Green Living October 2014

October 2014

Your conscious life

M A G A Z I N E

GREEN YOUR HALLOWEEN GOATSCAPING SOLAR SAVVY

ALSO INSIDE: Cyclovia Tucson Water Conservation 101 Foods to Boost Your Health Kartchner Caverns State Park

greenlivingaz.com Green Living magazine is printed by a Sustainable Forestry Initiative速 certified printer.

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departments

October 2014

18

Live Green Water Conservation 101 Foods That Fight Cancer Design for Hope Charity Project Spotlight on Solar Tour de Coops: The Valley’s Most Unique Home Tour Solar Water Heaters Halloween Fun for Your Pets Goatscaping: Natural and Adorable Landscaping Adopt-A-Highway Program

4 7 10 12 13 14 16 18 20

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Photo by Tom Nielsen

Work Green 22 23

Cyclovia Tucson

24 26 27 27

Solar Panels for Schools

Geared Toward the Greater Good: An ASU Woman’s Inspiring Journey The Limitations of Eco-Efficiency Green in the News Business Events ON THE COVER

Your conscious life

September 2014

M A G A Z I N E

GREEN YOUR HALLOWEEN GOAT LANDSCAPING CREATE HABITAT HUMMINGBIRDS

SPECIAL SECTION TRANSPORTATION

ALSO INSIDE: Fashion Week Designers California Drought Walkable Communities Sustainable Cities Network Unstructured Play for Kids greenlivingaz.com Green Living magazine is printed by a Sustainable Forestry Initiative® certified printer.

Karen Watson created this gorgeous paper pumpkin using a dollar store plastic pumpkin and the pages of an old book. She blogs at thegraphicsfairy.com. With more than 4,500 free vintage images, craft projects and tutorials, her blog is a wonderful resource for crafters, DIYers and designers.

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Photo courtesy of Arizona Science Center Photo courtesy of Arizona State Parks

Play Green 28 30 32 33 37 38 40

Kartchner Caverns State Park: Uncovered Beauty Recipes Jeremy Jackrabbit: A Project of Passion Green Scenes Green Your Halloween He’s Green | She’s Green Cool Outrageous Stuff

Correction: In the September 2014 issue of Green Living, the photo on page 20 should have been attributed to John Phelan, and the photo on page 3 and 21 should have been attributed to SearchNet Media.

M a g a z i n e Your conscious life

M a g a z i n e

PUBLISHER Your conscious life

Dorie Morales

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Molly Cerreta Smith

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Learn • Share • Care

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Your conscious life SENIOR ADVISOR

COPY EDITORS

Crista Alvey M a g a z i n e Jeffrey E. Stein William Janhonen Aimee Welch Michael Ziffer M a g a z i n e

CONTRIBUTORS Roberta J. Bonaski John Burkhart Steve Carr Elaina Love Michelle Schwartz

Jennifer Burkhart Anton Camarota Ph.D. Amanda Harvey Michael Neary Lorena Suarez

MEDIA CONSULTANT Gary Moss

gary@greenlivingaz.com

NOVEMBER 1, 2014

EDITORIAL INTERNS Kevin Brady Kelli Vu

Ryan Hixson

DOUBLETREE HOTEL REID PARK TUCSON, AZ

CREATIVE INTERNS Daniela Applegate Elise Kyler

Kayla Filion

Patients, caregivers and healthcare providers are invited to join the American Lung Association at a forum to learn about treatments, resources and the latest research to help those living with lung disease lead healthier, active lives.

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Green Living magazine is a monthly publication by Traditional Media Group, LLC. Periodical rate postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. Entire contents © 2014 Traditional Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged to do so in writing. Subscription is $39 per year or digital subscription is $12 per year. Canadian orders please add $13 per year for shipping and handling.

International orders add $22 per year for shipping and handling. Bulk and/or corporate rates available. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions. Green Living magazine is printed on recycled paper.

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October 2014

Editor’s Note Follow Green Living magazine and stay in touch with the newest topics on sustainability! /greenlivingazmag @greenlivingaz /greenlivingaz /company/green-living-az-magazine /greenlivingaz

H

i there!

I am very thrilled to be the new Editor-in-Chief of Green Living magazine! This industry has been my passion long before it became my career. Since I was a young girl, I used to lie on my tummy with a stack of magazines, flipping through them, writing my own angles on the stories and dreaming of the day that I would help create content as an editor of a magazine. Right out of college, I made that dream come true and have since continued to build my career in various aspects of the publishing industry.

As a writer and editor for the past 15 years on a local as well as national scale in both print and online capacities, I have garnered a breadth of experience that I look forward to sharing at Green Living. Here, I have an opportunity to learn so much more about the world of sustainability and the strides that are happening in our very own backyard — and to pass that knowledge on to you, our readers, as well as my own children, in the hopes of encouraging our generation and future ones to become stewards of the environment that we all share.

Since its inception in 2010, Green Living magazine has maintained a focus on bringing awareness to readers of the impact we have on the environment and to present them with educational content to help us all live a more conscious life. We are constantly striving to be on the pulse of

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environmental awareness and to bring it to our readers in exciting and educational ways.

I encourage you to keep a close eye on us at Green Living. We are going to be making some big changes in the coming months. I am excited to be able to help advance our digital, online and social media efforts. We are expanding these aspects every day, so don’t forget to check us out online and on your favorite social media networks as we begin adding new content as well as expanded content from the current print edition to our website.

I invite you to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences with me on how you “go green” in every capacity of your lives. I look forward to hearing from you!

Molly Cerreta Smith Editor-in-Chief

October 2014 | greenliving

3

WATER CONSERVATION 101

BY EMILY DOAN

T

here would be no life without water. It is one of the world’s most valuable resources, yet most of us don’t realize just how precious it is. In the developed world, people often take for granted how fortunate we are to have easy access to this incredible substance. Many of us fail to comprehend the harsh reality that one out of three people around the world is deprived of clean, safe water. With the onset of new technologies and discoveries by dedicated researchers and experts, there are many innovative ideas that we can incorporate into our daily lives to save water and save on our monthly bills. By changing our everyday habits and thinking forward, we can keep the world a greener place and do our part to conserve one of life’s most precious resources.

You can easily become part of the solution by incorporating the following tips for becoming water-conservative and -conscious into your daily life.

LIQUIDATE THE LEAK Put an end to that annoying little drip that just won’t stop.

Check your home, both indoors and outdoors, for leaky faucets, hoses or connectors that need repair. These leaks can waste more than 100 gallons of water per week. Conservation Specialist for the City of Mesa’s Environmental and

4 greenliving | October 2014

Sustainability Division Donna DiFrancesco says that toilets are notorious for leaking too. “About 20 percent of them leak, sometimes silently where you don’t hear it running and then all of sudden you’ll hear it filling in the back,” she says. If this is a familiar sound in your home or you notice that your water bill is unusually high, assess the situation promptly.

DON’T WATER THE GUTTER Make sure your sprinkler heads aren’t pointed toward the sidewalk or a paved area and that your grass is getting the most out of your sprinkler system. DiFrancesco says, “When you have sprinklers in your yard, make sure you’re checking those frequently because they can be so wasteful. If they’re not directed right or they’re broken, you can lose 12 gallons a minute.”

DITCH THE DRAIN Get into a habit of recycling all of your unused water outdoors. Cleaning out the fish tank? Boiling vegetables or eggs? Dumping half-full water bottles and cups? Instead of simply pouring this water down the drain, use it to water your non-edible plants and lawn (they’ll absorb lots of extra nutrients too!).

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The Living Earth Ecological Institute works to promote the growth and prosperity of our local community through the use of renewable energy and sustainable living practices.

The Living Earth Ecological Institute: • Holds school assemblies to promote sustainability and renewable energy • Organizes recycling programs for schools and businesses • Assists non-profits with solar projects by bringing together resources from local organizations • Creates backyard organic gardens at no cost to schools and non-profits • Is developing an ecological housing community for displaced families and individuals

livingearthinstitute.org

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October 2014 | greenliving

5

water

DIVE INTO THE DESERT The Southwest is famous for its dry and arid terrain, so why not embrace its unique beauty by designing your yard with desert inspiration? With 70 percent of water usage coming from the outdoors during Arizona summers, a desert landscape will not only help to conserve water but it’s also colorful and easy to maintain. Xeriscape, DiFrancesco says, is a creative approach to promoting the use of low-water-use plants, drip irrigation, proper maintenance and more for a landscape that thrives. She also encourages people to harvest rainwater. “If you really have your yard designed well, you can capture rainfall by collecting it off your rooftop. Even if it’s not a lot of rain, it adds up. It’s free, clean water.”

BE PURCHASE SAVVY As a consumer, try to educate yourself on the most efficient water-related products. DiFrancesco suggests investing in items from a new labeling system called WaterSense. “It’s the new version of the iPhone,” she jokes. According to DiFrancesco, the EPA put together this trustworthy label, and these products not only use 20 percent less water but they have also been independently tested to ensure they perform well. There are even new controllers for consumer purchase that tap into the weather conditions and automatically adjust.

Do your research to make sure the products you invest in are effective, and be conscious of your decisions and where you spend your money.

GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED After all, a big reason to conserve water is so that future generations can share it too. Teach kids to turn faucets off while brushing their teeth, turn them tightly after use and limit water usage during showers or baths. Rewarding them for remembering these helpful habits can be fun.

Water conservation is something we all can be a part of.

And it starts with you.

Find more water articles at greenlivingaz.com/water

6 greenliving | October 2014

greenlivingaz.com

health & wellness

FOODs that FIGht CanCeR

BY ELAINA LOVE

W

ith cancers seemingly everywhere these days — and often with no known cause — there is no doubt we need to question everything we know about food and how it affects our bodies.

Like many of you, cancer has personally and deeply affected me. In 2010, my 14-year-old son Dominic died of leukemia.

I was shocked when we got the diagnosis. His symptoms came on fast, and just one year later he was gone. I fought very hard during that year. Because I was the only person in his circle of influence who asked him to eat healthy, he was not on board. His father and the doctors thought I was crazy.

When I was not at the hospital with him, they were regularly giving him Gatorade and Jell-O (which include pure sugar and stimulants, not to mention food colorings).

When I objected, they would tell him he needed to “fatten up.” I’m sure some of you can relate to this scenario. Since every opinion impacts the patient, it is important that loved ones and doctors are committed to all aspects of healing (not just treating the disease with drugs). I learned a lot

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through Dominic’s cancer experience. Now, more than ever, I feel strongly about educating others on making their best food choices.

Is the traditional cancer treatment of chemotherapy and radiation working? In Dominic’s case, I don’t believe it did.

Perhaps there is a better solution right under our noses… literally. Perhaps the solution has more to do with the foods we put into our mouths. Looking deeper at what we can do to become empowered by our food choices, I ask, “Are your choices creating a strong body and mind?” With whole (and simpler) food choices, you can improve your quality of life without feeling the deprivation and constriction of so many diets today.

Here’s the big picture: Cancer is running rampant and we most often leave our fate up to doctors. We have the choice, however, to “eat our way” out of the sickness and come out even stronger than before. We can easily get more micronutrients into our bodies via plant-based foods in three simple steps.

October 2014 | greenliving

7

health & wellness

STEP 1: ADD Start by eating something healthy every day such as a raw food or plant-based dish or a delicious green smoothie.

This may be your lunch as it’s easier to get a “light” meal in midday, and not feel deprived. Don’t worry, plant-based foods can be power-packed with nutritious ingredients and delicious.

STEP 2: RELEASE OR REPLACE Look at foods in your cupboards now (or your daily intake).

If they’re unhealthy and not serving your highest good, get rid of them. Most people are shocked by how much sugar they are consuming once they start reading labels on the foods they regularly eat, even in seemingly healthy ones

like raisins and dried cranberries. Store-bought breads and crackers are often packed with sugar as a secret ingredient.

A healthy daily amount of sugar, according to Gabriel Cousens, MD from the Tree of Life in Patagonia, is the whole food sugar equivalent of one banana or two dates — about 15 grams. This can be difficult for someone just starting to eliminate sugar from their diet so keep in mind that the World Health Organization recently announced a recommendation that people should eat no more than 25 grams of sugar daily. Sugar should also never be separated from its source — in other words, eat whole foods.

Don’t worry. You don’t need to feel deprived. You can replace white sugar, agave, maple syrup and honey with creative alternatives such as stevia and xylitol. Replace white flours with almond meal or whole grains, and make your own treats at home using more whole ingredients instead of purchasing sugar-laden packaged sweets.

STEP 3: GET EDUCATED If all of this seems too overwhelming, take some healthy cooking classes in your area, follow a recipe book or website or find a health guru who is already eating the way you want to eat.

Changing your diet to eliminate sugar can be a daunting task for many in our high-convenience world.

However, simply taking it one step at a time can help you clean up your diet and improve your health.

See page 30 for three of Elaina Love’s original recipes that are deliciously devoid of added sugar.

To learn more about Elaina Love and Pure Joy Culinary Academy, go to purejoyculinaryacademy.com.

Find more health articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

8 greenliving | October 2014

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[SECTION NAME]

DESIGN FOR HOPE

CHARITY PROJECT GIVES LOCAL GROUP HOME A KITCHEN REMODEL

BY AMANDA HARVEY

S

tardust Building Supplies is a local non-profit reuse organization that strives to prevent the discarding of usable building materials. The organization offers free pick-up of reusable building materials, and has a deconstruction team that will carefully dismantle appliances, cabinets, fixtures and other materials in homes or businesses, all free of charge. These donated items are also tax-deductible.

Each year Stardust saves more than 650 tons of perfectly usable material from going to landfills.

Founded in 1998, the company currently has three retail and donation storefronts, in Glendale, Mesa and Phoenix, where they sell donated appliances, furniture and other building supplies at 50 to 80 percent below retail cost.

The proceeds from these stores go back into the company’s community reuse programs, such as Design for Hope.

Design for Hope is a charity project for which local interior designers are tasked with creating a fully functional kitchen space with reclaimed building supplies from Stardust’s inventory. This year marks the second annual Design for Hope competition. Local interior designer Deb English of Doola Designs created the winning reuse kitchen design that is currently being implemented in a VALLEYLIFE group home in Phoenix. VALLEYLIFE is a non-profit organization that provides day care, in-home care and group home living assistance to adults with physical and developmental disabilities. “One of the reasons VALLEYLIFE’s group home was chosen as the 2014 Design for Hope recipient is because of its unique approach to creating a traditional family home setting for members,” explains Karen Jayne, executive director of Stardust Building Supplies. “Often members and staff prepare and enjoy meals together. To provide them with

10 greenliving | October 2014

additional space and functionality to continue this tradition is very rewarding for all those involved,” she continues.

Work began on August 8 when the Stardust deconstruction team retrieved all reusable materials from VALLEYLIFE’s current kitchen. In collaboration with Stardust, volunteers from Sundt Construction, Inc. have donated their time and talent to install the newly designed kitchen. “Sundt has a long tradition of helping the communities where its employees live and work,” says Marty Hedlund, Sundt senior vice president and southwest district manager. “We’re happy to support VALLEYLIFE and its members as well as participate in a unique project that champions reuse.”

The Design for Hope project is still a few weeks away from completion, according to Jayne, but progress is being made.

“With the drywall finished, Sundt Construction can now install the reclaimed cabinets and begin work on the mosaic tile backsplash. The end result will be a contemporary kitchen that seamlessly blends reused materials,” she says.

The next time you take on a home improvement project, call on Stardust Building Supplies to pick up your old cabinetry, furniture, appliances, light fixtures and other building materials. You can rest easy knowing your items will not end up in a landfill, and you’ll be following Stardust’s motto of “giving back through reuse!”

For more information, visit stardustbuilding.org.

Amanda Harvey is a California-born, Tempe-based writer interested in green living and sustainability.

Photos by Jennifer Outlaw, VALLEYLIFE

Find more interior design articles at greenlivingaz.com/interior

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October 2014 | greenliving

11

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLAR

BY MICHAEL NEARY

I

f you happen to come across a Phoenix area phone book

protection from freezing. The security that came with

from the late 1970s or early 1980s and look at the solar

the provision of a lifetime warranty on all solar collector

company listings, you will find pages upon pages of solar

replacements led Pacific West Solar to a relationship with

water heating companies. Most of these companies went

most of the homeowner’s insurance companies who covered

by the wayside once the tax credits expired, leaving a great

residential insurance policies in the Greater Phoenix area.

deal of service work for those few companies that remained.

When Arizona’s solar industry began to grow and utility

At the time, there was little in the way of standards or

incentives for solar water heating came about as a result

certifications for solar water heating systems.

of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s adoption of the

One of the surviving companies was Pacific West Solar,

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to Arizona shortly thereafter. In 1986, when many were

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green thumb

tOur De COOPS THE VALLEY’S MOST UNIQUE HOME TOUR

BY STEVE CARR

S

ay the words “home tour” and your first thought probably isn’t of chickens pecking their way around a backyard coop.

But chicken coops are homes, too, and Valley residents practicing sustainable living in the Southwest desert put as much time, care and creative thinking into building and maintaining them as some people do with their own homes.

That’s what makes Valley Permaculture Alliance’s (VPA) sixth annual Tour de Coops on Saturday, Nov. 8, the Valley’s most unique home tour. The event is VPA’s signature fundraiser and features up to 25 of the most unique and funky chicken coops in Arizona. On this self-guided tour, visitors are exposed to a range of coop designs, chicken-keeping secrets, responsible ownership practices, sustainable living concepts and creativity in the Valley.

Each coop selected for the tour has been vetted by a selection committee to ensure appropriate zoning and permitting, responsible ownership, safety for both animals and the touring public, design elements and healthy chickens.

Coop owners will be on hand to share their methods and experience, as well as to answer questions.

“Tour de Coops celebrates all things chicken from very cool coops to strategies for creating a sustainable living environment to simply understanding what’s involved in keeping and raising chickens,” says Sarah Osteen, VPA’s director of operations and special events. “Plus, it’s a very fun way to spend a Saturday.”

When it comes to incorporating sustainable concepts into everyday life, Bryan White and his wife Miro walk the walk.

Their Green House Farm, which is on this year’s tour, is a fully functioning backyard urban farm in central Phoenix that blends natural and man-made systems, including a chicken coop.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 ADULT TICKETS $20 in advance and $30 the day of the event YOUTH TICKETS $10 for children 11-15 years old Children under 10 accompanied by an adult ticket holder are free.

Complete information is available at vpaaz.org.

Their chickens play a key role in the process. By giving the chickens strategically timed access to fallow beds in the yard, the Whites are essentially delegating farm chores to them. “We take advantage of the chickens’ natural inclinations to dig, eat tasty plant materials, to scratch for grubs and other bugs (while aerating the soil) and to fertilize abundantly.”

Coop “tourists” can choose to create their own drive-walk tour route based on a map of locations, or they can participate in a two-hour guided bicycle tour that begins and ends at a centrally located restaurant.

Sponsors include Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives at Arizona State University, Arizona Living Well Institute, Resolve Sustainable Solutions and Greater Valley Area Health Education Center. Additional sponsorships are available. For information, visit vpaaz.org.

Photos courtesy of Valley Permaculture Alliance

Find more gardening tips at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

October 2014 | greenliving

13

energy

ARIZONA’S SOLUTION TO SAVINGS: SOLAr DOMeSTIC HOT WATer

BY MICHAEL NEARY

W

e often hear politicians and others talk about making Arizona the solar capital of the world and, with what seems like a thousand sunny days each year, why shouldn’t we? With all the sunshine and clear days we have here in Arizona, it would appear unnecessary to heat your household water with any type of fossil fuel. From a financial and environmental standpoint, it would be even more inefficient to heat your water with electricity, which is perhaps the most expensive and environmentally harmful way to heat water.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS: COST PROHIBITIVE Behind air conditioning, electric water heaters are the secondhighest energy users in your home, making solar water heating the most cost-effective solar technology. Solar water heating is one of the first energy-efficient measures homeowners should consider when investing in green upgrades. Investing approximately $900 on a solar water heating system will go a long way to dramatically improving your return on investment on your installation.

HISTORY OF SOLAR WATER HEATING IN ARIZONA Solar water heating has been used in Arizona since the early 1900s. In fact, you can still see the solar water heating panels on the Ellis-Shackelford House, a historic home in downtown Phoenix. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, tax credits led to the installation of more than 100,000 solar water heating systems in Arizona, making it the solar water heating capital of the world.

Since that time, solar water heating technologies have been greatly improved, and modern models are even that much more reliable. Today, all solar water heating systems are certified through the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC), a nonprofit that was originally funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. In fact, SRCC certification is

required by the state, federal government and utilities in order to qualify for the tax and utility incentives.

SOLAR WATER HEATERS: EASY, EFFICIENT AND WORTH THE INVESTMENT Solar water heating is really quite simple and easy to install in most homes. There are two major components — a solar collector and a storage tank. In addition to the major components, there is a combination of pumps, controllers, heat exchangers, vents and valves in the systems.

Most homes only require a four-foot-by-10-foot solar collector to provide the vast majority of hot water used during the year. In fact, homeowners with a properly installed solar water heating system with a glazed solar thermal collector can literally shut off their back-up heating element, such as an electric water heater, between March and October and rely solely on their solar water heating system. The remainder of the time, the solar water heating system will provide the vast majority of their needs.

SOLAR SAVINGS INITIATIVES Solar water heating is the low-hanging fruit of energy savings for households using electric water heaters. In fact, most homeowners seeking to zero out their energy bills with photovoltaic (PV) panels fail to realize that by replacing their electric water heater with a solar water heating system, they can significantly reduce the size of the photovoltaic system along with the cost of the more expensive PV technology.

Programs that provided utility incentives for other solar technologies have gone by the wayside, but most Arizona utilities still offer an incentive for solar water heating systems.

This incentive is based on the performance of the system measured in annual kilowatt production. The average utility incentive payment to a homeowner who installs a solar water heating system is around $850. Combine that with a $1,000 state tax credit and a federal discount of 30 percent off the total installed cost of the system and a solar water-heating unit can provide a return on its investment in a just few short years.

In the Greater Phoenix area, 60 percent of homes use electricity to heat domestic water, making solar water heating a great opportunity for many Arizonans to save energy and money while reducing the peak load of the utilities, especially during the summer months.

Michael Neary is the owner of Desert Sun Solar, which markets solar water heating systems and promotes the benefits of solar water heating to the public and Arizona utilities. solar-guy@cox.net Photos by Pacific West Solar

Find more solar energy articles at greenlivingaz.com/solar

14 greenliving | October 2014

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15

pets

HALLOWeeN FUN FOR YOUR FURRY FRIeNDs

BY EMILY DOAN

Pocahontas costume. Photo by Christy Vande Waa Tutorial available at onelittlewordsheknew.blogspot.com

Photo courtesy of petsadviser.com

Waldo costume. Photo by Carrie King, flickr.com/cagedheat3

Ewok costume. Photo by Rachel Doiglas, flickr.com/rachel_joanne

16 greenliving | October 2014

E

verywhere we turn in October, we seem to be faced with grocery aisles lined with monster masks and fake blood.

Or, we come home to find a neighbor’s yard turned into a makeshift cemetery. Everything is so creepy. Why not add a little cuteness to this spooky holiday by dressing up the family cat or dog — make a costume for your pet that’s frighteningly adorable and green.

The best place to start is in your own home. Search your closet for pieces of clothing that you no longer wear. Fun patterns like polka dots are perfect for a clown costume, stripes for a sailor or even funky flowers for a ‘70s-style costume.

Depending on the size of your pet, you can cut and sew different pieces of fabric together to get just the look you want. You can even go through your old costume bin to re-create your favorite Halloween outfit for your pet. Don’t forget a hole for the tail!

Not the best with a needle? Pick up some stick-on Velcro from a nearby craft store.

If you’re not having any luck at home or you’re looking for new ideas, organize a costume swap. Have guests bring their old costumes and pet costumes and spend some time mixing and matching bits and pieces from each collection. Everyone will come away with a one-of-a-kind piece for their fluffy friend.

Another eco-creative idea that’s just outside your front door is in your recycle bin (or your neighbor’s!). Sort through unwanted recyclables for nifty finds that might inspire you, or pair perfectly with an existing idea. Paint yesterday’s newspaper to make a cape or turn your pet into a robot using a cardboard box, some string, bottle caps for knobs and even some slightly used foil to finish the job.

If you still haven’t found the winning idea for your pet’s costume, then it’s time to get thrifty at your local secondhand store. The Southern Arizona Humane Society in Tucson has a thrift store where you’re sure to score some secondhand (or paw?) Halloween finds, or scour your local Goodwill or Savers for items that could work for your four-legged friend. Find a top hat and a bow tie, attach some elastic string and adjust the length to the size of your pet. It just might be a great start to a Mad Hatter or Mr. Monopoly costume.

When dressing your pet for any occasion, keep in mind his safety and comfort. If he appears to be scratching or tugging at a portion of the ensemble, it may be irritating him. For humans and four-legged friends, Halloween is about fun, safety and yummy treats, too.

If you want to include your pet in the Halloween treating, stop

by Mackie’s Pet Boutique in Scottsdale, where co-owner Vince Anginoli says you can find all-natural, organic human-grade treats that are wheat-, corn-, preservative- and soy-free. Sampler boxes generally include these healthy pup treats in the shapes of ghosts, skeletons and, of course, bones.

Not only can we find ways to reuse the materials around us and reduce the amount of waste that piles up during this time of the year, we can push for the most rewarding treat of all this Halloween — a healthier and happier planet for both you and your pet.

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October 2014 | greenliving

17

green thumb

gOAtSCAPIng

A NATURAL (AND ADORABLE) WAY TO LANDSCAPE

BY AMANDA HARVEY

W

hen you think of overgrown grass, weeds and plants, what is the first solution that comes to mind? Noisy landscapers mowing, cutting and trimming? Maybe spraying weed killer and other herbicides will do the trick. But what if there was a less labor-intensive and more eco-friendly solution? There is, in fact — employing goats.

You read that correctly. As far as green landscaping goes, goats-for-hire is all the rage. City Grazing, a company based in San Francisco, markets itself as a “goat landscaping business.”

The goats’ natural grazing process provides a sustainable practice that eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, herbicides and gas-powered lawn mowers. Goats can be rented to clear public and private properties, including plants that are difficult or even dangerous to remove by hand such as blackberries, ivy, poison oak and thistles. In 2005, David Gavrich, founder of the San Francisco Bay Railroad, came up before

18 greenliving | October 2014

with the idea as a solution to keep the railroad yard free of tall vegetation. “Most railroads spray very toxic herbicides to accomplish that. We didn’t want to use toxins, so we turned to a few goats. A few goats turned into a hundred goats. And the rest is history,” Gavrich explains.

After

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green thumb

Other benefits of hiring goats are their ability to reach problematic areas such as steep slopes and deep ravines. Unlike machinery, they produce absolutely no unnatural emissions during their natural grazing, and there is no leftover debris to haul off – the goats consume everything and produce a natural fertilizer that gets embedded into the ground by their hooves. This results in a mess-free, chemical-free experience that is also fun to watch.

Genevieve Church, manager of City Grazing, adds that the goats also “neutralize the majority of seeds through the process of digestion, making them a great choice for reducing regrowth of unwanted invasive foliage. They dramatically reduce the amount of green waste by converting it and returning it to the soil, as opposed to hauling green waste away for composting elsewhere, as is frequently necessary when machines are used to clear land.”

I found out about this peculiar brand of landscaping from my boyfriend Lelund’s family, who lives in San Francisco and recently employed the help of 12 goats to clear out their steep, overgrown backyard. In San Francisco, everything is built up, not out, resulting in many narrow, vertical backyard spaces, which poses a problem for weed-whackers and lawn mowers.

Lelund’s father Tom and his wife Gen documented what they called “Goatapalooza” by compiling video and photos of the five-day “goatscaping” event. A live feed was set up for those located remotely, and friends and family were invited over to watch and play with the goats, as they are quite friendly. After five days of munching, the only vegetation left was one specific type of plant — this was expected, as the goats also rejected that plant when vegetation samples were brought to City Grazing before the start of the job.

The goats have become celebrities in the Bay area. They have been hired to clear out public spaces for events and can also be rented for other appearances. Church says her favorite part of working with City Grazing is, of course, the goats. “I love watching our little goats grow and mature, seeing their individual personalities and quirks and having the opportunity to share them with so many people, especially when we take them to community or private events — filming, photo shoots, birthday parties and weddings!”

Although this is obviously not a solution for everyone, it’s an ingenious idea to eliminate the use of gas- and

greenlivingaz.com

electric-powered machinery and to landscape naturally, free from chemicals and pesticides. Although City Grazing currently does not have plans to expand beyond the Bay Area, perhaps Arizona will catch onto this idea and we will be able to rent goats to help clear out overgrown backyards or public parks in the future. After all, who doesn’t want to watch adorable goats diligently munching on weeds while being effortlessly eco-friendly?

Photos courtesy of Tom Nielsen Amanda Harvey is a California-born, Tempe-based writer interested in green living and sustainability.

Find more gardening tips at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

October 2014 | greenliving

19

ANSWER THE CALL OF THE OPEN ROAD

BY ROBERTA J. BONASKI

O

ctober is Keep Maricopa County Beautiful Month and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging you to adopt and maintain a portion of the open road.

Roadside litter is a major contributor to environmental hazards, creates traffic safety issues and costs taxpayers money. Litter not only has an unsightly impact on our landscape’s natural beauty, it also has a negative effect on our environment. It can contaminate our watercourses and adversely impact wildlife and native vegetation. Public safety is also an issue. Roadway debris causes 25,000 accidents each year nationwide.

Even small pieces of litter add up to a giant problem.

Annually, nearly 150,000 bags of trash are picked up off American highways. Left ignored, unremoved roadside trash and debris have the potential to grow into an unmanageable and unsafe situation — becoming a threat to public health and safety.

But the costs associated with using limited county resources for removal of litter can be a financial burden to local jurisdictions. MCDOT commits thousands of dollars each year to removing litter and debris from Maricopa County roadways. Litter removal also requires MCDOT staff to commit time, money and manpower to this effort when they could be focusing on other traffic safety activities.

However, there is a way you can help. MCDOT’s AdoptA-Highway Program has a long-standing sustainable commitment to improving the environment through community partnerships. The regional transportation agency launched its Adopt-A-Highway Program with the first volunteer group in 1990. By joining the program, volunteer groups “adopt” a stretch of county roadway and commit to clean our shared environment by picking up trash along

their adopted portion of the roadside. Individuals, families, businesses, church groups, civic groups and non-profit organizations are all eligible to participate.

In 2012, MCDOT expanded its volunteer-based AdoptA-Highway Program with the launch of a Sponsor-AHighway Program. The new sponsorship program provides businesses, groups and organizations the opportunity to financially sponsor professional contractor litter removal on designated county roadways. The primary difference between MCDOT’s two programs is that under the Adopt-A-Highway Program, volunteers pick up litter themselves. However, under the Sponsor-A-Highway Program, a business, group or organization pays professional contractors to do the work on their behalf.

Today, nearly 150 volunteer groups and three new sponsor groups are making a difference by helping to keep hundreds of miles of county roadways safer and free of litter and debris through the MCDOT Adopt-A-Highway Program.

Last year alone, volunteers picked up more than 2,000 bags of trash that weighed nearly nine tons as well as nearly 300 discarded tires along more than 250 miles of county roadway.

Bottom-line figures indicate that MCDOT Adopt-A-Highway volunteers save Maricopa County taxpayers more than $10 million every year. Saving a little green while making our earth greener is a win-win!

For more information: MCDOT Adopt-A-Highway Program 602-506-4068 or mcdot.maricopa.gov/adopt Roberta J. Bonaski is the manager of the office of public affairs and chief public information officer for the Maricopa County Department of Transportation.

Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment

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October 2014 | greenliving

21

transportation

CYCLoVia tUCson CLOSING THE STREETS, CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

BY KELLI VU

E

very Sunday and on each holiday since 1976, the city of Bogota, Colombia, has been closing 70 miles of its public streets to automobiles and reserving it instead for alternative transportation such as biking, walking and skating. This closing is called Cyclovia, which is derived from ciclovía, a Spanish word that embodies the temporary closure of streets to cars. In more than a dozen different countries, people participating in Cyclovia are taking the time to enjoy great weather, visit with their neighbors and friends and mingle with new people all on the open streets.

In the spring of 2010, a group of Tucson community members came together to discuss ideas to improve the quality of life for the people of Tucson. They wanted to develop an event that would encourage physical activity with the use of alternative methods of transportation. They learned that although 60 percent of people biked for transportation, riders constantly worried about cycling alongside passing cars on the streets. The result of the group’s discussion was the founding of the Cyclovia Steering Committee, a diverse group of professionals who developed six tactics to accomplish their objective of improving the health, wellness and quality of life for the Tucson community. What followed was the first Cyclovia Tucson event on April 15, 2010, in which more than 5,000 people participated.

“Cyclovia Tucson represents a shift of mindset and expectations of lifestyle in an urban environment,” says Kylie Walzak, program manager for Living Streets Alliance and event coordinator for Tucson’s Cyclovia event. She adds, “We’re seeing the biggest convergence of the baby boomer

22 greenliving | October 2014

and millennial generations. They will make up two-thirds of the population in the next decade, and this ‘creative class’ has expectations of living in an urban, walkable environment where they don’t have to rely on their cars.”

On November 2, Tucson will be celebrating its sixth Cyclovia event, offering two and a half miles of car-free streets from the north and central areas for non-motorized commuters to safely travel through between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Neighborhoods and businesses such as the Keeling neighborhood hub, Mansfield Park, 4th Avenue and the 6th Avenue hub will be open for the Tucson community. Although Cyclovia is an international event, it’s nice having it in a small city like Tucson that benefits such a culturally diverse area. It also creates a strong sense of community and gives people a chance to reconnect with old friends. Walzak says, “It provides 40,000 people a year a respite from the daily grind of riding on streets that they share with cars. Cyclovia encompasses the human need to connect and interact with neighbors in a public space, along with getting out, exercising and having fun.”

At press time, Tucson’s Cyclovia event had already raised $10,373 of its $15,000 goal. Participants will be able to enjoy live music, food vendors and water stops all along the open streets throughout the festival.

For more information, visit cycloviatucson.org.

Top photo by Kathleen Dreier. Bottom photos by Mamta Popet.

Find more biking articles at greenlivingaz.com/biking

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leadership

Geared TOWard a GreaTer GOOd ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

BY MICHELLE SCHWARTZ

It was one such opportunity that brought Brelsford to Haiti in 2010. She was spending her winter break in Port-au-Prince, volunteering with her brother on an adult literacy project, when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck, trapping her under debris. She lost her leg, but felt lucky to be alive, as she told TODAY and other media outlets from the Jacksonville, Florida, hospital she’d been evacuated to for care.

After recovering from surgery, Brelsford was fitted with a prosthesis. The experience brought her a bit of celebrity, which she has in turn used to spotlight the needs of the Haitian people. ith her son in At the time of the earthquake, Brelsford was a tow, paraclimber sustainability student at ASU. She had enrolled in the Christa Brelsford program after meeting Christopher Boone, now dean of showed up to practice before Photos courtesy of the Brelsford Family the School of Sustainability, at a green jobs fair in 2007. the International Federation She focused her studies on Colorado River water — water of Sport Climbing’s Paraclimbing World Championship infrastructure, water demand, water rights and optimal water competition, held in Spain this September. She was turned distribution. The School of Sustainability provided support away at the door because babies were not allowed. that allowed her to blend her diverse expertise and experience “So I practiced on the birthday party wall and impressed all to work on real-world solutions. the six-year-olds,” she explains.

Today, Brelsford is working to collect and formalize data on If you spend any time with Brelsford, who graduated this the properties of slums worldwide, and to analyze that data in summer with a doctoral degree from Arizona State University’s a statistically rigorous way. In these informal neighborhoods School of Sustainability, you’ll get the sense that this is a — with no certainty about how many people live there and supremely practical person with a strong sense of self. Though no roads to provide access — there are often no formal city her path is sometimes unconventional, Brelsford’s internal services. “If you can reorganize the neighborhood enough to compass is guided by one innate desire — to do good in get vehicles in,” says Brelsford, “the cost of providing services the world. goes down.”

As a teen, Brelsford enrolled in an alternative school Brelsford recently returned from Spain after dominating in Anchorage, Alaska, where education is a process not a her division in the paraclimbing competition. But despite product. But at age 16, after taking some math and science her newly acquired world champion status, her mission courses, she dropped out. remains unchanged.

College brought similar twists. Brelsford received a full “My biggest goal in life is to use careful thought ride to Simon’s Rock in Massachusetts, where she began as a to do good in the world,” says Brelsford. “I was theater major but left with a bachelor’s degree in physics. She in Haiti to learn how to help, and I research then went on to earn a bachelor’s in civil engineering and a and study sustainability for the same reason.” master’s in climate and society — both from Columbia.

Amidst her academic studies, Brelsford climbed every Michelle Schwartz is a writer, editor and project manager at Arizona State rock from Alaska to New York. She also taught preschool, University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability. completed an immersive language program in Guatemala and Read more about leadership at greenlivingaz.com/leadership seized opportunities to help others.

W

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October 2014 | greenliving

23

energy

An eDUCATeD PATH TO SOLAr

BY LORENA SUAREZ

T

he Milestones Charter School in Phoenix was founded 14 years ago by five women with almost no money, but a lot of enthusiasm. They beat the odds then, and today the school is blazing new trails by going completely solar — a project nobody believed could get done. Well, almost nobody.

About three years ago, the Living Earth Ecological Institute initiated a solar program to enable and assist non-profit organizations (mostly schools and churches) to acquire and install solar PV (photovoltaic) systems. At the time, almost nobody would touch solar projects with non-profit organizations because they were deemed “unprofitable” by most solar investors and solar installers. However, as sustainability systems coordinator for the Living Earth, I was sure these projects could get done if we found an investor willing to take a risk and help a non-profit.

Regardless of my naiveté, I proposed to Tara Cabardo, Milestones Charter School’s CFO, that they go solar. She replied that they had already tried, with no success. I told her that we would succeed this time, and she agreed to give solar another shot. Little did I know that the path toward solar would prove lengthy, complicated and often seemingly impossible.

At the time, Arizona Public Service (APS) was offering solar incentives for commercial installations and they had a program to assist schools and government. We enlisted the help of a solar company that came to Milestones and quoted

a proposed system. We then submitted a solar application with APS, which approved a financial incentive to offset the cost of the solar panel system.

Four different solar companies were involved throughout this lengthy process. Countless hours were spent in meetings with engineers and installers from these companies. Inspections were conducted, many proposals were drafted, tons of emails were sent and hundreds of phone calls were made. We looked for investors here in Arizona and out of state, but the problem remained the same — there were no investors willing to fund a project for a non-profit charter school. Milestones risked losing the APS incentive, which would have meant a loss of tens of thousands of dollars.

Thankfully, as we began working with the fourth solar company, Empire Renewable Energy (a subsidiary of Empire-Cat), positive things finally started happening. It had an investor group willing to look at nonprofits and potentially fund solar projects. I thought we had found the Holy Grail. However, as Empire Renewable took on the project, the investor backed out and we had to start the search all over again.

But with the participation of the very reputable Empire Renewable as the installer, we were finally able to secure an investor a year and a half later. Meanwhile we applied and succeeded in getting the APS rebate deadline extended several times so that the school would not lose its solar incentive.

The process was nerve-wracking and tiring, but ultimately an investor was enrolled, Empire did the installation and solar is now generating power for Milestones Charter School at a significantly reduced monthly utility cost.

The engineers at Empire Renewable, Joel Smith and Karl Schmitt, never skipped a beat. They continued working and investing time on this project, even when it looked impossible. My colleague Don Eyermann was instrumental with the project as well. He was fully engaged in the effort, had faith in my abilities and offered moral support throughout the lengthy, and sometimes disappointing, process. Without this unfaltering determination and perseverance, the outcome may not have been as successful.

My take-away lesson from this process? No matter how difficult or impossible a task may seem, if the overall benefit of a project is to help people and the environment, it’s worth it. The solar system we collectively managed to get installed on the roof of Milestones will operate cleanly for at least the next 40 years. Now that’s a bright future.

Lorena Suarez is one of the founding members of Living Earth Ecological Institute.

Photo by Don Eyermann

Find more solar energy articles at greenlivingaz.com/solar

24 greenliving | October 2014

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October 2014 | greenliving

25

Business

THe eCO-eFFiCienCY DiLeMMA

Less BAD is nOT THe sAMe As GOOD

BY ANTON G. CAMAROTA, PHD

I

n a recent research report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management, the authors noted that while 70 percent of the companies surveyed considered sustainability to be important for their success, only 40 percent had made some efforts to address the issue.

Reacting to pressures from customers and regulators as well as resource scarcity, those companies making significant inroads in their sustainability efforts have implemented eco-efficiency as their primary sustainability strategy.

Eco-efficiency is about doing more with less. This approach involves manufacturing products using fewer materials and less energy while generating less waste, with the goal being to reduce negative environmental impacts. Eco-efficiency is also about designing products to use less energy throughout their useful life and to be recycled or reclaimed completely.

The eco-efficiency approach, however, has two very serious limitations and is ultimately self-defeating. The first limitation was defined by the economist William Stanley Jevons in 1865. The Jevons Paradox, or rebound effect, happens when a product is redesigned to require fewer resources when it is used, or an organization becomes more efficient in its operations. Rather than reducing the overall usage of resources, the paradox is that overall resource usage either increases, or decreases less than the efficiency improvement. This is also known as the Income Effect: when something costs less, people tend to use more of it.

An example of this rebound effect is gasoline consumption

by U.S. vehicles. Between 2007 and 2013, the overall corporate average fuel economy in U.S. cars and trucks increased 16 percent, while the total miles driven dropped two percent. We would expect to see a concomitant 18 percent drop in gasoline consumption during this period. The actual decrease, however, was only 5.5 percent due to an increase in less efficient and cheaper trucks on the road, most people decreasing their miles driven either slightly or not at all and many people holding on to their older, less efficient cars longer.

26 greenliving | October 2014

The second limitation of eco-efficiency is in effect a glass ceiling: doing less bad is not the same as doing good. Reducing resource use and waste generated is not the same as restoring and renewing the ecosystems on which an organization depends for its resources and on which we all depend for our life support. When coupled with a management commitment to growth, eco-efficiency can mask the overall deleterious ecological impacts of an increased number of products sold, regardless if these products are environmentally friendly or not. Efficiency improvements cannot ameliorate ecological destruction if the negative impacts from increased overall consumption are not reduced simultaneously.

The fundamental problem of human existence has been to find ways to extract resources from ecosystems for food, shelter, clothing, energy and other goods while retaining the integrity of these ecosystems for life support. The goal for sustainability management is clear: companies must move beyond eco-efficiency and become restorative, seeking to balance economic development with the capacity of the earth to support life. The objective is to break through the ceiling of reducing unsustainability and enter into the realm of creating sustainability.

As John Ehrenfeld suggests in his book Flourishing, our economy and the companies in it should enable every person to care for themselves, other humans and the non-human world. Eco-efficiency is necessary but not sufficient for enacting meaningful change, and it is merely one tactic in a strategy dedicated to developing a better life for all.

Dr. Camarota is Executive Director of Tellari, an Arizona-based research and educational organization dedicated to helping business leaders build sustainable companies. anton@tellari.com tellari.com Left photo by Steven Walling Middle photo by Ryan Somma Right photo by Kevin Dooley

Read more from Dr. Camarota at greenlivingaz.com/camarota

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BUSINESS EVENTS

GREEN IN THE NEWS CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT JOINS THE SUSTAINABILITY CONSORTIUM Sheila Bonini was recently appointed CEO of The Sustainability Consortium (TSC). Bonini, an expert in corporate sustainability who has served as senior expert consultant and co-leader of McKinsey & Company’s Sustainability Transformation Service for more than 15 years, brings extensive experience to the field. TSC is a unit of Arizona State University’s Wrigley Institute and a signature public-private partnership focused on consumer product sustainability. Today, the number of TSC member organizations exceeds 90 and includes some of the largest consumer product companies in the world.

LAUREN KUBY, DAVID SCHAPIRA ELECTED TO TEMPE CITY COUNCIL Lauren Kuby, a community engagement and events manager at ASU, and David Schapira, superintendent of the East Valley Institute of Technology, have been elected to the Tempe City Council. Voters chose Kuby and Schapira over seven other candidates to lead this bustling college town.

Important topics for Kuby are sustainability, homelessness, veterans’ issues and community partnerships while with his election, Schapira hopes to improve education-and-schools partnerships with the city.

ASU RECOGNIZED AS TOP UNIVERSITY FOR SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS Arizona State University has been pushing for self-sufficiency for the university’s campuses and its efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education recently recognized ASU as being the nation’s top higher-education institution with solar panels installed.

There are currently a total of 86 installations on the four campuses around Arizona as well as the ASU research park. Numerous buildings on each of the campuses have been LEED Silver certified, and more are planned for the future. According to university representatives, installing solar panels around each campus is “the right thing to do.”

Read more Green in the News at greenlivingaz.com/greennews

greenlivingaz.com

SAGCC MONTHLY BREAKFAST MIXER October 8, 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Viscount Suite Hotel 4855 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson Meet and mingle with other business people while listening to Jim Pullaro, who will outline his efforts to launch a petition for a constitutional amendment mandating the public funding for elections. This amendment would ultimately eliminate third-party funding, sometimes considered bribery, which is currently affecting Arizona’s elections. sagcc.net LUNCH AND LEARN October 8, noon - 1:30 p.m.

Macayo’s 4001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Feed your mind as well as your need for delicious Mexican cuisine. The Green Chamber’s Lunch and Learn topic for October is Green Tech. $20 includes your choice of anything on the extensive lunch menu as well as a soft drink. Plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to place your lunch order and mingle with others in the green industry. thegreenchamber.org AZ FORWARD’S EARTHFEST EDUCATORS NIGHT OUT October 28, 4 - 7 p.m.

Dorrance Center, Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix This innovative program combines entertainment and education showcasing an environmentally oriented curriculum as well as activities and programs about Arizona’s unique desert character. There will be booths representing both public and private sector environmental education programs, plus exhibits from the non-profi t and educational communities. Other attractions include giveaways, complimentary refreshments and resources that will help both teachers and students in the classroom. arizonaforward.org THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRESENTATION October 31, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Irish Cultural Center 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix CannonDesign’s Phoenix offi ce offers a special presentation in honor of Environmental Awareness Week 2014. A mini trade show runs from 9:30 to 11:30 in the morning, with a break from 10 to 11:00 a.m. for the presentation.

Coffee and other refreshments will be served. usgbcaz.org October 2014 | greenliving 27

travel

KartCHNer CaverNS

UNCOVERED BEAUTY

BY RYAN HIXSON

O

n a recent trip to Southern Arizona, a friend and I decided to tour Kartchner Caverns State Park, the massive limestone cave discovered by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts in 1974 while they were exploring the limestone hills near the Whetstone Mountains.

After keeping the secret of their discovery for four years, in hopes of protecting it from vandalism, Tenen and Tufts told the Kartchner family about what they had discovered on their property. After keeping the secret for another 10 years, the Kartchners decided to turn the cave into a state park in order to preserve it as well as to share this breathtaking phenomenon with the public.

As we traveled from Bisbee to Kartchner Caverns State Park, almost an hour away, I could see the profound impact the recent monsoons had on our ever-changing landscape.

The desert backdrop all along the route was teeming with colorful vegetation.

Following the advice on the website, we arrived well before our scheduled tour began so we could visit the park’s Discovery Center and learn more about the caverns. The exhibits are interesting and interactive, and the park rangers are very knowledgeable and readily available for questions.

After a short ride in a tram, we arrived at the cave’s entrance.

The cave itself is most impressive. Kartchner Caverns State Park is considered a “live” cave due to the fact that formations are still being actively engineered by water. Some of the

formations have been growing for more than 50,000 years.

Mineral deposits called speleothems have a continuously changing shape that is determined by whether the water drips, flows, seeps, condenses or pools.

Part of our experience included a tour through an area known as the Throne Room. As we entered the cave, the stunning beauty of the formations and the vivid colors that spotted the cave amazed me. The area is very well lit so you can even see into some of the darker recesses. The trails the original explorers used to access the cave and the footprints they left behind are still visible. The entire tour follows a paved walkway, and there are various handrails and benches on which to rest, making it very easy for all ages to enjoy the tour.

As the tour progressed, we reached the most expansive portion of the cave, where we could see Kubla Khan, the largest column in Arizona. The docent instructed us to take a seat at the benches facing the massive structure. Then the real show began. The cave became overpoweringly dark, and music slowly began to play. Lights corresponding to the music lit the column and surrounding areas at different intervals. I had this remarkable feeling of the immense power and beauty of the Earth.

By the time the tour came to an end, I felt incredibly small, but inexplicably infinite at the same time. It was an awe-inspiring experience, and I walked away truly understanding for perhaps the first time the impact that time, pressure and water really have on the Earth. I encourage locals and tourists alike to explore this amazing natural phenomenon that we call Kartchner Caverns.

Photos courtesy of Arizona State Parks

Find more travel destinations at greenlivingaz.com/travel

28 greenliving | October 2014

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recipes

These recipes by Elaina Love, in collaboration with Chaya Ryvka Deil on the choco-maca milkshake, feature whole foods that are perfect for those with a sweet tooth who are eliminating sugar from their diets.

MOcK cHeesecAKe WiTH sUGAr-Free crUsT sUGAr-Free crUsT iNGreDieNTs 1 cup walnuts or pecans, soaked and dehydrated 1 cup dried coconut, ground into a powder 3 Tbsp. xylitol or erythritol 1/16 tsp. high mineral salt 1 Tbsp. coconut oil or butter, softened or melted 1/8 cup cacao, carob or mesquite powder, optional 1 tsp. cinnamon A dash of cayenne (optional) sUGAr-Free crUsT DirecTiONs 1. Place all ingredients in your food processor fitted with the S blade attachment.

2. Process ingredients until the crust starts to rise on the sides of the processor’s bowl.

3. Stop the machine and mix with a spatula or spoon.

4. Assemble an 8-inch cheesecake pan with the bottom upside-down (with lip facing down). This makes it much easier to serve.

5. Distribute crust evenly on the bottom of pan and firmly press down by hand, slightly pressing up the sides.

6. Set in a freezer or refrigerator until ready to be filled.

cHOcO-MAcA MiLKsHAKe

FiLLiNG iNGreDieNTs 1 1/8 cups macadamia nuts 1 tsp. agar-agar flakes mixed with 9 Tbsp. boiling water 1 cup + 3 Tbsp. purified water 1/2 cup erythritol or xylitol 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/8 tsp. high mineral salt 1 Tbsp. soy or sunflower lecithin 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 3 drops lemon essential oil or 1/2 tsp. lemon extract FiLLiNG DirecTiONs 1. Blend agar-agar and hot water together in a high-powered blender.

2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until nuts are well blended and there is a smooth shine to the batter.

3. Pour into the crust and allow to set in freezer for at least 2 hours or in refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.

4. Serve topped with fresh berries.

iNGreDieNTs 2 cups water or nut milk 2 Tbsp. raw cacao nibs 2 Tbsp. raw cacao powder 1 Tbsp. maca powder 6 Dates (pitted) or 6 Tbsp. xylitol, honey or 100 percent maple syrup DirecTiONs 1. Add all ingredients to a mixer.

2. Blend on high until frothy.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Photos by Emily Polar.

30 greenliving | October 2014

greenlivingaz.com

recipes

LOW cArB cOcONUT pUMpKiN seeD cOOKies iNGreDieNTs 2 cups pumpkin seed meal (whole pumpkin seeds, ground) 1 tsp. almond butter (or other nut butter) 2 Tbsp. fl ax meal 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. Himalayan salt 6 Tbsp. coconut oil or cacao butter, melted 1/4 tsp. stevia powder or to taste 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 Tbsp. water 1/2 cup coconut chips or shreds (or chocolate chips)

DirecTiONs 1. Mix dry ingredients together.

2. Add all liquids and stir again.

3. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes at 350 degrees.

4. Freeze for a great texture.

Find more delicious recipes at greenlivingaz.com/recipes

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green kids

JereMY JACkrABBiT

A COMMUniTY PrOJeCT OF PAssiOn

BY MOLLY CERRETA SMITH

T

eaching kids about saving the Earth is a pretty hefty concept. But not when it’s displayed in a brightly colored, kid-friendly and easy-to-grasp format like the Jeremy Jackrabbit series.

About five years ago Rodney and Sasha Glassman (who were not yet married) were on a date, strolling through the Tucson Festival of Books. Rodney remembers, “We purchased a children’s book and thought, ‘We could do this.’” Rodney, who has a background in sustainability, and Sasha, who has a passion for literacy, combined their interests and areas of expertise to create their first book, Jeremy Jackrabbit Harvests the Rain, featuring illustrations from children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Each book is also graced with a forward from Arizona State University President Michael Crow, who is hugely dedicated to sustainability.

The Glassmans raised $35,000 for the first book, which allowed for the printing and distribution for 15,000 books — enough to give a copy to every kindergartner in Southern Arizona. “The first book was a great success and a lot of fun,” says Rodney.

The following year the Glassmans moved up to Phoenix and began working on a second book, Jeremy Jackrabbit Recycles the Can. “The project really took on a life of its own,” says Rodney.

The couple received more than 1,000 drawings from children hoping to see their artwork become illustrations in the Jeremy Jackrabbit series.

Sasha selects images for each book based on their relationship to each story. The Glassmans have since written two other books, Jeremy Jackrabbit Captures the Sun and their latest, Jeremy Jackrabbit Saves Every Drop, which has not yet been printed.

The text of each book is displayed in both English and Spanish on every page, and the series has featured the artwork of hundreds of children. Since the inception of the Jeremy Jackrabbit series, more than 125,000 free children’s books have been distributed to kindergartners across the state. Many sponsors generously contribute to the initiative to enable the distribution of one book to every kindergartner in Maricopa County, as well as to students in the Tucson Unified and Vail school districts in Southern Arizona.

Rodney says, “This is the largest literacy collaboration in the state. It’s an excellent way for us to give back and a fun

32 greenliving | October 2014

thing for my wife and I to do together.” He calls it a community project through and through, adding, “This would not be possible without so many people committed to it, including libraries and sponsors that are all passionate about the project. We are all doing it out of the goodness of our hearts. There is no staff, and 100 percent of the money raised goes toward printing and distributing the books.”

There is plenty of time to not only ignite your children’s interest in saving the planet but also encourage their artistic talents by having them participate in the current Jeremy Jackrabbit illustration contest for Jeremy Jackrabbit Saves Every Drop. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 31. Kids are welcome to review the book’s content, which is available on the Phoenix Public Library’s website, so they can create relevant art for the story. Children whose art is accepted will be invited to participate in the launch of the latest book, where they’ll also sign autographs. The launch is slated for Earth Day 2015.

BE A PART OF JEREMY JACKRABBIT SAVES EVERY DROP Children can submit their images for possible publication in the book via the Jeremy Jackrabbit illustration contest through the Phoenix Public Library. Throughout the month of October, illustrations can be dropped off at any of Phoenix Public Library’s 17 locations or the City of Tempe Library, or mailed to the Phoenix Public Library’s central office.

Mail submissions to: Jeremy Jackrabbit Contest, c/o Children & Teen Services Phoenix Public Library 1221 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004

For more information, visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org/kids and click on the Jeremy Jackrabbit icon, or go to jeremyjackrabbit.com to learn more about the history of the series.

Photo by Kerry Stratford.

Read more for green kids at greenlivingaz.com/greenkids greenlivingaz.com

GREEN SCENES MONARCH BUTTERFLY EXHIBIT AT DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN September 27-November 23, 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix The Monarch Butterfl y Exhibit is presented each fall at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Once you have entered the Garden, the Marshall Butterfl y Pavilion is easy to fi nd — and hard to leave. The enchanted exhibit will engage you for hours with the variety and number of butterfl y species. Maps are distributed at the entrance, and signs along the paths direct you there. All ages are permitted into the exhibit.

480-941-1225 dbg.org

EARTH HARMONY FESTIVAL October 4-5, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Avalon Organic Gardens & EcoVillage 2074 Pendleton Dr., Tumacácori Take part in a complimentary weekend celebration of eco-living and sustainability, held on the country’s largest

EcoVillage, which encompasses 220 acres of breathtaking organic farmland. Enjoy live music, fi ne arts and hands-on demonstrations as well as EcoVillage and Garden tours. And don’t forget to take home tips and tools to help grow a more sustainable world for future generations.

520-398-2542 earthharmonyfestival.org

OAK CREEK ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW October 10-12, Opens at 9 a.m.

Sedona’s Village of Oak Creek 6600 Arizona 179, Sedona Local artists exhibit and showcase their artwork alongside live musical performances and fresh food. The location is on the main road into town, also known as the “Gateway of Sedona.”

Oak Creek Arts and Craft Shows are fun for the artists and guests alike. 760-985-7773 oakcreekartsandcraftsshows.com

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33

green scenes

TUCSON MEET YOURSELF

HARVEST FEST-OLIVEPALOOZA

October 10-12, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

115 N. Church, Tucson Celebrate Southern Arizona’s diverse folk and ethnic communities via performances and demonstrations, food vendors and more at this free, family-friendly festival in downtown Tucson. All ages are welcome.

520-621-4046 tucsonmeetyourself.org

Oct. 11-Dec. 7 Queen Creek Olive Mill 25062 S. Meridian Rd., Queen Creek This six-week event marks the harvesting of the olives, which are pulled and pressed to make the delicious olive oils that Arizonians have come to love. The kick-off weekend features 12 food trucks, complimentary wine tastings, vendor samplings and more. Admission is free. 480-888-9290 queencreekolivemill.com/event/calendar

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING COLLECTION DAY October 11, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Scottsdale North Corporation Yard 9191 E. San Salvador Dr., Scottsdale We know that electronics make up a large majority of landfill waste that threatens the environment due to the potentially hazardous elements contained within them. So why not round up some of your unwanted or broken electronics and repurpose them? Recycling prevents dangerous elements from electronics from seeping into the earth, creates less waste and provides usable items for organizations that can recapture their value. This is a feel-good project that is good for the planet.

480-312-5600 scottsdaleaz.gov/recycle

ARTS IN THE PLAZA: FINE ARTS AND JAZZ FESTIVAL October 18-19, Opens at 10 a.m.

St. Philip’s Plaza 4250 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson Come experience the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s showcase of fine art from the region’s most exquisite artists and noteworthy jazz performers. St. Philip’s Plaza offers elegant and unique shopping and dining experiences, and merchants provide discounts throughout the event.

Attendance is free.

520-797-3959 saaca.org

Win a Sustainability Champions Scholarship What sustainability challenge do you see in the world?

Join a community of scholars and sustainability champions, and earn $5,000 or $2,500 to support your sustainability-related education at Arizona State University.

Apply Online by April 1, 2015 sos.asu.edu/champions • Business Practices and Economics • Climate Change and Adaptation • Ecosystem Alteration and Biodiversity • Energy, Materials and Technology • Food Systems • Future Scenarios and Systems Thinking • International Development • Policy and Governance • Social and Behavioral Change, Ethics • Urbanization • Water Quality, Use and Supply

34 greenliving | October 2014

greenlivingaz.com

green scenes

EARTH HARMONY SUSTAINABILITY SEMINAR: HOW TO BUILD AN ECO VILLAGE October 23-26, Opens at 3 p.m.

Avalon Organic Gardens & EcoVillage 2074 Pendleton Dr., Tumacácori Join in an exciting and innovative approach to community development and culture enhancement. Avalon Organic Gardens & EcoVillage are offering visitors the opportunity to learn about their methods of sustainability through this handson seminar. Through practical advice you’ll come away with the necessary consciousness tools to replicate this model of living anywhere. Campers are welcome and rental equipment is available. 520-603-9932 avalongardens.org

PHOENIX FOOD DAY October 24, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Cesar Chavez Plaza 251 W. Washington St., Phoenix Be a part of this nationwide celebration of affordable, healthy and sustainably produced food. Start eating a healthier diet and put your family’s diet on track. This is not just a one-day event; it is the celebration of a lifelong shift toward healthier food choices and better food policies. Use that positive energy

greenlivingaz.com

to make a meaningful and long-lasting difference. 202-777-8392 facebook.com/FoodDayPhoenix

STAGECOACH VILLAGE FINE ARTS AND WINE FESTIVAL October 24-26, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Stagecoach Village 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek The 6th Annual Stagecoach Village Fine Arts & Wine Festival is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy outdoor musical entertainment, fine works of art and food vendors. With the scenic foothills as the backdrop of this festival, it is definitely an event you cannot miss.

623-734-6526 vermillionpromotions.com

FALL PUMPKIN COLLECTION October 25-26, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Apple Annie’s Produce and Pumpkins 6405 W. Williams Rd., Willcox Enjoy old-fashioned family fun picking your own pumpkins, fall vegetables and apples. Pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colors are available in the huge pumpkin patch and stand.

October 2014 | greenliving

35

green scenes

Apple Annie’s boasts Arizona’s newest and largest corn maze with three levels of difficulty. Early birds can enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Or sleep in and come for the apple smoked burger lunch from 11:30 a.m.4 p.m. Both meals are served at the orchard location.

520-384-2084 appleannies.com

PREPPERFEST EXPO October 25-26, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale Want to learn how to become self-reliant in the midst of overwhelming odds? PrepperFest gives everyone an opportunity to explore self-reliance in a family-friendly atmosphere. Prepping is not just for the Apocalypse, it’s for real life preparedness. Being prepared is something that has been taught for generations, and at PrepperFest you will learn the best ways to handle any challenge. 949-690-2042 prepperfestaz.com

4TH ANNUAL WATERSHED MANAGEMENT GROUP HOMESCAPE HARVEST TOUR October 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Homes throughout Tucson Check out some of the most stunning landscapes in homes throughout Tucson on this self-paced tour. These landscapes include well-designed, beautiful and affordable features for harvesting water, energy and even food. Gather ideas to create your own sustainable dream yard, and speak

directly to the homeowners about their experiences as well as your own. Tickets are $15, or $10 for bicycle riders. Proceeds directly benefit WMG’s Green Living Co-op program.

520-396-3266 watershedmg.org

PUMPKIN AND CORN MAZE FEST Every weekend in October, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Mortimer Family Farms 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey This month-long festival features a 15-acre pumpkin patch and a 25-acre corn maze as well as farm activities, games, live entertainment, barn dancing and more. There is a petting zoo and farm slides for the kids, and live music and craft vendors for the parents. $13 per person at the gate or $12 online.

928-830-1116 mortimerfamilyfarms.com

BIRDS ‘N BEER Third Thursday of each month, 5:30- 7:30 p.m.

Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center 3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix Dedicate your third Thursday of each month to the Audubon Center to learn about birds and other wildlife while enjoying a cold Four Peaks brew and other beverages and snacks while mingling with professionals. Topics range from animal mating routines to six ways mushrooms will destroy the world, and often include live video showcasing wildlife behaviors. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a different topic each month. 602-468-6470 riosalado.audubon.org View all our events at greenlivingaz.com/events

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greenlivingaz.com

green kids

green YOUr

BY MOLLY CERRETA SMITH

W

ith the onset of autumn comes all the fun holidays that involve decorating and, well, a lot of waste. So how can we green this month’s spookiest holiday?

DECORATING FOR THE SEASON Decking out the house is one of my favorite parts of pretty much every holiday. But it’s important to do it efficiently so we can all save time, money and even the planet. For example, use your resources to create homemade decorations, or give store bought decor a new life by repurposing it. Use twigs, pinecones and fallen leaves to create a classy door wreath. It’s not only fun, it’s good for the Earth.

TABLE-SCAPING When it comes to dressing your Halloween table, consider choosing a fall theme that can last all the way through Thanksgiving. Michelle Jefferson with A. B. Design Elements says, “When creating centerpieces and displays, unique serving ware is an essential starting point. If you don’t have something special to use, visit your local thrift shops and antique stores to find fun and quirky pieces to repurpose. Or get out your hammer and nails and create simple wood boxes covered in burlap to house your arrangement.”

Jefferson also encourages you to skip the chain stores and instead support local artisans when selecting Halloween décor. “Visit your neighborhood boutiques and craft fairs for handcrafted pieces to decorate your home, like the wonderful hand-painted jack-o-lanterns I came across recently at a shop in Scottsdale,” she suggests (below). “If you don’t have a local source, Etsy is a wonderful tool that connects people with artisans to create unique and eco-friendly creations.”

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT… WITHOUT WASTING ELECTRICITY Halloween lights and ghoulish electronics are not the only power suckers adding to your home’s electricity usage.

Every appliance uses “vampire energy” (how apropos!) when plugged in yet not in use. To limit wasted energy, put plug-in Halloween decorations and your major appliances on power strips, which you can turn off when items are not in use.

CRAFTING WITH A PURPOSE Halloween is oh-so-popular with kids, and there is no reason you can’t get crazy with spook-tacular crafts. Just be mindful when embarking on craft projects. A simple search on Pinterest will pull up an endless number of fun kid-friendly crafts that incorporate themes of repurposing. For example, wrapping varying sized Mason jars with gauze or crepe paper, gluing googly eyes on and putting an LED tea Find instructions light in the bottom of the jar is a fun for this kids craft at way to use items you probably already greenlivingaz.com/ have around your house to give your halloween home a Halloween glow.

Halloween is the kick-off to many more fall and winter festivities. You can get into the spirit without abandoning your commitment to an eco-friendly life by simply incorporating the theme of “reduce, reuse and recycle.”

Find more fun Halloween ideas at greenlivingaz.com/halloween

Visit our website to learn more about this classy repurposed pumpkin craft created by Karen at thegraphicsfairy.com.

greenlivingaz.com

October 2014 | greenliving

37

HE’S GREEN

SHE’S GREEN

PRODUCT REVIEWS BY OUR ECO-CONSCIOUS COUPLE JOHN AND JENNIFER BURKHART

Fall is here! Well, in most of the country, anyway. In the Valley, “fall” equates more to a “slight dip in temperature” but also the arrival of harvest-y things. Pumpkins and apples and raking leaves, oh my! To celebrate, we sampled assorted foods made with one of fall’s tastiest harvests — apples.

SPROUTS | DOUBLE CRUST APPLE PIE HE SAID: There’s nothing better than Mom’s homemade apple pie. But a close second is this Sprouts Double Crust Apple Pie with fresh sliced apples in a cinnamon filling covered by a downright delicious flaky, buttery crust. I’m going to have a hard time not eating this whole pie in one sitting.

SHE SAID: Normally I’m not an apple pie lover, but when I finished this slice, I totally licked the plate (a practice usually reserved only for bowls of ice cream, if that gives you any idea!).

The crust was thick, flaky and buttery, and the filling was just sweet enough with a hint of cinnamon. The crust-to-filling ratio was a bit off — more filling, please! But still, mighty tasty.

He gave it:

She gave it:

NATURE’S PATH | LOVE CRUNCH PREMIUM ORGANIC GRANOLA – APPLE CRUMBLE HE SAID: There are many forms of Nature’s Path’s Love Crunch and they are all outstanding. I chose to eat this Apple Love Crunch as a snack straight out of the bag because tart green apples and milk seemed gross to me. The granola and pecans have a nice light crunch and the occasional zing of dried sour green apples will keep your taste buds guessing.

SHE SAID: This granola was great no matter how I ate it — with milk, on yogurt or right out of the bag. It was crispy-crunchy without getting soggy in milk… although as fast as I chowed it, I don’t think it had the time! The tasty pecans, dried green apples, cinnamon and vanilla blended well together for an irresistible snack.

He gave it:

She gave it:

NEW PLANET ORGANICS | 100% UNFILTERED APPLE JUICE HE SAID: Our son loves his apple juice almost as much as he loves his Star Wars toys... almost. We’re always happy to find good-quality juice because it’s challenging to find it in our “contains 0% juice” world. This delightfully refreshing juice is sweet with no added sugar, tart with no ascorbic acid and fresh with no potassium phosphate. It contains one ingredient — organic apple juice. Thank you, New Planet Organics.

SHE SAID: Balanced tart and sweet flavors make this apple juice a winner! If you can get past the swamp-water look of unfiltered juice, that is. Just think of all the fun you’ll have watching the shocked faces of kids (and even adults!) that are used to the clear stuff. Don’t worry, there is no real resemblance to actual swamp water. This is a smooth, sweet and delicious one-ingredient organic apple juice.

He gave it:

She gave it:

TALENTI GELATO | CARAMEL APPLE PIE HE SAID: I love hot apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — “apple pie a la mode” they call it. Well, this gelato is “mode a la apple pie.” The gelato is deliciously smooth and creamy but it’s the hint of cinnamon, chunks of apple and pieces of pie crust that really push this one over the top. I managed to put this down after half the pint was gone.

SHE SAID: When it comes to gelato, I’m a newbie. Maybe it’s supposed to taste a bit like egg (like eggnog does), but for me, eggs and ice cream do not mix. Also, the apple pieces were more like apple peels… ppfffthhht! Weird! What they did right, though, is the creamy texture mixed with the cinnamon and caramel flavors.

He gave it:

She gave it:

VAN’S | APPLE CINNAMON WAFFLES HE SAID: Van’s usually does the gluten-free waffle right. Their plain and blueberry waffles are delish. Unfortunately, they fell short on these apple cinnamon waffles. They had an aroma of apples and cinnamon but were completely void of any flavor whatsoever. The texture was chalky and grainy — no amount of maple syrup could save them.

SHE SAID: I didn’t know what to expect with gluten-free waffles, but I’d say these are an OK attempt. They came out light and crispy from the toaster, but once the waffles met my fork, they began to crumble. I would have had better luck with a spoon! The apple cinnamon flavor was pretty light and didn’t disguise the earthy brown rice taste. Not the most exciting of Van’s products, but I could get used to these if I had to.

He gave it:

She gave it:

38 greenliving | October 2014

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October April 2014 | greenliving 2014 | greenliving 391

COOL OUTRAGEOUS

STUFF 1. PURSES WITH PURPOSE: ANGELA & ROI Angela & Roi handbags and purses not only look great, but also tell a story and make a difference. The color of each handbag relates to a different form of cancer, and with every purchase a donation is made to one of 11 nonprofits that work with Angela & Roi. Each bag also comes with a ribbon to show support for activism efforts against cancer. All of Angela & Roi’s handbags are made with animal friendly materials.

Prices vary depending on style; purse shown is $65. angelaroi.com

2. ECO-CONSCIOUS SHOES

BY JULIENNE HASTINGS Designer Julienne Hastings’ shoe collections are worthy of praise based on looks alone, but are even more impressive for their eco-conscious construction. The shoes are made of repurposed textiles, leather and even rhinestones, thus saving these quality materials from an unnecessary trip to the landfill. $82 juliennehastingsdesign.com

3. RUBY FARIAS DESIGNS HAND-PAINTED BAGS Artist Ruby Farias of Me the Artist brings a whole new meaning to the term “wearable art.” In addition to her line of handpainted clothing, Ruby has taken her passion for wearable art to the world of purses. There are more than 150 designs as well as various sizes available. These one-of-a-kind canvaslined purses are repurposed from remnants of the painting classes that Farias holds in her studio for corporate groups, girls’ nights and even kids’ parties. $10-20 metheartist.com

4. KORA ORGANICS BALANCING ROSE MIST With the onset of the holidays, we could all use a little rebalancing, right? Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr recently re-launched its Balance Rose Mist, which uses Noni and rose oils that are said to help protect the skin, balance complexion and help minimize pores while also healing the heart and reducing stress and anxiety. KORA’s Lavender Mist and Energizing Citrus Mist are also part of the collection’s re-launch. $44 koraorganics.com

5. TRUE NIRVANA While coconut water is all the rage as of late, True Nirvana puts its money where its mouth is. The company uses an eco-friendly steam-sterilization process at its steam-powered plant that is driven by a farmed tree with a fast growth rate. The bottles in which the all-natural, Thailand-originated and preservative-free coconut waters come in are totally recyclable. Flavors include real coconut water, real coconut pulp, real coco aloe and the newest flavor — real coconut water with Thai chili extract. $2.19 per 9.5 oz. bottle tastenirvana.com

6. KATEBABY’S ADORABLY ORGANIC FALL/WINTER LINE Eco-conscious parents now have new fall and winter options for keeping their babies fashionably and responsibly dressed. Katebaby’s 2014 fall and winter collection includes adorable pajamas like these, which are made from 100 percent organic cotton and low-impact dyes. $34 katebaby.com

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40 greenliving | October 2014

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Mental

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Martha M. Grout MD, MD(H), Founder Martha Grout, MD, MD(H) leads a holistic medical practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Grout has 25 years in emergency medicine, and for the last decade, she has been a homeopathic physician.

Dr. Grout and her team are dedicated to the natural treatment and reversal of chronic disease.

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Physical • • • •

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Truly Integrative Healthcare The Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine is the Southwest’s most diversified integrative medical center. We integrate the best of alternative and traditional medicine to educate and empower you on the road to health. Led by Medical Director Martha Grout, MD, MD(H), the center is dedicated to the reversal of chronic illness.

Rekha Shah, MD, MD(H) is board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, as well as in Medical Acupuncture. She has been practicing medicine for over 30 years, with experience in allopathic medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, and training in functional medicine.

Debi Murphy PA-C Debi Murphy, PA-C, supports the team at the Center and enables them to work more efficiently with patients. She tries to learn as much as she can about each unique patient’s condition. She is especially interested in treating female hormone issues and patients afflicted with Lyme disease.

10200 N. 92nd St. Suite 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 | ArizonaAdvancedMedicine.com | 480-240-2600