For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
Help kids, tweens and teens reach for simpler snack choices. Today’s non-sugar sweeteners may not be good for their bodies.
Diet sodas and other snack foods can contain artificial sweeteners linked to health issues, believe researchers who have written about the ongoing concerns and health impacts of non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose and stevia. Food companies like Cargill sell stevia as a safe and natural alternative to sugar but no one knows the health effects on children and this worries nutritionists in the US.
These sweeteners are increasingly found in a variety of foods and beverages, including those aimed at children, the researchers report.
Allison Slvetsky
“Given the continued uncertainty about their role in the diet and accumulating evidence suggesting the potential for unfavorable health effects, a cautious approach to non-sugar sweeteners is warranted–especially when it comes to children,” said lead author of the viewpoint, Allison Sylvetsky, an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Sylvetsky and her team propose that the US Food and Drug Administration restrict use of non-sugar sweeteners in food and beverage products marketed to children until there is more definitive evidence of benefit or harm.
A viewpoint published in JAMA Pediatrics by three experts on the topic emphasizes that research on the health effects of non-sugar sweeteners in children is urgently needed.
Studies in adults demonstrate links between consumption of non-sugar sweeteners and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. However, few researchers have examined health impacts of non-sugar sweeteners when used by children.
At the same time, more and more foods and beverages with non-sugar sweeteners are consumed by children.
Parents often do not realize that products contain non-sugar sweeteners, Sylvetsky says. Parents may choose foods and beverages with non-sugar sweeteners thinking they are healthier, she adds.
Instead of choosing such products, Sylvetsky suggests parents focus on the healthfulness of the overall diet and choose fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains and limit provision of foods and beverages high in added sugars. Instead of buying fruit drinks sweetened with non-sugar sweeteners, stick to water or other unsweetened alternatives, she says.
Other options for parents: buy real food, cook at home and help children enjoy healthy snack habits from food that arrives in nature’s packaging.
Neste’s SAF biofuel tested in Boeing Emirates flight in 2023
Emirates airline and Neste, a Finnish oil refining and marketing company, have expanded their partnership by strengthening their collaboration for the supply of over 3 million gallons of blended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel in 2024 and 2025.
The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which will be blended with conventional jet fuel, will be supplied over the course of 2024 and 2025 for Emirates’ flights departing from Amsterdam Schiphol and Singapore Changi airports.
Neste Oyj is an oil refining and marketing company located in Espoo, Finland. The company produces, refines and markets bioful oil products, and provides engineering services and operations in 14 countries. Neste shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.
Biggest sale of biofuels to the Middle East to date
Emirates’ expanded partnership with Neste represents the largest volume of SAF to be uplifted of any airline based in the Middle East and Africa to date. The blended SAF will comprise over 1 million gallons of neat SAF. This represents a blended ratio of over 30% neat SAF combined with conventional Jet A-1 fuel.
By the end of 2023, the airline used SAF for the first time from its Dubai hub. SAF reduces carbon emissions of air travel by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle when compared to using conventional jet fuel.
“It’s also one of the many initiatives we are focused on to reduce our carbon emissions, which includes operating fuel-efficient aircraft, stepping up our fleet renewal from 2024, in addition to driving operational fuel efficiency,” said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline. “Our ongoing partnership with Neste also demonstrates our active engagement and support of the rapidly developing SAF industry, and we hope that the robust demand coming from Emirates and other airlines encourages the scaling up of SAF and other emerging clean propulsion technologies.”
Alexander Kueper, Vice President EMEA from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste said: “Sustainable aviation fuel is a readily available solution for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from air travel. We are proud to expand our existing cooperation with Emirates into 2024 as we are ramping up our global SAF production and continue to support their commitment to reduce emissions by supplying our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel.”
Earlier in 2023, Emirates, in partnership with Neste and other industry stakeholders, successfully completed the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER operating on 100% SAF in one engine.
The airline has made significant strides along with its industry partners around the technical analysis and certification requirements that support standardization and future approval of 100% SAF flying.
Neste refinery in Finland switching to SAF
Last month, Neste employees went on strike for labor reforms. In Decemeber, 2023, Neste partnered with Coleman Oil Company in the US to enable cities and businesses to have easier access to Neste MY Renewable Diesel in the state of Washington in the US. Neste has also completed the strategic study and begins a gradual transformation of its crude oil refinery in Porvoo into a renewable and circular solutions refining hub.
“The COP28 declaration is a strong signal to all of us, and we want to be in the forefront of accelerating the green transition with our renewable and circular solutions,” says Matti Lehmus, the President and CEO of Neste. “The long term transformation of the Porvoo refinery is a key element in our renewables growth strategy, completing Neste’s journey to a 100% renewable and circular solutions provider when finalized.”
New Jersey blew up its last coal-fired plant this month. We welcome the transformation to renewable energy and hope progress is made faster, with people working in these industries earning a fair wage.
Leaving child-rearing until mid-way through a woman’s career might be the best decision or the worst as more and ore women turn to IVF and freezing eggs for future implantation. But what if we could just extend the reproductive life of women from 45 up until 60 or longer? A new study from the University of Utah predicts some hope.
At birth, ovaries in girls can contain about a million tiny structures called primordial follicles, each of which contains an egg cell. As girls grow and experience adulthood, most of these follicles will die while only one follicle will survive each month to ovulate a mature egg. When the loss of primordial follicles is nearly complete, and only hundreds remain, women experience menopause, a time when menstrual cycles have ceased for 12 months.
New research based on a mathematical model developed by a University of Utah mathematician, suggests that it is possible to delay the onset of menopause, perhaps indefinitely, by implanting a woman’s own previously harvested ovarian tissue back into her body. This technique has been successfully used to restore fertility in cancer patients, according to Sean Lawley, associate professor of mathematics and co-author of a study published Friday in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, or AJOG.
This interdisciplinary work is a collaboration between Lawley, Joshua Johnson, an ovarian biologist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine; Jay Emerson, professor of statistics and data science at Yale University; and Kutluk Oktay, a prominent physician, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences and ovarian biologist at Yale School of Medicine.
In the late 1990s, Oktay developed ways to harvest ovarian tissue from young cancer patients, freeze it (“cryopreserve” it), and then transplant it after she has undergone cancer treatments that would have left her menopausal and infertile. This the technique is referred to as “ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation.”
The technique has enabled hundreds of cancer survivors to conceive and have children. It is substantially different from the common procedure of freezing eggs, which is effective in helping older women conceive through in vitro fertilization, but has no impact on menopause.
“A lot of the interest behind delaying menopause is fertility, but a lot of it also comes from the idea that functioning ovaries are better for a woman’s health,” Lawley said. “Menopause is associated with many health issues relating to cardiovascular disease, bone density, obesity, etc. Keeping ovaries functioning longer might delay or even prevent these health issues from starting.
“Math is being used to address the question of how long you can delay menopause and how that depends on different factors. We have developed a model of how ovaries age. The data comes from a number of places, chiefly from primordial follicle counts inside ovaries.”
Oktay, the world’s leading expert in fertility preservation, wondered if the ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation procedure could be applied to healthy women to forestall menopause and its negative effects.
“In the past few years, we’ve been developing mathematical models of how the ovaries age and what triggers menopause,” Lawley said. “It was extremely exciting when he [Oktay] contacted our group to see if our model could be used to help explore whether this procedure could be used to delay menopause.”
It turned out Lawley’s model helped a lot. The new AJOG study concluded that the procedures Oktay pioneered for cancer patients would be likely to delay menopause in healthy women under certain conditions.
How long can your fertility be delayed? Take the test
“We were faced with a number of important questions. The first is, will it work? Will it delay menopause and by how much?” Lawley said. “Next, how do you optimize the procedure? Are there age ranges that tissue should be removed? How does the number of follicles in a woman’s ovarian tissue influence how long the tissue will function?”
The team developed ways to address these questions using mathematical modeling during the AJOG study. This included the development of an online calculator that indicates how many years a woman’s menopause would be delayed by the procedure according to modifications to four key data points: the woman’s age at time the tissue is preserved; the fraction of ovarian cortex tissue that is removed and preserved; the percentage of primordial follicles that survive; and the number of replacement procedures later in life.
uData in the paper and use of the online calculator show that all else being equal, the younger the woman is when the tissue is preserved, the longer her menopause would be delayed, from a median 19.4 years for a 21-year-old woman to 3.4 years for a 40-year-old. That’s assuming a single replacement where 25% of the cortex is removed and 80% of the follicles survive.
“If ovarian tissue can be frozen under the age 30 years, in theory, menopause can even be eliminated in some cases,” the study said. “However, the feasibility and safety of delaying menopause beyond age 60 need to be clinically evaluated.”
German drinking water is full of forever chemicals
If Germany has a problem with polluted water and PFAS levels, what could that mean for the rest of the world?
In a landmark study Eco-Environment & Health, researchers screened German drinking water for 26 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The latest study involved collecting 89 drinking water samples from various locations in Germany, analyzing them for 26 different PFAS using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The findings revealed that while the 20 recently regulated PFAS were below the detection limit, the sum concentrations varied widely, with some samples exceeding the threshold for certain PFAS.
Comprising more than 4,700 chemicals, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of widely used, man-made chemicals that accumulate over time in humans and in the environment. They are known as ‘forever chemicals’ as they are extremely persistent in our environment and bodies.
This effort, notably supported by residents, marks a significant step in understanding PFAS presence in drinking water.This research is pivotal in informing future regulatory decisions and public health guidelines, the researchers note. It highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and stricter controls on PFAS in drinking water.
Dr. Aki Sebastian Ruhl from Berlin emphasizes the importance of this study in providing a comprehensive view of PFAS distribution in drinking water across Germany, a crucial aspect in evaluating environmental and health risks.
The collaborative effort in this study has provided valuable insights into PFAS levels in German drinking water, laying the groundwork for future environmental and public health initiatives, and underscores the necessity for further research to understand the long-term implications of PFAS in drinking water and to develop more efficient removal methods.
Next question for readers and entrepreneurs? The most common in-home water filters that remove PFAS are activated carbon and reverse osmosis. Dual stage filters (activated carbon + reverse osmosis) are also an option.
What filters can remove PFAS from drinking water? Does a Brita do?
Snoring and mouth-breathing may be a sign your ADHD kids is actually just sleep deprived. ADHD medication may be doing harm
Parents turn to physicians to get an ADHD diagnosis to explain troubles at school or play with friends. And more and more adults are coughing up $600 in Canada to get an adult ADHD diagnosis online through clinics like Frida. But before you dispense the Brillia or get a prescription for Ritalin or Concerta for your kid’s ADHD, there may be other causes in play, finds a new study that points to sleep:
“There is a high probability that many children who receive medication for ADHD actually suffer from breathing disorders during their sleep. Due to the incorrect diagnosis, the real problem is left untreated, and the unnecessary treatment may even worsen the situation,” say researchers from Tel Aviv University.
The study’s findings showed that children who suffer from breathing disorders during sleep received ADHD medication at a rate 7 times higher than children who don’t suffer from sleep-disordered breathing.
Dr. Shani Kaminsky-Kurtz, Dr. Sigalit Blumer, Prof. Ilana Eli, Dr. Alona Emodi-Perlman, and Dr. Yarden Shreiber-Fridman, all from the Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at Tel Aviv University carried out the research.
“People with ADHD may experience sleep issues, such as insomnia or circadian rhythm disorders,” say specialists on the Frida website: “These issues may cause delayed sleep patterns, poor sleep quality, and difficulty waking up in the morning.”
Or the reverse may be true, at least in children: sleep issues may be causing what looks like ADHD. A recent unrelated study on sleep also found how lack of sleep can be linked to suicide in teens. Dr. Blumer explains: “For the most part, sleep breathing disorders in children usually manifest as snoring (according to various studies, between 8% to 27% of children snore in their sleep) and/or partial or as complete interruptions of breathing (between 2% to 3% of children suffer from an extreme state of obstructive respiratory arrest during sleep).
These disorders disrupt the oxygen saturation levels in the blood during sleep, which is especially important in children, because most of the growth and development processes take place during sleep. The lack of oxygen in the blood can harm the growth and development of the brain and cause cognitive and behavioral disorders while awake – such as learning difficulties, hyperactivity, fatigue and lack of concentration. These symptoms are similar to the characteristics of ADHD or ADD, which often leads to a misdiagnosis and treatment with drugs such as Ritalin, which is ineffective and causes side effects.”
Dr. Shani Kurtz-Kaminsky: “Despite the great significance of sleep-disordered breathing, there is still a considerable under-diagnosis of the phenomenon among children, in the world in general and in Israel in particular. The most reliable way of diagnosis is by monitoring them in a sleep lab, but this is an expensive procedure with limited availability, and is also unsuited for children.
For this reason, a reliable and more accessible diagnostic tool was developed in the US, which has been proven to be simple and effective: the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). The questionnaire, which is addressed to the child’s parents, includes 22 yes/no questions and refers to three main categories: snoring and breathing problems during sleep, alertness levels during the day, and behavior during the day. Answering ‘yes’ to 8 or more questions requires further investigation.
The study was conducted among 227 children aged 4-12 who were treated at the children’s clinic of the TAU School of Dentistry in the years 2020-2022. The children underwent a comprehensive clinical examination of the oral cavity, and their parents were asked to fill out a PSQ questionnaire, alongside a questionnaire surveying the child’s general health. A statistical analysis of the findings of the tests and questionnaires revealed an unequivocal picture: children who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing were taking ADHD medication at a rate 7 times higher than children without sleep-disordered breathing.
In addition, the findings indicated clear correlations between the disorder and the symptoms of discontinuous sleep (6 times higher than their counterparts), mouth breathing (5 times higher), and snoring (3 times higher). Dr. Emodi and Prof. Eli warn that “Our findings raise a red flag: there is a high probability that many of the children who suffer from sleep breathing disorders are receiving medication for ADHD due to a misdiagnosis.
And so, not only is the real problem being left untreated, but the unnecessary treatment may even make the situation worse. Following the study, we compiled a list of 4 characteristics related to sleep-disordered breathing, which can be identified with the help of a few simple questions presented to parents: taking medications for ADHD, discontinuous sleep, snoring, and mouth-breathing.
We wish to shine a spotlight on the phenomenon and its dire consequences, and recommend that medical professionals who treat children – dentists, family doctors, pediatricians and others – ask a simple series of questions for each patient. A positive finding should raise a red flag, and requires further inquiries.”
So, I’ve been on this green mobility kick for years as you probably all know by now, helping friends and parents finding ways to ease their city commutes – be it for shopping or shuttling the little ones to school. An electric bike, or e-bike, has become a must for any city parent, and it’s even more convenient and eco-friendly when opting for a previously used e-bike from a cool French company called Upway.
What stands out, on top of what you love as adults, is the options for parents with kids under 9: their selection of electric cargo bikes. Swap out the SUV for an electric cargo bike this year – one that lets you charge and pedal when you want to. It’s fun for the kids, cost-effective for your gas bill, and is a simple way to transport both groceries and the family to their destinations. Upway, with its focus on used electric bikes and a bike they call the Cargo One, is a good stop.
Used electric bikes from Upway are real game-changers for parents. Cargo bikes, originally invented by the Dutch and particularly effective in flat cities like Amsterdam, have been a feature over the years. However, when it’s hot, rainy, and you’re tired, a little electric assistance can make a big difference, especially when it comes with visors and protection for the little ones.
A refurbished, used electric bike isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reusing and doing good for the planet. Now, when your kids ask, you can tell them that choosing a used electric bike means you’re contributing to a sustainable lifestyle.
Cargo Bikes: Ideal for Parents and the Planet
The dream front range cargo bike can fit infants up to young kids, pets and groceries.
So, what exactly is a cargo bike? It’s a bike designed to carry a substantial load, either in the front or back. Upway’s solution places the children in the front – a safer spot for you to keep an eye on them. It’s a joy for children to ride around with friends, and smaller ones can even take a nap on longer rides, a luxury not possible on regular bike seats.
Cargo bikes are emerging as a sustainable solution to urban transportation challenges, offering environmental, economic, and social benefits. Equipped with sturdy cargo compartments, these bicycles are transforming the way goods are moved in busy city streets.
From an environmental perspective, cargo bikes are a breath of fresh air, operating on human power and, in the case of e-bikes, electric assistance. This significantly reduces carbon emissions and air pollution compared to traditional delivery vans or trucks running on fossil fuels.
The compact nature of cargo bikes addresses urban congestion issues, navigating narrow streets and bypassing traffic for reduced congestion and smoother traffic flow. Moreover, when your kids are at school, a cargo bike can serve your delivery business effectively, offering a cost-effective alternative to hiring vans, along with insurance costs.
Beyond the economic advantages, cargo bikes foster a sense of community and make cities more liveable. The only downside? Be ready for people to keep asking you where you got it.
Cargo Bike Safety Tips for Driving With Kids:
Helmet First: Ensure your child wears a properly fitting helmet at all times when riding in a cargo bike.
Secure Seating: Use a well-designed and appropriately sized child seat or harness system to secure your child comfortably within the cargo area.
Balance the Load: Distribute weight evenly within the cargo space to maintain the bike’s stability and prevent tipping. Heavier items should be placed at the bike’s center of gravity.
Visibility Matters: Attach reflective materials or lights to the cargo bike to enhance visibility, especially during low-light conditions.
Teach Hand Signals: Educate your child on basic hand signals for turning and stopping. This helps create awareness for those around the cargo bike.
Practice Loading and Unloading: Practice getting on and off the cargo bike with your child in a controlled environment. Familiarity reduces the risk of accidents during stops.
Mind Your Speed: Maintain a moderate and controlled speed, especially when turning or navigating uneven terrain. Sudden movements can affect the stability of the cargo bike. The safest place for you and your family is on bike lanes, not on the street.
Regular Maintenance: Ensure the cargo bike is in good condition. Regularly check brakes, tires, and other components to guarantee a safe and smooth ride for your child.
The burgeoning cannabis market, also known as medical marijuana and sometimes cloaked as CBD to evade Federal Law and SEC restrictions in the US, saw a revenue of over $51 billion in 2023 and a consistent growth rate of 14.95% projected until 2028 (Statista Market Insights). Cannabis, like gold pan handlers in the West or investing in Bitcoin, sounds scary but an alluring prospect for investors seeking portfolio diversification. How can you you navigate the dynamic world of cannabis stocks? Lesson #1: don’t invest in cannabis if you like to smoke. It will cloud your judgement.
Decoding Cannabis Stocks:
Investors in the cannabis sector can strategically choose to back medical, therapeutic, or recreational cannabis ventures. Those backing medical ventures listed with the FDA or Health Canada are more protected from restrictions that may be placed on banking or working between states and across borders. Cannabis is legal in Canada but not in all US States.
There are provisions for medical cannabis companies that work with the health authorities. It is also possible to make indirect investment opportunities arise by focusing on ancillary service and product providers rather than traditional growers and biotech companies. You could invest in hydroponic greenhouses or lighting companies, as an example. These companies may derive a majority of their business from cannabis growers, but they themselves are not cannabis companies.
Scotts Miracle-Gro (NASDAQ:SMG), for instance, is not a cannabis business per say, but they own cannabis businesses and have bought companies like General Hydroponics for its nutrient mixes it makes for cannabis growers through Hawthorne. With more than $2 billion in worldwide sales and more than 6,000 associates, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company, LLC, is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, with products for professional horticulture as well. They also own a lot of liability for distributing Roundup. So consider that. Remember the $10B settlement?
There are also tech companies that do not touch the cannabis in any part of the value chain, such as apps that help you monitor your health or which facilitate reviews and delivery.
Legal Landscape: With a majority of U.S. states legalizing recreational marijuana and an expanding embrace of medical cannabis across the nation in 2023, the cannabis market is gradually shedding regulatory barriers. However, investors are advised to stay vigilant about evolving governmental regulations for compliance.
Mastering the Art of Cannabis Stock Investment:
Categorically, cannabis products fall into three segments: medical, recreational, and therapeutic. A thorough understanding of the projected revenue for each category is imperative for informed investment decisions.
The universe of cannabis-focused companies is diverse, encompassing biotech firms specializing in cannabis extraction, ancillary service providers, and vertically integrated growers and retailers. Investors must carefully assess each category to tailor their investment strategy.
Like any investment, cannabis stocks come with inherent risks, including legal uncertainties, market volatility, potential scams, pricing and taxation fluctuations, tax issues, lack of bank accounts or banks unwilling to support growers and dispensaries, and the dilution of shares. Investors are well-advised to meticulously weigh these risks before making investment decisions.
Investors should conduct an exhaustive review of disclosure documents, official reports, and industry news provided by prospective companies. Crucial factors for consideration include the competency of the management team, financial stability, market performance, and competitive positioning. Look out for real IP in the form of patents, research at universities, research done as case studies which can be verified by a third party. Some companies are branding plays and have no IP at all. Snoop or Martha Stewart, for instance. These investments may be risky if a brand depends on the whim of a personality like Kanye West and his endorsements of Adidas.
Pump and dump. Cannabis stocks in Canada and the US may be built on an existing company such as penny stocks. Investing in a penny stock might be risky if the cannabis company is operating on a pump and dump scheme. Pump and dump scams are a type of fraud where the criminals artificially inflate the price of a company’s stock through false and misleading statements and actions in order to sell their own cheaply purchased stock at a much higher price. See SEC risks here for medical marijuana specifically.
Strategically Positioning Your Cannabis Portfolio:
Investors seeking exposure to cannabis stocks can explore platforms that facilitate access to reputable companies. Creating a well-informed, diversified portfolio in this rapidly evolving sector requires due diligence and strategic decision-making. Investing in a cannabis company is no different than any other.
Does it have a great CEO?
Does it have its unique edge in the market?
How does it treat its employees?
What are its reserves?
Does it have a sustainability plan and outlook?
Is it a B Corp?
Ask the same question you would in any other investment.
Frequently Asked Questions about CBD and THC companies:
Evaluating CBD Stocks: The viability of CBD stocks as a portfolio diversification tool hinges on various factors, including regulatory shifts and the financial performance of individual companies. Investors are urged to assess the legal landscape and consumer demand for cannabidiol. Companies in the US operating at CBD medical companies are usually using the CBD for branding because THC can still put them into legal troubles, even have search engines like Google remove their company from search results, it’s that uncertain. Positioning as a CBD company may be just a ruse. If they truly are a CBD company ook under the hood to be sure of what’s in their pipeline. CBD as a nutraceutical product has been considered by companies such as Coke.
Dividends in Cannabis Stocks: Cannabis companies typically prioritize investment for expansion and research over dividend payouts, especially in their early growth phases. The cannabis market is still young providing amazing opportunities to gain along with painful risks.
Assessing the Cannabis Market: While the cannabis market presents lucrative opportunities, the potential impact of regulatory uncertainties on industry growth necessitates thorough research and risk assessment before entering this dynamic market. This is especially true in the US. Cannabis is legal in Canada recreationally but Health Canada is harder to crack than the FDA if you are looking for regulatory advice. Canada’s medical doctors are flocking to medical cannabis which may explain the doctor shortage there.
Anticipated to surpass $100 billion USD by 2030, or as little as $444 billion, the cannabis industry is just starting and poised for significant growth, making it an attractive prospect for investors compared to the estimated $51.27 billion in revenue in 2023.
Leading cannabis stocks on the NASDAQ
Canopy Growth (NASDAQ:CDG) has been expressing interest in the US market over an extended period. Back in 2019, the company revealed plans to acquire Acreage Holdings, a multi-state operator (MSO). However, the deal has yet to be finalized. In response, Canopy Growth recently introduced a special purpose vehicle, Canopy USA, to manage its US-based investments. Unfortunately, the Nasdaq has raised objections to this strategy. While Canopy Growth may consolidate its investments in various UScompanies, such as Wana and Acreage, these entities must technically remain distinct. Consequently, Canopy Growth cannot integrate their results into its own, and the company’s growth is still heavily dependent on the legalization of marijuana in the US.
Tilray Brands (NASADQ:TLRY) finds itself in a comparable situation after acquiring the senior convertible notes of MSO MedMen Enterprises. The expectation is that the two companies will eventually merge when it becomes permissible to do so. However, Tilray is not idly waiting for this to happen. The company has been actively diversifying its portfolio by entering the alcohol industry. In August, Tilray announced the acquisition of eight brands from Anheuser-Busch InBev, positioning itself as one of the largest craft brewers in the U.S. market. This strategic move not only broadens its business scope but also allows Tilray to expand its operations in the U.S. without solely relying on the marijuana sector.
SNDL (NASADQ: SNDL) has been pursuing expansion through acquisitions in recent years, with a primary focus on the Canadian market. In 2021, the company acquired Inner Spirit Holdings, a cannabis retailer, making SNDL one of the largest operators of pot shops in Canada. A year later, SNDL expanded its reach by acquiring Alcanna, an alcohol retailer with a majority stake in cannabis retailer Nova Cannabis. In January, SNDL further announced the acquisition of Valens, a cannabis extraction company. Acquisitions have played a pivotal role in SNDL’s remarkable growth, evident in the reported net sales of 712.2 million Canadian dollars ($525 million) last year, reflecting an astonishing 1,170% increase from the previous year.
An overview of cannabis stocks to consider. This isn’t a full list (and it never will because of the reasons we mentioned above) and includes only marijuana stocks with market caps of at least $200 million.
Marijuana Company Type
Marijuana Company Name
Market Capitalization
Cannabis growers and retailers
Curaleaf Holdings (OTC:CURLF)
$3.5 billion
Cannabis growers and retailers
Trulieve Cannabis (OTC:TCNNF)
$1.65 billion
Cannabis growers and retailers
Green Thumb Industries (OTC:GTBIF)
$2.3 billion
Cannabis growers and retailers
Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ:CGC)
$1.3 billion
Cannabis growers and retailers
Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY)
$2.0 billion
Cannabis growers and retailers
Cresco Labs (OTC:CRLBF)
$751 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON)
$1.1 billion
Cannabis growers and retailers
Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ:ACB)
$324 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
Sundial Growers (NASDAQ:SNDL)
$535 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
Ayr Wellness (OTC:AYRW.F)
$122 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
Jushi Holdings (OTC:JUSHF)
$257 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
Planet 13 Holdings (OTC:PLNH.F)
$236 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
Village Farms International (NASDAQ:VFF)
$559 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
OrganiGram (NASDAQ:OGI)
$136 million
Cannabis growers and retailers
HEXO (NASDAQ:HEXO) (TSX:HEXO)
$68 million
Biotechnology companies
Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ)
$9.7 billion
Biotechnology companies
Cara Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CARA)
$604 million
Ancillary providers
Scotts Miracle-Gro (NYSE:SMG)
$2.7 billion
Ancillary providers
Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR)
$3.1 billion
Ancillary providers
GrowGeneration (NASDAQ:GRWG)
$308 million
Ancillary providers
WM Technology (NASDAQ:MAPS)
$181 million
Have a cannabis company or idea to share? Drop us a line: [email protected]
Ormat Technologies, a family energy business from Israel, has big plans for geothermal and recovered energy generation and the energy storage market
BHI, a full-service commercial bank, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Reno, Nevada-based Ormat Technologies (NYSE: ORA) to provide a new $75 million term loan for the company.
When I interviewed Ormat’s then CEO Yehudit ‘Dita’ Bronicki (in 2007), she told me that she started the company with her husband Lucien: “We started working in clean technology a long time ago – in 1965 well before anyone had ever heard of this market. We were never hippies, though. We were always square people with a clear vision that we wanted to do something in which Israel could excel.”
Today Ormat has realized its vision. It is one of the most important alternative and renewable energy companies in the world, especially in the areas of geothermal energy and energy recovery.
Fast forward: With over five decades of experience, and started in Israel, Ormat Technologies is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the US energy storage market.
Ormat has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,200 MW of gross capacity. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,385 MW with a 1,215 MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio and a 170 MW energy storage portfolio.
Ormat will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of Italian power and gas giant, Enel Group for $271 million. BHI will also continue its long-standing relationship with Ormat, serving as a depository bank while maintaining an active dialogue with the entire global management team as the company continues to pursue its strategic portfolio expansion and assess ways that their equipment can further optimize facility operations.
“Ormat’s highly experienced management team has positioned the company with a strong balance sheet and capital structure along with a geographically diverse plant portfolio, supported by long-term Power Purchase Agreements, which provide highly visible, secure cash flows,” said Uri Shusterman, First Vice President & Head of International C&I at BHI.
“We anticipate that this strategic foresight, coupled with favorable regulatory and policy tailwinds, will help further propel the company as it continues to pursue expansion plans and strategies to utilize their equipment to enhance the efficiencies and output of their growing portfolio of power plant assets.”
Exchange your luxury home with another of a similar value
HomeExchange, a pioneer in home exchange vacations for over three decades, has recently introduced HomeExchange Collection—an exclusive community catering to like-minded travelers seeking to connect, share, and swap their luxurious homes. As a Certified B Corporation, HomeExchange Collection actively supports sustainable travel initiatives. By promoting the use of existing homes as accommodations, the platform reduces the need for constructing new hotels. Many homes in the collection boast eco-friendly features such as solar power, electric vehicle charging, handcrafted construction with local materials, and even bicycles for exploring local neighborhoods.
Membership in HomeExchange Collection comes with a host of benefits, including dedicated support from a specialized team, alternative accommodation options, and coverage in case of cancellations or non-compliance. Moreover, members enjoy property damage protection of up to $2,000,000, providing peace of mind during their luxury home exchanges.
One of the unique luxuries for members is the opportunity to feel at home anywhere in the world, immersed in homes with distinctive character. Host members contribute invaluable pre-arrival advice, offering insights into authentic travel experiences that unveil the rich tapestry of local culture and customs. Noteworthy is the diverse membership, encompassing sustainable fashion designers, international consultants, interior designers, scientists, architects, artists, and engineers—all dedicated to sharing their homes and offering meaningful recommendations in various destinations.
The emphasis on community sets HomeExchange Collection apart. Members are encouraged to embrace a local lifestyle, supporting small businesses and adhering to recommendations from their hosts. With no financial transactions involved, the platform fosters a sense of hospitality where guests are welcomed as friends or family, promoting responsible tourism that respects the local ecosystem.
But, HomeExchange Collection goes beyond its immediate operations, annually calculating and working to reduce its carbon footprint. The company actively contributes to global carbon neutrality through partnerships with the GoodPlanet Foundation, investing in impactful social and environmental projects.
Operating from its Paris headquarters, HomeExchange enforces a stringent waste management policy, ensuring the recycling of all workplace materials through collaboration with “Les Joyeux Recycleurs.” Furthermore, the company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of electricity supplied exclusively by Enercoop, a French utility company harnessing renewable energies.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite properties in the MENA and Mediterranean region that can be exchanged through HomeExchange Collection:
Mountainside Family Villa
Swap your home with a villa in Turkey
Nestled in a traditional Turkish village, Villa Alara offers peace and proximity to attractions like Kalkan, Fethiye, Kas, and Antalya. The spacious 5-bedroom family retreat overlooks Patara beach. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday, the villa features a private pool area with stunning sea views. Spread across three floors, the ground floor offers an open-plan lounge and a well-equipped kitchen, while the second floor boasts four ensuite bedrooms with access to a large balcony. The third floor provides a rooftop terrace with sunbeds and a BBQ. Outdoors, enjoy a large infinity heated pool, jacuzzi, and various activities like table tennis and basketball. Family-friendly amenities cater to babies and toddlers.
Charming House in the Cyclades
Swap your dream home with a room with a view in Greece
Serifos offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, and hiking trails, maintaining its authentic character despite tourism development. With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this residence sleeps 4, offering a delightful retreat in the village of Hora, a Greek village island paradise. The house is divided into two independent floors, each featuring a terrace with a view. The ground floor includes a small living/dining room, a well-equipped open kitchen, and a bedroom. The south-facing green terrace offers a beautiful view of the village and the sea.
The first floor, independent and air-conditioned, hosts a bright bedroom with a private bath. The terrace with a pergola provides a magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. The village of Hora, considered one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, is a small fortified medieval settlement with breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy peace and quiet, a short walk to the village center, and proximity to shops, bars, and restaurants.
Seaside Retreat in Greece
Villa Liba is a luxurious retreat on Meganisi Island, Greece, in the Ionian Sea.
Villa Liba is a luxurious retreat on Meganisi Island, Greece, in the Ionian Sea. This residence accommodates 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering contemporary elegance. The villa features a spacious terrace, garden furniture, pergola, infinity swimming pool with a jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, and a panoramic sea-view rooftop. Inside guests will find well-appointed bedrooms, a living room, and an equipped kitchen. The home is located a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bike or car ride from Vathy village, known for its authentic fishing port and specialty restaurants.
Stylish Getaway in Dubai
This luxurious apartment located in Dubai accommodates up to 4 guests. This residence is located in the prestigious Creek Harbour neighborhood with stunning views of the marina and central park. The space features 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Guests can enjoy an elegant living room, balcony, and world-class amenities like a gym, swimming pool, and 24-hour security in the high-end building, complete with a designated parking spot. Dubai Creek Harbour provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury living, and cultural significance, making it an ideal destination for travelers.
IBM (NYSE:IBM) has a new way to help companies accelerate the capture, calculation and analysis of Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through an AI tool it developed called Envizi. The new text classification capabilities in this software is designed to help enable a leap forward in efficiency and accuracy by helping organizations automatically ingest, organize and manage the spend data required for emissions calculations and external disclosures.
Taking stock of greenhouse gases is a liability and a headache but when you do it right you can also get good green press and earn a Butterfly Mark (Positive Luxury) or B Corp status. Companies like Estee Lauder have taken it very seriously, aiming to not buy carbon credits but stop them at the source by using upgrades like solar energy.
Findings released in the the IBM 2023 Sustainable Business Snapshot revealed that there’s a perception gap among corporate sustainability professionals, including sustainability and IT decision-makers. Some 93% of respondents think their company is somewhat or very mature in using data to track sustainability progress. But only 45% say they are ready to report on Scope 3 emissions. The sample included 250 participants from 13 markets, including US, UK, UAE, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and Spain.
Applying AI to green the gaps
IBM’s new AI and emissions reporting tool called called Envizi has been helping organizations to collect, calculate, analyze and report on GHG emissions for over a decade. The product isn’t a new startup promising the moon: it offers coverage for all 15 Scope 3 categories, using a calculation engine to apply GHG Protocol calculation methods that are underpinned by a robust data management system, says material provided by IMB.
IBM sustainability GHG dashboard
It includes automated data capture, supplier survey data capture, Scope 3 emissions factor libraries, reporting framework templates, a dedicated Scope 3 analytics dashboard, audit tools and functionality to support supplier benchmarking analysis.
A spend-based emissions factor library that is harmonized across over 180 countries, creating uniformity in Scope 3 calculations for purchased good and services. These datasets are designed to help organizations to produce their emissions calculations quickly, accurately and efficiently.
“Growing regulatory requirements and external interests are driving organizations to disclose GHG emissions, including those from Scope 3,” said Christina Shim, VP and and Global Head, Product Management and Strategy, IBM Sustainability Software. “As requirements increase and as organizations prioritize enhancing operational insights, so does the need for robust, auditable data management, calculation, and reporting processes. IBM Envizi is now integrated with the new capabilities to help organizations seamlessly garner insights from spend data to facilitate Scope 3 emissions calculations for ESG reporting.”
For example, a manufacturer may buy computer and electronic components from various suppliers. In one entry, these components may be recorded as ‘chips,’ and in another, they may be called ‘hard drives.’ Ultimately, they all need to be in the category of ‘computer and electronic components’ so the correct emissions factor can be applied.
This application of text classification can help to automatically categorize potentially thousands of lines of spend data so teams can focus on higher value work.
Green Prophet is covering new ground in sustainability by featuring companies using AI in sustainable development. Have an MBA, software, company idea to share? [email protected]
Yemen is all over the news the last couple of months as the Houthi terrorists play a role in Israel’s war against Hamas. As a sustainable news reporter, I’ve been interested in Yemen because as much of the Middle East progresses, Yemen with its internal conflicts remains one of the world’s driest and hungriest cultures.
What I have learned over the years is that Yemen has a treasure trove of food traditions, natural building traditions and unspoiled nature and natural medicines for the world to explore.
Here’s an overview of what I have learned and what could be sustainable development target goals for any leader or group that wants to put the Houthis out of power. These are soft approaches that could help the local people earn income from cottage industry products, tourism and passing on sustainable building methods.
Yemen Honey from the Sidr tree, magical honey from paradise according to the Quran
Yemen has a special island called Socotra, home to a unique tree that bleeds when cut. The dragon blood tree is medicine. It was an impossible mission to get to Socotra Island in the good days. These days, forget about it. Conflict does have a way of protecting nature from over-tourism.
Zhug makes every dish betterMake two-fingered Yemeni pita. Via Karin Kloosterman
Make your own fresh, whole wheat pita the Yemini way – with two fingers, one hand, and instructions from a Yemenite grand-daughter who taught us this step by step method. Learn the way!
When a Jewish Orthodox grandmother from Israel pulls a Vice move to find ghat in Israel––> This is what she learned. More than 10 years ago, drinking the Yemenite habit was for hipsters in Tel Aviv. It’s still one of the countries where addictive ghat is not exactly banned.
Yemenite woman on Socotra Island
Yemen has a promising oil and natural gas industry for exports but Houthis who hold oil tankers hostage and possibly sabotage pipelines make it difficult for Yemen to be taken seriously. Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world and UNICEF says people are at risk for starvation. Climate change is making it one of the driest.
Yemen Honey from the Sidr tree, magical honey from paradise according to the Quran
In the enchanting tapestry of nature, the Sidr tree (Ziziphus spina-christi), known by various names such as Lote tree, Christ’s Thorn, the Jujube, or Nabkh tree, and it is a tree weaves a story that transcends religious boundaries. Beyond its status in Islam and Christianity, the Sidr tree plays a unique role in Jewish traditions, the beginning of monotheism and which Christianity and Islam is based.
According to the Jewish Library two species of jujube grow wild in Israel: the wild jujube (Zizyphus spina-Christi) and the lotus jujube (Zizyphus lotus). The first is a tall tropical tree with dense, prickly branches (from which, according to Christian tradition, Jesus’ crown of thorns was made, hence its scientific name), growing in the hot regions of Israel.
The second is a prickly desert bush, bearing small floury fruit; it grows wild in North Africa where the people make bread from it. These are “the lotus eaters” mentioned by Herodotus (Historiae, 4:177).
Also growing in Israel is the cultivated jujube (Zizyphus vulgaris) which produces a large fruit with an excellent flavor. This is the sheizaf of rabbinic literature which is commonly grafted on to the wild jujube, called rimin, the two species being counted as diverse kinds (kilayim) according to halakhah (Kil. 1:4). The fruits of the wild jujube are tasty but were not highly thought of (cf.Dem. 1.1).
Natural medicine from the jujube or Sidr tree
This tree, widespread in the wadis of the Arabah and the Jordan Valley, is identified with the ze’elim (lotus trees, AV “shady trees”) ofJob 40:21–22 under which the behemoth lies near the banks of the Jordan. Near Ein Hazevah in the Arabah grows a huge wild jujube which is counted among the oldest trees in Israel.
The Wondrous Sidr Honey and its Healing Powers
At the heart of the Sidr tree’s significance lies the mystical Sidr honey, cherished for its unique properties across cultures. The Sidr tree, resilient and deep-rooted, grows in coastal, desert, and semi-desert areas, spanning regions from India and Pakistan to Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and the southern Arabian Peninsula. Yemen’s sidr honey makers are very well known.
Yemen beekeepers keep ancient tradition alive. Now they get support from the UN/credit FAO
From the leaves of the jujube (sidr) to its fruits, roots, and bark, the sidr tree is a treasure trove of medicinal wonders:
The leaves, rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, hold therapeutic prowess, serving as components in natural wound disinfectants and herbal shampoos.
The fruits, with protein-rich seeds, offer high nutritional value, boosting energy and fortifying the immune system. Even the ashes of the Sidr tree find purpose in treating snakebites, showcasing its versatile role in traditional medicine. Here are some folk medicines from Bedouin in Israel.
Sidr is Allah’s tree and it could stop climate change
A testament to resilience, the Sidr tree has weathered ancient floods and stands tall alongside the Tamarisk and the Mustard Tree. Belonging to the Ziziphus family of plants, it reaches an average height of 7-8 meters, with soft, gray-yellowish branches, yellow flowers, and round fruits turning reddish when ripe.
In Islam, the Sidr tree is mentioned four times in the Quran, signifying both earthly and heavenly connections. The Sidr tree is considered sacred because it is mentioned in the Quran as being one of the plants in Paradise.
The sidr tree is also believed to be a great candidate for slowing climate change. The plant has a rare ability to thrive in harsh desert communities. It can do well in intense sunlight and without much water in the Middle East.
Midjourney, glaze recipe for potters and ceramic artists on Mars. How about mixing up some Martian Mirth Magma?
Ever since I had a startup in machine learning and AI (an agtech robot) I’ve been challenged by how we can use new tools to sift through data and help us create new products and developments without the painstaking process of reaching out to individuals. While I love and cherish my one-on-time with people I love, and nothing beats the creative process with someone smarter than you, sometimes we want to let our imagination soar. I held an event in Tel Aviv about 6 years ago Mars Farm (and this event on future farming where I was invited) which made us think of solutions for growing food with existing Martian minerals and nutrients. The EU-funded event asked how we could create closed loop systems for farms aboard a spaceship and when we land on Mars. How would our farms look, our diet? Would there be medical cannabis?
You could ask that about any part of life, and I love to spend potting in my backyard studio. So my mind wanders: What would my pottery studio look on Mars? Surely everything would be red? Would the material move differently? Would working on the wheel be easier or harder? What about ceramic casting?
We’d probably have to make as much as we can on Mars since raw materials are heavy and wouldn’t be easily transported. Martian soil is expected to be high in iron and given what we know and maybe with a dash of what we don’t, artificial intelligence created a glaze recipe for Mars potters.
Anyone willing to try it out, and throw in a dash of what you can find local to you as the Martian Regolith (Simulated)?
Creating a glaze recipe for ceramics that can work with the minerals found on Mars involves some speculation since the exact composition of Martian minerals is not fully known. However, we can make an educated guess based on the information available about Martian soil and rocks.
Ingredients for Martian Mirth Magma glaze
Red Iron Oxide: Mars is famously known for its reddish appearance, which is due to the presence of iron oxide (rust). Incorporating red iron oxide into your glaze can help mimic the Martian color.
Silica: Silica is a common component in glazes and can be found on Mars. It helps with the melting process and contributes to the overall texture of the glaze.
Aluminum Oxide: This compound can add stability to the glaze and affect its color. It is also likely to be present in Martian soil.
Magnesium Oxide: Magnesium is known to be present on Mars, and including magnesium oxide in your glaze can provide interesting effects.
Calcium Oxide: Calcium is another element found in Martian soil, and adding calcium oxide can enhance the stability and durability of the glaze.
Martian Regolith (Simulated): If available, you may consider using a simulated Martian regolith, which is a mixture of various minerals found on Mars. This can provide a more authentic touch to your glaze.
Boron (optional): Depending on the specific mineral composition you’re aiming for, you might consider adding boron to adjust the glaze’s melting point and improve its durability.
Basic Glaze Recipe – Martian Mirth Magma:
30% Red Iron Oxide
30% Silica
15% Aluminum Oxide
10% Magnesium Oxide
10% Calcium Oxide
5% Martian Regolith (simulated)
Instructions:
Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fine particles.
Gradually add the dry mix to water until it is absorbed and the add water until the right density is achieved. Feedback on that?
Stir and strain glaze.
Apply the glaze to your ceramics using your preferred method (dipping, brushing, spraying).
Fire the ceramics in a kiln according to standard ceramic firing procedures. Experiment with different firing temperatures to achieve the desired results. This is currently unknown how we will do this on Mars.
Keep in mind that this is a speculative recipe, and the actual mineral composition on Mars may vary. It’s also essential to conduct tests on a small scale before applying the glaze to a larger project. Have you tried out the recipe? Are you will to provide feedback? If yes, let us know [email protected]
Midjourney generated ceramic cups made rom Martian materials.Midjourney generated ceramic cup sketches made rom Martian materials.Midjourney
Possible names for this glaze? ChatGTP came up with a few:
Martian Mirth Magma
Red Planet Razzle-Dazzle
Alien Tease Glaze
Cosmic Chuckle Coating
Extraterrestrial Euphoria EnameLol
Red Dust Delight
Mars Mockery Mix
Laughing Lava Glint
Interplanetary Jest Glaze
Quirk of the Cosmos Coating
Sketches of pottery studios on Mars
Pottery, ceramic art studio on Mars, created by artificial intelligence.
Cradle to CradleWilliam McDonough, 2002 An industry-defying perspective on sustainable manufacturing, urging a shift from the traditional “cradle to grave” approach, making it essential for those in manufacturing to rethink their ecological impact.
Doughnut EconomicsKate Raworth, 2017 Offering a radical economic paradigm, this book challenges conventional views on development, making it crucial for economists and policymakers seeking sustainable solutions for global challenges.
Drawdown2017 Focused on solutions, Drawdown provides a comprehensive guide to reversing global warming, a must-read for environmentalists and policymakers striving for effective climate change mitigation.
Green GiantsFreya Williams By exploring successful sustainable business models, Green Giants provides insights for business leaders, showcasing the profitability and impact of integrating sustainability into corporate strategies.
Green SwansJohn Elkington, 2020 As a guide to the future of regenerative capitalism, Green Swans is indispensable for business leaders navigating the challenges of sustainability, offering insights from the acclaimed “Godfather of Sustainability.”
Grow the PieAlex Edmans, 2020 Demonstrating the profitability of socially responsible businesses, Grow the Pie is a valuable resource for corporate leaders looking to integrate purpose into their practices for long-term success.
How to Avoid a Climate DisasterBill Gates, 2021 Bill Gates provides an engineer’s perspective on climate change, making this book essential for those in the technology and engineering fields seeking innovative solutions to address the climate crisis.
Material ValueJulia L. F. Goldstein, 2019 Material Value serves as an indispensable reference for those in manufacturing, offering practical insights into sustainable and less wasteful production methods.
Our Next EvolutionLaura Calandrella, 2020 For leadership professionals, Our Next Evolution delves into the challenges of implementing lasting change within organizations, offering unique perspectives from both a leadership strategist and conservation biologist.
ScaleGeoffrey West, 2017 Exploring universal laws of growth, Scale is a thought-provoking read for sustainability professionals, connecting the principles of biology to the challenges faced by companies and cities.
Small is BeautifulE. F. Schumacher, 1973 Small Is Beautiful challenges conventional economic thinking, making it relevant for economists and policymakers advocating for sustainable alternatives and reduced consumption.
Sustainability: A HistoryJeremy L. Caradonna, 2014 From the 1600s to the present day, Sustainability: A History provides valuable context for professionals across disciplines, helping them understand the historical roots of the contemporary sustainability movement.
The Ecology of CommercePaul Hawken, 1993 A visionary declaration of sustainability, The Ecology of Commerce appeals to business leaders and environmentalists alike, envisioning a restorative economy that balances ecological and commercial needs.
The Evolution of a Corporate IdealistChristine Bader, 2015 The Evolution of a Corporate Idealist offers insights into corporate responsibility, making it essential for CSR professionals and those pushing for sustainable practices within large corporations.
The Future We ChooseChristina Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, 2020 Leaders in climate negotiations and policy should read The Future We Choose, providing two scenarios for our planet’s future and proposing actionable steps to address the climate crisis.
The GridGretchen Bakke, 2016 An enlightening exploration of America’s power grid, The Grid is crucial for sustainability professionals in the energy sector, offering insights into its development, flaws, and challenges.
The Sixth ExtinctionElizabeth Kolbert, 2014 Focused on man-made extinction threats, The Sixth Extinction is vital for those in environmental science, conservation, and policymaking, providing a sobering analysis of climate change impacts.
The Uninhabitable EarthDavid Wallace-Wells, 2019 A sobering look at the consequences of global warming, The Uninhabitable Earth is a rallying call for climate action, urging individuals and policymakers to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
The UpcycleWilliam McDonough, Michael Braungart, 2013 A sequel to Cradle to Cradle, The Upcycle envisions an ecologically improved future, making it a must-read for those involved in sustainable design and environmental innovation.
There is No Planet BMike Berners-Lee, 2019 Providing a comprehensive guide to climate action, There is No Planet B is indispensable for individuals and policymakers seeking practical solutions to address the urgent challenges of global warming.
UnstoppableBill Nye Written by the renowned Science Guy, Unstoppable harnesses science for climate change solutions, making it an inspiring read for science enthusiasts, educators, and anyone passionate about changing the world.
Wisdom for a Livable PlanetVarious Contributors Wisdom for a Livable Planet presents environmental issues through the perspectives of visionaries, offering inspiration for individuals from all walks of life to join the fight for a sustainable planet.
Braiding SweetgrassRobin Wall Kimmerer, 2013 Drawing on indigenous wisdom, Braiding Sweetgrass is a must-read for environmentalists, scientists, and policymakers seeking holistic perspectives on sustainability and the interconnectedness of nature and culture.
101 Ways to Go Zero WasteKathryn Kellogg, 2018 A practical guide to reducing waste, 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste is essential for individuals looking to adopt sustainable practices, making it an accessible resource for those seeking a low-impact lifestyle.
The Conscious ClosetElizabeth L. Cline, 2019 The Conscious Closet is a revolutionary guide for fashion enthusiasts, offering insights into sustainable and ethical clothing choices, making it a must-read for those seeking a more conscious approach to fashion.
The Waste-Free WorldRon Gonen, 2021 The Waste-Free World is an essential read for individuals and policymakers, providing insights into the circular economy and how it can contribute to less wasteful production and consumption.
WildingIsabella Tree, 2018 Wilding explores the return of nature to agriculture, making it essential for farmers, conservationists, and policymakers interested in regenerative farming practices and the coexistence of agriculture and nature.
The Story of StuffAnnie Leonard, 2010 A critical exploration of our obsession with consumerism, The Story of Stuff is essential for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the environmental and social impact of our consumption habits.
Give a Sh*tAshlee Piper, 2018 Give a Sh*t is a call to action for individuals to live a better, more environmentally conscious life, making it a motivational read for anyone seeking practical advice on sustainable living.
Third Culture Kids of the WorldPriyanka Surio, 2020 Third Culture Kids of the World provides valuable insights for educators, parents, and individuals navigating the challenges of a multicultural world, offering perspectives on identity and belonging.
Farming While BlackLeah Penniman, 2018 Farming While Black is a practical guide for farmers and activists, offering insights into liberation on the land and sustainable farming practices, making it essential for those passionate about agricultural justice.
Net PositivePaul Polman, 2021 Net Positive is a transformative read for business leaders, advocating for companies to give more than they take, making it essential for those interested in aligning business success with positive social and environmental impact.
A Life on Our PlanetDavid Attenborough, 2020 David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet is a must-read for nature enthusiasts and policymakers alike, providing a compelling narrative on the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing To Save CivilizationLester R. Brown, 2009 Plan B 4.0 is an essential read for policymakers and environmentalists, providing a mobilization plan to address global challenges and save civilization from environmental degradation.
#futuregen: Lessons from a Small CountryJane Davidson, 2020 #futuregen is crucial for policymakers and educators, offering lessons from a small country on sustainable development and the intergenerational responsibility of shaping a positive future.
Climate JusticeMary Robinson, 2018 Climate Justice is a must-read for advocates and policymakers, providing insights into the fight for a sustainable future, human rights, and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Limits to GrowthDonella Meadows, 1972 A foundational work in environmental science, Limits to Growth is essential for policymakers and scientists, offering insights into the challenges and conditions that shape sustainable development.
Sustainability for the Rest of UsJohn Pabon, 2020 Sustainability for the Rest of Us provides a practical and accessible approach to saving the planet, making it an ideal read for individuals interested in sustainable living without overwhelming jargon.
Zero Waste HomeBea Johnson, 2013 Bea Johnson’s Zero Waste Home is a guide for individuals aspiring to reduce their environmental footprint, making it a valuable resource for those interested in adopting a zero-waste lifestyle.
Natural CapitalismAmory Lovins, 1999 Natural Capitalism is a seminal work for business leaders and policymakers, advocating for an economic model that values natural resources and sustainability, providing a blueprint for a regenerative economy.
FashionopolisDana Thomas, 2019 Fashionopolis is essential for those in the fashion industry, shedding light on the environmental impact of fast fashion and offering a vision for a more sustainable future in the world of clothing.
The Story of MoreHope Jahren, 2020 Scientist Hope Jahren’s open letter on climate change is a powerful read for the general public, offering both scientific insights and personal reflections on the path to climate change and its consequences.
The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery, 2005 Exploring the impact of human activity on the climate, The Weather Makers is a compelling read for those interested in understanding the science and consequences of climate change.
Alaska by James Michener, 1988
A sweeping historical novel, Alaska by James Michener provides an epic exploration of the history and culture of Alaska, offering insights into the complex relationship between humans and the environment in this vast and rugged landscapes.
The End of Nature by Bill McKibben, 1989
Published in 1989, The End of Nature is one of the first books to popularize the concept of global warming. McKibben warns of the dire consequences of unrestricted burning of fossil fuels, leading to an irreversible warming of the planet. The book played a crucial role in forming the environmental organization 350.org and galvanizing a global movement to fight climate change. (Kelly Mason, TheTutor)
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, 1949
Published in 1949, A Sand County Almanac is a classic of environmental literature. It consists of essays about Leopold’s experiences in the Wisconsin countryside and his observations of the beauty and fragility of nature. Credited with introducing the concept of a “land ethic,” it advocates treating the environment with the same respect and care as a human being. The book is often credited with shaping the modern environmental movement.
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard, 2005
Yvon Chouinard’s Let My People Go Surfing is a business memoir and manifesto for responsible capitalism. It outlines Chouinard’s journey in building the outdoor clothing company Patagonia and advocates for sustainable and environmentally conscious business practices. (This book and the next 15 or so were suggested by Verineia Codrean, Startup Norway)
How to Spend a Trillion Dollars
An exploration of the potential impact of large-scale financial investments, How to Spend a Trillion Dollars prompts readers to consider the ethical and sustainable deployment of significant financial resources.
Growth for Good by Alessio Terzi, 2021
Alessio Terzi’s Growth for Good explores the intersection of economic growth and societal well-being, offering insights into how businesses can contribute positively to both financial prosperity and the common good.
Nature’s Fortune by Mark Tercek, 2013
Mark Tercek’s Nature’s Fortune delves into the economic value of nature and argues for the inclusion of nature conservation in business and economic decision-making.
BONUS BOOKS
Speed & Scale by John Doerr, 2022
This book discusses the urgency and magnitude required to address global challenges, emphasizing the need for rapid and widespread solutions.
All In: The Future of Business Leadership
An exploration of the evolving role of business leaders in creating a positive impact, All In: The Future of Business Leadership provides insights into the changing landscape of corporate leadership.
Chief Sustainability Officers at Work by Chrissa Pagitsas, 2019
Chrissa Pagitsas’ Chief Sustainability Officers at Work provides a behind-the-scenes look at the role of Chief Sustainability Officers, offering practical insights and perspectives on driving sustainability within organizations.
Saving Us by Katharine Hayhoe, 2022
Saving Us by Katharine Hayhoe explores the intersection of climate science, faith, and humanity, offering a hopeful perspective on addressing the challenges of climate change.
Bewilderment by Richard Powers, 2021
Richard Powers’ Bewilderment is a novel that weaves together environmental themes and explores the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
How Bad Are Bananas? by Mike Berners-Lee, 2010
How Bad Are Bananas? by Mike Berners-Lee is a guide that quantifies the carbon footprint of various activities, products, and choices, offering practical insights for reducing individual environmental impact.
Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System by Donella Meadows, 1999
Donella Meadows’ Leverage Points provides a systems thinking perspective, identifying strategic points for intervention to create positive change in complex systems.
Prosperity Without Growth by Tim Jackson, 2009
Tim Jackson’s Prosperity Without Growth challenges the conventional notion of continuous economic growth and explores alternative models for achieving prosperity within ecological limits.
Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas, 2018
Anand Giridharadas’ Winners Take All critiques the role of philanthropy and elite initiatives in addressing social issues, questioning the effectiveness of top-down approaches to societal challenges.
Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist by Paul Kingsnorth, 2017
Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist by Paul Kingsnorth is a reflective exploration of environmental activism and personal convictions, offering insights into the complexities of advocating for sustainability.
The Ministry for the Future
The Ministry for the Future is a speculative fiction novel by Kim Stanley Robinson that explores the potential future scenarios and challenges of climate change mitigation.
Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus, 1997
Muhammad Yunus’ Banker to the Poor narrates the story of Yunus’ journey in founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering microfinance, emphasizing financial inclusion and poverty alleviation.
What Works by Iris Bohnet, 2016
Iris Bohnet’s What Works delves into behavioral design and interventions aimed at addressing gender inequality, providing evidence-based strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion.
Hot, Flat & Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman
Hot, Flat & Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman explores the interconnections between climate change, globalization, and the need for sustainable solutions in a world facing environmental challenges.
Flourishing: A Frank Conversation about Sustainability
Flourishing: A Frank Conversation about Sustainability offers a candid exploration of sustainability, discussing challenges and opportunities for creating a flourishing and regenerative future.
Sustainability by Design by John Ehrenfeld, 2008
John Ehrenfeld’s Sustainability by Design explores the concept of sustainability from a design perspective, offering insights into integrating sustainable practices into the core of product and system design.
The Overstory by Richard Powers, 2018
The Overstory by Richard Powers is a novel that weaves together the stories of individuals connected by their deep relationships with trees, exploring themes of environmentalism, activism, and the interconnectedness.
The Eco Bible by Yonatan Neril, Leo Dee, 2020 Eco Bible is your guide to creating a more sustainable life in pursuit of recreating paradise here on earth.
Växjö care home with its coveted annual Green Building Award in the category “LEED project of the year”. They use ecological cleaning products and services.
Setting the Tone for a Productive Year
Welcoming the new year provides a prime opportunity to revitalise our workspaces, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. A clean, well-organised environment is essential for boosting morale and productivity, making it a crucial aspect of business success. In this regard, commercial cleaning services offer more than just basic cleaning; they bring a level of thoroughness and customisation that can transform a workspace.
Consider the meticulous care required in a hospital or the detailed attention needed in a bustling hotel lobby. Hospital cleaning services ensure a sterile, safe environment critical for patient and staff well-being, while hotel deep cleaning maintains a pristine, welcoming atmosphere for guests. These examples illustrate how targeted cleaning services can meet diverse business needs, setting the stage for a productive and prosperous year ahead.
In the following sections, we will explore various commercial cleaning services and their impact on different work environments, demonstrating how a clean workspace is a cornerstone of business excellence.
The Impact of Cleanliness on Workplace Productivity
The cleanliness of a workspace is not just about visual appeal; it plays a significant role in shaping employee morale and productivity. A well-kept environment fosters a sense of professionalism and respect, encouraging employees to maintain high standards in their own work. This section explores how regular office cleaning and the specialised task of gym cleaning contribute to creating a productive workspace.
Office spaces, the hubs of business activities, require regular upkeep to ensure a clutter-free and sanitary environment. Professional office cleaning services go beyond surface-level tidiness, addressing areas that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact employee health and productivity, such as air vents and computer keyboards.
Similarly, gym cleaning is not just about aesthetics but is crucial for health and safety. Gyms, being high-traffic areas with shared equipment, need rigorous and frequent cleaning to prevent the spread of germs and ensure a safe workout environment. This level of cleanliness is essential to maintain member satisfaction and loyalty, directly impacting the business’s reputation and success.
By prioritising cleanliness through professional services, businesses can create environments that not only look good but also promote a healthier, more productive workforce.
Comprehensive Cleaning Services: Starting the New Year Right
As the new year unfolds, it’s crucial for businesses, including banks, restaurants, and retail stores, to embrace comprehensive cleaning services. This commitment sets a high standard for cleanliness and hygiene, essential for a successful year ahead.
In food-related businesses, kitchen deep cleaning goes beyond regular maintenance. It tackles overlooked areas, ensuring compliance with health regulations and boosting staff morale and efficiency. This thorough cleaning at the year’s start establishes a foundation of excellence in hygiene and customer service.
Banks, often bustling with high customer traffic, see substantial benefits from investing in bank cleaning services at the start of the year. Prioritising detailed sanitisation of teller areas, ATMs, and customer lounges through these specialised services not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also reinforces safety for both clients and staff in these frequently used spaces. This focus on cleanliness is crucial for maintaining a trustworthy and hygienic environment in the banking sector.”
Similarly, retail spaces and supermarkets, after a bustling holiday season, require rigorous sanitisation. This proactive approach in early January is vital for maintaining a healthy environment, reducing health risks, and fostering trust among employees and customers
By prioritising comprehensive cleaning at the year’s start, businesses across various sectors demonstrate their dedication to health, safety, and quality, paving the way for a productive and prosperous year.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions: Good for Business and the Planet
Plants in a Brooklyn apartment. A good way to clean air.
Embracing eco-friendly cleaning practices at the start of the new year is not only a step towards environmental responsibility but also a strategic business decision. In this section, we explore how using eco-friendly cleaning methods can benefit both the planet and your business.
Carpet & upholstery cleaning, often a necessity in office and hospitality environments, can involve harsh chemicals that are detrimental to the environment and human health. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning solutions mitigates these risks. These green methods use biodegradable and non-toxic products that are just as effective as traditional cleaners but without the harmful side effects.
Additionally, adopting eco-friendly practices in specialised cleaning areas like hotel deep cleaning demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. This can enhance your brand’s reputation, as customers are more inclined to support businesses that are mindful of their environmental impact.
By integrating eco-friendly cleaning solutions into their annual maintenance plans, businesses can make a positive impact on the environment while also reaping the benefits of a cleaner, more appealing workspace.
Customised Cleaning Plans for Diverse Business Needs
As businesses enter the new year, the importance of customised cleaning plans tailored to specific industry requirements becomes more evident. This section will focus on the unique cleaning needs of restaurants and film studios, illustrating how bespoke services are vital for different business environments.
Restaurant cleaning demands a specialised approach, combining the needs of both dining and kitchen areas. This involves not just routine cleaning, but also deep cleaning of cooking equipment, grease removal, and sanitisation of food preparation zones. Tailoring these services to the restaurant’s specific layout, size, and customer volume is crucial to maintain a high standard of hygiene, which is essential for customer satisfaction and ongoing patronage.
Film studio cleaning presents a different set of challenges. Studios often contain a variety of environments, from sound stages to editing rooms. Each area requires a specific cleaning approach, from dust control in sensitive technical areas to more robust cleaning in common spaces. A customised plan for a film studio must address these varied needs, ensuring that the facility remains spotless and functional without disrupting the creative process.
By providing customised cleaning solutions that cater to the unique needs of different sectors, cleaning services not only ensure optimal cleanliness but also contribute to the smooth operation and success of these businesses. Such tailored plans are particularly important at the start of the year, setting a precedent for maintaining high standards throughout the coming months.
Investing in Your Workspace as an Investment in Your Business
As we conclude, it’s clear that investing in professional cleaning services at the start of the new year is not just about maintaining a clean workspace; it’s an investment in the overall health and success of your business. From the detailed requirements of restaurant cleaning to the complex needs of film studio cleaning, each service plays a crucial role in creating an environment conducive to productivity, health, and customer satisfaction.
This year, let the commitment to a clean and well-maintained workspace be a cornerstone of your business strategy. Whether it’s ensuring the hygiene and appeal of a restaurant, maintaining the precision of a film studio, or addressing the unique needs of other business environments, professional cleaning services offer more than just cleanliness. They provide a foundation for a safe, healthy, and attractive workplace, contributing to the morale of your employees and the impression you make on your customers.
Remember, the state of your workspace reflects the values and standards of your business. By prioritising professional cleaning services, you’re not only creating a pleasant environment but also reinforcing a message of professionalism and care to everyone who enters your premises. Let this new year be a turning point, where cleanliness and attention to detail are not just goals but integral parts of your business’s identity and success.
