Community Amongst the COVID-19 Crisis

By SUSTAIN

We are in a very strange time right now where the majority of humans are told to stay home for the sake of our well-being during this COVID-19 crisis. With millions of Americans losing their jobs and more people around the world uncertain of the foreseeable future, this is a time where we need to come together, stronger than ever before, and lend a (virtual) helping hand to each other. 

This is why the SUSTAIN team wanted to share with you some amazing resources and positive vibes to help you get through the passing days so when we get out of this, we can feel better than ever. 

Although these are troubling times for most, it is great to hear that many climate positive changes have come out from this once humans were told to slow down. For example, 25% CO2 emissions were cut in China. You can read more about Climate Change and the Coronavirus can go hand in hand on our site here.

So, from making your own hand sanitizer to figuring out where to get help or donate to those affected, SUSTAIN has you covered on all aspects. Now don’t forget to stay home, wash your hands for 20 seconds and social distance from people at 6ft, if you need to run any essential errands. We are counting on you all! The faster we listen, the faster we can enjoy our summer and go outside once again.

Donate to those affected by COVID-19

• If you have the financial means, consider donating to local Go-Fund Me’s that are attached to the food service industry. 

• Meals on Wheels America

• Feeding America

• First Book

• Restaurants Workers’ Community Foundation

If you feel sick, be sure to…

• Stay home

• Avoid public transportation

• Separate yourself from others in your home, also know as a “self isolation”

• Wear a face mask if sick

• Cover cough & sneezes

• Clean your hands often for at least 20 seconds

If you can’t get tested, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

1. You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND

2. other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND

3. at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared

DIY Remedies 

Hand Sanitizer 

• 3 tbsp aloe vera gel

• 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol

• 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil

• 10 drops tea tree oil

Inspired by @ollyollytoxinfree

Source: @ollyollytoxinfree

Face Masks

*If you have a sewing machine please consider making face masks and donate to our healthcare providers. 

What You’ll Need:

• Cotton Fabric & Cotton Flannel for the backing 

• Rope/Ribbon/Elastic/Hair Tie

• Scissors

• Needle

• Thread

Check out this post to learn how to make them.

Source: @sararradin

Where to Donate Once You’re Done

• Mask4Medecine 

• Mask Match

• PPE Link

• Donate PPE

Other Ways to Help

• Support local small businesses during this time

• If you have the financial means, check out restaurants who are offering online pick-up and delivery. 

For the Movers and Shakers (Free Online Workout Classes)

• SKY TING – Yoga studio 

• CorePower Yoga

• Fitness from Home with NYHRC – Athletic Yoga

• Joyn – 30+ yoga, pilates, and meditation sessions are now free through May 30th

• Yoga with Adrienne

• Daily Burn – Variety 

• Heat Bootcamp – Cardio

• FitOn– Variety 

• STEEZY Studio– Dance

Source: Popsugar

Community Resources

Educational

• Crash Course – Dozens of AP-aligned courses

• SciShow – Science news and info

• General Assembly– Remote classes from coding, digital marketing, Google Analytics and more. 

• Free audio books on Audible 

• Take Yale’s free online course, The Science of Well-Being 

Mental Health

• Crisistextline – free mental health resource

• Rachel Wright, a NYC-based therapist, is hosting virtual group check-ins for free. Check out the dates here

• Apps to download, Calm & Headspace

• The Trevor project is available with counselors for the young LGBTQ people through online chat, text, or phone.

Grants

• Bumble: Small Business Grant: Until April 9th, small business owners can submit a request to receive up to $5K in  monetary support from Bumble. To apply, head to the Bumble app and match with the Bumble Community Grants profile. 

• Patreon Grant for Artists affected by COVID-19 due April 15th.

• Facebook Small Businesses Grants Program is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time

With all these free online resources, whether it’s working out or learning a new skill, it’s easy to get caught up and  feel like you have to do more with this new profound free time. But remember, you don’t have to. It’s okay to slow down, take this time to process what is happening, and to think about the future. You are not in this alone, and we are here to keep reminding you that.

P.S during a pandemic like the one we are living in now, being sustainable and zero-waste friendly may seem impossible, so please don’t feel the need to keep up or feel bad for using plastic during this time. We live in a weird dystopia and your safety definitely comes first.