Behind the Rhetoric: The Real Impact of Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill"

President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” passed Congress, becoming one of the more notable pieces of legislation associated with his administration. While the name itself was informal and primarily rhetorical, the bill incorporated several of Trump’s core policy objectives. Framed as a sweeping legislative package encompassing immigration reform, tax policy, deregulation, and infrastructure investment, the bill reflects the ideological priorities of the Trump movement, and it carries significant implications for the nation’s future. Let’s break down what is included in such a bill, and what its passage means for the country:

Nanná Millano's Musical Environmental Wake Up Call

Brazilian singer-songwriter Nanná Millano has created an impactful wake up call with the release of her new single “Wild Fire”. In lieu of the recent LA fires and ongoing devastation of the Amazon Rainforest in her home country, Millano’s “Wild Fire” brings attention to the impact humans are having on the environment and calls for change. She takes it a step further by partnering her music video with IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute) to support Amazon Rainforest awareness and protection efforts. To learn more about Nanná Millano and her latest single, read on.

Eco-friendly Tips on How to Survive a Heatwave

With the height of summer approaching, temperatures are only climbing. Though, while air conditioning may feel good, it doesn’t exactly do good. Air conditioners can cause massive harmful effects on the environment that you might not even know about.

Time for Peace: Wars Bring Environmental Devastation

Wars are incredibly destructive not only because of the death tolls they bring, but also their mass contributions to global warming. War is currently one of the biggest climate threats the world is facing.

But why is war so horrible for the environment?

Step up for Nature: Supporting Our Parks in a Summer of Strain

As summer unfolds and millions of Americans flock to our nation’s parks for hiking, camping, and reconnecting with nature, there's an unseen crisis quietly developing behind the trees and trails. A wave of ranger layoffs is leaving these treasured landscapes with fewer guardians than ever before. From Yellowstone to the Smoky Mountains, staff reductions mean fewer people to manage crowds, maintain trails and protect wildlife. At the same time, park attendance is surging, a perfect storm that threatens the health and beauty of our public lands. Without adequate staff to manage the influx of visitors, the integrity of our parks is at risk.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoJune 18, 2025nature, parks, national parks, environment, environmental, protect wildlifeComment

Soulflower Print Co.'s Sustainable Second-life Screen-printing

The mass overconsumption of unsustainably made products in today's world is a big problem, one this business is trying to counteract. Inspired by a few college classes, a passion for graphic design, and a love for thrifting, Soulflower Print Co. was created as an eco-friendly, nature-inspired business that produces sustainably made and screen printed apparel and paper goods. Giving quarterly donations to One Tree Planted from product profits, Soulflower Print Co.’s owner, Jess Emery-McGregor, is making efforts to help create a global impact. To learn more about Soulflower Print Co.’s story and products, read on.

Illiterate Light - Turning Up the Volume, Powering Up the Future

Meet Illiterate Light, a band not just making music but creating an experience. In their latest album Arches the band weaves together distorted rock and raw emotion, and explores finding meaning in the struggle. Whether they are electrifying crowds at Brooklyn Made or reimagining live performances with their bicycle-powered stage at Newport Folk Festival, Illiterate Light is constantly exploring new ways to connect with fans and spark change. Read on to learn more about Illiterate Light, their music, and their work.

Art, zissue 55Chelsea ChanJanuary 28, 2025music artist, music industry, band, Sustainability, environmentalComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Priya Sundareshan, Arizona State Senate District 18

This week we are profiling Priya Sundareshan (she/her), a woman of many talents. With a BS in chemical engineering from MIT and a JD from University of Arizona law school, and a MS in natural resource economics from University of Arizona, this millennial attorney and mother-of-two teaches natural resource law at the University of Arizona, was a lawyer for the Environmental Defense Fund, and is a voting rights advocate, focusing on voter protection efforts and engagement on redistricting within the Arizona Democratic Party. Priya is currently the only South Asian member of the Arizona Legislature, and the first South Asian elected to the Arizona Senate. She is passionate about protecting Arizona water for long-term use, addressing climate change through state policies, and making voting as easy as possible.

Sungai Design - From Trash To Treasure

Have you ever thought, wow, there is a lot of trash on this beach, in this river, or in this park? Most of us don’t ever have the time to do much more than pick up a little thing here and there along the way, but Sungai Watch went all in. They saw the issue of the garbage in the Indonesian rivers and literally jumped into action, by jumping into the rivers! This is not a job for the faint of heart; so, I really tip my hat off to the amazing Sungai Watch team. After collecting the trash they realized that they were stuck with a lot of garbage. So, naturally they turned it into high end luxury chairs to help fund their efforts! Ergo, Sungai Design was born! Read on to learn more about these amazing people and their beautiful chairs.

Did You Know That Oregon Is On Fire?

I know we don’t like to talk about climate change and how it is going to kill us all, but we need to start paying attention. I live in New York City where we are used to air pollution, but this past June was something else. We had orange skies of death and were told to avoid going outside at all costs, all because of fires in Canada. Canada! Miles and miles away! Yes, this was horrible and scary, but it got news coverage.

Splash Into Summer By Going Clean With Sunscreen

As warm weather arrives and beach enthusiasts flock to the shores, the significance of sunscreen takes center stage in importance. Despite tanning culture being ingrained in American society as a prevailing norm, and sunscreen often perceived as an obstruction to achieving a sun-kissed complexion, it's time to welcome a fresh approach that prioritizes prevention and cherishing your skin with the help of sunscreen.

Mary Mattingly's Eco-Conscious Activism - Imagined Futures in Bloom

The innovative New York artist Mary Mattingly has emerged as a true beacon of environmental consciousness in the art world. With the recent debut of her piece Ebb of a Spring Tide at Socrates Sculpture Park in New York, Mattingly has carved a unique path that seamlessly blends art, activism, and our connection to water. As the world continues to evolve, Mattingly remains at the forefront of championing climate awareness. Her art serves as a reminder that creativity can be a force of change, transcending traditional boundaries and inspiring us to reimagine how we interact with our planet. Continue reading to learn more about Mary Mattingly.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Georgette Gomez, California State Assembly District 80

Today we are continuing our profiles of our favorite Progressive candidates who are running to represent their communities at the state and federal levels, and move the country forward, to continue to ensure that all Americans are equally represented in government.

This week we are profiling Georgette Gomez (she/her/hers). Georgette, a self-described “Queer brown woman from Barrio Logan”, is the former San Diego City Council president, currently running for California State Assembly. With a working-class background, Gomez graduated from San Diego State with a degree in environmental and natural resource geography. Gomez led the Toxic Free Neighborhoods Campaign to protect children from corporate polluters in residential communities. The environment, climate, affordable housing, and fighting corporate greed are all important issues for her.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Andrew FSeptember 1, 2022lesbian, brown, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, environmental, environment, california, strong women, 2022, election, 2022 election, politicsComment

Kelsey Caesar Will Run Into Your Heart

Kelsey Caesar goes from running as an Olympic hopeful to running for his life in horror films! You can see him in the new all black horror film “Bitch Ass”, where he tells us the kill scenes are the best. But Kelsey doesn’t stop there. He is a very passionate about the environment and loves fostering dogs. To learn more about this star athlete, fun actor, and activist, please read our exclusive interview below.

Breaking Down Clothing Labels: Eco-Friendly Materials to Look For

The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, which is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. With climate change impacts on the rise, more people are starting to shift toward a sustainable lifestyle.

Recent surveys have indicated that 75% of millennials consider sustainable practices when purchasing products and aim to align themselves with brands that share their environmental values. An additional one-third of consumers are willing to spend more on products if they’re eco-friendly.

Some fashion brands have started to recognize the demand for eco-friendliness. If you’re interested in buying eco-friendly clothing but do not know where to start, here is a breakdown of how to read labels for sustainable fabrics.