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September 24, 2021

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Your guide to what to buy, read, and watch this week

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Quote of the Day

“It’s peaceful to sit out on the back porch” – The owners trying to sell the house from “The Conjuring.” Honestly, in this market...

HFC Ya

The Story

The EPA’s slashing hydrofluorocarbons.

I slept through chem class.

HFCs for short. They're powerful greenhouse gases typically found in AC units and fridges. And in leaky US supermarket freezers. In the 1980s, HFCs were considered a better option than, bear with us, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). But as it turns out, HFCs are thousands of times stronger than carbon dioxide at trapping heat and warming the Earth. Last year, Congress passed a bipartisan law saying ‘cool down the use of HFCs.’ And the EPA said 'hey, we have an idea.' Now, the Biden admin’s following up on it.

What’s the plan?

Yesterday, the EPA issued a rule to cut down HFC production and use by 85% over the next 15 years. The agency will continue to scale back over time. The Biden admin also launched a task force to prevent people from illegally importing or producing the substance – something European countries have been dealing with. It's apparently the first time the gov's set nationwide standards on HFCs. And the transition to more energy-efficient cooling (like ammonia) could save the US over $270 billion over 30 years. If other countries get on board, the EPA estimates that the Earth could avoid 0.5°C of warming by 2100.

What are people saying?

The White House says the new rule will create "and maintain" hundreds of thousands of jobs. And gov officials are calling it a major win in the fight against climate change. But some were apparently hoping the gov would speed up its timeline to phase HFCs out. And other critics fear the new rule could mean extra costs for businesses (think: to update all their appliances). Meanwhile, the Biden admin isn’t done talking about climate change yet. Next on the agenda: the United Nations climate change conference in November. That’s when the US is expected to update the world on how its climate goals are coming along.

More and more people are using ACs and fridges with HFCs. Now, the Biden admin is looking to make some changes – but there are still plenty of other household objects that add to a carbon footprint. Here's how to calculate yours.

And Also...This

Where a picture was worth a thousand words...

Del Rio, Texas. Yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) temporarily halted horse patrols there. Over the weekend, the number of Haitian migrants trying to apply for asylum to the US topped 14,000. Authorities have been trying to curb border crossings – patrolling the area by car and horseback. But images of Border Patrol agents have prompted accusations that they whipped migrants with horse reins. Now, DHS is saying ‘no more horses’ as it investigates. The move comes a day after US special envoy for Haiti, Daniel Foote, resigned. Foote blasted the Biden admin for its “inhumane” and “counterproductive decision” to deport hundreds of Haitians back to the Caribbean island. Especially as Haiti’s dealing with the aftereffects of natural disasters and a political crisis. The State Dept called Foote’s resignation “unfortunate.” And has yet to name a new envoy.

What’s raising alarms…

Tigray. This week, reports revealed that people are starving to death in Ethiopia’s northern region. In June, the Ethiopian gov declared a ceasefire after a months-long conflict with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) – a regional ruling party. But since then, the gov has reportedly tightened its control of the region and rejected humanitarian aid. The UN had warned that over 400,000 people in Tigray were suffering from famine. Last month, at least 150 died. Now, reports say that residents in every one of Tigray’s 20+ districts are dying from hunger. And that some people reportedly only have green leaves to eat. The US is calling on the Ethiopian gov to end the fighting and let humanitarian orgs into Tigray, or risk sanctions. But the gov has denied there’s any famine. And has put the blame on the TPLF for blocking aid.

What's cutting the cords...

The EU. Yesterday, officials announced plans to require smartphone companies to use the same charging cord for phones. For years, certain companies (cough, Apple, cough) have strayed from more universal charging ports – likely creating an overflow of cords in your junk drawer. Now, the EU's saying 'I USB-C what's happening here.' And is pulling the plug on plugs that don't spark joy. The goal: to help the bloc cut down on tons of electronic waste. But Apple's reportedly worried this will restrict its creative freedom. Because nothing screams 'creative' like a charger that doesn't fit anything.

What parents should get rid of…

Boppy loungers. Yesterday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled over 3 million Boppy infant loungers due to the risk of suffocation. It comes after eight infant deaths in the past five years.

What all you cool cats and kittens want…

The zaddy of the moment.

Thing to Know

3 feet

That’s how far apart the CDC recommends students stay in K–12 classrooms this fall to (surprise) reduce COVID-19 transmission. Oh, and don’t forget the masks. Those continue to be the hottest accessory around. Especially for indoor situations, like school.

Other things the gov says can help keep kids safe? Teaching handwashing etiquette, keeping ‘em home when they’re not feeling well, and cleaning and disinfecting their supplies regularly. If you’re looking for more guidance, Boston Children’s Hospital has a library of parent resources that can help you through this...unique...time in our lives. It’s full of up-to-date info and expert advice on everything from vaccine eligibility to mental health support. Read up.

Time to Shop for...

Sweater weather. While fashion week is making its rounds across the world, we’re celebrating it in our own way: by curating all the stylish and affordable pieces you’ll want to add to your closet this fall. Aka the smarter way to fashion week. Check out…

Skimm Reads

“Apples Never Fall” by Liane Moriarty

Something is rotten in the state of this family. One of our fave authors (ahem, the one behind “Big Little Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strangers”) is back with another prickly mystery. This time, we’re following the Delaney children and their father after the shocking disappearance of their mother. It’s part domestic saga, part psychological thriller — and the ending will shock you right to your core.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Your new everyday bag with just the right pop o’ color. Hammitt’s collector’s edition Pacific bags were inspired by dreamy coastal living. Think: chic, easy-to-style navy leather satchels and gold-accented wallets. Did we mention you can grab ‘em as a set? Yes, please.*

2. A wine subscription that’ll catapult you into the holiday season. It’s never too early, tbh. And Laithwaites agrees. Which is why they’re offering Skimm’rs six bottles, plus two bonus bottles and two stemless glasses for $49.99 when they sign up. Oh, and shipping’s free.*

3. Lashes that’ll add more drama with less effort. This female-founded brand’s magnetic lashes require zero glue. And can be re-worn up to 60 times. Application time? Approx. one minute. Perfect for when you're rushing from WFH to HH. Plus, they’ve got three Skimm-exclusive styles. Wink-wink.*

4. A hotel-inspired comforter that screams luxury. And is good for the planet. This bed topper is thermoregulating (see ya, night sweats) and machine-washable. Plus, its filling is made from PET plastic bottles. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 20% off with code THESKIMM. Sleep tight.*

5. Problem-solving pet products that'll make life easier. Owning a pet is the definition of fun...until they make a mess while eating and shed everywhere. We've got the things that'll solve common pet-parenthood problems.

6. Two of our fave finds from Trader Joe’s you can get on Amazon. Enter: the iconic everything seasoning and the chile lime seasoning. Everyone is obsessed for a reason and it's time to join the club.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm'rs

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month. So we're honoring Latinx leaders and recognizing Latinx-owned businesses & orgs for doing great things for the world and for their communities. Nominate yourself or someone you know here.

Always an ally...April R (WA). She’s a queer Latina graphic designer who’s raising money for a Latinx LGBTQ+ org. She’s raised $213 so far and wants to continue fighting the good fight with her art. Check out her work.

All ears for...Pahola C (MN). She’s uplifting the Latino community through a weekly podcast called "Atrévete ahora con Pahola.” And is currently working as a realtor who’s helping people to close the homeownership gap.

(Some) Birthdays…Charles Bonnello (NY), Fallon Mazza (PA), Virginia Rose Barbatti (MA), Kirby McThompson (TX), Kelsey Mohn (TX), Bruce Monte (CT), Emily Moll (MI), Laura Moriarity (IN), Steph Berube (ND), Nikki Twohill (CT), Sarah Ford (MA), Tamika Spruill (NC), Nadia Hercules (NJ), Mallory Paul (GA), Michelle Garvie (NY), Sarah Ford (MA), Alayna Chabot (TX), Alice Tsang (CA)

This week on “Skimm This”: We spoke to The Washington Post’s Heather Long about the staff shortages hitting the childcare industry (which employs mostly women). We asked her about why daycare workers have been leaving en masse recently and what investments need to be made to keep them.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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theSkimm - Daily Skimm: These are their stories

HFC Ya

I slept through chem class.

What’s the plan?

What are people saying?

theSkimm

Where a picture was worth a thousand words...

What’s raising alarms…

What's cutting the cords...

What parents should get rid of…

What all you cool cats and kittens want…

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