5 Blogs about Sierra Club History

The Sierra Club was founded by John Muir and his eco-conscious compatriots 122 years ago this week. Since then the club has sought to explore, enjoy and protect this amazing planet. Together we’ve protected millions of acres of wilderness, saved endangered species and kept natural resources clean. Muir would surely have been proud of the relentless efforts of our members.

To commemorate this anniversary week enjoy these Green Life posts about the Club’s legacy.

1. Women of the Sierra Club: Marion Randall Parsons - A writer, artist, photographer, mountaineer and nature enthusiast, Parsons was a force to be reckoned with. Read all about the first lady to be elected onto our board of directors.

2. Original Beards of the Sierra Club - Beards have come back into fashion, but our earliest members were masters of this style long ago. Take a look at some of our favorite facial hair.

3. Women of the Sierra Club: Allison Chin - After working with an Inner CIty Outings group, Chin stepped up her involvement and eventually became the first board president of color. Learn more about her thoughts on the outdoors, diversity and civil disobedience. 

4.Retro Hiking Style - Early Sierra Club ladies wore dresses and bloomers on outdoor club trips. Check out these fabulous photos from 1896 to 1946.  

5. Chiura Obata and his Sierra Legacy - After Obata was released from the interment camps he took part in Sierra High Club trips, sharing his technique with other clubbers on the trail. The painter left behind inspirational art and a story of resilience.

 

- top image courtesy of the Library of Congress

- bottom image by Joseph N. Leconte

Bianca Hernandez is the Acting Web Editor at Sierra. She recently received her MA in Visual Anthropology from the University of Southern California and has written for various publications.

 

Swap It Like It's Hot

I had no idea what I was doing, but, scissors in hand, I happily sliced away at what was once a favorite T-shirt during last weekend's Bay Area Swap-O-Rama-Rama. I had never been to a swap before, but organized swapping has been gaining momentum across the country and online.

Swapping is when people trade items, typically giving up things they don’t want for things they do. It can be a thrifty way to makeover a wardrobe, restock a makeup cabinet, or refresh a bookshelf with unread titles, all while keeping unwanted items out of the landfill.

The Swap & Sew I attended took place in a gallery. There were sewing machines, snacks, and tables where swappers could put items that were up for grabs. I had read ahead and brought a bag full of old clothes, intending to combat my hoarder tendencies by culling my closet, but my intentions were thwarted when I found myself wanting to take home as many clothes as I was giving up. Tables quickly became piled with items, and were restocked with each wave of participants.

After perusing the items up for grabs I decided to venture into a DIY Reverse Applique T-Shirt workshop. Some participants (experts?) wielded their own stencils and shirts, while others, me included, were less prepared. The two organizers were more than happy to help.

I quickly got to hacking away at my old t-shirt and struck up conversations with the people around me. Most had never been to a swap, but they had all brought items to give away and found items they wanted to take home. Though some had never done a DIY project like the reverse applique technique, they were encouraged by the organizers. Anytime anyone said, “I think I did this wrong” they were told that there was no “wrong” way, and that doing it wrong was actually perfect.

At the end of the day I left with a bag full of "new" clothes, a shirt I had resigned to never wear again, and a headful of ideas for revamping my closet. I was also pretty excited at the prospect of another sewing circle full of impromptu conversation.

How you can swap

The Swap-O-Rama-Rama is an international organization, so check out one of their meetings in your area, or start your own.

If joining an online swap forum, make sure you read the guidelines. Many of these online communities have rules and regulations. There are often rigorous verification processes in place to ensure the safety and security of members and transactions. On Reddit there are communities for clothes, nail polish, bras, makeup, books and more. Some are more stringent in their screening process than others. Always use caution when sharing personal information online.

If you want to give stuff away but don't want anything in return, check out Freecycle.org. The site has a list of freecycling groups by location. You must ask to join the groups, but after you're approved, you can post and browse freely.

Go to a clothing swap Meetup. 

 

--Cover image courtesy of iStock/gemenacon

 

Bianca Hernandez is an editorial intern at Sierra. She recently received her MA in Visual Anthropology from the University of Southern California and has written for various publications.

 

Read More: 

Green Your City: Organize a Swap

Swapping Your Way to a Greener Life

Swapping Smartly

Don't Wash These Pants: The Skinny on Raw Denim

Raw denim has been around for a while, but this season it made a splash on the runways. Now that spring is upon us, more designers are releasing styles made from the material. Check out how this fashion trend could help out the earth.

What makes raw denim different from all the rest?

“Raw” implies that is hasn't been washed, treated, or distressed, making it a lot stiffer and sturdier than the washed denim most frequently found in stores. Raw denim is typically 100% cotton and can still be made into various shapes and styles. Clothing made from “selvage” fabric is known to last longer because it's produced on a shuttle loom, which creates a tighter weave than the modern looms used for mass-manufactured denim.

How is raw denim a better investment?

Though one pair of pants made from raw denim can cost a lot more than regular denim jeans, there is a bigger payoff over time. Designed not to be washed, raw denim doesn’t fade or wear out. Instead, these jeans should be soaked and hung to dry every four to six months, depending on how often you wear them. (If you can’t stand the idea of not washing your jeans for hygienic purposes, remember that putting them in the freezer can kill bacteria.) This means a major reduction in the amount of energy and water you use over time, as well as that used by their manufacturers, which have vastly reduced their carbon emissions. 

How is it more ethical?

Because it isn't predistressed, raw denim doesn't people in positions where they may be injured by or develop illnesses from working with harsh chemicals and sand-blasters.

Will it be stylish in seasons to come?

When you invest in a pair of raw denim jeans, you should buy them to fit tightly, because they will mold to your body -- essentially becoming a custom pair, fit specifically to your shape and the way you move. On top of that, these jeans have a long enough shelf life to keep you looking your best for years to come if you take proper care of them.

But how green is raw denim, really?

Raw denim is more sustainable than the pre-washed denims on the market because it is durable, doesn't need to be washed frequently, and isn't sand-blasted. But there are still issues with cotton as a crop. Organic cotton doesn't use harsh chemicals, but growing the plant is a very water-intensive process. Conscious consumption is important, and while innovations in production are fantastic, there's always more that can be done. 

 

-- top photo from iStock/Teamarbeit

 

Bianca Hernandez is an editorial intern at Sierra. She recently received her MA in Visual Anthropology from the University of Southern California and has written for various publications.

 

Read More:

Green Your Crafting: Earth-Friendly Fiber

Green Your Wardrobe: Buy Vintage

Green Your Wardrobe: Long-Lived Clothing

7 Stylish Toxin-Free Nail Polish Brands

Most of those cute little bottles lined up in your bathroom have a secret: they’re filled to the brim with chemicals. Some nail polish brands have nearly 30 chemicals all combined. These harsh chemicals can not only be bad for the environment, but also bad for you, as they cause nails to become brittle and have harsh fumes. No nail polish is completely natural, but the most important thing to look for are brands that are "3-free," meaning they don’t use toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), or formaldehyde, which are all known carcinogens. Some brands also describe themselves as "5-free" when they don't use formaldehyde resin or camphor in addition.

Many of these brands still use other chemicals, so be sure to double-check the ingredients for others that cause you concern. Whether you already have the best of the best when it comes to natural cosmetics or you're just starting to green up your shelves, we’ve rounded up some of the best brands that have dedicated themselves to more natural nail care, so your next manicure can be headache- and toxin-free.

Throwback Thursday: Retro Hiking Style

New York Fashion Week starts February 6th, but the Sierra Club has always had a finger on the pulse of chic. Check out these fabulous photos of outdoor fashions from Sierra Club outings from 1896 to 1946.

© Joseph N. Leconte

(Above) Have you ever hiked in bloomers? These ladies sported them during an 1896 trip to University Peak near Kings River. Part of the Peak is in Kings Canyon National Parks.

Pictured, from left to right, Helen Gompertz, Estelle Miller, and Belle Miller. 

The Art of the Reusable Bag

Most Sierra readers have been toting their own totes for years. Now that more than 100 U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle, forbid stores from doling out single-use plastic bags (and levy fees on paper ones), it's time for the slackers to sack up as well. —Avital Andrews

 

Evoke jet-setter nostalgia with this zipper-top Cargo Shoulder Tote from BLUE Q, which donates 1 percent of the proceeds from every purchase to the Nature Conservancy. Each piece Blue Q sells, including this travel-themed looker, is made from 95 percent postconsumer recycled materials—mostly melted-down grain sacks and water bottles. $15

 

 

9 Sacrifice-Free Resolutions

For the past couple of years, we've given you tips and tricks to make your New Year's resolutions last and even provided a list of resolutions to accomplish in the next 24 hours. But for some of us, New Year's goals are viewed as an unpleasant sacrifice where one swears off chocolate or BuzzFeed. The problem is that people tend to dislike giving up what they enjoy, which leads to the demise of well-intentioned resolutions. For those of you who want a sense of achievement without the suffering, we've listed nine resolutions that don't ask you to leave behind anything you would rather keep around.

1. Add local, organic, seasonal foods to your diet. This doesn't mean you can only eat foods that satisfy these requirements -- instead, think of this as an excuse to try out more tantalizing recipes that rely on eco-friendly foods. If you don't know where to start, look up organic farms in your area to see if any participate in community supported agriculture, a program that rewards you with fresh, seasonal produce each week of the farming season.

New Styles for Fashionable Cyclists

The number of Americans commuting by bike continues to rise, and fashion designers are sitting up and taking notice. Neon spandex generally isn’t considered appropriate office attire, but the fits of most slacks and dresses don’t lend themselves neatly (or safely) to pedaling. Anyone who’s caught a pant leg in their gears or toted an wardrobe change in their backpack knows the importance of stylish cycling clothes. Fortunately, the number of sartorial options for style-savvy bike commuters are now numerous. Check out these designers for fashionable duds with your eco-friendly commute in mind:

Vespertine: Having had their reflective safety vest featured in Vogue, this company has certainly earned their “Haute Réflecture” label. Vespertine pieces are woven with threads that are invisible indoors but shine under a car headlights, making you visible from within 2,000 feet. In addition to reflective and work-friendly shirt dresses, trench coats, and jackets, the company sells a number of chic and shiny accessories. Choose from belts, scarves, bow ties, and jewelry, all designed to keep you fashionable and visible on the road. 

Slow Cycling Gains Momentum: 5 Ways to Slow Down

There's a new cyclist in town, and he's eschewing spandex and speed for comfy clothes and picnics. Slow cycling — intentionally setting out for a leisurely ride, with the goal of socializing and exploring — has become organized. Groups have cropped up in cities all over the U.S. as the slow cycling movement has picked up speed, and some even vie for last place in slow bicycle races.

Though bicycling at a leisurely pace is nothing new, organized rides have traditionally been the domain of those riders looking for a serious workout. But as urban transportation changes more and more Americans are taking to their bicycles as means of everyday transport, increasing the number of competent but casual cyclists on the road. 

"It’s getting really expensive to drive in the city," says Sarah Murray, founder of Chicago's Slow Bicycle Society, where dapper duds are preferred over lycra, and speed is capped at 8 mph. "To have something to do where you’re kind of getting around by bicycle and meeting different people is a win all the way around. It’s just an easy thing to do."

Q&A: Clothiers' Kickstarter for 3D Printer

Sustainability is an inherent practice in the clothing business — at least for co-founders of Appalatch Outdoor Apparel Co. Grace Gouin and Mariano deGuzman. In an effort to revolutionize the clothing industry, reduce textile waste, and promote a unique for-profit business model with non-profit ideals, Grace and Mariano recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for a knitting machine that works as a 3D printer and creates precise patterns and dimensions of a sweater without wasting a single iota of thread. We talked to the two clothiers about their Kickstarter campaign (they've currently received from donors about 60 percent of their goal of $50,000), cutting down on textile waste, a sheep-shearing Quaker named John, and creating long-enduring clothing for the "modern-day Indiana Jones."

So, can you talk a little about this futuristic 3D-sweater-making-machine?

GRACE: We're moving towards something called a Stoll knitting machine. In a way it's a 3D printer for sweaters, but it's not the traditional 3D printer that prints out the plastic kind of stuff. You can design any kind of sweater you want with this computer program and then the Stoll takes your yarn and knits it in the exact dimensions of what it is you're trying to make.