Healthy Food Movement and Natural Skin Care 

FEATURE: The Healthy Food Movement – Pandemic Trends Are Shaping Better Local Food Systems 

Byline: Bob Benenson

The pandemic emptied grocery shelves, closed down farmers markets and increased people’s anxieties about present and future food availability, but the substantial silver lining is that consumer interest is booming for locally produced, healthy food. Throughout the country, the growth of sustainable natural products is far outpacing that of conventional packaged goods, farmers markets are bouncing back and a wide range of innovative solutions are being pursued by e-commerce entrepreneurs and food-equity advocates to get healthier, local food into more hands and neighborhoods. With a sidebar on savvy shopping at farmers markets.

HEALING WAYS: That Natural Glow – Radiant Skin with Fewer Health Risks

Byline: Marlaina Donato                         

As we wash, hydrate, scrub and cover up our skin, we too often use products with potentially toxic additives that put us at a higher risk for hormone disruption, reproductive cancers and allergic reactions. We can learn to evaluate harmful ingredients in cosmetics and sunscreens ingredients knowledgeably, explore online information sources, find product lines with natural ingredients and try approaches like shea butter and essential oils. 

FIT BODY: The Great Nature Gym – Outdoor Workouts Make the Most of Summer

Byline: Carrie Jackson 

Summer is the prime time to skip the gym for a workout in fresh air, with nature amplifying the achieved revitalization and stress reduction. Armed with sunscreen and water bottles, we can walk in parks, run for long distances or in sprints, cycle on bike-friendly lanes in cities, take yoga mats outdoors to breathe in fresh air more deeply, go canoeing or kayaking on a lake or river, or join the again-popular rollerblade craze garbed in protective gear. 

HEALTHY KIDS: Cool Treats for Hot Days – DIY Recipes that Even Kids Can Make

Byline: Sheila Julson

Years ago, the tingling bell of an approaching ice cream truck was a highlight of hot summer days, with little thought given to the abundant sugar and unwelcome additives of those cold treats. Kids today can enjoy the same thrill—in the kitchen—with DIY recipes made with fresh fruits and other organic ingredients. Making frozen pops can be as easy as mashing fruits and other ingredients in a bowl, pouring the mixture into molds and freezing them. Using imagination, kids can even make up their own combinations for freezing and eating. With recipes for Rainbow Fruit Kabobs, Mixed Berry Pops, Orange Cream Pops and Vegan Watermelon-Beet Pops.

WISE WORDS: Jeffrey Smith on the Threat of Gene-Edited Microbes 

Byline: Sandra Yeyaki

The author and founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology discusses how gene editing can be done even by high schoolers with a $200 DIY kit and why the unregulated releases of resulting gene-edited plants, animals and microbes could devastate nature’s gene pool. At greatest risk is the microbiome, essential for soil health and the health of virtually every ecosystem. Smith stresses the need for legislation, international treaties and a vocal popular movement to protect the Earth’s genetic viability.

CONSCIOUS EATING: Flower Power – Edible Blooms Add Flavor and Color to Summer Fare       Byline: April Thompson

Once confined to a vase on the table, flowers today are finding their way into our food, adding fun flavors and colors to all sorts of dishes. Pansies and violets can be frozen into ice cubes or added to the tops of homemade chocolate bars; marigolds are great in scrambled eggs; nasturtiums with their peppery flavor add pop to a salad; and flowers like wild violets and chive blossoms add bold color and flavor to vinegar. With recipes for Flower Spring Rolls with Tamarind and Peanut Sauce and Spicy Magnolia Salad Cups.

GREEN LIVING: Pollinator Haven – Create a Toxin-Free Yard for Critical Critters

Byline: Sandra Yeyati

Invertebrate species are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, climate change and pesticides, but we can help them survive with eco-friendly practices in our gardens and lawns including planting hardy native species, using restraint when clearing debris, developing a greater tolerance for weeds and pests, and using non-chemical pesticides. Eco-lawn care strategies are to plant only a limited turf grass area, aerate the lawn, use compost and leaf mulch, and mow less often and as high as possible.

NATURAL PET: Canine Calm – Anti-Anxiety Tips for Dogs 

Byline: Ronica O’Hara 

As many as 45 percent of American pet dogs are struck with “fireworks phobia” and more dogs run away during the July Fourth holiday than at any other time of the year. Effective ways to ease the suffering of a cringing, whimpering dog as fireworks begin to go off include playing, providing chews and expressing positive emotions. Other good strategies are to wrap the prized pooch in a tight-fitting pressure vest; play simple melodies like reggae and soft rock; use soothing scents in pheromone formulations or embedded in old T-shirts; and to speak directly to him to let him know that he’s safe. With a sidebar of home remedies including CBD, pheromones and fish oil supplements. 

INSPIRATION : The Art of Doing Nothing      

Byline: Marlaina Donato

As children, most of us can remember having the glorious ability to do absolutely nothing of practical significance, but somewhere along the way we came to believe that we must earn our existence. Unplugging ourselves from that demand and watching the clouds float by brings us back to our breath, aligns us with our true North, lowers our blood pressure and kick-starts our immune systems. If need be, we can appease the to-do lister inside of us by scheduling half an hour of inactivity into the weekly calendar and keep increasing it, for the sake of our well-being.

ECO TIP: Earth-Friendly Hiking  

As stewards of the environment and kind human beings, it’s important that we hike responsibly, leaving no detritus behind, respecting wildlife and preserving the pristine setting for everyone to enjoy. This means avoiding overcrowded places; using sustainable gear including reusable water containers; packing responsibly; resisting the temptation to take home rocks, sticks, shells or flowers; staying on the trails; and not getting too close to wild animals.