Category: Shelby Weingart

After my deep dive into sustainability labels last week, I left the grocery store more skeptical than ever. Between the “natural” granola bars and “eco-friendly” laundry detergent, I started to wonder: how many of these green claims are real, and how many are just good marketing?

The answer? A lot of them are just that: marketing. Welcome to the world of greenwashing, when companies use environmental buzzwords, imagery, or packaging to seem sustainable without actually doing the work.

So… What Is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing is when a brand or product presents itself as environmentally responsible in a misleading or exaggerated way. Think leafy logos, earthy tones, and phrases like “planet-friendly” or “conscious choice,” with no clear backing.

It’s a way to appeal to eco-conscious consumers (hi, us) without making meaningful environmental changes behind the scenes. And the worst part? It works, because it looks trustworthy.

Greenwashing Red Flags

Here are some things I’ve learned to watch for on my own grocery runs:

• Vague language: Words like “eco,” “natural,” “green,” or “safe” mean basically nothing unless they’re backed by facts.
• No certifications: Claims like “organic” or “sustainable” should come with a legit third-party certification, like USDA Organic or Fair Trade.
• Pretty packaging, no proof: A cardboard box with a tree logo might look sustainable, but check for actual recycling info or material details.
• Irrelevant claims: Saying a product is “CFC-free” when CFCs have been banned for decades is a classic distraction tactic.

A Tale of Two Products

While walking through my local Eugene co-op, I spotted two similar hand soaps. One had leafy green packaging, the words “Nature Fresh,” and no ingredient list or certification. The other had a simpler design but was certified cruelty-free and clearly listed biodegradable ingredients. The second one actually walked the walk.

It reminded me that we can’t trust a product just because it looks sustainable. We have to read the fine print.

What To Look For Instead

• Certifications like USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, Rainforest Alliance, B Corp, or Fair Trade.
• Transparent ingredients and sourcing. If they don’t want to tell you where it came from, that’s usually a red flag.
• Minimal or recyclable packaging, and clear info on how to dispose of it.
• Local brands that share their environmental values openly. These are often more honest than big-name brands trying to catch the “green” trend.

Final Thoughts

It’s frustrating to realize how easily companies can fake sustainability, especially when so many of us are trying to make better choices. But here’s the good news: once you know what to look for, it gets easier to see through the fluff.

We don’t have to shop perfectly. But we can shop more consciously, and push for transparency by supporting brands that mean what they say.

Let’s keep peeling back the label, one aisle at a time.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about climate paralysis — that feeling when you care deeply about sustainability but still struggle to act in big, consistent ways. I see it in myself, in conversations with friends, and even on the shelves of the grocery store (remember my post on sustainability labels?). So, for this week’s blog, I wanted to highlight someone whose work has helped me make sense of this emotional tug-of-war: Dr. Kari Norgaard.

Dr. Norgaard is a sociology and environmental studies professor right here at the University of Oregon. She studies something called “socially organized denial” basically, how people can intellectually accept climate change as real, but still emotionally disengage or feel stuck. Her research has been like a mirror: not always comfortable, but incredibly clarifying.

In her book Living in Denial, she studied a community in Norway that openly acknowledged climate change, they read the news, saw the science, yet didn’t make significant changes to their lives. Sound familiar? It’s not that they didn’t care. They cared a lot. But climate change felt too massive, too painful, too abstract. So, like many of us, they coped by mentally pushing it to the side.

“We know about climate change but act as if we don’t,” she writes. “This is not ignorance. It’s something more complex — a kind of collective coping mechanism.”

When I first read that, I felt so seen. It explained why I can be passionate about composting and still forget my reusable bags. Or why I research zero-waste swaps but still get overwhelmed by packaging in the produce aisle. Guilt doesn’t help, but understanding does.

What really excites me about Dr. Norgaard’s work is that she doesn’t stop at diagnosis. She also talks about what motivates action: community, cultural values, and yes — hope. But not the sugary, “everything will be fine” kind of hope. She talks about motivated hope , the kind that grows from collective action and doing something, even if it’s small.

She’s also done incredible work with the Karuk Tribe in Northern California, showing how Indigenous ecological knowledge offers powerful, grounded solutions to environmental crises. That kind of systems-level thinking, pairing cultural wisdom with scientific urgency, aligns so well with the vision of sustainability I’m trying to explore on this blog.

As students, consumers, and just everyday people navigating the climate crisis, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough. But Dr. Norgaard reminds us that denial isn’t always malicious and it’s often emotional. And the antidote isn’t shame. It’s understanding, community, and sustained engagement.

This post is a little different from my usual, not a product review, not a recipe, not a how-to, but I hope it offers something just as valuable: a framework for grace, reflection, and meaningful action.

Until next time: compost what you can, breathe deep, and be kind to your climate-anxious self.

Infographics are honestly one of the coolest ways to communicate big ideas. I didn’t always pay much attention to them, but the more I’ve gotten into topics like climate change, plant-based eating, and low-waste living, the more I appreciate how much a well-designed infographic can say without needing a ton of words.

For this post, I looked at three different infographics that I think do a great job of explaining important environmental issues in a visual way. Each one has a different style, but they all helped me understand something complex in a simple, visual format.

---

1. Climate Change in Numbers

Source: UN Climate Action – What is Climate Change?

This infographic is super impactful — it’s packed with huge, bold numbers that tell a really urgent story about our planet.

Why it works:

• Visual hierarchy: The big numbers and headlines instantly pull you in and guide your eye through the graphic.
• Color choices: It uses reds and oranges that make you feel the heat and urgency of climate change — literally.
• Typography: The fonts are simple, clean, and really easy to read.
• Text + visuals balance: There’s not too much text, which I like. Icons and graphics carry most of the message.
• Tells a story: It walks you through how climate change is affecting us now and what’s coming if we don’t act. It’s powerful.

---

2. What’s on Your Plate? Food & the Environment

Source: Our World in Data – Environmental Impacts of Food

As someone who eats vegetarian, I loved this one. It shows the environmental impact of different types of food in a super clear and visual way.

Why it works:

• Visual hierarchy: The comparison charts make it super easy to see which foods have the biggest footprints.
• Color choices: It uses greens and natural tones that feel calm and eco-friendly.
• Typography: The text is straightforward and clean — no frills, but effective.
• Text + visuals balance: It’s mostly visuals, which makes it easier to scan and understand quickly.
• Tells a story: You can really see the difference between a plant-based diet and a meat-heavy one. It makes the data feel real.

---

3. 5 Ways to Go Zero Waste

Source: Earth911 – 5 Ways To Go Zero Waste
(Insert screenshot of the infographic here)

This infographic offers practical tips for reducing personal waste, inspired by Kathryn Kellogg, founder of Going Zero Waste, who famously fit two years’ worth of trash into a single mason jar.

Why it works:

Tells a story: By presenting achievable steps, it empowers readers to take action towards a zero waste lifestyle, making the concept feel attainable.

Visual hierarchy: The infographic is organized into five clear sections, each highlighting a specific tip, making it easy to follow.

Color choices: It uses earthy tones that align with the sustainability theme, creating a cohesive and calming visual experience.

Typography: The fonts are clean and legible, ensuring that the information is accessible to a broad audience.

Text + visuals balance: Each tip is accompanied by an illustrative icon, reinforcing the message without overwhelming the viewer with text.

---

Final Thoughts

These infographics were all totally different in tone and style, but each one helped me understand something important about sustainability in a way that felt clear and impactful. Whether it was bold numbers, clean comparisons, or visual metaphors, they all show how powerful good design can be when you’re trying to get a message across.

It also made me think more about how I want to approach my own infographic project — not just what I want to say, but how I want it to feel. I’m excited to take what I learned from these examples and put it into something of my own.

As a Public Relations student in Eugene, Oregon, I’m currently taking a Sustainable PR class that’s really opened my eyes to how communication can drive meaningful change. We’ve been learning about frameworks like CSR and ESG—terms I’d heard before but didn’t fully understand until now. They’re not just buzzwords—they’re powerful tools to help communicate climate change in a way that’s strategic, honest, and clear. This class includes hands on activities to allow us to immerse ourselves in the world of Sustainable PR.

Something I keep coming back to is this: if we want people—especially our generation—to care and take action, we need to make the message accessible and real. It’s not enough to throw facts at people. We need stories, practical solutions, and ways to actually get involved.

One of the best resources I’ve come across is Mongabay. It’s an independent environmental news outlet that takes deep, complex issues like deforestation and climate change and breaks them down into understandable, engaging stories. I appreciate how grounded and trustworthy their reporting feels—especially in a world where misinformation spreads so easily.

Then there’s The Cool Down, which takes a totally different but equally valuable approach. It focuses on solutions—what can be done instead of just what’s going wrong. It makes sustainable living feel a lot more doable and a lot less overwhelming. This reminded me of something we discussed in class with Jennifer Peterson Rouda and David Harper from Eugene’s own 7Skyline—they emphasized how important it is to create hopeful, relatable narratives if we want people to get involved. The Cool Down really leans into that idea.

Locally, I’ve been loving Too Good To Go, an app that helps fight food waste by connecting people with local businesses offering extra food they have at the end of the day at a discount. It’s such a simple concept, but it has a real impact—and it’s a great example of how sustainability can show up in small, everyday actions right here in our community.

Another big influence for me has been the book Net Positive, which looks at how businesses can go beyond just minimizing harm and actually become a force for good. That’s such an important idea for anyone in PR, especially those of us who want to work with purpose-driven companies. It’s made me rethink what corporate responsibility really means.

All of these tools—Mongabay, The Cool Down, Too Good To Go, Net Positive—have shown me that good communication isn’t just about getting a message across. It’s about helping people feel informed, inspired, and capable of making a difference. That’s the kind of communicator I want to be—someone who helps bridge the gap between big issues and everyday action, both in Eugene and beyond.

Let’s be real—eating plant-based sounds great, but it can feel kind of overwhelming at first. Like, where do you even start? Do you have to give up your comfort meals? Spend a ton of money at specialty stores? Learn how to cook tofu just right on the first try?

Short answer: nope. Long answer: I’ve found that the easiest way to eat more vegetarian meals is to keep it simple, tasty, and familiar. You don’t need to go full vegan overnight (I definitely haven’t). But adding more plants into your routine can be fun, satisfying, and—bonus—way better for the planet.

One of my absolute staples is a tofu teriyaki bowl. I probably make this once a week without even thinking about it because it’s just that good and easy.

Here’s how I throw it together:

• Tofu – I press it for a bit, cube it, toss it in cornstarch for crispiness, then pan-fry or air-fry.
• Veggies – Usually a mix of broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper. Whatever’s in the fridge.
• Rice or noodles – Brown rice is my go-to, but soba noodles are great too.
• Teriyaki sauce – I either make a quick one with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little maple syrup… or just use a bottled version when I’m lazy (no shame).
• Toppings – Sesame seeds, green onion, maybe a squirt of sriracha or a spoonful of kimchi if I’m feeling spicy.

It’s comforting, colorful, and honestly tastes better than a lot of takeout. Plus, it keeps well for leftovers, so future-me is always thankful.

But beyond taste and convenience, I’ve been thinking more about why eating this way matters. Our food choices have a big impact on the environment, and the meat and dairy industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Switching even a few meals a week to plant-based can significantly lower your personal carbon footprint.

For example, according to Project Drawdown, shifting to a plant-rich diet is one of the most effective ways individuals can fight climate change. Producing tofu, beans, or lentils uses way less land, water, and energy than producing beef or lamb—and generates far fewer emissions. So even if you’re not ready to go full vegetarian, every plant-based swap counts.

Here are a few simple ways to ease into it:

• Meatless Mondays (or Tuesdays or… whenever)
• Swap your base – Try lentils instead of ground beef, or jackfruit for pulled pork.
• Get sauce-savvy – A good peanut or tahini sauce can make anything craveable.
• Prep ahead – Roast veggies, cook grains, and stash tofu in the fridge.

Honestly, eating more plants has helped me feel more connected—to my food, to the earth, and to my own values. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making choices that feel good and do good. And if I can do that with crispy tofu and a teriyaki glaze? Count me in.

As I start thinking seriously about life after graduation, I’ve been looking for ways to travel, explore the world, and still stay grounded in the values that matter to me—sustainability, connection, and living with purpose. That’s how I came across something called WWOOF, and honestly, I’m hooked!

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. It’s a global movement that connects volunteers—called WWOOFers—with organic farmers and growers. In exchange for a few hours of help each day, hosts provide food, accommodation, and a chance to live and learn on their land. It’s not paid work, but it is rich in experience, education, and the kind of human connection that’s hard to find in our super digital lives.

What drew me in most was how WWOOFing supports sustainable agriculture. Many of the farms focus on regenerative practices, low-waste systems, permaculture, and working in rhythm with the land. You’re not just helping with chores—you’re learning real skills in sustainability, from composting and natural building to seed saving and harvesting. It’s a crash course in the kind of earth-friendly living I try to write about and practice already.

One of the coolest parts is how global the network is. You can WWOOF across the U.S. (wwoofusa.org) or explore farms in places like Italy, New Zealand, Japan, or Chile through the international site (wwoof.net). Each country has its own WWOOF organization, and you sign up through the one where you want to travel. The idea of spending a month helping at a vineyard in southern France or a goat cheese farm in Patagonia sounds way more fulfilling than just hostel-hopping or sightseeing.

I also love that WWOOFing is based on mutual respect and cultural exchange. It’s not about cheap labor; it’s about sharing knowledge, forming connections, and supporting people who are doing important work to feed their communities and protect the planet.

For someone like me—eco-conscious, low-budget, curious—it feels like the perfect bridge between school and whatever comes next. I’m hoping to spend part of the next year WWOOFing, meeting people who care deeply about sustainability, and learning skills I can carry into whatever kind of life I build next. It feels hopeful and grounding at a time when everything feels fast and uncertain.

If you’re into low-impact living, want to learn more about organic farming, or just want a different kind of adventure, check out wwoof.net. You might end up somewhere totally unexpected, eating fresh-from-the-garden meals, and feeling more connected to the earth and to others than ever before.

When I first started getting into sustainability, I thought I had to buy a bunch of expensive “eco” products to live low-waste. But over time, I realized that low-waste living isn’t about buying your way into a lifestyle. It’s about shifting your habits, rethinking what you already own, and doing the best you can with what you have.

Here are 7 affordable ways I’ve learned to reduce waste — no perfection (or $40 water bottle) required.

---

1. Use What You Already Have

Before you buy any new “sustainable swap,” check what you’ve got. That old jar? Perfect for leftovers. A tote bag from a school event? Your new grocery bag. Living low-waste starts with not wasting what you already own.

Tip: Make a “reuse bin” under your sink for jars, rubber bands, bread ties, and containers.

---

2. Buy Secondhand (Especially for Kitchen + Clothes)

Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and local thrift stores for low-waste living. You can find baking trays, mason jars, storage bins, and even Tupperware sets — all secondhand and plastic-free(ish).

---

3. Start with Easy Swaps

Skip the zero-waste starter kits and start with one or two low-cost swaps:

• Reusable water bottle or mug
• Cloth napkins from cut-up old t-shirts
• Refillable soap or shampoo from a local refill store (if available)

Check out: Find a refill store near you (Litterless has a U.S. directory).

---

4. Reduce Food Waste

Food waste = wasted money. Some quick wins:

• Freeze veggie scraps to make broth
• Plan meals and shop with a list
• Learn to store produce properly

Helpful guide: How to Store Fruits & Vegetables to Reduce Waste (NRDC)

---

5. Ditch Single-Use When You Can

It’s not about never using plastic again — it’s about cutting out what you can. Say no to plastic utensils, bring your own bag or cup, and pack snacks in containers instead of plastic wrap. These little swaps add up over time.

---

6. DIY What You Can

Homemade cleaners are super cheap and effective:

• All-purpose spray: vinegar + water + citrus peels
• Baking soda as a scrub for sinks and tubs

You can also DIY wax wraps, deodorant, and lip balm if you’re feeling crafty (and want to save money).

---

7. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Sometimes, buying one durable thing now saves money later. A reusable razor, a leakproof lunchbox, or quality cloth pads may have a higher upfront cost but last for years. Prioritize what you use most often, and build slowly.

🔗 Product round-up: 10 Affordable Reusable Items Worth the Investment (Going Zero Waste)

---

Final Thoughts

Living low-waste isn’t about doing everything perfectly or buying all the “right” stuff. It’s about being resourceful, intentional, and a little creative. The truth is, the most sustainable habits are often the cheapest — because they ask us to consume less, not more.

Wherever you are on your low-waste journey, start small. And don’t let a tight budget stop you from making an impact.

I grew up eating Ben & Jerry’s. It was a household staple, especially when my dad came back from the grocery store with funky flavors like Half Baked or Phish Food. I loved the creativity, the chunks, the swirls, and the feeling that this ice cream wasn’t like any other brand.

What I didn’t know then — and only recently started learning — is that Ben & Jerry’s has spent decades doing more than just making amazing ice cream. They’ve been leading the way in corporate activism and social responsibility. Their approach to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) isn’t just a marketing strategy — it’s woven into everything they do, from sourcing ingredients to calling out injustice.

Centering Values

Ben & Jerry’s was founded in 1978 with a mission that blended business with social good. Today, their three-part mission still drives every decision:

1. Product Mission: Make fantastic ice cream using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
2. Economic Mission: Operate on a sustainable financial model that rewards stakeholders.
3. Social Mission: Use their business to advance progressive social change.

This commitment shows up in everything from using Fairtrade-certified cocoa and sugar to working with sustainable dairy suppliers through the Caring Dairy program. They even push for GMO labeling and limit their use of palm oil to avoid deforestation.

---

Speaking Up When It Matters

Ben & Jerry’s takes stances where most companies stay silent — and that’s what makes them stand out.

• Racial Justice: After the murder of George Floyd, they released a statement titled “Silence Is Not an Option”, explicitly calling for the dismantling of white supremacy. It wasn’t vague or PR-polished — it was rooted in history and action.
• Climate Advocacy: Their Save Our Swirled campaign connected climate change to their core identity, even redesigning pints to raise awareness and donating to organizations like 350.org.
• LGBTQ+ Rights: They’ve supported marriage equality with renamed flavors like Hubby Hubby and have backed trans rights legislation.

---

Why It Works

Ben & Jerry’s campaigns work because they’re consistent, honest, and backed by real action. From the ingredients they source to the people they hire and the messages they put into the world, the brand’s values are transparent and authentic.

It’s easy to become skeptical of corporate messaging, especially when so many brands post a rainbow logo in June or a black square during a protest, only to go silent after. Ben & Jerry’s doesn’t do that. They stay engaged — even when it’s controversial.

---

CSR That Doesn’t Sugarcoat Anything

As someone who used to just pick Ben & Jerry’s based on the flavor name or cookie dough chunks, it’s been inspiring to learn how much this brand truly stands for. Their version of CSR is loud, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in long-term impact — not just feel-good branding.

Ben & Jerry’s has proven that companies don’t have to stay neutral to succeed. In fact, standing up for something can build stronger relationships with customers who care. Ice cream may be their product, but activism is part of their identity — and that makes every pint feel a little more meaningful.

Ben and Jerry’s Values: https://www.benjerry.com/values

Picture: https://hbr.org/2021/01/why-ben-jerrys-speaks-out

Growing up in California, I always loved being outside, but it wasn’t until I started hiking that I realized how important sustainability is when being outside. I’ve seen drought-stressed trees, unseasonal blooms, and wildfire scars that weren’t there before. Witnessing these changes firsthand pushed me to think more deeply about my daily choices, from what I eat to how I live.

Becoming vegetarian felt like a natural extension of the respect and gratitude I feel every time I step into our world’s beautiful places. When I stopped eating meat, it wasn’t just for my health, it was a quiet protest against industries that harm the earth. Agriculture, especially large-scale meat production, contributes massively to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Choosing plant-based foods became my personal way of saying “I want to do better.” It’s not about perfection; it’s about doing what I can, where I am, with what I have.

Hiking has become a ritual for me, it is how I get outside while being kind to my body. Some of my favorite trails, like Spencer Butte, offer short but rewarding climbs with a 360 view of Eugene. If you’re looking for something quieter, the Fox Hollow trailhead connects to a web of peaceful forest trails where you can feel completely immersed in nature. Mount Pisgah offers a moderate hike that’s perfect for sunrise or sunset — and the view from the top always makes me reflect on the bigger picture. 

Here are a few tips if you plan to hit the trails:

• Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
• Bring reusable water bottles and snacks to cut down on waste.
• Stay on designated trails to protect delicate ecosystems.
• Leave no trace — pack out everything you bring in.
• Take a moment to simply be present and appreciate the beauty around you.

Climate change feels overwhelming at times, especially as a college student balancing school, work, and personal life. But, standing under a century old tree makes me feel connected to our earth. These small, beautiful moments motivate me to keep making decisions for our planet.

Best Oregon Hiking:  https://www.alltrails.com/us/oregon 

Eco-friendly hiking tips: https://veggievagabonds.com/sustainable-hiking-tips/