Ecosystem restoration provides a powerful tool for global communities to connect, share knowledge, and make a difference from their backyards. From the rural farmlands of Spain to the glittering Hollywood Hills of the US, meet the changemakers restoring their surroundings and learn how you can be part of the solution.

Laura Bolt is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor specializing in lifestyle and culture. She lives with her cat, Osiris, and can probably be found at Moon Juice. Find her on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/la_vie_bolt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@la_vie_bolt</a>.

environment concerns

Protect our planet better. Sustainability is the foundation of natural health. We teach you how to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, one step at a time, because a healthier planet means a healthier you.

Sustainability

With climate change an increasing threat, understanding the environmental impacts upon heart health has become even more important. Learn about the risks of these factors and the ways you can protect your heart health.

Ashley Linkletter is a food writer based in Vancouver, BC; she specializes in cheese, wine, and nutrition topics.

Toxic Chemicals

Natural is the way. We bring you credible approaches to preventative health, holistic treatments, and supportive supplements.

Health

Marginalized communities are disproportionately exposed to polluting industries, such as dumps, landfills, pipelines, and factories. Let’s dedicate ourselves to a more inclusive form of environmentalism: intersectional environmentalism, the best way to move forward for everyone.

Leah Payne is a writer, author, and editor based in Vancouver, BC. She is the author of <a href="https://www.orcabook.com/Get-Outside-P7924">Get Outside!</a> and <a href="https://www.orcabook.com/Less-Is-More">Less is More</a>. (Headshot credit: Notting Hill Photography). 
&nbsp;

Community

Going “carbon negative” may sound like a lofty goal, but we draw inspiration from the many individuals, companies, and organizations tackling this admirable feat. Grab your passport: let’s take a global tour of carbon negativity together!

Carbon Footprint

Organic farming with minimal disturbance of topsoil sounds like the domain of the small&#x2d;scale farmer. One Pennsylvania farm is proving it can be done on a large scale, ensuring a safe, secure food supply, all while helping to reverse climate change.

Tiffany Mayer is a journalist based in St. Catharines, Ontario. She finds no shortage of inspiration in the Niagara Region where she lives.

Environment

Smartphone production and infrastructure, along with our tendency to upgrade our devices every couple of years, are threatening the planet. Read on to learn more about the problem and what you can do to help minimize it.

Heather Burt bicycles to Langara College, where she teaches literature and writing. Her novel <a href="http://amzn.to/2CLt0mE">Adam's Peak</a> (Dundurn Press, 2007) was shortlisted for the 2008 BC Book Prizes.

Cellphones

Bioplastics are touted as a solution to the deadly problems associated with conventional plastics. But most of these apparently “eco&#x2d;friendly” alternatives come with complications of their own. Read about different types of bioplastics and the ways some experts are navigating our plastics problem.

Plastics

If we want a food system that’s clean, fair, and sustainable, then we can’t leave seeds out of it. Learn the surprising, often&#x2d;forgotten importance of these little carriers of life, along with ways you can exercise seed sovereignty yourself.

Jackie Skrypnek is a holistic nutritionist. She lives in Cochrane, Alberta, where she practises permaculture and operates an urban tiny house bed and breakfast.

Tracy Peternell is a mother of two, a certified school teacher, and a healthy living enthusiast.

Amy Wood is a freelance writer and former editor at alive magazine.

skin

Life is about balance. We provide you with strategies for a lifelong commitment to strength and well-being in all areas of your life. 

Lifestyle

Environmental Concerns

Tree

Canada’s climate is warming twice as fast as the global average. Popular winter traditions are being erased for the next generation of Canadian children.

Joshua Duvauchelle is a regular alive contributor and certified personal trainer.

Here are some practical ways you can help create change for our environment.

Environmental Issues

Troy Blight shares his take on the important role we all play in Orca conservation.

Isabela Vera is an independent consultant, PhD candidate, and writer focused on sustainable food systems.

Beach, please! Our Eco issue delivers a serious dose of vitamin sea (plus some truths about the environment that we just can't ignore).

Food Waste

Much of the world’s oceans are a mystery, but we know for sure that we need them. Find out about the threats to our oceans (and what you can do to help).

A Deep Dive Into the Biggest Threats to Our Oceans | alive

Will Richter is a freelance writer living in Vancouver.

Life without water cannot be. Although Canada is home to 20 percent of the world’s water supply, protecting freshwater is still an urgent concern.

Protecting Freshwater: Why It's More Important Than Ever | alive

Daniela Ginta, MSc, NNCP, is a freelance writer who lives in Kamloops, BC.

Water Quality

Earth Day is April 22. It’s a great time to turn over a new leaf for you and the planet by adopting these easy eco-friendly habits.

Ellen Niemer is a former editor and frequent contributor at alive.

Healthy Habits

Enews

Our water supplies are becoming tapped out. By 2030, it's predicted that water demand will exceed the sustainable supply by 40 percent. What can we do now?

Bryce Tarling is a technical and marketing communications specialist and alive contributor.

Just in time for World Wildlife Day on March 3, here are quick, small changes you can make around the house and yard to help wildlife near and far.

Wildlife

Christmas waste: during the holidays each Canadian creates 110 pounds of extra garbage. Learn how to make the season merry, bright, and green.

Why protect our bogs? This unique wetland improves air quality. Home to a variety of rare plants, birds, and animals, bogs' survival is under threat.

Bev Yaworski is a writer who has worked for an organic food company and an environmental agency.

A citizen scientist can help researchers by collecting data or working to expand habitat. In fact, the sky's the limit for volunteer opportunities.

How to Become a Citizen Scientist

Suman Gupta enjoys engaging Canadians on issues involving biodiversity, wildlife conservation, and citizen science. She has been a contributor to alive magazine since 2011.

Environment

From Soul to Soil

Cardiovascular Health and External Stressors

Why—and How—to Be an Intersectional Environmentalist

Grab Your Passport: Let’s Take a Global Tour of Carbon Negativity!

Cultivating a Climate Change Remedy

No App for This

Is Bioplastic Better? Pros and Cons of These “Eco-Friendly” Alternatives

Exercising Your Seed Sovereignty for a Better Food System

One Intentional Step at a Time

Is Sunscreen Worth It?

Hacking Activist Burnout

Tree Hugging In The New Millennium

Protect Canadian Winters

6 Practical Ways You Can Help Create Change

Orca Conservation

What’s in alive: The Eco Issue

The Blue Planet Blues

Save Our Drinking Water

8 Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Water Supplies from the Ground Up

Love Cute Wildlife? You Can Show It

Reduce Your Christmas Waste

Help Protect Our Bogs

Become a Citizen Scientist