Daily Skimm Weekend: It's Earth Day — Celebrate With US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland

Eyes On: Mifepristone

Last night, the Supreme Court preserved access to the widely used abortion pill, at least for now. The court’s decision comes after two lower court rulings — one from a federal judge in Texas and another from a federal appeals court — would have placed restrictions on mifepristone while a legal challenge plays out. That spurred the Biden admin and drug manufacturer Danco Laboratories to file emergency requests, asking SCOTUS to block the lower court rulings through the end of the legal case. Which it did, despite Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting. Now, the fight over mifepristone returns to the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which has scheduled arguments for May 17.

Today is Earth Day, a moment to appreciate the planet, and people’s efforts to protect it. To honor the occasion, we spoke to US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland — who made history as the first Native American Cabinet secretary — about conservation and her work. (Reminder: She oversees the agency responsible for national parks and other public lands, the protection of endangered species, maintaining relationships with tribal nations, and much more.) Here’s what she had to say…

Q: How do you celebrate Earth Day? 

Every day is Earth Day at the Interior Department! I celebrate the day by showing gratitude for our lands and waters, and the generations of stewards that have protected them for all of our benefit. 

Q: What’s one of your go-to environmental tips? 

We only have one planet Earth. If I could pass along one single tip to people, it’s to leave our planet better than how they found it. One way to do that is to use a refillable water bottle and not single-use plastics. Also, be sure to take out anything you bring onto our public lands. Every one of us can do our part to ensure that the animals, plants, waters and lands that we depend on can be there for generations to come.

Q: What’s one thing that you’ve spearheaded that you’re particularly proud of?

I am particularly proud that we are honoring Indigenous-led conservation priorities and advancing co-stewardship of our lands and waters with Tribal Nations. Tribes are the original stewards of our public lands, and it is past time that we incorporate Tribal expertise and Indigenous Knowledge into federal land and resources management. When President Biden took action to restore the original boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, he ensured that future management of the area would be done in coordination with the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, and the Pueblo of Zuni.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s at the top of your to-do list?

America’s outdoor spaces belong to all of us. They provide opportunities to hunt, fish, hike, and recreate; wide open spaces to find solitude; and important cultural and economic resources for local and gateway communities. Public lands can also play a central role in providing natural solutions to the climate crisis ... [so] it is a top priority for the Interior Department to safeguard our natural and cultural resources ... The Department is restoring wildlife habitats, protecting at-risk and endangered species, improving recreation sites, and reclaiming abandoned mine lands.

🌱 In sustainability…

How eco-friendly are “eco-friendly” brands? And should you actually shell out extra cash to offset the footprint of your flight? Spoiler: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Meanwhile, President Biden is turning up the heat on solar panel investments and trying to boost protection for the Amazon rainforest and US woodlands. Plus, as some US cities are starting to catch up to Europe in creating new laws that aim to make building emissions cleaner, European clean tech companies are reportedly eyeing the US for its tax breaks. Speaking of harmful emissions, volcanoes might hold the key to helping reduce greenhouse gases, according to some researchers. While other researchers found that one’s trash can be an animal’s treasure. Oh and a report says at least $130 billion a year until 2030 is needed to help protect tropical forests around the world. Any takers?

📺 In entertainment…

Therapy has main character energy on reality TV — while in reality, some of the biggest TV drama is happening behind the scenes. Also on TV, Keri Russell is once again reporting for duty, but in a somewhat different role. And James Corden is preparing to say goodbye to “The Late Late Show” with a final ep featuring some very special guests. Two other things to add to your cal: After many delays and controversies, HBO will finally air “The Idol,” starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, while Netflix dropped the first trailer for “All The Light We Cannot See.” Speaking of Netflix, the company also announced that it’ll soon stop its DVD-by-mail service — which, who knew, is still a thing. And Prime Video launched a new feature so you can actually hear what’s being said on its shows.

👗 In style…

Wedding sprawl might feel overwhelming, but at least you no longer have to hold your peace when it comes to matching bridesmaid dresses. Or, if you’re the bride, maybe say ‘I do’ while wearing a nap dress. In beauty news, Marcel waves (think: Josephine Baker in the 1920s) are, well, making waves again. While vanilla chrome nails are looking pretty sweet. And, ICYMI, quiet luxury is making a lot of noise, both in wardrobes and homes. Plus, if you’re struggling with overflowing junk drawers and closets, TikTok has a few spring cleaning hacks. Because, of course. 

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

1. A quiz that’ll show you how ‘green’ you’re really living.

Just in time for Earth Day. thredUP’s footprint calculator can help you understand how your habits fit into fashion’s overall impact. And decipher which actions (actually) make the biggest difference.*

2. Reusable menstrual pads that actually work — and stay put.

Is this a dream? Close. It’s Cariona’s organic, plastic- and chemical-free pads. They’re super absorbent, comfortable, and machine-washable. Plus they’ll last anywhere from three to five years. Celebrate Earth Day with a few packs.*

3. Where to get the answers to your most pressing pregnancy Qs.

Time to open your Notes app. Because we chatted with NewYork-Presbyterian OB-GYN Dr. Laura Riley to get the scoop on what you can actually expect when you’re expecting.*

4. A TikTok-famous primer your skin will love.

Milk Makeup’s hydrating, lightweight primer is guaranteed to be the MVP (most valuable product) of your beauty routine. It locks in makeup for up to 12 hours and gives you a fresh, dewy glow.*

*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we’ve got some tips for escape.

One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day? Not to be obvious, but time outside. In addition to growing your appreciation for the planet, getting outdoors may also benefit your physical and mental health. Plus, it doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Here are some easy ways to become one with nature, no matter where you are. 

• Visit a national park. While Yellowstone’s geysers and the Grand Canyon’s rocky walls are classics, there’s plenty more (over 400 more, in fact) where that came from. And some of them might be surprisingly close to you. Check out the National Park Service’s online directory to find one near you. Or, you can search the parks by activity: If you’re into fishing, drop a line at Acadia National Park in Maine or New River Gorge in West Virginia. If you’re a history buff, you might like Bent’s Old Fort in Colorado or Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Oregon.

• Try soft hiking. Exploring a local trail or park doesn’t have to mean breaking a sweat. Actually, more and more people are opting for a leisurely hiking experience. So grab your water, make frequent stops, and take it slow. It’s neither a marathon nor a sprint. 

• Forest bathing. Aka, soft hiking’s tree-canopied cousin. The Japanese tradition, called shinrin-yoku, involves engaging with nature using all five senses. So pick a spot, wander through the trees, and leaf your worries behind.

• Go birding. If you prefer a more structured outing, let birds take you under their wing. Before heading out, grab a pair of binoculars and get familiar with the different types of birds you may see, either by checking out a bird guide from your local library or downloading a mobile app. 

• Visit a local botanical garden. Want to see what’s blooming in your area? Type “botanical gardens near me” into your preferred search engine to find a stunning spot by you. Bonus: You might even take home some seeds of inspiration for your own garden. 

• Explore on the Internet. Turns out, you can experience the great outdoors from the great indoors. Get up close and personal with animals around the globe via National Geographic’s YouTube channel. Or, explore lands far away with Netflix’s “Our Planet” series.