December 2024 Newsletter
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucious
The glory of Los Angeles is that we always rise. As our city suffers through one of the greatest environmental disasters in the history of the United States, where do we find hope? We see it in how our community comes together: pop-up donation centers, Google drives of mutual aid funds, and weary yet well-meaning smiles as we navigate the unthinkable together. We see hope in the heroism of our firefighters, who face an impossible task with fortitude and tenacity. Finally, we see hope in climate action, ensuring future generations are prepared and protected from the threats of a warming planet.
Los Angeles is our home; this crisis is personal. But for now, we must help each other survive, and when the time is right, we'll get back to work convincing people that it doesn't have to be this way.
We know the internet is flooded with information and resources, so we put together a page on our site to consolidate them. Please email jay@ema-online.org if you have any additional resources to add!
Please stay safe, friends!
The EMA team
As many of you know, we re-launched our EMA Young Hollywood Board in 2024. Why did the timing feel right? We've noticed a growing enthusiasm for sustainability among the next generation of artists. Instead of sustainability being a "cause" or a personality trait, environmentalism seems to be a worldview many younger creatives share. At EMA, we hope to encourage this mindset and normalize it across our industry.
One such bright talent is Peyton List, who EMA noticed sharing our content with her tens of millions of followers on social. Peyton has acted most of her life and actively encourages our industry to embrace sustainability and environmental stewardship. We are grateful to have spoken with Peyton about her eco-mindset.
We always like to start from the start! What inspired your environmentalism?
Growing up in Brooklyn, I saw many environmentally conscious people, which stuck with me. My dad worked at a farm-to-table restaurant in NY, and visiting him there made me aware of the impact we can make eating locally.
You've acted for most of your life, meaning you've spent much time on movie and TV show sets. What have you noticed about sustainability during production?
I've noticed productions are putting effort into it. However, different sets and actors put in more effort than others. For example, I've acted on sets that repurpose materials, encourage reusable water bottles, and do not print useless paperwork that the crew can send digitally. That said, our industry still has so much work to do!
You have a massive following on social. How do you use that platform to encourage sustainable habits?
I reshare other people's habits that inspire me. I give a platform to information in hopes of normalizing sustainable behavior!
What appealed to you about EMA's work and messaging?
EMA has a welcoming way of inviting people into the conversation. Everyone and anyone interested in helping to protect the environment is welcome, and I love that.
Finally, what are your sustainable resolutions for 2025?
I'm consuming less and buying less in general. If I buy, I'm trying to thrift vintage/repurposed items. I'm also doing small things like bringing my tote bag and a reusable water bottle everywhere. I'm not perfect, but we all have to start somewhere.
