Natural Awakenings Columbia Edition 0422

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

EARTH DAY 2022

HEALTHY

PLANET

WHY WE NEED WILD PLACES

BEST APPS

to Become a Wildlife Expert EATING FOR THE PLANET

Diet for a Climate Crisis

PEST PATROL

Keeping Dogs Safe from Ticks and Fleas April 2022 | Columbia Edition | ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com April 2022

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Columbia Edition

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April 2022

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Contents

14 INVEST IN OUR PLANET

A Green Midlands Is a Prosperous Midlands

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16 EATING FOR THE PLANET Diet for a Climate Crisis

19 SPIRITED STRIDES Power Walk to Better Fitness

20 WHY WE NEED WILD PLACES

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How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes

23 SPRING IS A STATE OF MIND

24 PEST CONTROL

Keeping Dogs Safe from Ticks and Fleas

26 TECHNOLOGY MEETS NATURE

Apps Bring Us Closer to Flora and Fauna

28 BUZZ-FREE DRINKING The Healthy Rise of NonAlcoholic Beverages

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30 NATURE SPEAKS Storytelling Connects Kids to the Natural World

32 BRIAN SAUDER

on Faith-Based Grassroots Change

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 12 health briefs 13 global briefs 16 conscious

eating 19 fit body 23 inspiration 4

Columbia Edition

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

24 natural pet 26 green living 28 healing ways 30 healthy kids 32 wise words 36 calendar 37 natural

directory

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ 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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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings, please contact us at 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

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CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events at ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings. com or email to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS 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 803-309-2101. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

April 2022

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

COLUMBIA EDITION

letter from publisher

Talking Sustainability in 2022 “W

PUBLISHER Annette Carter Briggs ith increasing fervor since the 1980s, sustainability EDITOR Sara Gurgen has been the watchword of scientists, environmenDESIGN & PRODUCTION Kristina Parella tal activists, and indeed all those concerned about the com Billy Briggs plex, fragile systems on the sphere we inhabit.” These are the CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Odell Williams Kristi Antley

words of San Francisco Bay Area-based author and futurist Jamais Cascio. This month’s edition is all about celebrating SALES & MARKETING Annette Carter Briggs Earth Day and environmental stewardship. From cover

to cover, you will find invaluable information and pracWEBSITE Kristina Parella tical how-to tips that will not only inspire and empower you to live a more sustainable, Billy Briggs health-promoting lifestyle but also help cultivate within you a beating heart of compassion concerning the Earth we live in and on.

CONTACT US By definition, sustainability is the quality of not being harmful to the environment PO Box # 2812 or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.

Columbia, SC 29202 Humans have the amazing ability to achieve great things: from traveling deep into space Email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com to walk on the moon or survey a far distant planet to finding new ways, through science, innovation and technological advances, to better solve the many challenges facing us here Annette Briggs Ph: 803-309-2101 Website on Earth. Yes … there are good reasons to be thankful and to celebrate our successes.

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com Lord knows what I would do without my iPhone, iPad and laptop!

Yet, even though the human race has the capacity for greatness, in stark contrast, we SUBSCRIPTIONS also have the great ability to be selfish, destructive, uncaring, and even dangerous—espeSubscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address. cially when it comes to the Earth and its inhabitants.

According to research by scientists at the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological NATIONAL TEAM Society of London, over the last 40 years, the number of wild animals have been reduced CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman by as much as half their respective previous numbers. Creatures across land, rivers and COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne seas are being decimated, as humans kill them for food in unsustainable numbers while Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo polluting or destroying their habitats.

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert In some cases, wildlife populations have suffered severe losses or even faced extincAsst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs tion due to pollution. For example, the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and brown pelican all Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy nearly became extinct before scientists discovered that the synthetic chemical DDT was National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell the cause of devastating reproductive failure in these species. Oil spills, such as the fouling Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan of the coast of southern Alaska by the grounding of the Exxon Valdez, take an immediate toll on many species that have the misfortune of living nearby. In addition, toxic metals Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 can kill wildlife populations and cause the production of deformed offspring, and acid Naples, FL 34103 rain has caused hundreds of fish populations to disappear from lakes in the Northeast.

Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 The emerging question is crystal clear: How can we turn the page and pivot to a NaturalAwakeningsMag.com new chapter of hope and responsibility? There are steps we can take to make a difference. © 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

When practicing sustainability, we preserve more of our natural resources through land Although some parts of this publication may be protection and energy conservation—benefits to us and future generations. In addition, reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior by reducing the amount of waste produced by engaging in recycling, composting and permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed other great “green” programs, as well as eliminating harmful practices, we minimize the locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please environmental impact and potentially even save money and reduce cost. It’s a fact—our call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. natural resources are precious and dwindling every day.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in Changing the world we live in for the better of all that live in it will require a change the articles and advertisements, nor are we of heart, mind and lifestyle—very difficult mountains to scale! But the costs associated responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the with inaction, continued irresponsibility and apathy are far too great for any of us to pay. appropriate use of any treatment.

The Earth is counting on us! Let’s put conviction into sustainable action right here in the Midlands! How … you might ask? Those answers can be found in the Earth Day article on pages 14 and 15, which features several ways to support local sustainability and environmental stewardship through our valued partnering agencies.

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

Happy Earth Day,

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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Columbia Edition

Annette Carter Briggs, Publisher

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community news

Pamela Johnson: Protecting Families for Life

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amela Johnson, of Protecting Families for Life, is a licensed regional insurance agent who has faithfully served not just the Midlands, but also the entire state of South Carolina for more than 17 years. Even though Johnson resides in South Carolina, she is also licensed in North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and Florida.

Johnson is known as a benefits specialist consultant. She is a one-of-a-kind agent who truly cares about, both, your needs and the needs of your entire family. With years of trained experience to draw from, Johnson formulates comprehensive benefits package plans for her clients with great care, clarity and understanding. Professionalism + Courtesy + Going the Extra Mile = Pamela Johnson. Ask her about Special Grandchildren Policies.

Johnson offers the following services: Free policy reviews and consultations; life insurance coverage (ages 0 to 85); final expense/burial coverage (ages 0 to 89); Medicare advantage plans (you may qualify for more benefits); Medicare supplement plans; Marketplace insurance (the Affordable Care Act); dental, hearing, vision coverage; family legal protection plans (free will included); insurance workshops; and much more.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Pamela Johnson at 803-5213036 or ProtectingFamilies4Life@gmail.com. Also visit ProtectingFamiliesForLife.com. See ad, page 5.

KMB Hosts Recycle Shoe Drive Challenge

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eep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) will continue its annual Shoe Recycling Drive through Tuesday, May 31. The drive is designed to support local area conservation and sustainability while helping families in need from developing countries.

The shoes collected through this effort would otherwise find their way to local landfills.

Any style and size of gently worn shoes are accepted, and collection bags will be supplied.

Shoes collected can be dropped off at KMB’s office, located at 1305 Augusta Road, in West Columbia, or at official drop-off sites that will soon be available on KMB’s website.

Any group, business, church or neighborhood that would like to host a collection bin, can contact KMB’s office at 803-733-1139 or email Info@kmbsc.org. Last year, KMB collected more than 6,225 pairs of shoes.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ~Lao Tzu

For more information, call 803-733-1139 or visit kmbsc.org.

Lexington County Celebrates Earth Day 2022

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exington County Solid Waste and Stormwater is celebrating Earth Day with two events. On Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to noon, a recycle event will be hosted at Batesburg-Leesville High School, located at 600 Summerland Avenue. The list of acceptable items includes household electronics (limit eight per car), shreddable paper (limit five boxes per car), tires (limit eight per car), gently used shoes, scrap metal, and much more.

On April 22 and April 23 (Friday and Saturday), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a household hazardous waste recycle event will be hosted at the Summit Collection and Recycling Center, located at 419 Sandpit Road, in Leesville.

For more information, call 803-785-3325, ext. 6. Also visit Lex-co.sc.gov.

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community news

Marta Naturals Reiki and Wellness

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arta Naturals Reiki and Wellness was established by Martha Kirby, a certified Usui reiki master and spiritual life coach.

Marta Naturals Reiki and Wellness offers a mobile holistic experience for clients. Kirby’s therapeutic techniques help her clients to relax and unwind in the comfort of their own personal space—bringing the body, mind and spirit into beautiful harmony.

Kirby’s mission is to help as many people in need of care as possible achieve well-balanced lives and lifestyles through mastered and effective reiki methods. At Marta Naturals Reiki and Wellness, every client is very important. Kirby offers a safe, effective and supportive approach to health and wellness treatment for various debilitating health challenges, such as stress, depression, anxiety, mental fatigue, self-doubt and more. Schedule your appointment today.

For more information, call 803-843-6259 or visit MartaNaturals. com. See ad, page 7.

Richland County Hosts Richland Recycle Day

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n Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to noon, Richland County Solid Waste and Recycling is hosting its Richland Recycle Day at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, located at 1200 Rosewood Drive, in Columbia.

For Richland County residents only, the list of acceptable materials includes: computers, TVs, printers, mobile devices (limit five devices per car), scrap metal, tires (limit five per car), latex paint, household hazardous wastes (chemicals, cleaners, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.), and shreddable paper (limit five boxes per car). As a note, commercial materials will be not be accepted.

For more information, including a complete list of acceptable items, call 803-576-3588 or visit RichlandCountySC.gov.

Never miss a recycle collection day or event with the Richland County Solid Waste app. Download today from your favorite app store.

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The 2022 Great American Cleanup

Canvases With Candace: CWC Studio

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ad a chance to check out the new art studio located in Hope Plaza on Augusta Highway, in Lexington? Canvases With Candace opened the doors to its new CWC Studio in November of 2021, and ever since, has been infusing vivid colors of joy and creativity into Lexington through popular art events, such as Parents’ Saturday Night Out sessions scheduled monthly, customized weekly paint experiences, and studio session courses. Last month, CWC Studio hosted a content creation workshop designed to teach the creatively inclined how to promote artistic online visibility. Other planned art events include Cricut design classes geared toward teaching attendees how to make their own T-shirts and personal car decals.

In addition, CWC Studio is hosting an all-day art camp through the week of spring break (April 11 through April 15) for young budding artists (ages 5 to 12). The camp will feature a host of fun and creative activities. Owner Candace Thompson was recently featured in a segment on WISTV 10 news highlighting the need for more art creators in the local community, and how CWC Studio assists these creators in networking and collaborating with other like-minded “artsy” individuals.

CWC Studio is located at 1812 Augusta Hwy., Ste. K, in Lexington.

For more information, call 803-785-2876, or visit Facebook.com/ CanvasesWithCandace or Instagram.com/CanvasesWithCandace.

For the events calendar and ticket purchases, visit Linktr.ee/CanvasesWithCandace. See ad, page 10.

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t’s time for the Great American Cleanup! The Great American Cleanup is an annual nationwide cleanup program initiated by Keep America Beautiful (KAB). Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB), a KAB affiliate, promotes the Great American Cleanup locally each year. This year’s cleanup began on Monday, March 21, and ends on Wednesday, June 22. The Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community improvement program, involves more than 3 million volunteers and participants comprising more than 20,000 communities across the nation.

The cleanup program is designed and tailored to the unique needs of local neighborhoods and communities throughout the state and nation. Activities include beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning waterways, holding recycling collections, picking up litter, planting trees and flowers, and conducting educational programs and litter-free events. KMB is providing gloves, vests, bags and grabbers for the cleanup efforts. Campaign organizers ask that Midlands area residents and S.C. citizens, in general, display their Palmetto Pride by volunteering for this important cause. KMB can help group organizers pick geographic areas of need if necessary.

For more information, call 803-733-1139, email Info@KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org, or visit KeepTheMidlandsBeautiful.org or kab.org.

Richland County Stormwater Offers Sustainable Opportunities

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ichland County Stormwater is offering sustainable information and opportunities for Richland County residents.

• Learn how to pick up and properly dispose of pet waste. Need a free pet waste station for your neighborhood? For more information, visit TrashThePoop.com.

• It’s time to mark storm drains! Learn how to volunteer for this fun community program at DrainsArentDumps.org.

• For regular updates on stormwater programs and events, visit RichlandCountySC.gov/StormWaterOutreach.

For additional information, contact education program coordinator Chenille Williams at 803-576-2491 or Williams.Chenille@RichlandCountySC.gov.

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community news

Sisters Empowering Each Other

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isters Empowering Each Other (SEEO) is a nonprofit organization founded by Pamela Johnson, of Columbia. SEEO was created to empower women and serve the community. The main mission of SEEO is to fundraise monies to provide a much-needed service—creating and distributing new full-sized personal hygiene packages to women that are homeless and/or abused. One package supports a woman’s personal hygiene needs for between 20 to 30 days. Every package item included is exactly what a woman would need for her daily personal hygiene routine. The women and children that SEEO serve may reside in shelters or transitional homes. SEEO also conducts monthly meetings to empower, uplift and to bring awareness. The SEEO motto is “Being a Servant for the Lord.”

SEEO has multiple ways to support the cause: CashApp – $seeo20180, PayPal – seeo2018@gmail.com, or Amazon Smile – Smile.Amazon.com/ch/82-5392899. For checks and money orders, please make them payable to SEEO, P.O. Box 212404, Columbia, S.C. For more information, contact Pamela Johnson (president) at 803-521-3036 or seeo2018@gmail.com. Also visit SistersEmpoweringEachOther.org. See listing, page 39.

City of Columbia Highlights Ground-Level Ozone Season

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pril through October is designated as ground-level ozone season because conditions are favorable to its formation.

Also known as smog, ground-level ozone is formed when exhaust from cars, trucks, industries and electric utility plants react in sunlight and heat. Simple actions such as refueling vehicles or mowing the lawn after dusk, limiting engine idling, and consolidating errands can help limit further ground-level ozone.

Midlands area residents are encouraged to sign up for ozone forecasts at baaqmdsparetheair.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm.

For more information, call 803-545-2722 or visit ColumbiaSC.Gov.

ICRC Hosts Spring Market at Seven Oaks Park

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pring is in the air! On Saturday, April 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) will host its Spring Market celebration at Seven Oaks Park, located at 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia. Local area artists, crafters and business owners are invited to participate as event vendors. Shoppers can purchase one-of-a-kind items, including paintings, handmade jewelry, home decor pieces, and much more. Those interested in selling items must complete and submit an event application form. Admission is free to the public.

For more information, call 803-772-3336 or visit icrc.net/event/ spring-market-seven-oaks-park.

ICRC Hosts EGG-cessible Egg Hunt

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n Friday, April 8, from 6 to 6:30 p.m., the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its EGG-cessible Egg Hunt at Saluda Shoals Park East. Free and open to all individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities, the hunt will be held at Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground.

Participants will need to bring their own basket to collect eggs, and masks are required. Preregistration is also required.

Location: Saluda Shoals Park East (Leo’s Landing), 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia. For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/egg-cessible-egg-hunt.

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Sustainable Midlands Hosts April Earth Day Events

Sonoco Recycling Offers Recyclable Paper Cans

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se recycle paper cans today! Sonoco Recycling offers sustainable paper containers that are lighter in weight and less environmentally impactful than comparably sized steel cans or other rigid packaging types. The containers can also be collected through curbside recycling, which can help reduce landfill waste.

Cost: Call for details. For more information, call 800-377-2692 or visit Sonoco.com.

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ustainable Midlands is back and better than ever! In addition to bringing back fan favorites, such as the Tasty Tomato Festival, they are also excited to celebrate Earth Day with their supporters all month long through scheduled cleanups, workshops and community events. Sustainable Midlands looks forward to working with Midlands residents to make our community more sustainable and healthy—to the benefit of all.

Here are the events scheduled: 4/3 – The First-Ever Sustainable Yard Tour. Free and open to the public, this unique experience gives participants a peek into more than 11 sustainable sites around beautiful downtown Columbia.

4/16 – A Spring Workday at the Rosewood Public Orchard in partnership with Columbia Resilience.

4/20 – A Spring Cleaning Art Workshop with artist Katie Chandler at the NoMa Warehouse.

4/23 – A cleanup event with Steel Hands Brewing benefiting Sustainable Midlands.

For more information, contact director Becca Smith at 803-470-4302 or Director@SustainableMidlands.org. Also visit SustainableMidlands.org, Facebook.com/SustainableMidlands or Instagram.com/SustainableMidlands.

About Your Health

Saluda Shoals Park Egg Hunt

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t’s time to hunt for eggs! The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) is hosting its annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 9, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Saluda Shoals Park. Children will be divided by age, and participants are asked to bring baskets for egg collection. In addition, food trucks—from fan favorites, such as Chick-fil-A, Pelican’s SnoBalls, Tin Can Kettle Corn and Brain Freeze—will be onsite and available for food purchases from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited, so online preregistration is required by Friday, April 1.

Cost: $5 per child. Hunting times by age: See website for details. Location: Saluda Shoals Park (the fields), 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia. For more information, call 803-772-1228 or visit icrc.net/event/saludashoals-park-egg-hunt.

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health briefs

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Fenugreek, an herb used in Indian curries and Middle Eastern cuisine, has been shown in studies to increase breast milk production in women, and a 12-week study of 100 men has found that it also boosts male testosterone and fertility. A research team at King George’s Medical University, in Lucknow, India, gave 500 milligrams a day of an extract made from fenugreek seeds to men that ranged in ages from 35 to 60. Sperm motility, or movement, significantly increased at eight and 12 weeks of treatment, while abnormal sperm morphology significantly decreased at 12 weeks. Testosterone levels, cholesterol markers and libido also improved. Higher levels of alertness were documented, along with lower blood pressure.

Eat Lots of Fiber to Improve Melanoma Outcomes

A new type of immunotherapy that enables T-cells to fight cancer cells is proving hopeful for people with the deadly skin cancer melanoma, and a new study has found that a high-fiber diet improves the effectiveness of the therapy.

Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported in Science that, by analyzing the gut microbiome in hundreds of patients, they found that higher dietary fiber intake was linked with disease non-progression among patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade therapy compared to patients eating little fiber. The results were strongest in patients that ate the most dietary fiber, but did not take probiotics, a finding that was replicated with lab animals.

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Try Fenugreek to Boost Male Fertility and Health

A whopping 47 percent of U.S. adults over 30 have periodontal disease, and the consequences can be severe for their physical and mental health, suggests a new study in the journal BMJ Open. Researchers from the UK University of Manchester followed 64,379 people diagnosed with periodontal disease, including gingivitis, marked by swollen and red gums, as well as periodontitis, in which gums pull away from the tooth and bone or teeth are lost. The subjects, with an average age of 44, were compared over an average of three years to 251,161 people without the disease. Those with periodontal disease had a 37 percent higher risk of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and serious mental illness; a 33 percent higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases like arthritis, Type 1 diabetes and psoriasis; an 18 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, stroke and vascular dementia; and a 26 percent higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

“This research provides further, clear evidence why healthcare professionals need to be vigilant for early signs of gum disease and how it can have wide-reaching implications for a person’s health, reinforcing the importance of taking a holistic approach when treating people,” says Caroline Aylott, head of research delivery at the University of Birmingham Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research.

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Practice Good Dental Care to Lower Heart and Cognitive Risks

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global briefs

Inconvenient Convenience

Plastic On its Way Out at National Parks A poll by Ipsos conducted for the ocean conservation group Oceana last November found that 82 percent of registered U.S. voters responding would like the National Park Service to stop selling and distributing single-use plastic items. The survey revealed broad appreciation for national parks, with around four in five respondents saying they had been to a park and 83 percent of previous park visitors looking forward to a return visit. Oceana Plastics Campaign Director Christy Leavitt says, “These polling results indicate that Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, want our parks to be unmarred by the pollution caused by single-use plastic.”

The results show broad support for a campaign led by Oceana and more than 300 other environmental organizations which sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland asking the parks to end the sale and distribution of plastic beverage bottles, bags, foodware and cutlery, and plastic foam products. The proposed Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would see such a policy enacted if passed. “The National Park Service was created to preserve these natural and historic spaces, and in order to truly uphold that purpose, it needs to ban the sale and distribution of single-use plastic items, many of which will end up polluting our environment for centuries to come, despite being used for only a moment,” says Leavitt.

Flat-Free

photo courtesy of Goodyear

Airless Tires Increase Safety, Limit Waste Michelin’s new airless tires don’t puncture, so they should last longer, which means fewer tires will need to be produced, thus limiting waste. Their Unique Puncture Proof Tire System (UPTIS) is an important step on the road to sustainability. The company notes that millions of tires end up in landfills early because of puncture damage, along with all the tires that are old and worn out.

Disposed tires can become fire hazards, releasing gases, heavy metals and oil into the environment. The U.S. alone produced more than 260 million scrapped tires in 2019. The new tires can also be made from recycled plastic waste, according to industry publication Interesting Engineering.

UPTIS, in development for more than a decade, combines an aluminum wheel with a special “tire” around it comprised of a plastic matrix laced with and reinforced by glass fibers. This outer tire is designed to be flexible, yet strong enough to support the car. Michelin Technical and Scientific Communications Director Cyrille Roget says, “It was an exceptional experience for us, and our greatest satisfaction came at the end of the demonstration when our passengers ... said they felt no difference compared with conventional tires.” Goodyear has announced that the Jacksonville, Florida, Transportation Authority will be piloting the company’s own version of an airless tire on its fleet of autonomous vehicles.

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INVEST IN OUR PLANET

A Green Midlands Is a Prosperous Midlands

by Kristi Antley

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or the past 50 years, more than 1 billion people in 193 countries across the globe have come together on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. This day is not a holiday or simply a movement, it is a day during which environmentally conscious people combine efforts to raise awareness of overpopulation, deforestation and pollution, as well as the depleting conditions of the climate and biodiversity. Earth Day efforts during the 1970s resulted in substantial environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Superfund law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The theme for Earth Day 2022 is “invest in our planet” to build a sustainable future. Environmental protection begins with YOU—your choices, your activities, your social actions, your personal attitude, and your use of resources. Each governing body, business, authority, family and individual has a voice. There is power in numbers; together we can make our voices HEARD and make a difference. Although we may not live to see the benefits, even a miniscule lifestyle change can make a huge, positive impact on the planet.

As history has repeatedly proven, human civilization has consistently taken a toll on Mother Earth. We have continued to

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modify and alter the planet through urbanization and commercialization. These developments come at a price that we often fail to consider—scientists now believe that ecosystems untouched by human intervention no longer exist. Americans have become increasingly dependent on conveniences, such as manufactured plastic products; extravagant homes; coal and fossil fuels; chemical herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides; unlimited technology; and multiple modes of transportation. These seemingly harmless indulgences lead to increased carbon emissions (air pollution), natural disasters and extreme weather, disease, deforestation, climate change, carbon footprints, and degradation of the environment.

It is time to begin adopting a green economy on all levels by creating a firm foundation for the future. The solution is to take action now—act in a bold way, innovate in a broad way, and expend resources conservatively and implement in an equitable manner. Intelligent and innovative companies are slowly turning “green” as they realize that they are a critical part of shaping the future. Governments are beginning to support and encourage efforts by institutions, businesses and societies to ensure opportunities for future generations. This includes education, conservation, recycling, shopping wisely, composting, carpooling, and reducing and reusing materials to help reduce waste.

Join these community partners on the crusade to protect natural resources and promote awareness of the health of our environment:

CITY OF COLUMBIA:

City of Columbia begins ground-level ozone season testing (April through October).

Ground-level ozone testing is important now because conditions are favorable to its formation. Also known as smog, ground-level ozone is formed when exhaust from cars, trucks, industries and electric utility plants react in sunlight and heat. Midlands area residents are encouraged to sign up for ozone forecasts at baaqmdsparetheair.enviroflash.info/ signup.cfm.

For more information, call 803-545-2722 or visit ColumbiaSC.Gov.

KEEP THE MIDLANDS BEAUTIFUL (KMB):

KMB has resources and activities to clean up litter and donate used shoes:

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Drop off gently used shoes— all types/sizes—until May 31; to be reused in developing countries. Drop-off locations are on the KMB website.

Participate in the national Great American Cleanup by picking up litter alone or in a group before June 22. Contact KMB to get supplies.

For more information and updates, call 803-733-1139 or visit kmbsc.org.

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SONOCO RECYCLING:

Sonoco Recycling strives to help businesses, industries and communities put the power of recycling to work to boost revenue, create opportunities, and save resources.

Recycle paper cans today! Sonoco’s rigid paper containers have a lighter weight and reduced environmental footprint than comparably sized steel cans or other rigid packaging types. The recyclable cans can be collected through any standard recycling program, creating a lower environmental impact versus landfill.

For more information, visit Sonoco.com.

LEXINGTON COUNTY RECYCLING/SOLID WASTE & STORMWATER:

RICHLAND COUNTY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DIVISION (RCSMD):

RCSMD offers reminders and programs to benefit the environment:

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Be sure to always pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.

Visit TrashThePoop.com for a free pet waste station for your neighborhood.

It’s time to mark storm drains! Learn how to volunteer for this fun community program at DrainsArentDumps.org.

For regular updates on stormwater programs and events, visit RichlandCountySC.gov/StormWaterOutreach.

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RICHLAND COUNTY RECYCLING DIVISION:

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Richland County Recycling Day will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, located at 1200 Rosewood Drive, in Columbia.

The list of acceptable materials includes: computers, TVs, printers, mobile devices (limit five devices per car), scrap metal, tires (limit five per car), latex paint, household hazardous wastes (chemicals, cleaners, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.), and shreddable paper (limit five boxes per car).

For more information, including a complete list of acceptable items, call 803-576-3588 or visit RichlandCountySC.gov.

Sign up to be a Lexington County Litter Champion at bit.ly/LEXCOLCSU.

🌎 🌎 🌎

Remember to pick up your dog’s poop! Email TBrewer@lex-co. com for more information.

Sign up for their next composting/rain barrel workshop at lhunt@lex-co.com.

Batesburg-Leesville High School Recycling Event on Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to noon. Materials accepted include electronics (limit eight), shreddable documents (limit five boxes), tires (limit eight), gently used shoes, and scrap metal.

Monthly household hazardous waste disposal is happening!

Visit Lex-co.sc.gov/departments/solid-waste-management for the next event.

Have you tried the Lex Co Solid Waste app yet? It’s available for iPhone and Android.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

For more information, call 803-785-3325, ext. 6, or visit Lex-co. sc.gov/departments/solid-waste-management.

🌎 🌎 🌎

SUSTAINABLE MIDLANDS: In addition to bringing back old favorites like the Tasty Tomato Festival in a few months, Sustainable Midlands is excited to celebrate Earth Day all month long with a variety of cleanups, workshops and community events to create a more sustainable, healthy community:

🌎

4/3 - First-Ever Sustainable Yard Tour. A peek into 11 sustainable sites around downtown Columbia. Free and open to the public.

4/16 - Spring Workday at Rosewood Public Orchard with Columbia Resilience at Owens Field.

4/20 - Spring Cleaning Upcycled Art Workshop with local artist Katie Chandler at the NoMa Warehouse.

4/23 - Earth Day Weekend Cleanup with Steel Hands Brewing and Percent Day benefitting Sustainable Midlands.

For more information, contact director Becca Smith at Director@ SustainableMidlands.org or visit SustainableMidlands.org.

🌎 🌎 🌎

April 2022

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conscious eating

Eating for the Planet DIET FOR A CLIMATE CRISIS

by Sheila Julson ing 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.

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

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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. Overfish-

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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 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,

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Make Simple Swaps

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“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.”

–Leigh Prezkop 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 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 April 2022

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MUNG BEAN CURRY

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

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.

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ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

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 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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SCRAP VEGETABLE STOCK

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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.”

fit body

Spirited Strides POWER WALK TO BETTER FITNESS

by Marlaina Donato and cholesterol numbers,” says Jason C. Robin, M.D., director of cardio oncology at North Shore University Health System, in Glenview, Illinois.

Walking as a Workout

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W

e all know that the more steps we take in a day the better. The Mayo Clinic advocates walking regularly to keep bad cholesterol in check, maintain a heart-healthy weight and keep blood pressure within a normal range. Power walking—going a mile in under 15 minutes—amps up cardiovascular benefits and takes metabolic conditioning to a new level.

Power walking involves taking longer strides, moving at 4.5 to 5.5 miles per hour and using the arms to propel motion, with or without light weights. “With this more intensive exercise, in comparison to everyday walking, one should note that their breathing is harder and their heart rate is faster with power walking. Compared to someone who walks at a casual pace, a power walker can expect lower blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar

In cases of severe coronary artery disease, certain heart muscle disorders, known as cardiomyopathy or valvular diseases, Robin recommends seeing a doctor before taking up fitness walking, but emphasizes, “Obvious injuries or illnesses aside, power walking is great for all ages, genders, sizes and fitness levels and is, in general, very safe with very few contraindications.” He suggests aiming for 15 minutes or less on a first endeavor, and after one week increasing the time to 20 to 25 minutes, eventually working up to 30 minutes. To complement power walking, he recommends resistance training to increase muscle strength and tone, protect joints from injury, and improve flexibility and balance.

Dave McGovern, walking coach and author of The Complete Guide to Competitive Walking: Racewalking, Power Walking, Nordic Walking and More!, points out, “The impact forces of walking, even high-level racewalking, can be one-third of what runners experience, so it’s a lot easier on the joints. Power walking doesn’t have many rules.” A 30-year veteran of the U.S. National Racewalk Team, McGovern underscores the importance of starting out with a regular, easy walk before progressing to a more vigorous pace.

To avoid and reduce injury, he advocates mindfulness of correct posture and taking shorter, faster steps rather than long, stomping strides. He trains on a vari-

ety of surfaces, including everyday roads, tartan (rubber) running tracks, treadmills, dirt trails, grass, and even the occasional concrete sidewalk. “Changing up surfaces uses your muscles in different ways, which can help prevent overuse injuries that crop up from too much training on the same surfaces day in, day out,” he says.

Practical Essentials

For optimal results on any surface, proper footwear is vital. “We would typically recommend a running shoe for any fitness-based walking,” says Josh Saint Cyr, store manager at New Balance, in Highland Park, Illinois. He notes that the right shoes are designed to help align gait and avoid pronation or supination that prompts the ankle to roll inward or outward with movement. “For a more customized experience, someone with medium or lower arches would want a shoe from the stability running section, and someone with higher arches would want a shoe from the cushioned running section.”

In cases of tight calf muscles, Saint Cyr recommends stretching as a daily practice, even on non-exercise days. “Rollers or massage guns can be useful for immediate relief, but ultimately, stretching will help by reducing or eliminating tightness.”

Taking it Up a Notch

Racewalking, the competitive and highly technical variety of power walking, takes place at track meets. “After you’ve built a base of miles, you can start sprinkling in some longer and faster workouts, and maybe even think about competition,” says McGovern. “There is a bit more technique involved in competitive racewalking, but once you get the hang of it, it will allow you to go much faster.”

In the end, having a goal can be the best motivator. “For the athletes I coach, many of them in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond, racewalking and power walking gives a purpose to their workouts,” says McGovern. “One of my athletes has said that she hates to work out, but loves to train. Having the goal of a race over the horizon gives a lot of athletes a reason to get out the door every day.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

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

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by Sheryl DeVore

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

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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

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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.

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Why We Need

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.

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 extraordinary quantities of ordnance for a number of

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: 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.

“A dead tree in your home landscape, called a snag, often contributes as much to the local ecology as a living tree,” he adds. “For example, woodpeckers build nests in holes or cavities in a snag, and countless insects find shelter and nourishment in the organic material of the snag.”

wars,” he says. After hundreds of die-hard volunteers dug out invasive plants, scattered seed and documented wildlife on the 18,000-acre 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

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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 22

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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 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.”

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

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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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.

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inspiration

Spring is a State of Mind

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by Marlaina Donato

very year, spring lifts us from lethargy, her blossomed enthusiasm nudging us to take down the curtains for an annual wash, clean out the closets, and plot this year’s garden. If we pause and listen carefully, we can also hear an invitation to shake off the winters of our lives—the failures, aborted plans and could-have-beens.

All of life depends upon nature’s green ambition, yet we tend to take it for granted, not unlike the faint whisper of discontent that hints at the need for change. In the darkness of our fear-based comfort zones, there is a thwarted impulse to take that class at the community center, plant new ideas or try our hand at something new.

“I’m too old,” we proclaim. “I can’t do that,” we assume. “They’ll think I’m crazy,” we say. But spring begs to differ. The most delicious possibilities are those that give us stage-fright butterflies in the belly and wake us up at night with the nagging question, “What if?” Perhaps, if the caterpillar could foresee its winged destiny, it would be too overcome with self-doubt to even begin.

Author Marianne Williamson says, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

As April puts on a new playlist of birdsong and our gardens remind us how to grow one inch at a time, we can make a point to wear that colorful shirt, begin the first chapter of a long overdue memoir or decide that we are deserving to fall madly, happily in love. For today, make an appointment with delight and put fresh flowers on the desk, walk barefoot after the rain or simply try on a new perspective. If we tune out the naysayer in our brains, we might even hear loved ones cheering us on. Spring, in all her punctual glory, teaches us the vital necessity to court our passions, and there is no better time than now.

Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and visionary painter.

Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

April 2022

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natural pet n Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers

used in the yard.

n Toxic levels of electromagnetic fields

from electrical devices in the home.

Pest Control KEEPING DOGS SAFE FROM TICKS AND FLEAS

by Karen Shaw Becker

F

leas and ticks are different types of pests; so, when considering how best to protect a dog, it is important to make a distinction—fleas are an annoyance, but ticks can be life-threatening. Many veterinarians recommend specific chemicals as a preventive solution, but this is often just a knee-jerk approach that uses chemicals to control nature. Instead, consider more natural alternatives that are both effective and non-toxic.

Fleas 101 Fleas are related to ants and beetles, feed on blood, and their bites can lead to irritation and skin allergies. They aren’t typically attracted to healthy pets; so, one of the best defenses against flea infestations is to feed a dog a nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate, fresh-food diet that will help keep their immune system functioning optimally.

It is also important to remove the environmental factors that can negatively impact immunity, including: n Poor water quality. Make sure to provide fluoride- and chlorine-free drinking water. n Too many vaccines. Insist that the veterinarian runs titer tests instead of giving unnec-

essary shots.

n Toxic household chemicals, including cleaning products and dog beds treated with

flame retardants.

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ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

Ticks are a type of arachnid related to mites, spiders and scorpions. Because ticks feed on many different animals (including humans, dogs, cats, squirrels, mice, opossums and deer), they are quite good at acquiring and transmitting diseases, some of which can be life-threatening.

Unfortunately, a single tick bite can expose a dog to multiple pathogens, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. Luckily, most dogs mount an effective immune response.

Up to 90 percent of dogs may have been exposed to tick-borne pathogens, but most are able to fight off infection on their own.

The only way to know if a dog has effectively eliminated harmful bacteria is to follow up the typical blood test with a second test called a quantitative C6 that differentiates exposure from infection. Large numbers of dogs each year are unnecessarily treated with extensive antibiotic therapy because their veterinarians panic after seeing a positive exposure and fail to check for infection.

To catch tick-borne infections before they take hold, ask the veterinarian to replace the standard annual heartworm test with the SNAP 4Dx Plus (from Idexx Labs) or the Accuplex4 tests (Antech Diagnostics), which screen for heartworm, Lyme disease and four other vector-borne diseases. Completing one of these simple blood tests every six to 12 months is the best way to protect a dog. In tick-infested areas, if a dog tests positive on either of those two tests, it should also be screened for babesia exposure with a polymerase chain reaction test.

Before Reaching for a Chemical Pet parents should not automatically apply potentially toxic chemical agents to their dogs or around their home to repel or kill pests. The use of spot-on products may cause skin irritation, paralysis, seizures and

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The Trouble with Ticks

even death, if used improperly, and there are effective, natural alternatives that are far safer. If these chemicals are used, follow these precautions: n Be very careful to follow dosing direc-

tions on the label. If a pet is at the low end of a dosage range, use the next lowest dosage. Monitor the pet carefully afterwards for adverse reactions. Do not under any circumstances apply dog product to a cat.

n Every other month, rotate chemicals

with natural preventives, including diatomaceous earth, pet-friendly, essential oil products and natural deterrent collars. In many parts of the country, people can successfully control ticks with one chemical dose in the spring and one in late summer.

n To detox a dog’s liver afterwards, give

them a supplement such as milk thistle, a detox agent that helps to regenerate liver cells, or chlorella, a super green food. Work with an integrative veterinarian to determine the dosage; one dose daily for seven days following any chemical flea-, tick- or heartworm-preventive application is recommended.

Safe Options to Chemicals

There are safe, non-toxic alternatives for flea and tick control for dogs, and they do not have side effects, unlike virtually all forms of chemical pesticides.

These include: n Cedar oil, specifically manufactured for

pet health

n Natural, food-grade diatomaceous earth,

applied topically

n A fresh-food diet that is nutritionally

optimal and species-appropriate

It is important to bathe and brush a dog regularly and perform frequent full-body inspections using a flea and tick comb to check for parasite activity. If they spend a lot of time outdoors, be sure to check pets and people for ticks every night during tick season.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. Visit DrKarenBecker.com.

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APPS BRING US CLOSER TO FLORA AND FAUNA

by Sheryl DeVore

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hile exploring Seattle, Jackie Lentz Bowman noticed some bushes filled with pink and orange berries. She discovered she could safely eat them by using the smartphone nature app called iNaturalist (iNaturalist. org). “I learned they were salmonberries and edible,” says the Chicago area photographer and birder. “I just had to try them.

They were very similar to raspberries.”

Bowman is among a growing number of people using their smartphones to enhance their nature experiences. Phone apps are available for free or a modest price to identify mushrooms, bugs, birds, dragonflies, reptiles, beetles, wildflowers and other flora and fauna. “Whether it is to help identify a plant I’ve taken a photo of or to familiarize myself with what a bird looks like and sounds like, these are tools I’m always glad to have in my back pocket,” she explains.

At least 6,300 nature apps were available in 2015, according to Paul Jepson and Richard Ladle, Oxford environmental scholars and co-authors of “Nature Apps:

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Waiting for the Revolution,” a research paper published in the Swedish environmental journal Ambio. Such programs are only beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible. They write, “As most people own a mobile phone today, the app—though a small device—is a major way conservationists could be reaching a huge audience with transformative possibilities.”

Right now, some apps allow the user to point a smartphone to a plant or animal to get instant feedback on its common or scientific name. Others ask the user questions about what they are seeing and suggest an identity based on the answers. Some allow the user to interact with scientists, share their knowledge, record their observations and contribute to science.

Perhaps the most popular nature app is iNaturalist, which has all those features and more. “Our mission has been to connect people to nature through technology,” says Scott Loarie, co-director of iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. “By 2030, we want to connect 100 million people to nature to facilitate science and conservation.”

The app began as a master’s degree project at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2008, and today 2 million people have recorded about 100 million observations, covering one in six species on the planet. “iNaturalist has grown to the point where it’s helping take the pulse of biodiversity,” he adds.

Newcomers are often mentored and helped with identifications by volunteers that are experts in different fields. One example is a worldwide competition called the City Nature Challenge in which beginning and advanced naturalists document

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

urban flora and fauna for several days.

During the event, people share their photos of plants and animals on iNaturalist.

During Chicago’s Challenge, Eric Gyllenhaal, who blogs about nature on the city’s west side, found an uncommon species. “A Canadian expert helped confirm the identification as a bronze ground beetle native to Europe,” says Cassi Saari, project manager of natural areas for the Chicago Park District. “It’s an introduced species in Illinois and could have implications for wildlife in the region down the line.”

Two other nature apps that Loarie likes are eBird (eBird.org) and Merlin (Merlin.

AllAboutBirds.org), both administered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York. With eBird, users can report on their phones a list of birds they’re seeing in the wild, including when and where, and the sightings are added to a database for scientific research.

Merlin is a field guide app to help folks identify the birds they are seeing. “Merlin has taken on authoring content with great descriptions of birds, something iNaturalist doesn’t do,” Loarie points out. “Merlin also just released sound recognition in the app, so people can identify birds by sound. It’s huge for birders.”

Award-winning nature photographer Adriana Greisman, of Phoenix, says she uses both Merlin and iBird (iBird.com), another field guide app, to identify birds in the wild and when processing photos. “These are great resources to identify unknown species and to learn about their behavior.”

The favorite app of Joyce Gibbons, a volunteer at the Natural Land Institute, in Rockford, Illinois, is Odonata Central (OdonataCentral.org), which focuses on her passion—dragonflies and damselflies,

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TECHNOLOGY MEETS NATURE

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green living

collectively called odonates.

“I’ve loved solitary walks in the woods, prairies and other natural areas since I was a child,” she says. “I’ve always taken photos and tried to ID the many species I’ve observed. Now, with these apps on my phone, I feel like I am actually contributing to the scientific body of knowledge and connecting with other enthusiasts and not just keeping all this joy of discovery to myself.”

photo by Jackie Lentz Bowman

Sheryl DeVore is an award-winning author of six books on science, health and nature.

Connect at SherylDevoreWriter@gmail.com.

NATURE APPS TO LEARN BY AUDUBON GUIDE: Search a field guide to 800 species of birds found in North America with tips on places to find them (Audubon.org/app).

PICTURE INSECT: Identify thousands of different insects and learn about them using this entomologist in a pocket (PictureInsect.com).

PICTURE MUSHROOM: Identify thousands of different mushrooms using a smartphone (PictureMushroom.com).

PLANTNET: Identify wild plants by posting photos. Images are compared to thousands of images from throughout the world in a database (PlantNet.org).

SEEK BY iNATURALIST: Seek uses data submitted to iNaturalist to show suggestions for species nearby, but unlike iNaturalist, findings made with Seek will not be shared publicly, making it safe for children to use. Users can earn badges as they discover wildlife (iNaturalist.org/pages/seek_app).

COMING NEXT MONTH MAY

WOMEN'S WELLNESS

TRAILLINK: Search a database of more than 40,000 miles of trails in the U.S. and download trail maps on a smartphone (TrailLink.com).

April 2022

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healing ways

Buzz-Free Drinking THE HEALTHY RISE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

by Ronica O’Hara

SOUR MOCK-A-RITA 1 cup and 2 Tbsp lime juice ¼ cup and 2 Tbsp orange juice 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 28

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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.

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photo courtesy of Kerry Benson and Diana Licalzi

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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

photo courtesy of Vanessa Young/ ThirstyRadish.com

“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.”

–Kerry Benson 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 non- and 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.

MAPLE PEAR SPARKLER 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 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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healthy kids

Nature Speaks STORYTELLING CONNECTS KIDS TO THE NATURAL WORLD

by Carrie Jackson

C

hildren are natural storytellers with imaginations that shape their play and learning. In outdoor settings, everything from puddles to pine cones can engage children and draw them closer to the natural world, opening up a lifelong appreciation of natural environments. Connecting with nature also improves creativity, academic performance and attentiveness, while reducing stress and aggressive behavior, a body of research shows.

Organizations, like the Wilderness Awareness School, a Duvall, Washington-based nonprofit, work to help children and adults cultivate healthy relationships with nature, community and self. “We find that children who feel at home in the outdoors are often more resourceful, creative and allow for curiosity to naturally unfold,” says Leah Carlson, director of marketing and communications at Wilderness Awareness School. “Allowing them to play freely and explore in nature is a wonderful way to build resilience and resourcefulness. When children can be intrigued through a story, it also allows them to understand their own outdoor experiences. They become more adept at finding new solutions to problems using the tools they have access to and creative thinking.”

Weaving storytelling into their programs helps children understand their outdoor experiences. “Regular time spent with experienced nature mentors, playing games, exploring unique plants and animals and getting excited about the possibilities of nature is how a connection begins. When children are outside, the characters of these stories are the plants, animals, rocks and landforms around them. The suburban tree that was always an obstacle on the sidewalk can be seen through new eyes as a dragon, monkey bars or a red

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alder,” Carlson explains.

Megan Zeni, a public school teacher in Steveston, British Columbia, says there is a global body of research that shows every measure of wellness is improved through time spent outside. She teaches solely outdoors, ensuring that her students have exposure to nature regardless of which neighborhood they live in. “In our modern world, higher-income families generally have better access to green spaces.

Incorporating outdoor activities into the school day gives children equitable exposure to nature and outdoor learning,” she explains.

Zeni uses both non-fiction and fiction storytelling approaches to teaching. “To learn about water cycles, I’ll have kids jump in puddles, observe where the water goes and track where it is in the community. They’ll then relay a fact-based story based on their observations and experiences. For a lesson on squirrels, I’ll ask the students to imagine where their habitat is, who their family is and what they eat. We use loose parts, which are open-ended items, such as pine cones and sticks, to creatively illustrate the story.

“By using storytelling as a measure of knowledge, it is more equitable for students who don’t perform as well using traditional test and essay methods,” she says. Listening to a child’s story can also reveal misconceptions that can be clarified through further exploration and instruction.

Storytelling can take on many forms and be enhanced with the use of props. As the artistic director of Rootstock Puppet Co., based in Chicago, Mark Blashford performs puppet theater rooted in stories that promote mutual kindness and ecological awareness.

“Puppets are remarkable storytelling agents because, not only can they play characters and support narrative through movement, they can also tell a story from the very material they inhabit,” he says.

“Puppets invite kids to exercise empathy by compelling them to accept and invest in the thoughts, feelings and life of another entity.”

By making puppets out of wood and using them to weave environmental awareness into his shows, Blashford helps to put the natural world in perspective. “My show TIMBER! is about an entire forest and a single tree which is home to a family of spotted owls. I want children to see the role of both the forest and the tree in the lives of an owl family. When they fall in love with little wooden puppet owls, they are able to convert the giant concept of deforestation into a manageable scale,” he says.

He encourages parents to regularly engage their children with their natural habitat. “Go to your local forest or park, find a tree, name it and check on it as often as you can. Prompt children to ask questions about who they think lives in that tree, why the branches stretch out how they do and what happens at night.

As children learn to see the outdoor world as part of their own

characters and setting, the stories will develop naturally,” he advises.

Connect with writer Carrie Jackson at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

LEARN MORE Rootstock Puppet Co.: rootstockpuppet.com Wilderness Awareness School: wildernessawareness.org Megan Zeni: meganzeni.com

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Does Faith in Place welcome all denominations?

wise words

Brian Sauder on Faith-Based Grassroots Change

by Sandra Yeyati

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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.

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

If you look at the history of the U.S. environmental 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 spiritualities 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 coach32

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ing, 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?

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.

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

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 schoolage 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.

eco tip

WHAT LABELS MEAN

Expiration Dates

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

lanych/AdobeStock.com

When to Eat or Toss Food

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.

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.”

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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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.

“It saved me last holidays. The kids The strong scientific evidence had crud going round and round, gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. but not me.”

He made a smooth copper probe “I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no ADVERTORIAL

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more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

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.”

Customers report using copper against: Colds Flu Covid Sinus trouble Cold sores Fever blisters Canker sores Strep Night stuffiness Morning congestion Skin infections Infected sores Infection in cuts or wounds Thrush Warts Styes Ringworm Threats to compromised immunity CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA28.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call tollfree 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of

April 2022

35

calendar of events

To place a calendar/ongoing/classified event, email content to ColaPublisher@ NaturalAwakenings.com. Entries must adhere to our guidelines and be submitted

by April 12 (for May issue). Costs $20 for 35 words each month. Call ahead before attending events to avoid any cancellations or changes.

Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-376-6293 to schedule an appointment.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

Annual Spring Market–8:30am-2pm. Shop for special Easter gifts, spring décor, Mother’s Day gifts, end-of-the-year teacher gifts, wedding gifts, seasonal gifts, etc. Cost: Free admission. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info: 803-345-6181, icrc.net.

Lamaze Childbirth Class–9am-4:30pm. With Jordan Black-Peacock. Capital Parent & Baby, 801 Gervais St, Ste 101, Columbia. Info/cost: 803630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@gmail.com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.

Backyard Saturday – Aquatic Life Day–10amnoon. Celebrate a nature awareness day through fun activities, crafts, stories and cool biofacts. Ages 0-7. Cost: $5 parking. Leo’s Landing Playground at Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info/join mailing list: 803-772-1228, Rkennerly@icrc.net.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Aries Paint and Sip–4-6pm. Highlighting Aries, but join us to create your personal zodiac masterpiece as well. Includes a breakdown of the Aries zodiac sign characteristics and your choice size canvas. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $25. CWC Studio, 1812 Augusta Hwy, Ste K, Lexington. Info: 803785-2876, Linktr.ee/CanvasesWithCandace.

MONDAY-FRIDAY, APRIL 11-15

Spring Break Art Camp–9am-2:30pm or 5pm.

Your creative kiddo needs a place to create during spring break. Includes two daily art activities, lunch, snacks, take-home creations, and an end-ofweek celebration! Ages 5-12 Cost: $200 for week (multi-child discount and extended-hours option available). CWC Studio, 1812 Augusta Hwy, Ste K, Lexington. Info: 803-785-2876, Linktr.ee/CanvasesWithCandace.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

Toddler & Special Friend Egg Hunt–6-6:30pm.

Lots of eggs filled with healthy and age-appropriate treats to find. Bring a basket. For toddlers ages 4 and under, and young children with developmental delays. Rain or shine. Registration at 5:30pm. Ages 1-12. Cost: $3 in advance; $5 day of event. Melvin Park, 370-A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info/register: 803-345-8113, icrc.net.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

Flashlight Egg Hunt–7-8:30pm. There will be more than 10,000 eggs to find. Bring your flashlight and basket. Rain or shine. Ages 1-12. Cost: $3 in advance; $5 day of event. Melvin Park, 370-A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info/register: 803-3458113, icrc.net.

FRIDAYS, APRIL 15, 22 & 29

Saluda Shoals Park Jazz Series–7-9pm. Live jazz outdoors on the deck. Beer and wine will be

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available for purchase. Cost: $10. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803772-1228, icrc.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

Resurrection Through Miracles–1:30-3pm. In person or via Zoom. Stop crucifying yourself through guilt and blame. Accept and give forgiveness. Become the savior of your world. You can download a free app of A Course in Miracles Original Edition (look for pearls on the cover). Cost: Suggested donation of $15. All are welcome. Joy Connor, LMT, is the facilitator. Info: Contact Connor at 803-4476499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

Parents’ Night Out (PNO)–6-8:30pm. No sitter?

Bring the kids out for PNO. They will enjoy a movie, activities and canvas painting; pizza and drinks provided. Ages 5-13. Cost: $25 per artist (multi-child discount available). CWC Studio, 1812 Augusta Hwy, Ste K, Lexington. Info: 803-785-2876, Linktr. ee/CanvasesWithCandace.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

Breastfeeding/Lactation Basics–6-8pm. With Jordan Black-Peacock. Cost: $80. Capital Parent & Baby, 801 Gervais St, Ste 101, Columbia. Info: 803-630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@gmail. com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

Infant CPR Class–6-8pm. With Jordan Black-Peacock. Cost: $80. Capital Parent & Baby, 801 Gervais St, Ste 101, Columbia. Info: 803-630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@gmail.com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

Chase Loveless Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament–8am-1pm. Help change a child’s life by giving the gift of play. Raffle tickets available.

Registration is limited. Linrick Golf Course, 356 Camp Ground Rd, Columbia. Info/cost/register/ schedule: Contact Ashley Smith at 803-772-1228 or ASmith@icrc.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

World Book Day–3-6pm. Hosting a local Author Showcase. Come meet the authors, purchase a signed copy of their book, and immerse yourself in the world of words! Free. CWC Studio, 1812 Augusta Hwy, Ste K, Lexington. Info: 803-785-2876, Linktr.ee/CanvasesWithCandace.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

“God’s Gift of Consciousness”–1:30pm. Following the Sunday celebration, there will be a discussion with Dr. Philip J. Michels. “This gift is available to us anywhere and anytime. Only you can prevent yourself from using it,” says Michels. Food will be served. Main courses will be provided. We ask that everyone bring a side dish, drinks and desserts. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/ cost: Info@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com.

Cricut Heat Transfer Lesson–2-4:30pm. You’ll learn how to use Cricut Design Space as well as design and press your very own T-shirt. Includes all supplies; bring your own laptop if you own a

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

Cricut machine. No machine, you can still come to create with us. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $40. CWC Studio, 1812 Augusta Hwy, Ste K, Lexington. Info: 803-785-2876, Linktr.ee/CanvasesWithCandace.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26

Newborn Care Class–6-8pm. With Jordan Black-Peacock. Cost: $80. Capital Parent & Baby, 801 Gervais St, Ste 101, Columbia. Info: 803630-3454, ParentAndBabyServices@gmail.com, ParentAndBabysvcs.com.

plan ahead FRIDAY, MAY 6

Jubilee! Circle’s Coffee House and Open Mic– 7pm. Open mic at 8pm. Bring own microphone for sanitary purposes. Cost: Suggested $10 donation covers food and beverages. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Info@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com.

on going events

sunday Eckankar–10-11am. Second Sundays. The Path of Spiritual Freedom is an active, creative, spiritual practice. Join us and share your insights as we explore various spiritual topics. Seven Oaks, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info/cost: Call Dee at 803749-2459 or visit ECK-SC.org.

Soundy School–10:30am. Every Sunday. Celebration through sound vibration, meditation and chanting. Singing bowls, bells, gong, hang drum, shruti box and other instruments. Masks required.

Free. Held next to Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Email Tricia Phaup at Tricia@ kinmail.org.

Unity of Columbia–11am. Every Sunday. A vibrant spiritual meditation community. Free. Unity of Columbia, 1801 Legrand Rd. Info: UnityColumbia@ gmail.com, UnityColumbia.org.

A Course in Miracles–Original Edition (ACIMOE)–4:30-6pm. Every Sunday. Study group via Zoom/phone. ACIM-OE is unedited and available as a free phone app. Donations are accepted. Watch introduction on YouTube with Joy Lee Connor, LMT. Info: Contact Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net.

wednesday A Course in Miracles–7:30pm. Every Wednesday.

Curious about A Course in Miracles and how its principles can help you find a better way to live? An informal discussion group led by Lee McEachern.

The meeting is open to everyone in person or online.

Free. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/Zoom link: RevCandace@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com.

saturday COVID-19: Self-Defense Beyond the Vaccine, Part 1–11am. Every Saturday. Virtual class via Zoom. Cost: $20. Info: Contact Ms. Tracy at 833678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.

natural directory Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com.

ACUPUNCTURE

CHIROPRACTIC

THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC

William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com

Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques.

He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China.

Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 27.

AESTHETICS EXPECT CLARITY AESTHETICS

Angie Jewell 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste G, Columbia 803-348-8962

Our carefully crafted and customized holistic care plans include Environ skin care products, which utilize science to deliver real skin benefits, paired with treatment room modalities, such as PBM, LFS, RF, microcurrent, facial/ear reflexology, facial sculpting massage, and gua sha, to help our clients reach their skin goals. Consistent and positive results include luminous, smooth, taut skin with even skin pigmentation. It’s time to expect clarity!

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com

Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, page 2 and back page.

BODY SCULPTING BODIED BEAUTY LOUNGE

3201 Broad River Rd, Columbia 803-479-3351 • BodiedBeautyLounge.com

A premier body-sculpting lounge with luxe services to build a baddie body naturally with no downtime. The expert staff members at Bodied Beauty Lounge are very knowledgeable and friendly—specializing in the areas of nonsurgical/non-invasive body sculpting, certified laser lipo, ultrasonic cavitation, radio frequency skin tightening, non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, wood therapy, yoni steaming and much more. We are here and ready to help you achieve your body goals in less time and at affordable pricing. Come #GetBodied today!

Goodbye Junk.

Hello Relief.

Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com

Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.

Trusted Junk Removal Since 1989 1-800-468-5865 | 1800gotjunk.com

DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC Dr. Dowdy Rudolph, DC 1444 Barnwell St, Columbia 803-376-6293 • DowdyRudolphChiro.com

Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-the-art full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 27.

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” ~Henri Matisse

COLON HEALTH SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY

Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com

All disease begins in the colon.

Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Saturday appointments available with an additional small convenience fee. See ad, page 39.

Connect with us naturally!

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COUNSELING THE COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE Charlie Ebert, MCPC 1824 Bull St, Columbia 803-250-5107 TheCollectiveConscience.biz

HOLISTIC CBT LLC

Mark Stoll, LPC, NCC 14 Monckton Blvd, Columbia Mark@MarkStollTherapy.com MarkStollTherapy.com

The pain of intrusive worry, fear and rumination can be overwhelming. Mark Stoll has been helping people with severe anxiety and depression for more than two decades by effectively integrating evidencebased therapies of mindfulness training, CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy. You will learn effective strategies to free yourself from the prison of your mind so you can begin enjoying life again.

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com

A green skin care company that creates high-quality, non-GMO, all-natural products that are gentle to the skin and safer for the environment. Our brands include ingredients such as organic oils, butters, flowers, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Find our products at such stores as Garner’s Natural Life, Four Oaks Farm, Wingard’s Nursery, Whole Foods and more. For a complete list of retail locations, visit our website.

ENDOMETRIOSIS HAYLI’S HERBS LLC

Master Herbalist HaylisHerbs.com Online Herbal Consultations for the Symptoms of Endometriosis

Living with endometriosis can be stressful, confusing and overwhelming. I put together herbal combinations specific to your individual needs to help combat and potentially eliminate the symptoms of endometriosis. Please visit HaylisHerbs.com for more information and to schedule a free 15-minute pre-consultation.

Columbia Edition

ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com

Are you struggling with priorities, relationships, anxiety or major life changes? Feeling stuck?

Charlie Ebert, a master certified professional coach, understands the frustration of feeling like there’s more out there for you, but not knowing from where. He’ll partner with you to help you discover the wellness education tools and resources that you need to feel happy, healthy and more than capable of managing life’s pressures. Call today for a free 30-minute discovery session. See ad, page 4.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 11.

INVODRIP VITAMIN BAR

160 Medical Cir, Ste C, W Columbia Book@INVODrip.com 803-830-7212

At INVODrip, we care about your overall wellness. Our goal is to increase your energy levels, help meet your weight-loss goals, and ensure you’re well hydrated— not just with water, but also by incorporating the vitamins, minerals and electrolytes your body craves. The absorption rate of our vitamins and minerals surpasses any oral supplements you may have taken. Give us a call today to book your drip now. See ad, page 8.

ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229 OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com OriginalOriginshw.com

Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field.

The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plant-based lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health evaluations, comprehensive cooking experiences, and a comprehensive kitchen evaluation. Your health is your wealth! See ad, page 33.

YONI STUDIO & WELLNESS SPA LLC 2638 -216 Two Notch Rd, Ste 3, Columbia 803-904-0537 • YoniStudioSpa@yahoo.com YoniStudioSpa.com Facebook.com/YoniStudioSpa

Yoni Studio & Wellness Spa is a holistic health and wellness spa located in Columbia that specializes in noninvasive treatments and procedures.

We offer a safe and relaxing environment while providing quality care services, such as yoni (vaginal) steam, noninvasive body sculpting, teeth whitening, weight management and much more. Visit our website to book a session.

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com

INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE EXPECT WELLNESS

Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips.

Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine.

Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms.

Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 3.

INSPIRED HEALTH

Dana Nairn, MD, FIAHM 7430 College St, Irmo 839-200-7800

Are you ready to take charge of your health? Dr. Dana Nairn is a fellow of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and board certified in integrative holistic medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Nairn is excited and looking forward to partnering with you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Call today to schedule a consultation! See ad, page 13.

LOCAL RETREAT JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229) Healing Minster at Springhill AtONEment Center 803-447-6499

Retreat to the trees! Come and experience 100 beautiful acres near Chapin, South Carolina.

Joy Lee Connor invites you to bathe in the forest and “ground” in the peaceful fields of Earth.

Breathe in love, heal your mind, and nurture your spirit. We are often overwhelmed by body pains and emotions. Experience mind and body transformation while being loved, forgiven and released. Your energy field will be restored and balanced, allowing you to feel lighter and burdenfree. Joy offers instruction in reiki, Touch for Health, meditation, yoga, meridian movement, and selfcare—both online and in person. Private or small groups are available. Call Joy today!

MASSAGE BODYWORX TRAINING AND RECOVERY

Traci Brock, LMT-SC #12586 806 12th St, West Columbia 352-362-7534 BodyWorxTrainingAndRecovery.com

Traci Brock has more than 20 years in the health and fitness industry. She is a sports and medical massage practitioner, a certified personal trainer, a corrective exercise specialist, and a fitness instructor. At BodyWorx, she is not focused on just one area of a healthy lifestyle, but on all critical areas of fitness, recovery and nutrition. “My mission is to educate my clients

and the community in becoming better versions of themselves by using exercise, nutrition and recovery as a health and wellness tool,” says Traci. Let Traci help you on your journey to optimal health and wellness. Call, text or email to make an appointment.

“Solutions for moving better and feeling healthier.”

See ad, page 5.

NATURAL SOAPS RAW ESSENCE NATURAL SOAPS & BATH CO LLC 9003 Two Notch Rd, Ste 12, Columbia 803-834-6576 Info@RawEssenceSoaps.com RawEssenceSoaps.com

Raw Essence Natural Soaps & Bath Company LLC is a handcrafted line of soap and body care products homemade in Columbia that uses all-natural ingredients to make unique products for your lifestyle and home. Raw Essence makes products that are 100 percent handmade, and free of harmful chemicals and preservatives.

We strive to use the highest quality, eco-friendly ingredients possible to create unique luxury soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, body butters, candles, and other spa and natural skin care items that will nourish your body and delight your senses.

ORGANIC FARM ASYA’S ORGANIC FARM Sumter, SC 803-463-2968 SCFOrganicFarms.com

Asya’s Organic Farm is owned by young entrepreneur Asya Harris.

Harris began working on her parents’ farm at the age of 6. This driven young business woman currently markets herbal teas, supplements and essential oils. Her product lineup also includes gemstones, natural minerals and healing crystals. Products can be purchased online from Etsy @SCFOrganicFarms and on her business Instagram account @Asya_Organic_Farm. See ad, page 8.

PHILANTHROPY SISTERS EMPOWERING EACH OTHER

Pamela Johnson, President P.O. Box 212404, Columbia 803-521-3036 • seeo2018@gmail.com

PREGNANCY/LACTATION CAPITAL PARENT AND BABY SPECIALTY SERVICES

J. Black-Peacock, BS, IBCLC, LCCE, CPST, CBD 801 Gervais St, Ste 101, Columbia 803-630-3454 • ParentAndBabysvcs.com

Columbia’s premier pregnancy, birth and postpartum service provider. Our pregnancy services include classes/education, birth preference planning, and prenatal lactation consultations. Our birth services include birth doula services (with traditional, last-minute or virtual services available). Our postpartum services include newborn/postpartum doula services, lactation services, and education/ classes. Car seat checks, installations and education are also available. See ad, page 30.

REIKI & WELLNESS MARTA NATURALS REIKI AND WELLNESS

Martha Kirby, Reiki Master and Spiritual Life Coach Columbia Area 803-864-6259 • MartaNaturals.com

Everything is energy, as are our thoughts. We give them life, bad or good. Everything you need is within you to change and transform those negative thoughts. Let me help you unlock those secrets to become the best version of you.

We offer mobile and virtual sessions. Call today to schedule your session or free consultation. See ad, page 7.

SPIRITUAL LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Justin Williams 803-467-8322 Justin.Williams2@gmail. com

Justin is an intuitive counselor and energy worker. He power cycles, overhauls and unblocks energy fields from afar to remove negativity from your life while jumpstarting your career, relationships, money and general blessings. Justin also provides distance house cleansings to produce a peaceful home and comfortable environment tailor-made for abundance and success.

UNITY OF COLUMBIA

1801 Legrand Rd 803-736-5766 • UnityColumbia.org

Unity is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer. Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual’s right to choose a spiritual path. Come join us for a Sunday worship celebration and meet some positive, uplifting people that live life abundantly. See ad, page 25.

THERMOGRAPHY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC

120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com

O u r m a i n f o c u s is h e a lth education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items.

See ad, page 11.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE

4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com

At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, page 2 and back page.

"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Sisters Empowering Each Other (SEEO) is a nonprofit organization founded by Pamela Johnson. Our mission is to fundraise monies in order to provide new full-sized personal hygiene packages to women who are homeless and/ or abused. The women and children included may reside in shelters or transitional homes. SEEO motto: Being a Servant for the Lord. Ways to donate: Cash app –$seeo20180; PayPal – seeo2018@gmail.com; or mail check to address above. Contact Johnson to volunteer.

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Columbia Edition

ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com