Beyond that, she recently announced her third album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, to be released May 17, 2024. She spent the days leading up to the announcement building excitement by adding all of her Instagram followers to her “Close Friends” list. Eilish had the most Instagram followers in 48 hours…with her count increasing by 7 million followers total.
While her debut album, when we all fall asleep…where do we go?, was a chart-topper in its own right, it landed Billie every GRAMMY it was nominated for at the ripe age of 18…Eilish has solidified herself as one of the most revered and sought-after popstars in the world.
Eilish recently caught media attention for quietly revealing her sexuality. In an interview with Variety, she states that she’s always liked girls…and assumed people always knew that. In a viral snippet from her new song, LUNCH, she details a love affair with a girl.
But people don’t only adore Billie for her catchy tracks that consistently top the charts. It’s not just her songwriting ability and unique vocals that keep us hooked. People love her because she’s unafraid to speak her mind.
Whether it be complaining about too many influencers being at an awards show, or calling out other artists for using unsustainable practices…Billie does not hold back.
Billie Eilish On Sustainability
Eilish home
rethinkingthefuture.com
The Eilish home is iconic for many reasons: it’s where Billie and Finneas recorded her debut album, countless other songs, and EPs, in an effort to conserve water there’s no grass, and the roof is covered in solar panels. And being environmentally conscious extends beyond the four walls of their home.
When the hottest young talent is discovered at such an early age like Eilish, record labels are chomping at the bit to sign them. It’s like when a D1 athlete is ready to commit to college…you have your pick.
But what Eilish and her mom, Maggie Baird, were looking for wasn’t about money or label-perks…they were seeking a solid sustainability program. And while that may seem like standard practice, most labels didn’t bring up environmental policies during these meetings at all.
After signing to The Darkroom via Interscope Records, the struggle didn’t stop there. Billie Eilish and her family have been consistent contributors to the fight against climate change.
Maggie Baird has since started Support + Feed, which focuses on the climate crisis and food insecurity. Support + Feed helped Eilish’s 2022 Happier Than Ever tour save 8.8 million gallons of water through plant-based meal service for the artist and crew members.
During Billie’s 2023 Lollapalooza performance, she aided the launch and funding of REVERB’s Music Decarbonization Project – which guaranteed all battery systems used during her set were solar powered. The MCD’s overall mission is to lower – and eventually eliminate –the music industry’s carbon emissions.
But more recently, Billie Eilish called out other artists for releasing multiple versions of vinyls in order to boost vinyl sales. In an interview with Billboard, she says,
“We live in this day and age where, for some reason, it’s very important to some artists to make all sorts of different vinyl and packaging … which ups the sales and ups the numbers and gets them more money and gets them more…”
Artists convince fans to buy different versions of their albums by offering exclusive features on each vinyl. Take Taylor Swift, for example, who released five separate vinyl versions of Midnights, each with a different deluxe “Vault” track.
While Billie may not have been trying to shade one artist in particular, the point is that she’s fed up. After being the rare artist in the industry who go out of their way to remain environmentally conscious, Eilish sets the bar high.
How Eilish’s New Album Is Sustainable
Billie for "Hit Me Hard and Soft"
William Drumm
Social media users were quick to claim Eilish was hypocritical by announcing that HIT ME HARD AND SOFT will have eight vinyl variations. However, each vinyl is made from recycled materials – either 100% recycled black vinyl or BioVinyl, which replaces petroleum used during manufacturing with recycled cooking oil.
This just illustrates that Eilish wasn’t directing criticism towards other artists for using vinyl variants to gain album sales…but she does think there are better ways to do it that benefit the environment without hurting their sales.
How to Grow Your Own Weed
Or are we? We're not. Don't worry so much. You need to relax.
Where was I? Oh yeah, 4/20. If you're anything like me, you spent a decent chunk of change stocking up for the holiday, and now your bank account isn't looking too hot. Whether you're a fancy urbanite with a weed delivery service, or you're buying from a "friend", these (extremely necessary) expenses can start to add up. Time is money and all that. With this in mind, we've decided to compile a step-by-step guide for any would-be botanists out there looking to grow their own weed, and by extension, cut out the middleman. (And, if you want learn more about how to relax and don't actually want to grow your own, there are plenty of resources for that.)
Step 1: Grow Tent
First thing you're going to need is a designated area in which to grow. This is where a grow tent comes into play. A grow tent is essentially a box made of canvas with reflective material on its interior designed to catch light. You can make your own, but if you're smart, you can buy one for around $40-$50. You'll also need outfit it with a light source, ideally either HID or LED, and depending on the size of your operation, this can cost you from $40-$250. Since this is your first time, and you're probably going to start with only one or two plants, the recommended wattage for your light source is around 250. This'll keep the grow tent from getting too hot and will also keep your budget manageable. On top of this, you'll need an exhaust fan, as well as an a carbon filter in order to eliminate heat and odor. If you buy a kit, this'll run you from $70-$100. Finally, you need a thermometer/hygrometer in order to keep track of heat and humidity. Altogether, you can probably build a decent grow tent for around $200. There are some good building guides online if you're not particularly handy.
A grow tent
Step 2: Planting/Watering/Growing
Next, you'll need a 3-5 gallon bucket (per plant) filled with an airy soil mix. Be sure to cut holes in the bottom of the bucket to account for overflow. You'll also need to purchase nutrients in order to feed your plant. When shopping, it's also important to make sure you buy feminized seeds. Unless you're conducting a major growing operation, there's no reason for you to grow male plants, as their primary use is for breeding. All of the buds that end up in your pipe or bong come from female plants.
After you plant your seeds, you'll want to bring your lights closer to the bucket rather than forcing your plants to stretch towards their light source. As your green friends grow, gradually move the lights higher up. As for the amount of light your plants should be getting, you should set your lights' to be on for 18 hours a day and off for 6. Don't overwater or overfeed your plant. Be conservative at first. You can always add more food or water later.
Some green
Step 3: Trimming/Flowering/Curing
When trimming your plant, it's important to start early. Think of this as the plant's daily maintenance. If space weren't an issue, or if you owned a farm, you could probably let your plants grow as nature intended, but if you're using a grow room, you have to optimize every available inch. Trimming excess branches and twigs is a great way to make space.
Since nutrients typically come in vegetative and flowering mixes, when it's time to induce flowering, it's important to switch the way in which you feed your plant. Your plant will need to grow for about 4-8 weeks (longer if you want bigger yields) before it's ready to flower. That said, with a grow tent, you're in complete control. When you're ready to induce flowering, just switch your light cycle to 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Flowering will take an average of 8-12 weeks (here's a handy timing chart).
After your plant is done flowering, (8 weeks for Indica, 10 weeks for Sativa) it's time to start trimming. A good way to tell if your plants are ready for harvest is to take a magnifying glass and look for glittery, crystalline structures on your buds. Pictured below:
Once you've harvested your buds, you should hang them up for about a week to dry them. Don't leave a fan blowing directly on them, but make sure the air is circulating to prevent mold. Once the buds are sufficiently dry, remove them from their branches and put them in jars. The buds won't be completely done drying though, and you will have to periodically open the jars to allow the condensation to evaporate. Do this for about three weeks, and you will be rewarded with an ample amount of perfectly cured weed, probably around 3-5 ounces per plant.
A DIY solution to drying weed
Step 4: Enjoy
I'm sure you're already pretty well-versed at this part, but it goes without saying that you should reward yourself for a job well done. Growing weed is tough. Kick your feet up and put on a movie. Or, you can always just be like those not as hardcore and buy CBD tinctures!
Enjoy at your own pace
