🐋 My whale encounter, prediabetes answer, cork home

Happy Friday my friend,

I was blessed to see many humpback whales in the wild this week on my honeymoon with my wife – it was an unforgettable experience. We learned about their unique and fragile ecosystem through visiting a NOAA Sanctuary center, and if you’re curious how to support your favorite marine life, you can find your nearest National Marine Sanctuary here.

ECL TRIVIA: How much does a baby humpback whale weigh at birth? (Answer below)

🌎 Planet Health

APPALACHIAN ENERGY: 360 acres of prior coal mining locations will become clean energy projects, in a collaboration announced between The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Sun Tribe Development, and ENGIE. 14 solar projects and 3 battery storage projects in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky “will power the equivalent of 6,638 homes per year in Appalachia,” according to the project leaders.

RAREST TURTLES: Scientists have developed a portable environmental DNA (eDNA) test kit to detect the critically endangered Yangtze softshell turtle in Vietnamese lakes. It can rapidly detect turtle’s DNA on-site, offering some hope to find previously unknown individuals of this rare turtle species. Discover how conservationists are using the kit and interviewing locals for turtle locations here. 

CONSCIOUS HOUSE: Frustrated with the lack of environmentally friendly options in building materials, this woman recently designed her own house, the exterior lined with cork. “Sheep wool, wood fibre and a recycled plastic fleece, with cork granules, were used to insulate the home internally,” the article mentions, and you can see photos of her beautiful conscious home which she describes as “enveloping and calming, like a little retreat.”

🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

🏠 INDOOR AIR QUALITY: New research confirms that air pollution levels inside homes can exceed outdoor levels, highlighting the importance of proper ventilation and air filtration for protecting family health. The study found common household activities like cooking, cleaning, and using personal care products can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that become trapped indoors, leading to concentrations up to five times higher than outdoor pollution levels. This is why you need an AirDoctor (up to $300 off right now).

🥥 COCONUT WONDERS: A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research explored the effects of tricaprin, a supplement from coconut oil and MCT oil, on triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TDCV), a rare heart condition. The research involved 22 participants with TDCV taking tricaprin and 190 controls. Learn about this study and the interesting results here.

🥦 BROCCOLI BREAKTHROUGH: A promising new study from the University of Gothenburg shows that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts, can significantly improve blood sugar levels in prediabetes patients. In their 12-week clinical trial, participants taking sulforaphane showed marked reductions in fasting blood sugar compared to the placebo group, with even better results in those who had a specific gut bacterium. While researchers emphasize that lifestyle changes remain fundamental, these findings suggest broccoli sprouts could become a valuable tool in preventing type 2 diabetes. To get sulforaphane in a convenient, concentrated way I take THIS.

❤️‍🩹 Heart-energy connection

Feeling low on energy? Your heart health might be to blame.

A strong cardiovascular system fuels your body with the oxygen and cellular energy production it needs to thrive — boosting stamina, vitality, and overall well-being.

And the right lifestyle choices can prevent up to 90% of cardiovascular problems and dramatically boost your energy levels!

>> Sign up for the free Healthy Heart Masterclass to learn how.

This powerful event is hosted by my dear friend Ocean Robbins of Food Revolution Network and Dr. Mimi Guarneri, an esteemed holistic cardiologist featured on TED Talks, NBC, PBS, and more.

When you register, you’ll learn scientifically proven ways to nourish your heart, slash your risk of disease, and reignite your stamina, vitality, and motivation — simply by eating delicious, wholesome foods.

>> Click here to save your free spot in this life-changing Masterclass.

Taking care of your ticker is essential for a vibrant, fulfilling life. This Masterclass could be the spark you need to make sure your best years are still to come.

Photo of the week

😊 Conscious Corner

Other earth-conscious stories you may have missed…

🎵 WOMB TUNES: Classical music helps regulate fetal heart rates, with Mexican guitar melodies showing strongest calming effects (more)

🐯 TIGER GROWTH: India doubles its tiger population in just over a decade through community-led conservation efforts (more)

🌎 NATURAL WONDERS: From bioluminescent waters to horizontal waterfalls, 2025's must-see natural phenomena inspire travelers (more)

🧠 SLEEP SCIENCE: Scientists discover how brain's "blue dot" regulates sleep patterns and consciousness (more)

Trivia Answer:

Baby humpbacks weigh two - three thousand pounds at birth, and can grow up to 80k pounds at full size!

🎥 INTRO TO HOT COMPOST

Upgrade to ECL Membership for new videos each week on DIY & homestead advice, gardening support, holistic health expert interviews, recipes and more.

Become an Earth Conscious Life Member for weekly solution-focused videos, recipes, Deep Dive articles, expert interviews, and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

...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