Positive News: November 2024
PLUS: Can't-miss Black Friday deals AND my top suggestions for Giving Tuesday
This issue won’t just brighten your day, it will hopefully ease your holiday shopping by directing you to the best Black Friday sales across all of the eco-conscious and ethical brands I’ve highlighted in previous newsletter issues.
Please enjoy, share with loved ones and do let me know if you got anything good out of today’s newsletter - happy holiday-ing!
xoxo
Bon
TO DO LIST
This Friday is “Black Friday” and while I normally don’t encourage participating in this ode to over-consumerism, I understand that holiday shopping is a necessity for many of us and would rather we vote with our collective dollars for more ethical and eco-conscious products. Below are some great deals to support some amazing eco-luxury brands!
BLACK FRIDAY
BEAUTY
Aromatherapy Associates: High-quality essential oils and aromatherapy products; 30% off sitewide with code BF30
Babo Botanicals: Natural and hypoallergenic skincare products for babies and adults; 30% off sitewide with code SAVE30
Captain Blankenship: Organic haircare and body products with sustainable ingredients; 30% off with code BETTERHAIR30
Cocokind: Affordable, eco-friendly skincare products; 30% off everything
Elemis London: Luxury skincare using natural marine and plant-based actives; 20% off with code CYBER plus free gifts on $120+ orders
Ethique: Plastic-free, solid bar skincare and haircare products; 60% off holiday sale
Everist: Waterless, concentrated beauty and haircare products; 30% off sitewide
Evolve Organic Beauty: Organic, cruelty-free skincare and gift sets; 30% off gift sets plus a free hand cream with €60+ purchase
Hanni: Sustainable razors and haircare products; 25% off everything
ILIA: Clean makeup with sustainable packaging; 20% off sitewide plus a free full-size lipstick on $150+ orders
Kate McLeod: Package-free body moisturizers crafted from natural ingredients; limited-edition holiday goodies available
Kosas: Clean, skin-friendly makeup products; 25% off sitewide plus a free makeup bag on $100+ purchases
Krave Beauty: Simple and effective skincare for sensitive skin; 20% off sitewide
Medik8: High-performance, cruelty-free skincare; 25% off plus a free cleanser on orders over $140
Necessaire: Minimalist, sustainable body care essentials; 25% off sitewide
Odacite: Organic skincare blending French heritage with Californian green beauty; 25% off sitewide
Osea: Seaweed-infused skincare made with sustainable practices; free gifts on $125+ orders
Rahua: Plant-based haircare products; various discounts in their holiday shop
RMS Beauty: Organic, cruelty-free makeup; 30% off sitewide
SBTRCT: Solid skincare products to reduce plastic waste; 30% off sitewide
Solara Suncare: Reef-safe sunscreens with clean ingredients; 25% off sitewide
Spinster Sisters: Zero-waste skincare with natural ingredients; 20-70% off all products until Dec. 3
Tata Harper: Non-toxic luxury skincare; 20% off $175+ orders with code HOLIDAY20
Teaology: Tea-infused skincare for antioxidant benefits; 30% off sale
The Ordinary: Affordable, science-driven skincare; free shipping and a free lash/brow serum with code SLOWL&B
BAGS AND ACCESSORIES
O My Bag: Eco-leather bags supporting fair trade factories; 3% of Black Friday revenue supports menstrual hygiene projects
Parker Clay: Ethical leather bags empowering artisans in Ethiopia; 30% off sitewide
Svala: Vegan handbags crafted from eco-friendly materials; 20% off with code SVALAHOLIDAY20
SHOES
Thesus: Durable, weatherproof footwear made with sustainable materials; 30% off sitewide
Veerah: Vegan, eco-friendly luxury shoes; 30% off sitewide
CLOTHES
Able: Fair trade women's apparel and accessories; 30% off sitewide
Another Tomorrow: Sustainable, timeless fashion; 50% off select seasonal items
Apiece Apart: Minimalist, ethically made women's clothing; 30% off with code FESTIVE30
Beklina: Organic and sustainable apparel; 20% off sitewide with code 20holiday24a
Bhumi: Organic, fair trade basics and bedding; up to 70% off everything
Boyish: Sustainable denim made with recycled fabrics; up to 70% off select styles
Christy Dawn: Regeneratively farmed and crafted dresses; up to 50% off select sale items
Dharma Bums: Eco-conscious yoga and activewear; up to 70% off sale items
Loop Swim: Sustainable swimwear made from recycled materials; 20% off with code LOOPBLUEFRIDAY
Malaika: Hand-embroidered, ethically made fashion; 30% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2024
Mother of Pearl: Luxury, sustainable fashion; 30% off everything with code PEARLYQUEEN30
Nat’v Basics: Eco-friendly underwear and loungewear; 20-80% off select items
Pangaia: Innovative, sustainable essentials; 30% off with a donation through their site
Subset: Affordable, eco-friendly wardrobe basics; up to 50% off sitewide
Tentree: Clothing made from sustainable materials with tree-planting initiatives; up to 50% off sitewide
The Ethical Silk Company: Mulberry silk robes and sleepwear; 25% off with code ROBESFORALL25
WELLNESS
Ancient Nutrition: Nutritional supplements supporting regenerative farming; 30% off and free shipping with code BLACKFRIDAY
Artah: Holistic wellness programs and supplements; 20% off sitewide with code FEELGOOD24
Blueland: Zero-waste cleaning and personal care products; 20-30% off sitewide on $60+ orders
Lumity: Sustainable wellness supplements; 25% off all products
Modibodi: Reusable period underwear reducing waste; 60% off sitewide
Ritual: Transparent, science-backed vitamins; 40% off sitewide
Wild Orchard Tea: Organic teas grown regeneratively; buy 1 get 1 free on select items with code BLACKFRIDAY
Wuka: Reusable period panties for sustainable menstrual care; up to 50% off sale items
FOOD & WINE
Brightland: Artisanal olive oils and vinegars; up to 30% off sale
Harmless Harvest: Organic coconut water and dairy-free products; 30% off select items
Kind of Wild: Organic, vegan wines supporting regenerative agriculture; 30% off sitewide
HOME
Anchal: Organic, handmade textiles supporting artisan livelihoods; 35% off sitewide with additional discounts on sale items
Bijou Candles: Soy candles in recyclable packaging; 20% off with code EARLY
Candlessentials: Clean-burning, sustainable candles; 15% off gift sets
Clothes Doctor: Eco-friendly laundry care products; up to 30% off
East Fork: Durable ceramic tableware; 5% of sales support Hurricane Helene relief, free shipping through Dec. 1
Emma Bridgewater: Handcrafted pottery and kitchenware; 30% off sale
Kiliim: Artisan-made carpets from natural fibers; 70% off on all Symbols designs
Lomi: Eco-friendly home kitchen composting devices; up to 40% off sale
MadeTrade: Sustainable home goods from ethical brands; up to 70% off sale
Minna: Fair trade textiles and home decor; up to 35% off sitewide
Our Place: Sustainable cookware; up to 40% off sitewide
ProCook: Durable, eco-conscious kitchenware; up to 50% off
Slow Down Studio: Artful, sustainable home textiles; 25% off sitewide
Ten Thousand Villages: Fair trade home decor and gifts; 20% off when purchasing three or more items
United by Blue: Plastic-free home goods and apparel; free gift cards with $70+ purchases
GIVING TUESDAY
In addition, I wanted to share my top recommendations for where to make your money matter Giving Tuesday in support of climate action everywhere:
Health in Harmony - Health In Harmony partners with rainforest communities across the globe to protect tropical rainforests by providing resources and funding directly to those who know how to care for them, improving both planetary and human health. Their work helps reduce carbon emissions, support biodiversity, and create sustainable futures for people and nature. (Listen to this podcast interview to learn more).
Kiss The Ground - Kiss the Ground is a nonprofit promoting regenerative agriculture and healthy soil as solutions to climate, water, and wellness challenges. Through storytelling, education, and partnerships, they inspire action and support farmers transitioning to regenerative practices, including $500K in direct-to-farmer grants.
The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) - This organization uses legal action to push governments and corporations to address climate change. They support global partners with grants and legal expertise to create systemic changes for a fair, sustainable, and regenerative future.
Green Amendments For The Generations - They work to secure and enshrine constitutional rights to clean water, air, a stable climate, and healthy environments for all, aiming to add enforceable environmental rights to state and federal constitutions. Their mission emphasizes justice, sustainability, and protecting the planet for future generations by empowering communities and ensuring strong legal enforcement. (Listen to this podcast interview to learn more).
The National Farm to School Network - Their work connects communities with local food by bringing fresh, healthy meals and agricultural education to schools and early care programs. Through initiatives like school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm visits, it empowers children to make better food choices, supports local farmers, and strengthens community economies.
Project Drawdown - Project Drawdown is a science-based nonprofit that identifies, shares, and promotes effective climate solutions to stop climate change quickly, safely, and equitably. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling, it inspires action from individuals, businesses, and policymakers to shift the narrative from problems to opportunities for a sustainable future. (Listen to this podcast interview to learn more).
The Green School Foundation - For my Bali-based subscribers who want to do their bit to help this beautiful island, The Green School Foundation provides sustainability-focused educational opportunities to Balinese children. Through scholarships, environmental school programs, and regenerative agriculture training, it empowers young people to address climate challenges, promote sustainable communities, and become local changemakers.
GOOD NEWS!
UNITED STATES
The Biden administration is investing nearly $3 billion to make U.S. ports cleaner and greener, reducing carbon emissions and creating 40,000 union jobs. This initiative aims to modernize 55 ports, cut pollution, and improve health in nearby communities, showcasing how clean energy supports both the environment and the economy.
Electro-agriculture, a groundbreaking farming method, uses renewable energy to turn CO2 into food, achieving four times the efficiency of photosynthesis. This innovative system could cut U.S. agricultural land use by 88%, restore ecosystems, and make food production possible in deserts, cities, and even space, helping fight climate change and global hunger.
Federal investments are kickstarting a clean manufacturing boom in the U.S., and five key policies could amplify its success. Proposals like clean heat tax credits, expanded industrial funding, and carbon border tariffs aim to cut emissions, protect domestic industries, and create thousands of high-quality jobs, advancing sustainable manufacturing while boosting the economy.
The U.S. has added 20 gigawatts of large-scale battery storage to the power grid in four years, equivalent to the output of 20 nuclear reactors, helping manage renewable energy's variability and prevent blackouts. By 2025, capacity could double to 40GW!
The U.S. ranks among the top ten countries using green energy, with significant progress in wind and solar power, including over 133 GW of wind capacity and 113 GW of solar installations. Other leading countries include the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, which are setting benchmarks for renewable energy adoption and sustainable urban development.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced nearly $430 million in funding for 14 clean energy manufacturing projects in former coal communities, aiming to create over 1,900 good-paying jobs and revitalize areas impacted by coal plant closures. These projects focus on building supply chains for technologies like batteries, clean power, and energy efficiency.
UCLA will launch California's first wireless EV charging road, embedding charging coils under a campus street to power electric buses as they drive or stop at designated spots.
PacWave, a wave energy testing site off the Oregon coast, will open in 2025 to help developers refine technology to harness energy from ocean waves, which could eventually provide 20% of U.S. electricity.
Studies show that companies can use carbon offset money to make low-income homes more energy efficient, helping families save money and use less energy. Simple upgrades like better insulation, heat pumps, and new windows can cut carbon pollution and improve living conditions, showing how businesses can help the environment while making life better for communities.
A judge ruled that Virginia must stay in a a multistate greenhouse gas initiative that will cut greenhouse gas emissions and fund clean energy projects, a win for the environment and lower energy costs.
Despite slower EV sales growth, U.S. automakers are set to launch 15 new electric models in 2025, including Hyundai's Ioniq 9 SUV, signaling a strong commitment to expanding EV options for mainstream buyers.
Voters in Washington overwhelmingly rejected a repeal of the state's Climate Commitment Act, safeguarding a landmark carbon pricing law that has already raised over $2 billion for clean energy, transportation, and climate adaptation efforts—a victory seen as a national model for effective climate action.
Despite anticipated challenges under Trump’s second term, the clean energy revolution is unstoppable, driven by falling renewable costs, booming technologies like heat pumps, and bipartisan state-level actions that are reshaping the energy landscape even in red states.
New Mexico is receiving $2.4 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address abandoned coal mines, tackling safety hazards and pollution from legacy mining, though much-needed funding for hardrock mine cleanups remains uncertain.
The Plateau spot-tailed earless lizard, once feared to be nearing extinction, is thriving across Central and West Texas, leading the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove it from the Endangered Species Act—a success credited to extensive research and conservation efforts.
The world’s largest geothermal energy project, the 2 GW Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project in Utah, has been approved, marking a groundbreaking advancement in clean energy. This innovative project is set to power over 2 million homes.
In Los Angeles, the nonprofit Crop Swap LA is turning water-thirsty lawns into productive microfarms that use 98% less water and provide fresh, organic produce to local families, fostering food security and community connection.
Over the past decade, New York City's Billion Oyster Project has added 150 million oysters to its harbor, helping to restore marine life, improve water quality, and inspire global rewilding efforts.
The Penobscot Nation in Maine is reclaiming 31,000 acres of forestland in the largest U.S. tribal land-back effort, combining conservation with Indigenous-led management to protect endangered wildlife and restore cultural ties to the land.
‘Sin City’ could become ‘Solar City’ as Las Vegas invests in sustainability via solar power, aggressive water conservation, and energy efficiency, with notable achievements like MGM Resorts' 100-megawatt solar array and the recycling of 97% of its water.
Element Energy's innovative use of second-life EV batteries in Texas has created the world's largest grid storage project of its kind, cutting energy storage costs by up to 50% while showcasing a sustainable path for scaling renewable energy storage.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, voted overwhelmingly to create a "sustainable energy utility" to provide residents with affordable, clean, and reliable local energy through solar panels, batteries, and efficiency upgrades, marking a bold step toward decentralized power solutions and climate resilience.
Global Tinker uses storytelling and hands-on science programs to empower young environmental changemakers, teaching them to tackle real-world challenges through engaging narratives, citizen science, and actionable steps. Their approach combines media-quality content, like Solar Punks, with practical tools like the Debris Tracker app to inspire kids to see themselves as heroes who can make a tangible difference.
EUROPE & THE UK
Starting in June 2025, England and Wales will ban the sale of single-use vapes, aiming to curb youth vaping and reduce environmental damage caused by improperly disposed batteries. The measure, supported by environmental and public health advocates, aligns with global trends in restricting disposable vape products while raising concerns about potential growth in illegal sales.
Finland's Green City Plan sets a global standard for urban environmental stewardship while aligning with EU nature restoration goals. The initiative unites its ten largest cities in measurable biodiversity targets like increased green spaces and restored peatlands,
Denmark is transforming 15% of its farmland into forests and peatlands to combat agricultural emissions and meet its ambitious goal of cutting emissions by 70% by 2030. The plan also includes taxing livestock emissions, reducing fertilizer use, and encouraging less animal farming, while restored natural areas capture carbon and support sustainable land use.
The UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem, has approved five new subsea power cables to connect Britain with European and Irish power grids, helping to export surplus offshore wind energy and bolster renewable energy sharing by 2030.
The UK's new "inclusive income" metric measures economic growth by including things like housework, renewable energy, and environmental health, offering a broader view than GDP. In 2022, it grew by 5%, boosted by renewable energy, and could inspire other countries to rethink how they track progress.
Wimbledon repurposes used tennis balls as waterproof homes for field mice, providing safe nesting spots while reducing waste and supporting biodiversity amidst shrinking habitats.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of elderly Swiss women who sued their government for climate inaction, setting a precedent that failing to address climate change can violate human rights.
GLOBAL
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon dropped by 31%, reaching the lowest level in nine years, thanks to government conservation efforts under President Lula. While fires surged due to drought, the decline in deforestation offers hope for protecting biodiversity and stabilizing climate patterns in the world's largest rainforest.
In addition, Brazil has launched an ambitious plan to restore 12 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, combining natural regrowth and reforestation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, while leveraging incentives like low-interest loans and carbon credits to overcome funding and compliance challenges.
At COP29, countries including the UK, Uruguay, Belgium, and Sweden pledged to increase global energy storage capacity sixfold by 2030, a vital step toward a clean energy future that pairs with commitments to triple renewables and double energy efficiency made last year.
Offshore wind is entering a pivotal phase, with 2023 marking the second-highest annual installations ever and 75 GW of global capacity now operational. Looking ahead, the Global Wind Energy Council projects offshore wind capacity could reach 487 GW by 2033, with annual installations tripling by 2028, positioning the sector as a cornerstone of clean energy solutions worldwide.
According to the IEA’s World Energy Outlook report, solar power is expected to quadruple by 2030, EV adoption is on the rise, and battery storage continues to grow. Thanks to these global shifts, the IEA estimates that carbon dioxide emissions will peak next year, and solar will become the world’s biggest source of electricity by 2033!
Sodium-ion batteries, made with abundant materials like sodium and iron, offer a cheaper and greener alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly for renewable energy storage, with greater durability and less environmental impact.
The UK, New Zealand, and Colombia have joined 13 other nations in the Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives, committing to develop plans by COP30 to end oil and gas subsidies—a move praised by climate advocates as a step toward meaningful global action against fossil fuel support.
A UN survey across 77 countries reveals that 80% of people globally want stronger climate action, with 86% advocating for international cooperation to address the crisis.
The Eastern Synod of Canada’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is mobilizing for climate justice through advocacy, community action, and partnerships, including endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and organizing climate marches. By integrating environmental themes into worship and leveraging the church's role in fostering dialogue, they aim to inspire collective action against the climate crisis.
AI is already helping to tackle environmental challenges by monitoring deforestation with drones, protecting endangered species from poachers, improving sustainable farming practices, and analyzing underwater soundscapes to assess reef health. While concerns about its energy use remain, AI is also optimizing energy consumption and could significantly enhance conservation and sustainability efforts worldwide.