By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor

‘Tis the season—the ARTful season, that is!

Artwork: Handmade ornaments at Craft Alliance.

Check out these wonderful ways to add some art to your calendar. Remember that a piece of ART or tickets to ARTful events make perfect holiday gifts.

This season requires music:

The University City Commission on Arts and Letters […]

By Kathie Sutin, Healthy Planet Staff Writer

Photo: Students make ice cream at the campus creamery

Vacationers come to Branson with lots of expectations. They expect to see outstanding shows, visit fascinating tourist attractions and have fun at Silver Dollar City, a theme park with an Ozark flavor.

But it’s nice to know Branson also delivers the unexpected in the form […]

20th Annual ‘Christmas In The Kitchen’ concert, a lively Celtic music & dance variety show, with Mitzi MacDonald & Keltic Reign band & special guests. This is a benefit concert & toy drive that supports:

Annie Malone Children & Family Services, Join Hands East St. Louis, & The Leadership School. At The Sheldon Concert Hall, Tuesday

December 10. Doors […]

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

Photo caption: Your used Christmas tree can find new life after the holidays as a backyard habitat for wildlife. Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation

A live Christmas tree brings its own special touch of festivity to the holiday season. The presence of a live tree, and its unmistakable scent, evokes […]

By Natalie R. Toney M.F.A., C.H., Healthy Planet Food Editor 

Checking your “good” list for a fun, healthy, and versatile dish to serve throughout the holidays? Look no further, because baked spinach and kale “holly” bites will make spirits bright at any table this season! The festive green and white color beckons to be arranged in […]

By Jean Ponzi

Ecology advises us to learn and act through understanding our relationships in place. This means Here Is Good. This means, even in a globalized world, there is genuine power and value in focusing Local.

Green action can persist at a local level. The last time our society careened into today’s mode of leadership – […]

By Dr. Gail Cloud

As the holidays are upon us, the question arises as to how we can prepare for the holiday emotionally as well as physically.

We all have early memories that shape us, especially with family. They aren’t all happy or easy memories, and we carry them with us, unintentionally, throughout our lives. Our job, […]

By JB Lester

As the holiday season approaches, Santa certainly has a lot to put in Donald Trump’s stocking this year. And there are plenty of pieces of coal to go around for many others. That’s the way elections go, some win and some lose. And when you win you humbly hold your head up high […]

Rediscover the joy of your favorite treats with all the flavor, none of the gluten! Our gluten-free treats bring back the memories and taste you love, without compromise.

Indulge in our mouth-watering selection of homemade gluten-free cookies, where every bite is a burst of flavor! From our classic Chocolate Chip Cookie to the irresistible variety of […]

By Tom & Carol Braford

In the face of things, our prospects for improving social and environmental outcomes over the next 4 years or longer, now that Donald Trump is on his way back to the White House, may seem dismal. 

On the other hand, one of his initiatives last time around at least started out with […]

By Susan Hunt-Bradford, Healthy Planet Publisher

Veterinarians often see more pet visits to their clinics during the holidays because pets eat the wrong foods. It’s hard to resist giving your pets yummy holiday (people) food, but it’s in everyone’s best interest to be careful about what food we feed our furry companions.

According to The Brownsville Clinic […]

By Lou Stemmler

Do your holiday plans include a tree and, perhaps, other forms of greenery? Let’s take a look at some environmentally friendly options.

First, paper or plastic? If you already own an artificial tree, by all means, keep using it. The longer the “life” your artificial tree leads before heading off to the dump (recycling […]

2024: Reflections on a Year Well Lived

By Susan Hunt-Bradford

Every December 31 before midnight, I reflect upon the year since January 1. I’m happy that my reflections are always more positive than negative, with an overabundance of unforgettable memories and uplifting moments. I need to learn not to be sad or upset by the moments that […]

By Steve Davies, Healthy Planet Columnist

So, on a day which feels closer to summer than winter, I’m reminded that I am still someone who truly enjoys those snowy Christmas days and the gift of giving. That said, I also know it’s a time where many of us produce so much waste. One needs to look […]

By Susan Hunt-Bradford, Healthy Planet Publisher

Photo: Kathy and Andy Bacon

Kathy and Andy Bacon, moved to Mazatlán, Mexico for their retirement years. I was curious how they decided upon that city and why they left the states. Kathy gave me great in-depth answers regarding their choices.

1. What made you decide to move to a foreign country?

After […]

at Giant City State Park, Makanda IL

Photo captions: (l) Taking a break on the Gnome Roam Trail; (r) Gnome Roamers claim a patch.

Tucked in the stunning Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is a hidden gem offering a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and light adventure travelers. One of the park’s highlights is […]

By Jasmin Acosta, Healthy Planet Staff Writer

I live in a world that is indigestible to me,

To know that my mind has the capacity to replay and recount a grim fairy tale that was once my reality.

My mind is shaped and carved by my sheer horrors, predestined to play a melancholy symphony, and I am forced […]

Photo: Steve Calloway owner and founder of World Space Conservation

World Space Conservation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of natural spaces in our world. We focus on both the foundations of healthy ecosystems as well as making the environment beautiful for everyone. We currently have a number of programs with […]

As December unfolds, our lives fill with the excitement and joy of the holiday season. It’s a time for celebration, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. However, it can also be a stressful time as we manage the holiday to-do list. At Vitality Unlimited Spa, we believe the most valuable gift you can give to yourself, and your […]

By Simon Yu MD

Biohacking with the guidance of AMA is like uncovering the Holy Grail of antiaging, chronic disease, and cancer therapy in your hands. Why? It unlocks the secrets of the Wnt signaling pathway. How? The Wnt signaling pathway is a complex, complicated network of glycoproteins and peptides known for its role in regulation […]

By Ludivine Renaud

In my life, I’ve probably accumulated over 30 reusable water bottles. And to this day, I alternate between about three of them. Three. For various reasons — usually location and convenience

— I end up switching between these bottles if one goes missing for a while or if I spot one sitting nearby.

And to […]

Katie’s Cleaning Service, now in its 10th year, is currently looking for bi-weekly and monthly customers located in Webster Groves, Kirkwood and the South County area.

Katie’s Cleaning Service offers you the best cleaning services you can find. We are dependable, trustworthy and we go the extra mile, always paying attention to details.

Independently owned and operated, […]

By Dr. Amy K Davis, M.D.

Lifelong exposure to a growing number of xenobiotics and toxic chemicals in the modern world is unavoidable.  While the concept of toxin-accumulation in the body and its connection to various health problems has long been a fundamental tenet of traditional healthcare systems, recent research has uncovered more about how toxins […]

By Linda Wiggen Kraft, Healthy Planet Green & Growing Editor

Gardens full of native plants are what is needed to sustain the life of insects, birds and wildlife of our current world. But plants are not enough to make a true native garden. What is often missing is the reverence and honoring of the plants and […]

By Kathie Sutin, Healthy Planet Staff Writer

Photo: A metal likeness of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill greets visitors to America’s National Churchill Memorial in Fulton.

I am always amazed at the number of hidden gems we have in our beautiful state.

Take America’s National Churchill Memorial in Fulton, an easy drive from St. Louis.

Who would expect to […]

By Maeve Elder, Communication & Outreach Coordinator, Missouri Gateway Green Building Council

With the end of Daylight Savings and chillier days after a warm Fall, it’s finally feeling like winter is just around the corner. And we know what that means: shorter days and colder temps mean lower energy and activity levels and less time outside. […]