ON DUTY CITIZEN
SUMMER RAYNE OAKES
1) What are a few things you do to stay environmentally friendly?
I grow my own food as much as possible and vermicompost indoors (composting with red wiggler worms). Additionally, I'd say I fall on the "very conscious" end of the spectrum when it comes to what products and food I buy. Plus, I think it’s so important to be involved in your community—both the local level and greater community level, so I’ve recently joined a community garden, was active in helping catalyze curbside composting in my area, and am actively involved in a number of environmentally-oriented non-profits.
2) Do you have any favorite sustainable or ethical clothing lines?
I’ve always loved what Study NY does. Zero waste, as much as possible, and the recent collabs with Weaving Hand and Anthropologie are killer. I have literally worn my IOU Project madras from Kavita Parmar nearly threadbare. And I’m a sucker for vintage. Highly recommend @amarcordvintage in Brooklyn, my local haunt, if you’re feeling the itch for pre-loved clothes.
3) What are some of your favorite organic beauty products?
I’m working on rebuilding my skin biome, so haven’t used too many products, other than organic coconut oil and Mother Dirt, the latter of which was specifically designed to keep beauty simple and nurture the good bacteria on the skin. There’s been so much incredible research on the importance of fostering good bacteria in our guts through nutrition, but most people don’t realize that we have a biome on our skin as well that we should support.
4) On a day off, you’re heading to your favorite coffee shop. What are you wearing?
My boho skirt that I got at a local shop, a vintage crop top and my handwoven bracelet from the Amazon Rainforest.
5) Tell me about something you’re doing simultaneously with modeling that motivates you. Another job? A project? Volunteering? A hobby?
I’ve just written a book called @sugardetoxme and launched a website at sugardetox.me to help people cleanse themselves from sugar and processed foods; I also write a blog and do a Youtubechannel called Homestead Brooklyn to help reconnect people with nature through the simple things—like a potted plant or a walk in the Botanical Gardens. And lately, I’ve been volunteering my time to Gaia Amazons.
6) In addition to modeling, what else may you be doing in your future, say 5 years from now?
I think I’ll keep up with what I’m doing: following my passion, spending more time in nature, creating business ventures that leave the world a better place, and definitely growing more in my garden!
