Issue Nº 503

Tuesday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• How to eat seafood responsibly

• The dogs that replanted a hiking trail

• Elevating your brand

• A recipe for black bean energy balls

Did You Know?

In the US, there were over __ jobs in climate in 2022.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How to Enjoy Seafood Without Harming Our Oceans

Overfishing is incredibly detrimental to marine life. It’s spurring the severe decline of species like Bluefin tuna and Atlantic cod, while other animals like dolphins and sea turtles are all too often caught in the deadly crossfire. 

But caring for our oceans doesn’t mean you have to give up seafood altogether. By choosing sustainable products, you can help move the needle towards a world where our oceans are fished in a way that minimizes the harm to its inhabitants. Here’s how:

1. Know What Questions to Ask 

If you’re out to eat or picking up something for dinner, ask your waiter or fishmonger whether your fish was pole or line-caught. If so, you can rest assured that it’s more sustainable - the alternative is that it was caught by trawling, which means other species were likely picked up and hurt in the process. It’s also a good sign if the fish was caught in the US, which has strict rules that force fisheries to act if population numbers are dropping.

2. Research Your Options

Look for alternatives to your favorite fish that aren’t under threat. Check out Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, which allows you to search and filter through practically every fish species to see what’s a sustainable choice, and what you should avoid.

3. Think Twice About Labels

Labels like ‘farm-raised’ or ‘wild-caught’ might sound good, but are actually meaningless when it comes to a fish’s environmental impact, so don’t let them lull you into a false sense of sustainability. Do your due diligence so you can make better and more informed choices that actually protect our oceans.

The Frolicking Pups Replanting a Nature Reserve

After decades of use, a well-trodden hiking spot in England was looking worse for wear, and native flowers and grasses had disappeared. So the nature reserve turned to an unusual group of volunteers to disperse the seeds that would revitalize the landscape: dogs with backpacks.

The seeds scattered from holes in the backpacks as the dogs roamed free - a quick, effective, and very cute way of helping restore the reserve. The idea was inspired by a case in Chile where dogs were used to scatter seeds in areas where wildfires had ravaged the natural landscape. Plus, it meant the dogs were reenacting the role of their wolf ancestors, who would carry seeds on their fur and spread them throughout Britain’s forests.

Black Bean and Chocolate Orange Energy Balls

These healthy, plant-powered energy balls will get you raring to go! Beans are incredibly nutrient rich and full of protein, so make these for an after-gym snack or midday pick-me-up to put the spring back in your step.

Ingredients:

• 1 tin of black beans, drained and rinsed

• ⅓ cup of rolled oats

• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder

• 2 tablespoons of almond butter (or any nut butter you like)

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup 

• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips (optional)

• Desiccated coconut/cocoa (optional)

Method:

• Blend the black beans, oats, cocoa powder, nut butter, orange juice and zest, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a food processor until the mixture is smooth.

• If using, fold the chocolate chips into the mixture.

• Keep the mixture in your fridge for anywhere between a few hours and overnight.

• With your hands, roll the mixture into small energy balls. If using, coat them in the desiccated coconut or cocoa.

Reflections:

• 🌎 Did You Know: In the US, there were over 4.2 million climate jobs in 2022.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured in next Wednesday's newsletter!