It is not uncommon for connections to England to be clearer than those from Daytona Beach or Jacksonville. This brings to mind the fact that such a message is travelling on radio energy from satellites of about 10 -12 watts. Lightning at the earths surface can generate up to 10,000 volts per meter of air space and thousands of watts of energy. It is incredible that most biologists are just as ignorant of basic physical principals. Electrets are formed in wax by the combination of heat, electricity and light.
Plant leaves are weak electrets because they are coated with wax.
The charges, as in a magnet, are permanent. Electrets, as in the case of magnets, are highly attractive to iron molecules.