🦫 Ecosystem Engineers, Sacred Seeds & Sunlight for Youth

Happy Friday my friend,

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live with backyard ecosystem engineers? Beaver ponds in wetland areas near homes act like natural “sponges” and support more species than undisturbed streams! Learn how people in Wisconsin are beginning to embrace coexistence with beavers, a once nearly-extinct creature in North America.

ECL TRIVIA: What animal can survive being frozen solid and thawing out again? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

🌱 COTTON ROOTS, REGENERATIVE FUTURE: On the coast of Oaxaca, the Indigenous farmers of Ñu'u Ndito preserve cultural lineage by cultivating native, non-GMO colored cotton. These farmers are reviving ancestral seeds in their place of origin, using agroecological methods. The cotton is handspun and woven by local artisans into vibrant, naturally dyed textiles – an inspiring model of regenerative agriculture. Explore how their work was honored this year by Lush Spring.

🧪 BEER CONTAMINATION ALERT: A recent study reveals that 95% of tested beers across the U.S. contain PFAS, or "forever chemicals," likely introduced through contaminated brewing water. Discover how your favorite brew might be affected.

🏞️ RIVER IN DISTRESS: India's sacred Indrayani River is now choked with toxic foam due to untreated sewage and industrial waste, endangering both ecosystems and local communities. Learn more about this environmental crisis.

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🌿 NATURE'S THERAPEUTIC TOUCH: A recent meta-analysis confirms that spending as little as 10 minutes in nature can significantly reduce stress and improve mood, highlighting the mental health benefits of green spaces. "We set out to distill some evidence-based guidance,” says the lead author of the study. Discover how nature enhances well-being.

🧬 FIBER'S DETOXIFYING ROLE: A study finds that increasing dietary fiber intake may help lower levels of PFAS—harmful environmental chemicals—in the body, suggesting a simple dietary approach to reducing toxin accumulation. Learn how fiber can aid in detoxification.

🧬 VITAMIN D & CELLULAR AGING: A recent study from the VITAL trial suggests that daily vitamin D supplementation may slow biological aging by preserving telomere length—the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age. Participants taking vitamin D3 daily experienced significantly less telomere shortening, equating to nearly three years of delayed cellular aging. Explore how vitamin D might influence healthy aging.

🍋 Lemonade for Summer

Summer just got a whole lot brighter with LMNT’s brand new Lemonade Salt!

In our home, LMNT is our go-to for daily electrolytes and minerals-no sugar, no artificial junk, just what our bodies actually need.

Whether we’re hiking, paddle-boarding in the sun, or sweating it out in the garden… staying hydrated is a must, and LMNT makes it easy.

The new Lemonade Salt flavor is tart, salty, and incredibly refreshing-perfect for hot days, post-workouts, or even as a fun twist in your iced tea or mocktails.

We’ve noticed fewer headaches, more energy, and fewer sluggish afternoons since making LMNT part of our routine.

Best of all, Lemonade Salt is a limited-time summer release-so don’t wait!

Try it for yourself and see why so many athletes, parents, and health experts are making the switch.

As an ECL reader, you get a special sample pack of other top flavors with any order.

Get it HERE.

Photo of the week

Trivia Answer:

The wood frog — It can freeze during winter, stopping its heartbeat, then thaw in spring and hop away like nothing happened.

🎥 Tomatoes - Caring For and Repotting: Step by Step

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...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