Eucalyptus Magazine, September 2009

bay area Life | Vibrant Health | Eco-Livingâ€

september 2009 | FREE

eucalyptusmagazine.com

green building

sustainable materials pollution reduction dual-pane windows gray water systems reclaimed wood healthy indoor air livable communities efficient resources water conservation

September 2009

Eucalyptus checkers by christina weber, courtesy of the artist

On the Cover

20 Changing the World One Building at a Time Green building for contractors and homeowners in the Bay Area Photo by Kyle Chesser

Features 24 Decoding Green Building 27 Los Gatos Health and Fitness: Merging Nutrition and Exercise 32 Beautiful Botanicals 34 Thinking About Solar?

Departments 7 9 11 13 14 17 18

Q&A: Sourcing our Water Small Steps: Cloth Diapers Sandbox Talk: Keeping Kids Healthy Rooted on the Farm: Melons Pets Corner: Natural Kitty Litter Path to Wellness: Raw Foods Staycation: Rediscovering Berkeley

In Every Issue

3 4 10 37 40

Publisher’s Note Calendar of Events News Briefs Resource Guide 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 healthconscious 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.

PUBLISHER Michaela Marek publisher@eucalyptusmagazine.com EDITORIAL Editor Michaela Marek Associate Editor Ann Marie Brown Contributing Writers Jessica Iclisoy Becky Herbert Jennifer Moscatello Elizabeth Kang Brandi-Ann Uyemura Kristin Carey Supriya Limaye Carolina Moore Lisa Francesca Laurie Swanson Barbara Kohn DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Creative Director Kyle Chesser, theHandsOnStudio.com Designer Greg Silva Lead Photographer Kyle Chesser, HandsOnPhoto.com Contributing Photographers Allison Malone Victoria Alexander Greg Silva

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.

ADVERTISING SALES Director of Sales Jan Rowe Account Executives Angela Alexander Cari Ralstin Cynthia Wehr Carrie Castro

Please support advertisers by letting them know you saw them in this publication.

CONTACT 15559 Union Avenue, Suite 215 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Phone/Fax 866.797.6570 info@eucalyptusmagazine.com EucalyptusMagazine.com

2 | September 2009

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Our company purchases printing services from a local Certified Green Business that has the highest commitment to keeping our environment clean.

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In keeping with our concern for the environment, Eucalyptus Magazine is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

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A G A ZINE

Subscription rate $24.00 per year Advertising rates on request Volume 1, Issue 3 Š2009 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 Considering ecological resources and thinking about energy costs comes very naturally to me.

As a native of the Czech Republic, I grew up living in buildings that were warmed by various types of heating systems. When I was a little girl, our apartment was heated with coal. Dad used to go to the basement, load up a barrel, and carry it up the stairs to the third floor. Then in the mid-1980s, the building’s heating was converted to natural gas. Hooray, no more dirty floors! My grandma’s apartment was heated through a centralized steam-based heating system, which served thousands of city apartments.

As my country’s borders opened in 1989, the first new technologies to emerge were various types of eco-friendly heating systems, particularly green technologies utilizing solar panels, dual-pane windows, and geothermal heat pumps.

The Czech people immediately embraced these new ideas because it meant less dependence on foreign oil and more savings in their pocketbooks.

When I first came to California in 1996, I was surprised to see very few solar panels, singlepane windows, and wasteful air-duct heating systems. But fortunately for all of us, things have changed much since then. I am thrilled about the green-building trend that has gained so much momentum in the Bay Area. The September issue of Eucalyptus Magazine explores this trend, and introduces us to a local contractor who is putting the principles of green building to work. I hope you will be inspired to consider utilizing these “new” technologies next time you tackle a home improvement project.

Cheers!

kyle chesser

Michaela Marek Publisher and Founder

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 3

upcoming events

calendar

Wednesday, September 2 / 5:30 p.m.

Silicon Valley Green Drinks—Green Business Networking

Sunday, September 13 / 8 a.m. to 12 noon American Heart Association’s Start! Silicon Valley Heart Walk

Bella Mia Restaurant & Bar, San Jose greendrinks.org / 408.761.9442

De Anza College, Cupertino startsiliconvalleyheartwalk.org / 408.977.4950

Thursday, September 10 / 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Eucalyptus Magazine Networking Event

Tuesday, September 15 / 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

How to Live Green Every Day

Eulipia Restaurant, San Jose eucalyptusmagazine.com / 408.499.5619

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Los Gatos pharmaca.com / 408.395.1231

Thursday, September 10 / 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol: Fix one, Fix them all

Thursday, September 17 / 7 p.m.

Store Tour—Learn to shop for Health on a Budget!

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Los Gatos pharmaca.com / 408.395.1231

Whole Foods Market, Los Gatos wholefoodsmarket.com / 408.358.4434

Friday, September 11 / 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Healthy Trails Challenge Stroller Hike

Saturday, September 19 / 10 to 11 a.m.

Cloth Diapering 101

Almaden Quicksilver County Park, San Jose parkhere.org / 408.355.2240

Tiny Tots Boutique, Campbell tinytots.com / 408.866.2925

Saturday, September 12 / 4 to 9 p.m.

Arts & Craft Bazaar featuring local artisans

Wednesday, September 23 / call for time Lecture: Gluten Free Cooking with Dr. Speakers

248 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto amrithika.com / 650.462.1980

4 | September 2009

Whole Foods Market, Los Gatos wholefoodsmarket.com / 408.358.4434

6 | September 2009

Q:

by lisa francesca

where does our water come from?

A:

When you consider the water that comes out of our faucets, think of mountain creeks, underground lakes, and captured rain. In a normal year nearly half of Santa Clara County’s water is drawn from local groundwater aquifers or rainwater captured in the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s 10 reservoirs. The rest originates hundreds of miles away, starting as snowmelt in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, and rivers that empty into the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta. This water is treated at one of our district's three drinking water treatment plants.

One of the largest local government agencies in Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara Valley Water District provides drinking water and flood protection to 1.8 million people in Santa Clara County. As the primary water wholesaler in the county, it sells water to 13 retail water providers, such as the San Jose Water Company, and individual cities, which in turn deliver the water to their customers.

Relatively few people in the county have their own private wells.

There are five major watersheds in the county: Coyote, Guadalupe, Lower Peninsula, Uvas-Llagas, and West Valley. West Valley is the county's smallest watershed, an 85-square-mile area that includes both channelized creeks on the valley floor and natural streams in the hillsides. Long-time locals can tell you that Campbell water tastes different from the water in downtown San Jose or the hills of Saratoga, but all of the county’s water is safe to drink. It’s easy to find your local watershed, and all the events and projects happening there, by visiting valleywater.org/watersheds.

Did you know that drinking a glass of water from your own tap has less than one percent of the environmental impact of drinking bottled water? Successful marketing campaigns have promoted the EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 7

q&A

what’s on your mind?

concept that bottled water is safer and healthier than tap water, but this is not necessarily true. A four-year study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council revealed that city tap water is subjected to more rigorous testing and purity standards than bottled water. The biggest cost of drinking bottled water is that producing those bottles burns through 1.5 million barrels of crude oil annually—enough fuel to keep 100,000 cars running for a year. Even worse, 60 million plastic bottles a day are tossed into U.S. landfills, where they can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. And if you need more incentive, consider the fact that bottled water costs, on average, about 500 times more than tap water. Break the habit of buying water in plastic bottles and instead invest in a couple of portable, dishwasher-safe, stainless-steel bottles that you can re-fill from your tap again and again. If you don’t like the taste of your tap water, run it through a Brita or Pur filter, which will remove most of the taste and/or odor.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s projects also include freshwater wetland restoration and desalination, which means creating fresh drinking water from our own salty San Francisco Bay. Learn more about their ongoing projects at valleywater.org, 408.265.2600.

water conservation tips California is in the middle of a drought. The Santa Clara Valley Water District encourages everyone to think about how they can cut their own water usage by at least 15%. Here are a few simple tips for water conservation: n Santa Clara County residents can sign up for a free Water-Wise House Call by phoning 800.548.1882. A water surveyor will come to your home or apartment and review your water use, provide low-flow showerheads and aerators, and suggest water-wise recommendations for your home and landscape. House Calls are available weekdays and Saturdays during daylight hours. n Time to replace that old toilet? Cash in by buying new water-efficient appliances.

Rebates of up to $150 are available for high-efficiency toilets, clothes washers, and water softeners, and rebates up to $1000 are available for qualified outdoor irrigation systems. See valleywater.org for details, or call 408.265.2607 ext. 2554. n Make water conservation part of your daily routine. Only run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads, and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving. n Fix all leaks. To find hidden leaks, turn off all devices that use water and see if your water meter is still moving. n Water your lawn only when needed, generally once every three days during the summer.

Check sprinkler timers and reduce watering times if necessary. n Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss and keep weeds down.

8 | September 2009

small steps

change a diaper–save the earth by michaela marek

Many busy parents choose traditional disposable diapers because they don't know how much cloth diapers have changed since our mothers and grandmothers used them. Today, modern cloth diaper systems and cloth diaper covers are waterproof, stain resistant, and extremely easy to use and clean. According to the Real Diaper Association (realdiaperassociation.com), over 92% of all single-use diapers end up in a landfill. Disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills, and represent about 4% of solid waste. It is estimated that paper diapers take about 250 to 500 years to decompose.

The environmental toll from disposable diapers is not just the amount of waste.

Manufacturing those diapers requires a huge resource cost: Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum, and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for just one baby each year.

By switching to a cloth diapering system, you can make your baby feel good, and save the environment and your pocket book at the same time!

kyle chesser

Find cloth or other eco-friendly diapers at these local stores: Babycoo, Los Gatos; babycoo.us Tiny Tots, Campbell; tinytots.com Whole Foods Market; wholefoodsmarket.com Local compostable diaper service; earth-baby.com

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 9

news briefs

Yoga Fitness Stretches Out Yoga Fitness, the South Bay's oldest studio offering Iyengar-style yoga instruction, has completed a major expansion and renovation to its yoga studio. With new hardwood floors, extensive natural lighting, a raised ceiling, and upgraded heating and air-conditioning, the remodeled facility creates a serene, aesthetic ambiance in which to learn and practice yoga.

Yoga Fitness is located in the Campbell Community Center at the corner of Winchester Boulevard and Campbell Avenue. They offer classes seven days a week for all levels, as well as special classes in Prenatal Yoga, Yoga for Seniors, and a periodic introductory series for new beginners. Check out their current schedule and prices at iyoga.com, or call 408.777.YOGA (9642).

New Guides for Bay Area Green Living Take great local resources for living well and having fun, throw in several hundred coupons from the greatest, greenest local businesses, mix in some neighborhood maps and, voilà!—you have the EcoMetro Guide—an essential ally in living a healthy, green lifestyle on any budget. Two guides are available for the San Francisco Bay Area: Silicon Valley/Santa Cruz, and the East Bay ($20 each).

Guide readers can save hundreds of dollars while discovering the best of what is green and local with coupons for grocery stores, restaurants, bike shops, home and garden stores, theaters and museums, outdoor stores, and much more.

For more information on EcoMetro Guide and where to purchase copies, check out ecometro.com or phone 408.423.698 (Silicon Valley/Santa Cruz) or 510.550.8280 (East Bay).

10 | September 2009

Eucalyptus Magazine’s free networking event: September 10 at Eulipia Restaurant Eucalyptus Magazine announces its first networking event to be held at Eulipia Restaurant at 374 S. First Street, San Jose, CA on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. Eucalyptus readers, supporters, advertisers, and potential business partners are invited for an evening of networking, fun, and education. The evening’s speaker will be Leslie Lang, a local real estate agent and a stand-up comedian. She will share her thoughts on wheatgrass juice, ecoliving, and how she faced and kicked breast cancer. She will make the audience laugh—guaranteed!

The event is free for all attendees, including delicious appetizers provided by Eulipia Restaurant. Please register in advance by sending an e-mail to rsvp@eucalyptusmagazine.com.

The purpose of Eucalyptus Magazine’s networking events is to “create a community of likeminded people who share the same values and lifestyle,” says Michaela Marek, publisher and founder of Eucalyptus.

Published monthly, Eucalyptus Magazine is a local health, wellness, and eco-living magazine as well as a resource guide to natural and eco-friendly living in the Bay Area.

Locally owned since 1977, Eulipia Restaurant specializes in contemporary American cuisine. For more information call 408.280.6161 or visit eulipia.com.

sandbox talk

keeping kids healthy naturally Prevent illness by boosting kids’ immunity

kyle chesser

The average school-age kid

catches three to eight colds each year. That’s a lot of runny noses, sore throats, and fevers—and it’s also a lot of missed school days. While there’s still no cure for the common cold, it is possible to keep your kids healthy before sickness strikes so their bodies are better prepared to fight off what may ail others. I have used natural therapies with my kids successfully over the years. For the best results, I suggest you work with an M.D. who includes natural modalities in his/ her practice.

Here are a few natural ways to boost your children’s immune systems. Just don’t tell them this could lead to fewer absences!

Aromatherapy In aromatherapy, high-quality, fragrant essential oils distilled from plants are either inhaled or applied to the skin in order to improve mood and health. There are several oils known to help strengthen the immune system, including lemon, rosemary, and grapefruit. Because they are naturally derived, they are perfectly safe for use on children as long as they are used correctly (never apply an oil directly to the skin without first combining it with a carrier oil). Others, like tea tree, have antiseptic properties that can kill germs. Peppermint and eucalyptus help cool and clear up inflamed and clogged sinuses, as well as ease the respiratory system. At the first signs of sickness, or even before symptoms start, try adding just a few drops (less is more in aromatherapy) of any of these oils to a warm bath, then let your kids relax and breathe in the aromatherapeutic steam.

Nutrition Little bodies that are deficient in certain nutrients can have weakened immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to germs and viruses. Make sure your kids don’t fall short on vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, or zinc, all of which help to strengthen the immune system. A balanced diet that is low in processed foods, and high in fruits and vegetables and oily fish, should provide plenty of these nutrients, but still, some kids may require supplements. Talk to your doctor about supplementing with certain vitamins that might be lacking in your children’s diet.

Homeopathy Homeopathy is a healthcare system that uses natural ingredients to stimulate the body’s own

by Jessica Iclisoy

healing abilities. The basic theory is that “like cures like”—in homeopathic medicine, small doses of substances known to produce the symptoms of various illnesses are carefully administered.

This sounds less crazy when you consider that the same theory is used in the making of vaccines, which are harmless versions of a virus given in order to bolster the immune system against that particular virus. Choosing the right remedy is complex, so it is best to work with a qualified homeopath. Expect him or her to ask lots of questions about your child’s personality and sleeping and eating habits; the answers help to “type” your child in order to formulate the best plan of remedy and prevention. For a list of recommended M.D.s that practice homeopathy and do phone consultations, visit californiababy.com.

—Jessica Iclisoy is the founder of California Baby, a natural skincare line for babies, kids, and sensitive adults.

12 | September 2009

rooted on the farm

marvelous melons

by Becky Herbert

greg silva

It is easy

to take melons for granted since they are readily available in supermarkets year-round, thanks to farms in South America that grow these delicious fruits and ship them thousands of miles north.

But if I have learned anything about why I should resist the urge to buy my favorite foods when they are not in season locally, it is because of the unbeatable taste of a cantaloupe harvested at its peak and eaten shortly thereafter.

Where melons originated has been a controversial subject for years. Some believe India is their birthplace, while others say Egypt. In any case, it is safe to say that these delicious summer fruits came from the Middle East and have been traced back as far as Biblical times.

It is no surprise that melons have remained a timeless addition to diets all over the world for so long. Not only are they packed with vitamins A and C and contain iron and calcium, too, this fruit is more satisfying than ice cream on a piping hot summer day.

At our family farm in Hollister, there is nothing I enjoy more than sitting down with

my parents and siblings after a long Cantaloupe Strawberry Shake workday and enjoying a few slices 1 cup whole strawberries, hulled and washed of watermelon. Like a kid thirsty for 1 cup diced cantaloupe sugar, I dive in to my slices and focus 2-3 teaspoons granulated sugar on the flavor that fills my mouth, 1 ⁄2 cup skim milk or low fat milk momentarily forgetting that we—my Place all ingredients in food processor or blendmelon and me—are not alone. er and process until frothy; serve immediately.

These days, there are many Makes two cantaloupe strawberry shakes. hybrid melon varieties, which vary in level of sweetness as well as texture.

From galia to crane to sharlyn, you could easily have a different melon sicle, this melon is my personal favorite. for dessert every night of the week. Even A close second on my list is the sharlyn watermelons come in different varieties: melon, which resembles a small cantaloupe. oblong with seeds, round and seedless, It has a creamier texture and an unbelievyellow, and personal-size are just a few. ably sweet taste.

Everyone is familiar with the traditional —Becky Herbert is the owner of Eating with honeydew melon, but there is also the the Seasons, an agriculture program that orange honeydew, which is a cross between delivers local organic food to residents a cantaloupe and a honeydew. Tasting like a all over the Bay Area. Visit her website at natural, healthy version of an orange creameatwiththeseasons.com.

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 13

pets corner

By barbara kohn

As your focus shifts to more natural and green products for your individual and household needs, don’t overlook natural supplies for your companion animals. The availability of natural food, bedding, supplements, and more for pets is growing. Because these products contain fewer chemicals and preservatives, they may enhance the health of your cat or dog. Plus, these natural products and their packaging break down and are absorbed more easily into the environment.

Cat litter is one product in particular where consumer preference for natural and eco-friendly versus the older clay litters is on the rise. IBISWorld Market Research in Los Angeles, California, reports that at the beginning of 2000 there were only a handful of green brands. Today, cat-litter marketed as “eco-friendly” accounts for some 20 percent of the market.

Consumers are making the switch from clay litters because they cannot be composted and are not biodegradable.

14 | September 2009

They are also moving away from clay litters for their cats’ health. Clay litters contain silica, which is a known carcinogen. Many of the clumping clay litters contain sodium bentonite, a chemical that causes clay to bond when moistened for easy removal. By inhaling the litter dust from the litter or licking their paws after they leave the box, cats can ingest the chemical. Although no scientific studies have indicated that clumping clay litter is harmful to cats, the concern is that the litter could cause lung problems or intestinal blockage.

The newer natural litter alternatives are made from wood, pine, corn, wheat, paper, and more, and have different characteristics. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular types: Wood-based litters are made from wood pulp or shavings, generally from pine, compressed into pellets. Solid waste can be scooped out and the pellets absorb the urine. Moistened pellets dissolve into a wet wood dust or create clumps. These litters still clump and have

the natural odor-eliminating properties of pine. Cat owners can flush the litter down the toilet.

Grain-based litters generally are made from wheat and corn, so they clump. Many are flushable, plus they are dust-free and absorb odors. Manufacturers point out that the products should pass through your cat’s digestive system if ingested. Corn litters tend to be the most expensive.

Paper-based cat litters are made from recycled paper and come in both pellet and granule forms. They are lightweight and flushable in small quantities.

Whatever natural cat litter you choose, you need to guide your cat through the transition as you switch brands. Experts advise that you place about one inch of the new litter on the bottom of your cat's litter box, and then top this with three inches of his/her regular litter. Each time you change the litter, decrease the amount of the regular litter covering the new, alternative litter until you phase out the old litter completely.

allison malone

the scoop on natural kitty litter

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 15

Local & Holistic Resources for healthy living in your community

Yogic Beauty

Rayna Lumbard, LMFT

Ultrapure ~ Beyond Organic ~ Body and Skin Care

InnerSuccess Transformations

All our rare & exquisite products are lovingly handcrafted in small batches from the highest quality ingredients.

Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Consultations, Pancha KarmaDetox Therapies & Yoga Therapy for internal and external vibrant health & beauty.

Rayna is a Holistic Marriage and Family Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Psychospiritual Energy Healer and Workshop Facilitator. She empowers individuals, couples, and families to live joyful, authentic and abundant lives by healing core issues on all levels, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Steven E. Smith

Tina Deane, CMT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Inside and Out Body Therapy

Beauty Secrets from the Himalayas for Radiance & Clarity.

YogicBeauty.com / 408.355.5562

20688 Fourth Street, Suite 8 Saratoga, CA 95070 InnerSuccess.com / 408.358.3756

409 E. Campbell Ave., Suite 220, Campbell, CA 95008 theenlightenedmind.net / 408.910.4257

Located in Los Gatos InsideAndOutBodyTherapy.com / 408.348.8462

Holistic therapy and counseling for emotional & spiritual health. Individuals, Couples, Men's Groups, Workshops.

Heal, grow, and learn to experience more freedom, joy, love, and abundance.

Specializing in targeted therapies customized to your individual needs. Get relief from your pain and stress. Therapeutic Massage *Sports Massage Thai Massage * Energetic Bodywork *Reiki promoting wellness inside and out.

16 | September 2009

The raw food diet, in which 75% or more

kyle chesser

of one’s foods have not been heated beyond 116 degrees Fahrenheit, is gaining popularity. Consisting primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables, the raw food diet also incorporates nuts, grains, and seaweed. It is believed that both the enzymes and “life force” contained in the raw food provides benefits that are destroyed in cooked or processed foods.

There are scientific reasons why incorporating raw foods into your diet can improve your health. Deanna Minich, PhD, CN says, “Eating raw foods reduces the intake of inflammation- and aging-promoting compounds called Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which are formed during the heating of protein and carbohydrates. Overcooked, baked, and fried foods contain high amounts of AGEs… Raw foods have more ‘life force’ or vibrational energy than foods that are cooked, as shown by Kirilian photography. In Western science terms, this ‘life force’ energy may be translated as more nutrients or active enzymes.”

As you might imagine, raw-food dieters eat a lot of fruit or vegetable smoothies and salads. They also include non-traditional “superfoods” into their menu as well, such as the gogi berry, which mainstream America has recently embraced for being exceptionally rich in antioxidants.

Utilizing a little creativity in the kitchen, there are many other raw food options, including cakes, mousses, and even chocolate pudding. Whether you choose to incorporate a little raw food into your diet, or plan to adopt a completely raw diet, you will surely appreciate the benefits of foods eaten in their natural form.

by carolina moore

Really Dangerous Chocolate Pudding 6-8 dates soaked (keep the water) 1 1⁄2 tablespoons vanilla 2-3 tablespoons agave nectar 2-3 ripe avocados 1 ⁄2 cup raw carob powder 1 ⁄4 cup raw chocolate powder 1 ⁄4 cup cacao nibs 1 ripe plum 1 cup raspberries Using a food processor, process dates, vanilla, and agave until smooth. Next, add in the avocado, chocolate powder, and carob. Add the cacao nibs (to taste) and plum and process. At this point, check your pudding to see if the consistency is right. If it needs thinning, add a little bit of your saved date water (this will also sweeten it more). Layer pudding with raspberries in serving dishes.

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 17

path to wellness

it's a raw deal

staycation

Love at First Bite

UC Botanical Garden

The Cheese Board Collective

victoria alexander

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace

rediscovering

Berkeley

There's no place quite like Berkeley. You don't have to be a college student, a liberal, or an intellectual to appreciate and enjoy everything this urban oasis has to offer. With its abundant farmers markets— three each week—unique shopping, noteworthy restaurants, and friendly vibe, Berkeley is a city worth discovering all over again. By Elizabeth Kang Shop Berkeley Bowl Marketplace is a must-stop haven for foodies.

The awe-inspiring selection of produce alone is worth the visit.

But if 10 different varieties of locally grown potatoes don’t tempt you, the eclectic array of freshly prepared foods most definitely will. Berkeley Bowl Marketplace; 2020 Oregon St.; 510.843.6929; berkeleybowl.com.

Eat If you already have dinner reservations for the venerable Chez Panisse, look no farther than Berkeley's “Gourmet Ghetto” for lunch. This North Shattuck area is rife with local delicacies. Enjoy live music and a slice of gourmet pizza at The Cheese Board Collective and you'll soon understand why the line was out the door.

In the adjacent building you can sample local cheeses and freshly baked bread. Finish with a matcha green tea cupcake from Love

Berkeley

A

at First Bite. The Cheese Board Collective; 1512 Shattuck Ave.; 510.549.3055; cheeseboardcollective.coop Love at First Bite; 1510 Walnut St., Suite G; 510.848.5727; loveatfirstbitebakery.com.

Discover Located on 34 acres of hills atop UC Berkeley, the UC Botanical Garden is a sprawling live museum featuring over 12,000 different types of plants and flowers. The botanical wonders are grouped by regions and types, including a section of carnivorous plants and the largest collection of native California plants in the world. UC Botanical Garden; 200 Centennial Dr., 510.643.2755; botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.

Stay Originally built as a castle estate in the Gold Rush era, The Claremont Resort and Spa was turned into a luxury hotel in 1915 and is still a landmark. The beautiful, glowing white hotel perched high in the Berkeley Hills offers gorgeous panoramic views, awardwinning cuisine, fitness classes, and relaxing spa treatments.

The Claremont Resort and Spa; 41 Tunnel Rd., 510.843.3000; claremontresort.com.

Oakland San Francisco

San Jose

The Claremont Resort and Spa

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 19

[ Green Building ]

Clockwise from upper left Salvaged, 60-year-old redwood siding from a Palo Alto house is set up on site to be reused as interior paneling. Solar panels are laid out for installation on the home’s roof. Anchors are installed to support the rooftop photovoltaic system. Peter Lyon, a Campbell-based general contractor, has specialized in green building for the last five years.

20 | September 2009

changing the world one building at a time by brandi-ann uyemura and ann marie brown p hoto g ra phy by kyl e chess e r

As we strive to live an eco-friendly life, we carefully consider the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and the cars we drive. But what about our homes and our office buildings? What kind of imprint do they leave on our health and on the earth?

Green building, also known as sustainable building, is a relatively new field, but it is quickly gaining momentum, especially since the election of President Barack Obama in 2008. The core concept of green building is to use sustainable materials and more efficient resources in the areas of construction, operation, maintenance, and demolition.

The need for greener construction practices is obvious. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Center for Sustainable Development, buildings consume 40% of the world's total energy, 25% of its wood harvest, and 16% of its water. Sustainable building practices should produce several key benefits. They should lower electric and water utility costs while increasing energy efficiency, promote water and other resource conservation, create healthy indoor air quality, and produce better neighborhoods and livable communities, with greater reduction of pollution in all areas.

What does green building mean for individual contractors, or for someone trying to remodel their own home?

Peter Lyon, a Campbell-based general contractor, has spent 32 years in the construction business, the last five specializing in green building. Lyon and his staff help their clients navigate through the green building process, and that often includes dispelling the belief that green building is too expensive.

“It’s a mistake for people to think that they can’t afford green. It’s just not the case. There are things that can be done that don’t cost a thing,” Lyon says. “When there are greater up-front costs, they are often offset by lower maintenance and service expenses over the years ahead.”

Star t Small When You Think Green One misconception is that green building has to start from the ground up, or that you have to completely remodel your home in order to make it greener. In construction, there are many different levels of going green. The greenest buildings are “zero green,” which means the building creates its own heat and air-conditioning and powers its own food sources and water. But small changes can make a big EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 21

[ Green Building ]

difference, too, such as replacing old windows with double-paned, energy-efficient models, or installing a whole-house fan or solar attic fan. Other low-cost green modifications include installing high R-value wall and ceiling insulation, or adding lighting controls such as motion sensors and dimmer switches.

Sustainable plumbing fixes are also relatively inexpensive. Homeowners can minimize wastewater by using ultra-low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads. Tankless or point-of-use water heaters

may seem costly to install, but soon pay for themselves in terms of energy savings. A gray water system can recover rainwater or other non-potable water for landscape irrigation.

“Building green isn’t an all or nothing proposition,” Lyon says. “It’s a matter of making choices, and deciding what makes sense for your home and lifestyle.”

With the growing popularity of the green movement, an industry has boomed. More products and greater choices can leave con-

sumers confused about what’s out there. (See our green building guidelines on page 24 to help navigate the choices).

“We evaluate the good and bad, because not every product that’s ‘green’ is good. Many companies are trying to ride the coattails of the green movement. Some products are expensive to put in and more expensive to take out, so we try to steer our clients away from them,” says Lyon. His company’s standard policy is to install only products that have had at least five years of testing in the field.

Out with the Old, In with the Old In sustainable building, the re-use of old materials is as important as incorporating new, eco-friendly technologies. One of Lyon’s recent projects was the transformation of a 60-year-old Palo Alto house by gutting, reframing, and rewiring it. One of the greenest aspects of the job was removing the house’s exterior redwood siding, then sandblasting, cleaning, and reinstalling it in the interior continued on page 36 hallways as paneling.

Clockwise from upper left No-VOC paints, low-VOC paints, and recycled paints can be used in any house remodel. A bank of dual-pane windows is installed alongside a passive solar hallway. In this Palo Alto home, old redwood siding was stripped from the house’s exterior and “repurposed” as interior paneling. Salvaged bricks can easily be reused for walkways and other landscaping needs. These skylights open up to create a “thermal chimney” effect, allowing unwanted heat to escape from the house.

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 23

decoding green building Want to green up your home? Whether remodeling an existing home or building a new green home, there is a lot to consider when it comes to building materials.

by Laurie Swanson

Home remodeling creates an abundance of dust and decision-making.

Green Guidelines The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) suggests the following criteria be used when searching for green building materials. green criteria

Questions to ask

Resource efficiency

Is the product made from recycled material or sustainable sources?

Energy efficiency

Does the product help reduce energy consumption?

Indoor air quality

Do the product and its installation minimize or eliminate the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or other toxic substances?

Does the product actually improve indoor air quality?

Water conservation 24 | September 2009

Does the product help reduce water consumption in the house or in its landscaping?

kyle chesser

Do the manufacturing processes, packaging, and transit methods minimize energy consumption, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions?

Putting the Guidelines to Work What does all of this mean to you? Take a look at an example of how you might go about comparing two popular countertop brands to determine the best green product for your needs. Obviously, you’ll need to consider your specific needs and taste when making a decision on countertops, but this type of analysis can help you make a good green decision. Note that the cost per square foot of these two green products is in the same price range as granite, a popular but non-green countertop choice (granite typically costs $50-100 per square foot).

Green criteria

Questions to ask

Silestone

Vetrazzo

Resource efficiency

Recycled material content?

35-70% recycled material (post-consumer)

About 85% recycled material (post-consumer and post-industrial)

Sustainable source?

No

Yes

Manufacturing processes?

Water recycling system

Water recycling system “Day-lit” manufacturing facility (uses only natural light)

Durable to reduce replacement?

Yes

Yes

Locally available?

Manufactured within 500 miles of project

Manufactured in Richmond, CA

Minimize waste?

Silestone utilizes scrap to create 12x12 sheets of Silestone called Silestone MURO

Cradle-to-cradle recyclable: When you are finished with your countertop you can give it back and Vetrazzo will remanufacture it into a new countertop

Low or no VOCs in product?

Yes

Yes

Low or no VOCs during Installation?

Depends upon installer: adhesives, sealers, and epoxy resins are used during installation

Depends upon installer: adhesives, sealers, and epoxy resins are used during installation

Price range

$59-79 per square foot

$45-90 per square foot

Where to find it

Any local Home Depot

Design 101 1821 Saratoga Ave.; Saratoga, CA 408.873.1100

Indoor air quality

Where to Find Other Green Building Materials Builditgreen.org, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy and resource efficient building practices in California, has a green product directory that rates products based on the four evaluation criteria recommended by the CIWMB and provides a list of local dealers for those products. In most cases there are many different styles and materials available. The following local retailers can help you find the green product that is right for you.

Type of material

Where to find it

Flooring

Earth and Company, a division of Bay Area Floors 249 El Camino Real; Redwood City, CA; 650.261.3500

Paint

Kelly-Moore Paint Stores 1501 W. Campbell Avenue; Campbell, CA; 408.378.8770

Windows

Any retailer offering low-E, dual-pane windows that are Energy-Star qualified for your climate

Cabinets

Golden Gate Kitchens 272 E. Campbell Avenue; Campbell, CA; 408.370.2388

Countertops

Design 101 1821 Saratoga Avenue; Saratoga, CA; 408.873.1100

Tile

Tile Fantastic 2910 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA; 408.371.6247 EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 25

26 | September 2009

your best body

Almost every San Francisco Bay Area health club offers an array of exercise classes spanning the alphabet from aerobics to Zumba, plus rooms packed with stationery bicycles, treadmills, elliptical trainers, and a variety of weight-training equipment.

But few clubs put much emphasis on the nutritional component of physical fitness. It’s much easier to design a business around the simple equation of calorie output (aerobic exercise plus weight training equals calories burned) rather than the more individualized—and hence more complicated—question of nutritional input. »

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EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 27

your best body

Nutrition expert Laurie Ward manages the Lite for Life franchise at Los Gatos Health and Fitness. She encourages her clients to kick the sugar habit for weight loss and greater energy.

laurie Ward

28 | September 2009

That’s until Laurie Ward and Joe Gigantino Jr. came along. Ward earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science from Chico State University and started working as a personal trainer, adding in a little nutritional counseling for her clients. In autumn 2008, Gigantino purchased the Los Gatos facility where Ward was training. The owner of three other fitness clubs, Gigantino completely remodeled the aging Los Gatos Athletic Club, renaming it Los Gatos Health and Fitness, and outfitted it with the latest state-of-the-art training equipment. In the process, he asked Ward to institute a formal nutritional counseling program at the new club. Ward chose the nutritional franchise she believed had the best science behind it: Lite for Life, a weight management program that is centered on the principal of blood sugar stabilization.

“People think that blood sugar is an issue just for diabetics, but that’s not true. For people who want to lose weight, it’s more about controlling blood sugar than it is about counting calories,” says Ward.

The guiding principle of blood sugar management is that when you eat sugary foods or excess starch, your blood sugar level rises too rapidly. This triggers your pancreas to secrete insulin in order to bring your blood sugar level back down. In many people, that level drops too suddenly, which causes cravings and starts the pattern all over again. When blood sugar levels fluctuate too wildly throughout the day, many people experience strong cravings for sugar, starch, and/or caffeine, and feel tired and moody. The net result is the tendency to overeat—particularly foods that are filled with “empty calories” comprised of too much sugar and not enough quality nutrition.

“Lite for Life works because it’s not a diet, it’s a way of managing your eating,” says Ward, who lost 25 pounds by learning to control her own blood sugar levels. “You don’t have to buy special foods or eat anything different than what is most likely already in your own kitchen.”

The cost of the Lite for Life program varies according to how much weight clients desire to lose. Typical weight loss is two pounds per week for women and three pounds per week for men, so a woman seeking to lose 12 pounds would enroll in the program for approximately six weeks at a cost of about $330. Compared to other weight loss programs, Lite for Life may seem pricey, but it offers unique benefits. A key element is personal coaching and one-on-one education with a nutrition expert like Ward, who meets with clients individually two to three times per week to pour over their food journals, answer questions, provide motivation, and—the big

"I don’t expect anybody to follow the rules perfectly. I can tell you the best way to control your blood sugar, but you are not going to be perfect. You have to strike a balance between achieving your weight-loss goals and enjoying life."

local wellness

left and lower right: kyle chesser (2)

Exercise is still part of the equation. So far, all of Ward’s clients take part in one or more of the myriad fitness activities offered at Los Gatos Health and Fitness. drumroll moment—monitor progress when the client weighs in on the scale.

Marilyn Porter, 66, began Lite for Life in early July, intending to lose 10-15 pounds, learn to eat better, and gain more energy. “My doctor told me my blood sugar was too high, that I was becoming pre-diabetic. After learning about what sugar does to me, I decided to quit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar cold turkey. Laurie thought I should be more moderate about it, but I was determined. I really needed her support in the first few days.

Now she keeps me accountable.”

Patty van der Burg, 44, weighs in twice a week with Ward and has lost 10 pounds in the last month. Working one-on-one with Ward has been a great motivator, she says. “Laurie is very enthusiastic and helps me to stay engaged with the program. And I really like the fact that the plan uses real food, not processed food.”

All clients begin Lite for Life with a free consultation. They learn what they’ll face on the program, which Ward categorizes as being “not low-carb, not high in protein, just moderate all around.” Clients learn to eat 4-5 servings of fruit per day, such as half an apple or an orange, since it provides quick energy and combats sugar cravings. They eat 7-9 servings of lean protein per day, such as three ounces of chicken or beef, a halfcup of low-fat cottage cheese, or one serving of tofu or string cheese, which keeps hunger at bay for sustained

Patty van der Burg trains with health club owner Joe Gigantino, Jr.

? is life

too

sweet

To stabilize your blood sugar levels, you have to pay attention to the amount of sugar you eat. But how much is too much? Most guidelines suggest no more than 32-40 grams of sugar per day (the equivalent of 8-10 teaspoons), depending on your total calorie intake. A quick look at the food labels on common items in your refrigerator may reveal some surprises. Divide the number of grams by four to get the amount in teaspoons. n 6-ounce fat-free blueberry yogurt: 28 grams or 7 teaspoons of sugar n

n

n

n

n

1 cup of orange juice: 26 grams or 6 1⁄2 teaspoons of sugar 12-ounce can of cola: 40 grams or 10 teaspoons of sugar 20-ounce sports drink: 35 grams or 8 3⁄4 teaspoons of sugar 1 tablespoon of jam or jelly: 9 grams or 2 1⁄4 teaspoons of sugar 1 tablespoon of ketchup: 4 grams or 1 teaspoon of sugar

periods. Breads and other starches are permitted in moderation (two to three servings per day), plus a small amount of fat (oil, mayonnaise, butter, etc.). Vegetables are encouraged in large quantities.

Clients also learn that “fake sugars” such as Aspartame and Splenda are no better than common table sugar, as they cause a sharp spike in blood sugar level and insulin response. The sweetener Stevia, which is derived from a South American herb, is the only one recommended by Lite for Life.

“Beverages are the hardest part for many people. Diet sodas are as bad as regular sodas. Even pure fruit juice is horrible for most people; the body responds as if it just had a glass of sugar water,” says Ward. Herbal teas and decaffeinated coffee are fine, but the main beverage clients are encouraged to drink is pure water, preferably with added lemon juice. Wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages are discouraged, as they convert to sugar in the body.

“I don’t expect anybody to follow the rules perfectly. I can tell you the best way to control your blood sugar, but you are not going to be perfect. You have to strike a balance between achieving your weight-loss goals and enjoying life,” Ward says.

And yes, exercise is still part of the equation. So far, all of Ward’s clients take part in one or more of the myriad fitness activities offered at Los Gatos Health and Fitness—group exercise classes, swimming in the outdoor pool, personal training sessions, playing racquetball, lifting weights, or raising their heart rates on the brandnew cardiovascular machines. But since beginning Lite for Life, Patty van der Burg has found that she doesn’t have to work out quite as much as she used to. “For years I used to exercise twice a day to manage my weight. It’s taken a long time, but now I see that it’s really about combining good nutrition with exercise.”

For more information on the Lite for Life program, contact Los Gatos Health and Fitness, 285 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, 408.354.5808. Or visit losgatosfitness.com or liteforlife.com.

—Ann Marie Brown is the Associate Editor of Eucalyptus Magazine and a self-admitted sugar addict.

Clients learn to eat 4-5 servings of fruit per day, such as half an apple or an orange, since it provides quick energy and combats sugar cravings.

30 | September 2009

Eucalyptus Magazine invites you to its first community networking event.

Please join us for this special evening of networking, fun, and education. While you enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar, meet and mingle with people behind the scenes of Eucalyptus Magazine.

Thursday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Eulipia Restaurant, 374 S. 1st St., San Jose Entertainment by comedian Leslie Lang Please RSVP to rsvp@eucalyptusmagazine.com Visit us at EucalyptusMagazine.com

BE VEG. GO GREEN. SAVE THE PLANET

you are invited

Vegetarian House

Organic Vegan Restaurant

Compassionate Food For a Healthy Planet 520 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112 408.292.3798 | www.VegetarianHouse.us EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 31

beautiful botanicals enhance your natural beauty with rejuvenative scents

by Jennifer Moscatello

Left to right: Violet Atomizer of Essential Oils and Attars, Green Valley Labs; Malibu Lemon Blossom Spray Perfume; Pacifica Perfumes; Guaiac Organic Perfume Roll-On, Red Flower; Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume; Pacifica Perfumes.

are you a perfume wearer?

If so, you most likely have a scent you prefer, whether it is a delicate floral, a crisp citrus, or a warm, sultry musk. How does wearing that scent make you feel?

Whether you change fragrances seasonally or are committed to one signature scent, the fragrance you wear has the power to shape your emotions and your outlook on life. It also has the power to make you sick.

right: kyle chesser

Do your research When purchasing a fragrance, understand what you’re buying and its impact on your health. Contrary to widely held assumptions, the FDA does not regulate fragrances. A loophole in the FDA’s law lets manufacturers label ingredients as “fragrance” without listing the individual components. According to an article published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an advocacy group dedicated to protecting public health and the environment, “An analysis of the chemical contents… reveals that… ‘fragrance’ often contains chemicals linked to negative health effects.” Sonya Lunder, senior analyst at the EWG, states that health effects from perfume “range from allergic reactions to hormone disruption and neurotoxicity.”

To check your perfume’s health rating, log on to the EWG’s Skin Deep database (cosmeticsdatabase.org).

The site rates the safety of thousands of personal care products based on data from over 50 toxicity and regulatory databases.

Select Natural alternatives To ensure your physical and emotional well-being, and that of those around you, choose botanical fragrances, which use flowers, fruits, and plants as their scent

source rather than the chemicals that comprise conventional perfumes. Lara Wright, laboratory director at The Lab at Green Valley Spa in St. George, Utah, grew up harvesting fresh flowers and herbs, learning the art of fragrance from her mother. According to Lara, “Our sense of smell has a huge impact on how we react to life… Artificial and synthetic scents interfere with how we relate to other people and to the world at large.”As an added benefit, natural fragrances have a subtlety and complexity that synthetic fragrances lack.

Embrace your essence Perfumes have long been used to scent the skin and alter mood, lingering softly on the skin and in one’s memory. A fragrance is capable of creating powerful associations, conjuring memories of faraway places and people we once knew. Perfume can also serve as an extension of your image; it is the olfactory equivalent of your sense of style. While mainstream perfumes have morphed into synthetic health hazards, we are fortunate to have a plethora of natural, chemical-free options available to us.

Natural perfumes Violet Atomizer of Essential Oils and Attars, Green Valley Labs. To buy: $5.99, Whole Foods Market in Cupertino, greenvalleylab.com Malibu Lemon Blossom Spray Perfume, Pacifica Perfumes. To buy: $22, pacificaperfume.com Guaiac Organic Perfume Oil Roll-On, Red Flower To buy: $49, Barneys New York in San Francisco, redflower.com Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume, Pacifica Perfumes. To buy: $9, pacificaperfume.com

safe scents Stacy Malkan, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and author of Not Just A Pretty Face, encourages consumers to get involved in perfume-related health issues: “It's important to note that we can't just shop our way out of this problem. We need to change the law to require companies to disclose all the ingredients in their fragrance, and to eliminate hazardous chemicals. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working to change the law; you can join in this effort by taking action at SafeCosmetics.org.”

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 33

thinking about

Solar?

34 | September 2009

by Kristin Carey

R

Who Gets the Job? There are literally hundreds of contractors in the San Francisco Bay Area who are licensed to install solar energy systems. Always check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (cslb. ca.gov) before selecting a contractor, and consider carefully the company’s expertise and familiarity with your location. A good contractor can help you choose the right size photovoltaic system by providing an estimate of how much energy the system will produce in a year. The contractor's bid should include the total cost including hardware, installation, connecting to the grid, permitting, and warranty. It’s wise to interview at least three potential solar installers before making your selection.

R

Solar for Everyone Since 2001, Oakland-based nonprofit Grid Alternatives has been making solar panels available to low-income homeowners and renters in California. Because the price of installing solar panels is prohibitive for lower-income families, and the energy savings, while immediate, don’t recoup the installation costs for several years, Grid Alternatives uses local grants and government rebates to bring the cost of purchasing solar panels down to nearly zero.

Then the group’s volunteers install the panels for free, often with the help of the homeowner. Imagine a solar-powered spin on Habitat for Humanity and you’ve got the idea. Grid Alternatives is the brainchild of engineers Erica Mackie and Tim Sears, who can now watch with pride as the electric meter spins backwards on more than 200 low-income homes from Oakland to San Diego.

Tamara Kulikova/istockphoto

In light of

my August Q&A article about solar energy as a sustainable alternative to electric power, I decided to look deeper into the matter to find out how viable this option really is. Just how complicated is it to make the switch to solar by installing a photovoltaic (PV) system? I contacted REC Solar, one of the nation’s largest solar installation companies, who put me in touch with Jim Woodbury, a client who recently made the switch himself.

I asked Woodbury what was the deciding factor in his choice to go solar. “Because I have a vested interest in the future of the planet,” he answered. The father of two children, Woodbury said that parenthood has forced him to contemplate his part in saving the earth.

“Switching to solar was something I had been talking about doing for a long time,” he said. As he researched the tax credits, incentives, and rebates (see gosolarcalifornia.com), Woodbury realized that installing a photovoltaic system was more affordable than he had imagined. The total cost of Woodbury’s project—installing a complete PV system on his 1,200-square-foot house in Fremont— was $20,400, but he received a PG&E rebate for $3,400. Additionally, a 30 percent tax rebate will be applied in April 2010.

Still, home remodeling of any kind is always intrusive. How long does solar panel installation take?

“The entire process, from the time I contacted REC to the time I was switched on to the grid, took a little over a month,” Woodbury says. “They actually finished ahead of schedule.”

He and his family now take guesses at what their meter reading will be—a new game the Woodburys enjoy playing.

“You would never know the difference between being on solar power and switching to the grid. There’s never an interruption,” says Woodbury. “I have been recommending [going solar] to everyone I know!”

—Kristin Carey is a frequent contributor to Eucalyptus Magazine and hopes to install a solar power system in her home someday.

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 35

[ Green Building ]

continued from page 23

“We didn’t have to throw away all that redwood. We recycled and reused it, and it’s the focal point, the center of the house,” says Lyon. “It’s gorgeous and highly green.”

Greening the Great Indoors For a building to be green, it must be healthy for the environment and healthy for its occupants, too. Lyon states that this is in direct opposition to “sick-building syndrome, which is all about concrete, steel, bad air, and fluorescent lighting.” On average, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, and yet the air inside new or remodeled homes and office buildings is often much more polluted than outdoor air. This is largely due to the toxic chemicals found in some building materials, such as kitchen cabinets and shelving made from particleboard or medium-density fiberboard. This type of “wood” is held together with adhesives that release urea formaldehyde for years after installation.

Again, making the green building choice to improve indoor air quality is not necessarily costly or difficult. Most homeowners repaint at least one room in their house once a year. It is easy and healthful to switch to no- or low-VOC paint, since volatile organic compounds have been found to have adverse health effects. Homes with wood-burning fireplaces can be retrofitted with low-emissions wood stoves or inserts that are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Flooring choices like carpeting and hardwood floor finishes can be made from either toxic or non-toxic materials, so home remodelers can simply select the healthier version.

To learn more about green building practices, or to find local suppliers of green building products, visit builditgreen.org. Build it Green is a non-profit organization based in Berkeley whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient homes in California.

Demolish it Green Anybody who has ever remodeled a house knows that at some point in the process you wind up with a dumpster full of old materials that must be carted off to the landfill.

And if you are trying to make your house greener, it doesn’t feel good to fill up your local dump site. Enter the Deconstruction and ReUse Network in Alameda (888.545.8333, reusenetwork.org). This nonprofit organization will come to your home, inventory its reusable materials, and then carefully remove them. The old materials will be distributed to non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, then re-used in constructing homes throughout the world. You receive an itemized report of donated materials and an appraisal that can help you get a tax deduction.

36 | September 2009

resource guide products | services | advice

Alternative | Eco | Environmental | Green | Healthy | Integrative | Local Natural | Nutritious | Organic | Renewable | Reusable | Sensitive | Sustainable

REC Solar

167 Commercial St., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 888.657.6527 | recsolar.com

REC Solar, Inc., specializes in grid-tied solar electric design and installation, offering the latest technology and stateof-the-art equipment, and financing opportunities for all commercial and residential customers.

Yoga Fitness

Linda Bonney Bostrom & Jito Yumibe 1 West Campbell Ave, B29, Campbell, CA 95008 408.777.YOGA (9642) | iyoga.com

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

Dr. Goodman offers a relaxed and focused environment meeting his patient's needs with Chiropractic, extremities management (for shoulder, knee, ankle, feet, and hand injuries), nutritional counseling and support, physiotherapy, and massage services available seven days a week.

Wild Bird Center of Los Gatos Freddy Howell

792 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.358.WILD (9453) | wildbird.com/stores/los/home

We offer Yoga classes taught in the Iyengar tradition. We have classes 7 days a week, and we have classes for every level of student from brand new beginners to more experienced and advanced. Our studio is newly remodeled and fully equipped. We welcome you.

We are a mini department store for nature lovers, specializing in everything to do with bird feeding and bird watching.

We offer a complete line of products including feeders, birdbaths, nest boxes, binoculars, nature themed clothing and jewelry; books and field guides, kids stuff and many great gift items. $5 off your purchase of $20 or more.

e11even salon & boutique

Planet Orange

Kandi Armstrong

2360 S. Bascom Ave., Suite H, Campbell, CA 95008 408.371.4155 | e11evensalon.com A hip, vibrant and comfortable space—that’s what our guests experience at e11even. We boast skilled staff that continually seeks education and inspiration. Our boutique offers unique and whimsical items to complement your new look. Experience it for yourself!

Nathan Cocozza

2842 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124 408.963.6868 | planetorangetermite.com Planet Orange is the bay area’s leading property services company, providing orange oil termite treatments, Eco Smart pest control services and property remediation to Bay Area residents.

*Certified Bay Area Green Business

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 37

Bikram Yoga San Jose Michele Vennard

5289-A Prospect Rvoad, San Jose, CA 95129 408.255.9910 | bikramyogasanjose.com

Babycoo

Vania Hendratna 140 W. Main St. (in the Opera House) Los Gatos, CA 95030 408.310.5030 | babycoo.us

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.

With a fabulous selection of green and organic products for babies, children, and mothers, custom gift baskets, and baby gift registry, we make it easy to celebrate those special moments. Clothing, footwear, strollers, mattresses, bedding, feeding supplies, and more!

Noxcuses Fitness Palo Alto

Los Gatos Nail Works

Angie DeGeronimo

2741 Middlefield Rd., Ste 102, Palo Alto, CA 94306 650.325.1273 | noxcusesfitness.com

Val Speno

140 W. Main St. (in the Opera House) Los Gatos, CA 95030 408.354.6245 | losgatosnailworks.com

Get ready to transform the way you feel about “the gym.”

Our exquisite new studio combines state of the art fitness technology with all the comfort, privacy and attention you’ve come to expect from a premium spa. Pilates Yoga and Personal Training customized to fit your needs.

Enjoy a relaxing, stress free environment when pampering yourself with a manicure, pedicure, waxing, massage, facial, and aromatherapy. Providing services for 25 years; assures you’ll be in wonderful hands. This is are a great place for any type of pampering party—we love large groups!

Supreme Court 1 Athletic club

The Spa - Los Gatos

Dave Ralstin

415 N. Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 408.739.1250 | sc1ac.com We offer a unique health club experience in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Managed and run by the same core management team for over twenty years, Supreme Court offers a different experience when getting fit. Racqueatball, squash, yoga, group classes and more. Bring this ad and your spouse can come for FREE.

Classical Homeopathy

Deborah Hayes CCH RSHom(NA) MBRCP(H) CCHH 2672 Bayshore Parkway, Suite 810 Phone: 650.557.2160 | realhomeopathy.com

Homeopathy is a versatile, safe, and effective system of natural medicine, with in-depth health consultations and individually selected remedies to improve your energy, mood, and well being and address your unique health concerns.

*Vegetarian House

Organic Vegan Restaurant 520 E. Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112 408.292.3798 | vegetarianhouse.us

Established in 1994, the Vegetarian House is an organic vegan restaurant located in downtown San Jose. We offer a wide range of vegan dishes from all over the world, and use freshly grown organic ingredients from local sources whenever possible.

38 | September 2009

100 S. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 408.354.5901 | thespalosgatos.com

A world apart from other day spas, The Spa - Los Gatos features a wide variety of facials, massages, and body treatments in the tranquil space of our large facility. A professional and welcoming staff, top of the line products, private lockers, fully-stocked lounge areas, cushy robes, and slippers await you.

Healing the Zebra Arts Center Nancy A. Ries

3648 Hoover Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 650.299.1194 | HealingTheZebra.com A new healing arts center in a geodesic dome offers creative arts classes focusing on the body-mind-spirit for personal development. More than fifteen instructors teach workshops including tantric yoga, health movement, painting, creative writing, enactment, and more.

Yogic Beauty

Ultrapure—Beyond Organic—Body and Skin Care Beauty Secrets from the Himalayas for Radiance & Clarity Phone: 408.355.5562 | YogicBeauty.com

All our rare and exquisite products are lovingly handcrafted in small batches from the highest quality ingredients.

Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Consultations, Pancha Karma Detox Therapies, and Yoga Therapy for internal and external vibrant health and beauty.

HealthNOW Medical Center Founders, Drs. Vikki and Richard Petersen, DC, CCN

1309 S. Mary Ave, Suite 100, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 408.733.0400 | healthnowmedical.com The HealthNOW medical team includes experts in the fields of Internal Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and Chiropractic. HealthNOW’s purpose is to find and fix the root cause of your health problem. We’ve been doing this successfully for over 20 years.

*Healthy Smiles Dental Care Arta Vakhshoori, D.D.S.

5595 Winfield Blvd. #108, San Jose, CA 95123 408.226.6683 | iHealthySmiles.com 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 for your natural tooth in a healthy, healing environment.

*Oak Meadow Dental

Dr. Robert Dyer and Dr. Christina Fantino 210 Oak Meadow Dr, Los Gatos, CA 90532 408.395.1121 | oakmeadowdental.com

At Oak Meadow Dental, we are a team. Each part of the team participates: doctor, staff, and patient. This way, we ensure that everybody is happy with the outcome. Only with teamwork can excellence be achieved. We are proud to be a Certified Bay Area Green Business.

Peter G. Shutts A.I.A., Architect

4133 Mohr Avenue, Suite H, Pleasanton, CA 94566 925.484.0903

Studio3 Design Bess Wiersema

1585 The Alameda #200, San Jose, CA 95126 650.575.1941 | studio-three.com Well known for creating award winning home spaces that reflect individual style and aesthetic, Bess Wiersema combines visionary design and seamless project management. Services: Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Administration, and Consultation (finishes, fixtures, color, landscape, master plan).

Rayna Lumbard, LMFT InnerSuccess Transformations

20688 Fourth Street, Suite 8, Saratoga, CA 95070 408.358.3756 | InnerSuccess.com Rayna is a Holistic Marriage and Family Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Psychospiritual Energy Healer, and Workshop Facilitator. She empowers individuals, couples, and families to live joyful, authentic, and abundant lives by healing core issues on all levels mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Annette’s Gluten-Free Bakery Annette Droher

PO Box 5036, Pleasanton, CA 94566 925.426.1985 | annettesglutenfreebakery.com Gluten Free and Dairy Free products for individuals with dietary restrictions or looking for a healthier lifestyle.

Organic ingredients are always used. Baking lessons available; recipes on website. Will ship. Catering for Gluten Free events also available. hostedbyannette.com

*Dharma Merchant Services Jeff and Alexia Marcous

866.615.5157 | dharmams.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.

Dharma Merchant Services is a socially responsible and certified green provider of credit card payment accounts for retail, wholesale, non profit, and ecommerce merchants.

Dharma MS will donate 10% of their profit to the charity of their merchant’s choice.

Peter Lyon General Contractor, Inc.

SunWize Systems

Peter Lyon

1610 Dell Avenue, Suite D, Campbell, CA 95008 408.871.8665 | peterlyon.com Award winning residential remodeling firm, serving discerning Santa Clara County homeowners for over 32 years.

Personalized customer service, combined with sustainable and healthy design, yield unique remodeling experiences.

Heidi Eveland

111 W St. John Ste. 1200, San Jose, CA 95113 408.510.5099 | sunwize.com We have been providing residential and commercial solar electric solutions nationwide since 1992. If you’re thinking of going solar, call the team that you can trust to be here for years to come.

*Certified Bay Area Green Business

EUCALYPTUSMAGAZINE.COM | 39

tidbits

1,082 meat MRSA 25,000 The average number of cows that go into a single hamburger patty.

vs.

madness ˙

A drug-resistant superbug that infects livestock, which the European Food Safety Authority recently declared is safe for humans to eat.

Eschewing meat is not only good for you; it’s good for Mother Earth. Animal rights activists, environmentalists, and medical experts alike lament the liabilities of the meat production industry.

150

The number of liters of water required to make only 8 ounces of beef.

26% of the earth’s

Sources: Happier Meals: Rethinking the Global Meat Industry, Danielle Nierenberg, worldwatch.org; meatprocess.com; “Livestock’s Impact on the Environment”, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, fao.org; United Nations News Centre: un.org

BY SUPRIYA LIMAYE

40 | September 2009

Annette’s Gluten-Free Bakery Arta Vakhshoori, D.D.S. Babycoo Bay Area Health Spa Beauty 101 Belanima Bikram Yoga San Jose California Baby Claire Adalyn Wright, MFT Confidence Landscaping Deborah Hayes Classical Homeopathy Dental Care/Dr. Davydova Dharma Merchant Services Dr. Charles Goodman Chiropractic Dr. Douglas Larson D.D.S.

80

surface is taken up by grazing livestock.

The number of people worldwide who have died from the human variant of mad cow disease.

Advertiser’s Index

The percentage of the American soybean harvest that is eaten by animals rather than people.

39 4 4 5 12 12 38 C2 12 35 15 15 39 35 6

e11even salon & boutique Grand View League Hands On Photography Healing the Zebra HealthNOW Medical Center Los Gatos Health and Fitness Los Gatos Nail Works Menlo Pilates Noxcuses Fitness Palo Alto Oak Meadow Dental Center Peter G. Shutts Architect Peter Lyon General Contractor, Inc. Planet Orange Rayna Lumbard, LMFT REC Solar

15 12 36 38 10 C3 36 12 31 26 39 35 C4 16 31

San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. Spot Design Steven E. Smith, Enlightened Mind Studio3 Design SunWize Technologies Supreme Court 1 Athletic Club The Spa—Los Gatos Tina Deane, CMT Tomato Thyme Vegetarian House Wild Bird Center of Los Gatos William H. Fry Construction Company Yoga Fitness Yogic Beauty Yogic Medicine Institute

15 12 16 39 8 26 10 16 6 31 37 15 31 16 26