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Natural Awakenings South Central Pennsylvania

April 2012 Publisher Letter

This month’s issue is about ‘Green Living’ and I’m inspired by my 10-year-old niece, Abby, pictured here. I noticed a “Family Shopping Contract” posted on the refrigerator in her kitchen and asked about it. She told me that after reading the Scholastic book, You Can Save the Planet – 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference, she started an awareness campaign to educate her family and change the way they shop, eat and wash clothes. She also posted a list of “Washday Rules” in their laundry room.

Our Healthy Kids section this month discusses how parents can guide and inspire their children to lighten our carbon footprint… perhaps author Hilary Ferrand could have included the notion that many children are guiding and inspiring their parents to be more environmentally aware. I’m sure Abby’s going to love and use the Green Home Checklist and I encourage you to use it also, to implement easy steps toward green living in your home.

I remember in our yard as a child, the goal lines for our “field” were the 10-foot-high posts cemented into the ground that held two clotheslines. I remember running through the clothes and linens and helping mom take the clothes off the line when we wanted to play in the yard.

I am happy to report that I am now actively locating the best sun-spot for my new clothesline and was inspired by the documentary DryingForFreedom.com.  Check it out and look for Natural Awakenings at the local Earth Day gatherings this month.

Just as I am inspired by my niece Abby, I’m inspired every day by people of all ages that are making a difference in our communities. The breadth of knowledge and the depth of caring that exist in our backyard from advocates for local, sustainable living is exemplified by Paul Garrett at Green-CAUSE.org. They connect green organizations to facilitate the sharing of information, promote green living and green businesses and provide education about good stewardship practices. Be sure to connect with Green-CAUSE to continue building our local network for environmental efforts.

You’re also invited to attend the local Green Drinks venues each month in Harrisburg, Lancaster and now in York.  These informal social gatherings are great ways to meet and network with new acquaintances and keep conversations rolling about local sustainability efforts in a casual and light-hearted atmosphere.

I’m pleased to announce the addition of a new feature to the magazine. Starting this month, you’ll find the cartoon strip entitled “Holy Mole’,” by Rick Hotton. I suspect that Holy Mole’ will bring a smile to your face each month, and will help you live the motto of the magazine…

Feel good, live simply, laugh more.

Dave