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For a Just Energy Transition, Oil and Gas Workers Must be Heard

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New Mexico’s Permian Basin, one of the top oil regions in the United States, could reach peak production as early as 2030. The change is essential to reduce carbon emissions in the fight against climate change, but without proper planning, it will significantly impact oil and gas workers. Immigrant workers are set to suffer the worst from the fallout, forcing them to abandon the place they call home in search of financial security elsewhere.

“They've already been displaced from their home countries, in part because of climate, in part because of other economic and political issues,” Marcela Díaz, executive director of the immigrant rights organization Somos un Pueblo Unido, told TriplePundit. “So here they are, and they want to stay. Our members want to stay in this region where they have grown roots and where they're raising their children.”

That won’t be possible without substantial investment in workforce development. As of now, the oil and gas industry is the only major employer in the area. While other industries are set to enter the region, immigrants who work in the oil and gas sector will need further education and training to fill those positions, Díaz said. But many are not eligible due to their undocumented status. A just energy transition is dependent on funds and programs that will bridge the gap, which is where Somos comes in.

A dangerous and exhausting industry

Oil and gas workers put in long, hard hours in conditions that take a toll on their bodies and health. In the Permian Basin, they work 12-hour days that stretch to 16 including the commute. Due to the physical demands of the job, most workers are forced to retire by the age of 55, Díaz said.

In this non-union region, workers don’t have pensions or retirement payments available to them when that time comes. While U.S.-born oil and gas workers can at least collect Social Security income once they reach retirement age or become too disabled to work, those who are undocumented are ineligible, despite paying into the fund. Likewise, they cannot receive unemployment when the industry slows, as it will after peak production, or has to shutter temporarily like it did at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It's one of the least regulated industries when it comes to health and safety,” Díaz said. “This is the reality for folks, so we're organizing around all of those issues and making sure people know what their rights are when they get injured on the job. We start where people need support, and help, and want to organize to better their conditions … This is what our major first step was, to expose the reality of life for families within that context.”

At first, it was the workers' wives who most often showed up to organize, she said. Only about 15 percent of oil and gas workers in the area are women. In an effort to include workers and accommodate their schedules, Somos built a committee to meet in the evenings and during weekends, resulting in hundreds of members meeting regularly. Focus groups are also done on weekends, so workers can speak directly about their experiences and needs related to the low-carbon transition. 

A Somos un Pueblo Unido member at an oil field - - oil and gas workers organizing for rights
(Image: Somos un Pueblo Unido)

The evolution of Somos un Pueblo Unido

Somos didn’t begin in the climate justice and just transition arena. The 28-year-old organization initially worked on more traditional immigrant rights issues, such as removing Immigration and Customs Enforcement from local jails, preventing deportations, and securing access to financial aid, in-state tuition and driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. It expanded its reach to organizing for economic justice, workers' rights protections and sanctuary policies, thanks to input from members, Díaz said.

“If you're a membership-based organization and your members are immigrants, if you're listening and paying attention, you will eventually turn into a workers’ rights and an economic justice organization,” she said. “We have five worker centers around the state, including in the Permian Basin, so that people can come and organize around those issues and try to grow power in their local communities.”

Growing that power often means taking member demands to representatives outside of their immediate area. Local politicians have strong ties to the oil and gas industry, so organizers must appeal to urban and Democrat-leaning representatives instead, Díaz said. With 42 percent of the state budget coming from oil and gas revenues, members make it a point to request their fair share via investment in workforce development.

“Just like good old-fashioned organizing, we have campaign committees and they are driving and steering the work,” she said. 

Somos members helped elect U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who took a bill to Congress to fund healthcare for immigrants working in the oil and gas industry. While the bill won’t pass, Díaz said it managed to bring significant national attention to the issues faced by workers who have otherwise been overlooked.

Challenges to a just energy transition

Oil and gas families want better for their children, which no doubt helps drive their determination to organize despite long work days and little free time. “They don't want their young people to go into the industry,” Díaz said.

A survey commissioned by Somos found that nearly 80 percent of oil and gas families do not want their children working in oil and gas. Yet, there aren’t any other options unless they go elsewhere in search of jobs. 

Fortunately, new opportunities are coming to New Mexico thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS Act. But for oil and gas workers and their children to access those jobs, workforce development — in the form of integrated and adult education, training and certification programs, and apprenticeship opportunities — is imperative. Otherwise, employers will bring in out-of-state workers, Díaz said. 

“[Recently] we were able to get flexible money outside of WIOA [the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act] for the first time,” she said. “So this is the on-ramp to a lot of the career and technical education.”

It’s a huge step considering WIOA funds — which undocumented immigrants are barred from benefiting from — are the primary source of workforce development in New Mexico. With peak oil and gas production drawing near, Somos and its members will have to keep up the momentum from victories like this, the organization and workers are both acutely aware of how quickly it’s coming. 

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Decreasing the production of fossil fuels is an essential part of the energy transition to reduce carbon emissions, but without proper planning, immigrant oil and gas workers are set to suffer from the fallout. That's where the immigrant rights organization Somos un Pueblo Unido comes in.
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Five Hidden, Sustainable Spots to Visit in Kingston, Jamaica

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Jamaica is a dream destination for many travelers, and most of its best tourist haunts are located on the coast outside of the capital city, Kingston. There might not be an abundance of treehouse resorts and beachfront villas like in the countryside, but deep in the heart of the city, you'll find hidden gems that are good for the environment and the local economy. Supporting locally-owned businesses like these ensures that your dollars stay in the community. Here are five sustainable spots to visit on your next trip to Kingston, Jamaica.

A plate of bean and pea stew, chickpea dumplings, banana, yam, stir-fried vegetables, grated beets and coconut.
A meal from Ibo Spice Portal that includes bean and pea stew, chickpea dumplings, banana, yam, stir-fried vegetables, grated beets and coconut. (Image: Gladstone H. Taylor)

Ibo Spice Portal 

The first stop on the list is a food oasis in the heart of downtown: Ibo Spice Portal. The locally-owned small restaurant and catering business is special because it’s what you least expect to find in the sweltering heat of downtown’s concrete jungle. The menu is completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly. It’s conveniently based a few blocks down from the famous Rockers International Record Shop, one of the only remaining vinyl shops in the country. Ibo is also nestled beneath a canopy of trees that do well enough to make one forget they are still downtown.

I stopped by the other day for lunch and had a great dish with a mix of bean and pea stew, boiled chickpea dumplings, banana, yam, stir-fried vegetables, grated beets and coconut. This all cost roughly $1,000 Jamaican dollars (JMD), which is just about $6.50 U.S. dollars. The restaurant also has a selection of natural juices that are great to pair with a lunch like this. 

The Veggie Campus restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica.
Veggie Campus, a plant-based restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica. (Image: Gladstone H. Taylor) 

Veggie Campus

Another great spot to have a bite to eat is Veggie Campus, which is located roughly five minutes from the most central area in Kingston: the Half Way Tree neighborhood. This is an area you might frequent as it has the largest transport center in both the Kingston and St. Andrew parishes. 

Veggie Campus is nestled beneath a canopy of tall trees that give it an earthy ambiance. It has outdoor seating arrangements that make waiting for the food worth it, and everything here is plant-based.

I’m a repeat customer, and the food is always great. I tried a meal there recently that included fried cauliflower wings, quinoa, stir-fried veggies and amazing barbecue circles. The whole meal cost roughly $1,200 JMD ($8 USD). It’s a great place to stop for some food with a full day of traveling ahead.

A farmer selling crops at the Ujima Natural Farmers Market.
A farmer sells their organic, pesticide-free crops at the Ujima Natural Farmers Market. (Image: Gladstone H. Taylor)

Ujima Natural Farmers Market

If you have the desire to cook rather than order takeout, the Ujima Natural Farmers Market is a good stop for some ingredients. The market was created by a group of local farmers in an attempt to provide access to organic, pesticide-free food in their communities. It’s held at the Hope Botanical Gardens. They set up as early as 9 a.m. and finish around 3 p.m., which gives you time to stop by even if it’s a busy day. 

The market has strict rules for farmers to ensure the food remains organic, and each farm is scheduled for regular inspection by the board to check that the right farming methods are used. It's been a trusted source for good, clean food for years. 

The entrance to the Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica.
The 200-acre Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of the few green spaces left in the city. (Image: Gladstone H. Taylor)

Hope Botanical Gardens

Speaking of the Hope Botanical Gardens, it is one of the few green areas left in Kingston, spanning around 200 acres. This beauty is the home of some of the city's oldest trees and endemic species of birds. It’s a great spot for a picnic, a group outing or a solo walk in nature. 

The garden comes highly recommended because of its status as a habitat for important biodiversity. It’s run by Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, but it has struggled to stay open in the past because of poor attendance. Visiting this oasis is a way of letting the Ministry know that we need to preserve the green spaces we have left. The entrance fee is only $200 JMD ($1 USD). 

Cabins in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park.
Cabins are available for those looking to spend the night in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. (Image: Gladstone H. Taylor)

Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

Last but not least is Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. Technically, this spot is about 45 minutes outside of Kingston, but it makes the list because of its close proximity. The park was declared a conservation site back in 1993 — a declaration that spans the entire Blue Mountain range, which hosts the island's highest peak. The site is so important that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared it a world heritage site in 2015. 

The park hosts nature lovers from all over the city, and not just for the day experience. Backpackers, hikers and campers can spend the night out in nature in cabins run by the park staff. It’s a great place to steal away from the city for a few hours or spend a weekend under the stars. The entry fee is only $400 JMD per person ($3 USD). 

This article is part of Travel Month in our 2024 Sustainable Living Challenge, where we unpack accessible ways to see new places and get around your hometown with a lighter impact on the planet. Learn more and take the challenge here.  

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If you're visiting Jamaica, don't overlook the capital city, Kingston. Travelers might not expect to find these locally-owned, sustainable spots that are good for the environment and support the local economy.
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Turning Captured Carbon Into Valuable Products Can Benefit the Environment and Economy

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With the right technology, carbon can be transformed into profitable end products and services that create jobs and support local economies — a win-win for the environment and the economy.

Carbon-to-value technologies use carbon dioxide to create valuable products for carbon-intensive industries, and they’re attracting global interest from profit-focused investors. As a result, there’s been an uptick in startups focused on carbon conversion, or the reuse of carbon as an end product or a component of new materials, representing a critical transition for the industry. Essentially, we’re creating a pathway that enables the conversion of captured carbon into fuels, chemicals, building materials, plastics, food, medical products, cosmetics and more — turning a harmful chemical compound into economic value. 

Looking at available technologies to capture excess carbon, the industry has seen a scale-up of solutions such as carbon capture and storage and direct air capture. These processes can mitigate climate change and environmental impacts by either capturing carbon from the atmosphere or preventing entry into the atmosphere altogether and storing it. 

Point-source carbon capture technologies stop carbon dioxide at the source. Companies like Climeworks can remove carbon dioxide from the air through direct air capture and storage technologies. The captured carbon is then processed and safely stored deep underground where it mineralizes and can be contained for thousands of years. 

In comparison, carbon capture and utilization has the potential to help prevent and reduce atmospheric carbon while also finding lucrative uses for the captured carbon. These technologies will capture or store carbon, and utilization locks it away in new, economically viable products -— contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a circular economy where carbon becomes a valuable asset. 

Technologies that mineralize and convert captured carbon dioxide into profitable, high-value products are particularly promising because they are carbon neutral, have an ultra-low energy penalty and serve large global markets. For example, CarbonFree Chemicals’ patented technologies capture carbon dioxide from emitters and transform it into carbon-neutral chemicals such as baking soda, precipitated calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid. Continuing with the momentum across the industry, CarbonFree recently announced a partnership with U.S. Steel to deploy its SkyCycle platform at U.S. Steel’s plant in Gary, Indiana, its largest facility in North America.

Capturing carbon’s potential

The momentum behind carbon storage and utilization efforts started in 2017 when the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) introduced the idea of carbon emissions as a carbon feedstock at the Engineered Carbon Reduction Listening Day.

“Feedstocks are materials used directly in manufacturing processes and transformed into an intermediate or finished material,” according to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. For many decades, the chemical industry has used fossil-fuel-derived feedstocks like natural gas to manufacture building block chemicals, such as ethylene and propylene, which are used to produce everything from plastics to fertilizer. 

When carbon dioxide is captured and used as a building block for useful products such as concrete, plastics, carbonated drinks or fuel for cars, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels while limiting carbon emissions. The value here lies in creating products that provide economic value while slowing climate change. 

The predicted market potential is enormous. The addressable market of “carbon tech” companies totals $1 trillion annually in the U.S. and $5.9 trillion globally, according to Carbon 180

The three most promising product areas that could utilize captured carbon dioxide are fuels, chemicals and building materials. Despite the broad range of possible end products, these three sectors will likely have the largest addressable markets and, thus far, have been the most active. 

The challenge? Public acceptance 

One of the major challenges to the carbon-to-value movement is the public’s acceptance of products, such as carbonated water, created from carbon captured from a power plant's smokestack. 

Approximately 69 percent of consumers were open to carbon capture and utilization-based products, according to a study completed in 2021. We expect favorability to continue to rise as carbon-based products become more popular, but there are a few things to keep in mind while that happens. 

Carbon use, or reuse, is needed in addition to carbon reduction. More than emissions reductions are required to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Ultimately, the end goal should be to reduce our carbon footprint, so there’s less of it to deal with. Combining carbon conversion technologies with carbon reduction initiatives will result in the best long-term outcome. 

Useful products are not the only benefit of carbon capture and utilization. Creating a pathway to address the need for clean, reliable energy sources is critical to addressing climate change. In addition to the useful products we can produce, the main benefits of carbon capture and utilization are the prevention of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere as well as its removal from the air — which reduces overall emissions, especially in hard-to-abate industries. 

Initial infrastructure costs remain high. The value and impact of carbon-based products must outweigh the associated costs. Scale-up is exceptionally challenging for first-of-a-kind technology projects. In addition to capital and infrastructure, expertise is necessary to get it right to avoid expensive delays and loss of investor support. 

The need to manage carbon emissions remains high. To address rising concerns and worsening climate impacts, we must better understand how to reduce and utilize the excess carbon that is entering, and already present in, the atmosphere. The demand for carbon conversion technologies increases daily as our reliance on fossil fuels accelerates the negative impacts of climate change. By increasing the number of carbon-negative and carbon-neutral products available and encouraging their acceptance, we can reduce reliance on fossil fuels while stimulating the economic environment. 

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Thanks to new technology, captured carbon dioxide can be transformed into valuable products for carbon-intensive industries in a way that creates jobs, supports local economies and mitigates climate change.
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Do Boycotts Work? Two Years On, Brand Exits From Russia Are Having an Impact

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Hundreds of leading brands and other companies stopped doing business in Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite the boycott, the war dragged on for more than two years with no end in sight. In that context, it may be fair to ask if the boycott has had an impact. However, the real question is whether businesses have any choice but to act as best they can when confronted by authoritarian power.

Two options: Boycott, or stay and risk a takeover

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin summarily seized companies belonging to the agribusiness AgroTerra. The company's assets were placed under the temporary management of the Russian federal property management agency Rosimushchestvo, Bloomberg reported.

AgroTerra operates within Russia, but it is owned by the U.S. investment firm NCH Capital as part of a longstanding interest in Eastern European agriculture. Founded in 2008, AgroTerra operates farms in the fertile Central Black Soil region south of Moscow that provide commodity and specialty crops to food processors. 

Arguably, companies that support important food systems have ethical reasons to continue operating, regardless of wartime. An April 9 report by Reuters suggests that AgroTerra falls into that category. As of May 2023, the company was listed among the top 20 agricultural landholders in Russia.

As of this writing, Putin’s new decree has not impacted AgroTerra operationally. The company told Reuters “it was operating as usual" and was primarily focused on sowing seeds for the coming season. 

Still, the takeover is the most recent example of the risks that can come with a shift toward authoritarianism.

So, is the brand boycott against Russia working?

The news about AgroTerra and NCH is also important because it provides further evidence that the voluntary boycott has had a significant impact on Russia’s financial ability to wage war.

Days after Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in 2022, the Yale School of Management began keeping a meticulously researched database of non-Russian companies doing business in Russia. So far, almost 1,000 of the 1,500 companies in the Yale database are listed as completely withdrawn. Others have cut back their operations, while some receive an “F” grade for continuing business as usual.

By May 2022, the Yale team gathered enough data to conclude that those withdrawing from Russia realized long-term financial benefits, despite the risk of loss. “We find that equity markets are actually rewarding companies for leaving Russia while punishing those that remain behind,” they summarized on May 31, 2022.

A few months later, the team noted evidence that the voluntary boycott was working in support of international sanctions against Russia. “Far from being ineffective or disappointing, as many have argued, international sanctions and voluntary business retreats have exerted a devastating effect over Russia’s economy,” they reported.

Still, as the war entered its second year, skeptics continued to dispute the effectiveness of the boycott. In December, for example, the New York Times published an article under the headline, “How Putin Turned a Western Boycott Into a Bonanza,” which argued that Russia has profited from the boycott.

The Yale team promptly disputed this account, arguing the article merely amplified propaganda from top Russian officials. “The last word is given to Dmitri Medvedev, the unhinged former Russian president who casually and regularly threatens to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine,” the team wrote in a rebuttal published by Fortune. “No wonder the Russian government is enthusiastically tweeting out the NYT article across official accounts."

In an eerily prescient observation, they also argued that Russia survives “merely by seizing assets" from foreign entities as well as Russian companies and citizens. “The increasingly state-dominated economy is cannibalizing its own companies to maintain Putin’s war machine,” they wrote. 

In a more recent sign the Russian government is desperate for cash, in February Putin signed a new law formalizing and extending the confiscation of “money, valuables and other assets” from Russian citizens.

Pressure builds on the U.S. Congress to support Ukraine

The new confiscation law specifically applies to anyone “convicted of spreading ‘deliberately false information’ about the country’s military," the Associated Press reported

While these factors indicate Russia's war coffers are running low, the conflict is likely to continue until Ukraine receives enough aid to repel the invaders and restore its legitimate boundaries. In the face of that resistance, a voluntary boycott is not enough.

U.S. aid for Ukraine has been held up in Congress for months amidst opposition from Republican representatives. The holdup from GOP lawmakers garnered rebukes from members of their own party. Outside researchers and Congressional colleagues including U.S. Reps. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas) say many of the lawmakers opposed to the aid package repeat Russian talking points and disinformation in their arguments against it on the House floor.  

In his annual letter to shareholders earlier this month, JPMorgan Chase CEO and Chairman Jamie Dimon is the latest to voice support for an aid package for Ukraine and take aim at the chaotic state of Congress. 

"America and the free Western world can no longer maintain a false sense of security based on the illusion that dictatorships and oppressive nations won’t use their economic and military powers to advance their aims — particularly against what they perceive as weak, incompetent and disorganized Western democracies," Dimon wrote. "America’s global leadership role is being challenged outside by other nations and inside by our polarized electorate. We need to find ways to put aside our differences and work in partnership with other Western nations in the name of democracy." 

In particular, he singled out Ukraine as "the front line that needs immediate support" and argued "providing that support is the best way to counter autocratic forces."

Dimon’s warning of a “weak, chaotic and disorganized” democratic process rings all the more true this week, as Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson attempts to bring a long-delayed Ukraine aid package to the floor for a vote even while facing calls to resign from members of his party. If Republican representatives are having a hard time finding common ground to unite behind their own speaker, perhaps it would help if other business leaders would speak up with the same clarity and force to help them find a way.

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Hundreds of leading brands and other companies stopped doing business in Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Two years later, it's having a demonstrable impact on Russia's financial ability to wage war, but crucial government action is still missing.
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Third-Party Verification Labels Can Guide Sustainable Shopping, If Consumers Know About Them

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A growing segment of consumers are looking to purchase more sustainable products, but many aren't sure how to determine which products are sustainable. It's hard to blame them, as the ever-increasing volume of sustainability claims creates confusion and makes it harder to differentiate verifiable product attributes from marketing fluff. 

Third-party verification labels can help point consumers in the right direction, but only if people know what these labels mean and why they should look for them on the products they buy. Product certifiers, brands and retailers all have a role to play in building awareness of green labels so they have a greater impact on consumer purchasing. 

More consumers want to shop sustainably: Green labels can help

More than half of U.S. consumers say social and environmental considerations have more influence on their purchases today than they did a year ago, TriplePundit found in the $44 Billion Sustainability Opportunity report, published this spring in partnership with our parent company 3BL, the research technology platform Glow and panel partner Cint. 

Of the consumers who don't factor in social and environmental considerations significantly when they shop, a quarter said it’s because they “don’t know enough about the sustainability credentials of brands.” Another 18 percent don’t see “any significant difference” in sustainability performance across brands, while around a fifth said they don’t trust brand sustainability claims. 

If consumers recognize them and perceive them to be valid, third-party verified green labels can help to address all of these concerns and unlock more consumer spending based on sustainability. Already, sustainability-driven brand switching added up to more than $44 billion across 12 industries in the U.S. alone last year, according to our research. 

"People are increasingly conscious of their purchasing habits and want to make sure they are shopping for products that match their values," said Nicole Condon, U.S. director at the Marine Stewardship Council, a nonprofit certifier of sustainable seafood. "We’re seeing that consumers are growing more aware of how their purchasing habits impact the environment, and, when given the information to make a more sustainable choice, they’re doing just that."

Labels, labels everywhere 

Take a walk through any store, and you'll find no shortage of sustainability claims on product packaging. Some claim the product is "green" or "eco-friendly," while others tout attributes like "natural," "low-waste" or "low-carbon." 

But it's important to distinguish between marketing claims and those that are verifiable and substantiated by third parties. Claims like "green" and "natural" are not regulated by the government in most countries, meaning any brand could slap these labels on any product without consequence. "Consumers are bombarded by product sustainability claims," Condon said. "This makes it increasingly difficult to identify which labels are credible."

Some products bearing these claims may indeed be healthier or come with a lighter impact on people and the environment, but it's impossible for consumers to differentiate a product that's truly more sustainable from another that's sleekly marketed based on these labels alone. While countries including those in the European Union moved to ban claims like these without evidence, those regulations don't come into force until 2026 or later.

In the meantime, third-party verification labels can help point consumers toward products with specific attributes that reduce their impact on people and the planet. 

The Marine Stewardship Council, for example, uses a set of standards to verify that wild fisheries do not impact marine ecosystems and that seafood supply chains are free of human rights issues like forced labor. Other third-party verified labels include Fairtrade certification for supply chain worker rights, Energy Star certification for energy efficiency, and Bluesign certification for sustainable clothing and textiles, among many others used around the world. 

promo material for Little Labels Big Impact Campaign to drive awareness of verified green labels
The Little Labels, Big Impact campaign offers an example of how certifiers, brands and retailers can educate consumers about sustainable product standards. (Image courtesy of Little Labels, Big Impact) 

Raising awareness of third-party verification labels

While they aren't regulated either, third-party verification labels indicate a product has met a set of standards for sustainability and social responsibility based on auditing from the certifier.

Sustainability advocates sometimes question whether various third-party certifiers go far enough. But importantly, the standards they use are publicly available, giving consumers information and the power to decide for themselves. Still, that doesn't mean much if consumers don't recognize third-party green labels or know what they mean. 

Every year, the Marine Stewardship Council teams up with Fairtrade America and the Non-GMO Project for the Little Labels, Big Impact campaign to raise awareness of third-party verified green labels and why they are important. 

"The Little Labels, Big Impact campaign educates shoppers about the rigor behind third-party verification around product claims,"  Condon said. "These 'little labels' help shoppers avoid greenwashing — also known as deceptive marketing claims that make products seem sustainable — highlighting more sustainable products that support producers and preserve nature’s integrity." 

The campaign looks to inform consumers about what brands must do in order to use the MSC blue label for sustainable seafood, the Fairtrade America label for worker compensation and rights, and the Non-GMO Project Butterfly seal for avoidance of genetically modified organisms

"Transparency lies at the heart of this initiative," Condon said. "Participating organizations uphold transparency by openly sharing their standards, data and financial information on their websites. Furthermore, they actively ask for input from stakeholders to create accountability."

Beyond messaging on social media, the campaign looks to engage retailers and brands to educate their customers about why green labels are important through email and social media marketing, as well as messaging on-pack and in-store. The campaign reached more than 2.6 million people in the U.S. last year, according to the Marine Stewardship Council

When consumers are aware of green labels, research indicates they're more likely to seek them out while shopping. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. consumers who recognize the Fairtrade label prefer to shop at retailers that carry certified products, according to 2023 polling conducted by GlobeScan on behalf of Fairtrade America. Similar research from GlobeScan and the Marine Stewardship Council indicates that 65 percent of U.S. consumers are looking for third-party verified labels from brands and at retailers.

While the Little Labels, Big Impact campaign offers an example to follow, of course it's just the start when it comes to helping consumers tell fact from fiction while shopping for sustainable products. Retailers like Aldi and Whole Foods Market and brands ranging from outdoor gear label REI to ice cream favorite Ben & Jerry's message regularly about the green labels their products carry and what they mean for consumers, supply chain workers and the environment.

Meanwhile groups like the Marine Stewardship Council look to shake up their messaging throughout the year to reach new audiences with this information. "We’re excited to work with some of our commercial partners on an Earth Month themed campaign in April and use World Ocean Day in June to raise awareness about the important role sustainable fishing plays in a healthy ocean," Condon said as an example. "We’ll continue supporting certified fisheries and work with fisheries interested in getting certified, as well as support our commercial partners along the supply chain."

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Third-party verification labels can help consumers shop their values, but only if people know what these labels mean and why they should look for them on the products they buy.
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Meet the Family Farmer Growing Your Avocados

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Avocado trees are native to southern Mexico, where they grew as wild cultivars for thousands of years before the Aztec and Maya people began growing the crop domestically. Today, avocado production is an economic powerhouse for the region. 

The avocado industry has enjoyed record-breaking growth in recent years, and per-capita consumption in the U.S. has steadily climbed, as well as avocado imports from Mexico. The dramatic growth in avocado imports has been good for the U.S. economy, according to a report from researchers at Texas A&M University’s Agribusiness Food and Consumer Economics Research Center in partnership with Avocados From Mexico. In fiscal year 2021-2022, U.S. imports of Mexican Hass avocados added $6.1 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product and created 58,299 jobs. On the Mexican side of the border, hundreds of thousands of people earn their living from the prized fruit.

Michoacán, a Mexican state on the western coast, is at the heart of the country's avocado sector and produces 73 percent of all avocados grown in Mexico. It is also where Martin Mendoza calls home and where he has been growing avocados since he was 16 years old. “My mother started our family’s farm in 1980, and my brothers and I started growing avocados then,” he told TriplePundit.

Michoacán: The global center of avocado production

Today, Mendoza and his four brothers manage a 250-acre operation, where they grow 15,000 avocado trees, divided into five orchards. “Our farm is spread out at diverse elevations between 1,400 and 2,700 meters above sea level,” Mendoza explained. “The difference in climates at the various locations allows us to harvest avocados year-round.”

Michoacán is a lush environment, with rainforests, pine forests and deciduous forests spread throughout the state. “From my orchards, you can see the Colima Volcano. In the past few weeks, it has had snow on top of it that we can see from the farm,” Mendoza reflected.

Mendoza typically starts his day on the farm around 7 a.m. When his employees arrive, they go over their plan for the day and address any production problems before any other work begins. While the farm’s full-time work crew consists of 20 employees, during times of heavy harvesting, they also manage outside picking crews.  

Approximately 90 percent of avocado imports in the U.S. come from Mexico, and until recently, Michoacán was the only Mexican state to meet the rigorous requirements of the U.S. export program — which includes certifying the fruits are free from pests and plant disease, among other requirements. “We have participated in the export program since its inception, and we export mostly to the U.S.,” Mendoza said of his farm.

the view of the snow-capped Paricutín volcano from Mendoza's avocados farm
The view of the snow-capped Colima volcano from Mendoza's avocado farm. 

Ensuring sustainability and safety

Mendoza has spent decades learning about the needs of avocado trees. For example, avocado trees are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation. With much of Mexico experiencing drought, farmers are conscious of water use. “Climate change has affected our entire region,” Mendoza said. “However, in Michoacán we are blessed with a lot of rainfall. It rains most months of the year, and the rich, volcanic soil in Michoacán holds moisture and keeps the avocados alive without the use of irrigation.” 

In Mendoza’s orchards, 80 percent of his trees rely solely on rainfall and soil moisture, and only 20 percent require additional irrigation. To ensure maximum uptake and avoid runoff, Mendoza utilizes micro-sprinklers and drip irrigation. These microirrigation technologies allow for greater precision by directing water only to the trees that need supplemental irrigation. Additionally, Mendoza harvests rainwater during the months with higher rainfall to use for irrigation during dry seasons. 

The farm also invests in food safety and quality, and for Mendoza, that starts with the health of his employees. All employees undergo regular testing to ensure that nobody is sick while handling the avocados, and the Mendozas provide medical services for all employees working in their orchards. 

They also monitor their water supply and ensure that any agricultural product that touches the avocados is environmentally-friendly and safe for consumers. “The guidelines for the export program are very strict, and they cover employees, tools, chemicals and more. We have to be impeccable,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza’s farm also carries additional responsible agriculture certifications, including Global GAP, and they employ a monitor who ensures that all outside picking crews and other employees are following responsible farming practices in each of the five orchards. 

“We are very careful about the environment,” Mendoza said. "We take care of the land because we depend on it. Responsible farming practices are generally a key characteristic of Michoacán.”

Family farmers in Michoacán drive the avocado sector

The avocado sector in Michoacán provides an economic boost to the entire region through employment opportunities and additional outside investments, but this vibrant local economy would not be possible without the hard work of family farmers.

About 80 percent of avocado growers in Michoacán are smallholders with less than 12 acres, Mendoza said. “The avocado industry benefits thousands of farming families. There are 180,000 hectares in the avocado export program, but they are mostly the small family farms that support this industry.”

Running a larger farm in a sector that provides so many in the community with a livelihood is a lot of responsibility, but Mendoza said he embraces it. 

“Avocados are the main economic engine of our state in terms of job creation and the economy,” he said. “My main challenge as a grower is to continue to export and continue to grow so I can generate employment for my community, but I am motivated by the challenge of making a good name for avocados from Michoacán. I am very proud to be Michoacáno.”

This article series is sponsored by the Avocado Institute of Mexico and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Images courtesy of the Avocado Institute of Mexico

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Michoacán, a Mexican state on the western coast, is at the heart of the country's avocado sector and produces 73 percent of all avocados grown in Mexico. It is also where Martin Mendoza calls home and where he has been growing avocados since he was 16 years old.
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The Political Path Forward on Climate Change

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This story is part of From the Frontline, a guest-contributed column where we hear directly from climate justice advocates and those who are impacted by climate change. If you're interested in contributing your perspective to this column, please get in touch with us here

When U.S. President Joe Biden stepped up to deliver what might be his last State of the Union address last month, the growing partisan divide was hard to ignore. The indiscriminate impact of climate crises, as witnessed through record-breaking heatwavesdevastating wildfires and increased domestic climate migration, underscores that climate concerns transcend partisan lines. 

Despite the pressing nature of climate change, it often ranks lower on the list of priorities for voters globally, overshadowed by immediate economic concerns. However, here in the United States, a noteworthy shift is emerging within the conservative demographics, particularly among younger Republicans, who increasingly view climate change as a critical issue. 

This shift among younger conservatives and the consistent climate concerns from liberal voices presents an opportunity for both the Republican and Democratic parties. By working together across political and socioeconomic lines, we have an incredible chance to tackle the biggest environmental and economic challenges facing our nation.

The green transition isn’t partisan; it’s inevitable. As clean technologies become increasingly affordable and drive down costs, public and private investment in climate solutions will bring unprecedented economic benefits to red, blue and purple states. From creating well-paying green jobs to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and improving public health, these investments hold promise for creating a more resilient economy while reducing costly carbon emissions. 

Climate investments are set to skyrocket even further in 2024 with the rollout of substantial funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, like the $20 billion in climate finance awards the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last week. These awards will increase access to financing for green projects for households and businesses in communities across the country. The initial $20 billion is expected to yield more than $250 billion in combined public and private investment over the next 10 years and create 1 million direct jobs, according to a recent study. This rapid growth will create a green market that lowers energy costs, bolsters economic development, and positions the U.S. as a global economic power. 

Despite the historic economic growth that’s on the horizon, the current polarized political landscape makes common ground increasingly difficult to find.

The looming contest for the White House between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump underscores this dilemma. While Biden's campaign resonated with young climate voters in 2020, the issue has since receded from the forefront of political discourse in 2024. And that’s not all that surprising. In an early poll of young voters, only 26 percent identified climate change as one of the top three issues on the ballot, while 53 percent were concerned about the cost of living and inflation. 

However, it’s important to note that the environment and the economy go hand in hand. For young voters on both sides of the aisle, there is a vital opportunity for Democrats to educate voters about the economic opportunity that an inclusive green economy will provide, especially the imminent expansion of green bank financing. Republicans should also listen carefully to the unique concerns of green conservatives and remain curious and creative in evolving the Republican platform to be inclusive of climate issues. 

Businesses, local governments and families nationwide are showing an unprecedented appetite for climate solutions. Green technologies are now more cost-effective than fossil fuels, driving this demand. As the world continues to seek low- or zero-emission technologies, states across the political spectrum are attracting billions in clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing, resulting in millions of new jobs. 

To ensure no one is left behind in the green transition, we need to bridge knowledge gaps, work across divisions and create a shared vision of a more equitable, sustainable future. Some communities have already started that difficult, critical work like Fresno, California.

Thanks to Inflation Reduction Act funding, diverse stakeholders in Fresno are working together to create a climate plan that reduces pollution, expands clean energy, and promotes economic growth. Representatives from both sides of the aisle and across sectors have a seat at the table to build a healthier, more sustainable roadmap for their community. As Republican Mayor of Fresno Jerry Dyer puts it, “During heat waves, Republicans and Democrats both sweat the same.”

This kind of deep, bipartisan collaboration is critical for communities like Fresno that are most impacted by climate change but least likely to be a part of the solutions. While environmental and economic injustice is often prevalent in communities of color, these same patterns of disparity are felt by poor rural communities in red states as well.

Republicans and Democrats alike need to uplift the concerns of their constituents that have been left unheard. They should also meaningfully engage communities to adequately advocate for their unique needs and address knowledge gaps. At all levels of government and across sectors, leaders should turn toward each other through unlikely partnerships and build the inclusive green economy our planet urgently needs and our communities rightly deserve. 

The opportunity for transformation doesn’t stop there, and the need for unity extends beyond Capitol Hill and our nation’s borders. In our families and communities, we should seek ways to bridge divides and find common ground on climate. This bipartisan approach to change-making is also needed at a global scale. At the 2023 United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28), participants from across the globe emphasized the critical role of cross-sector partnerships and collaborative innovation in meeting global climate goals. 

As a Latina climate justice activist with progressive values, I believe in the importance of working with unlikely allies to create sustainable change. We can embrace our collective experiences, safeguard our planet and pursue solutions that foster a fairer, more sustainable future. If we unite and seek common ground, 2024 can mark a significant leap forward in climate action.

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Green investments aimed at tackling climate change could create historic economic growth, but the current polarized political landscape makes common ground increasingly difficult to find. Still, working across political and socioeconomic lines can offer major opportunities, this climate justice advocate argues.
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Could Arsenic-Laced Wells Help Protect Indigenous Lands From Wildfires?

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This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here.

With decades of experience, Reno Red Cloud knows more than anyone about water on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. As climate change makes fire season on the reservation — which covers more than 2 million acres — more dangerous, he sees a growing need for water to fight those fires. 

Red Cloud is the director of water resources for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and he recently received nearly $400,000 in federal funding to revive old wells that have been dormant for decades. He thinks the wells can produce over a million gallons of water a day. But there’s one catch: They have elevated levels of arsenic.

“We have to look at using these wells,” he said. “They are just sitting there. Instead of plugging them, like a Band-Aid, let’s utilize them for the future of drought mitigation.”

The Oglala Sioux’s water needs have doubled in recent years, with longer and hotter summers and, of course, drought. With more wildfires on the horizon, the water Red Cloud envisions could not only add to the quality of life for those on the reservation, but he sees this as a climate solution for reservations across the nation. 

“We think other reservations could do the same,” he said. 

Arsenic can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted. It is a natural element found in the upper parts of the Earth’s crust, and while a big dose of it is fatal, the more common issue is consumption of low levels of arsenic over long periods of time. 

Jaymie Meliker, a professor at Stony Brook University in New York and an authority on arsenic in drinking water, said the water Red Cloud wants to use should be safe to use to fight fires. 

“Nothing is really toxic,” he said. “One of the first things they teach you in toxicology is [that] it’s the dose that makes the poison.”

He said the concentration of arsenic in the soil is measured in parts per million while in the water it is measured in parts per billion. It’s “still a thousandfold as small as the levels that are already in the soil, back into the soil. I don’t see a big risk from that at all.”

The wells were installed in the 1970s when the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development funded and developed them for home projects on reservation land. Back then, the acceptable level of arsenic in a water supply was 50 parts per billion, and then in 2001 the Environmental Health Agency changed it to 10 parts per billion. When that happened, the pumps were plugged up and there were no plans to use them. 

Understandingly, some in the area are hesitant when they hear about arsenic. The water many drink on Pine Ridge is pumped in from the Missouri River but the reservation has many private wells with elevated levels of arsenic. Tribes throughout the U.S. are disproportionately affected by elevated levels of arsenic in their private wells, such as those on the Navajo Nation. 

A paper outlining a two-year study on arsenic in drinking water among Indigenous communities in the Northern Plains confirmed that those populations have higher levels of arsenic in their water. Prolonged arsenic exposure can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, and other serious health conditions. 

The World Health Organization offers guidelines on the subject, saying, “Low-arsenic water can be used for drinking, cooking and irrigation purposes, whereas high-arsenic water can be used for other purposes such as bathing and washing clothes.” 

A funding summary of the tribes project said there was speculation on if the water should be used for agriculture and livestock. So, even though Red Cloud is interested in potentially using this water for livestock and agriculture, there is still more research to be done to look at the viability of these wells for other uses. 

Red Cloud helped write the 2020 Oglala Sioux’s Drought Adoption Plan. New water sources were the first solution to mitigate drought in that report. He hopes that other tribes look at their old wells on reservation lands to see if they can help mitigate drought — or if it’s better to just plug them up and let them sit. 

“The bottom line is we’re looking to deal with extended drought and the increasing intensity of wildfires,” he said. 

This article originally appeared in Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at Grist.org.

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Wells with elevated levels of arsenic may sound alarming, but they actually present a wildfire, climate and ecosystem solution for Indigenous lands across the United States.
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Zero-Emissions Road Freight in India is a Blueprint for Public-Private Collaboration in Emerging Markets

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When it comes to road freight, India is leading the way among emerging markets in accelerating the number of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) on the road. And it’s offering a blueprint for others to follow.

Increasing investments along the ZEV value chain in India is the aim of a unique public-private collaboration, the Zero-Emission Vehicles in Emerging Markets Initiative (ZEV-EMI), a model now being replicated in Mexico and other emerging markets.

The pace of decarbonization must accelerate in the face of worsening climate change. Transport is often at the top of sectors that need to do more, and for good reason: Transport accounts for close to a quarter of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.

To align with the Paris Agreement, and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, 60 percent of global light-duty vehicle sales, 30 to 35 percent of zero-emission truck sales, and 60 percent of zero-emission buses must be electric by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2023. A zero-emission vehicle is any vehicle that emits no harmful pollutants at all from its exhaust pipe. A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is the most common type of ZEV.

Transport is undergoing fundamental transformation to meet the demands of a low-carbon world. But there are significant barriers to decarbonization, including uncertainty around technology deployment roadmaps, supply and demand for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) which hampers development, production and adoption along with insufficient financing. These challenges are particularly pronounced in emerging markets. 

Electric freight in India

In India, road freight is the predominant mode of goods movement. Despite being less than 3 percent of vehicles, road freight accounts for 64 percent of the nation’s diesel consumption and contributes to 34 percent of road transport emissions.

More than 30 companies have come together under the first phase of Zero-Emission Vehicles in Emerging Markets Initiative. The effort is led by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the U.S. and U.K. governments under the ZEV Transition Council (ZEVTC), along with the Indian government's E-FAST (Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport) initiative to advance the electrification of the truck market in India. Companies in the initiative have launched several pilot projects and signaled demand for more than 5,000 electric trucks in India by 2027 and around 7,700 by 2030. 

While this represents only 0.20 percent of current truck demand in India, or 4 million trucks on the road in 2022, it provides an important demand signal for further market development. When a number of purchasers come together to pool demand, electric trucks can be produced at a larger scale and lower cost, leap-frogging the technology adoption curve.

The initiative has started to have important ripple effects. A number of shippers are already  piloting electric trucks in 2024 and 2025, including Amazon, Aditya Birla- UltratechMaersk and JSW, among others. As part of E-FAST, several partners have joined forces toward further e-truck market development, with the ambition to deploy 15,000 trucks by 2030.

As a key enabler, the initiative is also working collectively to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure corridors by de-risking infrastructure planning and related investments through data-sharing. 

The companies have agreed to work together to deploy electric trucks through a national task force that will stimulate the development of the electric freight market in India. The task force is structured according to a national three-pillar strategy for electrifying trucks, including collecting and aggregating demand across shippers, shaping financing mechanisms for de-risking private investments, and enabling a favorable policy environment.  

The incentive for action among the companies is clear, as this contributes to carbon emission reductions in their fleet operations as part of their own decarbonization commitments. 

A game-changing approach

The ZEV-EMI initiative is a leading example of the collaboration needed to solve the climate crisis, in that it brings together all the essential actors to deliver real change.  In Mexico, where the model is already being replicated, demand is already being collected across fleet operators. This includes trucks, cars and EV infrastructure, demonstrating the usefulness of the India model across different technologies and sectors.  

As a multi-stakeholder, co-investment approach, the initiative is a win-win proposition. Companies with a shared strategic benefit can leverage their own investments together with funding from governments and other partners to achieve the scale that no single company or even single country could accomplish on its own.

A key part of what makes the collaboration so successful is that the companies engaged represent the entire value chain, from those who produce goods to those who ship goods and materials. Another critical success factor is the commitment of India’s government to decarbonize its road freight. 

With the help of its partners, India is able to accelerate the pace at which it makes that happen. This is the kind of innovative space for collaboration that WBCSD can uniquely cultivate, representing multiple sectors and value chains that can bring a broad perspective to bear on solutions to complex challenges.
Once it all comes together, there is the opportunity to move quickly as demonstrated in India.


A blueprint for emerging markets

Other emerging markets can replicate this  approach. Already the ZEV-EMI coalition is coordinating efforts to support Mexico’s zero-emission vehicle transition. The ongoing efforts focus on channeling investments along U.S.-Mexico infrastructure corridors and in urban fleet uptake by replicating the validated India e-truck market creation model.  

This blueprint centers on five key elements of best practice: high-level, public-private dialogues to set shared priorities; bringing together purchasers to pool demand for market uptake; optimizing infrastructure investments through digital collaboration; coordinating with the finance community to create bankable projects; and demand-driven capacity-building.

Initiatives such as those led by ZEV-EMI in India help bridge the gap for emerging and developing markets to accelerate electrification of the transport sector, invest in the necessary infrastructure and ensure a resilient global e-mobility supply chain. This level of innovation and action will be critical in the years ahead if we are to shape a sustainable future in transportation.

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When it comes to road freight, India is leading the way among emerging markets in accelerating the number of zero-emissions vehicles on the road. And it’s offering a blueprint for others to follow.
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From Four Wheels to Two: Ditching Your Car for a Cargo Bike

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In 2021, I moved to Florence, Italy, with my husband, two young children, and our dog. Before arriving in Italy, I had never been to Europe aside from a daylong layover in Munich, and I had some misguided assumptions about the region’s public transit system. Before the big move, I proudly told my friends back home that we would not need a car in Florence, because the European way of life would provide us with every train, metro, or bus we could ever need. 

As I soon discovered, Europe is not a monolith, and the transit system of Munich was not the transit system of Florence. To complicate matters further, our house was on a hill just outside of the city limits, and the closest bus stop was a 15-minute walk up an impossibly steep incline. 

We tried to remain car-free for as long as possible by investing in an electric cargo bike with seats for the children. It was a tremendous help, but it still did not cover all of the logistical needs of a family living in a rural area. We eventually decided to lease a car.

Before then, I often complained about cars being the scourge of Florence. Quaint, arterial roads are treated like freeways, as cars hurtle through the narrow passages at stomach-churning speeds. There are so many cars in the city that Florence’s famed architecture is often hidden behind cars parked two rows deep, on the sidewalks and in the crosswalks. It did not feel good to be a part of the problem. 

Several months ago, we decided to move into the city. The Tuscan countryside overlooking Florence is breathtaking, but being in the city afforded us the opportunity to better live out our sustainability values. We once again ditched the car.

Becoming a car-free family (again) meant a shift in lifestyle, but our electric cargo bike made it possible. The bike has enough space to carry two kids and all of the things they bring to and from school and their after-school activities. And it has enough battery power to climb the hills that surround the city. We also bought a rain cover for the kids’ seats and extra lights and bells for safety, along with rainsuits, ponchos, and shoe covers to ensure that we could ride in almost any condition.

The benefits of becoming a car-free household are clear. I reap all of the rewards of regular exercise, but instead of setting time and money aside to go to the gym, it is just built into my day through biking. Additionally, while the initial investment in an electric cargo bike was expensive, we were able to break even in six months by removing costs associated with car payments, insurance and fuel. 

Going car-free would not have been possible without a few key factors. First, Florence has a robust system of rental bikes. Our electric cargo bike was expensive, but having access to rental bikes means that we did not need to buy a second one. When we need to go somewhere together as a family, one parent rides our cargo bike with the children while the other rides one of the rental bikes readily available in our neighborhood. And while the public transportation system in Florence is not perfect, it is robust enough to be a good option for travel to areas that are difficult to reach by bike. Finally, for trips to areas that are not serviced by bus or trains, we have the option to rent a car or ride with friends. 

Becoming a car-free family has also required extra logistical planning and attention. While Florence has many wonderful, dedicated bike trails, they are not universal, and traffic conditions in Florence are a nightmare. Speed limits in many locations are completely unenforced, and many residential streets are treated like race tracks. As in any other major city, cyclists must always remain vigilant and choose their routes with extra attention, especially when riding with children. Additionally, cargo bikes do not always have the capacity for large shopping trips to procure bulky items. 

While there are challenges and limitations, going car-free was the right choice for my family. The children are still young, and riding on the bike together allows us to develop strong connections with our community and environment. We have the freedom to pause and chat with friends we see on the street or stop to admire a beautiful garden. Best of all, my children are old enough to understand that the choices we make can help our planet and community, and they’re getting to live out those choices every day.

This article is part of Travel Month in our 2024 Sustainable Living Challenge, where we unpack accessible ways to see new places and get around your hometown with a lighter impact on the planet. Learn more and take the challenge here 

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What happens when a family of four tries to go car-free? It's not an easy task, but 3p contributor Mary Riddle found it possible with the help of an electric cargo bike and a little ingenuity.
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