Category: Guest Post

  • Bros need bros

    Bros need bros

    Bros need bros

    In-person relationships affect men’s mental and physical health

    When you were younger, you likely had more friends than you knew what to do with. Through school, sports, and clubs, you connected with people who shared your interests. It was easy—just show up.

    As life became more complex with careers, partners, kids, and more, you probably found yourself with just one or two close friends and rarely see them in person. Does it matter? Your mental and physical health may depend on those friendships.

    Benefits with friends

    Social connection serves as a buffer against stress, depression, and other mental health issues, correlating with a greater likelihood of seeking help.

    Thirty years ago, 55 percent of men had at least six close friends, but today, only about 27 percent report having that many, with 15 percent having no close friendships.

    When men do have friends, how do they “hang”?

    The American Journal of Men’s Health identifies three distinct patterns:

    1. Relationships with men are often “instrumental,” centered on shared activities, while those with women involve more personal sharing.
    2. Men typically find it challenging to confide in other men, often attributing emotional expression to femininity, which is often seen as undesirable in male groups.
    3. Many men take pride in being “independent” and reject the need for social support, preferring to handle difficulties alone.

    Social connection and health

    Strong social connections can insulate against loneliness, anxiety, and depression. They can also help maintain a healthy BMI, improve blood sugar control, and enhance cancer-fighting odds.

    Tim Geromini, nutrition and strength coach, states, “If you spend time with people who are physically active, you’re more likely to be fit. Social connectedness with the right people will positively impact your mental wellness and physical health.”

    Partner power

    If this resonates with someone you know, consider your role in empowering your partner. The “independent guy” might not ask for help even when he needs it.

    With connection benefiting health, consider this your green light. Here are a few tips from Geromini:

    Offer gentle encouragement

    Approach the topic with empathy and encourage open conversations about their social concerns.

    Lead by example

    Demonstrate the positive impact of social connections by actively engaging in your own social life, inspiring your partner to follow suit.

    Identify shared interests

    Participate in social activities together, like local classes or events you both enjoy.

    Support networking

    Accompany your partner to social or networking events, offering emotional support and encouragement.

    Act as a resource

    Help find resources and communities relevant to your partner’s interests, such as local groups and online communities.

    Encourage gradual exposure

    Promote small steps in building connections through casual gatherings or small group outings.

    Express unconditional support

    Maintain a nonjudgmental approach and assure your partner of your support.

    By Brendan Rofe, BA, DipA

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Understanding sustainability

    Understanding sustainability

    Understanding sustainability

    Going beyond the buzzword

    The planet is heating up, putting life and ecosystems at increasing risk. Social and economic inequalities, between and within countries, remain stubbornly high. We’ve all heard the buzzword “sustainability” given as a solution to these problems: if we can shift our systems to become more sustainable, we can cut down on carbon emissions and resource use while making societies fairer for all.

    However, what does sustainability actually <mean>, and what progress are we making towards it?

    Unpacking sustainability

    In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition is still relevant today. Indigenous communities have long held the belief that we should care for our world in a way that ensures the well-being of future generations.

    Core components of sustainability

    The concept of sustainability has three core components:

    • environmental sustainability
    • economic sustainability
    • social sustainability

    Environmental sustainability

    Environmental sustainability focuses on protecting and preserving natural resources (like clean air, water, forests, and biodiversity) for future generations. Shifting toward renewable energy and reducing waste are key aspects.

    The environment and the economy

    Economic sustainability means supporting growth while ensuring resources are used efficiently and responsibly. Our largely linear economies follow a “take-make-use-dispose” formula. While we’ve shifted toward recycling, efforts are often insufficient: a 2019 study found only 9 percent of plastic waste in Canada is recycled. To be truly sustainable, we need a circular economy, where products and resources remain in circulation. Just 7.2 percent of the global economy is currently circular.

    Social sustainability

    The social dimension of sustainability is critical, relating to creating a world where everyone can meet their needs and access a good quality of life. This includes ensuring equity in transitions to more sustainable practices.

    Environmental justice

    Environmental justice highlights how vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of climate change and pollution. The Government of Canada is working on a strategy to promote environmental justice.

    Working toward a more sustainable world

    While individual action is important, governments and corporations also have a lot of power.

    Government commitments and action

    In 2015, Canada committed to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, covering environmental, economic, and social sustainability. While progress is being made, much work remains, particularly regarding persistent inequalities and increasing emissions from oil and gas projects.

    Corporate influence and power

    According to a recent study, 80 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions from 2016-2022 came from just 57 corporate and state producing companies. Corporations hold significant influence and often lobby against environmentally and socially beneficial practices.

    Individual agency

    Systemic change is needed, but individuals also have power. Be critical of corporate sustainability claims, as “greenwashing” is common.

    We should all try to make our lives sustainable, but don’t lose sight of the changes needed from governments and corporations. Using your voice to protest and vote are crucial ways to hold power to account.

    By Isabela Bonnevera

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Vegan Crispy Bars

    Vegan Crispy Bars

    Vegan Crispy Bars

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup smooth peanut butter unsalted
    • ⅔ cup brown rice syrup
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 5 cups rice cereal
    • 1 ½ cups vegan bittersweet chocolate chips
    • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
    • 3 tablespoons shredded coconut

    Method
     

    1. In a 6-quart pot, melt together peanut butter, syrups, and vanilla on medium low heat. Stir in cereal.
    2. Spread mixture in a parchment-lined 9" by 9" pan and press down flat.
    3. Melt chocolate with oil and spread over bars. Sprinkle with coconut and chill until set, about 1 hour. Enjoy!
  • Summer Zucchini Chips

    Summer Zucchini Chips

    Summer Zucchini Chips

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 medium zucchinis cut into ¼-inch slices
    • 1 ½ cup gluten free panko breadcrumbs
    • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
    • ¼ cup salt-free everything bagel seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 large eggs whisked

    Method
     

    1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. On a baking tray or shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and everything seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
    2. In batches, coat each zucchini slice with the egg mixture. Transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to make a nice crust on each side.
    3. Air fry zucchini slices in batches. Place slices directly in fryer basket, leaving room for the air to circulate -do not crowd the basket. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Promptly remove zucchini chips from fryer basket and place on a cooling rack. Sprinkle with salt while hot. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices.
    4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Can’t find everything bagel seasoning? Substitute with ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon poppyseeds, and 2 teaspoons sesame seeds.
  • An elegant afternoon

    An elegant afternoon

    An elegant afternoon

    Celebrate Mom with recipes designed to nourish and delight

    Whether you call her Mom, Mother, Momma, or Mum, an afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate that special person in your life. It can not only be a fun and elegant occasion, but it can also offer a wonderfully relaxed celebration.

    With afternoon tea, there’s plenty of opportunity to visit and spend time together and enjoy delicious food; these recipes will help you prepare an afternoon tea to nourish body and soul and to celebrate Mom in style.

    Herby Chickpea Smash Tea Sandwiches

    Finger sandwiches are a classic component of afternoon tea, and these ones bring plenty of herby flavor to the party. Chickpeas are lightly smashed and dressed in fresh, bright flavors of cilantro, mint, tangy yogurt, earthy turmeric, and spicy paprika, before being sandwiched with pumpkin seeds and sunflower sprouts. Don’t be fooled by their small size—these sandwiches pack a hearty boost of fiber and protein and a whopping amount of iron too.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 16
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 14-ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
    • 1 tablespoon capers
    • ¼ cup green onions
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro
    • ¼ cup fresh mint
    • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon tahini
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
    • ¼ teaspoon spicy smoked paprika
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt optional
    • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds divided
    • 1 cup sunflower sprouts divided
    • 8 slices spelt bread or other hearty ancient grain bread

    Method
     

    1. With potato masher, in medium-sized bowl, mash chickpeas. Finely chop capers and add to bowl along with green onions, cilantro, and mint.
    2. In separate bowl, combine yogurt, Dijon mustard, tahini, turmeric, and paprika to make dressing. Pour over chickpea mixture and stir well. Taste for seasoning and add salt, if required.
    3. To assemble sandwiches, lay out 2 pieces of bread and cover each with a thin layer of chickpea mixture. Sprinkle about 1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds on 1 slice of bread and top with about 1/4 cup sunflower sprouts. Sandwich the 2 pieces of bread together, pressing down lightly. Repeat with remaining bread to make 4 sandwiches. Cut each lengthwise into 1 inch tea sandwiches.
    4. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 102 calories; 4 g protein; 6 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 15 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 3 g fiber); 211 mg sodium

    Orange Tarragon Chicken in Belgian Endives

    Orange and tarragon make wonderful friends as they flavor this take on a chicken salad sandwich. Slightly bitter endives offer a great complement to the licorice flavor of tarragon and are robust enough to hold the mixture while adding a satisfying crunch. Each filled leaf contains about 20 g of protein and 40 percent of the recommended daily value of iron.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 20
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
    • 2 strips orange zest made using vegetable peeler
    • 1 teaspoon peppercorns
    • 1 small carrot cut in a few pieces
    • ½ onion skin removed, root intact
    • 2 thyme sprigs
    • 4 tarragon sprigs leaves removed and reserved for use below
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons orange juice
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
    • 1 tablespoon chives
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 20 Belgian endive leaves washed and dried (from about 2 or 3 endives)
    • ¼ cup slivered almonds

    Method
     

    1. In shallow saucepan wide enough to accommodate all ingredients in a single layer, place chicken, orange zest, peppercorns, carrot, onion, thyme and tarragon sprigs, and bay leaf. Pour in cold water to cover chicken by about 1 inch. Place pan on stove and heat on high. The moment water begins to simmer, reduce heat, and keep at a gentle simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not allow water to boil. After time has elapsed, turn off heat, and remove chicken to plate and allow to cool thoroughly. Place in container with lid and refrigerate once cool.
    2. In small jar or bowl, combine mustard, vinegar, orange juice, olive oil, tarragon leaves, chives, orange zest, salt, and pepper.
    3. Using 2 forks or stand mixer with paddle attachment on low setting, shred chicken.
    4. Pour dressing over chicken and stir well. Fill endive leaves with small amount of mixture, sprinkle with slivered almonds, and serve.
    5. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 221 calories; 22 g protein; 9 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 17 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 6 g fiber); 109 mg sodium

    Mini Lemon Yogurt Cheesecakes

    Despite their small size, these dainty cheesecakes are bursting with bright lemon flavor. Substituting yogurt for often-used sour cream adds to the tangy taste, adds some protein, and helps cut down the fat content a bit, while the pistachios in the crust add a delicious flavor not usually found in a straight graham cracker crust. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for several hours and top with blueberries just before serving.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 12
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons graham crumbs
    • 2 tablespoons ground pistachios
    • 1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar
    • 1 tablespoon melted butter
    • 3 ½ ounces natural soft cream cheese
    • ¼ cup yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus about 1 teaspoon more for garnish
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ cup fresh blueberries for garnish

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line mini-muffin tin with parchment liners.
    2. In small bowl, combine graham crumbs, ground pistachios, sugar, and butter. Stir well with fork until mixture is evenly moistened. Add heaping 1 tsp to each cup of lined mini-muffin tin and press down with clean finger or back of spoon. Bake in oven for 5 minutes.
    3. Fill electric kettle and set it to boil. Set aside.
    4. In bowl of stand mixer, beat together cream cheese, yogurt, honey, lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl as necessary to ensure mixture is evenly combined. Place muffin tin on larger rimmed baking tray. Transfer mixture from mixer to a jug with spout and pour into individual muffin cups, filling them to just under the rim. Move baking tray to top rack of oven, pulling it out halfway so you can add a bit of boiled water to the baking tray. Bake cheesecakes for 20 minutes until surfaces jiggle slightly. Remove tray carefully from oven, then remove muffin tin from water bath and allow to cool thoroughly. Chill in refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours.
    5. To serve, carefully remove cheesecakes from their parchment shells and top with fresh blueberries and additional lemon zest.
    6. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 177 calories; 1 g protein; 11 g total fat (6 g sat. fat); 18 g total carbohydrates (14 g sugars, 1 g fiber); 120 mg sodium

    By Helena McMurdo

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Rest and repeat

    Rest and repeat

    Rest and repeat

    Harness the power of yoga during pregnancy and postpartum

    In today’s fast-paced society, many of us emphasize the value of “doing” and diminish the significance of downtime—a mindset that often extends into pregnancy.

    Expectant moms are frequently burdened by anxiety about managing responsibilities, whether it be maintaining workout routines throughout trimesters or focusing on household tasks during postpartum recovery. In reality, we’re not supposed to do it all (or do it the same).

    Here’s how to reclaim rest and tap into the benefits of yoga during this transformative period of motherhood.

    The pressure to be productive

    With the pace of modern life pulling our attention in various directions, we often end up in a continual state of reactivity. The pressure to be productive can impact everything from sleep quality to hormone regulation, both vital during pregnancy and postpartum to create a nurturing environment for ourselves and our little ones. Failing to allow ourselves time to heal and discover what it means to mother can lead to struggle.

    The power of rest

    How can we embrace downtime? What does it mean to truly rest? Rest isn’t necessarily about sleep quality but our capacity to simply stop and be. It’s our ability to downregulate the nervous system or take moments of conscious rest throughout the day.

    Whether pregnant or caring for a newborn, carving out time for rest allows us to surrender to our circumstances. How we think and relate to ourselves and others is rooted in our capacity to rest. Practicing conscious rest in pregnancy and postpartum can take many forms, such as reading a book, meditating while breastfeeding, or gentle stretching. It means letting go of the pressure to run outdoors or clean before the baby wakes.

    Author Kimberly Ann Johnson explores this in her book The Fourth Trimester: “Exercise is a healthy stress reliever, but sometimes it is the only way that women know how to regulate their stress levels. [Pregnancy] is a great time to strengthen internal practices like meditation.”

    Yoga as a form of rest and recovery

    Embracing rest throughout each perinatal stage doesn’t mean giving up movement. Yoga connects our bodies and minds during this transitory time. While standard yoga centers on stretching, prenatal yoga emphasizes structural alignment and stability-focused work—from strengthening the pelvic floor to releasing lower back tension. It also includes breathwork and visualization techniques.

    Research indicates prenatal yoga can reduce labor pain, lower the likelihood of intervention during childbirth, and boost the birthing parent’s immune function. Additionally, studies suggest yoga enhances psychological well-being during pregnancy and postpartum by mitigating stress and improving sleep quality.

    Reframing the concept of self-care

    Whether pregnant or caring for a newborn, committing to a standard yoga practice each week may be unrealistic. Instead, reframing self-care and not fixating on a previous workout routine is crucial. Smaller but more regular practices of self-care can be as beneficial as an hour at the gym. There’s no going back after having a child; you’re creating something new.

    By Brittany Devenyi

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Habits for healing

    Habits for healing

    Habits for healing

    Supplements and strategies to reach your health goals

    There are certain fundamental steps needed to reach any goals. Most of us know these things, but reminders are sometimes necessary to get back on track.

    These essential strategies—eating a healthy diet rich in colorful produce; exercising; getting plenty of sleep; drinking pure water; reducing harmful foods like fast food, fried food, and processed food; and eliminating habits that sabotage efforts, such as smoking and excessive drinking or eating—form the foundation for other health goals.

    Improve brain and mental health

    Nutrition and lifestyle choices play a large role in brain and mental health:

    • Following the Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and whole grains, plus fish, poultry, and eggs—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and depression.
    • Supplementing with saffron may help protect against memory loss.
    • Drinking green tea may help reduce harmful amyloid-B plaques in the brain, linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Exercising improves memory, so head out for a brisk walk on your lunch break or hit the gym after work.
    • Adding mushrooms to your diet at least twice a week may help reduce cognitive decline.
    • Supplementing with vitamin D3, if deficient, may significantly improve cognitive performance.

    Boost cardiovascular health

    The journey to cardiovascular health also involves healthy diet and lifestyle habits:

    • Engaging in regular activity—moderate to vigorous aerobic activities, with at least 150 minutes per week and muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
    • Following a Mediterranean diet is linked to a reduction in stroke risk.
    • Drinking two to three cups of green tea may prevent fat buildup in arteries.
    • Sleeping seven to nine hours nightly; insufficient sleep may increase heart disease
    • Managing stress through self-care, connecting with loved ones, practicing yoga or meditation, journaling, or engaging in
    • Eating a diet high in anthocyanins (berries, cherries, and purple cabbage) has been linked to a significant reduction in heart disease risk.
    • Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids—including wild salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts—may help reduce heart disease risk.

    Live a longer, healthier life

    To extend your life, what you don’t eat is as important as what you do:

    • Engaging in caloric restriction or fasting while maintaining optimal nutrition can effectively extend your life and ward off illness.
    • Maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing excessive abdominal fat through an active lifestyle improves
    • Eating at least three servings of nuts per week has been linked to a significant reduction in mortality risk.
    • Supplementing with curcumin has been linked to improved brain, heart, and lung health, and protection against age-related diseases.
    • Drinking green tea regularly has significant links to reduced risk of cognitive decline.
    • Finding purpose in life has been shown to lower inflammation, which can affect lifespan.

    By Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Scissor-Cut Tofu Pasta

    Scissor-Cut Tofu Pasta

    Scissor-Cut Tofu Pasta

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 ounces silken tofu
    • 2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ⅓-½ cup olive oil
    • 2 cups wild assorted mushrooms trimmed
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red chilis
    • 4 large garlic cloves thinly sliced
    • 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
    • ½ cup frozen or fresh sweet peas
    • ½ cup shaved aged sheep's cheese optional

    Method
     

    1. Drain liquid from the tofu. In a food processor or blender, process the silken tofu until smooth.
    2. Make the pasta dough: Combine flour, blended tofu, and salt in a medium size bowl. Stir until the mixture forms a dough. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, using small amounts of flour to prevent sticking. Cover with a damp towel and rest for 15-20 minutes.
    3. Fill a large pot of water with salt and set over medium-high heat to bring to a boil. 
    4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add mushrooms and crushed red chiles. Sauté for 3 minutes or until starting to brown. Add garlic and cook until lightly browned. Turn turn off heat. 
    5. Using scissors, cut small pieces of dough, approximately 1-inch by ¼” in size and drop into boiling water. Cook for 3 minutes or until pasta floats then add in peas and asparagus. Cook for an additional minute.
    6. Immediately strain and add pasta to the skillet. Toss pasta to coat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with an aged sheep cheese grated on top. Enjoy!
  • Spanish Style Fish Stew

    Spanish Style Fish Stew

    Spanish Style Fish Stew

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 plant-based chorizo sausages sliced
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small onion minced
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 3 cups vegetable broth or water
    • 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
    • 2 large yellow potatoes peeled and chopped
    • 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
    • 1 large red bell pepper chopped
    • 1 pound cod cut into 2" pieces
    • 1 small lemon
    • 2 tablespoons fresh minced dill
    • Crusty bread optional

    Method
     

    1. In a Dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium flame. Add chorizo sausage and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
    2. Add onion to pot and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for a few seconds then add broth, tomatoes, potatoes, salt, smoked paprika, and cumin seeds. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes then add in peppers. Cook until potatoes are barely tender.
    3. Add in chorizo and cod. Simmer on low until cod flakes easily with a fork, approximately 3-5 minutes.
    4. Stir in lemon juice and dill. Serve with crusty bread. Enjoy!
  • You can protect biodiversity

    You can protect biodiversity

    You can protect biodiversity

    Saving soil and ocean health now and for the future

    Land and sea may seem like opposites, but the two are intricately connected. What happens on land, especially with our soils, has an impact on the health of our oceans, and it’s imperative to the well-being of all living things that both are treated carefully.

    How soil health affects the health of our planet

    “Poor agricultural practices can cause soil erosion and soil pollution,” says James Campbell, a research associate with the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions at Heriot-Watt University.

    About 33 percent of the Earth’s soil is degraded, largely due to agriculture, and more than 90 percent faces the same fate by 2050, according to the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization. But more than just the future of food production is thrown into jeopardy by this fact. So, too, is the planet’s ability to sustain any kind of life at all.

    Soil stores carbon, helping to regulate the planet’s temperature. When it’s degraded, all that stored carbon gets released back into the atmosphere, making it one of the biggest contributors to climate change.

    The connection between soil health and our oceans

    Land and soil degradation also affects our oceans. After all, carbon dioxide (CO2) being released through activities such as tilling or clear-cutting forests to make way for food production has to go somewhere. It goes into the Earth’s other carbon sink: oceans. And when CO2 dissolves in seawater, it becomes carbonic acid, raising the acidity of the ocean.

    Ocean acidification is devastating for underwater ecosystems. Also known as “osteoporosis of the sea,” it decreases carbonate in seawater, which is used by shellfish, coral, and crustaceans to build their shells, reefs, and skeletons.

    Individual actions can affect the future

    A 2020 UN report on biodiversity and ecosystem services estimated that a quarter of all terrestrial, freshwater, and marine vertebrates and invertebrates and plants are threatened with extinction, and many of those have only decades left before they’re gone forever.

    It’s a bleak prognosis, but if we want to change course, we can start by thinking more critically about the impact of our individual actions.

    Buy local

    Shorter transportation distances generally mean less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere.

    Avoid using chemicals at home

    This includes fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides on lawns or in gardens, which are harmful to humans, insects, birds, fish, and pets.

    Swap the lawn for native plant species

    To decrease the amount of mowing, watering, and even fertilizing required to keep your lawn lush, start switching out grass for vegetation that grows naturally where you are.

    Keep Fluffy indoors

    Cats are stealthy hunters, posing a threat to birds, small animals, and reptiles that call your yard or neighborhood home. If Fluffy is desperate to get out, dress him up in a collar with a bell to alert prey to his presence.

    By Tiffany Mayer

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine