Looking at greener pastures

Living near green space can slow biological aging by an average of 2.5 years according to a new study from Feinberg School of Medicine. It’s thought but unproven that exposure to green infrastructure and nature is linked to more physical activity and more social activities are at play. Previous studies have shown that been closer to green spaces resulted in better cardiovascular health.

Source: Northwestern University

Pizzas and pollution

NYC’s vibrant food industry is under threat as officials crack down on traditional pizzerias where older ovens are coal or wood-fired. Calling for environmentally unfriendly emissions to be cut by 75% using devices which are not only expensive but hard to install and maintain. Not everyone agrees with fans, including Musk, calling the requirements unnecessary. 

Source: New York Post

Turkey’s endangered orchids

Salep, a traditional winter drink made of crushed wild orchid roots, milk and sugar is enjoyed in Greece, parts of the Middle East and Turkey. Part comfort food and part folk remedy for everything from impotence to tummy aches, Salap went from a special treat beverage to mass production in ready mix sachets in 1990’s. Today, an illegal black market for the ancient tubor used the “real drink’ is thriving. This phenomenon has ethnobotanists and scientists calling for orchid preservation, consumer education and better methods of sustainable consumption. 

Source: Atlas Obscura