*sigh* If only sustainability was as simple as cute Stanley cups and cotton tote bags.

Sometimes sustainability is marketed as something trendy and tangible, but the reality is that creating a greener future is much deeper than aesthetic products and quick fixes. We ♥️ how young people are embracing intersectionality and addressing the elephant in the room…environmental racism.

The Environmental Protection Agency published a 2018 study that showed a 28% higher health burden for POC in general and 54% higher for Black Americans due to living in close proximity to pollution-producing facilities like factories and waste plants. Here’s a dope video that sums it up quite well!

Marginalized communities often lack access to resources and support to incorporate sustainable practices. That means things like clean water, healthy food, and affordable energy are not always available in these communities and can feel like a faraway dream. 

It’s time to get real and start creating more dialogue about how race and climate justice intersect. There are so many young BIPOC who are taking the lead on these conversations, like Leah Thomas, for example. She’s using her platform to share resources and information for those interested in how to “dismantle systems of oppression in the environmental movement,” and we’re here for it! 👏 A better future is possible, and it’ll be greener and more sustainable for ALL!

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

Small sustainable steps forward! Our Yasss, Green queens are stepping up and improving their communities, one cigarette butt at a time:

“I am American, but I live in the Dominican Republic. It is a country where pollution is a very big issue and trash is often discarded in the streets and near the oceans, polluting not only the land, but also the water surrounding the country,” said DoSomething member Virgina M., 16. “Picking up cigarette butts and recycling them is important to me because it always helps me to do my part in helping clean up the community that I live in and it allows me to contribute to an overall cleaner world for everyone.”

DoSomething member Aiden O., 15 said, “Today we are suffering from global warming. I can't save the earth with my single action, but I hope that I can become a role model for others and encourage many people to join this movement and protect it from global warming.”

“Picking up cigarette butts might seem small, but I think anything I can do to help the environment and my community is important,” said DoSomething member Emily B., 17. 

DoSomething members have already picked up over 4.7 million butts (and counting)! These sneaky polluters are the greatest source of ocean trash, so picking them up can make a huge difference in our seas. Join GTFO (Get The Filter Out) today, and you could earn a $1k scholarship!

$5 for your gratitude… As part of their commitment to supporting youth mental health, The Royal Bank of Canada is donating $5 to DoSomething for every #mypledge video you share expressing gratitude for someone that has helped change your life. This gives one of our favorite expressions – “it pays to do good” – new meaning. Share your video here.

A glimmer of hope… Clean energy is on the rise, and new numbers from 2021 show a 32% increase in solar-powered homes in the US, which is super exciting! We can’t wait to see how much it increases this year 👀

Our heroes today… are the women in US island territories who are banding together to combat climate change with innovative and sustainable local food systems. Goals!!

A big W… Illinois is ready to become the first state to ban book bans! Yep, you read that right 🔥 Banning. Book. Bans. 👏

FastWeb

If you’re going to work this summer, find a job that pays for your college tuition!! Big-brand companies are offering student perks including 100% paid tuition, fees, books & more.

CollegeXpress

Who doesn't love reading?! As we gear up for summer, we're thinking of all the fantastic books we want to add to our "must-read" list for long days at the pool or beach. Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving you the opportunity to earn a scholarship...just by sharing your favorite book recommendation! Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered to earn a $1,300 scholarship: What is a good book you'd recommend to a friend for the summer?

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