In 2024, the year started with a push of pptimism. A global predictions report found that 70% of people were viewing 2024 more positively than the previous year.* So what about 2025?! That percentage is up 1% point.....71% of people surveyed believe that 2025 will be better. There's a push on hopefulness for 2025. It's less of a question of whether 2025 is a year where we need hope, and more like an absolute call for everyone to dial up hope.

👉 Your challenge for today is to share if you're feeling hopeful for 2025. (Feel free to share how your 2024 was (and even drop it into the comments below). 🫶

*: Global Advisor 2024 Predictions, Game Changers/Ipsos; IPSOS 2025
📸: kieferpix

Fresh fruit and vegetables are the best, and I've worked hard to incorporate more of them into my daily diet these past years. With inflation, supply-chain issues and other world events, sometimes the cost of organic versus non-organic has me debating about what's more important on that particular day - cost or my health. Some say that produce that have thicker skins (or peelable skins) like bananas aren't as crucial to buy as organic because pesticides/chemicals aren't able to penetrate the skin (and ultimately end up inside of us!). But, how do you really know??

The latest version of the "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides In Produce" has been released. (You might have heard of it as the "Dirty Dozen" or the "Clean Fifteen.") To create these lists, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes more than 45,000 different produce samples.

Of particular note in 2024, on the "dirty" list:

🍒 Strawberries remain the “dirtiest” item, still holding the No. 1 spot.

On a positive note:

🥑 Avocados were at the top of the "Clean Fifteen" list!

For the full roundup of these lists, and to find out where your favorite fruits and veggies stand on the "clean" and "dirty" scales, get your (free) copy 👉 https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

📸: Mental Floss

Be safe during the upcoming holidays. Whether you're planning to celebrate during the day or evening, know that there are safe transportation options available if you don't have a designated driver or feel safe where you're at.

1️⃣ Tow to Go is a cost-free driving service for impaired drivers who don’t have a safe ride alternative. On most major holidays, AAA Members and non-members in select areas can request a confidential tow/ride within 10 miles by calling 1.855.2.TOW2GO. 

2️⃣ Before you head out, check your local community for vouchers or (free) ride services that they may be offering. Examples: A Detroit law firm is providing 1,000 ride vouchers to those that are in need.

👉 AND, the following list includes FREE rides that are being offered across the country using public transportation on New Year's Eve: https://www.newsweek.com/free-uber-lyft-ride-home-new-years-eve-2003270

📣 Stay safe! Share this information so that others can benefit.

Every 79 seconds someone is injured or killed in a drunken driving incident, according to Moms Against Drunk Driving. 

📸: Woman's Day