Tool-Using Orcas, Pillow Sunning, and the Plant That Eats Plastic

Your top stories on human & planetary health

Happy Friday my friend,

Imagine there’s no countries or political borders. Instead, what if nature drew a map of borders, based on ecological regions? Explore One Earth’s interactive navigator to see where you live in a whole new way!

ECL TRIVIA: What bird can mimic the sounds of chainsaws, cameras, and other human-made noises? (Answer below)

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Earth Conscious News

June 27th, 2025
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🌎 Planet Health

🐬 ORCA SPA DAY: For the very first time, scientists observed orca whales in Washington’s Salish Sea making and utilizing tools made from kelp. Using a high tech drone zoom, researchers say these highly intelligent creatures tear this underwater plant into “brushes” and use it like a massage tool for exfoliation and social connection with other orcas. Watch a video here. (Only 73 orcas in this specific endangered species remain.)

👁 MAJESTIC EYE: Wait until you see the first place photo in the UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition! Discover all four gorgeous categories of photos, see honorable mentions, and learn about the photographers and the stories behind their top honored photos here.

🌱 WATER HYACINTH: How can this beautiful purple blooming aquatic species help our planet? Scientists say water hyacinth can remove up to 78% of polystyrene microplastic particles in the surrounding water, in just 5 days. Furthermore, no plastic was found in the leaves and “no significant harm” to the plant was discovered. Find out what makes the uncontaminated leaves so beneficial here, and read about this magical “microplastic recycling” plant!

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🧑‍⚕️ Human Health

Black and white image of wrinkled linen pillow on a bed.

☀️ PILLOW SUNNING: If you haven’t tried sunbathing your comforters or pillows, this is your sign to give it a try! UV-C light from the sun can ward off bacteria and kill dust mites on surfaces, naturally bleach and whiten fabrics, and harmoniously deodorize. Click here to read a complete guide to sunning your pillows this weekend.

🌼 DANDELION ROOT: Extract from dandelion root has been found to eradicate 95% of colon cancer cells, with no toxicity to non-cancerous cells. More than 12M new cancer cases arise each year, so could this breakthrough research of what most consider to be a “weed” be a helpful step in addressing colon cancer with natural remedies? What do you think?

🚶‍♀️ 100 MINUTES A DAY: Do you have low back pain? Do you walk every day? Researchers recently analyzed this data from 11k adults in Norway, revealing that “participants walking for more than 100 minutes per day were associated with a 23% lower risk of chronic low back pain, compared to those who walked less than 78 minutes per day.” (And, if walking isn’t helping, try these 7 easy low back stretches!)

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Light the Way to Better Skin

Most skincare products only treat the surface. But what if you could nourish your skin from within—using the power of light?

The Red Light Face Mask from BON CHARGE uses medically-approved wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support collagen production, reduce inflammation, and rejuvenate your skin at a cellular level. No chemicals, no harsh topicals—just light doing what it’s biologically designed to do.

  • Improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity

  • Reduce fine lines, acne, and puffiness

  • Stimulate circulation and cellular repair

It’s wireless, requires no hands, and designed for comfort—so you can wear it while reading, meditating, or winding down at night.

I’ve trusted BON CHARGE for years for their science-backed wellness tools, and this is one of their most exciting yet.

👉 Check out the Red Light Face Mask
🌿 See how light can transform your skin and use code ECL to save big

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Photo of the week: The makora is carved from a single tree trunk!

Photo taken by ECL reader: Malcolm Merson-Davies.

For those who have experienced the joy of being alone with nature there is really little need for me to say much more; for those who have not, no words of mine can even describe the powerful, almost mystical knowledge of beauty and eternity that come, suddenly, and all unexpected.

Jane Goodall
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Trivia Answer:

The lyrebird — Native to Australia, it’s one of nature’s best impressionists, often incorporating man-made sounds into its calls.

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🎥 Intro To Essential Oils

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

Intro to Essential Oils with Joyce Rockwood

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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

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