Welcome to the Summer Issue!
Dear friends, I hope that you are inspired, as well as entertained by each issue of the Almanac. I also hope that you will support my ad-free labor of love by getting a paid subscription. By helping each other embrace options that meet our needs and promote sustainable lifestyles, we are ensuring the ability of future generations to do the same. Thank you so much!
There is a lot of important-to-your-health information to read in this issue, starting with the three PW Tips: Toothpaste, Sunscreen and Salt. I’m an informed consumer, and every time I need to buy something, like toothpaste for example, I know what to look for. Making healthy decisions when shopping has become second nature to me, and I wish the same for you.
Since I moved to the Hudson Valley last year, I’m experiencing the wonders of spring after a long (long) winter, filling me with gratitude every time I go for a walk in nature. I’ve discovered the benefits of Stinging Nettles, which used to be the bane of my existence growing up in France, where nettles grew in all the areas I wanted to play. I love them now and have shared why nettles are so healthy for us and how to make delicious nettle soup and nettle tea.
The Innovative Design post is truly inspiring and I’m hoping that it will be included in zero energy designs in the future, all over the world. It’s absolutely brilliant, as is the Gamechanger in this issue. I have been a fan of his for many years, and knew he that he cared deeply for the environment and the ocean in particular, but I had no idea the extent of what he does to raise awareness and inspire positive change.
I recently took a Forest Stewardship course, which I loved. It was completely fascinating and I learned a lot about how to be a better steward of the woods by my home and wherever I go for hikes. I loved learning about all the edible plants I could forage on my land, which gave me this incredible feeling of freedom. I could live a little off the land, as long as I foraged responsibly. Did you know that dandelions are really healthy for us to eat? I shared a recipe on how to make dandelion tea, and another for tomatoes, since they are coming into season.
Please read the blog post about spices, and why you should only buy them if they are organic. When I found out about how conventional spices are treated before we buy them, I was horrified. I also wrote about why you should also only buy organic milk and eggs. I know that organics are often too expensive for many, but the more we can support the businesses that provide us with safe, pesticide and toxin free foods, my wish is that they will become the norm and more affordable for everyone.
The artist in this issue is absolutely astonishing. I can’t believe her work and her process, and then the two new additions to the Cabinet of Green Curiosities are fascinating. You wonder how on earth these could be made. I’m also amazed at the resiliency of animals like the caribou, and what they are up against in their yearly migration in June. The land they live on is in jeopardy and we need to help protect it.
As soon as I finished writing the garden calendar for June, I printed it up and posted it on my fridge, so I know exactly what are the best days for certain chores and I can plan accordingly. Getting ready for my new vegetable garden!
So many of us have been obsessed/concerned for years with plastic pollution and it seems like we are finally reaching the point culturally where one-time use plastic is becoming socially unacceptable. On a different note, it seems like the joys of sitting back to read a book are becoming popular again, though for some of us, it never went out of style.
Before I sign off, don’t miss the film I shared in Eco Cinema. It’s short, powerful and informative, and if you are interested in a deeper knowledge of how forests function, listen to the TED talks by a famous ecologist.
Wishing you the most wonderful summer and see you back in for the Fall Issue!
All the best,
Priscilla
Forest Stewardship
I recently took an informative 6 week long workshop called the Fundamentals of Forest Stewardship because I wanted to learn how to have a reciprocal and productive relationship with the forest by my home, and have a deeper understanding of the forest garden within, as well as learn the tools to preserve natural habitats for animals and insects alike.
Farming the Woods: An integrated Permaculture Approach to Growing Food and Medicinals in Temperate Forests by Ken Mudge and Steve Gabriel
Farming the Woods invites a remarkably different perspective: that a healthy forest can be maintained while growing a wide range of food, medicinal, and other non-timber products
