristy uses her platforms to educate people about modern day climate issues mainly through the use of workshops and live storytelling. 

@soulfirefarm on Instagram

[dotington]

Spread the love for all beings! PHOTO HOMEWORK!

I actually had to do an extremely similar assignment for a ULEC this semester - for that class, we had to tap into my childlike state and draw a fond memory in a snow globe. I decided to draw one of my favorite nights with my friends. At the end of last semester, my 2 best friends (Marloe and Cecilia) had a nice dinner and wine night to celebrate the end of the semester. We all work multiple jobs, so when school is going on, it’s difficult to hang out. So we planned this one sleepover to catch up, celebrate, and enjoy each other's company. I am extremely grateful to have such amazing friends and deeply cherish nights like that with them. 

For one hour, I volunteered at the community garden near my apartment. Now that it's getting warmer and I have more free time, I wanted something to do that had a purpose. Today was my first day helping out, and it was fine. It was very fulfilling getting to work with my hands when I typically sit behind a desk all day

[dotington]

Who is Chef José Andrés? Mutual Aid and World Central Kitchen

1. Explore World Central Kitchen's website. Choose a story that inspires you. Share a photo from the site and explain its significance. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by World Central Kitchen (@wckitchen)

After navigating the website I was led to the map which shows the different areas WCKs has been able to help and the number of meals distributed. After looking further into the map I decided to read about how the kitchen was able to contribute to helping the California wildfires. I was extremely impressed by the community efforts to restore & aid the area. I view California as a very celebrity, wealth led area. And with that I associate capitalism and community as opposing forces. It was really nice to see people and organizations who were still well off after the fires doing what they could to share resources and platforms. And the angel on my shoulder wants to think its genuine 

2. What is Mutual Aid? How does World Central Kitchen disrupt traditional models of Mutual Aid? How does their work expand the definition of Mutual Aid?

https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/what-is-mutual-aid

Global giving.org says the following about mutual aid “Mutual aid is about cooperating to serve community members. Mutual aid creates networks of care and generosity to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors. It also addresses the root causes of challenges we face and demands transformative change.” I would say that the World Central Kitchen goes beyond what a typical mutual aid organization does because their main objective doesn't necessarily seem like it’s to build a community that wants to support those who need help. It seems more like a core group of chefs whose mission and passion is so strong others inevitably join. WCK seems to take initiative the second it is needed rather than rallying people then stepping in. 

3. How does Chef José Andrés and his organization provide innovative ways to solve world problems beyond the traditional role of the Red Cross, FEMA, etc? Have they proved to be a welcome form of disruption?

WCK arrive on the ground within 24-48 hours of a disaster 

They leverage local food systems making sure to be able to provide local, comforting meals 

They serve hot meals not just rations 

They work within the community to help with economic relief on top of food 

They have proved to be a welcome form of disruption because of their intentions and approach. They are there to do nothing but help and realistically aid the area past just survival. 

4. Write an imagined dialogue between a WCK volunteer and a survivor on the frontlines of a disaster. What would they say to each other? 

A = volunteer 

B = survivor 

(A hands B a plate with a hot nutritious meal) 

B: thank you 

A: it's my pleasure, if there is anything at all I can to please don’t hesitate 

B: I appreciate it, that means a lot  

B: after everything we’ve been through I’ve been looking forward to a meal like this 

A: I’m glad! We partnered with the unaffected farms in the area and found some of the best local chefs we could, we know food itself is healing :) 

5. What does this organization tell you about the expansion of altruism? Does WCK provide a hopeful model of solution-making for the future of a changing planet?

This organization shows that altruism is more than necessary. It's deeply inspiring to hear the initiative the organization takes especially in the face of extreme danger for the greater good with no intentions of personal fame, legacy or monetary gain. WCK definitely provides a hopeful model of solution making - I think something as impactful as their response times is a game changer in the way natural disasters (especially) should be handled.

[dotington]

Week 5 - Book Review

1. Provide an overview of the anthology and describe the most resonant aspects of the book. (2-3 paragraphs)

                   All We Can Save is a powerhouse of a book. It brings together different formats - essays, poetry, and artwork from a diverse group of women leaders in the climate movement. Amplifying girl power and the importance of the climate crisis. This collage of perspectives and insights emphasizes a well-rounded approach to climate solutions while posing as the crossroad between science, activism, policy, and personal storytelling. 

                  The most resonant aspect of the book for me was the emphasis on community and collaboration. When I think of activism and the climate crisis, I almost immediately think about what I, as an individual, can do: recycling, thrifting, trying my best not to over-consume material goods, and shopping with small mom-and-pop-type brands. But in the book, it highlights the power of collective action. 

2. Why do you think the editors chose to include so many voices using different formats of self-expression? (2-3 paragraphs)

                   I think that this decision was a strategic move to further emphasize the importance of inclusivity and human connection to combat the climate crisis. This multifaced approach also adds a deeper emotional element. By featuring essays, poetry, and art the book acknowledges that facts alone aren't enough to drive change. People need emotional and cultural connections to be moved to act. 

                    Additionally, the diversity of contributors reflects the reality that no singular person, solution or perspective can address the entirety of the crisis. Including voices from different backgrounds and lived experiences reinforces the idea that climate justice is interconnected with social justice and feminism. 

3. Does this book provide concrete solutions? Does it inspire hopefulness in you as a reader? Why are hope and solutions important in these times? Provide six specific quotes and examples from the book. 

                    Although the book offers solutions ,it doesn't offer one singular route to solving the climate crisis. Hope is essential in these times because negativity or pessimism can lead to inaction, whereas hope fuels engagement. The main themes towards a solution are hope, community, and emotional connection. 

1. "Just as ecosystems need biodiversity to thrive, society needs cultural diversity to grow new possibilities." Favianna Rodriguez, Harnessing Cultural Power

2. "...species survive only if they learn to be in community."

3. "Soul and soil are not separate."

4. "It's too late to save all our stuff, but we can still save one another and a great many other species too. "

5. "...But we have also been granted an astonishingly beautiful gift that has never before been given to humans: the chance to shepherd human and animal life into the coming centuries and millennia, when we know that much of it would otherwise disappear. That’s a power that should make us very humble and a privilege that can motivate us profoundly."

6. "To address our climate emergency, we must rapidly, radically reshape society. We need every solution and every solver. As the saying goes, to change everything, we need everyone."

4. Choose one of these two options to include in your review:

        A. Many of the contributors to All We Can Save have had long, varied trajectories to and in climate work. Choose a  contributor from the book who you identify with. Research their story and learn about their climate awakening. What galvanized them to take action? How did they develop their expertise? How did they locate community support, and what groups have they help to form or elevate? Why does this person's story inspire you? Give concrete examples. (4-6 paragraphs)

                      Rose Marcario is a business executive and environmental activist best known for her role as President and CEO at Patagonia. Prior to working at Patagonia, she got her undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Albany and her master's at CSU Los Angeles. Despite getting both of her degrees in business, she is better known as a climate activist than a businesswoman. 

                        She was noted as being inspired by Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, and his dedication to preserving what's left of the environment. His vision aligned with her personal values, motivating her to leave private equity and join the company. Patagonia acted as the route for her to merge business with purpose. At Patagonia, she was able to use her skillset for good, not just for profit. Marcario's activism extended beyond corporate initiatives. In 2017, Patagonia sued the federal government over the reduction of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. 

                         The company's mission- "to use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis"- gave Marcario a platform for meaningful activism. Attending events like the People’s Climate March and COP21 reinforced her belief in grassroots movements' power to drive change. Similarly to the book community action was viewed as a means for combatting the climate crisis. Throughout her career, Marcario has received numerous accolades, including being named a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama and topping Fast Company's inaugural Queer 50 list in 2020. 

                          I find her to be very inspiring. Not only is she a successful woman, she is a successful businesswoman. I feel like, more often than not, in business and fashion (in particular), women have to work twice as hard as men to see any measure of success. She was not only able to find success in her professional career; she found a more holistic kind of success that took the world's well-being into account at every step. After reading her story, I feel empowered to stand by my beliefs when it comes to work. 

Rose Marcario via fortune.com

[dotington]

Week 2

1. How can celebrities authentically use their influence and power for social good?

3 things, long term commitment, transparency and direct involvement. Long term commitment makes whatever their advocating for seem credible and not performative as it stems past a 1 time good deed to appeal to the press. Transparency is important because of the reach of their influence. In addition, transparency adds a deeper level of accountability and trust. Lastly direct involvement (hopefully) encourages others to take action, gives them an informed and genuine perspective and, again, proves authenticity. 

2. Can they become superhero(ine)s for social change to influence and impact much-needed accelerated change?

I think celebrities can become real-life superheroes for social change by leveraging their influence, resources, and platforms. But to truly be a force for good, they need to move beyond performative gestures. Lasting and systemic change is the most important kind of change! 

3. Is the nature of celebrityhood, in an era of superstorms and super-sized global issues undergoing a transformation for social good? How? 

This weekend's Grammy awards give me hope that a transformation is in fact taking place. As more up and coming celebrities like Chappel Roan spoke for artists rights and large celebrities like Lady Gaga used to voice to advocate for the trans population in America (which has been targeted with this new presidential administration). Using this widely televised and publicized event is a great example of leveraging both resources and platforms. 

4. In light of recent statistics on celebrity private jet usage, will proposals to tax them at a high rate make a difference? Would this solve the issue of global warming caused by airplane emissions and climate crisis level overconsumption? Should they be taxed for other forms of overconsumption (wardrobes, SUVs, multiple properties, water usage, etc)?

To me this feels like putting a bandaid on a bullet hole. I want to think that taxation would make a difference, but if they have a really high networth losing money (even a large amount) may not matter. I think that if they’re going to be taxed for private jet usage they should be taxed for water usage as well, that feels like 2 sides of the same coin. 

5. How can we reward celebrities who align with social causes? And how can we discern greenwashing spin from true commitment to sustainable innovation?

I think we can reward celebrities who align with social causes by supporting them through whatever avenue they pursue; if they're a singer, stream their music - if they’re an actor see whatever movies they’re in. And in the same way dropping the “separate the art from the artist mentality” for those who don’t align. We can discern greenwashing by not believing everything we read on the internet and doing our own outside research. 

6. Imagine the next generation of admired celebrities: what would they be known for? Write an imagined bio for a celebrity of the future.

Celeste Moon - After walking for major houses in her early 20s, Celeste took a big step back and founded Lunar Studio, a high-end label that revived forgotten artisanal techniques while incorporating ethical production (in every step). Each collection came with full transparency—tracing every aspect back to its origins, from the hands that wove the fabric to the natural dyeing process. The brand’s debut collection in 2051, featuring gowns made from regenerative silk and couture crafted entirely from archival luxury scraps, set a new standard for the industry. (thank god)

[dotington]

iCelebrities - Week 1

Hi ! :D

My name is Dottie, I'm a senior in Strategic Design and Management. My interests are in fashion, editorial, photography, cooking, and storytelling. At the moment, I am in NYC and will be here for the rest of the semester.

@giphy

My change maker of choice is Saoirse Ronan I wouldn't say she is necessarily the most impactful but for me recently her comments on the Grahmn Norton in regards to women's safety show were very memorable & iconic.