By Brandon Verhoff, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council Education Committee Volunteer
Demand for sustainable homes is surging, and it’s not just about saving the planet. A recent study by Freddie Mac revealed that homes with high energy-efficiency ratings sold for 2.7% more than their less eco-friendly counterparts. This “green premium” is attracting both environmentally conscious buyers […]
Best Performer In Top Field Trial “…attracted more butterflies than any other garden phlox…”
Jeana Phlox brings months of beautiful color and excellent disease resistance. Its many sweetly fragrant flower heads are made of hundreds of petals in lovely shades of rosy pink. At a recent field trial at the world-renowned Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware, […]
By Ann Lapides
Here’s a plant that has created considerable buzz in the plant world. Redemption Elephant Ears, Colocasia, has many talking about its stunning foliage. In spring, rippled, shiny green leaves emerge and quickly turn jet-black. As the leaves mature, a neon-pink center blotch forms with veins, growing larger and radiating outward like a starburst. The rich […]
Springs Events are in Full Bloom
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Image: Artwork by Derriana Murphy, student, University City Student Art Extravaganza Exhibition.
It was my pleasure just yesterday to speak at the Rockwood School District’s Career Fair. I love to encourage young people wishing to pursue a career in the arts, to answer their […]
March may “come in like a lamb,” but this month is a whirlwind of ARTful events
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Photo Caption: “Shaved Portions,” by Chakaia Booker, at Mildred Lane Kemper Museum
Varsity Art, March 1-18 at Art St. Louis, 1223 Pine, opens the 28th annual exhibition of multimedia works by regional university art […]
By Sarah Wilson, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
If you plant a daffodil bulb too shallow (and who hasn’t), worry not, the plant can fix that. Many can pull themselves deeper into the ground when necessary. This fact flooded my mind with more questions.
Which plants? Some bulbs (lilies, daffodils, hyacinths, and some alliums but not, apparently, tulips), […]
By Natalie R. Toney, M.F.A., C.H. , Healthy Planet Food Editor
As I was tossing around recipe ideas for April, particularly those that would be equally suitable for cold and blustery, rainy weather, as well as during the warm, balmy, humid days, a friend arrived with empty toilet paper rolls for my rescue gerbil, “Butterbean” (gerbils are […]
The August 2017 total solar eclipse created a 360 degree “sunset” at the iconic McBain Burr Oak tree near Columbia, Missouri.photo by Dan Zarlenga
Four Minutes of Night
By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation
An immense, cir-cular shadow moves over the land, blocking out the sun and reveal-ing the brightest stars. It creates a 360 degree sunset, […]
By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation
Photo caption: The pileated woodpecker’s raucous calls and crested head inspired the classic cartoon character, Woody Woodpecker.
Image courtesy of Noppadol Paothong, Missouri Department of Conservation
One of the most recognized and popular cartoon characters of all time came from nature. Generations of children (and adults) have grown up hearing the […]
By Maeve Elder, Communication & Outreach Coordinator at Missouri Gateway Green Building Council
For cities like St. Louis, a greenway project offers a unique opportunity to build pathways towards a sustainable future. Greenways provide well-known environmental and recreational benefits, but they can also generate a host of social and economic benefits. In addition to fostering ecological […]
By Dr. Gail Cloud
We all experience loss. Loss can be much more than the loss of a loved one, and a pet. Loss takes many forms. Any time we let go of something or someone, an old story, a friend or helper that has served their purpose in our lives, a house we loved, and […]
By Christina Staff, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
If we have MORE things, we’ll find MORE happiness. Right? That’s the ideology marketing experts sell us, and today’s world makes it all too easy for us adults, and our kids, to get caught up in that materialistic mindset. Call me sentimental, but experiences have always held more value […]
Grab your eclipse glasses and head to Carbondale or Makanda, Illinois. Both towns are in the centerline of the total solar eclipse that will occur at 1:59 p.m. CST on April 8, 2024, and will last more than 4 minutes in totality.
So, what exactly is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse is a lineup of […]
By Linda Wiggen Kraft, Healthy Planet Green & Growing Editor
Earth Day 2024 takes place on April 22nd. It has been the same day every year since 1970 when Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson inaugurated the first Earth Day. In 1970, over 20 million people from around the country gathered in schools and communities to celebrate our […]
Why do bees and chickens need each other? How many miles of fungus are beneath our feet at the farm, and why do we care? What is your favorite vegetable, and what are some fun ways you can play with your food? What role do farms play in our everyday lives? How are they connected to […]
How Now, No Mow?
By Jean Ponzi
Gusts of debate, swirling through local suburbs, are seeding fertile dialogue around early spring suspension of lawn-height regulations, for a month of No Mow.
I caught wind of this because, on my job, I coach municipalities that do sustainability stuff. A couple of them were considering adopting No Mow April, […]
By Jean Ponzi
My Gramma had a tailored suit
(worsted, subtle opal luster)
she sewed for herself
and wore in spring:
her Sky-Blue Pink
with the Heavenly Border.
Inherited, I clothe myself
in ideation, in perspective,
in the fun of turn of phrase,
to stand out on the little porch
(hand-built with my beloved)
up in the arms of our
Queen o’ Trees.
Saucer Magnolia.
Roseate, radiant!
Early-spring beauty
each year risking
rush […]
Photo: “Backpacking Outing at Hawn State Park. Photo by Matt Self.”
In 2024, the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter celebrates 52 years of protecting Missouri’s environment. As one of the largest grassroots environmental organizations in the state, the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter aims to protect our environment from harmful pollution and development, justly transition to a clean […]
By Jasmin Acosta, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
My heart jolts from the recollection of visualizing the life we once shared, as you were once a stranger that turned into a familiar face, and my lips would turn upwards towards the clouds when I would see you.
At the same time that very heart would throb from your […]
By J.B. Lester
The Healthy Planet magazine first appeared to the public at the Earth Day Festival in 1997 in Tower Grove Park. Needless to say, it was well received and now 27 years later, THP is still the popular voice for health, wellness and green living in the St. Louis area.
April is a time for […]
By J.B. Lester
It’s mid-February as I write this in St. Louis and some daffodil shoots are popping through the soil next to the garden gnome standing sentry alongside our front fieldstone walk. It’s amazing how life is always eager to renew each year as the temperatures often deceive their seasonal clocks. Climate change has made […]
By Diane K. Wilson
Grounding or earthing is a powerful yet often overlooked remedy for modern ailments. It holds immense potential in combating inflammation and promoting overall health.
Significance of Grounding:
Grounding is crucial in preventing inflammatory illnesses, yet it remains underappreciated in the scientific community. Real-life testimonials and published data validate the profound impact of grounding on […]
The Healthy Planet Magazine is proud to announce its 41st Natural Living Expo, April 14, 11 am to 5 pm, at the Webster Groves Recreation Complex, 33 East Glendale Road, 63119.
Dozens of exhibitors will be sharing information, products, and services about how to live a healthier and more eco-friendly life for yourself and your family. There will […]
By Sarah Wilson, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
When Cardinal babies break out of their eggs, they weigh a bit more than a penny; about 3.5 grams. Within a week, they reach 25 grams. That’s 7x in 7 days! Imagine our newborns going from 7 pounds on Monday to 49 pounds by Sunday. How much food would […]
By Simon Yu MD
Here is my summary of the excellent and well-attended Inflammaging conference of the International College of Integrative Medicine (ICIM) in New Orleans, on Inflammation and Aging. It is refreshing to listen to live speakers and interact with attendees in person after so many zoom meetings! The most interesting speakers for me were […]
By Deb Powell, Healthy Planet columnist
It’s March! Spring starts on the 19th! We made it through another winter! ☺
Spring is a great time to create new beginnings! Start new adventures, new habits, gardens, hobbies, get into shape, spring clean, learn, plan activities and vacations… Create something! It’s good for the mind, and you’ll feel productive […]
By Deb Powell,Healthy Planet columnist
It’s spring! We’re at the end of winter and our bodies are crying for warmer weather. Spring is the time we start switching more cooked foods for raw, as they cleanse, rejuvenate, and makes us feel lighter and more energetic.
We’re also thinking about being outside more to be doing things like […]
We are excited to announce that the Internal Spirit Holistic Fair/Expo is coming back to the Machinists’ Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock RD., Bridgeton, Mo. 63044 for another two day Metaphysical/Holistic event.
Saturday, April 20 from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, April 21 from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is $6.00 to be […]
Introducing Wendy Robin, a recently certified health coach ready to meet you where you are with a fresh perspective and a commitment to helping her clients achieve their goals. Armed with the knowledge Dr. Davis has shared and a passion for empowering others to achieve optimal health, Wendy integrates Dr. Davis’ innovative protocol into her […]
By Tom & Carol Braford
Years ago, we formed a core group of people interested in creating a cohousing community in St Louis. We found a great site in a mixed neighborhood in the eastern part of the Central West End and held a series of workshops with the architects who brought the concept to the […]
By Tom & Carol Braford
We are happy to see that St Louis’ Community Development Administration (CDA) has earmarked $400,000 for neighborhood improvement in their current round of grant programs. That would come out to just over $5,000 per neighborhood if it were divided evenly among the City’s 79 neighborhoods.
At ICB, we are focusing heavily on […]
The KC Metaphysical Fair will be back in St. Charles Easter weekend at the Ameristar Casino Conference Center. This will be the third year the event has been at this location, and it is a great space. There are several restaurants on site, and tons of parking. Just head up to the Yellow level of […]
By Jasmin Acosta, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
When we look into the mirror we are met with our reflection staring back at us, an image of our inner-self and identity, but this image is not always mirrored in the perspectives of others that are around us. Despite our efforts to show the world our true inner-selves […]
By Simon Yu MD
Metabolic therapy is an important part of overall cancer therapy but not a cure for all cancers. Previously, I covered Thomas Seyfried, PhD and Dr. Otto Warburg’s work on cancer from the point of view of the human body as a matrix of meridians; we can measure the immeasurable and invisible acupuncture […]
Thousands gathering in Forest Park for the St. Louis Earth Day Festival
Join tens of thousands at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival, the largest Earth Day celebration in the Midwest, from April 20th and 21st, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park. Earthday365’s free and family-friendly event will […]
“Whether you are a veteran of the metaphysical lifestyle, just starting to dabble, or you have no idea what that even means, the STL Mystic Fair welcomes you!
The Mystic Fair is a metaphysical, psychic, and holistic wellness fair. We have eight fairs a year in different locations around the Midwest.
The Mystic Fair is a space […]
The first-ever Builders Spring Home Show Fenton will be held at STL Athletic Center Saturday and Sunday March 16-17, with free admission and parking. The new home show, located in a great Southwest St. Louis County location near the intersection of I-44 and I-270 in Fenton, MO, gives area residents the opportunity to see more than 125 […]
By Deb Powell, Healthy Planet Columnist
So you survived the winter, again. Way to go! If you’ve been following my articles, starting in the September 2022 issue, you should be getting some areas of your life organized. The heaviness of the cold, the excitement and exhaustion from the holiday season, and the lack of sunshine, are […]
By Deb Powell, Healthy Planet Columnist
We know every continent has different weather, since I‘m writing from a cold climate, I know that getting outside this month in the (hopefully) warmer weather is (like) a breath of fresh air. Let’s get prepared!
Wet Season
Last month we talked about getting the summer clothes out so don’t forget to […]
By Dr. Amy Davis
People frequently live in a chronic state of fight or flight. This creates a long term drain on your energy and health. The negative impacts on your body may include fatigue, weight gain, poor digestion, sleep problems, memory and concentration impairment, anxiety and depression, heart disease, osteoporosis etc. It’s very important […]
Welcome spring, the season of renewal
Even though STL winter wasn’t as cold and snowy as winter’s past, most of us still welcome spring. The longer days and increased sunlight trigger the body’s production of serotonin, which promotes a sense of well-being and can help reduce stress. Warmer weather encourages outdoor activities, which can connect us […]
42nd Natural Living Expo April 14
By Susan Hunt-Bradford
Join me at The Healthy Planet’s 42nd Natural Living Expo on April 14 at the Webster Groves Rec Center, 33 East Glendale Road, 11am-5pm. A vibrant gathering of health enthusiasts, wellness advocates and eco-conscious individuals. Over the years I’ve been involved in numerous health fairs, vendor expos and […]
By Steve Davies,Healthy Planet Staff Writer
Photo: Caesar the cat and reusable bags
So, like I always do each month before I write my next column, I like to go back to see where I’ve been and as usual, I’ve seen the road signs. Last month I talked about reusing what we have at our house and […]
By Steve Davies, Healthy Planet Columnist
Well, I think it’s safe to say that with both the little snow we had on the ground last month, along with the chill in the air having now moved on, Spring is well on its way. Actually, it seems like Spring has been here for a while with the […]
The St. Louis – Jefferson Solid Waste Management District is a regional agency that was created in 1993 to assist the public, private and nonprofit sectors in establishing and expanding programs for recycling and waste reduction. The service area includes the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County. Funding […]
We are thrilled to share some significant news about one of our most important policy priorities. Yesterday, the United States Senate passed legislation that would expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and compensate Americans made ill by their exposure to radiation.
In St. Louis, nuclear waste stored near Lambert International Airport seeped into Coldwater Creek in the […]
By Christina Staff, Healthy Planet Staff Writer
Good karma: the result of good deeds done to others. A seemingly common encounter at the check-out counter created a core memory within me I didn’t initially anticipate, yet it continues to surface nearly a year later. These learning lessons elevate ordinary moments into the extraordinary range.
I was having […]
Spring is here, bringing a sense of renewal and fresh beginnings. It’s the perfect time to refresh your self-care and home-care routine. What better way to lift your mind, body, spirit, and home than with Aromatherapy?
Dating back to 3500 BC, Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to enhance physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. These […]
Did you know that about 80% of what Americans throw away is recyclable, yet our recycling rate is only about 28%? St. Charles County is trying to close that gap by making it easier for residents to recycle their most common household items. That’s especially important now that some individual recyclable haulers not affiliated with […]
Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your hands and feet.
Proper nail care is not just about appearance. It also offers many physical and mental health and wellness benefits.
During the cold winter, your hands and nails can become dry and rough. Daily pressure on your feet can cause discomfort and lead to calluses and rough […]
By Diane K. Wilson
Spring is a time of renewal, a chance to shake off the heaviness of winter and embrace the fresh opportunities that lie ahead. But while we often focus on cleaning out our closets and scrubbing our homes top to bottom, it’s equally important to consider the energy we carry within and […]
By Natalie R. Toney M.F.A., C.H., Healthy Planet Food Editor
Spring is near, with St. Patrick’s Day almost here, and green will be sprouting up everywhere to be seen. Rain or shine, parades will line the streets, while corned beef and cabbage simmer in area homes, churches, and pubs. Meanwhile in Ireland, it’s not likely that […]
By Jess Coffin
Photo: EarthDance Operations & Farm Stand Manager Margaret Gerker and Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator Alisha Harris are two of the friendly faces you’ll see regularly at the Pay What You Can Farm Stand at 233 S. Dade Ave. in Ferguson.
Pandemic pressures have eased for many, but food insecurity continues to rise. The EarthDance […]
By Dr. Gail Cloud
Centenarians have been interviewed about what they attribute their long lives to. There are many factors, and one important factor is their eating whole foods.
They grew up on veggies from their garden and they may not always eat well, but generally they eat whole foods. This means they don’t eat much food […]
By Linda Wiggen Kraft, Healthy Planet Green & Growing Editor
Gardens of spring feed both our bodies and our souls. The burst of colors with spring blossoms is like the change in the Wizard of Oz as it goes from black and white to color. Something awakes deep within us with living colors from the earth. […]
By Julie Branson
Have you ever wanted to shout from the mountain top and tell others about something you have learned? “Children born in the year 2000 or later are not expected to outlive their parents.” – Dr. David Katz “For the first time in history, U.S. children are sicker than the generation before them. They […]
The 19th Annual Builders St. Charles Home Show, presented by James Hardie Building Products, is April 5-7 at St. Charles Convention Center, with free admission and parking. Local companies bring countless experts to this event who offer valuable home improvement knowledge and advice. People can see, learn about and buy the latest home products and services […]
By Wendell Phillips ‘Phil’ Berwick, Arborist / Abolitionist
I’ve been involved in tree work from when we were called tree surgeons, but beginning in the 1980s old French term of ‘Arborist’ took over. Englishman John Davey came to the U.S. in 1873, the son of a farm superintendent in England with an interest in planting trees […]
By Diane K. Wilson
Do you find yourself hesitating to seek help even when you know you are not yourself? Many individuals struggle with the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of solutions, and the daunting prospect of personal improvement. This fear often leaves them feeling stuck and drained, affecting their mind, body, spirit and ethereal […]
By Diane K. Wilson
The American Dream and Soul Purpose/Path: While both hold significant weight in the pursuit of fulfillment, they diverge in both essence and impact. Understanding the distinction is very crucial:
The American Dream:
Materialistic Focus: Centered around material success, defined by wealth, possessions and status symbols.
External Validation: Its pursuit relies heavily on external validation, conforming […]
After a day of climbing and trimming a tree, I sat in my pickup truck staring down as sunlight shown on my hand rested on my knee. The veins from the wrist to the knuckles were winding from what looked like root systems, tree trunks, flowing in and out of crotches into branches and I […]
By Helen Boland
Modern Clinical Hypnotherapy is founded in our ancient alchemical healing traditions. Clinical Hypnotherapy offers natural, Client Led access, into our own subconscious mind that runs ALL patterns of behavior, health, and even personality! By consciously activating the parasympathetic system, the state of us at rest, or our “healing state,” we discover our overview […]