Amanda Winstead

Big tech companies used to be renowned for their employee-centric approach to business. Googlers enjoyed benefits like access to free fitness centers and Apple gave all their employees free, confidential counseling to improve their mental health.

However, at other tech firms like Twitter, DEI efforts have been waylaid during job cuts.

This is a major issue, as hiring with diversity in mind should be a priority for tech companies.

Tiny homes have seen an impressive increase in popularity over the last few years, largely due to a growing interest in minimalism and sustainability. Tiny homes are easy to maintain, cost-effective, and allow people to live in more rural areas without having to worry about building or buying a cabin or farmhouse.
But, there are some drawbacks to the tiny home movement. In many areas of the U.S., for example, tiny homes are illegal to own or reside in full-time. In other areas, they’re subjec...

How It’s Harming the Environment, and How You Can Help Stop Fast Fashion
We are living in a consumer-driven society. The more consumers buy, the more companies produce. And clothing, in particular, is one of the most produced products. Unfortunately, this mass desire for more clothes has led to a growing market of cheaply made items, otherwise known as fast fashion.
While fast fashion initially seemed like a good solution to a growing problem — more and more people wanting more affordable clo...

“Magic” mushrooms and other psychedelics have remained a source of wonder and intrigue for decades. They have also been the recipient of stereotypes that have caused many to fear these substances, shaping people’s attitudes and often resulting in misconceptions that aren’t based in reality.
However, science is now starting to break down the barriers around many of these longstanding psychedelic stigmas.

Here in the 21st century, the landscape of coal mining has changed significantly. One of the ways this presents itself is in the adoption of newer and more efficient methods. Rather than sending workers into shafts, many companies have opted to utilize mountaintop removal mining techniques. But does this mean that local residents also benefit from such changes?

More of our lives occur in digital spaces than ever before. The digital revolution helps us find new jobs, connect with old friends, and discover new passions and hobbies. Having a strong digital presence is particularly important for young professionals. Many young professionals are expected to be tech-savvy and have a digital portfolio that displays their work and interests.
However, the trail left behind by a life spent online can undermine young people’s career aspirations.

The key to overcoming bias is recognition, acknowledgment and proactive action.
The science and the practice of medicine are supposed to rise above the fray, to be immune to the taint of culture and society. They are supposed to be driven by empiricism, objectivity, and, above all, the ethos of doing no harm.

Public health justice is a form of social justice that believes everyone deserves equal opportunities and rights to good health. However, health justice is not only about understanding what health equity is but about acknowledging the barriers, unfair practices, and inequalities in our health system that specifically impact marginalized communities based on race, class, age, and gender.

There’s no question that nursing is a stressful job; however, that stress comes with a price: mental health. Nurses — especially female nurses — are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders stemming from burnout and are at a significantly higher suicide rate than the rest of the population.

This guest blog is from Amanda Winstead. Amanda is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.
It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that we’re living at a time in which there is a significant focus on the health of our natural environments. We all rely on the resources our planet provides, including the wildflowers that attract pollinators, w...

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration and good cheer for everyone. It’s also a time when people tend to enjoy festive drinks, wine, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages. During the holidays, when so many people are drinking as part of their celebrations, it can be difficult to navigate certain spaces and stay sober, especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

People are drinking less than ever. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, 60% of Americans say they drink. That’s down from 65% in 2019. While that number might not seem all that staggering, it’s an interesting phenomenon when you consider that alcohol consumption has been popular throughout history, and a prominent part of our culture.

Supply chain disruptions are nothing new. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions have become more common. At first, these issues caused major shortages throughout the country. Now, shortages are still occurring along with inefficient shipping processes.
These issues have forced business owners to struggle with ways to stay afloat. Delays, interruptions, and cancellations have made it nearly impossible to keep up with demand while avoiding wasteful spen...

The internet has become a thoroughly integrated part of our lives that many of us long ago started taking for granted. Most of us spend hours glued to screens and devices, but few of us consider the greenhouse gas emissions toll of this behavior.