Tag: nature

creativity

Unraveling Ocean Mysteries: The Deep-Sea Spiders Powered by Methane

Christa Avampato
Sericosura sea spiders in this study and maps where they’re found.
From https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2501422122

The ocean’s depths have always held secrets, a vast, unexplored frontier teeming with life that defies our conventional understanding. Just when we think we’ve seen it all, nature delivers another astonishing revelation. Recently, a groundbreaking discovery has captivated the scientific community and nature enthusiasts alike: the first-ever methane-powered sea spiders, thriving in the extreme conditions of the ocean floor.

Imagine a world where sunlight never penetrates, where pressures are crushing, and life seems impossible. Yet, in these seemingly inhospitable environments, vibrant ecosystems flourish, often fueled by chemosynthesis—a process where organisms derive energy from chemical reactions rather than sunlight. While hydrothermal vents and cold seeps are known hubs for such life, the discovery of methane-powered sea spiders introduces a new, fascinating chapter to this narrative.

These remarkable creatures, belonging to the ancient order of Pycnogonida, or “sea spiders,” have long been a source of wonder with their spindly legs and delicate forms. But what makes this new find truly extraordinary is their unique metabolic pathway. Scientists have observed these deep-sea arachnids congregating around methane seeps, areas where hydrocarbon gases leak from the seafloor. Through meticulous research, it was determined that these spiders don’t just live near the methane; they actively utilize it.

The research suggests a symbiotic relationship, perhaps involving specialized bacteria within the spiders’ gut or on their external surfaces, that can metabolize methane. This process converts the potent greenhouse gas into a usable energy source for the spiders, allowing them to thrive in an environment previously thought devoid of complex life forms that could directly tap into methane as fuel. It’s a biological marvel, showcasing evolution’s incredible adaptability.

This discovery has profound implications. It expands our understanding of life’s resilience and the diverse ways organisms can harness energy. It prompts us to reconsider the potential for life in other extreme environments, both on Earth and perhaps beyond. Furthermore, studying these methane-powered spiders could offer insights into novel biochemical processes, potentially leading to advancements in areas like bioremediation or sustainable energy.

The deep sea continues to be an endless source of inspiration and scientific inquiry. The methane-powered sea spider is not just a new species; it’s a testament to the ocean’s boundless capacity for wonder, reminding us that even in the most extreme corners of our planet, life finds a way, often in the most unexpected and awe-inspiring forms. As we continue to explore, who knows what other incredible adaptations await discovery in the mysterious depths below?

creativity

Nature’s Ancient Sages: What Bristlecone Pines Teach Us About Thriving

Christa Avampato
A gnarled, ancient bristlecone pine on White Mountain Road in Bishop, California. Photo by Donna Elliot on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered what it takes to survive for thousands of years in some of the most unforgiving environments on Earth? Look no further than the remarkable bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva.) They are living legends, silent witnesses to millennia of history, and powerful teachers for us all.

Found clinging to rocky, high-altitude slopes in the White Mountains of California, the Great Basin, and other western ranges, bristlecone pines endure brutal winds, extreme temperature swings, nutrient-poor soil, and minimal moisture. Yet, they don’t just survive; they thrive with an astonishing longevity. One of the oldest known living organisms on Earth is a Bristlecone Pine named Methuselah, estimated to be over 4,800 years old! Imagine, it was a seedling when the pyramids of Egypt were being built!

What’s their secret to such incredible resilience?

  • Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Unlike many faster-growing trees, bristlecones grow incredibly slowly. They conserve energy and resources, focusing on long-term survival over rapid expansion. (In our world obsessed with growth, what a business lesson that is!)
  • Always Run Defense: Their dense wood contains a high amount of resin — a sticky substance produced by trees as a defense mechanism. It hardens when exposed to air and that forms a protective barrier, making them highly resistant to insects, fungi, and rot.
  • Adaptability is Key: Their root systems are shallow but extensive, allowing them to capture what little moisture and nutrients are available from a wide swath of land. Their needles, which they can retain for decades, are adapted to retain water in dry conditions.
  • Embrace Adversity and Go Where Others Won’t: The very conditions that would kill other trees seem to strengthen bristlecones. The harsh winds sculpt their trunks into gnarled, twisted masterpieces, giving them a unique and beautiful character that inspires every artist who sees them. The lack of competition at high altitudes allows them to dominate their niche. (As we know, unsexy business niches can be wildly successful for this reason, too!)
  • The Power of Perseverance: Even when parts of the tree die, the bristlecone continues to live and grow from the remaining sections, often forming dramatic “flagged” branches that appear to be dead or dying. These branches are like scars worn as badges of honor — testaments to the tree’s enduring struggles.

What can these ancient sages teach us about navigating our own lives?

The bristlecone pine offers profound lessons in resilience, adaptability, and perseverance — qualities that are invaluable in our fast-paced and often challenging world, especially in business.

  1. Embrace “Slow Growth”: In a society that often glorifies rapid success, the bristlecone reminds us of the power of steady, sustainable progress. Don’t be discouraged by seemingly slow advancements; true strength and longevity often come from a deliberate, methodical approach. I recently read a quote by Sharon Olds that really hit home: “I was a late bloomer. But anyone who blooms at all, ever, is very lucky.”
  2. Find Your Niche and Adapt: Like the bristlecone thriving where others falter, identify your unique strengths and adapt to your environment. Instead of fighting against challenges, look for ways to work with them, turning obstacles into opportunities.
  3. Resilience Through Adversity: Life will inevitably throw harsh conditions our way. The bristlecone teaches us that these very struggles can sculpt us, making us stronger and more unique. Don’t fear the difficult times; learn from them and let them shape your character.
  4. Persevere, Even When Parts Feel Worn: There will be moments when we feel depleted or broken. The bristlecone shows us that even when parts of us feel exhausted, we can continue to grow and thrive from the remaining, healthy parts. Focus on what still functions and keep moving forward.
  5. Find Beauty in Your Scars: The gnarled, twisted forms of the bristlecone pines are considered incredibly beautiful. Our own struggles and challenges leave marks on us, but these scars can be a testament to our strength and resilience, making us uniquely beautiful with stories to tell.

The next time you face a challenge, take a moment to reflect on the bristlecone pine. Let its ancient wisdom inspire you to stand tall, adapt to the winds of change, and embrace the slow, steady process of becoming stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

creativity

Ditch the Mower, Find the Wonder! 🌿 Your Guide to a Wild(ish) Lawn

Christa Avampato
Photo by Elisa on Unsplash

As spring flourishes in all its glory (hello, sunshine!), you might be eyeing that lawnmower with a familiar sigh. But what if I told you less work for you could mean more life in your lawn? This week, let’s talk about a trend that’s buzzing with benefits: letting your lawn go a little wild!

Forget the pressure of a perfectly manicured green carpet. In reality, that perfect lawn is nearly dead. A wilder lawn isn’t about letting things run completely rampant (unless that’s your jam!). It’s about consciously creating a more natural, vibrant, and wonderfully low-maintenance space that’s teeming with life. And that wild lawn has benefits for you, your bank account, wildlife, and this beautiful planet we all share.

Why Let Your Lawn Loosen Up? More Buzz, Less Fuss!

  • Become a Local Wildlife Hotspot: Think of it — your very own mini-nature reserve! Longer grasses and native “weeds” (I prefer “wildflowers-in-disguise” like clover and dandelions) become a five-star restaurant and hotel for bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and songbirds. You’ll be amazed at who shows up!
  • Kick Back & Relax (More!) and Save Money: Less mowing, less watering, less fertilizing… need we say more? A wilder lawn means more time for you to actually enjoy your outdoor space, not just work on it. And it also saves you money.
  • Better For You, Better for the Planet: Wild lawns are surprisingly powerful. Their diverse plant life helps soak up rainwater (reducing runoff), improves soil health, and even captures more carbon. You’ll also naturally reduce (or eliminate!) the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which is a win for everyone. And again, it saves you money.
  • A Feast for the Senses: Swap out the monotonous green for a shifting tapestry of textures, colors, and gentle movement. Watch wildflowers bloom and seed, listen to the hum of happy pollinators, and discover the intricate beauty of a natural ecosystem right outside your door.

Ready to Embrace Your Lawn’s Wild Side? It’s Easier (and Less Expensive) Than You Think!

Going wild doesn’t mean your yard needs to look messy. It’s about intentional choices that welcome and embrace nature. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Start Small, Mow Tall: You don’t have to go all-in at once. Designate a section of your lawn — maybe the back corner, or a strip along the fence — to let grow longer. Even raising your mower blades to 3–4 inches on the parts you do mow makes a big difference for tiny critters and plant health.
  2. “No Mow May” (and Beyond!): You might have heard of “No Mow May” — it’s a fantastic initiative by Bee City USA, a nonprofit that connects communities of people and pollinators in mutually-beneficial ways, to give emerging pollinators a head start! Why not extend the idea? Try mowing less frequently throughout the growing season. Every two weeks? Once a month for certain areas? Experiment and see what works for you.
  3. Love Your “Weeds”: Those dandelions? Early spring food for bees! Clover? It’s a nitrogen-fixer, meaning it naturally fertilizes your soil, and pollinators adore it. There’s a lot to love about these volunteer plants.
  4. Sprinkle Some Native Charm: Consider overseeding parts of your lawn with native low-growing wildflowers (spread wildflower seed over an existing lawn without disturbing the soil) or a “bee lawn” mix suitable for your geographic region. These plants are adapted to our climate and provide the best resources for local wildlife. A quick search for “bee lawn” mix or a visit to a local native plant nursery can provide great options.
  5. Create “Cues to Care”: Worried about what the neighbors might think? Keep the edges of your wilder areas neatly mown. This creates a look of “intentional wildness” and shows your landscape is cared for, not neglected. A small, friendly sign explaining your lawn is a “Pollinator Paradise” or “Wildlife Life” area can also work wonders and tell your story, raising awareness, advocating for wildlife, and encouraging your neighbors to give it a try, too.
  6. Patience is Your Superpower: Transforming a conventional lawn into a mini-meadow takes time. Don’t get discouraged. Enjoy observing the changes each week and season. You’re creating a living landscape, and every small step is a win.

Wild Fact: Allowing your grass to grow taller encourages deeper root systems, making your lawn more drought-tolerant. Less watering for you, less money spent, fewer resources used, and more resilience for your yard!

Ready to trade some mowing time for more butterflies and birdsong? Letting your lawn go a little wild is a simple, rewarding way to make a big difference for your local ecosystem and your own well-being.

Happy wilding!

animals, creativity

Building Nature’s Highways: Why Wildlife Corridors Matter, Especially in a City Like New York

Christa Avampato
Photo by Maurice Gort on Unsplash

In the urban symphony of honking taxis and bustling sidewalks, it’s easy to forget that New York City is also home to a surprising array of wildlife. From the familiar pigeons and squirrels to more elusive species like coyotes, egrets, and even occasional seals in the harbor, nature finds a way to persist amidst the concrete jungle. However, these urban dwellers face significant challenges, primarily the fragmentation of their habitats. Parks, green spaces, and natural areas exist as isolated islands in a sea of development, making it difficult for animals to move, find food and mates, and maintain healthy populations.

This is where wildlife corridors, also known as green corridors or ecological corridors, become vital. More than just 2 patches of green, these linear stretches of habitat act as nature’s highways, providing safe passage for animals to travel across urban landscapes and limit interactions with humans (which keeps wildlife and humans safe.)

Why are wildlife corridors so important?

The benefits of establishing and maintaining wildlife corridors extend far beyond simply allowing animals to move:

  • Combating Habitat Fragmentation: Urban sprawl carves up natural landscapes, isolating animal populations. Corridors reconnect these fragmented habitats, allowing for greater movement and reducing the risks of inbreeding and localized extinctions.
  • Promoting Biodiversity: By facilitating the flow of individuals between different areas, corridors help maintain genetic diversity within species and support a wider variety of plant and animal life.
  • Supporting Migration and Dispersal: Many species need to move seasonally or disperse to new areas to find resources or establish new territories. Corridors make these crucial movements possible.
  • Enhancing Ecosystem Health: The movement of wildlife aids in essential ecological processes like pollination and seed dispersal, contributing to the overall health and resilience of urban ecosystems.
  • Increasing Climate Resilience: Green corridors can provide areas that may offer refuge as the climate changes, allowing species to shift their ranges. They also contribute to urban cooling and stormwater management by providing more green space – a win for all species, including humans.
  • Providing Educational and Recreational Opportunities: Urban green spaces, including corridors, offer residents opportunities to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and engage in outdoor activities. (However, please don’t touch wildlife or attempt to corner them to get a photo – give them space and let them be.)

Building Nature into the Urban Fabric of New York City

Integrating wildlife corridors into a dense, established metropolis like New York City presents unique challenges, but it is possible. It requires creative thinking, strategic planning, and a commitment to green infrastructure. Here are some ways we can build nature’s highways into our city:

  • Leveraging Existing Green Spaces: Connecting existing parks, community gardens, cemeteries, and natural areas through planted streetscapes, greenways along industrial areas or waterways, and even strategically placed planter boxes can create a network of connected habitats.
  • Creating Green Roofs and Walls: These vertical and horizontal green spaces on buildings can act as steppingstones or even continuous pathways for birds, insects, and small mammals, particularly in areas with limited ground-level space.
  • Utilizing Waterfronts: New York City’s extensive coastline and rivers offer significant opportunities to establish riparian corridors with native vegetation, providing crucial habitat and movement pathways for a variety of species. The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, while primarily for human use, also offers ecological benefits and could be further enhanced for wildlife.
  • Designing Wildlife Crossings: While more challenging in a dense urban environment, innovative solutions like vegetated overpasses or underpasses could be explored in areas where major roads or highways sever existing or potential green spaces.
  • Prioritizing Native Plants: Filling these corridors with native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants is crucial as they provide the specific food and shelter that local wildlife need. This also reduces the need for intensive maintenance and pesticides.
  • Rethinking Urban Planning and Development: Integrating ecological connectivity into the very fabric of urban planning is key. This includes implementing regulations that encourage green infrastructure in new developments and protecting existing natural areas.
  • Engaging the Community: Educating residents about the importance of urban wildlife and corridors, and involving them in planting and stewardship efforts, can foster a sense of ownership and ensure the long-term success of these initiatives. Programs reducing pesticide use in private gardens and encouraging bird-friendly glass windows to prevent collisions (we lose an astonishing 90,000 to 230,000 birds to window collisions in New York City every year) also contribute to a healthier urban ecosystem.

New York City has already taken steps in this direction with its extensive park system and efforts to restore natural areas. By intentionally building and enhancing wildlife corridors, the city can become a more resilient, biodiverse, and ultimately, more livable place for both its human and animal inhabitants. It’s an investment in the ecological health of the city and a recognition that even in the heart of the urban jungle, nature deserves a connected path forward.

creativity

The happy-sad of old grief

Christa Avampato
Phinny’s cherry blossoms in Central Park on May 2, 2025. Photo by me.

Unexpected laptop issues brought me into the office on Friday afternoon. Our wonderful IT department got my laptop fixed and then I popped down to see my friend whom I work for to have a conversation about a number of different topics. It lasted a couple of hours – much longer than I expected! – so it was the end of the work day by the time we finished up.

Though it was a hot and sticky afternoon, I was close to Central Park. The weather has been a bit of a mess on the weekends so my friend, Ashley, and I didn’t get to see Phinny’s cherry blossoms together this year. I decided to venture up to the park’s reservoir to see what was left of them and walk the path that Phinny and I walked so many times over our years together.

As I wound my way through the park from Central Park South to 86th Street, memories lived around every bend. Picnics. Concerts. Softball games. Walks and talks. Museums. Some tears and moments of sadness. That’s the stuff of every life – joy and difficulty.

I passed by my favorite tree in the park, a great hulking beauty perfect for sitting and watching the world go by. The Pinetum that Phinny loved to nose around in. The apartment on 81st street perched high above the American Museum of Natural History that Phineas and I always thought would be the dream apartment for us to live in. The archways that always feel like portals. Inspirations for my Emerson Page books. Central Park holds all of it.

Though the cherry blossoms around the reservoir were a bit past their prime, Phinny’s spirit and I didn’t care. It’s such a beautiful part of the park and we spent so many happy days there. Some blossoms were still blooming. The petals were pooled around the tree trunks – how Phinny loved to scoop up those petals with his prominent snoot, just like my friend, Ashley, showed in the watercolor of him she made for me! On the rare occasion that Phinny and I would sit under those trees – he and I are much more into exploring than sitting – he’d look at me with his big soulful eyes and happy smile. Then after a few moments, he’d try to wander over to someone else’s blanket to invite himself to their picnic and see what they had on offer. What a hound!

My eyes teared up and I laughed thinking of all his antics. I was happy-sad. So grateful for every single one of those memories and so sad that our time together in that way has passed.

That’s the thing about grief: if we’re lucky, it always stings at least a little. We never get over missing someone we love. Thankfully, the world conspires to keep them close to us, memories everywhere and signs in everything.

Photos below from my walk through Central Park.

creativity

Digging Deep: How Healthy Soil Can Help Heal Our Planet

Christa Avampato
Photo by Steven Weeks on Unsplash

We often look to the skies, the oceans, or technological innovations when discussing climate change solutions. But what if a powerful tool lies right beneath our feet? Healthy, living soil is an unsung hero in the fight against climate change and a cornerstone of a truly healthier planet.

To educate myself on soil health, I watched the documentaries Kiss the Ground and Common Ground on Amazon Prime Video. After watching them, I immediately visited their resources website filled with free ebooks and guides that can help all of us advocate for this climate solution and immediately take action in our everyday lives.

For too long, we’ve treated soil like dirt – an inert medium to hold plants up. In reality, healthy soil is a complex, dynamic ecosystem teeming with billions of microbes, fungi, insects, and worms. This underground world plays a crucial role in regulating our climate and supporting life on Earth.

How Does Soil Fight Climate Change? The Carbon Connection

The key lies in carbon sequestration. Here’s how it works:

  1. Photosynthesis: Plants pull carbon dioxide (CO2​), a major greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere.
  2. Carbon Transfer: Through photosynthesis, plants convert this carbon into sugars to fuel their growth. Some of this carbon builds their leaves and stems, but a significant amount is channeled down into their roots.
  3. Soil Storage: Plants release carbon compounds through their roots (exudates) to feed soil microbes. When plants and microbes die and decompose, this carbon becomes part of soil organic matter (SOM) – a complex, dark material rich in carbon.
  4. Locking it Away: In healthy, undisturbed soil with a thriving microbial community, this carbon can remain stable and locked away for decades, centuries, or even millennia, effectively removing it from the atmosphere where it would otherwise trap heat.

The Problem with Degraded Soil

Unfortunately, many modern agricultural and land management practices have degraded our soils worldwide. Practices like intensive tilling, overuse of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, deforestation, and leaving soil bare disrupt the soil structure, kill beneficial microbes, and lead to erosion.

When soil is degraded:

  • It loses its ability to store carbon. Tilling, for instance, exposes SOM to oxygen, causing microbes to rapidly consume it and release the stored carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2​.
  • It can release other potent greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide (N2​O) due to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer overuse.
  • Its capacity to absorb and hold water diminishes, increasing runoff, erosion, and vulnerability to both droughts and floods.

Beyond Carbon: The Ripple Effects of Healthy Soil

Improving soil health isn’t just about carbon. It creates a cascade of benefits for a healthier planet:

  • Improved Water Management: Healthy soil with good structure absorbs more water, reducing runoff, preventing erosion, and recharging groundwater. This makes landscapes more resilient to both floods and droughts.
  • Enhanced Biodiversity: Thriving soil ecosystems support a vast array of life, from microscopic bacteria and fungi to earthworms and insects, forming the base of terrestrial food webs.
  • Reduced Pollution: Healthy soil filters water and can break down certain pollutants. By reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, soil-friendly practices also decrease chemical runoff into waterways.
  • Increased Food Security & Nutrition: Healthy soils produce more resilient and nutrient-dense crops, contributing to a more stable and nutritious food supply.
  • Reduced Need for Inputs: Soils rich in organic matter and microbial life naturally provide more nutrients to plants, lessening the dependence on synthetic fertilizers, the production of which is energy-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Reduced Erosion: Strong soil structure, held together by roots and microbial glues, resists being washed or blown away, preserving our precious topsoil.
  • Cleaner Air: By reducing wind erosion, healthy soils contribute to cleaner air with less dust and particulate matter.

How Can We Improve Soil Health?

The good news is that we know how to regenerate soil health. These key practices, often grouped under the umbrella of regenerative agriculture or soil health management systems, have proven benefits for soil health:

  • Minimize Soil Disturbance: Reducing or eliminating tillage (plowing) keeps the soil structure intact, protects soil organisms, and prevents carbon release.
  • Keep the Soil Covered: Planting cover crops or leaving crop residue on the surface protects the soil from erosion, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter.
  • Increase Plant Diversity: Rotating diverse crops and integrating cover crops feeds different types of soil microbes and improves soil structure.
  • Keep Living Roots in the Ground: Continuous plant cover ensures the soil microbiome is consistently fed via root exudates.
  • Integrate Livestock (Managed Grazing): Well-managed grazing can stimulate plant growth, add manure (nutrients and organic matter), and improve soil health.
  • Reduce/Eliminate Synthetic Inputs: Minimizing chemical fertilizers and pesticides allows the natural soil ecosystem to thrive.
  • Composting: Adding compost to gardens and farms directly increases soil organic matter.

What Can You Do?

  • Support Regenerative Farmers: Look for food grown using soil-healthy practices. Ask questions at farmers’ markets.
  • Compost: Turn your food scraps and yard waste into valuable soil amendments for your garden or community garden.
  • Garden Smarter: Practice no-dig gardening, use mulch, plant cover crops, and avoid synthetic chemicals.
  • Advocate: Support policies that incentivize farmers to adopt soil-healthy practices.
  • Learn & Share: Learn more and spread the word about the critical importance of soil health. Watching Kiss the Ground and Common Ground on Amazon Prime Video, and visiting their resources website are great ways to start!

Conclusion

Healing our planet requires looking down as much as we look up. By focusing on regenerating the health of our soils, we can actively draw down atmospheric carbon, enhance water cycles, boost biodiversity, improve food security, and build resilience to climate extremes. Healthy soil is a powerful, natural climate solution hiding in plain sight – it’s time we recognized its potential and started digging deep for a healthier future.

creativity

Nature is a packaging professor for product companies

Christa Avampato
Photo by Eiliv Aceron on Unsplash

“What are the characteristics of perfect product packaging?”

A business school professor teaching a product development class on packaging looked around at her students eagerly raising their hands.

“Inexpensive.”

“Perfectly fits the product without wasting space.”

“Lightweight.”

The professor opened her bag and took out a banana. She peeled it and began to eat it as students continued calling out answers.

“Biodegradable and non-toxic.”

“Eye-catching color.”

“Protects the product it holds.”

The professor nodded. These were all solid, practical answers. She finished the banana and held onto the peel.

“What about this?” she asked, holding up the banana peel. She could see the proverbial lightbulbs popping into her students’ minds. Inexpensive, perfectly fits product, lightweight, biodegradable, non-toxic, eye-catching color, and protects the product.

“Nature is a packaging genius,” she said with a smile.

From that classroom to major CPG companies, innovations in packaging are emulating nature’s packaging prowess while also tackling the massive waste conundrum that packaging has handsomely contributed to for decades.

Agricultural waste transformed into plastic alternatives

A packaging dream scenario is emerging: using agricultural waste to create alternative materials that replace fossil fuel-based packaging at similar costs and outperform them, all while being biodegradable and non-toxic. In 2024, Dr. Nasim Amiralian developed a process to turn sugarcane waste into packaging that also keeps food fresher longer. Sold by Australian company C4C Packaging, it’s used by Australian wineries and beverage companies. EverGrain, a subsidiary of AB InBev, upcycles grain waste from their beer production into packaging films. This is where circular economy principles meet economics meets business needs to protect the health of the planet. What a party!

Using clay to extend the life of fruits and vegetables

Like the business school professor above, I love bananas, but I don’t live anywhere near a climate grows them, so they are shipped, often in cardboard boxes. However, once picked, bananas (and many fruits and vegetables) ripen quickly due to the ethylene gas they emit. Prof. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad and PhD Scholar Mr. Pradeep Kumar at the India Institute of Technology saw this challenge and developed a type of nontoxic, biodegradable clay that can be incorporated into the cardboard to capture and dissipate the ethylene gas, extending the life of fruits and vegetable by up to a week. In addition to being a sustainable packaging practice it also reduces food waste.

Changing the product to suit the packaging

While most companies think of packaging as subservient to the product, British cosmetics and personal care company Lush turned around that idea. Long a pioneer of “naked packaging”, meaning it reduces the packaging to as little possible to protect the environment, Lush’s shampoos, conditioners, body wash, and other products are made as solid bars, often wrapped in simple, post-consumer, recyclable paper. Its bold packaging and product form statement causes its loyal fans and customers to rethink sustainable practices in other areas of their life. I love to see a product company living and creating by their values and purpose.

What I love about all these examples is that they are working with nature to solve problems at a systems level, C4C Packaging, EverGrain, India Institute of Technology, and Lush all recognize that we all share this one planet not only with each other but all species. We can only get to the future together so the needs of others must be as important to us as our own needs. Empathy and ingenuity are a powerful combination, and nature is a brilliant guide and teacher.

creativity

Greenland sharks may help us cure cancer

Christa Avampato
Close-up image of a Greenland shark taken at the floe edge of the Admiralty Inlet, Nunavut. Photo credit — Hemming1952 | Wikimedia Commons | Used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

A cure for cancer may be swimming 2,200 meters (~7,200 feet) below the surface of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) are deep-dwelling animals who live to be ~400 years old in the wild without a shred of medical care. The secret to their longevity is likely in their genes that fend off cancer.

An international team of 28 scientists recently published a paper mapping the Greenland shark’s genome. And the results are astonishing. The shark’s genome has two remarkable features: many duplicate genes give the shark an enhanced ability to repair damaged DNA, and their genome has an altered p53 protein that makes the protein more robust. What do those two things have to do with cancer? As it turns out, everything!

Damaged DNA and cancer Damaged DNA that isn’t repaired causes mutations in genes that regulate how a cell grows and divides. This damage causes cell growth to skyrocket uncontrollably leading to tumors, a.k.a. cancer. There are many ways DNA can be damaged — UV rays from the sun when we don’t wear sufficient sunscreen, tobacco smoke, exposure to toxic chemicals, aging, and the normal processes of living.

Most of the time and for most of our lives, our bodies recognize the damaged DNA and either repair the cell or purge that cell through our natural waste processes, kicking the damaged cell out of our bodies so it never causes problems. However, these damaged cells can be sneaky and hide, or the amount of damage can be very extensive, making it difficult for our bodies to repair or remove all of it.

The Greenland shark’s enhanced ability to repair damaged DNA is an incredible adaptation that helps prevent cancer. Knowing that DNA damage is such an asset for the shark’s longevity further spurs our cancer research to seek out new treatments and therapies to enhance human abilities to repair DNA damage.

p53 protein and cancer The p53 protein is a powerhouse in the bodies of almost every animal. p53 is a tumor suppressor, protecting cell DNA from damage, initiating repairs when it detects damaged DNA, and kicking damaged cell out of the body when necessary. Greenland sharks have a more robust p53 protein than other animals, allowing them to be more highly attuned to protect against and repair DNA damage.

Biomimicry, nature preservation, and biodiversity conservation is vital for human health Among its many attributes, nature is a research lab, pharmacy, library, and archive. The species with whom we share this planet hold the answers to every question we have. It takes time, effort, and funding to study nature and find these answers.

By employing biomimicry (the emulation of nature’s design genius, such as the adaptations of the Greenland sharks that give them such great longevity), protecting nature, and safeguarding biodiversity, we are providing ourselves with a source of unlimited creativity, knowledge, and wisdom. Our lives, and the lives of all beings, are intricately intertwined. Nature will help us thrive if we care enough to help nature survive.

creativity

Beetles and birds show us how to thrive after destruction

Christa Avampato
Black-backed woodpecker. National Park Gallery. Public domain photograph by National Park Service.

For most animals, including humans, wildfires represent a dire threat. The smoke-filled skies and relentless heat leave little room for survival. But against all odds, in the natural world, fires don’t always signal death. For a select few creatures, they actually signal an opportunity—a gateway to survival and even proliferation. These creatures, adapted to the flames, have evolved extraordinary traits to navigate and thrive in fire-scorched environments. From fire-seeking beetles to flame-spreading birds, their stories reveal the unexpected resilience and ingenuity of life in the face of destruction.

1. Pyrophilous Beetles

Pyrophilous (or “fire-loving”) beetles are nature’s fire chasers. Beetles like those of the Melanophila genus (commonly known as fire beetles) can locate forest fires from astonishing distances—up to 80 miles away. Their infrared sensors detect heat, while finely tuned smoke receptors in their antennae guide them toward the source of the flames.

But why seek out fire?

For these beetles, a scorched forest is the perfect nursery. The intense heat weakens a tree’s defenses, making it easier for the beetles to lay their eggs under the bark. The larvae, free from the competition of other insects and predators, feast on the decaying wood. This burned environment provides a sanctuary for growth and ensures the continuation of their lifecycle.

Interestingly, Melanophila beetles are not alone in their fire-seeking pursuits. Other insects, like the Australian fire beetle (Merimna atara) also make the most of fire-damaged forests. They are drawn to the scent of burning eucalyptus trees, where they lay their eggs in the tree’s charred remains. However, these beetles don’t just swoop in to capitalize on scorched earth; they also play a pivotal ecological role. By breaking down charred wood, these insects accelerate the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem, enriching the soil and paving the way for new plant growth.

2. Woodpeckers

For certain woodpeckers, fire-scorched forests are not just habitats but lifelines. Species such as the black-backed, red-cockaded, and white-headed woodpeckers depend on post-fire landscapes to survive. When wildfires clear the dense understory of forests, they leave behind standing dead trees, or snags, which are prime real estate for these birds.

The black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) is particularly adept at thriving in these conditions. Its diet consists largely of the larvae of wood-boring beetles, which proliferate in recently burned forests. By foraging in these areas, the woodpeckers control insect populations and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem.

The red-cockaded woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis), a threatened species, and the white-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus) offer two other compelling examples. These birds rely on mature pine forests that experience periodic low-intensity fires. Fire prevents the growth of competing vegetation and maintains the open, savanna-like conditions these woodpeckers need to nest and forage for food.

In fact, it was even observed that when natural fires were suppressed, red-cockaded woodpecker populations plummeted. Conservationists have since employed controlled burns to mimic natural fire cycles, helping these birds reclaim their niche in the ecosystem.

Fire lessons for us

Fires radically and permanently transform everything they touch. Once something is touched by fire, it is never the same again. The chemical reactions are irreversible.

Since my apartment building fire that happened in 2009, I’ve thought a lot about this idea of the change and rebirth that follows destruction. I was never the same after my fire. It was a long road to heal after that terrible incident.

I used to think of my fire as the worst day of my life. Now, I think of it as one of the best. That experience made me a writer. That experience destroyed my fragile mental health and was the impetus to get the therapy I had needed since I was a child. I was forged in that fire in a way that I would need when I later encountered other challenges such as the pandemic, cancer, losing my beloved Phineas, and difficult career changes.

Yes, it made me resilient, but at a terribly steep price. On the other side of it now, with distance and time, I can see the value. However, I can’t say I’m eager to go through something like that again. And yet, when I look around at our world today, I think we may not have a choice. The proverbial fires are being set. Like the animals that have to adapt to their habitat changed my fire, I think we may find ourselves in a similar position in the not-to-distant future. We may be there already.

I don’t know how we’ll adapt to a new world order as these animals have done. I have a lot of questions, and I’m trying to live my way into the answers. What is my role in the midst of the fire? What will remain? How will we pick up the pieces and build something new from them? How will what we build from what remains help those who come after us? How can we use nature as a guide and collaborator in our rebuilding?

creativity

How I embrace Finland’s nature-based wisdom in Brooklyn

Christa Avampato
Photo of Lake Summanen, Saarijärvi, Finland by Tapio Haaja on Unsplash

In this moment in time, I’m looking for comfort and advice in nature and books. I recently read The Finnish Way: Finding Courage, Wellness, and Happiness Through the Power of Sisu by journalist Katja Pantzar. A Canadian with Finnish heritage, she moved to Finland for work. What she never expected and found is that embracing the Finnish lifestyle would radically transform her mental and physical health. Curious to see if I could adopt these lessons myself in my Brooklyn life, this is what I’ve tried and how it’s going:

Nature heals

Finns spend time outside in all sorts of weather all year long, even when the days are short and cold. They bike to work. They go out of their way to take the scenic route, spending as much time in nature as they can. They take winter swims (or dunks!) in the frigid sea followed by warm and cozy saunas. Cold water dips have been shown to have health benefits: circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mood, along with a possible boost to the immune system. (However, if you have heart issues, please consult a doctor before trying cold water swimming.)

People in Finland put away their technology and embrace being together with others, often outside and in natural settings. They see nature as a generous neighbor. Yes, it takes effort and time, but the benefits far exceed the work and planning required to experience them.

Once Pantzar took on this view of nature, and practices like cold water swims and warm saunas, she noticed her mental and physical health improve. She felt clear-headed and physically stronger. Her gratitude for nature grew. Her relationships flourished.

My take:

I’m fortunate to live close to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. It’s a sprawling green space of over 500 acres. I’ve been trying to get there more often, even when it’s cold, either before or after work or at lunch time. I’ve also been trying to spend time in nature with others, a walking meet up.

I’m about a 20-minute subway ride from the ocean. However, there’s no sauna close by so I’ve not done the cold plunges in the open water. Instead, at the end of my morning shower, I turn the water to cold and try to bear 10 seconds. Though I can’t say I love the cold water, I have found them helpful. From the first time I tried this, I felt a rush afterwards. Something about doing this makes me smile. I feel alert and ready to take on the day.

I also learned that in NYC, we have a few saunas. Brooklyn Bathhouse and Bathhouse Flatiron to name just two.

The beauty of difficulty

Doing things that are difficult carries a certain level of pride and accomplishment. When we realize we can do hard things, our confidence grows. Whether that’s a cold-water swim, a strenuous hike or bike ride, learning a new skill, or simply getting through a long and difficult winter, there is joy to be found in overcoming obstacles and challenges. We don’t need to shy away from something because we’re afraid of failing, nor because we’re complete beginners trying to find out way. We can embrace that, one step at a time.

My take:

I really love being a beginner. I’m always trying to do new things, with varying degrees of success and learning! Whether it’s learning a new language, cooking and baking, in my writing and paper collage work, a new academic pursuit, or new sports, workouts, and physical challenges, I approach things with curiosity. The older I get, the more comfortable I am saying, “I have no idea how to do this but I’m just going to see how it goes.” I’ve especially loved taking on tasks that I initially think are way too difficult for me to do. I like practice. I like seeing progress and improvement, however small. And when I do make it up that mountain, the views are really spectacular.

Food and exercise

When it comes to diet and exercise, Finns take a sensible approach. They eat more vegetables and fruit than anything else. They bake movement and exercise into their everyday routines. And they make it all fun and engaging. Feeding themselves and exercising is not work; they’re essential to their well-being and a source of joy.

My take:

Having been through cancer, I have seen how what I eat and how I exercise can improve my health outcomes. I got through cancer treatment and continue to get through my current medication side effects largely through diet and exercise rather than taking more medications with even more side effects. My medications impact my muscles, joints, mental health, bone health, and everyday life. They’re not a picnic to manage, but I find when I eat well and move more, I feel better, and the side effects are lessened. Being in good physical shape also helps my medications be as effective as possible. Diet and exercise are within my control, and therefore empowering. Though I’m an omnivore, I’m a plant-based eater and I love cooking and baking. I exercise every day. For my health, I gave up alcohol. I’ve never felt better!

Body-mind communication

One of the many things I admire about the Finns is their growth mindset at every age. They understand the connection between their minds and bodies as part of their culture. Reducing stress is a big part of their motivation of how they live their lives.

My take:

In different chapters of my life, I’ve gone back and forth on whether the body influences the mind more than the mind influences the body. Now I see them as truly equal partners. Sometimes, my mind helps my body level up. Other times, embracing physical challenges helps clear and calm my mind. Their partnership makes me whole.

Though I live over 4,000 miles from Finland, this book helped me bring a bit of the Finnish lifestyle to Brooklyn. I’m excited to keep exploring and to see where this all leads.