4/12/24: Eco-cosmetics, bees bounce back, and new forever chemical law

Planet Health

🌳 AMAZON CONSERVATION: A "landmark" $1.1B conservation commitment from France and Brazil is in place to protect ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest. Both countries are committed to "preserving the Amazon’s rich biodiversity" and combating deforestation. Click HERE to see how these countries intend to use these resources for nature protection.

🚘 NATIONAL PARK CHARGERS: If you (or someone you know) drive an electric vehicle, charging up at remote natural wonders like Glacier National Park, Big Bend, and Dinosaur National Monument will be a breeze in the near future. Fast and reliable EV charging infrastructure is coming soon to more National Parks, and areas with historically lower population centers.

🐝 BEE COLONIES: An all-time high of American honeybees — 3.8M colonies — has been counted by the new Census of Agriculture. Click to learn more about this fascinating boom, and which U.S. state is responsible for the fastest small-producer bee colony growth of any state, and how "beekeeping" agricultural tax breaks are changing the way people view beekeeping.

Human Health

💄 FROM WASTE TO WONDERFUL: What happens to beauty and personal care products that are overproduced by brands, contain outdated packaging, or are past their "best before" dates? Prior to this innovative repurposing company’s existence, 90M beauty products go to the landfill each year (in the UK alone!) but Boop's solutions offer mid and high-end products reduced in cost up to 70%, that would otherwise go into the trash.

💧 DRINKING WATER: Dangerous levels of "forever chemicals" in the United States' drinking water can now be legally enforced to reduce human exposure to PFOAs, PFOS, and PFNAs in what environmentalists are saying is a "huge breakthrough" for human health. This week, the Biden administration set a new maximum contaminant level for PFOA and PFOS, which "reflects the latest research that shows that there is no level of exposure without risk," said administration officials.

🧠 EATING FOR BRAIN HEALTH: Which dietary patterns and foods best support brain health? Different food types and combinations affect the brain, cognitive function, and mental health in complex ways, but this recent study of 182k participants published in Nature Mental Health revealed that those who ate a balanced diet (as opposed to other dietary patterns like high-protein and low fiber, vegetarian, or reduced starch) had least depression and anxiety, high well-being, fastest cognitive reactions, and low risk for most mental disorders.

Creature Feature

🐻 SPIRIT BEAR: The kermode spirit bear has a striking white or cream-colored fur coat due to a rare genetic trait, fascinating both scientists and Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of protected areas like the Spirit Bear Conservancy, aim to safeguard their habitat and ensure the survival of this unique species, which represents harmony and peace.

Nutrition 101

🧬 EDESTIN: Hemp seeds are packed with edestin, a complete protein containing all essential amino acids. Edestin's digestibility and nutrient density make hemp protein an ideal choice for vegetarians, aiding tissue repair and hormonal synthesis. Additionally, hemp seeds provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health support. Learn more about edestin and hemp seeds here.

Last poll’s results

What is your favorite season?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Spring (39.2%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Summer (23.9%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Fall (33.7%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Winter (3.2%)