Two years ago no one could have predicted that today I’d be writing this first anniversary Publisher’s Letter for Massachusetts’ own edition of Natural Awakenings, a national phenomenon now serving 87 natural health communities across the country and in Puerto Rico. Such a notion hadn’t even crossed my mind; yet here I am, swept up in the winds of positive change and loving every minute of it.

We have more exciting news to share, as well: With this issue we are now reaching readers in Boston and Brookline, embracing thousands more people actively seeking healthier living and supporting a healthy planet. Look for our distribution rack wherever you find free publications and let us know if there’s somewhere else you want us to show up. We love to hear your feedback and connect with businesses and nonprofits at popular locations; it’s a big help when you let the shopkeeper know you think we’re a good fit. We enjoy making new friends.

Although we’ve changed our name to Natural Awakenings Boston to include our expanded service area, loyal readers and advertisers will of course still find us throughout Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Newton, Waltham, Lexington and Concord.  We’ve increased distribution with larger racks to keep up with demand at Whole Foods both in Brighton and on Washington Street, in Newton, Harvest Co-ops in Jamaica Plain and Cambridge as well as Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center in Waltham. 

Among thanks for abundant blessings, my deepest gratitude goes to our advertisers, especially those that gave us the opportunity to successfully launch our premiere issue and have grown stronger right along with us. We appreciate everyone that has enabled us to deliver on our standing promise “to help you improve the quality of your life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” This love letter includes our distributors, contributors, local team members, national support staff and, of course, every loyal reader that reads this magazine from cover to cover month after month.

As always, these pages are packed with goodies; in this issue we celebrate care for Planet Earth and essentials to a healthy life. Don’t miss “Green Home Checklist,” on page 20, where Crissy Trask takes us on a room-by-room tour of steps we can take today to green up our lifestyle. Jonathan Kava, owner of Green Homes Carpet Cleaning, offers helpful tips in “Green Carpet Cleaning 101,” on page 23. Brita Belli highlights the benefits of capturing and reusing rainwater in “Every Drop Counts,” on page 26; my editor recently connected a small cistern hand-pump to a newly installed rain barrel and now has an easy source for watering house plants with the best water around—just a hint of the possibilities.

You’ll find fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day all month long and beyond in “Mobilize for Earth,” on page 24.  See you around!

Happy Spring,

Maisie Raftery, Publisher