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Showing posts from August, 2024

Nurturing Traditions: Indigenous Women and Cassava in Agusan del Sur

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- By Sentel AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – As dawn breaks over the vibrant forests of Agusan del Sur, Talaandig leader Zenaida Mansiliohan, along with other indigenous women, embark on a sacred journey. Their steps are gentle yet purposeful, as they move through the lush greenery to perform an age-old ritual, honoring the spirits that safeguard their crops. This ancient ceremony not only deepens their spiritual bonds but also emphasizes the essential connection between nature and their everyday lives. Cooking with Cassava: A Tradition of Nourishment and Unity In the heart of the community, Zenaida meticulously prepares a meal that has sustained generations. Using a small, well-worn knife, she carefully peels away the tough, bark-like skin of the cassava, revealing the starchy root inside. Did you know that cassava, also called yuca, feeds over 800 million people around the globe? Its ability to thrive in drought-prone regions makes it an indispensable crop, particularly in areas like A

Are Bees Still Suffering from Colony Collapse Disorder

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  - By Sentel BOSTON - Remember when Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was the headline-grabbing mystery that had everyone buzzing with concern about the fate of our precious honeybees? The phenomenon, which saw entire colonies of bees vanishing without a trace, left the world wondering: What was happening to our buzzing buddies? The media spotlight may have dimmed, but did we ever get to the bottom of it? The short answer? Yes, but with a twist. What Exactly Was Colony Collapse Disorder? "Colony Collapse Disorder mysteriously stopped around 2011," says Noah Wilson-Rich, the founder and CEO of Best Bees, a beekeeping service based in Boston. "The real kicker is, we still don’t know why it started or why it stopped. It was linked to new pesticides at the time, but honestly, it’s still a head-scratcher. Those bees simply vanished—no bodies, no clues. Nowadays, we see the evidence of bee deaths, but back then, it was like they just disappeared." The origins of this bee a

Sustainable Shopping Trends: How Eco-Friendly Products Are Shaping Consumer Habits

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-By Sentel Did You Know? The Shift Toward Sustainable Shopping is Real! Are you aware that a whopping 89% of consumers have shifted their shopping habits to prioritize sustainable products? That's right! Nearly 30% of these consumers have made some pretty significant changes in their buying behaviors, with Generation Z leading the charge. This younger generation is all about sustainability, making it a key factor in their purchasing decisions. It's not just a trend; it's a movement toward eco-conscious consumerism that’s here to stay. The Business Case for Going Green: Why Eco-Friendly Products Are a Win-Win Let's talk business. Offering eco-friendly products isn’t just about feeling good—although, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love doing the right thing? It’s also about boosting your bottom line. Consumers today are looking for brands that resonate with their values, and sustainability is right at the top of that list. So, why not align your brand with what matters most

Discovering Hidden Treasures: How Pennsylvania Volunteers Unearthed New Bee Species

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- By Sentel  In Pennsylvania, a team of 26 passionate volunteers has achieved what thousands of app users could not—they discovered new species of bees never before recorded in the state. Guided by Penn State's expertise, these citizen scientists embarked on a mission to map bee biodiversity across the commonwealth. Their efforts led to the identification of 235 bee species, including seven state records, proving that hands-on science trumps technology when it comes to revealing nature's secrets. But why does this matter? Bees are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, pollinating over 80% of flowering plants, which in turn support a vast array of crops like apples, peaches, and pumpkins. The data these volunteers collected is more than just numbers—it's a blueprint for preserving the future of Pennsylvania’s agriculture and biodiversity. This project is a testament to the power of community science. It shows that with the right training and a bit of enthusiasm, anyone can c