Before photos, there were drawings. They ranged from cave drawings of animals like lions, bison, mammoths, horses, and warty pigs, to illustrations in early Victorian botanical journals of the natural world, portraying meticulously described species that served to document life on earth. These drawings brought living things in distant and close destinations to all those […]
In the quest to solve the plastic pollution crisis, organizations of all types are working on solutions. The Good Times has highlighted a few on these pages in the past, such as the Ocean Cleanup removing plastics from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative to remove microplastics from water, bacteria that have […]
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, most commonly known simply as the Appalachian Trail or AT, is the “longest hiking-only footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,190 miles.” As many as 3,000 people attempt to hike the entire trail each year, which takes between 5 and 7 months. Yet only 1 in 4 actually succeed in walking […]
Have you ever heard of forest therapy or forest bathing? Do you know anything about phytoncides? These are all about making you healthier in an incredibly simple way. Forest therapy is “healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments.” It’s about allowing your body and psyche to be at peace in the […]
How can you improve your immune system to better resist diseases and infection? Follow this effective, simple and evidence-based advice: Look after your skin. The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, contains a network of Langerhans cells that provide a physical barrier against infection. Because skin serves as the interface with the external environment, one […]
There is good news surrounding the COVID-19 crisis. It has brought out the best in societies: solidarity among neighbors, colleagues and health professionals, and emergency relief and treatments. And its lessons are clear, despite taking hundreds of thousands of lives and creating the worst economic recession since the 1930s, resulting in lost employment, income, health, […]
A flowering plant in the daisy family, Echinacea has been shown to improve immunity, anxiety, inflammation and skin health and to lower blood sugar levels. It may even have anti-cancer properties. Although human-based research is limited, it is considered safe and well tolerated for short-term use. Why is this plant important? It’s a good reminder […]
On today, June 5, World Environment Day, the United Nations reminds us that “the foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable all come from nature. “Yet, these are exceptional times in which nature is sending us a message: To care for ourselves we must […]
“Now is the time for world leaders to act. Help protect 30% of the planet by 2030.” That’s the message on the Campaign for Nature website. Why 2030? Currently, almost half of our planet is in a natural state, and 15% of the land and 7% of the ocean are covered by protected areas. Campaign […]
Did you know? Hugging a tree, even touching it, will likely make you healthier. And just being around trees has beneficial effects. Nature & Health magazine reports that, “Tree-hugging has been shown to specifically benefit depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), headaches, muscle weakness, stress and poor concentration.” Studies especially in Asia have long suggested […]
