As the weather starts to feel breezier and (ever so slightly) cooler this month, there’s no better time to soak in the beauty of our Southwest Florida landscape. But as we relish what nature has to offer, it’s also vital to be part of the solution for a healthier planet—and that’s exactly what this issue of Natural Awakenings is about. As October welcomes in a change of seasons, let’s each take up our role to protect the climate, so we can all continue enjoying it. Join us as we dive into the following practical and accessible tips for an eco-conscious lifestyle!  

Let’s jump right in with this month’s feature article on “Sustainable Sanctuaries: Supporting Human and Planetary Health at Home.” When our homes became shelters to protect ourselves and our families from the global pandemic, many of us learned how to reconfigure our spaces to create room for work, school, fitness, hobbies and other uses. Now that spirit of resourcefulness and renewal is driving us to think about how we can transform our homes into sanctuaries of environmental sustainability. Just a few simple, efficient strategies this article covers include sourcing local materials for renovations, caulking windows and insulating walls, using furniture made from all-natural or recycled elements, landscaping with native plants, and eliminating household cleaners with artificial or harmful chemicals.   

Sustainability can also develop in the kitchen, and one of the easiest ways to practice this is with seasonal eating. Fall is the perfect time of year to find colorful, nutritious, flavorful produce like the ruby-red beet, which just so happens to be the star of our “Conscious Eating” article. This versatile root vegetable can be savored raw, roasted, boiled or even pickled. Finely slice it to make wholesome beet chips. Puree it into a comforting autumn soup. Shred it to incorporate texture in a salad. Juice it for a morning smoothie. Or even use it to create a healthier version of your favorite dessert. For more inspiration, this article also features some beet-centric recipes such as Beet, Greens and Goat Cheese Linguine; Beet Chips with Sea Salt and Smoked Paprika; Beet Hummus; and Kale, Beet Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.   

Finally, now that another school year is back in full-swing, it’s time to empower our children to start thinking about their role in environmental protection and conservation as well. And this couldn’t be easier—instilling a love and respect for the outdoors begins with play. In this month’s “Healthy Kids” article, we explore how transforming concrete urban spaces into green parks and playgrounds creates a fun area for kids, as well as a safe, natural ecosystem for birds, insects or other local wildlife. This also facilitates an educational opportunity for kids to learn how to mindfully interact with the environment by sharing it with native plants and animals. The earlier these valuable lessons are taught, the more likely this next generation will be to care about our planet and join the fight to keep it healthy.   

As you dive into this month’s issue, be on the lookout for our crossword puzzle clues as well. We’ve scattered them throughout each article, and the answers will be available to check on NASRQ.com. That’s all for now, friends—thanks for your continual support, and we look forward to seeing you back here in November as we usher in the holiday season!