march 2010 FREE
bay area Life Vibrant Health Eco-Livingâ€
eucalyptusmagazine.com
eco-friendly
baby
16 natural baby essentials
rethink the lawn
Improve your environment with sustainable landscapes
five branches university Teaching traditional Chinese medicine 8 more schools for alternative healing plus:
March 2010
On the Cover 26 Bundles of (Green) Joy overlooking pasadena, karen winters, karenwinters.com
Eco-friendly baby essentials By Desiree Hedberg Cover photo by babymoon photography
Features
30 Sustainable Landscapes By erica goss
33 Five Branches University By jennifer moscatello
Departments 8 Healing Foods: Quinoa 11 Path to Wellness: Reflexology 12 Living Smart: Rent, Don't Buy 15 Small Steps: Indoor Gardening 16 Sandbox Talk: Worm Composting 18 Doing Good: Oyster Restoration 21 Grown Local: Lemon Ladies Orchard 24 Staycation: Felton
In Every Issue 3 Publisher’s Note 4 Calendar of Events 7 Stuff We Like 37 Resource Guide 40 Tidbits
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 1
MISSION Our mission is to educate, share knowledge, and inspire our readers to take charge of their health and wellness and to help protect the environment we all live in. In each edition we profile a successful company or individual provider within the health, wellness, and eco-industries, and provide information on local products and services that support healthy and eco-friendly lifestyles. It is our dream that Eucalyptus Magazine becomes your first resource and companion to living naturally in the Bay Area. All of us here at Eucalyptus Magazine will do our best to help you live in harmony and to connect you with local products and services that will help you accomplish your goals. ADVERTISE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS Reach our affluent, well-educated, environmental- and health- conscious readers who are eagerly seeking resources that will improve their health, well-being, and sustainability. For more information, please contact us at 866.797.6570 or advertising@eucalyptusmagazine.com. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS We welcome your news briefs and event listings; please send to editor@eucalyptusmagazine.com. DISTRIBUTION Eucalyptus Magazine is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers with wide distribution throughout the Bay Area. To find Eucalyptus Magazine at a location near you, contact us at 866.797.6570 or distribution@eucalyptusmagazine.com. Let us know if you would like copies placed at your place of business. Please support our advertisers by letting them know you saw them in this publication. In keeping with our concern for the environment, Eucalyptus Magazine is printed on recycled paper using 10% post-consumer waste with soy-based inks.
S
E
ALYPTU UC LOCALLY & OWNED D PRODUCE MA G INE AZ
2 | March 2010
EUCALYPTUS Michaela Marek Publisher and Founder publisher@eucalyptusmagazine.com
EDITORIAL Editor Ann Marie Brown Associate Editor Sue McAllister Contributing Writers Erica Goss, Desiree Hedberg, Jessica Iclisoy, Shannon Johnson, Elizabeth Kang, Jennifer Moscatello, Allison Shea Malone Copyeditors Renee Macalino Rutledge, Erin Soto DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Designer Greg Silva Photo Editor and Photographer Lane Johnson Production Manager Diana Russell Contributing Photographer Victoria Alexander
chief EXECUTIVE officer Reinald Schneller ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives Robert Crum Jr., Rajani Rajan, Cari Ralstin, Jan Rowe, Justine tenZeldam, Katheryne Tobin-James, Cynthia Wehr business manager Cindy Cribbs CONTACT 15559 Union Avenue, Suite 215 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Phone 866.797.6570, Fax 408.877.7303 info@eucalyptusmagazine.com eucalyptusmagazine.com Subscription rate $24.00 per year Advertising rates on request Volume 1, Issue 9 Š2010 by Eucalyptus Magazine. Eucalyptus is a registered trademark in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All rights reserved. Some parts of this magazine may be reproduced with written permission only. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Eucalyptus Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. We do not necessarily endorse products and services advertised. Always consult a professional provider for clarification.
publisher’s note
I am often asked
why this magazine is called Eucalyptus. For me, the eucalyptus tree is an unique symbol of endurance and vitality, and it serves as a metaphor for the community I am trying to build. My mission is to educate, share knowledge, and inspire our readers to take charge of their health and sustainability. I try to do that by publishing a magazine and website that offer insights on topics that our multicultural, multifaceted community can appreciate, giving us the information we need to create a vital and enduring world for ourselves and the people we care about. The eucalyptus tree, which is common throughout California, is native to Australia and Tasmania. Its leaves and bark contain oils that are used for healing purposes. Historically, eucalyptus has been used to treat diabetes, reduce fever, and heal wounds and fungal infections. Today, eucalyptus oil is commonly found in remedies for coughs and the common cold. Many people find its aroma to be soothing and comforting. Aside from its usefulness to humans, the eucalyptus tree is covered with aromatic flowers that attract honey-producing bees. Research shows that a eucalyptus forest supports about the same number of bird species as a native California oak forest. The tree is often chosen as the winter home of the monarch butterfly. Eucalyptus offers us all these benefits, but the tree is also controversial because it is a rapid grower and typically invasive, taking away precious ground from native vegetation. Many of the Bay Area’s park agencies and environmental groups have worked long, hard hours to keep eucalyptus trees from overtaking our parks and open space lands. Despite these downsides, I appreciate the hardiness of the tree. Moved from its home halfway around the globe, the eucalyptus established itself in the San Francisco Bay Area —a land where adaptability counts—and proved it had the strength to survive, and even thrive. My wish is that Eucalyptus Magazine will soon become a focal point of a fast-growing community of people who wish to make a difference. Cheers!
kyle chesser
Michaela Marek Publisher and Founder
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 3
upcoming events
calendar
Saturday, March 6 / 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Secrets of Drought-Tolerant Landscaping 559 College Ave., Palo Alto 650.493.6072 / commongroundinpaloalto.org
Saturday, March 6 / 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon Beginning Birding Clinic Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Alviso 408.262.5513 / southbayrestoration.org
MacArthur Park Restaurant, Palo Alto 650.321.9990 / greendrinks.org
Saturday, March 20 / 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Herbs in the Garden, Herbs in the Kitchen 559 College Ave., Palo Alto 650.493.6072 / commongroundinpaloalto.org
Sunday, March 7 / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sleep Better Without Drugs
Saturday, March 27 / 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Earth Hour 2010 Lights Out Event
Yoga Fitness, Campbell 408.777.9642 / iyoga.com
Switch Off Your Lights for One Hour myearthhour.org
Tuesday, March 9 / 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eucalyptus Magazine Networking Event
Saturday, March 27 / 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Harvesting for the Hungry: Help to Pick Citrus Fruit
Eulipia Restaurant, San Jose 408.335.4778 / eulipia.com
Wednesday, March 10 / 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Native Plant Nursery Workday Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, Palo Alto 510.452.9261 / savesfbay.org
4 | March 2010
Wednesday, March 17 / 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Silicon Valley Green Drinks: Green Business Networking
1023 Corporation Way, Palo Alto 888.Fruit.411 / villageharvest.org
Saturday, March 27 / 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Growing Great Tomatoes 559 College Ave., Palo Alto 650.493.6072 / commongroundinpaloalto.org
SUPREME COURT ATHLETIC CLUB 415 N Mathilda Sunnyvale
Group Exercise Trainers Racquetball Squash Boot Camp ZUMBA Cardio Weights Motivation Steam Bath
Your Life Is Waiting! Bring this coupon in and save $75 off our family or individual health plans. First time members only.
www.sc1ac.com
Nitrous
Cosmetic Dentistry
(408) 395-1121 www.oakmeadowdental.com
Veneers
Let Our Family Take Care of Yours Now accepting new patients
Drs. Christina Fantino and Robert Dyer
Beautiful, Serene Setting
6 | March 2010
CDA + ADA Members
Most insurances accepted
Children’s Dentistry
Implant Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
408-739-1250
InvisalignÂŽ
Family Dentistry
Laser
Get off your butt, quit making excuses and start living. The feeling you seek starts by setting goals and moving towards them. These goals will never be reached by making excuses and waiting for tomorrow. Seize the moment. You are worth it.
stuff we like
Walnuts When discussing the merits of nuts, almonds are a tough competitor to crack. Sure, almonds are loaded with monounsaturated fats, which lower cholesterol levels. But the same is true for the less celebrated walnut. Additionally, of all the tree nuts, walnuts are in the top three for antioxidant content (along with pecans and chestnuts). And a mere one-quarter cup of walnuts provides 90 percent of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids. Move over, almonds.
Tweets No-brainer composting
When an unusual feathered creature shows up in your backyard, the easiest way to identify it is to go to the free website whatbird.com, then search by shape, size, color, or location. Better yet, install the toolbar on your desktop, or download the app for your iPhone ($10-$30).
what stuff do you like? nominate your favorite stuff by e-mailing us at editor@eucalyptusmagazine.com
You want compost for your garden but worms make you squeamish, and you don’t want a pile of rotting vegetables in your backyard. What if composting was as easy as using your kitchen trash can? Nature Mill makes household composting bins that create compost in as little as two weeks and don’t cause odors. Simply deposit your food waste in the bin—up to 120 pounds per month—and it does the rest. The Plus XE model fits inside most standard kitchen cabinets, and costs about 50 cents per month in electricity ($300, naturemill.com).
clockwise from top left: kriss szkurlatowski; courtesy nature mill; courtesy brondell; courtesy organic girl; courtesy green foam blanks
Surf’s Upcycling Surfers have long been at the top of the list of recreationists who care deeply about the environment. Their sport is now greener than ever thanks to ReSurf Recycling (resurf.org), which takes in old, broken surfboards, grinds them into dust, and mixes them with concrete and asphalt to make lightweight, fireproof roof tiles and paving surfaces for roads. Donate your broken-down big stick at Arrow Surf Products in Santa Cruz, 831.462.2791. Once you’ve recycled your old board, you can get a “new” one made from 60% recycled foam at Green Foam Blanks (greenfoamblanks.com). Take the blank to your local shaper and you’ll get an eco-friendly, custom board.
You go, organic girl
A smarter flush
Who doesn’t love those pre-washed packages of organic lettuce, which make fixing a salad so quick and easy? Now there’s even more to love with Organic Girl lettuces, which are packaged in compostable clamshells made from plants, instead of petroleum-based plastics. Find them at Whole Foods Markets, Draeger’s, and New Leaf Community Markets ($3-$5, iloveorganicgirl.com).
An easy way to save water is to flush your toilet less often, but in many households this option isn’t popular. Enter the Brondell Simple Flush (previously called the Perfect Flush), an eco-concious upgrade you install on your existing toilet, allowing you to choose between a half flush and a full flush every time you press the lever. A family of four can save up to $100 per year in water costs. Find it at Lowe’s and Amazon.com ($80). EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 7
healing foods
Chef Jonathan Hall of Parcel 104 tempts patrons with a colorful quinoa pilaf.
the quinoa question Like a lot
of nutrition-minded people these days, you may have a box of quinoa in the pantry, perhaps buried under the brown rice and whole-wheat pasta. You know it’s supposed to be good for you, but cooking with an unfamiliar ingredient can make even a seasoned home cook hesitant. It’s time to wrestle that box out of the cupboard and give quinoa a try. It’s fast cooking, easy to use, and even more nutritious than you might have realized. The Incas called quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) the “mother grain” for good reason. The “grain,” which is actually a seed, is high in protein and iron, making it a smart choice for vegetarians. There are five grams of protein in a one-quarter cup serving, and 10 percent of daily recommended iron needs. All eight essential amino acids are in quinoa, as well as three grams of fiber and three grams of fat per serving, making it nutritionally superior to many grains. Those on a gluten-free diet can safely enjoy quinoa as well. Quinoa is the seed of chenopodium quinoa, a member of the goosefoot plant family, which also includes spinach and chard. When cooked, the seeds’ crunchy outer germ uncoils from the soft middle, creating an uncommon texture that produces a popping sensation when you chew it. The subtle flavor pairs well with a drizzle of olive oil or light vinaigrette. Most people use quinoa as they would any grain—in side dishes, soups, or salads. 8 | March 2010
Although relatively new to North America, quinoa has been a nourishing staple for South Americans since 3000 b.c. But the word is finally spreading to the north. Boxes of the small white, red, or black seeds are popping up in health food stores and grocers such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Restaurants are catching on as well. One is Santa Clara’s Parcel 104, which boasts local, seasonal ingredients served in contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant’s executive chef, Jonathan Hall, says he likes to toast quinoa in a 300-degree oven for five to 10 minutes before cooking it. Toasting brings out a “pleasantly nutty aroma,” he says, and will result in a deeper, richer flavor when the quinoa is cooked. Hall cautions shoppers who buy quinoa in bulk to make sure it smells fresh, as the essential oils in the seed can become rancid over time. Keeping quinoa in the refrigerator can help prolong its shelf life for up to a year. But once you try a few easy quinoa recipes, your supply might not last that long. Hall suggests washing, drying, and toasting a cup of quinoa and simmering it in a skillet with two cups of chicken stock, some garlic, olive oil, and diced vegetables. You can also try quinoa for breakfast, with milk, berries, and a dash of cinnamon or a little maple syrup. With this versatile food, the possible combinations are nearly limitless.
lane johnson
Should nutrient-rich quinoa be your go-to grain? /// by elizabeth kang
ACUPUNCTURE
■
HERBS
■
DIET
■
MASSAGE
Ever wonder OPEN HOUSE San Jose Campus what acupuncturists Sunday April 11, 1–4pm Nationally accredited; recognized do? as one of the nation’s top programs ■
Serving Fresh Local Organic ... Wood Burning Grill
Find out at the Five Branches University Open House.
■ Federal
financial aid available for tuition and living expenses
■ Flexible
course schedules offered in English, Chinese, and Korean
■ Certificate
programs and clinical externship opportunities abroad
Daily Happy Hour 4 - 7 Great for Groups Banquet Facilities for up to 250
408.737.8003 140 South Murphy Ave Sunnyvale Ca 94086 www.dinetarragon.com
Five BraNches UNIVERSITY 25 Years of Excellence in Education & Healthcare 3031 Tisch Way, San Jose (408) 260-8868 ■ 200 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz (831) 476-8211 ■
www.fivebranches.edu
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 9
Z-CoiL
®
$25.00 Off any pair of Z-Coil® shoes Mention this ad for your discount. Not valid on sale items. Expires 6-30-10.
shoes relieve foot, leg, knee and back
PAIN
Reduces pain caused by:
• Arthritis • Plantar Fasciitis • Heel Spurs • Tendonitis • Ligament Damage • And More! Also reduces the fatigue of long hours on your feet.
2077 Camden Ave. San Jose, CA 95124
637 Irving St. San Francisco, CA 94122
408-558-9596
415-566-6877
Camden and Union Camden Park Center
7th and 8th Ave. Inner Sunset District sales@ez-shoes.com
www.ez-shoes.com Enclosed coils available on any style.
7 Day Risk-Free Trial! Many styles available. Each pair of shoes is custom fit. Plan for a 1 hour visit.
How green is our Valley?
Want younger looking skin naturally? Galvanic treatment creates a visible difference in your skin in one 10-minute session in the comfort of your home. A safe and affordable alternative to costly and painful injections.
A thriving Silicon Valley – with a healthy environment, a vibrant economy and an engaged community – that’s the balanced solution we’re all after. Join Sustainable Silicon Valley, an alliance of 120+ local businesses, municipalities and universities, to receive a steady stream of tools, events, best practices and pilot projects designed to protect the planet, while creating value.
Galvanic treatments can: • • • •
On the hOriZOn:
March 18 ~ Frameworks for Sustainability sponsored by Palm, Inc. Next generation tools to measure & reduce emissions March 22 ~ World Water Day hosted by Applied Materials Silicon Valley’s Annual Water Conservation Awards get COMPLete detaiLs abOut these events and MOre at Our fresh new web site:
www.sustainablesiliconvalley.org
10 | March 2010
SSV_Euc-q1.2010-quarterAD-4.indd 1
2/2/10 9:21 AM
lift sagging skin minimize wrinkles decreases age spots revitalize tired, dull, dry skin
Call today for a complimentary demonstration and experience a more youthful you!
Shannon
831-431-0850 shannonmcquaide@yahoo.com
path to wellness
reflexology hits the spot Zone therapy can relieve common ailments /// by elizabeth kang
Reflexology, also known
as zone therapy, is becoming a popular alternative treatment for life’s aches and pains, and is used by some who seek a natural approach to health care. At first glance, reflexology looks much like deep-tissue foot and hand massage. But by applying pressure to key points on the feet, hands, and sometimes other parts of the body, reflexologists aim to help the function of corresponding body parts and internal organs. If a client is experiencing painful migraines, a reflexologist might apply pressure to a specific area of that person’s big toe to relieve the tension in the head, for example. Stomach problems? There’s a part of the palm of the left hand that corresponds to that ailment. And for sinus problems, a reflexologist might concentrate on the ends of your fingers. For some, it may seem strange to think that pressing on a specific spot on one’s hand can affect, say, the liver. But proponents of reflexology say the method is effective, making patients’ lives healthier over time. Practitioners use reflexology to help with stress, arthritis, headaches, cramps, back pain, digestive problems, insomnia, and even labor pains. Reflexology experts and authors Barbara and Kevin Kunz claim millions of lives have been changed for the better through the practice of reflexology. In their 2007 book Complete Reflexology for Life, they write, “Science has not yet formulated a specific answer to the question of what happens when you
apply reflexology technique to the foot or hand. It can be said, however, that a message is sent within the nervous system.” Evidence of the practice of reflexology in ancient civilizations, the authors say, can be found in the hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt, in the texts of China’s renowned Emperor Huang Ti, and at Japan’s Yakushiji Temple in Nara, where Buddha’s footprints are etched in stone. Even if one isn’t convinced of the claims reflexology proponents make, it’s hard to deny the soothing benefits of human touch. The Kunz’s describe how effective reflexology can be in reducing chronic stress, relieving tension, and improving circulation through the power of touch. They assert that anyone, with a little guidance, can practice reflexology at home. There are a number of reflexology clinics in Silicon Valley, and a visit to one might be the surest way to discover whether reflexology should be part of your personal wellness regimen. Bare Feet 1 Reflexology 1947 Tully Rd., San Jose, 408.254.3338 Art of Reflexology 716 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas, 408.942.6868 Health Feet Foot Spa 1136 S. De Anza Blvd., Suite C, San Jose, 408.253.6688 Serenity Day Spa 1123 Luchessi Dr., San Jose, 408.448.7546 EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 11
living smart
n e t r r fo stu y m ff, u t s r y ou
ff, everybod y’s stuff Renting is the new buying
brave the cobwebs of your storage shed, and you’ll find it: that must-have item you simply couldn’t live without—on the day you bought it. Shortly after you realized you really could have lived without it, you consoled yourself by thinking, “I’m sure it will come in handy sometime…” Craigslist.org is full of these “must-have” items—tools, exercise equipment, carpet cleaners, musical instruments, cameras, and specialty cookware in “like new” or “barely used” condition. In garages up and down your street and across the country, millions of items are stored away, losing their value and their usefulness as time passes, until they finally end up in landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency’s website, epa.gov, states that one of the most important ways to reduce waste is to consume less. Resisting the impulse to buy not only helps to keep our planet green, it also helps to keep some green in our wallets. Most of us don’t think twice about renting DVDs for a movie night at home, or tables and chairs for a backyard party. If we expand our concept of what items we can rent, we’ll all wind up with less stuff in our garages and our landfills. A prime example is home improvement tools. Studies have shown that the average circular saw or belt sander is used for only about one hour during its lifetime. Many tools can be rented at local Home Depot stores for much less than the cost of buying them. Several Northern California cities, including Oakland, Berkeley, and Santa Rosa, offer tool lending through their library systems. Any resident with a library card can borrow common home repair tools for free. 12 | March 2010
/// by carolina moore The city of Santa Clara offers a similar service, but with a very limited inventory—mostly tools related to energy savings, like caulking guns and multimeters (siliconvalleypower.com). Almost anything you can buy, you can rent. If you are thinking of buying an iPhone but aren’t ready to commit, consider renting one for a week from iphonetrip.com. If you need to rent a video projector, a satellite phone, or a laptop, find them on erento.net. Maybe you want to go camping with your family, but it seems wasteful to buy a tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment for only one week’s vacation. Bay Area Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) stores rent every type of outdoor gear, from family tents to hard-core mountain climbing equipment. You can also rent gear online from rei.com or lowergear.com. Websites like Zilok.com and Rentalic.com connect people who want to rent an item—say a digital camera or a backpack—with people in the same geographical area who possess those items and are willing to rent them out. Consider the possibilities: If you have teenage nephews coming to visit whom you can’t keep entertained, rent a video game system for the weekend. If a new hobby intrigues you, consider renting that sewing machine or expensive camera until you ascertain if sewing or photography truly is your passion. With sites like Zilok and Rentalic, you can choose to be a renter or a rentee. Pull those “must-have” items you once purchased out of storage, list them for rent, and you’ll give them new life while you earn you a little extra cash.
petr/istockphoto
Walk into your garage, take a peek into your attic, or
BE VEG. GO GREEN. SAVE THE PLANET
Vegetarian House
THE SMILE SPECIALIST
Organic Vegan Restaurant
Actual Patient
Compassionate Food For a Healthy Planet 520 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112 408.292.3798 | www.VegetarianHouse.us
• Mercury Free • • Digital X-rays • • Tissue Reconturing • • Bleaching •
Dr. Douglas Larson 42 West Campbell Avenue, Suite 204 Campbell, CA • 408.374.6160
www.DrLarson.net EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 13
A Best Kept Secret This Historic gem provides a unique setting for meetings and special events, specializing in weddings. We are proud to be an environmentally friendly property, certified by IACC. Beautiful, award winning Orlo’s restaurant, located in our hotel, offers fabulous Early Bird Specials each night. Relax and have a drink in our lounge where Presidents have had meetings! Experience the grace and charm of a by-gone era, with contemporary amenities and legendary service to inspire the mind, body and spirit. A luxurious spa, fitness center and pool are also available to enhance your stay.
www.hayesmansion.com
200 Edenvale Avenue • San Jose, CA 95136 • 408-226-3200
Nature’s Best Cleaners CERTIFIED GREEN CLEANERS•PROFESSIONAL GREEN GARMENT CARE WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OUR NEW SYSTEM? More effective in removing stains No Chemical residue FREE No pollution CLEANING No toxic waste $20.00 off your first order! Cannot combine with other offers. No chemical odor Mention this ad or bring it in. Whiter whites Expires 6/30/10. Colors are brighter We not only “deep clean” your clothes but also condition them to protect the fibers and maintain their colors.
Owner – Peter Xu
First green cleaners in Santa Clara County State and E.P.A. Certified
We invite you to experience the AMAZING DIFFERENCE with this free offer. 1281 W. El Camino Real/Hwy 85, Sunnyvale CA 94087 14 | March 2010
(650) 969-0469
www.realgreencleaners.com
small steps
indoor gardening
Perfect your green thumb from your windowsill
/// by shannon johnson
Mark Poprocki/istockphoto
Whether you’re trying
to reduce your grocery bills, seek a deeper connection to the earth by nurturing plant life, or just crave the freshest vegetables possible, an indoor countertop garden is a perfect way to spruce up your home and have easy access to fresh herbs and vegetables. Follow these steps and you can have a radiant indoor garden. Location, location, location To select a location for your indoor garden, choose a spot in your home that gets at least four hours of sunlight a day. If your home lacks sufficient light, you might need to consider alternatives such as florescent lighting or metal halide grow lamps. Choose containers Clay, wood, or ceramic containers all work well for the countertop garden if they allow for proper drainage. You can opt for a row of small pots, or you can grow multiple herbs or vegetables in one large container. Choose containers big enough to allow the plants to grow to their full size without being too crowded. Pick your plants Once you have determined your location, make a trip to your local garden store to pick herbs and vegetables suited for growing indoors. Basil, parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, and rosemary are relatively easy herbs to grow. As for vegetables, think spinach, leaf lettuces, and endive, or even peppers or cherry tomatoes if your indoor garden will get enough heat and light. Add some soil Depending on what you decide to grow, you can either start with seeds, seedlings from the garden store, or cuttings from established plants. Each container should have a mix of about four parts potting soil to one part organic fertilizer or compost. If you start with cuttings, place them in containers one-quarter filled with soil, and continue to add soil until the cut end is covered and the cutting can maintain an upright position. If you’re starting with seeds, read seed packages for instructions. Some seeds should be germinated before planting, some should be covered with soil, while others are placed on top of the soil, and so on. Make sure that the herbs and/or vegetables planted together in the same container have similar light and water requirements.
Help your garden grow Pay attention to the light, water, and pest-control
requirements for each type of herb or plant that you choose to grow indoors. Create a watering schedule to prevent over- or under-watering, either of which can hinder the health of your indoor mini-oasis. Check weekly for aphids and other pests, which can often be removed with a stream of water from a spray bottle. With a little experimentation and maintenance, you’ll soon have a fresh, healthy herb garden to enjoy and share. EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 15
sandbox talk the compost, and dilute it with water to offer your garden an extra dose of fertilizer. It will promote strong, healthy plants that are resistant to disease, without chemical fertilizers. I have maintained a four-level worm bin just outside my kitchen door for five years, and the hardest part of getting started was opening the box. I now have more worm castings and worm tea than I can use, so I usually pack up the castings into Ziploc bags, pour the tea into bottles, and give them as gifts, along with seedlings that sprout in my compost pile. A well-designed worm composter has a few key features: It has a secure lid, ventilation holes, is made of opaque material, and of course includes worms. Check out groworganic.com for a ready-made, deluxe worm bin kit. It comes with everything you need to get started, except worms, which you buy separately. Prefer to do it yourself? Find step-by-step instructions at redwormcomposting.com. Keep these things in mind for successful composting, indoors or out: n The best worms for composting are called red wigglers. According to Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, a store and mail-order business in Grass Valley, one or /// by Jessica Iclisoy two pounds of the mature red worms can convert 3.5 to 7 pounds of food scraps into castings in one week. the farmers’ market religiously and buy all n Newspaper provides cover. Shred or tear your newspaper into the right greens and veggies to make a meal bursting with vitamins strips and place a fluffy layer of it on top to cover food scraps and and minerals for your family. But it’s not always easy raising a child discourage flies. Use the paper on the bottom to provide bedding for who loves fruits, veggies, and salads—so consider adding a fascinatthe worms. n Keep it moist. A spray bottle or a fine mist from the hose is all you ing science lesson to your tactics. All you need is a few thousand need to keep your wigglers moisturized and on the move. wiggly worm friends to eat your kitchen scraps—waste that would n Worms prefer a vegetarian diet. Don’t add cheese or meat scraps. normally go into the trash and, ultimately, the landfill. For kids, Feel free to toss in cereal, grains, and rinsed, crushed eggshells. If worm composting gives food preparation a special mission: The possible, chop up your vegetable waste prior to adding it to your bin, worms must be fed! to speed up the composting process. Worm composting is also known as vermiculture, and it produces worm castings. In kid parlance, that’s “worm poop.” This nutrientJessica Iclisoy is the founder of California Baby, a natural skincare line for rich organic matter and soil conditioner is the perfect organic food babies, kids, and sensitive adults. Visit her website at californiababy.com. for your plants, indoors and out. Harvest the liquid (worm tea) from
worm composting is a hit with kids Let red wiggler worms turn your kitchen scraps into gardening gold
16 | March 2010
lane johnson
You shop at
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 17
doing good Biologist Rena Obernolte and education coordinator Andy LaBar of The Watershed Project use the half-shell remains of restaurant oysters to build reefs for native bay oysters.
On a rainy day
in January, a handful of volunteers gathered on the edge of San Francisco Bay to build homes for a remnant population of native oysters that thrive below the chilly water’s surface. Clad in Gore-Tex and boots, the group transferred large sacks of empty oyster shells, donated from a local restaurant, into sturdier mesh bags and stacked them on wood pallets. The pallets would later be submerged along the muddy shores just west of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. “The empty shells serve as a nursery for young oysters,” says marine biologist Dr. Bud Abbott. “Oysters can only thrive if they can find suitable structureson which to attach. Most of the structures that were originally in the bay were removed because they were hazards to navigation. So our question became, how can we efficiently put structures in the bay that oysters can settle on?” This San Rafael restoration site, on private land belonging to the Marin Rod and Gun Club, is one of several throughout the Bay Area, including sites in Mountain View and Redwood City, and soon, in the Berkeley Marina. They are part of a pilot project for the Oyster Habitat Stewardship and Restoration Program, a joint partnership of the East Bay nonprofit The Watershed Project and a handful of biologists who are restoring sub-tidal habitat in San Francisco Bay. “San Francisco Bay was once filled with oysters,” says Dr. Juliana Gonzalez of The Watershed Project. “They were an important food source for the Native Americans and were plentiful in the bay right up until the Gold Rush. In the South Bay, there were so many oysters that the beaches were white from their crushed shells.” Both Gonzalez and Abbott believe that a thriving oyster population is vital for the health of the bay. “Oysters suck in water, and filter and clarify it. They keep the water clear of sediments, which allows sunlight to penetrate and species like native eelgrass to grow. Eelgrass is protective habitat for small fish. It’s where herring lay their eggs. Small fish encourage the presence of larger fish—salmon, sturgeon, 18 | March 2010
steelhead, and striped bass among them—which will come to feed,” says Abbott. “Oyster reefs create what we call keystone habitat, which helps a lot of different kinds of organisms, not just oysters. Oysters are at the start of a chain that ultimately leads to a healthy ecosystem.” Unlike typical restaurant oysters, which have shells up to six inches long, the native bay oysters are smaller Olympias, which grow to about the size of a half-dollar. Olympia oysters were once plentiful in sub-tidal regions from Southern California to southeastern Alaska. Although other types are commercially farmed in places like Tomales Bay and Point Reyes in western Marin County, the Olympia is the only native California oyster. On many days, the volunteers at the oyster restoration sites are schoolchildren from Marin and San Francisco counties. As part of the outdoor learning component of their curriculum, the students collect and analyze data from the oyster restoration sites. In the process, they learn about the biology and ecology of oysters, salmon, herring, and eelgrass. “We’re interested in having students understand the connection between healthy watersheds, a healthy bay, and healthy oceans,” says Linda Hunter, executive director of The Watershed Project. To volunteer to help with oyster restoration in San Francisco Bay, contact The Watershed Project at 510.665.3430 or thewatershedproject.org.
ann marie brown
shell game
Building homes for oysters in San Francisco Bay /// by Ann Marie Brown
Vediya A Center for Well-Being
Heal Your Mind, Body and Spirit
Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage • Reflexology • Detoxify with Chi Nei Tsang, massage of the internal organs
For Appointments Call (408) 410-3797
We are an eco-friendly, full-service fireplace and barbecue store. We offer solutions for everything from fireplace inserts and custom mantels to portable outdoor kitchens.
408.452.1114 EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 19
Come in—to a passive solar home Sigmond Beck has designed and built homes since 1980. He is a certified Green Building Professional, and recognized as a pioneer in fine home building and remodeling, using passive solar principles. Two of his most recent homes received awards from Build It Green.
Sigmond Beck Construction solarsigmond@gmail.com (408) 353-6727
Live Healthy Marketplace
The Live Healthy Expo connects people who are interested in making a positive difference both in their lives and in their communities. We bring together local and national natural product companies, alternative practitioners, chiropractors, health food retailers and community non-profit organizations showcasing information about their products and services to thousands of individuals interested in leading a healthy lifestyle.
April 16-18 at the Santa Clara Convention Center
Featured Exhibits Living Green Relaxation & Meditation Interactive Pilates, Yoga, & Mind-Body Exercises Classes Transportation & Energy Nutrition & Healthy Cooking Bookstore sponsored by East West Bookstore Healthy Families Screening
Featured Demonstrations & Presentations Celebrity Fitness Experts Presenting Classes Classes & Workshops Workshops Healthy Cooking Demos Wine and Food Sampling Lectures by Leading Industry Experts Lots of Free Product Samples
20 | March 2010
Friday & Saturday: 11AM-7PM Sunday: 9AM-3PM Tickets $10 per day or $20 for weekend pass Bring 2 non-perishable food items and save $5— donated to local food banks For more presentation schedule & more information go to www.livehealthyexpo.com
grown local
At home in the orchard: Meyer lemon grower Karen Morss tends to her ladies.
lemon ladies orchard Meyer lemons are a labor of love for Karen Morss /// by allison shea malone
victoria alexander
Brightly colored
and surprisingly sweet, Meyer lemons are late winter’s most cheerful crop. A citrus fruit with the flavor of a lemon but the sweetness of a Mandarin orange, Meyer lemons are great for cooking and baking old-fashioned treats like marmalade and lemon meringue pie. At Lemon Ladies Orchard in Emerald Hills, near Redwood City, the tasty little fruits are grown with love by Karen Morss. “I love Meyer lemons. I just adore Meyer lemons,” Morss gushes. A former businesswoman in the software industry, Karen retired from the corporate world in 1998. To fill her time, she turned to the sky. She bought two private airplanes and a flight school while she was still a student pilot. She also married her instructor, test pilot and air racer Dave Morss. But her love for Meyer lemons prevailed over her passion for aviation, and after five years of running the flight school, she sold it and planted an orchard. »
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 21
Locally owned and operated since 1980
Open 7 days a week with Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
Buy one dinner entrée at regular price and the second dinner entrée of equal or lesser value is 1/2 OFF*! *Available for in house or takeout. One coupon per group/ family. Not valid with other offers. Expires 04/15/10
1560 Hamilton Ave, San Jose (@ Meridian - in the Safeway Shopping Center)
408-723-7333
www.tomato-thyme.com 22 | March 2010
Since 2004, Morss has been caring for 40 fruit-bearing trees in a three-quarter-acre plot in her backyard. The grove produces wonderfully sweet lemons, but it also has a deeper meaning for Morss—one which gives Lemon Ladies Orchard its name. “Each tree is named for a woman who inspired me or helped me achieve my goals in life,” Morss explains. “Some are from my family, some are from the flight school, some are just people who inspired me in general. There is an Amelia Earhart lemon tree out there.” Each one of the 40 Lemon Ladies produces 150 pounds of fruit per season—typically September through May—most of which Morss distributes through Internet orders culled from her website, lemonladies.com. Meyer lemons are seldom found in grocery stores, so customers from all over the United States request them. “Nobody has these, and nobody was shipping them commercially when I started this,” Morss says. “Part of the reason is that Meyer lemons have to ripen on the tree. They don’t ripen once they are picked. And they have a very thin skin. The big commercial growers have a difficult time handling Meyer lemons.” Morss picks lemons every Sunday to fill orders and ship them out on Monday. “I think I get as much pleasure from the customer reactions,” she says. “Today I am shipping 10 pounds to [a customer in] Alaska, and when she gets these lemons it will be such a treat for her. I can’t even imagine what Alaska is like right now, but it has got to be yucky.” Morss’s lemons are completely organic. “I use organic fertilizer and water, sunshine and love, and that is it,” she says. “And you can see, they are just glorious.” If the success of a farm can be measured in the happiness of the farmer, Lemon Ladies Orchard must be at the top of the citrus business. “I just love the orchard, even walking through the orchard. It smells so good down there,” Morss says. “I think Meyer lemons are just the most wonderful thing.”
victoria alexander
The fruits of her labors: Meyer lemon marmalade
Gentle Waters Detox
Cathrine Oclassen, CHT I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapy * Detoxing Foot Bath Ear Coning * Infrared Detoxing Sauna 500 E Remington Dr. Sunnyvale, Ca
408-565-5658
www.Gentlewatersdetox.com 1954 Old Middlefield Way Mountain View, CA 94043 M-Thr: 6:30am to 9:00pm F: 6:30am-8:00pm Sat: 8:00am-4:00pm Sun: Closed
FREE WITH EVERY VISIT. Bring this ad in for a frEE 1 wEEk trial mEmBErship
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 23
staycation
â‚Ź
friendly, funky San Jose
9
FELTON
Scotts Valley
17
1
Santa Cruz
Capitola
felton
With its playfully eccentric vibe, the small town of Felton is nestled alongside the San Lorenzo River in the hills just north of Santa Cruz. A trip to Felton is all about fun—this redwood-studded town never takes itself too seriously. Spend a day or two gazing in awe at the tallest trees on earth, ride the rails on a 100-year-old steam train, or puzzle over the mystery of Bigfoot. /// by Ann Marie Brown
Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad
New Leaf Community Market
Felton Crest Inn
the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad runs a 100-year-old steam engine on a narrow-gauge tour through 1,000-year-old big trees (weekends only until March 31; daily after that). 831.335.4484, roaringcamp.com
Bigfoot Discovery Museum
victoria alexander
Stay It’s hard not to love a B&B that offers guests champagne and chocolate kisses upon arrival. Each room at the redwood-enveloped Felton Crest Inn has a private bath with a Jacuzzi for two. A cozy living room and large exterior deck invite lounging, and hiking trails start at the back door. 831.335.4011, feltoncrest.com Eat Certified as a green restaurant by Santa Cruz County, Redwood Pizzeria makes all its pies with organic ingredients, including the dough and sauce. Try the Bigfoot pizza with spinach, red onions, and garlic, or the homemade veggie lasagna. Vegans can have a cheeseless pizza made their way. 831.335.1500, redwoodpizza.com Climb aboard Journey back in time on an old steam locomotive. During the logging heyday in the early 1900s, more than a dozen trains pushed through Felton’s redwood forests every day. Today,
Hike Less than a mile long, the Redwood Grove Nature Trail
through the old-growth redwoods in San Lorenzo Canyon is the showpiece of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The aptly named Neckbreaker and Giant trees are standout redwood specimens. 831.335.4598, santacruzstateparks.org Shop Stock up for a picnic at New Leaf Community Market, where locavores will be in their element. Looking for a dozen different varieties of raw kimchi? They’re here, along with pretty much anything else that’s grown or made from Monterey north to San Mateo County. 831.335.7322, newleaf.com Wonder The Bigfoot Discovery Museum’s owner, Michael Rugg,
takes all Sasquatch sightings seriously. Check out his extensive displays of scholarly journals, newspaper stories, and documented reports of the hairy biped. You may find yourself pondering whether Bigfoot is real, or if he belongs in the museum’s “Hoaxers Hall of Infamy.” 831.335.4478, bigfootdiscoveryproject.com EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 25
by desiree hedberg photographs by babymoon photography
bundles of (green)
b
eing a parent in the green generation means you’re not just making decisions for your baby, you’re making them for the environment. Not that we don’t adore all their cuddly cuteness, but babies can inadvertently cause a lot of environmental damage because of the products we manufacture and purchase to feed them, change them, and keep them happy. Having a new baby and going without precious sleep is hard enough, but when you start thinking about how to raise your child while limiting your impact on the planet, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Parents have a wide variety of perspectives on eco-parenting. Some new mothers and fathers choose to completely eliminate plastic products from their houses, use stainless steel bottles, and buy only organic foods. There isn’t a box of old-school Cheerios anywhere in their kitchens. Others throw environmental caution to the wind and buy anything and everything that claims it will make their parenting lives easier. Still others take a middle-of-the-road approach. Perhaps they aren’t willing to carry soiled cloth diapers around in a baggie all day, but they will buy disposable diapers that are chemical- and chlorinefree to enhance biodegradability.
The bottom line: Parents’ political values and the realities of their daily schedules and budgets—and maybe even how many hours the baby has been crying on any given day—are all going to affect their green parenting score. So what choices can we make to simultaneously protect our kids from harm, keep them cozy and happy, protect the environment, and not make our lives too difficult? Here are some options:
diapers The statistics on disposable diapers in landfills are
staggering. The Real Diaper Association, an advocacy group, estimates that 27.4 billion disposable diapers are used each year in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, that translates into more than 3.4 million tons of waste dumped into landfills. And those diapers will not biodegrade in our lifetimes, or those of the next generation. EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 27
being a parent in the green generation means you’re not just making decisions for your baby, you’re making them for the environment. Diaper services allow you to use washable cloth diapers— the best choice for the environment, despite the resource costs of washing them—without having to do the dirty work yourself. A truck stops by your home, picks up your baby’s dirty diapers, and leaves you with a neatly folded clean set. The biggest challenge? You’ll probably find yourself using twice as many diapers. The parenting benefit? When your kids are ready to potty train, they may be more eager to get out of diapers than kids who wear disposables, which tend to keep bottoms drier than cloth diapers. The Bay Area’s EarthBaby diaper service (earth-baby.com) offers a middle-of-the-road option. They deliver compostable, “disposable” diapers and wipes to your door, then pick them up to take them to their local composting facility. The company’s mission statement is “reducing the impact our children have on the environment by eliminating disposable diapers and wipes from landfills.” They claim that it takes only half a watt-hour of electricity to fully compost one diaper (the equivalent of running a 60-watt household light bulb for 30 seconds). EarthBaby’s service costs $30 per month for delivery, pickup, and composting, plus about $12 for every 30 to 40 diapers, depending on your baby’s size. Other eco-friendly disposable diaper options exist, too. Whole Foods’ brand of 365 Everyday Value Disposable Diapers 28 | March 2010
are chlorine-free, which makes them slightly gentler on the landfill and much safer for your baby’s delicate skin. They cost about $12 for 40 diapers, compared to $9 for 40 standard disposable diapers. Seventh Generation and Earth’s Best make a similar chlorine-free product.
bottles
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is the chemical found in many plastic bottles that makes them less likely to break or shatter, but it’s also known to cause harm to laboratory animals. Many parents assume that it is also harmful to children and avoid plastic bottles for their baby’s daily elixir. When Bay Area mother Allison Tryk’s son was an infant, she was dismayed by the BPA contaminants in baby bottles and went on a mission to eliminate plastic bottles in her household. Finding very few BPA-free options that she liked, she simply made her son’s bottles herself. She and her husband now head the small company Earthlust, based in Sausalito (earthlust.com). In addition to baby bottles, they also make a “transition” cup. It’s a baby bottle, but by simply changing the top it becomes a sippy cup. Glass baby bottles are also on the comeback. Born Free makes them in various sizes, including a few that come with silicone sleeves on the outside to reduce the chance of breakage (newbornfree.com, 2 for $25 with the sleeve, $18-$20 without).
toiletries Kelly Boyd created her own line of
chemical-free products in San Francisco after her son was born a few years ago. Her body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath use only organic, plant-based oils and ingredients. She started making them just for herself and her friends, but after her friends began asking for more, she began her business, kellyboydproducts.com. A fun feature of Boyd’s products is that customers can personalize the labels. Most of her labels are already punchy and cute (like Frosty’s bubble bath and Dancing Daisy’s natural hand cream), but those who write to her and send along an image and message they want on the bottle can get a personalized version. “Kids love the pictures. And they love having their [personalized] bottles,” Boyd says. Boyd’s customers rave about the amount of bubbles the bubble bath produces. “My goal has always been to get the products to act like mainstream products, even though they’re all-natural and organic,” she says. Plenty more natural care products are on the market, including those made by California Baby, which offers a wide variety of earth friendly and natural products, Jason Natural (jason-natural.com), and Earth’s Best (earthsbest.com), available at Whole Foods Markets.
baby wipes
Bum Boosa disposable baby wipes are made from fast-growing bamboo, so they save trees (bumboosa.com, 80 wipes for $6). They are also biodegradable, so they won’t last forever in a landfill. Ingeo disposable wipes are made from a synthetic fiber derived entirely from plants. They are safer for your baby than commercial baby wipes because they contain no chemical additives. Sproutbaby.com sells them under the brand name “Elements Naturals” (80 wipes for $6). California Baby (californiababy.com) makes organic cotton wipes that are reusable, organic, and earth-friendly (six for $20), but keep in mind “reusable” means you have to wash them. The company also sells a chemical-free diaper wash.
food Of all the measures you take to raise your baby with
a natural touch, preparing healthy baby food is one of the easiest. You simply buy organic foods and put them through a food processor. In the Bay Area, organic and pesticide-free foods from Planet Organic (planetorganic.com) can be delivered directly to your door. Another fresh and local option is a membership in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Most CSAs offer different local farms to choose from. For example, Live Earth Farm (liveearthfarm.net) organizes pickup locations for fresh, local, organic foods. A variety of price ranges and payment plans are available, depending on the duration of customers’ subscriptions and what they order. With so many eco-friendly baby-raising options available to Bay Area residents, most parents should be able to find at least a couple of ways to “green” their child-rearing methods while raising a happy, healthy baby.
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 29
LEFT No boring browns: A California natives garden by HLD Group Landscape Architecture displays blue ceanothus, orange California poppy, and purple and red salvia.
yards of the future by erica goss
S
sustainable
landscapes
ustainable landscaping, with its emphasis on native plants, low water usage, recycled materials, and respect for the environment, is gaining ground in the Bay Area. Yard by yard, more homeowners are planting beautiful, drought-tolerant gardens where birds and butterflies abound, and leaving thirsty lawns and high-maintenance plants behind, says Jeff Sheehan of Confidence Landscaping in Campbell. “Most people have no idea what an appropriate landscape is,” Sheehan says. “Fortunately, nine out of 10 of my clients are easy to convince.” What he aims to convince them of is the benefit of “sustainable landscaping”—the use of plants that look beautiful and garden materials that function well, all without requiring much water, chemical pesticides, or fertilizers. 30 | March 2010
BELOW In this yard designed by Confidence Landscaping, carefully placed stepping stones create a simple pathway. With no mortar between them, the stones allow for water penetration.
The change to sustainable landscaping is more than an aesthetic one. With an eye toward water conservation, many homeowners are rethinking what plant varieties they want around their homes. In addition, many Bay Area residents share the belief that chemical herbicides, pesticides, and gas-powered tools harm the environment, and prefer not to use them when working in their yards.
Assess needs, rethink the lawn Creating a sustainable yard takes input from the homeowner as well as the knowledge of an expert. What are the needs of the home- owner? Are there young children in the family who play in the yard, or an uncomfortably close neighbor the homeowner would prefer to screen out? One person’s priority might be an enclosed, private space, while another wants a productive vegetable garden. Sustainable landscapes encompass the same considerations as standard
from top left: courtesy hld group landscpe architecture; courtesy confidence landscaping; courtesy middlebrook gardens; courtesy hld group landscpe architecture
LEFT Respecting the needs of this ancient oak, Middlebrook Gardens planted the understory below its branches with plants that don't require water in summer. Oak leaves are left on the ground to provide mulch.
landscapes, but with the emphasis on low environmental impact, and low-cost, low-hassle maintenance. One of the best ways for homeowners to begin creating a sustainable yard is to reduce the size of their lawns, or remove them altogether. According to Virginia Scott Jenkins, author of The Lawn: A History of an American Obsession, lawns cover 30 million acres of the United States. They consume billions of gallons of water each week, and cost billions of dollars per year in care, including money spent on pesticides, herbicides, mowers, and trimmers. Maintaining a lawn requires hours of work each week to keep the grass looking its best. And some consider lawns an environmental liability: Gas-powered mowers pump pollution into the air, and grass clippings typically end up in landfills as trash. Replacing thirsty grass with arid-climate plantings, mulched areas, paving, or even a trampoline eliminates the need for lawn care and nixes the need for a mower. Which plants make good lawn replacements? The list of possible trees, shrubs, and flowers is enormous, and choosing wisely depends on the nature of the site. If the area gets lots of sun, plants native to the California chaparral are good choices. A few examples are manzanita, silk tassel bush, ceanothus, salvia, monkey flower, yarrow, fremontia, buckwheat, penstemon, and California fuchsia. In areas with more shade, gooseberries and coffeeberries grow well and provide colorful berries that birds love. Californian, Mediterranean, and Australian native plants offer a wide variety of flowers at different times of the year; with careful planning, the sustainable garden can feature something in bloom almost year-round. Shade and privacy can come from tall plants,
above Reusing materials is critical to sustainable landscaping. Here, HLD Group Landscape Architecture utilizes redwood steps that were constructed from wood reclaimed from the site.
screens, or fences. Food gardening can be integrated with the landscape to create an “edible landscape,” one where food plants combine pleasantly with landscape plants.
Turn back the invaders Alrie Middlebrook of Middlebrook Gardens in San Jose advises clients to educate themselves about what kinds of plants belong in their gardens. “Understand and identify invasive plants, and remove them instead of potentially valuable plants,” she says. Ivy, vinca, pampas grass, acacia, and oxalis are a few of the invasive species that grow commonly in the South Bay. These plants dominate and eventually eradicate slower-growing, native plants, and they have little benefit for wildlife. By contrast, the native elderberry is host to hundreds of native insects, birds, and animals, providing food and shelter. By installing plants that are native to California or thrive in this climate, Sheehan says, his clients often drastically cut the amount of water needed to maintain their yards. “We’ve all seen sprinklers going on a rainy day, or water spraying into the gutter. People need to understand the impacts of their actions,” says Sheehan, who has been known to knock on strangers’ doors to tell them about their watering problems.
Minimize water use “Over-watering destroys the nutrients in the soil,” Sheehan says. If nutrients are swept away, he says, then they need to be added back to the soil, which is not a sustainable practice. EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 31
LEFT In this design by Middlebrook Gardens, a tiny stream flows alongside a walkway bordered by California native grasses, which provide seeds for insects and birds. The rock-lined creekbed prevents water from running off into storm drains.
The ultimate sustainable landscape is the xeriscape, which utilizes no supplemental water. As California’s climate becomes more erratic, with longer periods of dry, hot weather predicted, this method of landscaping will make sense for more homeowners. Many of the state’s native plants are naturally adapted to the xeriscape, so they are widely used in this type of design. Accepting that summer is these plants’ dormant time, when they rest and wait for winter rain, will be an adjustment for people who expect their gardens to look green and lush all summer long. But in the South Bay, using a balance of native and Mediterranean plants ensures an interesting and varied garden even in the area’s dry summer months, says Tim Hoagland of HLD Group Landscape Architecture in Los Gatos.
Let it be In addition to removing invasive plants and choosing new ones wisely, sustainable landscapers strive to protect healthy soil, as well as reuse existing garden materials when possible. Sheehan says his team disturbs the natural soil as little as possible. “Digging soil alters its microbial activity,” he says. “It takes a long time for the soil to repair itself.” When soil is disrupted, plants experience stress and are less able to absorb water and nutrients. He also tries to use garden materials already at the site, minimizing the need for imports. Hoagland also applies the reuse philosophy to landcaping. 32 | March 2010
“We look at the embodied energy, or possible reuse, of the materials we use,” Hoagland says. “Things like concrete, artificial turf, imported stone—they all have an environmental impact, whether large or small. Can we use them more than once, or will they ultimately end up in the landfill? For example, paving stones can be pried up from a driveway and reused, perhaps stacked in a retaining wall, but concrete requires more energy to recycle.”
Give plants their space Another important practice is to give new plants the room they’ll need once they mature, so homeowners need to have patience with a freshly planted landscape, says Sheehan. “People tend to crowd plantings, because they don’t realize that these little trees and shrubs will soon outgrow their spaces. Then the homeowner spends hours trimming plants and sending the waste to the landfill,” he says. Plants that are properly spaced should reduce maintenance rather than increase it, one of the goals of sustainable landscaping. Free from the burden of constant maintenance, homeowners have more time to enjoy the garden, relaxing and observing nature with the knowledge that they have done something positive for the environment. Homeowners can “tread lightly on the Earth,” says Hoagland, and in return enjoy a beautiful, environmentally friendly, low-maintenance yard—the very definition of “sustainable.”
top left: courtesy middlebrook gardens; right: courtesy confidence landscaping
RIGHT Native grasses planted by Confidence Landscaping provide the soft appearance of a green lawn without the watering and maintenance demands.
looking east for health and a career By jennifer moscatello
photographs by lane johnson
I
f today’s medical students have their way, alternative treatments such as acupuncture and herbs will become a fully integrated part of Western medicine. In the largest national study conducted to date, published in the journal, Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in January 2010, researchers from the University of California Los Angeles and San Diego found that 77 percent of medical students believe that patients whose doctors are knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine benefit more than those whose doctors are trained only in Western medicine. This study mirrors a trend in American healthcare: according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38.1 million American adults made an estimated 354.2 million visits to practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine in 2007. As healthcare options such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and massage become more widely accepted, career opportunities have opened up for welleducated practitioners. Ron Zaidman and Joanna Zhao, co-founders of Five Branches University Graduate School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Jose and Santa Cruz, have been promoting alternative healthcare for decades. They founded the school, which offers master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs, 26 years ago. Zhao, born and raised in Shanghai, knew from a young age that she wanted to be a doctor. “When I was a child, the teacher would always ask, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ In elementary school I decided I wanted to be a doctor. Before graduation from high school, I had some palpitations
Five Branches University is a strong proponent of integrated medicine, joining the practices of East and West.
Francesca Ferrari, department chair of Medical Qigong Science at Five Branches University, demonstrates a medical qigong exercise.
looking east
A vision for alternative education: Joanna Zhao and Ron Zaidman, cofounders of Five Branches University, share a passion for educating students in traditional Chinese medicine.
and went to see a Western doctor. He gave me some medicine and I felt a little better, but I still had issues. So my mother took me by bus an hour away to see an acupuncturist and herbalist. One treatment and I got better.” The experience inspired Zhao to study traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which quickly became her lifelong passion. “When I came to this country, I wanted to practice this medicine and teach. This is a treasure of the Chinese [culture]... I wanted to share this treasure with the whole world.” Ron Zaidman discovered TCM during a mid-life hiatus from the fast-paced business world. For Zaidman, starting Five Branches University was a way to increase his own understanding of TCM 34 | March 2010
while helping others learn at the same time. Zaidman and Zhao founded the school on the philosophies of long-standing Chinese universities, where teachings of TCM are regulated and consistent from one school to the next. Typically, the schools incorporate Western medicine with TCM to ensure a holistic approach. “Our curriculum imitates what they have in China, and that’s what makes it so strong,” says Zaidman. The primary healthcare for more than 20 percent of the world’s population, TCM is the fastest growing healthcare category in the United States. Historians believe that acupuncture, one of the five tenets of TCM, originated in China about 3,000 years ago. Used in conjunction with Qigong, massage, herbs, and diet, these five
Clockwise from top left: Professor Lucy Hu teaches acupuncture with electric stimulation in a classroom setting; in a clinical rounds class, Professor George Lu and student Leanne Hewlin assess a patient with a shoulder injury; student Oscar Hernandez performs Tuina massage to relieve a patient’s tight hamstrings; student Glenna Maple practices the fine points of acupuncture.
“branches” form the basis of TCM and are used to maintain the health of the body and its energy force, or Qi. TCM practitioners believe that a person’s health is dependent upon its Qi, which moves along an array of 12 interconnected channels, called meridians, throughout the body. When experiencing stress, illness, or injury, a person’s Qi can become unbalanced or blocked, which can exacerbate an unhealthy condition. By employing the five branches of therapy, TCM practitioners believe they can remove blockages and help invigorate stagnant Qi, which activates the body’s healing response. TCM practitioners treat each patient in a holistic manner, asking detailed questions about his or her lifestyle, eating habits, exercise regimen, and emotional state. Tongue and pulse readings further inform their diagnoses. “It is a very comprehensive treatment. You don’t only treat the body, you treat the energy, the emotions, how [the patient] thinks.” Zhao says. Considering TCM’s origins, Zaidman says, “Like all traditional medicines, it grew from people figuring out what foods and what herbs can help with what ailments. The Chinese…were the first ones to put things in writing. There were doctors who would go to all the villages and ask the elders what they knew. They reflected on nature and the seasons and built up this vocabulary of how to understand nature and how to understand us relating to nature. “The medicine is very profound, and the principles it’s based upon are very eye-opening. When you see those principles, you say, of course, that makes us understand our own harmonies and disharmonies.”
The five branches of TCM Acupuncture a technique in which fine needles are inserted
into specific points on the patient's body to balance the flow of Qi throughout the body Herbology internal medicine utilizing herbal formulas tailored to the specific patient to balance disharmony Qigong a series of postures, meditations, and breathing exercises designed to increase health and prevent disease Dietetics the effect of food on human health, with emphasis on organic food and eating in season Tuina Massage a form of massage similar to acupressure, designed to increase energy flow through the body’s meridians
In the last decade, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services, gave $22.5 million to 12 medical schools, two nursing schools, and the American Medical Student Association to develop curriculum plans around complementary and alternative medicine. Currently many Western medical schools—Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University among them—offer courses in these therapies. The prestigious not-for-profit Mayo Clinic, with locations in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona, employs acupuncture for a number of ailments, including pain management, drug addiction, and anxiety relief. Insurance providers are increasingly giving the nod to alternative treatments, also, providing coverage for therapies such as acupuncture EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 35
looking east If today’s medical students have their way, alternative treatments such as acupuncture and herbs will become a fully integrated part of Western medicine.
Glenn Kazmierski, a Five Branches alumni and associate professor, believes that part of the power of traditional Chinese medicine lies in the nurturing connection between doctor and patient.
and massage, which are typically much less expensive than traditional Western treatments. Still, Five Branches University is a strong proponent of integrated medicine, joining the practices of East and West. “One third of our program is Western medicine,” Zaidman says. “We’re primary care practitioners, so that means we have full responsibility for patients. If a patient comes in and they’re going to have a stroke or a heart attack, we can’t say, ‘Well, I just know acupuncture and herbs.’ One third of our program is Western medicine, so we can recognize red flags.” Zhao adds, “In our doctoral program, we invite doctors from Stanford University, from UCSF, and from Kaiser to come teach [Western medicine]. They can sit in any other classes and learn about TCM. Many already know the fundamentals.” In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) published findings stating that acupuncture can be effectively used to treat depression, induce labor, and ease adverse reactions to chemotherapy and radiation, among other ailments. Zhao believes that TCM can help patients manage an even wider array of afflictions. “Acupuncture and herbs are well known to stop pain, but they can work for so many other problems: pneumonia, wheezing, stomach ulcer, gall bladder stones ... treating MS and Parkinson’s patients, too. We can delay the progress of the disease and let patients have more time to be themselves,” she says. Glen Kazmierski, a graduate of and now associate professor at Five Branches, believes that the in-depth, personal nature of TCM is critical to a practitioner’s ability to help his or her patients. “I want to really get a sense of what’s happening and have an appreciation for the person and their life force,” he says. “Seeing a Chinese practitioner is very nurturing—the quality and the amount of care. We don’t separate ourselves from our patients. Connection is important. When you connect with a patient you see more. A lot of Chinese medicine is very subtle. You need to be close 36 | March 2010
Books for further reading n The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine
by Ted Kaptchuk n The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine by Maoshing Ni n Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern
Nutrition by Paul Pitchford n Imperial Secrets of Health and Longevity by Bob Flaws n Also check out the National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine’s website: nccam.nih.gov
to a patient to really understand what’s going on.” While some students enrolled at Five Branches University have backgrounds in healthcare, many have chosen to reinvent themselves after stints in other fields. Zaidman says, “We have many engineers here. Either in high school or as younger children they had a vision of being a nurse or a doctor.” After pursuing other interests, he says, “they went through some significant change in their work and decided they don’t want to be in front of a computer any more ... Sometimes it’s an extension of what [our students] were doing previously—physical therapy, nursing, etc. Sometimes it’s a complete career change.” Once students complete one of Five Branches’ programs, some choose to open their own clinics. Others join an MD or chiropractor’s office, sign on with employers like Kaiser Hospital, or become teachers or researchers. Francesca Ferrari, a graduate of Five Branches University and now an associate professor at the school, says, “We have more and more engineers and software people here—people with different backgrounds. The beauty of TCM is that if you have a driven personality and are highly inquisitive, you can’t become bored because the knowledge is so profound and so vast and so endless.”
University of East-West Medicine
The university’s degree programs include Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Master of Tai Chi, and Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which takes at least three years to complete, incorporates acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, integrated with courses in western medical practices. Some classes are available for non-degree-seeking students, too, on topics ranging from qi gong to Chinese as a second language. 970 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 408.733.1878, uewm.edu
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nine Star University of Health Sciences The school offers a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students generally have taken introductory anatomy, biology, and other courses prior to entering Nine Star University; their Traditional Chinese Medicine curriculum includes courses in acupuncture principles, herbal formulas, and medical qi gong, among many others. 441 De Guigne Dr., Suite 201, Sunnyvale, 408.532.5567, nusuhs.org
Top: rebecca wilkowski; bottom: chris bauman
Life Chiropractic College West
The college offers the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which students can complete during a three- or four-year program. Courses range from anatomy and physiology to philosophy and technique and analysis of chiropractic methods. The college also operates Life West Health Center, a chiropractic center open to the public. 25001 Industrial Blvd., Hayward, 800.788.4476, lifewest.edu
Medicine The college offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in holistic health, plus nutritional counseling, holistic health, and master herbalist certificate programs. The distance-learning format allows students to complete coursework at their own pace, although programs must be completed within a certain amount of time. Students have access to phone and online support from faculty, staff, and other students. 250 Natural Bridges Dr., Santa Cruz, 800.605.6520, gcnm.com American College Of Traditional
Bauman College The college, which
also has campuses in Berkeley, Penngrove, and Boulder, Colo., offers certificate programs that prepare students for careers as nutrition educators, nutrition consultants, and natural chefs. The nutrition educator and nutrition consultant programs are available via distance learning. An eight-week course for the public, Nutrition Essentials for Everyone, begins in April. 3912 Portola Dr., Suite 10, Santa Cruz, 800.987.7530, baumancollege.org
Global College Of Natural
More Bay Area Schools that Teach Alternative healing By Sue McAllister
Bauman College
Chinese Medicine Founded in 1980, the college offers a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Master’s students begin their studies with courses such as fundamental Traditional Chinese Medicine, qi gong, and general biology. The college also offers classes to the public, including “Understanding Chinese Medicine” and introduction to tai chi. 455 Arkansas St., San Francisco, 415.282.7600, actcm.edu Palmer College of Chiropractic, West Campus The college offers a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, the goal of which is “to educate and prepare students to become doctors of chiropractic, qualified to serve as primary contact healthcare providers and to serve humanity through patient care and community education,” according to the school. Students learn life sciences and chiropractic diagnosis, technique, and philosophy. 90 E. Tasman, San Jose, 866.303.7939, palmer.edu National Holistic Institute This college of massage therapy was founded in 1979 and also has campuses in Emeryville, San Francisco, Petaluma, and Los Angeles. The program includes 720 hours of training, with topics ranging from anatomy to Shiatsu massage to foot reflexology. Students gain practical experience through the NHI Student Clinic or an externship program. 3031 Tisch Way, Suite 1 Plaza South, San Jose, 408.423.8004, nhi.edu
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 37
Garage 1 Auto SUBARU SPECIALISTS
1630 Almaden Road San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 298-9994 www.garage1auto.com
Family owned and operated since 2001 Independent Subaru workshop Complete preventative maintenance We accept extended warranties People love us on Yelp! Expert diagnostics and repair services
It’s Hip to Clip With great resources for living well and several hundred coupons from the greatest local businesses, EcoMetro Guide is like a smart, devoted friend, cheering out that, Yes, you can live a healthy lifestyle on your budget.
New 2010 EcoMetro Guide available at East Bay and Silicon Valley/Santa Cruz area retailers, and at ecometro.com
38 | March 2010
resource guide products | services | advice
Goodman Chiropractic
Dr. Charles D. Goodman, D.C., M.S. 751 Blossom Hill Rd., Suite A1, Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.358.8180 | goodmanchiro.com
*Healthy Smiles Dental Care Arta Vakhshoori, D.D.S.
5595 Winfield Blvd. #108, San Jose, CA 95123 408.226.6683 | iHealthySmiles.com
Dr. Goodman offers a relaxed and focused environment meeting his patients’ needs with chiropractic services, extremities management (for shoulder, knee, ankle, foot, and hand injuries), nutritional counseling and support, physiotherapy, and massage services available seven days a week.
Arta Vakshoori, D.D.S. and her team provide state-of-theart technology in biological dentistry, including drill-less laser for your comfort, early detection, safety in removal of mercury fillings, and preservation of your natural teeth in a healthy, healing environment.
Peter G. Shutts A.I.A., Architect
Improve Your Language Skills
4133 Mohr Avenue, Suite H, Pleasanton, CA 94566 925.484.0903
Debbie Wachsberg
408.393.3726 | debbiewachsberg@gmail.com
Small, award-winning, multi-disciplined architectural firm emphasizing green technology in custom home design, remodels, and additions. Covering northern California, we incorporate green products into every residential and commercial project. Free consultation.
I can help you tackle American English language skills, dramatically improve your pronunciation, and help remove obstacles that stand in the way of smooth, fluid, and articulate speech. Over 20 years experience. Private lessons, small group classes and tutoring.
Sandra Kamiak, M.D.
Emanate Design of Interiors
Holistic body-mind-spirit practice. Trained in classical homeopathy—vibrational medicine that assists the whole person in safely healing from the inside out. We look at all of your symptoms together to find the right resonant remedy for you. Transpersonal-holistic counseling and Standard Process organic whole food nutrients are also available.
We are a unique design studio specializing in sustainable and toxin-free materials. We design and sell locally made, sustainable custom cabinetry. We also supply ecologically responsible flooring, wall, and countertop materials, and we provide complete interior plans for remodels and new construction.
Bikram Yoga San Jose
Better Health through Homeopathy
14567 Big Basin Way, Suite B6, Saratoga, CA 95070 408.741.1332 | sandrakamiakmd.com
Michele Vennard
5289-A Prospect Road, San Jose, CA 95129 408.255.9910 | bikramyogasanjose.com With 40 classes each week and certified Bikram Yoga instructors, our friendly, comfortable, and casual studio is a welcoming place for you to learn yoga, get started on a new health regime, or continue to improve your Bikram Yoga practice.
*Certified Bay Area Green Business
162 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95030 408.354.0995 | emanatedesign.com
Deborah Hayes, CCH RSHom(NA) MBRCP(H) CCHH Certified Classical Homeopath 2672 Bayshore Parkway, Suite 810, Mountain View, CA 94043 650.557.2160 | realhomeopathy.com
I am dedicated to working with you and your unique health concerns using in-depth consultations and individually tailored natural remedies that energize your body’s own healing systems to improve health, mood, and vitality. Free 15-minute mini-consultation.
EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 39
The web address of a fascinating video on cell phones, produced by INFORM, Inc.
Cell phones in working condition can be donated to people with disabilities or shelters for battered women. Whether or not it is activated, any cell phone can dial 911.
Advertisers’ Index
40 | March 2010
love
our own cell phones but we
hate
everyone else’s.” —joe bob briggs
The most commonly texted word is not a word, but rather the letter “r”. The average life of a cell phone in America. Like computers, cell phones are short-lived products that contain toxics-laden parts. Disposing of a cell phone in the trash is illegal in California, New York, and Maine.
phantom vibration syndrome
The phenomenon of experiencing an imaginary vibration on a part of the body where a cell phone is usually carried, such as near a pants’ pocket. The cell phone user believes their phone is vibrating, when it’s not. The cause: Brains that are constantly on the alert for vibrations will commonly experience false alarms. Also called “ringxiety.”
18 1
Acterra American Heart Association Arta Vakhshoori, D.D.S. Babycoo Balance Yoga Center Bikram Yoga San Jose California Baby Claire Adalyn Wright, MFT Confidence Landscaping, Inc. Debbie Wachsberg Deborah Hayes Classical Homeopathy Decor Outdoor Living & More Dr. Charles Goodman, Chiropractor Dr. Douglas Larson, D.D.S. Dr. Inna Davydova, D.D.S. e11even salon & boutique
months 23 17 4 17 10 39 C2 38 20 39 39 19 39 13 38 38
Sources: worldwatch.org, wirefly.org, productusp.com, cellhandsets.com, earth911.com
BY the eucalyptus staff
“Apparently we
how r u?
˙
In 1973, the first call was made on a portable cellular phone, a unit that weighed almost two pounds. By 1983, cell phones were widely available, but they cost about $3,000. Today more than 3.3 billion cell phones are in use around the world. The average American cell phone owner possesses three or more phones, but uses only one.
reuse
tidbits
hear me now
secret-life.org/cellphones
Hold the phone
The world’s largest cell phone recycler, ReCellular, collects 25,000 cell phones daily from more than 40,000 collection sites. They also sell used and refurbished phones and offer an easy way to donate old phones (recellular.com).
EcoMetro Guide Eucalyptus Earth Day Party Emanate Design of Interiors Five Branches University Full Force Fitness Garage 1 Auto Harrell Remodeling, Inc. Hayes Mansion HLD Group Landscape Architecture Live Healthy Expo Los Gatos Health and Fitness Garage 1 Auto Gentle Waters Detox Nature’s Best Cleaners Oak Meadow Dental Center Peter G. Shutts Architect
38 5 39 9 23 38 C4 14 6 20 C3 38 23 14 6 39
San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. Sandra Kamiak, M.D. Schurra’s Fine Confections Shannon McQuaide Sigmond Beck Construction Silicon Valley Preventative Medicine Supreme Court 1 Athletic Club Sustainable Silicon Valley Tarragon Tomato Thyme Vediya Wellness Center Vegetarian House Watercourse Way Whole Foods Market Yoga Fitness Iyengar Tradition Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear
38 39 22 10 20 4 6 10 9 22 19 13 14 9 13 10
Losing weight has never been so easy! A One-Stop Health Shop meeting both your ďŹ tness and nutrition needs. Conveniently located inside Los Gatos HEALTH & FITNESS
Sign Up today and receive 2 FREE weeks, $0 Registration Fee and a FREE Los Gatos Fitness membership. (Expires April 30, 2010)
Find out more at www.LosGatosFitness.com
Lite For Life of Los Gatos 285 E. Main Street (408) 354-5808