Apart from finding life, a new ecology study on New York City’s East River also reveals the city’s dining habits. Researchers looked at what’s living in the water over a year and analyzed the DNA from what they found, in living organisms and in remains from human feces. The samples included DNA from chicken, pork and rats.

The researchers took liter water samples every time and revealed in unexpected detail a snapshot of life in and around the city, from weekly and seasonal shifts in fish species and abundance to urban wildlife activity, the pets they keep and what New Yorkers eat. 

The findings suggest that urban waterways anywhere could become continuous biosensors, tracking biodiversity, habitat restoration outcomes, and human impacts in real time.  

Among the most novel results of the weekly East River sampling were genetic indicators of human food consumption, of rat and other terrestrial wildlife populations, and the discovery of newly abundant fish species, thought to reflect the success of habitat restoration efforts. 

“The water that flows under the Brooklyn Bridge and alongside the United Nations Headquarters is teeming with life and information valuable for improving nature where most people live,” said lead author Mark Y. Stoeckle, M.D., of The Rockefeller University’s Program for the Human Environment. 

“We can now assay life in and around rivers by applying modern genomic techniques to a small sample of water,” said Dr. Stoeckle. “This approach promises to make environmental monitoring as simple and routine as a blood test.”

“Environmental DNA doesn’t just tell us what lives in the water, it reveals insights into the entire ecosystem surrounding it, including the city itself.”

The most unexpected findings, Dr. Stoeckle said, included the detection of food animals’ DNA in proportions closely aligned with human diet patterns – genetic traces of chicken, beef, pork, turkey, lamb, goat, and commonly consumed fish such as salmon and European sea bass.

Instead of obscuring ecological data, these readings provide a unique window into eating patterns and public health trends, said Dr Stoeckle.

From sampling fish to reading the city

About eDNA: Fish and wildlife leave environmental DNA traces in water by shedding skin cells, waste, or other biological traces. Thanks to advances in sequencing technology, researchers can now use these waterborne DNA traces to identify species and estimate their relative abundance, among other insights.

Sampling was simple: weekly 1-liter shoreline water grabs from May 2024 to May 2025 put through something akin to a small coffee filter. From the sediment on a piece of the filter the size of a small tortilla chip, using 12S metabarcoding primers, the researchers produced a continuous, high-resolution picture of seasonal fish abundance.

Urban waterfronts are classically tough places to study for ecological and social reasons, but eDNA makes them safely accessible,” Ausubel added. “With the right coordination, this approach could become the backbone of urban coastal monitoring across the country.

Key patterns:

• Seasonal cycles were clear, with species arriving and departing in predictable waves
• Results aligned with traditional trawl surveys, confirming the method’s reliability
• By monitoring eDNA-dominant species, researchers can identify habitats and flag shifts quickly

“We can turn raw DNA reads into reliable abundance estimates,” Dr. Stoeckle noted. “That brings eDNA out of the experimental phase and into everyday scientific use.”

The East River’s most reliably detected species included skilletfish, tautog, and feather blenny.

Indeed, the study found skilletfish and feather blenny surprisingly abundant compared with earlier monitoring efforts, thought to reflect recent remediation initiatives such as oyster reef restoration. 

In all, the eDNA of 71 local marine fish species was detected and changes in their abundance was tracked over time. Fish DNA levels rose roughly tenfold during summer months, consistent with known ecological patterns, demonstrating that eDNA can reliably and accurately reflect biological dynamics.

Many dominant species were reef- or structure-associated fish aligned with the rocky habitat of the East River, reinforcing confidence in the reliability of eDNA signals.

Frequent eDNA sampling could detect ecological change earlier than traditional monitoring programs, offering a near-real-time view of ecosystem response.

Alongside marine species, the study detected DNA from more than 60 terrestrial animals, including rats, raccoons, squirrels, and common city birds. Levels of wildlife DNA tracked closely with human DNA signals, suggesting combined sewer overflows were transporting biological information into the river.

Using eDNA, municipal authorities could potentially assess, for example, whether rat populations are increasing or decreasing, that is, whether rat control programs are working, Dr. Stoeckle said.

Towards continuous urban environmental monitoring

“After a heavy rain, the DNA of almost everything that makes the city tick — and squawk and squeak — ends up in the East River,” said co-author Jesse Ausubel, Director of The Rockefeller University’s Programme for the Human Environment.

“Genetically speaking, a rainstorm turns the river into something akin to Times Square on New Year’s Eve: crowded, noisy, and full of signals.”

“Environmental DNA could form the basis of future monitoring, allowing cities to track ecosystem health continuously without traditional surveys that are often limited by cost, logistics, or safety.”

“Urban waterways worldwide could become distributed observatories of ecological change, reporting almost real-time what lives in and near them, not only fish but bats, beavers, and foxes.”

“Urban biodiversity monitoring could expand dramatically and inexpensively using minimal equipment at relatively low cost,” added Dr. Stoeckle. “This ability to integrate environmental and human signals positions eDNA as a powerful tool for understanding the Anthropocene – the era defined by human influence on Earth’s systems.”

Compared with trawl surveys, eDNA detected more species and captured short-lived seasonal pulses that nets simply cannot. Traditional gear remains essential for age structure, reproduction, contaminants, and health, but eDNA reduces “false absences” and fills important gaps.

A full year of weekly sampling cost about US$ 15,000 and a fraction of a staff member’s time – far below the cost of large survey vessels. The method is equally suited to surf zones, shallow estuaries, and other places where nets cannot go. A person, or even a drone, with a bucket on a rope can collect the water sample.

“Urban waterfronts are classically tough places to study for ecological and social reasons, but eDNA makes them safely accessible,” Ausubel added. “With the right coordination, this approach could become the backbone of urban coastal monitoring across the country.”

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Reliable light matters in more places than ever. It matters on a back road after sunset, in a cabin with limited power, and at home during a storm outage. Research across sustainability guidance, preparedness resources, and off-grid living coverage points to one clear takeaway: people want lighting that works well, lasts longer, and creates less waste.

That shift helps explain why eco-friendly flashlights are getting more attention. They support two goals at once. They provide travelers and households with a reliable source of light and reduce the need for piles of disposable batteries. For people trying to live a little lighter or prepare a little better, that is a practical combination.

Why Off-Grid Travel Is Pushing Better Lighting Choices

Off-grid travel tends to expose weak gear fast. A flashlight that drains quickly, feels bulky, or depends on a constant stream of fresh batteries becomes a hassle. In that setting, simple design matters. So does efficiency.

That is why flashlights remain one of the most useful items in a travel kit. A good flashlight handles short tasks, longer nights, and unexpected situations without taking up much room. Green Prophet’s coverage of greener off-grid living has highlighted rechargeable lighting as part of a more thoughtful setup, especially for people who want dependable gear with a lighter footprint.

The eco-friendly case starts with power. Rechargeable flashlights cut down on battery waste and reduce the cycle of buying, storing, and tossing single-use cells. That makes travel easier in a practical sense, but it also supports a more responsible approach to gear. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that better battery management helps reduce waste, recover materials, and prevent pollution. For people who spend time outdoors, that is not a minor point. It connects a small buying choice to a larger environmental habit.

Efficiency also helps in the field. LED-based lighting uses far less energy than older lighting technology and tends to last much longer. With a flashlight, that can mean fewer charges, less strain on backup power, and more confidence when an outlet is nowhere in sight. A traveler using a small power bank, solar charger, or compact generator benefits from every bit of saved energy.

There is also a comfort factor that often gets overlooked. Off-grid travel already asks people to think about water, power, weather, and storage. Lighting should reduce stress, not add to it. A dependable flashlight that charges easily and performs consistently can make a campsite, cabin, or vehicle setup feel more manageable.

Why Home Preparedness and Sustainability Work Well Together

Preparedness has become less of a niche concern and more of a basic household habit. People do not need to live far from the grid to understand the value of backup light. Storms, outages, and other disruptions can happen almost anywhere, and they rarely arrive at a convenient time.

That is one reason flashlights still show up on official emergency supply lists. Ready.gov includes flashlights in its kit guidance, and Green Prophet’s own preparedness coverage points readers toward keeping one, or more than one, available. A dedicated flashlight is easier to rely on than a phone light during a longer outage. It keeps a phone battery free for calls, messages, alerts, and maps. It is also usually easier to aim, store, and hand to someone else in the house.

Eco-friendly models bring extra value here. A rechargeable flashlight is easier to keep in regular use, making it more likely to be ready when needed. It can live in a kitchen drawer, near the bed, in a closet, or in a car and be topped off as part of a simple routine. That is very different from the old pattern of finding a flashlight during an outage, only to discover the batteries are dead or missing.

There is a clutter benefit too. Households that rely on disposable batteries often end up managing extras, checking expiration dates, and throwing away old cells. Rechargeable options simplify that process. Fewer loose batteries, less waste, and a more predictable system all make preparedness easier to maintain.

This is where sustainability becomes practical, not abstract. Reducing battery waste is a meaningful goal, but it also makes daily life simpler. An item that supports both readiness and lower waste tends to earn a permanent spot in the home.

What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Flashlight

Not every flashlight marketed as eco-friendly will be the right fit. The best choice depends on how it will actually be used. For off-grid travel, portability matters. For home preparedness, ease of access and ease of charging may matter more. In either case, a few features stand out.

Rechargeable power is the obvious one. It cuts battery waste and makes the flashlight easier to maintain over time. LED performance is another strong sign of efficiency. Durability matters too. A product that lasts longer is usually the better environmental choice than one that needs early replacement.

Battery life should also match real use, not just marketing language. Some people need a flashlight for quick household checks. Others need one for longer periods outdoors or during outages. Brightness matters, but so does control. A flashlight that offers practical light levels without draining too fast tends to be more useful than one built only around maximum output.

The larger trend is simple. People want gear that fits everyday life, supports preparedness, and does not create unnecessary waste. Eco-friendly flashlights fit that need well. They are small enough to keep close, useful enough to rely on, and efficient enough to support a lower-waste routine.

A Smarter Light for Uncertain Moments

A flashlight may seem like a small purchase, but it does a lot of work when conditions are less than ideal. It helps on dark trails, in quiet camp setups, during power failures, and in the everyday moments when dependable light matters most.

That is what makes eco-friendly flashlights stand out. They offer the steady usefulness people expect, while reducing battery waste and supporting a more efficient way to prepare. For anyone building a better home kit or packing for time off-grid, flashlights remain one of the simplest upgrades with the most lasting value.

The post Eco-Friendly Flashlights for Off-Grid Travel and Home Preparedness appeared first on Green Prophet.

Reading nutrition advice from 50, 40, and even 20 years ago feels like stepping into an alternate universe. It’s hard to believe how close-minded and definitive those tips were when we look at them in relation to today’s actual scientific studies. To say nutrition advice has changed dramatically over the past five decades would be an understatement. Personal trainer Peter Embiricos explains that understanding this evolution can help people make better choices today. “When you look at how guidance has shifted,” he says, “you start to see patterns, and you learn what actually stands the test of time.”

The 1970s: The Rise of Low-Fat Thinking

In the 1970s, dietary fat became the primary concern in mainstream nutrition advice. Health authorities and media messaging emphasized reducing fat intake to support heart health. Even today, you’ll still see older generations opt for low-fat products and Diet Coke, even though those foods have been proven to be highly processed and loaded with sugars, making them more unhealthy than full-fat products. This decade laid the groundwork for a long-standing belief that fat was the main dietary problem. While the intention was to reduce cardiovascular risk, the broader picture of overall diet quality was still developing.

One of the key misunderstandings was treating all fats the same. Natural fats found in whole foods were grouped together with heavily processed fats. This led to widespread avoidance of foods like eggs, nuts, and certain oils that can play a valuable role in a balanced diet. Embiricos notes that this era shows how focusing on a single nutrient can oversimplify nutrition. “When people fixate on one thing, they can miss how everything works together,” he explains.

The 1980s: Processed Low-Fat Foods Take Over

The 1980s built on the low-fat movement, with food companies introducing a wide range of reduced-fat products. Grocery shelves were filled with snacks and meals marketed as healthier options simply because they contain less fat. Many of these products compensated for flavor by adding sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. While calorie awareness increased, overall diet quality often declined due to the rise in ultra-processed foods.

Despite the popularity of low-fat foods, health outcomes did not improve in the way many expected. Rates of obesity and metabolic issues continued to climb. This raised questions about whether reducing fat alone was enough to support long-term health. Embiricos points out that this period highlights the importance of looking beyond labels. “A product can be marketed as healthy, but that does not mean it supports your goals,” he says.

The 1990s: Carbohydrates Come Into Focus

In the 1990s, attention began shifting toward carbohydrates. Diets that emphasized controlling carb intake gained traction, especially as people looked for new approaches to weight management. At the same time, fitness culture started becoming more mainstream. People began connecting nutrition more closely with performance, energy levels, and body composition.

As more research emerged on blood sugar and insulin, carbohydrates became a focal point in nutrition discussions. Some approaches encouraged limiting carbs significantly, while others promoted balanced intake.

This decade introduced the idea that different macronutrients affect the body in distinct ways. According to Peter Embiricos, this helped move conversations forward. “People started asking better questions about how food impacts performance and recovery,” he explains.

The 2000s: The Rise of Diet Trends and Personalization

The early 2000s saw an explosion of popular diet trends, from low-carb plans to high-protein approaches. Nutrition became more individualized, with people experimenting to find what worked for their bodies. Technology also began playing a role. Online resources, fitness communities, and tracking tools made it easier to access information and monitor progress.

While some individuals found success with structured plans, many struggled with consistency. Strict rules and short-term approaches made it difficult to maintain results over time.

Peter Embiricos emphasizes that sustainability became a key lesson during this period. “If a plan does not fit your lifestyle, it is hard to stick with it,” he says.

The 2010s: Whole Foods and Balanced Eating

By the 2010s, there was a noticeable shift toward whole foods and balanced nutrition. People began prioritizing minimally processed ingredients, nutrient density, and overall dietary patterns rather than focusing on a single nutrient. Concepts like meal prep, mindful eating, and long-term consistency gained traction. Fitness professionals increasingly emphasized education and habit-building over quick fixes.

There was a growing understanding that health is influenced by multiple factors, including food quality, portion control, and daily habits. Instead of chasing trends, many people started building routines that support energy, recovery, and performance. People began to focus more on how they feel and perform, which is a much more practical way to approach nutrition.

The 2020s: Data, Flexibility, and Long-Term Health

In recent years, nutrition advice has continued to evolve with advances in research and technology. Wearable devices, personalized plans, and a deeper understanding of metabolism have made it easier to tailor nutrition to individual needs. Flexibility has also become a central theme. Many people now aim for balance, allowing room for enjoyment while maintaining consistent habits that support health and fitness goals.

Where Is Nutrition Advice Headed Next?

Looking ahead, nutrition is likely to become even more personalized. As research expands, people will have access to more precise guidance based on their unique biology, lifestyle, and goals. 

Embiricos believes the core principles will remain steady. “Consistency, quality food, and awareness of your body will always matter,” he says. “The details may evolve, but those fundamentals stay relevant.”

About Peter Embiricos

Peter Embiricos is a San Diego-based personal fitness trainer who focuses on helping clients build strength, discipline, and sustainable healthy habits. His approach supports both physical performance and long-term well-being, helping individuals develop confidence, resilience, and balance in everyday life.

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Today, most large companies have established sustainability goals that they pursue both to mitigate their environmental impact and improve their public reputation. But if you want to see the full benefits, you’ll need to promote those goals – and your progress – effectively. This article will explain how to do it.

Why This Strategy Matters

Sustainability progress does not automatically translate into public awareness or brand value. Without thoughtful communication strategies, meaningful achievements can remain largely invisible to customers, partners, and stakeholders. That is why many companies increasingly view sustainability messaging as both a marketing and communications challenge. 

In some cases, organizations bring in experienced marketing leadership, such as a fractional CMO, to help develop a structured strategy for promoting sustainability initiatives while maintaining credibility and transparency. When sustainability efforts are communicated thoughtfully, they can strengthen brand reputation, deepen customer trust, and differentiate a company in competitive markets.

Start With Real Substance Before Promotion

Before promoting sustainability progress, companies must ensure their initiatives are genuine and measurable. Today’s audiences are increasingly skeptical of vague environmental claims, particularly as awareness of “greenwashing” has grown. Effective sustainability communication begins with real actions. These may include measurable reductions in energy use, responsible sourcing policies, improved recycling programs, or investments in renewable energy.

Documenting progress carefully is essential. Metrics, timelines, and clearly defined goals provide the foundation for credible communication. When organizations can demonstrate specific improvements rather than general intentions, their messaging carries far greater weight.

Align Sustainability With the Brand Narrative

Sustainability messaging is most powerful when it aligns naturally with a company’s broader brand identity. Rather than presenting sustainability as a separate initiative, successful organizations integrate it into their overall story. For example, a manufacturing company might emphasize improvements in energy efficiency and material sourcing. A logistics firm might highlight efforts to reduce transportation emissions. A technology company may focus on energy-efficient infrastructure or responsible product design. The key is ensuring that sustainability initiatives feel authentic to the organization’s core mission.

Use Marketing Channels Strategically

Promoting sustainability progress requires more than a single press release or website update. Effective communication uses a range of marketing channels to reinforce the message consistently. Company websites often serve as the central hub for sustainability information. Dedicated sustainability pages, annual reports, and progress dashboards allow stakeholders to explore the details behind the company’s efforts.

Social media can amplify these messages by sharing updates, milestones, and behind-the-scenes insights into sustainability projects. Video content, infographics, and visual storytelling often perform especially well in this context. Email newsletters and blog content provide additional opportunities to explain the company’s initiatives in greater depth. Using multiple channels helps ensure the message reaches diverse audiences.

Make Data Understandable and Engaging

Sustainability progress often involves complex data, like carbon reduction metrics, waste diversion rates, supply chain certifications, and more. While these numbers are important, they must be presented in ways that audiences can easily understand. Clear visuals, simple explanations, and real-world examples help translate technical achievements into meaningful stories. For example, instead of only reporting a reduction in emissions, a company might explain what that reduction represents in practical terms, such as the equivalent of removing a certain number of vehicles from the road. Making data relatable helps audiences grasp the significance of the progress being made.

Leverage Public Relations Opportunities

Public relations plays a powerful role in amplifying sustainability messaging. Media coverage, industry publications, and speaking opportunities can significantly expand the reach of a company’s story. Journalists and trade publications are often interested in sustainability initiatives that demonstrate genuine innovation or measurable impact. Sharing detailed information about new programs, partnerships, or environmental milestones can attract valuable attention. Participation in industry panels, sustainability conferences, and professional events can further reinforce the company’s commitment.

Be Transparent About Challenges

One of the most effective ways to build credibility in sustainability communication is acknowledging that progress is rarely perfect. Companies that openly discuss both achievements and challenges tend to earn greater trust from their audiences. For example, if certain sustainability goals are still in development or require additional investment, explaining those realities can demonstrate honesty and commitment. Transparency also signals that the organization is engaged in a long-term effort rather than a short-term marketing campaign.

Turning Progress Into Reputation

Sustainability initiatives can deliver real environmental benefits, but they can also strengthen brand reputation when communicated effectively. Organizations that share their progress thoughtfully often gain recognition as responsible and forward-thinking leaders. The key is ensuring that communication reflects genuine achievements rather than marketing slogans. When sustainability messaging is grounded in real data, integrated into the brand story, and shared consistently through multiple channels, it becomes a powerful part of a company’s public identity. By combining meaningful action with thoughtful marketing and PR strategies, companies can ensure that their sustainability progress receives the attention it deserves.

The post How to Effectively Promote Your Sustainability Progress appeared first on Green Prophet.

Few sights capture the spirit of Sydney quite like the illuminated sails of the Sydney Opera House and the sweeping arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over time, I’ve realised that enjoying these icons isn’t limited to sightseeing spots or waterfront walks — some of the most amazing views actually come from a dinner table.

There’s something special about sitting down to a great meal while the harbour glows around you. From elegant waterfront restaurants to unique dining experiences that bring you right onto the water itself, Sydney offers plenty of ways to pair incredible food with unforgettable scenery. If you’re looking for dinner venues in Sydney for a date with the city’s most famous landmarks, here are some of the spots that truly stood out to me.

Bennelong 

If you want a luxurious restaurant with a great view, Bennelong is the place to go. Nestled within the sails of the Sydney Opera House, you really can’t get any more up-close than this! The dishes you are served are just as dramatic as the architecture around you, and the menu captures the essence of contemporary Australian dining. 

While I could go on about the dishes they serve, it’s the views that we’re here for! When you’re seated within a World Heritage listed site, the views are arguably going to be one of the most impressive ones in the city. The extraordinary Opera House architecture, followed by sweeping views across Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge and all the way to the Royal Botanic Gardens, I believe that Bennelong offers Sydney’s most spectacular dining room.

Harbour Dinner Cruises 

Now that we’ve checked out dining inside an icon, let’s go out a little further – but not too far. Aboard one of these Sydney Harbour dinner cruises, you dine ‘on the water’, with the views of not just the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, Fort Denison et al – truly what I would call an ‘all-in-one’ experience . While you could choose an authentic paddlewheeler or a premium catamaran, if you don’t want to compromise on the ‘luxury’ element, then there’s the elegant glass-boat option as well – the perfect ‘luxury sightsee and dine’ experience. 

Of course, as expected of a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise, you enjoy a delicious dinner. While some cruises come with a buffet, most have multi-course meals with hot dishes of seafood, veggies and local produce. Some experiences even have live entertainment on board, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise. An evening on board a dinner cuisine really blends ambience and iconic harbour views with just one booking.

Cafe Sydney

Don’t get confused by the name, because this is no cafe. Perched atop Customs House, Cafe Sydney is exceptional among dinner venues in Sydney. It captures the very essence of the city with breathtaking views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sails of the Sydney Opera House from its rooftop vantage point. As the harbour stretches out and the skyline begins to glow, the view becomes just as memorable as the meal itself. 

Cafe Sydney’s dedicated team curates a dining experience that feels every bit as premium, sophisticated and elegant as its surroundings. With an impressive backdrop setting the scene, every meal here feels like something truly special. The menu is just as impressive—offering everything from à la carte selections to thoughtfully crafted plant-based dishes and a refined three-course set menu, all complemented by a tempting dessert selection. With so many enticing options to choose from, I felt completely spoiled for choice.

The Squire’s Landing

The flagship brewhouse of James Squire, this venue is ideal for all sorts of special occasions — from celebration dinners to casual catch-ups with family and friends. What makes it truly special is its wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows that face the waterfront. So, you can dig into a delicious meal while gazing out across picturesque Sydney Harbour toward the iconic Sydney Opera House and the illuminated Harbour Bridge.

The menu, inspired by James Squire, offers bold flavours crafted from the freshest seasonal produce. It was the first time I spotted Moreton Bay bug tails on a menu, so I couldn’t resist trying them — and they were delicious! You’re welcome to pair your meal with a pint of James Squire brew or sample one of their limited releases. With great food, great brews and one of the harbour’s most iconic views, it’s the kind of place where the flavours on your plate and the scenery beyond the glass compete for your attention.

Sails 

Sails in the Sydney suburb of Lavender Bay is a waterfront retreat that offers front-row views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Set along the harbour at Lavender Bay in McMahons Point, the restaurant blends contemporary Australian dining with the relaxed charm of life by the water. Just an 8-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, it’s a scenic escape that feels effortlessly accessible.

Sails’ menu celebrates Sydney’s coastal flavours, showcasing the finest local seasonal ingredients in beautifully executed dishes. One item that immediately caught my attention was the Swordfish Tataki, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. The beverage selection is just as thoughtfully curated, with vibrant cocktails and a wine list featuring vintages from Australia and Europe. With delicate coastal flavours on the plate and uninterrupted harbour views all around, dining here feels like a perfect pairing of Sydney’s food and waterfront views.

Wrapping Up

In a city like Sydney, dinner can easily become more than just a meal — it can turn into a memorable evening. With the glowing sails of the Sydney Opera House and the towering arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop, even a simple evening out feels a little more special. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want to soak in the harbour’s magic over dinner, these dinner venues in Sydney prove that the view can be just as satisfying as what’s on your plate!

The post Dinner Venues In Sydney With the Best Views of Opera House & Harbour Bridge appeared first on Green Prophet.

Think of truffles, a gourmet wild food. The European tuber commands astronomical prices because of its inimitable flavor, rarity, and difficult harvesting. Oregano-like za’atar herb and thorny akub (Gundelia tournefortii) are desired in the Middle East in the same way. Read our post on the delicious truffles that grow in the desert.

Akoub and za’atar grow wild in the arid hills of Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt), Syria, and Turkey. In Israel both za’atar and akoub are protected species. Both can be cultivated. Both may be collected from the wild for personal use, in moderate amounts. We even have a recipe for za’atar pesto from chef Moshe Basson.

But traders illegally picking them for sale collect them by hundreds of kilos. Often they uproot the whole za’atar plant. With akoub, taking the edible flower head means no seed left for the next year. As a result, wild za’atar and akub are on the brink of extinction.

I myself grow za’atar in a container on my balcony; it’s a hardy Mediterranean herb that flourishes from year to year in the same spot. I bought the seedling from a plant nursery. I’ve also seen contraband sacks of the herb in Arab open-air markets.

But admittedly you need to be a farmer to grow akoub, because propagation is tricky, the season is short, and the sharp thorns surrounding the delicious leaves and flowers make harvesting hard.

When living in northern Israel, I’d buy fresh akoub from a Beduin vendor in the local open-air market. It was expensive because of the labor involved in harvesting – I’ve seen robed Beduin slowly walking over the hills, stooping to pry the akoub away from the earth with a knife, then stripping the thorns off the edible stems.

I cooked both the flower and the stem. And yes, it was delicious, with its artichoke-like flavor. But now I wonder where that delicious akoub came from, and if I’d contributed to its overharvesting.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority in the Golan have confiscated hundreds of kilos of za’atar and akoub. Some were meant to be sold in local markets, but much of this illegal produce makes its way across the border to Jordan.

Yaron Maderchi, head of the Investigations Department at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, states that the fight against the illegal picking of wild plants is first and foremost a struggle to preserve them for future generations.

“We focus on strict enforcement against traders, not on picking for personal use,” said Maderchi. “There’s room for tradition and for responsible use of natural resources, but when picking is carried out on a commercial scale and without oversight, it leads to severe damage and even local extinction of species.”

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority noted that overpicking is driven mostly by financial incentives.

“Akoub is a highly sought-after product in the market, and illegal harvesting can generate profits of thousands of shekels per day,” said Oriya Vazana, a regional inspector in the central Golan for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

“Economic pressure leads people to enter these areas in large numbers,” said Vazana. “The entire market operates in cash, without oversight. Beyond the damage to the plant itself, we are also seeing collateral harm: cutting fences, opening gates, damage to grazing lands, and safety risks on roads. This is a complex issue that requires significant resources, manpower, and targeted enforcement throughout the short harvesting season.”

The plant has significant ecological importance, serving as a food source for pollinators and insects and contributing to biodiversity. Left unharvested, the flower head dries up and tumbles on the ground, dispersing seed.

About 240 kilos of akoub and 25 kilos of za’atar were seized by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in the Golan, working with border police.

The post Saving Gourmet Wild Plants For The Future appeared first on Green Prophet.

It’s sea turtles which may in the end save islands in the Seychelles. They may also better help us understand climate change. Like rings on a tree, scientists have found a way to read sea turtle shells and how they are impacted by climate change tells a story.

Using radiocarbon methods from archaeology, researchers show that sea turtle shell plates are biological time capsules that record signs of major environmental disturbances in the ocean.

A new study published in the journal Marine Biology, shows that scutes, the hard plates that make up a turtle’s shell, grow continuously and preserve chemical signals that reflect environmental conditions over time. By analyzing these layers, scientists can determine where turtles have been foraging, what they were eating, and how marine environmental stress events affected them.

The research was led by Bethan Linscott, and Amy Wallace, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Florida. 

Sea turtle scutes are made of keratin—the same material found in human hair and nails. Keratin grows in successive layers that capture chemical information about a turtle’s diet and environment when the tissue forms. Scientists have long used stable isotope analysis of scutes to study turtle ecology, but the timescale represented by these layers has remained uncertain.

“Sea turtle shells grow continuously throughout their lives, and each layer preserves evidence of past environmental conditions,” said Linscott. “By analyzing these sequential layers, we can reconstruct foraging patterns, diet, and environmental changes over time.”

To determine how quickly the layers form, researchers analyzed shell samples from 24 stranded sea turtles—loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas)—collected along the Florida coast between 2019 and 2022. The team removed small circular biopsies from the scutes and sliced them into ultra-thin sections approximately 50 microns thick.

Each layer was radiocarbon dated and compared with the mid-20th-century “bomb pulse,” a spike from nuclear weapons testing that serves as an environmental tracer in the marine environment.

The researchers then used Bayesian age-depth modeling, a statistical approach commonly used in archaeology to date sediment layers to estimate how quickly the shell tissue accumulated.

The results showed that scute growth rates vary among turtles, but on average each 50-micron layer represents about seven to nine months of growth.

By reconstructing these timelines, the scientists identified synchronized slowdowns in shell growth across multiple turtles. These slowdowns coincided with major environmental disturbances in Florida waters, including harmful algal blooms known as “red tides” and large Sargassum seaweed events.

“These shells are effectively recording environmental stress in the ocean,” Linscott said. “It’s a bit like sea turtle forensics. We can use chemical fingerprints preserved in scutes to detect ecological shifts.”

Understanding where sea turtles forage, how their diets change, and how environmental stress affects their growth can help scientists better protect these threatened marine species. Because sea turtles are long-lived and spend much of their lives in the open ocean, directly observing their life histories is often difficult.

“Our findings can help scientists better understand how marine ecosystems are changing and how species respond to those changes.”

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]]> https://www.greenprophet.com/2026/04/climate-change-traced-in-sea-turtle-shells/feed/ 0 https://www.greenprophet.com/2026/04/sami-shaman-drums-why-owning-one-could-get-you-killed-in-scandinavia/ https://www.greenprophet.com/2026/04/sami-shaman-drums-why-owning-one-could-get-you-killed-in-scandinavia/#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:30:23 +0000 https://www.greenprophet.com/?p=153305 For centuries, the Sámi shaman drum was one of the most powerful sacred objects in northern Europe, and one of the most feared by church and state. If ISIS looks bad to us today for its religious fundamentalism, Christians were just as fervent. 

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For centuries, the Sámi shaman drum was one of the most powerful sacred objects in northern Europe, and one of the most feared by church and state. If ISIS looks bad to us today for its religious fundamentalism, Christians were just as fervent.

In Denmark-Norway during the 17th and early 18th centuries, Sámi drums were confiscated as part of aggressive Christian missionary campaigns. In some witchcraft and idolatry prosecutions, drum owners faced severe punishment, including death sentences, although the legal reality varied case by case rather than through one simple blanket ban.

One of the most important records of these drums survives because of Knud Leem (1697–1774), a Norwegian priest and linguist who worked in Finnmark and became one of the earliest major documentarians of Sámi life, language, and belief. Leem began missionary work among the Sámi in 1725, learned Sámi language, and closely observed daily life, religion, and reindeer culture.

His landmark work, Beskrivelse over Finmarkens Lapper, was published in Copenhagen in 1767. The book included parallel Danish/Norwegian and Latin text and was illustrated with numerous copperplate engravings, making it one of the most significant 18th-century ethnographic works on the Sámi published in northern Europe. Some of the imagery was engraved by O.H. von Lode from drawings associated with Leem’s documentation.

How the Sámi drum worked

The Sámi drum, also called a runebomme or shaman drum, was used by a noaidi (Sámi ritual specialist or shaman) for divination and spiritual communication.

The drum membrane was often marked with symbolic figures, sometimes painted in red pigment, and these symbols could represent gods, humans, animals, sacred sites, hunting, illness, or the dead. On some North Sámi drums, the surface was structured into symbolic zones representing the upper world, human world, and underworld.

To use the drum, the noaidi placed a small metal pointer or ring, often referred to in sources as a vuorbi, on the skin and beat the drum. The movement of the ring was then interpreted as an answer to a question like a ouija board. Some questions they might ask include

Where a lost reindeer might be found
Whether a hunt would succeed
What kind of offering or ritual action was needed

The Sámi shaman who played his drum in court

One of the best-documented cases is that of Anders Poulsen, an elderly Sámi noaidi who was tried in Vadsø, northern Norway, in 1692 after his drum was confiscated.

Court records show that Poulsen was interrogated in detail about the symbols on his drum, making his testimony one of the most important surviving descriptions of Sámi cosmology and drum symbolism. Historians describe the case as part of the wider Finnmark witch trials, among the most intense witch persecutions in northern Europe.

Before any final conviction could be carried out, Poulsen was killed in custody with an axe by Willum (Villum) Gundersen, a servant later described in historical records as mentally unstable. Poulsen is often remembered as one of the last victims of the Finnmark witch trials.

Why did the Christians hunt sami drums?

Shamanism was seen as a type of devil worship. Shaman drumming, and ritual practices put them in league with the devil. Consequently, Christianity characterized Sámi noaidi as witches who consulted demons, and persecuted them mercilessly.

Why so few Sámi drums survived

Many Sámi drums did not survive the missionary era. Missionary Thomas von Westen and his network collected large numbers of drums in the early 1700s as part of the Christianization campaign. Historical sources indicate that around 100 drums were taken, many of them sent to Copenhagen. A large portion of these were later destroyed in the Great Fire of Copenhagen in 1728, where about 70 drums were reportedly lost.

Today, only a small number of original Sámi drums survive in museum and institutional collections around the world. Scholars and museums generally place the number at roughly 70 to 75 known surviving drums, depending on classification and provenance.

The Sámi drum is not just an artifact. It is a surviving record of Indigenous cosmology, resistance, and memory. What church authorities once treated as evidence of “paganism” is now understood as part of a sophisticated spiritual and symbolic system tied to land, reindeer, ancestors, and survival in the Arctic.

And because missionaries, courts, and collectors tried so hard to destroy them, every surviving drum now carries two histories at once, the Sámi world it came from, and the violence used to erase it.

Who are the Sámi? 

The Sámi people are an indigenous group of approximately 80,000–100,000 individuals living in Sápmi, a region stretching across the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. While traditionally nomadic reindeer herders, most modern Sámi live in permanent homes in northern Scandinavia, with the largest population concentrated in Norway.

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]]> https://www.greenprophet.com/2026/04/sami-shaman-drums-why-owning-one-could-get-you-killed-in-scandinavia/feed/ 0 https://www.greenprophet.com/2026/04/flying-the-friendly-skies-but-can-we-get-out-in-90-seconds/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:02:54 +0000 https://www.greenprophet.com/?p=153294 In a real emergency, romance takes a back seat to physics, panic, and how fast 150 people can squeeze through a narrow tube. The Federal Aviation Administration says every aircraft must be evacuated within 90 seconds. That’s the gold standard. But new research suggests that in the real world,  especially as we age, that number might be more aspirational than achievable.

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If you’re boarding a plane dreaming about joining the mile-high club, go ahead, but first, maybe click here and read this (is sex on an airplane legal?). In some countries and airlines in the Middle East you can get arrested.

In a real emergency, romance takes a back seat to physics, panic, and how fast 150 people can squeeze through a narrow tube. The Federal Aviation Administration says every aircraft must be evacuated within 90 seconds. That’s the gold standard. But new research suggests that in the real world,  especially as we age, that number might be more aspirational than achievable.

Researchers looked at what happens when things go very wrong: a dual-engine fire on an Airbus A320, one of the most common planes in the sky. Rare? Yes. Ask Captain Sullenberger.

Using simulation software (the same kind used to design safety systems), a team ran 27 different evacuation scenarios. They tested different cabin layouts, different passenger mixes, and crucially different distributions of older passengers.

What they found is quietly unsettling. Even in the best-case scenario, a relatively light cabin with 152 passengers and older travelers evenly spaced, evacuation took 141 seconds. That’s over 50% longer than the FAA requirement.

“While a dual-engine fire scenario is statistically rare, it falls under the broader category of dual-engine failures and critical emergencies in aviation. History has shown that dual-engine failures and emergencies, such as the famous ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ involving Captain Sullenberger, can happen and lead to severe consequences,” says study head Chenyang (Luca) Zhang. “Our study focuses on these low-probability but high-impact events to ensure the highest safety standards.”

As we age, reaction times slow. Decision-making can lag under stress. Physical movement, opening seatbelts, standing, moving quickly – all of this becomes harder. And in an emergencies on board airplanes every second matters because jet-fuel is highly combustable.

It’s not just older passengers. More people are traveling with children, infants, emotional support dogs and all this adds complexity to how people move (or don’t move) in a crisis.

The takeaway is design.

Airlines might need to rethink how they seat passengers. Not for comfort or status, but for survival. Smarter distribution, better briefings, maybe even personalized safety protocols.

According to the computer models they ran based on average times it takes women and men on varying ages to get out of the plane, the shortest total evacuation time was observed in scenario A-I-P1 (top left), which corresponds to Layout A, with 20% elderly passengers, and elderly passengers evenly distributed near the exits.

This scenario required 141.0 s to evacuate all occupants. In contrast, they write, the longest evacuation time occurred in scenario C-III-P1, which involved Layout C, 80% elderly passengers, and the same near-exit elderly distribution pattern.

This scenario resulted in a total evacuation time of 218.5 s.

Because the future of flying isn’t just about greener fuels or quieter engines. Or upgrading you and your kids to more legroom near the emergency exit. It’s about whether we can all get out when it matters most.

And save the mile-high ambitions for when the seatbelt sign is safely off. If you have come here to know if sex on a plane is legal or not, the short answer is, it depends.

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]]> https://www.greenprophet.com/2026/04/most-of-the-worlds-marine-protected-areas-are-polluted-by-sewage/ Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:47:47 +0000 https://www.greenprophet.com/?p=153286 Research from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the University of Queensland, published in Ocean & Coastal Management, found that nearly three out of four marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide are exposed to sewage pollution.

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Marine protected areas are supposed to be safe havens for coral reefs, seagrass, fish nurseries and coastal wildlife. But a new global study suggests that many of them are protected in name only.

Research from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the University of Queensland, published in Ocean & Coastal Management, found that nearly three out of four marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide are exposed to sewage pollution. In the tropical ocean regions most vital for coral reefs and marine biodiversity, the situation is even worse: between 87 percent and 92 percent of protected areas are contaminated, often at pollution levels ten times higher than nearby unprotected waters.

The study evaluated more than 16,000 marine protected areas globally, and the findings land at an uncomfortable moment. Governments around the world have committed to protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030, under the international “30 by 30” biodiversity target.

But protecting lines on a map means little if polluted wastewater keeps pouring in from land.

Wastewater: used water from homes, businesses and sewage systems, carries nutrients, pathogens and chemicals into rivers and oceans. Those pollutants can fuel harmful algal blooms, weaken coral reefs, damage seagrass meadows and threaten marine wildlife. Scientists have already linked wastewater pollution to coral reef decline around the world and even Alzheimer’s-like brain disease in dolphins.

And this is not just a marine issue. Polluted water is also a human health crisis, contributing to diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever and causing an estimated 1.4 million deaths each year, alongside billions in economic losses.

“What we found was striking,” said lead author David E. Carrasco Rivera, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Queensland. “In region after region, the areas set aside for conservation were actually receiving more pollution than the areas with no protection at all.”

The researchers closely analyzed 1,855 coastal MPAs in six tropical regions, including East Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Coral Triangle, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, Australasia and Melanesia, and the Middle East and North Africa.

“Even a perfectly managed marine protected area will fail if wastewater keeps flowing in from upstream,” said Dr. Amelia Wenger, WCS Global Water Pollution Lead.

The message is simple: ocean conservation cannot stop at the shoreline. If governments want marine protected areas to actually protect marine life, they need to invest in sewage treatment, land-based pollution control, and smarter coastal planning, before “protected” becomes another empty word.

The question begs to be answered: can private people protect land better than poorly-run government bodies? And ask yourself when you are staying at a tropical resort or visit a nature paradise? Where is all my plastic and poop going?

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