The entrepreneurial spirit within Carrie Cronan has been a defining factor throughout her life. “I sold 600 boxes of Girl Scout cookies in second grade because I mapped out the neighborhood and went on opposite streets of where other girls were selling,” Cronan laughed. “I’ve always been in that innovative mindset.” 

Growing up in her hometown of Centerville, Ohio, Cronan learned from her father as he ran his own alternator and starter business, and later owned a Yellow Pages business. “I absolutely looked up to my dad,” she said. 

Cronan passed her work ethic and innovative spirit to her own children. After graduating from Strayer University with a BA in Business Administration, Cronan started her own Ohio-based cleaning company, Class Act Clean LLC, which her daughter later took over and still runs today. Her son is currently stationed with the Air Force at Whitman Air Force Base in Warrensburg, Missouri, and her stepson will be a junior at the University of South Carolina this fall. 

In 2019, Cronan married Robert – owner of CroMed LLC, a non-emergency medical transportation company – and moved to South Carolina. Once here, Cronan wasted no time immersing herself in the South Carolina business community. “I opened the Tru by Hilton on Stoneridge Drive in January of 2020 as the director of sales. During the pandemic, I was offered the GM position at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in downtown Columbia,” she said. It was during this time Cronan realized she missed owning her own business. So, in 2021, she opened Columbia’s first Maui Whitening. Her goal? Help people, one smile at a time. 

Wellness is a central part of Cronan’s life. A two-time open-heart surgery survivor, she understands the importance of physical, mental and emotional well-being. 

“I walk every day, I do yoga to relieve stress, I work on eating right, getting enough sleep – which can be difficult as a business owner – and I educate myself as well. I make sure I’m being the best version of myself through knowledge, feeding my brain and my soul emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. So I try to have that balance.” 

These are values she works each day to instill in her customers. She shares that 80% of her customers say when they feel good about their teeth, they smile more. Smiling improves mental health, Cronan says, and helps people feel good on the inside and outside. In addition to teeth whitening, Maui recently began offering massage services, tying stress relief into their wellness services. 

Within the next few years, Cronan hopes to become the most well-known teeth whitening salon in Columbia and open more Maui locations around South Carolina, eventually expanding to other states. 

“I don’t want to stay stagnant. I want to be bigger and better. My dad always taught us to never let anyone outwork us, refuse to settle for mediocrity and be the best at the job you’re doing,” she said. “Don’t look back – just keep moving forward.” 

If there’s anything to be said about Cronan, it's that once she sets her mind to something, it will get done. There’s no doubt she will remain a business powerhouse in Columbia for years to come. 

Learn more at mauiwhitening.com/pages/maui-whitening-columbia-south-carolina. 

At 50 years old, Amy Coward decided to pick up a new hobby. Her son and two daughters had all left home, and she needed something new to focus on. So, she started running.

“Running was something I tried in college, and I thought it’d be great. I always wanted to be a runner, and so I just kind of started putting my toe in the water,” said Amy. It didn’t go as planned at first, but when Amy’s friend invited her to sign up for a race, she caught the running bug and hasn’t looked back.

Today, Amy has run 35 half marathons in 25 different states – with a goal to complete a half marathon in all 50 states. She says this goal allows her to combine two of the things she loves most: running and travel. This year, she’s heading out to Arkansas and Montana to knock two more states off her list.

It’s this same passion and drive that pushed Amy to take a huge career leap and start her own public relations firm after more than three decades in the industry. In June of 2021 — following months of research, planning, and consultations with other firm owners — AC Public Relations was born. The firm is completely remote, and Amy runs it primarily as a one-woman show. 

“I do not have a staff per say, I have some contractors I use from time to time as needed for different tasks, either when a project is too big for just me or requires some skill sets that I personally do not have. So, I’ve made a concerted effort to meet and talk with and get acquainted with local professionals who are also independent that have a niche that I might need from time to time,” Amy said. 

She says her favorite part about working remotely and with contractors instead of a traditional staff is the flexibility. “I can be the lead, or I can be part of the team. It doesn’t matter to me; I just want to use my skills on something that’s interesting or rewarding or that’s meaningful in the community somehow.” 

And that she does. Amy specializes in event planning, fundraisers and marketing for nonprofit organizations, including the Congaree Vista Guild and the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. 

She adds that another advantage to running her own business is the flexibility to have a “wonderful family life.” Amy’s unique set-up allows her to spend more time with her husband, children, and six grandchildren at any point.

Outside of AC Public Relations, Amy is heavily involved in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She has served on the organization’s Executive Committee of the National Board and is the 2023 Communications Director for the PRSA’s Independent Practitioner’s Alliance. 

She cites the latter as an invaluable resource in her endeavors with AC Public Relations. “It has been an absolute lifesaver,” Amy said. The group consists of independent public relations professionals from around the country that act as a collaborative sounding board for each other, allowing members to constantly expand their network. 

To top it all off, Amy is an adjunct instructor at the University of South Carolina’s College of Information and Communication Sciences, where she teaches Public Relations Writing and Nonprofit Public Relations.

“I love being around students and giving them some real-world perspective instead of a theoretical or academic perspective on their career choice,” she says. “I love that part of my work and hope I can continue to do that.”

Amy discovered her passion and has spent years exploring it, cultivating her skills, and growing herself professionally. She knew early on that she wanted to be a writer — she was the editor of her high school newspaper — and eventually found that she loved the writing aspect of public relations. She shares that the best advice she’s ever received is to not try and be all things to all people — focus on your niche and you’ll be successful. It’s a mindset that has clearly served her well professionally.  

It takes immense strength and perseverance to stray from your comfort zone and put yourself out there to try something new, yet it’s something Amy does time and time again. When she does feel a sense of imposter syndrome, her solution is simple: 

“I go back to the basics and look at what I’ve done and what I’m able to do. It is kind of the same with running… I just go out there the next morning and open the door and put one in front of the other. Keep moving forward.”

Chances are, you’ve heard many ways to describe a woman in the business world: boss lady, girl boss, and one that was new to me, fempreneur.

An article published in Entrepreneur magazine by Joy Youell explains the term “fempreneur” by saying, “Self-defined ‘fempreneurs’ are female business owners who occupy an increasing share of businesses ranging from startups to global brands.”

Why do we, as women, need to call ourselves something different when we do the same thing as a man?

Youell goes on, “… ‘fempreneurs’ are bold, intense and vying for a seat where decisions are made. These women appear to be passionate about leadership roles and freedom, which begs the question: Why self-define according to gender at all?”

While the concepts behind titles like fempreneur and girl boss are intended to promote the accomplishments of women in business, they often do the opposite.

The use of these terms creates a culture of sexism and gender-based segregation, suggesting that a woman who does the same job as a man, no matter how well she does it, will never be granted the same recognition as her male counterparts because she is a woman. Using additional gender descriptors may actually imply that it’s so uncommon for a woman to be holding a position of corporate power that the job needs an entirely different title.

There are already imbalances between men and women in the workplace. Men are often automatically assumed to be the person in charge. They are paid more. Women are often expected to soften their leadership qualities and defer to the man in the room. Creating a separate category of titles for women only adds to these existing asymmetries by mitigating the power typically associated with titles like “boss” so that it is more acceptable and fitting for a woman.

At Boss Talk, our mantra is that a boss is a boss.

A female boss does not have a different job description than a male boss because she is a woman. Women are just as qualified – often more qualified – to do the same job a man does in the same setting. Let’s not dilute that by feminizing our titles. Our accomplishments, dedication and work ethic are not automatically of lesser value than those of men just because we are women.

There is a certain sense of pride that comes from being a woman in power in a traditionally male-dominated workforce or working at a female-led business. Let’s continue to normalize utilizing our strengths to their fullest extent at work instead of, as Youell writes, creating a new playing field so that society is more comfortable.

“The goal is not to change from a man’s world to a woman’s world or to carve out a niche of female entrepreneurship in which women can win. The goal is to create a world of equal opportunity, in which talent wins out, and everyone is judged on performance alone,” Youell concludes.

Bottom line, a boss is a person in charge, no matter their gender. We do not need to clarify what kind of boss, entrepreneur or CEO we are. We are, simply, boss.

Emma Hynek is the marketing manager at North, a media company. She runs Boss Talk, a North affiliate brand for empowering women. For more information visit northmediaco.com.

If you turn on the television, chances are you’ll be hit with an influx of advertisements for pharmacies, prescription services and medicines. With so many options, how do you know what to choose? How do you know what’s best for you or a family member? Which option is trustworthy, and which are simply money-making ploys?

When it comes to services and products in today’s market, the desire for efficiency and convenience drive consumers’ decisions. Pharmacies are no exception. Handling prescriptions is typically considered a mundane errand, but many pharmacies have adapted their services to ensure consistent business and to keep up with competitors. A study by McKinsey & Company points to the fact that consumer preferences frequently change, meaning pharmacies have to keep up.

With a Walgreens on every corner, a variety of local pharmacies and an ever-increasing number of online options, dealing with prescriptions can go from mundane to overwhelming, particularly for caregivers.

Caregivers rely on pharmacies more than the average person. As a caregiver, you are responsible for your prescriptions, those of the person in your care and sometimes other members of your family. The best pharmacy choice is crucial to ensure you are utilizing the most cost-effective option, you have a pharmacist you can count on and the prescriptions you and your loved ones rely on to stay healthy are always available when needed.

So, what is the best choice?

Chain Pharmacies

Think Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid. According to communitypharmacy.com, chains account for about 40% of the prescription market. You likely can’t drive down the road without passing one, putting chain pharmacies at the top of the list in terms of convenience for many people. If convenience and proximity are your priorities, these pharmacies are a great option. Chain pharmacies also often have extended hours, which is a lifesaver when you inevitably find yourself with a last-minute prescription need. Some even mail recurring prescriptions for free.

The sheer number of these types of pharmacies can also come in handy when you’re traveling and need a prescription filled. Keep in mind, however, that with convenient locations and operating hours come the trade-offs of longer lines and a less personal experience with pharmacists.

Independent and Local Pharmacies

Your neighborhood pharmacy is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a consistent pharmacist who knows you and your needs. This can be particularly beneficial for caregivers who deal with multiple prescriptions or needs that constantly change. Personable service is perhaps the biggest advantage independent pharmacies have over their chain counterparts.

“[T]he size and scale of most independent pharmacies allow for close, candid interactions between pharmacists and patients, which are key to operating within a value-based care model,” explained Health Mart President Steve Courtman in a Pharmacy Times article.

In the same article, independent pharmacy owner Jason Kasiar of Illinois said personable service is what keeps independent pharmacies competitive.

“We make sure [customers] are compliant on their medications [and] we make sure that if they have problems, we’re there for them,” he explained. “I’ve driven to people’s houses to help them with their medications. I’ve opened up in the middle of the night to take care of them, and you’re not really going to get that service at a larger retail pharmacy.”

Additionally, you may be able to find lower prices at your local pharmacy. This will vary by location, but it is always worth checking out. The drawbacks to an independent pharmacy include its business hours (less convenient when you work an 8 to 5) and the often longer travel time to get to one. However, many offer free or low-cost prescription delivery service.

Supermarket and Grocery Pharmacies

This category falls somewhere in the middle of chain and local pharmacies. According to the McKinsey study, supermarket and grocery pharmacies make up about 30% of stores and 15% of prescription revenue. A 2010 Pharmacy Times article details the benefits of these kinds of pharmacies, which include the resources and bandwidth of a chain pharmacy plus the personable service of a local pharmacy.

Grocery chains are able to provide pharmacists with up-to-date technology that enables them to broaden the services offered. Furthermore, shoppers can fill their prescriptions where they buy their food and other everyday items — a much appreciated convenience. Finally, a supermarket pharmacist likely sees regular shoppers often, allowing them to get to know customers and their needs.

Online Pharmacies

There are a wide variety of online pharmacy options available, and the number continues to grow as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While obtaining medicine online can seem a bit strange, it’s a great option for a lot of people. Because they erase the need to travel to get to a physical location, online pharmacies greatly expand the accessibility of modern medicine — including things other than prescriptions, like virtual appointments with a pharmacist. Another advantage is that with so many options available, you can find one that suits your budget and won’t break the bank.

According to a Global Survey Report by the International Pharmaceutical Federation, digital pharmacies benefit the pharmacist as well as the customer. With the entire prescription process being online — including digital health records and prescription monitoring — pharmacists are held to an increased level of accountability and can easily ensure quality, efficacy and the safe use of medications. When the process is made easier for the pharmacist, the customer benefits.

Of course, as with anything on the internet, fraud is a possibility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration urges consumers to exercise caution when choosing and utilizing an online pharmacy. Their article “How to Buy Medicines Safely From an Online Pharmacy” provides resources that help consumers avoid falling victim to fraudulent sites selling unapproved, counterfeit and hazardous medications.

The bottom line is that no pharmacy — chain, independent, retail or online — will encompass all of the pros and none of the cons. What works best for you will depend on your individual situation. However, you can start by educating yourself on each option to help make an informed choice you feel confident in.

While caregiving is an incredibly rewarding experience, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. When wholly supporting the needs of a loved one, the caregiver's own obligations often get put on the back burner — and sometimes completely neglected. 

In South Carolina, caregivers provide approximately 610 million hours of unpaid care, valued at over $7.6 billion annually, according to the South Carolina Respite Coalition. Nearly one fourth of adults nationwide aged 45 to 64 are caregivers, reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – undoubtedly a cornerstone of our public health system. So what happens when the caregiver becomes the one in need of care? 

For the necessary standard of care to be provided, it is vital for both the patient and the caregiver that the health of the caregiver is preserved. The same study conducted by the CDC states that more than half of caregivers have reported a decline in health that compromises their ability to provide care. Without proper wellness habits, this occupation has the potential to take a detrimental toll on the mental and physical health of caregivers.

Mental Health

At the time of the CDC survey, 14.5% of caregivers reported experiencing 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the previous month. The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) reports that caregivers show higher levels of depression, stress, and frustration. 

“Some 16% of caregivers feel emotionally strained and 26% say taking care of the care recipient is hard on them emotionally… Caregiving can also result in feeling a loss of self identity, lower levels of self esteem, constant worry, or feelings of uncertainty. Caregivers have less self-acceptance and feel less effective and less in control of their lives than noncaregivers,” the FCA states. These negative mental health effects are found to be worse for female caregivers than for their male counterparts.

Physical Health

According to the CDC, 17.6% of caregivers reported experiencing 14 or more physically unhealthy days in the previous month. Not only are caregivers more likely to be just physically unhealthy, they are at an increased risk for chronic disease and disability, as seen in these CDC statistics: 

• 40.7% of caregivers report having two or more chronic diseases.

• 53.4% of caregivers aged 65 years and older have two or more chronic diseases compared to 34.8% caregivers aged 45 to 64 years.

• 33.0% of caregivers reported having a disability.

• 35.5% of caregivers aged 65 years and older reported having a disability compared to 31.9% of adult caregivers aged 45 to 64 years.

The FCA reports similar statistics: 

• Almost three quarters of caregivers reported that they had not gone to the doctor as often as they should, and more than half (55%) had missed doctors appointments.

• In a national survey, approximately six in 10 caregivers noted subpar eating (63%) and exercising (58%) habits compared to their time prior to caregiving. 

• When comparing elderly spousal caregivers (aged 66-96) who report stress from caregiving with their noncaregiver counterparts (aged 66-96), it was found that the caregivers had a 63% higher mortality rate. 

Poor caregiver health can stem from a lack of preparation when taking on the role of caregiver, the FCA says, as well as consistently neglecting their own wellness needs. The bottom line is you’re no good to anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself. Luckily, there are many practices and resources available to ensure you are happy, healthy, and effective as a caregiver. 

Preparing to Become a Caregiver

While many caregivers are put in the role with little to no advance notice, there are ways to prepare if you think you may become a caregiver at some point. There is a wide variety of educational literature available to caregivers who want to learn more about providing for themselves and others in a caregiving relationship.

The CDC offers the idea of developing a care plan that includes medical conditions, necessary medications, insurance, and other personal information pertaining to the person being cared for. You can view an example of a care plan on the CDC website. Caregiver training is also available for those who would like to learn more before or during their caregiving experience.

Caregiver Self-Care

As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Though it can be difficult, the best thing you can do as a caregiver is ensure that your mental and physical needs are met as well. 

• Get regular checkups from your medical provider. This serves as a preventative measure as well as a way to treat any ongoing medical issues you may be having, particularly those that could be worsened by your role as a caregiver.

• Ensure your necessary prescriptions are filled and picked up in a timely manner. 

• Be intentional about making time for yourself. It can be tricky given the unexpected circumstances that often accompany caring for someone else, but allocating this time is important. This allows you time to rest, exercise, run errands, or do whatever it is that helps you recharge. 

• Eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise in order to help ward off chronic illnesses, keep you feeling healthy, and lower stress levels. 

• Talk to a therapist. For those short on time or funds, there are plenty of options today for those in need of counseling. Check with your insurance about local providers in your area or try out an online option like Better Help, Talkspace, or Cerebral. 

• UCSF Health suggests ensuring you are communicating clearly and in a healthy manner, both with the person in your care and those around you. “Being able to communicate constructively is one of a caregiver's most important tools. When you communicate in ways that are clear, assertive and constructive, you will be heard and get the help and support you need.” 

• Get back to the basics. What makes you feel your best? What are your favorite hobbies? Take a moment to answer these questions, and start to add time into your day when you can engage in these activities. While these days it seems that a new wellness trend appears on the internet or social media every day, self-care truly doesn’t need to be complicated. 

Ask for Help

Asking for help is easier said than done. Like many things in life, caregiving can take a village. Taking on the mental, physical, or emotional wellbeing of another person can feel like a huge individual burden, but it doesn’t have to be. 

There are other options available, such as respite care. Respite care provides short-term relief to caregivers. It can be anywhere from one day to several weeks in length, and comes in many forms in order to best accommodate a variety of needs. According to the South Carolina Respite Coalition, just four hours a week of relief for caregivers can make a positive impact. 

Remember: you are not alone. There are resources for any situation you may find yourself in, and there are always people available to help. Caregiving is not easy, and it’s a learning process for everyone involved. Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can and taking care of yourself in all capacities is just as important as the job you’re doing for someone else. 

Sources: 

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-health/ 

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/self-care-for-caregivers 

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/res/VPTC2/4%20Care%20for%20the%20Caregiver/Taking_Care_of_You_SelfCare_for_Family_Caregivers.pdf 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-respite-care 

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-health/ 

https://www.screspitecoalition.org/about-us/sub-test/ 

Of the five species of sea turtles in Panama’s waters, three are globally considered vulnerable to extinction, one is endangered with extinction, and another is critically endangered with extinction. Sea turtles are a vital component of the marine ecosystem as they provide support for the subsistence of the reef ecosystem and food transport throughout the world’s oceans. However, both the species and its habitat need urgent protection.

Over 60 percent of the world's 356 turtle species are threatened or extinct, making them one of the most vulnerable species on the planet. Sea turtles are threatened by human actions including harvesting turtles and their eggs, irresponsible tourism and development practices, pollution and debris, bycatch, climate change and vessel strikes. The Panama Wildlife Conservation’s Sea Turtle Project states that coastal overdevelopment, fisheries bycatch, pathogens, and climate change are all substantial threats to the survival of sea turtles. 

Lawmakers are working to change that. In 2021, Congressman Gabriel Silva introduced a law designed to preserve Panama’s sea turtles through a multi-part conservation plan that guarantees the restoration, prevention of contamination, and severe degradation of sea turtles’ habitats. 

Granting Sea Turtles Rights of Nature 

Following the law’s introduction, Earth Law Center (ELC) partnered with The Leatherback Project (TLP) to campaign for even more protection of sea turtles in Panama. The Leatherback Project is an organization dedicated to the conservation of the massive leatherback sea turtle throughout its global range through research, education, and advocacy initiatives aimed at mitigating fisheries bycatch, reducing plastic pollution, and combating climate change.

The two organizations have submitted a formal request that Rights of Nature be added to Panama’s law. You can read more about Rights of Nature in this ELC report.

By recognizing nonhuman species’ rights, we are taking a crucial step towards ensuring conservation is proactive rather than reactive. For example, many policies (such as the Endangered Species Act in the United States) are only enacted once a species is already endangered, at which point it can often be too late to restore the population's health. By taking an ecocentric approach rather than a human-centric approach to conservation, we are considering the sea turtle’s inherent right to exist, thrive, and evolve. This means that when humans make decisions affecting sea turtles, they need to also consider their well-being. 

In our society, increased legal rights mean increased protection. This is seen in human rights and corporate rights, and the same would apply to animals that receive rights. Adding Rights of Nature for sea turtles would allow the conservation of the species to take a forefront in relevant decisions and would emphasize the interdependence between humans and animals. According to ELC’s Community Toolkit for Rights of Nature, adding Rights of Nature would mean:

“Recognizing Nature as an independent stakeholder in decision-making and creating a guardianship system, enabling representation through the standing of any person or community.” 

Next Steps

Rights for non-human beings are not new! International and local recognition of non-human being’s rights to exist and flourish include: 

• Both San Francisco and Malibu passed resolutions protecting the rights of whales and dolphins in their coastal waters. 

• The ʔEsdilagh First Nation in what is now Canada (one of the six that comprises the Tsilhqot’in Nation) enacted the Sturgeon River Law (also known as the Fraser River) that states the people, animals, fish, plants, the nen (“lands”), and the tu (“waters”) have rights.

• The New Zealand Government legally recognizes animals as 'sentient' beings; the Uttarakhand High Court of India ruled that “the entire animal kingdom, including avian and aquatic, are legal entities with rights; and the United Kingdom now recognizes lobsters, crabs, and octopus as sentient beings.

• Ecuador has recognized the Rights of Nature on the national level. 

• Rivers in Colombia and New Zealand have obtained legal rights. 

• AND MANY MORE!

Panama’s proposed bill is currently in the seventh round of debates. If enacted, this would be the first time that the specific rights of a species group would be recognized in a Rights of Nature law. This bill could set a precedent for protecting the inherent rights and intrinsic value of marine species, a precedent that can encourage other nations to proactively protect sea turtles and other species. 

*Note: In 2023, sea turtles were granted Rights of Nature in Panama.

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In recent years, three communities in Colorado have prioritized environmental protection by recognizing the inherent rights of their surrounding natural ecosystems. Crestone, Nederland, and Ridgway, Colorado, have all created resolutions with the collective goal to give Nature a voice in local government and, eventually, result in statewide action to permanently protect and restore Colorado’s ecosystems.

Rights of Nature in Colorado

With the help of Earth Law Center and others, Crestone, Colorado, passed a resolution in 2018 to recognize the Rights of Nature in the town. The resolution acknowledges the role Nature plays in Crestone’s deep spiritual culture and explains the responsibility humans have to act as environmental guardians. By recognizing the Rights of Nature, the community collectively invested in protecting its ecosystem. Specifically, the recognized Rights of Nature with the goal of protecting the North Crestone Creek and Burnt Gulch aquifer, the source of the majority of Crestone’s water. Crestone is also a Dark Sky community, with its successful application emphasizing the Rights of Nature as a motivation to protect dark skies. Dark skies are necessary for many species and ecosystems to flourish.

In July of 2021, the town of Nederland, Colorado, became the first in the state to recognize the rights of a body of water: Boulder Creek and its accompanying watershed. ELC partnered with Save the Colorado (which has a rights of rivers program), Boulder Rights of Nature, and others to make the resolution possible. According to a Daily Camera article, while the resolution is not legally binding, it does allow for guardians of the creek to be appointed so that it has representation in legal decisions. Ensuring Boulder Creek has the ability to flow and be pollution-free was a major goal in the resolution, as was preserving the creek’s cultural significance.

Ridgway, Colorado quickly followed in Nederland’s footsteps, recognizing the rights of the Uncompahagre River just a few months later. The Uncompahagre River is located on the border of downtown Ridgway and according to the resolution, provides the town with clean water, cultural connections, a diverse array of plants and animals, and more. The resolution outlines a plan to consistently ensure the river is adequately protected, a plan that includes implementing effective policies and programs, appointing a legal representative of the river, and opposing actions that would violate the river’s rights.

How Does Recognizing the Rights of Nature Help Conservation Efforts?

There are many places around the world that have recognized the Rights of Nature in some capacity. The Magpie River in Canada was granted legal personhood and basic rights and protections in early 2021, animals in Spain gained legal protection this year, and the Atrato River in Colombia gained legal rights in 2017, to name a few. The hope is that as we see these efforts more often, they will expand into additional cities, states, and countries, giving us a new way to adequately protect Nature.

Each of these three Colorado communities has acknowledged the fact that in preserving Nature, we are also preserving the health and wellbeing of humans. The two are intricately connected. By ensuring that the ecosystems we depend upon are protected, we are protecting our own livelihoods in more ways than one. Our physical and cultural wellbeing depends on nature.

A special thanks to Save the Colorado and Boulder Rights of Nature for their work in this field! They are essential partners to ELC and are amongst the most dedicated supporters of the Rights of Nature in the world.

Next Steps

The common goal in passing these resolutions is to mobilize other communities in Colorado to do the same, instilling the Rights of Nature into the local community and eventually leading to support at the state level. For example, the fifth section of Ridgway’s resolution is a call to action that asks the state government of Colorado to implement legal policies that would further protect Colorado’s bodies of water. Currently, ELC is working closely with Save the Colorado in conversation with over ten other communities who envision passing similar resolutions to those passed in Crestone, Nederland, and Ridgway.

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In March 2022, Iceland announced an end to the country’s long-standing whaling tradition, citing a lack of interest and profit as the reasoning behind the decision. However, once it takes effect in 2024, the impacts will extend far beyond financial. Though not often considered, whales play a critical role in the ocean’s ecosystem, and there is increasing evidence that cetaceans possess high levels of intelligence and sentience. With the end to Iceland’s whale hunting industry nearing, we hope to see further protection and recovery of whale populations.

Whaling History

National Geographic writes that whaling dates back to the 1600s and was a practice that could be found in Iceland, Norway, Japan, and America. Whaling in the United States was banned in 1971, and this year, Iceland announced its plans to allow current whale hunting quotas to expire in 2024, effectively ending the whaling practice in Iceland, and leaving Norway and Japan as the only two countries where whaling is still legal.

BBC reported on Iceland’s decision to ban whaling, saying, "Why should Iceland take the risk of keeping up whaling, which has not brought any economic gain, in order to sell a product for which there is hardly any demand?" Svandis Svavarsdottir wrote on Friday in the Morgunbladid newspaper.”

In 1982, the International Whaling Commission announced a moratorium on whaling, a decision that has helped protect whales to this day. Though whaling still occurs in Norway and Japan, the moratorium allowed previously hunted whale populations to recover, writes National Geographic. In recent years, as a result of increasing evidence of whale intelligence and sentience, many have pushed for further protections and even the recognition of whales as having legal rights.

Why Is Protecting Whales Important?

According to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, “Whales play a vital role in the marine ecosystem where they help provide at least half of the oxygen you breathe, combat climate change, and sustain fish stocks. How do they do it? By providing nutrients to phytoplankton.” These nutrients, specifically iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus, are dispersed through their fecal plumes.

Despite their importance, they still face many threats to their existence. In addition to hunting, “…industrial fishing, ship strikes, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change are creating a hazardous and sometimes fatal obstacle course for the marine species,” states the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Whaling has also caused whale populations to decrease immensely. This World Economic Forum article details the number of whale species that have been reduced to near extinction through whaling. When whale numbers decline, so does the overall health of the ocean. However, the article also reiterates that the IWC’s moratorium helped to bring whale populations to a healthier number, citing the gray whale as an example of the 1986 moratorium’s success. “The moratorium was largely successful, with the population of Western gray whales increasing from 115 individuals in 2004 to 174 in 2015. The WSA humpback whale, which numbered fewer than 1,000 for nearly 40 years, has recovered to close to 25,000, according to the latest study.”

The Helsinki Group, based in Helsinki, Finland, released a declaration in 2010 calling for the rights of cetaceans to be recognized. The Helsinki Group is just one of many organizations that are dedicated to granting rights to cetaceans. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has pushed for cetacean rights to be recognized, as have Sonar and ELC.

Next Steps

While there is still work to be done, it is encouraging that a previous ban on whaling created a positive impact. With legal rights for cetaceans not yet in place and whaling set to end in Iceland, now is the time to reinvigorate the fight for the rights of whales and all cetaceans.

Earth Law Center has worked for several years to lead initiatives around the world to protect these intelligent, vital creatures, including the Southern Resident Orca campaign, which is a campaign for state recognition of the Southern Resident’s inherent rights to life, which includes the right to life, autonomy, free and safe passage, adequate food supply from naturally occurring sources, and to be free from conditions causing physical, emotional, or mental harm, including a habitat degraded by noise, pollution and contamination.

"If humans are to survive we must re-remember our kinship with Nature and our non-human relatives. This will undoubtedly require changes in the way we do business; opening space for innovations so that we can have a future with clean rivers, ocean and seas, and healthy habitats for humans, animals and plants alike." says Elizabeth Dunne, Director of Legal Advocacy at Earth Law Center.

ELC’s very own Michelle Bender has also written an e-book on Ocean Rights, which can be found here. We urge you to join our mission to protect the rights of the ocean and the creatures it houses!

How You Can Help

Click here to learn more about ocean rights.

Click here to donate.

Click here to join our team as a volunteer!

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What does it mean to eat sustainably? 

Everything people do affects the health of the planet, whether that’s a positive or a negative impact. This includes your diet! As Earth Day approaches, let’s explore how you can create healthy eating habits for yourself and for our environment. 

Seasonality

When visiting a large commercial grocery store, you’ll likely be able to find any type of produce you’re looking for, no matter the time of year. While this is convenient, it’s not the most sustainable or healthy practice. 

When you choose seasonal produce, you’re getting food that is grown locally instead of having to be grown elsewhere and shipped to the store you’re at. For example, if you live in North Carolina and are purchasing strawberries in December, those strawberries are being grown in a much warmer climate, harvested, dusted with preservatives, and shipped to you – which uses a large quantity of fuel and water. You’d be better off choosing apples at this time of year because they can be grown in North Carolina in the fall and winter. This way, you’re also supporting your local farmers and economy.

Not only is it more financially and environmentally sustainable, you’re getting a better product if you eat seasonally. In-season produce is fresher, more nutrient rich, and tastes better because it’s able to stay on its parent plant longer and be picked at peak ripeness. 

Growing Your Own Food

Growing your own produce and herbs may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Grab seeds from a local store and get ready to plant. If you have space in a yard, you can plant directly in the ground. If not, a pot works just as well for a container garden. You’d be surprised what you can grow in a pot. In fact, with some planning and maintenance, many people are able to have full sustainable container “farms” right on their patios. 

A few tips and tricks for growing your own produce: 

• Plant native, seasonal produce. This is better for your garden, the earth, and you. 

• Do a bit of research to see where in your yard is the best spot to plant. Like any flower or shrub, it’s important to balance sunlight and water needs. 

• Keep your scraps! If you already have produce in your fridge, some of it can be replanted to create new produce - peppers, for example. Learn how to do that here. 

• Consider insects, rabbits, and deer. You may need to put a protective fence or covering around your produce to keep out other hungry critters.

If this still sounds like a lot of work for you, opt for a small, indoor hydroponic garden. You can set it right in your kitchen and the garden itself will do all the work – all you need to do is add water and in a few weeks, you can have herbs, vegetables, and more for your plate. 

When you grow your own food, you’re saving money and giving yourself the peace of mind in knowing exactly how your food was grown and what went into it. 

How to Eat Sustainably Without Cutting Out Meat

Unfortunately, meat production is incredibly harsh on the environment. While following a vegetarian diet is a great option for both your health and the planet, it’s not always easy. The good news is it doesn’t have to be all or nothing! You can still eat sustainably while keeping meat in your diet. Here are a few ways to do that: 

• Purchase meat from your local farmer’s market. This way, you can continue to support your local economy, no fuel and water is used to ship the product to you, and it’s easier to verify that sustainable practices were used in preparing the meat. 

• Look for companies that use environmentally-friendly methods like regenerative grazing and pasture-raised systems. 

• Opt for poultry instead of red meat - it takes less of a toll on the planet and is better for your health. 

• Eat less meat and more plants. You’re still making a positive impact on the planet by having meat a few times a week instead of every day, and when you include a wider variety of plants, it benefits your gut microbiome and creates greater agricultural biodiversity. 

Don’t underestimate how much of an impact altering your habits can make. Just a few small changes start a chain reaction, and may even inspire your friends and family to do the same. For more information on eating sustainably and how you can impact the planet with your diet, check out the resources below. 

Other Resources

https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/sustainability/

https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr7162

https://www.wwf.org.uk/better-basket

https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/why-eat-seasonally

https://www.ncagr.gov/marketing/produce-availability-chart/open

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