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🌳 Is the future electric?
Tuesday, 11/19: Sponsored by Babbel - electric cars, coral, beeswax
Issue NÂş 503
Tuesday
“A vibrant, fair, and regenerative future is possible — not when thousands of people do climate justice activism perfectly but when millions of people do the best they can.”
Xiye Bastida
In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:
An electric car FAQ
Heat-resistant coral
How to make beeswax wraps
Did You Know?
Renewable energy provided over __% of the world's electricity supply in 2023.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
Thinking About Buying an Electric Car? Here’s What You Need to Know
If it’s time for a new car, you might be considering going electric - after all, EVs can be completely fossil-fuel-free, and don’t release pollutants like traditional cars. But like with any significant purchase, there’s some key info you’ll need before jumping in. So, we’ve put together an EV FAQ:
1. What Models Are Available?
From sleek and sporty vehicles to huge SUVs, electric cars now come in all shapes and sizes. By the end of 2024, there will be 70 models available, so you’re sure to find the perfect planet-friendly car for your needs.
2. How Much Will It Cost?
EVs typically cost between $40-55k, though luxury models can go for much more! While on average they do cost more than a gas car, they have lower maintenance costs, and the price of charging them with electricity is cheaper than filling up a gas tank.
3. Where Can You Charge Your EV?
The best option is to charge your electric car overnight at home - you’ll need to buy a 240-volt EV charger, most of which are weatherproof, so it won’t matter if you don’t have a garage. If you don’t have on-street parking, charging your car at home will be an issue. You’ll want to instead look for public charging points or ask your workplace to install one.
Some Coral Reefs Are Resilient to Climate Change
Across Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, scientists have discovered that some corals are heat tolerant - good news given that the ocean’s temperatures are rising.
Corals have symbiotic relationships with tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which give the corals nutrients and their bright color in exchange for shelter. When the water gets too hot, corals expel the zooxanthellae and become bleached, losing their color. The Great Barrier Reef has undergone five mass bleachings since 2016.
But scientists have now found that some corals don’t eject the algae until higher temperatures than expected. If we can selectively breed the ones that are heat tolerant, we stand a greater chance of protecting coral populations, buying them time while we work to stop climate change.
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Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring The Canopy.
How to Make Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps for your leftovers can keep your food fresh without the waste of single-use plastic. Here’s how to make these nifty wraps at home:
Equipment:
100% cotton material
Sustainably sourced beeswax (pure or cosmetic grade)
Grater
Baking paper
Iron
Scissors
Method:
Cut the cotton into your desired shape and place it on the baking paper, on top of a heat-resistant surface.
Grate or sprinkle your beeswax over the cotton. Cover with another piece of baking paper.
Gently iron on low heat, filling in any gaps with more beeswax.
Leave to cool, then peel off the baking paper.
Your wraps are now ready to go! To clean between uses, wash with a mild dish soap, and hang to dry.
Reflections:
🌎 Did You Know: Renewable energy provided over 30% of the world's electricity supply in 2023.
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