Natural Awakenings Richmond - July/August 2021 Jul 01, 2021 10:57AM ● By Shay Wilson You can read the digital copy here. Natural Awakenings Richmond - July/August 2021 The July/August issue focuses on food as medicine. Read More » All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”. Read More » BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw This tasty vegetarian recipe for barbecued Brussels sprouts is the perfect meat-free meal to grill up. Read More » Composting Made Easy: Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’ Uneaten food rotting in landfills accounts for almost a quarter of U.S. methane emissions, but it can be turned into dark compost that enriches garden soil with these steps to get started. Read More » Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars The success of electric vehicle models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Read More » Doggy Delights: Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians. Read More » Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps Gulping down too much water has been linked to painful, involuntary muscle cramps experienced by athletes, but an oral hydration solution with electrolytes can help. Read More » Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Nutrition Well-being is increasingly linked by researchers to a healthy diet, motivating many people and the medical community to take seriously plant-based diets and the role of gut microoganisms. Read More » Good Dog Treat This homemade dog treat recipe using pumpkin, peanut butter and coconut will have canines on their best behavior for more. Read More » Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs Carrots seasoned in cumin and herbs with pecans and ricotta make for a delicious meat-free, vegetarian grilling recipe. Read More » Growing Food Security: The Benefits of Urban Gardening Urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, organic, healthy, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household, creating a resilient food system. Read More » Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Read More » Kate’s PB Oat Cookies Ditch store-bought dog treats with this healthy, simple 3 ingredient recipe for homemade peanut butter and oat cookies. Read More » Las Vegas Seeks to Ban Nonfunctional Grass Las Vegas-area water officials hope to impose a policy banning grass on “nonfunctional turf” that no one walks on in such places as highway medians, housing developments and office parks. Read More » Nature Documentaries Mislead Public Opinion The unswerving presentation of nature as an untouched wilderness in nature documentaries misleads viewers into thinking that an abundance of these areas currently remains. Read More » Peter Singer on Ethical Eating Peter Singer, author and influential philosopher in the animal rights movement, discusses the ethics surrounding our food choices, climate change, eating meat and more. Read More » Pet Happy: How Animals Help Kids Thrive With studies showing the profound effects that pets can have on children's health, character development and well-being, here are reasons why parents should consider getting a family pet. Read More » Refrain from Spanking to Avoid Harming Young Brains A Harvard study finds that spanking alters children’s brain development. Read More » Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life Sidestepping an argument or resolving it on the same day pays off quickly by halving the reactivity level that day and often erasing any darkened emotional response the following day. Read More » Sizzling on the Grill: Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare Delicious, green alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting grilling methods including chemical-free charcoal, healthy plant-based grilled foods and eco-friendly dinnerware. Read More » Sleepy Scents Sleep-inducing essential oils advised by aromatherapists to help promote a healthy, restful night of slumber. Read More » Soulful Strides: Running as a Spiritual Practice Pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of health-promoting exercise, as running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice. Read More » Sounds for Snoozing Soothing soundscapes including meditations, music, short stories and novels to help the restless fall asleep quickly at night. Read More » Sweet Slumber: Natural Tips for Deep Sleep Being sleep-deprived raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system. Here are simple, non-pharmaceutical solutions for better sleep. Read More » The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub Add flavor and spice to your favorite vegetarian grilling recipes with this mixture for Memphis BBQ Dry Rub. Read More » The Power of Playfulness Research shows that playtime is good for the soul and provides benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity. Here are fun ideas for adult play. Read More » The Practical Side of Family Pets What parents should consider before bringing a family pet into the home, including the commitment, which dog and cat breeds are most child-friendly and safety concerns. Read More » Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood A study shows that saffron extract can help lower depression and improve social relationships. Read More » Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk Two readily available natural strategies—sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Read More » Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. Read More » Work Out for Fun, Not Necessity Physical activity during leisure time benefits our heart and longevity, but high workout levels on the job may actually hamper our health, report researchers. Read More » Almond Cinnamon Granola Take vegan food to-go with this plant-based recipe for Almond Cinnamon Granola. Read More » Andria Somers on Being United for Better Parenting Andria Somers, executive director of the Holistic Moms Network, is connecting and supporting families interested in positive, holistic parenting, health and green living. Read More » Beat the Blues Naturally: Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression Herbs, dietary changes, exercise routines and other effective alternative therapies to naturally help treat those suffering from depression without the side effects of antidepressants. Read More » Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Make this vegan recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin muffins for an easy plant-based food to take when traveling. Read More » Consider Depression Treatment to Fight Ulcers Research has found that peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, along with other gut disorders, are linked to depression. Read More » Create a Dog-Friendly Yard: Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail For homeowners with dogs, consider “dog-scaping” with these pet-friendly plants and flea-repelling herbs, thoughtful play areas and other tips for the backyard. Read More » Cultivate Satisfaction to be Healthier and Happier Older people with high levels of life satisfaction—a favorable attitude toward life—have healthier habits, less depression and pain, better sleep and a longer life, reports researchers. Read More » Eat Five Veggies and Fruits Daily to Live Longer New research has found that two and three daily servings of fruit and vegetables, respectively, were linked to the most longevity. Read More » Improve Sleep with a Weighted Blanket Research has found that sleeping with a weighted blanket can lead to better sleep and reduced fatigue, depression and anxiety, and increased levels of daytime activity. Read More » Integrative Health for Men: Natural Approaches for Robust Vitality Integrative, holistic strategies with a mind-body focus for common threats to men's health such as heart disease, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer and depression. Read More » Japanese Noritos This simple yet elegant recipe for Japanese Noritos is the perfect make-ahead vegan meal for on-the-go plant-based eating. Read More » Lithium Mining for Electric Vehicles Creating Tension The proposed Thacker Pass lithium mine in northern Nevada has passed a review by the Bureau of Land Management, but unhappy residents and conservation groups are filing lawsuits. Read More » Nix Sweeteners to Avoid Spreading Antibiotic Resistance Four widely used artificial sweeteners—saccharine, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame potassium—promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in environmental and clinical settings. Read More » Offshore Wind Power Gaining Momentum With technological advances, falling costs, increased interest, the ability to relieve carbon dependency and the tremendous economic potential, offshore wind energy holds great promise. Read More » Olio App Prevents Food Waste The smartphone app Olio allows people with extra food to post a picture online. Anyone that wants the food can respond and pick it up as a gift. Read More » Plants to Avoid in Pet Yards Specific plants can be poisonous to pets. Be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets. Read More » Rethinking Fireworks: Greener Ways to Celebrate the Fourth Most fireworks are made of non-biodegradable plastics and harmful chemicals, polluting the ground, air and water. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives. Read More » Simple Acts Can Change the World It’s easy to feel small and helpless in a world full of big problems, but there are simple, daily actions we can take to change it for the better. Read More » Summer Season Projected to Last Longer A new study predicts that if emissions of greenhouse gases go unchecked, summers in the Northern Hemisphere could last nearly six months by 2100. Read More » Sunscreens Harm Hawaiian Reefs A proposed bill banning sunscreens containing the chemicals avobenzone or octocrylene, harmful to humans, marine animals and coral, has progressed through the Hawaiian House and Senate. Read More » The Fit Gardener: Backyard Workouts Good for Mind and Body Gardening can foster fitness, burn calories and support heart health by offering an opportunity for moderate intensity exercise and providing a challenging workout with aerobic benefits. Read More » Traveling for the Planet: Sustainable Ways to Explore the World How to be green when choosing hotels, modes of transportation, places to shop and dine, and other travel activities to make your tourism sustainable and eco-friendly. Read More » Vegan Road-Tripping: Travel Tips for Plant-Based Eaters Ways to enjoy healthy, plant-based eating when traveling with on-the-go vegan food planning and preparation. Read More » Wild Birds Trained to Pick Up Litter A Dutch company, Crowded Cities, has a device called the CrowBar that trains birds to collect discarded cigarette butts in exchange for food. Read More » In-Print, Local RVA News Briefs & Kudos Publisher Letter Sleep Sleep Better Pets gardening Healthy Eating June 2021 July 2021 running