Shefali

Our best comes from Love. Open Rivers is evolving, excited about where we are headed in our support of the environment, agriculture and communities

[Shefali @shefalivm]

While we recorded this during the pandemic, the recent orangutan veterinarian workshop in Indonesia reinforced the apt timing and need managing and navigating through uncertainty.

[Jess Birken 🐌 @JessBirken]

Feeling uncertain about the future?

One of the most powerful things you can do for your brain is pause and breathe deeply. Learn why in my conversation with @shefalivm about making decisions even in uncertain times.

Listen at https://t.co/ZIfxTNzpap or wherever you get podcasts

[Shefali @shefalivm]

The damage from our food systems “… a study tracking about half a million people living in England, Scotland, and Wales… found the risk of dementia went up by 25 percent for every 10 percent increase in ultra-processed food.”

https://t.co/KtJhqnf61O

[Shefali @shefalivm]

another great article from @SheridanAsia and an example of how policies fail to address the breadth of our global supply chains. It also begs the question, do we, as Americans, even care about the source of consumer goods in a way that changes our buying decisions?

[Sheridan Prasso @SheridanAsia]

If Chinese-made solar panels are being confiscated by US Customs and barred from entry because they're linked to forced labor in Xinjiang...

and those same components go into panels assembled in India first...

why are we are letting India's in?

See my latest investigation 👇

[Shefali @shefalivm]

Another fantastic article from @SheridanAsia revealing the lack of transparency in our supply chains. Underscores a greater issue with supply chain accountability that is not addressed by metrics and self-reporting, despite the sizeable resources devoted to it

[Sheridan Prasso @SheridanAsia]

The F-150 EV is marketed as "green."
I traced its aluminum to the Amazon, to a mine deforesting the rainforest and an alumina refinery where 11,000 people are suing over the polluted environment

w/ @JessicaVBrice @rfriedman305 @JonneRoriz @Jeremy_CF_Lin
https://t.co/62eqOyh5pN

[Shefali @shefalivm]

“In 2021, 42,939 Americans died in car crashes, the highest toll in a decade and a half”.

These preventable fatalities (and substantial injuries) permanently alter the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and those in their lives https://t.co/NYDaF8yn0K

[Laurie Garrett @Laurie_Garrett]

Baked Humans
"At a body temperature of 105 to 106 degrees, your limbs are convulsed by seizures. At 107 and above, your cells themselves literally begin to break down or “denature.” Cell membranes — the thin lipid walls that protect the inner workings of your cells — literally melt. Inside your cells, the proteins essential to life — the ones that extract energy from food or sunlight, fend off invaders, destroy waste products, and so on — often have beautifully precise shapes. The proteins start as long strands, then fold into helixes, hairpins, and other configurations, as dictated by the sequence of their components. These shapes define the function of proteins. But as the heat rises, the proteins unfold and the bonds that keep the structures together break: first the weaker ones, and then, as the temperature mounts, the stronger ones. At the most fundamental level, your body unravels."
https://t.co/cNUIAzeiB3

[Shefali @shefalivm]

Alongside asking the right questions, we follow through as consumers and citizens with accountability. It’s not always easy, but each individual action matters.

This article further highlights systemic issues in our apparel supply chains and industry, driven by our choices

[Sheridan Prasso @SheridanAsia]

The Rolling Stones cancelled their license agreement with SheIn. This article cites my investigation finding SheIn uses forced labor cotton from Xinjiang as a reason.

https://t.co/tbgi4CG6Md

[Shefali @shefalivm]

I am proud of my friend, Sheridan, and her work bringing transparency to how we impact the world around us. It is a reminder of what is possible when we ask the right questions and utilize data and evidence to gain clarity

#supplychains #transparency #question

[Sheridan Prasso @SheridanAsia]

Impact from my investigation of Shein last year finding it's sending Xinjiang cotton - considered the product of forced labor - to US consumers. Imports violate US law. Senators Bill Cassidy, Elizabeth Warren and Sheldon Whitehouse cite my findings.

https://t.co/QIHPF7DsCe

[Shefali @shefalivm]

@pheasants4ever and @quail4ever play a critical role in conservation and beyond, impacting people and communities on all levels

I was honored to serve with Marilyn on the Board and thrilled to see the transition from one exceptional leader to another. So excited for the future

[Pheasants Forever @pheasants4ever]

PF & QF National Board of Directors select Marilyn Vetter as next President & CEO. Vetter has served on our Board since 2015 and is current Vice Chair. She's a passionate wildlife habitat conservationist, wingshooter, and proven business leader.

https://t.co/PTI9VQdhi8

[Shefali @shefalivm]

This @TheOnion article is the perfect way to bid adieu to one of the weirder years I’ve ever had

And thank you Cats for being the least surreal thing on this funky platform.

May you all find laughter in the weirdness we call life. Happy NYE!

https://t.co/fgtX5dWKJ7

[Shefali @shefalivm]

The cost of our consumption - great waste and impact on people and the environment. It highlights the urgency for a circular, reuse economy. Something to consider as we enter holidays

H&M, Zara Fast Fashion Waste Leaves Environmental Impact - Bloomberg https://t.co/U6kChOQxcF

[Indiaspora @IndiasporaForum]

Indiaspora member Shefali Mehta @shefalivm points out how the communities that rely most on natural resources are the most vulnerable communities. Climate degradation impacts those communities who have the least. #PhilanthropySummit2022 @IndiasporaForum @GiveIndia

[Indiaspora @IndiasporaForum]

Our next panel discussion is: Perspectives on India, Climate Change, and Vulnerable Communities. Shefali Mehta @shefalivm, Indiaspora member and the Founder and Lead Principal of Open Rivers Consulting Associates, moderates this session.

[Shefali @shefalivm]

What a chance to be part of this inspiring group and the audacious (and much needed) vision for ag, tech, data and democracy. We can’t do it alone so it’s good to know, we are not alone as we explore, innovate and support each other

#goatech2022 @OpenTEAMAg @FoundationFAR

[GOATech 🐐 @GOATech_org]

Shefali Mehta sharing about Open Rivers and how decision making in open source, governments, and orgs and the change we want to see #goatech2022

[Shefali @shefalivm]

People often ask what they can do in their individual capacity for the #environment.

This helps many species - reduce light #pollution as home- and business-owners and encourage others to do the same, ck out @audubonsociety petition to learn more

https://t.co/SciHPb80SD

[Shefali @shefalivm]

@koustubh_sharma Yep, and unfortunately, no one here (global North) seems to notice the disconnect and hypocrisy in our words and behaviors

[Shefali @shefalivm]

@JessBirken My work is who I am, like my “calling”. I’d do this even if I didn’t get paid (which has happened a few times 🙃). I’m grateful to work in areas where I keep learning, connecting with people and this world. I am shifting more to the environment to stay aligned w my values

[PLOS One @PLOSONE]

And it's officially begun! Very excited to listen to @shefalivm about to give the Gordon Rausser Keynote Address here at #AAEAAna22
@AAEA_Economics

[Shefali @shefalivm]

As @JessBirken and I taped this episode two years ago, we were watching the pandemic unfold, navigating the landscape with our clients and collaborators. #Uncertainty and #change brought much to light, including how we individually respond and draw from our own resilience

[Jess Birken 🐌 @JessBirken]

"It takes disruptions for us to change."

When things feel scary and uncertain, we have an opportunity to grow. Check out my #CharityTherapy ep with @shefalivm to learn how to calm our brains and make lasting change.

Listen in at https://t.co/oIaXnALtWY

[Shefali @shefalivm]

Tomorrow, June 30th, is the last day to sign up to receive the Census of Ag. It is so important to count all producers to ensure we meet the needs of all of our farmers and ranchers across the US. Please share with producers you know!
#AgCensus #farmers #AANHPI

[National Agricultural Statistics Service @usda_nass]

.@USDAScience Deputy Under Secretary of Research, Education, and Economics Dr. Shefali Mehta's message on the value and impact of the #AgCensus to ALL Americans, especially to groups historically underrepresented including #AANHPI communities. https://t.co/7fgc4Q59Ks