Smoky skies aren’t very inspiring for summer beach reads, but for better or worse, it does set the tone for environmental literature that speaks to our love for nature. Here is a mix of titles you can check out from adventurous and reflective nature writing.

Nature has always been associated with good health. In today’s lifestyle marketing, “natural” is nearly used as a synonym of “healthy.” Open-air classrooms were popular in the early 1900s as a way to teach ill school children while exposing them to plenty of fresh air and sunshine per the medical advice of the time. Nineteenth-century public asylums began to be designed with acres of surrounding gardens and natural landscapes.

As this hot summer has reminded us, tree canopies are excellent for providing shade and lowering surface and air temperatures.

One of the simplest breads in the culinary universe is roti, an Indian bread made from whole wheat flour. This bread is unleavened, meaning it requires no yeast, unlike the more popular Indian flatbread naan.

Do your kids want to learn more about the Olympic Games? Here are some great family reads featuring the history of the Olympics as well as stories about some of its remarkable athletes.

Although the Olympic Games have been a source of various controversies this year, the stories of its athletes and what they must overcome to compete alongside the best have always been inspiring. Here is some nonfiction reading you can dive into now.

Your hips aren’t just for busting moves on the dance floor. They are essential for your body’s mobility, from standing and balancing to bending, lifting, pivoting, stepping, jumping and many other movements. Hips also provide support for the organs and our spine. No matter your age, maintaining hip health is crucial for quality of life and overall physical health.

Heat and wildfires are hard for us to live through, but they can be even rougher on our local bird populations. Low precipitation levels, intense heat and loss of habitat to fires makes the summer season harder to endure. If you would like to use your outdoor space to support birds through this tough warm season, here are a few tips for creating a bird friendly yard.

Plant-based eating is much more than eating salads every day. Here are some cookbooks that can give you the inspiration and know-how you need to make a delicious variety of plant-based meals. “Forks Over Knives” by Del Sroufe – This cookbook is all about shifting mentality.