Happy Friday {{first name | my friend}},

What do butterfly wings look like under a powerful microscope? See 20 beautiful examples here, including a few with super-zoomed-in pollen clusters resting on the wings!

ECL TRIVIA: What are plants called that grow on other plants for support without stealing their nutrients? (Answer below)

💡 UNNECESSARY LIGHTING: Over the last ten years, more research has shown “illuminating night skies is bad for a wide range of species” and “light pollution should be treated as a pressure on nature that is akin to habitat loss or chemical pollution,” so an area in Belgium is removing “75 pointless streetlights.” Dive into the FULL STORY, and learn how the locals feel about it.

📸 CAMERA TRAP SURPRISE: Bear-monitoring cameras in Thailand captured THIS unexpected nocturnal animal, revealing the elusive and endangered species may be silently more widespread than scientists realized! THE STUDY provides “a new way of gathering insights into enigmatic and little-studied species in the face of relentless habitat loss and environmental change.”

♻️ RIVER RESTORATION: When 140 tons of trash and plastic builds up in a river over 24 hours, what does the removal look like? WATCH this 50-second timelapse. A staggering 37 truck loads of garbage were (thankfully) removed by The Ocean Cleanup!

👚 FABRIC REVOLUTION: I think it’s wonderful that mainstream platforms are beginning to discuss “forever fashion” instead of plastic-based polyester “fast fashion.” Thoughtfully choosing organic cotton, hemp, and THESE three fabrics for your closet can lead to better human health and planet health.

🍰 OVERNIGHT FASTING: Can you improve your heart health simply by resisting the urge to snack at night? New research suggests stopping eating at least 3 hours before bedtime extends your overnight fast window, and can lower nighttime blood pressure, heart rate, and improve blood sugar. Learn Dr. Richards’ top tips to implement this for yourself at the end of the ARTICLE HERE.

📺 ONE HOUR LESS: How can one hour less of television per day impact your mental health? Dutch experts say “replacing 60 minutes of TV with other activities cuts depression risk by 11% overall, and by nearly 19% in middle-aged adults.” What happens when participants unplugged even more? Read the RESULTS HERE.

If you’ve been wanting truly clean skincare that still performs, Annmarie Skin Care’s Clean Beauty Routine is a solid place to start. It’s a simple 3-step ritual built around wildcrafted and organic botanicals: a gentle cleanser, a serum, and a nourishing facial oil that leaves skin looking calm and hydrated.

This is virtually the only skin care brand I’ve used for over 10 years.

What I like is the standard they hold: MADE SAFE® certified, non-GMO ingredients, and no harsh chemicals, fillers, or synthetic fragrances. It’s basically better than spa-level skincare, and totally aligns with a low-toxin lifestyle that we’re all aiming for.

Right now, Annmarie has the trial kit for over 60% off, plus a bonus Brighten Vitamin C with Seabuckthorn and U.S. shipping included. No subscription, no commitment, just feel how plant-powered formulas can support brighter, smoother-looking skin in about a week.

If you care about your skin, click HERE to claim the Clean Beauty Routine.

Epiphytes. Many orchids and air plants live this way, using trees as scaffolding to access better light and airflow.

Easy steps to identify key aspects of the health of trees on your property.