6/14/24: 🌊 Wave power, strawberry moon mystery & rainforest rights

Plus: the adorable otter family

Happy Friday my friend,

Want to see some unique photos from a few South African baboons’ collar cameras? Scientists say these “primate-eye” images reveal previously unknown foraging behaviors, and insight into what baboons eat during drier months: antelope poop. 💩

ECL TRIVIA: Along with dolphins and whales, what remarkable group of marine mammals uses echolocation, clicking sounds and interpreting echoes, to navigate and hunt in complete darkness?? (Answer below)

Health & Eco News – June 14th, 2024

Planet Health

🌴 RAINFOREST RULING: A court in Suriname has made this landmark ruling in favor of local and Indigenous communities, giving them the right to be consulted before rainforest land is given to developers. It’s good news for these communities, though ongoing government efforts to develop agriculture will continue, which may threaten these rights. "This is the first time that a domestic court has acknowledged territorial rights for local and Indigenous people," Mongabay reports.

🌊 ECO WAVE POWER: Recipient of the “Global Climate Action Award” from the United Nations, Swedish-Israeli company Eco Wave Power has been granted a 3-month feasibility study to identify the top U.S. and global sites for harnessing wave energy. “Wave energy can power communities with clean, reliable energy,” said Eco Wave Power CEO Inna Braverman. “We are thrilled to help provide in depth analysis about wave energy to an industry leader that is exploring many avenues for clean energy.”

🍓 SOLSTICE FULL MOON: Read how the Old Farmer's Almanac summarizes the unique qualities of next week's Strawberry Full Moon on the solstice. You'll learn how this "extra-low, extra-big, orange-like-a-sun" moon will be so low on the horizon, it may not even be visible in northern places like Iceland and northern Alaska!

Human Health

🦠 FINNISH HEALTH FORESTS: A study in Finland found that kids who played in daycare centers with yards turned into mini-forests had more diverse gut microbes and immune markers after just 28 days, compared to kids in urban centers with gravel or pavement. "The results of this study support the biodiversity hypothesis and the concept that low biodiversity in the modern living environment may lead to an uneducated immune system and consequently increase the prevalence of immune-mediated diseases," the authors explained.

💃 DANCE CLASS: Australian researchers set out to investigate the effect of dance mental and physical health, and discovered that "undertaking structured dance of any genre is generally equal and occasionally more effective than other types of physical activity interventions for improving a range of psychological and cognitive outcomes." They found improvements in emotional well-being, depression, motivation, and cognitive functions such as memory, across all age groups, and even in individuals with chronic diseases!

👀 PLASTIC SEMEN: A new study in the Science of the Total Environment journal revealed that of the 40 males tested, every semen sample collected contained microplastics, including 8 different types of plastic— like polystyrene and PVC. With recent findings of plastic's presence in testicles, semen, breast milk, and human blood, scientists agree more research is needed to understand the full effects of microplastics on fertility and human health.

 

Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.

Gary Snyder

🧔‍♂️ Father’s Day & Sperm Decline: what’s going on?

As mentioned above (in ‘Human Health’), microplastics being found in every semen sample is of enormous concern for humanity’s future. 

And in the spirit of Father’s Day this Sunday…what better time to pause and reflect on the viability of our species’ reproductive health?

If it sounds dramatic that humanity is at stake – consider that in addition to the plastic contamination – studies show sperm counts have plummeted a staggering 52% in just 50 years! While there isn’t one single cause, factors like lifestyle and environment are suspected.

Conventional Underwear: A Potential Culprit?

Many men’s undies are made with synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. These not only trap heat, impacting sperm motility (swimming ability), but may also contain harmful chemicals and microplastics.

NADS underwear offers a healthier alternative with 100% certified organic cotton. This natural fabric is breathable without the use of any harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and microplastics. It creates a cooler, healthier environment for your most valuable assets, reducing exposure to microplastics, and promoting optimal sperm health.

Beyond Sperm Health: Benefits of NADS Organic Cotton

  • Enhanced Comfort: Organic cotton is naturally softer and more breathable than synthetics, providing all-day comfort.

  • Eco-Friendly: Choosing organic cotton minimizes your environmental impact compared to conventional underwear production.

Make the switch to NADS organic cotton underwear today. It's a small change with potentially big benefits for you or your partner's future, and the health of our planet. Use code ECL for 15% off!

Together, let's prioritize both health and sustainability.

Creature Feature

🦦 OTTER BABIES: This adorable family of otters will absolutely melt your heart. The otter family includes twin sisters Odashi & Otsuyu. They have such a huge fan club, there’s even a baby otter-themed shop of mugs and shirts!

Nutrition 101

🥦CHOLINE: Choline, an essential nutrient grouped with B-vitamins, supports brain health, liver function, and cell structure. Found in eggs, liver, fish, and vegetables like broccoli, it serves as a precursor for essential compounds like acetylcholine, impacting memory and muscle control. Adequate intake during pregnancy can help with cognitive development in children. Learn more about choline here.

Do you live within an hour drive of family?

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Last poll’s results

Do you use a bidet?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Yes! 💦 (51.3%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨 Not here, just 🧻 (48.7%)

Trivia Answer:

Porpoises! Along with orcas, and dolphins, they can utilize their sophisticated sonar system to find prey and communicate in the vast depths of the ocean.

In honor of Father’s Day: Dad visiting me a few weeks ago

To a healing future,

Rob

P.S. Even if it doesn’t arrive in time for Father’s Day, is it too much to ask that men deserve underwear which won’t contribute to polluting their testicles? The safest and most comfortable organic underwear for men is right HERE with an exclusive 15% off with code ‘ECL’.

**Also use that same link and click the ‘Ladies’ section in the top menu to see women’s options. :)