Natural Awakenings Houston April 2022

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

H E A LT H Y E AT I N G H E A LT H Y PLANET DIET FOR A CLIMATE CRISIS EARTH DAY 2022 EVERYONE DOING THEIR PART

BRIAN SAUDER ON FAITHBASED GRASSROOTS CHANGE WHY WE NEED TO PROTECT WILDERNESS

April 2022 | Houston Metro-Edition| NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

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Across 1 Animal with a shaggy mane 4 Shake, like aspen trees 8 Wyoming national park 9 Girl relation 10 Small forest 12 “Great blue” bird 13 Hold the title to 17 All the plant life in a region 19 Fuss 22 Work out future actions 23 Man, for one 25 The tallest trees in the world 29 Granola grain 30 Uninhabited area left in its original state 32 60 mins., abbr.

33 D.D.S.’s group 35 Virgin drink 36 Arborist’s concern Down 1 Chesapeake, for example 2 Sockeye fish 3 Small recess 4 Sample 5 The interlinked environment 6 Vital pollinators 7 Bugling beasts 10 Naval rank, abbr.

11 Be indebted to 14 Turn over earth 15 Eclipse phenomenon 16 Preserve for future generations 18 The wonder the wild can bring about 20 Father 21 Native American dwelling 22 Kitchen utensils 24 Purple flower with a strong scent 26 Forest female 27 Dry riverbed 28 Backpacker’s quarters 31 Phrase of commitment, 2 words 34 Crater Lake National Park’s state, abbr.

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APRIL 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 40+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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10 Eco Tip: Expiration Dates

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12 Why We Need Wild Places

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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE

21

Buzz-Free Drinking

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Brian Sauder: Faith-Basebased Grassroots Change

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 713-927-6540 or email: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com.

Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Email Calendar Events to: mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

Eating for the Planet

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5 news briefs

17 conscious eating

If you have missed the deadline ask about our “Red-Eye Special” and our digital placements.

7 event brief

21 healing ways

REGIONAL MARKETS

8 health brief

24 wise words

9 global brief

26 calendar

10 eco tip

28 healthy living guide

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com

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letter from publishers

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Greetings!

It seems that spring is finally here! Our garden is almost planted out and the weather has been a mixture of warm sunlight and cool breezes. Getting outdoors is part of how we cope with all that is going on in the world and keep some level of positivity and sanity. Cindy continues to recover and is able to walk a little further each day.

As you read the articles in this month’s issue, take some time to begin to put some of what they have to teach us into practice. This is Earth Month. Consider attending one or more of the Earth Month activities found in our calendar of events. Spend some time outdoors. Find a safe place where you can take your shoes off and wiggle your toes in the fresh earth and the soft grass. Enjoy the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair. While you may have many of the challenges that we all face and some uniquely your own, consider how lucky you are to have so many blessings.

Until next month, keep smiling and remember to be kind to the people you encounter. You may not be able to change the world, but you can change your part in it.

Cindy & Mike Hart

HOUSTON EDITION PUBLISHERS

Cindy & Mike Hart

EDITOR

Martin Miron

CREATIVE

Cindy Hart

SALES

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CONTACT US

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NATIONAL TEAM

The Ukraine Crisis Needs Donations It is dismaying that after enduring eight years of conflict, people now face more violence, pain, loss and turmoil. Fear, freezing temperatures and an uncertain future are what families in Ukraine are facing. The President of The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, says, “I am gravely concerned for the safety of communities in Ukraine. Our message to the parties to the conflict is clear: uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians and essential services.”

As the security situation allows, the ICRC is responding to urgent humanitarian needs

and must be able to continue their life-saving work. ICRC water engineers and doctors aim to help more than 3 million people access clean water and improve the living conditions of more than 66,000 whose homes have been damaged by heavy fighting.

The ICRC, together with its partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, remains active in Ukraine, saving and protecting the lives of victims of armed conflict and violence. Their neutral and impartial humanitarian action supports the most vulnerable people—humanitarian needs are enormous, but together, we can address them. Any donation will make a huge difference to families in need right now.

Please donate at iicrc.org/en/donate/ ukraine.

FREEDOM COMES AT A HIGH PRICE FOR

UKRAINIAN CITIZENS SHOW THEM YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY.

PLEASE DONATE

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APRIL 2022

Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

news briefs Buffalo Bayou Park Wellness Walk The Buffalo Bayou Partnership will conduct a three-mile Wellness Walk led by Laura Conely, founder of Urban Paths, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., April 13. All are invited to walk through the paths of The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park while discussing topics such as mental and physical health, and the benefits of being exposed to nature.

The nonprofit Buffalo Bayou Partnership is revitalizing and transforming Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource. For more than 30 years, they have been actively pursuing plans and programs for a 10-square-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston Turning Basin.

Admission is free. Starting location: 105 Sabine St., Houston. Register at Tinyurl.com/HoustonWellnessWalk. For more information, visit BuffaloBayou.org.

Yoga at Unity of Houston Unity of Houston offers Morning Yoga Therapy for men and women of all levels from 9 to 10:15 a.m., April 16, and every Saturday in Grace Hall. There is an extended class for more experienced students from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call before attending. Another class meets from 6 to 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday. This yoga routine of stretching and breathing will help tone the body while providing more energy. Students range from 9 to 80 years old. Children are welcome.

Senior Minister Michael Gott says, “At Unity, everyone is recognized as a true spiritual being, awakening to the truth that sets them free. If you have been searching for a love-focused place of worship that embraces all people and honors all spiritual paths, Unity could be your answer. This service is streamed on the Unity of Houston app, as well as livestream options.

Location: 2929 Unity Dr., Houston. Cost is $15.

For more information, call 713-781-4621 or visit UnityHouston.org.

Earth Energies Influence Daily Living Energetic Geometry is offering a Heal your Home weekend workshop May 7 and 8 in Sacramento, California. Many people are noticing that the energy of their homes is not supportive to their health, waking up with back pains, not feeling well-rested and nightmares; symptoms of a sick house. Earth energies such as underground water veins and geological faults cause increased stress, arguments, sleeplessness and more. Attendees will learn how to restore harmony and balance back into their home.

Sacred geometry and geomancy experts Karen Crowley-Susani, a former Air Force pilot and art historian, and Dominique Susani, a professor of literature and philosophy, founded Energetic Geometry to share the knowledge and tools of ancient European master builders. They found that many diseases come from earth energies and modern building practices and love bringing health and harmony back into homes.

Decades of study by French, Swiss and German doctors discovered that many diseases were caused by earth energies, as confirmed by Dr. Ernst Hartmann and the Max Planck Institute in the 1980s.

Cost is $299. For more information, visit EnergeticGeometry.com/workshops.

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news brief

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Enel Green Power Building New Plants Enel Green Power North America has started construction on three new renewables-plus-storage projects as part of a significant expansion in Texas. When completed, the company will have eight battery storage systems of 600 megawatts total capacity and nearly 2 gigawatts of renewable generating capacity. Enel Green Power operates 60 plants with a managed capacity of more than 6.7 gigawatts powered by renewable wind, geothermal and solar energy. All three projects are supported by power purchase agreements for a portion of their output.

The Roseland solar + storage, Blue Jay solar + storage and Ranchland wind + storage projects are the culmination of years of development work and will all begin operations within the next 18 months.

In Grimes County, the Blue Jay solar + storage project will pair a 270 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant with a 59 megawatt battery storage system, creating around 450 construction jobs and eight permanent local jobs. Blue Jay is expected to generate around $41 million in landowner payments and $37 million in tax revenue over its lifetime.

For more information, visit EnelGreenPower.com/countries.

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APRIL 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

Local Earth Day 2022 Events

event brief

Earth Month Eco-Challenge, April 1 through 30 (online)

EARTH DAY 2022 Focuses on Collective Responsibility

by Ronica A. O’Hara

Earth Day 2022 Focuses on Collective Responsibility As 1 billion people mark Earth Day on April 22, they will focus on an increasingly critical goal: the need for everyone—governments, citizens and businesses—to do their part to combat climate change. “Everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable,” is the day’s emerging motto.

While Earth Day themes over the past 52 years have often centered on specific issues, such as plastic pollution and deforestation, this year’s broader theme, “Invest In Our Planet,” reflects a growing consensus that governments alone will not solve the climate crisis at such a critical point for the Earth’s future. “Like the industrial, space and information revolutions, all sectors of society can and must play major roles—this time

Earth Day Houston, noon to 5 p.m., April 10

with the extraordinary responsibilities to get it right,” according to EarthDay.org.

Activism involves not only lowering carbon emissions, but also making sure that the benefits of the coming Green Revolution are spread evenly throughout society. Earth Day President Kathleen Rogers says, “In 2022, we all must enter into one partnership for the planet.”

Rallies and social media campaigns encourage action and legislation, as well as educate about corporate and personal sustainability. Art shows help to visualize a better future, while data collection of citizen-based science research and workshops find ways to build local green economies, as well as clean-up campaigns and tree plantings. To learn more, visit EarthDay.org.

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Forest Bathing and Earth Examen, 9 to 11:30 a.m., April 16 Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Christian spiritual discipline of the Earth Examen will allow participants to experience forest bathing at Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, led by a certified guide. Admission is free. Register (required) at Tinyurl.com/ForestBathingExamen.

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Discovery Green’s citywide Earth Day celebration, presented in partnership with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (Houston) and sponsored by Green Mountain Energy Company, is designed to educate, inspire and encourage action. The event features displays, exhibits and booths on topics ranging from alternative energy to recycling methods, plus a foodie farmers market, kids activities and more. Admission is free. Location: Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney St., Houston. For more information, visit EarthDayHouston.org.

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The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will celebrate Earth Day/with an online EcoChallenge that focuses on the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, with categories of basic needs and security; health and equity; education and livelihood; economy and communities and climate and ecosystems. Participants choose challenges to complete during the month to build a new sustainable habit, learn about an environmental issue, advocate for eco-justice, volunteer or spend more time in nature, among others. Sign up at EarthMonth.EcoChallenge.org.

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health brief

Feel Better-Live Healthier with Colon Hydrotherapy

Consider Berberine and Probiotics to Improve Cholesterol

When used together, the plant alkaloid berberine and the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve work synergistically to significantly improve total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, reports a new study in Gut Microbes from Shanghai Jiao Tung University, in China.

Researchers tested 365 diabetes patients at 20 centers throughout the country, giving them either a placebo, one of the two substances or both. Comparing post-meal blood samples after 12 weeks, patients that had taken both the berberine and the probiotic had significantly better cholesterol readings and experienced positive changes in the gut microbiome, as well as better fatty acid metabolism.

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APRIL 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

Broken Promises

global brief

Large Study Addresses Indigenous Biodiversity Decline

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Simon Fraser University (SFU), in British Columbia, is engaging with more than 150 Indigenous organizations, universities and other partners to highlight the complex problems of biodiversity loss and its implications for health and well-being in the Tackling Biodiversity Decline Across the Globe research initiative. The project is inclusive of intersectional, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary worldviews and methods for research, with activities in 70 different kinds of ecosystems that are spiritually, culturally and economically important to Indigenous peoples. One of the project’s six principal investigators, SFU assistant professor Maya Gislason, of the Faculty of Health Sciences, says, “Our work in health will focus on healing from the stresses and losses caused by colonial practices and on building healthier relationships to nature. By 2027, when the project completes, healing and well-being will have been important considerations within the development of holistic and actionable solutions intended to improve stewardship and care for people and the planet.”

SFU professor John O’Neil, former dean of the faculty of health sciences, says of the enterprise, “It is unique from many other large projects in its embrace of governance models like ethical space, Indigenous research methodologies and Indigenous knowledges.”

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eco tip

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Expiration Dates When to Eat or Toss Food

WHAT LABELS MEAN Best if used by/before date indicates when a product is at peak quality and flavor.

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Freeze by date denotes when an item should be frozen to maintain peak quality.

Sell by date tells a retailer how long to display the product for sale.

ACTUAL FOOD LIFE SPAN Milk lasts seven to 10 days after the “sell by” date. If it smells bad, chuck it. Otherwise, it’s safe.

Eggs typically stay fresh in the fridge three to five weeks past the “pack date.”

Americans waste about 40 percent of the food supply every year, which translates to billions of pounds of edible food rotting in landfills and generating dangerous greenhouse gases, along with the dollars leaking out of our wallets. We squander limited resources like water and fuel and needlessly uptick our carbon footprint to produce and transport food that will never be consumed.

One major contributor to this problem is expiration labeling—those ambiguous “best before” or “sell by” dates on canned goods, prepared foods, egg cartons, milk jugs and meat packages. Consumers are not quite sure what they mean, and as a result, they often throw out ingredients that are perfectly good to eat.

Except for baby formula, the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not require or regulate date labels. Generated by food manufacturers, these cryptic markings convey information about the quality and freshness of products rather than their safety.

Experts advise that food that doesn’t show signs of spoilage after a specified date can still be eaten. Instead of allowing a package date to dictate the lifecycle of food, we can rely on an item’s look, smell and taste to make that decision.

To become better stewards of the environment, we need to become food conservationists—purchase only what we will consume, plan meals to cook the most perishable items first, scrape the fuzz off sour cream or yogurt, snip off the mold on a block of cheese, freeze items we aren’t going to consume in a timely manner, and eat everything on our plates.

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APRIL 2022

Meat should be cooked or frozen within two days of bringing it home.

Cheese lasts refrigerated from one to eight weeks. Harder, aged varietals last longer. It’s safe to remove mold and continue enjoying the rest.

Canned goods don’t expire. The “best by” or “use by” dates only relate to peak freshness, flavor and texture. Store in a cool, dark place, and don’t buy bulging, dented, leaking or rusted cans.

Fruits and vegetables with blemishes taste the same, are a fraction of the cost and safe to eat.

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Women's Wellness

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

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Why We Need

WILD PLACES How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes

by Sheryl DeVore

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APRIL 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

O

n a blustery day, Julian Hoffman stood outdoors and watched wild bison grazing in the restored grassland of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, fewer than 50 miles from downtown Chicago. For him, it was a wild place, affording a glimpse of what North America looked like hundreds of years ago when bison roamed the continent by the millions. “We’re witnessing, in a way that’s both terrible and tragic, just what the profound cost is of continuing to destroy the natural world,” he writes.

Saving wild places is critical for human health and well-being, say both scientists and environmentalists. But defining what a wild place is or what the word wilderness means can be difficult, says Hoffman, author of Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our Wild Places. “If wilderness means a place untouched by humans, then none is left,” he says. Even the set-aside wildernesses where no one may have ever stepped have been altered through climate change, acid rain and other human interventions.

Humans are also losing the wilderness that is defined as land set aside solely for plants and creatures other than humans. Prominent naturalist David Attenborough, whose most recent documentary is A Life on Our Planet, says that in 1937, when he was a boy, about 66 percent of the world’s wilderness areas remained. By 2020, it was down to 35 percent.

A wild place can be as spectacular as Yellowstone, a 3,500-square-mile national park in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, filled with hot springs, canyons, wolves, and elk. It can also be as simple as a sky filled with a murmuration, or gathering, of thousands of swooping starlings, which once caused two teens to stop taking selfies and photograph the natural scene above them instead, as Hoffman witnessed in Great Britain.

Such regions that offer vast tracts of natural beauty and biodiversity are even found in and around major cities like Chicago, says Chicagoland nature blogger Andrew Morkes. “A wild place is also where you don’t see too many people, or any people, and you can explore,” he says. “You can walk up a hill and wonder what’s around the next bend.”

“A wild place could be a 15-minute drive from home where we can walk among plants in a meadow, or a tree-lined street, or front and back yard, if landscaped with wild creatures in mind,” says Douglas Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts with Your Yard.

Sustaining Our Species

“We need these places to save ourselves,” says Tallamy, who heads the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. “Humans are totally dependent on the production of oxygen and clean water, and that happens with the continued existance of flowering plants, which are dependent on the continued existence of all the pollinators. When you lose the pollinators, you lose 90 percent of the flowering plants on the Earth. That is not an option if we want to stay alive and healthy.”

Our mental and emotional health is also at stake. According to a recent overview in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, studies have shown that natural settings can lower blood pressure, reduce depression and anxiety, and help the immune system function better.

People have saved wild places over time, of course. “The world’s ancient redwoods are still with us today because people in the early 1900s fought to protect and preserve what they could already see was rapidly diminishing,” Hoffman says. “In the year 2022, we are the beneficiaries of those past actions. Yet less than 5 percent of those old-growth redwood groves are left, and we live in an age where we’re losing an extraordinary range of wild species; for example, 3 billion birds have disappeared from the skies of North America in just the past 50 years. That’s why people need to continue to fight for wild spaces.”

Community Crusaders

In researching his book, Hoffman went looking for wild-space struggles. In Glasgow, Scotland, he met people that fought to save an urban meadow from being turned into a luxury home development.

“I’d never experienced as much joy in any one place as when I spent time with the community fighting to preserve this tiny meadow,” he recalls.

“They campaigned and lobbied politicians, and eventually, the government backed down. And now the whole community is able to enjoy this site where a lot of urban wildlife thrives.”

Once-wild places may also need human help to again become wild refuges. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where Hoffman saw the buffalo, “was once an arsenal for the production of ex-

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CREATING A WILD SPACE AT HOME In their book The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, University of Delaware ecology professor Douglas Tallamy and landscape designer Rick Darke show how to create wild spaces in yards, including what and where to plant and how to manage the land. They advise homeowners to:

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Stop using pesticides and herbicides.

Replace non-native plants with those native to the region.

Reduce lawn space, converting it to native plants.

Leave leaf litter, withering plants and dying trees alone to provide shelter and food for wildlife. n Create a small pond or another water feature. n n n n

“Mourning cloak butterflies overwinter as mature adults. If you say, ‘Hey, let’s just clean up all of that so-called leaf litter,’ you could be cleaning up the habitat of mourning cloaks and killing them,” says Darke, who has served as a horticultural consultant for botanic gardens and other public landscapes in Texas, Maryland, New York, Illinois and Delaware. “That’s not litter. It’s meaningful habitat. traordinary quantities of ordnance for a number of wars,” he says. After hundreds of die-hard volunteers dug out invasive plants, scattered seed and documented wildlife on the 18,000acre prairie, visitors can now walk among big bluestem and golden alexander, and listen for the sweet song of meadowlarks in the grasslands and chorus frogs in the wetlands.

Conservation volunteers working to save wild places hail from every state. In fact, nearly 300,000 volunteers contribute more than 6.5 million hours of volunteer service a year to the U.S. National Park Service, from leading tours to studying wildlife and hosting campgrounds.

One doesn’t have to be an environmental crusader to save wild places, Hoffman stresses.

Exploring local wild places and sharing them with others can help save them, as well. “We can only protect those places that we love,” he says. “And we can only love those places that we know.”

Sadly, roughly 100 million people, including 28 million children, do not have access to a quality park within 10 minutes of home, according to The Trust for Public Land. Projects, such as the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, which enables urban communities to create outdoor spaces, can help. The U.S. Department of the Interior committed $150 million to the program in 2021. “Every child in America deserves to have a safe and nearby place to experience the great outdoors,” says Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

A Homegrown National Park

Tallamy says one of the most important ways to get people to appreciate and save wild places is to begin in their own yards. “We have wilderness designations. We have national forests.

We have national parks. We have 12 percent of the U.S. protected from development,” he says. “Yet, we are in the sixth great extinction. Our parks and our preserves are not enough.

My point is that we have got to focus on the areas outside of parks and preserves.” He urges what he calls a “homegrown national park,” in which homeowners, land managers and farmers create a habitat by replacing invasive plants with native species.

Tallamy speaks from experience. He lives on a 10-acre former farm in Oxford, Pennsylvania. “It had been mowed for hay and when we moved in, very little life was here,” he says. “We have been rebuilding the eastern deciduous forest here, getting invasive plants under control and replanting with species that ought to be here.” He’s now counted more than 1,400 different species of moths on his property and documented 60 species of birds nesting within the landscape. “We have foxes who raise their kits in the front yard,” he says.

Lots of acreage is not required, he says. In Kirkwood, Missouri, homeowners created a wild place on six-tenths of an acre on which they’ve documented 149 species of birds. “If one person does it, it’s not going to work,” he stresses. “The point is to get those acres connected. When everybody adopts this as a general landscape culture, it’s going to help tremendously. By rewilding your yard, you are filling in spaces between the true wild places and

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APRIL 2022

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HOUSTON METRO EDITION

natural areas. The reason our wild spaces are not working in terms of conservation is because they are too small and too isolated.

Even the biggest national parks are too small or too isolated.”

Tallamy says people can create wild spaces in their yards by reducing the amount of lawn they have or even getting rid of it.

They can grow native plants and discontinue the use of pesticides and herbicides, which are disrupting ecological function of wild places the world over, as research shows.

Hoffman agrees, “We’ve cultivated a culture of tidiness. It’s actually very easy to welcome wildlife into your home places, often by doing fewer things, by not bringing the leaf blower out and by leaving some dead wood where it fell, which creates important shelters for insects, for example.

“Such wild yard spaces encourage wonder. Suddenly, the kids are out there and they can be absolutely fascinated by a small glittering beetle. For me, to experience the wild is to go to the shore of a lake, to be present in the mystery, to be among the lake’s reed beds, to see a marsh harrier sleek out of those reeds and to know you’re part of something much larger,” he says. “There’s so much joy and beauty and complexity in being in the presence of other lives besides human.” That in itself is reason enough to save wild places.

Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as health and environmental stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

LEARN MORE The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative, by Florence Williams Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our Wild Places, by Julian Hoffman A Life on Our Planet, Netflix documentary by David Attenborough Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts with Your Yard, by Douglas Tallamy The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, by Rick Darke and Douglas Tallamy

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conscious eating

Eating for the Planet DIET FOR A CLIMATE CRISIS

by Sheila Julson

W

hat we choose to put on our plates influences not only our physical health, but also the health of the environment. While much of the climate conversation focuses on the burning of fossil fuels, commercial food production— particularly livestock—uses large amounts of land, water and energy. Wasted food contributes to approximately 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.

Leigh Prezkop, food loss and waste specialist for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), says agriculture accounts for about 70 percent of the world’s fresh water use, while pasture and crop land accounts for about 50 percent of the Earth’s habitable land.

“The environmental impacts begin with the soil,” Prezkop explains. “Soil that’s depleted of nutrients loses its ability to capture carbon and produce nutrient-rich foods. The long chain continues with the processing and packaging of that food, and then transporting it to grocery store shelves and, eventually, to the consumer’s home.”

Eat Less Meat

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, argues author, screenwriter and playwright Glen Merzer in his latest book, Food Is Climate: A Response to Al Gore, Bill Gates, Paul Hawken & the Conventional Narrative on Climate Change.

“When we have 93 million cattle farmed in the U.S. and 31 billion animals farmed globally each year, they create mountains of waste,” says Merzer, a dedicated vegan of 30 years. “That waste infiltrates water supplies and causes contamination, such as E. coli outbreaks, in foods like lettuce and tomatoes that are grown downstream.”

He adds that cows belch methane, a far more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and that grass-fed cows belch even more of it than grain-fed, feedlot cows. In addition, nitrogen fertilizers used to grow animal feed run into waterways. Overfishing and ocean warming threaten populations of phytoplankton, which sequester carbon dioxide and seed clouds. Deforestation to create

grazing land may be the single greatest future threat to our climate because forests also sequester carbon and provide a home for diverse flora and fauna.

Make Simple Swaps

Prezkop emphasizes that despite these problems with the industrial food chain, changing the way we produce food is also the solution. The WWF works with suppliers to educate and promote regenerative production practices. On the consumer side, changing the way food is produced can be achieved by changing people’s dietary demands.

“We don’t prescribe people to eat a certain way. We do believe different people and cultures have different dietary needs,” she says. “The global north eats a lot of meat, so we do recommend a plant-forward diet while still incorporating animal proteins, depending on individual dietary needs.”

Merzer argues that we have little control over fossil fuel burning, but we can control

17

our diets. He promotes plant-based eating as a primary solution to climate change. Changing mindsets about “normal” traditions, such as having hamburgers on the Fourth of July or turkey on Thanksgiving, can be difficult, but achievable with the planet at stake, he says.

Sophie Egan, founder of FullTableSolutions.com and author of How to Be a Conscious Eater: Making Food Choices That Are Good For You, Others, and the Planet, advises to start small by looking at the foods eaten most frequently and identifying ways to make simple swaps. “If you have toast with butter every morning, that could be changed to a nut butter. A sandwich with cold cuts every day for lunch, that can be replaced with a roasted vegetables and hummus sandwich or an avocado sandwich. You can still eat something in a familiar form, but replace ingredients with lower-emissions options,” she says.

If someone is intimidated by switching to an all plant-based diet, a flexitarian option emphasizing foods from the plant kingdom while enjoying meat only occasionally may be more sustainable throughout a person’s lifetime. Her book contains a “protein scorecard” from the World Resources Institute that lists animal and plant sources in terms of greenhouse gas emissions per gram of protein from the worst offenders to the least, with beef (along with goat and lamb) being at the top.

Prezkop recommends eating a wide variety of foods. “Currently, 75 percent of food produced is from 12 plant species and five animal species, despite that there are thousands of varieties. This means there’s less diversity happening in the field. Diversity helps with regeneration and healthy soils. Producing the same crops over and over means there’s no crop rotation and no diversity happening, leading to degraded soils and deforestation to produce more of the same crop.”

Egan adds that diets that are over-reliant on just a few food sources like corn, wheat, rice and soy threaten the Earth and can lead to food insecurity. “Think of it as risk management with a financial portfolio: We have a diversified portfolio of foods available to feed a growing population, but as the climate warms, extreme weather events threaten yields because lack of fresh water and unhealthy soil threaten the planet and, ultimately, food production.”

Eating food that is as close as to its original state as possible is better for the planet. “The more food is processed, the more resources it took to get it to market,” Prezkop notes.

Cut Food Waste

Prezkop says approximately 40 percent of the food produced globally is lost while still on the farm or further up the supply chain.

“When food is wasted, we’re not just throwing away food, but everything it took to produce that food is also wasted—the water, the fertilizer and the land.”

A recent WWF report entitled Driven To Waste cites new data indicating that food waste contributes to approximately 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions—nearly twice the emissions produced annually by all the cars in the U.S. and Europe.

Egan suggests using a shopping list; impulse buys can be forgotten and are prone to spoiling. Keeping food visible by putting fruits and vegetables front and center ensures they won’t be forgotten. Leftovers can be kept from languishing by designating a section of the refrigerator for food to eat first or a day of the week to eat leftovers for dinner. “You can freeze just about anything,” Egan says, from leftover bread to cheese, which can be shredded before frozen. Even scrambled eggs can be poured into a freezer container to use later. (For more ideas, check out SaveTheFood. com and Dana Gunders’ Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook.)

Nonprofits throughout the country are creating solutions to divert food waste from the landfills. Keep Austin Fed, a nonprofit comprised of mostly volunteers, helps neighbors experiencing food

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APRIL 2022

SCRAP VEGETABLE STOCK Those potatoes that start to sprout, the straggler stalks of celery wilting in the back of the crisper drawer or that pompon of green carrot tops can all be used to make vegetable stock.

This is a very general recipe with plenty of creative license to get more mileage from leftover vegetables that normally would have been discarded.

Start by collecting vegetable scraps that typically aren’t used—thick asparagus ends, carrot tops and broccoli stems.

Even wilted kale or limp carrots that are no longer good to eat fresh, but are still free from mold or mush, can be added.

Coarsely chop scrap veggies and put them into a freezer bag. Store them in the freezer until four to five pounds of vegetable scrap have been accumulated. yield: about 3 quarts 4 to 5 lb vegetable scraps (can include the freezer bag of vegetable scraps, green tops from a fresh bunch of carrots, slightly wilted kale, turnips that are starting to turn soft or any combination) 2 bay leaves 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 2 medium onions, cut into quarters 6 quarts water Salt to taste Coarsely chop all vegetables and add to a large stockpot. (If the vegetables are still frozen, dump them into the stockpot; they’ll begin to thaw during the cooking process.) Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently.

Cook for about two hours or until the liquid is reduced by about half and the color begins to fade from the vegetables.

Let the mixture cool. Strain the stock into a large bowl.

Compost the vegetables, as they are now flavorless; all of the flavors have been cooked into the broth.

Strain broth a second time through a cheesecloth or sieve for an even clearer broth. Salt to taste and portion into Mason jars.

Store in the refrigerator for one to two weeks, or freeze if saving for later use.

Courtesy of Sheila Julson.

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

MUNG BEAN CURRY

insecurity by redistributing wholesome, nutritious, surplus food from any food-permitted business. Volunteers pick up leftover food from urban gardens, rural farms, grocery stores and caterers serving area tech firms. All prepared food accepted and redistributed is handled by licensed food handlers. Executive Director Lisa Barden says that Keep Austin Fed redistributed 982,428 pounds of food, or the equivalent of 818,695 meals, in 2021, thus keeping it out of the waste stream.

Similarly missioned organizations exist nationwide. FoodRescue.us, with 40 locations in 20 states, provides assistance and even a dropoff/pickup app for people starting local groups. Since its founding in 2011, it has provided 85 million meals and kept 109 million pounds of excess food out of landfills. Its website offers a potent plea: “Fight Hunger. Help the Planet. Be the Rescue.”

Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

3 cups water 1 cup dried mung beans 2 dry bay leaves ½ medium onion, chopped 3 cloves raw garlic, minced 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced ½ tsp turmeric powder ½ tsp yellow curry 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro or sweet basil 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Black pepper to taste

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Rinse the mung beans, then soak overnight in water. The next day, discard the water, rinse the beans again and add 3 cups of water and bay leaves. Bring the beans to near boil and reduce heat to simmer.

Scoop away the white foam that forms on the surface of the water and discard. Simmer covered for about 40 minutes.

Add the onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric and curry, and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro or basil, lemon juice and black pepper.

Serve over rice or another grain.

Courtesy of Joanna Samorow-Merzer, reprinted with permission from Own Your Health, by Glen Merzer.

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Top Five Reasons to Buy Locally Sourced Food

by Federico Marques

Higher nutrient density. According to the Cleveland Clinic and others, cut fruit or produce begins to lose nutrition immediately after being harvested. Most food and produce is delivered long distances and after transport may contain only 50% of the original nutritional content.

Build local community. Most of the fruits and vegetables we eat in the US come from Latin America, primarily Mexico. This is about 70-80% of fruits and vegetables. Local farmers need support in order to grow and help build community and food security. Most people want to know where their food comes from.

Better for the environment. Most produce is transported over long distances, typically a thousand miles or more. This adds greenhouse gases via exhaust emissions.

Minimize food waste. Locally sourced food means less handling, transport, and damaged product losses. This can add up to 10-20% loss per shipment for most farm shipments

going to cities. Typically, locally sourced means just in time deliveries where very little is lost.

Tastes-better. Many local farmers take pride in what they grow and can produce a higher quality product that is fresher, more nutritious, and typically tastes better because it is fresher.

Federico Marques is the owner of Moonflower Farms here in Houston. For more information, visit their website at moonflowerfarms.com

Now Available at Central Market Also Find Karuna Prebiotic Juices and Smoothies in all Houston Area H-E-B & Sprouts Farmers Market

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APRIL 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

healing ways

Buzz-Free Drinking

THE HEALTHY RISE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

by Ronica O’Hara

A

s a former bartender, Katie Cheney enjoys mixing drinks for friends, and one night

recently, in her San Francisco apartment, she tried out something new: an alcohol-free “Noquila Sunrise” made with a distilled, plant-based spirit. “I was actually pleasantly surprised. Even though we were drinking non-alcoholic drinks, we still had just as much fun as usual!” recalls Cheney, who blogs at DrinksSaloon.com.

In New York City, Marcos Martinez has begun drinking virgin piña coladas when out on the town with friends. “The feeling is surprisingly great since I don’t wake up with hangovers.

More importantly, I’ve realized that I don’t have to use alcohol as a crutch for my social anxiety,” says Martinez, who owns the black gay lifestyle blog TheMenWhoBrunch.com.

At Chicago’s Kumiko Japanese cocktail bar, owner Julia Momosé offers a menu of what she calls “Spiritfrees,” crafted without alcohol and with ingredients like yarrow, ume—a Japanese fruit—and cardamom. “Folks comment on how they appreciate that it is ‘more than just juice,’ or how surprised they are at their depth, texture and complexity,” she says.

The “sober-curious”—people experimenting with alcohol-free beverages as a way of prioritizing their health and fitness over a short-lived buzz—are changing America’s drinking culture. For the first time in 20 years, fewer Americans are regularly drinking, reports Gallup, and tipplers are drinking measurably less than they did 10 years ago.

No longer stuck with a seltzer while dodging questions from inquisitive imbibers, today the sober-inclined can sip from a vast array of sophisticated choices—from faux vodka in exotic, crafted drinks to prize-winning sparkling wines to low- and no-alcohol craft beer. No-booze options can be easily ordered at restaurants, picked up at supermarkets or delivered at home with a few online clicks.

“The best part about having a fun, non-alcoholic beverage in hand is that you get the taste and experience of a cocktail or beer, just without the alcohol and potential negative side effects,” says dietitian Kerry Benson, co-author of Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion. “You have your wits about you, you can drive if necessary, you are less likely to say or do something you might regret and you won’t have a hangover the next morning. And alcohol-free drinks are usually less expensive than their alcoholic counterparts.”

Sober-curious strategies range widely.

Some people start tentatively, but increasingly turn to non-alcoholic drinks because they prefer the taste, price and lower calorie count, as well as the diminished risk of heart and liver disease. Others may go cold turkey for a month or two to break a pandemic-induced habit, alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a game or bar to avoid getting tipsy, or drink a Bloody Mary for a weekend brunch and virgin versions during the week to enhance work productivity.

The sales of non-alcoholic beverages shot up 33 percent to $331 million in 2021, reports Nielsen, and online sales of nonand low-alcoholic beverages skyrocketed 315 percent. To compete for the Millennials-heavy market, distillers like Seedlip, Suntory and Lyre’s have created beverages evoking tequila, Campari and vodka; breweries like Guinness, Budweiser and Carlsberg and small crafters are offering robust-tasting near- and no-alcohol beers; and wineries are using distillation and reverse osmosis to produce fine, low-alcohol Cabernets, Chardonnays and other varieties. Niche products are growing: for example, Los Angeles-based Optimist Botanicals bills its gin-, vodka- and tequila-like botanical blends as being vegan, gluten-free and paleo- and keto-friendly.

On the home front, people are making their own concoctions, often with natural and herbal ingredients, such as pears, tomatoes, cilantro and spices. “Garden-grown produce, windowsill herbs and farmers market finds are the ideal foundation for recipes, from tea sangrias to shaken mocktails,” says New Jersey cooking instructor and recipe developer Vanessa Young, creator of ThirstyRadish.com. As an example, she says, “A slice of brûléed fruit gives a non-alcoholic drink a touch of smoky sweetness, plus it is so appealing in the glass.”

Substance abuse counselors caution that beverages that mimic alcohol may not be a good route for recovery from serious alcohol abuse because they can reawaken destructive patterns. And consumers are advised to look carefully at labels. “Alcohol-free” beer contains 0.0 percent alcohol. “Non-alcoholic” beer can contain up to 0.5 percent alcohol, but some have been found to contain up to 2 percent—not desirable if pregnant or in recovery.

Still, says Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You, “The popularity of alcohol-free drinks is changing a culture.

We are going from a culture that glamorizes drinking at every social situation, with little valid excuse to decline, to a culture that gives people healthier options.”

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

21

SOUR MOCK-A-RITA

MAPLE PEAR SPARKLER

1 cup and 2 Tbsp lime juice ¼ cup and 2 Tbsp orange juice

½ cup pure maple syrup ¼ cup filtered water 1 rounded tsp fresh pomegranate arils (about 12 arils, or seeds) 1 tsp fresh lemon juice ½ oz maple simple syrup 2¼ oz pear juice 2 oz sparkling mineral water Bartlett pear slices for garnish

3 Tbsp agave nectar, plus more to taste 2½ cups and 2 Tbsp coconut water Few dashes of salt Lime wheels for garnish Lime wedges and sea salt to rim the glasses To salt the rims of four to six lowball or margarita glasses, pour a thin layer of salt onto a plate or a shallow bowl.

Slide a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to wet it, or use a finger to apply the juice to the rim, then dip and twist the glass in the salt. Combine all of the drink ingredients in a pitcher. Stir.

Fill the rimmed glasses with ice. Divide the margarita mix among the glasses. Garnish with lime wheels.

From Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion, by Kerry Benson and Diana Licalzi.

For the syrup, whisk to combine ½ cup maple syrup with ¼ cup filtered water in a small saucepan, and heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

In the meantime, to prepare the jewel-like pomegranate arils, score a fresh pomegranate cross-wise. Twist to separate into halves. Loosen the membrane around the edges and tap firmly with a wooden spoon over a bowl to collect the pomegranate arils. Continue to loosen the membrane and tap to release all the arils.

For each drink, gently mash the pomegranate arils with lemon juice in a muddler, then add the mixture into a cocktail shaker, along with the syrup, pear juice and ice. Shake to chill, and strain into a glass to serve. Top with sparkling mineral water.

Add a slice of ripe Bartlett or brûléed pear.

Courtesy of Vanessa Young of ThirstyRadish.com.

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APRIL 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

Nature’s Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus before it starts

S

By Doug Cornell

cientists have discovered a with a tip to fit in the bottom of the natural way to kill germs fast. nostril, where viruses collect.

Now thousands of people When he felt a tickle in his nose are using it against viruses and bacteria like a cold about to start, he rubbed the that cause illness. copper gently in Colds and his nose for 60 many other seconds. illnesses start “It worked!” when viruses get he exclaimed. in your nose and “The cold never start multiplying. got going. That If you don’t stop was 2012. I have them early, they had zero colds spread and take since then.” over.

“We don’t Copper kills viruses almost In hundreds of make product instantly studies, EPA and health claims,” university researchers confirm copper he said, “so I can’t say cause and effect. kills microbes almost instantly just by But we know copper is antimicrobial.” touch.

He asked relatives and friends to try That’s why ancient Greeks and it. They reported the same thing, so he Egyptians used copper to purify patented CopperZap® and put it on the water and heal wounds. They didn’t market. know about microbes like viruses and Soon hundreds of people had tried it. bacteria, but now we do.

Feedback was 99% positive if they used “The antimicrobial activity of copper copper within 1-3 hours of the first sign is well established.” National Institutes of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or of Health. a scratchy throat.

Scientists say the high conductance Users say: of copper disrupts the electrical balance “It works! I love it!” in a microbe cell by touch and destroys “I can’t believe how good my nose it in seconds. feels.”

Some hospitals tried copper “Is it supposed to work that fast?” for touch surfaces like faucets and “One of the best presents ever.” doorknobs. This cut the spread of “Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

MRSA and other illnesses by over half, “Cold sores gone!” which saved lives.

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Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

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23

welcome all denominations?

wise words

Brian Sauder on

Faith-Based Grassroots Change

by Sandra Yeyati

W

ith degrees in natural resource management, environmental science, religion and business administration, Mennonite Reverend Brian Sauder is an adjunct professor at two Illinois seminary schools, as well as president and executive director of Faith in Place, a Midwest nonprofit headquartered in Chicago that helps diverse faith-based groups become community leaders in a shared quest for environmental, social and racial justice.

ties calling out environmental racism and organizing the community to take action.

We view ourselves in that historical lineage, with a mission to provide the tools, resources and programming for our faith partners to continue to advance these valuable pursuits.

How does Faith in Place work?

It’s very grassroots. We believe in a Green Team model, which is a core group of people within a faith community, anywhere from three to 30 individuals, depending on the size of the community. Through coaching, we help teams evaluate the community’s needs and assets, set goals for the year, and create a strategic plan to address needs through programming, advocacy and a network of nonprofit partners.

Why are Green Teams effective in bringing about change?

The messenger matters. When you work with a community, it’s the people in that community that are going to understand the culture, the theology, the context, the history, the politics of the local body; so they understand how to meet people where they’re at and how to talk about these issues in a way that’s effective and attainable.

Can you describe a noteworthy Faith in Place project?

How are places of faith uniquely positioned to address environmental and racial justice?

If you look at the history of the U.S. envi-

ronmental justice movement, from Warren County, North Carolina, where black church women laid their bodies on the road to stop toxic waste dump trucks in their community, to Dr. Benjamin Chavis’ coining of the phrase “environmental racism” through the United Church of Christ, there’s a legacy of people of faith and diverse spirituali-

24

APRIL 2022

We partnered with a Green Team that wanted to address the need of hunger in their community by turning four acres of land that they had into a congregation-supported agriculture project (CSA), where people paid upfront to get a weekly bushel of produce grown on the land, while the church tithed 10 percent of it to local food pantries. Over several years, we helped them write a business plan, approach the committee structure of the church, hire a farmer, set up a legal structure and launch Sola Gratia Farm, which today is employing a bunch of people and stocking local food pantries with fresh tomatoes, kale, fruits and vegetables grown right there in the community. Once Faith in Place shared this story, other faith partners wanted to replicate it. We now support five different CSAs across Illinois.

Does Faith in Place

Absolutely. Whether it’s an institution of religion or a spiritual tradition, people are bringing the wisdom of the ages to bear on understanding the moment we’re in. Everything is connected, and the ecological crisis is a spiritual crisis. The healing of me and the healing of you and the healing of Earth are bound together, and this mutuality is core to all our different spiritualities and traditions.

At our annual Green Team summit, people from different regions, backgrounds and religions come together, all united by the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land where our food is grown and a deep sense of calling and purpose. It’s hope-inspiring in a world that is so divided.

What areas of environmental justice do you focus on?

A Green Team might say, “We have an issue with lead pipes in our communities,” or, “We have an issue with high school-age youth needing employment.” Our programs, which are shaped by the needs of our Green Teams and are constantly being reevaluated and reshaped, cover sustainable food and land use, climate change and energy, environmental advocacy, youth empowerment, and water and flooding prevention. We also advocate to policymakers.

Last year in Illinois, Green Teams helped pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act by convincing legislators to not only reduce carbon emissions, but also prioritize employment opportunities in the new green economy for highunemployment neighborhoods.

What is your philosophy concerning the intersection between faith and environmental and social justice?

We’ve got to be committed to the transformation that we seek. Our spirituality calls us to remember how connected we are. One way to describe justice is love in action—a love that begins with ourselves—and as we love ourselves more deeply, it spurs outward action that seeks to dismantle injustice.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail. com.

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

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calendar of events April 2022

To have your business or organizations events listed in our calendar send your information to mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com

APRIL 1ST & 30TH ONLINE

Earth Month EcoChallenge. The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to celebrate Earth Day/Month by joining our team for the online Earth Month EcoChallenge.

This EcoChallenge focuses on the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, with categories of: basic needs & security, health & equity, education & livelihood, economy & communities and climate & ecosystems. You pick your challenges to complete during the month - to build a new sustainable habit, learn about an environmental issue, advocate for eco-justice, volunteer or spend more time in nature (among the many, many choices). Join the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston team & we’ll support each other along the journey. To sign up or to learn more, go to https://earthmonth.ecochallenge.org/.

Questions? - Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@ gmail.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY APRIL 2ND & 3RD

Via Colori® Houston 2022 is a reimagined creative arts and cultural event drawing thousands of families, artists, and festival goers annually to join in the street painting festival. Via Colori means “color street” beckoning us to engage with the environment around us and to connect with our own sense of well-being as we celebrate art and artists. Barbara P. Jordan Post Office 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201 viacolorihouston. org and follow the event on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @viacolorihouston

SATURDAY APRIL 9TH

YogaMass in Person and Online, 5-6:15 p.m.

Gathering in person again! Experience wholeness at YogaMass, a holistic worship experience of mind/body/soul that integrates yogic practices with holy communion. Led by The Reverends Gena Davis and Dr. John K. Graham. In the church, St. Andrew’s in the Heights, 1819 Heights Blvd, Houston 77008. Contributions kindly requested as you are able. For more information, see YogaMass.com.

SUNDAY APRIL 10TH

EARTH DAY-HOUSTON noon-5:00 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (Houston) and sponsored by Green Mountain Energy Company, Discovery Green’s citywide Earth Day celebration is designed to educate, inspire and encourage action. The event features displays, exhibits and booths on topics ranging from alternative energy to recycling methods, plus a foodie farmers market, kids activities and more.FREE. Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010. earthdayhouston.org

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APRIL 2022

WEDNESDAY APRIL 13TH

Buffalo Bayou Park Wellness Walk 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership will conduct a three-mile Wellness Walk led by Laura Conely, founder of Urban Paths, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., April 13. All are invited to walk through the paths of The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park while discussing topics such as mental and physical health, and the benefits of being exposed to nature. Admission is free. Starting location: 105 Sabine St., Houston. Register at Tinyurl.com/ HoustonWellnessWalk. For more information, visit BuffaloBayou.org.

SATURDAY APRIL 16TH

Yoga at Unity of Houston 9 to 10:15 a.m Unity of Houston offers Morning Yoga Therapy for men and women of all levels beginning April 16, and every Saturday in Grace Hall. There is an extended class for more experienced students from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call before attending.

Another class meets from 6 to 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday. This yoga routine of stretching and breathing will help tone the body while providing more energy. Students range from 9 to 80 years old. Children are welcome.

Forest Bathing & Earth Examen 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Experience forest bathing, led by a certified guide, followed by practice of the Christian spiritual discipline of the Earth Examen. Forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan, involves taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere.

Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center. Please register at www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/forest-bathing-earth-examen-tickets-291848535827. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

FRIDAY APRIL 22ND

UNPLUGGED ADVENTURE: BIRDING THE PRAIRIE 8 am- 12 pm Witness the spectacle of spring migration on the Katy Prairie! Our guides will lead you on a bird walk highlighting our various stopover habitats for migrating birds. We will meet at Indiangrass Preserve and then caravan to other preserves depending on the birds. We will have binoculars and scopes available for use.

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, and bring a water bottle and insect protection. FREE Indiangrass Preserve 31975 Hebert Road Waller, TX 77484

SUNDAY APRIL 24TH

Spring 2022 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event 1:30-4:30 p.m. Calling people of all faiths or no faith at all in Houston to care for our shared environment in observance of Earth Day/Month! We will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve. This event will offer

activities for all ages and skill. Meet at the Swartz Gazebo in the park to sign in. Metro bus line 7 stops nearby, and line 49 is not far. Tools/supplies will be provided. This event is organized by Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston, in partnership with the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. The conservancy requires signing of a waiver to participate. Please register for planning purposes on www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-2022-interfaith-environmental-stewardship-event-tickets-273115956177. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

Collective Visioning for Our Region’s Water 6:00 p.m. online. Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, Executive Director of BCWK, will explore the critical role that collective visioning, ecological imagination and storytelling play in connecting to and advocating for our region’s waterways and our community.

Time for interactive discussion with the speaker will be provided. Please register for this talk on www.eventbrite.com at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/collective-visioning-for-our-regions-water-tickets-288968451417. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions. .

plan ahead FRIDAY & SATURDAY MAY 6TH & 7TH

Heal your Home Weekend Workshop Energetic Geometry is offering a Heal your Home Weekend Workshop May 7 and 8 in Sacramento, CA. Many people are noticing that the energy of their homes is not supportive to their health. In fact, waking up with back pains, not feeling well-rested and nightmares can be symptoms of a sick house.

Earth energies such as underground water veins and geological faults cause increased stress, arguments, sleeplessness and more. Attendees will learn how to restore harmony and balance back into their home. For more information visit Energeticgeometry.com/workshops/

SATURDAY MAY 21ST

MINDFULNESS IN NATURE 9:30 a -23 pm This mindfulness workshop will begin with a guided, one-hour lesson and meditation. Then we’ll each go to a quiet spot in nature to practice simply being – mindful, not mind-full. We’ll meet back together to enjoy (and learn about) Prairie Tea made from the local wildflowers and trees while we share and receive additional instruction from Heather. Participants are welcome to extend their mindful time on the preserve after class.

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring a water bottle and sun/insect protection. Please also bring a mat, blanket, or towel for outdoor meditation seating. Journals are also welcome.$20 Indiangrass Preserve 31975 Hebert Road Waller, TX 77484 Registration required. Visit our events page. katyprairie.org

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

coming in the may issue

Women's Wellness

tuesday Free Virtual Meditation Class 6:30-7:30 pm.

Experience the Peace Within! Join our free meditation class. Sponsored by Houston Meditation. houston-meditation.org

wednesday Blissful Quests® with Doyle Ward-The Pocast.

1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast

thursday Free Virtual Meditation Class 6:30-7:30 pm.

Experience the Peace Within! Join our free meditation class. Sponsored by Houston Meditation.

saturday Free Virtual Meditation Class 10-11 am. Experience the Peace Within! Join our free meditation class. Sponsored by Houston Meditation. houston-meditation.org

sunday Houston Zen Center 8”20 am Sunday Sangha. https://houstonzen.org/cloud-zendo Free Virtual Meditation Class 10-11 am. Experience the Peace Within! Join our free meditation class. Sponsored by Houston Meditation. houston-meditation.org

classified ads FOR SALE MASSAGE TABLE FOR SALE. Oakworks Nova Table w/adj face cradle & armrest.

31” W, white. $350 OBO Txt 832-535-2020.

HELP WANTED INSTAGRAM INFLUENCERS. Post your photo picking up a copy of Natural Awakenings on your Insta page. Earn valuable products & services. Email mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com put INSTA in the subject line.

RESERVE THIS SPACE ADVERTISE HERE! Reach 32K Reader for ONLY $20/month Send Email to mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com put CLASSIFIEDS in the subject line.

june

men’s health

Grace Episcopal Church & School.

10 am. Sunday Worship Livestream. https://www.facebook.com/GraceinHouston/ First Spiritualist Church of Houston 10:30 am Sunday Healing & Spirit Greetings Facebook Live Unity of Houston. 11 am Sunday Morning Service Livestreaming. https://unityhouston.org/ Creative Life Spiritual Center 11 am Sunday Celebration. Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/creativelife.org/ Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism 12 noon. Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk. https://www.youtube.com/user/dawnmountain

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healthy living guide

CBD SMOKE ENVY/BETTER DAYS CBD

ACUPUNCTURE APRIL BUI HOLISTIC ACUPUNCTURE 9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 504 Houston, Texas 77024 713-922-3474 abui-acupunctureclinic.com

April Bui, LAC, MAOM specializes in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and energy medicine for pain, stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure but she is also able to treat many other health conditions.

She has more than 25 years’ experience in the field of alternative holistic health and has practice acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2008. Visit her website for more information or to schedule a FREE Consultation.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE INSPYRE PHYSICAL MEDICINE & WELLNESS

Leanne LeDoux, FNP-C Let our team help you live your BEST life!!

2100 Travis Street Ste. 380 Houston, Texas 77002 inspyrepmw.com Do you struggle with pain in your neck, back, or joints? Looking for ALTERNATIVES to medication and surgery? We have a team of providers that work together to think outside the traditional medicine box to get you feeling better faster! Vist our website to schedule an appointment.

BATH PRODUCTS CONNIE’S BATH SHACK 211 Midway St, Bldg E Spring, TX 77373 (281) 288-9595 conniesbathshack.com A quaint shop in the heart of historic Old Town Spring Texas, offering unique handmade bath and body products and lots of rubber ducks. Small Batch Handmade soaps by Connie.

Wonderful lather and amazing Scents. Enjoy the aromatherapy of a bath in your shower with Shower Steamers. Put little bit of heaven for your bath with Fizzies. We also have bath salts, scrubs, shampoos, lotions, creams, shaving creams & soaps, and batch accessories of all kinds. Shop conveniently on-line or drop by our store.

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APRIL 2022

BRAIN BALANCING CERESET™

Galveston, Texas cereset.com 409-599-7268 The Cereset™ Gavston location is part of a national network of client centers focused on next-generation brain wellness - helping you relax your brain to manage restful sleep through patented BrainEcho™ technology, which empowers the brain to reset itself as it hears and “sees” its own reflection. To schedule an appointment call: 409-599-7268.

See ad on page 11.

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY ADORE DENTISTRY 540 W 19 Street Houston, TX 77008 832-930-7844 adoredentistrystudio.com Re-designing dentistry in Houston Heights by creating a personalized, comfortable, and fun experience to deliver excellent patient satisfaction.

From preventative dentistry to smile makeovers, our team of dental professionals have the skill-sets to provide remarkable quality and compassionate care to give you that smile you’ve always wanted. Services include cosmetic, preventative, restorative, and a full range of family dentistry services. Lead by Drs. Emilyann Pham and Ann Blair our team provides compassionate human-centered patient care. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment.

Insurance accepted.

See Ad on page 9

MARILYN K. JONES, DDS Houston Dental Health Center 800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057 713-497-1355 houstonbiologicaldentist.com

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment.

See ad on page 25

2524 Yale Street, #2, Houston, TX 77008 832-744-9944 18123 Egret Bay Blvd, Houston, TX, 77053 smokenvy.com/ CBD vape pens, gummies, tintures, flower,oils, apparel and accessories. We stock Better Days CBD and Honey Hills Delta 8 & CBD products.

HYDROSHACK HYDROPONICS

1138 W 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008 Open 7 days a week 713-292-1921 Hydroshack.com Hydroshack proudly carries some of the most beautiful high-CBD hemp flower and Delta 8 products in Houston!

We also sell the highest quality 1.5 gram pre-rolls packed with actual bud and never trim. Our bud-tenders will be more than happy to let you experience true legal Hemp Flower from our open sample jars.While you are in check out our complete line of hydroponic growing products.

See Ad page 6

COACHING BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now!

832-628-4113 blissfulquests.com Are you looking for answers?

Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive?

Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio.com See ad on page 7

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

COLONICS JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE 1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com

Established 1989. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions only- yours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

URBAN COLONICS

Barbara Ellis, Retired RN 5042 Briscoe St. Houston, TX.77033 713-738-8199 urbancolonics.com Serving Houston and the surrounding area since 1979. We now offer the first and ONLY mobile colonic service in Houston. We continue to irrigate with State Of The Art Equipment (closed colonic systems cleared by the FDA). We utilize totally disposable colonic set-ups and sterile water. A prescription is required for this procedure. Our Medical Director at a different location will make an assessment and write a prescription for OUR clients only. Visit our website to learn more details. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

See ad page 8

COMING IN JUNE

july

food connection

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

HOME & LAND HARMONIZATION

ERIN THOLE, CNHP ErinThole.com Thole.erin@gmail.com

ENERGETIC GEOMETRY

Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions.

Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fitsall program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays.

See Ad page 11

Is your home supporting you? Most people have an intuition that something is just not right. Maybe they never feel rested, or wake up with back pains, or maybe their child has nightmares. Curiously when they go on vacation, these problems disappear. If this sounds familiar, maybe it is time to think that your home is the problem, not you. Check out how we can help you solve your problem at energeticgeometry.com/harmonizations/ Receive 15% off our services as a Natural Awakenings reader.

Use coupon code: Houston15

HAIR DESIGN VENUS HAIR DESIGN

361 West 19th Street Houston, TX 77008 713-868-4725 venushairhouston.com Venus and her staff can do any age with any style, from a trim to a Mohawk. She is a wizard at color! If you are in The Heights, drop by, check out her art car, The Hairse, and say Hi! Now OPEN by appointment only. Call me!

Upgrade the energy of your home Energeticgeometry.com

HYPNOSIS CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only) 281-849-4610 ca@claudiaautry.com claudiaautry.com

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax, find balance and increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call SOON to book your appointment.

Let’s work together to create the life you want!

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHOENIX RISING INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 3100 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77098 713-806-9927 phoenixrisingacu.com

Phoenix Rising Integrative Medicine offers comprehensive and customized therapeutic plans that address chronic illness & autoimmune disease for patients seeking support both in-person and virtually. Phoenix Rising Integrative Medicine takes an integrative approach to addressing chronic illness and autoimmune by combining ancient healing tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern functional medicine, including evidence-based lab testing, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine and acupuncture protocols that are customized for each patient. We also work with patients suffering from environmental and food allergies, reproductive and fertility issues, breast implant illness, and emotional health issues. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment.

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JUICE KARUNA BEVERAGES Food Is Better MedicineTM mykaruna.com

Organic juice detox & antioxidant juices, preboitic plant protein smoothies and synergy coffee blends.

Karuna and Karviva products are available on Amazon and at Houston Area H-E-B, Sprouts Farmers Market and Central Market Stores.

See Ad page 20

KRATOM KREAT DAY BOTANICALS 1973 W Gray, Suite 23 Houston, TX 77019 713-369-0946 KreatDay.com A BBB Accredited Business

We provide the choicest healthy Botanicals garnered from some of the most exotic corners of the world. Only The BEST! We ensure quality by going to the source, checking our international vendors 1st hand, and using USDA Certified Organic vendors when applicable. We stand by our products and our services! If you are unsatisfied with your order we will return, exchange and or refund your money.

We got you covered!

See ads on pages 2, 6 and 11.

Our aim is to make you have a KREAT experience as well as a Kreat Day!

LYMPHATIC THERAPY JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE 1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com

Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs where it can and may cause blockages. Lymphatic therapy can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well – Stay well. CALL TODAY!

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APRIL 2022

METAPHYSICAL CHAKRA SHOP OF OLD TOWN SPRING 315 Gentry Street Spring Texas 77373 Unit B1 281-288-9130 A unique metaphysical shop in Old Town Spring.Services include: Spiritual Guidance Life Coach, Psychic, Tarot, Medium, Chakra & Aura Readings. We also stock: Candles, Crystals, Gemstones, Jewelry, Oils, Incense, Sage, Herbs, Resins & More! When you visit Old Town Spring, be sure to stop by our store.

NATURAL HORMONES DR. FISHER ROAD 2 WELLNESS

Dr. LaTronica Fisher, DNP, ANP, GNP, RN 4544 Post Oak Place Dr. STE #254 Houston, Texas 77027 DrFisherRoad2Wellness.com 713 520-8188 Services: nHormone Rejuvenation nVaginal Dryness nUrinary Incontinence nLow Libido nErectile Dysfution nLow Stamina nWeight-Loss nSexual Dysfunction(men & women) nHair Restoration nNatural Face Lift Call today to schedule a consultation

NATUROPATH

CRYSTAL KINGDOM

309 Market Street, Unit D Tomball, TX 77375 346-236-6108 instagram.com/crystalkingdomtx

HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC

Located in the heart of the Old Tomball shopping district, Crystal Kingdom is not your average metaphysical shop. Their specialty is custom made, fully-dressed 7-Day Candles for your specific needs. They also have a full stock of incense, oils, stones, jewelry and herbs. While you are there, ask about having your horoscope cast and be sure to mention that you “Saw them in Natural Awakenings”.

ODYSSEY EMPORIUM 123 Midway St, Bldg C Spring, Texas 77373 888-492-3584 odysseyemporium.com

“Better Health Naturally” Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991 HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Dr. Gracie Chukwu is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a Certified Nutrition Counselor. She has been assisting people for over five years with holistic medicine, diet, nutrition and supplement support to enhance her client’s health and overall well-being. If you are suffering and cannot find relief, give Dr. Gracie a call.

See ad on page 9

ORGANIC HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

We are a retail shop and also have an online store. We can also custom-make many of our product lines. Our products include a range of metaphysical items, clothing, books, stones, jewelry, candles, soaps, teas, incenses, herbs, blades, and accessories for spiritual work.

We also have some unique renaissance festival and gothic clothing and accessories. Check out our gaming and sci-fi themed products as well.

We offer daily in-house Tarot reading and conduct private Old Town Spring Ghost tours. Open 7 days a week.

A JOURNEY TO WELLNESS

By Gelcys Basulto Helping people pursue a more mindful lifestyle.

1923 Ave G Rosenberg, TX 77471 ajourneytowellness.org 832-449-2600 Are your health and personal care products putting your health at risk?

Take the short trip to Downtown Rosenberg and visit A Journey To Wellness. All of our products are 100% Organic and made with natural ingredients. (You can also order online and we’ll ship our products to you.)

We also offer Health and Wellness coaching.

Book a free consultation and let’s get started embracing your new life in health today!

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

PAIN REMEDY AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 info@AlbertasPainRelief.com albertaspainrelief.com Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues.

Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! See website for other options.

SELF-HEALING CHING CHI INSTITUTE

Life energy education and research Kun Wu, Ph. D. Integral chi healer Chi H Wu, L. Acupuncturist 832-654-2885 chingchiinstitute.com Do you want to learn CHING how to use your body’s own chi energy to deCHI crease your chance of becoming ill, increase your chance of recovering more quickly from INSTITUTE illness, prevent a minor illness from becoming a major one, and improve your overall health? We have live and prerecorded classes online to teach you the principles and techniques of self-healing. We will be resuming in-person classes this month. Look for our new offering on the Corona Virus. Visit our website for more information.

STEM CELL ACTIVATION YOUR HOLISTIC RN

www.yourHolisticRN.com Houston, TX Sandra Burnett, RN graduated over 40 years ago and now focuses on your holistic health. Enjoy a complimentary session of education. Learn the importance of microcirculation. Did you know you can activate your own stem cells? Serving Houston and surrounding communities, I invite you to share your story. We have helped thousands with our technology and only a phone call away. Make an appointment today!

THERMOGRAPHY MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER

SHAMANISM PET FOOD BOBCAT RAW FOOD

Made locally. Delivered to your door. bobcatrawfood.com Our raw cat food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of obligate carnivores. We use only the highest quality Grade A, USDA certified US-sourced meats. All our meals are 100% natural and grain-free and are pre-portioned to for your convenience. Our top priority is to make feeding raw convenient and affordable. We deliver inside Houston for a flat fee of only $5. Visit our website today and let your cat experience the difference a raw food diet makes.

SHAMAN SPIRITS

Galveston, TX 4 0 9-7 6 2 - 6 0 2 7 anthony@shamanspirits.net ShamanSpirits.net “Shamanism provides personal and spiritual healing with ancient, elegant and time tested methods. Shamanic healing opens new pathways for personal growth and spiritual awareness. If you’re looking for a way to connect with spirit without dogma, shamanism offers methods to access your healing spirits for transformation, guidance and teachings for a better way of living filled with love and compassion. Contact me at 409-7626027 for more information.” See ad page 8

“Better Health Naturally” Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991 HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Breast thermography has the ability to warn woman up to 10 years before any other procedure that a cancer may be forming; thus, allowing for prompt and timely treatment.

Thermography uses no radiation and poses absolutely NO health risks to the patient. Consequently, scans may be performed at any frequency necessary.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY GUIDELINES: Baseline thermograph at age 20, 20-30 years of age–every three years, and 30 years of age and over–every year. If you are a woman, over 20 years old and have not had a breast thermograph, call Dr. Gracie TODAY. See ad on page 6

coming in the may issue

Women's Wellness

31

WE GROW WHAT WE SELL ... organically and sustainably!

This is the only way that we can be sure of the quality that goes into the products we sell and you should insist on nothing less.

Family owned and operated-fully licensed hemp farm Regenerative Farming-Completely Organic Just outside of College Station, Texas Hemp Flower -Vape Products - Isolates -Tinctures HoneyHills TX products are available at the following area locations: Houston, TX: Smoke Envy-Yale St, Smoke Envy-Nasa Rd 1, Amsterdam Coffee-W. 19th, Segundo Coffee Lab-Eado Galveston, TX: Hazy Daze-Seawall Blvd, Hazy Daze -The Strand, Hazy Daze - 3802 Cove View Blvd , Smokee’s Vape & Smoke Shop-Seawall Blvd Bryan/College Station, TX: Smoken Joe’s-South Texas Ave. Caldwell, TX: Cotten’s Care CBD - 203 Hwy. 21 W Hutto, TX: Hippo Vapo-Hwy 79 E

Honey Hills TX

Est. 2019 - Caldwell, Texas 832.868.9452 honeyhillstx.com 32

APRIL 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION