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D ecember 2024 W ho ’ s R eally P aying for P ollution ?
The Hidden Tax on Our Children’s Lungs
At the time of writing this, we had just received notice that a chemical plant about 30 miles east of Atlanta was burning. The plant has a long history of these types of issues, and we were warned that a plume of chlorine would descend on the city that day. It’s just one of many instances in recent memory of a company releasing an environmental risk into the air we breathe. I often think about the external stressors families face, and one that stands out significantly is our environment. The quality of our air has a significant impact on our health, especially on young people whose bodies are still developing. Thousands of children go to the ER every year for asthma and other breathing problems, shouldering the high health cost of manufacturers selling their products. Clean Air Day takes place on Dec. 17, and in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helena and Milton — storms made worse by climate change — the urgency to address air and environmental quality has never been more pressing. In Naomi Klein’s book “The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism,” she examines the people who profit from disasters. It’s a harsh reminder we are living in a world where the costs of pollution are, in many ways, externalized onto families. We have made conscious choices prioritizing corporate profits over community health as a society. We tend to look at where we are and what’s happening around us as natural, as normal as the sunrise and sunset. So, once upon a time, we accepted it as status quo without thinking about it.
Who will bear the cost of environmental degradation, the corporations that created it or the communities that suffer from it? California has experimented with assessing these costs directly to the businesses that generate them, but this approach has yet to be widely adopted. It seems unjust that families are essentially taxed for clean air while manufacturers enjoy subsidies that allow them to pollute. In our hyper-intense effort to remain good capitalists, we have become bad capitalists because we don’t accurately assess the cost to the corporations polluting our family’s environment. We’ve let the government essentially underwrite the cost of the product to the people’s health, and it’s a grievous disservice to our families. We have brought this on ourselves, and we better buckle up because it’s going to get worse. Often, we encounter “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) sentiments, where people become vocal about toxic facilities in their neighborhoods but remain silent about more significant systemic issues at play. As soon as NIMBYism comes in, that toxic plant ends up moving into the most disadvantaged and poorest communities, people who already suffer environmental factors at a higher rate. Families can take a stand by staying informed and advocating for their communities. It begins with education — understanding what’s happening in our neighborhoods and how it affects our health. Ultimately, change will only come if the politicians hear that we will no longer accept the status quo from enough people. We must demand stricter regulations on pollution, corporate accountability for environmental harm, and investment in cleaner, safer technologies. This fight isn’t just about the air we breathe today — it’s about ensuring a livable planet for future generations. As we reflect on Clean Air Day this year, we must consider whether we will continue to allow our children, friends, and families to bear the brunt of environmental damage or push for a change. The cost of doing nothing is too high and too fatal. We owe it to ourselves and our children to push for a future where breathing clean air isn’t an expensive tax on our well-being; it’s a fundamental right.
–Michael Manely
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W rap U p a L egacy T his S eason GIVE THE GIFT OF AN ESTATE PLAN
As you choose gifts this holiday season, consider giving something priceless — peace of mind and clarity. An estate plan may not come wrapped under the tree, but it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can offer your loved ones. Having a plan ensures security, reduces stress, and creates a lasting legacy for the people in your life. While we often think about big-ticket items like vacations or cars, creating and updating your estate plan will provide comfort and ease to you and your family. Beyond Wrapping Paper Estate planning goes beyond the technical aspects of allocating assets and assigning benefactors; it’s a powerful way to show someone you care and want to protect them in the future. Creating an estate plan can reduce confusion over your wishes and potentially prevent misunderstandings or even arguments between family members or heirs. It’s not only a way to provide
for loved ones when you are gone; it gives the people in your life solid instructions. Essentials for a Merry Legacy A comprehensive estate plan will act as a compass for your loved ones to rely on. You will need a will or trust; good estate plans can have both. A will is a legal document that spells out instructions for distributing your assets to benefactors. A trust is a legal contract that allows you to transfer assets to a trustee. Where a will gives the basics, a trust can help you avoid probate. You will also need a medical directive to clarify your health wishes and needs. Equally important is designating a financial power of attorney to manage your financial affairs if you cannot. The Gift That Lives On Methods are available to ensure your or your loved one’s legacy of giving and caring continues by including charitable gifts in your estate plan. Suppose you have a
nonprofit you are passionate about or volunteered for. In that case, you can designate a portion of your estate, specific assets, or even valuables or collections, like art, to that group. Maybe your whole family attended the same college; start a scholarship fund for it. As the holidays approach, remember that a well- thought-out and current estate plan is a loving gift to give those you hold dearest.
Empowering Teams and Transforming Lives M eet J arrette B urckhalter At the Manely Firm, our dedicated team members work diligently to drive the firm’s success, and our Director wrapped up a UK-based contract, everything aligned perfectly, and he joined the team in May.
of Operations, Jarrette Burckhalter, is at the helm. With a wealth of experience and a passion for strategic leadership, he ensures our operations run smoothly. From streamlining our day-to-day processes to leading efforts to expand our presence, Jarrette brings vision and hands-on leadership to our firm. Jarrette has over two decades of experience in operational excellence, strategic alignment, and leadership in for-profit and nonprofit sectors in the U.S. and internationally. His interest in leadership roles stemmed from his entrepreneurial background and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Jarrette believes in creating efficient systems and processes that align with an organization’s goals and values. “When mission, vision, operations, and strategy are cohesively aligned, it fosters a culture of shared purpose and sustainable success,” he said. Born and raised in Atlanta, Jarrette has known the Manelys through community and business circles for years. In 2021, after selling his own firm, he took a professional sabbatical to reconnect and refocus on family, faith, and his future goals. During this transformational period, he connected with us about our growth plans and wanted to help with our goals when the time was right. Earlier this year, as he
Joining the firm was a clear choice for him because his values matched and resonated with our firm’s culture and pioneering spirit. He said he genuinely loves the people, values, and commitment to excellence at the Manely Firm. “Everyone is driven to be part of something bigger than themselves, which is inspiring and energizing,” he said. Since his arrival, he has overseen all facets of our operations, establishing firm-wide policies and growing and maintaining our vendor partnerships. Outside of work, Jarrette loves spending time with his wife, Amber, and their son, Jack, a high school junior who aspires to play college lacrosse. They love to travel and immerse themselves in new cultures. His family is also deeply involved in nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations. Jarrette said it takes strategic thinking and flexibility to serve in this role. For him, the greatest reward is seeing our work’s impact. “Our work transforms lives and creates generational change for families worldwide,” he said. “Seeing my team’s accomplishments, big or small, contributing to this positive change is incredibly fulfilling.”
Jarrette’s leadership continues to inspire us and shape the firm’s future.
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S ticky F ig and P ecan P udding W ith T offee S auce
FROM SELF- DOUBT TO SELF- COMPASSION
Inspired by Delicious.com
I ngredients
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened • 2/3 cup brown sugar • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp baking powder • 3/4 cup self-rising flour • 3/4 cup dried figs, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped • 1/2 cup hot water Toffee sauce • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
CHANGE YOUR INNER DIALOGUE AND THRIVE
• 1 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cultivating a growth mindset requires us to become aware of our inner voice, which our early childhood experiences often shape. Maybe we were told we “weren’t math people,” or adults shamed us for our mistakes rather than showing us how to correct them. The messaging can become embedded in our subconscious, evoking embarrassment or guilt, especially when the words come from the people we love. When faced with a challenge, our inner voices can be harsh, and we don’t always stop and listen to what we are saying to ourselves. Instead of feeling incapable or insignificant, we can recognize these thoughts and ask, “Why am I telling myself this? Whose voice is that? Why am I creating this feeling?” We can shift from self- doubt to curiosity, and ask how we can improve. Instead of thinking, “I’m bad with money,” we could ask ourselves, “What steps can I take to improve my finances?” Our internal rescuer will tell us to try to numb the discomfort with something that feels good, like ice cream, but it doesn’t solve the problem; it keeps us small and unempowered. We have to focus on our desired outcome, and self-compassion is vital. Instead of “rescuing yourself,” take one baby step toward your goal. Instead of beating yourself up, change the internal conversation and strive to be a little better and closer to your desires daily. With self-compassion and awareness, we can reflect on who we are and where we want to be. You’ll fall short or make mistakes on your journey, and that’s okay. Treat yourself as you would someone you care for deeply. Compassion is an essential companion when you wake up from your victim mentality. This month, I want to share excerpts from the Center for the Empowerment Dynamic’s daily affirmation, which can help you go from victim to creator daily: • As a creator and conscious human being, I embrace the awareness that I am always at choice, no matter what circumstances arise. • I take personal responsibility for my thoughts and behavior and honestly assess my current reality. • I hold tension between what I want and what I already have, knowing that at any time, one baby step could be a giant leap forward. The Center for the Empowerment Dynamic has a free weekly email blog to help you spot internal and external drama faster and transform it more quickly. You can sign up at TheEmpowermentDynamic.com by selecting “subscribe.”
D irections 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 6-cup ovenproof bowl and line the bottom with waxed paper. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and flour until smooth. Stir in pecans and figs, then add 1/2 cup hot water. 3. Pour batter into prepared bowl, cover with a circle of waxed paper, then cover tightly with foil. Bake for 50–60 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. 4. For toffee sauce, put butter and sugar in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Stir in cream and increase heat to medium. Bring to just below boiling, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until thickened. 5. Turn pudding onto a plate and drizzle with toffee sauce.
“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” –A nne F rank
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211 Roswell St. NE Marietta, GA 30060 (866) 687-8561 www.allfamilylaw.com
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Disaster Capitalism and the Fight for Clean Air
Why Your Will or Trust Is the Ultimate Present How Jarrette Burckhalter Guides Our Firm’s Operational Success How to Turn Negative Self- Talk Into Growth Sticky Fig and Pecan Pudding With Toffee Sauce
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Tips for a Tidier Life
D eclutter Y our L ife HOW TO BECOME A TIDIER PERSON
First Thing’s First Growing up, your mom probably reminded you to make your bed. There is a good reason to prioritize that first thing in the morning, as it helps set an intention to accomplish the little things and get your day off to a more productive start. It also contributes to better sleep hygiene; a cluttered bedroom and undone bed could be hindering your sleep. So, eliminating potential distractions, including an unmade bed, could enhance your sleep. Clean Slate Keeping a clean home can help you be more physically fit. According to a study by Indiana University, a tidier living space contributes to higher levels of physical activity. Keeping things clean means keeping active, and even if you don’t exercise for 30 minutes daily, 30 minutes of vacuuming or any kind of scrubbing is still a great way to keep yourself moving. Daily Declutter While tidying up the home may seem daunting at first, it can be much easier if you break it down into smaller tasks. Doing a bit of laundry every other day helps prevent you from having to do a massive load later. Picking up around the kitchen when you get a snack or cook a meal can prevent that space from looking like a scene out of “Kitchen Nightmares.” Wherever you go in your home, if you pick up a thing or two cluttering the area and put it away, you are well on your way to becoming a neater person.
If the top of your desk looks like a photo op for an “I Spy” book, chances are you could benefit from tidying up. It isn’t easy saying goodbye to your familiar clutter, but it’s for the better. A messy environment can be stressful and frustrating, as it makes finding anything more difficult and worsens the overall attractiveness of your home. While change can be challenging, it is worth the effort for your home and health.
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