Social Issues

Wildfire smoke poses a severe yet often overlooked public health threat, with recent studies highlighting its deadly impact. As wildfires grow more frequent and intense, understanding and mitigating the health risks from smoke pollution becomes increasingly crucial for families and communities.

Have you ever considered combining travel with hands-on experience in sustainable living? WWOOFing lets you work on organic farms around the world in exchange for food and lodging. You can immerse yourself in local cultures, make new friends, and gain valuable skills — all while helping small farms thrive. Find out more and discover how to get started WWOOFing.

University of Washington researchers highlight how improved nutrition standards and universal free meal programs have enhanced diet quality and reduced childhood obesity. Discover why expanding universal free school meals could make a world of difference for millions of kids.

This article from nonprofit media organization Grist delves into the ongoing evasion of animal agriculture’s impact on climate change and explores the urgent need for a transformative approach to the global food system.

Corn is one of the most widely eaten foods in the world. It’s also incredibly versatile. You’ll find corn in baked goods and bread, popped as a snack, grilled on the cob, fed to cows, used to fuel cars, and as the base ingredient for a huge range of processed foods and additives. But is corn good for you? And how do you choose the healthiest corn to eat?

In a world of increasing climate chaos, farmers are more and more vulnerable to extreme weather events that threaten their livelihoods. Farming can be hard work under the best of circumstances, and a changing world is making matters harder and impacting farmers’ mental health. This article from Nexus Media News sheds light on the urgent need for culturally appropriate mental health services and stronger community support systems to help farmers navigate increasingly turbulent times.

Explore how entrepreneurs and businesses alike are spearheading transformative approaches toward a zero-waste future. From household cleaners to personal care items to food and drinks at restaurants, learn how embracing a circular economy can dramatically reduce waste and forge sustainable consumption patterns, promising profound impacts on our planet and health.

This article sheds light on the far-reaching implications and impact of microplastics on human health. And it’s a wake-up call for both individuals and policymakers to reconsider our reliance on plastic. This fascinating exploration into the “sixth basic food group” is a must-read for anyone concerned about the environment, their health, and the future of food safety.

Strawberries are among the world’s favorite berries — and for good reason. Their taste can be divine, and they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients. But they also come with a few downsides, including health and environmental concerns. So is it a good idea to include strawberries in your diet? And if you do, what are the best ways to minimize the risks and potential harms while still taking advantage of their robust nutrition and health benefits?

Gardens can produce food, and we need food to stay alive. But the act of gardening gives us far more than calories. Gardeners tend to be healthier, happier, longer-lived, and more socially engaged than non-gardeners. Why is that? And what kind of gardening, and how much of it, produces the biggest health benefits?

Not all US farmers fit into the stereotype of an old white man in flannel and overalls. There is a growing queer agricultural contingent seeking increased inclusivity and community. LGBTQ+ farmers challenge historical barriers in agriculture, while also leading the way in envisioning (and bringing to fruition) a more equitable and sustainable farming future, where anyone can grow healthy food, and everyone can thrive.

Climate change is turning modern agriculture into a risky proposition, with droughts and heat waves threatening production around the globe. Hydroponics may be part of the solution. Using artificial lighting, circulating water, carefully controlled nutrient solutions, and no soil, hydroponic systems can allow us to grow crops anywhere, anytime, regardless of latitude or season. And they could be a helpful option for home gardeners as well. But how do you get started? And what are the easiest fruits and veggies to grow hydroponically?