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Eco Swap Idea 04 💡Swap out chemical pesticides Eco Swap Idea 04 💡Swap out chemical pesticides for a DIY non-toxic organic spray for your plants. Neem oil comes from the Neem tree in India and has been used by gardeners for its anti-fungal and bug repelling properties.⁣⁣ ⁣ Unlike chemical pesticides, neem is biodegradable, breaks down quickly, and leaves no lasting residue. Neem oil is potent, so make sure your DIY solution is properly diluted.⁣ ⁣ Swipe left for video to see mixture (1 tsp peppermint castile soap + 1 tsp cold pressed pure organic neem oil + warm water).⁣ ⁣ ❗️VERY IMPORTANT STUFF TO KNOW!⁣⁣ ⁣ 1. You can't just mix oil and water. You MUST emulsify first. That's why soap is important. Castile soaps are amazingly versatile and made free of animal fats and synthetic ingredients. They're natural, nontoxic + biodegradable.⁣⁣ ⁣ 2. Some plants can be killed by neem oil, especially if applied heavily. **Аlways test any DIY formulation on a small part of a plant first before applying generously**⁣⁣ ⁣ 3. Do not apply in direct sunlight. Only apply in the evening to prevent foliage burn and use sparingly.⁣⁣ ⁣ 4. Only apply on the *leaves* of plants where bugs munch holes. When applied properly it won't pose a threat to pollinators. You don't want to repel butterflies, bees, etc so steer clear of flowers.⁣⁣ ⁣ 5. If you're pregnant or trying to get preggo, I'd stay away from neem - I read that studies are being done on using neem as a contraceptive.⁣⁣ ⁣ My mom uses neem oil mixed with garlic in her garden in India. But she rarely uses it. Only if she is really having issues.⁣⁣ ⁣ *Personally* I'm not bothered by bugs. I have a different approach. I just let nature do its thing. Birds are natural predators to insects, and I'm okay with letting the ecosystem work as it naturally would. But that's me 💁🏽‍♀️⁣⁣ ⁣ 🌱 Do you use anything to protect your plants? #SwapOutSwapIn
SAVE this healing soup recipe! I asked yesterday w SAVE this healing soup recipe! I asked yesterday what you want to see more of, and several of you said holistic plant-based ways to healthily boost your immune systems.⁣ ⁣ Well, this beet soup was LIFE. Everything I ate in Kerala was LIFE. The immense variety of fruits, veggies, herbs & spices made it impossible for me to ever go hungry or get sick.⁣ ⁣ BEETROOT is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, some of which have medicinal properties.⁣ ⁣ It's known to keep blood pressure in check, improve athletic performance, fight inflammation, improve digestion, support brain health, helps with weight loss, may have anti-cancer properties, and easy to add to your diet!⁣ ⁣ 📝 MAMA'S INDIAN BEETROOT STEW RECIPE:⁣ ⁣ 1. Soak Indian mixed dal (if you can't find mixed dal, then you can soak dry beans over night or use lentils).⁣ ⁣ 2. Cut up all your root vegetables. We used carrots, beetroot, and sweet potato.⁣ ⁣ 3. Cut up all your soft vegetables. We used bitter melon, green mango, moringa, tomato, okra, and green beans.⁣ ⁣ 4. Combine the dal, root vegetables, and enough water to cover the vegetables in a pot and bring to a boil.⁣ ⁣ 5. Add fresh ginger, garlic, and salt. Simmer for about 10 minutes.⁣ ⁣ 6. Then add the rest of the soft vegetables (you add these last because they cook faster).⁣ ⁣ 7. Bring to a boil one more time.⁣ ⁣ 8. Reduce heat and add a vegetable bouillon or two (my mom added a vegetable soup powder, but a veggie bouillon will work).⁣ ⁣ 9. Stir together and taste to see if you need to add anything else!⁣ ⁣ 10. SLURP IT UP. SO GOOD.⁣ ⁣ Note: She used a pressure cooker, but you can use a pot. SWIPE LEFT FOR VIDEO.⁣ ⁣ Stay green y'all 💚
Meet Piccu! 🐐 Our ecosystem is so inter-connect Meet Piccu! 🐐 Our ecosystem is so inter-connected, the everyday food choices we make matter. They matter to animals like Piccu, they matter to the health of the environment, and they matter to the health of our own bodies.⁣ ⁣ I've built a platform that hopefully inspires you to bridge individual action with systemic change to help end animal exploitation, protect our natural environment, and improve the health of our bodies through sustainable, plant-based lifestyle changes - especially in communities of color which tend to be disproportionately impacted by climate change and health problems.⁣ ⁣ What are some topics in these areas you'd like to see me tackle on this page?
What is colorism and how is it both similar to and What is colorism and how is it both similar to and different from racism? There will be some who deny its existence and others who acknowledge it, especially based on personal experience. Whatever your views, keep an open mind and swipe left to learn - because colorism IS real.⁣ ⁣ Racism is discrimination based on a socially constructed racial hierarchy that privileges white people. Colorism is the discrimination that occurs within a racial group based on the shade or tone of their skin (also known as #shadeism). See examples in slides.⁣ ⁣ Societies with persistent issues of colorism also have long histories of colonization. In the United States, colorism is traced back to slavery where enslavers often gave preferential treatment to enslaved people with lighter complexions. You may also be familiar with colorism in countries like India, which can be traced back to British colonial rule, where British officials consistently demeaned Indians with dark skin and gave Indians with light skin more access to jobs (I've personally observed colorism during several trips to India).⁣ ⁣ "Divide and conquer” is just one of many historically strategic tactics aiding the continual existence of white supremacy. When we don’t check it within our own own families, friend circles, and the Black community as a whole, we unintentionally contribute to the racism machine and its divisive by-products.⁣ ⁣ We must remember that Black Lives Matter is an intersectional movement. It isn't enough to just fight racism. We must fight colorism, bigotry, sexism, and all forms of oppression denying ANY Black person the social, economic, and political power to thrive.⁣ ⁣ Because #ALLblackLivesMatter.
Can this fruit help fight cancer? If so - why isn' Can this fruit help fight cancer? If so - why isn't enough research being done to prove it?⁣ ⁣ This prickly produce is called #soursop. Its flavor is reminiscent of pineapples, strawberries, and apples mashed together in one bite. Soursop is both tasty and advantageous to our health.⁣ ⁣ It's great for eye health, can treat infections, stabilizes blood pressure, and shows promise in fighting cancer. In cell studies, some of the compounds in soursop fruit have been shown to kill cancer cells. And yet, adequate research hasn't been conducted on soursop in cancer, despite these findings.⁣ ⁣ So why isn't this being taken seriously? Using food as medicine isn't profitable for the billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, therefor it doesn't receive the funding it deserves to explore the real possibilities plant-based nutrition presents for reversing diseases, including cancer. And THAT, my friends, is a damn shame.⁣ ⁣ 🌿 What are some holistic alternatives to traditional medicine that you would like to see researched more?
What does the word "modern" mean to you? The furth What does the word "modern" mean to you? The further I get on my sustainability journey, I realize some of what we think is a modern way of living does not necessarily mean it's a more advanced way of living - it's just usually more convenient. My mom is the OG of sustainable living and I didn't even know it until I visited her and my grandmother's home in India. Solar panels, composting, hanging clothes to dry, growing food, a giant well in the middle of her land, ride sharing to get around. At different stages of my life, I would have looked at this differently. As a kid I'd probably view it as old fashioned. As a young adult I probably would have exoticized it as some authentic local cultural Indian experience fascinatingly different from the West. Me now? I just see it for what it is. A sustainable way of living within the context of her geographic location. My mom, on the other hand, just calls it simple living. Sometimes she loves it. Sometimes she doesn't. No way of living is perfect, but I will say this: some "modern" conveniences we think help define us as an advanced society are actually holding us back from progression. Imagine if we looked at modernity differently. Not as a way to advance our societies through conveniences but as a way to advance our societies through sustainable ways of living. If modern inventions (like factory farms, gas cars, an influx of disposable products, etc) mean depleting the earth's resources and threatening the livlihoods of future generations, then there's nothing advanced about that and it suggests a need for governments and big corporations to start getting a lot more creative in the systems and products they present us with. No matter where you live, I challenge you to think about what modern living means to you and whether your vision of modernity makes space for a sustainable future 🙃 Share your thoughts!
Eco Swap Idea 03 💡Swap out toilet paper for a # Eco Swap Idea 03 💡Swap out toilet paper for a #bidet. Thanks India for teaching me this.⁣ ⁣ When I first traveled to India 10 years ago, I was in a wee bit of culture shock during my first public bathroom experience. In hindsight - it was nothing to be alarmed by. It was simply different from what I was accustomed to back home. There was a hole in the ground, a bucket and a hose. I squatted, did my business, sprayed down, wiggled around to air dry, and kept it moving.⁣ ⁣ Truth be told, it was brilliant. Besides the fact that squatting is the healthiest position to take a 💩, so is using water to cleanse your bottom and vag.⁣ ⁣ 🌱 Some benefits:⁣ ⁣ 1. CHEAPER: Investing in a bidet seat or bidet attachment can lower your spending on toilet paper by 75% or more.⁣ ⁣ 2. GREENER: You save an estimated 384 trees that are cut down to make ONE person's lifetime of toilet paper supply. A bidet also uses only 1/8 of a gallon of water, while it takes about 37 gallons of water to make ONE roll of toilet paper.⁣ ⁣ 3. HEALTHIER: Washing your butt with water helps remove more fecal bacteria. Toilet paper just smears it around.⁣ ⁣ 4. CLEANER: Bidets keep your hands more sanitized.⁣ ⁣ 💰 Bidet Pricing:⁣ ⁣ Bidets can vary in price depending on the brand and level of fanciness. I have two.⁣ ⁣ 1. One is a smart bidet from @biobidet that came with a heated toilet seat, a night light, warm water, and a wireless remote control. We paid $440 and keep this in our master bathroom.⁣ ⁣ 2. The other is a simple bidet attachment called Genie Bidet that gets the job done without all the extras for a fraction of the cost. We paid $45 and I keep it in my office bathroom.⁣ ⁣ Other budget brands to look into include @hellotushy, @brondell_inc, and @meetomigo.⁣ ⁣ 💦 How do you feel about bidets? Yay or nay?⁣ ⁣ Stay green y'all 💚⁣ #EcoSwapIdeas #SwapOutSwapIn
Being "Light Skinned" in America vs. Other Countri Being "Light Skinned" in America vs. Other Countries. The way I'm perceived changes depending on what country I'm in.⁣ ⁣ In America, my earliest memory of racial identity happened at age 5. I told a kid named Kevin I had a crush on him and he venomously responded:⁣ ⁣ "Ashley, you're Black and I'm White. I could never like you."⁣ ⁣ That moment set the tone for how I would identify throughout my childhood.⁣ ⁣ Black culture was all I knew growing up. It was where I felt accepted, what America viewed me as, and how I identified.⁣ ⁣ But when I began traveling globally, it seemed like nobody knew I was Black - making me hyper aware of #LightSkinPrivilege and my ability to pass through countries with less hassle than those with dark skin.⁣ ⁣ In brown (Asian) countries, people would blatantly trash talk Black people in front of me, not realizing I'm Black.⁣ ⁣ One lady spat, "My son lives in DC and I fear for his life. So many Black people live there."⁣ ⁣ She then saw my wedding ring and asked if I was married. I nodded and showed her a photo. She said, "But he's Black."⁣ ⁣ I smiled proudly. "So am I. My dad is Black, my mom is Indian. We love who we are."⁣ ⁣ I thought it'd be a teaching moment, but she continued her racist remarks. "Oh. That's why your hair is so wild. Because of your father. It looks hard to brush."⁣ ⁣ There are many times I heard: "Why'd you marry a Black guy?" Ironically, it always came from POC in brown countries. Some with skin as beautifully dark as my husband's.⁣ ⁣ Behold, the ongoing ramifications of worldwide colonialism and white supremacy.⁣ ⁣ Painfully, this includes India. Though I LOVE my Indian heritage, I can't ignore its deeply rooted issues with colorism or blatant racism my own Black father has endured from Indians. But I digress - that's a WHOLE other post with lots to unpack.⁣ ⁣ Some cultures have just not been exposed to the many shapes, shades, styles, vernaculars, and mixtures of Black folks and only go by what they see in the media.⁣ ⁣ What this proves is how much of a social construction race truly is. Colorism and racism are learned behaviors that differ across cultures.⁣ ⁣ Question is - what are you doing to UNlearn it?
You asked and I'm finally giving it! My India seri You asked and I'm finally giving it! My India series. So many of you followed my journey via my stories and now we can relive it together as I give those experiences a permanent home on my page.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ From ancient holistic health tips and my mom's savory Indian vegan recipes, to my continual frustrations with racism and colorism from the perspective of a Black and Indian woman, and more - I'm finally sharing some of my thoughts, experiences, and sustainability/health tips I absorbed during my time in #Kerala earlier this year.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ On Day 1, my mother picked my big sis @jasminepennamma and me up from the airport around 4am and we began the long trek to her residence. I wasn't prepared for how stunning it would be.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ She bought this home 7 years ago for my grandparents to gift them a delightfully peaceful haven to spend their final years. A lot of love went into this place which was apparent from our first glance.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ If you've ever seen the movie "The Secret Garden" that's what her home reminded me of - but a tropical version. Not only was her land covered in vibrant floral arrangements that she grew herself, but it will filled with homegrown FOOD. Spices, herbs, vegetables, fruit, and over 150 coconut trees! 🥥🌴⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ You can guess who inspired my own green thumb.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I couldn't believe my mom downplayed this little slice of heaven for 7 years whenever we inquired about it. But then again, for those of you who followed the IG stories - you saw how humble and genuwinely sweet she is. That's my mom. And this was my home for the next month.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ To be continued 💚 #BlackInKerala
I gotta emphasize this. There is no climate justic I gotta emphasize this. There is no climate justice without racial justice. A sustainable future must ultimately be accessible to EVERYONE.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I first learned about gentrification over a decade ago while working on the documentary @theatlantaway directed by @iamkingwilliams. We documented the displacement of low-income residents in Atlanta due to the influx of wealthier populations driving up the cost of living.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Years later, I developed a passion for environmentalism and sustainability - and began to notice the connections between green initiatives and the gentrification of once undesirable neighborhoods.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I'm an environmental advocate here to share ways to intersect individual action and systemic change in the health of our bodies, communities, and planet - and today I'm sharing a topic along those very lines.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ So SWIPE LEFT for a lesson in environmental and climate gentrification.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Have you noticed gentrification in your communities?
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Ashley Renne

Live an adventurously green life

Tag: holiday

Posted on 16 Nov 201524 Nov 2018
10 Holiday Travel Tips for Fliers and Drivers

Blog, Travel Tips

10 Holiday Travel Tips for Fliers and Drivers

Traveling for Thanksgiving and Christmas can be so stressful sometimes! Although this should be a time for love and joy, if you aren’t careful, you could arrive at your destination feeling more like Ebenezer Scrooge than Santa Clause. Whether you decide to fly or drive, be savvy and avoid the stress of holiday travel mishaps with

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Posted on 2 Dec 201414 Feb 2020
Travel Guide: Christmas in Chicago

Blog, Destinations, Travel Guides

Travel Guide: Christmas in Chicago

Chicago is one of my favorite American cities; even when winter is coming. Nicknamed the ‘Windy City’ for a reason, Chicago can dish out some pretty frosty weather, making even the local pigeons gather around fires just to keep warm. The famous Chicago River turns to ice. And the beloved Chicago Bean gets completely snow-capped.

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