

"Sustainability" and "climate change" have been buzzwords as of late and there's a big reason why. With reports like the recently released "Existential climate-related security risk: A scenario approach," the facts are abundantly clear: we need to do more about climate change. According to the report, by 2050 the world is on par for an existential crisis, where human existence may be threatened by a variety of lethal scenarios that could devastate billions. Even though seven out of ten Americans believe that climate change is happening, two-thirds of Americans rarely talk about climate change or vote in the representatives to fix it. There is an established need for change, people just don't know how to change it.
But it turns out, your carbon footprint is key, and changing it is easier than you think. Because let's face it, the Earth is in danger and it is the only Earth we have; and if we don't change things individually, and as a country, we won't have one by the time 2050 comes about. So, how can you help?
Calculate your carbon footprint and follow the steps below to reduce yours.
1. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
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The enzyme in cold water detergents are designed to clean better in cold water. Doing two loads laundry weekly in cold water instead of hot or warm water can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
2. Don’t Buy “Fast Fashion”
Buying fast fashion—also known as inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers—is something we all fall victim to. Whether it is the sale happening at H&M or just the desire to have current clothing styles at a lower price, we have all been guilty of buying a fast fashion item or two. And we have also pled guilty to effortlessly throwing them away.
The average American discards about 80 pounds of clothing each year, and 85 percent of that gets dumped into landfills. Then, those cheap, fast fashion items are quickly dumped in landfills where they produce methane as they decompose. In order to lessen your carbon footprint, spend a little extra on quality clothing that will last.
3. Leave the Dryer, Hang a Clothing Line
The traditional method of line-drying your clothing is much better for the environment. According to studies, one dryer load uses five times more electricity than washing by line-drying your clothes. By doing this, you can save one-third of your carbon footprint.
4. Eat Local
If possible, try to eat local, in-season produce. Buying locally helps to reduce the carbon footprint created by shipping foods from elsewhere. Basically, the closer it is grown to you, the better.
5. Use Reusable Bags
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Disposable shopping bags are everywhere. Particularly in your cabinet, hoarding away until you need a trash bag, shopping bag, shower cap, or whatever else you use these plastic bags for. Yeah, I know about that plastic bag cabinet and as much as I hate to say it—it has to go. Never to return, again.
Why?
Well, because it takes a plastic bag 15 to 1,000 years to break down, depending on the environment. And as it waits to break down, its photodegradation allows it to release toxic particles into the air from exposure to the sun or various lights. To save the plastic bag the terrible feeling of drifting through the wind, and you the terrible feeling of leaving it out there: invest in reusable bags. Most of these bags are lightweight, machine washable, and high durable for years and years of use.
6. Buy Energy Star Products
When you're shopping for appliances, lighting, electronics, or anything that will take energy, look for Energy Star products, which are certified to be more energy efficient.
7. Buy Less & Buy Recycled
Buy less stuff and you'll have less waste. Also, buy used or recycled items whenever possible. Nowadays, brands are getting creative by using recyclables as the basis of their sustainable initiatives. Girlfriend Collective, Everlane, Ethique, and Adidas are a few that come to mind but do your research.
8. Drive Less, Bike More
When you can, drive less. Walk, take public transportation, carpool with colleagues and friends, Uberpool, or even ride your bike. This does not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions, it also lessens traffic congestion and the idling of engines that accompanies it.
9. Check Your Tires
By keeping your tires inflated properly, you'll increase your fuel efficiency by three percent, and ensuring that your car is properly maintained can increase it by four percent. Also, if it is unnecessary, remove extra weight from your car.
10. Upgrade Your Navigation System
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We all want to find the most efficient way to get from point A to point B. So, use this to your advantage. Instead of wasting time in traffic and wasting gas, update your GPS system. You'll save gas and the planet by just choosing the best route.
11. Complete Everything at Once
Instead of running in and out of the house throughout the week, complete everything at once. Pick a day out of the week to get your groceries, gas, get your nails done, and any other last minute errands you have to run. Your day might be longer, but you'll save greenhouse gases by doing so. And you will have more time in your day to do something else.
12. Cruise and Avoid Braking
If you must drive, on short trips avoid braking unnecessarily and acceleration. Studies have found that aggressive driving can result in 40 percent more fuel consumption than consistent, calm drivers. If you're driving on long trips, turn on cruise control, which can save you some gas.
13. Unplug Your Devices
It's just that—unplug your devices when you leave the house. If unplugging each and every device sounds tedious, buy a power strip so that you can turn off all your electronics at the same time with a flip of the switch.
14. Conserve Water
Did you know the average American uses 17.2 gallons of water during an 8.2-minute shower? Reducing your water usage is essential. Therefore, take shorter showers, avoid dish and body soaps that have toxins, turn off the water while you brush your teeth and in while you wash and condition your hair, or even host or join a local community clean up.
15. Recycle
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If possible: Recycle. Recycle. Recycle. Recycling reduces the amount of waste in landfills and incinerators, conserves natural resources, increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials, prevents pollution, and saves energy.
Recycling is the easiest thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. It's as easy as throwing your item away in a blue or green bin.
16. Ditch the Plastic Water Bottles
This goes without saying, but plastic water bottles are convenient, yes but the devil, also yes. Especially when it comes to our planet. As we mentioned in tip #5, it takes up to 1,000 years for plastic bags to decompose. That fact stands true for plastic water bottles too. Currently, US landfills are filled with over 2 million tons of empty water bottles. Drinking water is vital to human life but so is reducing the amount of plastic we consume. Some substitutes for plastic water bottles include Boxed Water, JUST Water, and VOSS (specifically their glass bottle). You can also buy reusable water bottles like Lifefactory Glass Bottle, Hydro Flask, and Cayman Insulated Water Bottle.
17. Say "No" to Plastic Straws
Plastic straws have long since been a problem for the environment, similarly to the reason plastic bags and plastic waters can be. Due to them not being able to biodegrade, they often end up hurting the environment and can float in oceans as microplastics, poisoning animals in the process. Some cities are already starting to ban the use of straws like Seattle, LA (at least in their restaurants), and New York City will follow suit by 2020. If you want to find some plastic straw alternatives check out "Here are 7 alternatives to plastic straws".
Bonus: Stop Eating (or Eat Less) Meat
I know, I know. I can see you rolling your eyes and swiping left away from this suggestion. But hear me out: I'm not asking you to go Vegan—which is an option, if that's your kind of thing—but I am asking that you consider your regular consumption of livestock.
Livestock—meat and dairy—is responsible for 14.5 percent of manmade global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from feed production and processing and the methane that beef and sheep belch out. And the more they are consumed, the more they will be produced. Long story short: eat less meat. Every day you forgo meat and dairy, you can reduce your carbon footprint by eight pounds, which is 2,920 pounds a year.
So, instead of eating meat all day, every day, try to incorporate Meatless Mondays and/or No Fish Fridays to change the way you consume meat.
Featured image by Getty Images
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- What you can do about climate change | Ministry for the Environment ›
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- What You Can Do About Climate Change - The New York Times ›
- Future - Ten simple ways to act on climate change - BBC ›
Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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After Decades-Long Career, Terri J. Vaughn Is Finally The Main Character: Exclusive
Terri J. Vaughn first captured our attention in the late ‘90s as Lovita Alizay Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show. Decades later, she is starring in her very own series, She The People, which is now available to stream on Netflix.
The political sitcom, which she co-created with Niya Palmer and later teamed up with Tyler Perry Studios, is about a Black woman named Antoinette Dunkerson who runs for lieutenant governor of Mississippi. She wins and becomes the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. Now, she’s forced to balance working with a racist and sexist governor while also trying to keep her family from running amok.
According to the beloved actress, this project was a long time coming. “I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff,” she says in an exclusive interview with xoNecole.
“But just keep going, because this is what I do. This is what I love, and I know how important it is for us to continue to show up and make sure that we are seen, make sure that our voices are heard. For several reasons. I just never give up. So here I am, 20 years later, finally sold my show.”
She The People is inspired by the true story of London Breed, who became the first Black female mayor of San Francisco, Terri’s hometown. And to help make the show more authentic, the Cherish the Day actress tapped former Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms to come on as a producer.'“I’ve been trying to get my own television series for like 20 years, pounding the pavement, meeting with people, getting clothes, being lied to, just a whole bunch of stuff."
After bringing the former mayor aboard, it was time to pitch again. And this time, the companies were pitching them. Ultimately, Terri decided to work with Tyler Perry on the series.
“We decided to do it with Tyler for several reasons. I love that. Well, most of the companies we met with were Black-owned companies, but he was the only studio,” she explains. “Tyler is like Walt Disney. That's literally what he is. He has the studio, he has the content. He operates just like Walt Disney.”
And thanks to the cast, the show is nothing short of laughs. The series also stars social media creator Jade Novah as Antoinette’s crazy cousin/ assistant, Shamika, Family Mattersstar Jo Marie Payton as Anotinette’s mom, Cleo, and Terri’s husband, Karon Riley, who plays Michael, her driver and love interest.
While we’ve watched Terri’s career blossom in various ways. From directing to producing, and playing diverse characters, the mom of two says her The Steve Harvey Show character will always be her favorite.
“Well, Lovita was definitely my favorite, especially for my time, the age and everything that I was. Now as a grown ass woman over 50, Antoinette Dunkerson is everything that I've wanted to play. She's everything. She's a mother of two teenagers. She's divorced, so she's co-parenting with her ex-husband. She has to wrangle in a very eclectic family,” she says.
“So I like playing characters that are really flawed and trying to figure it out and doing their best to try to figure it. And she's very flawed and she is trying to figure it out, and she fucks up sometimes. But her heart and what she's trying to do and what her vision is and purpose, it's all for the people. I mean, she the people. She’s for the people, she is the people.”
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Feature image by Jamie Lamor Thompson/ Shutterstock