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Letter from Publisher

Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki

Peggy Malecki

Spring is a time of new beginnings, and we often hear the prefix “re” added to words that describe the season: rebirth, renewal, regrowth and so forth. Many of these words aptly apply to our northern seasonal climate, a place where much of the natural world is invisible to most of us for a few months. After weeks of dreary, gray, sunless and cold days, we can easily “re”joice in the sounds, scents and colors of spring! There’s another word that I think is really key to spring—actually to all 365 days—and that word is reconnect. To me, to reconnect with the Earth means a daily awareness, ongoing practice and continual reverence in all our actions for the planet, the myriad forms of life that we share it with and the soil, water, geology and air we all depend upon for surviving and thriving.
 
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. It provided a platform for an awakening environmental consciousness and helped to elevate public knowledge and awareness of air pollution and related public health issues. By 1990, Earth Day had become a global event, and according to EarthDay.org, it’s now recognized as “the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes.”
 
As Earth Day has come to include Earth Week and Earth Month, the focus had broadened to encompass so much more of how we live, eat, exercise, shop and work. In this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago, we explore some of the ways climate change and public health are linked, as well as mitigating actions we can take. Our dwellings can be a source of unseen toxins for families and pets alike, so we’ve included several articles to help with spring cleaning for your home, and also a look at eco-conscious clothing and pet trends. Evanston-based architect Nate Kipnis shares his insights on sustainable eco-homes. With writer Sue Markgraf, author Sheryl DeVore inspires us to discover and share urban wildlife in the upcoming City Nature Challenge (and be sure to check out Randy Kambic’s interview with Sheryl in the Wise Words department). And as always, be sure to turn to our Conscious Eating department for delicious and healthy recipes!
 
So as we head into this Earth Month, please ask yourself, “Where do I fit in? What role can I  actively take in becoming a steward to rebalance and refocus how we individually, and as a society, work to care for and regenerate the health of the Earth and all lives with which we share its land, seas and skies? How can I positively impact both today and for future generations?”
 
I leave you this month as always with the request to please step outside daily, smell the flowers, listen to the birds, feel the rain and note the new season as it unfolds.
                             
                                        Happy spring!