Clean Living Sunday Newsletter 3.23.25 ✨

Positive Climate News of The Week

California and Mexico Sign Clean Energy Agreement

California and Sonora, Mexico, are teaming up for a greener future! Governor Gavin Newsom and Sonora’s Governor Alfonso Durazo Montaño just signed a four-year agreement to boost clean energy, strengthen supply chains, and tackle climate change together. Their partnership focuses on expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and supporting innovation in electric mobility. The goal? A stronger, more sustainable future for both regions.

Newsom highlighted the urgency of climate action, saying extreme weather is becoming the norm, while also taking a poetic jab at Washington’s approach to climate policies. Despite political differences, California and Sonora are aligned in their mission to fight climate change and create opportunities for clean energy collaboration. This agreement paves the way for more research, cross-border trade in renewables, and a united front in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future!

Source: The Hill

Picture and recipe from @loveandlemons

Plant Powered Recipe

Vegan Carrot Lox

Easy, tasty, and more eco-friendly than traditional lox, these carrot lox are a must try! By substituting carrots not only is your meals carbon footprint smaller, but you are also getting loads of beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin K1, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Plus, they are very budget friendly, which is always appreciated!

Serving: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Total Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

4 large carrots
Sea salt, for coating
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Big squeeze fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
for serving:
bagels
vegan cream cheese
cucumber slices

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 475°F and line a medium baking dish with parchment paper. Coat the bottom with about a ¼-inch layer of salt, then place the whole carrots in the dish and sprinkle with a good amount of salt (see photo). Don’t worry, you won’t be eating all this salt in the final result. Roast the carrots until easily pierced with a fork, but not mushy. The timing will depend on the size and freshness of your carrots. Check them, starting around 40 minutes - my very large carrots took 60-90 minutes. This step can be done in advance.
2. Make the marinade: In a shallow dish or small bowl, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, paprika, lemon juice, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper.

3. Remove the carrots from the oven and let cool. Use your hands to rub off any excess salt. Use a knife to slice a thin strip off one side of the salty skin, and then use a peeler to peel the carrot into ribbons. If your peeler get's snagged on the soft carrot, that's ok, just slice pieces as thinly as you can with a sharp knife. Place the strips in the marinade and toss to coat. Transfer to the refrigerator and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
4. Serve with bagels, cream cheese, cucumber slices, capers, chives and/or dill.

If you have extra carrots, cover and refrigerate them in the marinade for up to 4 days. Enjoy!

Skincare tip of the week

Incorporate A Natural Hyaluronic Acid In Your Routine

Using natural hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine offers amazing benefits, especially when sourced from plant-based or bio-fermented processes rather than synthetic or animal-derived versions. Here are some key reasons to incorporate it!

🌿 Deep Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin. Natural hyaluronic acid helps to deeply hydrate the skin, making it feel plump and soft.

🌿 Supports Skin Barrier Function

By maintaining hydration, it strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, reducing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors like pollution and harsh weather.

🌿 Promotes a Healthy, Youthful Glow

Hyaluronic acid helps smooth fine lines and boosts skin elasticity, giving a naturally dewy and youthful appearance.

🌿 Gentle & Non-Irritating

Naturally derived hyaluronic acid is biocompatible and gentle, making it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types. Unlike some synthetic or animal-derived versions, plant-based HA is often free from harsh additives.

🌿 Enhances Other Skincare Ingredients

Because it helps skin retain moisture, it enhances the efficacy of other active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and peptides—allowing them to work more effectively.

🌿 Ethical & Eco-Friendly

Many natural hyaluronic acids are sourced through bio-fermentation, which is vegan-friendly and more sustainable than traditional extraction methods from animal sources.

🌿 Helps Soothe & Calm Irritated Skin

Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and irritation, making it great for post-sun exposure, acne-prone skin, or sensitive skin conditions like eczema.

Our Dew Drops and Celestine serums are great sources of natural hyaluronic acids! Per usual, scroll for a discount. ✨

Sustainability Challenge

Consider Donating to an Environmental Organization

Nonprofit organizations work tirelessly year-round to create meaningful change, often without recognition. This week, Greenpeace lost a legal battle against a pipeline company and now faces $660 million in fines—a massive financial blow that will significantly impact their ability to continue their advocacy efforts for years to come.

Fines for protesting aren’t new, but they’re just one of many expenses nonprofits face. From legal battles to staff salaries and outreach efforts, driving real change isn’t cheap. Supporting these organizations ensures they can keep fighting for a healthier planet and a more just future.

There are so many important organizations you can donate to, and finding one that aligns with your deepest passions shouldn't be difficult. Here are some top organizations with a variety of focuses.

The Climate Reality Project – founded by Al Gore, focuses on climate education and activism.

Rainforest Trust – protects endangered tropical forests and the wildlife within them.

Oceana – advocates for policy changes to protect marine life and reduce ocean pollution.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) – researches and advocates for clean beauty, water safety, and toxin-free living.

Earthjustice – a nonprofit environmental law firm fighting for climate justice and stronger protections.

...and so many more! A quick google search may lead you to an organization that advocates for what you are most passionate about. If you are tight on cash but have a few extra hours, volunteering with these organizations is a way to support them and just as important! Whatever your choice, any effort will lead us to a greener future. 💚

Deal of the Week

20% off Hyaluronic Acids

Trust us, you'll never go back once you start using one if you haven't already!

Our Celestine serum has seaweed collagen which improves skin elasticity while plumping. Our Dew Drops serum hyaluronic acid is derived from Tremella Mushroom and is packed with vitamin C, so it brightens while it plumps! Whichever you choose, use code 'Hyaluronic' for 20% off.