LI Center For Environmental Activism
Simple Good and Hannaford Studios Reinforce Their Commitment to Sustainability by Launching The Long Island Center for Environmental Activism
PORT JEFFERSON, New York. (April 10, 2021) – Melanie Gonzalez, Founder of Simple Good, Long Island's first zero-waste lifestyle shop and Artist Jennifer Hannaford of Hannaford Studios have teamed up to bring you The Long Island Center for Environmental Activism (LICEA). The Center is located at 25 Chandler Square Port Jefferson and has nearly 2000 square feet of combined space where art, education, programs and retail come together to bring you a truly unique experience.
The space will host classes, guest speakers and events for children and adults that teach simple, everyday actions that drive positive environmental change on Long Island.
When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, both Hannaford Studios and Simple Good were deemed non-essential and were forced to close to help stop the spread of COVID 19. Neither Melanie nor Jennifer knew if their new businesses would survive a months long closure. They began to think of how to join forces to create a new concept and experience that was sure to become more than a retail space, but rather a community resource that worked to drive positive environmental change by educating the community on how to reduce waste, recycle, compost and choose products that are more sustainable and better for the planet.
Jennifer Hannaford’s artwork blends social justice activism and art, or artivism, and empowers feminist ideals through stunning underwater oil paintings on canvas. More recently, she has expanded her repertoire to include Long Island landscapes that showcase the environmental beauty of our beaches and water. Her art has been featured in galleries across the US and has made the cover of Dan’s Papers twice.
Simple Good takes sustainability very seriously when it comes to sourcing products for the shop. Simple Good aims to put people and planet above profits and carefully curates ethically made goods that are sustainable, zero or low waste, eco-friendly, vegan, and organic. The shop prides itself on ensuring its commitment to the environment while educating the community on ways to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. The shop has been featured in Newsday and several local media publications.
On April 10, 2021, The Long Island Center for Environmental Activism will host their opening and will feature new landscapes by Jennifer Hannaford, unique upcycled wine barrel installations by Douglas Ball, art that showcases our problem with ocean plastics and featured artwork by local High School students. LICEA will also launch a nonprofit to help fund environmental education programs and a library for children, adults, and students. Their vision is for Long Island to become the example of how to lead the fight against climate change.