11/15/24: 📸 Best nature photos, creatine, glowing dolphins

Happy Friday my friend,

This is the jaw-dropping nature photo collection you need to see! 25k+ entries from 60+ countries resulted in these stunning finalists from the 2024 Nature’s Best Photography International Awards.

ECL TRIVIA: Which planet in our solar system is known for its Great Red Spot, a massive storm that has been raging for centuries? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

👩‍🌾 HOSPITAL FARM: This Boston hospital just launched a second rooftop farm with nearly 5k-square-feet of growing space. Learn more about Boston Medical Center’s unique Food Is Medicine program, see photos of the farm, and discover how they intentionally reduce rooftop water waste by clicking here. 

🐈 CAT CONSERVATION: For urban wildlife conservation, species like this elegant caracal wildcat might be able to rely on a boost in popularity from social media. “Instagram and Facebook can steer public engagement and awareness toward support for predators like wildcats, who are sometimes shot and poisoned by farmers” by depicting them as closer in likeness to household pets, rather than ferocious predators.

🐟 BIODIVERSITY POSSIBILITIES: Did you know world leaders have promised to protect 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030? If you’re passionate about this urgency to restore wetlands, establish marine protected areas, and the importance of keystone species, this article details the 5 proven ways to reverse biodiversity loss. We can be the change we wish to see!

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🌳 RESIDENTIAL GREEN SPACE: As we learn more about the factors that contribute to depression and anxiety, scientists published new data in Nature Mental Health, suggesting that “long-term exposure to residential greenness is associated with a reduced risk of depression and anxiety.” The study included over 400k participants, and mediating factors such as air pollution were included. Read more about this study and the results here.

🧠 POSSE & PURPOSE: Dr. Oz shares a few brain-loving lifestyle tips for getting older, saying that a social life— combined with doing things that inspire you— are key to continued mental and physical health. Read about his other motivating suggestions for robust brain health at any age.

🧘‍♀️ HOME YOGA: For people with chronic back pain, could online yoga really help? A new study says that just twelve weeks of live-streamed yoga classes resulted in participants reporting better sleep, movement, and “their pain levels really were cut in half," said Dr. Robert Saper, the study's senior author. Click here to read more about the patients studied (health care employees!) and their incredible results after just a few months.

Why Creatine Isn’t Just for Gym Bros

I used to think creatine was only for building muscle, but after digging into the research, I discovered it powers the body and mind, no matter your lifestyle.

It’s one of the most researched supplements in the world with over 66k studies—and for good reason.

🔋 Your Extra Battery

Creatine plays a crucial role in boosting your energy “battery,” phosphocreatine. This helps regenerate ATP, the molecule which fuels everything from your toughest workouts to staying sharp during long workdays.

It’s like upgrading your internal power bank.

Starting 1 year ago, I started taking creatine virtually every day. I’ve seen improvements in both physical performance and mental clarity.

It’s noticeably enhanced recovery, endurance, and sharpening my focus and concentration.

🌟 Muscle Memory: Ora’s Next-Level Creatine

Ora’s Muscle Memory takes creatine to the next level with its unique blend of ingredients that support both mind and body:

• 5g Creavitalis® Creatine Monohydrate Meticulously purified to 99.9% creatine using water from the Bavarian Alps.

• D-Ribose: Replenishes ATP, boosts energy, and speeds recovery, keeping you fueled for workouts and daily life.

• Taurine: Supports hydration, and focus while promoting healthy blood circulation and easing post-workout soreness.

• ElevATP® (Ancient Peat & Apple Extract): boost ATP production naturally, without stimulants.

• Acai Berry Flavor: Micronized to be smooth, easy-to-mix, and delicious, thanks to their chef co-founder.

This ISN’T your average creatine—Ora’s Muscle Memory is for anyone aiming to boost daily performance, whether hitting the gym or powering through a busy schedule.

💥 For Earth Conscious Life readers only

If you're looking to improve your mental performance, sharpen your mind and muscles, then you must check out this product. Get 30% off your first Muscle Memory HERE.

Creature Feature

🐬 GLOWING DOLPHINS: Have you ever seen a luminous, electric blue dolphin? See what happens when wild dolphins swim through bioluminescent waters in this beautiful video here.

Nutrition 101

👨‍⚕️ TMG: Trimethylglycine (TMG), originally betaine, was discovered in the 1800s in sugar beets and is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps metabolize homocysteine. TMG is imperative for liver function, detoxification and cellular functioning, and can be found in quinoa, spinach, beets, and turkey. Learn more here.

😊 Conscious Corner

Other earth-conscious stories you may have missed…

🏃‍♀️ KID FITNESS: Does physical fitness in childhood lead to better mental health in adolescence? (more)

🚙 NOISE HARM: Surprising connection of traffic and fertility (more)

🍱 WHICH IS WHICH: The difference between soy sauce and liquid aminos (more)

🍄‍🟫 RAW OR NAW: What’s the verdict on the safety of raw mushrooms? (more)

🛒 GROCERY TRICKS: How food stores are designed to keep you shopping (more)

💬 Poll

⬅️ Last poll’s results

Do you intentionally avoid seed oils?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I almost never use them (90.6%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Honestly, I don't pay much attention to it (8.4%)

COMMUNITY RESPONSE:

“I worry about how these oils are produced and refined in massive industrialized processes.” - Norma

“Switched to quality oils many years ago; mostly use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil & Avocado Oil nowadays.” - Diane

Trivia Answer:

Jupiter is known for its Great Red Spot, a giant storm system that has been observed for over 300 years.

To a healing future,

— Rob

P.S. Yes, creatine is helpful for building muscle (really important as you age), but it ALSO supports mental clarity, endurance, recovery, focus, and concentration. It is as much for the BRAIN as it is for the body. Ora’s is by far my favorite option. Get it with 30% off as an ECL reader RIGHT HERE.