Posted on May 18, 2020
5 great shows and movies to stream today on Apple TV+
If you’re like a lot of us here at CREDO, you’re probably watching a lot of streaming TV these days. With the current stay-at-home guidelines in place to keep everyone safe, you might be catching up on a lot of series, documentaries and movies that you missed before the pandemic.
With all the streaming options now available, there’s a lot of great content to choose from. And we’d like to suggest a newer service you should consider, too: Apple TV+, the company’s long-awaited streaming service, which launched late last year.
Priced at a competitive $4.99 a month and available across Apple devices, smart TVs and other streaming media, Apple TV+ hosts a bundle of original programming for all your streaming needs, with the company adding more new content weekly. We’ve compiled a few great shows and movies available right now on Apple TV+.
Little America
According to Apple TV+, Little America is an “anthology series that observes the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring, and surprising stories of immigrant America.” The series tells the funny and sometimes heartbreaking stories of eight immigrants to the United States, based on real-life biographies collected by Epic magazine. The Guardian calls Little America Apple TV+’s best show yet.
Watch Little America on Apple TV+ here.
Oprah’s Book Club
If you’re living life in quarantine, you may have joined a book club. We even suggested a few tips to start your own. You’ve probably also heard of Oprah’s famous and long-running book club that elevated the works and careers of dozens of authors. In Apple TV+’s rendition, Oprah again handpicks the books and conducts one-on-one interviews with famous authors about their lives and recent works. The first episode, American Dirt, “ignited a backlash” after Oprah decided to move forward with her interview, despite the author and book receiving harsh criticism for portraying racist stereotypes of immigrants.
Watch Oprah’s Book Club on Apple TV+ here.
Hala
A different kind of coming of age drama we hardly see portrayed, “Hala”, the title character played by Geraldine Viswanathan, follows the story of a seventeen-year old Muslim American high school senior, her relationship with her Pakistani-American parents and her self-discovery in and outside her family. The Los Angeles Times calls Hala “a culturally specific tale with universal appeal,” and Rolling Stone says it’s a “beautifully personal portrait of growing pains.” The film is rated R and runs for 1 hour and 34 minutes.
The Elephant Queen
This beautiful and riveting documentary follows Athena, the “queen” elephant whose tusk can reach the ground, and her herd of elephants across the savanna in Kenya, raising a family and searching for water during a drought. While the film is meant for a younger audience, it’s definitely an all-ages documentary and scores an impressive 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by wildlife documentarians Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble and narrated by Oscar-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Watch The Elephant Queen on Apple TV+ here.
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
Based on the New York Times best-selling children’s book by Oliver Jeffers, this heartwarming animated short, narrated by Meryl Streep, follows a curious young boy on the eve of Earth Day discovering the natural wonders of the Earth and the bonds between parents and children. Recommended for people ages 4 and up and runs for 30 minutes.
Watch Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth on Apple TV+ here.
Posted on May 11, 2020
CREDO donates to groups fighting hunger on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic
Millions of Americans face food insecurity every day, and unfortunately, it’s getting a lot worse during the coronavirus pandemic.
Before the crisis, more than 37 million people were living with food insecurity. Now, another 17 million could face hunger in the coming months. More than 18 million children — 1 out of every 4 — could be food insecure. Food banks and the federal SNAP program (formerly food stamps) are overwhelmed, and with unemployment at historic levels, the numbers of hungry Americans will continue to rise.
That’s why CREDO is extending our COVID-19 relief donations to three additional, community-based organizations fighting hunger on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, and Citymeals on Wheels (in NY).
These donations to frontline hunger organizations — an additional $5,000 each week for three weeks — are above and beyond our monthly giving to nonprofit groups. Last month, we established a COVID-19 Relief Fund with a $75,000 donation split between Mercy Corps, National Domestic Workers Alliance and World Central Kitchen. These donations are thanks to CREDO members who use our products and services every day. And like all our donations, these gifts are given at no extra cost to our customers.
Here’s a little bit more about these three great groups helping to fight hunger and food insecurity during this crisis:
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
One in five people face food insecurity in Los Angeles County, and coronavirus is disproportionately impacting lower-income communities. School closures, changes in work schedules and social isolation are layering extra burdens on our neighbors throughout Los Angeles County. The LA Regional Food Bank is working hard to meet the needs of those impacted by coronavirus, as well as individuals who typically need assistance.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
Hundreds of thousands of Louisianans have filed unemployment claims in recent weeks, and many of them are seeking emergency food assistance, often for the first time. The immediate need for food has increased by more than 40 percent. According to the organization, the response will go on for months, and the economic impacts could last for long after the pandemic subsides.
Citymeals on Wheels (in NY)
As the designated emergency responder for New York City’s seniors, Citymeals is delivering 450,000 meals in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Donations will help guarantee a continuous lifeline of nourishing meals during this crisis to more than 18,000 homebound elderly New Yorkers.
Posted on May 4, 2020
Vote for March for Our Lives, Water.org and Win Without War this May
Every month, CREDO members vote to distribute our monthly donation to three incredible progressive causes – and every vote makes a difference. This May, you can support groups fighting for gun violence prevention, clean water and peace by voting to fund March for Our Lives, Water.org and Win Without War.
March for Our Lives organizes young people in all 50 states to enact lifesaving gun violence prevention policies, to bring accountability to the gun industry and complacent lawmakers, and to transform the debate around guns in America.
Funding from CREDO will help MFOL to do digital and on-the-ground organizing to engage young people in the civic process and to educate stakeholders on MFOL’s Peace Plan for a Safer America, its policy platform to halve gun deaths in ten years.
1 in 9 people lack access to safe water. Water.org exists to change this. Water.org empowers people in need with access to small, affordable loans for water and sanitation solutions at home – unlocking education, economic opportunity and improved health.
Support from CREDO will help fuel Water.org’s smart solutions and expand its impact so together we can change more lives with access to safe water and sanitation – giving women hope, children health and families a bright future.
Win Without War is building a global movement for change, rooted in solidarity and our shared values of justice, equality, and security for all through a diverse network of activists and organizations.
No matter who is in the White House, the threats are deep and multifaceted. A grant from CREDO will help Win Without War plan, build, and meet these challenges by growing the power of progressives to win on foreign policy and national security.
Your vote this month will determine how we divide our monthly donation among these three progressive groups. Be sure to cast your vote to support one, two or all three by May 31.
CREDO members who use our products and services everyday are the reason we are able to make these donations each month. Learn more about CREDO Mobile and CREDO Energy and join our movement.
Posted on May 1, 2020
Our April grantees thank you for your support
Each month, CREDO members vote on how we distribute funding to three incredible nonprofits. Those small actions add up – with one click, you can help fund groups fighting for human rights, climate justice and immigrant rights. In April, over 60,000 CREDO members voted to distribute our monthly donation to Amnesty International, Earthjustice and United We Dream Action.
These donations are made possible by CREDO customers and the revenue they generate by using our services. The distribution depends entirely on the votes of CREDO members like you. And for that, our April grant recipients thank you.
Amnesty International
$48,554
“Thank you for your commitment to human rights around the world and in the US. The ongoing support of supporters like the CREDO community is essential in Amnesty International USA’s ongoing fight to protect and advance human rights globally.” – Danny McGregor, Chief Operating Officer
To learn more, visit amnestyusa.org.
Earthjustice
$57,751
“Thank you for your support! CREDO members like you help Earthjustice represent hundreds of clients, free-of-charge, to hold the government and polluters accountable. Together, we defend human and environmental health for generations to come.” – Abigail Dillen, President
To learn more, visit earthjustice.org.
United We Dream Action
$43,694
“Thank you! United We Dream Action is deeply grateful to the CREDO members who share our vision of an equitable world, where there is justice, dignity and opportunity for all immigrants and communities of color in the US.” – Cristina Jiménez Moreta, Executive Director & Co-Founder
To learn more, visit unitedwedreamaction.org.
Now check out the three groups we are funding in May, and cast your vote to help distribute our donations.
CREDO members who use our products are the reason why we are able to make these donations each month. Learn more about CREDO Mobile, the carrier with a conscience.
Posted on April 30, 2020
CREDO Tip: Your phone is dirty. Here’s how to clean it.
It’s a gross reality: Our phones are filthy. We touch dirty surfaces all day while checking email and social media. We cough and sneeze on our devices. And, don’t be shy, we probably bring our phones into the bathroom, too.
Studies show that our phones carry around 17,000 bacteria per square inch — 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. As public health experts repeatedly remind us to wash our hands and avoid touching our faces during the coronavirus pandemic, sanitizing our phones is another good way to keep our hands and fingers clean during this outbreak.
The CDC considers phones “high touch surfaces” that require frequent cleaning, so now is probably a great time to start disinfecting our phones on the regular. Here are some tips to clean your phone.
Prevention: Wash your hands & avoid touching your face
A great way to clean your phone is to keep it from getting too dirty in the first place. That means ensuring your hands stay clean throughout the day and that you try your best to avoid touching your face.
While the CDC acknowledges that you may be able to contract COVID-19 from touching surfaces and touching your face, it’s not thought to be the way the virus spreads. However, the agency reminds us that the virus may remain viable for hours and up to days on some surfaces, so taking precautions to wash your hands with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth will help keep your phone clean.
Disinfect your devices
Now it’s time to clean your phone or tablet. Unplug and power down your device. Use a good, lint-free microfiber or lens cleaning cloth to remove oil and fingerprints. If your phone case is waterproof, wash it thoroughly with soap and water and let it dry completely.
Don’t spray any disinfecting liquids directly on your device, as they may damage your device or its coating. The liquid may also find its way into open spaces that aren’t sealed completely and could damage your phone or tablet. Instead, dampen the corner of your cloth in your cleaning solution and gently wipe your phone.
Apple suggests using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (which may be in short supply in your area), but avoid bleach and don’t submerge your phone in liquids. Here are additional detailed instructions from Apple depending on the model of your device.
Samsung also recommends using a “hypochlorous acid-based solution (containing 50-80ppm) or an alcohol-based solution (containing more than 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol)” gently applied to your device using a microfiber cloth. Android Central has some additional tips on cleaning and disinfecting your Android phone, including phone cleaning kits and disinfectant wipes. Sammobile has a detailed guide on cleaning your phone to protect against coronavirus.
Ultraviolet Light
Donald Trump caused a firestorm recently when he very wrongly and dangerously suggested that ingesting disinfectants or using UV light on the human body could kill coronavirus. Health experts quickly issued statements condemning Trump’s deadly advice.
Here is Dr. Birx's reaction when President Trump asks his science advisor to study using UV light on the human body and injecting disinfectant to fight the coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/MVno5X7JMA
— Daniel Lewis (@Daniel_Lewis3) April 24, 2020
However, UV light can be used to kill germs on surfaces. According to the National Academies of Sciences, UV light can “probably” kill the virus that causes COVID-19, as it’s been proven to kill other coronaviruses in the past.
Many manufacturers of UV light sanitizers have seen a huge uptick in sales recently, but how do they work? Philip Tierno, a clinical professor in the department of pathology at NYU’s Langone Medical Center, says that UV-C light “has a range of effectiveness, which interferes and destroys the nucleic acids of bacteria and other microbes” and works best on smooth surfaces. He warns that if a device has buttons, nooks or food particles, they may not be sanitized.
Interested in purchasing a UV light sanitizer? Here’s a rundown of some popular models from NBC News.
Posted on April 24, 2020
Download our one-of-a-kind climate justice posters
For more than 30 years, CREDO has been fighting alongside our environmental allies for cleaner air and water, a green economy and just and equitable climate solutions. Our members have generated tens of millions of actions for our environment, helped organize hundreds of protests, and our employees — including our co-founder — have been arrested for standing up for our climate.
CREDO members, who use our CREDO Mobile and CREDO Energy products every day, have helped us donate more than $19 million to organizations working for climate justice.
Since we can’t take to the streets to fight for a cleaner planet like before, show your climate justice pride by downloading our one-of-a-kind posters!
Download: Climate Signs x 3 Ladies – 11×17
Download: CO2 x LaCroix – 11×17
Download: Frack off Gasholes – 11×17
Download: Hotter than my imaginary boyfriend – 11×17
Posted on April 21, 2020
50 Years On, Earth Day’s Legal Legacy Looms Large
Fifty years ago, it wasn’t unusual for rivers to catch fire, for overflowing landfills to seep toxic gases, or for smog-filled skies to dominate our landscapes. While we still have a long way to go toward a healthy, sustainable planet for all, we’ve also come a long way since the first Earth Day brought 20 million Americans into the streets, effectively jumpstarting the modern environmental movement.
Five decades of groundbreaking legislation and the persistence of determined activists and policymakers has led to a decrease in pollution, the protection of wild spaces and endangered species, and the beginning of the clean energy revolution.
Much of this progress was made possible by the creation or passing of:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1970)
- National Environmental Protection Act (1970)
- Clean Air Act (1970)
- Clean Water Act (1972)
- Endangered Species Act (1973)
- Toxic Substances Control Act (1976)
For Earthjustice—a non-profit public interest environmental law organization—these bedrock laws have become fundamental tools of the trade. Since 1971, Earthjustice has been the legal backbone for the environmental movement, all while representing their clients free of charge. With over 140 lawyers across the country, no one is better positioned to wield the power of the law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy and to combat climate change.
Today, progress is threatened by new challenges. Climate change is our new normal. Our federal government is controlled by those intent on taking us backward, propping up fossil fuels and dismantling foundational environmental laws. This year, as we celebrate 50 years of Earth Day and all the achievements of the past, we must look toward the next 50 years that will be crucial for the future of our planet.
We invite you to join us in honoring Earth Day’s 50th anniversary by learning more about the rules that protect public health and the environment.
Click here to read more about each of these key laws, and how Earthjustice utilizes these laws as tools for change.
Posted on April 15, 2020
How to help local businesses and nonprofits during the coronavirus pandemic
Here in California, where CREDO is headquartered, many of our amazing local businesses — which employ thousands of workers and provide the character that makes our communities so vibrant and special — have been closed for weeks. Other businesses, deemed essential, have seen drops in business and face layoffs and economic uncertainty as well. Local nonprofits, especially those that rely on grassroots funding, have been affected, too.
It’s not just in California — small businesses are struggling in communities across the country, especially as the Trump administration’s small business relief programs are mired in issues, and Wall Street banks are refusing to service many loans. But together, we can do our small part to help our local businesses and nonprofits during this time of need.
Next time you’re about to make a purchase during our collective quarantine, think about how you can direct it to a local business instead of a major retailer. Here are some tips to help the small businesses and organizations in your communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Order Delivery or Takeout
Restaurants and their workers are some of the hardest hit during this crisis, as restaurants close their dine-in operations. By June, some are estimating that 5 to 7 million restaurant workers across the country could lose their jobs. Many restaurants have transitioned some of their business to takeout and delivery to stay up and running and employ (a portion of) their workforce. This could be a good time to order your favorite meal or two from a local eatery.
But is it safe to order delivery or curbside pickup? According to the Food and Drug Administration, “there is no evidence to suggest that food produced in the United States can transmit COVID-19.” Likewise, infectious disease and food safety experts typically agree that food itself is not likely to transmit the virus, but if you feel wary, you may want to order cooked foods. Here’s more from experts interviewed by NPR.
What many suggest you do, however, is practice proper social distancing when your food is delivered or picked up. Many restaurants now offer contactless delivery, or you can leave delivery instructions to ensure your food is left at your door. Immediately wash your hands and avoid touching your face after bringing your food inside and unpacking it. Then, of course, leave your delivery person — who is most likely a self-employed gig worker — a larger-than-normal tip.
Buy Online or Purchase Gift Cards
Many non-essential local businesses have closed their brick-and-mortar storefronts, but most are keeping up their web and social media presences, where they could still be selling their offerings online. If not, give them a call to find out if they are still open and what they have available for delivery. They may be offering specials now, too, so it might be a good time to send business their way, if you are able to.
Another way you can help inject a little more into your local economy is to purchase gift cards from your favorite local business. This way, if a business isn’t currently open or is facing other difficulties, you are providing some relief to your community now, and you can use the gift card later when businesses reopen.
Donate to Local Nonprofits
During this pandemic, many large nonprofits, especially those working on COVID-19 relief work, are seeing encouraging signs of philanthropy. In fact, CREDO is donating $75,000 among three organizations providing critical coronavirus aid where it’s needed, which is in addition to our regular monthly donations to great nonprofit groups, some of whom are working on COVID-19 relief projects
But other local nonprofits may be struggling to make ends meet right now, including providing critical services and ensuring their employees continue to earn a living. Right now, many local shelters and food pantries are desperately in need of donations. If you’re able to give during this time, especially if you’re in a place to donate a portion of your government stimulus payment, your local nonprofits — who may be overlooked during this time — will really appreciate your generosity. Not sure to whom to give in your community? Check out Great Nonprofits and Charity Navigator to search for organizations near you.
Leave Glowing Online Reviews
Talk to a local business owner and they’ll tell you they rely on third-party review sites to keep new customers coming in. For many small businesses, these review sites can make, or unfortunately break a business, especially if one of the major sites elevates a poor review or two. But in today’s hyper-connected, algorithm-based economy, small businesses must contend with this reality, even as many storefronts are currently closed.
If you find yourself with a little extra time, set up an account on Yelp and Google (go to Google maps and search for the business) and leave some five-star reviews for your favorite local businesses. Jump on Instagram and Facebook and leave some glowing comments. We can be pretty sure your local businesses will appreciate it.
Tip Excessively
We mentioned this above, and we can’t stress this enough: Please tip and tip generously, if you can. Many delivery workers are self-employed gig workers who may lack basic protections like health insurance, sick pay or personal protective equipment that is not provided by their employing service. Recently, some Instacart users have shamefully lured delivery gig workers with large tips, only to change the tips to $0.00 after their groceries were delivered.
Many of these workers are putting themselves in potentially dangerous situations by continuing to earn a living. Show them your appreciation with a large tip. And please, don’t change your tip after delivery, unless it’s to give them more.