Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Westchester / Putnam / Dutchess New York

Making a Difference in Our World

As we approach Earth Day, reflection and action are top of mind, and each of us has a role to play in our journey to celebrate and nurture the planet. Along with the beautiful unfolding of spring, we’re all emerging from our homes and becoming a part of this new age of conscious-living. Whether it’s through sustainable daily living practices, mindful travel or supporting eco-friendly initiatives, our collective efforts can make a profound difference in the world.

What is your favorite thing to do in the spring to get outside? Locally, our family loves to visit farmers markets, meditate together, take walks near the river and work out in the garden. We also truly enjoy traveling and visiting new places. One of our family goals is to make it to every national park in the United States together. There are so many opportunities to learn from travel and also make it meaningful. Where are you off to next?

This issue of Natural Awakenings is meant to help you plan your future travels with intention and purpose. Our feature story considers the various aspects of traveling in a sustainable way including environmental impacts, cultural respect and economic support for local communities. As travelers, we have the opportunity to explore the beauty of our world while also taking steps to protect it. Is this something you’ve considered when making travel plans? We can all be a part of responsible tourism by respecting the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environment, economy and equity.
When planning your next trip, consider opting for slower travel, supporting local economies, and choosing destinations that are not overwhelmed by over-tourism. Pack with purpose by choosing eco-friendly products and minimizing waste whenever and wherever possible. 

Fortunately, being heedful of our environmental impact doesn’t mean sacrificing on adventure. It simply means we’re making conscious choices that benefit both the Earth and the communities we visit. It’s important to remember that our footprint extends beyond the environment to the socio-cultural fabric of the destinations we visit. By respecting local traditions, engaging with locals respectfully and supporting locally owned businesses, we can contribute positively to the communities we encounter.

Closer to home, we can make small changes in our daily lives to reduce our ecological footprint, too. This issue has many more tips and insights to share on a plethora of healthy and inspiring topics. Whether you’re off to your next excursion or happily relaxing at home in your favorite chair, we hope you keep what you learn in this issue in mind so we all enjoy a greener, more sustainable future.

Happy Trails!

 








Erica Mills, Publisher