Tag: Sarah J. Kings

Climate Action, Climate Change August 21, 2020August 21, 2020

Why You Should Pay Attention to Beyond Meat

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 21, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

Beyond Meat is a US-based vegan alternative meat company that focuses on sustainability and animal welfare. They are the makers of the beet juice burger that “bleeds” like beef. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this new backyard barbecue staple does more than just drip red juices on the grill.

In May of 2019, when Beyond Meat first became publicly traded, the market exploded with excitement. According to Forbes, the stock closed that day at a 43% increase. People around the country finally saw what CEO Ethan Brown knew all along— alternative meat is an industry that will change the world.

Instagram – @beyondmeat

Despite the plummet that most traded companies felt during the months of quarantine, in May of 2020, Beyond’s share values reportedly grew 82%. And the company continued to grow and forge deals to further their infiltration into the lives of average people.

On August 4th, Beyond reported a net loss of a whopping $10.2 million— but don’t let the word ‘loss’ fool you. Brown has made it clear that Beyond will continue to push through these unprecedented times and provide an affordable, more sustainable, and healthier plant-based alternative to beef. During the second quarter, Beyond partnered with megastores Target and Walmart, making this vegan burger more accessible than ever. The partnership helped the company reach $113.3 million in net sales.

Beyond Meat is already at T.G.I.Friday’s, Dunkin’, and Carl’s Junior, and each partnership helped launch the company’s success further. On August 12th, Aramark announced that they, too, will be partnering with Beyond. As one of the largest food providers in the US, this is a big deal that will positively impact Beyond’s stock in the future. When America ‘reopens’, and people return to schools, college campuses’, and stadiums Beyond will be there— and you can count on stock values to reflect that.

Twitter – @Ceo_topcvstudio

Tl;dr

Beyond Meat is an alternative meat company that focuses on sustainability and animal welfare
Beyond stock closed at a 43% increase on its first day on the market
May of 2020, Beyond’s share values reportedly grew 82%
Despite a reported a net loss of $10.2 million, Beyond made relationships with Target & Walmart during quarantine
The company reach $113.3 million in net sales in Q2
On August 12th, Aramark announced a partnership with Beyond
Expect to see Beyond Meat in schools, college campuses’, & stadiums
When America ‘reopens’, the stock value will increase

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is gallantarcher_3d_socialmedia.jpg

Climate Action, Climate Change, sustainability August 17, 2020August 18, 2020

What You Need to Know to Go Solar During Pandemic

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 18, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

While solar power has previously been thought to be a beacon of hope for the environment and the economy, the industry is currently in crisis. Amid COVID 19, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) published a press release availing quarter two outcomes.

Prior to the pandemic, it was projected that solar energy projects would offer 302,000 Americans jobs by June of 2020. Instead, the industry saw a job loss of 114,000 workers. SEIA states, “The Q2 solar deployment losses are equivalent to powering 288,000 homes and $3.2 billion in economic investment.” This type of down-turn sets the solar workforce back to levels seen in 2014.

In the same press release, SEIA blames a lack of “strategic government action” for this setback. However, they also state, “with the right policies in place, the solar industry is poised to lead the U.S. out of this economic recession and create jobs for thousands of Americans.”

Just recently, the association published a COVID 19 resource guide for the solar industry. Alongside this guide, they have launched a social media campaign, #RebuildBetter, to build awareness and advocate for the necessary policies to support solar energy.

Now is the perfect time to jump in and switch to renewable energy for your household. It’s super simple to get started. Just click on EnergySage.com to get a free quote and learn about the incentives and rebates in your area. EnergySage will calculate the costs and benefits. Check it out today. It can’t hurt to find out more information about this critical technology. To take advantage of rare incentives, get a free quote today.

There are five main things you can do to support the solar industry in this time of need.

Submit a Solar Power Testimonial to the SEIA
Make a personal or company-related donation to support solar-related COVID 19 relief efforts
Submit company project-level data to EIA
Support the campaign #RebuildBetter
Go to EnergySage.com for information and a free quote for installing solar panels to your house.

Climate Action, Climate Change, sustainability August 14, 2020August 14, 2020

Eco-Friendly Fashion & Green Brooklyn Brand

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 14, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

America has a skeleton lurking in her closet— or rather, a skeleton leaving the closet. It is estimated that each person in the US throws away an average of 70 lbs of unwanted clothing annually. Keeping in mind that a shirt or a pair of jeans is worn only seven times before ending up in a landfill, this is a problematic amount of unnecessary consumer waste. The solution: more thoughtful consumerism, upcycling, and recycling old clothes. Yes, you can recycle clothes. According to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association, SMART, up to 95% of all used clothing is recyclable.

Keep your eyes open for brands using ethically sourced and recycled fabrics!

Twitter- @GreenBrooklynbd

The Green Brooklyn Brand, owned by New York Native Antoine Jackson, is definitely a brand to follow. They focus heavily on bringing environmentalism and sustainability to the streetwear conversation. In an exclusive interview, Jackson told the Hill Report that the brand plans on “revolutionizing the way we see fashion…[with] simple techniques that will help to heal the world.” All of Green Brooklyn Brand’s clothes are made with eco-friendly fabrics like hemp, Eco-Triblend, and RPET. RPET stands for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate— simply put, this is a fabric that is composed of recycled polyesters and plastics.

The clothing line is designed to be comfortable, recyclable, and reusable. The durability and ingenuity of the brand speaks directly to its consumers, and changes the way the world looks at streetwear. Jackson stated, “Green Brooklyn Brand garments are meant to be strong, just like the common Brooklynite.”

Instagram-@greenbrooklynbrand

Even more exciting, Jackson hinted at an upcoming fusion of technology and fashion for the brand. Without giving too much away, he said, “I believe we are on to something very chic and revolutionary in the world of wearable tech.” While we are not sure exactly what is coming down the pike, we can imagine that this will be big in the world of eco-friendly fashion.

If you want bold fashion that takes a strong position on sustainability, wear Green Brooklyn Brand, and post your eco-friendly fashion on social media with #greenbrooklynbrand or #gbb!

Tl:dr

Each person in the US throws away an average of 70 lbs of unwanted clothing each year
95% of all used clothing is recyclable
The Green Brooklyn Brand brings environmentalism and sustainability to streetwear
Green Brooklyn Brand’s clothes are made with eco-friendly fabrics like Hemp, Eco-Triblend, and RPET. RPET
Owner, Antoine Jackson hinted at an upcoming fusion of technology and fashion for the brand

Climate Action, Climate Change, Environment, sustainability August 6, 2020August 14, 2020

Why You Need to Know About the Launch of The Wonderful Wine Co.

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 6, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

This time last summer, your evening plans may have included slipping on stilettos to meet up with a few friends at a new roof-top bar or rocking your favorite fedora at a neighborhood block party. As Friday quickly approaches, we know swanky bars and big parties are out of the question, but that doesn’t mean you have to let your summer slip away. You can uncork a bottle of wine on your back porch with your neighbor– six feet away, of course– and toast to Mother Nature!

Yes, that’s right; there is a wine that is actually doing something for the environment. In June of 2020, Winc launched a totally vegan and oh so sustainable line of wine. It’s called The Wonderful Wine Co., and people are loving it!

Twitter – @helloboxes

The Wonderful Wine Co. is dedicated to the wellness of the planet and the wellness of its customers. All of the grapes are derived from organic vineyards, and no added chemicals or added sugars are used in the process. Unlike most wine available, The Wonderful Wine Co. is all vegan. This means that the ground-up bone, casein, milk, and fish bladders that sneak their way into your typical Rosé, won’t be found here.

More than simply better for you, this wine is better for the planet. The ingredients, the packaging, how it is shipped, and even the bottle itself are meticulously designed with Mother Nature in mind. Wonderful Wine uses a special lightweight glass bottle that requires 20% less energy and 12% less water in production, which reduces carbon emissions by 27%. They also have reduced landfill contributions and deforestation by eliminating the trash producing polylaminate capsule altogether and using an all-natural biodegradable cork. Additionally, the box the wine is housed in is 100% recyclable and 95% compostable.

With four delicious selections coming from non-GMO vineyards in Argentina, France, and California, there is a delicious and sophisticated option for any occasion. For a sustainable sip of summer, pour yourself a glass of The Limited Edition Orange wine. With notes of citrus and white peach and a touch of honeysuckle, you will know why they call it Wonderful Wine.

Instagram – @blevineproductions

Come back every Thursday to learn more about the role veganism plays in combating climate change!

Tl;dr

Winc launched The Wonderful Wine Co., a vegan and sustainable line of wine
The grapes are derived from organic vineyards
No added chemicals or added sugars are used in the process
Most other wine includes ground-up bone, casein, milk, and fish bladders
Wonderful Wine uses a special lightweight glass bottle that reduces carbon emissions by 27%
They reduced landfill contributions and deforestation by eliminating the polylaminate capsule and using an all-natural biodegradable cork
The box is 100% recyclable and 95% compostable

Climate Action, Climate Change, Environment, sustainability August 5, 2020August 14, 2020

What People Are Saying About Mini Cooper Going Electric— Again

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 5, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

With all of the Nissan Leafs and Chevy Bolts on the road today, it may seem hard to remember when electric vehicles, EVs, were uncommon. However, only ten years ago, EVs were virtually unattainable to the average person. It was only in 2009 that the first major car manufacturer released over 500 EVs for private use— and no, it was not Tesla. It was BMW’s Mini Cooper!

Though nearly ten thousand people signed up to lease Mini’s original EV– the Mini E– the vehicle was never intended for mass production. In March of 2020, Mini Cooper put more than just their toes in the water, with the release of their first real line of EVs: the Mini Cooper Hardtop SE. Starting at $29,900, this stylish and spunky roadster is one of the most affordable electric cars around.

Instagram – @pepperandgold

According to Car and Driver, the car “has a 32.6-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.” It has agile handling, a high-tech interior, and of course, the distinctive Mini aesthetic. Additionally, the SE sports an adjustable regenerative braking system, as well as a state of the art heat-pump that is 75% more efficient than traditional electric designs.

The only real flaw in this adorable Mini is the range. The Mini Cooper SE has 110 miles of electric range, while competitors, like Hyundai or Kia have over 200 miles of range. On a positive note, the SE comes with a 3-prong charging cord that will fit into any standard outlet. In combination with the available at-home wallbox chargers and the increasing availability of public charging stations, this makes range less of an issue. Plus, when using Fast DC Charging Stations, average users get an 80% charge in about 35 minutes.

Twitter – @MyUrbanCar

All in all, people are excited about the style, handling, and affordability of this Zero-Emission car. Pulling up in the Mini Cooper’s newly released SE will not disappoint!

Come back next Wednesday for more EV news!

Tl;dr

In 2009 Mini Cooper released 500 EVs for private use— the Mini E
The Mini E was never intended for mass production
In March of 2020, Mini Cooper released of their first real line of EVs: the Mini Cooper Hardtop SE
The base model starts at $29,900
The SE produces 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque
The SE has a state of the art heat-pump that is 75% more efficient than traditional electric designs
At home charging and the increase in public charging stations makes the 110 miles of electric range less of an issue

Climate Action, Climate Change, Nature July 30, 2020August 14, 2020

10 Amazing Female Vegan Mega-Stars

Washington (GGM) Analysis | July 30, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

Everywhere you go, you are seeing more and more about veganism and plant-based diets. Whether you’re walking down the street and see a billboard for Burger King’s Impossible Whopper, or you’re perusing down the “Plant-Based Protein” aisle in Target, it’s hard to ignore that times are changing. Veganism is here, it’s becoming more accessible, and it’s not going anywhere. As inhabitants of this earth, we should all be excited by this.

Twitter – @MealsVegan

The vegan lifestyle combats animal cruelty, disease, and of course the climate crisis. Eliminating animals and animal products from your diet significantly reduces water consumption, land usage, and CO2 emissions. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA, 51% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by animal agriculture!

If that doesn’t inspire you to make a meatless change, maybe this will. Here is a list of 10 Amazing Female Mega-Stars who are completely committed to veganism!

Miley Cyrus – Singer, song-writer, & actress
Alicia Silverstone – Actress, Clueless sensation
Natalie Portman – Actress, activist, & Harvard Graduate
Taraji P. Henson – Actress & author
Gisele Bundchen – Supermodel
Mayim Bialik – Actress & neuroscientist
Kat Von D – Tattoo Artist & entrepreneur
Mya – Singer, producer, & actress
Ruby Rose – Model & actress
Beyoncé – Singer, The Queen B

Twitter – @MeatlessMonday

Not only are these stars plant-based, but they are making big strides in the vegan community! Alicia Silverstone, for example, has been vegan since 1998. Silverstone is the co-creator of myKind Organics, a line of vegan vitamins. Natalie Portman produced the film, Eating Animals, in 2017, and she regularly speaks out on animal rights and environmental issues. And we all remember how Beyoncé encouraged her fans to become vegan by offering free concert tickets to meatless converts.

Whoever your favorite celebrity is on this star-studded list, they would all agree, taking a chance on a plant-based diet is the way to go!

Climate Action, Climate Change, Environment, Nature, Oceans July 27, 2020August 14, 2020

3 Must Haves for New School Year | Eco-Friendly Parenting

Washington (GGM) Analysis | July 27, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

As August nears, so do thoughts of sending your children back to school. If it were any other summer, you would be budgeting for clothes, scheduling haircuts, and debating with your kids about why they don’t need the latest Louis Vuitton Supreme sneakers. Instead, due to the global pandemic, you’re reading and re-reading governor briefings and state guidelines for re-opening in the fall and wondering about the efficacy of remote learning.

No doubt, things will be different this school year. Your child may return to school in the fall using a hybrid model, or they might be 100% remote. No matter what avenue is taken, you still need to prepare. As an earth-conscious parent, we know how important it is that your back to school list is sustainable.

We talk about plastic a lot, but one of the biggest offenders of the climate crisis is our paper consumption. According to the Environmental Professionals Network (EPN), each person in the U.S uses 749 lbs of paper per year, resulting in massive deforestation. Adding insult to injury, so much of this paper does not get recycled. Paper waste makes up 26% of landfills, resulting in the production of methane, “greenhouse gas with 23 times the heat-trapping capacity of carbon dioxide.” Because of this, the reMarkable 2 should be the first item on your shopping list.

This next generation “paper tablet” is wildly versatile. It looks, feels, and even sounds like a pencil and paper, offering your child the creative experience they are used to. It is ultra-lightweight and compact, and all of your child’s notes will be automatically uploaded to the cloud. So, finally, everything will be organized, and nothing will get lost!

Twitter – @Ayo_d10

The next item of the list, of course, is cellphone related. Nowadays, if you have a school-age child, the chances are that they have a mobile device. Without a doubt, they will be looking for a new case for the start of the school year. For this request, consider buying your young one a Pela phone case. Pela cases are nonsynthetic and are Certified Climate Neutral. These stylish accessories are plant-based and made from recycled materials, making them completely biodegradable and compostable! With tons of styles that fit AirPods, iPhones, Samsungs, and Pixel phones, your child will be excited to make this eco-friendly switch.

This last item was definitely not on your back to school list last year: a face mask. Disposing of single-use face masks is posing a real threat to marine life. To combat this dangerous trend, try switching to a reusable mask made from upcycled materials. Lumily is an ethical brand that focuses on sustainability as a part of their business model. They offer a variety of CDC certified reusable masks made from 100% responsibly sourced cotton. An added bonus: Lumily will donate a mask to someone in an underserved or vulnerable community for each mask purchased!

Twitter – @craigtimes

With these three small changes to your back to school shopping, you and your kids can make a big impact on the globe!

Come back every Tuesday for more Eco-Friendly Parenting tips!

Tl:dr

Concerns about COVID-19 will most likely affect the way your child returns to school in the Fall
Try to keep sustainability at the forefront of thought when curating your child’s back to school list
Each person in the U.S uses 749 lbs of paper per year
Paper waste makes up 26% of landfills, resulting in the production of methane
Methane in landfills has 23 times the heat-trapping capacity of carbon dioxide
Try limiting your family’s paper waste with the purchase of a reMarkable 2
Try replacing plastic phone cases and AirPod cases with a compostable Pela case
Face masks, gloves, and other PPE are posing a major threat to marine life
Purchase a CDC certified reusable Lumily mask, made from 100% responsibly sourced cotton

Climate Action, Climate Change, sustainability July 24, 2020August 14, 2020

Is Elon Musk Mother Nature’s New Price Charming?

Washington (GGM) Analysis | July 23, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

In March of 2020, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, announced the search for the perfect location for his newest factory. Not unlike Prince Charming’s country-wide invitation to the castle ball in Cinderella, people far and wide waited in anticipation over Musk’s Choice. July 22nd, a statement was released, saying that the new facility will be built in Austin, Texas.

Twitter- @tedcruz

Unlike other car companies, Tesla far outperformed in earnings despite the global pandemic, reporting four consecutive profitable quarters. This boost for Tesla means a boost for the economy and a major boost for the planet.

Musk announced that the Cybertruck factory will be open to the public. With walking trails, bike paths, a boardwalk, and fish-filled streams, he described the park-like facility as an “ecological paradise.” This new destination will surely bring tourism dollars, but the real economic growth will come from the 5,000 new jobs needed at the site.

The economic buzz surrounding Musk’s latest venture is exciting, but the real news lies in the cars! Tesla promises that from the facility will come four new vehicles, the long-awaited Cyber Truck, the Tesla Semi, the Model Y, and the Model 3. The addition of these new EVs, along with Tesla’s unexpected boost in earnings, means more electric vehicles on the road. Considering the fact that every gallon of gasoline burned creates about 8,887 grams of CO2, this is very big news for Mother Nature!

Tl;dr

On July 22nd, 2020, Elon Musk announced that the new Tesla factory will be built in Austin, Texas
Tesla far outperformed in earnings, reporting four consecutive profitable quarters
The facility will be a park-like destination boasting walking trails, bike paths, a boardwalk, and fish-filled streams
The new Tesla factory will create at least 5,000 new jobs
The facility will produce a Cyber Truck, the Tesla Semi, the Model Y, and the Model 3

Climate Action, Climate Change, sustainability July 16, 2020August 14, 2020

Raising Pro-Planet Pre-Teens

Washington (GGM) Analysis | July 14, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

Whether you’ve been working on building a more sustainable lifestyle for a while or you are a total newbie, you don’t want to be the only one in your family running around your house turning off lights and pulling recyclables out of the kitchen trash. Everyone in the house needs to get involved. You may be thinking easier said than done, especially if your kids are a bit older.

But I have good news! If you are raising a tween or young teen, it’s not too late to become a Pro-Planet Parent! Start small by making a few changes that shed light on specific causes and encourage eco-friendly behavior. Buying your son or daughter a 100% recycled 4Ocean bracelet is a great first step! 4Oceans is a global initiative dedicated to cleaning up the world’s oceans and spreading awareness. For each bracelet purchased, they promise to pull a pound of plastic out of our waters. Since 2017, they have removed 9,381,011 lbs of garbage from the ocean and coastline.

4Ocean – Loggerhead Sea Turtle Beaded Bracelet

Are you looking to make even more impact? Get your tween to look at thredUP for their next clothing purchase. This online secondhand store is a sustainable choice for the whole family. According to thredUP, the average article of clothing is worn only seven times before it is thrown directly into the trash. They claim that if everyone switched to secondhand purchases, we could collectively save 6 BILLION lbs of CO2 emissions per year.

Twitter – @thredUP

Another way to reduce your teen’s landfill waste and contribution to lowering CO2 emissions is to swap their favorite print magazine with the E-Copy. Doing so will help your young one realize that sustainable earth-conscious choices do not necessarily mean compromise. It can actually put some money back in their pockets! An annual online subscription to the popular magazine, Girl’s Life, is available on Barnes & Noble Nook for under $20!

Come back every Tuesday for more Eco-Friendly Parenting tips!

Twitter – @Girl’s Life Magazine

tl;dr

Become a Pro-Parent Parent: Help your young teen make earth-conscious choices
4Ocean promises to pull 1lb of plastic out of the ocean for every bracelet sold
Since 2017, 4Ocean has removed 9,381,011 lbs of garbage from the ocean and coastline
Switching to secondhand clothing purchases, like thredUP, could save 6 BILLION lbs of CO2 emissions per year
Switching from print magazines to E-Copies lowers landfill waste and produces less CO2