dandelionrevolution

[dandelionrevolution]

Do you like ginger and/or cardamom?

Do you also like free spices?

WELL HI let me introduce you to magnolia buds! Yes, the same buds that eventually become those lovely pink flowers you see growing on trees every spring.

Magnolia flowers are edible at all stages, but when you pick them like this just before they open, they are PERFECT for drying and using as a spice. If the buds are already open, don’t bother. I don’t know what it is about the petals, but they do NOT dry well and the smell becomes almost fishy.

I slice the buds open lengthwise, and separate any thick outer layers before drying. An oven won’t work for this unfortunately — the flavor is really too delicate. I put them in a dehydrator on its lowest setting for most consistent results, but air drying will also work. The only thing about that is it’s very important that the buds remain dry. Any moisture and you risk ruining a whole batch.

They shrink a lot once they’re fully dry, so I don’t bother crushing them up when finished. I store them in a clean, dry mason jar and they last easily for a few months (if I don’t use them before then)! Use anywhere you would ginger or cardamom – they make an excellent addition to cookies and spice cakes!

* Always forage responsibly and NEVER eat anything you aren’t 100% sure of. When in doubt, throw it out! *

#foraging #magnolia #flowers #food #spices #how to

[dandelionrevolution]

Good News - April 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi! Also, if you tip me on here or Ko-fi, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week - almost double the content! (I'm new to taking tips on here; if it doesn't show me your username or if you have DM's turned off, please send me a screenshot of your payment)

1. Millions Of Maggots Donated To Charity In Honour Of The Maggot King

“[Blizzard Entertainment] donated millions of maggots to Tiggywinkles UK, a leading wildlife hospital, […] in honor of Duriel, the Maggot King, a notorious character in the Diablo series. […] This significant contribution is expected to feed the patients at Tiggywinkles for two years.”

2. New circuit boards can be repeatedly recycled

“A team led by researchers at the University of Washington developed a new PCB that performs on par with traditional materials and can be recycled repeatedly with negligible material loss. Researchers used a solvent that transforms a type of vitrimer—a cutting-edge class of sustainable polymers—to a jelly-like substance without damaging it, allowing the solid components to be plucked out for reuse or recycling.”

3. How a Cloned Ferret Inspired a DNA Bank for Endangered Species

“This black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) [is] the first endangered species in the U.S. to ever be successfully cloned […] from [a] cryogenically preserved cell line, obtained from a ferret named Willa, who lived in Wyoming in the 1980s. [… T]he FWS [is now] on a major project to cryogenically store tissue from every endangered species in the U.S., [… as] “an insurance policy against future loss of biodiversity in the wild.””

4. Maine Signs Trans And Abortion Sanctuary Bill Into Law, Despite Violent Threats

“[The new law] states that criminal and civil actions against providers and patients are not enforceable if the provision or access to that care occurred within Maine’s borders, asserting jurisdiction over those matters. It bars cooperation with out-of-state subpoenas and arrest warrants for gender-affirming care and abortion that happen within the state.”

5. $70M for Fish Passage Projects Address Climate Resilience, Strengthen Local Economies

“The Department of the Interior today announced more than $70 million […] that will improve fish passage around […] barriers fragmenting the nation’s rivers and streams [… as an] “investment to restore our nation’s rivers and streams, safeguard endangered fish species, protect Indigenous subsistence practices and provide communities with increased opportunities for outdoor recreation and economic growth,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.”

6. A Golden Age of Renewables Is Beginning, and California Is Leading the Way

“California—the fifth-largest economy in the world—has experienced a record-breaking string of days in which the combined generation of wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and solar electricity has exceeded demand on the main electricity grid for anywhere from 15 minutes to 9.25 hours per day.”

7. Collaborative conservation efforts keep lake sturgeon off the endangered species list

“The Service’s 12-month finding [that these sturgeon are not endangered] shows ongoing management efforts, such as fish stocking, have contributed to the conservation and resiliency of the species. “Today’s announcement shows the power of collaborative conservation and the impact it can have for species like the lake sturgeon,” said Midwest Regional Director Will Meeks.”

8. French municipalities bordering Luxembourg to offer free transport to commuters

“Luxembourg is the only country in the world to offer entirely free public transport. […S]ix French communities located near the border and many of whose residents work in Luxembourg have decided to band together and also offer a free shuttle for daily workers. […] Last year, governments in the two countries said they would work to increase train services to run every 10 minutes between Metz and Luxembourg City by 2030. There’s also a plan to extend Luxembourg City’s tram service to reach all the way to the border – a trip that would take only 30 minutes when ready.”

9. Solar is about to get a lot more affordable for low-income households

“The EPA granted 49 state and territory awards totaling $5.5 billion, six tribal awards worth more than $500 million, and five multistate awards amounting to $1 billion. Together, the awards cover all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. All of the funding is dedicated to low-income and disadvantaged households.”

10. Amsterdam will cover cost of changing one's gender on documents

“[T]he city’s residents will be able to change the gender on their birth certificate and Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) free of charge. [… T]he local government will also reimburse (part of) the costs of a new passport, identity card or driver's license.”

April 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

#good news #hopepunk #bugs #tw bugs #diablo #wildlife #technology #recycling #ferret #cloning #dna #endangered species #trans #abortion rights #abortion #law #transgender #fish #renewableenergy #solar #geothermal #electricity #sturgeon #conservation #nature #france #public transit #low income #lgbtq #lgbtqia

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#graceful degradation #product design #anti capitalism #planned obsolescence

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ABOUT TIME!!! for those out of the loop homeowners’ associations in the US 1. suck horrendously in every way 2. were the beginning of the end of urban biodiversity

#native plants #hopepunk #biodiversity #plants #hoa #civic engagement

[dandelionrevolution]

flynn_and_mabel on ig

#embroidery #clothing

[dandelionrevolution]

Good News - April 15-21

(Sorry it's late, I got sick)

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi! Also, if you tip me on here or Ko-fi, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week - almost double the content! (I'm new to taking tips on here; if it doesn't show me your username or if you have DM's turned off, please send me a screenshot of your payment)

1. Restoring an unsung hero

“"We are aiming to restore a significant area of seagrass around Nova Scotia, rebuilding these ecosystems and doing it in a climate-smart way," says Derek Tittensor, head of the FOME research group and a professor of biology at Dalhousie. "Importantly, we are also integrating Indigenous and scientific knowledge of these remarkable ecosystems through a two-eyed seeing approach.””

2. Four super-rare quolls caught sneaking around Australian wildlife sanctuary

““We had a mysterious case of cat-trap tampering whereby the traps were closed, the bait was gone but no culprit inside,�� explains AWC Field Ecologist, Erin Barritt. [… T]he opportunistic little mischief-makers were juvenile western quolls, the first to be born on the sanctuary in 100 years.”

3. LGBTQ+ parents are raving about ‘accessible’ gender-neutral children’s book What Makes A Baby

““Overall I think this is a great book and a great representation of what inclusive media can look like. It incorporates a variety of perspectives and experiences to make something that is accessible to everyone.” The LGBTQ+ community – with parents in particular – praised “the accuracy of the terminology”, with one writing: “Human anatomy isn’t too much for children to learn and this book makes it so accessible for them to learn!””

4. Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings according to new research

“Researchers have shown that a transition to green wastewater-treatment approaches in the U.S. that leverages the potential of carbon-financing could save a staggering $15.6 billion and just under 30 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions over 40 years.”

5. Millions Offered Up To Create New Disability Employment Models

“[Projects] can focus on increasing access to advanced technology careers, using advanced technology to support youth or adults with disabilities to access competitive integrated employment or helping justice-involved youth with disabilities gain employment. In addition, projects can look at early intervention and workforce reintegration strategies for those with acquired disabilities or efforts to reintegrate disconnected individuals with disabilities into the workforce.”

6. Laser-Treated Cork Absorbs Oil for Carbon-Neutral Ocean Cleanup

“Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which can live for hundreds of years. These trees can be harvested about every seven years, making cork a renewable material. When the bark is removed, the trees amplify their biological activity to replace it and increase their carbon storage, so harvesting cork helps mitigate carbon emissions.”

7. This boat runs on 100% renewables. Can it help clean up bigger ships?

“For the past seven years, Energy Observer has traveled around the world, serving as a floating test bed for zero-emission technologies that can propel boats and ships — without spewing any of the nasty pollution that comes from running diesel engines. […] The project’s leaders say they’re now ready to focus their efforts on cleaning up much larger and dirtier types of vessels, including cargo ships.”

8. 1,000 oceanic manta rays seen in the Maldives

“With 1,000 individuals in its waters, the Maldives is home to the world’s third largest population of giant mantas (it also has the most reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) in the world, with over 5,000 individuals).”

9. Service Finalizes Land Protection Plan for Expanding Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge

“Plan aims to deliver in-perpetuity conservation of up to 700,000 acres of land for benefit of migratory and resident wildlife. […] "These vast grassland landscapes provide essential habitat for wildlife while also providing benefits like clean water filtration and carbon sequestration, which are essential for both the environment and human well-being."”

10. Medicaid Officials Remove Barriers For Those With Disabilities

“In addition [to grace periods for submitting paperwork], states will no longer be allowed to conduct renewals any more than once every 12 months and they will be barred from requiring in-person interviews for people with disabilities, among other changes.”

And a bonus article to make up for posting late: Gay Furry Hackers strike again!

April 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

#hopepunk #good news #nature #ocean #climate #climate change #canada #australia #wildlife #lgbtq #lgbtqia #book #disability #employment #rehabilitation #disabled #accessibility #carbon #oil spill #cork #boat #renewableenergy #renewablefuture #solar energy #manta ray #fish and wildlife #birds #habitat #conservation #medicaid

[dandelionrevolution]

#nature #anti work #funny

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To be an otter swimming in a river

#animals #nature #hopepunk

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hey don’t cry. trees grow out of the ground.

#hopepunk #nature

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perhaps some will disagree, but i think the world got worse when we changed the colour of the night

#ecopunk #bats #street lights #lighting

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gotta say just cuz i havnt seen it brought up anywhere; HUGE fan of this new era we are entering here. of unions and blackouts and attempts at criminalizing transness failing.

like yes obviously all of these only arise because situations are getting ridiculously bleak. but there are victories happening. people are taking stands. and right now a lot of it seems like hopeless shouting at deaf corporate ears but people are still shouting yknow.

thing will probably still get worse before they get any better, but the ground work for that better is being laid right now and im excited to see where it goes

#hopepunk #anti capitalism #civil rights #human rights

[dandelionrevolution]

i saw a post on twitter by a european saying americans are fake for their random compliments to strangers and their general cheery demeanor and like no. no no no you don’t understand. if you get a random compliment from an american on the street about your outfit or whatever, that is 100% genuine. we mean it. we aren’t lying we are making a small but fleeting connection with you because our lives are shitty but the human condition is enduring. oh god i’m clutching my chest

#interdependence #hopepunk #human connection

[dandelionrevolution]

Hey I know you're not a librarian, but you likely know more than I do and all my sources seem way too confusing to me. Does checking out digital books help support and fund public libraries?

I would assume so, I don't really have any sources for it but as far as I'm aware using any service that the library provides shows that there is a demand in the community for it, which would be a net positive for acquiring funding. At the end of the day they put those resources out there for a reason, so don't be shy about using them :D

#library #public services #interdependence

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Here’s a video so you can hear the water and the thrushes. I took it for you because you couldn’t be there. <3

#nature #hopepunk #relaxing

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LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOO

#right to repair #repair #anti capitalism #technology

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#crafting #interdependence #hopepunk

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I wrote a thing about dandelions! 🌼 Here are some of the fun little factoids I dug up:

There are around 2800 microspecies of dandelion.

There are native species of dandelion across the northern hemisphere, including several species from North America, like the horned dandelion and the California dandelion.

European dandelions are considered an invasive species, but they aren't harmful. Once a damaged ecosystem has been repaired, dandelions tend to disappear.

Conservation efforts are needed for some indigenous dandelions, so they don't go extinct!

Dandelions are probably the most nutritious thing growing in your garden.

Dandelions have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and scientific studies have confirmed some of their medicinal properties.

Dandelions are only considered "weeds" because of lawns.

Growing dandelions will help other plants in your garden. Their roots break up compacted soil and draw up nutrients too deep for other plants to reach.

Horticulturalists once bred dandelions as garden flowers.

They're just really pretty, let's be honest 💛

#dandelions #gardening #plants #weeds #flowers