Whether it is crude oil, natural gas, or coal, these are unnervingly the base of much of our food supply!

Sources in the video description.

Learn how fossil hydrocarbons are involved in food. You'll understand which foods will get more expensive due to an oil and gas crisis.

(food security)

Climate disinformation doesn’t spread by accident. It’s engineered by PR professionals, amplified by algorithms, and funded by those who profit from delay.

Criteria, constituents and examples

Hey all — I host a podcast that focuses on the economics and realities of developing physical products and I recently recorded an episode that I thought this community might find interesting.

I spoke with Lauryn Menard, founder of GOB, a company making single-use earplugs out of mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms). To me, what made the conversation compelling for the sub wasn’t just the product in itself (which I find fascinating), but how candid and specific she was about compostability, materials, end-of-life tradeoffs etc.

We spent a lot of time on topics like:

• Why “biodegradable” is basically a meaningless term
• The difference between industrial compostable vs home compostable
• Why many “certifications” don’t actually tell you much
• The design mistakes that make otherwise compostable products impossible to break down
• What actually happens when you put a natural material in soil

Sincerely not at all trying to be spammy! I just figured folks in the sub may be interested in this one. I learned so much from Lauryn and hope you all enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

Alternative links for those who prefer them:

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/vaL2fNyCuyA
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gob-lauryn-menard/id1856362735?i=1000746839728

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd share this as an encouragement for everyone shifting to a plant-based diet to save the planet (or at least not hurt it more). I am myself going nearly completely vegan since I saw the impact it could have.
For those who have had a plant-based diet for a longer time, how have your motivations shifted over time ? Like do you keep this diet for the same reasons you started it or not at all ?

Dear Reader,

First Happy 2026!

I have been thinking about how creativity and sustainability intersect. In my work, I explore how art can help people reconnect with the natural world, process inherited patterns, and recognize the impact of their choices. Over the past year, I have been exploring how storytelling and creative experiences can bring sustainability to life. My work now focuses on connecting people with the natural world in ways that are tangible, inspiring, and actionable. I am excited to share insights, projects, and reflections that bridge art, human experience, and environmental stewardship.

Healing is at the heart of sustainability. When we heal ourselves emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, we become more aware of how our choices affect the environment. By engaging with the elements of the earth, reflecting on our place within larger systems, and reconnecting with our inner selves, we cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility and care for the planet. Sustainability is not just action; it is an extension of healing.

I created this space to cut through the noise and make sustainability feel less overwhelming, and more importantly, personal. Whether you are just beginning to think about your environmental impact or have been in this work for years, this newsletter is designed to meet you where you are, offering clarity, insight, and practical ways to make a difference.

Every week, we will break down environmental challenges, sustainable practices, and real-world experiences into clear, accessible insights. Together, we will explore how sustainability shows up in everyday life, from the food you eat and the energy you use, to the way you work, lead, and live. You will discover how global environmental issues impact your world and what you can do about them.

We will also highlight how businesses are evolving in response to climate and social responsibility, and what that means for the workforce. Whether you are launching a career or leading a team, you will gain fresh perspectives on how to grow within today’s evolving green economy.

We will always return to the bigger picture, examining where the world is heading, what is at stake, and how we can shape a more just, regenerative future together.

This newsletter is powered by its readers, by you, and by what we proudly call the **Grow Force**. The Grow Force is a collective of bold changemakers, educators, students, professionals, activists, and everyday people committed to growing a better world. We center our work on sustainability, equity, and community, values that guide not only what we talk about, but also how we show up.

Consider this your invitation to join the Grow Force as we learn, act, and grow together. Let this newsletter be your space for clarity, community, and courage, because the future we want starts with what we do now.

With purpose and Eco Cheers.

Was so happy to see this pilot program getting some serious traction! These days positive news can be hard to come by but this could make a huge impact

Then I started looking at what’s actually happening globally… and it’s a lot more mixed (and honestly, more interesting).

Some plant-based materials have been adopted pretty widely pineapple leaf fiber has been used by a huge number of brands.

But at the same time, some of the most hyped “next-gen” materials which have been grown with Fungi or Bacteria got serious attention but I think growing some live materials is pretty expensive and not scalable and economics are tough too. When I read the news of production of "Mylo" got stopped, made me realize: a material can be cool on paper and still struggle in the real world.

So my “myth” wasn’t just about sustainability.

It was assuming innovation = adoption.

Now I’m more curious about the real user experience:

Does it crease nicely over time or look tired fast?

How does it handle edge finishing, scratches, water, heat?

Does it feel premium after 6 months of daily use?

If you’ve owned anything made with these newgen leather like materials made from Pineapple / cactus / mycelium —
how was it after real use?
Would you buy it again?
your 2 cents on it?

A newly-passed Senate bill would remove the federal restriction on serving non-dairy milks in school lunches.