ecoLOCAL Spring 2013

The Green Business Issue Spring 2013 • Issue 31

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MAGAZINE.COM Capital District • Saratoga • Southern Adirondack

INSIDE:

Aloha Energy’s Tom Eletto PLUS: Adirondack Aquaponics Bucking the FRN with Alternative Currencies Fair Trade Fashion Cover photo of Tom Eletto, owner of Aloha Energy Copyright and Courtesy of StockStudiosPhotography.com

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On the Cover Tom Eletto stands in front of his mixing tanks that blends the oils that make his proprietary spray foam for Aloha Energy in Ballston Spa. Spray foam insulation is already a “green” product, as it increases the heating and cooling efficiency of buildings and homes. Tom has upped the ante, however, by making spray foam with the highest bio renewable content in the industry. Aloha Energy is another example of the innovation occurring right here in our midst. For Tom, Earth Day is every day. That’s why it’s fitting that he is our eco-localizer cover feature for this, the Green Business Issue!

DEPARTMENTS 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 36-37 46

News and Views Rawlicious Money Matters Green Designer Wellness Doc Holisitc Health Green Energy Expert EcoMama Washington County Eco-LOCAL People

FEATURES 24

Alternative Currencies Troy Time Traders and Adirondack Bucks 32 FISH FOOD Hadley Family Dives Into Aquaponics 40-41 FAIR TRADE FASHIONS For Spring Featuring Malika International Boutique 42 GENERATION SHIFT Conspicuous to Conscious Consumption?

44 FARM TO MARKET

Recycled art at espresso huis in Schuylerville Photo by David Delozier 5

Letter from the Publisher Ahh Spring! A time of renewal, a time of rebirth. The ascending sun has melted away the winter snows, and the Earth awakens to reveal its soul. A soul of green love. The trees open their buds to catch the sun with leaves of green. Tubers and rhizomes and bulbs send out their shoots and stems to catch the carbon in the air and convert it to green goodness and oxygen. April showers bring May flowers. And if flowers are not a sign that the Earth loves us, then what is?

It seems we humans are doing our damndest to exploit, plunder and pollute this planet we inhabit. We do not have infinite resources, so why do we consume everything like there is no limit? We need to pay attention to the circle of life, and realize that we are within the circle, not outside of it. And as the Earth must rest, so must we. As the Earth renews, so must we. And as the Earth shares it’s abundance with all of life on the planet, so must we. It’s time we love the Earth back. That’s the purpose of Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd. But loving the Earth is not a one day thing. It is an everyday thing. That’s what we call being eco-local. It’s awakening to our place on this planet, and our place within the human race. We are all connected to this place and to each other. If we want a better world, then we need to look in the mirror first, and try to be a better person. If we want healthy air to breathe, then we need to stop supporting the dead energy of the fossil and start supporting the life giving energy of the sun. If we want to have a healthier body, then we need to stop supporting the franken-foods of the agri-biz monoliths and instead get to know a local farmer or shop a local independent store where organic food is the rule, not the exception. We can’t change the world by looking for some external fix. The solution, is within each of us. It is in our eyes, in our hands, and in our hearts. Smile, and the world smiles back. It’s as simple as that.

“The earth will continue to regenerate its life sources only as long as we and all the peoples of the world do our part to conserve its natural resources. It is a responsibility which every human being shares. Through voluntary action, each of us can join in building a productive land in harmony with nature.” President Gerald Ford Who are you? We have been putting out this magazine for nearly five years. You know us, but we hardly know you. In order for us to better serve you, and the advertisers who make this magazine possible, we ask that you go to our website at ecolocalmagazine.com and fill out the short survey so that we can get to know you better. If you haven’t yet, like us on Facebook/ecolocalliving and pass the link on to your friends. We are grappling with the whole print vs. digital debate, and we’d like to know how you want to receive the eco-local love!

David DeLozier, Publisher

eco LOCAL PUBLISHER / EDITOR / SALES David Delozier 518-879-5362 ecolocal@gmail.com DESIGN / PRODUCTION Centerline Design 518-883-3872 kgarriso@nycap.rr.com PRINTING Benchemark Printing, Schenectady Benchemark.net PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Photo - Stock Photography; Editorial Content StockStudiosPhotography.com, David Delozier CONTRIBUTORS Amber Chaves, Dr. Jessica Davis, Emily DeBolt, David Delozier, Deja Dragovic, Tracy Frisch, Theresa Houghton, , Harry Moran, Dr. Michael Quartararo, Prof. Johanna Sophia, Karen Totino, Julie Vonder Reith SUBSCRIBE The eco-LOCAL magazine is a free bi-monthly magazine for people choosing to lead more sustainable lifestyles within the greater Capital Region of New York.

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Visit www.ecolocalmagazine.com to find a location near you. If you would like to receive a subscription by mail, send $20 along with your name and address to: Eco-LOCAL Media PO Box 621, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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Every effort has been made to avoid errors and misspellings; however, if you see an error, please accept our apologies. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback so that we can give you the best service possible. EcoLOCAL Living does not guarantee nor warrantee any products, services of any advertisers, nor will we be party to any legal or civil claims or promises. We expect advertisers to honor any claims or promises. We reserve the right to revise, edit and/or reject any and all advertising with or without cause. Liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared for printing errors of the publisher's responsibility or if the publisher fails to print an ad or article for any reason. We reserve the right to edit articles if needed for content, clarity and relevance.

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News and Views Recycled Art Show Hudson Crossing Park's popular recycled art show celebrating Earth Day (www.epa.gov/earthday) is back for a two month exhibit from April 2 through May 21, Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm at Espressohuis in Schuylerville. Join us also for an Artist's reception on Saturday May 4, from 5pm to 7pm.

This unique art show celebrates Earth Day (April 22) with a 2-month exhibit and highlights a variety of works from over a dozen highly talented artists. The indoor show will feature three large-scale welded sculptures by well-known sculpture artist, Jenny Horstman, as well as works by other popular artists including Leif Johnson, Jane and Paul Bouchard, Jon Segan and Michelle Vera of Ballard Road Art Studio in Wilton. There will also be great kid's art, including an awesome Moose created by Mr. Shea's 5th Grade Art Club as part of the Schuylerville Green Ribbon School Project.

This is the third year Hudson Crossing Park has sponsored an art show, which was held at Saratoga Battlefield the previous two years.

The exquisite artwork is all constructed of found materials and includes two- and three-dimensional works, including paintings, drawings, collage, pottery photography, sculpture, glass work, wood, metalwork and stonework. At least 50% of each piece of artwork must be recycled (discarded/found) materials manmade or organic.

Hudson Crossing Park's Vice President of Events, Valerie Munson says, "This art has to be seen and appreciated! It's unusual and beautiful art that helps us create awareness of the environment and

the things around us, put to new creative and unique uses. It was so popular the last two years we wanted to exhibit it longer so we've partnered with the Espressohuis for a full two month exhibit!”

The exhibit allows for a longer celebration of Earth Day and is sponsored by Hudson Crossing Park, an environmental community organization in Schuylerville. Detailed information about the art show and photos can be found at www.hudsoncrossingpark.org. For more information email info@hudsoncrossingpark.org or call Phyllis Bader-Borel at 582.1254.

Pictured above: "Ton Up"- (2013) By Michelle Vera of Ballard Road Art Studio in Wilton. 17”h x 15”d x 24”l, Reclaimed metal - Seeder, piston, rake, horse shoe, piston spring, head clips, welded and finished in Wax.

4th Annual Go Green Project Capital Region Kohl's Department Stores, has once again invited Chip's Landscaping to coordinate their annual Go-Green Project. This year, the sustainable initiative will partner with Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, home of the Saratoga Historical Society.

The museum will not only be receiving a natural water garden with rainwater harvesting system, but a unique element to supplement existing educational programming. The feature will create a sustainable ecosystem to serve as an outdoor history learning lab. “Learning and Making History with Green” as the project is referred to by Chips Landscaping, offers a host of opportunities for our county museum to make new history with green technology.

Children and adults from the region will be able to experience firsthand state of the art rainwater harvesting within a mini ecosystem. The gardens will provide museum visitors new opportunities to enjoy nature and understand outdoor sustainability on a site rich in Saratoga History.

Design includes a pondless waterfall with natural stream, and rainwater harvesting system to capture and reuse rainwater from the building roof system.

The expansive roof of this historical structure has the potential to capture over 34,000 gallons of annual precipitation! A portion of this rainwater will be captured and reused to sustain the water feature. The gardens will feature native plantings, “nativores” and infusion of historical artifacts throughout. The build will take Text ecolocalmag to 72727 for updates, events and special offers

place Saturday, April 20 from 8am -5pm at Brookside Museum, located at 6 Charlton Street in Ballston Spa. To learn more about the event, contact Project Coordinator: Sue Ann DuBois at 518-339-4869.

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Geoengineering, Runaway Climate Change, and the Poisoning of Life on Earth

By Dane Wigington, geoengineeringwatch.org Image credit Viktor Koen

More major publications are trying to “condition” the population to the idea of “geoengineering” as a cure for the increasingly extreme climate. It is ever more shocking that publications like “Foreign Affairs” can still pretend they don’t know SRM (stratospheric aerosol geoengineering) has been a lethal reality for decades. They say “SRM could cool the planet in a few months”, really? A mountain of data to date says otherwise.

The ongoing atmospheric spraying (and jet stream manipulation with HAARP facilities ) can and does cool large regions of the planet for limited periods, but at what cost? The ongoing global geoengineering programs are making climate change far worse and quite literally are tearing the planets life support systems apart.

AS GO THE BEES, SO GOES MAN Albert Einstein is quoted as saying “if the bees disappear from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live…no bees..no pollination…no man”.

Bee populations are collapsing everywhere at an extremely alarming rate (as are countless species). Nearly all media and science sources are trying to blame the very rapid die off on farm/crop chemicals, but how does one then explain the fact that the die off is also occurring in extremely remote regions hundreds of miles from any farms? There is only one spray program that encompasses the entire planet, aerosol geoengineering. The highly toxic bioavailable heavy metal nano particles used in the ongoing geoengineering programs are being inhaled and absorbed by all life on our planet. Now add the constant bombardment of HAARP radio frequency signals and the bees have little chance. How long will the rest of us last when the bees are gone? Will not all of us eventually succumb to the geoengineering assault if it continues, just like the bees?

RUNAWAY CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOW Still don’t believe it? Many still refuse to accept that our climate has been completely decimated. True, Al Gore is a hypocrite and disaster capitalist, but that fact does not change the reality - continued on Page 20

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RAW-licious

By Prof. Johanna Sophia

Oxidants and Anti-Oxidants I've been leaving my freshly made kale pesto lying around outside the fridge on the counter and it turned BROWN! Yuck.

What happened?

Here's what happened: My pesto has started an OXIDATION process.

Without lighting a match to it, it began burning up wherever it was interacting with the warm air of my house. Wow, it does that even at room temperature, and the process burns up a lot of the good stuff, such as vitamins C, A, and E, enzymes and fatty acids. So now I have more oxidants than antioxidants in my pesto?

Well, yes, but it's not too bad because it only happened where there was interaction with the air around it. If I had boiled, fried, grilled or otherwise 'burned' my kale greens with higher heat, there would be much more damage done to the 'good' nutrients and hardly any antioxidants left. At the same time, lots of oxidants would have been created. In this oxidation process, oxygen atoms attach to, for example, essential fatty acid molecules, breaking their double bonds and 'burning' them into oxidants which, once in our bodies, are also called 'free radicals.' These free radicals then engage in a chain reaction, stealing electrons from other 'good' molecules and, if left unchecked, wreaking havoc.

the blueberries into oxidants by boiling them. Are there other ways of preserving them? Yes, by 'sun-drying' or dehydrating them or simply putting them in the freezer.

Cacao (chocolate) fruit have up to 100 times more anti-oxidants than blueberries, great! - let's roast the stuff! Really? Kill that 100 fold goodness? Why not just consume the raw, gently dried fruit or cacao powder and reap the benefits of all those great anti-oxidants?

You know, we are in need of so many more antioxidants these days because we get an overload of free radicals also from toxins in our environment, our water, our lovely cleaning chemicals and cosmetics, 'One single free radical can destroy an enzyme, a protein molecule, a our soaps, and cigarettes, and even just from mental stress. strand of DNA, or an entire cell. Even worse, it can unleash, in less Oxidative stress appears to be an important part of many human than a second, a rapid chain reaction that produces a million or more diseases and degenerative processes such as the aging process. So of these killer free radicals.' what's the answer?

We understand these processes but do not implement the wisdom Here are 2 answers that you can make right in your kitchen - please we gain from this understanding? use only ORGANIC ingredients: Blueberries have lots of anti-oxidants - yum, let's make jam! Really? 1) 3 leaves of kale, 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries, 2 tablespoons what are we doing? We are turning the awesome anti-oxidants of of raw cacao powder, 2 ripe bananas, 2 dates or 1/2 cup raisins, 1 pint spring water. Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy your super-anti-oxidant smoothie.

2) In a food processor, make a batter of 1 cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon cacao, 1 cup hazelnuts, 1 small onion, 1 tablespoon raisins, juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt, black pepper, cumin, cayenne to taste, and a little water. Toss torn up bunch of kale (stems removed) in this batter and dehydrate into super-anti-oxidant kale crunchies.

ENJOY! Next time you want to 'burn' (cook) your antioxidants, think twice!

You can have them fresh! Lots of Love & Laughter from Johanna Johanna's Raw Foods - now at www.JohannasRawFoods.com - or call 518-795-5030.

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Money Matters

By Harry Moran, CFP® AIF®

Spring Ahead: Go Fossil Fuel Free!

As spring takes hold here in the northeast, our thoughts naturally turn toward the planet. This time of renewal and possibility creates a perfect opportunity to review what we're doing and see where we might want to step things up a notch. One key area to consider is whether we can take steps to bring our investments into better alignment with our environmental priorities, without compromising the likelihood of achieving our long-term financial goals.

Undoubtedly many of you are aware of Bill McKibben's vigorous campaign in which he has been imploring investors to remove fossil fuel companies from their portfolios. In November, McKibben and 350.org hit the road for a series of sold-out talks in which he asked everyone to “do the math”. The math he's referring to is the fact that we need to burn less than 565 more gigatons of carbon

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dioxide and stay below 2°C of further planetary warming or risk irreversible and catastrophic consequences. The problem he points to is that fossil fuel corporations now have 2,795 gigatons in their reserves (five times the safe amount) and they have every intention to burn them all. McKibben has been arguing that we're in a climate change emergency and that we face extreme threats to our ecosystems and our well-being unless we immediately begin to drastically cut our carbon use. While there is still a small but extremely vocal group of “climate deniers”, the vast majority of the objective scientific community strongly supports this assertion.

So, what do we do about it as investors?

Sustainable and responsible investing (SRI) has typically either used screening or shareholder advocacy to pursue corporate change. Screening includes both negative (exclusionary) screens to eliminate stocks of companies who fail to pass screens on a range of environmental, social and governance issues; and positive screens which seek out companies whose behavior is consistent with a healthier, socially just and sustainably prosperous world. Shareholder advocacy takes the view that our best hope to achieve meaningful change is to own shares of a company and thereby have a “seat at the table” with them. Over time,

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both of these approaches have experienced great successes but each is best suited to certain situations.

Many industries can be pressured through engagement to reduce emissions and environmental impact, increase transparency through better reporting about their activities, and to acknowledge certain business risks related to climate change. The core business of the fossil fuel industry though is to sell and burn a product that puts the planet and its inhabitants in grave danger. It's not realistic to think that a multinational oil company could be influenced to want to sell less oil. Similarly, tobacco companies can't reasonably be expected to want to sell fewer cigarettes.

Sustainable and responsible investors have therefore typically chosen to exclude tobacco companies from their portfolios. Many SRI practitioners, including myself, came into this field when divestiture from South African's apartheid regime was the primary and defining issue. Divestiture was of course a long and difficult process but eventually brought about tremendous positive change.

Indeed, Nelson Mandela has commented that divestiture was the key to their ultimate success, and that without it the outcome would have likely been very different.

-continued on Page 20

The Green Designer

By Karen Totino

NY Passive House: Capital District

I wanted to take an opportunity to introduce an organization and MeetUp group (New York Passive House: Capital District) I have been involved with and co-sponsoring since October called NY Passive House.

Formed in 2010, NY Passive House (NYPH) is working to promote a healthy, comfortable and energyefficient built environment through the promotion of the Passive House building standard. NYPH is an independent not-for-profit organization that facilitates the exchange of information and experiences, among local, national and international practitioners of the Passive House building standard.

So what is a Passive House? A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and

window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality.

The Passive House concept represents today's highest energy standard with the promise of slashing the heating energy consumption of buildings by an amazing 90%. Widespread application of the Passive House design would have a dramatic impact on energy conservation.

A Passive House is a comprehensive system. "Passive" describes well this system's underlying receptivity and retention capacity. Working with natural resources, free solar energy is captured and applied efficiently, instead of relying predominantly on 'active' systems to bring a building to 'zero' energy. High performance triple-glazed windows, super-insulation, an airtight building shell, limitation of thermal bridging and balanced energy recovery ventilation make possible extraordinary reductions in energy use and carbon emission.

Passive House projects are carefully modeled and evaluated for efficiency at the design stage.

Certified Passive House Consultants are trained to use the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), a tool that allows designers to test “what-if� scenarios before construction begins. It projects detailed heat load, heat loss, and primary energy usage for individual building parameters. The latest version of the PHPP also projects cooling, cooling loads, and latent cooling. Based on feedback from many detailed data logged buildings, the software is constantly refined and incorporates updated calculations for various climates around the world. They are also trained to use other software tools to identify and address potential thermal bridges and moisture issues at the design stage.

To date we have 68 group members with 3 past Meet Ups and more scheduled! With enough interest and support we can get the training and education to our building trades which will result in more Passive Homes being constructed in our area.

Sound like something you are interested in learning more about? Join our Meet Up group by going to www.meetup.com/NY-Passive-House-Capital-District-Meet-Ups/.

Stop in or call Karen for questions and to see the selection of wool and natural fiber carpets at Green Conscience Home & Garden at 33 Church Street, Saratoga Springs NY. Green Conscience is a retail showroom that offers a variety of non-toxic and eco-friendly home improvement products, including paint, wood, cork and linoleum flooring, clay plasters, carpets, kitchen cabinets, countertops and beds. Call 518-306-5196, email Karen@green-conscience.com or visit greenconscience.com.

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The Wellness Doc

By Dr. Michael Quartararo of AAC Family Wellness Centers

What's your M-PYR? In a continuing effort to help people realize the importance of incorporating wellness concepts in their everyday life, leading experts in the wellness field have starting using the idea of understanding your M-PYR. M-PYR stands for your Minimum Potential Years Remaining. Here's how you calculate your M-PYR. First take some time to investigate the age of your oldest parent or grandparent. Then take your age and subtract it from that number.

That will give you your minimum potential years remaining.

than your calculated M-PYR. For some of you this may be overwhelming and frightening. For others, myself included, it may be exciting. Either way we need to understand that we have several years to live. How do we want those years to look?

Do you want your remaining years to look like your elders? Consider this, the average person over the age of 60 takes 6 DIFFERENT prescription medications PER DAY! How's their quality of life. Is that what you want for your family? Are they vibrant, healthy people living life to the fullest? Do they have arthritis, poor posture, chronic illness, multiple surgeries, etc.? If so, then you need to make different decisions so you can have quality of life, not just quantity.

With my patients I use this analogy. Let's imagine you get one car to drive for your entire life. That's it, you don't get to trade it in on a shiny new car and you can't get new parts. If that were the case, how would you care for your car? I contend you would do everything you could to Example: my oldest grandparent was 91 - my age of 43 = 47 maintain the quality of that car as long as you're alive. At times, cost minimum potential years remaining wouldn't even be an issue. That's the only car you get to drive on this Consider this information with some new startling research just journey we call life. It would be one of the highest priorities in your life. released. The latest data collected by the US Census Bureau states that So if we truly embrace this concept of your M-PYR, what can we do over the next 35 years the population of people over 100 years old with NOW to keep your body running in top condition till the end of the increase by 764%! Statistically speaking, you will live much longer -continued on Page 20

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Holistic Health

By Dr. Jessica Davis

Earth Day Ramblings:

Prescriptions, Pollution & Poisonings

For this Earth Day issue, I pondered some of the connections between our environment and our health.

It's probably safe to bet that you or someone you know is affected by an environmental illness.

Many negative effects are easy to think of; seasonal allergies, asthma triggered by air pollution, toxic exposures from lead, radon or mercury, exposure to radiation, and cancer-causing chemicals.

On the bright side, our environment can have positive effects as well!

Sunshine is our natural source of Vitamin D levels and lack of sun can lead to seasonal affective disorder. Interacting with nature has been shown to decrease rates of depression, anxiety, and ADHD in kids.

Prescriptions and Pollution: Studies are also coming to light about the presence of prescription medicines in our water system. Though the amounts are still very small, there is evidence that hormones in the water can affect the reproduction of fish and other animals. It is also plausible that a chronic, low level exposure to antibiotics in the water could contribute to drug-resistant bacteria as well.

How do we reduce the drugs in our water? Stop taking so many!

Most of the medicines in the waterway are there because people are taking more and more medications, and whatever the body doesn't use goes down the toilet. A smaller percentage comes from drugs being directly flushed.

Prescriptions and Poisoning: Even though the thought of drugs in our drinking water is disconcerting, there is a much more important reason to get rid of any old medication that is lying around. Your kids! Little kids find EVERYTHING that is on the floor, in mom's purse, in cabinets… and just wait until they figure out how to climb up on things! Accidental poisonings are not just a problem for little kids.

Every day, 2000 teenagers in the U.S. start abusing prescription drugs.

Think of how many unused or expired medicines you may have lying around your house right now...don't hang on to these “just in case!”

How should you get rid of them? Ideally, you can find a location near you that participates in a Drug Take-Back program. On April 27, 2013 from 10-2pm, the Drug Enforcement Administration is sponsoring a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. There have been 5 previous events that have collected over 2 million pounds of medication! Check these websites for local events: New York: www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/45083.html, National: www.deadiversion. usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

ashes, dirt, cat litter, coffee grounds, or another undesirable substance, to avoid accidental or intentional misuse of drugs. Do not conceal discarded drugs in food to prevent consumption by scavenging humans, pets or wildlife.

• Hide all medications in an outer container, such as sealable bag, box or plastic tub to prevent discovery and removal from the trash.

Seal the container with strong tape.

• Dispose of drugs as close to your trash collection day as possible to avoid misuse and/or misdirection.”

Phew! Now that you've got that taken care of, make sure you have current medications (including over-the-counter types like Tylenol and ibuprofen) locked away.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle: So on a lighter note, here's a glimpse of a few things that I do at my medical office to lighten my environmental footprint.

• Reduce paper by using electronic medical records • Reuse general waste paper for scrap (plenty for kids to color on during there visits!)

• Recycle anything with confidential info after shredding.

• Reduce paper waste further by using cozy soft flannel gowns, cotton sheets for the table, and washcloths for hand drying instead of the usual paper gowns, table paper, and paper towels. (Yes, they are used only once, then I do the laundry myself).

• Natural cleaning solutions where possible. The handsoaps we use are triclosan-free, and the hand sanitizers use Thyme oil.

What are you doing for Earth Day? Clean out your medicine cabinets and maybe start thinking about how to get healthier so you don't have to take those medicines in the first place! Better for you, better for your kids, and better for the planet!

Jessica Davis MD practices in Stillwater NY as “The New Mom’s Family Doctor”. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine, and also practices Medical Acupuncture. For more information call 877-664-6116 or visit www.jessicadavismd.com

Give your dull knives, scissors & reel mowers a new edge!

Sharpening at Niskayuna Co-op Tuesdays 2-7pm and Honest Weight Food Co-op Wednesdays 2-7pm

If there are no programs in your area, the next best thing is to dispose of medications in the trash, NOT by flushing them. From the NY DEC website: • “Treat medications (liquids and pills) by adding water and then salt,

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Green Energy Expert

By Julia Vonder Reith

Mack Brook Farm Goes Solar

If you're from the area and are “down” with the local, sustainable movement, then chances are you're familiar with Mack Brook Farm in Argyle, New York, known for raising all-natural, grassfed beef and utilizing sustainable farming practices. It should be no surprise they decided to go solar in 2011 with a 12kW solar electric system installed on one of their barns.

First, it's important to know some background about Mack Brook Farm.

They are a fourth-generation family-owned and operated farm specializing in Aberdeen Angus cows brought over from Scotland in the 1950s. Angus beef was a natural choice since the town of Argyle was originally a Scottish land grant and has a similar climate to Scotland, which makes for happy, comfortable cows. The current owners, Kevin, Karen and their two boys, live on the land and take pride in raising their cattle in the most humane and environmentally sustainable ways possible. They use significantly fewer fossil fuels than most farms and no commercial fertilizers because they grow pasture grass, which needs no re-planting. This allows their cattle to help maintain the pastures by keeping them well trimmed and naturally fertilized, without having to use tractors and other equipment to do the work.

It was only natural that Mack Brook Farm decided to go solar and reduce their impact on the environment even further. Kevin and Karen had been interested in solar electric systems for some years prior to

installing one. They started their research and soon ran into Scott Rakowski, a Project Manager for Hudson Solar, at a local agricultural conference. It took a couple of attempts, but with help from Scott, they finally were able to find the ideal spot and locate all the funding they needed to make it work. When the installation was completed, Karen Christensen was so elated all she could say was, “Yippee! We're really looking forward to sitting back in our old age, watching that meter finally spin backwards.”

Most people are not aware that New York State is one of the best States to go solar in, especially for farms. The State offers a rebate for farmers that could reduce the system costs by as much as $75,000. In addition to the state rebate, there is also a generous Federal tax credit that allows farms to recoup 30% of the system cost, making it even more affordable. It's an exceptionally good time for farms to go solar from a financial standpoint, too. As electricity prices continue to rise, solar affords a great opportunity to fix your utility prices at a lower rate with immediate payback.

Besides being able to watch their electric meter spin backwards, save money and help the environment, Karen was also very pleased with the positive public attention the system brought Mack Brook Farm. During the installation process, she kept the farm's Facebook account updated with pictures and status updates on the system's progress. She was pleasantly surprised when she started receiving a lot of wonderful support and feedback from friends and fellow green businesses.

“Going solar for a farm can be daunting, with all of the utility and tax forms, but Scott was there with us every step of the way. Every time we had a question, we called him up and he helped us right away,” said Karen.

“Every farm is different and has its own unique issues, but it's worth it. If you want to live your life this way, it really is better for everyone.”

Hudson Solar is a local, family-owned solar provider based out of New York and proud employer of military veterans. Serving New York, Western Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and Southern Vermont with over 10 years of experience and over 1,000 systems installed, Hudson Solar is the leading renewable energy company in the region.

They take great pride in offering the best quality and service, and back it up with years of experience and many awards.

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Eco-Mama

By Amber Chaves, The Bundle Store

Raising Babies Green: Small Bumps on the way to Lasting Change

As a business owner, health professional, and mother of a toddler things can get very busy and outright hectic for our family! There are usually crayons thrown across the room everywhere and crunched cheerios on the floor.

The dog can be found chewing on my daughter's zoo animals. The phone seems to always be ringing. And when did laundry become officially never-ending??! If we're not running around the house, we're running out the door. It's reached the point where every morning I have to remind myself what day of the week it is by checking the menu of my daughter's daycare that we have hanging on the fridge. Applesauce was yesterday so today must be Thursday. Not a goof-proof system exactly. My daughter just started going to daycare 5 days a week (gasp, I know) and we try our best to substitute some of the snacks and lunch sides with organic options. Today is Thursday and I realize I forgot to get more organic yogurt for her afternoon snack. Guess she'll be having the corn-syrup version at daycare. I cringe. But we're already running 15 minutes late and there is nowhere on the way that has organic yogurt to buy. So I drop my daughter off and let the daycare staff know she can have the yogurt they're serving that day.

Besides if she doesn't get her snack she's a whole other child when I pick her up regardless if she ate some corn syrup or not. Have you seen a toddler hungry? It's something you try to avoid.

for lack of time, energy, or means to ensure that the fridge and cupboard are stocked with our organic snack choices or that the reusable coffee cup is ready to go out the door with us in the morning. I find that many families I encounter from all types of backgrounds and lifestyles face these same types of challenges when it comes to making healthier and greener choices. And some times the idea that we have to be all or nothing about a green lifestyle choice causes us to feel pressured into not veering an inch from upholding the green commitments we've given ourselves. Ironically, it can be pressuring enough to push us in the opposite direction so that we abandon a commitment all together to not feel guilty about only upholding it some of the time. Not to mention the affordability part of going and staying green on a growing family budget.

But what if we gave ourselves a break as busy parents, working professionals, and commitment filled people? Would that mean we've failed our children or Mother Earth?

Clearly we can't do it all. So what we are doing has to be enough until we can do a little more.

In order for us to make small changes towards big changes we have to be okay with compromise or that occasional bump in the road towards consistent green practices for our families and communities. Maybe we can only afford to clothe our baby in organic pajamas as opposed to a whole wardrobe so to compromise we grab some great second-hand baby play clothes. Maybe we cloth diaper at home and use disposables when we're out and about. Or maybe we just let our kid eat that less than ideal snack for one day instead of rushing to fit in a grocery store run on the way to school that's going to send our stress level through the roof. Tomorrow is always another day and luckily for our convenience there are 24 hour stores. Now that it's Friday, not yogurt snack day at daycare, our fridge is overstocked with organic yogurt. But the market was out of organic blueberries, my daughter's favorite.

These compromises of our preferences and And there's the bump and the compromise for practices happen more than occasionally in our this week, conventionally grown blueberries. family. Not for lack of good intention but often No more compromise on that one come July at - more on Page 23 the farmer's market!

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DRIVEN

to be the Greenest AN INTERVIEW WITH ALOHA ENERGY OWNER TOM ELETTO STORY BY DAVID DELOZIER I PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOCKSTUDIOSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

As we come upon the anniversary of Earth Day, there is a lot of talk about “going green.” But what does it really mean?

Improving energy efficiency is one thing.

Buying local to reduce transportation miles is important. Choosing goods that are made with renewable content is something to strive for as well. Being cognizant of the fact that we are here for a short time, and must do our best to make the world a better place for future generations - and taking action to do so - is perhaps the essence of “going green.” Doing any one of these things is a step in the right direction. For Tom Eletto, doing one thing is not enough. Together with his wife Cynthia, they formed Aloha Energy, a spin off from their previous project, Aloha Construction, to manufacture spray foam insulation with the highest bio-renewable content possible. With its air tight qualities and high “R” value, spray foam has been proven to be a superior insulation. Spray foam consists of two liquids blended together that expand to make the foam. The “B” side is where Eletto works his magic. He's developed a proprietary formula that includes castor oil, soy oil, and even an oil produced from the shells of cashew nuts. All these oils are produced sustainably, and are from renewable sources. More renewable content means less reliance on limited petroleum sources. And the finished product, when applied as insulation to homes and commercial buildings, improves their energy efficiency greatly. So much so, that once the structure is heated or cooled, very little of that energy is lost. How's that for going green?

And, the Eletto's make their product in Ballston Spa, adding to the local manufacturing base. It's all good. In fact, it's the essence of what being eco-local is all about!

More renewable content means less reliance on limited petroleum sources.

What is your background - what got you interested in making Spray Foam for insulation?

Prior to this endeavor, we were building homes. Our mission was always to build as energy-efficient home as possible. so we were naturally using spray foam. We were subcontracting it out and decided to see about the cost-effectiveness of doing it myself. In doing the research, I came upon an opportunity to manufacture a really “green” product and desired to move forward on it.

Did you see a void in the marketplace that led you to your entrepreneurial vision?

Yes, definitely. There were a variety of spray foam manufacturers out there, very few in the NY/NE area and no-one with a really green formulation. From a market standpoint, there was growing interest in the use of more green products and spray foam in general.

What are the benefits of spray foam over the traditional insulation products like fiberglass bats or blown-in cellulose?

Spray foam has a higher R-value per inch, complete air and moisture infiltration barrier and greatly increases structural rigidity essentially “glues” the entire house together. It will not support mold growth and contains nothing that any creature would get food value out of.

Once applied, is spray foam inert? What about off-gassing?

Yes, once applied, our spray foam is inert and contains no formaldehyde or VOCs. We have had extremely allergic / chemical sensitive people seek out our foam for just this reason. Literally hundreds of homes and businesses have been extremely well

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insulated using our products with no issues.

Please note though that by using spray foam insulation one is creating a very air tight structure and proper ventilation of any space people occupy is always required. We live in a world filled with sources of things that get put into the air that we end up breathing that we shouldn't. Books have been written about this. To remedy this situation, it is necessary to have a professionally installed Heat/Energy Recovery Ventilator in every home or business that has been rendered effectively air tight to maintain healthy air quality. A Heat Recover Ventilator (HRV) is integrated into the duct work in a home, and is usually located near the furnace. The HRV expels stale indoor air to the outside, and draws in fresh air from outside to be distributed throughout the home. Visit http://www.livingbreathinghome.com for tremendous information on the subject.

Why bio renewable? Is it better than the petroleum product?

We wanted to reduce the use of nonrenewable resources consumed in the manufacturing of polyurethane spray foam insulation and any other products that we will be producing. Our latest product offerings are based on the oil from the shells of cashew nuts, an otherwise completely waste product. Additionally our products are particularly low-odor producing during installation.

You are also building the machines that contractors use to apply spray foam insulation. Is this your answer to improving what is already out there?

Yes, we are developing a line of completely self-contained, hand-held, spray foam delivery systems that will allow small general contractors to affordably install foam that up till now was prohibitively expensive for smaller jobs. It will also serve the large installers very well as well, allowing them to keep their big rigs on large jobs and roll a small unit to go back and do touch ups to already completed jobs, which happens on occasion.

We also build and service large professional rigs in enclosed trailers and box trucks.

What other products are you cooking up?

We are continually working on development of new formulations to produce higher Rvalues and larger yields for our installers.

Aside from that, check back in a year or so, we're just getting started.

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You could have started your business anywhere, but you chose Ballston Spa. Why? It is convenient to our home in Saratoga Springs, has affordable rent, and is a friendly place to do business.

Do you have any encouraging words for other budding manufacturing entrepreneurs?

It can be done and be very rewarding but know that it will consume almost all your

time and money. Have a partner, wife, or husband who knows all the things you don't; know what you know and know what you don't - ask questions; accept advice; be humble; develop a team of people with complementary skills, Put your face on your company (people love to see our videos and know with whom they will be dealing); develop customers far afield (we sell from Maine to California and will be soon going international) and develop customers in multiple industries (we sell to home and

commercial insulators, and to other manufacturers of products completely unrelated to the building industry who use our foam in their manufacturing processes see http://rtfmanufacturing.com/ and http://www.awtti.com/ as examples) and it will be a piece of cake or two or three.

For more information, go to aloha-energy.com or call 518852-2812. Local Installers using Aloha Energy's Biorenewable spray foam insulation: Glens Falls area: Sabo and Associates 518-796-0080 Capital District: AffordaFoam 518-433-6956 Adirondacks: Home Energy Specialists 518-863-2779.

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GEOENGINEERING continued from Page 8

unfolding around us all. Even main stream media is no longer able to ignore the imploding climate which is now in a runaway state thanks to “feed back loops” like mass methane release.

Human activity has done great damage to the planet, but there is one factor that stands out far above all others as the single greatest causal factor for extreme climate disruption and the die off of global species now occurring at mass extinction rates, geoengineering.

The planet we all have known is changing by the day and will soon be very different from the one we have known, this is now inevitable. If geoengineering is not stopped, our biosphere may eventually not support life at all.

HELP US BRING GEOENGINEERING TO LIGHT WHILE IT STILL MATTERS Its up to all of us to get up off our back sides, get into the trench, and start helping, we don’t have tomorrow. Get educated on the dire issue of geoengineering, put together credible data to share with others in the form of flyers and DVDs like “Why In The World Are They Spraying”, make copies, and pass it out. Use the internet to locate contacts for groups, organizations, journalists, and individuals that would care if they knew and send them links to articles. In this way countless “spot fires” of awareness can be created which will soon enough merge into a giant blaze of consciousness that can not be extinguished. Once enough of those carrying out these programs realize they are killing themselves along with the rest of us, the spraying can realistically be stopped.

GO FOSSIL FUEL FREE continued from Page 10

I believe that the severe threats posed by climate change demand that investors consider divesting from fossil fuel companies, as part of a sustainable and responsible approach. This issue may very well be the apartheid of this generation and our action, or lack thereof, may shape our world for many generations to come. It is important however to keep in mind that portfolios which screen out certain companies or industries behave differently than unscreened portfolios and that these differences are not always predictable. Many academic studies suggest that long-term performance of screened portfolios isn't materially different than ones which aren't screened, but in the short run can differ substantially. This being said, the Aperio Group recently published a report indicating that portfolios which excluded fossil fuel companies experienced a very minor increase in risk but no reduction of returns. The Aperio report, titled “Do the Investment Math: Building a Carbon-Free Portfolio”, looked both at the effects of removing just the dirtiest 15 fossil fuel companies (“The Filthy 15”), and removing all fossil fuel companies. Investors should of course do their homework and consider consulting with a professional before making any changes but I believe this an issue that deserves the attention of anyone who believes that climate change represents a major threat to our well-being and is interested in using the power of their investment dollars to bring about positive change.

Harry Moran helps socially conscious investors define and achieve their highest goals by aligning their money with their values.

A 26-year veteran of the financial services profession, Mr. Moran has held the Certified Financial Planner® designation since 1991. He is a member of First Affirmative Financial Network, a national professional organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the socially conscious investing community, and a member of the Impact Investing Division of Portfolio Resources Advisor Group, a registered investment adviser. Mr. Moran can be reached directly at Sustainable Wealth Advisors at hmoran@prg-group.net or 518-450-1755.

Mention of specific securities, funds, or companies should not be considered an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell the security, fund, or company. To determine the suitability of any particular investment, please consult with your investment adviser.

Remember, past performance is no guarantee of future results and no investment strategy can assure success. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may change without notice. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, SIFMA.

WHAT’S YOUR M-PYR? continued from Page 12

journey? Could we exercise daily, eat better, practice proper spinal hygiene, incorporate stress management, and love life more? What's important to understand is everything matters! You can eat extremely well, exercise daily, manage your thoughts, however if you practice poor spinal hygiene, your health will fail and your (car) will break down. Your nervous system health is what dictates your overall body function. Without it your electrical system of your car will malfunction and your car will breakdown.

Next time you feel life is getting in the way of taking proper care of your body, consider your M-PYR. I have 47 years MINIMUM left on this incredible journey of life. Nothing is more important than keeping my car in top condition. Join me on this journey. Visit www.aacwellness.com for more information on how you can implement wellness concepts in your life. I guarantee it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Until next time, Be Well!

Dr. Michael Quartararo has been a chiropractic wellness practitioner in Saratoga since 1993. He is the CEO and founder of AAC Family Wellness Centers, a Milton family and pediatric wellness center. He is a member of the New York State Chiropractic Council, International Chiropractic Council, International Pediatric Chiropractic Council and World Chiropractic Alliance. Visit www.aacwellness.com or email aacwellness@gmail.com.

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RAISING BABIES GREEN continued from Page 15

Some affordable green options for busy families: 1. Clothe your baby or child in organic pajamas and undershirts. Stock up on second hand play clothes to complete his or her wardrobe. Their skin will still be getting the benefits of organic clothing a majority of the time.

2. If you live near a grocery store that delivers, take advantage! Then you won't end up like me with the missing organic yogurt for snack.

Or subscribe to a Community Supported Agriculture to buy local from a farmer and save some time grabbing healthy produce. Check out localharvest.org 3. When you've tried to squeeze out that last drop of organic baby wash for the fourth time and you're getting nothing, and it's 7pm, try sprinkling a teaspoon amount or less of baking soda in your infant's or child's bath. It will gently cleanse their delicate skin. If you're feeling even more ambitious you can make body wash and lotion for older kids and adults. It's easier than you think and saves a lot of money for other green choices.

4. Tailor cloth diapering to work with your family's life. Any little bit you can do is something. There are lots of cloth diaper options including all-in-ones and fitted diapers that grow with your child like the ones shown below from Babee Greens.

5. Buy items that are multifunctional, serving more than one purpose for you, such as Pura stainless steel baby bottles that are compatible with a variety of nipples from other bottle brands and double as snack canisters.

6. Take on 2 simple baby food recipes that you can work into your life and routine and keep the kitchen stocked with mashables, like bananas and avocados, for those time crunch moments. Add on recipes as you can. There are a lot of great simple recipes out there that you can find right online.

7. Buy new baby or children's books on special occasions. And to fill in your child's book collection, browse garage and library book sales.

8. You don't need to shop or splurge for an eco-friendly changing table. Turn a dresser you already have or an upcycled dresser into a changing table by buying an eco-friendly changing pad that comes with screws to attach the pad to the furniture.

Amber Chaves is the busy mother of a toddler and a pediatric occupational therapist. She is certified in infant massage and trained in babywearing through the Babywearing Institute. Amber is also the owner of The Bundle Store located at 35 Milton Ave in Ballston Spa, an eco friendly baby and maternity store specializing in natural and hand-made items. For more information on products and classes at The Bundle Store call 518-5578809 or visit www.thebundlestore.com.

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ALTERNATIVE Currencies

BUCKING THE FRN & TRADING TIME INSTEAD OF MONEY STORY BY TRACY FRISCH TROY TIME TRADERS PHOTOS PROVIDED; ADIRONDACK BUCKS PHOTOS BY DAVID DELOZIER

Let me make a confession. I vastly prefer to get my goods and services from people I know or can forge at least a slight social connection with. When I can eliminate the monetary aspect of a transaction, so much the better.

Wikipedia states that the United States has over 276 time banks.

That's a very rough estimate, since not all are actively functioning and others, including TroyShares, don't have a listing in the time bank community directory.

Maybe I'm just seeking the warm feelings that come with relationship in business dealings, or perhaps I'm fleeing the alienation inherent to big box store consumer-dom or navigating some giant bureaucracy. In any case, this predilection makes me a good candidate for barter, mutual aid and the gift economy. And you may be, too.

Having the "bank" functions alleviates the need for person A and person B to reciprocate directly when one of them provides the other with a service. Say your car needs a tune-up. Through TroyShares you identify someone with mechanical know-how who is able to do the job in two hours. The week before you provided four hours of childcare for a family that belongs to TroyShares, so you have more hours banked (recorded) than you need for the tune-up. Accounting is simple since all services have equivalent value, based on the labor time involved.

I have long enjoyed trading with friends and others and am especially jazzed about bartering veggies and vegetable plant starts that I grow for grass-fed beef, raspberries and even acupuncture. I also trade hunting rights on my land for venison, firewood and bush hogging. And Freecycle (google it and join your local group) remains my go-to place for divesting myself of surplus stuff and occasionally scoring freebies to fill a need or a whim.

While abstract talk about building a local economy tends to make my eyes glaze over, I love discovering the seeds of alternative economies being planted all around us. One of these seeds is TroyShares, an allvolunteer mutual aid project with the catchy slogan "thinking outside the bucks."

AN END-RUN AROUND THE ALL-MIGHTY DOLLAR According to its website, TroyShares is fun and helps people accomplish three goals: getting to know each other, sharing our gifts (time and talents), and saving money. It does this through a barter system called time banking. A time bank facilitates the exchange of time (that is, of labor or services by the hour. In effect it makes time an alternative currency, in place of money.

I first heard about TroyShares from Abby Lublin, a fellow participant in a workshop on resilience and living on less at the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) conference in Saratoga Springs in January. Abby, who is the founder of Collard City Growers, said that TroyShares members had installed an appliance for her, moved a piano into her home and given her essential plumbing advice. In turn, she assisted other members with rides and pet care. No money changed hands.

Considering the tasks she mentioned, it strikes me that the tangible benefits of TroyShares go beyond monetary savings in another way.

It can be troublesome finding someone willing and able - and trustworthy -- to do small jobs, especially of the kind that people have traditionally relied on family or neighbors to help with. Yet today many of us live far from extended family and in neighborhoods without cohesion. And it's no longer unusual to live alone or have a partner whose skills do not complement our own.

Pictured Left: Shanna Goldman and Troy Shares rally the community to help neighbors flooded by the Hudson during Hurricane Irene. This was truly an emergent network that formed the day of the flood and weeks afterwards. Many came together to make it work. In the photo are: Shanna Goldman, Barry Goldman, future mayor Lou Rosamilia, Pastor (and future councilwoman) Nina Nichols, Troy Shares member Marie Gavazzi, councilman Ken Zalewski and 4 others... many more worked hard those weeks.

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Pictured above left to right: Annee Borthwick, Pati Cumo, & Emily Rossier, organizing members of Troy Shares.

A GRASSROOTS PROJECT THAT'S EVOLVING TroyShares is very young, initiated about two years ago by a group of eight or nine people. A core group known as the Kitchen Cabinet keeps it going by troubleshooting, experimenting and doing other sorts of work on the project. I was told that their monthly meetings take place around lots of food and are open to all.

"Most time banks start after six or twelve months of planning and grant-writing. In Troy we planned for five weeks," said Emily Rossier, a founder and one of the current organizers.

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Not only that, a member created the software used by TroyShares.

Typically time banks pay to use software provided by a national umbrella group.

For the first year TroyShares focused on recruitment and held monthly orientations to get new members up to speed. But eventually, the organizers realized that keeping people engaged was more important than growing their numbers.

"We were effective at bringing in new people, but we weren't meeting

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the needs of the existing members," said Emily. In February she reported that membership has reached about 160, with new people continue to find their way to the group.

FREE SKILL SHARE EVENTS KEEP IT INTERESTING Shifting gears, TroyShares began hosting Skill Share events at its monthly member gathering almost a year ago. A Skill Share is yet another variation on the idea of swapping. People with special skills or expertise do demonstrations and lead short workshops and receive hours in return. And the types of skill workshops offered are far reaching.

At the most recent event, sessions ran the gamut from how to bike in the winter to healthy cooking on the cheap. Other topics dealt with garden tools, community organizing, budgeting, and alternative health modalities. Anyone can attend and these events are free and appealing.

THE CIRCLE OF OFFERS AND REQUESTS In a society like our own where money is the medium used for almost all economic exchanges, time trading with strangers -or anyone other than immediate family -often lies outside of people's comfort zone. TroyShares addresses this social inhibition by providing a structured, welcoming face-to-face setting for practicing the art of barter.

From TroyShares' first orientation, the group's gatherings have always started with a circle of offers and requests. In the first go-round each person gets a chance to state one to three things they need; in the second people take turns announcing one to three offers. The whole exercise lasts an hour. Afterwards the list is posted at www.TroyShares.org.

At the February Skill Share organizers put a new twist on the circle with the aim of fostering immediate matches. Emily describes the beautiful goal of the exercise as "meeting everyone's needs and receiving everyone's gift." Rather than accumulating requests and offers for the website, as people share their need or offer (one each per person this time), the group attempts to meet or receive it. Only requests that remain unfulfilled and offers no one has received go on the website.

A time bank requires somewhat of a balance between offers and requests. In the beginning organizers encountered an interesting phenomenon - some members had difficulty identifying anything they needed help with. To break the ice, the original founders deliberately "modeled vulnerability" by expressing needs and posting their own requests. (As it turned out, there were other people who found it a stretch to think of anything that they could offer and someone else might want.)

Sometimes in our land of excess consumption, the need is paradoxically for less. "We have a lot of pack rats," Abby said. They need help de-cluttering and getting their surplus stuff listed on eBay. REWEAVING THE FABRIC OF COMMUNITY TroyShares seems very much grounded in community organizing. For instance the membership is broken down by neighborhoods, each of which has its own TroyShares contact person. If a member forgets how to post on the group's website or has other questions, a neighbor is available to help and encourage.

An important key to success, in Abby's view, is having a diversity of members. If everyone is seeking the same types of services but no one in the homogeneous group can provide them, a time bank will flounder. She recommends striving to create a time bank community that includes people of different ages and social classes and a wide variety of needs and abilities.

Could it be that one of the best parts of TroyShares is getting acquainted with people who you otherwise might never meet? So many of us spend our lives bound to social circles where everyone looks (and thinks) like us, with friends and associates determined by categories such as age, class, race, gender, education or religion, and in this age of transience and fear of strangers, we often don't even know our neighbors. troyshares@gmail.com/www.troyshares.org/518-3088097 If you're not in Troy, check out other area time trading initiatives: Battenkill Time Traders - serving southern Washington County (518) 288-5241 or visit battenkill@community.timebanks.org. Capital Region Timebanks: http://capitalregion.timebanks.org.

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Passing the Adirondack Buck

Championing a thriving local economy is not a new idea in Warrensburg, according to Anna Busser, architect of a new alternative currency called Adirondack Bucks.

Many decades ago, she told me, the town was booming with industry, and it full of bustling shops able to satisfy the needs of the inhabitants. A prominent local figure named Jack Tony had experienced Warrenburg's heyday in his youth. Years later, after the town had lost both its prosperity and much of its population and numerous stores were shuttered, he installed a prominent sign in the window of his own establishment, the Meat Market of the North. The placard read, "If you buy outside of Warrensburg and I buy outside of Warrensburg, what will become of Warrensburg?" His fears proved prescient.

LOCAL CURRENCY AS A TOOL Now a new wave of area residents has come together to help revive the local economy, and they're intent on deepening the fabric of community in the process. Calling their effort Common Good Solutions, the Warrensburg-based group operates by consensus and gives every member an equal voice. Together they have created Adirondack Bucks as a tool for re-localizing the economy.

"Our currency can't be redeemed for money. Nor can you use Adirondack Bucks at Wal-Mart," explains Anna, an occupational therapist and committed community activist.

The group opted for local currency, rather than a barter system, because everyone is familiar with how to use money, Anna said. But A Bucks trader offers their wares at the first Adirondack Bucks Marketplace

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that's not the only factor. "A lot of people up here don't have computers and many don't trust banks," she noted.

It took the grassroots group several years and lots of research, consciousness raising and deliberation to lay the groundwork for the ambitious project. Since launching the local currency late last year, the group has begun looking to branch out into Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs. The organizers want to make the currency attractive to prospective business members as a means for expanding their clientele.

So far $4,000 in Bucks has been printed and over $1,000 has entered circulation. Each bill is embossed and inscribed with serial numbers to discourage counterfeiting. Eventually the organizers hope to finance micro-loans with some of the income from selling Adirondack Bucks.

This past December a spirited gathering promoted as a Christmas market doubled as a sort of public opening for Adirondack Bucks. Held during the "Christmas in Warrensburg" weekend, the first-time holiday fair attracted a crowd that included almost all the 40 initial Adirondack Bucks members.

The celebration featured a potluck meal, live music, a biodiesel demonstration and various crafts, foods and holiday gift possibilities.

The organizers suggested that folks bring whatever they had "too much of" to exchange for the local currency.

"Everyone came with $25 in Bucks [the amount people get when they join], and they left with the same amount and other things as well," said Anna. " OTHER MERITS THAN CONVENIENCE Anna concedes that Adirondack Bucks are not intended to be convenient. "You need to put a lot of energy into it," Anna says. For instance, to buy eggs you might end up finding out which of your neighbors keep laying hens.

And so it should be, for the point of a local currency is to foster new buying habits that foreground local community and sustainability.

Having Adirondack Bucks in one's wallet reinforces the desire to resurrect the local economy. They're a reminder to engage in "slow" commerce instead of taking the easy way out and heading to a mall or convenience store.

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES No membership is required to use Adirondack Bucks, but at present, only a small number of businesses have agreed to accept them. Luckily some of them sell items in high demand, like locally grown food and yummy meals and snacks. Indeed food seems to top the list of what people are buying with Adirondack Bucks.

The early adopters of the alternative currency include stores, a restaurant and a farm. Willows Bistro and Miller's Art and Frame, which also sells antiques and gifts, are both in Warrensburg, and Whitefield Farm is in Thurman.

Willows Bistro is a purveyor of wonderful healthy food that also puts on art shows, hosts monthly readings with local authors, and boasts an array of local products. Since joining Adirondack Bucks, the business has increased its commitment to buying local foods, according to Anna.

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The Whitefields raise vegetables, pigs, chickens and turkeys and sell other local agricultural products including Nettle Meadow cheeses at their farm store. Given the popularity of their products, the family only accepts 10 percent of any sale in Adirondack Bucks.

Refusing to leave the fate of the currency to chance, the organizers are thinking strategically. Recently a group of members met at Uncommon Ground, the Saratoga Springs coffeehouse, to brainstorm ways to entice more local businesses into the fold. They plan to direct priority outreach to businesses that are especially popular among the membership, realizing that how well they do in this regard will be crucial to the success of Adirondack Bucks.

LOCAL SOLUTIONS, LOCAL EXPERIMENTS Anna sees our society headed for an inevitable crash and wants her community to be prepared. "The only solutions that will work are local solutions. We basically have to help ourselves," she said.

Working with Adirondack Bucks has made the gaps in local businesses and services more apparent. Anna said the area could use more greenhouses and food producers and a natural food coop or retailer.

Residents need to travel to the Glens Falls area or beyond to find computers and other office equipment, and renewable energy technology for solar or micro-hydro isn't available locally.

She stressed that the group's local currency initiative does not exist in a vacuum, but as one component of a movement toward a more localized economy. Adirondack Bucks leaders are well networked with local officials and other area initiatives, be they concerned with local economic development, health or agriculture.

While Anna expresses boundless motivation around Adirondack Bucks, she believes there's no right way to go about localizing the economy.

"I like to see all kinds of experiments," she opined. "What will work in one place won't work in another." She tells me that Sonoma County, California, had "a smashing success" with a special debit card for buying local, but that approach would probably not find acceptance in her neck of the woods. www.adirondackbucks.com or adirondackregionalcurrency@aol.com

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FISH FOOD HADLEY FAMILY DIVES INTO AQUAPONICS STORY BY DAVID DELOZIER I PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOCKSTUDIOSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Give a man a fish, and you will feed him for a day.

Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for life. Teach a man how to raise fish, and feed the fish poo to the lettuce and tomatoes, and you will feed a community for a lifetime!

That is exactly what Matthew and Kerry Hanlon wish to do. The good folks of Hadley and Lake Luzurne may well not know it yet, but their world is about to be rocked by some seriously healthy food, as the Hanlon duo having just embarked on an Aquaponics venture. That's the technology of raising fish to make the nutrients that feed the roots of veggies floating on water. The veggies love the fish excrement and grow like the dickens. The fish are harvested, as are the veggies, and there you've got a balanced meal for humanity. And it's all being done at the Hanlon residence perched on a hill overlooking the Hadley Bow Bridge and the junction of the Sacandaga and Hudson Rivers.

TO EAT WELL IN A FOOD DESSERT Like a lot of things in life, the Hanlon's arrived at this point after several years of pondering and research. Well, when you think about something long enough, it can become an obsession. And that obsession could very well become an aquaponics business, as it did for Kerry. Her journey began with a simple desire of wanting to feed her family good clean food.

She became concerned about the conventional food that was readily available, but questionable in its nutritional value. “I started worrying about food a few years ago, and

the more I researched, the more I was shocked about how conventional food was raised,” she said. “Everything about it seemed wrong, and I wanted to feed my family wholesome food.”

In an effort to gain control over the families food intake, the Hanlon's planted a big garden in a clearing next the their home. They grew more weeds than desirable plants, which sent Kerry down the aquaponics rabbit hole.

THE AQUAPONICS BUG Hooking up with the good folks at aquaponics.com sealed the deal for the Hanlon's. Their obsession with efficiency is what Kerry really appreciated. “They want everything to work with minimum inputs and maximum output,' explained Kerry. The Hanlon's leapt into the venture with a home-equity loan and a whole lot of faith that this is the right time and place to begin. Aquaponics.com had a system perfectly scaled for their greenhouse, which was set up a few years ago.

Photographer Tom Stock and I took trip up meet and greet the Hanlon's, and check out their new enterprise. The Hanlon's graciously shared their new love with us, and we were thrilled and amazed to see the place up close and personal.

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Entering the greenhouse, the chill of early March vanished into luxurious warmth and brightness. So bright, I was longing for some sunglasses. It had to be close to 80 degrees inside.

The aquaponics system is an ingenious design, and beautiful in its function. Based on gravitational flow, there in only one pump that raises water to the level of the fish tanks, and gravity does all the work from there. The pipes and tanks were arranged in perfect order, with a central human travel zone down the middle.

Kerry was just getting her first brood of fish up to speed when we arrived. The four fish tanks in her system allow her to have a rotation of fish of various ages working the system. As fish are harvested, they are replenished. The fish waste leaves the propagation tank and flows to filter tanks filled with netting and mesh to trap solids. Here, friendly bacteria work to convert nitrites to nitrates, which is a plant food. Then onto the main tub where the nutrient rich water feeds the floating veggies on the south side of the greenhouse. There, nearly mature clusters of lettuce greens were basking in the sun.

MAJOR PRODUCTION IN A SMALL FOOTPRINT The system is rated for annual production of 10,000+ pounds of lettuce and 1,200 pounds of fish, all in a foot print of just 30 x 48 feet. Kerry and Matt are excited about the possibilities. They realize that they are at the beginning of the learning curve, but the thought of those numbers being achieved means their impact can be quite significant. That means a lot of happy mouths fed well, primarily in the Hadley/Luzurne area.

The Hanlon's have added to the efficiency of the system by

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utilizing their home's wood fired boiler to heat the greenhouse in the winter. One fire heats both the house and the greenhouse, with the sun providing most of the heat on the sunny days. A propane generator stands by to add redundancy to the system. They've tweaked the venting system so that a comfortable 80 degrees or so is maintained. Everything supports another thing, which drives an output of highly nutritious and delicious food.

For anyone who is researching what foods are best for health, the path inevitably leads to green leafy vegetables. And aquaponics systems produce copious amounts of these high value veggies in a very short amount of time. And it just so happens the greens love the nutrients in fish waste. The roots draw in the nitrogen and minerals, in effect, scrubbing the water, while oxygenating it, making it the ideal fish water. It's symbiotic and brilliant.

FISH OF THE PHAROAHS The Tilapia fish like the water around seventy four degrees, and put on mass fast. Harvesting weight is about one and a half pounds. Tilapia is quickly becoming one of the most popular eating fish in the US because of its mild taste and firm, porous texture which readily absorbs the flavors around it. It also happens to be the easiest fish to grow in an Aquaponics system.

The Tilapia is a tropical fish whose native home is Africa and the Nile River Basin in lower Egypt. They are perhaps the oldest farmed fish on the planet as there are documented accounts of them having been farmed as far back as ancient Egypt.

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY WITH LOVE There is perhaps nothing better for a community than to have a ready supply of good, clean, affordable food. The Tilapia and greens that will come out of the Hanlon's farm will do much to improve the health of their community. All who partake of it will receive the gift that is good health.

Moods change, hearts warm; there is more sharing and caring. Less disease, more love. It can happen. It will happen in Hadley/ Luzurne, because the Hanlon's will be sharing the love that will pour out of their obsession to eat good food.

Adirondack Aquaponics is working on a website and it will be up soon. In the meantime, they can be reached by email at adkaquaponics@gmail.com

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Installing a Native Plant Rain Garden

By Emily DeBolt, owner Fiddlehead Creek Native Plant Nursery What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a vegetated depression that collects stormwater runoff. Rain gardens are a great DIY project for homeowners to manage small amounts of stormwater on their own property. By directing runoff into the garden, the rain that falls on rooftops, driveways, and other impervious surfaces on your property infiltrates into the ground, recharging local and regional aquifers, instead of running off across the surface and eventually polluting local waterways.

Rain gardens are beneficial in many ways. In addition to helping keep local waterways clean by filtering stormwater runoff, rain gardens also can help alleviate problems with flooding and drainage. Rain gardens are pretty and functional, enhancing the beauty of yards and communities and providing valuable habitat and food for wildlife like birds and butterflies when planted with native plants. Rain gardens can reduce the need for expensive stormwater treatment structures in your community.

Selecting Plants for the Garden. Since a rain garden is flooded periodically, you need plants that can live in both wet and dry conditions. Plants in the middle of the garden where it is deepest should be the most adapted to very wet conditions, being able to be inundated for short periods of time. Plants on the edges of the garden should be able to be briefly inundated. Be sure to stabilize the berm around your garden that holds the water in grass or dry-tolerant native plants as well.

Right Plant, Right Place. You should consider if your site is sunny or shady when selecting plants. Remember - you need 6 hours or more or sun to be considered 'full sun'. It is easiest to find plants that work well for rain gardens that need sun, so keep this in mind when planning out the location of your rain garden. Just like with any other garden, think about what variety of height, color, and blooming period you would like as well. Mix a variety of flowers, grasses, sedges, for different shapes and textures above, and different root depths below the surface. Shrubs are great in rain gardens too if you have the space. Consider planting flowers in masses of color to attract birds and butterflies. Follow the tricks the professionals use and group plants in odd-number clumps, using 3,5, or 7 of the same plant all together. This way your rain garden is not only stopping stormwater runoff but is also providing you with a beautiful landscape to enjoy all summer long. After you are done planting, mulch the garden. Don't use bark mulch in the garden - it will float away. Hardwood mulches and gravel or river stones work well.

Native Plants for Rain Gardens. Native plants are a great choice for rain gardens. Planting natives helps protect New York's biodiversity by providing food and habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Natives have evolved in our environment over many years and many of our wetland and riparian species are adapted to alternating periods of wet and dry. The deep roots of natives absorb and filter runoff more effectively than the short roots of many turf grasses and other ornamental plants - making them a perfect fit for rain gardens!

Emily DeBolt and her husband Chris own Fiddlehead Creek Farm and Native Plant Nursery.

The nursery is located on State Route 40 Hartford in Washington County. They grow and sell a wide selection of groundcovers, perennials, and shrubs that are native to New York, including a wide selection of plants for rain gardens. For more info about gardening with native plants, visit their website at www.fiddleheadcreek.com or call 518-632-5505.

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Passion for Eco-Minded Fashion

“I love the clothes at Malika--they are so comfortable and just so different than anything else around town.

The colors and handmade quality are a refreshing taste of the global world outside of our small town Saratoga Springs. Plus they're downright adorable!�

Photos by Tom Stock of StockStudiosPhotography.com

Featuring Spring Stylings from Malika International Boutique

Photos by Dave Delozier

Malika International Boutique is located at 10 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs MalikaInternationalBoutique.com The models are: Coleman Weisheit, Jamie Onderdonk, Leanne Stanley, Kaitlin Moen and Lauren Burke Photographed at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs

GENERATION SHIFT CONSPICUOUS TO CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION? UNEP'S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CAMPAIGN STORY BY DEJA DRAGOVIC, AREBELWITHACAUSE.ORG I PHOTOGRAPHY BY GORAN JOVIC World Environment Day is JUNE 5th.

It is the single biggest day for positive action on the environment worldwide. This year’s theme is Think.Eat.Save in support of a campaign by UNEP and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to reduce food waste and food loss. Organizations and individuals across the world are encouraged to carry out an environmental activity in support of WED. More info: www.unep.org/wed/ and www.thinkeatsave.org The richest sentence I’ve ever read said that “wealth is not the possession of abundance, rather it’s the freedom from need”. Unfortunately, as long as the pursuit of money drives our society, and is synonymous with success, recognition, and even respect, we will continue chasing materialistic goals.

Lately, green consumerism and eco-conscious movements have been gaining more publicity, although not because of our belief in their ability to improve environmental outcomes, but because we are ashamed of our consumption practices. As we should be.

But just as we individually and collectively drive the forces of supply and demand (into overdrive!), we should also be able – and willing – to step on the breaks.

WE NEED SOLUTIONS. The problem is not that people are unaware, the problem is that they don’t care because this is ‘normal’, ‘everyone is doing it’, and also, environmental changes are not personal. We are selfish creatures.

Deep and lasting changes can occur on local, community levels, such as showing support for cooperative, collaborative and sharing principles. A slice of it resulted from reducereuse-recycle campaigns, but sadly, the rest was due to people’s financial constraints.

Still, the most gratifying activities in life are completely free: a laugh with friends, a morning swim, sex… Instead, we go for a higher ‘high’ and a more intense adrenaline rush: base jumping, heli skiing, swimming with the sharks – all incredibly thrilling, but also incredibly expensive adventures. They are addictive because they create an (artificial) escape from an ordinary routine, eventually becoming a very pricey lifestyle that needs constant upkeep. We are creatures of bad habits.

“Wealth is not the possession of abundance, rather it’s the freedom from need.”

The fundamental question is: how to find gratification in non-material things, making them equally appealing, and simultaneously dispel the myth that purchasing things make us happy?

Let’s establish a Ministry of Happiness and put it in charge of maintaining a level of contentment by helping the public balance personal development, relationships and career.

This Ministry will ensure that the use of phrase “retail therapy” is aborted. It will lobby for 3-day weekends and 6-week annual vacations. Not to worry, no company or organization is that productive, businesses will survive. Alternatively, they can hire people as fillers, thus reducing unemployment rates: win-win.

Because we are conditioned to think and behave according to what our social circle approves of, the only way to reverse the scale of conspicuous consumption is to shame the people who flaunt their materialistic means by disapproving of their behaviour.

It will decrease our salaries accordingly because the aim is simply more leisure time to devote to creative pursuits, not more time to acquire possessions.

Realistically, while in the developed world we may be getting a bit bored of trivial luxuries, there are millions of people in the emerging economies that are just coming to their means and learning how to channel their newly acquired powers. And it is a horrifying image.

On a more serious note, its ‘mindless to mindful consumption campaign‘ will address the fundamental underlying issues: vanity, passivity, the need to escape from ordinary life, irrational consumerist behaviour – in other words, the lack of interest, motivation or energy for a fulfilled life.

For change to happen on a large scale, to become a movement, something has to drive it, something radical. The Occupy movement was a movement because 1) it was pro-active, 2) it provoked everybody, and 3) it was cool, in a rebellious kind of way.

It’s a thin line between a problem and a solution, and this line is: ‘no, I don’t need it, I’m content‘.

So, conscious consumption has to become a lifestyle, not a trend, but it should 42

start like a trend because trends help propel ideas. Can ‘moderation’ suddenly become cool? For it to reach a critical mass, the general public has to see a benefit. An immediate benefit. We are spoiled creatures.

Deja Dragovic is a freelance writer and photographer, focusing on sustainable development, climate change and eco-tourism. She previously worked for UNESCO, UNDP, National Geographic Go Green (UK) and National Geographic Traveler (UK).She speaks seven languages and is an active member of the Society of Environmental Journalists.

LOCAL FOOD

Help create a greener world. Support our local food businesses.

GROCERY

FARM MARKETS

RESTAURANTS

Cambridge Food Co-op

Saratoga Apple

Fifty South Restaurant & Bar

1 West Main Street Cambridge, NY 12866 518-677-5731 cambridgefoodcoop.com Wholesome affordable foods in a spirit of respect for each other and our world.

1174 Route 29 Schuylerville, NY 12871 (518) 695-3131 saratogapapple.com Orchard and farm stand open every day all year long. Fresh fruit and produce, cider, fresh baked goods, and many local products.

2128 Doubleday Ave. (Route 50) Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-884-2926 fiftysouth.com We are dedicated to making good, wholesome food using local purveyors and farm produce.

Four Seasons Natural Foods & Cafe 33 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-4670 fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com Celebrating 25 years of good food and great customers, in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs.

The Green Grocer

Good Morning Cafe Shaker Shed Farm & Market 945 Watervliet-Shaker Road Colonie, NY 12205 (518) 869-3662 shakershed farm.com Locally grown flowers and produce, bakeshop, crafts, gift items and small Amish furniture. Café open 9am-3pm daily.

Harvest and Hearth

1505 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 (518) 383-1613 thegreengrocer.com Since 1995, serving the community of healthy minds and adventurous hearts.

Schenectady Greenmarket

Niskayuna Co-op

Saratoga Farmers’ Market

2227 Nott Street Niskauyuna, NY 12309 (518) 374-1462 niskayunacoop.com Personal service and outstanding value.

Many organic, local, gourmet, and specialty items you just won’t find anywhere else!

2100 Doubleday Ave (Route 50) Ballston Spa, NY 12020 goodmorningbreakfast.com 518-309-3359 The best breakfast you’ll ever have featuring local, organic and fair trade food

around City Hall, Jay Street, Schenectady.

Sundays, 10am-2pm. schenectadygreenmarket.com Enjoy live music, prepared food and the region's best local foods!

Through April at Division St. Elementary School, Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Then outdoors starting May 1st at High Rock Park Pavilions, Wednesdays, 3-6pm; Saturdays, 9am-1pm SaratogaFarmersMarket.org Learn from the farmers and producers of local food, garden plants, and artisan crafts.

PRODUCTS Mack Brook Farm 312 McEachron Hill Road Argyle, New York 12809 (518) 638 6187 mackbrookfarm.com Animal Welfare approved grass-fed and finished beef, available on the farm or at select retailers.

251 Staffords Bridge Road Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-1900 harvesandhearth.com Serving the area’s finest wood-fired pizza made with fresh, local, and organic ingredients.

The Hungry Fish Café 615 Pawling Avenue Troy, NY 12180 (518) 874-4573 Thehungryfishcafe.com Featuring a completely from scratch menu and bakery consisting of locally sourced products plus catering and pantry items.

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante Route 29, East Galway 518-882-9431 www.villagepizzeria.com Celebrating 25 years of serving the best Italian Specialties and world-class wines.

Extensive gluten-free options.

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FARM to MARKET WHY FRESH & LOCAL IS BETTER STORY BY THERESA HOUGHTON With the USDA reporting over 7,800 farmer's markets across the country in 2012, it's no wonder that more people are shopping at these local hotspots. Though the things that can be found at a farmer's market may look like some of the things at a grocery store, there are many important differences that make it preferable-and smarter-to shop at the farmer's market.

The biggest difference between farmer's markets and grocery stores is freshness. Produce picked up at the grocery store, will have a sticker that says where it was grown; however, even if it says “USA,” rarely will it specify where in the USA that particular item came from. It could have been trucked hundreds or even thousands of miles from its point of origin, picked under-ripe and sprayed with chemicals to finish the ripening process before being put on the shelves. The longer the produce spends off the plant, the more the nutrients degrade, leading to lower quality food. This is exacerbated by the fact that produce is often left on the shelves for long periods of time without refrigeration, being sprayed with water and having the bad parts trimmed off to keep it looking presentable. By the time it hits a grocery cart, there's no way of knowing how long ago it was picked.

Conversely, at the farmer's market, it's likely that most of the produce came from within 50 miles of where it's being sold. A survey in Farmer's Market Today Magazine showed that this is the case at about 85% of markets. To find out where in that 50 miles it came from, just ask the grower. A farmer's market is a true farm-to-table setup where it's possible to not only find out where food was grown, but how it was grown, when it was picked and even how it was transported. Many vendors selling at farmer's markets are Certified Organic. Others grow with minimal amounts of spray or follow organic practices but haven't yet received certification. Being able to ask questions offers peace of mind about exactly what was and wasn't used during production and helps shoppers make the best possible purchasing decisions.

Shopping at a farmer's market means being able to follow produce from season to season. Unlike food that's trucked into a grocery store from who knows where so that the same selection can be found all year, the foods at a farmer's market are sold when they're in season, ensuring that each item is at its best. With 15% of markets open all year, it's possible to eat just about anything you could want at the time it was meant to be eaten. Growers with greenhouses are sometimes able to extend the season for items such as leafy greens, providing superior nutrition in the colder months.

Another perk of farmer's markets is specialty items that can't be found anywhere else. Though grocery stores offer a variety of everyday commodities, farmer's markets bring unique, local handmade items straight from the artisan to the consumer. Dozens of innovative

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products can be found at the farmer's market, especially around the holidays when skilled craftspeople bring out their best to sell as gifts.

Despite these perks, many people continue to gravitate toward grocery stores because of the perceived difference in prices. Eating healthy, particularly by shopping at farmer's markets, still carries the stigma of being too expensive. However, there are surveys and studies debunking this, some showing that produce can be up to 22% cheaper at farmer's markets for comparable varieties.

There are several reasons for this. The money spent at the farmer's market goes directly from consumers to farmers; there's no markup because no company is getting a cut. Growers may also sell produce by the bunch rather than by the pound or offer discounts when they have an abundance of a particular crop. Items that have slight blemishes or that are a little overripe may be sold as “seconds” at much lower prices.

Farmer's markets are also becoming more accessible to those on limited or fixed incomes. Recent surveys show that 2,400 markets accept the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) and over 4,000 accept WIC. This allows people of many income levels to bring fresh, local produce home to their families, helping to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

This increase in access is a boon not only for the shopper, but also for the economy as a whole. Money spent at a farmer's market goes right back into the local area rather than being siphoned off to huge corporations that support even bigger farms. Consumers who shop at farmer's markets are using their food dollars to vote for smaller, more sustainable operations. Many of the farms that supply grocery stores practice monoculture-planting vast amounts of one crop across large swatches of land, often in excess of what the land can actually support.

This practice degrades the soil and requires the use of chemical fertilizers to keep the crops from dying. Poor soil means poor food quality, and the longer the practice continues, the more damage is done to the land.

The small farms that supply farmer's markets, on the other hand, often plant a wide variety of crops. These farmers benefit from knowing how to rotate different types of plants to best balance the nutrients in the soil, which natural fertilizers to use and when to rest a patch of land.

Diversity in planting helps sustain the health of the soil, turning out higher quality produce overall. It's a cycle that continues season after season to the benefit of both the farmer and the consumer.

You don't have to go far in the Capital Region to find a farmer's market. Visit the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service website at http://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/ to search for the markets closest to you so you can start shopping. It only takes one visit to see why shopping fresh and local is truly better.

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Eco-LOCAL People

Harry Moran Meet Harry Moran, Certified Financial Planner

How long have you been in business and what inspired you to get started?

I’ve been in the financial advisory profession for 26 years and opened my own practice in Saratoga Springs in September of 2011. I’ve always been intrigued with the financial world and liked the idea of being able to help people make sense out of their financial lives.

What's the best part about your job?

My clients! I’m extremely fortunate to be able to work with people who lead really interesting lives and have so much insight to share.

Why do you choose to operate your business in Saratoga as opposed to somewhere else?

Saratoga is the perfect place for my business since it has such a strong sense of community and our residents are thoughtful, intentional and forward-looking people. Having my office at 112 Spring St., allows me to be a part of a close-knit community of progressive non-profit organizations and businesses who share a lot of common values and priorities which helps keep us all energized.

Why do you think it’s important to keep it local?

Every dollar we spend, invest or save has an impact. Keeping more of those dollars close to home strengthens the community and our relationships with one another.

What locally owned business (other than your own) could you not live without?

The Farmer’s Market.

What are some of the things you do to help make the world a little bit better?

Currently, I’m the Treasurer of Sustainable Saratoga and serve on the Executive, Governance and Local Economy Committees. I’m passionate about climate change, urban planning and sustainable economic development and am very excited to be working on these issues in the city where I work and live.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love music, walking around town and spending time with my wife and daughter.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Do what you love and eventually the rest will take care of itself.

Our Facebook fans want to know: What is it that sets you apart and promotes loyal, repeat business?

Living and working here means that I understand the local and regional issues that we all must contend with. I work closely with a relatively small group of clients and really get to know and understand their goals, concerns and dreams.

Our Twitter followers want to know: What drives you to keep doing what you do?

Understanding the power we all have as consumers and investors, it’s exciting to know that I can make a difference by helping people better align their values with their money.