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If you’re constantly hounding your teen to get out of bed before noon on the weekend, you may want to save your energy for a different battle. According to new research published in The Journal of Affective Disorders, sleeping in on the weekend could offer some significant protection against depression. For the study, researchers at the University of Oregon and the State University of New York Upstate Medical University analyzed data from more than a thousand 16 to 24-year-olds in which participants reported their sleep/waking hours, including weekend catch-up sleep. While one might imagine that teens who spring out of bed early each morning regardless of the day of the week are more mentally sound, the opposite may be true. Interestingly, the study found that teens who slept in on weekends were significantly less likely to report symptoms of depression. The group had a 41% lower risk of depression when compared with the group who kept a more regimented sleep schedule on weekends. Researchers say that one of the major reasons why sleeping in may be so helpful for teens is because teens stay up later due to changes that occur in adolescence. “Instead of being a morning lark you’re going to become more of a night owl,” Melynda Casement, an associate professor at University of Oregon and co-author of the study, told ScienceDaily. Casement adds that later bedtimes usually last until around the age of 18 or 20 before leveling out. Later bedtimes, coupled with early school start times, extra-curriculars, part-time jobs, and more, mean teens often accumulate “sleep debt” which puts them at a heightened risk for depression. Casement says that while teens need eight to 10 hours of sleep, most aren’t getting it during the week, therefore extra weekend sleep matters. “It’s normal for teens to be night owls, so let them catch up on sleep on weekends if they can’t get enough sleep during the week because that’s likely to be somewhat protective,” the researcher explains. The latest study builds on previous research on the topic, including a 2025 meta-analysis of 10 studies which showed sleeping in on the weekend was associated with a 20% lower risk of depression. The growing body of research seems to show that sleeping in is not an act of laziness or teenage rebellion, but it can be a healthy and important sleep habit for teens in order to stave off depression. And, as teen mental health has worsened in recent years, those extra weekend hours could be more crucial than ever.
Category:
E-Commerce
Batteries are powering a significant shift in how we go about our daily lives, ranging from the devices we carry to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Batteries play a critical role across key sectors from data center infrastructure, military, and microgrid applications to consumer electronics and more. But as demand surges, so does end-of-life material that needs to be managed. Beyond serving as compact energy sources, batteries also represent a domestic source of essential critical minerals. To fully realize their value, it is crucial to close the loop at end-of-life by recovering these minerals and strengthening the supply needed to support a rapidly expanding battery market. To responsibly manage battery materials at end-of-life, extended producer responsibility (EPR) for batteries becomes essential. BATTERY RECYCLING INDUSTRY: GROWTH TRAJECTORY In the U.S., battery EPR laws are being enacted at the state level, leaving battery producers, automotive original equipment manufacturers, and energy storage operators to navigate complex regulations, which vary by state. In states that have passed laws and those with active legislation, jobs will be created to manage these requirements, and we will see an increase in economic activity through the creation of closed-loop supply chains.The battery recycling industry will continue to grow, and battery EPR regulation will only fuel that growth through the creation of a more responsible system to ensure batteries are recycled.When systems are in place that require companies to recover batteries at end-of-life, we will significantly improve our ability to reclaim valuable materials. This applies to all battery chemistries, whether lithium-based or alkaline batteries containing zinc and manganeseyes, alkaline batteries can be recycled, and the recovered minerals from those alkaline batteries can be reused as micronutrients in fertilizers. The groundwork has already been laid, and when you look at battery recycling as a whole, the value of recovering these materials is substantial. That value extends beyond financial benefits to include reduced geopolitical risk, improved logistics and supply chain resilience. THE NATIONAL CHALLENGE The country must address what happens to a battery when its no longer usable. Ultimately, through EPR legislation, we can make it a priority to recover critical minerals and increase the nations ability to produce battery-grade materials. In 2024 alone, the U.S. imported more than one billion batteries. These batteries are made of valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. EPR laws are designed to track a batterys life cycle and, if done right, can help us take advantage of these materials once they are in the U.S. by recycling and reusing the minerals domestically to produce new batteries. STATE LEADERSHIP Battery recycling benefits everyone. Recyclers, producers, legislators, consumers, and the nation must work together to strengthen domestic supply chains, enhance national security, and keep batteries and the critical minerals they contain within U.S. borders. When states introduce EPR bills, they will vary based on battery format or size, but several core principles should remain consistent: Collection: In addition to standard collection sites, expanding to independent collection points increases accessibility. Recycling opportunities must be available to everyone, not limited to a specific group or location. Avoid forfeiture requirements: The battery industry functions as a unified ecosystem, and the goal is to build a closed-loop supply chain. Restricting who can recycle and process the batteries after they are collected jeopardizes existing business models and risks harming the broader industry. Transparency: Full visibility across the entire process from initial recycling through to metal recoveryis essential. Without transparency, innovation within the industry will stagnate. EDUCATION & ACCESS To better implement battery EPR laws, we must enhance consumer education on battery recycling. Many people do not understand how to handle and dispose of used batteries properly. For example, a recent study focused on lithium batteries found that nearly 40% of people do not know they can be recycled, and more than 60% do not know where or how to recycle them. Lithium batteries are far too prevalent in our daily lives for consumers not to have resources and access to responsible recycling. FINAL THOUGHTS I am hopeful that as battery recycling becomes more mainstream and visible to consumers, a larger collection network with increased access will be available, and end-of-life batteries can be properly recycled and processed to recover the critical minerals effectively. And not only is battery EPR a foundation for this and a stronger, more sustainable supply chain, it supports national security and ensures that we in the U.S. increase our global competitiveness through innovation and the domestic sourcing of critical minerals. David Klanecky is the CEO and President of Cirba Solutions.
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E-Commerce
Gen Z is aging into the life moments that define entire industries. As this generation moves through milestones like marriage, homeownership, and family planning, theyre quickly becoming a core target market not just for weddings, but for a wide range of service-based businesses. What matters for these small businesses is how Gen Zs arrival, set against todays economic backdrop, is reshaping expectations for how they serve their customers.While about one in three couples on The Knot in the U.S. are Gen Z, the majority are still a few years away from the peak marrying age of 33. We do know, however, that they are interested in doing so, with 69% of unmarried adults ages 1834 saying they want to get marrieda nearly 10% increase since 2017. As this new generation prepares to celebrate one of lifes most meaningful moments, there will be a major shift in how small businesses are expected to deliver. We are seeing that Gen Z consumers expect more personalization, deeper authenticity, and faster digital-first communication, often alongside less flexibility in spending. Gen Z might be working with smaller budgets, but its not because they lack the desire to invest in their weddings. Rather, it is most often attributed to their current earnings potential. Due to their age, they have not had time to acquire the same amount of funds as millennials. Many Gen Z couples are being intentional about where they spend, investing in the parts of their day that matter most to them and finding creative ways to simplify or scale back elsewhere. For wedding professionals, this shift is already changing the reality of their work. Vendors are serving clients who want thoughtful, high-touch experiences, quick responses, personalization, and visuals that feel Pinterest-worthy, even as overall budgets are more constrained. That often means finding new ways to package services, streamline processes, or rethink how value shows up for each couple. For businesses looking to serve this shifting clientele, intentional adaptation is key. Small businesses should make these four moves now to navigate this market shift. 1. Embrace AI to help with productivity, core processes, and content AI and automation tools are table stakes for productivity and core processes, helping streamline communication, scheduling, content, and lead management. In fact, 77% of customers say they expect to interact with a business immediately when they reach out. For Gen Z customers especially, responsiveness is part of the experience, and falling behind on response time can mean losing business before a conversation even begins. Businesses that use AI thoughtfully to handle administrative work free themselves up to focus on what drives loyalty: creativity, care, and human connection. AI-assisted replies can help you respond quickly with personalized recommendations to start the conversation and save time. 2. Keep pace with trends and provide personalization When it comes to weddings, couples want celebrations that feel of-the-moment, yet deeply personal. For wedding vendors, this means being aware of the trends that are impacting planning decisions and simultaneously translating them in a way that feels truly unique and personal to the couple. No matter what your industry is, its important to maintain a balance between being trend-forward and creating personalized experiences. 3. Dont go it alonelean into community and upskilling Change can feel isolating for small business owners, especially when customer expectations are shifting quickly. The business owners who seem to navigate these moments best are rarely doing it alone. Theyre talking to peers, comparing notes, and staying open to learning new tools and approaches. In weddings, we see this play out every day. Vendors share templates, swap tips on using AI to save time, and openly talk through whats working when it comes to pricing, packages, and client communication. These conversations arent just about support, but also perspective. Learning from others who are facing the same challenges makes it easier to adapt with confidence. 4. Make your understanding of Gen Zs values your competitive advantage Gen Zs expectations are high, but theyre also thoughtful and values driven. They care about authenticity, transparency, and purpose, and are often willing to spend on things that feel meaningful to them. For small businesses, this means storytelling and customer relationships matter more than ever. Businesses that do this well tend to connect more deeply with younger customers. When customers understand the why behind what you do, price becomes part of a larger story, one thats more closely connected to value. This matters because younger consumers arent brand-agnostic; theyre increasingly intentional about where they spend. In recent consumer surveys, Gen Zers say theyre willing to shop locally more often, signaling that values and community can meaningfully influence purchasing decisions alongside price and convenience. In other words, when business leaders feel budgets tightening amidst high expectations, leaning into what makes your offering distinct can turn pressure into loyalty. WHY THESE LESSONS EXTEND FAR BEYOND WEDDINGS Whether you run a salon, creative studio, catering company, or consulting practice, you may already be seeing similar patterns. After many years of working with small businesses, one lesson stands firmly in my mind: Adaptability is one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have. The businesses Ive seen thrive do so because they stay curious, embrace new tools, and meet clients evolving needs with empathy and creativity. If you are a small business owner, take this moment as an opportunity to reimagine how you deliver value, connect with clients and your community, and build a business that can grow with the next generation. Gen Z may be shifting expectations, but with the right adjustments, they just may become the next area of growth for your business. Raina Moskowitz is the CEO of The Knot Worldwide.
Category:
E-Commerce
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