In Woman We Trust March 2023 IN WOMAN WE TRUST MARC MY WORDS: Thoughts from Breathe SoCal's President & CEO Greetings! It is March, and that means we are marching into Spring. What a wet few months we’ve had. While we needed the rain, I am hopeful it is coming to an end. But as saying goes, ‘April showers bring May flowers’, so who knows whether wet weather will continue. One constant is that with Spring comes pollen, and for those with environmental allergies, it can be difficult to avoid the sneezing and watery eyes. For those with lung conditions, pollen can also be a trigger for asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations. So be careful to avoid high-pollen days. The rain has been helpful to clear the air of pollutants, making the sky clearer and cleaner, with fewer bad air days. And while mountain areas have been snowed in, and other areas have suffered with floods, the rain has helped prevent foliage and forests from drying out. Hopefully, this will reduce the number and severity of wildfires this year. Aside from the weather, March is also Women’s History Month, a recognition of great women who have done amazing things. My daughter dressed up as Marie Curie to deliver a book report on the scientist who was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. But there are equally inspiring women you may not have heard of. First up is Rachel Carson, who helped spur on the American environmental movement with her book, "Silent Spring." The book exposed the dangers of pesticides and inspired a whole generation of environmentalists. Another woman of note is Wangari Maathai, who founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. She helped plant over 50 million trees and created thousands of jobs for women in the process. Gladys Meade was a prominent clean air activist for over 40 years in California. She was the first woman appointed to the California Air Resources Board and was the deciding vote in passing CARB’s regulation requiring a catalytic converter be installed on all California motor vehicles. She also led the push for a single agency to address air quality across Southern California, instead of single agencies for each county. After helping create the South Coast Air Quality Management District, she was appointed to its governing board where she served for five years. Finally, we have Christiana Figueres, who helped broker the historic Paris Agreement. Her diplomatic skills brought nearly 200 nations together to take action on climate change. These women are just a few of the many environmental leaders who have made a difference. They inspire us to take action and remind us that women are leading the charge when it comes to saving the planet. Let’s also acknowledge all the everyday women who have made a difference in our lives. The moms, grandmas, sisters, aunts, and friends have supported, encouraged, and inspired us. The women who have worked behind the scenes to make our world a better place. They may not have their own Wikipedia pages, but they are heroes in their own right. In Health, Marc Carrel President & CEO Sign up here! BlueSky LA BlueSky LA started the new year off by supporting George Washington Carver Middle School in South L.A. We partnered with Root Down LA to bring fresh soil to the school garden beds. Root Down LA has been building demand and supply for healthier food in South LA communities for over ten years by getting community members excited about eating and growing our own veggies again. The Root Down LA team works with the South LA community to grow and maintain our food to build symbiotic relationships with other plants in the George Washington Middle school garden! Watch a recap of the event on our Instagram. Volunteers were split into groups and worked at each station to add new soil and clean up the garden to remove weeds. We ended the morning with a delicious lunch prepared by Root Down LA with ingredients grown right in the garden. If you missed the latest BlueSky LA event. Women and Air Quality It's time to talk about something that affects us all: air quality. And while we all know that breathing in polluted air isn't great for our health, did you know that women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality? Air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of women’s leading causes of death. But that's not all. Poor air quality can also mess with our hormones. You see, air pollution can contain all sorts of nasty stuff, like heavy metals and pesticides. And when we breathe that in, those toxins can mess with our endocrine system, which controls our hormones. So if you're feeling moody, tired, or not yourself, it could be because of the air you breathe. And let's not forget about our lungs. Women who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And that's no joke. Breathing shouldn't feel like a marathon! The disproportionate impact of air pollution on women is not just a health issue but also a social justice issue. Women who are exposed to high levels of air pollution are often those who are already marginalized and disadvantaged in other ways. For example, low-income women and women of color are more likely to live in areas with high levels of air pollution due to systemic inequalities that limit their access to safe and healthy living conditions. But here's the thing: we can do something about it. We can make a difference by supporting clean air policies, reducing our own personal emissions, and speaking out about the importance of air quality. Because when it comes to our health, we shouldn't have to compromise. So let's take a breath of fresh air and keep fighting for clean skies. Celebrate Earth Day With Us Volunteer to help build a butterfly garden at Montara Avenue Elementary. On Saturday April 22nd, 2023 from 9am to 12pm. Non-Toxic Cleaning Workshop Breathe Southern California invites you to a free 1-hour informational workshop on non-toxic cleaning. This workshop aims to be fun and interactive, and empowers individuals to take charge of their home’s indoor air quality. Conversations with the Chair A speaker series with key policymakers discussing air quality, climate, energy, transportation, and sustainability. Join us on April 13, 2023, from 6-8 pm for our Conversation with the Chair, Hon. Ara Najarian of L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors. Get tickets! A Tip From Our Friends at LADWP A dishwasher uses the same amount of energy whether it is full or not. Make sure each load you run is a full one. Consider air-drying dishes or drying dishes by hand to save even more energy. A Tip From Our Friends at LADWP Energy-saving tip! Using Energy Star products is better for the environment and can help lower your electricity bill. LADWP is offering rebates for the purchase of ENERGY STAR products. Learn more at marketplace.ladwp.com Become a Supporter Breathe Southern California is helping our communities Breathe Easier™. Your support is critical in our work to fight lung disease and promote clean air. Please make a lifesaving gift today. Donate Don't be a stranger, stay in touch. 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