Editorials

If you’re a nature lover like me and you’re going to the beach this summer, tidepooling is the perfect opportunity to explore the local ecosystem! Tidepools are small pockets of seawater nestled between rocks in the ocean’s intertidal zone. The small pools of water can house organisms such as urchins, sea stars, barnacles, sea anemones, octopuses, and crabs. However, what makes tidepooling such a unique experience is that it’s not always accessible. These pockets between the rocks are swallowed by the ocean during high tide, so you have to check the tidal charts before planning your trip. You’ll want to go during the low tide with daylight when the ocean recedes to reveal the intertidal area (including the tidepools). In general, you’ll want a low tide that is less than one foot (the lower, the better). 

There are a few  basic rules any tidepooler should follow in order to make sure they are not harming the fragile ecosystem and can fully enjoy the experience. When tidepooling, you should practice the “leave no trace” mentality, making sure to not take shells or leave any waste behind. A simple shell might not look like much to you, but they are homes to crustaceans. Removing any items from the tidepool is never okay—if every tidepool visitor took a rock or shell from the ecosystem, soon there would be nothing left. You should also make sure to watch your step, as organisms may be laying on the rocks. Though flip flops are the general beach attire, I don’t recommend wearing them to tidepools—the rocks are slippery, and sneakers or other close-toed shoes will keep you from falling.

Patience is key when it comes to tidepooling. Your approach to the pool may cause organisms to go into hiding, but if you wait it out for 5-10 minutes and make sure your shadow isn’t cast over the pool, those animals will come back out and you can observe their beauty from afar. “From afar” is important—don’t touch, pick up, or move any of the animals! Some of these animals may be poisonous and you could be causing yourself harm. Not to mention, disturbing them can cause serious injury to the animals! Take seastars, for instance, their legs are covered in hundreds of little suction cups that help them hang on to rocks, and lifting these creatures can cause their cups to tear off. This is only one example, and any disruptive behavior such as touching can cause irreversible damage to the organism that is often invisible to our eyes. 

To see cool organisms, look out for rocky overhangs and crevices in the rocks. Many animals take shelter from the sun in these locations. Not everything will be visible simply from standing—try squatting or looking from new angles to discover hidden organisms. When I was tidepooling in Hawaii last summer, I was lucky enough to see helmet urchins, sea turtles, lichens, and purple shore crabs. I found a huge cluster of urchins that was hiding in a crevice, so check out every possible location, even if it doesn’t look promising at first! Seeing these organisms in person is an eye-opening experience that I recommend to everyone who has the chance. Something I also like to do when I tidepool is take notes or pictures on my phone of the organisms’ appearances, so I can look them up when I get home and find out more about them. 

If you keep these guidelines in mind, you might have the chance to see some amazing animals during your next trip to the beach! Happy tidepooling!

The Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, Hollywood Boulevard, and the Roman Colosseum; These tourist attractions are packed with crowds of tourists year-round, visiting to take a picture and say they’ve visited with more intention behind a stop at these famous landmarks than a cute photo for Instagram. After the pandemic, the crowds have reemerged in famous cities across the world as almost every country has lifted travel restrictions and opened their borders, which brought the much-appreciated economic influx of tourism. Tourism, however, is a double-edged sword for many destinations, and balancing over-tourism and sustainability is becoming increasingly talked about in the travel industry. Not only are governments and private companies shifting their focus, but travelers globally have begun to question what they want out of a travel experience; that shift has become especially evident in post-pandemic travels. Words and phrases like “sustainable tourism,” “ecotourism,” “slow travel,” and more have begun to define the lens through which travelers enjoy the destinations they visit. Rather than choosing to join crowded tour groups hopping from one landmark to the next, although this option certainly still exists and remains popular, many tourists are leaning towards small-group and self-guided travel that allows for a slower pace of exploration where the culture, history, and people of a place are emphasized. 

Many destinations are encouraging a balance by still drawing tourists to their cities and countries but asking them to consider certain experiences, activities, and destinations on their trips. For more nature-focused destinations, this includes promoting other hiking trails and outdoor activities away from the crowds, discouraging single-use plastics to eliminate harmful waste and pollutants affecting the environment in many popular destinations, and emphasizing indigenous peoples and their role in maintaining the local ecosystems. Australia, for example, has made particular strides in its efforts of empowering Aboriginal Australians through inclusivity in the tourism industry. In bucket list destinations like Uluru, a large sandstone rock, in the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef, Aboriginal tour guides, museums, and experiences allow tourists to not only check these destinations off a bucket list but to really experience the people, culture, and history that create the multifaceted and often overlooked sides of a place. Costa Rica employs strategies to maintain the sustainability of their tourism industry in a similar way, with a fourth of the country designated as federally protected natural areas. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and an extremely popular destination for American tourists, Costa Rica is an example of how a destination integrates traditions and nature into crowds of curious travelers and their experiences. 
While some countries and cities like Costa Rica and Australia are taking more dramatic steps towards improving equality and sustainability in tourism, many tourists are taking steps on their own to make destinations more sustainable and culturally diverse. Media outlets such as New York Times Travel make specific emphasis on the opportunities to explore cultural diversity and natural beauty around the United States. These outlets provide information to tourists on exploring culturally diverse neighborhoods and emphasizing interest in minority cultures around the United States, whose locally-owned shops and restaurants flourish with the support of tourists. Many tourists have taken a particular interest in walking and using public transportation where possible to slow down and really enjoy every step of the journey. By slowing down, especially in destinations around the United States, a tourist can learn a lot more about the people and beauty of a place. New York City is more than just the Empire State Building and fancy shopping in SoHo, and Los Angeles is more than just Hollywood and Malibu. These cities have flourishing communities of creatives from diverse backgrounds willing and excited to share their lives and experiences with those willing to listen. So next time you take a trip, consider a walking tour in a diverse neighborhood or taking a hike on the path less traveled, as said by Robert Frost, “And that has made all the difference”

Disney is suing Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, and the new Disney board, which he appointed,  after DeSantis declared Disney’s actions to keep control of their special district illegal and instituted a new board to oversee Disney’s land in Florida.

This all began when Governor DeSantis passed the Parental Rights in Education Act, which critics call the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill. This bill states “Classroom instruction… sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur…in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate” This bill was recently implemented for all students in Florida, from kindergarten to high school. Due to the public outcry, Disney publicly denounced the bill and the governor’s actions, thus beginning the feud between both parties.

Currently, Disney has a portion of land in Florida, known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, where the theme parks such as Epcot, Disney World, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios reside. In the district, there is a board that oversees everything, which is appointed by Disney. Disney has been in control of the district since 1967 and the board is in charge of sewage and streets and can levy additional taxes on top of the state ones. DeSantis sought to remove the special privileges by creating a bill that would give him the power to appoint a new board that oversees the district.

 After the bill passed, Disney created a contract that would give the Disney board power again. This granted the board the right to review any changes to the property within its limits and that they wouldn’t lose this power until ”21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of King Charles III, King of England.” In response, DeSantis claimed Disney’s actions were illegal and the new board was put in place. Disney sued DeSantis claiming a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” and that they violated the Contract Clause in the Constitution as well as the first amendment: right to freedom of speech. Disney, in the lawsuit, stated that they planned to invest $17 billion at Walt Disney World over the next decade, noting “development and investment of this magnitude cannot effectively take place when it can be nullified or undermined at the whim of new political leadership”. According to the Contract Clause, there must be a change in the situation on why the new board is taking over, which Disney claims that DeSantis’s board is punishing due to them denouncing the governor’s actions. DeSantis told Bob Chapek, Disney’s past CEO, that the company “shouldn’t get involved”, “it will not work out well for you”, and publicly stated that he “would not bend a knee to woke [Disney]executives in California”, would put a state prison in the district, and a government investigation into Disney. 

After Disney announced that they were suing DeSantis, the DeSantis board counter-sued, also under the Contract Clause. They state that the special district “surrenders an essential attribute to its sovereignty”, which is why they have the right to control the land once more.

In response to the feud, NC Senator Micheal K. Garret proposed the “Mickey’s Freedom Restoration Act”, which would give Disney the same special privileges as the company in North Carolina. If passed, the state will appoint a committee that is focused on convincing The Walt Disney Company to move the theme parks and develop them in NC. This would increase tourism in the state and increase the money that could be used for many state projects, including infrastructure.

With all of this to come, the country will be watching to see if DeSantis will win against Disney, as he is expected to run for president in 2024. Who will win? The Man or The Mouse?

With summer right around the corner, you might be in the market for some fun activities to occupy your time for the coming months! Fortunately, Charlotte and the surrounding areas have plenty to check out during your break from school. From a new Marvel Universe exhibit at Discovery Place to taking a day trip to the Whitewater Center, or seeing some of the best beaches in the Carolinas, there is more than enough to stay busy with during the warmer months. 

First, locally, a new Marvel Universe exhibit, “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes,” opened on May 14, 2023 at Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC. The exhibit features everyone from the Marvel Universe, and even a couple of competing universes, including Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Human Torch, Wolverine, the Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, Captain Marvel and more! According to Discovery Place, the exhibit also includes “more than 300 original artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic costumes, props and original art, much of which have yet to be seen.”

This new attraction marks the only exhibit of “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes” available on the East Coast, and it is sure to not disappoint. The show is also one of the largest exhibitions Discovery Place has ever hosted, spanning 12,000 square feet in a large, new gallery set on the side of the museum near North Tryon Street. However, this magnitude is expected, says Heather Norton, chief science officer, as “New shows are demanding this kind of space.” In terms of logistics, it is recommended that a serious fan of the franchise should anticipate reserving three hours for the experience, but a leisurely stroll through the exhibit to view the artifacts should take no less than 30 minutes. Tickets are now on sale for this exceptional museum located right in Charlotte, so be sure to get yours and check it out this summer!

In addition to the “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes” museum, another popular local attraction is the U.S. National Whitewater Center, located only roughly 30 minutes outside of Charlotte. There, you’ll never run out of fun activities to try, from whitewater rafting to ropes courses, hiking trails and flatwater kayaking, the Whitewater Center has everything and more! Additionally, if your goal is to get outside, the surrounding North and South Carolina areas host an abundance of top notch beaches, perfect for the hot temperatures. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway trip this summer, be sure to look into traveling to Figure Eight Island, located 212 miles from Charlotte. This destination is more secluded and features a serene environment for enjoying walks on the beach, swimming, and relaxing. Another popular North Carolina beach is located in Wrightsville, only 8.5 miles from Wilmington. According to National Geographic, Wrightsville is “one of the top surfing towns in the world.” In addition to the beach, the surrounding town is vibrant, walkable, and includes opportunities for shopping, dining, and fun nightlife activities. Another NC favorite includes beaches located at the Brunswick Islands. Popular spots include Bald Head Island, featuring a secluded atmosphere with an abundance of beautiful nature, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, and Oak Island.

Great beaches aren’t exclusive to North Carolina, though, as South Carolina also boasts plenty of great destinations. Excellent places to check out include Litchfield Beach, which is quiet and home to great restaurants and golf courses, Pawleys Island, where the Hammock Shops are a must-visit, and Hilton Head Island. Additionally, if you’re in Hilton Head, be sure to visit CQ’s Restaurant and the Salty Dog Cafe, two local culinary staples. With plenty of attractions and activities available locally in Charlotte and just a short drive away in the greater Carolinas region, be sure to get out and check things out!

With hot weather right around the corner, looking forward to some fresh summer recipes and grilling out is a must. However, something to think about this summer is where exactly the ingredients used in the recipes are coming from. Recent studies show that processed food in the United States travels an average of 1,300 miles, with fresh produce traveling over 1,500 to reach the supermarket. Not only does this transportation release about 3.0 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (19% of total food system emissions), but this also causes many of the ‘fresh foods’ to be picked unripe, or be highly processed with preservatives and other additives to keep it fresh for transportation and in the supermarket. 

However, there is a solution to these problems: farmers markets. Farmers markets sell food that is locally grown or made, supporting small farmers and businesses within a community, keeping food fresher, and decreasing the amount of pollution created by the food industry. Along with that, farmers markets offer many more seasonal fruits and vegetables. Though it may be nice to have your favorite fruits and vegetables year round, seasonal food is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious. Along with that, buying seasonal food is another way to decrease the amount of distance traveled by your food pre-supermarket. Some of the best farmers markets around Charlotte include the South End Farmers Market, Kings Drive Farmers Market, and Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Make sure to check when these markets are open and most popular!

Another question in terms of sustainable summer eating is what are the in-season fruits and vegetables that we should be looking for? Some of my favorite summer fruits and vegetables include chickpeas, corn, cucumbers, mangos, summer squash, peaches, tomatoes, watermelon, raspberries, blueberries, and basil. Some of these are great to have on their own, such as some refreshing watermelon after a swim in the pool, a mango early in the morning, or some blueberries and raspberries as an afternoon snack. However, there are plenty of fun summer recipes to try with all of the new food as well. 

One of my favorite appetizers to make before some pasta is a Caprese salad. This includes two of the seasonal fruits and vegetables. All you need is some mozzarella, tomato, basil, salt and pepper, and it can be enjoyed with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar drizzled on top. Along with that, a very popular healthy cuisine to enjoy is Mediterranean, which has been very popular in Charlotte with restaurants such as Cava and Yafo. It’s very easy to make homemade hummus with chickpeas, salt, olive oil, and any other seasonings you want to add to spice it up. Or, a cucumber tomato salad or tomato feta salads are some of my favorite refreshing lunches to have during the summer. You can also grill out during the summer, with some grilled corn or a margarita pizza with some fresh basil and tomatoes. 

Fresh desserts are also easy to make with summer fruits and vegetables. Everyone loves a sweet raspberry or mango sorbet, which you can make with just a couple ingredients and without an ice cream churner. Along with that, peach cobbler is always a delicious dessert, if you’re looking for something a little warmer. And, for a decadent dessert with coconut and mango, mango sticky rice is always a go-to for me. 

I hope that this article has made you think a little more about where your food is coming from and some more sustainable choices you can make in this upcoming season. Have a great summer, and try out some new shopping habits and new eating experiences!

The revival of Y2K and the “Alt” style trends have recently taken the world by storm. Thanks to new social media platforms, the demand for these pieces has increased exponentially, but as quickly as the trends began, the sooner they ended. This phenomenon is known as fast fashion, and clothing companies such as ZARA, Shien, Princess Polly, Forever 21, and H&M are notorious for producing fast fashion clothing. However, the rise in fast fashion has led to many unintended consequences.

Social media platforms such as TikTok and Pinterest have caused fashion trends to spread at fast rates, with many people commenting on posts saying, “Where did you get that outfit” or “Outfit details pls.” The demand for these pieces increases, resulting in companies jumping onto the bandwagon and producing these items. However, the demand for these pieces dies down due to trends constantly circulating in and out at such a fast pace, leaving the companies with a surplus of items. Many consumers fail to ask whether the clothing items were ethically produced because of how cheap the item was and their fixation on the next new fashion trend. 

In conjunction with the wasteful excess of clothing produced, most fast fashion companies use child or underpaid labor to quickly and cheaply produce items. In an investigation into Shein, the $15 billion worth fast fashion company, found that “Several employees across six sites in Guangzhou were Ronfound to be working 75-hour weeks and clocked three shifts per day, often with only one day off a month.” In a report by Swiss advocacy group, Public Eye, interviewed Zuzu, a 16-year-old girl, about her job at an H&M factory and stated, “They employed anyone who wanted to work.” Zuzu, herself, was hired only at 12 years old. Additionally, fast fashion companies are blatantly abusing employees’ rights and causing major health issues. According to a BNR report regarding Zara, “The brand has been linked to forced labor camps in China, and its workers in Brazil are also subjected to inadequate working conditions.” These companies are abusing employees’ rights to create trendy pieces that are low quality and quickly made, just to maximize profits for the company.

Not only do fast fashion companies violate human rights, but they also pollute the environment at staggering rates. Many fast fashion companies overproduce pieces of clothing that are trending at the moment to generate as much revenue as possible. Trendy items have caused companies to over produce in order to match demand.  The trends quickly fade away, but the clothing stays; many companies overproduce by 30-40% per season, according to Platform E. Companies, leading companies to  either place the extra clothing in storage or donate them. Due to the decrease in the quality of fast fashion clothing, only 20% are bought, according to Goodwill statistics. The leftover 80% are thrown away and taken to the landfill. This increase in clothing produced leads to a rise in the waste in landfill and pollution in the air and water, further polluting our planet. According to the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), fast fashion companies are responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and are the world’s second-largest consumer of water. 

To counteract this, instead of shopping online with what is temporarily trending, consider whether or not the piece will be your style and still viable to wear in 20 years, which is when trends typically resurface. Many people keep clothing instead of donating it, so when the 20-year cycle hits and the pieces are inevitably back in style, you’ll be ready. Another option is thrift stores, which offer a great alternative to fast fashion. This is where items that come back into style can be found for a lot cheaper and better quality; all they need is some TLC. 

When the next trend inevitably has us all in a chokehold, instead of promoting these fast fashion companies, H&Maybe think about other alternatives.

Concerts continue to remain a large part of American culture, with vibrant events and showings that bring people together. With that being said, it is vital to consider the role of concert safety in ensuring that attendees have a secure experience. Various measures and precautions are taken behind the scenes of these large events that create an environment that is exciting but also safe. People attend all kinds of events, ranging from concerts like Coachella with over 250,000 attendees in 2023 to small community-based festivals. Ultimately, while concerts can be a blast, nothing is more important than ensuring the well-being of concertgoers.  

Behind the unparalleled thrill and excitement that concerts tend to offer, there exists a relationship between concert organizers and venue operators that acts as a key part of the puzzle. Risk assessments and the implementation of safety protocols by concert organizers and venue operators must take place prior to large scale concerts, as this is what permits concerts to operate in a secure and structured manner. In addition to this, venue operators integrate clear communication channels with attendees, along with well-trained security personnel to ensure the safety of people at their event. 

In November of 2021, a tragic incident unfolded at the annual Astroworld festival held by artist Travis Scott. This event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate, limited concert safety measures. During the event, crowd capacity management services failed to prevent the crowd that surged forward during Scott’s performance. Unfortunate events like these highlight the vital role that concert organizers play, operating the security of the crowd while still permitting the establishment of an unmatched experience for attendees.

To prevent things like this from occurring in the future, clear and effective communication is essential in generating a secure concert environment. The existence of well-defined emergency response plans and trained staff that are equipped with the tools necessary to handle emergencies like these is what creates safety at large venues. Security personnel will continue to undergo intense training and education that will allow them to understand the basic fundamentals of concert safety. In addition to the crucial role played by security professionals, it is also important to educate attendees about responsible behavior during concerts, emphasizing the importance of things like respecting personal space. Information like this can be spread through social media and other platforms that possess a large influence over concertgoers.

Concert safety is a top priority for everyone involved in organizing and attending live music events. Concert organizers, venue operators, artists, and attendees must join forces to create an environment where people can enjoy live music in a safe manner. Comprehensive safety protocols, communication between security, future technology and the use of artists’ influence for positive encouragement and useful information can ensure that concerts remain a large factor of American culture.