💨 Wind power downsides, seaweed solution, new food labels

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ECL TRIVIA: Which country has pledged to plant 2B trees by 2031? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🌿 SEAWEED SEQUESTRATION: Did you know "blue carbon" refers to the carbon that is captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems? New global research of 20 seaweed farms found that carbon accumulation in the sediment beneath these farms increases with age, reaching 140 tons per hectare in the oldest farm. Learn more about this study and see a map of sampled seaweed farms here. 

💨 OFFSHORE WIND: Though increasing in popularity as a “clean” energy solution, this startling new research from the U.K. reveals that “thousands of tons of metals such as aluminum, zinc and indium” leach each year into the surrounding waters, affecting the ecosystem, human health, and marine life. “Metals from turbines build up in [seaweed and shellfish], leading to concentrations that could exceed safe limits for human consumption.”

🏝 PRISTINE PROTECTION: An oceanic home to a variety of rare and endangered marine wildlife, The Marshall Islands has created a new marine sanctuary to protect a large area of the Pacific Ocean. The sanctuary covers two uninhabited atolls, surrounding deep sea, and an area with the “highest reef fish biomass” known to science in the Pacific! Click here to learn which fascinating species of wildlife will be protected as part of this sanctuary.

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

☀️ SUNBURN STUDY: The prevailing wisdom says that sunburn is connected to DNA damage. However, new research suggests that damage to RNA is the main cause of sunburn. When RNA is damaged by UV radiation, it triggers a response in the body that leads to inflammation and cell death, mediated by a protein called ZAK-alpha. The findings of this study suggest that RNA damage is the first and most important trigger of sunburn, leading to new ways we’ll consider treating (and preventing) sunburns.

🧠 MENTAL PEACE: Could the simple act of decluttering markedly improve your mental wellbeing? New research points out 4 areas as ones to prioritize, and this article outlines 20 tips to help you pare down, declutter, and organize your life. According to research, “individuals who describe their homes as cluttered exhibit higher cortisol levels and report elevated depressed mood throughout the day.” 

📦 AT-A-GLACE NUTRITION: A new U.S. FDA-proposed “front of package” labeling method might help consumers make healthier choices by providing information on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars “at-a-glance.” According to the FDA, these three nutrients “are directly linked with chronic diseases when consumed in excess.” Do you like the new label system? Click here to read more and see an image of what it might look like.

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😊 Conscious Corner

Other earth-conscious stories you may have missed…

🚶‍♀️ STEP TO HAPPINESS: Research shows walking more reduces depression risk by 9% per 1k daily steps (more)

🏃 HEALTH BOOST: Not surprisingly, UI study links regular physical activity to lower risk of 19 chronic conditions (more)

🐙 STRANGE SPECIES: A review of new creatures that scientists identified in 2024 (more)

Trivia Answer:

Canada has committed to planting 2B trees over 10 years by 2031. This is part of its plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Learn more.

Unreleased Interview from Indian Philosopher and Environmentalist Vandana Shiva

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