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CULTURE

The Activists’ Dilemma: When Does Civil Disobedience Go Too Far?

Wearing bright blue t-shirts with their motivations for protesting written across the front — their kids, the future, and Earth itself — climate activists from the group Extinction Rebellion Boston stopped traffic in front of South Station on the morning of September 21. More than 35 activists held signs and banners that read, “Governor Healey […]

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CULTURE

Light Pollution: How Coastal Cities are Impacting Marine Ecosystems

Coastal cities have played a crucial part in societal development throughout human history. Necessary for trade purposes and access to coastal resources, civilizations have been built off of their coastal urban centers. As a result of this historical trend, ocean ecosystems are continuously forced to adapt to human activity. One aspect of anthropogenic activity that […]

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CULTURE

A Look Into the First Zero-Waste Store in Boston 

Plastic packaging is everywhere and in almost every product sold on the shelves. Walking down the aisles of grocery stores and merchandise retailers, each individually sold item is wrapped and packaged in plastic containers, boxes, and bags—the majority being single-use plastics. By the end of a typical grocery run, the customer walks out with an […]

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CULTURE

Our Brains on Nature: A Compelling Case for Conservation

Nature reserves that safeguard native biodiversity are not only critical for climate change mitigation, but also for our mental health. A few aspects of well-being come to mind: calmness, fresh air, and sunlight. What many don’t realize is that the health benefits of nature extend beyond ideas of recreation, gardening, ecosystem maintenance, and colorful landscapes.  […]

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CULTURE

Is It All Downhill From Here? Why Climate Change Could Mean the End of the Ski Industry

When members of the U.S. ski team glided off the lift at the world championships in France this February, their sleek blue and white race suits were not just for style; they were intended to make a point about the sport’s future. Designed using satellite imagery of melting polar ice caps, the suits—and the athletes—made […]

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CULTURE

Campus Conservation: The Changing Landscapes of American Colleges and Universities 

A student walking out the front doors of a residence hall at almost any college campus in the United States may be met with an expanse of bright green, freshly clipped and fertilized grass. The familiar quad is a symbol of the American collegiate experience, providing a space to stroll, study, or relax in between […]

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CULTURE

Patagonia’s Business Model: A Company that is Financially & Sustainably Successful

In business, smart decision-making is imperative to the success of a company. Most would agree that it would be a poor decision to advertise a product that would discourage customers from buying it, yet Patagonia did just that. The company ran a public relations campaign telling customers to not purchase their jackets as an anti-consumerist […]

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CULTURE

Seasonal Eating May Imply Less Avocado Toast, but More Environmental Benefits

Buying in-season fruits and vegetables is accessible through farmers markets, local gardens, and small grocers. However, buying out-of-season produce has increased with advancements in technology and improving the way food is grown, transported, and distributed. Fertilizers, pesticides, and unnatural growing patterns allow for food items to be purchased at any time of the year. This […]

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CULTURE

Despite Increasing Climate Threats, Climate Anxiety Decreases among Massachusetts Residents

Massachusetts residents have less climate anxiety this year than in past years, according to 2022 data from The Boston Globe. Climate urgency or anxiety, the view that the climate crisis and accompanying natural disasters are causes for concern, impacts issue prioritization among constituents. The Globe article compares the present lack of climate urgency to Massachusetts […]

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ARCHIVES CULTURE

Masculinity and Environmentalism: What it Means to Be a Man in America

What does it mean to be a man in America? According to the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men, “components of traditional masculinity such as emotional stoicism, homophobia, not showing vulnerability, self-reliance, and competitiveness” are hallmarks of “growing up manly” in the United States. Men are encouraged to embrace their […]