What is the point of making national parks more accessible if they aren't sustainable? In 2025 alone, the United States National Park System recorded 323 million recreational visits. However, as visits increased, there weren't enough staff to sustain such a system. Since Trump took office, it was reported that by mid-2025 the administration had dismissed nearly 1,000 NPS employees as part of a wave of far-reaching federal layoffs, all under the promise of "saving money."

A low-waste lifestyle grows through practical habits that fit your daily routine. Clear goals and time frames make progress easier to see and easier to maintain. These seven challenges can help you reduce waste in measurable ways while creating low-waste habits that feel realistic and rewarding.

Expensive handbags, shoes, and clothes had taken a backseat to water during an era ruled by climate change; those who can afford the comfort of water, air conditioning, and a lifestyle unchallenged by the heat wave are now owning the new luxury.

Back to school season is in full swing and with it, the endless journey of back to school shopping. As a college student, I am less likely to go out in search of colorful new notebooks and pencils like I used to as a kid because I spend all my time on my laptop now, but there’s still one thing we are often on the hunt for.

Graduated from the Master’s program in Fashion Design at instituto Marangoni and founder of his eponymous brand "VALADEZ," Juan Luis Valadez is a Mexican designer who creates stories that engage in dialogue and question through textiles; every VALADEZ garment represents a constant pursuit of change: a design that is cruelty free, seasonless, slow-produced, and conscious.

With the arrival of summer comes the need for versatile footwear; however, dressing for the season shouldn't cost any living being its life. That is why I have put together a list of stylish, fun, and functional footwear made in an environmentally friendly way.

In the world of makeup and skincare, the 2020s have been defined by little to no visible product on the face. “Clean girl” minimalism and the “no make-up make-up look” have long lapped the 2010s passion for big, blocky eyebrows, cut creases with thick eyeliner, blinding highlighter and overdrawn lips. As someone who began her makeup journey during that heavy, colorful era, I yearn for the days when people wanted to go outside wearing more than the latest in an endless parade of lip oils.

CEO of Crate 61 Organics Alexandros Hanou knows that sustainable skincare is not only a possibility we can aim for, but a standard we must strive for. He shared his insights into top-notch, sustainable ingredients, production and shipping methods and even marketing tactics. Crate 61 Organics provides customers with satisfying soaps and other products without any bells and whistles regarding scent, plastic usage in their packaging and other stereotypes that plague the skincare industry.

As winter sets in, beauty shifts toward richer textures, softer light, and a more thoughtful approach to makeup. The season invites looks that feel intentional yet expressive, balancing warmth with a sense of atmosphere and mood. From luminous finishes that catch the light to deeper tones and gently diffused color, winter beauty this year explores contrast—between glow and depth, softness and drama. Together, these styles reflect a season that favors creativity, subtle romance, and a touch of bold elegance.

In the city of Santa Ana, Councilwoman Jessie Lopez (she/her) is running as a Democrat for State Assembly against her fellow councilmember David Penaloza, also a Democrat. A Latina millennial, Jessie got her start in public service as a volunteer with the Public Law Center and as a campaigner against sexual assaults occurring on and around her college campus, before being elected to the Santa Ana City Council in 2020. Jessie is most passionate about and is centering her campaign around affordable housing, Medicare for All, protecting and fully funding public schools, investing in young people, abolishing ICE, advancing environmental justice, expanding economic opportunity, and creating meaningful police accountability.

The road from evangelical megachurch clergy to trans progressive election candidate is an unlikely journey, but it does happen! Joanna Whaley (she/her) is a former pastor at a Michigan evangelical megachurch, but actively undergoing “conversion therapy” for 15 years, during most of her time serving there. Joanna transitioned in 2022 and was forced to leave her church, but has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and outspoken critic of Christian nationalism, a world she was immersed in for most of her early millenial adult life.

Joanna was motivated to run after lots of encouragement from local leaders and community members, due to the fact that her current state representative, Tullio Liberati, was one of eight Democrats to vote last year for a Republican measure that would ban trans girls from school sports. Though Tullio is retiring at the end of his term, his older brother Frank decided to run to replace him. It did not turn out well for the Liberati brothers though, as Joanna defeated Frank by almost 25 percentage points. The core of Joanna’s platform is to get utilities in check, pass, single payer healthcare in the state of Michigan, and protect civil rights and freedom for all people. If elected in November, she will become the first trans woman elected to the Michigan legislature, quite a stunning turnaround from the current representation in her district.

Rachel Bochner has been growing, learning and evolving a whole life, as we all do. Her upcoming debut album “I Guess A Sure Thing Couldn’t Go Down Gently” drops on September 25 and details heartbreak, self-discovery and exploring her queer identity and the freedom that comes with that. Bochner wants her queer fans to feel heard and loved by her music, and she raises money and spreads community through her work with The Wild Honey Pie.