Yesterday, I had the sheer pleasure of watching two squirrels playing in my backyard. For a few minutes, all my worries faded away. I laughed. I felt refreshed, like I had just taken a nap.

The world continues to be heavy. I hear it in a few of my friends’ voices. I see it in the headlines. I watch it in the way strangers treat strangers.

Those squirrels reminded me to lean into joy. I’m rereading a favorite book. I’m sending greeting cards and calling friends. I’m baking Rice Krispie treats. I’m watching my plants emerge from a harsh winter.

I hope you can seek out and celebrate joyful occasions. Until next time, stay safe, be kind and enjoy that glorious sunshine!

EV Battery Recycling

There are many positives about electric vehicles (EVs), but one of the biggest negatives is the battery. They are costly to replace. They use a lot of rare minerals. They are more hazardous and flammable than the batteries for internal combustion engines. They are largely unrecyclable.

That could greatly change in the decade—and not a moment too soon. Nearly 14 million new electric cars were sold globally in 2023, a 35% year-over-year increase from 2022, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Demand is expected to continue as more countries and consumers opt for renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Today, most of those battery components are new and have to be extracted. A growing number of companies are looking to find ways to extract, break down and reuse existing electric battery components.

Michael Marshall tours one such facility in England for the BBC. It’s exciting to see the research and innovation, even if I don’t fully understand the science behind EV batteries.

A separate 2024 IEA report found that widespread recycling of critical minerals could reduce the need for new mining by as much as 40% in 25 years. Marshall aptly describes the need for EV battery recycling as an environmental issue, a safety issue, a national security issue, a competitive advantage and, above all, an opportunity.

I’m so grateful for the scientists, researchers and governmental leaders who are pioneering a more sustainable way forward. I encourage you to read Marshall’s story, because it momentarily quelled my eco-anxiety.

Sustainable Stock Exchange

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved an application for a stock exchange dedicated to sustainable investing.

The Green Impact Exchange (GIX) expects to begin trading early next year. Despite the recent pullback on Wall Street and Washington on environmental, sustainable and governance (ESG) related efforts, the company says the future is still green.

“U.S. investors and companies are continuing to pursue sustainability because it makes financial and competitive sense,” said GIX co-founder Charles Dolan in a statement.

The new exchange will dual list companies that are committed to sustainable governance and transparency, Bloomberg reports.

I’ll keep following this story, but for now, here’s the latest from Bloomberg.

Cast Iron Cookware

I’m a pothead. No, not that kind of pothead. I’m a fan of Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware. I have a few pieces, and it’s only for lack of funds and storage space that I don’t own more.

There are many points to debate about Le Creuset compared to other enameled and seasoned cast iron. Believe me, I have internally had all these conversations in an effort to justify my purchases. But, at the end of the day, it boils down to this: My Le Creuset pots bring me joy.

I’m not alone. Post after post in Le Creuset fan Facebook and Reddit groups talk about how cooking becomes a treat when doing so in the colorful and patterned Dutch ovens, braisers, pie plates and so forth—especially when served in equally stylish plates, bowls and ramekins.

Julia Moskin’s piece in The New York Times commemorating Le Creuset’s centennial has made the rounds this week, including on the company’s own social media accounts. I debated whether or not to share it with you. I am aware that enameled cast iron cookware, or even cooking, may not be your forte.

Once, an active LC group member posted that she never mentioned her collection at work but decided to mention it during a company ice breaker. After many unexpected conversations, she said she was excited (and maybe relieved) to share this part of her life with her colleagues. In other words, she was brave enough and felt psychologically safe to be her authentic self in the workplace. 

We all have hobbies, interests or collections that we pursue outside of work. Perhaps we should start asking more of our co-workers about their interests or sharing our own. Consider this me going first. I look forward to hearing from you.

In the meantime, I encourage you to read Moskin’s lovely story and the many kind and supportive comments, a rarity these days.