April is a month of renewal, growth and reflection. With the spring season fully underway and Earth Day coming up on April 22, it’s also a time to celebrate our connection to the Earth and our responsibility to care for it. We are so blessed to live on this incredible planet and it’s up to us to honor and protect its beauty.

As a child, I vividly remember my mom emphasizing the importance of not littering. Her words left a lasting impression and I’ve made a personal commitment to leave no trace wherever I go. It’s hard to believe that people still throw garbage out of car windows or carelessly leave trash behind. Avoiding litter is one of the simplest, yet most impactful, ways we can make a conscious difference in our community and beyond. Through the years, I have made this a point with my own children and, fortunately, they have become young adults that will always pick up garbage and try to help in simple ways to protect the environment.

This month’s People, Planet & Purpose edition is sure to uplift and inspire you towards ways that you can pitch in, too. From a multitude of local Earth Day events (see pages 12 & 13), to everyday choices and habits you can adopt, there are countless opportunities to make an impact. Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970, sparked a movement toward environmental awareness and advocacy, but the truth is: Every day should be Earth Day. I encourage you to participate in an event with your family and, if that’s not possible, find a way—big or small—to honor the day.

Our April feature story about Circular Economics is a must-read, offering a fresh perspective on recycling, reusing and reducing waste. This approach shifts away from disposable culture and towards a regenerative way of living. I challenge you to apply one or more of its recommendations this month. After all, small, mindful changes will always create a lasting impact.

This issue also explores the benefits of gardening with native plants, which supports biodiversity and conserves water. Plus, don’t miss our spring astrology article on page 15, written by local astrologer Colin McPhillamy, who describes the current planetary movements and how we can navigate change, retrogrades and the many celestial shifts going on.

As the beauty of nature reawakens around us, this month’s Inspiration department article encourages us to take pause and marvel in the miracles that abound in our world. I’m hopeful that this edition inspires you not only to revel in such moments, but that you’ll take purposeful action and find joy in being a steward of our planet…on Earth Day, and every day!

Thank you for being part of this journey,

Erica Mills, Publisher