Posts in zIssue 54
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Dominique Johnson, Connecticut House of Representatives District 143

One thing that we at Jejune are pleased to see is the number of LGBTQ+ candidates who are running this year, and we have profiled quite a few of them! This week we are highlighting Dominique Johnson (she/they), who is the incumbent representative in District 143 in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Dominique is a genderqueer millennial who has gone from humble political beginnings as a community organizer to Assistant Majority Leader. A former professor and punk rock bassist, they are a published author with work appearing in works ranging from Teen Vogue to The Nation. Dominique is passionate advocate for educational equity, the health and well-being of youth, women and LGBTQ+ people, and sustainability.

Read More
How to Shop Sustainably for Essential Items for the School Year

The second most wonderful time of the year is here, fall. Two big changes come with the fall season and those are the start of a new school year and cooler weather. You’ll need new school supplies, sneakers, dorm necessities, apparel, etc. Checking things off your list and finding the right products can become a stressful experience, but that’s why Jejune is here. While there are so many incredible brands to shop at, we’ve compiled a few sustainable brands that we believe will ensure you ease into fall without any hiccups.

Read More
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Katie Causey, Palo Alto, CA City Council

Katie Causey (she/her/hers) is a bisexual millennial community and tenant organizer and political activist who is a lifelong resident of Palo Alto, California currently running for city council. Among other issues in her platform, Katie believes in expanding housing access and protecting tenant rights, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Palo Alto. As someone who is passionate about expanding and promoting public transportation, and reducing car traffic, Katie herself does not own a car, and walks, bikes, and takes public transport to get where she needs to be. Katie also owns over 35 houseplants!

Read More
Thomas Deininger - Trash to Treasure

In a barn studio brimming with creative chaos, Thomas Deininger redefines the boundaries of art by transforming discarded materials into colorful narratives. With a childhood shaped by ADHD and dyslexia, Deininger found solace in drawing and building, laying the foundation for his unique artistic approach. His pieces, often revealing different facets from various angles, invite viewers to experience a range of emotions and engage with pressing environmental issues. Despite the challenges of working with non-traditional materials, Deininger views obstacles as opportunities for innovation, creating art that evokes a range of emotions. To learn more about Thomas Deininger and his work, read on.

Read More
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Farrah Chaichi, Oregon House of Representatives District 35

As we count down the final weeks of this election season, we are ramping up our profiles of progressive candidates. This week we are profiling Farrah Chaichi (she/her/hers), a democratic socialist representative in Oregon running for reelection. This queer millennial of color and Iron Maiden superfan has a history of activism, fighting for causes such as labor rights, Black Lives Matter, and human rights. Farrah is passionate about delivering access to health care, addiction services, education, and clean water to her constituents in her hometown of Beaverton, which is a mix of working class and middle class neighborhoods.

Read More
How to Create the Perfect Sustainable Fall Wardrobe

Every fall, fashion companies put out a new line of cozy, warm-colored clothes. If you love this time of year, it can be hard to resist buying new sweaters, boots or jackets to stay on top of the trends. In reality, most of these trends come around every year, despite the fast fashion industry claiming they are new.

If you want to create the fall wardrobe of your dreams, follow these sustainable tips. The planet and your wallet will thank you later. 

Read More
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Luz Escamilla, Utah State Senate District 10

This week we are profiling our second party leader this season, Luz Escamilla (she/her), the current minority leader of the Democratic Party in the Utah State Senate. Luz was born in Mexico to two college professors, and immigrated when she was 18 years old. Only one of six Democrats in the Utah State Senate, Luz leads her small caucus in promoting issues such as healthcare access and cost, food security, air quality, transportation access, high quality childcare, and home visiting services.

Read More
The Crane Wives - Crafting Myths Through Melody

Dive into the captivating journey of The Crane Wives, a band that began in a small Michigan college town and has since become a force to be reckoned with in the music world. What started as a chance meeting between waitressing shifts at a Chinese buffet has evolved into a dynamic collaboration that blends raw emotion with musical experimentation. From exploring the complexities of adoption trauma in their single "Scars" to addressing imposter syndrome in "Bitter Medicine," The Crane Wives are unafraid to tackle deep, personal themes in their music. Discover the powerful melodies behind their latest work and learn how they are using their platform to inspire change. Read on to learn more about The Crane Wives. 

Read More
Charlotte Tucker - Dazzling the Screen and Dance Floor

Charlotte Tucker’s rise to fame began with an unexpected twist of fate. What was meant to be a simple outing to support her sister’s acting ambitions soon became a game-changer for Charlotte herself, landing her the role of Lily Loud in A Loud House Christmas. Now, as a standout child star who has dazzled audiences in everything from Netflix’s Cobra Kai to the eagerly anticipated The Air He Breathes, Charlotte has firmly established her place in the entertainment world. Beyond her impressive on-screen presence, she is deeply committed to giving back, particularly through her work with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. With a genuine passion for spreading joy and positivity, Charlotte shines both in front of the camera and in her community. To learn more about Charlotte Tucker, read on. 

Read More
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate, Maryland

Angela Alsobrooks (she/her/hers) is the Democratic candidate in the U.S. Senate race for Maryland. Currently the Executive of Prince George’s County, the second largest county in Maryland, Angela was featured as the keynote speaker of this year’s Democratic National Convention! A prosecutor by practice, Angela has a long history of political action. She is most passionate about protecting citizens’ freedom to have autonomy over our own bodies, to live without the threat of gun violence, and for all American families to have economic opportunity to build generational wealth.

Read More
Taking Care of Your Menstrual Health Is Also Caring for the Planet

Periods are painful and uncomfortable as it is, now add the stress of learning that some of the common period products you may be using may have high levels of toxic heavy metals like lead and arsenic in them. One shouldn’t have to worry about getting dangerous infections that can lead to toxic shock syndrome and cancer just from taking care of their monthly flow. Let’s also factor in the “pink tax” of how expensive it is to have to constantly buy these products over a lifetime… which also leads to how wasteful they are! But there is a solution!! There are an increasing number of sustainable period products out there that are safe for your body, cheaper (in the long run), much less wasteful for the planet, and it is rumored that using these products can often decrease cramps and maybe even the length of a period (of course there are no studies because no one studies women’s health). Sounds like wins all around to me! Let’s dive into some great options below!

Read More
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Aime Wichtendahl, Iowa House of Representatives District 80

Well, primary season is officially over, and the candidates are in! This week’s candidate advanced from the Iowa primary on June 4. Aime Wichtendahl (she/her) is the first transgender elected official in the state of Iowa. She is the chair of the city council in Hiawatha, Iowa and has been on the council since 2015. Aime is also a novelist and journalist, and is a dues paying member of American Federation of Musicians local 137. She is passionate about transgender and LGBTQIA+ rights, green energy, and small businesses.

Read More
Stripping Down The World Of Pole Sport With Taylor Dalton

The Olympics might be over, but it hasn’t left our hearts! There are few things more exciting than watching humans do super human things with their bodies, and this year did not disappoint! From Simone Biles returning with new tricks and mind blowing routines to Breaking making it debut! With the drama aside, there were so many powerful and beautiful moments this year that made this Olympics one of my favorite ones to watch.

But as a pole dancer, there was just one thing lacking this year… Pole Sport!! Dive deeper as we talk to US Team pole athlete and stripper Taylor Dalton.

Read More
Hot Girl Walk - Bringing the Heat with Every Step

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, one woman's innovative approach to coping with isolation sparked a movement that has since resonated with thousands nationwide. Hot Girl Walk, created by Mia Lind during lockdown, began as a personal strategy to combat loneliness and build confidence. Emphasizing the mental and physical benefits of walking, she redefines what it means to be "hot," placing the focus on inner strength and empowerment. By sharing her journey on social media, she quickly garnered a community of individuals, proving that the act of walking can be transformative. Today, Hot Girl Walk is more than just a fitness trend; it's a global movement promoting inclusivity and mental well-being. Read on to learn more about Mia Lind’s Hot Girl Walk.

Read More
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Barbara Hernandez, Illinois House of Representatives District 50

At the beginning of this election cycle we featured an Illinois State Senator running for reelection. Today we are featuring an Illinois State Representative, Barbara Hernandez (she/her), a millennial who has spent most of her adult life in politics. As the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Barbara was the first in her family to go to college, and was inspired to go into politics to reform our country’s broken immigration system. At age 24 she was elected to serve on the Kane County Board, and in 2019 she was appointed to finish the term of her former boss in the Illinois State House (she has been reelected twice since then). Barbara is passionate about period poverty, higher education accessibility, immigration, and fighting for restorative justice.

Read More
Exploring Clean Beauty: What's Actually Good for the Planet?

Clean beauty is a commonly used term in the beauty industry. Companies offering these products offer a compelling advantage beyond personal care — they also actively promote the wellness of the environment. Discover what lies behind this claim and what makes clean beauty products better for the planet.

Read More
Creative Minds Against Climate Change

In an era marked by rising temperatures, a growing number of artists are using their creative talents to shine a spotlight on global warming, the environment, and the profound impacts on daily life. From breathtaking paintings to thought-provoking structures, these artists are harnessing their craft to convey urgent environmental messages and inspire action. As these artists highlight the urgent need for climate action, they also prompt crucial questions: What steps can we take in our daily lives to combat global warming? How can we use art as a catalyst for change in our own communities? By blending artistry with advocacy, these artists not only highlight the urgent need for climate action but also offer compelling, emotional connections to the scientific realities of global warming. Their work fosters a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and encourages us to reflect on our role in addressing one of humanity’s greatest threats.

Read More
Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Liz Sheehan, Lexington, KY Urban County Council District 5

Three months ago, we profiled a candidate running at the local level to be a city councilmember in Louisville, Kentucky (the largest city in the state). Today, we are profiling another candidate running at the local level, who is an incumbent on the city council of Lexington, Kentucky (the second-largest city in the state). Dr. Liz Sheehan (she/her), is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky and is the first openly bisexual individual to hold elected office in the state. Having served two terms on the city council, Liz is passionate about creating policy solutions to tackle problems associated with housing and homelessness, environmental sustainability, LGBTQ rights, pedestrian and biker safety, and mental health. Liz lives in Lexington with her husband Dan and daughter Ash.

Read More
EcoKaari - From Plastic Waste to Classic Taste

EcoKaari is on a mission to turn plastic pollution into a canvas of tradition and sustainability. The name itself, a fusion of "Eco" and "Kaari" (Hindi for artisan), reveals their dedication to merging environmental responsibility with traditional craftsmanship. By transforming discarded plastic into handcrafted fabrics using traditional handlooms and charkhas (spindles), EcoKaari is not just creating textiles — it's reviving ancient skills while championing eco-conscious practices. Driven by core values of sustainability, empowerment, and innovation, EcoKaari is reshaping the narrative around waste. Their collaboration with the JSW Foundation amplifies these efforts, focusing on environmental conservation and community upliftment. From their stylish, practical bags to their seed collection that nurtures biodiversity, EcoKaari is redefining what it means to be both beautiful and impactful. Read on to learn more about EcoKaari.

Read More
Being Blessed By ENUDIUM

Meet the new clean beauty brand straight out of Africa — ENUDIUM. Taking advantage of the unique local plants and fauna in Africa, ENUDIUM is able to create vegan and sustainable beauty products that will help our skin stay young and vibrant. I had the pleasure to try out the Recondition Barrier Cream and the Ethnobotanical Firmness Cream, and they left my skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Read on to learn more about this exciting new brand from a very cool part of the world!

Read More