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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

  Crispy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet—this sweet and sour chicken is a family favorite that’s easy to make at home. Ingredients For the Sauce: 1 cup pineapple juice ½ cup distilled white vinegar ½ cup sugar 3 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons soy sauce ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1½ tablespoons cornstarch For the Chicken: ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1 heaping teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⅔ cup water 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for cooking) 1 pound chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks For Finishing the Dish: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks Instructions Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring to...

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How Tiny Forests Can Help Fight Climate Change and Boost Biodiversity

 

Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. But what if there was a simple and effective way to tackle both at once? Enter the tiny forest: a dense, fast-growing native woodland, usually about the size of a tennis court, that can provide multiple benefits for people and nature.

Tiny forests originated in Japan, where botanist Akira Miyawaki developed a method to plant a variety of native trees and shrubs in a small area, mimicking the natural succession of a forest. His goal was to restore the native vegetation that had been lost due to deforestation and urbanization. Since then, the concept has spread to many countries, including Canada, where several tiny forest projects have been launched in recent years.

According to research, tiny forests can capture more carbon, more quickly than conventional tree planting, as the trees and shrubs grow faster and compete for light. They can also support a rich diversity of wildlife, such as birds, butterflies and insects, creating a mini-ecosystem in urban areas. Moreover, they can improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and provide a place for people to connect with and learn about nature.

Tiny forests are also low-maintenance and cost-effective, as they require little watering and weeding after the first few years. They can be planted in vacant lots, neglected parks, or along busy roads, making use of underutilized spaces. They can also involve local communities, schools, and businesses, who can participate in the planting and monitoring of the forests.

Tiny forests are not a silver bullet for the environmental crisis, but they are a powerful tool that can make a difference at a local scale. By planting more tiny forests, we can help fight climate change and boost biodiversity, while also enhancing the well-being and resilience of our cities.

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