GLAZ_Jan2011

January 2011

Your conscious life

AZ

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MAgAZine

AZ

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MAgAZine

Your conscious life

Deepak Chopra Perfect HealtH the Wisdom of ayurveda

ALSO INSIDE:

Going Gluten-Free Saving Buddy Green Cars | Elements of the Earth The Vanishing G re e n Tiger L i v i |nHealthy g M a gRecipes a zi ne Green Living AZ Magazine is Forest Stewardship Council Certified, printed on post-consumer waste paper with soy-based inks.

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features

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January 2011

Heal Naturally with Ayurveda

34

2 greenliving az | January 2011

50

greenlivingaz.com

departments

January 2011 Live Green

4 Editor’s Note

Heal Naturally with Ayurveda

61 Green Scenes

An Interview w/ Dr. Deepak Chopra

63 Green Pages 64 Green Personalities

Renewable Energy Tax Credit and Rebates for 2011 F.I.G.H.T.: H is for Heavy Metals

Essential Oils for Winter Cold Relief 7 Days of Rejuvenation

Work Green Algae for Fuel Green Car Reviews CSR: Alternative Transportation University of Arizona SCRCE Elements of the Earth

Going Gluten-Free

8 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33

Going Vegetarian in 2011 Kevin & Buddy: Who Saved Who? Get your Groove Back Green Kids Everyday Uses: Gift Boxes Simplify: Gym Bag Green Thumb: Outdoor Spaces Green Thumb: Leafy Greens

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34 38 41 42 46

52 42

Play Green Art: Red, White or Refresh Vintners Going Sustainable Conservation: Tiger Cool and Outrageous Stuff Book Review greenlivingaz.com

49 50 52 54 55

56 57 58 60

He’s Green She’s Green Chef Jeff Lavine Super Bowl Recipes Recipes

January 2011 | greenliving az 3

January 2011

Editor’s Note I think it is safe to say that plenty of us out there aren’t sad to close the door on 2010. Many have struggled, faced financial burden and underwent stresses we didn’t know existed; but in the spirit of Americanism, we as a society continue to progress, move forward and start again.

In LIVE, we learn more about celiac disease and how With that mentality, start the new year on the upswing

gluten-free options are finally on the menu, and tasty

with some solid and attainable resolutions. Commit

too!

to write down your goals; put a positive message to each goal and begin to truly focus on your greatness.

We are also excited to pair with Disney and Siemens in

Greatness, I love that word. It means that you have

GREEN KIDS to share the new book “Mickey and the

something waiting inside you that has yet to be

Giant Kachoo.” With Mickey as the host, this book was

explored, exposed or shared. You, my friend, have

designed to relate to children and teach them about the

greatness within, and this year, it’s time to use your

commonalities of allergies.

greatness for something bigger and better – just allow it to happen.

In WORK, I turned the car due south to the University of Arizona Student Recreation Center extension, the first

To kick off 2011, I am thrilled to join with the Chopra

LEED Platinum rec center in the country. I came back

Center and align our positive and inspirational

invigorated after I toured the new 53,000 square-foot

messages for you. Deepak Chopra, M.D., and David

extension with state-of-the-art equipment, Outdoor

Simon, M.D., opened the Chopra Center for Wellbeing

Adventures programs and sand volleyball. It was

in 1996 to guide people in their journey toward

definitely time to bust out the running shoes.

physical healing, inner peace and happiness, and higher states of consciousness. The Chopra Center

Did you know that there are only about 300 Indo-

has led in the development of Ayurvedic medicine,

Chinese tigers and about 400 Sumatran tigers left on the

wellness and spiritual growth. The Chopra Center will

planet? In PLAY, Edward Ricciuti exposes the increasing

share a three-part series with Green Living AZ, starting

depletion of the wild tiger in the “Vanishing Tiger.”

with Dr. Deepak Chopra’s Perfect Health Panchakarma

Conservation efforts are in place at the Phoenix Zoo, and

program, based on the powerful principles of

you have the opportunity to see “Jai” and “Hadiah,” two

Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old healing system.

Sumatran tigers on exhibit.

In the spirit of health, gluten is becoming more of a

I wish you a year filled with happiness and inner peace. Find your greatness within and reach your potential!

mainstream topic, and allergies are at an all-time high.

Tishin Donkersley, M.A., Editor-in-Chief Photography by photoexpozay.com Stylist - Kelli O’Connell, Owner of Salon Intrigue

4 greenliving az | January 2011

greenlivingaz.com

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Your conscious life

AZ

Your conscious life

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MAgAZine

Publisher John B. Stacy associate Publisher Dorie Morales dorie@greenlivingaz.com AZ • MAgAZine editor-in-chief Tishin Donkersley, M.A. creatiVe director Kate Larson kate@greenlivingaz.com

oPerations ManaGer Angela Sinagoga-Stacy, M.A. angela@greenlivingaz.com senior adVisor William Janhonen, LEED AP NAHB-CGP assistant to the editor Heather Fulton

Upcoming Events January 20th Go Green. Get Solar

Solar panels seem to be popping up everywhere.

Discover what the excitement is all about and how you can add sun power to your life 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

February 17th Taking on Green Washing

Our expert panel will give you powerful tools to sift through the hype and find companies making a real difference in the world 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

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coPY editor Gre en LivingMichael M agazZiffer ine PhotoGraPhers Kelsey Makings AngelinaRosePhotography.com Sigrid Velund-Miller David Brown Amy Lively Writers Jennifer Burkhart Kelsey Makings John Burkhart Sarah McLean Nancy Christie Maya Nahra, RD, LD Matt Personne Kristi Eaton Amanda Formaro Doreen Pollack Heather Fulton Edward Ricciuti Abigail Gilmore Lexie Runge Dr. Garry Gordon Terri Schlichenmeyer Barbi Walker Healthy U TV Show William Janhonen LEED AP, Bill Zervakos NAHB-CGP

Production assistant Kelsey Makings kelsey@greenlivingaz.com interns Jordan Elizabeth-Rose Nitz adVertisinG sales Todd Beck todd@greenlivingaz.com Michael Burton michael@greenlivingaz.com Tina Connors tina@greenlivingaz.com Kathy Peterson kathy@greenlivingaz.com Sari Kreiter sari@greenlivingaz.com Matt Julia matt@greenlivingaz.com 8502 E. Princess Dr. #240 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tel: 480.840.1589 Email: info@greenlivingaz.com Web: greenlivingaz.com subscriPtions greenlivingaz.com adVertisinG dorie@greenlivingaz.com editorial submissions@greenlivingaz.com

Firefly Real Estate LLC 4600 East Washington #300 Phoenix, AZ 85034 6 greenliving az | January 2011

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Green Living AZ magazine is a monthly publication by Traditional Media Group. Periodical rate postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. Entire contents © 2011 Traditional Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged to do so in writing. Single copy price is $4.95 or $39 per year. Bulk and/or corporate rates available. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions. Green Living AZ magazine is printed on recycled, post-consumer waste paper and uses soy-based inks.

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Feature

Heal Naturally witH ayurveda timeless treatmeNts to detoxify aNd reNew your Body

8 greenliving az | January 2011

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Feature

BY DEEPAK CHOPRA, M.D.

A

yurveda teaches that good health depends on our body’s ability to metabolize all aspects of life, assimilating that which nurtures us and eliminating the rest. When we can’t completely digest our food, experiences and emotions, toxic residue is stored in our bodily tissue, creating imbalance and, ultimately, disease.

Thousands of years ago, the ancient Ayurvedic physicians developed panchakarma, an elegant cleansing process that releases physical and emotional toxins at the cellular level, restoring the body’s innate healing ability. This powerful treatment takes place over the course of several days or longer, giving the body adequate time to rest and experience complete healing benefits.

Each day of panchakarma includes luxurious Ayurvedic massage treatments and natural detoxification therapies. Every treatment is customized for an individual’s unique mind-body constitution (dosha), using specific oils and herbs to purify and nurture the mind-body physiology at the cellular level.

How does Panchakarma work?

Panchakarma is a Sanskrit term that means “the five actions,” (pancha = five, and karma =

action), referring to the five different cleansing and rejuvenating procedures described in classic Ayurvedic textbooks.

As panchakarma has been adapted for use in the West, the therapies have evolved and been modernized. The number of procedures included is not always five, but varies according to an individual’s mind-body type and health concerns. At the Chopra Center’s Perfect Health Panchakarma program, Panchakarma follows these steps:

Step one: Preparatory procedures Panchakarma begins with oleation, a process of applying and ingesting pure essential oils in order to loosen and mobilize accumulated toxins. This step includes supplementation with organic seeds, as well as soothing Ayurvedic massage treatments using herbalized oils. You can perform a modified version of this step at home by performing a daily self-message (self-Abhy). In addition to oleating the body from the outside, we can use internal oleation to help the body begin to detoxify itself during the preparation phase. There are specific

greenlivingaz.com

January 2011 | greenliving az 9

Feature

foods that enhance this process, including sesame seeds and herbalized ghee (clarified butter). These are the main ingredients in the Chopra Center’s recipe for Sesame Bliss Balls, which Perfect Health guests take each morning at the beginning of the program.

Step two: Releasing accumulated toxins Once the body’s toxins have been mobilized, gentle therapies are used to release them from the body. The treatment includes a sequence of daily Ayurvedic massage treatments, tailored for an individual’s specific mind-body or dosha type. For instance, a typical Vata-type tends to be dry and cold, so the prescribed massage for Vatas would emphasize nourishing, warming oils and herbs. In contrast, those with a predominantly Pitta-type tend to get overheated and irritable, and thus more cooling, calming oils, herbs and massage techniques are used.

Sesame Bliss Balls The main ingredients in this recipe are sesame and ghee – sattvic or pure foods that enhance digestion and help the body release accumulated toxins.

1 cup toasted sesame seeds 1/2 cup golden raisins or regular raisins 2 tsps. ground ginger powder 2 inches fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped 2 tsps. ground cumin 1 1/2 tsps. ground cardamom 2 1/2 tbsps. ghee* *Ghee is clarified butter that is considered to have healing properties in Ayurvedic medicine.

You can find instructions for making ghee at chopra.com/ghee.

Place all ingredients in a food processor and mix together until well incorporated. Roll into 1-inch balls and store in an airtight container.

toxins to flow more easily from the tissues to the GI tract for elimination. Swedana also relaxes the body, releasing tension and allowing impurities to be eliminated through the sweat glands.

Step three: Rejuvenation

Each day’s massage treatment is followed by bastis – a therapeutic process in which medicated oils and herbal preparations are used to flush toxins from the intestinal tract. Bastis are often referred to as enemas, but actually offer many more healing benefits than a simple colon cleanse. During a basti, the herbalized oils enter the deeper tissues and eliminate fat-soluble toxins that can’t be dislodged with standard enemas.

Other detoxifying therapies The elimination phase of panchakarma also includes nasya, an Ayurvedic treatment that gently cleanses the upper respiratory tract and sinuses. This soothing process uses pure herbalized oils to improve the flow of life energy and help you breathe freely and easily.

Depending on your mind-body type, panchakarma may also include swedana or sweat treatments. Swedana is a Sanskrit word meaning “that which produces heat in the system.” Specific steam and warm oil therapies are used to heat the body. This process helps open the body’s circulation channels (srotas) and allows

10 greenliving az | January 2011

The final stage of panchakarma is rasayana, a term that means “that which is nourishing.” According to Ayurveda, once toxins have been cleansed, it is a critical time to begin replenishing the body with natural foods and herbs, revitalizing massage treatments and healing practices such as meditation and yoga.

When and how often should I do Panchakarma?

In India today, seasonal panchakarma is the province of the wellto-do and of those few who have adhered faithfully to Ayurvedic tradition. However, the classic texts clearly state that everyone needs panchakarma. It is recommended three times a year – ideally at the turn of spring, fall and winter – as well as when an individual feels out of balance or is experiencing a particular illness.

The panchakarma process allows your body to release the physical and emotional toxins stored deep in the cells, tissues and organs, leaving you feeling renewed and revitalized.

greenlivingaz.com

Feature

pent-up anger, long-held sadness and lingering guilt are more debilitating for most people than problems with physical digestion.

Building on the value of this powerful cleansing and healing process, the Chopra Center has developed two specialty Perfect Health Panchakarma programs: Perfect Weight and Freedom from Chronic Pain. Each specialty program includes the core Perfect Health elements of daily Ayurvedic massage treatments; detoxification and cleansing therapies and daily classes. If you are struggling with weight issues or compulsive eating, Perfect Weight will help you restore your body’s natural balance and reconnect to your inner intelligence – allowing you to achieve your own ideal weight with effortless ease. Freedom from Chronic Pain is an integrative mind-body program designed to heal the physical and emotional roots at the source of pain.

saturated fat and cholesterol that is beyond the body’s capacity to metabolize. Over time, this leads to the blockage of blood vessels and arteries and, ultimately, to heart attacks.

Why detoxification is important

When your emotional agni is strong, you are able to extract whatever is nourishing and eliminate the rest. The inability to metabolize emotions, however, produces just as much toxic residue as undigested food.

When our digestive energies, known as agni (fire), are robust, our body creates healthy tissues, eliminates waste products efficiently and produces a subtle essence called ojas. Ojas, which may be envisioned as the innermost sap of your psychophysiology, is the basis for clarity of perception, physical strength and immunity.

On the other hand, if your agni is weakened, digestion is incomplete and creates toxins that get stored in the body. This toxic residue is known as ama. When ama accumulates in

the body, it blocks the flow of energy, information and nourishment throughout the system. Ayurveda

considers this build-up of toxins the underlying cause of all disease. A common example of this is the accumulation of

greenlivingaz.com

While it’s easy to understand agni and ama in terms of food, it’s important to remember that your mind and heart are continually digesting energy and information as well. Right now your mental digestive powers are working to break the ideas in this article down into components that your intellect can assimilate. Similarly, your emotional agni is responsible for processing your experiences and feelings, including the smile of a loved one, unexpected criticism at work, or the excitement of a new relationship.

In fact, pent-up anger, long-held sadness and lingering guilt are more debilitating for most people than problems with physical digestion. In order to experience optimal health, it is crucial to maintain a strong digestive fire and eliminate toxins from the body.

For this reason, panchakarma cleansing and a daily balancing routine are highly beneficial.

Deepak Chopra, M.D., is the co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California. For more information about the Perfect Health Panchakarma Program and other workshops and retreats offered by the Chopra Center, visit chopra.com/perfecthealth or call (888) 736-6895.

January 2011 | greenliving az 11

Feature

An IntervIew wIth Dr. DeepAk ChoprA In a time where uncertainty and the unknown has affected all of us in one way or another, it is important to reflect on how we perceive the external, how it has affected our behaviors, and look for guidance to return to inner peace.

It was an immense pleasure to receive simple but potent messages from Dr. Deepak Chopra and share them with you.

BY TISHIN DONKERSLEY, M.A., EDITOR-IN-CHIEf

E-I-C: What are the most common thoughts that block one’s inner peace?

E-I-C: How can one begin to learn to adapt to new circumstances and find happiness?

Deepak: Regrets and grievances, resentments from the past, and anxieties about the future.

Deepak: It takes patience and perseverance. Focus on being in the present moment. Be open and receptive. Have the intention to connect, and you will be happy.

E-I-C: How can we use our emotions to our advantage?

Deepak: Emotions, such as loving, kindness or joy at the success of others, like compassion and equanimity, take us out of the ego-self into our transpersonal-self. These are emotions that bring about physical healing as well and increase our connection with the world.

E-I-C: How has the electronic world contributed to inner disconnect?

Deepak: The electronic world is neutral and has not contributed to inner disconnect. People use the electronic world from the state of consciousness they are in.

Those who want to connect, heal the planet, and foster relationships are using the electronic world to do just that.

E-I-C: In a world where many focus on materialistic things to foster happiness, how can one begin to turn away from the external and focus on internal happiness?

Deepak: If you realize that happiness comes from finding opportunities where others find problems, from finding creativity and meaning in your own life, and from making other people happy, you will discover the source of true happiness. Material things will make you happy, but only transiently.

12 greenliving az | January 2011

E-I-C: As many people today are dealing with negative effects of the economic downturn, how do you recommend to remain positive?

Deepak: In every crisis there is the seed of a greater opportunity. Identify all the problems you are facing and ask yourself, “What is the opportunity here?” Live those questions and life will move you into the answers.

E-I-C: Is world peace attainable?

Deepak: I don’t know, but it’s worth striving for.

E-I-C: How did you formulate the Seven Practices for Peace?

Deepak: I tried them out myself, and they work. Some of them are drawn from Buddhist practices.

E-I-C: Where is your favorite place to meditate?

Deepak: I can meditate anyplace, anytime.

E-I-C: Do you have a favorite mantra? If so, what is it?

Deepak: Yes I do, but I’m not telling.

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re· new· able (ri neo’ b l) adjective

1. that can be renewed: a renewable lease 2. ECOL. that can be replenished naturally, as solar, wind, or water power

BY WILLIAM JANHONEN LEED AP, NAHG-CGP, CPM

Renewable Energy

seems to be the mantra on the lips of every legislator and government agency looking to solve the world’s energy crisis. The means of producing renewable energy are multiple in methods and growing in both demand and availability. Energy that can be generated by renewable sources include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, ocean and hydropower.

Most renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used directly for heating and lighting homes and other buildings, for generating electricity, and for water heating, solar cooling and a variety of commercial and industrial uses. As the sun heats the Earth, the forces of convection create winds that can be captured by wind turbines. However, not all renewable energy resources come from the sun. Geothermal energy taps the Earth’s internal heat for a variety of uses, including electric power production and to heat and cool buildings. Ocean tides and waves can provide tidal power generation, as moving water provides the source of energy for hydropower. Sunlight causes plants to grow, and the organic matter within the plants is known as biomass. Biomass can be used to produce electricity, transportation fuels or chemicals, thus biomass energy.

The controversy over why everyone is beating the drum so hard for renewable energy is political, environmental, economic and social – all at the same time. No matter what anyone says about the amount of fossil fuels remaining in the Earth, the simple truth is, at some point, we will run out.

“What will happen is that the cost [monetary and environmental] of extracting reserves eventually will go up as we

14 greenliving az | January 2011

run out of the ‘easy’ reserves,” said Bruce Rittmann, director of the Center for Environmental Biotechnology at ASU’s Biodesign Institute. “If we do not plan ahead, we will be without a reasonable alternative. [Ultimately] the goal is to gain the energy services without using fossil,” Rittmann said.

Electricity generated from fossil fuels, both oil and coal, impact the environment in many adverse ways, beginning with mining and extraction (Gulf disaster, Chilean collapse), transportation, refining and distribution. Coal is responsible for 50.8 percent of the electrical generation in our country today.

Coal plants emit almost one-third of the country’s man-made nitrogen dioxide, the key element in smog, and two-thirds of the sulfur dioxide, the key element in acid rain. Then there is mining, which destroys landscapes and habitats, and acidic mine drainage that degrades ecosystems. In the end, when we use conventional fossil fuels to generate electricity, there is a release of carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming.

“The impacts of global climate change will make us wish we had run out [of fossil fuels] sooner,” Rittmann said. “In order to have a prayer of managing the impacts of global climate change, we must cut back on fossil fuel use, and this means finding replacements that are carbon-neutral.”

If we could create an affordable alternative source of renewable energy for every home and business, we would eliminate the environmental hazards, provide alternate avenues for revenue not spent by homeowners and companies on nonrenewable fuels, and protect our infrastructure by replacing centrally controlled electrical grids with locally controlled energy sources.

greenlivingaz.com

Our mindset So what is stopping us from being energy-independent today?

Let’s start with the mindset of the American public. Three years ago the entire American auto industry had about four vehicles that could get over 40 miles per gallon. Across the ocean, Peugeot, Renault and Citroen have had cars that get over 40 mpg for decades. Why? Because gas costs $6.00 per liter in Paris and $6.48 per liter in Amsterdam. We are a country of largesse.

We have everything here, including natural resources, a high standard of living, food to excess, muscle cars and thousands and thousands of miles of country. Yet in 2008, during the height of the recession, we saw an amazing event. During the July 4th period, gas prices went down to approximately $2.21 per gallon in the U.S. from their previous high of $3.00 per gallon because of a new concept now known as the “stay-cation.” Individuals stood up and said, “We’ve had enough, and we are not going to go on vacation, but stay home instead.” One-third of our population stayed at home, and the demand for gasoline dropped – so did the prices. This illustrates that we have the ability to control our own destiny if we can only control our own mindset. Information isn’t enough; we have to show results to create the incentive to live sustainably. People have to demand that they won’t be slaves to non-renewable energy sources and allow themselves to keep their money in their own pockets.

Doable, but is it affordable?

This is where renewable energy developers have to step up to the plate and provide affordable means to generate alternative energy sources. While prices for solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity currently average $2.00 per watt to $5.50 per watt, and solar thermal heating can range from $5,000 to as much as $25,000 and have a relatively short payback period, you need to analyze which system works best for you. Of course, the cost for all of these may be offset by local or federal incentives and rebates. Currently government programs are being considered to extend the rebate and incentive programs for renewable energy, and several websites provide information, including dsireusa.org.

Wind turbines are not a new concept, but with the newest technology, especially Honeywell’s Windtronics turbine, we see lower wind requirements as low as 2 mph and lower heights to 40 feet necessary to create electricity. The costs have also decreased for installing wind turbines to as low as a few thousand dollars. The Honeywell turbine mentioned previously has an MSRP of $6,475. Any wind turbine installation has to be allowed under local code, so make sure to assess the restrictions, if any, concerning wind turbines in your area.

Buildings consume approximately 37 percent of the energy and 68 percent of the electricity produced in the U.S. annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. We already have discussed how fossil fuels, both oil and coal, impact the environment in a myriad of adverse ways. Geothermal heating and cooling is one method to offset fossil fuel use that has been making huge strides in public awareness. Geothermal energy systems using deep earth may either produce electricity or provide thermal energy for direct heating or cooling. The systems sink several wells from 200 to 450 feet deep and harness the stable temperatures to provide heating and cooling effects. Piping systems run underground and transfer heat to or from the building as needed. Standard use is measured by the size of the home or building and the need (in tons). The cost of geothermal is often determined by several criteria, including the number of wells needed and the substrate being drilled through.

Renewable energy can’t be discussed without talking about green power. “Green power” products include tradable renewable certificates known as, green TAGs, and renewable energy certificates known as “RECs” that are produced from qualified contractual sources and delivered to the home or business via electric transmission lines. In other words, if you want to be green in your renewable energy and can’t afford to install your own system, you can buy it from a local renewable energy provider.

For Arizona specific utility green pricing programs and REC products,visit eere.energy.gov/greenpower.

SOURCES awea.org eere.energy.gov

eere.energy.gov/greenpower nrel.gov nrel.gov/ncpv/

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Incentives

RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

Tax Credit and Rebates for 2011 Start the year off right by putting cash back into your pocket! Taking advantage of federal and state tax credits and rebates will help you save money and benefit the environment.

BY AMY LIVELY Solar energy incentives

Tucson Electric Power

The sun is one of the best sources of renewable energy, especially in Arizona, which we enjoy over 300 days a year. Solar energy is not only cleaner than non-renewable sources of energy, such as oil, coal, natural gas and uranium, but more cost-effective. According to energy provider APS, solar water heaters can reduce electricity costs by up to 15 percent per year, while solar photovoltaic panels can save up to $500 in overall annual electricity costs.

Tucson Electric Power’s SunShare Program gives a $2.25 rebate for grid-tied DC watts and $2.00 per DC watt for off-grid power.

Solar water heaters are eligible for a $750 initial rebate and $0.25 per kilowatt.

Federal incentives Federal Residential Solar Energy Investment A 30 percent federal tax credit with no cap provides an attractive incentive for homeowners to install solar energy systems. Until December 31, 2016, the federal government offers this credit for the purchase of solar panels, water heaters and space heaters.

State incentives Arizona State Residential Income Tax Credit

UniSource Energy Services The SunShare program through Unisource Energy Services provides a rebate of $3.00 for DC watts tied to the grid and $2.00 for off-grid watts. The rebates are limited to 60 percent of the total installation cost.

Residential efficiency incentives Several energy providers offer financial incentives to use more energy-efficient appliances. Keep these rebates in mind if you are thinking about buying a new appliance.

Southwest Gas Rebates for energy-efficient water heaters, washers, dryers, thermostats and lowflow showerheads are available through December 15, 2011.

Arizona homeowners can claim a onetime tax credit, up to $1,000, for the purchase of a solar energy system.

SRP

Arizona Solar Devices Sales Tax Exemption

The SRP Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program offers rebates for energy efficient appliances, as well as duct testing and repair and HVAC checkups.

The sales tax exemption is an additional state incentive. Solar devices are exempt from state sales tax, although city and county sales tax is still applied.

Tucson Electric Power

Energy provider incentives APS APS offers customers a rebate on solar energy systems that is based on the installed DC watt. Solar photovoltaic panels that are tied to the grid are eligible for up $1.95 per installed DC watt and off-grid systems can receive $2.50 per DC watt. To put that in perspective, if the typical home requires a system that generates 6 kilowatts of power, the rebate from APS is $18,000. The remaining out-of-pocket costs are eligible for federal and state tax credits. Solar water heaters can receive a rebate of $0.50 per kilowatt, with the incentive capped at 50 percent of the installation cost.

SRP SRP’s EarthWise Solar Energy Program offers rebates of $2.15 per installed DC watt for solar photovoltaic panels, capped at $10,750.

Solar water heaters are eligible for a rebate of $0.50 per kilowatt.

16 greenliving az | January 2011

TEP offers rebates up to $250 to customers who install energy efficient heat pumps and air conditioning systems.

UniSource Energy Services Electric customers can receive rebates on air conditioners and heat pumps, while gas customers can receive rebates for updating old furnaces.

Get educated The Department of Energy provides a database of state incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency, which offers more information about requirements and application instructions: dsireusa.org/incentives.

SourcES aps.com azsolarcenter.org energystar.gov conservationrebates.com

savewithsrp.com uesaz.com tep.com

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Health & Wellness

F.I.G.H.T. For Your Health

“H” is for Heavy Metals and Hormones

BY DR. GARRY F. GORDON, MD, DO, MD(H)

I

n observance of thyroid awareness and cervical health awareness month, I’m focusing on the importance of hormones in this issue. We will continue with heavy metals next month.

Hormonal balance is key to good health. Men and women are seeking hormone replacement therapies in an effort to find a fountain of youth. For women, estrogen is key to healthy aging, along with other hormonal supports, nutritional supplements and exercise. Without hormonal support, you will not enjoy optimal health or reach your maximum intended lifespan.

Unfortunately, many women are suffering from chronic depression, insomnia, bone loss, vaginal dryness, frequent bladder infections, premature onset of memory loss and even Alzheimer’s disease, all because of a major media-driven mistake.

Additionally, there are also many physicians who are underinformed about the facts of potential hormonal supplementation risks.

Scare headlines across the country, including a New York Times front page article in October 2010, have instilled fear into millions of women about estrogen/progesterone hormone supplementation increasing the risk of cancer, which in this particular study was a mere increase of 1.03 cases per 10,000 women! These headlines have resulted in many women forgoing estrogen replacement to avoid the risk of getting cancer. Sadly, the majority of adult women do not know that heart disease is their major cause of death, killing nearly 50 percent of all women affected. That is more than breast, cervical and ovarian cancer combined.

The truth is that there are natural

bioidentical hormone replacements available today that are safe and effective. Within the F.I.G.H.T. For Your Health program,

combined with the most safe and effective, plant-based phytoestrogen called Puresterol® (available as H.R.T. Plus – Herbal Remedy from Thailand), breast cancer is avoidable, even if everyone in the patient’s family has had breast cancer.

Puresterol® is prepared from the root of a flowering plant that grows exclusively in the mountainous region of northern Thailand. The plant is called Pueraria mirifica, or Thai Kudzu, and has been used by the Thai people for centuries as a food and medicine. Pueraria mirifica belongs to the same family of

18 greenliving az | January 2011

legumes as soybeans and peas, and contains a bounty of natural chemical compounds that foster good health. Most fall into the category of “phytoestrogens.” These naturally occurring compounds have structures similar to estrogen found in humans. Pueraria mirifica is the only plant to contain a special phytoestrogen called ‘miroestrol’ – this compound may help explain why Thailand’s northern region has the lowest rate of breast cancer in the world.

Miroestrol is extraordinarily similar in structure and function to estriol, a type of estrogen. Estriol is one of three types of estrogens found in humans; the other two are estradiol and estrone. Clinical trials have shown no links between estriol and cancer, and women who have taken it report few side effects.

Functioning as a selective estrogen receptor modulator of the beta receptor (S.E.R.M. beta), it provides favorable effects throughout the entire body. It is an adaptogen, acting to balance or moderate estrogenic effects. While hormone replacement therapy has been disputed, due to its links to cancers, the same is not true of miroestrol. As Dr. Christiane Northrup states in her New York Times bestselling book “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom”:

“

Pueraria mirifica (PM) is very effective at relieving menopausal symptoms, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes, insomnia and

irritability” and “has estrogen-like effects on bone and vaginal tissue, while also protecting the breasts and endometrium from the adverse effects of excess estrogen. Research further shows that PM can halt the growth of cancer cells in vitro (in the lab).”

In addition to the natural aging process, we are becoming increasingly aware of serious adverse effects that pollution, toxins and chemicals have on our hormones. Pollutants and toxins can be found heavily concentrated in many tissues. The most affected areas are the uterus and prostate, breast, brain and bones. Bisphenol-A (BPA), dioxins and PCB’s function as endocrine disruptors or “mimics.” Artificial sweeteners and chemical food additives in our over-processed and fast foods are known as neurotoxicants and have been shown to severely damage nerve cells in the hypothalamus, our master hormone regulator. With increasing age and accumulation of toxic estrogen mimics, hormone-related problems, including bone loss,

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Health & Wellness

are affecting men as well. Puresterol® neutralizes toxins, adversely affecting our hormones and helping us overcome today’s epidemic of agerelated hormonal problems.

I believe that Pueraria mirifica may be the ideal phytoestrogenic source the world has been seeking, possessing tremendous potential benefits with virtually no known significant risks.

Visit the Gordon Research Institute at gordonresearch.com or longevityplus.com, for more information on hormones and the F.I.G.H.T For Your Health Program.

SOURCES cancer.org Northrup, C. Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (Revised edition) Random House; May 2010 nytimes.com/2010/10/20/health/20hormone.html womensheart.org/content/HeartDisease/heart_disease_ facts.asp

Dr. Gordon received his Doctor of Osteopathy in 1958 from the Chicago College of Osteopathy in Illinois. He received his honorary MD degree from the University of California Irvine in 1962, and his Radiology Residency from Mt. Zion in San Francisco, California, in 1964.

Serving as Medical Director and full-time consultant for Longevity Plus, LLC for over 12 years, Dr. Gordon is responsible for the formulation and design of some of the most effective, all-natural nutritional supplements and protocols that aid in the treatment of most modern health conditions and concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, hormonal disorders and osteoporosis.

Dr. Gordon has served as board member of Arizona Homeopathic Medical Examiners for over 10 years, and is co-founder of the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). He is president of Gordon Research Institute (GRI). His findings represent over 40 years of scientific and clinical research. He is the founder and president of F.A.C.T. (Forum on Anti-Aging and Chelation Therapy), which serves as a “Free School” of Advanced Medicine for Health Professionals Institute and houses over 2,600 members. For more information about Dr. Garry Gordon and GRI, please visit our website at greenlivingaz.com and gordonresearch.com.

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Health & Wellness

In a small amber or cobalt-colored bottle, combine 4 drops of hyssop with 3 drops each of the following: rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon. Add 8 drops of the mixture to a warm bath and soak for at least 10 minutes.

In her book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, author Valerie Worwood recommends using a cotton ball moistened with 1 drop of geranium oil to combat cold sores, applying once a day.

For dry coughs, she suggests:

Essential Oils for Winter Cold Relief

BY NANCY CHRISTIE

Cough. Sneeze. Sniffle. The cold and flu season is officially here, with winter bugs multiplying faster than we can say “a-choo!”

But along with the typical prescription – drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest and, for goodness sake, wash your hands! – we can add one more weapon to our germ-fighting arsenal, and it’s a sweetsmelling one at that: essential oils.

Research on essential oils has shown that many have specific antiviral and/or antibacterial effects. For example, a study reported in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2010 showed that a blend of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils significantly suppressed influenza virus infectivity of cells. Other oils like thyme, oregano, myrtle and lavender have shown similar effects. One study reported that thyme can be considered a potential antimicrobial agent for the treatment of some respiratory tract infections.

“Science has shown that essential oils with a spicy aroma and high in the phenol constituent provide a natural protective barrier against cold and flu,” notes Janet McBride, an Arizona-based certified holistic health practitioner who has more than 20 years of experience as a natural health advocate.

Symptom relief

So when the bug “bites,” what oil should you reach for and how do you use it?

“In terms of dealing with colds, much of the issue is respiratory,” said Chris Kilham, founder of Medicine Hunter Inc. and ethnobotany instructor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. “For that, your obvious choices are peppermint [which contains menthol], wintergreen [which contains methyl salicylate] and eucalyptus oil.”

Kilham recommends adding a few drops of any of the above to a sink of hot water, draping a towel over your head and inhaling the steam. “You’ll get vapors which are intensely aromatic and help to open up the bronchial area and decongest you,” Kilham said. “It’s probably one of the quickest ways to get relief.”

For on-the-road relief, Ohio-based aromatherapist Mary Brown suggests either infusing a tissue with essential oils or use the following recipe: Place a few pieces (1 tablespoon) of rock salt in a vial and add the following oils: 2 drops of eucalyptus, 2 drops of rosemary and 1 drop of peppermint. (The salt will absorb the oils.) Inhale as needed.

And, for those that want to find relief with a bath, try this combination from Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils by Valerie Gennari Cooksley:

20 greenliving az | January 2011

Combining 2 drops each of eucalyptus and lemon with 2 tablespoons honey, then mixing 1 teaspoon of the combination with about 4 ounces of warm water and sipping slowly. For wet coughs, use 2 drops eucalyptus, 1 drop thyme and 1 drop tea tree mixed with 1 tablespoon honey, adding 1 drop of the mixture to 4 ounces warm water.

“Topical application with essential oils is tremendously soothing to the respiratory system. By gently massaging a specialty blend of eucalyptus oils, especially ravensara and eucalyptus blue from the Amazon rain forest, you will likely reduce bronchial inflammation while destroying the deadly pathogens,” McBride said. “The simple application of oils to the soles of the feet twice a day can dramatically boost the body’s defense mechanisms.”

According to Cheryl Myers, RN, of Wisconsin, an integrative health nurse and head of Scientific Affairs and Education for EuroPharma, Inc., you can use more than one essential oil product at a time. “For instance, when coming down with a cold or the flu, you can combine an immune-boosting blend with a formula for ear, nose and throat,” Myers said.

Airborne germ-fighters

Essential oils can also combat airborne germs, Brown said. She recommends using the following disinfectant room spray recipe from Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green: Combine 3 drops of eucalyptus, 1 drop of peppermint, 2 drops of pine, 1 drop of tea tree and 2 drops of bergamot oil with 1 ounce of water in a spray bottle. Shake well to disperse the oils before spraying the room, or combine the mixture with 1 ounce of sweet almond oil or grape seed oil for a chest rub.

“A popular use of therapeutic-grade essential oils during the holiday season is cold-air diffusion,” McBride said. “Microscopic molecules of essential oils permeate the living spaces with oxygen, uplifting aromas and at the same time, stop cold and flu germs right in their tracks! A particular blend of therapeutic oils was tested at Weber State University and proven to destroy 99.96 percent of all airborne bacteria. This includes not only cold and flu bugs, but E-Coli, MRSA, strep, staph and toxic black mold.”

Buying tips

While essential oils have proven effective, they will only work if the quality is there. “It’s imperative to use genuine therapeutic-grade oils – organically grown, harvested at the optimal season, steam distilled at low temperatures and maintained in dark glass and protected from extreme environmental conditions,” McBride emphasized. “The power of a truly therapeutic-grade oil cannot be overstated, because this level of quality, though rare, can be applied in a host of protocols to thwart the onset of seasonal super bugs and mutating viruses.”

Myers adds, “Considering how overused antibiotics have become – and as a result, virtually useless in some applications – this proves again that much of what we really need can be found in nature.”

SOURCES Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils by Valerie Gennari Cooksley Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Worwood Amomentforme.net, essentialnews.com, europharmausa.com, medicinehunter.com

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Health & Wellness

Days of Rejuvenation It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget about your own welfare – especially after the holiday season has come and gone. It is important to take a step back and do something for you – to rejuvenate your mind, body, soul and spirit. Give yourself some time to recharge and refresh your inner self with our seven-day rejuvenation plan.

BY ABIGAIL GILMORE

Sunday

Take a walk!

Tuesday

Monday

Go to bed early!

to clear your head and Walking is a great way w ts. On your walk, allo center your though find new and t men iron env the yourself to take in barefoot ’s stresses. “Walk perspectives to life und you. aro all ice the beauty in the grass and not s the uce red th ear t to the Touching our bare fee es nci que fre ic net tromag effect of all the elec ndy a daily basis,” said We on to d ose exp are we dale. tts Sco in tor doc Wells, a naturopathic and this lowers stress “Research has shown izes mal in the body, and nor promotes calmness l fee you e l rhythms. Onc the body’s biologica to tion nec con r much cleare grounded, you have a

wellant to our everyday Sleep is truly import s as to use exc e mak to y eas being. Though it is nt today enough, make it a poi why we don’t sleep eight to get at least six to get to bed early and in the hed res will feel ref hours each night. You the day. morning and ready for

your soul.”

Wednesday

Journal!

that writing just Many studies show days in a row r fou 20 minutes for lth benefits hea e itiv can offer pos ks, as stated wee six n tha for more of Healing” in “Writing as a Way In the book,

by Louise DeSalvo. necessities for DeSalvo lists four to heal and using writing as a way rejuvenate: in a relaxed 1. Write regularly and it. ce for ’t Don manner. write, but you ile wh ient 2. Be pat tine. try to stick to a rou r 3. Pay attention to you you feel surroundings and how

when you write. work, as 4. Don’t judge your our own worst are we sometimes enemies.

22 greenliving az | January 2011

Thursday

Meditate!

itation has The practice of med blood er been shown to low l – the tiso cor pressure, reduce n the eng str – ne stress hormo m cal and tem sys the immune , as well the nervous system ression dep , iety anx eve as reli McLean, and insomnia. Sarah Meditation, founder of Sedona ting ora recommends incorp y dail r you meditation into utes. min 20 for lly routine, idea ough thr e itat med you Whether , sense ent vem mo s, lnes mindfu reflection, of sight or sound or ance the the practice can bal mind and spirit.

Go to a yoga class!

scle a massages every mu Believe it or not, yog a.com, Yog and lth ing to Hea in your body. Accord y which ivit act of m only for “Yoga is perhaps the of the ans org and ds glan l rna massages all the inte se that manner, including tho body in a thorough entire stimulated during our hardly get externally es eas dis ulation wards off lifetime.” This stim If ies. bod touch with our and gets us more in a, yog for ugh are flexible eno you don’t feel you eve reli p hel l wil es that there are simple pos system ‘reset’ the nervous to way e “On . stress Wells y,” bod the off re ssu is to take all the pre put down on your back, said. “To do this, lie a for x and just simply rela your feet in a chair e, tim s thi ing s per day. Dur minimum of 20 minute is is “Th . relax,” Wells said you do nothing but ion Pose.” nat uve Rej called the

Friday

Breathe!

m simple, Though this may see breathing taking a time-out and body r deeply will calm you utes min 10 and soul. Take quietly sit to out of the day inhale rt, sta To e. and breath a count for e nos r you h throug lungs and of five, fill up your s. Then hold for a few second your nose h slowly exhale throug tinue Con . for a count of five a p elo dev for remainder and ing. ath bre r you rhythm with e to Allow your heart rat e. eas at be and se decrea

Saturday

Pamper day!

ns, there are many If you have the mea by professionals to treatments performed process. The Spa n aid in the rejuvenatio Club in Scottsdale lth at Gainey Village Hea ation program that ven reju y offers a six-da a r a six-day period or can be completed ove n atio ven reju e six-step six-week period. “Th ces alan imb h eloped wit package has been dev the entire wellness ses res add and d, in min just one part of of ourselves versus s Wolff, public relation r health,” said Jennife ns complete health mea manager. “To be in erent aspects of diff the to address all healthy – mind, body what makes a person to the different steps and spirit – and with se tho of all e addressed rejuvenation, we hav p, ste h eac in ith . “W aspects,” Wolff said e nt functions that mak there are four differe up that step.”

SOURCES HealthandYoga.com, Sedonameditation.com, Villageclubs.com, Dr. Wendy Wells

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Health & Wellness

Going Gluten-Free Is It For You? Going gluten-free is this the new “low-carb” diet? It’s hard to tell, but going gluten-free isn’t just for those suffering from celiac disease or those on a new diet. Restaurants, grocery stores and manufactured foods are all finding ways to eliminate gluten.

Gluten is the name for the proteins found in all forms of wheat, such as durum, semolina, spelt, einkorn and faro, as well and related grains like rye, barely and triticale. These proteins can spell disaster for someone suffering from celiac disease, according to celiac.org.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine. The disease restricts food from being properly absorbed when gluten is digested. Someone with celiac disease can have harmful reactions to even the smallest amounts of gluten. These harmful reactions can have lasting effects, sometimes with lifethreatening consequences.

A healthy intestine is needed for a healthy body. According to celiac.com, if gluten reactions occur frequently, important enzymes needed to digest food properly can be compromised, causing irreversible damage to a healthy GI tract. Gluten intolerance has also been linked to other health problems, such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, depression and even migraines, according to an article by Dr. Mark Hyman on huffingtonpost.com.

“To correct these diseases, you need to treat the cause – which is often gluten sensitivity – not just the symptoms,” Hyman said in his article.

Fortunately, those in the food industry are looking for ways to serve the customer and keep them healthy too.

Gluten-free has become such a hot topic, it was named the eighth most popular trend for 2011 among more than 1,500 professional chefs in America, according to the National Restaurant Association and in a recent article on bloomberg.com, noted New York eateries that were “coddling diners” with their gluten-free menus.

Only about one percent of the population suffers from celiac disease, Kelly Jackson, MS, RD of the University of Arizona said.

So why is gluten-free everywhere? Is it just a trend or is there a real need to remove it from our diet?

Jackson believes that the hype stems from the low-carb revolution. She said people reason if they are already eating low-carb, why not go the extra mile and become gluten-free as well. As Jackson knows, any diet trend can lead to manufacturers

24 greenliving az | January 2011

BY BARBI WALKER

making products available to meet that need. However, she is quick to add that going completely gluten-free is difficult, since gluten is found in so many processed foods. Jackson suggests that if losing weight is the main motivator for going gluten-free, people should cut down on processed foods – you’ll reduce your gluten intake and your waistline!

One person who knows the challenge of cutting out gluten is Alexandra Sklar, who was diagnosed with celiac disease eight years ago. After a lot of testing and trial and error, Sklar finally found out what was causing her stomach distress – gluten.

Sklar explained that there was not as much information available about celiac disease or gluten intolerance eight years ago. Now, she is happy to find products and especially restaurants that are catering to the gluten-intolerant. Sklar’s diet consists of many vegetables, fruits and meats, and avoids the majority of processed foods. She also stays cautious when choosing new gluten-free products, as many are not free from added calories or fat.

According to Hyman, gluten reactions can affect all organs. He also believes gluten intolerance can be the single cause behind many illnesses.

The autism community seems to agree, and has been pushing for a diet free of gluten and casein (a protein found in cheese and milk products) for those with autism or Asperger’s syndrome.

Many but not all sufferers see results, and the gluten-free, caseinfree (GFCF) diet has received mixed reviews.

According to autismweb.com, “The GFCF diet has not gained widespread acceptance in the medical community.

Studies of the diet have had mixed results. One recent study found behavioral improvements in children on a GFCF diet, while another study found no significant effects from the diet.”

The site is quick to add that a healthy diet for your child is of the utmost importance, and finding out if your child really is gluten-or casein-intolerant can be done via a simple test from your child’s pediatrician.

The bottom line is all about eating for your health. If gluten is the culprit, then take the steps necessary to eliminate it from your diet completely. Don’t replace it with more processed foods, because in the end, the more natural a food is, the less likely it is to cause you any real health issues.

Barbi Walker is a freelance writer and an award-winning journalist.

Barbi lives in Phoenix with her husband and young son.

greenlivingaz.com

Going

Vegetarian in 2011

BY LEXIE RUNGE

I

n 2010, I made a resolution to become a vegetarian, and I’ve stuck with it. Admittedly, there have been buffalo chicken wing relapses, as well as ups and downs to vegetarianism, but these regressions have only validated what my body really needs to stay healthy. This year, if you are considering putting vegetarianism on your resolution list, here are some suggestions to ease into this healthy lifestyle.

Eating a vegetarian diet is not only healthy, it will help create a more sustainable future. “It’s not just about a ‘me’ mentality,” said Maya Nahra, owner of Awakened Reconnection. “It is about us all moving forward in a sustainable way.”

“The foundation to a healthy diet is fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains,” said Nahra. “Eating these will help reduce your chance of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.”

According to Nahra, there are five important nutrients that vegetarians should keep in mind: protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to eat good fats, such as hemp seed, flaxseed and olive oils, tofu, nuts and seeds. For adequate protein, a healthy diet should include beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, whole grains and tofu. Vitamin B12, which is typically

derived from animals, can be consumed by eating organic eggs and soymilk. “Wild grains offer great amounts of iron and calcium as well as dark leafy greens like broccoli and kale,” Nahra said.

According to Nahra, if you are looking to lose weight, a vegan diet will be more effective. “Dairy causes a lot of inflammation in your intestine,” Nahra said. “When you remove dairy, you decrease inflammation and weight loss comes easier.”

For some of us, giving up meat seems like a preposterous idea, and it may be more ideal to ease into a vegetarian diet gradually.

If becoming a full-blown vegetarian is just not something you can do, there is also part-time vegetarianism. “It is a popular term,” Nahra said. “Those that are eating meat every now and then are okay as long as they eat grass-fed, organic meat.”

For more information about vegetarian diets, visit the Vegetarian Research Group at vrg.org.

Maya E Nahra, RD, LD, is a Phoenix-based registered dietitian, holistic nutritionist and owner of Awakened Reconnection. She specializes in intuitive nutrition counseling and ‘intentful’ cooking. Send your nutrition questions to Maya at greenpanel@greenlivingaz.com or visit AwakenedReconnection.com.

Photography by AngelinaRosePhotography.com

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January 2011 | greenliving az 25

Pets

Kevin & Buddy

BY ABIGAIL GILMORE

K

evin Shaffer’s life was missing a little something until one day in February 2009.

Shaffer had flown home and planned to spend the day with his nephew. “My nephew told me a dog park just opened up down the street, and he couldn’t wait to bring his dog, Hardy,” Shaffer said.

At the dog park, there were a few other dogs there, but one in particular stood out to Shaffer - a shaggy, bronze-coated, amber-eyed, gentlemannered golden retriever. “I sat on a bench and this dog came over to me and laid down,” he said. “I was thinking, ‘whose dog is this?’ and everyone else seemed to notice the dog was gravitating to me as well.” The dog’s name was Buddy.

A man approached Shaffer and said that he was taking care of Buddy for a friend. The man continued to talk about how he was keeping Buddy at his house, the problem was that he had other dogs and couldn’t keep this one for long. Then the unexpected happened.

Who Saved Who?

“The man called the owner of the dog and told him how Buddy was gravitating to me,” Shaffer said. After the phone call, the man told Shaffer that Buddy wasn’t getting the life he deserved, and asked if Shaffer would want to take Buddy home.

Shaffer agreed. “The next thing I knew, I had a dog!” he said. “It became real when everyone gathered their things up and left, but Buddy stayed with me.” With a new friend by their side, Shaffer, Buddy, his nephew and Hardy walked home.

At the time, Shaffer didn’t realize how much Buddy was going to be his angel through some challenging times. With the downturn of the economy, drop in business and financial difficulties, Shaffer underwent some adjustments. Shaffer credits his change

in motivation and attitude and continued success to Buddy.

“It was a really tough time,” Shaffer said. “Buddy kept me going through that crazy journey. I always say that Buddy saved me, I didn’t save him.”

Buddy inspired Shaffer to give back to the community. Shaffer became involved with Pets on Wheels of Scottsdale, a petvisitation therapy program where pets and owners visit various places to bring cheer to others. Shaffer and Buddy regularly visit Scottsdale area nursing homes and retirement communities with hopes of brightening people’s days.

Additionally, Shaffer puts his plane and piloting skills to good use, with Buddy as his co-pilot. Through Flights for Life, Shaffer delivers blood and blood products to hospitals, blood banks, health care agencies and private individuals for free. “He’s become my best friend,” Shaffer said.

We never know when a companion, with two or four legs, may come into our life and offer unconditional love and perspective to our seemingly crazy life. For Shaffer, Buddy was his angel in disguise who helped him in a time of need. “I feel very blessed for this dog to come into my life,” Shaffer said. “Now it’s my turn to give back.”

SOURCES flightsforlife.org, petsonwheels.org Photography courtesy of Kevin Shaffer

26 greenliving az | January 2011

greenlivingaz.com

Health & Wellness

Get Your Groove Back

BY SARAH MCLEAN

D

o you want to feel better and find peace in your day?

Perhaps meditation is the answer. We’ve all heard how meditation lowers blood pressure, increases immunity, improves sleep and reduces anxiety. People also credit meditation with improving relationships and helps them find meaning and purpose in their lives.

More than 20 million Americans meditate. Some say they can’t live without it, others say they can’t meditate because they can’t quiet their minds. Here’s a secret: Thoughts are

actually a part of meditation. You’re more apt to frustrate yourself if you try to force your brain to stop thinking.

Let it happen.

Whether religious or secular, most meditation techniques require you to focus your attention on a vision such as a prayer, mantra, sensation, or an object like a flower or candle flame.

Choose your vision and during practice, if you drift away, gently refocus on the breath then back to the vision. It doesn’t matter how many times your attention drifts away.

Ideally, try to meditate 10 – 20 minutes twice a day and commit to that time each day. I suggest completing your first meditation when you wake up and the second in the afternoon before you eat. You’ll need to time yourself with a watch or a gentle alarm clock that you can stop next to you.

How to do it: • Remove all distractions and turn off electronics.

• Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes.

• Scan your body and relax any areas of tension or tightness.

• Become aware of your thoughts and the noises in your

environment. Take a moment and welcome everything.

• Breathe through your nose and notice the way the breath flows in and out of your body.

• Connect with the feeling and sound of the breath, and the way your body moves as you breathe.

• Acknowledge how the breath feels when air enters and leaves your nostrils. Follow the breath down to your lungs. Feel your belly expand. Notice the pause between inhaling and exhaling.

Don’t force your mind in any way, simply pay attention.

• As you focus on the details of the breath, you’ll eventually settle into meditation.

• When time is up, sit quietly with your eyes closed for a few more minutes before you return to your day.

Sarah McLean, Director of the Sedona Meditation Training Company, offers classes and workshops in the Valley and in Sedona. Find out more, visit SedonaMeditation.com, or call (928) 204-0067.

Meditation is your experience, and what happens after meditation is more important than during the journey. It is not uncommon to be interrupted by few to many thoughts. Maybe you’ll feel a deep peace, an emotional release, experience boredom, frustration, or even fall asleep. Time may seem to stand still, or 20 minutes will seem like a moment in time.

Try not to critique your meditation or worry if you are experiencing the correct sensation. You can evaluate the quality of your meditation from the balance that evolves in your life. Start the year off with a commitment to your meditation practice and welcome the peace that comes from within.

greenlivingaz.com

January 2011 | greenliving az 27

Green Kids

January Green Kids Kids Speaking Up About Allergies

BY CONNIE MARDIS, M.ED.

The little boy in the doctor’s office sneezed.

“I have ‘llergies,” he said.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “What are you allergic to?”

“Soccer,” he said with a sniffle, kicking the table leg with his new soccer shoes.

“You can’t tell anyone you have allergies!” said a little girl sitting nearby.

“Why is that?” I asked.

“Because they take away your dog,” she said.

• Their test antigens are standardized — enabling reliable and reproducible test results.

I travel the U.S. speaking with physicians and families about allergies and asthma. Children have told me they’re allergic to summer, picnics, Grandma’s house, vacation and occasionally their little sister.

Educating families about allergies

The Allergy March

Their stories remind me that allergies are much more than a seasonal inconvenience. Symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and congestion are not just miserable; they can negatively impact a child’s lifestyle, learning and health. Allergies are a disease of restriction.

Allergic diseases diminish a patient’s quality of life, restrict participation in outdoor sports, decrease on-the-job productivity and disrupt school performance. Time lost from school may negatively affect grades, academic achievement, self-esteem and future life successes.

Parents may be unaware that allergic diseases, such as food allergies, rashes (allergic dermatitis) and recurrent ear infections, especially otitis media, can progress to asthma. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic diseases are among the country’s most common, yet often overlooked, chronic diseases, and affect more than 50 million Americans.

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective allergy treatment

Medical studies indicate that third-generation allergy blood tests for detecting allergies common in children, including peanuts, insect venoms, milk, foods, dust and a host of other allergens, may have higher rates of precision, sensitivity, and in some instances safety, than other diagnostic options. Blood tests pose no risk of triggering a severe reaction in the patient.

The reason third-generation blood allergy tests offer improved sensitivity and reliability is three-fold: • They are quantitative — able to measure low concentrations in a small blood sample.

• They are automated and accurate — similar to other blood serum diagnostic tests.

Along with test results, a physical exam and history of exposure is necessary for a physician to make an allergy diagnosis. Effective allergy treatments are available and include antihistamines, desensitizing to inhalant allergens with allergy shots, and avoidance of food or environmental allergens that trigger an allergic reaction.

From banning pets in the bedroom to removing clutter that can collect dust, there are often simple steps that can alleviate symptoms once the allergens triggering a reaction are known.

When The Walt Disney Company heard the stories kids tell about allergies, the most magical thing happened. Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and Disney introduced a children’s book to the clinical laboratory and physician communities to educate children and parents about the diagnosis and management of allergies.

“We want parents to know there is a simple option for their children to be tested for allergic reactions,” said Dave Hickey, CEO of Chemistry/Immunoassay, Automation and Diagnostics IT at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. In the book, Mickey and the gang find out that Willie the Giant is allergic to dust and learn simple environmental changes that can help ease his symptoms. “By reading a story with familiar Disney characters, children and parents will learn that allergies are common and there are options to help diagnose and manage them.”

To read Mickey and the Giant Kachoo! online, please visit siemens. com/kachoo.

The Disney Channel Portugal’s Catarina Mira reads Mickey and the Giant Kachoo! to over 40 children at the Lisbon Zoo Allergy Education event in Portugal.

SOURCES Lenney, W. The burden of pediatric asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol .1997;15:13-16.

“Chronic Conditions: A Challenge for the 21st Century,” National Academy on an Aging Society, 2000. From the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergy Facts and Figures. Web site accessed May 1, 2009: aafa.og/display.cfm?id=9&sub=30 Biagini R, MacKenzie B, Sammons B, Smith J, Krieg E, Robertson S, Hamilton, R. Latex specific IgE: performance characteristics of the IMMULITE 2000 3g Allergy assay compared with skin testing.

Ann Allergy Asthma and Immunol. 2006;97:196-202.

“Allergy Testing for Children,” Asthma and Allergy Foundation for America Editorial Board, 2005.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation for America. Website accessed July 15, 2009: aafa.org/display. cfm?id=9&sub=19&cont=253

Photography courtesy of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics

28 greenliving az | January 2011

greenlivingaz.com

Green Kids

Fuel Our Future by mAyA e. nAHrA, rD, Ln

Proper nutrition is crucial for social, emotional and psychological development in children, but getting kids to eat healthy on the go can be challenging. Be prepared by planning ahead and pre-packing foods in addition to being creative, keeping food fun, healthy and entertaining. Base your snacks around these four components for a balanced diet to support their growth and energy needs: 1. Omega 3’s will support a healthy immune system and proper brain development.

2. Antioxidants are crucial for proper growth and development. Be sure to include a rainbow of colors to ensure maximum exposure.

3. Whole grains will provide sustained physical and mental energy throughout their day.

4. Protein is needed for proper tissue, organ and immune systems development.

Stick-wiches • Whole-wheat bread, cut into small cube squares • Assorted cheese cubes

• Romaine lettuce • Chicken breasts cut into cubes • Pickles • Grape tomatoes

• Olives (optional) Slide the ingredients onto skewers. Pack a side of mayo or mustard for dipping!

Parmesan Pita Chips with Mashed Dip • Whole-wheat pitas, opened and cut into wedges • Grated fresh Parmesan • Sea salt and pepper to taste • Fresh basil, chopped • Can of white beans, drained and rinsed • Squeeze of tomato or sun-dried tomato paste • 2-3 tbsps. extra virgin olive oil Cut pitas into wedges and separate their layers. Spread them on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil, Parmesan and basil. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees until toasted.

Dump the beans into a medium-sized bowl; add a squeeze of tomato or sun-dried tomato paste, sea salt, pepper and olive oil. Mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Pack it up and serve with the Parmesan pita chips!

Energy Bites • 1 small banana • 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter • 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ • Finely chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips or nonsweetened shredded coconut for coating In a medium bowl, mash together the banana and peanut butter. Stir in the wheat germ. Roll individual tablespoons of the mixture into balls, then roll the balls in the chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips or coconut. Chill until firm.

(Make these in bulk!)

Chocolate Banana Tortillas • One banana, thinly sliced • Handful dark chocolate chips • Two whole-wheat flour tortillas • Pat of butter Melt butter in a nonstick pan. Arrange banana slices over one tortilla and mash them very lightly with a fork. Dot the tortilla with chocolate chips and place a second tortilla on top. Slide into frying pan and cook for a few minutes on each side, until brown and golden at the edges. Let cool, slice into wedges, and stick them in sandwich bags to go!

Visit maya at Awakenedreconnection.com.

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Paint Stick Snowmen DesigneD by AmAnDA FormAro Amanda is a mother of four and the craft expert for Disney’s Kaboose.com. Find more crafts, recipes and activities at craftsbyamanda.com.

Have a fun family craft to share? send it to us at info@greenlivingaz.com.

Materials: Wooden paint stir stick painted white 3-inch by 3-inch piece of felt for hat 8-inch by 1-inch strip of material or felt 3 buttons or pony beads

1/2 of an orange toothpick 6-inch piece of yarn White craft glue Scissors Black marker or black paint Hot glue gun

Instructions: Wrap 3-inch by 3-inch fabric around the top of the stick and hot glue together in the back. If you have more time, you can use white craft glue or felt glue and attach a wooden clothespin to the stick and hat to hold it in place while it dries. Tie yarn around the top of the hat and trim ends. Fringe the top of the hat with scissors if you like.

Wrap 8-inch by 1-inch strip of material around the neck and tie in a knot. Fringe the ends with scissors.

Use white craft glue to attach 3 buttons or beads below the scarf and glue the orange toothpick on for the nose. Use black marker, or a toothpick dipped in black paint, to create the mouth and eyes.

Let everything dry.

Book Review Astro: The Steller Sea Lion WRITTEN BY JEANNE WALKER HARVEY ILLUSTRATED BY SHENNEN BERSANI REVIEWED BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER If you’ve ever gotten lost, you know how scary it is. You look around, and nothing seems familiar. The good news is that there’s always an adult around to help you find your way.

In the new book “Astro: The Steller Sea Lion” by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Shennen Bersani, adults come to the rescue of a baby sea lion. When Astro, a Steller sea lion, was just a few days old, he got lost.

A scientist near the California coast

took Astro to the Marine Mammal Center, where he would be safe. Astro grew big and strong at the Center, and after a few months his human friends took him to the beach, but Astro didn’t want to leave. His human friends tried to release Astro into the ocean, on an island and in the bay. Astro didn’t want to be released and wanted to stay with the humans, but the Marine Mammal Center was only for sick animals. Where could a young Steller sea lion – one small member of a threatened species – go to live?

If you have ecology-minded little ones in your herd, “Astro: The Steller Sea Lion” will make them yip with glee. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey based this tale on a true story of one baby animal that was saved through quick intervention. Kids will love hearing about Astro and his travels, and learn that they can visit the real Astro at an aquarium.

Though older and more curious kids will enjoy the bonus back-of-book information on Steller sea lions, habitats and life cycles, the amazingly realistic illustrations by Shennen Bersani will probably excite small children to this story.

While this is, indeed, a picture book, I think any animal-loving child up to age 9 would be happy to have it.

January 2011 | greenliving az 29

Everyday Uses

BY KELSEY MAKINGS

Gifts from the holidays have come and gone.

They were bought, packaged, opened and hopefully enjoyed, and while most of the mess has been cleared away, you’re left facing the balancing tower of leftover gift boxes. Since most of the boxes are unable to be recycled due to their shiny waxy coating, here are some creative ways to reuse them.

Package up the wrapping Reuse these boxes to store ribbons, bows, tape and leftover wrapping paper.

Store loose photos and scrapbook accessories Instead of opening drawers and cupboards full of random stacks of pictures that have yet to make it into the photo album, consolidate them into gift boxes. Scrapbook materials, such as paper, graphics, utensils and stickers can also be organized into individual boxes.

Use as closet and drawer organizers Wide dresser drawers can be organized by inserting boxes to separate clothing items like socks, undergarments and tank tops. Use sturdier boxes on closet shelves to organize accessories, such as belts, hats, costume jewelry and scarves.

OrganiCare

Excess paper R

R

Boxes can be used in the kitchen to store coupons and recipes, while some in the office may hold bills and mail.

To further sort papers, group and insert them into recycled envelopes.

Organize the kids OrganiCare restores & renews your wardrobe for years to come. Our custom dry cleaning & professional wet cleaning systems make sure your garments look and feel great. Isn’t it a great feeling knowing that no matter what designer garment you buy can preserve its OrganiCare integrity. How’s that for piece of mind! Feel free to call or sign up online for complimentary pickup & delivery to your home or office today.

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Gift boxes are a good way to organize kids’ toys and crafts.

Small items, such as matchbox cars, doll clothes, plastic animals and toys, can be separated into different boxes.

Meanwhile, craft tools like crayons, markers, stickers and coloring books can be stored easily.

Have your own unique uses?

Send them to submissions@greenlivingaz.com.

R

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GarmentCareAZ.com 21050 N. Tatum Blvd 480.585.3936 341 W. Thomas Rd. 602.265.1298

30 greenliving az | January 2011

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Simplify

Diaper Bag

Gym bags are a great way to store items for the little ones, including bottles, toys, clothes and snacks. A neutral-color bag can be suitable for any gender and age, and when your child grows, it is easy to use the bag for other needs.

Storage

Gym bags have ample space to store items that don’t have set locations. For example, use them to house your gardening tools, sporting equipment, arts and crafts or dog toys.

New uses Travel for your drawstring gym bag

Use it as an overnight bag for the kids, keep the emergency items in the trunk or a carry-on for airplane travel.

BY KELSEY MAKINGS

It’s time to make those 2011 resolutions, and because getting fit is one of the most common goals year after year, it leads to the question, “What else can I do with my gym bag?”

Groceries

With the trend of reusable grocery bags, use a drawstring gym bag to store smaller grocery items, such as toiletries, crackers or fruit.

Sack Lunch

Take your eco-friendly lunch one step further. Use Tupperware® to hold sandwiches and fruit instead of plastic Ziplocs®. Bring an aluminum water bottle instead of plastic bottles, and tote them all in your bag instead of a paper sack.

Photography by Kelsey Makings

pattywilson Fitness

Patty Wilson Fitness offers: One-on-one personal training Figure and Bikini prep Group Training Nutrition consulting Online Services and much more...

If you are serious about changing your body and mindset, contact me today to start the best journey money can buy.

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January 2011 | greenliving az 31

Green Thumb

WATER The most amazing substance on Earth makes all of life possible.

Yet little has been known of its most miraculous properties, .....until now.

WATER HAS MEMORY

Within the structure of every water cluster’s memory cells, there are 440,000 Information Panels, of which each has its own type of interaction with the environment. Water communicates with all of life through the “Information Field” known to Quantum Physics. Water is very sensitive to polluting signals and damaging distribution processes. Filtration systems DO NOT restore healthy structure or erase polluted “signature” memories. Drinking and bathing in damaged water is stressing our health. Everyone needs healthy, energized, living water. Introducing the most effective solution available:

WATER OF LIFE FOUNTAIN

New Year, New Outdoor Space

BY MATT PERSONNE

S

pring is quickly approaching, and now is the time to start planning your outdoor living space. Here are four tips to help you update your outdoor living space and make it more enjoyable year round.

Add some shade Early spring is a great time to plant new trees around your yard. Pick species that will provide a canopy that you can sit beneath. Pay attention to how fast the tree grows if you want your shade now or later. Trees like the palo brea and hybrid palo verde grow quickly, while the foothills palo verde grows slowly.

Understand how much litter the tree will produce, because you might be in for some maintenance nightmares when the wind blows. If possible, plant trees on the west side of the patio to screen out the hot afternoon sun.

Outdoor kitchen If you cook or entertain frequently, nothing beats an outdoor kitchen.

Cooking on a grill is easy, usually has less clean-up and can keep your house cooler by not running your oven or range top. You can start with a basic portable propane grill and work your way up to a built-in BBQ plumbed into your home’s gas line. Make sure your grill is placed away from your house and seating area, as it can generate significant heat.

Patio area Many home owners are switching to permeable pavers for their outdoor space. Pavers will allow water to filter through and return to the soil. There are vast color choices for pavers. If you want to emphasize the area, use a bolder color like rust or light tan, or for a blended look choose beige and sand color. I suggest a sand base to keep pavers level and for an easy installment. Additionally, use some sort of edging around the pavers to keep them from shifting.

Light it up Visit pillaroflight.info to see more amazing information about water. Learn about an Electro Magnetic Vortex Technology that reprograms, revitalizes, restructures and softens water and its minerals. Numerous processes holistically combine to mirror the way nature restores water.

520-887-5347

Get Educated on WATER issues - Go to vimeo.com and search for video - “Water the Great Mystery” & on youtube.com, look for environmental film “Home.”

32 greenliving az | January 2011

During the cool winter and spring months, darkness can cut into your outdoor time. Simply adding some landscape lighting can extend the amount of time to enjoy your outdoor space. Whether you want to accent a planting or architectural feature, low-voltage landscape lights are the ticket. LED bulbs will use a fraction of the energy that traditional lights consume. Use path lights to light the perimeter of your patio and up-lights to highlight specific areas. If you don’t want the expense of an entire system, then solar path lights are an inexpensive and easy install option.

Matt Personne is the owner and founder of Mission Landscaping, LLC, which focuses on landscape and hardscape design and installation on commercial and residential properties, missionlandscapingllc.com

greenlivingaz.com

Green Thumb

Plant your Leafy Greens, NOW!

L

eafy greens are among the most nutritious of all vegetables, offering major benefits to your entire body, including your brain, bones and heart. They also help prevent cancer, detoxify your body, boost your immune system and give you more energy – not bad for a bowl full of greens!

However, most Americans do not eating enough of these incredibly healthy foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that less than one-third of American adults eat the minimum USDA recommendation of 3 cups of dark green vegetables per week, despite the fact that diets rich in these healthy foods are known to prevent diseases.

Dark green leafy vegetables are, calorie for calorie, perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium) and vitamins (including vitamins A, B, C, E and K and a small amount of Omega-3 fats). These veggies also provide a variety of phytonutrients, including beta-carotene, which protects our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems.

Green, leafy vegetables come in a great variety of colors, from bluish-green kale to bright green spinach. Leafy greens run the whole range of flavors, from sweet to bitter, from peppery to earthy. Young plants generally have small, tender leaves and a mild flavor while many mature plants have tougher leaves and stronger flavors. Collards, Swiss chard, bok choy and spinach

BY DOREEN POLLACK

provide a mild flavor, while arugula, mizuna and mustard greens provide a peppery flavor. When shopping, choose crisp leaves with a fresh, vibrant green color, for yellowing is a sign of age and indicates that the greens may have an off flavor.

Still time to grow your greens in the desert!

The beauty about living in a low-desert region is that you can grow leafy greens from September through March. There is still time to plant the greens in January. Plant by seed or transplant, it’s your choice. I prefer to plant by seed and thin the plants when they are about two inches tall. That way, I get fresh “baby” greens for less money than buying them in the store!

Plant the seeds shallow (about 1/8 to 1/4-inch deep) and keep them moist until they germinate. Be mindful of frost, as delicate new plants can be killed during a frigid night.

You can harvest greens as soon as a true leaf forms. To ensure your plants keep giving until the end, only harvest the outer leaves of each plant. Leave the “heart” of the plant to continue growing, thereby always providing new leaves for you to pick.

With growing greens being so easy and providing many great health benefits, maybe we should all listen to what mothers around the world are saying – “Eat your vegetables!”

Visit down2earthgardens.com for information about Doreen’s gardening workshops.

Tank’s Green Stuff

2% of all sales go to the Tucson Community Food Bank

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• Organically Made • Use as a soil amendments for gardens, lawns, flower beds, trees, and shrubs

• NO Harsh Chemicals or Additives • Replace existing soil, fill depressions, or use when seeding lawns.

ALSO AVAILABLE: Decorative Wood Chips, Top Soil, Screened Fill, Horse Bedding, and 1” minus AB. “This product is composted using locally derived plant/wood waste and manure from organic farms. I believe in making products from ‘stuff ’ once considered waste and creating something that contributes positively to the world and our community.

– Tank

The Fairfax Companies The Speedway Recycling and Landfill Facility, 7301 E. Speedway Blvd.

The Ina Road Land Reclamation Facility, 5390 W. Ina Rd. The Drexel Road Land Reclamation Facility, 11330 E. Drexel Rd. Tree creature artwork by: Peter McClory View his portfolio at: petermcclory.com/portfolio

greenlivingaz.com

www.TheFairfaxCompanies.com

Call for information 520.290.8588 January 2011 | greenliving az 33

Feature

Algae for Fuel

BY KRISTI EATON

we harvest the product,” Rittman said. Microorganisms produce roughly 100 times more feedstock per acre than plants, requiring only simply nutrients, sunlight and CO2 for growth, he noted.

A

s petroleum costs continue to rise, people are searching for alternative fuels. Biofuel, a fuel source derived from vegetable grease, has become more popular in the last few years. Many people don’t realize researchers are working hard to identify and produce biofuels in large quantities to compete with petroleum.

Researchers at Arizona State University are at the forefront of developing alternative fuel methods. The university has devoted two teams to researching alternatives. ASU’s Polytechnic campus team is focusing on algae-based fuels; the Tempe campus team is focusing on bacteria-based. “Both of our groups have the broad goal of producing feedstock to replace petroleum,” said Bruce Rittmann, director of the Center for Environmental Biotechnology at ASU’s Biodesign Institute.

Both algae and bacteria use photosynthesis to reach that goal.

The difference, Rittman said, is the organisms and strategies that the two teams incorporate. “The approach at the Polytechnic campus is to grow algae that are naturally high in lipids and harvest those to get oil,” Rittman said. According to Rittman, the main focus at the Tempe campus is different. “[We] use microorganisms to produce feedstock that can be turned into oil.

We’re having the microorganism produce the product and then

34 greenliving az | January 2011

“The biggest disadvantage to the alternative sources is that they are both cost-prohibitive to do large-scale production,” said Ben Cloud, president and CEO of Phyco BioSciences, Inc., a Chandler-based business aiming to commercialize algae for food, feed and fuel. “Since algae is only being produced at the pilotscale level, costs average $10 per gallon,” Cloud said. “To be competitive, algae biomass will need to be about $2 per gallon.”

This of course is the dilemma.

Rittman believes this increased production will happen in a few years. “I hope we see a lot more of it, because it has tremendous potential for producing a lot of renewable energy,” Rittman said.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer also believes that turning algae into large-scale, cost-effective biofuel is a realistic possibility. In September 2010, Brewer awarded $2 million in stimulus funding to the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation, funded in part by Science Foundation Arizona and managed by ASU. “Our state has the potential to be a national and global leader in algae research and biotechnology, reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuel while increasing opportunities in a new industry that will create promising new jobs for Arizonans,” Brewer said at the Algal Biomass Organization’s national conference last September. “Science Foundation Arizona funded early state work in algal research; now combined with excellence at ASU, our state will build on this important research and commercialization opportunity.” greenlivingaz.com

Feature

“

Our state has the potential to be a national and global leader in algae research and biotechnology, reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuel while increasing opportunities in a new industry that will create promising new jobs for Arizonans,” Brewer said.

The University of Arizona has also received federal dollars to conduct algae research. As a member of the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts, UA was part of a consortium that received $44 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to research how to mass-produce algae as an alternative fuel for transportation while also boosting the nation’s bio-industry.

Cloud said Arizona is at the forefront for algae research for many reasons, namely the Valley’s 300 days of sunshine and mild winters that are ideal for a variety of algae types. However, Arizona does have some natural limitations to water resources.

“The good news is that algae biomass grows best in salty or brackish water that is not normally suitable for drinking or crop production,” Cloud said. “Arizona is blessed with some rather large volumes of brackish water.”

Cloud believes the state could see an algae biomass industry of 100,000 to 200,000 acres, making it a $2 to $5 billion industry that could create an estimated 100,000 jobs.

Biohydrogen in the works Researchers at ASU are also looking into a second-generation biofuel, biohydrogen. While large-scale algae and bacteria biofuel production could be a few years off, the use of hydrogen for a transport fuel would not be for many, many years. The major advantages of biohydrogen: burning hydrogen is costeffective, reasonably energy-efficient and only produces water vapor, not carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. With focus and funding on these alternative sources, specifically algae production, will vegetable-oil-based biodiesel become a thing of the past?

According to the president of a Valley-based business that collects vegetable grease from restaurants and sells it to biodiesel manufacturers, it won’t. “In fact, I anticipate the demand for the use of vegetable oil to increase and not decrease,” said Marv McCarthy, president of Green Dining Network. “This is due to the fact that as biodiesel becomes more commercially viable, and as the manufacturing processes become more cost-effective, there will be a huge spike in demand.”

greenlivingaz.com

January 2011 | greenliving az 35

Feature

McCarthy also noted the production and consumption of petroleum diesel currently eclipses biodiesel, so a variety of options will help the biodiesel industry meet the demand. “It will be years before enough biodiesel can be produced to supply even a quarter to a half of how much petroleum diesel is being used each year,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy said algae has been discussed as a possible fuel and food source for decades, and wonders if it will ever become a

commercially viable option. “Will it get there? I hope and think so,” McCarthy said, “but I believe that even when it arrives it will still be a ‘both/and’ solution with algae and waste oil.”

SourceS azgovernor.gov/dms/upload/Pr_092810_FundingAlgaeTech.pdf biofuels.asu.edu/index.shtml greendiningnet.com research.nmsu.edu/naabb/ phycobiosciences.com

Photography courtesy of Green Dining Network

Pimafederal CREDIT UNION

We believe our members’ future and our planet’s future have a beautiful common ground.

36 greenliving az | January 2011

And that is something that should be in all of our best interest. www.pimafederal.org/greenloans

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Car Review

Are the cars of tomorrow finally here?

While the debate rages on about which alternative fuel vehicle is the most effective and has the least impact on the environment, the good news is there are vehicles coming to the market that offer choices for buyers like never before. Here are four that we think encompass some of the best options available today.

BY BILL ZERVAKOS AND CATHY DROZ

Nissan Leaf This is one of two true zero-emission entries on our list, as it is totally electric and has zero impact on the environment – other than from a manufacturing standpoint. Nissan says the Leaf will seat five, but it would be a tight squeeze. Even with two rear passengers, backseat space is pretty tight. Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, it has an advertised range of 100 miles; however, drivers still have to deal with range anxiety, as there are many factors that play into mileage results – not the least of which is the driver’s right foot.

Mechanicals for the Leaf include an 80 kW AC synchronous electric motor, powered by a 24 kW per hour lithium-ion battery pack, recharged through a 3.3 kW onboard charger. As with hybrids, the Leaf does feature regenerative braking while coasting. Charging time ranges from 20 hours at 1.4 kW to as little as 30 minutes at 50 kW. Most home charging systems will require about eight hours to fully recharge at 3.3 kW. Much of the Nissan Leaf is made of recycled materials, including seats made from PVC bottles. Nissan does have a formal program in place to recycle the car’s battery pack for second-life usage. Some of the technologies in the Leaf include Vehicle Dynamic Control, traction control system and ABS, along with Bluetooth phone capabilities.

Interfacing technologies allow for remote access to the vehicle to set and check charging status, operate climate controls and access to a map database that shows nearby charging stations.

According to Nissan, operating costs for the Leaf are estimated to be $2.64 per 100 miles, based on a nationwide average of $0.11 per 24 kWh, compared to the cost of a hybrid, which is about $6.00 per 100 miles which is based on 50 mpg at $3.00 per gallon. Suggested pricing on the Leaf comes in at just under $33,000 before the $7,500 federal tax credit, and California drivers get up a $5,000 California Air Resources Board (CARB) rebate.

Chevrolet Volt The Chevy Volt is big enough to seat four in comfort and is truly a showcase of technology that goes well beyond an extraordinary propulsion system. Some specifics: with the battery fully charged, the Volt has a range of 25 to 50 miles without using any gasoline, depending on how aggressively one drives. When battery power is depleted, the Volt’s onboard generator provides an assist to the battery and extends the driving range another 300 to 350 miles.

Recharging the battery takes about 10 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet or four hours on a 240-volt outlet. The Volt’s lithium-ion battery pack is covered by an eight-year, 100,000-mile transferrable warranty.

The major advantage of the Volt is the onboard generating system that eliminates the need to stop and recharge the battery, thus eliminating range anxiety. In other words, the Volt drives almost like a conventional car. Propelled by a permanent-magnet AC motor powered by the lithium-ion battery pack, intelligent electronic circuitry is programmed to provide the Volt with brisk acceleration, efficient passing and smooth cruising. Inside, GM added to the futuristic allure with two interactive high resolution LCD display screens that communicate with the Volt’s brain center to keep tabs on vital information, along with voice-activated navigation and infotainment systems.

Chevrolet and OnStar allow owners to communicate with their cars through their Android or iPhones using a mobile application.

38 greenliving az | January 2011

The system can inform owners if the car is plugged in, display fuel economy, request notification regarding charging status, or start the engine to cool or heat the car.

With respect to EPA ratings, if you drive 15,000 miles a year (a tad over 40 miles a day), you would rarely use gasoline. However, if you drive around 25,000 miles a year (approximately 70 miles a day: 40 on electric power and 30 on gas), you’d use a little less then a gallon of gas a day, giving you an mpg rating over 70 miles per gallon. Is the Volt the panacea? No, but it did make Motor Trend’s Car of the Year.

Pricing on the Volt is said to be around $40,000 before the $7,500 federal tax credit, and that price will come down as production numbers increase. We’re betting that the Chevrolet Volt is all GM hoped it would be, and in our opinion, is the best option available right now.

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Car Review

Ford Focus Electric The all-new Ford Focus electric is another zero-emission vehicle that will debut in the U.S. in late 2011. It will be powered by a lithium-ion battery system utilizing cooled and heated liquid to regulate battery temperature, help extend battery life and maximize driving range.

The thermal management technology helps the Focus electric operate efficiently in a range of ambient temperatures that will give the Focus a range of up to 100 miles on a fully charged system, which will help ease, but not eliminate, range anxiety.

To help save on developmental costs, the Focus EV is based on the new 2011 Focus platform, and power comes from collaboration with Magma International, a Canadian supplier for Ford. Magma is providing Ford with pre-packaged electric technology that includes the motor, transmission, motor controller, lithium-ion battery system and charger.

We haven’t driven the Focus EV, but we have driven the new Focus, and it is surprisingly roomy inside. While it’s not flashy, Ford is banking on the fact that people are looking for function more so than form in an all-electric vehicle.

The Focus electric is targeted to have a range of 100 miles between charges of its 23 kWh battery pack. While the 100-mile range is possible, it’s unlikely that the Focus EV will consistently get 100 miles on a charge because there are so many variables that impact the range. However, since most commuters average around 40 miles a day, it should work just fine for most people. Fully recharging could take from 6 to 12 hours, depending if you use a 110-volt or 220-volt hookup. It is important to remember that the Focus EV and the Nissan Leaf are total electric vehicles and don’t have the ability to recharge the batteries on the fly, so planning trips carefully will be very important.

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January 2011 | greenliving az 39

Car Review

Toyota Plug-in-hybrid Prius There’s no doubt that the Prius has set the bar for hybrid drive vehicles. The third-generation Prius will feature plug-in technology that allows the Prius to go 13 miles on electric power only. The current Prius models can run on electric only at speeds under 25 miles an hour.

The Prius plug-in hybrid’s lithium-ion battery pack ensures strong, seamless acceleration up to highway speeds of more than 60mph on electric-only power. With a fully charged battery, it can travel a maximum of approximately 13 miles in EV mode. Once the EV-mode charge is depleted, the vehicle defaults to normal, full-hybrid mode and operates like a regular Prius.

The new Prius represents a significant enhancement of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD) system. It combines high-output lithium-ion batteries with HSD technology to offer a fully expanded electric driving mode. The Prius plug-in hybrid can be recharged in approximately three hours from a standard 110V electrical outlet or one and a half hours with a 220V connection.

These are just four of the choices available today, and more are coming soon from all manufacturers, including luxury and performance carmakers. It will be interesting to see how the public receives these new vehicles and how quickly the infrastructure will grow to handle total electric vehicles. Charging stations are available now for businesses and homes. For city commuting, electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus EV are great options. For those that don’t want to deal with range anxiety, the Plug-in Hybrid Toyota and Chevrolet Volt will certainly fit the bill.

Because of issues like weight, size and cost of batteries that offer long range driving, accompanied with the lack of public recharging infrastructure and range anxiety, Toyota sees plug-in hybrid vehicles as the most realistic way to provide a happy medium for drivers to use electric power off the grid.

Bill Zervakos is co-producer and co-host with Cathy Droz of Two for the Road USA radio productions. Bill has been test-driving and reviewing vehicles for manufacturers for over 16 years on radio, video and in print.

Find more about Two for the Road USA at twofortheroadusa.com.

Photography courtesy of Two for the Road

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Corporate Social Responsibility

Green Living AZ asked our municipalities and school systems what they do to incentivize employees to use mass transit or alternative transportation.

The City of Tempe The City of Tempe provides employees resources and incentives that encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation, helping to reduce the Valley’s air pollution and traffic congestion problems. Employees receive free bus and light rail passes, and offers employees a $250 subsidy to purchase a new bike if they commit to riding on a regular basis. Employees who carpool receive preferential parking and a guaranteed ride home if needed. Monthly drawings are held for alternative-mode users, with five winners each week receiving $20, as well as additional drawings for $40 in downtown Tempe gift certificates during highpollution months. The City of Tempe is committed to creating a culture of environmental stewardship among its employees and the community.

Arizona State University Arizona State University Parking and Transit Services offers several transit programs for employees that incentivize the use of alternate forms of transportation, such as discounted transit passes and Zipcars.

ASU employees can purchase a considerably discounted annual U-Pass/ platinum pass, which offers unlimited use of Valley Metro buses and light rail.

Students can also purchase an even cheaper version of the U-Pass/platinum pass. “Despite the current economy, ASU continues to subsidize more than 50 percent of the cost of the program for employees as an incentive to promote public transit use,� says ASU Parking and Transit Services director Theresa Fletcher. Nearly 13,000 employees and students have these transit passes.

The car-sharing program, Zipcar, provides the ASU community access to any one of the 17 low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles in the ASU Zipcar fleet distributed among all four campuses.

These initiatives offer employees choices of transportation while simultaneously decreasing the overall carbon footprint.

Maricopa County Maricopa County employees are encouraged to explore alternative commuting solutions designed to reduce single-occupant trips and miles that result in reductions in pollution and traffic congestion.

Employees are offered fully subsidized transit passes for bus and light rail, subsidized vanpools, preferred parking for carpools, compressed work schedules and telecommuting options. Registered alternate mode users are guaranteed a ride home should they experience an illness or emergency during their workday.

Commuting options events and alternate mode user-incentive drawings are regularly scheduled, and daily updates on air quality conditions are also provided.

In 2010, 64 percent of employees countywide chose an alternative mode of transportation. County employees made over a half million trips on the transit system using their free transit passes. Vanpoolers receive a subsidy of $85 per month per rider, and this year over 200 employees participated in the largest vanpool fleet in the Valley, logging 13,000 trips.

Maricopa County employees have saved 17,531,098 miles in drive-alone trips and $1,071,111 in commuting costs. These initiatives have resulted in the elimination of 3,319 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and 80 tons of exhaust emissions. greenlivingaz.com

January 2011 | greenliving az 41

Community Feature

University of Arizona Student Campus Recreation Center Extension

BY TISHIN DONKERSELY, M.A.

Located directly across from the Arizona Stadium on Sixth Street, the UA rec center is the first LEED Platinum recreation facility in the country. UA’s policy requires every new building to earn LEED Silver certification, at a minimum. The design and build team of M3 Engineering and Technology Corp., Sundt Construction, Sasaki Associates, various UA departments and others, went above and beyond reaching Platinum status, exceeding by four points.

K

icking off the new year with resolutions, some of us decided to bust out our running shoes, hit the pavement and start a new exercising regime. If you are in Tucson, and especially if you are affiliated with the University of Arizona (UA), the new UA Student Campus Recreation center extension (SCRE) is the place to work on that resolution.

With 53,000 additional gross square feet of exercise space, state-of-the-art equipment, multi-purpose rooms and outdoor activities, the gung-ho goal-setter will have ample opportunity to work through that exercise checklist.

42 greenliving az | January 2011

Entering the newly renovated lobby, I felt like I entered a boutique hotel, with retail shops lining the hallway. Mark Zakrzewski, Assistant Director of Fitness for Campus Recreation, explained that they are planning on adding a bistro, “Fuel,” to the space.

After check-in, we passed through the hallway of the old building and arrived at what May Carr, RA, Senior Architect of Planning, Design and Construction for UA, calls “the tunnel of light” that bridges the old and new facility. The tunnel has a two-story glass wall on the south side, providing a view of the outdoor activity courtyard. According to Steve Dawe AIA, LEED AP of M3, the expansion was designed to wrap greenlivingaz.com

Community Feature around a courtyard with three main features: “the fitness area, a multiple athletic court gym (MAC) and the outdoor adventures, each of which has its own building and are connected and arranged to form courtyards with [communal spaces] and other recreational activities [rock climbing and sand volleyball].”

When we reached the two-story atrium, “Wow!” was all I could say as I looked up and around at the open space.

Photography by Bill Timmerman, Rec Center Architect

The expansion includes 200 pieces of strength equipment on the first floor, 150 pieces of new cardio machines, a “glass box” for personal training on the mezzanine level, and my favorite, an LCD projector used as a TV. Zakrzewski indicated that the projector is mainly used to watch sporting events, including the Super Bowl; essentially one can work out while cheering on their favorite team. Zakrzewski said in the future they will expand their community events to include movie nights.

Zakrzewski indicated that between 4,000 and 5,000 members visit the facility per day, and they average 100,000 members per month during the semester. Anyone affiliated with the university, including alumni, are encouraged to use the facilities. With that many bodies in one space, I couldn’t help but ask about the HVAC system. The design team made sure to provide ample circulation and fresh air ventilation to avoid that “gym smell,” Carr said.

According to Carr, the three main aspects of the expansion that make this facility unique are the immense use of natural lighting for energy efficiency, storm water management and recycled materials.

“Ninety-nine percent of occupied spaces in the SCRE have access to daylight and views,” Dawe explained. I particularly noticed there was a consistent feel of openness, welcoming and a constant comfortable temperature. To maintain this airy and vibrant feel, the design incorporated the extensive use of aesthetically pleasing overhangs and extended rooflines to allow light but reduce greenlivingaz.com

January 2011 | greenliving az 43

Community Feature

heat gain. On the mezzanine floor, the north-facing walls have vertical fins – thick pieces of special glass that stream natural light but protect against the morning sun’s glare. There is a sense of urban living from the outside. “Views into the facility both emphasize the vitality of student life on campus and help dissolve the opaque wall of the building along Sixth Street,” Dawe said.

To fuel all of the cardio machines and lighting, power is generated from an off-site production combination of wind, solar and other sources to reduce energy needs. Carr indicated that solar panels were being installed on the rooftops. Between the materials for the roof, alternative energy sources and effort to reduce solar heat gain, the team was able to generate a 50.4 percent decrease in energy costs.

Other aspects of the extension include a 47 percent overall water usage reduction via storm water systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures and permeable surfaces. Twenty percent of all materials used in the SCRE were regionally manufactured; the wood slats located above the mezzanine, used for noise diffusers, were Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, and over 90 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills!

Venturing outdoors, I felt a sense of community and saw many choices for activities. Whether you desire to play sand volleyball, climb the rock wall or hang out, this communal space was designed with students in mind.

The MAC gym and Outdoor Adventure Center are located across from the main facility. The Outdoor Adventure Center is a 55,000-square-foot space that is specifically designed for multiuse. “We have used [the MAC gym] for anything from

44 greenliving az | January 2011

roller hockey, basketball, special events to ballroom dancing,” Zakrzewski said.

Next door the Outdoor Adventures program is a one-stop miniREI store, housing anything from kayaks to canoes to camping gear. Outdoor enthusiasts can sign up for an excursion or even take a cooking class to learn how to prepare an over-the-fire entrée. The best part is that anyone affiliated with the university can rent outdoor equipment for significantly cheaper than many retail stores.

“In this case, it was the students for whom we were able to improve their recreational experience on campus and be a facilitator for their interest in sustainable design,” Dawe said.

The synergy with the team helped create an amazing center for students university-wide. The benefit of working on green projects is the synergy that develops from working as a whole.

Tom Rice of Sundt said, “The thing I liked best about the project was the commitment to success. When problems arose, the entire team was involved in solutions that provided the best value to the students. It was extremely rewarding to be involved in the various tours given to students during construction and to see their excitement as they heard about all the efforts involved through design and construction of the project.”

SOURCES M3 Engineering and Technology Corp., Sasaki Associates, Sundt Construction and the University of Arizona

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January 2011

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Architecture

of the any structural changes, but this was a fairly extensive interior remodel,” Shively said.

Earth

BY DAVID M. BROWN

F

or our ancestors, everything in creation was elemental: air, fire, water, earth or their combination. For us, these can also be the elements in the design of our new and remodeled homes. Add some color – especially “green” – and our homes can also be built with sensitivity to our earth.

Four Valley professionals – an architect, a landscape architect, an interior designer and a contractor – have incorporated these themes into recent projects. One discusses a powder room renovation, incorporating an Earth motif. Another illustrates how a concern for space and airiness is an environmentally sensitive component of any building plan. Fire – its warmth and color – is the focus of a third participant. Lastly, a master pool builder will suggest some ways that pools and spas can cool you during desert summers, and showcase your support for the environment.

This included new finishes, including low-VOC paint, flooring, plumbing fixtures, kitchen countertops and appliances, cabinet hardware, lighting and furnishings. The backyard and patio, pool, spa and barbecue were also remodeled.

Picking up on the colors and textures of Troon, Shively chose an earthy theme for the powder room: “I started with the warm color scheme, which was created using Noce travertine floors, a rich golden faux finish on the walls and an earthen concrete sink and counter,” said Shively.

She had the integral counter and sink cast in one piece from Photography by Jerry Portelli Photography recycled concrete. The basin is filled with natural stone pebbles, reminiscent of a mountain streambed. “The concrete was cast in a warm, earthy, golden brown and then treated with a wash of a darker brown stain to create depth and a subtle mottled finish,” Shively said.

Earth

A cramped, drab powder room lacking style: Transforming it into contemporary Zen space recently challenged Tanya Shively, ASID, LEED AP, specialist in “green” interior design, principal of Scottsdale-based Sesshu Design Associates and one of many members of the Interior Studio Group.

To the sides of the basin, two pebble-like glass sconces reiterate the texture of the sink basin, and the mosaic tile behind the flowing water is an eco-friendly line of recycled glass and ceramic. The custom faucet is both a water feature and low-flow fixture with an automatic sensor. In addition, the original toilet was replaced with a low-flow Toto fixture.

The room was part of a home remodel completed last year for the Metzger family in Troon North, Scottsdale. The approximately 3,500-square-foot home was built in 1994. “We didn’t make

“The connection to the Earth was carried further with the addition of the floral motif on the hand towel, mirrored by the vase with stems of cherry blossoms,” Shively said.

46 greenliving az | January 2011

greenlivingaz.com

Architecture boron-based fire retardant, which impedes growth of fungus and mold and resists pests; and 5 percent polyolefin fibers, used as a glue to hold the batts together.

“It takes less energy to manufacture than other types of traditional insulation, contains no chemical irritants and is easy to install by either the contractors or homeowners,” Tsontakis said.

Fire

Photography by Scott Sandler

Air

Kristin and Randy Wojtysiak’s 6,086-square-foot home at the base of the McDowell Mountains in Fountain Hills incorporates a variety of environmentally sensitive components, many increasing a sense of space and its connection to the lush surrounding desert.

Their five-bedroom, five-and-a half-bath home in the Eagle Ridge community includes a 1,000-square-foot walk-out basement, whose only exposed elevation, on the west, incorporates a well that provides light without increasing heat gain.

“One aspect my clients requested was mountain and desert views,” said Nick Tsontakis, AIA, principal of Scottsdale-based Nick Tsontakis Architecture & Interiors.

As a result, the great room emphasizes those views and the home’s relation to the outside: a negative-edge pool, a wash and the mountains beyond. To frame the McDowells to the west, Tsontakis used an automated five-panel sliding glass door system – 20 feet wide by 10 feet high – with low-E glass and three semicircular overhangs.

“When the doors open, the inside and outside become one space,” said Tsontakis, whose firm specializes in remodeling and environmentally sensitive design.

“The essential and mystical qualities of fire are as old as time,” said Michael Dollin, RLA, ASLA, principal of Urban Earth Design (UED) and instructor at Arizona State University at the Herberger Institute for Design and Art. “Fire is a formative and transformative element. When applied in a well-designed, controlled manner in the environment, fires bring joy and warmth.”

Dollin uses fire when appropriate to provide “spice” in their projects. “Just as the heat of peppers can make a mundane recipe sizzle, a fireplace or firepot can provide just the right amount of life to an outdoor room,” explained Dollin “Fire yields visual interest, light and warmth.”

Recently, for four Valley clients – the Frank, Jarred and Sorosky homes in Phoenix and the Becker home in Scottsdale – Urban Earth Design infused backyards with this spirit. All fire pits and fire pots are powered by natural gas, which Dollin considers the best source of clean fire: “It provides the sparkle without the smoke,” Dollin said.

Around a concealed gas line, UED frequently uses glass or stone bedding material to maximize the look – even when the fire is not burning.

“We will take local stone or quarried materials that can be used for both paving and fireplaces and then blend the forms so that the fire element does not stick out as a utilitarian object when not in use,” Dollin explained.

Locating the fire element strategically so that it can be viewed from an interior room is good for extending the visual impact of a fireplace, Dollin said.

Within the home, Tsontakis maximizes space and energy efficiency with a circular design. The great room ceiling is an open wheel-spoke design, with nine varisized clerestory windows with overhangs and vertical baffles that help minimize heat gain while admitting natural light.

For insulation in the ceilings and walls, Tsontakis used recycled denim insulation batts, which have demonstrated outstanding sound absorption and thermal performance – better, in fact, than fiberglass at low temperatures and windy conditions – Tsontakis said. The two-by-six-inch framed walls have a value of R-19 and the ceilings R-38.

He explains that the recyclable batts are 85 percent postindustrial recycled natural denim and cotton fibers; 10 percent Photography by Norm Platt

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January 2011 | greenliving az 47

Architecture

Metal or terracotta vessels can also be used as containers for the flaming focal point. “Contrasting fire and water can be an interesting treatment if done in moderation,” Dollin suggested.

Saltwater is another recent sustainable pool innovation, Ferraro said. Also a Pentair product, the IntelliChlor® generator electrolytically converts ordinary table salt, sodium chloride, to pure chlorine, the standard pool sanitizer.

Water

The salt recycles, reducing the need to continually replenish it, and the generator also self-cleans. “You never have to transport heavy chlorine compounds again, and your children will never have stinging eyes again,” Ferraro said. “And, because fewer resources are used in its production, the product is also environmentally responsible.”

Annually since 1985, Mike Ferraro’s Scottsdale-based Phoenician Pool and Spa has installed and rebuilt about 50 to 60 custom-designed residential and commercial pools and spas throughout Arizona. He also specializes in all glass-tile installations and large glass windows above or below surface.

Ferraro explains that a variety of new energy-efficient pumps and cleaning systems, such as the Pentair variable speed pumps, are available as well as solar systems. “They’re quiet and save up to 90 percent on energy use,” Ferraro said. “Most traditional pumps are energy hogs and the use of energy-efficient pumps can save you hundreds of dollars or more in costs over their lifetimes.”

Solar pool heating uses the existing pool pump, Ferraro explained. Pool water moves through valves to the exterior solar collectors, rising to the top. Through the panels, the sun heats the water, which then returns to the pool. This cycle repeats until the desired pool temperature is reached.

Photography by Dino Tonn

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Art

Red, White or Refresh

BY ABIGAIL GILMORE

F

or many people, an empty wine bottle means the end of the party. For Ray DelMuro, an empty wine bottle is where is party begins. DelMuro is the founder and owner of Refresh Glass LLC, a company that turns recycled wine bottles into functional art.

In 2005, while DelMuro was working as a manufacturing engineer for an aerospace company in California, he decided to shake things up in his life and planned a trip around the world.

“My motivation for quitting had a few parts to it,” DelMuro said.

“I had the money and social situation to do it, it sounded like a blast, and I thought that might be the only time in my life when I could pull it off; but more importantly, my engineering job had the logic but lacked a passionate connection with the product and purpose that I was hoping for.”

Throughout his trip, DelMuro wrote about what he wanted to do when his year-long venture was over. “I wanted to combine engineering, art and my own business with a larger cause,” he said. “I finally signed up for entrepreneur classes at Scottsdale Community College and started an LLC, mind-mapped ideas for different projects and finally ended up choosing Refresh Glass to put all my energy and resources behind.”

Refresh Glass takes empty wine bottles and turns them into eco-friendly glassware. First, bottles are collected from local bars and restaurants. Next, the bottles are cut using a technique and system that has taken DelMuro years to develop. The bottles are then distributed and sold as art.

Refresh Glass started selling glassware at the Phoenix Public Market, but has come a long way since then. Now, the company is repurposing more than 10,000 bottles every month. The art

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is sold at Whole Foods, restaurants and businesses that supplied the glass, through national catalogs and at local businesses, like Practical Art in Phoenix.

“With Refresh Glass, Ray DelMuro has pioneered an innovative recycling system by taking an at-home, do-it-yourself technique, refining it into a polished manufacturing process and applying it to a whole urban center,” said Lisa Olson, manager at Practical Art. “Ray’s glassware is smooth-edged and stronger than the original bottles they’re fashioned from – these aren’t your Grandma’s infomercial glasses.”

Customers can’t get enough of Refresh Glass, Olson said. “Our customers love them for the cleverness of the concept, the simple elegance of their look, and how they feel in the hand,” she said.

“Everyone knows someone who loves wine, loves local, and at $25 and $30 for a set of four, they’re economical gifts! The custom packages, which can be reused or recycled, complete the presentation.”

Refresh Glass supports living green and encourages people to be net-positive green this year and for many years to come, and DelMuro and his company are surely doing their part. “As Refresh grows, it continues to increase the volume of empty wine bottles that would have ended up in the landfill every month,” DelMuro said. “My hope is that our growth is a win

for the city of Phoenix, and the people we work with and sell to specifically take pride in the part they play; and from what I have seen, I think they do.”

For more information visit, refreshglass.com or practical-art.com.

January 2011 | greenliving az 49

Feature

Vintners

going sustainable

BY BARBI WALKER

Sustainable wines - what are they and why should I care if my cab, merlot or pinot came from a sustainable winery?

C

hris Benziger from the Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, California, explains that when you drink a wine, you are “tasting a destination.”

As any good wine maker or wine lover knows, terroir has a major impact on a wine’s taste. Vintners agree that through chemical-free, sustainable farming the wine will be more authentic by picking up the true essence of the land. Why is it so important?

Benziger, who quotes Gandhi as he explains sustainable farming, believes sustainable practices have not only improved the land where their vines grow, but have changed the taste of their wines.

Benziger says their vineyards have never looked more beautiful, alive or vibrant. He says that before the family winery took on sustainable wine growing, the farm “was going brown.”

After 10 years of carefully working in harmony with the land, the farm is now lush and green, alive with the sounds of birds, bees and other buzzing insects, ripe with life.

“The wine picks up all the flavors of the land,” Benziger said. Now that the land they farm is more in tune with nature and less reliant on chemicals, the wine really presents its best side.

Drinking chemicals, in my wine? I hadn’t really thought of it before, but now it makes sense. Even though I look for organically grown wines, there is more to consider than just organic processes.

Local Arizona vintner Eric Glomski, founder and director of winemaking for Arizona Stronghold, says it best: “If you are dumping chemicals on the ground, those grapes are going to soak it up.”

Wine grapes, like other produce, are farmed; and farmers have to control pests in order to grow healthy produce. So if tomatoes, apples or cucumbers are grown with pesticides and chemicals, we should think about this in terms of wines.

Just ask Michael Honig of Honig Vineyard and Winery in Rutherford, California. “You can be a certified organic farmer but

50 greenliving az | January 2011

still destroy the land,” Honig said.

Honig is a strong believer in sustainable farming. About 10 years ago he chaired California’s first initiative to develop a “Code” for sustainable wine growing practices. He helped write the Code of Sustainable Practices for the Wine Institute and played a major role in developing the first sustainable certification for California wineries.

The “Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices SelfAssessment Workbook” Honig helped develop is a 500-page tome that includes 227 criteria for winegrowers to assess and address the ecological, economic and social equity of their vineyard, according to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA).

Sustainable farming can mean different things, but the most commonly accepted meaning is being a “good steward of the land,” according to the University of California’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP). In fact, the program’s website declares how important sustainability is for future generations: “Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance.”

Sustainability goes beyond organic farming. According to CSWA’s website, sustainablewinegrowing.org, “In addition to earth-friendly methods for vineyards and surrounding ecosystems, sustainability includes energy efficiency, protection of air and water quality, enhanced relations with employees and neighbors, environmentally preferred purchasing, among many others.”

This “umbrella concept,” as noted by CSWA, overlaps both biodynamic and organic practices and principles.

One such practice is regulated deficit irrigation. This particular technique purposely withholds irrigation to stress the vine, which in turn, can improve grape quality.

And with new moisture-sensing technology like the pressure chamber or referred to as a pressure bomb, farmers and greenlivingaz.com

Feature

Sustainable farming is being a “good steward of the land” vintners know exactly how much water their vines need, Honig said. The pressure bomb is so accurate that the Honig winery didn’t water in 2010 at all!

“This is a huge savings to society because we use less water,” Honig explained. “We know the vines are healthier.”

Healthier vines mean healthier wines, which mean healthier bottom lines.

Sustainability recognizes all three important aspects of growth: health for the environment, healthy financial profitability for companies, and healthy social and economic impact (often called the ‘Triple Bottom Line’). Both the “Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices” workbook and the UC SAREP point out these three elements of sustainability.

• Environmental health

• Economic profitability

• Social and economic equity It sounds holistic, and maybe it is, but what better place to incorporate holistic principles than in a vineyard? Vintners are part artist, part farmer and part merchant. Their love of the land comes through as they describe the feel of the dirt when they are out working in the vineyards, or the smell of the breeze as it flutters the grape leaves.

It isn’t just the complexity of the wine that they love, but also understanding what the earth has to give to the wine, and knowing how to take care of the earth.

All the wine growers I spoke with repeatedly agreed that being a sustainable vintner means being in the vineyard more. Winemakers have to look at the crops, have to see what is happening to the vines, the terroir, all of it. Just like any produce farmer, they need to really know what is going on in the part of nature that encompasses their vineyards.

“Sustainable farming forces the winemaker out into the vineyards. We have to know our piece of property,” Benziger said.

“You get into the rhythm of the land.”

But incorporating sustainable practices isn’t always cheap, and producing wine is a business. Glomski points out that getting rich in the wine business won’t come quickly, or at all, and implementing sustainable elements isn’t always financially feasible.

However, Glomski’s love of both the environment and Arizona motivates him to do as much as possible to keep the vineyards healthy and chemical-free. He refers to his approach as a “blended approach” to winemaking.

Arizona Stronghold vineyard, located near Willcox, uses composting, manure and bacterium sprays. Citric-acid/sulfites are used for sterilizing, and the vineyard is free of petro-chemicals.

Glomski doesn’t overlook the connection between Arizona Stronghold’s chemical-free farming and receiving 89 out of 100 points from “Wine Spectator” on its 2009 Nachise wine. Glomski greenlivingaz.com

said the land is doing better since converting the farm from conventional to sustainable farming.

Although Glomski drives hundreds of miles regularly between his wineries and tasting rooms located throughout Arizona, he said all the driving is “a necessary evil” to promote what he and his business partner, Maynard Keenan (lead singer for the multiplatinum record-selling band Tool), believe so strongly in: Arizona Wine.

“We take it seriously and are relentlessly marketing it,” Glomski said.

Winemaker Sam Pillsbury, of the Pillsbury Wine Company, is another major believer in Arizona wines. Pillsbury, also a filmmaker, is living a dream come true as a winemaker in Arizona.

“I’ve always had a big thing about celebrating the region you live in,” said the New Zealand transplant. “I was pretty sure wine producing was going to happen here.”

It looks like Pillsbury knew what he was talking about.

“Wine Spectator” New York senior editor, James Molesworth, blogged about Arizona wines and the “serious quality” coming out of the Grand Canyon State, according to winespectator.com.

Such serious quality that Pillsbury’s own 2007 Petite Sirah from Cochise County Stronghold Vineyard scored 89 points from “Wine Spectator.”

The passion winegrowers feel for their land and wine translates to buyers and consumers. Brent Karlicek, wine merchant for local Postino Winecafes, said the staff at both Phoenix restaurants are getting caught up in the passions of local Arizona producers, such as Arizona Stronghold and environmentally conscious vintners like Honig, Benziger and Oregon-based Erath. Karlicek says the current movement of sustainable winegrowing practices produces better wines.

“Sustainable viticulture as a practice means a lot more time, a lot more connecting with the vineyard – you don’t make a better wine by accident,” Karlicek explained.

“The current movement away from commodity wines to high-yield, chemical-free wines offers an expression of the place, or destination. Karlicek said, echoing Chris Benziger. “It allows for a connection to that place.”

This is great news for Arizonans who want to support local merchants, buy from responsible wineries, and connect to their home with a glass of rich, complex wine.

Enjoying wine is a personal experience on many levels, and feeling good about what you are drinking should be part of the enjoyment.

“When you buy things that you believe in, you are going to feel better about them, better about yourself,” Glomski said.

Cheers!

Opposite Page: Honig Vineyard This Page Top and Bottom: Benziger Family Winery & Eric with Arizona Stronghold Vineyard

January 2011 | greenliving az 51

Conservation

BY EDWARD RICCIUTI

“Eye of the tiger”

is a phrase of uncertain origin, popularized as the musical theme for Rocky III, as played by the band Survivor. For me, it has a much more profound significance, arising from my most memorable experience with wild animals – and I’ve been chased by elephants, rubbed noses with an African buffalo and been bitten by caiman and coati. Ever since I gazed deep into those orbs of terrible glory during my first meeting with a wild tiger more than three decades ago - tiger eyes, amber and unblinking, are burned into my memory. It takes but a millisecond for my mind to resurrect the image of that fierce face and the eyes, staring back into my binoculars from a few hundred yards away. I had known many tigers close up in zoos, even petted hand-reared cubs, but nothing prepared me for meeting one on its own turf and terms.

I was riding in the backseat of a vehicle driven through Thailand’s Kaho Yai National Park by a British ornithologist and an American aid worker, who was accompanied by his girlfriend.

“A dog,” she said, as a form flashed across the road ahead. “No, it’s a tiger!” yelled the driver.

We stopped the vehicle, but the tiger had vanished into the forested ravine fringing the road. On the other side, sambar deer – cousins of our elk – grazed on a gentle, grassy hillside. Then, in the brush at the edge of the grass, we saw the tiger; or rather its other set of “eyes,” two white eye spots visible on the back of its ears when raised. Apparently not hungry, the tiger skirted the deer herd and, as I followed it with my binoculars, it looked back, directly at me.

52 greenliving az | January 2011

Since I first was mesmerized by them, those eyes have always evoked in me an appreciation for nature’s raw, primal power. Increasingly, however, they also speak of the fragility of nature and generate an inescapable sadness. Endangered species experts of virtually every ilk agree that, barring massive human intervention within the next decade, someday soon parents will tell their children that, once upon a time there were wild tigers.

Ironically, last year as the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese calendar drew to a close, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) warned that by the time it again rolls around a dozen years from now, the last of the Earth’s remaining 3,200 or so wild tigers could be gone. This theme resounded at a series of international tiger conservation meetings during the year, ending with a November “tiger summit” in St. Petersburg, Russia, hosted by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Putin has been a vocal advocate for tiger conservation. Russia, in fact, is the only nation where tiger populations have increased.

Representatives of the 13 nations with wild tigers and a coalition of conservationists from around the globe admitted that efforts to protect the striped cat had gone down the tubes.

The so-called tiger range nations, backed by financial and conservation powers like the World Bank and New York Citybased Wildlife Conservation Society (WCI), signed a declaration pledging to save the tigers and double their wild population by the next Year of the Tiger.

Range nations, many of them impoverished, will require $350 million in funding to put the first five years of the declaration’s plans into effect. Earlier in the year, the World greenlivingaz.com

Conservation Bank committed $2.8 billion, and at the summit, actor Leonardo DiCaprio pledged $1 million. DiCaprio is active in the WWF, which, along with groups such as the WCI, is raising funds for tiger conservation.

Tigers are suffering from a one-two punch: the loss of their habitat, and a trade in tiger parts (particularly bones) deemed important ingredients for many treatments used by practitioners of traditional Asian medicine. Although nominally illegal, the trade flourishes and sparks poaching that decimates remaining tiger populations. Also contributing to tiger decline is the loss of prey, especially deer and wild pigs, which are coveted by humans as well as big cats.

A half dozen tiger subspecies remain, although one, the South China tiger, may be extinct. India’s Bengal tiger is most numerous, totaling more than 1,800 animals. The Malay tiger numbers about 500; the Amur, or Siberian tiger about the same.

The Indo-Chinese tiger totals about 300, and the Sumatran about 400. Sumatran tigers, the smallest subspecies, can be seen on exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo. Not only do zoos keep tigers for exhibition, but to breed them as gene-pool insurance against total species extinction.

Tigers breed readily in captivity, so there is no shortage of them in zoos and in private hands (some misguided folk attempt to keep tigers as pets). All told, the world’s captive population may equal or even exceed that in the wild.

If poaching can be stopped, the outlook for tigers improves vastly because enough habitat remains in Asia to support a healthy population. Last year, Russia and China took a major stride in that direction by creating the first cross-border area in which Amur tigers, the largest subspecies and biggest existing cat, are protected. Meanwhile, scientists are beginning to pinpoint areas of habitat across Asia that are critical to and suitable for tiger populations. Beyond that, conservationists are striving to establish corridors between chunks of habitat over which individual tigers can migrate and reduce chances of inbreeding.

Concerns about creatures that live on the other side of the world might seem low on the list for Arizonans; however, the earth will be poorer for all of its human inhabitants if we have to say that once upon a time there were tigers.

Professional Photo & Video Services

The Phoenix Zoo has a pair of Sumatran tigers on exhibit, a male called “Jai” and a female, “Hadiah.” The male was born at the Louisville Zoo and the female at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington. Zoos regularly trade rare species back and forth as part of coordinated captive breeding programs. The Phoenix Zoo hopes to begin breeding its pair shortly. The tigers are viewable in one wing of a building that also houses lions. Eventually, the zoo hopes to construct a new exhibit for the tigers.

Edward Ricciuti has covered conservation issues around the globe. His specialties include natural history, environmental and conservation issues, science and law enforcement. He was a curator for the New York Zoological Society, now the Wildlife Conservation Society. He has written more than 80 books, with his most recent “The Snake Almanac” (The Lyons Press).

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January 2011 | greenliving az 53

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Cool Outrageous

5 [PET Jewelry

1 [Allerbling™ Wristband The Allerbling™ wristband is a medical ID bracelet, customizable based on your child’s allergic conditions.

Find charms online that note specific allergies, like peanut, wheat and shellfish. Allerbling™ is a visual, educational tool and conversation piece that raises awareness about child allergies and has potential to save lives. allerbling.com

2

Magic Fortune Telling Beans This is an even cooler version of Jack and the Beanstalk magic beans. Ask the magical beans your yes or no question, then plant them. The first bean to sprout will magically reveal your fortune!

Biodegradable, all-natural. Kit includes nine edible lima beans, three coir pots and three peat pellets. Made in USA. For ages 5 and up. hearthsong.com

4

6 [Trash is another man’s showpiece?

Until January 8, 2011, the NY Studio Gallery presents “Trash,” a group show highlighting artists whose work is inspired by trash, refuse, waste and debris. The art featured in this exhibit is meant to alter our negative reaction to consumption, an unavoidable element of modern living, by creating beautiful and insightful artwork. nystudiogallery.com

Hanger Hamper® Approximately 3.5 billion wire hangers are discarded in landfills each year. Hanger Hamper® collapsible storage units stack and store up to 100 hangers, creating more rod space for clothes and reducing trash waste. Hanger Hamper® was designed to help consumers and dry cleaners easily re-use and recycle hangers. hangerhamper-retail.com

3

Brazilian artisan Mana Bernandes has found a way to recycle PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, what most of our plastic containers are made out of, into eco jewelry. The PET line includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Other items include blue disc jewelry made from used phone cards, button earrings made from old elevator buttons, and plastic utensil collar necklaces. Products are available at mana.cx.

Enviro-Log® firelog Enviro-Logs® are a cleaner option to traditional wood logs or fire starters.

Made from 100 percent recycled cardboard, Enviro-Logs® generate 50 percent more heat than wood and have 30 percent less emissions.

Enviro-Log® firelogs are the only manufactured firelog tested safe for use in woodstoves, chimineas, campfires and for indoor and outdoor cooking. To date, Enviro-Log® has partnered with more than 40 companies to reduce their environmental impact by diverting over 100 million pounds of wax from landfills. enviro-log.net

54 greenliving az | January 2011

7 [ Stay in a pod The Whitepod resort is the green place to be when visiting the Swiss Alps! Tucked in the cozy village of Les Cerniers, Whitepod houses guests in pods (dome-shaped tents) pitched on wooden platforms. This low-impact resort aims to be a model for sustainable tourism by minimizing daily water and electricity intake, reducing waste production, using renewable resources and increasing clients’ awareness of environmental protection. For more information about Whitepod, visit whitepod.com.

8

Recycled Boat Sail Chair These modern chairs by Spinnaker© are stylish, cozy and made with recycled sail cloth. Spinnaker© chairs feature frames made from spring steel, a largely recyclable material, and are shaped with your health in mind.

According to the company, the chair’s curvature allows for optimal blood circulation. spinnaker.no

Send us your cool and outrageous finds to submissions@greenlivingaz.com

greenlivingaz.com

Book Review

The Empowered Patient WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH COHEN REVIEWED BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Medical insurance might be a sore spot with you these days. Maybe that’s because you’re sore and achy and your throat hurts, not to mention the fever you’ve had.

You obtained meds for it a few months ago, but this ailment isn’t going away; in fact, it’s gotten worse, and you’re getting worried. Before you make a call, take an afternoon to read “The Empowered Patient” by Elizabeth Cohen.

Cohen suggests everyone learn how to be a “bad patient.” “If there’s one thing you should take away from this book, it’s that you must find a doctor who takes you and your health problems seriously,” Cohen said. Cohen suggests “test driving” prospective physicians. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and when you find Dr. Right, “Get it DUN!” Cohen said.

Cohen suggests using the Internet to your advantage.

While you don’t want to become a cyberchondriac, and you shouldn’t bring reams of paper to your next appointment, it’s prudent to show your doctor what you’ve researched.

What if you’ve already got a good doc? Learn how to ask delicate questions (especially if you notice a lot of medical-marketing freebies in your doctor’s office). Do your homework before you buy any insurance policy and beware of “discount cards.”

Author and CNN Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen takes readers from inpatient to outpatient and everywhere in between in this useful, thorough book.

Cohen uses casebook stories as examples, and she explains everything in terms that even the most non-medical person can comprehend.

I found the handy synopsis at the end of each chapter very helpful.

Being sick stinks, but not knowing where to turn is worse, so take “The Empowered Patient” along as you head to that first doctor’s appointment.

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www.puresalonaz.com January 2011 | greenliving az 55

He’s Green She’s Green

She is: Jennifer Burkhart He is: John Burkhart

This month our green couple sampled the great, the bland and the chewy.

That’s right, we’re talking about all things granola!

Clif Kid Organic Zbar “Honey Graham”

Cascadian Farm Organic Crunchy Granola Bars “Harvest Spice”

He said: I’m not a big fan of this PowerBar-esque granola bar. It didn’t taste bad, but the texture was awful. It’s cakey and mushy, with very few signs of the “whole” grains said to be inside.

I would highly recommend this granola bar to snakes and people who can’t find their dentures, because its an ABC snack (Already Been Chewed).

She said: This one has the dense, chewy texture you’d expect from a typical Clif Bar. It’s marketed to kids, but we’re all kids at heart, right? The sweet drizzle on top makes you think you’re eating a candy bar (and entices the kiddos), but by the end, it feels as though you’ve eaten a small meal.

Packed with nutrients and a pleasant honey graham flavor, this is a good “I may have to skip a meal” choice.

He gave it:

She gave it:

He said: Okay, is it just me, or are crunchy granola bars so much better than chewy ones? I really liked these. They taste exactly like Nature Valley bars, but they’re certified organic.

They’re made without hydrogenated oils and have 1.5 grams of flax seed, which I hear is supposed to be good for me.

She said: Yum! My favorite! This tastes like autumn: cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice (drool). The crunchy texture is just right, not “break your teeth” crunchy.

I just love the two-bar pouches! Just when you think you’re done, yes, there’s more! High five Cascadian Farm!

She gave it:

He gave it:

Glutino Gluten Free Organic Bars “Chocolate & banana”

He said: The bar’s flavor was pretty good, but as far as texture, it was the exact opposite of the Z bar – extremely dense and tough to chew. (Kinda skimpy on the vitamins and fiber too).

I would recommend this bar to goats and cows, or anyone that wants a more defined jaw line.

She said: The chocolate and banana blend sounded fantastic, and the picture was drool-worthy. I’m sorry to say though, especially to those out there limited to gluten-free food, that after taking my first bite, I couldn’t wait till the moment was over. My face froze into a frown while attempting to chew the dry, ultra-chewy, oddly flavored bar. For me, the banana/ chocolate blend = not so much.

He gave it: She gave it:

Health Valley Organic Multigrain Chewy Granola Bars “Wild Berry”

He said: The back of the box is pretty impressive. Low fat, high fiber and 20 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C. But the wild berry flavor was just a little too wild for me. In the spirit of Dr. Seuss, this one was way too sweet, way too chewy, far too sticky and far too gluey. Next time I buy these, I’ll be braver and choose a different flavor.

She said: Mmmm! With frosting drizzled on top and plenty of berries, this one looks and smells like a pastry. It’s perfectly soft and chewy, and bursting with berry flavor. The sweet frosting could be toned down a bit, but it’s a good choice to satisfy your sweet tooth and to get a good dose of antioxidants – 25 percent RDI! She gave it:

He gave it:

Nature’s Path Organic Chewy Granola Bars “Chococonut”

He said: I was excited to try these. I thought, “Chocolate and coconut together, how can you go wrong?” Well, something went wrong. The oat flavor was so strong it drowned every other flavor out. But don’t worry, Nature’s Path, I think I know how to fix the problem! Add an even stronger flavor, like coffee, and just rename it, the “Mochachococonut” bar.

She said: Chococonut is just fun to say! It’ll take a couple tries, don’t hurt yourself.

Coconut and chocolate is a favorite combo of mine, so I was excited for this one. It is soft and chewy, like a rice crispy, has plenty of chocolate chips and yummy coconut, but has a strong oat flavor that tends to steal the show. I would prefer an overpowering chocolate flavor, but I still enjoyed this one!

He gave it:

She gave it:

56 greenliving az | January 2011

greenlivingaz.com

Chef

SEASONS 52 | CHEF JEFF LAVINE

BY ABIGAIL GILMORE

W

henever Jeff LaVine smells mint, he is immediately brought back to the first time food became truly important in his life. LaVine grew up in a large family who ate dinner together at least five times a week. One day, his grandmother asked him to help her pick herbs from her herb garden, including mint, to make a salad. From that day on, LaVine has been picking those same herbs to make a salad for his family.

It was then that LaVine’s love for food blossomed, and cooking became a large part of his life. Now he has been cooking professionally for more than 20 years.

Though he was not classically trained, he will tell you that he learned unique cooking tricks from the best: his family.

“My grandparents were in the restaurant business and I learned a lot about cooking and the business from them. I also went to the school of hard-knock apprenticeships and trained under some of the best chefs, including Wolfgang Puck,” LaVine said. Presently, LaVine is executive chef at Seasons 52, located at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix.

The Seasons 52 menu changes four times a year – with the seasons, though specials change each week. The food is organic and locally grown whenever possible. At Seasons 52, you won’t find any fryers, butter or heavy cream, LaVine said.

Chef Jeff Lavine Seasonallly-inspired menu 2502 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 602.840.5252 seasons52.com.

“At Seasons, we take an all-around look at eating healthy and thinking healthy,” he said. Additionally, all items on the menu are less than 475 calories. “It’s great-tasting food that also happens to be good for you.”

And while the food is eco-friendly in itself, Seasons 52 goes above and beyond when it comes to living green.

The company participates in a Second Harvest program, where food not used on a daily basis is donated and used to feed the local hungry.

“Everybody cares,” LaVine said. “Everyone participates in being a responsible vendor.” The company has its own Green Team to discuss how to be eco-friendly in all endeavors.

LaVine added, “Seasons will be the last job I ever have,” and he truly means it. “I love working here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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January 2011 | greenliving az 57

For your upcoming 2011 Super Bowl party, kick off the year right with some healthy alternatives and recipes while staying stay mindful of the calories as you touchdown on your healthy goals.

Healthy Tips for Super Bowl Sunday 1. Serve lightly salted almonds. They are delicious and full of fiber!

2. Make dips with non-fat sour cream or plain yogurt (or a combination of both for a creamy texture). Be sure to include fresh vegetables on the side!

3. Pour salsa over non-fat cream cheese and serve with lightly salted baked corn chips.

4. Hummus is always delicious and nutritious, and can be served with sliced cucumbers and baked pita triangles.

Mini Black Bean Cakes with Green Onion

Cream and Avocado Salsa

Recipe courtesy of U Rock Girl by Erin MacDonald, R.N. urockgirl.com

10

Ingredients Cakes 1/2 cup pre-made salsa 2 tbsps. ground cumin 2 (19 oz.) cans seasoned black beans (rinsed and drained)

1 cup dry breadcrumbs, divided 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced Pinch of salt Cooking spray Toppings 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Makes 24 cakes 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup avocado, diced and peeled 1/4 cup diced sweet red or white onion 1 tsp. fresh lime juice

20 30

Directions Preheat oven to 375˚. Pre-coat baking sheet with cooking spray. To prepare cakes, combine first three ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth. Stir in ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup green onions and salt. Divide mixture into 24 equal portions; shaping each into a ½-inch thick patty. Place ½ cup breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Dredge patties in breadcrumbs, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 375˚ for 14 minutes, turning over after 7 minutes.

To prepare toppings, combine sour cream (or yogurt) and ¼ cup green onions in a small bowl. Combine avocado, tomato, onion and lime juice in a small bowl. Top each patty with 1 teaspoon green onion cream and 1 teaspoon avocado salsa.

40

Bruschetta with Arugula and Rosemary White Bean Spread Recipe courtesy of the Junior League of Phoenix jlp.org

50 40

Ingredients 1 baguette French bread, sliced White bean spread 1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 tbsps. olive oil 2 tbsps. water

Serves 6 to 8

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 small garlic clove, crushed 1/2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1/4 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary Arugula mixture 1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 small bunch arugula, trimmed and julienned

30 20

Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 8 minutes or until light brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Combine 2/3 of the beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, water, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor and process for 10 seconds or until smooth. Add the remaining beans and rosemary and pulse just until mixed but not smooth.

For the arugula mixture, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt in a bowl. Add the onion and arugula and toss to coat. Spread the bean mixture on one side of each toasted bread slice and top each with some of the arugula mixture. Serve immediately.

10

Extra Point Punch Slush Makes 50 (4 oz.) servings Ingredients 2 cups white sugar 6 cups water

2 (3 oz.) pkgs. strawberry gelatin mix 1 (32 oz.) pack Kern’s Mango

Nectar 1 quart pineapple juice 2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime soda

Directions In a large pot, combine sugar, water and strawberry gelatin. Boil for 3 minutes, then stir in mango nectar and pineapple juice. Divide mixture in half and freeze in two separate containers. When ready to serve, place the frozen contents of one container in a punch bowl, then stir in one bottle of lemon-lime soda until slushy.

58 greenliving az | January 2011

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Mushroom Streudel Serves 4-6 1/4 cup olive oil 1 yellow onion, diced 2 tsps. garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp. dried thyme 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper 2 lbs. assorted mushrooms, sliced 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup provolone cheese, grated 1 sheet puff pastry thawed

Recipe courtesy of Chef Walter Paulson

Egg wash

1

Beat one egg with one tablespoon of water.

Directions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.

Add mushrooms, salt, pepper and thyme. Cook until all juices have evaporated. Cool in the refrigerator.

When cool, mix in the cheeses.

Lay out the puff pastry and brush edges with egg wash.

Spread the mushroom mixture over the lower 1/3 of the pastry and form into a log shape.

Bring the bottom of the end of the pastry up and roll to seal. Seal all of the edges.

Brush the entire pastry with egg wash.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza with 3 Cheese Serves 4-6 GF Pizza Dough Mix (pre-prepared) 1 tbsp. olive oil Red onions, chopped or thinly sliced Red bell peppers, cut into thin strips 1 tbsp. dried oregano 3 cloves garlic, finely sliced 2 small zucchini, cut into thin strips 4 oz. fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 2

1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 5 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced (or sun dried tomatoes if desired) 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese

Recipe courtesy of Mary Heitmeyer, co-host of Healthy U TV Show and Owner/Executive Chef of ChefDujour. healthyutvshow.com

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Pour one tablespoon olive oil in saucepan. Over medium heat, sauté onion, bell pepper and oregano for 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini, mushrooms and garlic and sauté for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper. Brush prepared crust with olive oil. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over crust and top with tomatoes. Mound sautéed vegetables on top and sprinkle with Parmesan & provolone cheeses. Bake 10-20 minutes, or until cheeses melt and brown slightly.

Orange Spice Tea Serves 4 2 cups water 2 black tea bags 1 cinnamon stick

6 whole cloves 1 tbsp. brown sugar, packed 1 cup orange juice

Combine water, cinnamon and cloves in a small pot. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Add tea bags and set aside for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Stir in the orange juice and brown sugar and warm. Prior to serving, pour tea mixture through a wire strainer into cups.

60 greenliving az | January 2011

Recipe courtesy of Keith Clausen.

Keith has been a mixologist for 14 years and for some of the finest resorts in Arizona.

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Green Scenes

Arizona Tree Climbing Championships January 15 Professional tree climbers will gather for a day of competition, camaraderie, information sharing and techniques. Hosted by the Arizona Community Tree Council (ACTC).

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Peart Park, Casa Grande For more information, please visit aztrees.org.

January Events Finding the Gift in Shift Conference: Transcendence January 21 – 23 This year’s theme is transcendence: going beyond our boundaries, limiting beliefs, and unconscious thoughts to find the peace that is always within us. Keynote speakers include Gregg Braden, Sarah McLean, & Rocco Errico.

Where: The Radisson Poco Diablo Resort, Sedona For more information, please visit stellarproductionslive.com.

Desert Botanical Gardens Paso Robles Wine Week in Scottsdale February 7-11 Sip with green winemakers from Tablas Creek, Ancient Peaks, Robert Hall, and J. Lohr, a winery with a 3-acre solar array. Over 30 winemakers in town for a series of wine dinners and a Grand Tasting at solar-minded El Chorro Lodge on February 9.

Tickets: AJ’s Fine Foods and pasowine.com/events

Phoenix Green Chamber January 4 Green Drinks #60 When: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit arizonagreenchamber.org/Phoenix.

January 11 Arizona Native Plant Society Meeting When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

January 19 Exploring Mars: The Next Generation Kobie Boykins Part of the National Geographic Live Speaker Series.

When: 7:30 p.m.

January 30 Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Meeting When: 2 p.m.

Please visit dbg.org for event information and ticket prices.

Phoenix Zoo Scottsdale Green Building Lecture Series February 3 Energy Retrofit Programs What: Many cities and utility companies offer home energy audits along with recommended improvements. Learn about ways to get your energy improvements started.

When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Scottsdale Granite Reef Senior Center For more information, please visit scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding.

November 25 – January 9 ZooLights When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets: $10 ($8 Zoo members) valid Sunday through Thursday evenings. $12 ($10 Zoo members) “Any Night” tickets, Ticket can be used any night of ZooLights.

Free: Kids 2 years and younger are free any night of ZooLights.

For more information, please visit phoenixzoo.org.

First Friday January 7 Enjoy music, live performances, food vendors, arts and crafts at this monthly festival.

Where: Roosevelt Row East Roosevelt Street at 4th Street Phoenix For more information, please call (602) 254-6500 or (602) 475-2661.

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Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMOCA) January 20 Lecture by artist Colette Hosmer When: 7 p.m Where: Stage 2 Theater For more information, visit smoca.org

January 2011 | greenliving az 61

Green Scenes

January Events

Farmer’s Markets Tuesday Farmers’ Markets Tucson: Community Food Bank Farmers’ Market 3003 S. Country Club Dr. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Season: Ongoing 520-622-0525 Tucson: Park Place Farmers’ Market Park Place Mall 5870 E. Broadway Blvd.

1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 520-747-7575 Chandler: Farmers’ Market at Solera Community Center 6360 South Mountain Blvd.

2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Season: Sept. through July 480-585-8639 Casa Grande: Casa Grande Farmers’ Market Corner of Florence St. and 3rd St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Oct. through May 520-836-4771 Wednesday Farmers’ Markets Phoenix: Downtown Phoenix Public Market 721 N. Central Season: Ongoing 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 602-493-5231 Phoenix: Town & Country Market 2021 E. Camelback Rd. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Ongoing 602-710-2122 Glendale: Twilight Farmers’ Market 59th Ave. and Utopia (Arrowhead Ranch) 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Season: Oct. through May 623-848-1234 Tucson: Downtown Farmer’s Market & Crafts Mercado 101 N. Stone Ave. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Ongoing 520-326-7810 Tucson: Green Valley Village Farmers’ Market 101 S. La Cañada Dr., Green Valley Season: Ongoing 520-490-3315 or 520-625-6551 Gilbert: Farmers’ Market at Trilogy – Power Ranch 4369 E. Village Pkwy 2nd and 4th Wed. in Sept. through July 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

62 greenliving az | January 2011

Gilbert: San Tan Village Farmers’ Market 2218 E. Williams Field Rd. 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Oct. through April Thursday Farmers’ Markets Tempe: Thursday Night Market 7th Street, west of Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Season: Sept. through June 480-355-6078 thursdaynightmarket.com Peoria: Momma’s Organic Market 9744 W. Northern Ave. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Season: Sept. through April Scottsdale: ASU Skysong Market Corner of McDowell and Scottsdale Rds., Scottsdale AZ, 85257 (At Skysong Center) 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Season: Oct. through April 623-848-1234

Saturday Farmers’ Markets Gilbert: Val Vista Lakes Art Fair and Farmers Market 1600 E. Lakeside Drive, Gilbert 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on second Saturdays of the month Season: Sept. through June 602-314-0323 Mesa: MacDonald St. Farmers’ Market NE Corner of Main St. and MacDonald 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Oct. through April Glendale: Farmers’ Market at Westgate 6770 N. Sunset Blvd., across from Cardinals Stadium 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Season: Sept. through May Phoenix: Roadrunner Farmers’ Market N. E. Phoenix near Paradise Valley 3502 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix AZ 85032 (Between Freeway 51 & 36th St) 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Season: Oct. through May 623-848-1234

Tucson: Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market NE Corner of Speedway and Riverview between the Arizona School for Deaf and Blind and El Rio Neighborhood Center.

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Season: Oct. through April 520-622-0525 x 242

Tucson: Oro Valley Farmers’ Market Oro Valley Town Hall 11000 N. La Cañada Dr., Oro Valley 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Season: Mid-Oct. through April 520-882-2157

Friday Farmers’ Markets Mesa: Mesa Community Farmers’ Market 263 N. Center Street 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Season: Ongoing 623-848-1234

Sunday Farmers’ Markets Phoenix: Ahwatukee Farmers Market 4700 E. Warner 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Season: Ongoing 602-919-9094

Tucson: Friday Farmer’s Market at Broadway Village 2926 East Broadway Blvd.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Oct. through April 520-603-8116

Tempe: Mill Avenue Farmers Market Mill & 6th Street Park 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Sept. through May millavefarmersmarket.com

Tucson: Udall Park Farmers’ Market Morris K. Udall Regional Park 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Season: Mid-Oct. through April 520-882-2157

Sedona: Sedona Community Farmers’ Market Sedona Airport by the Overlook 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Season: Nov. through June 928-821-1133

Scottsdale: Borgata at Scottsdale 6166 N. Scottsdale Rd. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Season: Oct. through April 9

Tucson: Civano Farmers’ & Artisans Market 5301 S. Houghton Rd. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Season: Ongoing 520-546-9200

greenlivingaz.com

Green Pages

Jen McDonald, Proud Owner of Tucson’s Hottest Hippie Cafe Locally Owned and Operated Homemade Soups and Sandwiches • Garden Fresh Salads Homemade Desserts • Smoothies • Italian Sodas • Coffee Drinks Breakfast Served All Day... Everyday!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • LIVE MUSIC www.glassonioncafe.net

Vegetarian & Vegan Items Available

Glass Onion Cafe 1990 W. River Rd. at River & La Cholla Crossing (520) 293-6050

Heart Healthy Menu

Call for a Free Estimate!

520-247-3060

Find trusted green businesses

office equipment, supplies & service toners & inks Products • Toners, Inks & Drums: new, recycled & soy • Office Equipment: includes pre-owned • Office Supplies: including bio-based, soy, recycled & environmentally-friendly

hP lexmark

services • Service Agreements: tailored to your service needs • Print Management Solutions: cost by number of pages printed, free toner & maintenance • Technical Support: same & next day service

canon

Programs • One Year Warranties: toner & equipment • Buy Back Program: cash payment for empty & unused toner cartridges • Recycled Program: for charities or to meet company mandates

xerox

brother samsung dell

& more...

Free delivery & We Pick up the empties!

602.437.8000

jesse@laserrenu.com | www.laserrenu.com greenlivingaz.com

January 2011 | greenliving az

63

Green Personalities

over 1,300 members, we are one of the largest and fastestgrowing chapters in the nation. We plan to focus more of our attention in the future on education, outreach and advocacy. The building industry accounts for over 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and we would like to educate more about the benefits of living, working and learning in green buildings.

Why do you feel it’s important that schools be built with green standards?

We owe it to our children. Studies have shown that test scores are higher in a healthier environment. My wife’s a teacher. Why shouldn’t we give her and all teachers a more positive and better quality environment? These schools are public facilities, and we need to focus on total lifestyle costs of the structure, building to a higher standard, and make decisions that will be most efficient in the long run. Building sustainable schools will make sense from a dollars-and-cents standpoint.

Richard J. Michal PE, MBA, B Arch, M Arch, LEED-AP

BY HEATHER FULTON

What inspired you to develop the first green building program for the City of Tucson? How has it grown and developed since then?

I helped develop the program in December 2007 and early 2008.

I was fortunate to have the ability to work with and incorporate some of the practices of professionals and organizations like Anthony Floyd AIA, LEED AP, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Pima County Program.

How do you incorporate your experience with green building into your lesson plans at the University of Arizona?

I teach a building systems class at the College of Architecture.

I’m really trying to emphasize integration to my students. Too often it seems that people focus on the checklists involved with LEED certification and green building. While that is important, the green building process encourages the integration of ideas from the team, resulting in a better building. I say, the most sustainable element in a building is the system you can eliminate.

What was your master’s thesis project at the University of Arizona?

For my master’s thesis, I designed and built a passive solar rammed earth energy-efficient home that cost less than $200 per year to heat and cool.

Incorporating green building is becoming standard; the challenge is keeping its momentum in this economy. The percentage of projects using these programs has increased substantially.

Diverting construction waste from landfills has helped the community and the City of Tucson to save money. As a result, builders have saved money on construction projects.

As past Vice Chair of the USGBC’s Southern Arizona Branch, and as the current Chair of the State Chapter, what accomplishments are you most proud of to date?

It’s been a whirlwind experience. We’ve accomplished so much over the life of the chapter. The Arizona Chapter was the third to be formed nationally, and we’re proud and excited. With

64 greenliving az | January 2011

Photography by Terrence Moore

What are three “must have” tools each person should have in their garage?

1. A good tape measure, so I can “measure twice, cut once.”

2. A good set of gloves.

3. A good level.

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