Women’s History Month: Women in Sustainability
Sustainability has become a pressing issue in our world today. At every corner of consumption, we are reminded that climate change is real, resource depletion is happening, and our waste management efforts may be doing more harm than good.
Like most movements, women have been on the frontlines of the sustainability movement, making significant contributions to create a safer, greener, more sustainable planet for all. And this is no easy feat! But these women in sustainability–from recyclables to climate legislation to feminine care and "slow fashion"–are committed to doing the work.
Celebrating Female Pioneers During Women's History Month: Leaders in Sustainability
March is Women's History Month, so we're celebrating a few (of many!) trailblazers in the sustainability space.
Isatou Ceesay
RECYCLING
Isatou Ceesay, a Gambian activist known as the "Queen of Recycling," turns trash into treasure through her recycling movement One Plastic Bag. Using what she learned by volunteering in the Peace Corps, Ceesay teaches women how to upcycle plastic bags into handbags and rucksacks. This movement, going strong for 25 years, has uplifted hundreds of West African women, allowing them to earn an income and greatly improving the plastic waste issue in the Gambian community.
Learn more about One Plastic Bag.
Vandana Shiva
AGRICULTURE
Vandana Shiva AKA the "Gandhi of Grain" is an Indian environmental activist and author who has advocated for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation for over three decades. As the founder of Navdanya (a women-centered, farmer-led movement), one of her main goals is to take on big agriculture so that we no longer "live in a world where five giant companies control our health and our food."
Learn more about Navdanya.
WATER
You are never too young to start making an impact. Just ask Autumn Peltier, a 19-year-old activist, and Chief Water Commissioner for clean drinking water. Through her work in raising awareness regarding water rights, she's been honored on many occasions, spoken at the United Nations World Water Day, and famously confronted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about water protection.
Learn more about Autumn Peltier.
Susie Hewson
FEMININE CARE
Susie Hewson, a champion in the fem-care business, is big on eco-friendly period products. In 1989, Hewson created the first organic and natural period products with the brand Natracare. Natracare produces chlorine- and plastic-free products made from biodegradable materials. And she doesn't stop there. The brand has gathered numerous certifications and awards for its eco-friendly practices.
Learn more about Natracare.
Emily Blumen
FASHION
After taking fashion courses at Parsons School of Design, Emily Blumen became educated on how supporting "fast fashion" has negatively affected our environment, animals, and even the garment workers who made the pieces we coveted. Emily founded Blue Urbane, a sustainable online boutique where eco-minded people can shop for clothing and jewelry while making a positive impact. Blue Urbane continues to make a positive impact by giving back to other sustainability efforts. They invest part of their proceeds in solar energy opportunities through The Honnold Foundation.
Learn more about Blue Urbane.
From Farm to Fashion: Women's Efforts in Creating a Sustainable Planet
When it comes to our planet, Blue Urbane stands alongside many other environmental giants in several different industries. Together, our efforts are crucial to our common goal: creating a sustainable future for all.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the women making strides in the green space. We encourage you to not only familiarize yourself with the amazing women we’ve highlighted but with the countless other women doing great work in this space as well.
