August 11th, 2023

Hi friends,

I’m starting to understand why aspirational fridge content is so soothing. I’m deep in ice cube tray-tok in an effort to subside my own eco-anxieties of late. There’s nothing quite like enjoying the sounds of scooping intricately shaped ice to temporarily distract myself from devastating global wildfires. I am, in a word, overwhelmed. 

And I’d be surprised if that wasn’t mutual.

There is a shared weight in watching these crises from afar. Feeling subject to the poorly literal metaphor of slowly melting ice, our independent actions can feel inadequate in these moments. In all of *this*, I offer the reminder that collective action is made of compounded individual effort. We have power in our future narrative. Overwhelming, though it may seem.

I’ve rounded up a few pieces to keep the climate action energy flowing and encourage us all to just do the next, right thing. For me, that’s catching melted ice to water our collective garden.

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

The art of imperfect produce. // @hawnuhlee

The dish >>

• The art of upcycled food branding. Thoughts on process from Closed Loop Studio.

• These floral garlic scape rings are peak summer.

• Might have to make my way to Canada for this Indigenous tasting menu.

• Enamored with Abena Motaboli’s latest natural dye fabric show, “In collaboration with My Plant Allies.”

• These dark chocolate rhubarb brownies are supremely timely.

• Upcycling pineapple crowns into biodegradable plates. Genius. 

• Proof that plastic bag charges reduce use.

• Ice ASMR, if you need it.

Iterative climate action, for the rest of us

by Hawnuh LeeAcknowledging that external structure is oftentimes the best way to move through paralysis. We can all use more support in knowing how best to contribute and value our individual efforts in making positive impact. Here’s a few suggestions for getting going.

Consider the circular economy.

Question your habits. Making significant change starts with simple shifts and forming low waste habits is a learned skill. Taking the time to understand what works best for your routines and limitations will go far in setting you up for long-term sustainable practices. 

Book club.

Find a buddy or jump in solo to a reading list that challenges your current worldview. Read (or download your free Libby app!) more BIPOC, women / non-binary, and non-traditional authors that de-center capitalistic frameworks and elevate planetary teachings. And if you’ve been doing the homework, spread the good word. 

The climate action starter pack

• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis edited by Katharine K. Wilkinson and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

• How to Live in a Chaotic Climate: 10 Steps to Reconnect with Ourselves, Our Communities, and Our Planet by Laura Schmidt

• How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell

Grow something.

Cultivating food for yourself is an act of resistance. Self sufficiency connects us to our food systems and reminds us of cyclical patterns. Take inspiration from local farmers and begin where you are. Maybe that looks like regrowing green onions from the roots or a windowsill herb garden–meet yourself with the intention to grow and you’ll be surprised at what you learn. This beginner’s guide to gardening is a sure place to start.

Find your people.

There is power in community. While we feel the overwhelm of climate anxiety, the more we bring in those closest to us, the more we feel connected. To each other, to nature, to the possibility of change. Look for organizations in your area committed to action, and show up. Or create your own effort. That could be as simple as participating in a local yard share, or organizing a beach clean. Ensure accountability and build collective action into your daily routine, and believe me, you’ll set the trend.

Climate action can manifest in so many different iterations. Inherently an imperfect process, we can avoid the overwhelm of anxiety and just do something. And, thankfully, we’re in this together.

What’s on your climate action to-do list?

Keeping mark with these delightful crochet raspberry bookmarks.

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