Missouri Coalition for the Environment

As we navigate through the stress of the season—whether it's holiday pressures, the post-election hangover, or the shorter days of autumn—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But even in the midst of uncertainty, there are simple ways we can take care of ourselves and regain some balance. One powerful practice? Grounding. Grounding (also called earthing) is the simple act of physically connecting with the earth, like walking barefoot on grass, sitting with your back against a tree or even snuggling with a boulder! This practice has been shown to: ?? Reduce stress ?? Boost immune function ?? Accelerate healing ?? Enhance emotional regulation When life feels heavy, grounding offers a way to reconnect with the present, reset your energy, and focus on things you can control. A special shoutout to Kacie Smart, PhD, LPC, Founder and CEO of Smart Counseling Solutions LLC, for her work helping people cultivate healthy leadership, organizations, and communities. Take a deep breath, step outside, and ground yourself. Disconnect from the stress of the world while connecting with the environment, your well-being deserves it!

We’re almost ONE WEEK AWAY from our Annual Holiday Party and it’s not too late to RSVP! ?? We’ve got a festive evening planned to celebrate MCE’s hard work and accomplishments in 2024. Join us on Wednesday, December 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the MCE Office for food, drinks, and great conversation. Our staff and board members will be there to chat and connect with guests! This event is free to everyone thanks to generous support from our board and community partners. Please reserve your spot to give us an accurate head count for the evening: https://lnkd.in/gZednviz

Extreme Urban Heat is only getting more dangerous, and we're not waiting until summer to make a plan and address it. ???? “Heat’s already the deadliest weather event in the country, and because it's going to get hotter, we expect that public health crisis to worsen,” Policy Coordinator Elyse Dianne Schaeffer said. “So we need protections in place for people as the temperatures get more dangerous, and we need to address the reasons why it's getting hotter.” Read the St. Louis Public Radio article to learn more about the Extreme Urban Heat Action Plan that we are creating with our partners at SLACO MO and grant funding from Missouri Foundation for Health: https://lnkd.in/g8PS-3W9 Attend an upcoming #STL Extreme Urban Heat Community Listening Session at Habitat for Humanity on South Grand Boulevard on Dec. 10 or at St. Louis Association of Community Organizations on Plymouth Avenue on Dec. 14: https://lnkd.in/gy8ZdxDm #moenvironment #climatechange #climatejustice #stlnews

It's the most wonderful time of the year: MCE's Holiday Party is happening on Wednesday, December 4! ??? We’re excited to invite our community of supporters, partners, and advocates to celebrate the season with us over food, drinks and cheerful discussion. Bring your family, friends, and little ones for an evening of holiday bliss as we reflect on all we’ve accomplished together over the past year and look forward to what’s to come. This event is FREE to attend, thanks to the generous support of our Board and community partners. All you need to do is RSVP to join the fun: https://lnkd.in/gZednviz

Is a tiny cobalt reserve worth a lifetime of environmental and public health risks? US Strategic Metals (USSM) plans to mine and refine cobalt at the Madison Mine site, claiming it’s “the largest cobalt reserve in North America.” But the risks (including radioactive emissions, cancer-causing toxins, and water contamination) far outweigh the benefits. The company admits it has only an 18-year supply, but the harm from mining and refining could last for generations in our state. Missouri’s regulations aren’t enough to protect our communities. Our health, air, and water are at stake. You can take action to stop dangerous mining and increase protections for mineral recycling by: ?? Contacting the Department of Natural Resource’s Air Pollution Control Program and telling them to reject USSM’s air permit ?? Demanding the DNR’s Land Reclamation Program and Water Protection Program better protect Missourians from mining operations. ?? Calling your state legislators and ask them to file comprehensive protective legislation for communities and natural areas near or downstream from mines. What are your thoughts on this issue? Read more on our blog at https://lnkd.in/gm5Hij8f

#STLOUIS, we need YOUR voice! ??? Extreme Urban Heat is impacting our community, with temps hitting 90°F+ for 35-40 days a year and over 100°F on some days. In 30 years, we could see 21 days above 108oF! You have TWO opportunities this week (tonight and tomorrow) to share how dangerously high temperatures affect you and your community. Your input is critical to address this growing problem. Our Extreme Urban Heat Policy Planning Sessions are free and open to the public: https://lnkd.in/gy8ZdxDm #moenvironment #STL #stlouismo #extremeheat

Did you catch Policy Coordinator Elyse Dianne Schaeffer sharing information about our Extreme Urban Heat Community Input sessions on KTVI FOX 2 today? Watch the full segment: https://lnkd.in/gzk--xqa These meetings were created to hear your opinions on how extreme urban heat has impacted you, your neighbors, or your family in St. Louis. Your feedback will help shape the plan we put forth for the city’s first-ever Extreme Urban Heat Policy Plan - a critical part of keeping people safe from the effects of extreme temperatures in #STL. Join us tomorrow at SLPL - Julia Davis Library at 4415 Natural Bridge Ave from 6:15 - 7:30 pm to tell us what you think! If you can’t make it tomorrow, learn about other dates you can attend a session: https://lnkd.in/gy8ZdxDm

Our Community Outreach Specialist Jim Karpowicz, seen here in a flood damaged church in Corning, Missouri, has been appointed to the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee! Know by it's acronym MrRic, the committee is made up of federal, state, tribal and stakeholder representatives designed as a collaborative forum to develop a shared vision and a comprehensive plan for the restoration of the Missouri River ecosystem. We're proud to add MCE's perspective to this important discussion!

Did you know between 1980 and 2016, the River City Journalism Fund reported that 31.7% of heat-related deaths in Missouri were in the city of #StLouis? ??? This phenomenon, known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, occurs when urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. The results that we all experience are not limited to our discomfort. Rising temperatures have significant implications for public health, the amount of energy we need to consume to stay safe, and our overall quality of life. Special thanks to St. Louis Magazine's Sarah Fenske for helping us raise awareness about this growing concern! We’re working with community partners to create the first-ever Extreme Urban Heat Policy Plan with the city of St. Louis and TOMORROW from 9:30-10:45am at the O’Fallon Park Rec Plex YMCA, we’re kicking off our series of Extreme Urban Heat Planning Sessions. Join us as we work to identify and address the many risks faced by citizens from climate change induced extreme heat. Sessions are free to attend, register here: https://lnkd.in/gy8ZdxDm #moenvironment #extremeheat #climatechange #stl

We're excited to extend a warm invitation to our Annual Holiday Party on December 4, 2024 from 6-8pm! Join us for a festive evening of food, drinks, and community as we recap our successes in 2024. In addition to treats and eats, MCE staff and board members will be on hand to chat with all attendees. RSVP so we can include you in our headcount for this fun winter event. We can't wait to celebrate the holidays with you!