Natural Awakenings Houston July 2022 by Holistic Choice Publishing/Natural Awakenings Houston

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

THE HEALTHY FOOD MOVEMENT

SUSTAINABLE HIKING •THREAT OF GENE-EDITED MICROBES THE HEALTHY FOOD MOVEMENT• POLLINATOR HAVEN •FLOWER POWER July 2022 | Houston Metro-Edition | NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

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Across 1 Destructive technology that spells long-term trouble for people’s health, goes with 2 down 5 Vital pollinators 9 Rainbow shape 10 Processes food 11 Corn and soybeans, e.g. 12 Erie is one 13 Goal 14 “Now I get it!” 15 Superabound 17 Music’s Clapton 19 Negative word 20 Type of tide 22 Tiny organism 23 Corn section 24 ___ Antonio 26 Type of non-chemical, healthy food 30 Farm-to-____ cuisine 31 Nevada city 32 Home for chicks 33 Natural fertilizer Down 2 See 1 across 3 Stands for artists 4 Problem to be resolved 5 “It’s cold!” 6 Drought-resistant grass that requires mowing only once per month, 2 words 7 Beneficial for survival of the whole environment 8 Enlighten 9 Type of soil needed for growing blueberries 16 Sound magnifier 18 Turkey seasoning 21 Alternative action to fungicides in controlling powdery mildew 22 Spoil 23 Ice pieces 24 Scattered seed 25 Prevent 27 Expertise 28 Company abbreviation 29 Dove sound See Answers on Page 31

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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 40+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents

Earth-Friendly

Hiking

The Healthy Food Movement Pandemic Trends are Shaping Better Local Food Systems

Pollinator Haven Create a toxin-free yard for critical critters

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 713-927-6540 or email: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

Flower Power Edible Blooms Add Flavor and Color to Summer Fare

23 Jeffrey Smith on the Threat of GeneEdited Microbes

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Email Calendar Events to: mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. If you have missed the deadline ask about our “Red-Eye Special” and our digital placements.

REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchisingopportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com

5 news briefs

19 conscious eating

7 health briefs

23 wise words

9 global briefs

26 calendar

11 eco tip

27 classifieds

16 green living

28 healthy living guide

letter from publishers

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Greetings from The Cabin, our home and office of Natural Awakenings Houston! I would say that we are blessed to live on five acres out in the country. It isn’t exactly the middle of nowhere, but you can see it from the porch on a clear day. Cindy has enjoyed watching the birds that visit our birdfeeder and identifying the species that are new to us. We also have a squirrel that she has named Harry who visits the feeder every morning and does an acrobatic act as he stretches from the tree to the feeder. With all this room, we do grow a lot of our own food. Unlike when we lived in the city, the challenge isn’t not having enough room, but having time to plant, tend and harvest our garden while working on the magazine full-time. This year we have lots of tomatoes, okra, kale, turnips, arugula, cabbage and black-eyed peas. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get to the feed store early enough to get onion sets. They did very well last year, but none this year. So we are far from food self-sufficient, but we are working on it. I know that most of our readers live in Houston and may not have space to plant big gardens. Try planting a small one, or maybe a container garden for some fresh herbs. Even if you can’t, you can still enjoy fresh local food by visiting one of our many farmers markets, patronizing one of the local urban farms or frequenting one of the local restaurants that specializes in locally sourced food. In this month’s feature story, “The Healthy Food Movement,” you will learn about the many advantages of sustainable, local food and where to find it. Be sure to check out our fine advertisers, and when you visit their businesses, be sure to say that you saw them in Natural Awakenings. Until next month, stay cool and be nice.

Cindy & Mike Hart

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EDITOR

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CONTACT US 11428 Debbie Lane Iola, TX 77861 713-927-6540 NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Production Designer Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Kristy Mayer Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com

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Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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news briefs

Art with a Social Message

Psychotherapy by Angelina and Roxy Wuz Here Art have partnered to present the Overcoming project through August 15 in the art therapy studio of the Therapy by Angelina center. Overcoming is a quadtych artwork featuring a transition of colors and textures intended to highlight the stages of depression, navigating and managing it. Throughout the duration of the installation they will host several events which will include a meet the artist open house, an artist talk and two artist workshops for children and adults. Angelina H. Rodriguez says, “Overcoming is a dedication to all those who have dealt with depression, are dealing with it currently and those who have put forth intentional effort working to overcome it.” Based in Houston and licensed by the Texas State Board of Professional Counselors and Art Therapy Credentials Board, she uses traditional psychotherapy and art therapy to help clients find their authentic selves and to resolve fears and unknowns in today’s economy and lifestyles. Rickale “Roxy” holds a degree in psychology from Texas Southern University. Location: 4747 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 545, Bellaire. For more information, call or visit TherapyByAngelina.com.

“Overcoming” presented by

RWH ART Roxy Was Here Art

Bhaki Farm Exhibits Sustainable Living The educational nonprofit Bhakti Urban Farm inspires people to adopt a holistic lifestyle based on wisdom from ancient agrarian cultures derived from Vedic texts such as the Bhagavad Gita through sustainability practices, specifically caring for land and cows, as well as performing arts, music, meditation and yoga. They have weekly Soulebrate Sundays gatherings from 10 a.m. to noon, where visitors can able pet the cows and feed them fruits or snacks, take garden tours, attend yoga classes, participate in a medication circle and partake in a farm-to-table lunch. There are also Service Saturdays on the second Saturday of the month. They also provide workshops, yoga events and venue rental for private events. Bhakti is a Sanskrit word which means devotional service to God. This urban sanctuary provides an antidote to the urge of exploitation of natural resources by teaching individuals to channel their energies toward renewable agriculture. The farm is part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness of Houston, which has been serving the people since the mid-80s. The farm and associated activities started in 2018. Location: 5415 Wheatley St., Houston. For more information, visit BhaktiUrbanFarm.org.

news brief

HOUSTON METRO

Chiropractic Guide Unity Summer Spectacular Series Series will feature inspirational guest speakers and musicians from around the U.S. and Jamaica. Each speaker will deliver a talk at the 11 a.m. Sunday Service and offer a workshop in the afternoon. Sunday services are held in the sanctuary; workshops and musical events will be held in the pyramid. July 10: Rev. Karen Russo, guest speaker. “Worldly, Wealthy, Worldly,” with workshop, “The Spiritual Vitality of Money.” July 17: Rev. Dr. Petra Weldes, guest speaker. “Sacred Disruption: Reimagine Everything,” with workshop, “Inviting Sacred Disruption while Making Disruption Sacred.” July 24: Rev. Kevin Ross, guest speaker. “Designed to Shine: Unlocking Your Power to Be a Force for Good in the World,” with workshop, “The Courage to Shine.” July 31: Rev. Sheila McKeithen, guest speaker. “Together – We Wake Up!” with workshop, “Together – We Heal!” August 7: Amy Steinberg, New Thought Singer/Songwriter August 21: Eddie Watkins, Jr., high-consciousness musician. I Sing My Prayers. Admission at Sun. services is free. Speaker workshops cost $30 each or $80 for all four workshops (bundle ticket). Musical events are a $20 suggested love offering. Location: 2929 Unity Dr., Houston. For more information, visit UnityHouston.org/summer-spectacular.

Innate Chiropractic Healing Arts Center Dr. Jackie St.Cyr, DC 8100 Washington Ave, #210 Houston, TX 77007 713-521-2104 n8chiro.com HealthPro Chiropractic & Acupuncture Dr. Alayna E. Pagnani-Gendron, DC 4101 Green Briar Dr. #135 Houston, TX 77098 281-506-0105 healthprochiro.com Franson Chiropractic Dr. Brett V. Franson, DC 1652 South Dairy Ashford Rd. Houston, TX 77077 281-701-1596 fransonchiropractor.com Nominate your chiropractor. Email their contact info to: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com

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Eat Grains to Reduce Inflammation and Liver Disease Risk

health brief

Although most Americans eat only one-third of the recommended amount, nutrient-rich, whole grains already have been shown to play a key role in safeguarding against obesity and metabolic syndrome. Two new studies establish their positive effect on cardiovascular and liver health, as well. Researchers from Columbia University that followed 4,125 older adults for 25 years found that lower inflammation and fewer cardiovascular incidents were correlated with higher amounts of fiber in the diet— particularly from wheat, barley, oats and other grains—rather than from fruits and vegetables. And a Chinese study in The Journal of Nutrition Researchers tested the blood of 1,880 people, half of which had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, to look for markers of whole grain consumption. The subjects that ate more whole grains had a significantly reduced risk of developing the liver disease.

Consider Herbs from Traditional Asian Medicine for Diabetes Diabetes is rampant in the world today, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, but it was also a health condition many centuries ago among Tibetan, Mongolian, Miao, Dai, Uygur and Yi people in East Asia. To identify which diabetes medicines were effective in those indigenous medical systems, Chinese researchers examined medical databases and ethnic medical books. They found evidence of 112 such medications—105 plantbased, six coming from animals and one with fungal origins. The most commonly used were Astragalus membranaceus, now available in many contemporary immune-system formulations; Pueraria lobata, known as arrowroot or kudzu, and considered an invasive plant in North America; and Coptis chinensis, Chinese goldthread, whose main compound, berberine, is used in the West to treat bacterial and viral infections. “Ethnic medicine has abundant resources in diabetes treatment and has excellent development prospects, which is worthy of further exploration and modern research,” conclude the autho

Try Music and Muscle Relaxation to Lower Surgery Anxiety Surgery often activates high levels of anxiety in patients, but a Chinese pilot study of 116 women undergoing operations for gynecological cancer found that simple strategies dubbed “expressive arts therapy” can help. In the study group, women were encouraged to dance and do handicrafts while listening to music the day before the surgery. They practiced progressive muscle relaxation and listened to music immediately after the surgery, and on the day before their release, they were invited to write and draw to express their emotions. The researchers found that women in the therapy group experienced significantly less anxiety during their operations than women in a placebo group, although the effects didn’t continue after discharge. Ninety-eight percent of the women found the therapy beneficial.

health brief

Practice Sitting Tai Chi to Recover from a Stroke Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, typically involves moving the arms and feet in intricate, slow patterns, but a new study in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found that doing the hand and shoulder movements while sitting in a chair produced significant physical and mental benefits for stroke survivors. Researchers at the Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in China, found that after 12 weeks of performing sitting tai chi, 69 stroke patients had better hand and arm function, better sitting balance, a wider range of shoulder motion, less depression and a better quality of life compared to 65 people in a standard stroke rehab program. More than half of those doing the sitting tai chi continued to practice it after the study ended, with continued improvement.

Don’t Assume Selfies Show True Facial Features The more than 100 million cell phone selfies taken every day have produced an unanticipated outcome: a documented uptick in plastic surgery. Younger women in particular are increasingly showing cosmetic surgeons their selfies to demonstrate why they want to change the size or shape of their nose, but these concerns may be based on a distorted perception because selfies distort facial features, say researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern. In their study involving 30 subjects, they took one photo 12 inches from the face with the arm bent and another at 18 inches with the arm straight. When comparing the 12-inch selfies against a third photo taken five feet away, the researchers found that, on average, the nose appeared over 6 percent longer and the chin seemed 12 percent shorter. This created a distortion total of over 17 percent in the nose-to-chin ratio. Selfies also made the base of the nose appear wider relative to the width of the face. “If young people are using selfies as their only guide, they may be coming to plastic surgeons to fix problems that don’t exist except in the world of social media,” says study leader Bardia Amirlak, M.D.

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global briefs

Chow Time

Attitudes Changing Toward Animal Rights A new survey by the University of Exeter published in Social Psychological and Personality Science shows that children differ dramatically from adults in their moral views on animals. Researchers asked a group of 479 children and adults ages 9 to 11, 18 to 21 and 29 to 59 about the moral status and treatment of farm animals (pigs), pets (dogs) and people. The youngest participants said that farm animals should be treated the same as people and

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pets, and think eating animals is less morally acceptable than do adults. The two older groups held more traditional views. The findings suggest that speciesism, the moral imperative that gives different value to different animals, is learned as we become socialized. Dr. Luke McGuire says, “Humans’ relationship with animals is full of ethical double standards. Some animals are beloved household companions while others are kept in factory farms for economic benefit. Dogs are our friends, pigs are food.” McGuire notes, “If we want people to move towards more plant-based diets for environmental reasons, we have to disrupt the current system somewhere. For example, if children ate more plantbased food in schools, that might be more in line with their moral values, and might reduce the normalisation towards adult values that we identify in this study.”

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global brief

Squawk Talk

City Lights are Tough on Birds Using satellite maps and radar to estimate the number of migratory birds streaming across the night sky, Chicago tops the list of cities where birds face the most danger from light pollution in both spring and fall. North America hosts about 3 billion fewer birds today than in 1970, according to a 2019 analysis published in Science. The causes include light pollution, climate change, vanishing habitat and pesticides. Scientists believe the combination of factors could lead many abundant bird populations toward extinction. For example, Cornell University ornithologist Andrew Farnsworth found that the seven annual Tribute in Light twin towers anniversary memorials on September 11 that project intense beams of light into the night sky attracted an average of more that 1 million birds. Within the first 20 minutes of each event, up to 16,000 birds crowded into a tight radius. Bird conservationists listen for disoriented chirps and if too many are circling aimlessly in the beams, the lights are turned off. BirdCast incorporates large-scale weather radar and machine learning to forecast the exact nights when hundreds of millions of migratory birds will arrive over U.S. cities. The team sends the data to conservationists and policymakers to help the birds by dimming lights along the way.

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eco tip

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Earth-Friendly Hiking Hiking in the great outdoors is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable sports on Earth, especially in the summertime, when the weather is temperate and the sun shines upon us. Unfortunately, nature’s charm can quickly fade when we stumble upon empty beverage cans, plastic sandwich bags or even worse, somebody’s still-smoldering cigarette butt, which could so easily become the next uncontrollable wildfire. As stewards of the environment (and kind human beings), it’s important that we hike responsibly, leaving no detritus behind, respecting wildlife and preserving the pristine setting for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few tips for treading lightly on the next hiking trip. Avoid overcrowded places. The most popular national parks and hiking trails have been hosting a record-breaking number of visitors lately, severely stressing the flora and fauna. Consider exploring less trafficked spots so that these areas can recover. Stay close to home. Choose a trail close by to cut down on travel-related carbon emissions. For most of us, a beautiful natural setting is usually a short walk or bike ride away. Use sustainable gear. Wear outdoor gear by eco-friendly brands that strive to lower the carbon footprint in their sourcing, manufacturing and shipping practices, such as Patagonia or Merrell.

JULY 2022

Don’t litter. Leave no trash on the trail, including biodegradable items or food scraps, which could negatively impact wildlife. Remember to bring a bag on the walk to carry all refuse home—score extra points for picking up items that someone else might have left behind. Pack responsibly. Limit waste by wrapping homemade snacks and beverages in reusable bags and containers. Bring bamboo utensils. Bring a reusable water bottle. Single-use water bottles are out. Bring a lightweight, reusable bottle. For longer hikes near fresh water sources, invest in an on-the-go water filter. Ditch chemical products. Use chemical-free sunscreens and insect repellents to keep toxins out of the environment. This is especially important when taking an outdoor swim. Don’t take a souvenir. Resist the temptation to handle, move or take home items found on the trail. Rocks, shells, a handful of sand, pinecones, flowers—they’re all integral parts of the ecosystem, serving as food and habitat for wildlife. Stick to the trail to avoid trampling plants or causing other unintentional damage. Don’t engage with the animals. Getting uncomfortably close to touch, photograph or feed wild animals is a big no-no. HOUSTON METRO EDITION

THE HEALTHY FOOD MOVEMENT

Pandemic Trends are Shaping Better Local Food Systems by Bob Benenson

JULY 2022

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

ike so much else on the planet, the two-year coronavirus pandemic turned the health food world upside-down. “I found myself thinking real dystopian and wondering if people would be able to survive if grocery stores crumbled,” recalls Diana Mondragón, of Rockford, Illinois. “That scary thought train reminded me that I want to learn how to be more self-sustainable.” Her once-occasional drop-bys to farmers markets are now an essential weekly ritual. “I want to support local farmers and food producers to help communities grow stronger and healthier,” she says. When the long supply chains of the conventional food system became disrupted, many Americans found themselves feeling insecure about food availability for the first time in their lives. The industrialized food system that had operated so efficiently for many generations had relied on long and complicated supply links; when they broke down or became gridlocked, the result was empty supermarket shelves and long waits for home deliveries. Add the economic repercussions and job losses, and about one in nine households lacked enough nutritious food to sustain a healthy life, report researchers from New York University. Faced with the system’s shortcomings, a noteworthy outcome has been a surge in demand for healthier food production using sustainable and humane practices. Unable to drop by a nearby grocery store and get whatever they wanted whenever they wanted it, many consumers began buying locally grown produce for both practical and environmental reasons. After two high-growth decades, farmers markets initially took a hit during pandemic closures, but they have since bounced back with renewed energy. A wide range of innovative solutions are being pursued by e-commerce entrepreneurs and food-equity advocates to get healthier local food into more hands and more neighborhoods.

Surging Concerns Sales of natural and organic products in the U.S. grew by about 10 percent in 2020, the year of the COVID-19 outbreak, and by another 8 percent in 2021, reports SPINS, a Chicago-based data research firm, in Nutrition Business Journal. Sales growth in that sector was six to seven times larger than for conventional products, which experienced barely any sales growth at all. Helping spur the trend, cheap food at supermarkets isn’t so cheap anymore, making organic food look better by comparison. The research company Data Weave reported in March that conventional food prices jumped by 11 percent in the previous 12 months of the pandemic, while prices for organic food increased by a relatively modest 2 to 4 percent. The price pressures on conventional food “will continue to go up rapidly,” says Matt Tortora, co-founder of WhatsGood, a Rhode Island-based food e-commerce company. “The war between Russia and Ukraine is going to exacerbate that issue. And it seems like most of what’s going on in the world is going to affect our global supply chains even further, and in more profound ways than just our gas pump.”

Food-to-Table Creativity The dominance of supermarkets and big-box stores in the years following World War II greatly diminished supply and demand of farm-fresh local food. A back-to-the-future trend that started taking hold a generation ago spurred a five-fold increase in the number of farmers markets across the nation, along with a proliferation of farms selling community supported agriculture subscriptions that delivered weekly batches of fresh produce to members. These increased sales enabled many small farmers to offset the body blow from business lost due to pandemic-related restaurant shutdowns; a number of them thrived, with record sales. The signs for the 2022 outdoor market season have been encouraging. Green City Market, widely regarded as Chicago’s premier farmers market, reported more than 13,000 visitors in a six-hour span on May 7, even though the weather was still on the cool side and few spring crops were in season after a chilly and wet April. At the same time, a previously little-used conduit for local health food sales—e-commerce—shows signs of spurring long-term growth. Some individual producers nimbly built out their web-based product sales by also providing home delivery, previously a rarity in the local food scene. For example, the e-commerce site Avrom Farm (AvromFarm.com), of Ripon, Wisconsin, sells not only its own products, but also goods from other farmers, and Three Sisters Garden, of Kankakee, Illinois, which raises specialty vegetables, has converted entirely to e-commerce and home delivery. Taking this concept to the next level is WhatsGood, which in 2014 began providing home delivery and pickup services for farmers markets in several cities. In the pandemic, the company became a lifeline to connect farmers with consumers at a time when stay-at-home orders and social distancing concerns hampered or closed farmers markets. Late last year, WhatsGood introduced a new business model that bypasses farmers markets to allow consumers to order goods online directly from farmers for home delivery. SourceWhatsGood.com now operates in 21 states. Tortora estimates that demand for local food is about 12 times greater than it was before the pandemic, even as supermarkets again start stocking more faraway-grown, conventional produce.

Even Better for the Planet While the pandemic created a sense of urgency about healthier eating, it also elevated concerns about the health of the living environment. An April 2022 study issued by New York University’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business found that products specifically marketed as sustainable had a 17 percent share of the market for consumer-packaged goods, up from 13.3 percent in 2015. Nearly half of all products introduced in 2021 touted sustainability benefits, up from 28 percent in 2017. Organic food sales in 2021 amounted to $51 billion; 30 years earlier, that market was estimated at a mere $1 billion, says the SPINS report.

Now there is growing support to take stewardship of the land to the next level through regenerative agriculture practices which focus on building and maintaining the health and biological vitality of the nation’s soils, and in some cases, means restoring soils stripped of their vitality by conventional farming practices. It has been most heavily promoted by the Rodale Institute, based in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, which has developed standards for a Regenerative Organic Certified food label. The sustainability issue resonates deeply with people like Katlin Smith, founder and CEO of Chicago-based Simple Mills, a 10-year-old company that’s widely recognized as the preeminent natural baking mix brand nationally. “I started the company after seeing what a huge impact food has on all of our bodies, and I realized how much we had processed the heck out of our food. And it was really undermining people’s health,” she says. In the last two years, the company has expanded its focus to work with farmers to improve soil health and biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It recently joined forces with the frozen smoothie company Daily Harvest and gluten-free frozen pizza maker Capello’s to advance regenerative soil practices in almond growing. “Regenerative agriculture is really just growing food in a way that leans into nature and builds a healthy ecosystem for all who are involved,” says Smith.

Supplying Underserved Communities Local food communities around the country are also playing an increasingly dynamic role in addressing food equity, access and security issues. Less than a decade ago, fewer than half of all farmers markets nationwide accepted federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for purchases. Today, backed by U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, most do, with many markets accepting state-backed

JULY 2022

debit cards. To further increase access to locally produced food for lower-income families, many states provide matching shopping funds up to a certain limit, as do programs run by nonprofit organizations such as California’s Market Match and Double Up Bucks, run by the Michigan Fair Food Network. To get healthy produce to people that live in urban “food deserts”, nonprofits are pioneering creative approaches. The Urban Growers Collective operates eight farms on 11 acres of land on Chicago’s Southside that combine education, training and leadership development with the growth of organic crops, which are then driven in a “Fresh Moves” bus to local community and health centers, and churches. Founded by food justice advocates Laurell Sims and Erika Allen, the Collective worked with a coalition of nonprofits during the pandemic to deliver boxes of free food to households in underserved neighborhoods across the city. The pandemic “forced us to do some of the things we’d been talking about, but said we don’t have time yet. We just dived in,” Sims says. The dramatic impact of the COVID-19 crisis drove up local interest in the Collective’s community gardens, with the number of volunteers jumping from 10 to 50. “It made a lot of people realize this ain’t no joke. People close to us were passing away,” says farm manager Malcolm Evans, who started volunteering for the Collective a decade ago as a teenager growing up in a nearby public housing project. “People wanted to really know how to grow food. We’ve been doing it for years, trying to bring this to folks’ attention. Everybody needs to understand food and know where it comes from.” Bob Benenson is publisher and writer of Local Food Forum, a newsletter that covers all aspects of the local food communityin the Chicago region. He can be contacted at Bob@LocalFood Forum.com.

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

SAVVY SHOPPER TIPS FOR THE FARMERS MARKET One longstanding obstacle to convincing folks to go all in on local foods at farmers markets is the widespread belief that it is prohibitively expensive. It’s not. True, some items have always cost a bit more at farmers markets than at a local big-box supermarket. Farmers whose produce carries the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic or other sustainably grown certification eschew artificial fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and GMO (genetically modified organism) crops, which means that their methods are more labor-intensive than is the case for a majority of conventional farmers. Most farmers market vendors are small- to medium-sized producers, and they don’t have the economies of scale that enable conventional growers and retailers to offer deep discounts. Yet there are many ways to save money at farmers markets. COMPARE PRICES. Most markets have multiple vendors selling similar varieties, so take some time to stroll around and check out the prices at the different stands. We might find one that is the price leader across the board or that different stands have lower prices for different items. BUY IN SEASON. Simple supply and demand: The more of a product a vendor has to sell, the more likely it is that it is going to be priced to move. So, practice seasonality and look for favorite items at the peak of their growing season. BUY IN BULK. Many farmers market vendors provide discounts for multiple purchases of the same or similar items. If summer squash is priced at $1 per piece, but $2 for three, it is the equivalent of, “Buy two, get one free.” SAVOR SECONDS. Consumers became familiar with the concept of perfect-looking (if not perfect-tasting) produce with the era of mass food retailing. As a result, a lot of

imperfect fruits and vegetables have been tossed away. The growing national concerns over food waste are leading some consumers to look closely at items—formally known as “seconds” and sometimes referred to as “ugly” fruits and vegetables—that don’t have perfect appearance, but are perfectly edible, nutritious and usually cheaper. If they aren’t visible at our favorite farmer’s stand, just ask, because they are often tucked away. We may not want to serve them as-is to dinner guests, but when chopping and dicing or making stews or preserves, appearances make little difference. KNOW THE FARMER. Farmers market regulars almost certainly get to know their favorite vendors, and may quickly get to be on a first-name basis. They will freely share advice about how to prepare the items they sell and what’s in stock now, soon or at the end of their growing seasons. It also improves chances of getting the occasional personal discount—but do not show up near closing time and ask for a discount on unsold products. Most farmers and market managers hate that. If lots of people wait until the last minute, a lot of farmers would soon be unable to stay in business. KEEP IT COOL. Produce picked a day or two before hitting the market is going to be fresher, taste better, maintain a higher nutrient density and last longer than products that are picked before their peak and sit in warehouses for a while. But that shelf-life advantage can shrink if farmers market purchases are not protected from high temperatures. Some strategies are to shop early on hot days, bring along insulated bags and cold packs, and possibly buy frozen fish, poultry or meat on the way home to keep the produce chilled.

Participating Houston Area Farms and Farmers Markets Bhakti Urban Farm 5415 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091 (929) 464-7382 bhaktiurbanfarm.org

Hope Farm 10401 Scott Street Houston, TX 77051 (713) 520-0443 hopefarmstx.org

Braeswood Farmers Market 5130 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77401 (713)-320-5588 breaswoodfarmersmarket. com

Finca Tres Robles 257 N. Greenwood Street Houston, TX 77011 fincatresrobles.org

Verdegreens Farm 1208 Bland Street Houston, TX 77091 verdegreens.com

East End Farmers Market 2800 Navigation Blvd. Houston, TX 77003 (713) 928-9916 eastendhouston.com

Sweetwater Farms HTX 8333 Sweetwater Lane Houston, TX 77037 (713) 321-2550 sweetwaterfarmshtx.com

green living

Pollinator Haven

CREATE A TOXIN-FREE YARD FOR CRITICAL CRITTERS by Sandra Yeyati

imée Code has stopped trying to grow roses in her Eugene, Oregon, backyard, where the ground is too muddy for them to flourish. If we stick to plants that do well in our own region, they’ll be less susceptible to disease and pests, and we won’t need to use dangerous chemicals in our gardens, says the pesticide program director at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Code works to preserve invertebrate species that are threatened by habitat loss, climate change and pesticides. “Many of these animals provide valuable services,” she says. “Solitary wasps feed their young certain caterpillars that we consider pests because they eat our crops. Riverbed mussels filter our water. Stone flies help break down organic matter. Bees are effective pollinators, helping to sustain our most nutritious food sources.” U.S. bees are declining at alarming rates, thanks in part to neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides, Code reports. The good news is that a few gardening modifications can provide food and safe haven for beneficial invertebrates, while keeping our families (and pets) free from scary chemicals.

Gardening Tips from Aimée Code Create a resilient garden with hardy, native plants that invite both pollinators and natural enemies like solitary wasps, lacewings and hoverflies, which help control pest populations. Use restraint when trimming plants or clearing debris. Many bees create nests inside pithy stems and downed wood or underneath bunch grasses and fallen leaves. Develop a greater tolerance for weeds, embracing a slightly wilder garden aesthetic.

JULY 2022

Avoid using herbicides by mulching and manually pulling weeds before they go to seed. A few pests in the vegetable garden are okay, as long as they don’t harm overall production. Search online for non-chemical solutions by vegetable type and location. As in farming, try rotating crops or look into companion planting to learn which plants work well together. Ensure the soil has what each plant needs. For example, blueberries require an acidic soil. Pesticides address the symptom rather than the problem. Killing pests may be a temporary fix, but won’t address the underlying cause, so the problem will likely return. Even so-called “reduced risk” products contain concerning chemicals for pollinators. Always try non-chemical solutions first. For example, instead of applying a fungicide to address powdery mildew, water the affected plant less and prune it to improve air flow. HOUSTON METRO EDITION

Eco-Friendly Pest Management According to Ryan Anderson, community integrated pest management manager at the IPM Institute of North America, “Chemicals should only be used in a lawn or garden as a last resort, and even then, only the least amount of the least harmful product.” For reduced-risk and organic product lists, visit Tinyurl.com/EPAPesticideList and MidwestGrowsGreen.org. Anderson laments the rampant overuse of noxious products, including glyphosate and 2,4-D, which are classified as probable and possible carcinogens, respectively, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer; commercial fertilizers that lead to nitrogen and phosphorus runoffs, threatening marine wildlife; and pyrethroid insecticides for mosquito control, which kill most insects. He champions sustainable measures, starting with a reduction of turf grass. “People like sitting on their lawn, but try keeping it as minuscule as possible and plant native plants which require less maintenance,” he says. “Make sure you’re not planting grass where grass doesn’t want to grow.” Consider an eco-lawn with micro-clover in the mix, Anderson advises. “Clover recycles nitrogen and stays green in drought conditions, so you don’t have to fertilize or water, and you only need to mow eco-lawns once a month.”

Lawn Care Strategies from Ryan Anderson For weeds, the best defense is a dense, deeply rooted, turf grass system that will out-compete for air, water, nutrients and sunlight. Aerate the lawn in the fall by removing narrow, three-to-sixinch-deep cores and leaving them on the soil. After a day or two, mow the cores over to return nutrients to the soil. Spread turf seed over bare-soil areas and over the entire lawn whenever aeration is conducted. Before or after aerating, spread one-quarter to one-half inch of compost over the lawn to promote a nutrient- and microbiology-rich, spongy soil structure. Visit CompostingCouncil.org for reputable suppliers and DIY instructions for high-quality compost. Apply leaf mulch and grass clippings to feed and promote protozoa, bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, inhibit plant pathogens, balance pH and aerate the soil. Mow less often and as high as possible to minimize stressing the grass plant. Lawns need only a single, one-inch watering per week.

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conscious eating

Flower Power

EDIBLE BLOOMS ADD FLAVOR AND COLOR TO SUMMER FARE by April Thompson

ruits, leaves, stems and roots are commonly eaten as part of a plantbased, farm-to-table diet, but until recently, the only flowers on the table were in a vase. Today’s health-conscious foodies are finding edible flowers to be a fantastic way to eat the rainbow, adding fun flavors and colors to all sorts of dishes. Urban homesteader Holly Capelle turned her family’s backyard in the Portland, Oregon, suburbs into expansive edible gardens, enjoyed by their flower-eating chickens and children alike. “We grow everything from seed, including 15 to 20 edible flower varieties, from spring through fall,” says Capelle. “I love to grow edible flowers for two reasons: one, to eat, and second, for the natural pest control they provide. I think of flowers as a beautiful army that I can eat along the way.” Capelle’s favorite edible flowers are pansies and violets, as they “pop up again and again all growing season and make a beautiful garnish without overpowering flavor.” The home gardener likes to freeze the fresh flowers in ice cubes, press them on the outside of herb butter or dry them between pieces of wax paper to later add to the tops of homemade chocolate bars, along with dehydrated strawberries, lemon balm, mint or other botanical flavors. The family’s fowl get in on the flower fun, too. “We make frozen treats for the chickens out of edible flowers, corn and strawberries, which they love in summer. We also add dried flowers like marigolds to their nesting boxes,” she says, adding that marigolds, with their bright orange hues and distinct flavor, are great in scrambled eggs or as a substitute for saffron.

For larger blooms like sunflowers, Capelle recommends pulling off the often-hard centers. “I often see whole zinnias on edible cakes, but no one wants to eat an entire zinnia. With daisies, for example, I will pull off the petals and recreate the flower on top of a dish, using peppercorns or chocolate chips in place of the center,” she says. Capelle also loves chamomile for its distinctive, apple-like flavor that has the “feel of fall,” and dianthus, with a slightly spicy taste like cloves. “Nasturtiums are another super defender in the garden, with a delicious peppery flavor and nice orange pop of color in a salad,” she adds. “Flowers brighten any dish up, especially hors d’oeuvres, omelets and soups. Pea soup is an ugly soup, but sprinkle some microgreens and a viola on top and it’s beautiful,” says Jan Bell, of Gilbertie’s Organics, in Easton, Connecticut. The 34-acre farm, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, grows herbs, vegetables and micro-

greens in 24 greenhouses, including a microgreen blend with nasturtium and viola flowers. “If you pick the flowers on herbs, the plant will grow better and last longer,” Bell adds. Flowers like wild violets, chive blossoms and common milkweed can add bold color and flavor to vinegar with pinkish purple hues that power up salad dressings. Bell also likes to dry chive flowers to use year-round. “They are a nice purple sprinkle to add to dishes when things are boring in winter,” she says. Marie Viljoen, a New York City forager, chef and author of the cookbook Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine, incorporates numerous wild and cultivated flowers, including tree flowers like magnolia and black locust, into her hyperlocal, seasonal meals. Even common garden roses can add a delicious dimension to dishes and drinks, according to Viljoen. “I like to ferment roses into a simple soda, using organically grown rose petals, honey or sugar and tap water. It’s ready within a few days, or else you can leave to ferment a few months to make a sipping vinegar,” she says. “You can also combine really fragrant rose petals with a neutral honey like clover, then strain after a few days for a rose water essence you can add to yogurt or other dishes.” Viljoen also uses rose petals as edible garnishes for deviled eggs or as edible plates for goat cheese balls on her gourmet picnics. Some flowers are for the eyes only, however. Many can be poisonous, so it’s important to ensure a particular species is edible before digging in. Viljoen also advises carefully distinguishing between poisonous lookalikes when foraging: A delicious daylily and a toxic true lily look similar, but are in different plant families, for example. She also says to look for organically grown flowers that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides. Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites. com.

JULY 2022

FLOWER SPRING ROLLS WITH TAMARIND AND PEANUT SAUCE by Tara Lanich-LaBrie Spring rolls are a great way to eat all the fresh veggies, flowers and fruits of the season, and they look like little paintings with flowers on the outside and different colors and textures throughout. In the summer months, our bodies naturally gravitate toward eating more raw vegetables and fruits to cool our system and attune to the season of lightness. The grounding aspect in these petal rolls comes from the root veggies and the piquant, velvety peanut sauce. They are easy to make with whatever veggies and fruits we have on hand and are a great meal to take on the trail. Gather whatever ingredients sound delicious at the local market or farm, forage some delicacies if you have the time and put on your favorite music to inspire making these rolls. Package of spring roll wrappers/rice wrappers 2-3 cucumbers or summer squash, cut into lengthwise strips Edible flowers (optional) such as scarlet begonias, nasturtiums, rose petals, calendula, dandelion petals, sweet alyssum, radish flowers, bachelor buttons, violets, violas or pea flowers 1 bunch mint (about 1 cup) 1 bunch cilantro (about 1 cup) Combination of fresh root vege tables

in an assortment of colors, such as turnips, radishes and carrots, sliced in thin sticks Spinach, nasturtium leaves or other tender green leaves to create a background for your petals 1 avocado, sliced thin (optional) Asparagus, sliced in thin sticks Red pepper, sliced thin, lengthwise 10-oz pack of thin rice noodles Snap peas, purple or green, sliced lengthwise

All of these ingredients are recommendations or suggestions meant to inspire, but they are merely ideas. Use what is available. Spring rolls are excellent with almost any combination of fresh ingredients. I use a general framework of onethird each of crunchy or harder ingredients, like cucumber, squash, radish and carrot; softer ingredients like avocado, peach, mushroom and iceberg lettuce; and flowers, herbs, leaves such as rose petals, calendula, basil, mint and squash blossoms. First, prep all the ingredients and set up a space to roll and see all of the ingredients. It isn’t necessary to cut everything perfectly, and tearing lettuces or other leaves is a great way to save time and create texture. I like to have my ingredients separated by type or color to create the rolls like a painting, using a palette. Have a bowl with water that is large enough to dip the spring roll wrappers. Next to this, have a plate that is large enough to hold the wrappers. Have bowls or plates or a large cutting board with all the ingredients laid out to access everything easily and quickly. HOUSTON METRO EDITION

SPICY MAGNOLIA SALAD CUPS

FLOWER - VEGETABLE WRAPS Quickly dip a rice wrapper into the water and place it onto the plate. Add flowers or individual flower petals to the wrapper. Layer the petals to about a half-inch of the edge of the wrapper. There is really no wrong way to create these rolls.

YIELD: FOUR APPETIZER SERVINGS All magnolia petals have a strong, gingery flavor with a hint of cloves or menthol, depending on the variety. Blooming through summer, North American southern magnolia flowers (Magnolia grandiflora) are the size of dinner plates. Their substantial, fragrant petals make beautiful edible cups for assertively flavored salads or ceviche. Here, blandly creamy avocado, crisp peppery radish slices, quick-pickled onion and a kiss of high-quality soy sauce fill the luscious petals with complementary textures and flavors. Pick the whole petal up like a taco and bite to get the full effect in a mouthful. 1 ripe avocado, cubed 3 radishes, very thinly sliced 2-3 Tbsp quick-pickled red onion rings 2 pickled Japanese knotweed shoots (optional) ¼ tsp chili flakes 2 tsp soy sauce (like organic Ohsawa nama shoyu) Roasted sesame oil

Starting in the middle of the roll, on top of the petals and background leaves, make a line of crunchier or “harder” veggies like carrot, cucumber or radish sticks. Add up to nine sticks about two to three inches long each to make a line in the center. They can be close together and on top of one another. Next, add softer veggies or fruit (peach/mango/mushrooms/ avocado) next to or on top of the line of harder veggies. Now sprinkle on the cilantro/mint/basil (roughly 1 to 2 tablespoons total per roll, unless you love these flavors and want to add more). Add leaves, lettuces, sprouts or spinach on top of this center line. It doesn’t need to be perfect at all, so let things spill out and over. Try to work as quickly as possible while adding ingredients; it will get faster as you make them. Then begin to lift one side of the roll using both hands and carefully pull up into the center of the roll toward the line of filling. Use your thumb to tuck the ingredients under and your fingers to bring more of the wrapper across over the line and then roll it all so the top goes under. You will need a small amount of the wrapper clear of ingredients at the end so it can seal with the roll you have made. (I don’t tuck the sides at all because doing it this way is faster and generally holds together better.)

QUICK-PICKLED ONION The heavy seasoning is important to make these pickles pop. Leftover pickles keep indefinitely in the refrigerator, and the flavorful brine is delicious in salad dressings. ½ cup white wine or rice vinegar ¼ cup water 1 tsp salt 2 Tbsp sugar 2 small red onions, thinly sliced into rings In a Mason jar, combine the vinegar, water, salt and sugar. Close the lid tightly and shake to dissolve the seasonings. Add the onions. Allow the mixture to sit in the brine for a minimum of 30 minutes before using. To assemble the magnolia cups, arrange the avocado cubes, radish and pickled onion between the four petals. Season lightly with chili flakes and soy sauce. Add a few drops of the roasted sesame oil. Serve at once and inhale. Recipe courtesy of Marie Viljoen.

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Jeffrey Smith on the

Threat of Gene-Edited Microbes by Sandra Yeyati

hen most people didn’t know what a GMO (genetically engineered organism) was 25 years ago, Jeffrey Smith, the founder and executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, was one of the leaders of a global movement that helped consumers understand the dangers of genetically engineered foods. The success of these efforts prompted significant swaths of the population to reject GM comestibles, leading food manufacturers to develop nonGMO alternatives. His most recent efforts focus on gene-edited microbes.

Why do you believe that unregulated releases of gene-edited plants, animals or microbes could devastate our planet? First, GMOs can persist forever in the gene pool. They’re self-propagating. Second, the most common result of genetic engineering is surprise side effects. Third, gene editing is so inexpensive that virtually everything with DNA can be a target. You can buy a do-it-yourself CRSPR kit online for less than $200. Already, it’s being used in high school biology labs. Nature’s gene pool is up for grabs with no real safety net, and the impact can last for thousands of years from a single release.

What are the world’s most dangerous organisms to gene edit and why? The microbial ecosystem known as the microbiome. It is a basis for human and environmental health. Experts say we’ve outsourced about 90 percent of our metabolic and chemical functions to our microbiome, and imbalances in the microbiome are precursors to about 80 percent of diseases. The microbiome is essential for soil health and health in virtually every ecosystem. If you release a genetically engineered microbe, it might travel around the world, mutate and swap genes with thousands of other microbes. These, in turn, can travel and mutate with unpredicted side effects and changes in function. This can potentially damage or collapse ecosystems around the world.

How can we stop this threat? We need to disallow any release of genetically engineered microbes through legislation and international treaties. Without such laws, we could see a million GM microbes released in this generation, which could destroy the nature of nature,

We need to disallow any release of genetically engineered microbes through legislation and international treaties. and all future generations would be forced to grapple with our mistakes. We also should restrict access to these technologies and ban so-called gain-of-function enhancement of potentially pandemic pathogens, even in so-called bio-secure laboratories, because over 1,000 recorded accidents show that bio-security isn’t reliable enough to create and house pathogens which, if released, could lead to another pandemic.

How did you help build a movement that led to wide-scale rejection of GMOs? I’ve spoken in 45 countries, counseled politicians and leaders, written two books, made five movies, trained 1,500 speakers and helped organize over 10,000 activists in more than a hundred groups. We exposed the dangers of GMOs and the corrupt practices by the biotech industry and regulatory agencies. Now, 51 percent of Americans and 48 percent of global consumers correctly believe that GMO foods aren’t safe. This was designed to influence purchasing choices to put economic pressure on food companies to remove GMO ingredients. The tipping point of consumer rejection is underway.

How are you mobilizing a movement against GM microbes? Our choices in supermarkets won’t stop the release of genetically engineered microbes, so we need to focus on enacting new laws in individual countries and international treaties. But we can’t rely on consistency of government laws. We need to build a popular movement so that everyone in the world realizes we have now arrived at an inevitable time in human civilization where we can damage the streams of evolution for all time, and that we need to become far more responsible in our relationship with nature. We need to institutionalize the choices in academia so that everyone growing up, just as they now learn about climate change, also learns about the dangers of genetic technology and what we need to do as a civilization to protect nature’s gene pool forever.

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How can people help? I invite people to visit ProtectNatureNow.com, sign up for our newsletter and watch the 16-minute film Don’t Let the Gene Out of the Bottle. We post action alerts for people to reach out to elected officials and local papers, and we’ll have plenty more opportunities for people moving forward, including training programs and a global advocacy network. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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calendar of events JULY 2022

To have your business or organizations events listed in our calendar send your information to mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com

ALL THROUGH JULY

Overcoming: Art with a Social Message Psychotherapy by Angelina and Roxy Wuz Here Art have partnered to present the Overcoming project through August 15 in the art therapy studio of the Therapy by Angelina center. Overcoming is a quadtych artwork featuring a transition of colors and textures intended to highlight the stages of depression, navigating and managing it. Throughout the duration of the installation they will host several events which will include a meet the artist open house, an artist talk and two artist workshops for children and adults. Psychotherapy by Angelina 4747 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 545, Bellaire. For more information, call or visit TherapyByAngelina.com. Online Plastic-Free Challenge Plastic pollution now contaminates the deepest trenches in the ocean, high mountain peaks and even the air we breathe, plus recently being found in our blood. Plastic has entered the food chain, killing wildlife and causing the average person to ingest a significant amount of plastic each week. Join the Lutherans Restoring Creation Gulf Coast team at Tinyurl.com/LutheranPlasticTeam. Join the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston team at Tinyurl.com/ InterfaithPlasticTeam. For more information, visit PlasticFree.Ecochallenge.org or email team captain Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@ gmail.com.

FRIDAY JULY 2ND

SUMMER SYMPHONY NIGHTS 8:30-10:30 pm Join your Houston Symphony for Summer Symphony Nights at Miller! Tonight’s performance will be:*Lina Gonzales-Granados, conductor*Gabriel Martins, cello C. SIMON Fate Now Conquers, SCHUMANN Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129, FARRENC Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Op. 36. FREE. Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030. milleroutdoortheatre.com

MONDAY JULY 4TH

Freesom Over Texas This year’s Freedom Over Texas will return to an in-person event filled with six-hours of festivities, tradition, and live concert stages, along Allen Parkway. Freedom Over Texas will feature local, regional, and national entertainment and will be capped off with a musically choreographed, “Texas-sized” fireworks finale. .houstontx.gov/july4/

JULY 2022

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SATURDAY JULY 9TH

ROAD TO RIVER REVIVAL MUSIC FEST 6:30 pm Jam to live music at Market Square Park as we countdown to Texas’ most intimate camping and music festival, River Revival. Tomar and the FC’s (headliner) with Gio Chamba Feel the blues take control with soulful instrumental band, Tomar and the FC’s and electric cumbia band, Gio Chamba. FREE. Market Square Park 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002. marketsquarepark. com

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FRIDAY JULY 15TH

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY 8:30 pm Forget about trekking to the theater for your movie fix and head to Market Square Park for a free outdoor screening of There’s Something About Mary (R). Lawn chairs and blankets are highly recommended. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. Outside alcohol is not allowed to be brought into the park; however, beer and wine are sold at Niko Niko’s on-site along with delicious Greek and American food. FREE Market Square Park 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002. marketsquarepark.com

SATURDAY JULY 16TH

IGBO Fest Houston 6 am-11 pm A cultural, music, folklore festival promoting all aspects of youth and adult artisans in traditional dance, comedy, fashion, and singing to support cultural understanding.FREE.

THURSDAY JULY 21ST

BLANKET BINGO 6 pm This popular park favorite is back! Join us for an exciting new season of Blanket Bingo, benefiting Market Square Park and Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs or snag one of the tables at the park for a night of fun, music and great prizes! Packets will go on sale at 6 PM and Bingo will begin at 7 PM. This event has been known to sell out, so be sure to get to the park early to secure your chances. Market Square Park 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002. marketsquarepark.com

SATURDAY JULY 21ST

HOUSTON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: KING LEAR 8:15-10:15 pm King Lear, in dividing his estate, disowns the wrong child. Family loyalty, betrayal, and madness set the stage for King Lear. FREE Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030. milleroutdoortheatre.com

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

tuesday

saturday

Monday Meditation Sangha 12 n-1:15 pm Beginning July Beginners and experienced meditators are invited to sit with us for our weekly Insight meditation sangha. Unity of Houston Chapel 2929 Unity Drive UnityHouston.org

Hatha Yoga 9-10 am A basic vinyasa yoga class for enhanced awareness and a strong, healthy body led by Andria Dugas. This Saturday class is a perfect way to start the weekend strong. Classes are free but registration is requested on site. Bring a towel and water, as well as a mat for yoga classes. discoverygreen.com

Core Focused Yoga 6:30-7:30 pm. Strengthen your body, relax your mind and find your center with this dynamic flow yoga sequence with Farida Meguid and Saumil Manek. Classes are free but registration is requested on site. Bring a towel and water, as well as a mat for yoga classes. discoverygreen.com

wednesday Blissful Quests® with Doyle Ward-The Pocast. 1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast

thursday Free Virtual Meditation Class 6:30-7:30 pm. Experience the Peace Within! Join our free meditation class. Sponsored by Houston Meditation. houston-meditation.org

Tai Chi at Discovery Green 10:15-11:15 am. Led by Simone Oliver of Four Dragons Institute, this Tai Chi class focuses on slow, meditative movements for increased health and mental wellbeing.Classes are free but registration is required on site. Bring a towel and water, as well as a mat for yoga classes. discoverygreen.com

sunday Houston Zen Center 8”20 am Sunday Sangha. https://houstonzen.org/cloud-zendo Unity of Houston. The Unity of Houston Summer Spectacular Series will feature inspirational guest speakers and musicians from around the U.S. and Jamaica. Each speaker will deliver a talk at the 11 a.m. Sunday Service and offer a workshop in the afternoon. Sunday services are held in the sanctuary; workshops and musical events will be held in the pyramid.Admission at Sun. services is free. Speaker workshops cost $30 each or $80 for all four workshops (bundle ticket). Musical events are a $20 suggested love offering. Location: 2929 Unity Dr., Houston. For more information, visit UnityHouston.org/summer-spectacular.

classified ads OFFICE FOR RENT BEST PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE IN HOUSTON. Looking for office space for your health & wellness practice. We have 4 office spaces available above our boutique integrative medicine practice. 200 sq.ft. & storage space. Call today for rates or to schedule a tour. The Healing Space Integrative Medicine 1728 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. 713.520.6800 thehealingspacehouston.com See ad page 6

RESERVE THIS SPACE ADVERTISE HERE! Reach 32K Reader for ONLY $20/month Send Email to mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com put CLASSIFIEDS in the subject line.

october

HolisticMassage Special

healthy planet

$35 per hour

$28 per hour when you buy five! Phoenix School Students 6600 Harwin Suite 101 Houston, Texas 77036 713-974-5976 tranquilwatersspa.club

TDLR MS #0008

healthy living guide ACUPUNCTURE

BATH PRODUCTS

APRIL BUI HOLISTIC ACUPUNCTURE

CONNIE’S BATH SHACK 211 Midway St, Bldg E Spring, TX 77373 (281) 288-9595 conniesbathshack.com

Houston’s natural holistic medicine clinic since 2008, we offer

A quaint shop in the heart of historic Old Town Spring Texas, offering unique handmade bath and body products and lots of rubber ducks. Small Batch Handmade soaps by Connie. Wonderful lather and amazing Scents. Enjoy the aromatherapy of a bath in your shower with Shower Steamers. Put little bit of heaven for your bath with Fizzies. We also have bath salts, scrubs, shampoos, lotions, creams, shaving creams & soaps, and batch accessories of all kinds. Shop conveniently on-line or drop by our store.

9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 504 Houston, Texas 77024 713-922-3474 abui-acupunctureclinic.com

t Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine t Energy healing, flower essence therapy t nternal medicine t Pain management t Women’s health t Emotional, trauma healing t Chakra clearing and balancing t Stress, anxiety, mood disorders t Hormone, energy, sleep imbalance t Diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, gastrointestinal, and MORE… Comprehensive holistic care, high standard healing practice, personalized and dedicated patient service. We heal to the root of your problems. Let us know how we can help you, contact us for your in-depth Free Consultation.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE INSPYRE PHYSICAL MEDICINE & WELLNESS

Leanne LeDoux, FNP-C Let our team help you live your BEST life!! 2100 Travis Street Ste. 380 Houston, Texas 77002 inspyrepmw.com Do you struggle with pain in your neck, back, or joints? Looking for ALTERNATIVES to medication and surgery? We have a team of providers that work together to think outside the traditional medicine box to get you feeling better faster! Vist our website to schedule an appointment.

Sunrays must be the sun’s way of dancing alone. ~Prem

JULY 2022

BRAIN BALANCING CERESET™

Galveston, Texas cereset.com 409-599-7268 The Cereset™ Gavston location is part of a national network of client centers focused on next-generation brain wellness - helping you relax your brain to manage restful sleep through patented BrainEcho™ technology, which empowers the brain to reset itself as it hears and “sees” its own reflection. To schedule an appointment call: 409-599-7268. See ad on page 8.

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY ADORE DENTISTRY 540 W 19 Street Houston, TX 77008 832-930-7844 adore-dentistry.com Re-designing dentistry in Houston Heights by creating a personalized, comfortable, and fun experience to deliver excellent patient satisfaction. From preventative dentistry to smile makeovers, our team of dental professionals have the skill-sets to provide remarkable quality and compassionate care to give you that smile you’ve always wanted. Services include cosmetic, preventative, restorative, and a full range of family dentistry services. Lead by Drs. Emilyann Pham and Ann Blair our team provides compassionate human-centered patient care. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment. Insurance accepted. See Ad on page 8

MARILYN K. JONES, DDS Houston Dental Health Center 800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057 713-497-1355 houstonbiologicaldentist.com Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment. See ad on page 25

CBD SMOKE ENVY/BETTER DAYS CBD

2524 Yale Street, #2, Houston, TX 77008 832-744-9944 18123 Egret Bay Blvd, Houston, TX, 77053 smokenvy.com/ CBD vape pens, gummies, tintures, flower,oils, apparel and accessories. We stock Better Days CBD products.

HYDROSHACK HYDROPONICS

1138 W 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008 Open 7 days a week 713-292-1921 Hydroshack.com Hydroshack proudly carries some of the most beautiful highCBD hemp flower and Delta 8 products in Houston! We also sell the highest quality 1.5 gram pre-rolls packed with actual bud and never trim. Our bud-tenders will be more than happy to let you experience true legal Hemp Flower from our open sample jars.While you are in check out our complete line of hydroponic growing products. See Ad page 11

Summer is singing with joy, and the beaches are inviting you with dancing waves. ~Debasish Mridha

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

COACHING BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now! 832-628-4113 blissfulquests.com Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio.com See ad on page 22

COLONICS JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE 1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com

Established 1989. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions only- yours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

URBAN COLONICS

Barbara Ellis, Retired RN 5042 Briscoe St. Houston, TX.77033 713-738-8199 urbancolonics.com Serving Houston and the surrounding area since 1979. We now offer the first and ONLY mobile colonic service in Houston. We continue to irrigate with State Of The Art Equipment (closed colonic systems cleared by the FDA). We utilize totally disposable colonic set-ups and sterile water. A prescription is required for this procedure. Our Medical Director at a different location will make an assessment and write a prescription for OUR clients only. Visit our website to learn more details. Please call us to schedule an appointment. See ad page 9.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ERIN THOLE, CNHP ErinThole.com Thole.erin@gmail.com Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fitsall program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays. See Ad page 17.

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

HYPNOSIS CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only) 281-849-4610 ca@claudiaautry.com claudiaautry.com

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax, find balance and increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call SOON to book your appointment. Let’s work together to create the life you want!

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHOENIX RISING INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 3100 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77098 713-806-9927 phoenixrisingacu.com

We offer comprehensive and customized therapeutic plans that address chronic illness & autoimmune disease for patients seeking support both in-person and virtually. Phoenix Rising Integrative Medicine takes an integrative approach to addressing chronic illness and autoimmune by combining ancient healing tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern functional medicine, including evidence-based lab testing, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine and acupuncture protocols that are customized for each patient. We also work with patients suffering from environmental and food allergies, reproductive and fertility issues, breast implant illness, and emotional health issues. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment.

713-927-6540 29

JUICE KARUNA BEVERAGES Food Is Better MedicineTM mykaruna.com

Organic juice detox & antioxidant juices, preboitic plant protein smoothies and synergy coffee blends. Karuna and Karviva products are available on Amazon and at Houston Area H-E-B, Sprouts Farmers Market and Central Market Stores. See Ad page 18.

KRATOM KREAT DAY BOTANICALS 1973 W Gray, Suite 23 Houston, TX 77019 713-369-0946 KreatDay.com A BBB Accredited Business

We provide the choicest healthy Botanicals garnered from some of the most exotic corners of the world. Only The BEST! We ensure quality by going to the source, checking our international vendors 1st hand, and using USDA Certified Organic vendors when applicable. We stand by our products and our services! If you are unsatisfied with your order we will return, exchange and or refund your money. We got you covered! See ads on pages 2, 9, and 11. Our aim is to make you have a KREAT experience as well as a Kreat Day!

LYMPHATIC THERAPY

MASSAGE STAN’S HANDS MASSAGE & WELLNESS 2990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 440 Houston, TX 77098 832-526-6520 stanshandsmassage.com

Are you in pain? Well, you don’t have to live like this. We are here to heal your body and mind through massage and energetic practices. We offer a wide variety of massage modalities designed to fit your needs. We offer both onsite chair and concierge table massage. Call today to book your appointment at 832-526-6520. Our mission is to heal your mind and body.

PHOENIX SCHOOL OF MASSAGE 6600 Harwin Drive Houston, TX 77036 713-974-0360 themassageschool.com

Learn massage and holistic health. Train for a career you will love. New Program: Online classes combined with on campus classes! Open your own practice. Find employment at Luxury Spas, Fitness Centers & Rehab Clinics. Finish in as little as 5 ½ months. Join one of the fastest growing Health Care Professions. Visit our website or call today for more information or to schedule a tour of our school.Day and Night classes start SOON. See ad on page 18.

METAPHYSICAL

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

CHAKRA SHOP OF OLD TOWN SPRING

Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs where it can and may cause blockages. Lymphatic therapy can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well – Stay well. CALL TODAY!

A unique metaphysical shop in Old Town Spring.Services include: Spiritual Guidance Life Coach, Psychic, Tarot, Medium, Chakra & Aura Readings. We also stock: Candles, Crystals, Gemstones, Jewelry, Oils, Incense, Sage, Herbs, Resins & More! When you visit Old Town Spring, be sure to stop by our store.

1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com

JULY 2022

315 Gentry Street Spring Texas 77373 Unit B1 281-288-9130

CRYSTAL KINGDOM

309 Market Street, Unit D Tomball, TX 77375 346-236-6108 instagram.com/crystalkingdomtx Located in the heart of the Old Tomball shopping district, Crystal Kingdom is not your average metaphysical shop. Their specialty is custom made, fully-dressed 7-Day Candles for your specific needs. They also have a full stock of incense, oils, stones, jewelry and herbs. While you are there, ask about having your horoscope cast and be sure to mention that you “Saw them in Natural Awakenings”.

ODYSSEY EMPORIUM 123 Midway St, Bldg C Spring, Texas 77373 888-492-3584 odysseyemporium.com

We are a retail shop and also have an online store. We can also custom-make many of our product lines. Our products include a range of metaphysical items, clothing, books, stones, jewelry, candles, soaps, teas, incenses, herbs, blades, and accessories for spiritual work. We also have some unique renaissance festival and gothic clothing and accessories. Check out our gaming and sci-fi themed products as well. We offer daily in-house Tarot reading and conduct private Old Town Spring Ghost tours. Open 7 days a week.

NATURAL HORMONES DR. FISHER ROAD 2 WELLNESS

Dr. LaTronica Fisher, DNP, ANP, GNP, RN 4544 Post Oak Place Dr. STE #254 Houston, Texas 77027 DrFisherRoad2Wellness.com 713 520-8188 Services: nHormone Rejuvenation nVaginal Dryness nUrinary Incontinence nLow Libido nErectile Dysfution nLow Stamina nWeight-Loss nSexual Dysfunction(men & women) nHair Restoration nNatural Face Lift Call today to schedule a consultation

HOUSTON METRO EDITION

NATUROPATH HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC “Better Health Naturally” Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991 HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Dr. Gracie Chukwu is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a Certified Nutrition Counselor. She has been assisting people for over five years with holistic medicine, diet, nutrition and supplement support to enhance her client’s health and overall well-being. If you are suffering and cannot find relief, give Dr. Gracie a call. See ad on page 17.

ORGANIC HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS A JOURNEY TO WELLNESS

By Gelcys Basulto Helping people pursue a more mindful lifestyle. 1923 Ave G Rosenberg, TX 77471 ajourneytowellness.org 832-449-2600 Are your health and personal care products putting your health at risk? Take the short trip to Downtown Rosenberg and visit A Journey To Wellness. All of our products are 100% Organic and made with natural ingredients. (You can also order online and we’ll ship our products to you.) We also offer Health and Wellness coaching. Book a free consultation and let’s get started embracing your new life in health today!

august

self-empowerment

PAIN REMEDY AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 info@AlbertasPainRelief.com albertaspainrelief.com Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! Visit website for other options. See ad on page 17.

PET FOOD BOBCAT RAW FOOD

Made locally. Delivered to your door. bobcatrawfood.com Our raw cat food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of obligate carnivores. We use only the highest quality Grade A, USDA certified US-sourced meats. All our meals are 100% natural and grain-free and are pre-portioned to for your convenience. Our top priority is to make feeding raw convenient and affordable. We deliver inside Houston for a flat fee of only $5. Visit our website today and let your cat experience the difference a raw food diet makes.

SURFING SCHOOL C-SICK SURFIN’ 43rd Street Lifeguard Stand-Seawall Blvd. Galveston, Texas 409-770-9455 c-sicksurfin.com Galveston’s oldest professional Surf School. Teaching at the 43rd Street Lifeguard Stand since 1999. C-Sick offers a basic 2 hour beginner lesson for $50. We provide everyone with the right size soft top surfboard and wetsuits when needed. C-Sick does Private Parties for groups up to ten people. We Teach On The Beach By Appointment ONLY. OPEN ALL YEAR!

THERMOGRAPHY MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER “Better Health Naturally” Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991 HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Breast thermography has the ability to warn woman up to 10 years before any other procedure that a cancer may be forming; thus, allowing for prompt and timely treatment. Thermography uses no radiation and poses absolutely NO health risks to the patient. Consequently, scans may be performed at any frequency necessary. BREAST THERMOGRAPHY GUIDELINES: Baseline thermograph at age 20, 20-30 years of age–every three years, and 30 years of age and over–every year. If you are a woman, over 20 years old and have not had a breast thermograph, call Dr. Gracie TODAY. See ad on page 11.

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. ~Omar Khayyam

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Natural Awakenings Houston July 2022

Articles inside

Earth-Friendly Hiking

The Healthy Food Movement

Pollinator Haven