April 2022 Natural Awakenings magazines provide our local communities with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet. The Harmful Effects of Fences on Wildlife and Ecosystems Researchers looking at all the studies of the effects of fences have found that their profound impacts on wildlife and ecosystems are often ignored or greatly underestimated. Read More » Eco Air Cleans Ducts with Eco-Friendly Products Eco Air - Duct Cleaning, Inc. is a hands-on, health-conscious, environmentally friendly duct cleaning company focused .... Read More » 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. Read More » Avoid Formaldehyde to Sidestep Cognitive Problems Workers exposed over years to formaldehyde may experience thinking and memory problems later in life. Read More » Brian Sauder on Faith-Based Grassroots Change Interview with Mennonite Reverend Brian Sauder, president and executive director of Faith in Place, a nonprofit that helps diverse faith-based groups become community leaders. Read More » Buzz-Free Drinking: The Healthy Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages 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. Read More » Climate Change Research in Central Park The Central Park Climate Lab is a new initiative and climate partnership to study the impacts of climate change on urban parks. Read More » Consider Berberine and Probiotics to Improve Cholesterol The plant alkaloid berberine and the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve work synergistically to significantly improve total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Read More » Creating a Wild Space at Home How to create wild spaces in yards, including what and where to plant and how to manage the land. Read More » Eating for the Planet: Diet for a Climate Crisis Our food choices influence the environment and climate change. Here are sustainable tips to make our diets healthier for us and the planet. Read More » 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 melanoma, and a study has found that a high-fiber diet improves the effectiveness. Read More » Expiration Dates: When to Eat or Toss Food How to make sense of expiration labeling—those ambiguous “best before” or “sell by” dates—to help reduce food waste. Read More » Himalayan Glacier Retreat Bodes Consequences for Millions Researchers have found that glaciers in the Himalayan Mountains are melting at an exceptional rate compared to other glaciers around the world. Read More » Homemade Pest Deterrent for Dogs Recipe for an all-natural pest deterrent that will help a dog avoid a good percentage of the pests they encounter. Read More » Industrial Farming is Bad for Birds Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that increased farm sizes resulted in a 15 percent decline in bird diversity. Read More » Large Study Addresses Indigenous Biodiversity Decline Simon Fraser University is engaging with Indigenous organizations, universities and other partners to highlight the problems of biodiversity loss and its implications for health and well-being. Read More » Maple Pear Sparkler This tasty, fizzy drink combines the flavors of maple syrup and fresh pear for an alcohol-free indulgence. Read More » Mung Bean Curry This recipe for mung bean curry is healthy for both our bodies and the planet. Read More » Nature Apps to Learn By Nature smartphone apps to identify various plants and animals, submit wildlife findings, locate trails and more. Read More » Nature Speaks: Storytelling Connects Kids to the Natural World Weaving storytelling into nature programs helps children understand their outdoor experiences and develop an appreciation for wilderness. Read More » Pest Control: Keeping Dogs Safe from Ticks and Fleas Natural alternatives to protect dogs from ticks and fleas that are both effective and non-toxic. Read More » Plastic On its Way Out at National Parks Poll finds that 82 percent of registered U.S. voters responding would like the National Park Service to stop selling and distributing single-use plastic items. Read More » Practice Good Dental Care to Lower Heart and Cognitive Risks 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. Read More » Scrap Vegetable Stock Make delicious stock out of leftover vegetables with this eco-friendly recipe. Read More » Sour Mock-a-Rita A healthy, non-alcoholic, sugar-free recipe for margaritas. Read More » Spirited Strides: Power Walk to Better Fitness Power walking – taking longer strides and using the arms to propel motion – amps up cardiovascular benefits and takes metabolic conditioning to another level. Read More » Spring is a State of Mind Spring, in all her punctual glory, teaches us the vital necessity to court our passions, and there is no better time than now. Read More » Technology Meets Nature: Apps Bring Us Closer to Flora and Fauna We can enhance our nature experiences with these smartphone apps that identify plants and animals, interact with scientists, share knowledge and observations, and contribute to science. Read More » Try Fenugreek to Boost Male Fertility and Health Study finds that fenugreek, an herb used in Indian curries and Middle Eastern cuisine, boosts male testosterone and fertility. Read More » Why We Need Wild Places: How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes Saving wild places is critical for human health and well-being. Here are ways to create spaces, including our lawns, that are hospitable to wildlife and native species. Read More » In-Print