Have you ever wondered why the color blue is so rare in nature? From the deep sea to the vast sky, when it shows up, it’s absolutely breathtaking. In this adventure into nature’s blues, we’re not just talking about pretty colors. But, instead a world where butterflies trick the eye, birds shine without a single … Read more
Moon Valley Pilea is an eye-catching little houseplant, also known as Moon Valley Friendship Plant or Artillery Plant (Pilea mollis ‘Moon Valley’). It’s a member of the Nettle family, but don’t worry, it doesn’t sting like its cousins and is non-toxic and pet-friendly. Pilea mollis ‘Moon Valley’ is often sold as Pilea involucrata ‘Moon Valley,’ … Read more
Imagine walking down a street and spotting a wall that zigzags like a serpent rather than following a straight line. Sounds like something from a fantasy novel, right? But no, these are real and they’re called crinkle crankle walls. More than just a whimsical design, these walls are a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and … Read more
In the quiet suburbs north of Calgary, a remarkable story of entrepreneurship and sustainable living is unfolding. Imagine turning your basement into a thriving microgreen farm, generating impressive revenues while championing a new wave of urban farming. Welcome to Micro Acres, a small-scale agricultural venture that’s not only redefining what it means to have a … Read more
Have you ever imagined that the notorious CO2 could be a key player in cooling our planet? Surprisingly, CO2, often villainized for its role in climate change, is now revolutionizing how we heat our homes and water. This seemingly paradoxical twist is due to its efficiency as a refrigerant in heat pump. With over double … Read more
Yellowstone National Park, a symbol of unspoiled natural beauty, is now the center stage of an unfolding ecological drama. The first confirmed case (ref) of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the park’s mule deer population has sparked a flurry of concern among scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Dubbed the “zombie deer disease” due to its … Read more
The recent announcement (ref) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, declaring the extinction of 21 species previously listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for biodiversity conservation. This action, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the ESA, brings both a somber reflection on losses and … Read more
Let’s face it: on a scorching hot day, the sweet hum of an air conditioner feels like a lifeline. But what if that lifeline is actually tying us into a knot of environmental woes? It turns out, our reliance on air conditioning is heating up the planet just as much as it’s cooling our homes. … Read more
I did a double-take the first time I saw a Purple Passion Vine. On closer inspection, I noticed that the dark green leaves were covered in tiny purple hairs that shimmered in the sun. This fascinating native of the Indonesian island of Java grows upright in its native habitat. The cultivar ‘Purple Passion,’ though, is … Read more
Imagine a world where the color of your favorite brand’s packaging changes with every purchase. Confusing, right? This was the reality before Lawrence Herbert dubbed the “King of Color,” transformed Pantone from a small printing company into a global color consistency powerhouse. In 2024, while Pantone’s “Peach Fuzz” is making headlines as the color of … Read more
