Green Matters

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Sir David Attenborough, who is turning 100 years old. 🎉⁠ ⁠ The broadcaster, natural historian, and narrator of numerous environmental documentaries has always been passionate about nature and conservation — but in recent decades, he has shifted much of his work to focusing on the climate.⁠ ⁠ In 2013, he uttered the above phrase in an interview with the Radio Times, as reported by the Telegraph. “It’s coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so,” he also said at the time. “Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now.”⁠ ⁠ Through the various documentaries and docuseries he has narrated — including the recent ‘Our Planet,’ ‘Wild Isles,’ and ‘Climate Change - The Facts’ — Attenborough has shined a light on the magnificence of nature and how crucial it is to protect it.⁠ ⁠ In the 2026, Attenborough shows no signs of slowing down. We can’t wait to see what his 100th year brings.⁠

Happy 45th birthday to Jessica Alba! 🎂 Along with her work on the big screen, Jessica is a staunch environmental advocate and the founder of @honest , which is dedicated to creating safe and effective products for families.

National Arbor Day is an annual day of tree appreciation. 🌳 Trees are vital to human life — they sequester CO2, give us oxygen to breathe, act as habitats for wildlife, provide shade, they are a renewable resource for products like paper and wood, and so much more. In honor of Arbor Day, you can make a donation to an organization that plants trees, such as: 🌳 The Arbor Day Foundation @arbordayfoundation 🌳#TeamTrees, a campaign started by YouTuber MrBeast @teamtrees 🌳 Trees Atlanta, an organization that works to address Atlanta’s tree loss, protect local forests, and establish new green spaces @treesatlanta 🌳Trees, Water & People, an organization that aims to help Latin American communities by protecting, conserving, and managing their natural resources @treeswaterpeople

For the past few weeks, brands have likely inundated you with endless recommendations of what to do for Earth Day, from purchasing supposedly eco-friendly products to going to Earth Day events. And while there are certainly sustainable items worth buying and events worth attending, we have another suggestion for today’s holiday…⁠ ⁠ Do nothing. ⁠ ⁠ Don’t get in your car. Don’t spend any money. Don’t get that manicure. Don’t mow your lawn. Don’t browse Amazon’s Earth Day deals. Don’t go on that Earth Day-themed booze cruise. ⁠ ⁠ Just do nothing, and avoid the mass consumerism. That’ll have a much lighter impact on the planet than most activities outside of the house.⁠ ⁠ Instead of shopping the Earth Day sales, leave your wallet in your pocket — and maybe even pledge to buy less going forward.⁠ ⁠ Instead of buying eco-friendly-ish products you may not really need, venture outside to take part in a local trash cleanup.⁠ ⁠ Instead of giving in to greenwashed marketing tactics, join a climate protest that demands the government and corporations stop polluting the Earth.⁠ ⁠ Basically, if you’re going to do anything on Earth Day, do something that *actually* helps the Earth.⁠ ⁠ Ignore all the messaging telling you to be a performative environmentalist, and instead, be a real one. One who doesn’t participate in excess consumerism, but instead, participates in climate activism.⁠ ⁠ The point of Earth Day is not to celebrate the planet’s beauty or to go shopping — it’s to take climate action. So this Earth Day, remember that you don’t need to buy what corporations tell you to buy, or do what they tell you to do. You can celebrate planet Earth (on Earth Day and *every day*) by doing less and living more simply — and maybe use all that saved time to get involved with whatever form of activism speaks to you.⁠ (Media Description: The text “Do Nothing This Earth Day” over a photo of a woman lounging in a hammock on a picturesque mountain.)

Greta inspo for your Wednesday.⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: On top of an image of plants there is a screenshot of a tweet from Greta Thunberg that reads” A reminder: the people in power don’t need conferences, treaties or agreements to start taking real climate action. They can start today. When enough people come together then change will come and we can achieve almost anything. So instead of looking for hope - start creating it.”

Thoughts? 💰⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: Over a faded image of oil rig is a screenshot of a tweet from Earthjustice that reads: “In the face of the climate crisis, oil companies should not be profiting from the destruction of our planet. They should be paying for it.”)

Happy birthday to Jason Momoa!⁠ ⁠ The actor and environmentalist often uses his voice to speak up for environmental issues — and he spoke the above quote in a video for the UN Environment Program in 2023 in honor of World Environment Day.⁠ ⁠ “Vote for leaders who take action. Avoid single-use plastics. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle,” he also stated in the video. “Everyone’s action on plastic pollution matters.”⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: The quote “Use your voice and your choice to drive change” over an image of Jason Momoa on a beach.)

🫠🫠🫠⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 🖊️ cartoon by @newyorkermag , circa 1999⁠ ⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: On top of a dark green background is a political cartoon depicting a president behind the desk in the Oval Office addressing three other men, with the caption "Gentlemen, it's time we gave some serious thought to the effects of global warming.")

Today, people around the world will commemorate the late South African anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela, for all of his incredible achievements throughout his lifetime. Because July 18 was Mandela's birthday, many refer to the holiday as Mandela Day, honoring his contributions in a wide range of fields.⁠ ⁠ Mandela is best known for his human rights activism that lead to the repeal of apartheid; however, his environmental contributions shouldn't be overlooked.⁠ Right up until his passing on Dec. 5, 2013, Mandela pushed for environmental justice. ⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: A photo of Nelson Mandela waving alongside his quote "We must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment.")

🫠🫠🫠⁠ ⁠ 🖊️ @citycyclops for @newyorkermag ⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: A cartoon of a man sitting in front of a laptop, saying: "Honey, come look! I've found some information all the world's top scientists and doctors missed.")

Happy birthday to Olivia Munn! ⁠🎂⁠ ⁠ We love how the actress often uses her platform to advocate for animals. Not only is she a vocal supporter of the “adopt, don’t shop” movement, but she is also a celebrity spokeswoman for pet care company Wag, and a mama to two rescue pups: Frankie, a terrier mix, and Charlie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: Olivia Munn waves to the camera in front of a pink background, alongside her quote: "When [animals] are adopted, they know that they have been rescued and they have so much gratitude in their hearts.")

When you think of an invasive species, you might imagine Burmese pythons, zebra mussels, Asian carp, or even the spotted lanternfly. What you probably don't picture is yourself.⁠ ⁠ Between pollution and deforestation alone, we humans aren’t exactly the most beneficial to local ecosystems. Are humans an invasive species? Sound off in the comments.⁠ ⁠ (Media Description: The headline "Are Humans an Invasive Species?" over an image of a pair of scuba diving fins and a plastic bag floating underwater.)