Purple coneflower. Jmeeter / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
By Brian Barth
The first of those is straightforward enough, and the second two are taken care of by planting nectar-rich flowers that bloom over a long period of the year. The foliage itself provides habitat—most insect pollinators like dense vegetation in which they can hide from predators and lay eggs—and the flowers provide the fuel. Plants native to your area are the best bet because they have co-evolved with the native pollinators.
The more diverse your plantings, the better, as some species are very picky. To get you started, here are a few ideas for pollinator plants native to each area of the country. Peruse the list below, and add your favorites to your garden planning list. Want more information? Extensive regional guides can be found at pollinator.org, a project of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign. They even have a handy app.
Northwest
Silver Lupine (Lupinus albifrons)
Flowers: blue/purple, April-May
Size/Type: 3' tall x 3' wide shrub
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: bees
Hairy Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)
Flowers: pink, June-August
Size/Type: 10' tall vine
Sun/Water: part shade, medium water
Attracts: hummingbirds
Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis)
Flowers: yellow, April-June
Size/Type: 2' tall x 2' wide perennial
Sun/Water: part shade, medium-high water
Attracts: bees
Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)
Flowers: white, April-June
Size/Type: 20' feet tall x 15' wide tree
Sun/Water: part shade, medium-high water
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Flea Bane (Erigeron spp.)
Flowers: various colors, June-August
Size/Type: 2' tall x 2' wide perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Southwest
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)
Flowers: red-orange, February-May
Size/Type: 10' tall x 10' wide shrub
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: hummingbirds
Parry's Agave (Agave parryi)
Flowers: yellow, June-August
Size/Type: 2' x 2' perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: bees, hummingbirds, moths, bats
Jimson Weed (Datura wrightii)
Flowers: white, May-October
Size/Type: 2' tall x 2' wide perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: moths
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)
Flowers: yellow, April-June
Size/Type: 6' tall x 6' wide succulent
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: bees
Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina)
Flowers: green/yellow, March-August
Size/Type: 30' tall x 20' wide tree
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Midwest
Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Flowers: yellow/orange, May-July
Size/Type: 2' tall x 2' wide perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, medium water
Attracts: butterflies, hummingbirds
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Flowers: purple, June-August
Size/Type: 2' tall x 2' wide perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, medium water
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Sumac (Rhus spp.)
Flowers: white, April-August
Size/Type: 8' tall x 8' wide shrub
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: butterflies, bees
Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba)
Flowers: white, June-September
Size/Type: 6' tall x 6' wide
Sun/Water: full sun, medium-high water
Attracts: bees
Wild Indigo (Baptisia spp.)
Flowers: blue/purple, March-June
Size/Type: 4' tall x 4' wide
Sun/Water: part sun, medium-low water
Attracts: bees
Southeast
Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
Flowers: yellow, May-July
Size/Type: 2' tall x 2' wide perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)
Flowers: purple/blue, May-June
Size/Type: 3' tall x 3' wide perennial
Sun/Water: part sun, low water
Attracts: butterflies, hummingbirds
Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora incarnata)
Flowers: multi-colored, May-July
Size/Type: 10' tall vine
Sun/Water: full sun, medium water
Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies
Painted Buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica)
Flowers: white, April-May
Size/Type: 12' tall x 12' wide shrub
Sun/Water: shade, medium-high water
Attracts: bees, hummingbirds
Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora)
Flowers: yellow, July-October
Size/Type: 3' tall x 3' wide perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, low water
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Northeast
Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Flowers: white, May-June
Size/Type: 6" tall x 6' wide groundcover
Sun/Water: part sun, low water
Attracts: bees
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Flowers: red, August-October
Size/Type: 3' tall x 3' wide perennial
Sun/Water: part sun, high water
Attracts: bees, hummingbirds
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Flowers: yellow, June-September
Size/Type: 2' tall x 1' wide perennial
Sun/Water: full sun, medium water
Attracts: bees, butterflies
Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana)
Flowers: white, July-August
Size/Type: 10' tall vine
Sun/Water: part sun, medium-high water
Attracts: bees
Mapleleaf Viburnum (Vibrunum acerifolium)
Flowers: white, May-June
Size/Type: 5' tall x 5' wide shrub
Sun/Water: part sun, medium water
Attracts: bees
Reposted with permission from our media associate Modern Farmer.
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Eating too much black licorice can be toxic. Nat Aggiato / Pixabay
By Bill Sullivan
Black licorice may look and taste like an innocent treat, but this candy has a dark side. On Sept. 23, 2020, it was reported that black licorice was the culprit in the death of a 54-year-old man in Massachusetts. How could this be? Overdosing on licorice sounds more like a twisted tale than a plausible fact.
<p>I have a longstanding interest in how chemicals in our food and the environment affect our body and mind. When something seemingly harmless like licorice is implicated in a death, we are reminded of the famous proclamation by Swiss physician Paracelsus, the Father of Toxicology: "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison."</p><p><a href="https://wjsulliv.wixsite.com/sullivanlab" target="_blank">I am a professor </a> in the department of pharmacology and toxicology and <a href="https://authorbillsullivan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">author of the book</a> "<a href="https://www.nationalgeographicpartners.com/press/2019/10/-pleased-to-meet-me--genes--germs--and-the-curious-forces-that-m/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are</a>."</p>
The Root of the Problem
<p>The unfortunate man who recently succumbed to excessive black licorice consumption is not alone. There are a smattering of similar case reports in medical journals, in which patients experience <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26380428/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hypertension crisis</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.5414/cn107011" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">muscle breakdown</a> or even death. Adverse reactions are most frequently seen in people over the age of 40 who are eating far more black licorice than the average person. In addition, they are usually consuming the product for prolonged periods of time. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcpc2002420" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In the most recent case</a>, the Massachusetts man had been eating a bag and a half of black licorice every day for three weeks.</p><p>Licorice is a flowering plant native to parts of Europe and Asia. Its scientific name, <em>Glycyrrhiza</em>, is derived from the Greek words "glykos" (sweet) and "rhiza" (root). The aromatic and sweet extract from its root has long been used as an herbal remedy for a wide variety of health maladies, from heartburn and stomach issues to sore throats and cough. However, there is <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/black-licorice-trick-or-treat" target="_blank">insufficient evidence to support that licorice is effective in treating any medical condition</a>.</p><p>Glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid) is the chemical in black licorice that gives the candy its signature flavor, but it also leads to its toxic effects.</p><p>Glycyrrhizin mimics the hormone <a href="https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/aldosterone/" target="_blank">aldosterone</a>, which is made by the adrenal glands when the body needs to retain sodium and excrete potassium. Sodium and potassium work together as a kind of cellular battery that drives communication between nerves and the contraction of muscles. Too much glycyrrhizin upsets the balance of these electrolytes, which can raise blood pressure and disturb the heart's rhythm. Other symptoms of excessive licorice intake include swelling, muscle pain, numbness and headache. Examination of the man who died from consuming too much licorice revealed that he had <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcpc2002420" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dangerously low levels of potassium, consistent with glycyrrhizin toxicity.</a></p><p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcpc2002420" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>It should be noted that a number of licorice-based foods do not contain real licorice, but use a flavoring substitute called anise oil, which does not pose the dangers discussed here. In addition, despite its name, <a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/537724-black-licorice-vs-red-licorice/" target="_blank">red licorice rarely contains licorice extract</a>. Instead, red licorice is infused with chemicals that impart its cherry or strawberry flavor.</p><p>Products that contain real licorice are usually labeled as such, and list licorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid among the ingredients. Be advised that some products, such as black jelly beans or Good & Plenty, are mixtures of different candies that contain both anise oil and licorice extract.</p>Hidden Dangers That Increase Risk
<p>Glycyrrhizin has the distinct licorice flavor and is <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Licorice" target="_blank">50 times sweeter than sugar</a> and has been used in other types of candy, soft drinks, tea, Belgian beers, throat lozenges and tobacco. This can make it challenging to keep track of how much glycyrrhizin has been consumed, and a combination of these products could trigger adverse effects.</p><p>Some people take dietary or health supplements that already contain licorice, which increases the risk of toxic effects from eating black licorice candy. Certain medications such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.5414/cn107011" target="_blank">hydrochlorothiazide</a> are diuretics that cause increased urination, which can lower potassium levels in the body. Glycyrrhizin also lowers potassium levels, further disrupting the balance of electrolytes, which can produce muscle cramps and irregular heart rhythms.</p><p>People with certain preexisting conditions are more susceptible to black licorice overdose.</p><p>For example, patients who already have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), high blood pressure or heart arrhythmia are likely to have greater sensitivity to the effects of excessive licorice. Those with liver or kidney deficiencies will also retain glycyrrhizin in their bloodstream for longer times, increasing their risk of experiencing its adverse effects.</p>What to Do?
<p>If you're a fan of black licorice, there is no need to ban it from your pantry. Eaten in small quantities from time to time, licorice poses no significant threat to otherwise healthy adults and children. But it is advisable to monitor your intake.</p><p>With Halloween approaching, be sure to remind your kids that candy is a "<a href="https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@global/documents/downloadable/ucm_305557.pdf" target="_blank">sometimes food</a>," especially the black licorice. The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/black-licorice-trick-or-treat" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FDA has issued warnings</a> about the rare but serious effects of too much black licorice, advising that people avoid eating more than two ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks or longer. The agency states that if you have been eating a lot of black licorice and experience an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, stop eating it immediately and contact your health care provider.</p><p>Some scientists have further cautioned against the routine use of licorice in the form of a dietary supplement or tea for its alleged health benefits. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2042018812454322" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">review article from 2012</a> warned that "the daily consumption of licorice is never justified because its benefits are minor compared to the adverse outcomes of chronic consumption."</p>From Your Site Articles
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Material Revolutions: Shirts Made from Shellfish, Biodegradable Rum Bottles and Reusable Fast Food Containers
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Sustainable t-shirts by Allbirds are made from a new, low-carbon material that uses a mineral extract from discarded snow crab shells. Jerry Buttles / Allbirds
In the age of consumption, sustainability innovations can help shift cultural habits and protect dwindling natural resources. Improvements in source materials, product durability and end-of-life disposal procedures can create consumer products that are better for the Earth throughout their lifecycles. Three recent advancements hope to make a difference.
1. Allbirds Shirts Made From Shellfish
<p>Sustainable sneaker start-up <a href="https://www.allbirds.com/pages/apparel" target="_blank">Allbirds</a> is known for its thoughtfulness for consumers and the environment. The four-year-old shoe company has become hugely popular by creating comfortable shoes made from responsibly sourced materials like tencel and wool, reported <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90565358/allbirds-new-clothing-line-includes-t-shirts-made-from-discarded-crab-shells" target="_blank">Fast Company</a>.</p><p>Recently, Allbirds launched its debut apparel line with garments for men and women made with eco-friendly materials that have a low carbon footprint, the report said.</p><p>Introduced along with the line is a new t-shirt material called "TrinoXO," which is made from wool and discarded snow crab shells from Canada's seafood industry, reported <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/20/sustainable-sneaker-start-up-allbirds-is-selling-sweaters-t-shirts.html" target="_blank">CNBC</a> and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/20/business/allbirds-sustainable-apparel/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CNN</a>. The shells are the "number two discarded resource on earth," Allbirds claims, reported <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/style/a34427585/allbirds-apparel-clothing-line-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Men's Health</a>.</p><p>"Discarded material is the holy grail when it comes to sustainable fibers," Jad Finck, Allbirds head of innovation and sustainability, told Fast Company. "It's far better for the environment than getting raw materials from scratch."</p><p>The shells have antimicrobial properties that keep clothes fresh even after hours of wear, without the need to add "extractive" materials like zinc or silver, Men's Health reported. This allows for longer periods of wear between washes, reducing clothes' environmental footprint.</p><p>"We knew we wanted to be a real brand, and had this vision that we'd be an innovation company first, and a product company second," co-founder Joey Zwillinger told <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/allbirds-launches-clothing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vogue</a>. "And our products would solve problems for people in a natural way, and show the world that you don't have to compromise on the planet for amazing products."</p>2. Bacardi Biodegradable Rum Bottles
<p>By 2023, <a href="https://www.bacardi.com/us/en/" target="_blank">Bacardi</a> rum will be sold in 100% biodegradable bottles, <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201021005281/en/Bacardi-First-in-Fight-Against-Plastic-Pollution-With-100-Biodegradable-Spirits-Bottle" target="_blank">Business Wire</a> reported.</p><p>The alcohol giant is collaborating with Danimer Scientific, a leading developer of biodegradable products, to create the new bottles using the natural oils of plant seeds such as palm, canola and soy, the report said.</p><p>According to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/bacardi-to-make-100-biodegradable-spirits-bottle-124436841.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAE1Wl8ONNdph3ID8reylzGM8dbX575Mk96Jw6z3kHZaGjKCz_UgQgxH0Q1n3RNCzhOMBEZ7fAIf8iiOXLRtY9VVHNZsmb-w1VOJnGlzIbuwhmoBo_KOV4dba8FoWrkgmmwwCyQZnRoTL0Uda6HQ4pE5ewGWh2pwQzjS3gKAe1ynm" target="_blank">Yahoo Finance UK</a>, the new bottle will biodegrade in a wide range of environments, including compost, soil, freshwater and seawater. After 18 months, the bottle will disappear completely without leaving microplastics.</p><p>"Nodax PHA is one of the most promising eco-friendly materials in the world today because it delivers the biodegradability that consumers demand without losing the quality feel they receive from traditional plastic," said Danimer Scientific chief marketing & sustainability officer Scott Tuten, reported <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/bacardi-biodegradable-spirits-bottle-plastic-free-packaging" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thrillist</a>. "The material provides the best of both worlds, and we look forward to working with Bacardí and incorporating PHA into their iconic packaging."</p><p>Bacardi is also creating a sustainably sourced paper bottle, Yahoo reported.</p><p>The manufacturing of both new bottle types will save energy over petroleum-based plastic ones. Bacardi plans to share the technology with competitors to help in the global fight against <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-pollution" target="_self">plastic pollution</a>, and aims to be 100% plastic-free by 2030, reported Thrillist.</p>3. Burger King Reusable Fast Food Containers
<p>Fast food giant <a href="https://www.bk.com/" target="_blank">Burger King</a> plans to launch reusable Whopper boxes and soda cups by next year. Partnering with TerraCycle's zero-waste packaging division Loop, Burger King will nudge customers to return the specialized packaging for hygienic washing and reuse, similar to how milk bottles used to be returned, reported <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/can-burger-kings-reusable-packaging-change-fast-food-forever-11603392581" target="_blank">MarketWatch</a>.</p><p>"During COVID, we have seen the environmental impact of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/air-pollution-food-delivery-plastic-waste-2648454324.html" target="_self">increased takeaway ordering</a>, which makes this initiative by Burger King all the more important," said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle and Loop CEO, according to MarketWatch.</p><p>Customers who don't feel comfortable can opt-out of the service, <a href="https://www.abc10.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/the-buzz-burger-king-to-test-reusable-packaging-in-2021/77-f01f1b70-05b7-436d-9971-a7dd6081249b" target="_blank">ABC News</a> reported. Those who are willing to try will be charged a small deposit upon purchase, and when the packaging is returned, they will receive a refund, reported <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/22/business/burger-king-reusable-packaging-sustainability/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CNN</a>.</p><p>Burger King and TerraCycle are aiming for a container that can be used at least 100 times, reported <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90566995/burger-kings-new-whopper-packaging-isnt-greasy-cardboard-its-reusable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fast Company</a>.</p><p>"The benefit is, you're able to serve your guests without having to create that single-use item in the first place," Matt Banton, global head of innovation and sustainability at Burger King, told <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90566995/burger-kings-new-whopper-packaging-isnt-greasy-cardboard-its-reusable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fast Company</a>. "This product is durable enough to go through the system multiple times, so it's ultimately reducing our environmental impact, and minimizing the amount of single-use packaging that we have to produce as well."</p><p>Burger King has also committed to sourcing 100% of its customer packaging from renewable, recycled or certified outlets, and recycling all customer packaging at its restaurants in the United States and Canada by 2025, reported CNN.</p>
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There are many different CBD oil brands in today's market. But, figuring out which brand is the best and which brand has the strongest oil might feel challenging and confusing. Our simple guide to the strongest CBD oils will point you in the right direction.
<p>Boosting your health with CBD oil is a wonderful idea. The rise in CBD's popularity shows that many people are experiencing positive outcomes through the regular use of CBD to help control and improve difficult health issues. </p>
<p>Since there are a great deal of brands out on the market today, it can get confusing trying to figure out which brand is best and which oil strength will work best for you and your needs. Keep in mind that even though it might feel exciting to have a host of brands to choose from, not all brands are created equal. </p>
<p>Our guide to the strongest CBD oils will help to point you in the right direction so that you can choose the best, most potent oil for your needs. We will also educate you about <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/best-cbd-oil-2020-2647428611.html">CBD oil</a> along the way while discussing how we chose our top three brands and our top pick being <a href="https://canfightbac.org/Strong-fab-cbd" target="_blank">FAB CBD Oil</a>, But first, please take a look at how we put our top three brands list together.</p>
<h2>How We Selected Our Top Three Brands</h2><p>The influx of CBD brands out on the market can be both a good and a bad thing. While it's great to have many options to choose from, it's frustrating to not know exactly which brand is the best in terms of quality, strength, and overall reputation. It's tempting to buy products from the first brand you come upon online, However, in doing so, you might be purchasing products that are unclean, ineffective, and just simply not the best for you. </p>
<p>When it comes to choosing a CBD oil brand, you need to take the time and put in the research to ensure that you are getting the strongest, and best quality product you can purchase. Researching all of the brands that catch your eye, however, can be both overwhelming and inundating. Therefore, we've tried to make things easier on you by doing a lot of the research for you. </p>
<p>We've put the time and effort into selecting the top three brands that we feel have the strongest CBD oil, the best reputation, and the cleanest, most effective products. But before we were able to choose our top brands, we set up strict guidelines to follow. Next, we used our guidelines to break our list down until we were left with the top three brands that follow further down in our article. </p>
<p>When it came to selecting our top three strongest CBD oils, we looked at: </p>
<ul><li>The number of years that the brand has been in operation</li><li>Ingredients used in the oil</li><li>Verified customer reviews</li><li>If a third-party lab was used to regularly test the products</li><li>If the brand made those lab results easy for customers to find</li><li>Where the brand sources its hemp from</li><li>The published articles of CBD journalists and the words of industry experts</li><li>Oil strength and purity</li><li>The overall reputation of the brand</li><li>Product pricing</li></ul>
<p>As we were gathering information, we found that our list grew to unmanageable proportions. In light of that, we sat down and cut our list down even more until we were left with the top brands that you will read about below. </p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY0MTI2MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMjc4MzMxMX0.bzy3Mo8pqA3Mce4Hvw8S17zwJQei5qe8qwcWx-bm-KI/img.png?width=980" id="ba6b4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5445dd0f97ebaa4e5facd45e2d57f08e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><h2>3 Strongest CBD Oils</h2><h3>#1 <a href="https://canfightbac.org/Strong-fab-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">FAB CBD Oil</a> — Strongest and Most Effective</h3><p>The team at FAB really strives to bring the strongest, cleanest, most effective products to its customers. Everyone at FAB has been in the health and wellness industries in many different capacities throughout the years. To that end, the team has been on a mission since 2017 to bring customers the best premium supplementation through science and innovation so that anyone and everyone can live their healthiest lives.</p><p>FAB believes in being transparent, crafting the highest quality products, and having a strong customer service department to make sure all of its customers' needs and questions are met and answered. The brand does not use any pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals when it comes to cultivating hemp and creating products. All of FAB's organic hemp is grown and harvested in Colorado. The brand is involved in every step of its creation process from seed to sale. </p><p><a href="https://canfightbac.org/Strong-fab-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">All of FAB's products</a> are crafted from the purest, cleanest extracts possible. FAB's full-spectrum CBD oil comes in a variety of flavors and strengths. The brand offers mint, citrus, vanilla, natural, and berry oils in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg. Every one of FAB's products is tested by ProVerde Labs, an independent third-party laboratory. </p><h2>Choosing Our Strongest Oils</h2><p>When we chose our top three strongest CBD oil brands, we specifically looked at:</p><ul><li><strong>Sources of Hemp </strong>— FAB sources all of its organic hemp from Colorado. The hemp is free from herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other dangerous substances. All of the hemp is grown using state-of-the-art growing and cloning technology and machinery. </li><li><strong>Reputation</strong> — The brand has a strong reputation among both customers and industry experts for having top-quality products that are highly effective and potent. </li><li><strong>Price</strong> — Every one of FAB's products fall into the range of what you would expect to pay for a top quality CBD product. Remember, if a product is extremely cheap, then you need to look deeper into how it was made. FAB's products are absolutely priced accordingly and are of the best quality. </li><li><strong>Effectiveness</strong> — FAB has some of the best, strongest, and most effective full-spectrum oils on the market today. Independent third-party lab reports as well as verified customer reviews attest to the fact that the oils are clean, effective, potent, and of the best quality overall. </li><li><strong>Our Thoughts and Conclusions </strong>— FAB is our number one pick simply because the brand offers some of the strongest, cleanest, and best CBD products out on the market today. Moreover, its customer services and transparency are second-to-none. The prices are affordable and the products are excellent overall.</li></ul><p>==> <a href="https://canfightbac.org/Strong-fab-cbd" target="_blank">Buy FAB's full-spectrum CBD oils here.</a></p>
<h3>#2 Cheef Botanicals</h3><p>Cheef Botanicals was first started by cannabis enthusiasts who collectively have over 25 years of experience in the organic food industry. The brand's mission is to simply educate people all over the world about the healing power of hemp. </p>
<p>The brand's founders believe that people can lower their risk of disease while boosting their overall health through the consumption of natural superfoods. To that end, Cheef Botanicals aims to put an end to the dangerous health imbalances that are caused by pharmaceutical drugs by using organic, natural supplements that will enable the body to restore its stability, balance, and equilibrium. </p><h3>Cheef Botanicals' Full-Spectrum CBD Oil</h3><p>Cheef Botanicals' Full-Spectrum CBD Oil comes in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 3000mg. The oils are lab tested, created from all-natural ingredients, are organic and non-GMO, and do not contain any additives or preservatives. </p>
<ul><li><strong>Source of Hemp </strong>— Cheef Botanicals partners with hemp farms in Colorado in order to produce high grade CBD products. </li><li><strong>Reputation</strong> — The brand has a reputation for putting forth a unique line of organic, plant-based CBD products that are cruelty-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy free. Cheef also does not use any artificial flavors or colors. </li><li><strong>Price</strong> — As far as pricing goes, Cheef Botanicals is a touch on the more expensive side. The prices vary depending on the strength of the oil that you choose. The brand does, however, offer a discount to first-time customers. </li><li><strong>Effectiveness </strong>— Cheef Botanicals' full-spectrum CBD oils are clean, as the brand uses the preferred Co2 extraction method, preservative-free, strong, and effective. </li><li><strong>Our Thoughts and Conclusions</strong> — While Cheef Botanicals' oils are somewhat expensive, we do feel that the brand does everything possible to ensure that its oils are high-quality, extremely potent, and 100 percent all-natural. Cheef Botanicals continues to give customers access to education and research as well as real customer experience through blogs, social media, and news articles so that customers can educate themselves and make wise choices regarding CBD products. </li></ul>
<h3> #3 Premium Jane</h3><p>Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Premium Jane seeks to both engage and educate customers about how natural hemp products can be beneficial in their lives. The brand is made up of agricultural experts, farmers, biologists, chemists, and marketing developers, which means that everyone brings a unique skill to the table in the creation of Premium Jane's products. </p>
<p>The brand has a line of capsules, topicals, gummies, and of course, CBD oils. Every one of Premium Jane's products is made from regulated and controlled industrial hemp that is routinely inspected for microbes, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, solvents, and heavy metals. </p><ul><li><h3>Premium Jane CBD Oils </h3></li></ul><p>Premium Jane sells a line of carefully crafted CBD hemp oils. The oils come in a variety of strengths and flavors including citrus, mint, natural, mint chocolate, and lemon-lime in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1000mg, 3000mg, and 5000mg. </p>
<ul><li><strong>Source of Hemp </strong>— Premium Jane sources all of its organic hemp from Kentucky. The hemp is regularly tested for the presence of microbes, solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers.</li><li><strong>Reputation </strong>— Premium Jane has a strong reputation among customers for crafting high-quality products that are both strong and effective. </li><li><strong>Price</strong> — The brand offers customers premium products at affordable prices. </li><li><strong>Effectiveness</strong> — According to verified customer reviews, the brand's products are effective and clean. </li><li><strong>Our Thoughts and Conclusions </strong>— Premium Jane is a reputable brand that works hard to create quality, potent, and affordable products. The brand has a broad product line that includes oils, gummies, and topicals. All products are made in America. Premium Jane does offer coupon codes. </li></ul>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY0MTMwOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTUzMjM4N30.Y261fySSOXALE8DvuBnSi80ZdDHhBJ_Yz2qbq-XTEXo/img.jpg?width=980" id="907e1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="56f377e8b4f95c000fef54f8e347ba8b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><h2>How To Know If You're Selecting The Most Potent Oil</h2><p>There are several key factors to take into consideration when choosing the strongest CBD oil. One of the first things to look at is the concentration of CBD within the product. Next, take a look at the milligrams of CBD that there are in a single serving. The best quality products clearly have all the facts and information laid out on their labels. In reading the labels, you should be able to tell exactly how much CBD you are getting per serving. How much CBD you need to be taking depends on how your body reacts to the product over time. </p>
<p>CBD strength per serving will appear smaller when compared to the listing of CBD for the whole bottle. In looking for the strongest CBD oil, look to the serving size listed on the bottle. The total amount of CBD in a bottle will do very little to tell you how strong the product is overall. For example, 2400mg of CBD oil in a 30ml bottle is a lot stronger than 5000mg of CBD oil in a 60ml bottle. </p>
<h2>How Much CBD Oil Is Enough?</h2><p>Everyone's body is different, therefore, what works well for one person might not work that great for another. Smaller individuals might need less CBD than larger individuals based sheerly on body size and overall mass. Along with body size, the symptoms and their severity are another consideration in purchasing strong CBD oil. </p>
<p>Likewise, if you are new to CBD or have minor symptoms and issues, consider purchasing CBD oil in strengths of 300mg, 500mg, or 750mg. Conversely, if you have been taking CBD for quite some time or are trying to alleviate and potentially heal the severe symptoms of one or more illnesses, then you might consider purchasing oils of higher potencies such as 600mg, 1200mg, or 2400mg strengths. </p>
<p>Whatever oil strength you choose, you should first start low and go slow when it comes to dosing. For example, begin by taking 5mg of CBD once a day for one week. If you are not feeling any relief from your pain, then go ahead and take 5mg twice a day. Continue increasing the dosage slowly until you are achieving the desired effects. Always check in with yourself to see how you are feeling along the way. This will help you to determine if you should increase the dosage at all. As with any other medication or holistic supplement, your body will need adequate time to get used to a new CBD dosage. </p>
<p>To use a real life example: when you receive your bottle of CBD, begin by taking ½ a dropper of FAB CBD's full-spectrum oil once a day for one week. This will equal about 5mg of CBD. After one week has passed, increase the dose to ½ a dropper two times a day for a week. This will now equal about 10mg of CBD a day. While you are going through this, do a body check-in to see how you are feeling and what your pain levels are, if you have any. This will be the best way to determine whether or not you should increase your dose of CBD.</p>
<h2>Should You Take The Strongest Potency CBD Oil?</h2><p>As with any natural supplement, there are a list of pros and cons that come along with CBD. Each one of these should be taken with the utmost consideration before purchasing an oil of a higher or of the highest strength. In taking the strongest CBD oils, here are the benefits vs the drawbacks: </p>
<p>Benefits: </p>
<ul><li>You need less of the oil to have an impact</li><li>Stronger potencies have a better impact on severe symptoms as well as larger people</li><li>Since you will need to take less of the oil, stronger doses are more affordable in the long-run</li><li>Stronger oils work better in tackling sleep issues and decreasing pain</li></ul>
<p>Drawbacks:</p>
<ul><li>Stronger oils may not be for everyone, as they can cause some mild side effects including dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and lightheadedness/dizziness</li><li>It may be difficult to find the right dosage for you with stronger oils</li><li>Stronger oils can have a sedating effect</li></ul>
<h2>The Science on CBD Oil</h2><p>CBD oil is created when cannabidiol, or CBD, is infused into a fat-based carrier oil such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil. Carrier oils are usually medium-chain triglycerides that are easily digested by the body. The very basic oils will only have CBD and the carrier oil, however, some can also contain other compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, flavonoids, phytonutrients, and terpenes. Some brands will also infuse various natural flavors or essential oils into the final products.</p>
<p>CBD oil can vary in color, flavor, and consistency depending on its makeup. Likewise, the strength also depends on the oil's formulation. CBD oils can be isolates, broad spectrum, or full-spectrum. In CBD isolates, only pure CBD is used. These oils are usually 99 percent pure. CBD isolates are typically made solely from the hemp plant. </p>
<p>Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oils, on the other hand, are typically sourced from the cannabis plant and have had minimal processing and purification. These oils have a large amount of cannabinoids, terpenes, nutrients, vitamins, and phytonutrients.</p>
<p>Along with CBD, one of the main compounds in full-spectrum oils is THC. In large amounts, THC causes feelings of euphoria. However, legally, all CBD crafted and sold within the United States must contain less than 0.3% THC. When CBD and THC are combined, an <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2018.01969/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">entourage effect</a> occurs. In the entourage effect, the compounds work together to dampen each other's negative side effects while amplifying each other's best qualities. For example, too much THC can cause feelings of nausea or dizziness. However, when THC is combined with CBD, the THC enables those with sleep issues to finally get some rest, and helps those with extreme nausea, due to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29940172/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">cancer treatment</a>, finally get some much-needed nourishment by causing feelings of hunger. Put simply, the cannabinoids bind with cell receptors in the human <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">endocannabinoid system</a> to create therapeutic effects. </p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY0MTI2OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzODc2MjUzNX0.PBK4upyDU1OCqto3F_TvyMmR2tTj8MEM8sD1pwCI9co/img.jpg?width=980" id="e51ed" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6b5aa8ca7378c421f768e0cfb28c1d5b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><h2>How To Choose The Best Strength</h2><p>While it may be easy to read the label on the CBD bottle and take the strength listed at face value, this is not the case when determining the strength of each dose. Strength equates to potency. In a 30ml bottle of CBD oil, you could have 3,000mg of CBD or 6,000mg of CBD depending on which you purchase. The stronger bottle will have 6,000mg of CBD per bottle, as you would have to take twice as much of the 3,000mg CBD to equal just one dose of the 6,000mg bottle. </p>
<p>CBD brands test the potency during every stage of oil production. They test hemp plants, then they test the initial crude oil, and they also continually test the oil during every stage of the distillation process. The reason that there is so much testing done to the product is because reputable brands need to ensure that the oils they are creating are of the best quality, consistency, and that their products are falling within the legal guidelines. </p>
<p>Reputable brands, like the ones we've profiled above, bring in independent laboratories to test the overall oil strength by analyzing for 14 minor and major cannabinoids including CBD, THC, CBN, and CBG. Their results show the overall percentages of these compounds that are in the oil. All reputable brands will then make those results easily available on their website or within the product packaging. </p>
<h2>Why Strength Matters</h2><p>The strength of an oil <em>does </em>matter. The more potent a CBD oil is, the better effects it will create. To that end, full-spectrum oils are the best oils to go with because CBD isolates do not have all of the other vitamins, terpenes, compounds, and phytonutrients that full-spectrum oils have. So, not only will you be getting all the positive effects that a strong oil has to offer, you'll also be able to receive the vast therapeutic benefits that the many compounds, terpenes, and phytonutrients bring to the table. </p>
<p>When it comes to receiving the therapeutic benefits of a strong, full-spectrum oil, experts advise to hold the oil under your tongue for a few minutes (up to four minutes) in order for the oil to enter into your bloodstream. Otherwise, if you swallow the oil right away, the oil will be quickly broken down by the body's digestive system. </p>
<h2>Is It Safe To Take Strong CBD Oil?</h2><p>This is a common question asked by many who are new to the world of CBD. Regardless of the strength, CBD oil is very safe. In fact, there are very few minor side effects associated with it. To date, a great <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">number of studies</a> have been done on CBD proving it's safety and efficacy. </p>
<p>Some of the most common side effects associated with CBD are: </p>
<ul><li>Dizziness</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Changes in weight</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Drowsiness</li><li>Changes in appetite</li></ul>
<p>When you take into consideration the many dangerous side effects associated with prescription medications, CBD is a very safe alternative. Therefore, it's no surprise that more people are turning to more potent options of CBD to help with tough health issues. </p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY0MTI2Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMjYyMzQ0Nn0.O8mkqgF15OLN6hmFby_z4ZXZSbMEk_xihf47gxK4vCM/img.jpg?width=980" id="60151" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2eed3f877cc1f3728f1766b5f11aca59" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><h2>Our Final Thoughts On The Strongest CBD Oils</h2><p>There are many different strengths of CBD oil available. And while there are benefits to using CBD oil regardless of the potency, stronger oils are recommended for larger individuals or for people who are trying to get a handle on difficult health conditions such as sleep issues, severe arthritis pain, Crohn's Disease, osteoarthritis, cancer-related nausea, and others. </p>
<p>In selecting a strong oil, you first need to do the research so that you can make sure you are buying a high quality product from a reputable brand. When you find a brand you like, go ahead and look deeply into the brand's hemp sources, oil strengths and purities, verified customer reviews, transparency, and whether or not the brand used a third-party lab to test its products and if those results were made readily available for customers to find. </p>
<p>Less oil needs to be consumed when stronger oils are used. In order to receive the most benefits from the dose, it's advised to hold the oil under your tongue for about four minutes so that it can be properly absorbed into the bloodstream. Simply swallowing the oil means that the digestive system will break it down faster than you can obtain any benefits. </p>
<p>Countless studies verify the fact that CBD is a safe, alternative treatment to dangerous prescription medications that come with a host of side effects and that can be potentially addicting. The side effects associated with CBD are extremely mild, CBD is also non-addictive. In fact, there is no way to ever overdose on CBD. </p>
<p>When it comes to selecting a brand to go with, keep in mind that not every brand is created equal. While it's great to have so many options to choose from, you really need to put the work in to make sure you are purchasing the best possible product from the best possible brand. </p><p>If you're becoming frustrated or overwhelmed in your research, feel free to use our article as a guide. </p>
<p>We've chosen FAB as our number one choice in our <a href="https://canfightbac.org/Strong-fab-cbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">strongest CBD oils</a> guide because FAB has a stellar reputation for putting out the best, most potent, cleanest CBD oils on the market today. The brand is also extremely transparent in the way that it operates and in the overall production process of its products. FAB also uses an independent third-party lab, ProVerde Laboratories, to regularly test all of its products. Those results are then made easy for customers to find on FAB's website. Cheef Botanicals, another solid brand, came in as a very strong second place for meeting and sometimes exceeding our strict criteria. </p>
<p>By law, all CBD oils that are sold and purchased within the United States must contain less than 0.3% THC in them. Oils that have over that amount clearly are not following the mandatory legal guidelines. Another fact to keep in mind is that while strong oils are great, the type of oil matters too. CBD isolates, while fantastic in their own way, do not contain any of the vitamins, cannabinoid compounds, terpenes, and phytonutrients that broad spectrum or full-spectrum oils do. The combination of strength and what the oil consists of is what determines its effectiveness and therapeutic value. </p>
<p>In selecting a strength, remember that a 3,000mg oil will be less strong than a 6,000mg oil if they are both sold in a 30ml bottle. However, if you have 2,400mg of CBD in a 30ml bottle and 5,000mg in an 80ml bottle, then the smaller, 30ml bottle with 2,400mg of CBD will be more potent. Therefore, in selecting a product, you will absolutely need to take your time and choose wisely. </p>
<p>Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns surrounding CBD, potential side effects, strengths, etc., then please do not hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician or specialist to set up an appointment to discuss things more at length. When you think about all of the dangerous side effects and drawbacks associated with prescription medication, then it's easy to see why more people are using CBD as a natural, safe, effective, alternative way to help ease tough health conditions. </p>
<p>CBD oil can be a great addition to any natural healthcare routine. Just make sure you are putting in the time and effort to find the product and the brand that is best suited to your own unique needs, condition, and lifestyle.</p>
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A net-casting ogre-faced spider. CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics / CC BY-SA 3.0
Just in time for Halloween, scientists at Cornell University have published some frightening research, especially if you're an insect!
The ghoulishly named ogre-faced spider can "hear" with its legs and use that ability to catch insects flying behind it, the study published in Current Biology Thursday concluded.
"Spiders are sensitive to airborne sound," Cornell professor emeritus Dr. Charles Walcott, who was not involved with the study, told the Cornell Chronicle. "That's the big message really."
The net-casting, ogre-faced spider (Deinopis spinosa) has a unique hunting strategy, as study coauthor Cornell University postdoctoral researcher Jay Stafstrom explained in a video.
They hunt only at night using a special kind of web: an A-shaped frame made from non-sticky silk that supports a fuzzy rectangle that they hold with their front forelegs and use to trap prey.
They do this in two ways. In a maneuver called a "forward strike," they pounce down on prey moving beneath them on the ground. This is enabled by their large eyes — the biggest of any spider. These eyes give them 2,000 times the night vision that we have, Science explained.
But the spiders can also perform a move called the "backward strike," Stafstrom explained, in which they reach their legs behind them and catch insects flying through the air.
"So here comes a flying bug and somehow the spider gets information on the sound direction and its distance. The spiders time the 200-millisecond leap if the fly is within its capture zone – much like an over-the-shoulder catch. The spider gets its prey. They're accurate," coauthor Ronald Hoy, the D & D Joslovitz Merksamer Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior in the College of Arts and Sciences, told the Cornell Chronicle.
What the researchers wanted to understand was how the spiders could tell what was moving behind them when they have no ears.
It isn't a question of peripheral vision. In a 2016 study, the same team blindfolded the spiders and sent them out to hunt, Science explained. This prevented the spiders from making their forward strikes, but they were still able to catch prey using the backwards strike. The researchers thought the spiders were "hearing" their prey with the sensors on the tips of their legs. All spiders have these sensors, but scientists had previously thought they were only able to detect vibrations through surfaces, not sounds in the air.
To test how well the ogre-faced spiders could actually hear, the researchers conducted a two-part experiment.
First, they inserted electrodes into removed spider legs and into the brains of intact spiders. They put the spiders and the legs into a vibration-proof booth and played sounds from two meters (approximately 6.5 feet) away. The spiders and the legs responded to sounds from 100 hertz to 10,000 hertz.
Next, they played the five sounds that had triggered the biggest response to 25 spiders in the wild and 51 spiders in the lab. More than half the spiders did the "backward strike" move when they heard sounds that have a lower frequency similar to insect wing beats. When the higher frequency sounds were played, the spiders did not move. This suggests the higher frequencies may mimic the sounds of predators like birds.
University of Cincinnati spider behavioral ecologist George Uetz told Science that the results were a "surprise" that indicated science has much to learn about spiders as a whole. Because all spiders have these receptors on their legs, it is possible that all spiders can hear. This theory was first put forward by Walcott 60 years ago, but was dismissed at the time, according to the Cornell Chronicle. But studies of other spiders have turned up further evidence since. A 2016 study found that a kind of jumping spider can pick up sonic vibrations in the air.
"We don't know diddly about spiders," Uetz told Science. "They are much more complex than people ever thought they were."
Learning more provides scientists with an opportunity to study their sensory abilities in order to improve technology like bio-sensors, directional microphones and visual processing algorithms, Stafstrom told CNN.
Hoy agreed.
"The point is any understudied, underappreciated group has fascinating lives, even a yucky spider, and we can learn something from it," he told CNN.
In 'Road Map for a More Sustainable Future,' NY Regulator Tells Banks to Consider Climate Risks in Planning
30 October
Business
Financial institutions in New York state will now have to consider the climate-related risks of their planning strategies. Ramy Majouji / WikiMedia Commons
By Brett Wilkins
Regulators in New York state announced Thursday that banks and other financial services companies are expected to plan and prepare for risks posed by the climate crisis.
<p>In a <a href="https://www.dfs.ny.gov/industry_guidance/industry_letters/il20201029_climate_change_financial_risks" target="_blank">letter</a> to banks and other financial businesses, New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Superintendent Linda Lacewell said that "climate change poses significant financial risks" and that global heating is "increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and is projected to have profound effects on the U.S. economy and financial system, which we must address."</p><p>To that end, Lacewell said NYDFS expects all state-regulated entities to "start integrating the financial risks from climate change into their governance frameworks, risk management processes, and business strategies."</p>
<div id="29bd5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3fe56bb50695441221a594b40dbf30f1"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1321857292220960768" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">This news makes New York's state financial regulator the first banking regulator in the U.S. to explicitly call on… https://t.co/pTz8M1arRL</div> — Laura Alix (@Laura Alix)<a href="https://twitter.com/LauraAlix/statuses/1321857292220960768">1603990312.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>The expectation applies to banking organizations, mortgage companies, trust companies, and non-depositories including virtual currency firms, licensed lenders, money transmitters, and others entities subject to NYDFS regulation.</p><p>Lacewell's letter said the agency "is developing a strategy for integrating climate-related risks into its supervisory mandate and will engage with your organizations and work and coordinate with our U.S. and international counterparts to develop effective supervisory practices, as well as guidance and best practices in order to mitigate the financial risks from climate change."</p><p>The superintendent cited the Covid-19 pandemic to illustrate how "preparation is key to addressing systemic risks."</p><p>"By the time a crisis occurs, it is simply too late," she wrote.</p><p>NYDFS is the first U.S. regulator to explicitly request banks in its jurisdiction to include climate risk analysis in their planning, <a href="https://www.americanbanker.com/news/n-y-regulator-is-first-to-issue-climate-guidance-for-banks-credit-unions" target="_blank">according to</a> <em>American Banker</em>.</p><p>Lacewell said banks should get to work immediately.</p><p>"Climate change is happening now, and we have to take steps to manage the financial risks now," she <a href="https://www.americanbanker.com/news/n-y-regulator-is-first-to-issue-climate-guidance-for-banks-credit-unions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stressed</a> in a Thursday press release. "We want to ensure that every institution is managing its own individual risks from climate change, which is critical for the safety and soundness of the financial services industry."</p><p>"By working with the industry and engaging in a dialogue on this serious issue, we are creating a road map for a more sustainable future," said Lacewell.</p><p>Although the letter is not a directive forcing to banks to make any actual climate-mitigating changes, climate activists nevertheless welcomed the news.</p>
<div id="94fd6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a6665fcd60c9325e96d05fe327b1cbab"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1321827676013776899" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">This is big! And it sets the stage for an even more important financial regulator, a Biden Treasury Secretary, to a… https://t.co/vCnyUbl3qo</div> — Jamie Henn (@Jamie Henn)<a href="https://twitter.com/jamieclimate/statuses/1321827676013776899">1603983250.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>Anticipating the election of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, 350.org co-founder and Fossil Free Media director Jamie Henn tweeted that the move "sets the stage for an even more important financial regulator, a Biden treasury secretary, to act."</p><p>On the national level Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) last week <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/21/merkley-unveils-pioneering-bills-make-financial-institutions-stop-bankrolling" target="_blank">unveiled</a> a pair of bills that aim to push banks and international financial institutions to divest from the fossil fuel industry. Introducing the legislation, the senator cited a recent Commodity Futures Trading Commission report <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/09/09/while-trump-commission-warns-climate-risk-financial-system-recommendations-fall" target="_blank">warning</a> that the climate crisis threatens the U.S. financial system.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/29/road-map-more-sustainable-future-ny-regulator-tells-banks-consider-climate-risks" target="_blank">Common Dreams</a>.</em></p>
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