There’s so much to love about April on the Suncoast. A return of balmy weather and long hours of daylight, perfect for outdoor activities. A sense of fresh renewal that permeates the air. A feeling of excitement and anticipation because summer is just around the corner. And of course, an annual Earth Day reminder to protect the natural wonders of this ecosystem we call home. To celebrate this revitalizing month, our April theme for Natural Awakenings is “People, Planet, Purpose.” Join me for a closer look inside!  

This time of year feels like an invitation to nurture our own wellness with the vibrant, colorful bounty of nutritious seasonal foods. But how often do we seriously think about how these foods are grown? Our April feature article is peeling back the layers of this nuanced issue with an exploration of “Regenerative Agriculture.” This sustainable and organic alternative to mass food production is one way to help solve this climate crisis by elevating human and planetary health above corporate gain. When we all commit as a society to rethink how we grow, distribute and consume our food, positive transformations will emerge.  

While we’re on the topic of sustainability, this month’s “Conscious Eating” article is all about how to shrink our “foodprints” with eco-conscious dietary habits. In order to minimize the environmental impact of our own lifestyle choices, we need to start considering the many variables associated with our food consumption. Where do these foods come from? How are they manufactured, packaged, transported or sold? What ingredients do they contain? How can we make smarter, healthier, more ecological decisions to improve our daily eating? This article will answer all these questions with practical, accessible solutions.   

When it comes to environmental protection and climate justice initiatives, we can take a cue from the next generation. It’s no secret, our youthful counterparts will inherit this Earth, and they are passionate about creating a planetary future where all life can thrive. Gen Zers (born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s) are extremely eco-conscious, and our “Green Living” article for this month unpacks how these young activists continue to lead the charge for more sustainable policies and actions. All of us can learn from their determination. 

As usual, that is just a brief taste of all the inspiration tucked within this issue. It’s such an honor to continually provide this content to enrich your well-being in all areas of life, so please enjoy—and I will see you right back here next month as we usher in summertime!