Natural Awakenings - October 2014 Read the October 2014 edition of Natural Awakenings. Household Hazards: States Move Against Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products At least 33 states are examining the toxic chemicals found in such products as toys, cans, bedding and baby shampoos. Read More » Doable Renewables: Engineers Detail a Clean Energy Future Stanford engineers have drafted a plan that uses available technology to move each state to 100 percent wind, water and solar power use by 2050. Read More » Clever Collaborations: Renewables Gain Ground Worldwide In London, Germany and China, smart strategies are fueling the rising use of alternative energy sources. Read More » False Alarm: Expiration Labels Lead People to Toss Good Food The European Union is reconsidering its position on “Best before” date labels, which cause people to prematurely toss still-edible eatables. Read More » Conservation Covenant: A Greener Future for National Parks Yellowstone managers have pledged steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as well as lower electricity and water consumption. Read More » Coral Countdown: Endangered Caribbean Reef Solutions Now shrunk to one-sixth of their original coral cover, Caribbean reefs are in decline, but restoring parrotfish populations and other natural eco-strategies offer hope of their renewal. Read More » Fracking Flub: Methane Dangers May Be Three Times the Estimate The impact of fracking on the environment has been underestimated because surveys have not included accurate measurements of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Read More » Airwaves Activist: Public Radio’s Steve Curwood Empowers Listeners to Aid Planet Earth The host of Living on Earth ponders the threat of global warming, the show’s impact on eco-politics, and the importance of listener feedback. Read More » An A for Apples: It’s a Top-Ranked Superstar Fruit Dense in antioxidants, apples ward off chronic illnesses; some varieties deliver even more beneficial nutrients than others. Read More » Breath-Taking Wisdom: Six Ways to Inhale Energy and Exhale Stress Transforming breathing into a conscious activity can provide energy, dramatically improve our mental and physical health and boost creative performances. Here are six healing techniques. Read More » Live Your True Self: Four Tools Guide Us on Our Life Journey When our focus shifts away from survival, we gain access to our essential self and act from a higher consciousness. Read More » New Cancer Test for Dogs: Detects Illness in Time for Effective Treatment A simple new blood test allows cancer to be detected four to six months before a dog develops outward symptoms. Read More » Dynamic Duo: Combining Chiropractic and Acupuncture Energizes Health Chiropractors throughout the country are finding that after they correct a patient’s structural problems with spinal manipulation, the use of acupuncture facilitates healing. Read More » Dr. Andrew Weil on America’s Evolution into Integrative Medicine Natural Awakenings had the opportunity to pose progressive healthcare-related questions to Dr. Andrew Weil. Read More » Coastal Caretaking: Zoning Tropical Waters Like Land Resources Tropical coastlines, increasingly endangered by rising populations and climate change, should be zoned to arrange for competing uses to foster sustainability. Read More » Acupuncture Lowers Meth Withdrawal Symptoms: Natural Treatment for Addicts Chinese researchers have found that meth addicts experienced less anxiety and depression when they were treated with acupuncture during withdrawal from the drug. Read More » Make Mulch: Enrich Garden Soil Naturally From leaves to yard trimmings to ground-up vines, materials for good moisture-retaining mulch can often be found in our own yards. Read More » Water Fluoridation Gets Another Thumbs-Down: Dangerous Risks Associated with Fluoride Municipal fluoridation has little effect upon cavities and carries cognitive, thyroid and enzyme disruption risk, a British meta-review of 92 studies has concluded. Read More » Yoga Practice Pumps Up Detoxifying Antioxidants: Three Month Study Finds Health Benefits Three months of yoga, combined with breathing exercises and meditation, produced higher levels of antioxidants in India’s Air Force cadets. Read More » Energy Efficiency Improves Family Health: Good for the Environment and Personal Well-being In two studies, families that installed energy-efficient heating systems had better sleep, less obesity, and fewer illnesses such as allergies and sinusitis. Read More » Lower Breast Cancer Risk by Eating Colorful Veggies: Cut Your Risk in Half Women that eat lots of green and orange veggies loaded with carotenoids slash their breast cancer risk nearly in half, researchers have found. Read More » Sustainable Cityscapes: Urban America is Going Green in a Big Way Forward-thinking U.S. cities are emphasizing healthy housing, friendly neighborhoods, car-free transportation, clean energy, local food and waste reduction. Read More » The Sun’s Electrifying Future: Solar Power is a Worldwide Eco-Goldmine As technological advancements and lower costs deliver solar power to even remote villages, it is becoming an accessible engine of economic progress. Read More » Trick & Treat: Host a Halloween that’s Natural, Healthy and Cost-Conscious From natural gelatin dyes and safe face-painting to healthier cat-and-scarecrow-shaped pizzas, there’s lots of ways to create a planet-friendly and funtastic Halloween for kids. Read More » In-Print