#sourcing sustainably

[defilerwyrm]

Growth capitalism is a deranged fantasy for lunatics.

Year 1, your business makes a million dollars in profit. Great start!

Year 2, you make another million. Oh no! Your business is failing because you didn't make more than last year!

Okay, say year 2 you make $2 mil. Now you're profitable!

Then year 3 you make $3 mil. Oh no! Your business is failing! But wait, you made more money than last year right? Sure, but you didn't make ENOUGH more than last year so actually your business is actively tanking! Time to sell off shares and dismantle it for parts! You should have made $4 mil in profit to be profitable, you fool!

If you're not making more money every year by an ever-increasing exponent, the business is failing!

Absolute degenerate LUNACY

[worksmarter4yourfuture]

Crafting A Green Business and Marketing Strategy

Crafting a Green Business and Marketing Strategy: Charting a Sustainable Course In today’s world, the call for sustainable and eco-conscious business practices is louder than ever. Entrepreneurs are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating environmentally friendly initiatives into their operations.  Crafting a Green Business and marketing strategy not only benefits the planet but…

[specimentality]

I need vegans to stop being like “what if it was a dog or cat” as if it is some sort of ‘gotcha.’ It just comes off as attempts to weaponize on xenophobia.

While I agree that there is no inherent moral difference between slaughtering a dog or pig for meat, I lean in the opposite direction than what they’re trying to argue with this comparison. I don’t think there is anything inherently wrong with eating any of these species. If they’re raised for meat (and not stolen pets or whatever) it’s no different than other food animals.

Like in some places horse or guinea pig meat is common, and in other places pig or cow meat is taboo. I get that sometimes comments like “what if it was a dog” can be a genuine attempt to shed light on the double standard in what’s acceptable versus taboo in one culture. To point out that it’s morally equivalent to eat either animal.

But like. My answer to that is that it’s morally okay to eat both. Just because one’s culture finds consumption of one taboo doesn’t mean that it’s inherently wrong in some way.

[rayveneyed]

cw: sexually explicit content / blood / relatively light sadomasochism / age + experience gap (reader is older + more experienced) / sub!choso / vampires 🧛‍♀️ / sex and violence as two sides of the same coin /

choso kamo is 160 years old when he meets you.

in those years of walking the earth, undead, he believes he’s embraced his vampirism as much as he possibly can. the broiling self-hatred he had once found solace in has reduced to a simmer, strongest in those moments of blood and guts and weakening heartbeats; and although he often avoids crowds, and companionship, and light, he no longer believes himself to be a slave of his own nature.

to be true — in the grand scheme of immortality, of vampirism — he isn’t anywhere close to the level of control he’d wish to have. often, when indulging yuji’s desire to enjoy the world as he did before his death — boardwalks and arcades and cotton candy — he feels his canines aching in his gums, stretching until they dimple against his bottom lip.

it’s not comfortable. it’s not confident. but even despite the growing aches, he’s no longer cowering in alleyways; no longer drinking from poor stray cats and garbage-chewing rats to momentarily satiate that ever-growing, gnawing hunger. he has some sense of control—

“oh, you baby-bats. so adorable.”

control which he now flounders to grab.

a sharp, inky black nail scrapes up the column of his neck — he can’t help but arch into it, head tilting back until his wide, pupil-blown eyes find the ceiling, with its intricate coving and obsidian chandeliers. the music from the main hall is nothing but a buzzing in the back of his head; thoughts of his friends’ whereabouts, an afterthought. your fingernail crowds the underneath of his jaw and stops at where his pulse point would have thrummed, would he have been alive.

you’re a demon. a devil. a she-beast. a succubus. any horrid, terrible name he could call you, he will — dressed in blacks and burgundies and gold older than him, your lips painted an ox-blood red and your eyes as sharp and dark as any polished knife. in your hands he is small. weak. mortal.

“satoru usually keeps his strays away, after last time,” you say, pouting now, though it’s a crude approximation of sadness — even now, your eyes glint with devilment. “so mean, when he knows i have a weak spot for bats like you.”

that wretched finger stretches up; pokes at his bottom lip, scrapes against the fangs that had — embarrassingly — extended from his gums at the simple weight of you on top of him.

“look at that,” you coo, and your grin is something unsettling, something that curdles in the pit of his stomach and heats between his legs. “excited, pup?”

his answering breath comes ragged, and it’s always more embarrassing than it was when he was human. his heart doesn’t work, his lungs do not work, and he has no need to breathe — in fact, he lost the reflex to do so around 92 years ago — but his brain is scrambled, it seems, wilted neurons confusing signals from almost two centuries ago. “i’m — ahem — i’m okay, duchess.”

“how sweet. you don’t have to call me by my title, you know. my name will do just fine.” at his silence, you push yourself up from where you’d been laying low against his chest — looking far too excited when you say: “unless, of course, you like it.”

his hands tremble at his side. he can’t remember the last time he’s indulged in — in debauchery. the last time someone’s made him feel like they’re holding his heart in their hands. over the past hundred-odd years, he’s avoided it like the plague, and for good reason — most vampires aren’t known for their commitment, let’s just say. and now you’re on top of him looking like every sin he’s tried to avoid, and he’s straining so hard in his pants he fears he’ll cum before you even hint at removing a single article of clothing.

you press yourself flush again, nosing at his neck. he knows, for the first time in his long life, what it feels like to be prey. is this what his victims had felt when he ripped into their throats, young and inexperienced and bloodthirsty? did their vulnerability sit like a stone in their throats?

a groan comes from you, suddenly, and your tongue darts out to lave against his skin. choso’s answering moan is more of a whimper, broken and weak in his mouth, but you don’t seem to notice — or care. he flexes his glutes in an effort to stop himself from rutting up against you — not only would it be embarrassing, desperate, but it would be rude. this is your house, after all. your soirée. your gilded halls and bedazzled walls. your silk sheets against his back. your satin skirt bunched around your waist.

“tell me, pup,” you say, and he fights the instinctual reflex to shiver at the brush of your lips against his skin, “have you ever fed from our own?”

“hm?” it’s a sound of confusion brought half on by his simple lack of knowledge, and half on by his slow-processing brain. only seconds after does he fully register your question, and the eyes he hadn’t realised he had screwed shut flew open. “no. i — i didn’t know that was possible.”

all at once, you’re sitting up again — swinging your leg over his hips until you’re standing. it wouldn’t be right to call it clambering — you are impossibly graceful, even passed the agility and elegance that comes with the gift of the undead. his hands reach for you before he can stop them, a sound like a question on his tongue, and you send him the sweetest, most tooth-rotting, stomach-turning smile. he thinks he likes your biting, cruel grins more, though you’re lovely regardless.

you begin to reach for the ties of your corset at your spine — just another thing that makes his mouth water. people didn’t wear these sorts of clothes anymore, not in the human world. but he remembers the skirts and corsets from paintings of noblewomen hundreds of years ago, and how he’d admire the curve of their waists, the swell of their chests—

“of course, satoru wouldn’t tell you. why would he?”

his eyes snap up from your chest, caught with his hand in the cookie jar. but you don’t seem to mind. the corset is removed painfully slowly, for no other reason than to torture him; then, the outer dress, with its carmine satin and intricate embroidery. you throw it to the floor carelessly, as if the most knowledgeable museum curators wouldn’t prostrate themselves at your feet for the simple chance to display it for millions to see — a while his eyes drink up the sight of more skin, the whisper of form beneath your underdress and bloomers, you near him once more.

metal to a magnet, a moth to flame, he pulls himself to the edge of the bed. you find a place between his legs and grasp his chin, and choso can’t look away from you.

“i can take you apart and put you back together,” you say — promise — voice like crushed velvet, quiet and creeping like a choking vine. your thumb smooths over his cheek and ends at its apple, where you press the sharp tip of your nail into his flesh. “i can show you the pleasures of your eternal life, and its pains, and everything in between. i can bring you to every edge, and draw you back from them just as quick — and it will be painful, and you’ll enjoy it so much you won’t be able to go another day without it.”

he’s lost the ability to speak. his unmoving heart is in his throat — or in your hands, or between your sharp teeth. you tilt your head and regard him with knowing, twinkling eyes.

“all you have to say, pup, is yes.”

oh, it’s out of him so quick he can hardly keep up — a word so breathy you’d swear you’d already had your way with him. but embarrassment is a thing of the past when your smile stretches, and you murmur marvellous. you release him from your grasp, much to his chagrin, but when you begin pulling down your bloomers his attention shifts.

he can smell you. smell you. the musky, salty scent of between your legs — a smell that has his mouth watering and his fingers cramping from how hard he fists the sheets. your bloomers are damp when you discard them, sticky with your arousal, and pride glows in choso’s chest. he didn’t do much, but it seemed enough — if he had only let himself lose control, hump up against you harder, perhaps it would’ve stained his clothes; seeped through your layers and onto his lap. he’d go home and hold it over his nose until the scent faded, and perhaps after.

“new as you are,” you say, climbing onto your bed once more and reclining back against the numerous pillows — huffing a mean-sounding laugh when he crawls after you. “i’ll do you the mercy of taking it easy, just this once. oh, don’t make that face — you look like a kicked puppy. i promise you’ll enjoy what i have in store for you.”

and you hike up your underdress, and spread your legs. choso’s mouth waters — the thick smattering of hair on your mons, your flower-like labia, shiny with your arousal. and your clit, peeking out from its hood, pink and shiny and begging to have his mouth on it. but as if this wasn’t enough — as if he wasn’t already scrabbling to get between your legs — you take one of those long, sharp nails, and drag it against your inner thigh. the skin splits. blood trickles down from the wound like a river of gold, flowing into the crease between your thighs and your pussy, and it smells ambrosial. if his fangs were aching before, they’re screaming, now. this isn’t human blood; this is richer, sweeter, creamier. delectable. hedonistic. you’ll make a glutton of him.

“after all,” you say, grinning wickedly, “i’m treating you to a most delectable meal.”

[morganali-art]

Wolchefant Week - Day 2 AU

We all know that one AU - the one where the Exarch accidentally plucks Haurchefant's spirit out of the rift and lands him in the First. It's hardly original, but it definitely makes me feel Some Kind of Way™ :')

[b1g-sh0t-s4lsmn-1997]

even disregarding the mental torment he experienced from encountering some cosmic truth or whatever, thinking about how young spamton (maybe) was when the best time of his life ended and how he's been on the streets with nobody but his demons is just... tragic. It was such a brief time but he's still clinging to its memory more than twenty years later

[feralchaton]

matches

[effable-as-f]

Performing fucked up unethical experiments in Subnautica (I didn’t realize you could see the Kharaa spread in real time until I accidentally introduced it into my fish tank, then I stuck an uninfected peeper into the contaminated tank to see how long it took to be infected)

Turns out that it only takes about 50 seconds for the green pustules to appear (though it took me a bit to get the timer started so it was probably closer to a minute)

[lordzannis]

Here are 30 ways you can support Palestinians:

Educate yourself about the history and current situation in Palestine by reading books, articles, and reports from reputable sources.

Share accurate information about Palestine on social media to raise awareness.

Attend or organize local protests, rallies, and demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians.

Contact your elected representatives to advocate for Palestinian rights and an end to the occupation.

Donate to reputable humanitarian organizations providing aid to Palestinians, such as Medical Aid for Palestinians or UNRWA.

Support Palestinian businesses and artisans by purchasing their products.

Boycott companies that profit from or support the Israeli occupation.

Join or support local Palestine solidarity groups in your community.

Write letters to the editor or op-eds for local newspapers about Palestinian issues.

Host educational events or film screenings about Palestine in your community.

Volunteer with organizations that support Palestinian rights and humanitarian efforts.

Learn and teach others about the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Support Palestinian cultural events and art exhibitions in your area.

Engage in respectful dialogue with others to challenge misconceptions about Palestine.

Sign petitions supporting Palestinian rights and opposing Israeli policies.

Participate in letter-writing campaigns to political leaders and institutions.

Support legal efforts to hold Israel accountable for human rights violations.

Donate to organizations providing mental health support to Palestinians affected by trauma.

Amplify Palestinian voices by sharing their stories and perspectives.

Support Palestinian journalists and media outlets reporting on the ground.

Advocate for academic freedom and support Palestinian scholars and students.

Join delegations or fact-finding missions to Palestine to witness the situation firsthand.

Support organizations working to protect Palestinian children's rights.

Advocate for the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Support efforts to document and preserve Palestinian heritage and culture.

Participate in interfaith initiatives promoting peace and justice in Palestine.

Support organizations providing legal aid to Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Advocate for an end to arms sales to Israel from your country.

Support organizations working to protect Palestinian farmers and their land.

Educate others about the environmental impact of the occupation on Palestinian communities.

Remember to always verify the credibility and effectiveness of organizations before supporting them, and ensure that your actions align with ethical and legal standards.

Citations: [1] https://www.pcrf.net/information-you-should-know/how-to-help-palestine.html [2] https://ca.cair.com/sfba/palestine-resource-guide/ [3] https://afsc.org/news/6-ways-you-can-support-palestinians-gaza [4] https://trippin.world/feature/how-to-support-palestine-information-on-marches-cultural-resources-and-more [5] https://www.reddit.com/r/EffectiveAltruism/comments/17nbhqf/what_can_realistically_be_done_from_abroad_to/ [6] https://afsc.org/programs/us-palestine-activism-program [7] https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/children-gaza-need-lifesaving-support [8] https://karmawallet.io/blog/2024/03/3-top-sustainable-shoe-brands/

Supporting Palestinian businesses and artisans by purchasing their products is an excellent way to directly contribute to the Palestinian economy and help preserve traditional crafts. Here are some ways you can do this:

Purchase Handmade Crafts

Many Palestinian artisans create beautiful handmade products that showcase traditional skills and cultural heritage:

Embroidered items like cushion covers, bags, and clothing

Olive wood carvings and decorative objects

Handmade ceramics and pottery

Traditional keffiyeh scarves

Jewelry featuring Palestinian designs

Purchasing these items helps support artisans and their families while preserving cultural traditions[1][3].

Buy Palestinian Food Products

Look for authentic Palestinian food products like:

Olive oil from Palestinian groves

Za'atar spice blends

Dates and other dried fruits

Traditional sweets and pastries

Many of these products are available through fair trade organizations or specialty stores[6].

Support Women's Cooperatives

Many Palestinian women's cooperatives produce handicrafts and other goods. Purchasing from these groups helps empower women economically:

Women in Hebron fair trade collective

Beit Doqo Development Society

Ma'an lil Hayyat in Bethlehem[3][4]

Shop from Online Marketplaces

Several online marketplaces specialize in Palestinian products:

Handmade Palestine

Sunbula

Shop Palestine

These sites connect artisans directly with international customers[2][6][7].

Purchase Art and Books

Support Palestinian culture by buying:

Art prints and original works by Palestinian artists

Books by Palestinian authors and about Palestinian history/culture

This helps preserve and promote Palestinian artistic and literary traditions[3].

By making conscious choices to purchase Palestinian products, you can directly support artisans, small businesses, and the broader Palestinian economy while acquiring unique, handcrafted items. This economic support helps Palestinians maintain their livelihoods and cultural heritage despite challenging circumstances[4].

Citations: [1] https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/help_us_keep_empowering_our_palestinian_partner_artisans [2] https://www.sunbula.org/en/category/51/Get-Involved [3] https://handmadepalestine.com/pages/meet-the-artisans [4] https://mondoweiss.net/2021/11/support-palestinian-artisans/ [5] https://www.lovewelcomes.org/blogs/news/handmade-in-palestine-shop-and-support-now [6] https://handmadepalestine.com [7] https://www.shoppalestine.org [8] https://trippin.world/feature/how-to-support-palestine-information-on-marches-cultural-resources-and-more

Yes, there are several online platforms specifically dedicated to selling Palestinian handmade goods and supporting Palestinian artisans:

Handmade Palestine: This marketplace works with over 30 women's cooperatives and artisans throughout Palestine, offering a wide range of products including jewelry, home decor, and textiles[1].

Shop Palestine: This store offers diverse products from food items to handicrafts, all made by Palestinian artisans. Proceeds support humanitarian efforts in the region[1].

Taita Leila: A social enterprise specializing in modern clothing inspired by traditional Palestinian embroidery (tatreez). Their products are handmade by women in the West Bank[2].

El Bustan: Headquartered in London, this platform works with artisans, women's co-operatives, and entrepreneurs in Palestine to bring their creations to an international audience[2].

Darzah: This fair trade-certified brand works with 26 female artisans in the West Bank, focusing on tatreez embroidery for products like shoes, bags, and home goods[2].

Hilweh Market: An artisanal boutique featuring items from Palestine and the Arab world, including purses, plates, bowls, and clothing[2].

Fyrouzi: Based in the UAE, this online store focuses on the centuries-old Palestinian ceramic industry, offering handmade pottery and ceramics[2].

These platforms not only provide a marketplace for Palestinian artisans to sell their goods internationally but also often support broader social and economic initiatives in Palestine. Many emphasize fair trade practices and the preservation of traditional Palestinian crafts and cultural heritage[1][2][3].

Citations: [1] https://www.pumpitupmagazine.com/discover-the-top-online-stores-for-authentic-palestinian-crafts/ [2] https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/2024/04/07/palestinian-brands-to-support-gaza/ [3] https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/help_us_keep_empowering_our_palestinian_partner_artisans [4] https://mondoweiss.net/2021/11/support-palestinian-artisans/ [5] https://sittisoap.com/blogs/news/10-palestinian-owned-brands-to-support-today-and-every-day [6] https://handmadepalestine.com/pages/meet-the-artisans [7] https://www.sunbula.org/en/category/51/Get-Involved [8] https://www.lovewelcomes.org/blogs/news/handmade-in-palestine-shop-and-support-now

Based on the search results, Hadeel supports community infrastructure in Palestine in several key ways:

Fair Trade Practices: Hadeel is a non-profit Fairtrade shop that provides a sustainable source of income for Palestinian craftspeople and artisans in various regions, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Galilee, and Palestinian communities in Lebanon and Israel[1].

Supporting Grassroots Enterprises: Many of Hadeel's suppliers are grassroots social enterprises that help women bring their products to market[1].

Preserving Cultural Heritage: By selling traditional Palestinian crafts like olive wood carvings, embroidered textiles, and other handmade goods, Hadeel helps preserve Palestinian cultural heritage and traditional skills[1][2].

Economic Support: Purchasing from Hadeel aids in sustaining community infrastructures in Palestine by providing income to artisans and their families[2].

Promoting Palestinian Products: Hadeel carries a range of Palestinian products including olive oil, dates, condiments, and olive oil products like Nablus olive oil soap, helping to support Palestinian farmers and producers[1].

International Awareness: As a shop based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Hadeel helps raise awareness about Palestinian crafts and culture internationally[1].

Sustainable Development: By supporting artisans and farmers, Hadeel contributes to sustainable economic development in Palestinian communities[2].

While not directly involved in building physical infrastructure, Hadeel's work supports the economic and cultural infrastructure of Palestinian communities by providing market access for artisans and preserving traditional crafts. This economic support can indirectly contribute to the overall development and sustainability of Palestinian communities.

Citations: [1] https://www.hadeel.org/our-story/ [2] https://www.pumpitupmagazine.com/discover-the-top-online-stores-for-authentic-palestinian-crafts/ [3] https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/help_us_keep_empowering_our_palestinian_partner_artisans [4] https://women2watch.net/hadeel-jaradat/ [5] https://palestine.unfpa.org/en/news/once-previously-rejected-her-community-hadeel-embraces-new-hadeel [6] https://www.globalwaters.org/HowWeWork/Activities/palestinian-community-infrastructure-development-program [7] https://www.pcrf.net/information-you-should-know/how-to-help-palestine.html [8] https://mondoweiss.net/2021/11/support-palestinian-artisans/

Clearview AI is a facial recognition company that has created a database of billions of facial images scraped from social media and other online sources. This technology has raised significant privacy and ethical concerns globally. The "Red Wolf" system you mentioned is reportedly being used by Israeli forces in the West Bank. According to human rights organizations, it's used for surveillance and movement control of Palestinians. The system allegedly: Uses facial recognition and other biometric data Tracks movements through checkpoints Is integrated with a broader network of cameras and databases Human rights groups like Amnesty International have criticized these practices as violations of privacy rights and freedom of movement. They argue the system enables discrimination and contributes to the further restriction of Palestinian rights. If you want to take action on this issue, consider: Educating others about the use of this technology Supporting organizations working on digital rights and Palestinian human rights Advocating for stricter regulations on biometric surveillance technologies Participating in legal forms of protest or activism

Here are some ways you can effectively spread awareness about Clearview AI and similar surveillance technologies:

Social Media Campaigns:

Create informative posts about the technology and its implications

Share articles from reputable sources

Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility

Host or Participate in Workshops:

Organize local events to discuss digital privacy and surveillance

Invite experts to speak on the topic

Write and Share:

Blog posts or articles explaining the technology in simple terms

Infographics summarizing key points for easy sharing

Collaborate with Advocacy Groups:

Partner with digital rights organizations to amplify your message

Participate in their campaigns and events

Create Educational Content:

Make videos explaining the technology and its impacts

Develop a podcast series discussing surveillance issues

Engage with Local Communities:

Present at community centers or libraries

Organize discussion groups to explore the topic

Use Academic Channels:

If you're a student, organize talks or seminars at your institution

Encourage research on the topic

Leverage Art and Media:

Create or support art projects that highlight surveillance issues

Engage with documentarians or journalists covering these topics

Participating in legal forms of protest or activism is an effective way to raise awareness and push for change. Here are some approaches you can consider:

Peaceful Demonstrations:

Organize or join rallies and marches

Ensure you have proper permits and follow local laws

Petitions:

Create or sign online petitions against the use of surveillance technology

Share these petitions widely on social media and within your community

Letter Writing Campaigns:

Write to local representatives, senators, and other government officials

Encourage others to do the same

Boycotts:

Support boycotts of companies that develop or use invasive surveillance technologies

Raise awareness about alternative products or services

Public Speaking:

Speak at town halls or community meetings about the issue

Participate in panel discussions or debates

Art Activism:

Create or support art installations that highlight surveillance issues

Organize exhibitions or performances that raise awareness

Digital Activism:

Participate in online campaigns and hashtag movements

Share information and resources on social media platforms

Teach-ins:

Organize educational events to inform people about surveillance technologies and their impacts

Lobbying:

Meet with local representatives to discuss your concerns

Attend city council meetings to voice your opinion

Fundraising:

Organize events to raise money for organizations working on digital rights and privacy issues

Citizen Journalism:

Document and report on local surveillance practices

Share your findings through blogs, podcasts, or local media

e effective ways to participate while staying within legal boundaries:

Peaceful Demonstrations:

Organize or join authorized rallies and marches

Make signs and banners to convey your message

Ensure you're aware of local laws regarding public gatherings

Digital Activism:

Use social media to spread awareness

Participate in online campaigns and hashtag movements

Create and share informative content about the issue

Letter Writing Campaigns:

Write to elected officials, expressing your concerns

Encourage others to do the same

Use templates but personalize your message

Petitions:

Start or sign online petitions against invasive surveillance

Share these widely within your networks

Educational Events:

Organize workshops or seminars about digital privacy

Invite experts to speak at community centers or libraries

Boycotts and Ethical Consumerism:

Support boycotts of companies using problematic technologies

Promote alternative products or services

Art and Cultural Activism:

Create or support art that highlights surveillance issues

Organize exhibitions or performances to raise awareness

Community Organizing:

Form or join local groups focused on digital rights

Collaborate with existing organizations working on these issues

[officialbruciewayne]

Waynetech promised an electric car by 2023. I put a deposit down.

Where’s my goddamn electric car Bruce??

Don't ask me, tee hee, I'm just a silly Brucie Goosie.

[wuntrum]

yknow, maybe i need to become the gnc butch in tech that i wanna see (date) in the world

[reasonsforhope]

In southern Africa, leopards have long been harvested for their beautiful spotted furs. These coveted furs are often used in ceremonial regalia by cultural and religious groups in the area, making it difficult to address the dwindling wild cat population in the area.

Bridging the gap between animal conservation and cultural heritage, Panthera — a global wild cat conservation organization — has partnered with area communities and world-class designers to instead distribute synthetic furs for ceremonial garb.

This approach is ground-breaking and shows potential to be replicated in other areas of the world. In fact, new data shows that these initiatives have tripled the leopard population in the region. 

Pictured: Two wild leopards are spotted in southern Africa. Photo courtesy of Panthera.

It started in 2013 when Panthera began its Furs For Life program when it was discovered that members of the Shembe Church were using as many as 15,000 leopard furs during religious gatherings. 

Working with the Shembe community, Panthera created high-quality (and affordable!) synthetic leopard fur capes — amambatha — known as Heritage Furs. Since then, more than 18,500 capes have been distributed. 

In 2019, Panthera extended these efforts with the Saving Spots initiative. The program was created in conjunction with the Barotse Royal Establishment of the Lozi people with the mission to preserve rich cultural traditions and declining wild cat populations.

Every year, hundreds of Lozi community members wear lipatelo, elaborate full-length skirts made of leopard and other animal furs, as well as mishukwe, lion-mane trimmed berets, as they gather for the Kuomboka Festival...

Pictured: Paddlers on the Nalikwanda Royal Barge wearing Heritage Furs.

Since implementing the Saving Spots program, the Barotse Royal Establishment has switched to over 1,350 synthetic fur lipatelo and 600 synthetic fur mishukwe. At a recent Lozi gathering, nearly 70% of participants wore garments of synthetic furs. 

The idea was to maintain the sacred relationship the Lozi people have with these animals. By using a high-accuracy design, these synthetic furs have become trusted regalia to pass through future generations — all without causing harm to the animals they revere.

“It is important to conserve nature. If you don’t take care of nature, then you are headed for doom,” Lubinda Nyaywa, the chairperson of the Mwandi Council District said. “It’s a learning process for our young generations, teaching them that they must preserve, one, their culture, and, two, their natural resources.”

With the support of both the Lozi and Shembe leaders, affordable synthetic furs are gaining increased acceptance and popularity as alternatives to authentic furs. Some groups have even banned the use of authentic wild cat skins at future gatherings.

This, in turn, majorly contributes to the protection and stabilization of wild cat populations in the region.

As mentioned, new data suggests that Saving Spots has helped triple leopard densities in the southern region of Kafue National Park. 

-via Good Good Good, May 4, 2023

[bittsandpieces]

I'm starting to pack in preparation to move and boy. Shout out to natural grocers for the insane number of free reusable grocery bags I've accumulated over the last year and a half, they're gonna save my ass

[ghostofasecretary]

moving is really bringing out the whole range of human emotion huh

- unnameable tenderness

- energy!!!

- nothing has changed

- i need to run away to change things? but no that wouldn't work

- unloveable??

- i am so loved

- lying face down on the floor (on my bed, not lying down)

- paying for parking.

that's it, that's maximum human emotion

also i made yogurt (woohoo) for the first time but TOO LATE IN THE DAY so i have to stay awake past my bedtime so it can ferment but not too much. curséd

[fbfh]

pov dating james patrick march

James, placing a MASSIVE diamond ring on your finger: surprise my darling! I had this made especially for you :)

reader: oh my god????

James, with that Gomez Addams kind of affection: do you love it? :)

reader: of course! oh my god, it's gorgeous...

James: It's a 10 carat blood diamond. I had it mined just for you my love :)

reader: oh! oh that's not-

[cinnabar-circus]

What’s the picky eaters AU?

just my little self-indulgent vampire au, that somehow, accidentally, not on purpose ended up being very focused on feeding mechanics. hence the stupid name.