thecleancove-blog

[thecleancove-blog]

HAPPY WORLD OCEANS DAY EVERYONE! 

What a wonderful time to celebrate the mystery, beauty, and power of the oceans. As a child I have always felt deeply connected to the ocean. I would cry once I felt that salty air, hear the roaring waves and felt the foamy water. I cannot express my love for it and I want to protect it. 

Our oceans are not only a tourist destination but one of the most integral parts of our ecosystem and Earth. After all, it covers 70% of it! I’m going to make this post with three sections:  how important the ocean is, why the ocean is in danger, and HOW you can contribute to saving them. 

THE OCEAN: WHAT DOES IT DO? 

>50% of the air oxygen you breath comes from the ocean,&  more CO2 is stored in the ocean than the atmosphere

70% of climate regulation is done by our Oceans

THE CREATURES!! The ocean is one of the most integral part of our ecosystem, and yet only a fraction of it has been explored. From the smallest microorganisms, to whales every. single. species. is. sacred. If the ecosystem crumbles, we are at the top, and we fall down. Repeat. If the ecosystem crumbles, we are the top and we fall down. 

F O O D --the ocean provides a wonderful source of food from those yummy crab legs to the tuna on your sandwich

JOBS- the Ocean is responsible for the vast majority of good transport and fishing therefore there's a lot of jobs to be attained. Not to mention the jobs researching, documenting, and conserving the Oceans 

WHY IS IT IN DANGER? 

You see, our Oceans are in immediate danger of losing the war. Pollution, and climate change are ravaging through. 

The temperatures are rising, and so is the pH causing a death of habitats, migration of fish, and change in current & weather patterns 

      Coral reefs? Dying     Oceans? Rising    Humans? Grave Danger 

Plastic pollution & well...every other kind of pollution

   By 2050 there will be more plastic than fish! 

   Theres so many micro plastics you breathe them in and consume them in your food---the hierarchical chain is real, and we get the last of it, and all the plastic in the other organisms 

  Pesticides, manufacturing waste, oil, air pollution all are killing our species

  OVERFISHING!!!!!!! Yes everyone, we are being greedy, and literally eating the ocean faster than it can reproduce because we do it in such quantity AND we are killing the environment the fish breed in. 

All in All--the Oceans are dying. The oceans breath life into us every day. 

If need ACTION literally, right now. 

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?  

 Establish marine national parks to protect wildlife as we do on land 

Control fishing industries 

Hold corporations accountable for their business practices ensuring they are sustainable, and limit the plastic 

Legislation protecting the oceans, not cheap production & intense consumerism 

AND WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

 Well, you can do a lot. You, as ONE singular person can make such a difference even tho it doesn’t feel like it. 

1. Research what’s going on, and decide how dedicated you wanna be to making a lifestyle change in favor for your environment 

2. Make small swaps in your life that I've covered in this blog to avoid plastic, and unethical & non sustainable companies 

3. Advocate for the ocean and don’t be timid! Caring about the environment isn’t annoying, it’s literally one of the coolest things you can be into. 

4. Monetary/Volunteer-- find initiatives, non profits and organizations to donate to who are contributing to ocean conservation! Volunteer to help them, do ocean clean ups, or give a monetary donation  

5. Care and be scared. If you’re not scared, you’re not paying attention. Next step: if you’re scared, you need to care. Care enough to take small steps in your daily life to preserve our home. our vacation. our breathe. 

[thecleancove-blog]

HAPPY JUNE 5TH AKA WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY. (Photo by Paul Chesley) 

This is the 45th year of World Environment Day. The host is China and the theme is Air Pollution. The air we breathe is not clean, and some places toxic. Household fuels, Agriculture, Transport and Industry are leading causes of air pollution. Read here to find out more and ways you can help. https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/?bif=2&xv=1

I want to take this chance to post some POSITIVE things happening right now for our Mama Earth. I know so many of us, including myself, are feeling discouraged and hopeless. 

1. Coral Reefs in Hawaii are making a COMEBACK 

2. The EU government banned several plastics & plastic products 

3. Puerto Rico aims to have 100% renewable energy by 2050

4. The hole in the Ozone layer is healing and suspected to fully heal in 50 years! (if we keep on the green change we are doing now)

5. Mountain Gorillas, Humpback Whales, and Pandas are making a comeback from the endangered list thanks to all the hard work from conversationists. 

These are just a few-- so many companies, states, and countries are trying to move to sustainable, clean energy. What I'm even happier to see is what WE, are doing. You may think your actions don’t make a difference. You’re wrong because you are a part of a WAVE. The reduced waste, green living, zero waste wave is growing larger and forcing companies to instill ethical & sustainable practices. In a consuming society WE decide what we buy, that’s our voice to companies. If we refuse plastic, and TOXIC products, If we refuse to buy, they have to listen and change their ways to adapt to the times. Make companies adapt to us, and the Earth. 

  These companies only care about money, well let them know our money is going towards caring for our health and environment. 

#BeAPartOfTheWave 

[thecleancove-blog]

Pretty much everything I use in the bathroom!! Descriptions, and links below. 

Shampoo/Conditioning Bars- These are actually AMAZING. My hair was so soft, clean, and natural. The bars are 100% natural.They come in zero waste packaging as well. 

   https://zerowastestore.com/collections/featured-collection/products/seaside-shampoo-bar-large

 https://zerowastestore.com/collections/featured-collection/products/seaside-conditioner-bar

Safety Razor- There is a more extensive review further back on my profile about this specific razor. It was designed for womens curves and those tough spots to shave. I have LOVED this product. It’s way cheaper than plastic ones, and better for your skin. INVEST.  They came out with two new colors--I gotta say that matte black is looking S H A R P 

https://www.bareaya.com

Davids Toothpaste- Minty toothpaste in a completely recyclable metal container! You can also use BITE dental tabs, however those are still pretty niche and expensive. Davids is affordable, and non toxic! 

https://zerowastestore.com/collections/oral-hygiene/products/natural-toothpaste

Plant Fiber Loofah- 100% plant fiber, and will compost within 30 days! These are soft and exfoliant. Perfect for your shower routine and you don’t have to worry about waste 

  https://zerowastestore.com/collections/cleaning/products/zero-waste-loofah-scrubber-single

  Menstrual Cup- #1 thing I want everyone to switch to. In an earlier post I talk about the Organi Cup, which I still use and love dearly, and will for years to come. However, I found this brand DotCup and I'm obsessed. I��ve wanted to buy one for myself, but alas I don’t need it. Unless my Organi Cup gets weird I'm set for five years! Dotcup supports women everywhere, have ethical and sustainable work environments product, and I mean come on, look at that packaging. BUY BUY BUY. 

 https://dotforall.com

Good Bar Soap- This is a product I get SO excited about and stock up on. It’s $1 soap from Whole Foods that is 100% natural. The brand Alaffia is also badass. I use different ones for my body and face, seriously the B E S T. You need to get your hands on these. 

https://www.goodsoap.com

Tongue Scraper- Something you didn’t know you needed until you have it! Bamboo toothbrushes don’t have the feature on the back of the head for your tongue so be sure to get a tongue scraper! You’ll be amazed how gross your tongue gets. 

https://zerowastestore.com/collections/oral-hygiene/products/zero-waste-tongue-scraper

Bamboo toothbrush- 100% recyclable, wonderful for the mouth and environment. Need I say more? 

https://zerowastestore.com/collections/oral-hygiene/products/zero-waste-bamboo-toothbrush

Who Gives A Crap Toilet Paper- YOU NEED TO TRY THE FREE TRIAL. OK. I love this toilet paper as do my guests. Its 3 ply-super soft and works better than any other I've tried. When you subscribe you get 48 rolls for $48...not bad eh? Oh, and your stockpile literally lasts forever so less shopping trips! They’re 100% recyclable and they build toilets with 50% of profits for countries in need. GOTTA LOVE EM. 

https://us.whogivesacrap.org

[thecleancove-blog]

What do you know about Bees besides the iconic Bee Movie?!!

I actually want to become a beekeeper with a hive or two in my backyard, so I'm sharing some fun facts about bees and why their survival is so important to us! 

1. They allow us to grow our food, and oxygen source by pollinating

2. 1/3 of the food we eat is because of bees--thanks bees

3. A single bee makes 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey its life--so appreciate your honey, it took a colony!!!!

4. Bees don’t sleep, they're just motionless at night 

5. Only female bees have stingers #WomenEmpowermentInNature

6. The queen can lay up to 6500 eggs a day WOAH. 

WHY BEES ARE AT RISK  ☹️ 

1. Pesticides used on crops and wildflowers

2. Destruction of environments and food sources 

Massive agriculture is a leader in both pollution, and destruction of species. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE BEES!!

1. Plant flowers that are good for pollinators like lavender, bluebell 

2. Make a bee bath for them to take breaks in between pollinating https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8655424266262572/

3. Make a bee house for solitary bees--an easy DIY  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/131730357825386380/

4. Sponsor a hive https://thehoneybeeconservancy.org/sponsor-a-hive/

5. Advocate, Advocate, Advocate 

[thecleancove-blog]

[thecleancove-blog]

Ice cream is wonderful because typically you can just eat the container it comes in! If you prefer bowls or milkshakes be sure to bring your own containers! Never be embarrassed to bring your own container. I sometimes get sighs but other than that nothing bad will happen. You are 1. doing something to help 2. people may follow your lead. 

Yes, ice cream is still a tad controversial and makes me feel like a hypocrite because it’s a part of the dairy industry which is awful for the environment and animals. There are vegan ice cream options which are preferred. Sometimes I feel like I'm living a life of hypocrisy by not being vegetarian or vegan, but simply at this time in my life it’s not something I am going to commit to, despite wanting to. I’ll probably ease into it soon enough. 

[thecleancove-blog]

SUMMER IS UPON US!! 

How excited are we for fires, cookouts, s’mores, live music and MORE. Seriously, this is one of my favorites times because I get to eat watermelon, swim, feel the sun and be surrounded by good company. BUT cookouts are a major source of waste. Plastic plates, utensils, napkins and cups GALORE. First things first, bring your own. BYOE. bring your own everything. That way you don’t have to contribute to the waste. HELL even bring your own to-go containers because we all know thats our favorite part. Doing all of these things eliminates your contribution to the mess. Imagine if everyone at a party brought their own bowls, plates, utensils, and cup. Then, everyone is responsible for their own mess, and our lovely earth won’t have to suffer the consequences for a million years. 

If you’re hosting, there's also ways you can cut back waste. Try buying food fresh from local markets, and butcheries. If you have bulk stores go there for some essentials. Additionally, encourage everyone to bring their own stuff (have a few extra in case they forget or don’t comply). It so much cheaper! Buying the plastic ware is expensive and it’s stuff we all have anyway. 

Having parties and good times don’t have to come at the expense of our environment. Be smart, be sustainable, advocate and have fun 

[thecleancove-blog]

bring a mason jar WHEREVER you go. Literally, this is one of the simplest zero-waste things you can do. Whether its smoothies, iced coffee, pop, water, food, ICE CREAM!!!! you can use it and avoid a single-use container. 

This smoothie is a blend of fruits, bananas, and chia seeds for a pick me up and some fiber. 

Sometimes I worry about running out of content since the zero-waste tips can only go so far, so I'll be posting more about me actually using them and how they’re incorporated into my life! 

DRINK ON!!! 

[thecleancove-blog]

Ethical Companies

Hello lovelies, 

I’ve been on this adventurous kick, and a part of that is finding ethical companies to support rather than going and buying tons of supplies. I’ve touched on beauty companies however this will be more towards outdoorsy stuff. I cannot take full credit for this idea, because while it’s a part of my mission, my best friend, Dori, has her own blog “GiveBackCo” and she has a hugeeee list of ethical companies and I have a lot of these ideas from her. Her instagram link will be posted and I would appreciate if you followed her! She’s one of the most wholesome people I know. https://www.instagram.com/thegivebackco2019/

First off, buying second hand is always the best option, alas I understand we sometimes want things in new condition so it’ll be ours and last longer. 

REI Co-Op- 

 They are sustainable, ethical, and actually sell used gear!  I’ve been a member with them and honestly love it. I don’t even purchase much from them but I want to support a bad ass company. Heres a link to see their stewardship 

https://www.rei.com/stewardship

Cotopaxi-

 Sustainable product design using recycled materials, ethical work environment for workers and sewers. B certified corp as well! Their products are hella cute.

https://www.cotopaxi.com/pages/foundation

United by Blue-

  Apparel, and accessories United by Blue promote sustainable products, and lifestyle. They also do various ocean cleanups and have already cleared 1,756,888 pounds of trash. YEE HAW! 

https://unitedbyblue.com/pages/our-mission

Indigo Luna- 

  For you beach nuts and yogis I have a brand that I am OBSESSED with based out of Australia. Indigo Luna is seriously the cutest bathing suits, and leggings made out of recycled ocean waste, and fishing nets. They also use natural dyed eucalyptus since it’s a more sustainable material. These products will cost you a little more, but last forever and you can be sound knowing you supported a company that empowers women and the earth 

https://indigoluna.net

These are just some of my favorites, I encourage you all to do your own research and find companies just like these--there are a lot. I also want to emphasize sometimes buying these products is more expensive and an investment, so if you can't afford them, don’t get discouraged. Spreading the word and advocating can do just as much. 

[thecleancove-blog]

Chai tea is a wonderful herbal tea that I love drinking. I make mine either steeping tea bags and making my own cold brew, or using TAZO concentrate which is in a cardboard box, so relatively low waste. Chai tea can benefit you by boosting the immune system. giving an energy boost, and for me, reducing nausea (provided I use almond milk because I do not drink regular dairy as I am lactose intolerant). The slight spice is splendid. I meditated before this photo which has been extremely wonderful. A part of the reason I stopped this blog was because I thought I ran out of content, products to post, but in reality this is my blog and I can curate it to be whatever I want. Focusing on being intentional, natural, and honest is a part of my environmentalist journey. I mean hey, this is in a glass jar which are one of the most versatile items you can own! Additionally, it’s important we do what we can to help the planet be it switching some products, consuming less, and participating more; but at the end of the day the corporations need to be held accountable. A step in my journey to needing less, is this spiritual one. It’s all a full, imperfect circle. 

[thecleancove-blog]

Here is my first CBD post! I made a 15 minute vlog and its too large to fit on Tumblr, and insta is giving me troubles so I might just use bits and pieces of it to post on instagram. Hence the last photo is a screenshot from the vlog hahaha.  I’ll just write the gist of what I said anyway.

WHY CBD? Well, I saw other insta influencers using CBD talking about the wonder effects of it. I have had anxiety my whole life, but thought I had it under control. At the beginning of 2019 my anxiety spiraled, worsened and I tacked on panic disorder. I started seeing a therapist which has been LOVELY. Seriously, it has helped so much, and I’m fortunate enough to get ‘free’ care at my school I am lucky to have bonded with this therapist. I tried one once before and it didn’t click. So, while therapy was working it wasn’t working ‘enough’, so my doctor decided to put me on Zoloft after a panic attack that put me out of commission for two days. Long story short, my body rejected the Zoloft. After taking it, a very small dose, I woke up shaking–almost convulsing, heart rate almost 200 bpm, sweating, panic, dizzy, confusion, stomach distress. The next days? I was a zombie, my muscles felt weak, my legs couldn’t walk. I had to take a week off of school because I couldn’t physically make it out of my apartment. I am so thankful for my friends who came monitor me, make sure I ate, ensure I made it to the bathroom. My doctor told me to suck it up, these medications have side effects. Well, the first dose was only 20 mg, the second was 12.5 mg. My body was BEGGING me not to take these pills. I didn’t like the idea that something SO small in dosage could be SO potent. I mean listen, I have anxiety over everything, so after this fiasco, I would have an incredible amount trying a different SSRI. My therapist also thought with continued care, I wouldn’t even need an SSRi, at most maybe something for in the moment panic attacks such as Xanax. However, I decided to try CBD. Today was my first day with it so I cannot give a full review. Today I did normal errands, grocery shopping, target run, checkin in on the local cats for adoption. Usually when I do these at some point I feel nauseous, dizzy, or stomach pains from anxiety over fear of getting ill, since I have been sick a lot. I have developed a fear of passing out, throwing up, not being able to drive home when going out. Today, after the CBD, I did all of that with no nausea, and little fear. Only some stomach distress from IBS, and being hungry. I am hopeful this will be an end to my troubles, or at least help. I just need to make sure it doesn’t show up on a drug test despite having <.3% of THC in it. I am listening to my body, listening to my mind, and I am finding my OWN path to healing. I am thankful for traditional medicine, but in my personal experience my doctors have sucked, belittled me, and haven’t taken my body seriously, for the first time I feel in control. I am doing what I need to do.

[thecleancove-blog]

hey y’all, at first when it took this picture I was like “jess, this is so basic Tumblr of you” and then I decided it was a hot picture, and to just post it. Something I've finally reached is SELF-LOVE. It has taken a long time, it’s been brutal, it’s been lonely, it’s been hard. But you know what else? It’s been beautiful. I spent so long not focusing on myself, and giving everything I had to another person. Somewhere in the mix I stopped finding myself attractive, put myself down. Here I am today, having the courage to post selfies, show my body, because I have nothing to lose. When you have self-love, you eliminate space for negativity, for jealous, for comparison. I have self-love, which means the void that used to be empty is filled, and I can only radiate positive vibes to me, and other. 

[thecleancove-blog]

These are some cute photos my friends took of me yesterday on EARTH DAY!!! I have been more active on my instagram than here however there is no doubt I have been slacking. Between the end of the semester, and life I got caught up in other things posting wasn’t a priority. Social media began consuming me and I want to refrain from using it as much and being more present on this here earth. I am going to copy and paste what I posted on instagram because these are words from the heart that resonated with me. I hope you are all still interested, inspired, and living more intentionally for our wonderful home. Much love to everyone who has reached out. 

“something I’m ever grateful for is this earth, my home. I find solace going outside, and simply breathing. I see flowers silently growing and know I’m doing the same. I feel the salty air, and the waves crashing against my body and know how strong I am. I feel the sun tightening my skin and reminded how much I love my body. There’s so much to feel when I’m connected to my surroundings and they ground me. Ever since starting my environmental blog I have changed so many things in my life. I’ve went back to my roots, and relearned empathy. I learned how to be intentional with all aspects of my life. In moments where I thought I couldn’t do it anymore, I looked around me, and saw the beauty and realized all I want to be a part of is this beautiful world. Preserving the earth and helping stop pollution, and making changes in your life is about more than saving our physical home. It’s preserving our humanity, and ability to look deep into nature and understand everything a little better. 🌱🌿🌸🌎🌊”

[thecleancove-blog]

[thecleancove-blog]

Hola! 

I took a small break from posting for a healthy social media distance. A part of this journey is becoming more intentional with my living. Which includes being more present. Sometimes it’s difficult because I am literally addicted to instagram and sometimes it’s simply easier to scroll. However, I found myself scrolling yet unable to answer text messages or talk to people. We find ourselves slipping and that’s when it’s important reflect on our unhealthy coping mechanisms. Mental health is extremely important to pay attention to. If you detect a change or new symptoms don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or professionals. Mustering up the energy to speak up can be difficult but a few simple words can make all the difference.  I am still following this passion full force, even though my social media presence has simmered down. I hope everyone can know that you CAN achieve whatever your goals are and you WILL even if it’s taking a little longer to get there. Today is also the first day of spring, so we can soon enjoy the blooming flowers. You yourself, are blooming. 

[thecleancove-blog]

SOAP ALERT!!

My goal was to find a soap that checked the following boxes. 1. Packaging free 2. Local 3. Natural. It was my first time at Whole Foods and I stumbled upon a shelf of COMPLETELY naked bars. I was ecstatic. I smelled the blackberry (pictured above) and it smells so sweet. The best part? It’s only $2.49 OR 3 for $5 which is amazing for a natural product.It’s pretty much coconut and shea butter.  I am totally going back for an unscented one to use on my face. It comes in a range of scents and vegan. 

The company that does this soap is ALSO amazing. 100% of the profit goes to helping families and communities. 

63% goes to Corporate Social Responsibility focusing on fair wages, and sustainable operations. 

21% goes to Fair Trade Raw Material from Africa 

10% goes to the Whole Planet foundation whose goal is to alleviate worldwide poverty. 

6% goes to West African Community Empowerment 

https://www.goodsoap.com here is there website to look into it more and see all of the ingredients. 

[thecleancove-blog]

Pittsburgh is having their spring EcoChallenge and I couldn’t be more excited to be participating in it. You choose actions that are attainable goals to surmount to huge changes in lifestyle. If you’re from the area PLEASE join my Chatham University Team. We do not have a lot of members so I'm trying to gain more. 

Heres the link: 

https://pittsburgh.ecochallenge.org/participants/join?referral_code=f147cd34-a56b-4a41-8e69-d289d27fe4bb&team_invitation=true

You are able to be entered into prizes and a part of a wonderful, and sustainable challenge. 

Have fun!!!