Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world.
Hey there, it’s Nicole. Let’s talk about raking leaves. It’s not everyone’s favorite chore, so do we really have to do it? Let’s explore why it might not be as necessary as we think.
This week’s highlights include the debate on whether to rake or not, a captivating wildlife photo, and a company turning abandoned mine sites into profitable ventures that also benefit the environment.
As autumn arrives, the ground becomes littered with fallen leaves, creating a serene atmosphere as they rustle in the wind outside your window at night. While these leaves offer habitat for insects and other creatures, the question arises: should we be so quick to rake them up?
According to Sara Stricker from the University of Guelph’s Turfgrass Institute, the answer isn’t straightforward. While campaigns like Leave the Leaves advocate for leaving them be to support insect ecosystems, Canadians tend to tidy up their lawns as soon as spring arrives, potentially disrupting these natural habitats.
Experts like Paul Zammit suggest that leaves play a crucial role in providing nutrients to the soil and shelter for various wildlife. Mulching the leaves can be a compromise, breaking them down into smaller pieces to benefit both the lawn and the environment.
On the flip side, leaving leaves untouched can attract unwanted pests and hinder grass growth if they become too dense. Striking a balance between mulching and raking is key to maintaining a healthy lawn.
In the realm of wildlife photography, B.C. photographer Shane Gross clinched the grand title in last year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition with his striking image “Like an Eel out of Water,” showcasing peppered moray eels in their natural environment.
Shifting focus to environmental initiatives, a company named Regeneration is revolutionizing the restoration of abandoned mine sites in Yukon, B.C., and Alaska. By partnering with renowned brands like Apple and Tiffany and Co., they are extracting metals from waste materials to fund restoration efforts and create ethically sourced jewelry.
The project aims to clean up polluted land and waterways while generating profits. By re-mining old mine sites and utilizing advanced technology, Regeneration is paving the way for a sustainable approach to remediation, challenging conventional mining practices.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. For questions, feedback, or story ideas, reach out to us at whatonearth@cbc.ca. Stay tuned for more environmental insights in our upcoming editions.