Green Living December 2013

December 2013

Your conscious life

M A G A Z I N E

Heartfelt Holiday Service

Cuddle Factor: Adopt a Pet ShoP local green gIftS Power of Houseplants

alSo InSIDe: Green Gadgets | Rescuing Raptors Celebrate Environmental Excellence Discover Clarkdale | Tire Reuse Stir Up Siplicious Party Drinks greenlivingaz.com Green Living magazine is printed by a Sustainable Forestry Initiative速 certified printer.

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Giving Back: A Resolution Worth Keeping Green Gadgets For Your Home Arizona’s Air Quality Shows Slow Progress The Power of Houseplants Pet Adoption for the Holidays Recycling on a Roll: Old Tires Get New Life

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December 2013

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22 Photo by Dayvid LeMmon

Work Green 22 27

Environmental Excellence Awards

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Sustainable Business: Are We Making Progress?

Green in the News Duncan Family Farms Creates Composting Program

December 2013

Your conscious life

M A G A Z I N E

Heartfelt Holiday Service

Cuddle Factor: Adopt a Pet

Power of Houseplants

Play Green

Business Events

on the coVer

ShoP local green gIftS

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Arizona Forward Organization Focuses on Environmental Stewardship

alSo InSIDe:

Ming, Sharpei mix, at Arizona Animal Welfare League Photo by Crista Alvey

Green Gadgets | Rescuing Raptors Celebrate Environmental Excellence Discover Clarkdale | Tire Reuse Stir Up Siplicious Party Drinks greenlivingaz.com Green Living magazine is printed by a Sustainable Forestry Initiative® certified printer.

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Eco-Travel: Clarkdale, a Small Town with Big Eco-Friendly Initiatives

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Indulge with Arizona Vintner Sam Pillsbury Wild At Heart Rescues Birds of Prey Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market Showcases Upcycled Art Recipes Green Scenes He’s Green | She’s Green Cool Outrageous Stuff

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Photo by Remco Wighman

I

was just a girl when the blizzard of ‘78 buried our small New England town. Tons of snow paralyzed the state, stalling freeways, closing businesses and outing power for days. I didn’t have any adult worries about how to get to work, feed my family or keep them warm. I didn’t have looming to-do lists, cram-packed meeting schedules or multiple businesses to run at a frenzied pace. All I knew was I got to stay home with my mom and dad.

We ventured into the cold with shovels in an attempt to keep the walkway clear. The snow was moist, heavy and nearly impossible for me to lift. It fell fast and thick, decreasing visibility to a few feet. It blew under my collar, inside my jacket sleeves and gloves and into my boots, biting any bare skin it could find. Within minutes, numb fingers and toes sent us retreating. Inside, the three of us huddled together under a pile of blankets on the couch, the room illuminated by candles. We shared stories, laughed and waited in the hushed darkness for the storm to pass. Outside, the wind howled and whipped snow into drifts that reached the eaves and obliterated any signs of a roadway.

When it was over, all was quiet. No power meant no hum of appliances, television or radio. Outside, a beautiful winter scene unfolded. An icy white blanket glistened in the sun. Oak and maple trees bowed under the weight, forming a snow-capped tunnel over the road. There was no distant traffic to be heard. Just silence. Blinding white landscape. Clean, crisp air. And us — with nothing to do but admire nature’s masterpiece.

Some 30 years later I find myself raising a family in the Valley of the Sun—a place where many flock to escape scenes like the one I just shared. We embrace the bragging rights, shamelessly touting our climatic bliss to our friends and relatives in other parts of the world.

But, despite our location in the desert, we are surrounded with snow during the holidays. Store displays with fake flocked trees, decorations with lighted icicles, holiday movies like Frosty the Snowman, and seasonal music have us dreaming of a white Christmas, as if the holidays are somehow incomplete without the white fluffy stuff.

I would agree. Maybe not in the literal sense, but definitely metaphorically speaking. Our readers in the colder climes, and those

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who have experienced a major snowstorm, know what I am talking about.

Being snowed in gives us permission to slow down. It forces us to stop the frantic pace we’ve set for ourselves, guilt-free. No school, no work, the roads are closed. No computers or electronic devices to rule us, the power is out. Never mind texting or the TV—it’s time to catch up with the family face to face, without interruption. Blizzards bring entire communities together. Extreme weather heightens the awareness of our neighbors and their well-being. Meeting basic needs and helping others become our focus, and the daily frenzy is forgotten.

This issue of Green Living magazine encourages a slower pace—a pace that enables us to embrace the holiday season. Throw the get-it-done mentality and the to-do lists out the window. Experience the rewarding pleasure of helping others through one of the many charitable organizations that need your assistance. Make shopping an enjoyable stroll through a local gift shop instead of the usual seasonal sprint. Take a day trip, or take in one of the state’s many holiday festivals with family and friends.

If you start to feel stressed, give yourself permission to take a snow day.

From all of us at Green Living magazine, we wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays.

It may have been Dean Martin who sang it best: “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

Cheryl Hurd Editor-in-Chief

December 2013 | greenliving

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[SectIon naMe]

Cheryl

Dorie

gIVIng BacK

A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION WORTH KEEPING

BY AIMEE WELCH

around and it finally sank in—and I got crazy goose bumps!

People were about to jump into a freezing cold pool in January.

They really believed in Team Asa and wanted to help make a difference for our special needs community. That moment was exhilarating, intoxicating, and something I can’t wait to experience again!”

Create your own exhilarating moment this holiday season— finding a cause that is close to your heart is the first step.

Photo courtesy of Tempe Community Action Agency

T

here’s just something about the holiday season and the promise of a new year that brings out the best in people.

The twinkly lights, family get-togethers, cheerful music and nostalgic movies seem to make the smallest of hearts grow three sizes—just ask the Grinch.

Community service opportunities are all around—from organized events to everyday life moments— and, with another new year upon us, making the world a better place through our selfless actions is a resolution for the top of the list.

WAYS TO GIVE Some people have money to donate, and others give their time. Some have valuable skills or contacts to contribute. Some run a race or plunge into freezing waters to raise awareness for a good cause, while others motivate their employees to get involved. Almost every day, everywhere, there are opportunities to do or say something that makes the world a better place.

A FEW GOOD CAUSES There are hundreds of amazing organizations doing wonderful things in Arizona—way too many to list in one article. Here are just a few good causes doing good during the holidays and all year round.

UNITED FOOD BANK Arizona is tied as the worst state in the U.S. for child hunger, and the 5th worst for overall food insecurity. United Food Bank provides meals for hungry people across the state every year. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of its 4,764 volunteers and their 51,700 hours of work each year. Through its many programs, including the Emergency Food Boxes, Backpack Program and Kids Café for at-risk kids, the agency and its partners distributed more than 51,000 meals every day throughout its 2012/2013 fiscal year (365 days)—that’s 18,665,081 meals! There are many ways to support United Food Bank, from hosting your own food drive to volunteering or monthly giving – at United Food Bank, each dollar provides 5 meals. unitedfoodbank.org

CHOOSING A CAUSE Thousands of people come together in pink every October to walk or run in honor of loved ones who have been lost to, or are surviving, breast cancer. Volunteers spend holidays serving food in homeless shelters. Doors are opened to welcome abandoned dogs, cats and wildlife until they can find their forever homes. And some very warm-hearted people jump into very cold water in the middle of January to bring joy to others.

“It’s simple…I do it because I can. And I do it for those who cannot,” says Denise Rentschler, founder of Team Asa, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support for children and adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

Rentschler founded Team Asa in honor and memory of her brother Asa, and has earned more than $15,000 through the organization’s annual Polar Bear Plunge at the Lakes of Tempe.

“Just before the [inaugural] plunge, I took a minute to look

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feature [SectIon naMe] Cheryl

Dorie

Jeff

Photo courtesy of The Make-a-Wish Foundation

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION Phoenix is home to the founding chapter of The Make-a-Wish Foundation, an organization dedicated to granting wishes for children suffering from life-threatening conditions. The wishes are meant to “enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy,” and range from being a video game designer or a Disney princess, to meeting Arizona Cardinals player Larry Fitzgerald, a wish that came true for 4-year-old Jordan, who is surviving cancer. Volunteer opportunities include Wish Kid Welcome Crew, Airport Greeter, Office Assistant – General/ Fundraising/Wish Department, Wish Granter and Wish Ambassador. arizona.wish.org TEMPE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY (TCAA) TCAA is a non-profit dedicated to alleviating hunger, homelessness and poverty for Tempe’s elderly and low-income residents. With fewer than 30 paid employees, the agency relies heavily on its volunteers to run its programs, all of which are designed to promote self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in need. TCAA Executive Director Beth Fiorenza says each year the agency partners with IKEA to set up a Toy Shoppe in IKEA’s food

Photo courtesy of Tempe Community Action Agency

6 greenliving | December 2013 greenlivingaz.com

court—stocked completely by donations— where qualified parents can “shop” for Christmas presents for their kids. “They really wouldn’t have a Christmas without this program,” says Fiorenza, of the more than 600 children served each year.

Another great volunteer opportunity is through the Tempe Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (IHELP), a partnership with the TCAA and many faith congregations.

Fiorenza describes IHELP as a rotating shelter, providing shelter (via different congregations), food (potluck-style community donations) and life skills (job center) to help people get back on their feet. Thanks to the help of staff and volunteers, the program runs 7 nights a week, 365 days a year.

“It’s amazing, and it works,” Fiorenza says. “More than half of individuals in the program are working.” tempeaction.org ARIZONA FRIENDS OF FOSTER CHILDREN FOUNDATION (AFFCF) Each day, approximately 30 children come into Arizona’s foster care system. They often come from a background of neglect and abuse, with little more than the clothes on their backs, and their futures are left in the hands of strangers with big hearts. Rick Rentschler dedicates about eight hours every month to community service projects. “Giving back provides me with the knowledge that I am trying to make a difference and, whether it is a small or big change, I know that without that effort there will be no change,” he says. Rentschler recently attended an AFFCF shower that was held for some of the foster children who were aging out of the system. They were given dishes, glasses, sheets, vacuum cleaners and other necessities to help them get on their feet. Most importantly, they were given friendship and support. One recipient said, “It’s so great to know that there are people out there that will support and care about you.” Rentschler acknowledged that the young adults weren’t the only beneficiaries of the day. “Knowing that we were helping this young adult who had experienced many challenges growing up gave all of us at the event a feeling of joy,” he said. affcf.org

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Get your daughter started in Girl Scouts today! girlscoutsaz.org/get-started-now | 602.452.7000 greenlivingaz.com

December 2013 | greenliving

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feature Cheryl

Dorie

ANIMALS If you’re passionate about animals, there are a lot of unique opportunities throughout Arizona for you to make a difference—give some love to animals at a shelter, support an organization dedicated to helping Arizona’s wildlife like the Audubon Society or The Oasis Sanctuary, or even volunteer at The Phoenix Zoo.

Photo courtesy of Valley of the Sun United Way

VALLEY OF THE SUN UNITED WAY (VSUW) VSUW works with partners throughout Arizona to make positive changes for three vital community objectives: to ensure children and youth succeed, end hunger and homelessness, and increase financial stability of families and individuals. “The winter holiday season is an important time for many families struggling to get ahead in the New Year,” said Brian Spicker, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for VSUW. “Our donors, advocates and volunteers help community members achieve the aspirations we all share: a roof over their heads, food on the table and the security that comes with financial stability.” Join the Million Minutes Volunteer Reading Challenge, through which volunteers read to local children; work with the End Hunger Team; or help put an end to homelessness by signing up for Project Connect, a monthly effort that brings together a broad range of vital health and human services to one location. vsuw.org/you-can-help/volunteer

GETTING STARTED If your heart is in the right place but you’re just not sure how to give back, there are resources to help you find an organization that is a good fit for you.

Websites volunteermatch.org and handsonphoenix. org let you type in specific criteria that are then used to determine fitting volunteer opportunities. Once you’ve made the commitment to give back, the only thing left to do is follow your heart.

WORKING POOR TAX CREDIT Many non-profits are eligible for the Working Poor Tax Credit, a dollar-for-dollar tax credit that can be taken in addition to school tax credits. The deadline is Dec. 31. Go to azdor.gov for a list of eligible organizations.

FIND A CHARITY Volunteer matching websites: handsonphoenix.org volunteermatch.org greatnonprofits.org Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities: voaz.org Active Events: active.com

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technology Cheryl

Dorie

AUTOMATED GREEN MACHINES FOR YOUR HOME

BY SIMONE BUTLER

R

emember George Jetson and all those high-tech contraptions that simplified life for him and his family in their futuristic Skypad apartment? Well, that gadget-outfitted space that simplified his life is on its way to becoming a functioning reality, one cool invention at a time—with the added bonus of environmental consideration.

So while you’re scribbling down your New Year’s resolutions, consider upgrading the efficiency of your home and your life with some of this year’s most innovative technologies.

HAIKU LED FAN The Big Ass Fans Company has created one of the most Energy Starefficient air circulators on the market within the realms of elegance. The fan features various customizations, including the option of bamboo blades, an LED Lighting Kit and controller. haikufan.com NEST AND NEST PROTECT Nest’s award-winning thermostat uses varying atmospheric sensors and previous manual temperature settings to adapt and maximize efficiency. Nest Protect is a carbon monoxide and smoke detector combo featuring a human voice that speaks up when something is amiss. It also allows for easy shut off during false alarms (e.g. burnt toast) and a path light if needed at night.

Nest and Nest Protect work in unison with one another when paired with the Nest 4.0 app for iOS and Android devices so your home is comfortable and safe. nest.com

SCHLANGE TOUCHSCREEN DEADBOLT LOCK WITH ALARM Heavy, jingly keys lost at the bottom of your purse are a thing of the past—secure, keyless entry is the future. This innovative touchscreen lock with fingerprint and anti-pick resistance offers convenience and protection.

Compatibility with the Nexia Home Intelligence app available for iOS and Android devices allows you to control the locks from the touch of your phone or tablet wherever internet access permits. The lock comes in an array of attractive styles and finishes, too, so it can fit in with any décor and style. consumer.schlage.com

PHILIPS HUE Lighting is something that often goes overlooked in the household, but the right ambient lighting can make a world of a difference in mood, productivity and more. Enter the Hue light bulb, an LED wireless bulb that can create more than 16 million dimmable colors—it’s easily controllable from an iOS or Android smart device through the Philips Hue application.

Recreate certain ambient situations from a vacation photo, set it to wake you up with a pleasant sunrise, or simply switch between warm and cool white lights to illuminate the home effortlessly. meethue.com SMARTTHINGS KNOW AND CONTROL KIT This Android/ iOS-powered home automation kit allows you to control your lights, electronics and appliances by setting up schedules to automatically power them on and off, saving energy and money. Lock and unlock doors with the mobile controller, and be alerted when certain people (and pets) enter and leave the house. Alerts can be sent when doors or windows are unexpectedly opened or motion is detected in your home.

You only need a power outlet for the SmartThings hub and an ethernet connection to gain total control over your home. smartthings.com

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technology Cheryl

Dorie

Jeff

aPPs Take these apps wherever you go on your smartphone or tablet to make better choices for a cleaner, smarter and more planetfriendly lifestyle.

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EcobonUs This app functions by scanning receipts and racks up points for all ecoconscious purchases. Points can be redeemed for charity donations, eco-friendly coupons and products.

Registration and usage of the app is free.

bUycoTT Trace back all your purchases to their parent companies with this nifty little app. Using a phone’s camera, a family tree of the product can be shown, which means more educated consumer choices.

Create settings to avoid certain companies, and to alert about community campaigns against unsustainable companies.

irEcycLE Puzzled on where and how to recycle old electronics, and dispose of old batteries and paint? The iRecycle app will locate places that will recycle more than 350 different types of materials in millions of different ways.

MyWasTE Want to know the complete story on your city’s waste management collection programs? MyWaste does just that, providing information on trash pick-ups, recycling, and other city waste details.

GiVE ME TaPP! (aPPLE onLy) Steer clear of purchasing bottled water in plastic bottles when out and about— use this handy app to find water fountains nearby, wherever you may be.

sEaFood WaTcH Overfishing is a constant, dire threat to many species in our oceans. Boot up this app before ordering any fish from the menu, and find the most environmentally friendly choices, good alternatives, and seafood to avoid altogether.

December December 2013 | greenliving 2013 | greenliving 113

environment [section name] Cheryl

Dorie

ariZona’s onGoinG QUEsT For cLEanEr air Photo by Jim Trottier

A

rizona is surely one of Mother Nature’s pride and joys. The towering mountains that pepper the state’s landscape, the famous red rock country in Sedona, and the wave rock formations in Paria Canyon all are sights to behold. However, the Valley area has been suffering record-high levels of a certain type of environmental taint: air pollution. At times, a thick brown cloud of pollutants will loom over Phoenix, Scottsdale and their surrounding areas, and this contaminated cocktail promotes asthmatic complications and other respiratory problems. Measures have been taken to combat this pollution, but there is still much to learn and much to do to ensure our air quality doesn’t become as hazardous as that in Beijing.

Roughly 40 years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed the Clean Air Act, in an effort to target six common pollutants in the atmosphere that include trapped ozone pollutants (volatile organic compounds, or VOCs), particulate matter (dust), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and lead. Our ozone and particulate matter levels have been violating the standard since the mid-1990s.

These impurities are by-products from automobiles, chemical plants, factories and other industry structures that impact the Valley. On particularly polluted days or days where high air pollution is expected, no-burn-day restrictions are set. These no-burn days enforce wood-burning limitations, prohibiting fire pits, wood stoves and fireplaces from being lit.

The diminished air quality can be lethal for children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems, but can affect everyone. Extended exposure to fouled air may result in asthma attacks, heart disease, or curtailing of lifespans.

Currently, there are some monitoring technologies in place that constantly assess the air in places where air pollution has been moderately high in the past, but they do not sufficiently survey all of the Valley’s air. When the air quality reaches dangerous levels, alerts are relayed, advising people to stay indoors.

Over the years, there have been conscious efforts made in improving the Valley’s air quality, and those endeavors have been successful to an extent: back in 2011, Phoenix ranked 2nd in cities with the worst air quality nationwide. In 2012, that ranking dropped to 7th, and as of April 2013, Phoenix’s rating again fell to the 18th most air-polluted metropolitan

212 greenliving | December 2013 greenliving | December 2013

region—a stark improvement in just a couple of years.

Still, the levels are alarming, and close monitoring must still be adhered to. Individuals from both the EPA and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) agree that regulation can only do so much. A conscious effort to help alleviate the atmospheric strain must be made by everybody.

You can ride a bike or walk, utilize public transportation, drive less, or carpool.

MorE inForMaTion According to stateoftheair.org, Maricopa County has for both the Ozone and 24-hour Particle Pollution a grade of F. • In regards to Ozone pollution, we rank 23rd in the nation.

• In regards to Year Round Particle pollution, we rank 18th in the nation.

• In regards to Short-Term Particle pollution, we rank 21st in the nation.

In Maricopa County, the 8-hour average ozone concentration is 0.083 ppm, when the national standard is 0.075 ppm.

Maricopa County is among the worst in comparison to the national average of 0.07 ppm.

The 8-hour national average carbon monoxide concentration is 3 ppm, when Maricopa County has 9 ppm average.

Annual standard of nitrogen dioxide concentration is 26 ppb, when Maricopa County’s is 53 ppb, and is among the worst. The national average is 8 ppb.

Annual sulfur dioxide concentration in Maricopa County is 9 ppb, which falls far below the national sulfur dioxide standard of 75 ppb – and is significantly better than the national average of 19 ppb.

To find out more information on the latest wood-burning restrictions and other no-burn-day information, you can call the Maricopa County Air Quality Department at 602-506-6400.

There’s an app for Droid and iOS called Clean Air Make More that is specifically tailored for Maricopa County’s air quality. The app alerts you during times of high pollution, and gives crucial information regarding health and air pollution prevention measures. air-quality.findthedata.org/l/32/Maricopa-county

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green thumb

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FICUS ALII A standard in the office plant realm, the Ficus tree is a gorgeous, lowmaintenance plant. It likes direct sunlight, but does well in medium light too. This miniature tree can grow up to 10 feet tall.

mproving the air quality in your home is a lot easier than you might think. You can turn your home into an oxygenrich, indoor tropical oasis with everyday houseplants.

These natural filters absorb a variety of harmful air pollutants and produce oxygen for easy breathing. Houseplants clean the air, soothe the senses by surrounding you with nature, and make great gifts too. The plants listed below are among the favorites when it comes to bringing the fresh air in.

PEACE LILY An elegant white flower marks this purification powerhouse, as the Peace Lily is known to remove levels of benzene, acetone and formaldehyde (along with other chemical impurities) from the atmosphere. Peace Lilies like indirect light, and well-drained soil kept moist. Fertilizer is also encouraged.

ARECA PALM This is a popular palm that removes toxins from the air and serves as a natural humidifier. It is one of the best houseplants for improving indoor air quality.

It thrives in direct sunlight, with the soil remaining damp most of the time. Misting the leaves regularly will keep this tropical plant happy.

POTHOS IVY Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this plant is tolerant of most lighting conditions and prefers not-too-moist, acidic soil, meaning a little neglect won’t cause it to shrivel up. Regular pruning helps with growth, and the different variants allow for a pretty plant that does some heavy-duty air filtration.

14 greenliving | December 2013

BOSTON FERN This fern is normally seen in hanging planters, mainly because of its exploding attractive factor.

Resistant to insects and fairly easy to maintain, this plant works well in the home or office. Medium light, and a regular schedule of watering and misting the leaves will keep this formaldehyde combatant satisfied.

This holiday season, while you are trying to find the perfect gift for the person who has everything, consider the gift of fresh, clean air—give a beautiful and beneficial houseplant.

Then, once your shopping is done, surround yourself with your own indoor garden, grab a cozy seat on the couch, take a deep breath and relax.

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December 2013 | greenliving

15

pets Cheryl

Dorie

ADOPTION FOR THE HOLIDAYS

the perFect present For yourselF by sTEFFaniE JEnsEn

T

he holidays are finally here, and what better way to spend them than with a new furry friend? Not sure where to begin? Trendy Pet & Rescue, a pet accessories retail store in Scottsdale, helps find new homes for abandoned pets by offering free space for animals from no-kill shelters.

“Any no-kill shelter is welcome to use our space for their animal’s adoption,” says store manager Angela Chavez. The store has puppies and kittens from a variety of shelters including Four Peaks Animal Rescue, Litter League, Foot Hills Animal Rescue and Lost Our Home Pet Foundation.

All shelters are reputable and very passionate about helping their animals find good homes. No-kill shelters are against euthanasia and “will foster home pets until they are adopted,” Chavez says. “Adoption specialists from each shelter come in weekly, and all animals come microchipped, vaccinated, and are already spayed or neutered.”

TiPs For adoPTion sUccEss Valerie Donigian of the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) has a few tips to keep in mind when adopting an animal from a shelter. “I would say one of the most important questions people should be asking [when adopting dogs] is about the dog’s socialization history—both with other dogs, and with humans.” At AAWL and Trendy Pet & Rescue, behavioral history is something readily available for prospective pet owners. Another important consideration when adopting a dog is their required exercise level. Donigian says it’s important to get a dog that matches your fitness level.

“Most dogs need daily exercise. Some need to run for miles, others just need 20 minutes. The point is, if you can’t provide the adequate exercise time for the breed you’re looking to adopt, there’s a better [match elsewhere],” she continues. At AAWL, there is much information provided to make sure the family and pet make a good match for one another.

216 greenliving | November 2013 greenliving | December 2013

Donigian says before an adoption is finalized, AAWL asks that all members of the family (including other canines) come visit. AAWL also rents out spaces in the Chandler Mall and at Petsmart locations around Phoenix for their pets to meet potential new owners.

GiFTs For yoUr PETs If you already have a pet and need some new treats, toys, hygiene care, dental care or holiday gifts for your furry companion, Trendy Pets & Rescue carries a wide variety of products to suit all of your pet care needs. On Dec. 2 and 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. Scottsdale Fashion Square will hold a Pets’ Night with Santa so bring your pet in for a photo with Santa plus treats courtesy of Trendy Pets & Rescue, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.

Businesses such as Trendy Pet & Rescue, PetSmart and Petco are helping no-kill shelters with their adoptions by creating greater visibility in the community. Here is a partial list of no-kill shelters in Arizona. You can also search online for a no-kill adoption location in your community. soUTHErn ariZona Hope Animal Shelter 2011 E. 12th St., Tucson 520-792-9200 hopeanimalshelter.net norTHErn ariZona Paw Placement of Northern Arizona / Rescue Me Pet Adoption Center 4650 U.S. 89, Flagstaff 928-699-7586 ppnaz.org

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cEnTraL ariZona Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA 25 N. 40th St., Phoenix 602-273-6852 aawl.org Halo Rescue 2500 S. 27th Ave., Phoenix 602-971-9222 halorescue.org

Top photos courtesy of Arizona Animal Welfare League Holiday puppy photo by Crista Alvey

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by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Find great treats, toys and gifts for pets the Humane of Southern Arizona or pet loversbyat both Society PAWSH locations.

Find treats, toys and gifts for pets Lagreat Encantada Park Place or (520) pet lovers at both PAWSH locations.

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December 2013 | greenliving

17

environment [section name] Cheryl

Photo courtesy of arizona department of Environmental Quality

Dorie

Photo courtesy of arizona department of Transportation

useD tires roll out recycling opportunities DO TREAD ON ME: OLD TIRES ARE BEING RE-USED FOR NEW ROADS, PARK BENCHES, AND EVEN ROOF SHINGLES by daVid M. broWn

A

pproximately 300 million car tires are discarded every year in North America, but many are innovatively re-directed to better ends than landfills, where they are piled in heaps, ready to ignite or, at least, disturb our sustainable sensibilities.

One of the darkest tire dumps in North America is not too far from sunlit Arizona — in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, where approximately a million tires comprise row after row of rubbery ugliness.

Liberty Tire Recycling collects about half of those 300 million discarded North American tires from generators such as the tire retailers who charge that itemized environmental tax you see after sallying up to the cashier to pay for those gripping new tiger paws.

The state then distributes the environmental tax funds to counties based upon the number of vehicle registrations in each county, explains Douglas D. Carlson, vice president of Asphalt Products for the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based company. “The counties put out contracts to the tire-collection and processing industry for the proper disposal of tires with the intent to keep them out of the landfill,” he says.

Arizona is doing a particularly good job on this process.

“The reduction of scrap tires positively impacts our environment by reducing breeding grounds for diseasecarrying pests and insects and limiting the possibility for tire fires,” says Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Henry Darwin.

“Waste tires take up a great deal of space in the landfills and pose a hazard to the workers,” he adds. “Fortunately, scrap tires are 100 percent recyclable and can be used in

218 greenliving | December 2013 greenliving | December 2013

many innovative products, thus helping to reduce our carbon footprint and create safer communities in Arizona.”

After the old tires are delivered for processing, they are converted into these products, such as tire-derived fuel chips that displace coal, rubber mulch, playground surfacing, fencing, recycled tire rubber (RTR) used in molded and extruded products, and to modify asphalt materials for road resurfacing –– a popular re-use in Arizona, explains Carlson from the company’s Valley office.

Locally, the major collector and processor is Queen Creek’s CRM, a 16-year-old company which contracts with all but one county in Arizona to recycle waste tires, says its manager, Dawn Helms. “We recycle the waste tires into crumb rubber which is used in a variety of products,” she says, noting that CRM processes about 8 to 10 million scrap tires annually.

One use for these recycled tires is for sustainable homes and other structures. In 1996, the late architect Sam Mockbee’s Rural Studio, in a project led by three thesis students, gathered landfill tires and roof beams from an old church as materials for the meditative Yancey Chapel in Hale County, Alabama.

Remember Dennis Weaver, the equestrian detective actor McCloud and pioneer Hollywood environmentalist? In 1989, he and his wife completed a 10,000-square-foot home with 3-foot-thick walls incorporating compacted earth and recycled tires and cans as insulating materials. Designed by architect Michael Reynolds, the six-bedroom, solar-water-heated home was built on a 20-acre site with the Rocky Mountains just beyond.

Fine grind rubber has been used for stucco to make a more

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environment [section name] Cheryl

Dorie

Jeff

durable crack-resistant coating, as well as for rubber shakes, roof shingles made out of rubber molds. Tire rubber is also recycled into welcome mats, sport surfaces and garage flooring, and in some cold climates, a bonded rubber surfacing can be applied on driveways, Carlson explains. And, rubber tiles and pavers are used in outdoor landscaping: “I have some tiles that have held up very well for 14 years in my backyard,” he says.

State residents are most familiar with the rubberized asphalt that the Arizona Department of Transportation applies as a 1-inch surface layer of pavement on many state highway resurfacing projects. In fact, the City of Phoenix pioneered the municipal use of rubberized asphalt, a mixture of rocks, recycled tire rubber and hot liquid asphalt, to fill potholes on city streets as far back as the 1960s.

Durability, especially crack resistance, a smooth-riding surface, and noise reduction from 4 to 6 decibels less than that of traditional surfaces adds to the benefits of recycling tires into rubberized asphalt, explains Doug Nintzel, ADOT Media Relations, Maricopa County Region.

“It’s estimated that rubber from at least 10,000 recycled tires is used in every resurfaced mile of Valley freeway. Add in the use of rubberized asphalt along rural highways, and it means that millions of tires have been reused to help keep our highways running smooth,” he says.

More than 200 miles of Phoenix-area freeways incorporate rubberized asphalt to help reduce vehicle-tire noise, and while

costs are slightly higher than those with standard asphalt, these are offset by the longer-lasting properties of quiet pavements, Nintzel adds.

Arizona is a leader in the application of rubberized asphalt, while other states are just coming up to speed, says Mark Belshe, P.E., executive director of the Tempe-based Rubber Pavements Association, which promotes the use of tire recycling and provides technical and market leadership to potential users nationwide.

“If the use of recycled tire rubber in asphalt applications realized the full potential that we believe the technology offers, most of the scrap tire issues that states deal with would go away,” he says. In fact, according to the federal Environmental Protection Administration, there are markets today for about 80 percent of scrap tires — up from 17 percent in 1990.

The challenge: Bring this to the rest of the country.

“Fortunately, new technologies such as warm-mix additives, coupled with current market economics, are driving the use of recycled tire rubber into paving applications in places that have historically resisted embracing the concept,” Belshe explains.

“We are excited about the national trends we are witnessing and we believe the usage of rubberized asphalt will only continue to expand.” david M. brown is an arizona-based freelance writer who writes about architecture, design, the environment, and other subjects. He can be reached at azwriter.com.

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December 2013 | greenliving 193 December 2013 | greenliving

green gift guide

A Special Advertising Section

Shop Local: HOLIDAY GIFT BUYING BOOSTS LOCAL ECONOMY

by Erica Pederson

S

hare your holiday spirit with local business owners. Not only do these business owners provide a variety of products and services for a great shopping experience, they are the backbone of the local economy. When you purchase your holiday gifts locally, you also give the gift of sustainability to the community. By spending your money at a local business versus a chain store, up to four times more money stays in state and circulates many times over.

If you want your gift to send a message of economic and environmental sustainability, you can visit a local vintage or antique store for a great selection of unique re-used items. You can also give a gift card from a local service-provider, such as a hair stylist or car repair company. Be sure to review the gift guide for more creative gift ideas. Keep these ideas in mind during your holiday shopping and remember the great impact of your purchasing power.

Local First Arizona encourages shoppers to seek out independent businesses to find unique gifts during Buy Local Month, from Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Christmas Eve. Arizonans

can participate in the Buy Local Month Video Contest. To enter the contest, make a simple 30- to 60-second video telling Local First Arizona one thing you’re excited about buying locally.

Contestants will be able to submit videos to facebook.com/ localfirstarizona via YouTube, Vine, and Instagram from Nov. 11 through Dec. 8. On Dec. 8, the video with the most votes will win an amazing culinary experience. The winner will select one of three prize options: two tickets to the Devoured Food + Wine Classic, two tickets to Savor Tucson, or four tickets to Wine in the Pines. To find local businesses near you, visit the local business directory at localfirstaz.com.

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20 greenliving | December 2013

Great Green Gifts greenlivingaz.com

A Special Advertising Section

green gift guide

Me The Artist Art Kit Have your own little Van Gogh in where your inner artist meets your social circle your home with this wonderful kids where your inner artist meets your social circle art kit from Me The Artist. It is a perfect gift for any child. Each kit contains a custom Me The Artist Paint Shirt, paint brushes, palette, acrylic paints and an 8"X10" Presketched Mini-Me’sterpiece Canvas.

Kit can be purchased for $29.99 at Me The Artist, 5355 E High St, #109, Phoenix or by calling 480-822-7999. We Also Ship! metheartist.com Included: • Deluxe Paint Brushes & Pale5e • 1 – 8”X10” Pre‐sketched Canvas • 4‐6 Paint Cups • 1 Me The ArFst Paint Shirt

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December 2013 | greenliving

21

green gift guide

A Special Advertising Section

Tres Hermanas Ranch the home of PureLifeBeef Purchasing local, grass-fed, grassfinished 100% Natural Angus beef from Tres Hermanas Ranch for your family dinner table this holiday season is a wise and healthy nutritional choice. Because our cows are only grass-fed, they don’t suffer infections and gut inflammation due to grain feeding so there is no need for antibiotics. And we never administer hormones! 480-390-8983 treshermanasranch.com

Striking stone Reclaimed slate shingles from a Vermont barn as repurposed for home décor by Striking Stone.

Arizona artist Oakley Rolwing hand sandblasts and paints each piece to create beautiful custom stone gifts. This piece of history is both eye catching and inspirational and a beautiful way to remind yourself that while you can’t “plant a tree” in the past, you can plant one right now. $140 strikingstone.com 602-284-0302

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Our doctors and therapists appreciate your uniqueness and are dedicated to providing natural therapies to help achieve & maintain health, balance & peace in your daily life.

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greenlivingaz.com

A Special Advertising Section

Queen Creek Extra Virgin Olive Oil Queen Creek Olive Mill is Arizona’s only producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Use our unique gift boxes to fill your “Nice” list this year. Online at queencreekolivemill.com or at our 4 locations: Biltmore Fashion Park, Kierland Commons, Queen CreekRittenhouse and Combs Rd., and La Encantada, Tucson queencreekolivemill.com

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green gift guide

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A Special Advertising Section

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AWARDs

business

Cheryl

Dorie

CReSCoRDiA AND meRiT AWARDS

pReSeNTeD AT eNViRoNmeNTAl ACColADe CeRemoNy

BY SIMONE BUTLER

C

orporations, organizations, innovators and small business owners were honored at the 33rd Annual Valley Forward Environmental Excellence Award Ceremony in September. Projects and products from across Arizona were submitted to compete for the coveted Crescordia Award—the highest honor given for the best pioneering

sustainability advancements in the Valley. The awards were broken up into “seven broad categories” which encompass buildings and structures, communities, site landscape and development, public art, environmental technologies, environmental education and communications and environmental stewardship.

2013 ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS buiLDinGs AnD sTRuCTuRes — Residential CReSCoRDiA: encore on Farmer, submitted by okland Construction AWARDS oF meRiT: gordon estates, submitted by mandalay Homes; lofts at mcKinley, submitted by gorman & Company, inc. buiLDinGs AnD sTRuCTuRes – Civic CReSCoRDiA: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in the Scottsdale mcDowell Sonoran preserve, submitted by Fucello Architects AWARDS oF meRiT: leeD platinum phoenix Fire Station No. 59, submitted by leA-Architects, llC; maricopa County South Court Tower, submitted by gilbane building Company buiLDinGs AnD sTRuCTuRes – Historic Preservation CReSCoRDiA: 1891 Second pinal County Courthouse Rehabilitation, submitted by pinal County board of Supervisors AWARD oF meRiT: emCC buckeye educational Center at 1928 buHS A-Wing submitted by michael Wilson Kelly - Architects, ltd. buiLDinGs AnD sTRuCTuRes – Commercial & Mixed use CReSCoRDiA: DARTS submitted by gabor lorant Architects inc.

AWARD oF meRiT: 4400 Civic Center, submitted by John Douglas Architects buiLDinGs AnD sTRuCTuRes – institutional CReSCoRDiA: Fireside elementary School, submitted by DlR group AWARDS oF meRiT: Central Arizona College - Superstition mountain Campus, submitted by Adolfson & peterson Construction; university of Arizona Health Sciences education building, submitted by Ayers Saint gross buiLDinGs AnD sTRuCTuRes – industrial & Public Works AWARD oF meRiT: City of phoenix - Corona Service yard, submitted by gabor lorant Architects inc.

LiVAbLe COMMuniTies – sustainable Communities CReSCoRDiA: Stabilizing phoenix Neighborhoods using Sustainable green Standards and Strategies, submitted by City of phoenix Neighborhood Services Department AWARDS oF meRiT: Aeroterra Redevelopment project, submitted by City of phoenix Housing Department; pHX Renews, submitted by Keep phoenix beautiful

ART in PubLiC PLACes: CReSCoRDiA: Nodal Water garden, submitted by Scottsdale public Art

2 greenliving | November2013 greenlivingaz.com

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photo by Dayvid lemmon

December 2013 greenlivingaz.com | greenliving 25

Jeff

business [seCTiOn nAMe]

Cheryl

PResiDenT’s AWARD (best of show): grand Canyon Trust Volunteer program, submitted by grand Canyon Trust

LiVAbLe COMMuniTies – Adaptive Reuse AWARD oF meRiT: Canvas Cornor, submitted by C & H Associates LiVAbLe COMMuniTies – Multimodal Transportation & Connectivity CReSCoRDiA: The Sky Train phoenix Sky Harbor international Airport, submitted by City of phoenix Aviation Department AWARD oF meRiT: City of Avondale zoom Neighborhood Circulator, submitted by City of Avondale LiVAbLe COMMuniTies —Public Policy/Plans AWARDS oF meRiT: general plan 2030 submitted by City of Avondale; Sustainable Community master plan for the Navajo Nation, submitted by Swaback partners, pllc siTe DeVeLOPMenT AnD LAnDsCAPe – Public sector AWARDS oF meRiT: Centennial Way Federal Aid Transportation enhancement, submitted by Achen-gardner Construction, llC; City of peoria green Campus, submitted by City of peoria siTe DeVeLOPMenT AnD LAnDsCAPe – Private sector AWARD oF meRiT: DARTS submitted by gabor lorant Architects inc. siTe DeVeLOPMenT AnD LAnDsCAPe – Trails AWARDS oF meRiT: Skip Rimsza paseo in the phoenix Sonoran preserve, submitted by City of phoenix; Scottsdale Via Dona Trail, submitted by City of Scottsdale siTe DeVeLOPMenT AnD LAnDsCAPe — Parks CReSCoRDiA: Westwing Neighborhood park, submitted by epg AWARDS oF meRiT: Avondale Community garden, submitted by City of Avondale; Downtown owls, submitted by Audubon Arizona ART in PubLiC PLACes CReSCoRDiA: Nodal Water garden, submitted by Scottsdale public Art AWARDS oF meRiT: Hi-bRoW, Submitted by Colab Studio, llC; pHX Sky Train Terminal 4 Connector bridges glass mural project, submitted by phoenix office of Arts and Culture enViROnMenTAL TeCHnOLOGies – Public sector CReSCoRDiA: DVl uAV Rainwater Harvesting innovative Technologies project, submitted by Desert View landscape, llC AWARD oF meRiT: Surface Aeration for the Removal of Disinfection

26 4 greenliving greenliving| |November2013 December 2013

Dorie

photo courtesy of grand Canyon Trust

byproducts from Drinking Water, submitted by City of phoenix Water Services Department enViROnMenTAL TeCHnOLOGies — Private sector CReSCoRDiA: pepsiCo Tolleson Sustainability program, submitted by pepsiCo AWARD oF meRiT: inovus, submitted by Strategies 360 enViROnMenTAL eDuCATiOn/COMMuniCATiOn – Public sector CReSCoRDiA: City of Avondale Solar Demonstration project, submitted

by City of Avondale AWARDS oF meRiT: Chandler Water Audit program, submitted by City of Chandler; Do more blue (Jeans), submitted by Town of Queen Creek enViROnMenTAL eDuCATiOn/COMMuniCATiOn – educators, students & nonprofits CReSCoRDiA: River pathways,submitted by Audubon Arizona enViROnMenTAL sTeWARDsHiP – Central Arizona CReSCoRDiA: Wilderness Stewardship program, submitted by Arizona Wilderness Coalition AWARDS oF meRiT: mcDowell Sonoran Field institute Citizen-Science program, submitted by Daniel g. gruber; Janice miano, submitted by Arizona Heritage Alliance enViROnMenTAL sTeWARDsHiP — northern Arizona CReSCoRDiA: grand Canyon Trust Volunteer program, submitted by grand Canyon Trust AWARD oF meRiT: Chip Norton, submitted by Jane Whitmire, ph.D. enViROnMenTAL sTeWARDsHiP – southern Arizona CReSCoRDiA: Tucson electric power - university of Arizona Science and Technology park, submitted by Tucson electric power AWARDS oF meRiT: Trees for Tucson, submitted by Tucson Clean & beautiful, inc.; pima County Sustainable Action plan for County operations, submitted by pima County PResiDenT’s AWARD (best of show) grand Canyon Trust Volunteer program, submitted by grand Canyon Trust

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business

[seCTiOn nAMe]

Cheryl

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MOVinG ARiZOnA FORWARD ARizoNA FoRWARD, FoRmeRly THe VAlley FoRWARD ASSoCiATioN, CelebRATeS moRe THAN FouR DeCADeS oF eNViRoNmeNTAl STeWARDSHip

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

D

iane Brossart, president and CEO of Arizona Forward, refers to Arizona Forward as the “state’s oldest new organization.” That’s because, in January of this year, the organization changed its name from the Valley Forward Association to Arizona Forward after 44 years of influencing the quality of life and environmental decisions in the Grand Canyon state. Brossart says the name change reflects the group’s shift in focus from a Valley-based impact to serving the entire state.

“We met with a private foundation and they asked us what our wish list would be if money was no object; I blurted out that we’d like to go statewide,” Brossart recalls. “We then received a sizable grant, $85,000, and met with our advisory board to start making it happen. We worked with a fundraising and marketing firm and had a lot of support from all over the state.”

Arizona Forward “serves as a balanced forum for convening public dialogue, discussion and study of environmental and quality of life issues,” according to the organization. It is a unique group that includes a membership roster of more than 250 companies representing tens of thousands of employees and concerned citizens.

“Arizona Forward brings together leaders from across the state to encourage cooperative efforts to improve the environmental quality and economic vitality of Arizona’s cities and towns,” Brossart explains. “Its collective influence ensures smart growth and development, efficient transportation, improved air quality, responsible water management, energy alternatives and meaningful education.”

“We are a membership-driven organization; the diversity of our membership base is one of our strongest assets,” Brossart adds. Through its many initiatives, Arizona Forward takes a look at environmental, economic and sustainability issues and fosters dialogue on how they holistically impact the state, she explains.

“Our goal is to help position Arizona in the global marketplace and be a voice for the good work happening in the state,” Brossart notes.

“Arizona communities are diverse, but there are many issues that impact all of us no matter where we live. Arizona Forward provides a vehicle for statewide cooperation and idea sharing,” cites the group’s website, arizonaforward.org. “Arizona Forward also serves to provide environmental and quality of life awareness and education.”

An organization based on action, Brossart says that the group has a non-partisan set of principles on sustainability that is promoted through education and outreach. The association makes its impact through participation (working Issue Committees and volunteer projects like Green-Ups), education

greenlivingaz.com 2 greenliving | December 2013

Photo by Mike Eller

(bi-monthly programs, forums and EarthFest) and promotion (EEA and other sponsorships), according to its website.

Some of Arizona Forward’s recent accomplishments include: • The EarthFest Educators Night on Oct. 29 where K-12 teachers received free resources on environmental education that meet state standards, attended a complimentary environmental education workshop, and could apply for an environmental education grant and full-tuition scholarship program. Brossart says the application process is still ongoing and she encourages educators to apply.

See arizonaforward.org for more details.

• Released a statewide primer on transportation issues and their impact on the Arizona economy.

• Raised awareness about the challenges of funding state parks and began addressing the issue with state agencies.

• Co-hosted a sold-out Renewable Energy Summit.

In 2013, Arizona Forward has also grown, hiring new employees including Mike Holmes, the new acting director for Arizona Forward’s Southern Regional Council. The 33rd annual Environmental Excellence Awards also took place this year and the group hosted several programs on sustainability issues.

On Dec. 6, Arizona Forward will host its 44th Annual Luncheon, where it will celebrate its first year as a statewide organization. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix and will feature marine ecologist and environmental policy analyst Rafe Sagarin, PhD. With so much happening over the past year, what are the organization’s goals for 2014?

“We hope to continue to help Arizona become stronger environmentally and economically,” Brossart says.

To learn more about Arizona Forward, including details on the 44th Annual luncheon and other ongoing events, visit arizonaforward.org.

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Jeff

business nAMe] [seCTiOn

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Dorie

SuSTAiNAble buSiNeSS

ARe We MAKinG PROGRess?

BY DR. ANTON G. CAMAROTA

O

ne of the most important aspects of any successful business is the capacity to measure progress towards meaningful goals. Without this ability, managers would not know if they had been successful. For the majority of companies, the traditional progress measures are the financial statements. From a sustainability perspective, these statements do not provide meaningful data on social responsibility or ecological integrity, and they can provide a somewhat distorted picture of how successful a business actually is at building a sustainable world.

Sustainability has caught the attention of senior managers worldwide. In a recent study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, almost 60 percent of the companies surveyed indicated they were increasing their investments in sustainability-related operations, focusing mainly on waste reduction and resource efficiencies. However, less than 24 percent of the responders indicated that they were taking proactive approaches to shifting their business models to compete on the basis of sustainability. These “embracers” are placing sustainability permanently on their management agendas and building a strong business case for their strategies. Many of these companies are linking sustainability efforts with financial results and producing integrated reports.

Globally, there are also some positive signs. Some of the encouraging changes include rising public awareness of climate change, rainforest loss, and declining biological diversity. Many national governments are taking actions to reduce their countries’ greenhouse gas emissions. Also, renewable energy is growing more rapidly than that supplied by fossil fuels.

Not all of the indicators are positive, however. While businesses are becoming more efficient and their perperson ecological impacts are declining overall, their increased numbers mean more resource extraction and waste production. According to the WorldWatch Institute, human-caused climate change shows no signs of slowing.

The effects of climate change include warmer temperatures, higher ocean levels, and ever-more-intense downpours and droughts as global emissions of greenhouse gases continue to climb. Changing ecological conditions include the shrinking of aquifers around the world, the global declines of fisheries and of all biodiversity, and the accelerating emergence of new infectious diseases.

Why has it proved so difficult for humans, and many business managers in particular, to conform to a life-sustaining model of existence? One reason is that meeting the needs of 7 billion people simply requires vast resources, regardless of how efficiently those resources are consumed. To meet the needs of this large and growing population, we are converting

228 greenliving greenliving| |December December2013 2013

Illustration by Ryan Cody

the ecosystems on which we depend for life support to other uses. A second reason is that societies and businesses remain tied firmly to fossil fuel-based energy with its concomitant carbon emissions. There is no other equivalent source of energy that would support all of the human activities on which our companies and societies are currently based.

But the most important barrier to sustainable progress may be a worldview that places the pursuit of material wealth and comfort as the highest goal for human existence.

People adopting this worldview are known as Cornucopians.

These individuals assume that the Earth’s bounty should be adapted for our use by human inventiveness, and that we should have an unending growth of goods and services.

Cornucopians deny the social and ecological limits with which we are confronted and see the world as a sea of unlimited resources that should be converted for human use. At its core this worldview embraces a confidence that technological innovation will solve all economic, social, and ecological problems. As leaders of technologically- and economicallyoriented organizations, it is very natural that most business managers have adopted this worldview.

In order to move forward and adopt a more life-sustaining worldview, we must become aware of the psychological biases that anchor a Cornucopian worldview in our minds. The first step for a manager interested in building a sustainable business is to understand the biases and beliefs that affect their decision making. With such awareness business leaders can make better decisions that support the creation of a sustainable planet.

Dr. Anton G. Camarota is Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Business Longevity, an Arizona organization dedicated to helping business leaders build sustainable companies. You can reach him at anton@the-ibl.org or through the-ibl.org.

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BUSINESS EVENTS CAPTURING THE VALUE OF GREEN Dec. 2, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

DIRTT, 836 E. University Dr., Phoenix This free event will cover ways to make your home green from the foundation up, and how to get the most money when selling your newly green home. usgbcaz.org

GREEN IN THE NEWS

GOGREEN CONFERENCE Dec. 3, 8:30 a.m.

Phoenix Convention Center West Building 100 N. Third St., Phoenix Featuring local community leaders and regionally pertinent content, this conference provides an opportunity for business people to learn more about sustainability in the business setting. gogreenconference.net DECEMBER LUNCH & LEARN Dec. 11, noon – 1:30 p.m.

Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant 225 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix The Green Chamber hosts a special presentation celebrating the green achievements of 2013. thegreenchamber.org SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS INITIATIVES: LECTURE AND LUNCH WITH JIGAR SHAH Dec. 4, noon – 1:30 p.m.

Seed Spot, 2828 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Jigar Shah, author of Creating Climate Wealth: Unlocking the Impact Economy, will describe how to turn climate change into a $10 trillion new economy. Shah presents The 100/100 New Economy Plan that identifies 100,000 businesses selling $100 million in climate change solutions by 2020. Space is limited so please RSVP to sustainabilityfestival@asu.edu.

SOUTHERN ARIZONA GREEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BREAKFAST Dec. 11, 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Viscount Suite Hotel 4855 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson Environmental education and its impact on children will be the topic of discussion.

Join other green-business owners for this networking event that will include information about the Cooper Center and its role in sustainability and teaching all ages to tread lightly on the earth. sagcc.net

Photo courtesy of Nekter Juice Bar

NEKTER JUICE BARS TO ARRIVE IN ARIZONA California’s successful wellness brand has made its way to Scottsdale and Chandler with three new locations. All of the juice bar’s ingredients come from local farms, and all of the beverages are raw, vegan and natural. Nekter features detoxes, cleanses, smoothies, acai bowls and salads, along with other healthy options.

The new locations also promise WiFi access so you can stay connected while eating well. nekterjuicebar.com

FRESH & EASY CLOSINGS Certain Fresh & Easy branches in Arizona, California and Nevada have closed their doors. British-based parent company Tesco sold the business to the private equity firm The Yucaipa Companies LLC due to losses, and a vision for the store that didn’t translate to American shopping habits. Once the deal is finalized in the next three months, Arizona will be left with only 13 Fresh & Easy stores. freshandeasy.com EPA GRANTS PIMA COUNTY $65,000 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENDEAVORS The Environmental Protection Agency announced a grant designated to assist Pima County’s expansion in green infrastructure. With a focus on reducing water pollution and mitigating climate change, the EPA is confident that green infrastructure tools such as rain gardens, permeable materials and alternative designs for streets and buildings will help alleviate some of the stresses placed on Arizona’s local water structures. epa.gov SKY HARBOR PROVIDES WATER BOTTLE FILLING STATIONS Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has installed water bottle filling stations past security that allow passengers to fill their own bottles with chilled, filtrated water at no cost before they board their flight. Becky Gawin, Deputy Aviation Director for Facilities and services stated that “…they offer passengers an added convenience…[and] are a sustainable feature, reducing the use of disposable plastic bottles.” The replenishment stations can be found next to the water bottles and are popular among travelers who use them thousands of times daily. skyharbor.com

Photo courtesy of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

[SECTION NAME]

FIRST LEED PLATINUM MULTI-TENANT OFFICE BUILDING IN ARIZONA The 11-story, 307,000-square-foot office building, 24th at Camelback II, owned by Hines and an East Coast pension fund advised by Invesco, has achieved platinum certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Existing Buildings (EB) rating system, making it the first LEED EB Platinum multi-tenant office building in Arizona.

The office features reflective roofing, an electronic waste recycling program, landscaping that uses minimal water, and a program that aids tenants in making their office spaces more environmentally friendly. Along with earning the LEED Platinum certification, it also has earned the ENERGY STAR label, boasting an efficiency of 46 percent more than the average American office building. hines.com IKEA TO SELL RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PANELS IN THE UK The Swedish flat-pack furniture chain is trying to appeal to the greener crowd by selling solar panels in the coming years. While the panels aren’t self-installable, IKEA has installation plans in motion and is working to make solar an affordable option for everyone. Panels made by the Chinese company Hanergy will not be available in the United States initially, however American hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s already stock solar panels for residential purchases. ikea.com

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Your Parenting New Year’s ReSOLUTION Introducing Parenting Skills Support Group at Genesis Natural Medicine Center 3920 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson Genesis is now offering FREE parent training learning sessions led by Drs. Nancy Aton & Britt Marie Deegan, NMD Classes Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 7:30pm Starting January 16th - February 20th, 2014 Classes will cover: • Blended family challenges • Defiant behavior • Healthy parent-child communication • Logical consequences • Picky eaters • Bedtime meltdowns Attendees will receive a coupon good for a child’s first visit with Dr. Aton and Dr. Deegan for $125 (regularly $185) RSVP today! (Seating is limited) 520-495-4400 *Please adults only

December November 2013 | greenliving 2013 | greenliving 313

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Good, Green Waste

DUNCAN FAMILY FARMS CREATES COMMUNITY COMPOSTING PROGRAM

BY SHANTEL WYKE

“To me, sustainability is really trying to take care of Mother Nature so my kids and my grandkids can live a good, quality life.”

- Pete Guerrero

C

an you imagine a world in which there was no waste?

Better yet, imagine waste being used to benefit businesses and society as a whole. Duncan Family Farms, the largest composting farm in Maricopa County, has put sustainability into practice by creating its own green waste program. Featured over 55 acres, long rows of dried trees and trimmings await their transformation into compost. The idea of recycling is similar to composting in the fact that waste is converted into reusable products, lengthening the lifespan of materials made from natural resources. Located between 187th and 195th avenues on McDowell Road in Buckeye, Duncan Family Farms has been composting for nearly 16 years, but this zero-waste initiative was something they aspired to put into effect.

Simply stated by Technical Services Manager Pete Guerrero, the underlying goal of the program is “to divert as much material as we can and recycle it to be useful again.” Green waste, such as trees, bushes, and manure, is collected from local businesses and consumers and is converted into a helpful product that could be mixed with compost piles for better soil and, thus, healthier crops.

Having discussed the program for a couple of years, owner Arnott Duncan and Guerrero agreed that composting helped divert some green waste from landfills, but copious amounts of bigger materials like tree branches were still being thrown away. As they received more demand from customers to divert raw materials from landfills, they decided to invest in highquality infrastructure that included a mobile office, a large electronic scale, and a tub grinder.

With this technology implemented, anyone can drive up onto the scale, dump their green waste, and pay per ton.

If received materials are less than a ton, a flat fee of $15 is required rather than the full rate of $24 per ton. Once enough green waste has been accumulated – normally on a quarterly basis – Duncan Farms rents out a tub grinder to pulverize trees and bushes into a crushed heap. It is then transferred to their compost yard a mile away and blended with manure for nearly six months. Despite the usefulness of this heavy machinery, it is not without cost – the average price to use a tub grinder could range from $8,000 to $10,000 for just a few days. The funds used to pay for this come from local customers – currently,

32 2 greenliving | December 2013 greenliving | December 2013

Photo courtesy of Duncan Family Farms

waste removal service Dumpstr Xpress, landscape company ValleyCrest, and the cities of Avondale and Goodyear – who pay the farm to receive their green waste. However, anyone can contribute and is welcomed to do so. Instead of paying the average fee of $33.05 to discard each ton of waste at a landfill, customers found it more cost-effective to give their green waste to Duncan Farms for $24 per ton, so that the farm could use it to enhance their soil. Other funds collected pay for the electricity needed to operate the scale in office, the front loader, water for fire suppression, and the employees of the facility.

The green waste program has benefitted Duncan Family Farms by not only providing them with more raw material but by helping them develop a great partnership with the community. Although it has only been up and running for several weeks, Guerrero anticipates the program taking off as the message spreads: “Encourage people to have more sustainable practices, help the community, and take care of what you have to work with now.”

Arnott and Kathleen Duncan, along with their team of collaborators, have taken the initiative to be good stewards of the land and helpers in the community. Certified organic by Quality Assurance International, Duncan Family Farms grows the spring mix, baby spinach, herb mix, braising mix, and mini head lettuces that are bought at retail stores. Duncan Farms also supports Arizona Food Banks with a million pounds of produce each season.

To fi nd out more about Duncan Family Farms’ sustainable methods or their products, visit duncanfamilyfarms.com

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sUstainaBle clarKdale

A SMALL VERDE VALLEY TOWN WITH BIG ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

owns its local water company, is on a mission to reduce water consumption. The plan includes replacing aging water infrastructure, along with an upgraded wastewater treatment plant that came online this year. In addition, Clarkdale has a goal of connecting its citizens with the Verde River, which flows along the northern end of town.

“People care about facilities or resources they use and understand. As a result, community leaders are developing public river access and education opportunities along the river to include recreational opportunities such as kayaking, hiking, birding, photography, guided tours, archeology, cycling, swimming and picnicking,” Filardo says. “In addition, the town is working with upstream landowners to provide public access points for river enthusiasts to use to launch upriver from Clarkdale’s Tuzigoot River Access Point.”

Photo by Elena Oradat

W

ith a population just over 4,000 residents, Clarkdale is located near the Verde River in the north central part of the state. Like many small Arizona towns, it was originally built as a company town in 1912 to serve the employees of the United Verde Copper Company. Unlike other towns, though, Clarkdale was designed to grow and was the first master planned community in Arizona.

The original rail line that served the copper smelter is now home to the Verde Canyon Railway (verdecanyonrr.com), a popular tourist attraction that gives tours of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area and Verde River. So much more than a tourist destination, Clarkdale stands among other municipalities for its environmentally friendly practices.

MANAGING NATURAL RESOURCES “Planning for a resilient and vibrant future while honoring its past, Clarkdale’s citizens and its leadership believe in being a model community for stewardship—environmentally, economically and culturally,” says Jodie S. Filardo, community and economic development director.

Part of the town’s emphasis on environmental stewardship focuses on strategic management of energy and water. Filardo says that Clarkdale believes in generating as much of its energy from renewable sources as possible. “[Clarkdale] was one of the first Verde Valley communities to partner with APS on its Arizona Solar Community program, reaching its goal of a solar install base of systems on at least 5 percent of owner-occupied homes within the program’s first year,” she says. “Clarkdale has installed many building retrofits through the help of the state’s Department of Energy.”

The town boasts the first geothermal installation of a historic municipal facility in Arizona, Filardo adds.

When it comes to water management, the town, which

2greenlivingaz.com greenliving | December 2013

GREEN DEVELOPMENTS Filardo says that to showcase the “beauty possible in droughttolerant gardens” Clarkdale developed its popular Centennial Plaza and installed native and adaptive plants at Town Hall.

“This area [Centennial Plaza and Town Hall] continues to develop as both a community gathering place and an education spot for learning about sustainable plantings and watering techniques,” she adds.

SCIENCE LEADS THE WAY “The town is also embarking on a science-driven water resource management program investigating current water models, water management best practices, climate assessments, and new ideas for the management of water in our arid climate,” Filardo says. “As such, the town sees the opportunity to model sustainable water practices in the Southwest region.”

Clarkdale is also poised to be a focal point for arid climate agriculture with the creation of Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center at their Verde Campus in Clarkdale. With a groundbreaking in November and construction completion scheduled for fall 2014, the wine center will be the first teaching winery in the southwest.

VISITING CLARKDALE In addition to the Verde Canyon Railway, Clarkdale is an ideal spot for visitors looking to experience the outdoors and Arizona’s small town history. For history buffs, popular spots include the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum (clarkdaleheritage.org) and Clarkdale Memorial Library (clarkdale.az.gov/library2.html), which offers a public arts program and ongoing events. For outdoor enthusiasts, recreational opportunities abound by the Verde River. Tourists can also check out Centennial Plaza to see all of the natural foliage and desert landscaping.

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December 2013 | greenliving greenlivingaz.com 33

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Cheryl

SELFISH IS GOOD ARIZONA WINES INVITE INDULGENCE

BY SAM PILLSBURY

L

et me make a confession here: my eco-responsible vineyard operation exists more because I am a sensualist than an eco-warrior. I just like good food and wine.

However, I am proud to record that I was one of fewer than 100 New Zealanders who barricaded Auckland Harbor with their own boats against the intrusion of U.S. nuclear-powered ships, leading to New Zealand being declared nuclear-free.

Is it possible to reconcile self-gratification with eco-responsibility? I think so.

DOING RIGHT CAN BE DELICIOUS One of the things we as a Puritan culture tend to assume is that “doing the right thing,” either personally or ecologically, involves denial and deprivation.

I watch in amazement an overweight person lament the fact that they shouldn’t eat greasy french fries and creamy cupcakes; that the denial of fat and refined sugar and flour combined with artificial food coloring and chemical flavorings represents a great sacrifice.

The exact reverse is true.

The whole mass-food manufacturing industry ladles on fat/ sugar/salt to artificially create pseudo-flavor characteristics to shoddy ingredients. You can put ketchup on anything, but it’ll taste like ketchup.

Try slicing organically grown potatoes, spreading them on a lightly oiled tray and baking them high up in an oven pre-heated to 450. It takes 20 or more minutes. Turn once,

234 greenliving | August 2013 greenliving | December 2013

Dorie

sprinkle on some sea salt. Heaven.

Try making that cupcake (I hate them, it’s a total mystery to me, but here goes) with organic wholemeal flour, butter and eggs, and make an icing with honey and vanilla.

Is it a little more work? Not really. It just involves a change in habit. And it tastes better.

Many people I know just can’t get out of the routine of going to the supermarket for everything, instead of taking an hour on Saturday morning to go to the farmers’ market. It’s not more work, it just means shifting a pattern of behavior.

Of course this is hard…it’s why as a country we continue to lumber along with pennies, miles and pounds—unlike any other Western country.

FOR THE LOVE OF WINE OK, back to the vineyard. We grow wine grapes because I like good wine. We also grow vegetables and fruit, because I like good, fresh fruit and vegetables.

It just happens that wine grapes use about one tenth of the water of many other agricultural crops…in our valley that means corn and maize, cotton, alfalfa, and pecans, to name a few. Our well water level was at 350 feet six years ago. It’s now at 375 feet. Not because of the water we use.

And, most of our work is done by hand. It makes for better fruit than doing it all by machine, because people are more selective, and gentler on the vines than a machine. In the impoverished Sulphur Springs Valley in Cochise County, this means work. It means keeping the dough at home, and since wine is the only growing value-added agriculture crop in the state, and we make the wine from the grapes here too, it means keeping the money in the valley and nurturing the local community.

All this do-gooder stuff because I like the taste of good wine. We use no chemical sprays or fertilizers. Our vines get nourished with chicken poop and seaweed. We use organic

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sprays. We used to use Roundup herbicide because I was brought up in clean-green ‘100% Pure’ New Zealand with the belief that it was harmless. Then I read some research and stopped right there. In addition, if it hits the vines the wrong way, it really cripples the plant. New Zealand isn’t perfect either.

So, for a while we weeded by hand.

Now, there is a commonly held belief that “organic” is much more expensive. I have found that not to be true, except in this case, horrifyingly true. So we are in the process of buying a machine which does this. This machine costs $12,000, but over a period of 10 years it’s not so bad.

ORGANIC TASTES BETTER Now, here’s the thing: like the fries and cupcakes, this stuff just tastes better. And each year the land gets healthier, the vines get healthier, the vines get more productive, and the fruit tastes better.

And while the vines get healthier, they get more disease- and insect-resistant, so there is less need for chemical sprays. And while I am being an eco-champion, I am getting better fruit at a marginal increase in cost, if at all, with no dependency on artificial herbicides.

It’s sort of like long-term functioning instead of short-term. I guess you could say it’s protecting the environment.

So, no deprivation. A marginal increase in cost, if at all.

Better soil. Happier people. Better wine.

Better future. Better world. I get to be a selfish sensualist and eco-responsible at the same time. It’s a win-win.

So, you can have your healthy cupcake and eat it too. And it tastes better.

Sam Pillsbury is the owner of Pillsbury Wine Company.

For more information visit pillsburywine.com Photos coutesy of Sam Pillsbury

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December August 2013 | greenliving 2013 | greenliving 353

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Wild at Heart

VOLUNTEERS RESCUE AND REHABILITATE BIRDS OF PREY

BY STEFFANIE JENSEN

A

s I drive along a dusty trail expecting to find a bird sanctuary, it occurs to me that I am approaching what appears to be someone’s house.

I park and follow the signs instructing me to enter around the side. As I ring the bell, I can see into the backyard where large, roofed enclosures with connecting walkways house a variety of owls, hawks, eagles and other rescued raptors.

I have arrived at Wild at Heart, an all-volunteer run organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Arizona’s native wildlife. Owned by Sam and Bob Fox, the property in Cave Creek has already housed up to 400 birds of prey this past spring alone, with approximately 200 currently residing there. Inside the house where Sam and Bob live is a recovery room.

Certain birds will spend the remainder of their lives there if they are unfit for release back into the wild. Others will heal and go through a process in which they are housed with foster parent birds that will train them to hunt and eat in preparation for release into the wild.

“Everything here is done by volunteers,” says Bob as he pets an injured owl, Mag, who is now a permanent resident in the facility. “In the spring the injuries stock up,” Bob tells me. “Spring is when the babies are born.

Many fall from nests, starve to death, or their homes are overtaken by construction sites.” Bob explains that 65 to 95 percent of birds of prey die within the first year of being born into the wild.

HOW WILD AT HEART BEGAN “We started out as volunteers at the Arizona Game and Fish Department,” Bob explains of himself and his wife, Sam, who helps run the facility. “They were only open until 5 p.m., and Sam and I realized animals don’t stop being injured or needing help at 5 p.m.

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It happens 24 hours a day.” Sam and Bob initially adopted one owl into their at-home care, and it just grew from there. “We’ve had calls from all over the world,” Sam tells me. “California, Georgia, Germany and even Indonesia have called. The difference here is that a live person, usually me, will pick up the phone 24 hours a day. You can’t really find that anywhere else. This way we make sure people get help when they need it, even if it means answering the phone at 3 a.m.” Sam and Bob are really making a difference.

In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating raptors, they’ve continually expanded their efforts to help Arizona’s wildlife including assisting with endangered species recovery programs, relocating burrowing owls. They have even begun working with some construction organizations to help preserve natural habitats. Wild at Heart also has plans to build nest boxes and place them into the wild to ease the transition for released birds.

Running the Wild at Heart treatment center didn’t happen overnight. “It’s something that, if you do it, you have to be fully committed to it,” says Bob. Helping birds be ready for release is one of the biggest benefits of the facility. Young birds are placed with adults of the same species in larger outdoor cages, making the transition easier for them. “When they interact with humans all day instead of learning from birds of their own species, they get distracted,” Bob tells me as we pass through some of the cages. “Timing for release is

very important. We’ll wait until it cools off outside and [the birds] are old enough. There’s a lot of thought that goes into the release.” Bob explains that Sam will spend weeks looking up areas of Arizona that would be appropriate for each species before release.

Emily Powell, a volunteer at Wild at Heart since 2010, tells me, “The birds are the mission here. I just latched onto that.

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We’re just trying to keep the facility well maintained. It is all about the quality of life for the birds.” As Emily continues spraying down the cage mats, I notice a young Boy Scout building a birdcage. “We use a lot of youth organizations and adult volunteers—there is no age limit. If someone wants to help, we don’t turn them away,” Bob explains to me as we tour several cages around the backyard of the property, many of which were built by Boy Scout troops. One even shows a plaque of the troop name and the year it was completed.

The center also runs purely on donations, which are always accepted. “We love to partner with other organizations when possible, so everyone benefits,” Bob says.

Pictured here is just one of many birds of prey housed at the Wild at Heart facility. Her name is Scheherazade, after the princess in the tale of 1,001 Arabian Nights. She has lived at the facility for 18 years and is a permanent resident due to a gunshot wound that took out the majority of her right wing.

Bob pets Scheherazade and tells me, “The needs of the animals must be met first. After 25 years, we don’t want to lose focus of that.”

To get more information, volunteer, donate, or ask questions: Wild At Heart, 31840 N. 45th St., Cave Creek 480-595-5047 | wildatheartowls.org Bob and Sam Fox are available 24 hours a day by phone.

Photos by Steffanie Jensen

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MAKING THE ORDINARY, EXTRAORDINARY WANDER INTO TOM’S THUMB FRESH MARKET FOR A NOSTALGIC EXPERIENCE

BY KATIE PEIGE

N

estled in North Scottsdale, with close proximity to the 101, is a gas station that appears stuck in the wrong decade. If you happen to wander here searching for fuel, you will be greeted by a young man in a white jumpsuit, neat and clean-shaven, with a friendly smile. The next thing you realize, he is there to pump your gas and you are taken aback as this is indeed 2013, and you are not in Oregon or New Jersey where it is mandated that gas attendants pump gas.

After getting your gas and some free air in your tires, you realize you are thirsty and wander into the gas station’s shop. You are once again pleasantly surprised when your eyes discover a bakery, wine bar, dining area complete with a chandelier, a food market, and a gift shop with an assortment of fun and unique items, and you start to rethink your holiday shopping list.

You have stepped into the surprise that is Tom’s Thumb Gas Station and Fresh Market. Opened in January of 2012, Tom’s Thumb has been “making the ordinary, extraordinary” when doing menial things like buying gas or getting your car washed. But they go a step further – make that several steps. Tom’s Thumb is a combination of a classic car wash, diner, bakery, town store, and coffee shop.

GOOD EATS Here, you can enjoy the 1950s nostalgic atmosphere as you take your honey out

for a southern-style barbecue dinner and enjoy the culinary pleasure of fresh in-house-smoked pulled pork or split a baked-this-morning piece of cake. You can travel here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for delicious food at any time of day. There is a large collection of great wine at a great value as well, and space for you and a friend to grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, and sit on a comfy couch while playing board games or just enjoying each other’s company.

LOCAL TREASURES For your shopping experience, there are about a dozen local vendors amidst the fun and funky collection of knick-knacks and clothing accessories. There are also antique pieces of furniture and upcycled industrial pieces as well, including high tables that can adjust in height, since the bases are made of old jacks.

Other eye-catching pieces include items upcycled from wine bottles, locally made reclaimed wood-framed signage for your interior décor, and eco-friendly eye-wear.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS For the holidays, Tom’s Thumb, located at 9393 E. Bell Road, will be offering specials on carwashes and have catering available so you can bring their barbecue and other culinary creations to a holiday party. Gift vendors are continuously rotating unique items, so there is always a surprise in store! Make sure to stop by to see how Tom’s Thumb can make your ordinary holiday extraordinary.

recipes [section naMe] Cheryl

Dorie

KaBocHa sQUasH Farrotto WITH CRISPY KALE inGredients 1 kabocha squash 2 tbsp. butter 1 onion, minced 2 cups farro, soaked overnight directions 1. Preheat the oven to 370 degrees. Cut kabocha squash in half.

You can substitute kabocha squash with any other winter squash or pumpkin available. Scoop out the seeds and set aside in a medium-sized pot.

2. Place the two sides of the squash face-down on a baking sheet. Cook for 30 minutes, until the squash is soft, but not squishy.

3. While the squash is cooking, cover the squash seeds with 6 cups of water. Set over medium heat and allow to simmer.

You can simmer them a bit longer for a more robust fl avor.

4. Start the risotto by melting 1 tbsp. of butter in a large pot or high-walled skillet. Sauté the onion until translucent.

5. Add the farro and the remaining butter, toasting for another 2 minutes. Add white wine, and stir the farro until it absorbs the liquid.

1 cup dry white wine 1 head of kale Olive oil Salt and pepper

6. Strain out a cup of the simmering squash seed broth and add it to the farro, stirring frequently until it is absorbed. Repeat 4 more times, or until the farro is to desired softness.

7. While the farro is soaking up liquid, wash and dry the leaves of kale and cut off the woody stems. Spread on a baking tray.

Brush each leaf with olive oil on both sides and dust with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes alongside the squash.

8. When farro is saturated with broth, turn the burner to low. By then, the squash should have been removed from the oven and slightly cool. Peel the skin and chop it into 1-inch cubes.

9. Add two cups of the farrotto. Stir in the squash, salt to taste and crumble in the kale chips right before it’s served.

Recipe courtesy of Hayden Flour Mills. haydenflourmills.com/blog

CANDY CANE

BlitZ-tini directions

1 ½ ounces vanilla vodka Drizzle of red peppermint syrup 1 ounce crème de menthe 1 candy cane for garnish 2 ounces white chocolate liqueur Ice ½ candy cane, crushed

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1. In a shaker tin, add ice, vanilla vodka, crème de menthe and white chocolate liqueur.

2. Shake vigorously.

3. Dip the rim of a martini glass in water and roll in the crushed candy cane.

4. Strain drink into the martini glass and drizzle with peppermint syrup.

5. Garnish with a candy cane.

Recipe courtesy of Executive Chef Admir Alibasic of Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse. benandjackssteakhouse.com

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NO FAIL sUgAr cOOKIes IngreDIenTs 6 cups fl our 1 tsp. baking powder 2 cups unsalted butter 2 cups sugar (white granulated) 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract or desired fl avoring (I like almond) 1 tsp. salt

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1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fl uffy.

2. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.

3. Mix dry ingredients and add a little at a time to butter mixture.

4. Mix until fl our is completely incorporated and the dough comes together.

5. Chill for 1 to 2 hours (or see hint below).

6. Roll to desired thickness and cut into desired shapes.

7. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

8. To make the melted snowman cookie, attach a marshmallow to the icing for the head, then pipe colored icing to make facial features and arms.

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1 banana (frozen) 1 cup vanilla coconut or almond milk ice cream (dairy-free) ½ tsp. nutmeg 1 dash of ground cloves 1 tsp. vanilla ½ tsp. cinnamon 4 cups coconut milk or almond milk (use less if you like it thicker) Rum to taste or rum extract DIrecTIOns

from the

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Recipe courtesy of Debra K. reciperedoblog.com

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[secTIOn nAMe] Cheryl

Dorie

Jeff

GREEN SCENES

fi lled with Christmas Traditions including Las Posadas, and Honoring La Virgin de Guadalupe. Live street entertainment, food and vendor booths, and live painting will be aplenty. alacaz.org

BLACK BIRD HOLIDAY BAZAAR & EXHIBITION Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tempe Center for the Arts Gallery 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe View and purchase original artwork pieces, prints, home décor items, accessories and clothing from local artists across the valley at this holiday bazaar.

Tempe.gov/tca Photo courtesy of USFWS Headquarters

PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT MEXICAN WOLVES Dec. 3, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Hon-Dah Conference Center 777 Highway 260, Pinetop The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently proposed changes to the rules governing the reintroduction and management of the Mexican gray wolf, one of the most endangered mammals in North America. The Pinetop public meeting is the only one scheduled in Arizona. Conservation groups will share information prior to and during the meeting beginning at 3 p.m., and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have additional information from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The public meeting begins at 6 p.m. 602-253-8633 sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org

FRIDAY ART WALK Dec. 6, 6 – 9 p.m.

Historic Downtown Flagstaff Art, music and street performers fi ll Heritage Square for the fi rst Friday Art Walk of the season. flagstaff365.com

Photo by Elsie Hui

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND BALLOON GLOW AT SAN TAN VILLAGE Dec. 7, 1 – 9 p.m.

San Tan Village 2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert The 3rd annual festival has boasts over 75 vendors, 18 hot air balloons, holiday shopping, kids’ activities, and more! There will also be a charity toy drive, carriage rides and a glowing skydiver fi nale. Admission is free for all! thepaisleypumpkin.com

COTTONWOOD CHOCOLATE WALK Dec. 7, 4 – 7 p.m.

777 N. Main St., Cottonwood The annual Cottonwood Chocolate Walk includes caroling, gift bags, and of course the competition for the best homemade chocolate from 35+ entries. oldtown.org/chocolate_walk Photo by Jürgen

ALAC’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND MERCADO Dec. 6, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Centre 147 E. Adams St., Phoenix Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Centre presents a festival

greenlivingaz.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND JINGLE BELL RUN Dec. 7, 7:30 – 10 a.m.

525 Posse Ground Road, Sedona Start with a one-mile run through jingle bell-decked park and fi nish with some free pancakes while the kids make winter crafts, wait in line to see Santa, or even ice skate in the park’s rink.

December November 2013 | greenliving 2013 | greenliving 431

[secTIOn green scenes nAMe] Cheryl

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sedonaaz.gov

TUMBLEWEED TREE LIGHTING Dec. 7, 4:30 – 9 p.m.

Dr. AJ Chandler Park Boston Street and Arizona Avenue, downtown Chandler Local stage performances entertain the audience at this community festival and Parade of Lights that culminates with the lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree. chandleraz.gov

BOOK AND BAKE SALE FOR HOPE ANIMAL SHELTER Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2011 E. 12th St., Tucson Support the care of abandoned dogs and cats at the Hope Animal Shelter by shopping their book and bake sale. 520-7929200 hopeanimalshelter.net

CARRIAGE RIDES AT FOUNTAIN PARK Dec. 13-14 and Dec 20-21, 6 – 9 p.m.

12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills Celebrate the holiday season with free horse-drawn carriage rides at Fountain Park that take you around the Westgate Entertainment District.

Photo courtesy of City of Chandler

PHOENIX FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND ELECTRIC PARADE Dec. 7, 7 p.m.

The electric light parade includes fl oats, marching bands and performers. The parade route is along Central Avenue from Montebello Avenue to Camelback Road, east to Seventh Street and south to Indian School Road. phoenix.gov

WINTER STREET FAIR Dec. 13-15, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

316 N. Fourth Ave., Tucson The 4th annual winter street fair brings over 400 arts and crafts booths, food, jugglers, art, music, face painting and more. fourthavenue.org

REINDEER ROUND UP Dec. 14, 8:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.

West Wetlands Park, 282 N 12th Avenue, Yuma

Historic District of Tucson. Inspired by a similar display in Beverly Hills, Calif., in the 1930s, CB Richards became the founding father of the Winterhaven Festival of Lights and donated the first string of Christmas lights.

BY JESSICA ATHA The festival will be held from 6 - 10 p.m. from Dec. 14 - 26 with drivethrough nights on Dec. 17, 27 and 28.

Entrance is free, but cash and food donations for the Tucson Community Food bank are welcomed. Winterhaven is the second-most-productive food Photo by Ray Brice drive in Tucson, attracting more than 100,000 visitors every year. In 2012, more than $20,000 and almost 34,000 pounds of food were donated, making it one of the most successful years since its inception. This year, the Food Bank requests more peanut butter, cereal, canned soup, canned meat, canned tomato products, canned vegetables and canned fruit.

You can also join the Winterhaven Run Through the Lights on Sunday, Dec. 15. This 5-kilometer non-competitive fun run begins behind Winterhaven Square and continues through a flat, paved course with occasional stops to regroup and sing Christmas carols. The entrance fee is two cans of food, and

TUCSON’S WINTERHAVEN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

T

ucson’s Winterhaven Festival of Lights is a traditional, family-friendly winter fundraiser, featuring the most spectacular holiday display of lights and decorations in town. In past years there has been a snow machine, a mini outdoor theater, hot chocolate and kettle corn, and themed decorations, such as the must-see Disney Princess house.

You can walk or drive through the spectacle of luminosity, one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in the country.

This event, now in its 63rd year, was established with the construction of the neighborhood in 1949 in the National 244 greenliving | November 2013 greenliving | December 2013

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green scenes [secTIOn nAMe] Cheryl

Dorie

Jeff

Run a 5k, 10k, or just walk a 5k through paved and groomed trails. Awards and plaques will be given at the end of the race. yumaaz.gov

THE HOLIDAY CONCERT FEATURING THE SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC Dec. 15, 4 p.m.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale Arizona’s premier philharmonic will put on a holiday show at no cost to you! The non-profi t organization provides classical music to the public, and is presented by Rancho Solano Preparatory School. scottsdalephilharmonic.com

THE GREAT PINECONE DROP Dec. 31, 10 p.m. – midnight 23 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff In historic downtown Flagstaff, a six-foot tall pinecone will hang like an ornament from the 112-year-old hotel, and drop twice; once at 10 p.m. and once at midnight to ring in the New Year. flagstaff365.com

MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER Dec. 21, 3 – 7:30 p.m.

17 W. Congress St., Tucson The award-winning and celebrated holiday ballet show with humor, charm, and a classic holiday touch for all ages. nutcracker.com Photo courtesy of danzadiaria.com

festive holiday attire, such as Santa hats, antlers, striped socks, or even ugly Christmas sweaters, is optional.

Residents take special care keeping the grass green and the beautiful aleppo pines growing, making Winterhaven the perfect site for this radiant, twinkling wonderland. Maintaining the lush plant life of the neighborhood takes careful and plentiful watering in this desert of Southern Arizona, but Winterhaven was created in concert with the nonprofit cooperative utility company called Winterhaven Water and Development Company. Residents receive rebates for efficient water use, and in the last nine years, the neighborhood has reduced its water use by 34 percent.

This year, the subsidy from the City of Tucson for safety and traffic control has been discontinued due to budget cuts. For the first time, the festival is completely community funded, including corporate sponsors and personal tax-deductible donations. There will be horse-drawn hay wagons and trolley rides. Proceeds of the hay wagon vendors go toward the police and traffic barricades and other expenses of the festival. greenlivingaz.com greenlivingaz.com

Photo by Ray Brice

Leftover profits are donated to the Community Food Bank.

Light is a major theme of many religions, one that is especially celebrated near the holidays. Whether it’s the star of Bethlehem, the Star of David, or the Islamic star and crescent, light is the symbol for a beacon of goodness, for the precious human spirit and the goodwill within, and decorating your house is one of the simplest representations of holiday cheer.

Regardless of creed, the residents of Winterhaven wish to share this gift with the community and spread the warmth, love, and beauty of the holidays.

December 2013 | greenliving 453 November 2013 | greenliving

[SECTION NAME] Cheryl

Dorie

He’s Green She’s Green John Burkhart

Jennifer Burkhart

The holidays are here! Before you transform into a frenzied Frosty shopping for gifts, take a peek at these Earth-friendly stocking stuffers. You just may find the perfect little something for your holiday celebration.

AURA CACIA | PANIC BUTTON HE SAID: I never understood these aromatherapy sprays. How does spraying lavender and citrus oil in my face calm and relax me? Usually I feel concerned afterward because I just sprayed oil all over me and I feel like I’m going to break out in acne.

This spray smells nice and if it was marketed as an air freshener I would like it.

SHE SAID: If you’re planning to host a holiday party, you may want this “panic button” tucked in your pocket. The smell of lavender instantly calmed me…ahhhh. It worked better when I sniffed the nozzle directly, instead of misting the air around me, so I’d say do both just to be sure!

He gave it:

She gave it:

PRESERVE | TRIPLE RAZOR HE SAID: I like Preserve. I think their recycling yogurt cup operation is fantastic. That being said, this was the worst razor I have ever tried to use. It was unable to shave the finer hairs on my neck. The blades clogged quickly and the handle was so thin I felt like I was shaving with a toothpick. Throw a Preserve toothbrush in those stockings instead.

SHE SAID: Who knew yogurt cups could help you get a close shave? The handle is dainty and feather-light so it took some getting used to. The razor head does not flex, which made it tricky to maneuver rounded areas. Otherwise, it did the job and the handles are made to last.

He gave it:

She gave it:

BADGER | ORGANIC PEPPERMINT & TEA TREE FOOT BALM HE SAID: I am a guy, so I pretty much never think about how hydrated my feet are. Thankfully, there are badgers out there to remind me. After a couple of uses my feet were softer and happier. Be ready for a very strong tea tree and citrus smell.

SHE SAID: No one likes cuddling up with dry, scratchy feet – ew! A bit of this badger balm will have your tootsies feeling softer, though a bit oily and minty, in no time!

He gave it:

She gave it:

EOS | ORGANIC SWEET MINT LIP BALM HE SAID: I thought this was a bouncy ball or an Easter egg until I opened it. Inside I found a mound of ChapStick that smelled like a candy cane and made my lips feel cool. The flavor was strong enough to add a minty taste to my morning coffee, which was good. Had I been drinking orange juice, I would not have been happy.

SHE SAID: It’s just like smearing a candy cane on your lips! This balm was cooling, very minty, sweet (you bet I tasted it!) and long lasting. It’s not exactly “pocket-friendly,” but the odd shape is worth it to moisturize both lips at the same time! Whaaaat?

He gave it:

She gave it:

GREEN & BLACK’S | ORGANIC MILK CHOCOLATE BAR HE SAID: No stocking is complete without a little chocolate, and these Green & Black’s organic chocolate bars are the perfect size. Velvety smooth chocolate that’s not too sweet, and not too dark...just right. And they’re fair trade to boot.

Can’t go wrong.

SHE SAID: Eating chocolate during the holidays is pretty much tradition – it is for me at least! Organic and fair-trade is the way to go, and this little bar packs quite the creamy, chocolaty punch! It had a curious hint of butter flavor, but that didn’t stop me from noming the whole thing!

He gave it:

She gave it:

246 greenliving greenliving| |December December2013 2013

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STUFF

1. ALEX AND ANI PATH OF LIFE CHARM BRACELET The Path of Life Charm Bracelet by Alex and Ani represents the twists and turns along life’s journey toward fruitful moments and the infi nite possibilities and expressions of love. Alex and Ani jewelry is handcrafted from recycled materials. These ecofriendly, positive energy products are made in America. $28 alexandani.com

4. SAGUARO CACTUS TORCH What better way to fl aunt your Arizona pride than with this Saguaro torch? Handmade by Kansas’ own Richard Turner and Eric Carroll, this hand-welded sculpture is fi ve feet of galvanized steel in all of its Sonoran glory. Illuminate your patio or establishment, and start listening for the compliments on this oneof-a-kind piece. $500 uncommongoods.com

5. ARTIFACT UPRISING PHOTO BOOKS

2. WRAPPED ANIMAL STYLE BOX SET Give the gift that can keep on gifting! Wrapped features vivid gift bags and boxes, wrapping paper and other paper products. With so many themes to choose from, the wrapping could well outshine the presents inside. Made with recycled content and soy-based ink, these boxes can be reused as storage boxes. Set of three. $48 wrappedla. com

3. CHUCKLE FARM TERRARIUM A little green goes a long way. Capsule terrariums, bamboo herb pots, bonsai planters and gardens-in-a-bag all make excellent natural presents. They even sell plants and planters for children too. Gifting nature has been transformed elegantly and effortlessly. $38 chucklefarm.com

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Take your Facebook and Instagram photos off your devices and turn them into sophisticated keepsakes you can share with loved ones. Artifact Uprising creates hard and soft cover books, and wooden boxes, calendars, and blocks with prints that make use of recycled paper and reclaimed mountain beetle pine. Creating your albums is as easy as uploading the images on their site and designing them to your liking. Prices vary. artifactuprising. com

6. LA MAISON INTERIORS RECLAIMED WOOD BENCH Reclaimed wood benches, ottomans and credenzas are available in a variety of styles at La Maison Interiors. Woods include teak, ebano (Texas ebony), and Indonesian rosewood. $1,470. lamaisonaz.com

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