10 Eco-Friendly BBQ Swaps 🇺🇸

Happy Friday my friend,

To my fellow American readers, Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 My family and I will be packing a picnic, and cold-plunging in a wild river here in Montana. And remember, your backyard summer picnics and BBQs don’t need to be filled with single-use plastic waste— here are 10 tips to make your celebrations more eco-friendly!

ALSO, don’t forget my dear friend Dr. Staci created a toothpaste that is microbiome-friendly, mineral-rich, and totally clean. Get it HERE and use code ECL to save 15%.

ECL TRIVIA: Which nut isn’t technically a nut, but a seed from a tropical fruit? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🌱 DRONES FOR REFORESTATION: What if the wildfire-devastated forests of Canada could benefit from flying robot technology? Now, aerial drones are being used to plant tree seeds from the air. Read more here about how drones are creating reforestation success in remote and Indigenous communities after fires.

⚰️ MUSHROOM CASKET: Death is not going away anytime soon, but it can help restore the planet without chemicals or wood used in traditional burials. The first U.S. burial using this mycelium “mushroom casket” took place in Maine, decomposing in just 45 days to enrich the soil and improve biodiversity underground.

☠️ PESTICIDE BAN: Classified as WHO Class 1A highly toxic pesticide, terbufos contaminates crops, water, and communities, and sadly has been linked to multiple deaths of children. South Africa has now approved a nationwide ban on this chemical, to protect human health and ecosystem biodiversity. Read more about the ban here, and why it’s a “historic milestone.” 

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🤐 MAGICAL MOUTH HEALING: Ever wonder why wounds heal so much faster inside your mouth than your skin? Scientists have just uncovered a signaling pathway between this specific protein and enzyme “which blocks a different cellular pathway, known as FAK, that promotes scarring,” resulting in faster healing in the oral mucosa. Read more about this preclinical study here. 

🍄 PSILOCYBIN SUCCESS: Discover how a single dose of psilocybin, administered with therapy, reduced depression and anxiety in cancer patients, with nearly half still showing relief or remission two years later. Though ongoing trials are being conducted, could this completely redefine mental health care in oncology?

🇯🇵 MEANINGFUL LIVING: What if growing older wasn’t something to fear, but a chance to deepen purpose and joy? Japan’s culture of respect, mindful rituals, and everyday gratitude helps people age with meaning. Click here to learn about a few people’s experiences with daily acts and Japanese philosophy they say could be contributing factors to lasting happiness and meaning. 

The OTHER Microbiome

You’ve probably heard how important the gut microbiome is… but not enough people are talking about the oral microbiome — and it’s just as critical. It’s the gateway to your gut, your brain, and your whole body health.

That’s why my dear friend Dr. Staci spent years searching for the perfect toothpaste — one that’s not only clean and effective, but that actually supports your oral microbiome instead of wiping it out.

When she couldn’t find it… she made it.

FYGG Toothpaste (short for Feed Your Good Guys) is the result — and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever used. It’s not just non-toxic… it’s nutritive. Made with ancient minerals, detoxifying clays, and tooth-supportive botanicals, it helps remineralize teeth with nano-hydroxyapatite and nourish the beneficial bacteria in your mouth.

Dr. Staci is not only a brilliant holistic dentist, she’s also one of the kindest and most integrity-filled people I’ve ever met. No shortcuts. No greenwashing. Just real science and real care.

Try FYGG here — and use code ECL to save 15%.
Your microbiome will thank you. 🦷

Photo of the week

Trivia Answer:

The cashew — It grows attached to the bottom of the cashew apple and is processed carefully to remove its toxic shell.

🎥 What is Ayurvedic Medicine - with Zubin Billimoria

Upgrade to ECL Membership for new videos each week on DIY & homestead advice, gardening support, holistic health expert interviews, recipes and more.

Become an Earth Conscious Life Member for weekly solution-focused videos, recipes, Deep Dive articles, expert interviews, and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

...and a healthier planet:

• • Improve health awareness: Deep Dive articles & recipe videos
• • Protect ecosystems: expert video tutorials with leaders around the world
• • Prioritize mental health: custom meditations for relieved stress
• • Camaraderie: likeminded community (app coming soon!)
• • Inspiration: members-only ebooks, personal picks, and DIY ideas
• • Portion goes to support independent films, local food projects, and planting trees