Dear Earth Conscious friend,

For over five years, I've shared my passion for regenerative solutions, reaching 250,000 active ECL readers worldwide. Your trust is the foundation of everything we’ve been able to accomplish together.

Today marks a pivotal moment as we introduce the Earth Conscious Life Membership – a new, exclusive way to stay educated, empowered, and connected in the ECL community.

As an ECL Member, you'll unlock the new "deep dive" articles every Wednesday in your inbox, and access a growing library of members-only expert interviews, premium solution-focused videos, and conscious living resources (recipes, guided meditations, and more).

The current newsletter you've come to know will remain free.

As a thank you for being with me on this journey, you can become a Founding Member before January 31st, for a one-time fee (equals less than $4/month)! This special low rate will NEVER be offered again to future members, and you’ll have the option to renew annually with this "forever" discount, as long as you choose. Learn more here.

If you've appreciated our films, mission, or this newsletter… I invite you to CLICK HERE to learn more about becoming an Earth Conscious Life Founding Member. Together, we are creating the change our world needs.

With gratitude, Rob

🐿️ CREATURE FEATURE 🐿️

The Eastern Lowland Gorilla

Deep in the lush forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a critically endangered primate fights for survival. The eastern lowland gorilla, also known as Grauer's gorilla, is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies and faces an uncertain future.

With only an estimated 6,800 individuals remaining, these magnificent creatures are found exclusively in DRC's Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks. Their critically endangered status is a result of increased human contact, which has led to habitat loss and other threats.

In a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, Fauna & Flora captured the first-ever footage of lowland gorillas in the community forests bordering Maiko National Park. This breakthrough has spurred locally-led biomonitoring patrols to help protect and study these incredible primates.

🌎 INTO THE…🌎

Into the Cerrado Savanna

When we think of crucial ecosystems, the Amazon rainforest often steals the spotlight. However, the nearby Cerrado savanna is an unsung hero of biodiversity and climate regulation.

Covering more than 20% of Brazil, the Cerrado is the world's most biodiverse savanna. This wooded grassland is home to an astonishing 5% of Earth's plants and animals, including iconic species like jaguars, giant anteaters, and maned wolves.

Beyond its rich wildlife, the Cerrado plays a vital role in carbon storage. However, rapid deforestation driven by agricultural expansion for beef and soy production threatens this crucial ecosystem. As grasslands are plowed up, they release an estimated 250M tons of greenhouse gases annually—equivalent to burning 28B gallons of gasoline.

Learn more about the Cerrado here.

🍎 NUTRITION 101 🍎

PHYTOCHEMICALS: Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in vegetables, fruits, cereal grains, and plant-based beverages like tea and wine. These powerful nutrients have been associated with a decreased risk of several chronic diseases, thanks in part to their antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. Recent research has highlighted phytochemicals' potential role in improving endothelial function and increasing vascular blood flow. With approximately 10,000 different phytochemicals identified (and many more yet to be discovered), these compounds offer a wealth of health benefits.

📝 ROB’S PICKS 📝

Here's what I'm into this week:

1. Nature of Wellness Podcast: Join hosts Mark and Steve as they explore the relationship between the natural world and human well-being. Several of their episodes dive into the health benefits of spending time in nature.

2. "The Nature Fix" by Florence Williams: Honestly, one of my favorite books ever. It investigates the science behind nature's positive effects on our brains, from improving health to strengthening relationships and boosting creativity. I read almost all of it months ago, and am finally finishing it up!

🔎 EARTH CONSCIOUS DIVE 🔍

The Truth About Seed Oils: Why We Should Rethink Our Cooking Habits

As a health-conscious couple, for my wife Riana and I, one of our top priorities is ensuring that the food we consume supports our our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. Like many are now discovering, we’re paying even closer attention to the hidden dangers of seed oils, a ubiquitous ingredient in many processed foods and restaurant meals.

What Are Seed Oils?

Seed oils, such as canola, soybean, and corn oil, have become staples in modern diets. These oils are extracted from the seeds of various plants and are often marketed as “healthy alternatives” to traditional fats.

But are they?

The refining process used to produce seed oils often strips them of natural antioxidants while creating potentially harmful compounds.

The "Hateful Eight" seed oils commonly found in processed foods include:

(Become a member to read the full Deep Dive article)

Join before January 31st for a LIFETIME 30% OFF as a Founding ECL Member!

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

You'll get:

• • Weekly exclusive Deep Dive articles
• • Full access to premium videos, expert interviews, healthy recipes, and practical guides in our ever-expanding archive
• • Monthly wrap-up with Rob's picks and DIY solutions
• • Members-only custom guided meditation
• • ECL community access (app soon!)
• • Offer expires January 31st!