Article courtesy of the Clean Air Partnership

The American Lung Association’s latest “State of the Air” report finds that even after decades of successful efforts to reduce sources of air pollution, 46% of Americans – 156.1 million individuals – are living in places that received failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. This… [click headline to read more]

What Is the MTHFR Gene?

The MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) provides instructions for making an enzyme that plays a vital role in processing vitamin B-9, also known as folic acid. This is a very important biochemical pathway that is essential for DNA methylation, neurotransmitter production, and detoxification. It has long term impacts on vascular health, is… [click headline to read more]

Sunshine, sandals, and outdoor activities—summer is here! But along with the fun, warmer weather can bring a host of challenges for your skin, including dehydration, excess oil, and UV damage. Radiant summer skin starts with thoughtful care.

Spa Services for Radiant Skin

At Vitality Unlimited Spa, achieve your summer glow with expert skincare and premium products. 

Consult our… [click headline to read more]

… [click headline to read more]

Pollinator, Predator, Parent, Prey

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

A cicada killer wasp can play quite a variety of roles. Parent, architect, hunter, killer, provider,pollinator, and ultimately, perhaps even victim.

Eastern cicada killer wasps are recognized by their large size, up to 1.5 inches long, along with theirred-tinted wings and sharp black and yellow markings. There’s… [click headline to read more]

By Tom & Carol Braford

In the district of hope lived the 600!

Communities of Practice committed to what works

Living and working together

Governed by consent of the whole and a ‘good enough for now, safe enough to try’ philosophy

Working cooperatively and owning, not just the fruits of their labor, but also the trees and the birds that… [click headline to read more]

St. Louis Summers Always Filled With Music and Memories

By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor

Art Work: Acrylic painting by Sandy Haynes, at Norton’s Fine Art and Framing.

St. Louis summers conjure up so many special memories: from concerts in the parks with dripping popsicles, to getting dressed up in “summer best” to attend a Muny… [click headline to read more]

By Diane K. Wilson

Our clothing choices go beyond fashion—they also affect how we FEEL and HEAL. The vibration of fabric can interact with the human energy field, subtly influencing clarity, vitality and overall well-being. Natural fabrics typically resonate more harmoniously with the human body than synthetic ones, supporting a healthier frequency. Here’s a breakdown of common clothing… [click headline to read more]

What started with just three wineries in 1995 has grown to a trail of 12 individual wineries showcasing a variety of award-winning wine styles and unique experiences.

Take a scenic drive along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, 12 different wineries, 12 different experiences all surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest in Jackson and Union Counties in… [click headline to read more]

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

I’m one of those people that avoids mayonnaise at all costs. And most creamy dips, dressings, as well as pretty much all white sauces. Not due to necessity (shocking, as there is a great deal I have to), but rather because it’s not my taste and… [click headline to read more]

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

Cut chunks of a fresh watermelon, save back some of the juice and pour in a glass with or w/o ice(can also use frozen/semi-frozen watermelon)then pour sparkling water, club soda, lemon-lime, or ginger ale on top(this will create an ombre effect),garnish with lemon(or lime),blackberries, or blueberries, and mint… [click headline to read more]

By Jean Ponzi

In this third 1/3 of my life, I’ve set myself the project to study and share whatever I can learn about the Nature of Change. For a Green-service focused, eco-logically analytical elder girl in the species Homo sapiens, this feels like a useful effort from my time remaining on our sweet Earth.

I’m pursuing… [click headline to read more]

By Steve Davies, Healthy Planet Columnist

So, I spent most of my last Father’s Day, thinking about what to write for this column but, this time I think it was a pretty easy topic. Turns out this year, the anniversary of my dad’s passing fell on Father’s Day and as I’ve mentioned a few times, he’s… [click headline to read more]

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

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a month since an EF-3 tornado tore through our city, leaving devastation in its wake. In its aftermath, the places we call home became unrecognizable – a 3D maze of uprooted giants, collapsed homes, shredded roofs, shattered… [click headline to read more]

Rest, Recharge and Just Be

By Susan Hunt-Bradford

I never thought I’d say this, but I’m just too busy—and too tired—to even think about going on a vacation right now. The idea of planning a big trip and spending a lot of money honestly makes me want to do the opposite. What I really need is a… [click headline to read more]

By JB Lester

This July 28 I am turning 74 years old. I officially retired a couple of years ago. I worked as a writer, editor, photographer, publisher, for more than 40 years. It was a life and career well lived. I enjoyed it, being my own boss and creating both the Webster-Kirkwood Times and the… [click headline to read more]

As summer arrives in full swing, many of us are eager to soak up the sunshine. Whether you’re heading to the beach, hiking your favorite trail, or simply enjoying an iced coffee on your porch, there’s one summer essential you shouldn’t skip: sunscreen. It’s more than just a beach-day accessory — it’s a vital part… [click headline to read more]

By Linda Wiggen Kraft, Green & Growing Editor

There’s a sadness that lingers since the May 16th tornado. Homes, businesses and thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed. Lives were lost. Of course, that sadness and necessary help goes first to the people who suffer the most loss.

It is also the lost trees that tear at… [click headline to read more]

As temperatures rise, staying cool becomes a top priority for comfort and safety. Whether you’re enjoying a beach day or working through a summer heatwave, it’s important to take steps to avoid overheating. Here are some simple and effective tips to keep cool all summer long.

Hydrate, Hydrate, HydrateWater is your best friend in the heat.… [click headline to read more]

5K Trail Run for Childhood Cancer

By Christina Staff

Photo: Marshall

Life experiences — good, bad, and otherwise — shape who we are and how we view the world going forward. One joyful experience that comes to mind is when my son, Marshall, and I graced the cover of The Healthy Planet in July 2024. We had journeyed… [click headline to read more]

By Sarah Wilson, Healthy Planet Staff Writer

Bees go flower to flower randomly, right? Flowers can’t do anything special to attract bees other than bloom, right?

Wrong.

Flowers are active participants in their own pollination because they can hear. Or rather, they can detect sound. And once certain sounds are detected, they can react. Which sounds trigger such… [click headline to read more]

By Jasmin Acosta, Healthy Planet Staff Writer

Within the walls of my mind, I live in my ideal world.

Where nature brings me solace,

The chirping of birds eases my racing mind,

And the air carries the smell of freshly trimmed trees.

Where my neighbors and I share not only resources,But stories, cultures, and dreams,Promoting the beauty of our diversity.

A… [click headline to read more]