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!

Wellness, Editor's Pick, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Valerie SotoAugust 30, 2024period, menstrual health, period cup, period pads, period discs, sustainable, organic, cleanComment

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.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FAugust 28, 2024Government, Transgender, Women's rights, vote, democracy, electionComment

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.

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.

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.

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.

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Cora GoldAugust 19, 2024beauty, clean beauty, eco friendly, sustainable, non toxic, natural, sustainablepackagingComment

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.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanAugust 16, 2024Art, artist, climate change, climate crises, AwarenessComment

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.

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.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanAugust 12, 2024upcycle, recycle, fashion, Sustainable Fashion, Sustainability, Fashion, India, artisansComment

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!

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Kira BuccaAugust 9, 2024beauty brand, beauty tips, Beauty, Africa, Vegan, vegan brandsComment