“It makes no sense that consumers can purchase bottled water that is less safe than tap water," says James Dickerson, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Consumer Reports.

One expects to find arsenic in the brandy of the rich uncle you're trying to bump off for their wealth. One does NOT expect to find it in the bottled water you buy from your friendly local mega-retailer. 

In a report published on June 18th, 2019 by the Center for Environmental Health, it was announced that the water brands Peñafiel and Starkey, which are sold in Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods, contained a higher than legal amount of arsenic. Peñafiel is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper. It is sold at stores like Walmart and Target. Starkey is owned by and sold at Whole Foods.

“Consumers are being needlessly exposed to arsenic without their knowledge or consent,” said Michael Green, Chief Executive Officer of CEH. “Customers typically purchase bottled water at exorbitantly high costs with the assumption that it is safer and healthier to drink than tap water, unaware that they are ingesting an extremely toxic metal linked to birth defects and cancer.” 

On 21 June 2019, Keurig Dr Pepper announced a voluntary withdrawal of their Peñafiel brand unflavored mineral spring water.

 

A study by Euromonitor international revealed that human beings buy a million plastic bottles every minute, and that number is likely to jump 20 percent if trends continue. That comes out to something like 20,000 bottles every second and around half a trillion bottles a year. 

Guess where most of them end up? Do they get recycled, turned into shoes, teeshirts, and other articles of polyester clothing? Sure, some do. But only somewhere around 7%. The rest winds up in the oceans or in landfills, where they take 500 years to degrade and yet never fully biodegrade. Instead, degrade into little micro plastics that contaminate the soil and water. At this rate, it’s estimated that there’s gonna be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. 

From the Guardian article: 

Major drinks brands produce the greatest numbers of plastic bottles. Coca-Cola produces more than 100bn throwaway plastic bottles every year – or 3,400 a second, according to analysis carried out by Greenpeace after the company refused to publicly disclose its global plastic usage. The top six drinks companies in the world use a combined average of just 6.6% of recycled Pet in their products, according to Greenpeace. A third have no targets to increase their use of recycled plastic and none are aiming to use 100% across their global production. 

Plastic drinking bottles could be made out of 100% recycled plastic, known as RPet – and campaigners are pressing big drinks companies to radically increase the amount of recycled plastic in their bottles. But brands are hostile to using RPet for cosmetic reasons because they want their products in shiny, clear plastic, according to Steve Morgan, of Recoup in the UK. 

Cheerful thoughts, huh? In the meantime, get a reusable bottle.

Anxiety attacks affect 40 million people a year, including yours truly. It’s been a less than unpleasant experience where you get to feel tightness in your chest and a whole bunch of fast thoughts zipping through your brain. There's been a bunch of suspected causes, including brain chemistry, the stress of modern life, a lack of good diet and exercise habits, the fact that we’re fragile and finite meat creatures built to be halfway between the falling angel and the rising ape and then turned loose into an uncaring and absurdist universe, and a lack of serotonin (the happy chemical your brain should be making) being produced in the brain.

A new small study out of Japan has shown a link between vitamin deficiencies and anxiety. From the abstract: 

Patients undergoing a panic attack (PA) or a hyperventilation attack (HVA) are sometimes admitted to emergency departments (EDs). Reduced serotonin level is known as one of the causes of PA and HVA. Serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan. For the synthesis of serotonin, vitamin B6 (Vit B6) and iron play important roles as cofactors. To clarify the pathophysiology of PA and HVA, we investigated the serum levels of vitamins B2, B6, and B12 and iron in patients with PA or HVA attending an ED. We measured each parameter in 21 PA or HVA patients and compared the values with those from 20 volunteers. We found that both Vit B6 and iron levels were significantly lower in the PA/HVA group than in the volunteer group. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of vitamins B2 or B12. These results suggest that low serum concentrations of Vit B6 and iron are involved in PA and HVA. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms involved in such differences.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016, the Lok Sabha, one of the two houses of Indian Congress, unanimously passed a bill to unlock over $6 billion dollars in accumulated funds that would go toward increasing the forest coverage in India. The bill, called the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF), aims to utilize a large sum of funds that have accumulated over the past ten years in a central, governmental body. 

The bill will go to the other house of congress, Rajya Sabha, in the coming weeks and is expected to pass there as well. 

Encouraged by the recent Paris meetings on climate change, the creation of this historic legislation will lead to necessary reforestation across the country and has the potential to create many jobs in the rural and tribal areas of India. As part of the Paris Agreement, India committed to creating 2.5 billion tons of additional carbon sink, i.e. creating more forest.

Furthermore, the bill aims to: 

• provide transparency for how the funds will be spent. 
• create a National Compensatory Afforestation Fund in the central government and the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund in respective states. 
• ensure the states will spend the funds for reforestation and related works, such as, forest regeneration and wildlife protection. 
• set up a national and state-level authority to monitor the utilization of the funds.

President Donald Trump and the Republican administration has effectively gutted the EPA over perceived concerns about over-regulating industries that have an environmental impact. In practice, that means a lot of the EPA’s work defending the environment has been severely damaged.

Bees have been dying in record numbers, especially this past season. Much of this is due to the overuse of pesticides and herbicides in industrial farming and by people tending their lawns. As much of our ecology is dependent upon bee pollination, this is a genuine threat to the environment. Unfortunately, Trump’s EPA has allowed a bee-killing pesticide named sulfoxaflor to return to the market after a lawsuit found that the chemical hadn’t been properly tested in regards to its impact on bee population.

Earthjustice, a Bay Area law firm that focuses specifically on environmental law, covered this story. Greg Loarie, an Earthjustice attorney, released the following statement:

 

“At a time when honeybees and other pollinators are dying in greater numbers than ever before, Trump’s EPA decision to remove restrictions on yet another bee-killing pesticide is nothing short of reckless. Scientists have long said pesticides like sulfoxaflor are the cause of the unprecedented colony collapse. Letting sulfoxaflor back on the market is dangerous for our food system, economy, and environment.”

Here at Inner Splendor Media, we’re very concerned about this problem and have a few suggestions on how to proceed. The obvious stuff is obvious, like don’t use Roundup and other pesticides, which you shouldn’t use anyway because they’re a carcinogen. But they also kill plants that bees need to feed. So maybe don’t use pesticides and don’t be super enthusiastic about weeding. While you’re at it, go buy your honey from local producers. Mass honey farming operations keep the bees in sterile conditions that keep them from positively affecting their environment. Plus local honey will help people with seasonal allergies build up a tolerance!

Better yet, skip the lawn. Lawns require a lot of water to maintain, they tend not to have plants that bees need to survive, and they’re usually a smorgasbord of hostile chemicals. Instead, grow a bunch of sunflowers and maybe have a little water features for the hardworking bumblebees in your neighborhood to get a drink.

So go out there and educate yourselves on the plights of the bees and be a positive change for the environment. There are also some amazing bee documentaries out there. Maybe one day you’ll start a bee colony of your own!

This is very important stuff and activism is absolutely essential to secure the planet’s future. If nothing else, check out this Find Your Representative website so you can get in touch with the people who are supposed to secure our future. For more information, check out the infographic below.

Image by Julius Nielsen Instagram/juniel85

The Greenland shark has the longest known lifespan of all vertebrate species. Scientists have recently discovered a Greenland shark that is at least 392 years old!  According to reports, the Greenland shark was found living in the arctic and could very well be the oldest living vertebrate creature in the world. 

The researchers measured the creature and estimated that it could have been born as early as 1505. It is known to live in temperatures of -1° Celsius and 10° Celsius. A report by Metro.co.uk, said that the shark can swim as deep as 7,200 feet and weighs more than a ton. 

According to the report, the found shark measured at 18 feet in length. It is this length which reportedly can mean the shark can be anywhere between 272 to 512 years old, as this species grows at a rate of 1 cm in a year. 

A report by The Sun said it was the oldest of 28 Greenland sharks to be analyzed. These sharks have an estimated lifespan of 400 years and they spend their time swimming around looking for mates, report claimed.

Image by Henrik Schurmann

What implications does this astounding creature have on us humans? Scientists are now studying the longevity of Greenland sharks to see if the science behind their longevity can be applied towards humans one day. One possible explanation for the sharks’ longevity is that they spend their lives 2,000 meters down, where the water temperature is around 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold is associated with slow metabolism and maturation — Greenland sharks don’t reach adulthood until age 150 — as well as long life spans. 

Of course, humans aren’t about to start living underwater. But scientists think in the future we might be able to incorporate into our own bodies some of the shark’s life-extending biological adaptations. 

What do you think? Would you splice shark DNA into you so you could live longer? Let us know in the comments!

                    BEE BALM - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS
 

WHEN YOU INITIALLY look at the plants that Craig Burrows’ photographs, you might think that they are from an alien planet because of their wild, incandescent quality and the astounding colors they give off. They definitely don't look real. You might be surprised to learn though that both the plants and the colors are real. 

When we generally look at flowers and plants, we see them with sunlight or another form of white/yellow light. The colors that we generally perceive are based off of the light that the plants and flowers reflect back - green, yellow, red, purple, etc. What Burrows discovered and takes advantage of with his photography is plants ability to fluoresce, which means that  when plants absorb ultraviolet light, they emit longer wavelengths visible to the human eye. To put it in terms you might understand - this is the same thing that happens with a black-light poster. “The flower literally glows,” Burrows says. 

In order to capture the glowing light of the flowers requires Burrows to use ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence photography. Burrows discovered this technique online three years ago. The concept fascinated him, so he read a tutorial and immediately set to work. Burrows has shot more than five dozen plants since then, including: Mexican sunflowers, calla lilies, and silk floss tree flowers. 

Burrows finds the process of capturing the fluorescent glow of the flowers and plants so engrossing that he often loses track of time. “I usually tell myself it will only be an hour, but by the time I finally quit it’s usually been three or four,” he says. 

After taking the photos - Burrows does put in several hours on Photoshop, adjusting white balance, contrast, noise and sharpness, and removing dust. It’s tedious, but it yields big dividends. The plants truly glow, each leaf, petal and stem blooming in otherworldly colors. 

What do you think?

                    JUVENILE BLANKET FLOWER - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS
                     DANDELION - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     ICE PLANT FLOWER BUDS - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     PLAINS COREOPSIS - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     WHITE HOLLYHOCK - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     KANGAROO PAWS FLOWER - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     HAWTHORNE FLOWERS - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     MEXICAN SUNFLOWER - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     NARCISSUS FLOWER - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

                     JADE PLANT FLOWER - PHOTO BY CRAIG BURROWS

Ahead of the curve as usual, Tesla announced some very exciting news in the arena of solar energy. In its fourth-quarter investor letter, Tesla announced that it will begin selling and installing its solar roof later this year. 

In October 2016, Tesla unveiled its solar roof product, which was about a month before the company acquired SolarCity in a deal worth $2.1 billion. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said it looks "quite promising" that the solar roof could be cheaper than a normal roof, factoring in the price of labor. 

Here's everything we know about the new solar roof product: 

Tesla will offer four types of shingles to match different housing aesthetics in an effort to get homeowners to ditch clunky solar panel add-ons in favor of a beautiful roof.

"First of all, I’ve never seen a solar roof that I would actually want… they're weird," Musk said on a conference call Nov. 1. "Every one of them that I’ve seen is worse than a normal roof, without exception. So unless you’re going to beat a roof on aesthetics, why bother?"

Here you see Tesla's textured glass option.

Tesla tucked the solar cells behind the glass...

... And in doing so, you can't really tell the roof has solar cells. That's the crux of Tesla's solar roof vision: to create something that's both aesthetically appealing and efficient. 

Musk has been emphasizing the importance of competing on an aesthetic level when it comes to the new solar product offering.


Musk seemed most excited about Tesla's French slate tile offering, saying the style is "one of the hardest things to do." This photo gives you a nice look at the solar cell hidden in the tile.


"My roof is a French slate roof, that’s one of the tile styles I wanted to do," Musk said on the conference call. "And we were able to get that. Super hard.”


Musk said at the event that each French slate tile was made using a process known as hydrographic coloring, a process that uses water to apply printed designs.


"The production process itself makes each tile specially unique, it’s sort of a special snowflake tile," Musk said at the solar roof unveiling.

 

Tesla's hydrographic process is being overseen by a brand new Tesla glass tech division, Musk said on the Nov. 1 call. He said the process is "using a lot of techniques from the automotive glass business." 
Musk said the solar roof could cost less than an actual roof, but still hasn't given specific pricing information. However, Lyndon Rive, SolarCity's former CEO, said on the Nov. 1 call that "we think we can get to that price point of 40 cents a Watt over time in large scale" for the solar cells, which would put it in line with the competition.
"We’ll have the best cell at the lowest price. Just as we have the best battery cell at the lowest price," Musk said on the Nov. 1 call. "We have the highest energy density cell at the lowest price."

Rive said on the call that the solar roof would most likely not fall under a lease or power purchase agreement, but instead as a straightforward loan. "In that case, there is no asset ownership challenge. We would just transfer the ownership to the new homeowner," he said.

Tesla's smooth glass tile is meant to offer "more of a modern look," Musk said at the event.
Unlike the textured glass tile and French slate offering, the smooth glass tile seen here was purposefully designed so you could see the solar cells from certain angles.

"From the vantage point of the street or anywhere near the house it looks completely opaque, but to the sun it’s transparent," Musk said. Although, it's hard to imagine why a feature you can only see from an aerial vantage point would be a huge selling point.
Lastly, Tesla's Tuscan glass tile offering. The roof shown at the event wasn't exclusively made up of Tesla's Tuscan tile. Instead, only the darker tiles seen here come with the solar cells.
Like the smooth glass tile, Musk made a point of showing how looking at the Tuscan tile from different angles will determine whether you can see the solar cell.

Here's a better shot of how the Tuscan glass tiles look once they're installed.

Musk also made a point of showing the durability of Tesla's glass tiles with a weight taste. He also wrote in an Oct. 28 tweet that you can walk on the tiles like you would with regular asphalt shingles.

Musk also tweeted that the solar glass tiles can incorporate heating elements to clear snow while generating energy. He said it wouldn't be energy intensive to melt the snow, but "strongly net positive" in an Oct. 28 tweet. 

The solar cells will be produced at a plant in Buffalo, New York. Tesla and Panasonic will produce the solar cells at the Buffalo manufacturing facility in mid-2017. Tesla is referring to the Buffalo plant as Gigafactory 2. 

Musk's solar roof product is one of several energy products Tesla is offering now that it's merged with SolarCity.

 

Have you ever fantasized about living off the grid? This incredible New Zealander, Warrick Mitchell gets to live deep in one of the world's most remote locations: Fiordland, New Zealand. He lives in the New Zealand's oldest national park is nestled in a vast wilderness that is accessible only by boat or airplane, a four day's walk from the nearest road. Life in isolation can be hard, but surrounded by breathtaking, pristine natural beauty, plentiful wildlife and a small but tight-knit community that is always willing to lend a hand, Mitchell would have it no other way. What do you think? Would you be able to live in such a remote location?

 

Believe it or not, there are at least 40 dog breeds known to be extinct. These breeds were either deliberately mated out, wiped out by predators, or ignored by breeders. We're posting 12 of these dog breeds who, sadly, we can no longer play with, cuddle with, or post funny videos of.

1. English Water Spaniel



The last English Water Spaniel was seen in the 1930s. Somewhat similar to a Collie, this cutie was used to hunt waterfowl and was known for its ability to dive and duck. It had curly fur, typically in a white and tan pattern. It is described as similar to a Collie, or a cross between a Poodle and a Springer Spaniel with curly fur, typically in a white and tan pattern.


2. Chien-Gris


Originating in medieval times, the Chien-Gris was a scent hound and formed part of the royal packs of France, which were composed exclusively of hounds of this type.

3. Molossus


Known for being especially vicious, Molossus dogs haven't been around since the ancient Romans... We lucked out!

4. Alpine Mastiff



The Alpine Mastiff was of the Molosser breed (see #3). It contributed to the breeding of the modern day St. Bernard and Mastiff.

5. Kuri


Introduced to New Zealand by the Maori people of Polynesia, Kuri dogs were food to the Maori, as well as a source of clothing, belts, and weapon decoration- all made from their skin and fur. The poor things became extinct in New Zealand after the arrival of European settlers.

6. Cordoba Fighting Dog


This Mastiff, Bull Terrier, and Bulldog mix was bred to be ruthless and powerful. Used for pit fighting in Argentina, their vicious temperament eventually got the better of them: When it was time to mate, males and females would try to kill each other which, needless to say, made mating difficult and extinction imminent.

7. Hare Indian Dog​


Known for its speed, the Hare Indian Dog was originally bred in northern Canada by the Hare Indians for game hunting. While it had many characteristics of the coyote, its domesticated temperament was reminiscent of house breeds. As Indian hunting methods declined, the Indian Hare went extinct through interbreeding.


8. Moscow Water Dog​



A little-known breed derived from the Newfoundland shepherd, the Moscow Water Dog was produced only by the Red Star Kennels in Russia, the state-operated organizations chartered to provide working dogs for the armed services. After World War II, there were very few working dogs in the Soviet Union as many had been killed during the war. Some were imported but there were not enough to establish a dedicated breeding program for a specific breed.

9. Talbot

A tracking dog, the Talbot was so loved in the Middle Ages that many families had its image on their crests. The hound was slow but loyal, and had a great sense of smell. It was often used in battle and for law enforcement purposes. The Talbot went extinct around the 16th century, but its posterity thrives in the form of the beagle.

10. Bullenbeisser​


The Bullenbeisser was a no-nonsense German bulldog. It was eventually bred into nonexistence in order to create the Boxer.

11. Braque Du Puy


The Braque Du Puy was a French domestic hunting dog, first bred in the 19th century. It was white with orange or liver coloured marks, and was medium to large in size. Although many similar breeds can be found today, this pooch can no longer be found in its original form.

12. Russian Tracker


Weighing 100 lbs on average, these big boys were bred in Russia and used by farmers in the Caucasus Mountains to guard livestock. In the 1800s, a man named Sir Dudley Marjoribanks watched these pooches perform in an English circus. He was so delighted by them that he bought the entire pack. He eventually created the Golden Retriever out of the Russian Tracker.






 

By now you've probably heard the recommendation to trade out your non-stick cooking pans for cast iron, ceramic or glass ones. Some products that are "stain resistant," "non-stick," or "water proof," might be easier to spot and stay away from than others. What you might not have realized, was just how dangerous some fast food packagings can be. Granted, you might be aware when you're purchasing a fast food burger or burrito that it's bad for your health because of the fat, sugar and salt content, but you might not be thinking of how harmful it can be for your health because of how it's packaged. In a recent report published on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the authors shared their findings that about one-third of the packaging that researchers tested was found to contain fluorinated chemicals.  These chemicals are favored in food packaging because of their "grease resistant" properties.

A study by the Silent Spring Institute found fluorinated chemicals in one-third of the fast food packaging tested. Previous studies have shown PFASs can migrate from food packaging into the food you eat. 38% of sandwich/burger contact paper contained fluorine.
 

You might be wondering "what are fluorinated chemicals and why are they dangerous?" Highly fluorinated chemicals contain carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds, which are some of the strongest bonds in nature. That makes them both incredibly resistant to breakdown and very useful in many industrial capacities, including fast food packaging. That said, there are several scientific studies that have shown a link between these chemicals and the onset of: 

• testicular and kidney cancer 
• liver malfunction 
• hormonal changes 
• thyroid disruption 
• high cholesterol 
• obesity 
• ulcerative colitis 
• low birth weight and size 

Because the chemical bond between fluorine and carbon is so strong, it can take years to break down once it's in the human body, and it will stay in the body for years.

                                56% of dessert and bread contact paper contained fluorine

Laurel Schaider, a research scientist at the Silent Spring Institute and one of the authors of the paper published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters stated that: "Previous studies have shown that PFASs can migrate from food packaging into the food you eat... These studies have found that the extent of migration depends on the temperature of the food, the type of food and how long the food is in contact with the paper. And it depends on which specific chemical is in the packaging."

                                57% of Tex-Mex contact paper tested contained fluorine

 

The study was conducted by scientists from five institutions. For the study, they collected more than 400 samples of fast food packaging from 27 leading US chains. 

They then split the types of packaging into six categories: food contact paper (sandwich wrappers and pastry bags), food contact paperboard (boxes for fries or pizza), non-contact paper (outer bags), paper cups, other beverage containers (milk and juice containers) and miscellaneous (lids). 

Food contact papers were divided into three subcategories: sandwiches, burgers and fried foods; Tex-Mex; and desserts and breads.

                                20% of the food contact paperboard tested contained fluorine
 

Out of the food packaging tested, food contact paper was the one that fared the worst, with 46% of all samples testing positive for fluorine. Food contact paperboard was next, at 20%, followed by other beverage containers at 16%. Non-contact paper, paper cups and miscellaneous all tested negative for fluorine. 

"For foodservice packaging that requires a barrier coating, 'short chain' fluorochemicals are used today, so it's no surprise that the study would find these chemicals," said Lynn M. Dyer, President of the Foodservice Packaging Institute in the US. "These, like all packaging products, go through rigorous testing to ensure that they meet stringent US Food and Drug Administration regulations, providing the safe delivery of foods and beverages to consumers." 

Dryer added, however, that "some fluorochemical-free products have been introduced since this study was conducted in 2014 and 2015," meaning there are now a greater number of options available for fast food chains to provide oil, grease and/or water resistance.


Based on the information presented in the study, you might be wondering - what can I do to avoid these harmful chemicals getting into my food? Besides the route of cutting out all fast food from your diet, there is not too much a consumer can do. There is no easy way for customers to tell what packagings are fluorinated and which are not. From the findings of the report, you could ask that your fries get served to you in a paper cup instead of the typical packaging, or that certain items not be wrapped in contact paper.

Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself is by pressuring fast food companies to switch their packaging to non-fluorinated products. This information might also encourage you to try to eat more home-cooked meals that you can carry around in your own, chemical free containers.

Patagonia has always been on the cutting edge of corporate responsibility and environmentalism. This trend continues with Patagonia's most recent experiment - food. As Patagonia shares on its website: "we also believe there is great opportunity—and an urgent need—for positive change in the food industry. With Patagonia Provisions, our goals are the same as with everything we do: We aim to make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and perhaps most important, inspire solutions to the environmental crisis." 

Recently, Patagonia released a short film that features the critical role food and agriculture in the future of this planet. The film explores regenerative agriculture, regenerative grazing and restorative fishing. Each of these individual projects serve as examples of what the food and agricultural industry needs to do in order to sustain a beautiful Earth for generations to come. 

Watch this film and spread the word!

Rajmani Sinclair, January 12, 2016

Photo: Charles O'Rear via wikipedia; a plane dispensing pesticides.
 

In the current world, pesticides pervade our homes, schools, parks, and public lands. You name it - pesticides are there. 54 years after Rachel Carson published "Silent Spring", raising public awareness about the danger of pesticides in our environment and on human health, the use of pesticides has only increased. Pesticides have been linked to a wide array of negative health problems ranging from headaches to nausea to reproductive issues to cancer. Pesticides are toxic and harmful to all life, and the continued use of pesticides is not sustainable. 

In the field of agriculture, there has been a resurgence of people looking for alternative means of pest management. Beyond organic options, a growing number of farmers are looking to biodynamic methods of farming that are not only a chemical-free approach to farming, but also produce healthier food and soil.

Photo: Dusty Yao-Stamets via Wikipedia; Paul Stamets holding an Agarikon Mushroom.
 

In the field of mycology, the study of fungi, there have been several exciting advancements that offer another, chemical-free method of pest management. Ten years ago, Paul Stamets patented 200,000 entomopathogenic fungi, a type of fungi that destroys insects. In a talk he gave in 2008, Stamets shared that several executives from the pesticide industry told him that that his work with fungi is the "most disruptive technology" the industry had ever witnessed. The fungi that Stamets developed and patented is able to attract different pests to it and, upon eating it, the pests eventually turn into fungi from the inside out. 

Paul's work with fungi presents a very exciting new avenue for pest management - a method that works with nature to fight off unwanted pests. 

To learn more about Paul Stamet's work, check out his website here: http://www.fungi.com/ 

And be sure to watch his TED talk from 2008 below:



Article by: Rajmani Sinclair, September 27, 2016

 

No, it's not a state in the United States, nor is it in the Western Hemisphere for that matter. The first 100% organic certified state is in India. Sikkim, located in Northeastern Indian, between Bhutan and Nepal, received this certification back on January 18, 2016, during the Sikkim Organic Festival.

Out of all the countries in the world, India has the most organic farmers, and now it can claim that it has the first, fully organic state. Sikkim is home to 66,000 farmers, all of whom have sworn off GMOs, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. This comes as a significant achievement of the Sikkim Organic Mission Plan, which, in 2003, set a goal for the state to become 100% certified organic. 

India has a long standing tradition of growing products with little to no input and saving seeds that date back centuries. Thus, the idea of organic farming is nothing new to India. However, the concept of "certified organic" is new and has yet to gain much consumer support in the country. Thus, Sikkim, and the rest of India, is in the process of learning how to market organic produce domestically to consumers.

Photo: Anja Disseldorp - Flickr: India Sikkim - view of rice fields

 

Sikkim's organic farming serves as a case study for the Indian government, who is exploring whether statewide organic production is reproducible on a larger scale. In Sikkim, the government worked from 2003 onwards to support farmers in becoming 100% organic by gradually removing subsidies for pesticides and fertilizers, purchasing organic certification for Sikkim farmers, and increasing the integration of organic farming techniques across that state. 

The landscape in Sikkim is not ideal for conventional farming. Most farmers in the state own 4 hectares or less of land, which they cultivate using terraced farming methods due to the hilly features of the land. Thus, the monocultures that dominate nonorganic, conventional farming wouldn't work in the region anyway. 

At the moment, Sikkim, a land-locked state, does not have the infrastructure that would make transportation and export of its organic produce possible. In addition, the mechanisms for marketing and selling organic produce in India are not fully established either. Therefore, this milestone, while significant, marks only the beginning of a long road for organic farming in India.

Photo: Kaushik Das; A view of the winding, switchback roads in Sikkim.
 

As other agricultural products in India also switch to non-GMO and organic, such as cotton, the Indian government will need to look at how it can best support all of its farmers in making the shift to organic while ensuring that the farmer's livelihood is not overlooked; especially since India has a difficult history of farmer suicides. 

While Sikkim presents unique conditions that have supported it in becoming a 100% certified organic state, it does serve as inspiration for the rest of the world. Might India lead the way in creating a 100% certified organic country? We will have to wait and see. 

Article by: Rajmani Sinclair, September 20, 2016
 

 

Meet Adonis, the 1075 year old Bosnian Pine that is a resident in the Pindos Mountains of Northern Greece.
 

Have you met Adonis? On August 19, a group of scientists from University of Arizona, Stockholm University and University of Mainz, confirmed and announced the discovery of the 1075 year old tree. Adonis is a Bosnian Pine that lives in the high lands of northern Greece.  In fact, Adonis, is one of several other ancient pines that have been discovered living in the Pindos Mountains in Northern Greece, near the border with Albania. 

The team of scientists confirmed the tree's age by taking a core of its wood to analyze. After counting the rings in the core, which was 3 meters in diameter, they determined that Adonis is the oldest known, living tree in Europe. 

Paul J. Krusic, the dendrochronologist leading the expedition, is quoted saying: "It is quite remarkable that this large, complex and impressive organism has survived so long in such an inhospitable environment, in a land that has been civilized for over 3,000 years." 

The scientists who discovered Adonis plan to use the information based on the variation of the tree rings to draw conclusions about historical climactic and environmental conditions. 

Article by Rajmani Sinclair, August 23, 2016

Did you know that a fig is actually a flower that blooms inward? 

 

When you go looking for figs this season in your local grocery store, you'll likely find them in the fruit section of the produce aisle. But did you know that the fig you like to eat is actually a flower and not a fruit? The fig is a flower that blooms inwards. You may have noticed when you bite into one that there is a core of blossoms inside the center. 

This is where the love story begins. 

Because the fig is in fact a flower and not a fruit, it needs to be pollinated in order to reproduce. Since the blossoms are difficult to to get to, the fig requires a special type of insect to pollinate it. 

Enter the fig wasp. 

The fig and the fig wasp have an intimate relationship - their life cycles are literally intertwined. Granted, there are some species of fig that are artificially pollinated, but we're not interested in those for the purpose of this story. 

What's more fascinating is the fact that figs and wasps have been growing old together for over 60 million years. For every species of fig there is a corresponding species of wasp. In return for pollinating the fig plant, the wasp receives a home and a final resting place. A mother wasp lays her eggs inside the fig flower, and once the eggs hatch and the wasps mature, the males and females mate. The males then chew a hole out of the fig they were residing in for the females to exit the fig flower. The males promptly die once their task is done, and then the females take flight, search for a new plant to lay their eggs in, and the life cycle starts again. Sadly, the fig requires complete monogamy, and has evolved so that its entrance is booby-trapped to destroy the wasp's wings once it enters the flower. Therefore, after laying her eggs, the mother wasp has no other choice but to die inside the fig. Thus, when you eat a fig, you might very well be eating a wasp mummy, too.

ILLUSTRATION BY RUI TENREIRO for the New Yorker
 

This intimate relationship between the fig and its wasp has allowed the fig to radiate throughout the natural world. Figs can grown in all different forms - trees, vines or shrubs. As vines, they can grow on other trees, eventually enveloping their host. Their seeds can grown in places where other plants and seeds would likely flounder: volcanic islands, cliff sides and roof tops. The Fig genus, Ficus, is one of the greatest variety in the tropics, and the fig plant can be found in both the wild and the greenhouse or garden. 

Because of its variety and adaptability, the fig is very important in the diet of many animals. As the biologist Daniel Janzen put it in “How to Be a Fig,” an article from 1979, “Who eats figs? Everybody.” All animals from squirrels and birds to monkeys and humans. Many animals rely on figs because they can be found year-round due to their special pollination and life cycle with the wasp. They are not seasonal. In fact, when other fruits are sparse, the fig provides nutrients for animals in months during which other foods are not in season. Due to this, figs are classified as a keystone species. This means that, without them, a whole ecosystem would collapse. Therefore, figs play a central role in creating new growth in deforested landscapes. 

Next time you bite into a fig, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the important role they play in the environment, and the intimate relationship they have with the fig wasp. 

Story adapted from the New Yorker Magazine "Love the Fig" by Rajmani Sinclair
October 13, 2016

Photo credit: Rajmani Sinclair
 

Have you ever considered the possibility that tree are social creatures? In his recently published book - The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate — Discoveries From a Secret World - German forester Peter Wohlleben asserts that trees are indeed social beings. In fact, he asserts that trees can even count, learn, remember, nurse sick neighbors, warn each other of danger, and for unknown reasons, keep ancient stumps of long-felled companions alive for 100s of year by feeding them a sugar solution via their root systems. 

In his book, Mr. Wohlleben, uses very human language when describing trees, which makes it very accessible to readers. Since it's release, it sold 100,000s of copies in German, and it has been translated into 19 languages. The English version of the book will be released on September 13, 2016.

Peter Wohlleben in the forest. Photo Credit: Gordon Welters for The New York Times
 

Peter Wohlleben traces his love for trees back to his childhood, and went on to study forestry in school. In 1987 he began working for the State Forestry Administration in Rhineland-Palatinate. After a few years of working on felling old trees and spraying them with insecticides, Peter felt that it just wasn't right and went back to read what he'd learned in school about the behavior of trees. Upon digging deeper into his study of tree behavior, Wohlleben discovered that trees operate as communal beings rather than individuals in nature. Furthermore, as communal beings, trees shared resources and worked together in networks in order to increase their strength and resistance. 

After working for over a decade to try and change the State Forestry Administration's approach to how they treated the forests, Wohlleben decided to leave his job and emigrate to Sweden. Fate had another idea in mind. All of Wohlleben's efforts had actually caught the attention of the forest's municipal owners, so they approached him with a contract to oversee the forest in place of the State Forestry Administration. Peter took the contract and in the past ten years, he  brought in horses, eliminated insecticides and began experimenting with letting the woods grow wilder. Within two years of these changes, the forest went from loss to profit, in part by eliminating expensive machinery and chemicals. 

Through his life experiences, Wohlleben wanted to share his knowledge and appreciation for trees with everyone. Thus, he set out to write the book The Hidden Life of Trees, which so far has been a great success with German audiences and will soon be available for purchase in English. 

Story by: Rajmani Sinclair, July 28, 2016

 

                 Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel
 

Our oceans are teeming with billions upon billions of incredible tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. Photographer Jeannot Kuenzel decided to spend his time capturing sea creatures smaller than 10 millimeters, as opposed to more commonly photographed ocean-dwellers like whales, sharks and fish. As an experienced diver, Kuenzel took to the sea with a powerful camera lens to capture what lies beyond human sight. 

Kuenzel currently lives in Malta, in the Mediterranean, where there does not appear to be much going on under the water. But Kuenzel decided to explore what might be flourishing on a "macro" level, and captured a series of photos that he titled: "Extreme Macro." 

Take a look:

                             Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel                 Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel                 Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel
                                Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel

                 Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel

                 Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel

                 Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel

                Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel                 Photo Credit: Jeannot Kuenzel
 

Visit Kuenzel's website: http://www.jk4u.net/below/supermacro/ 

Article by: Rajmani Sinclair, May 31, 2016
 

                 Photo Credit: Rajmani Sinclair

With only 6 more days until Memorial Day, it's time to start thinking about sunscreen and skin protection again. As you take to the beach (or pool, river or lake) in the coming days and months, have you stopped to consider how you will protect your skin this summer? 

Over the past 10 years, several studies have shown that many sunscreens are actually toxic and do not necessarily protect us from sunburns or skin cancers. In fact, when people end up relying on sunscreens that boast extra SPF and extended protection, they tend to stay out in the sun for extended periods of time, thereby damaging their skin more.

                        Photo Credit: Shutterstock

 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) just published their 10th annual guide to sunscreen in which they list the best and worst sunscreens on the market in the US. The EWG also clearly states that the use of sunscreen should be the last resort in terms of sun protection. Before resorting to sunscreen they suggest these tips: 

Wear Clothes: Shirts, hats, shorts and pants shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays, reducing risk by at least 27%. 
Find Shade or Make It: Picnic under a tree or take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade, reducing the risk of multiple burns by 30%. 
Sunglasses are Essential: Not just a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation. 
Plan Around the Sun: Go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. 
Don't Get Burned: Red, sore, blistered skin means you’ve gotten far too much sun. 
Check the UV Index: The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. 

While these tips may seem to put a damper on your summer plans, following these guidelines as much as you can will keep your skin healthy and more protected from both burns and skin cancer in the long run.

                 Photo Credit: Shutterstock

If you must be out in the sun for long periods of time and do not want to follow the tips listed above, then do wear sunscreen. When choosing the safest sunscreen, here are some things to keep in mind: 

• There is no proof that sunscreen prevents skin cancer 
• Don't let high SPFs fool you 
• Vitamin A - a commonly used sunscreen additive - may actually promote the development of skin cancer 
• European Sunscreens proved better UVA protection than American sunscreens 
• Sunscreen doesn't protect the skin from all types of sun damage 
• If you avoid the sun, check your vitamin D levels. If they're low, consider taking Vitamin D supplements
   

To learn more about these topics, check out this in-depth article on the "8 little known facts about sunscreen." 

For lists of the best sunscreens for adults and children visit the EWG website, where they rank sunscreens in terms of safety and effectiveness. 

Written by Rajmani Sinclair, May 24, 2016

                                      Photo Credit: Rajmani Sinclair
 

As of Wednesday, May 16, 2016, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that the amount of green house gas emissions remained level for two years in a row. The IEA credits the movement in the USA and China towards using more renewable energy as opposed to coal as a large source of this trend. 

This finding is significant because it occurred during a time where there was a period of economic expansion globally. Historically, it has been theorized that economic expansion is coupled with an increase in carbon emissions. The data that the IEA has collected for the past two years serves to prove that that is not always the case. 

In 2015, China and the USA, the two largest energy emitters in the world, decreased their overall emissions by 1.5% and 2%, respectively. Despite this promising decrease in emissions by the USA and China, developing countries in other parts of Asia and the Middle East increased their amount of emissions, which lead to a "leveling out" of global emissions.

                                      Photo Credit: Shutterstock
 

The IEA has reported on carbon emissions for the past 40 years. In that time, it has cited that there are only three other instances of decreased emissions in the world - in the early 1980s, 1992 and 2009. These periods of decreased emissions correlation with periods of global economic recessions and crisis. 

In 2014, global GDP increased by 3.4% and in 2015 it increased by 3.1%. If this trend continues in the coming years, it will show that it is possible for economic growth to happen without an increase in carbon emissions, thanks to alternative energy options. 

Article by: Rajmani Sinclair, May 24, 2016

                  Image Courtesy of Project Mermaid
 

Have you ever dreamed of being a mermaid or merman for a day? Well, you're in luck: There is currently a world-wide project taking place entitled "Project Mermaid Tour", where you can pay and sign up to have your very own Project Mermaid Photoshoot.

                  Photo Courtesy of Project Mermaid

In 2012, the renowned photographers Chiara Salomoni  and  Angelina Venturella came together with their shared love of the ocean to create a project that would raise global awareness about the ever-increasing need to protect our oceans. Since then, the two founded Project Mermaid and have travelled the world, photographing lovely mermaids and mermen in order to "bring awareness as to how precious the ocean and beaches are, and to keep this beautiful environment healthy and clean."

                  Photo Courtesy of Project Mermaid

 

Their work is being turned into a beautiful, educational coffee table book and will be shown on June 8, 2016. The project's art show and art book will benefit SaveOurBeach.org with 50% percent of all proceeds. 

For more on the project and tour, check out their websites: 

www.projectmermaids.com 

www.projectmermaidstour.com 

Article by Rajmani Sinclair, May 25, 2016

As Gandhi so eloquently put it: Be the change you want to see in the world. 

Balbir Singh Seechewal, fondly known as Eco Baba, is a living example of Gandhi's quote. In recent days, Eco Baba has been getting a significant amount of press for the work he started in 2000 to clean up a 160 kilometer stretch of the Kali Bein river in the Punjab region of India. 

When speaking about his project, Seechewal quoted a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) saying: "The wind is our Guru, the water our Father, the earth our Mother."  This verse calls upon people to treat the earth, wind, and water with respect, but since the Green Revolution four decades ago, increased agricultural production has lead to more pollution of the earth, water and air. Several villages and towns dumped their waste into the river, and this led to parts of the river drying up, which had significant repercussions for neighboring farmland. Runoff from the waste in the river also seeped into the groundwater, causing many people to contract lethal diseases. The health of local communities started to reflect the poor health of nature as a  result of their polluting practices.

Seechewal saw this and decided that he wanted to break the cycle of pollution and destruction. Drawing upon the Sikh tradition of kar sewa, or selfless service, he inspired many locals to get involved in helping clean up the river. In an attempt to get the local and municipal governments to support his efforts, Seechewal started a public awareness campaign in the region and together, with the help of several people giving hours of selfless service, they cleaned 99 miles of riverbed, built new river banks, and revived traditional methods of waste disposal and treatment. Since cleaning up the main part of the river, Seechewal has set his sights on cleaning up rivers and creeks across the Punjab in a more systematic way. 

Seechewal's efforts show how the efforts of one person can have a ripple effect - inspiring and benefitting the community in a very meaningful way. 

Written by: Rajmani Sinclair, April 13, 2016

In the words of the great novelist, poet, environmentalist and farmer Wendell Berry, we must act as “a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.” 

A group of 20 children, ages 8 – 19, seem to be putting Berry’s words into action. They are currently suing the US government on the assertion that: 

Young people and unborn generations are being discriminated against when it comes to the U.S. propagation of climate change. 

The children who are currently suing the US government are backed by the environmental advocacy group, Our Children’s Trust. Our Children’s Trust asserts on its website that it is: “Leading the frame changing, youth-driven, global climate recovery campaign to secure the legal right to a healthy atmosphere and stable climate.”
 

The case that the group of 20 children have brought before the Federal District Court in Eugene, Oregon (OR), presents a new approach to environmental advocacy that is fighting climate change. 

On April 8th, 2016, US Magistrate Judge Thomas Coffin of Eugene's Federal District Court agreed to hear the children’s case. The main points that the children assert in the case include: 

• The US government has known for decades that CO2 pollution has caused climate change and failed to take necessary actions to curtail fossil fuel emissions. 
• The actions or lack of action taken by the US Government and its agencies has contributed to increased CO2 pollution through fossil fuel extraction, production, consumption, transportation and exportation. 
• The actions of the US government have made it extremely difficult for current and future generations of children to protect their vital natural systems and maintain a livable world. 
• The US government’s actions or lack of action infringes on children’s rights to life and liberty. 

Judge Coffin’s agreement to hear the children’s argument upheld their claims (supported by the 5th and 9th amendments) that our government is denying them protections afforded to previous generations by favoring the short-term economic interests of certain citizens. Furthermore, Judge Coffin upheld the youth plaintiffs’ assertion of violations under the public trust doctrine, ruling that there is a federal public trust, and the plaintiff’s claims deserve acknowledgment.
 

As mentioned above, this case is an unprecedented lawsuit in that it holds the US government accountable for its action, or inaction, that has contributed to global climate change, thereby effecting the current and future generations of children on this planet. While the case has not gone to trial yet, the fact that Judge Coffin has agreed to allow this case to proceed is a significant victory for the plaintiff, and ultimately for the future generations that we are currently borrowing this planet from. 

For more information regarding this case, check out these links: 

Our Children's Trust 
The April 8, 2016 Press Release regarding Judge Coffin's Decision 
Judge Coffin's Legal Brief regarding the Case

Everywhere you look these days, people seem to be professing the benefits of mindfulness. Yogis have been talking about it for thousands of years, and now Western science is finally starting to catch up with what some sages have known for ages. But what is mindfulness anyway? And why should you care? 

To put it succinctly, Ronald Siegel, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, states that mindfulness is: "awareness of present experience with acceptance." 

Sounds simple enough, but it can be trickier than you think. 

How often are you really present and aware? 

In this age of social media, cell phones, computers, tablets and smart watches, how often do you pause, disconnect from the media-saturated digital world and connect with the world around you? How often do you wait in line or for the train or bus, for example, and really just wait? Can you do it without listening to music on your iPhone or checking the latest snapchats or emails? 

The iPhone was released when I was in college, and I remember vividly the day when I looked around campus as I was walking to class and thought - Does anyone just walk anymore? I looked around and saw that nearly everyone had headphones on or was talking on the phone. Not many people were simply walking and interacting with the environment around them. With time, I started to get uncomfortable walking across campus without talking on the phone or listening to something on my phone. I noticed that it took a lot of energy and discipline to go against the sudden social tendency to never be fully present and aware. 

After I graduated I got a job, and before I knew it I was attached at the hip to my iPhone and all my work emails and texts. I was never alone - someone could always reach me. I started to resent my phone. I yearned for a simpler time when people had to pick up the phone to reach people, or had to type things on a typewriter rather than answer hundreds of emails and update several spreadsheets a day. 

Did that idyllic time ever exist? 

Probably not.

Regardless of the current technology, humans will always find ways to not be present. We are so often lost in our own thoughts about the future or past, and rarely are we fully aware and present. So I can blame technology if I want, but ultimately, as I realized, the choice to be present is mine and mine alone. 

If any of what you've read so far resonates with you, you might be wondering, "okay, so why should I care? What can a mindfulness practice offer me?" 

While it won't make all your troubles away - it will help change how you respond to daily life and ultimately live in a way that reduces anxiety and worry. 

In simple terms, here are 5 basic principles of mindfulness that, when understood and put into practice, can take you a long way: 

• Recognize that you are not your thoughts. 
• Observe your thoughts, but do not judge them. Don't try and suppress them or get rid of them. Just notice your thoughts and allow them to float by without engaging with them. 
• Practice becoming immersed in the environment around you. Take off your headphones. Turn off your smartphone. Look at the world around you. 
• Take note of patterns of thoughts that occur often and label them so that when they come up again, you can say, "Oh, there's that thought pattern again..." Acknowledge it, and move on. 
• Return to your breath - be in your body, and take in the world as it presently is around you.

What's even more important than all of these tips is actually making time for them! We often get wrapped up in the runaway train of our thoughts because we think we don't have enough time. Don't get on that train. Pause. Breathe. Take time for yourself, even if it's just a minute, and see what happens. 

Written by Rajmani Sinclair, 05/17/2016

As Gandhi so eloquently put it: Be the change you want to see in the world. 

Balbir Singh Seechewal, fondly known as Eco Baba, is a living example of Gandhi's quote. In recent days, Eco Baba has been getting a significant amount of press for the work he started in 2000 to clean up a 160 kilometer stretch of the Kali Bein river in the Punjab region of India. 

When speaking about his project, Seechewal quoted a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) saying: "The wind is our Guru, the water our Father, the earth our Mother."  This verse calls upon people to treat the earth, wind, and water with respect, but since the Green Revolution four decades ago, increased agricultural production has lead to more pollution of the earth, water and air. Several villages and towns dumped their waste into the river, and this led to parts of the river drying up, which had significant repercussions for neighboring farmland. Runoff from the waste in the river also seeped into the groundwater, causing many people to contract lethal diseases. The health of local communities started to reflect the poor health of nature as a  result of their polluting practices. 

Seechewal saw this and decided that he wanted to break the cycle of pollution and destruction. Drawing upon the Sikh tradition of kar sewa, or selfless service, he inspired many locals to get involved in helping clean up the river. In an attempt to get the local and municipal governments to support his efforts, Seechewal started a public awareness campaign in the region and together, with the help of several people giving hours of selfless service, they cleaned 99 miles of riverbed, built new river banks, and revived traditional methods of waste disposal and treatment. Since cleaning up the main part of the river, Seechewal has set his sights on cleaning up rivers and creeks across the Punjab in a more systematic way. 

Seechewal's efforts show how the efforts of one person can have a ripple effect - inspiring and benefitting the community in a very meaningful way. 

Written by: Rajmani Sinclair, April 13, 2016