Green Living March 2017

Gardening & Agriculture Issue!

US $5.95

Growing a Food Forest

Revitalizing Downtown Mesa

Be Team Green for Spring Training

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DO YOU KNOW THAT WHEN RAINWATER FALLS TO THE EARTH, SOME OF IT SOAKS INTO THE SOIL AND SOME FLOWS OVER THE GROUND’S SURFACE? THIS IS CALLED STORMWATER RUNOFF. LET’S TAKE A LOOK...

Stormwater that flows over impermeable surfaces – such as roofs, driveways, and roads – picks up pollutants along the way. And this polluted stormwater travels to the storm drain system, which goes untreated to the nearest river, wash, or stormwater retention basin. The things we do around our homes, such as walking the dog, yardwork, gardening, fertilizing, using pesticides or herbicides, or caring for our pools can affect the quality of our stormwater. Do you think your activities impact the natural environment? Do you think you can affect the quality of urban living? If you believe so, what can you do to help minimize impacts to the environment and water quality?

Around the home is where you can make the biggest impact. Did you know a manufacturer’s label is actually a law? Using pesticides and herbicides per the directions will offset danger to you, your family, pets, and the environment.

For example, most pesticides are not to be used before forecasted rain. On the contrary, most fertilizers are recommended for use prior to a forecasted rain. Why? Water activates some chemicals and weakens others. Be certain you know what you are applying, why, where, and how to maximize effectiveness while minimizing harm.

Perhaps your household does not rely on chemicals to manage pests or weeds; maybe you use mechanical methods to remove the culprits. Be sure to bag and tie the debris that you pull out or rake up. Sweep dirt and limit the use of leaf blowers, which contribute to airborne particulates. If your lawn mower or weed eater casts blades of grass into the gutter along the street, sweep it up and dispose in the trash.

Sediment and vegetative debris can clog the storm sewer system. These interconnected below ground pipes discharge downstream to the Salt and Gila rivers, the Agua Fria, Skunk Creek, countless unnamed ephemeral washes, and some canals. Stabilizing soil on your property, whether seeding with turf or covering with rock, will assist in keeping urban runoff clean.

Pet waste contains bacteria and pathogens. Did you know that a very common pollutant in stormwater runoff is Escherichia coli (e. coli)? Would you want to swim in a lake or river that has excess e. coli? Even wading through local basins within

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parks is not a great idea. Not only because of the bacteria – there could also be hidden objects that pose a significant safety risk. Pick up pet waste with a bag and throw it away.

Non-stormwater – such as irrigation, pool backwash, and washing your car in the driveway – can release pollutants and also cause nuisance conditions.

Besides, conservation of precious water should be considered at all times.

You may dispose of pool backwash water in the property’s sanitary clean out.

Chlorine, algae, mosquito larvae, and possibly chemicals added to control these, do not belong in the storm sewer system. Taking your vehicle to a car wash not only recycles the water, it keeps soaps, metals, oils, fluids, and dirt out of the street side gutter and storm drain system.

I’m Stormwater’s new Mascot, Hopper!

Watch my video at phoenix.gov/ stormwater Home: Salt River Bed

ALL OF THESE ITEMS TAKE JUST SECONDS TO MANAGE – WHETHER IT’S PLANNING OR APPLYING AN EXTRA STEP. • Check out the forecast.

• Do big landscape projects outside of the summer monsoon season (June 15-September 15).

• Sweep up, rather than blow around, fine sediments, grass blades, and mesquite leaves.

• Pick up the dog poo. Bag it. Put it in a receptacle (not the recycle or compost bin, okay?)

• Drain your pool into the sanitary sewer.

• Take your expired or unneeded chemicals to your community’s household hazardous waste event.

And, if you really want to have fun with pollution prevention, minimize your runoff by implementing some green infrastructure: build a rain garden, use permeable pavers, perform site grading to create low spots that will filter and infiltrate water. Use that stormwater to help maintain some shade – trees soak up water, right? Did you know certain plants and trees can affect the chemical composition and presence of pollutants, like oil and nitrogen?

For more information, go to phoenix.gov/stormwater.

TAKE THE LEAP… PHOENIX CLEAN WATER STARTS WITH YOU!

Favorite Vacation Spots: Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area and Tres Rios Wetlands Lifetime Goals: Prevent pollution from affecting aquatic habitats Email me at

ask.water@phoenix.gov

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March 2017 | greenliving

3

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4 greenliving | February 2017

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS COPY EDITOR

Dorie Morales Amanda Harvey Misty Voitovski Jeffrey E. Stein Rachel Luman

ADVISORY BOARD Veronica Bahn Ken Edwins Jon Kitchell Eric Olsen

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CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Burkhart John Burkhart Ric Coggins Rebecca Diane Megan Duffy Colleen Forgus Tanya Glos Jennifer Graffice Kamilla Graham Barbara Kaplan Gretchen Pahia Lindsay Robinson David Schaller Bret Scroggins KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz

EDITORIAL/SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS Amanda Gardley Riley Hoffman Emily Powell Niki Vetter

A joint program of:

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Yours in practicing a greener lifestyle

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN: Veronica Wierer

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7575 E. Redfield Road #219, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Please recycle this magazine 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 © 2016 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. One print 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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departments features

March 2017

on the cover

26

Are you familiar with this alienlooking vegetable? This photo of the unique Romanesco vegetable from Tucson Village Farms was taken and enhanced by local photographer Michael Moriarty. Enjoy learning more in our March Gardening & Agriculture issue.

Gardening & Agriculture Issue!

US $5.95

38

12 20 Ways to Love Your Home this Spring

The Power of Purpose in Business Success

Be Team Green for Spring Training

Growing a Food Forest

Revitalizing Downtown Mesa

Be Team Green for Spring Training

play green 29 Launch Party Photo Collage 30 A Night at the Opera with an Arizonan Twist

live green

8 Climate Change Series: Mohave County 10 Making the Mindset Shift for Exercise 14 Howl the Night Away at Dinner

14

32 Growing a Food Forest with Jay Barringer 34 Master Gardener Monthly: Gardening in Arizona Soils

35 Understanding Your Organic Options Part 2: Get Practical

36 Holistic Healing Through Grazing

with Wolves

VISIT DOWNTOWN MESA on pages 15-19

work green 16

Transforming Downtown Mesa with Adaptive Reuse

20 Phoenix Reimagines Recycling with a New Partner in Waste Diversion

22 Cleaning Up the Final Four 24 Elevating the Human Experience through Design

27 Local Woman-owned Recycling Company

24 greenlivingaz.com

Saves Electronics from Landfills

30 40 Spring Recipes 42 Green Scenes Calendar

40

of Events

46 Green Champions 47 He’s Green, She’s Green

48 Cool Outrageous Stuff

28 March 2017 | greenliving

5

March 2017

Editor’s Note

A

s our beautiful spring weather transitions to the heat of summer, now is the time to enjoy all that March in Phoenix has to offer, including loads of fun outdoor events. Check out our Green Scenes calendar for great local events happening this month, including the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, Devour Culinary Classic, Tres Rios Nature Festival, Sedona Yoga Festival, and much more.

In our March Gardening & Agriculture issue, we help you get your hands dirty with articles about growing a background food forest, our Master Gardener Monthly Series featuring raised growing beds, part two of “Understanding Your Organic Options,” and holistic healing through grazing. Also featured this month: 20 ways to love your home this spring; the fourth annual Dinner with Wolves conservation event; a look at what’s green this year for Spring Training; the new city of Phoenix-Recyclebank partnership; the world premier of the “Riders of the Purple Sage” opera; and more.

Check out our Green Scenes calendar for great local events happening this month, including the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, Devour Culinary Classic, Tres Rios Nature Festival, Sedona Yoga Festival, and much more.

Don’t miss our spring recipes for fresh avocado cups, a Luck o’ the Irish stew, tantalizing chile-glazed sweet potatoes, and more.

Our next launch party will take place on Thursday, March 2, at the Benedictine University adaptive reuse campus in downtown Mesa. Find out more about the university and other downtown revitalization projects in my article on page 16.

Please join us at the Green Living March issue launch party to see the unique space for yourself! Visit greenlivingaz.com/party for more.

♥

I LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR READERS!

Email me at editor@greenlivingaz.com

Photo by Vince Alfaro

Amanda Harvey Associate Editor

Follow @greenlivingaz and stay in touch with the newest topics on sustainability!

6 greenliving | March 2017

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March 2017 | greenliving

7

ENVIRONMENT

CLIMATE CHANGE SERIES:

MOHAVE COUNTY

BY DAVID A. SCHALLER

M

ohave County occupies to relocate to places like Mohave County, where access to the northwestern corner aquifers is currently open to the highest bidder. One 6,000 acre of Arizona, much of it pistachio farm near Kingman is projected to consume, when separated from Nevada and California fully planted, nearly 8 billion gallons of groundwater annually – by a narrow stretch of the Colorado groundwater that represents Kingman’s only water resource. In River. In April of last year, the droughtthe wake of this project, county political leaders are beginning stricken county featured prominently to ask hard questions over a different path forward.

DAVID A. SCHALLER in national video feeds when a wildfire Climate warming also threatens the tenuous relationship that began at the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge jumped between flora and fauna in an already-parched environment. the Colorado and spread into California. Two square miles of A recent scientific study of how the iconic Joshua tree will brush were consumed before the border-leaping fire ran out fare under climate change was not encouraging. In a research of fuel. In spectacular fashion, Mohave paper published by the Ecological Society County provided visual evidence that of America, Arizona scientists and others climate disruption does not recognize concluded that all of their models project human or natural boundaries. the future elimination of the Joshua tree Like many other counties in the state, throughout most of the southern portions Mohave has seen an uptick in groundwater of its current range, which includes extraction as surface water supplies are Mohave County. stretched by growth or diminished by In one hopeful finding, several areas drought. Locations around the county seat were identified as potential sites for of Kingman have seen record numbers relocation and assisted migration of the of new wells being sunk into a shrinking threatened Joshua tree. Though the valleys aquifer. As in neighboring counties where of the Mohave Desert can be fatally warm, groundwater extraction is growing, its basin and range topography provide agriculture is now responsible for the surge entire mountain ranges that can help in withdrawals. squeeze extra moisture out of dry desert The ongoing drought in neighboring air. These shaded microclimates could be California is even prompting nut farms the refugia that scientists see as survival Mohave County is highlighted in red

8 greenliving | March 2017

greenlivingaz.com

ENVIRONMENT

niches for plants like the Joshua tree and other threatened species.

They could offer places where animals and plants do not need to adapt as quickly as they might in more exposed locations. For Mohave County, there is a chance to invest in these places that naturally resist warming as a way to give endangered species a chance to avoid extinction.

As a way to help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions, local business leaders take pride in Mohave County’s potential to be home to carbon-busting renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar and geothermal. Large swaths of county land have already been zoned for renewable energy projects, and Western Area Power Administration transmission lines stand ready to carry climate-safe electrons to nearby demand centers like Las Vegas. A 10 megawatt combined wind and solar project in Kingman was the first purpose-built wind and solar project in North America.

However, the climate risk of most importance to Mohave County remains that of diminishing water resources. With limited surface water supplies in addition to being located far from the Central Arizona Project canal network, places like Kingman must safeguard their groundwater in the face of growing competition for its uses. To avoid a “pumped dry” future, there must be the will to prevent it in the first place. County leadership and a concerned citizenry have begun taking up that challenge.

For Green Living’s climate change series, each month we will focus on one of Arizona’s 15 counties and how climate change is affecting it specifically.

Next month’s installment will focus on Navajo County.

David A. Schaller is a retired environmental scientist living in Tucson where he writes on climate, water and energy security.

Top photo of the Kingman Western Wind 10 MW wind and solar project

by David Sanders, Tucson Electric Power.

Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

WHAT’S YOUR Q WHEN IT COMES TO EXERCISE?

MAKING THE MINDSET SHIFT

BY JENNIFER GRAFFICE

D

o you know your “Q” when it comes to exercise? “Q” stands for Quality. It’s your reason or your purpose for doing anything.

Unfortunately, exercise is not typically something everyone loves to jump out of bed and do. And even if it is JENNIFER GRAFFICE something we enjoy, it’s hard to find down time, let alone time to schedule exercise.

We all know exercise is something we should be doing, and there are a million health reasons and benefits as to why. We know we would feel better if we could find the time, yet we still can’t seem to make the transition from saying “I need to get to the gym” to actually taking action. Here are a few simple things that can help you shift your mindset from wishing and thinking to actually doing!

1

BE SELFISH When it comes to your health and wellbeing, this should be your number one priority! If you become sick or have a tragic health issue arise, nothing will matter because that crazy schedule you keep will come to a screeching halt and all you will do is wish that you had taken better care of yourself. So rather than treating exercise as a frivolous activity to get to when you have time, think about it as an appointment for yourself. No different than a dentist appointment, a mammogram or even keeping a weekly meeting with your boss. It’s not selfish, it is necessary for you to live and maintain your Q life. Schedule it in your planner like all of your other important appointments, plan for it and make it happen.

2

PARTNER UP Find an accountability partner or someone who wants to be healthy along with you! Meet at the gym, go for a hike, or take a class together. If you don’t have someone that fits with your schedule, find a spin, pilates, yoga, or weight training class so you can have the consistency and meet likeminded people who are on the same journey. Research proves that when you exercise with others, you are 60 percent more likely to stick with it.

3

PUT IT ON PAPER Write down the reasons you should be exercising, along with your health goals. Look at your family members and take note of hereditary diseases that you could be faced with or might already be dealing with, and use that as a motivating factor to keep that time for yourself. Once you write it down, place it somewhere you will see it daily as a reminder to stay on track.

4

FIND YOUR REASON AND MAKE IT FUN Find a cause or something fun and exciting that means something to you. Do a charity run, obstacle course, bike ride or Grand Canyon hike – whatever sounds fun to you, sign up and do it! If you actually sign up for something and pay the money to participate, you will be held more accountable. Always be searching for the next new adventure!

Give these few simple tips a try, and know that you won’t regret spending the time working on yourself for your own wellbeing.

Jennifer Graffice is the owner of Qlife and is a professional health and fitness resource. With 20 years in the fitness and wellness industry, she loves to motivate, educate, lead, follow, inspire, challenge and make positive change to everyone around her. Reach her at jengraffice.com or her office at 7399 E Tierra Buena in Scottsdale.

Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

10 greenliving | March 2017

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11

INTERIORS

YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

BY BARBARA KAPLAN

L

4

1

5

ove your home this spring – and every season – with these quick and easy tips. Remember, rooms have no feelings, you do! It’s up to you to make your home feel special.

EMBRACE COLOR. Color is key.

Don’t be afraid to express yourself with color anywhere and everywhere. Start slowly with an accent wall or pillow, then add an area rug or chair. Keep going and have fun.

BARBARA KAPLAN

2

THE PILLOW TRICK. Sometimes it only takes one fabulous pillow to make the difference, especially if you can match it to a piece of furniture in the room that you paint the same color.

3

THE REAL ENTRY TO YOUR HOME IS OUTSIDE. The outside entry is what people see first. Buy a new large mat that coordinates with your door, if possible. Position the mat like a runner so people step on it several times, which helps clean their shoes. Make sure your doorbell is clean so people will feel good about ringing your bell.

YOUR GARAGE CAN FEEL LIKE AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME. Paint/de-clutter/clean up and even hang pictures in your garage. After all, it may be the last thing you see when you leave and the first thing that greets you when you arrive home.

HAVE A PRETTY PANTRY. Build custom-height shelves for your smaller and larger sized food items. You’ll have more space, visibility and organization. Paint the walls and shelves complementary colors you enjoy. Give the pantry door and handle its own style. Store your food items in visually pleasing containers.

6

LOVE YOUR HALLWAYS. Either take down the hodgepodge collection of family photos and frame them all the same for a unified look; create a gallery for art with proper lighting; or make your hallways a calm space with nothing on the walls to create a transition from room to room. Your choice...which feels right to you?

7

CREATE YOUR OWN SANCTUARY. If you don’t have a private space in your house to do things such as read and meditate, create one. Even if it’s just a chair or a pillow on the floor with a candle, it’s yours.

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INTERIORS

8

GIVE YOUR CHILD A TIDY ROOM. If you struggle to keep your child’s room tidy, involve them in creating space for their needs. By providing a place for everything they will learn to put things away.

Decorative storage pieces can be purchased inexpensively, and don’t forget to utilize space under the bed for storage bins.

Install ready-made units to organize the closet that will grow with your child.

9

BE YOUR OWN INTERIOR DESIGNER. Replace each piece of furniture you’ve become bored with, one at a time.

Some pieces can be completely eliminated, while others may work in other areas of your home. Most importantly, take time to get used to the change.

10

SEE WHAT YOU HAVE WITH DIFFERENT EYES. Change the seat at which you eat all your meals today.

Look around and see your room from a different perspective.

Is there anything you see that you would like to change or that you didn’t see before?

11

ENJOY THE PIECES YOU ALREADY HAVE. Go to the cabinet that has your fine pieces of china, flatware, crystal, serving pieces, vases and bowls, etc. Take out the ones you love the most. Keep them out for several days to use and enjoy. Hopefully you’ll never want to hide them again.

12

NEW HARDWARE CAN MAKE CABINETS LOOK FRESH. If you like the cabinetry in your home but wish it could be updated, change the hardware. New handles will make a huge difference. You can change the handle shape, style and even the finish. Go from conservative to formal or funky.

It will be like getting brand new cabinets. Be sure to put different handles in each room. The kitchen shouldn’t look like the bathroom or the hallway.

13

THE WORD OF THE YEAR IS “OCCUPY.” How are you occupying your most personal space, your home? Is it a reflection of you? Have you expressed your style, taste, collections and hobbies? If you have, great; if not, now is the time to do it! Begin with a list of what you like and don’t like in your home and decide how you would like to live and be seen.

14

KNOW YOURSELF BEFORE DECORATING. Before you begin a decorating project, write a brief journal or answer a few questions about yourself and how you want to live.

Interview yourself or have a dialogue with someone who really knows you. This is great to do with someone you live with.

15

SPLURGE ON ONE THING AND WORK AROUND IT. Everything doesn’t have to be expensive. Choose one thing that is very special to you and decorate from there.

Make it the focus of the room and add pieces that blend or contrast but not detract.

Let your special choice be your inspiration.

16

“REFRESH” NOT REPLACE. To replace what we have in our home can be expensive and wasteful, so refresh what you already have. Move something in the same room or to another room, paint it, use it differently, rearrange your accessories or wall art. Let your imagination flow and do the unexpected.

17

KNOW YOUR STYLE. Decide if you want glamour, serenity, comfort, etc., and make sure you eliminate pieces that don’t reflect your taste. Every room doesn’t have to be the same. Each room in your home can have its own personality.

18

BE AWARE OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. In the home, there can be many sounds and aromas. Be aware of them and make sure you are not negatively affected by them. Conversely, you can have positive reactions to music, water running in a fountain, food cooking and flowers. Tune into your stimuli.

19

DIMMERS AND TIMERS LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE. Dimmers can create mood in a room; they create shadows and interest. Timers can take care of you and the environment. Time when you want your lights on and off to never waste energy.

20

NO “HAVE TO’S” IN SIGHT. Put work and exercise equipment out of your bedroom and away from the room in which you eat, entertain or recreate. Creating a tranquil and peaceful environment is important and brings health and healing.

For more, visit barbarakaplan.com and barbaraspicks.com.

Barbara Kaplan, IFDA, Allied ASID, is a leading proponent in the interior design world for environments that allow people to feel good. Through her years of experience Barbara developed an interior design approach that she shares in her book, The Bajaro Method: Rooms Have No Feelings, You Do! Read more articles about interiors at greenlivingaz.com/interiors

greenlivingaz.com

March 2017 | greenliving

13

GIVING BACK

BY NIKI VETTER

O

nce a year, My Sister’s Closet partners with Defenders of Wildlife and the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) to host Dinner with Wolves. This fundraising event is a truly unique way to raise money for Mexican Gray Wolf conservation and research, allowing attendees to enjoy a gourmet meal while interacting closely with the wolves and other animals at SWCC. Now in its fourth year, Dinner with Wolves has not only raised much-needed funds for Defenders of Wildlife and SWCC, but it has also raised awareness among the Arizona community about the current state of one of our most cherished, yet endangered subspecies.

Last year, 113 Mexican Gray Wolves were recorded in the wild, an increase from the previous year’s population of 110. Although this is good news, experts say these numbers are still falling short of what is needed for the subspecies to recover. One of the reasons these wolves face extinction is the misplaced fear and negativity that has been associated with them in the past. The best resource we have to save these animals is community education.

Dinner with Wolves was created from a mutual passion for animal conservation. CEO of My Sister’s Closet, Ann Siner, believes her company mission is aligned with that of SWCC since both are committed to giving back to the community and increasing education about wolf conservation. Linda Searles, director of Southwest Wildlife, expressed that the most important thing they do is bring community awareness to wildlife issues in addition to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of wildlife advocates.

Both Ann and Linda agree that Dinner with Wolves is having a positive impact on the way the community views wolves. “Wolves belong; they are an important part of the ecosystem. Wolves are a keystone species and we need them to keep a healthy [ecosystem] balance,” said Linda. There may always be resistance to reintegration and fear associated with wolves, making Southwest Wildlife’s job of educating the public on such matters a never-ending one, but enormous progress has been made.

Last year’s event raised a record $36,000 and the goal for this year is to reach that amount or surpass it. Experts

14 greenliving | March 2017

from Southwest Wildlife will be present to answer questions and take attendees on the tour, which Ann describes as the most fun part of the evening. “You are able to get so close to everything, from the bobcats to wolves to bears. You’re never going to see them that close anywhere else, even in the zoo.

It’s just a much more natural setting,” she explained.

This is exactly the type of experience that makes Southwest Wildlife and Dinner with Wolves so special and unique. There will be a silent auction for incredible prizes, the most notable being a horseback and hiking tour through Mexican Gray Wolf Country, donated by Defenders of Wildlife. Another top auction item is an original wolf painting from local artist Timothy Chapman (pictured above).

This year’s outcome will likely shape the future of SWCC. Due to legal issues with neighboring residents, they are currently seeking to move their operations. Relocating will allow them to increase the number of visitors and, according to Linda, “Once off the Rio Verde property we can expand our conservation medicine program and increase our biology and veterinary internship program.” Funding is currently the largest barrier to making this happen. Additionally, Both Linda and Ann expressed concern for the current political climate, agreeing that community involvement and support will become increasingly more important as time goes on.

Dinner with Wolves takes place on Sunday, April 2. Attendance is limited to 100 guests. Visit dinnerwithwolves.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Single tickets cost $250.00 and corporate level sponsorships are also available. All proceeds from ticket sales, personal donations, and the silent auction will benefit SWCC and Defenders of Wildlife. For more on Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center or to schedule a visit, go to southwestwildlife.com. For more information on Defenders of Wildlife, visit defenders.org.

Niki Vetter is an Arizona local with an Environmental Studies degree from the University of San Diego. She is currently working on her vegetable garden and will be attending law school in the fall.

Original artwork by Timothy Chapman Read more giving back articles at greenlivingaz.com/givingback

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March 2017 | greenliving

15

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

TRANSFORMING DOWNTOWN MESA

WITH ADAPTIVE REUSE

BY AMANDA HARVEY

A

rchitect Carl Elefante is known for a great quote: “The greenest building is the one already standing.”

Elefante noted that old buildings and communities are important to us because they help us to relearn how to design cities like they were before cars, and buildings like they were before there was air conditioning and cheap fuel.

And, in fact, recent findings have found that building reuse almost always yields fewer environmental impacts than new construction. This is just one reason that adaptive reuse, the process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was originally built, can be an important part of a community’s sustainable planning and design.

For the city of Mesa, the light rail expansion into the downtown area in 2015 brought the opportunity for economic growth and some exciting adaptive reuse projects.

Here is the story of how these existing buildings were recently transformed to accommodate higher education venues.

Main: Mesa Center for Higher Education Above: Benedictine University

16 greenliving | March 2017

FROM SOUTHSIDE HOSPITAL TO BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY Originally constructed in the 1920s as Southside Hospital, and expanded several times through the 1950s, 225 E. Main Street was once an important element of an active downtown Mesa.

With the opening of Desert Samaritan (Banner Desert) in the 1970s, Southside Hospital closed. The property was home to many community service tenants that eventually closed their doors in 2001. The city of Mesa, recognizing the value of this historic landmark to the downtown fabric, purchased the building with the goal of encouraging redevelopment, and Mesa’s Office of Economic Development began to market the site to colleges and universities as part of its Higher Education Initiative. Benedictine University, a private nonprofit Liberal Arts College from Illinois, was intrigued by the site’s ideal location in the heart of downtown and the proximity to the adjacent light rail. Through a public-private partnership, Benedictine University and the city invested in the project for the renovation. Classes opened in fall 2013 and enrollment has exceeded expectations ever since.

Kelley Keffer, project manager for the Office of Economic Development in the city of Mesa, pointed out the old hospital sat vacant on Main Street for 10 to 12 years. “When you talk about an appealing, attractive downtown, having vacancies doesn’t make sense,” she explained. “It’s critically important to fill unused spaces to revitalize the community as a whole. It’s difficult to sell any type of new development when you have vacant spaces,” she continued.

“When you look at Main Street in downtown Mesa, we have a conglomerate of small business owners. It’s the backbone of downtown Mesa. Being involved in a revitalization project that puts more focus on improving the aesthetics and appeal of Main Street and giving these small businesses an opportunity to shine – it’s a project that gives me fulfillment,” said Keffer. continued on page 18

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17

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

continued from page 16

FROM MESA COURTHOUSE TO THE MESA CENTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Continuing Mesa’s higher education initiative, it was natural to consider the old Mesa City Courthouse to attract additional institutions, and the idea for the Mesa Center for Higher Education was born. The building underwent state-of-theart renovations in 2013 to include 13 classrooms, six fullyequipped science and engineering labs, offices, conference rooms, and student study and gathering spaces. Current occupants include Wilkes University (specializing in liberal arts, sciences and professional programs) and LaunchPoint, a Mesa technology accelerator. Benedictine University, already running tight on space, recently moved some of their classrooms into the space as well. The introduction of the universities into the shared space has brought more students to the downtown Mesa area, which in turn has seen new business growth.

Charlie Gregory, campus executive officer for Benedictine University, appreciates the historic charm of the old-madenew spaces. “We enjoyed moving into these buildings where they have history,” he said. “It adds to the excitement of the community. We’re not replacing it, we’re preserving it.”

The Mesa campus’ first graduating class is set to walk across the stage this year, and Gregory couldn’t be more proud. “You can see it in the students when they walk through here. You can see how the growth has impacted them in a positive way.

A lot of these kids now are talking about staying here in the community and making a difference,” he said.

ALHAMBRA HOTEL (TO TRANSITIONAL LIVING) TO ALHAMBRA RESIDENCE HALL With the lack of housing opportunities stunting its growth, Benedictine University found an ideal solution. The 122-year-old Alhambra Hotel (which had most recently been used as a halfway house) was remarkably restored and converted into student housing for Benedictine by local building company Venue Projects. “It was quite the undertaking,” said Lorenzo Perez, cofounder and principal of Venue Projects. The entire venture was completed from the initial inquiry to the final build in one year, and the ribbon cutting took place February 8, 2017.

The Alhambra houses 56 beds in two wings. The west wing is original from the 1890s, dormitory style with common

18 greenliving | March 2017

Alhambra Residence Hall

restrooms and shared spaces. The L-shaped east wing was added in the 1950s and includes an outdoor courtyard and rooms with in-suite bathrooms. The two eras of architecture provided the opportunity to offer different room types from various price points, said Perez.

Venue Projects also upgraded the building’s amenities to be more eco-friendly, including installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, LED lighting, new energy-efficient air conditioners, dual-pane windows, artificial turf and xeriscaping in the courtyard for functional outdoor space, and more. They kept much of the original architectural flair, including the original 1950s windows, which were unique.

“Transforming these forgotten areas into spaces that add value to the community is very fulfilling,” said Perez. “We like preserving the stories and the heritage in the Valley and that seems to be more and more important to the younger generation,” added Jon Kitchell, co-owner of Venue Projects.

“It’s so rewarding to restore a building that has that kind of history and meaning to a whole lot of people. [The Alhambra Hotel] is very well known in this part of the Valley and everyone seems to appreciate the fact that it has been restored and has a new life,” he continued.

Not only are the new student occupants happy to have a uniquely renovated space, downtown business owners are also pleased with the addition. Jeff McVay, Mesa’s manager of downtown transformation, was involved in the Alhambra project from day one, acting as a liaison between Venue Projects and the city. “How happy [business owners] were to see this new redevelopment is very telling about what it means to the revitalization of downtown,” said McVay. Keffer says the city of Mesa has no plans to slow down yet, and is looking forward to more growth and development.

“We’re concentrating on creating that sustainable mix of business, residential and entertainment uses that create an energetic and active downtown atmosphere,” she said.

For more, visit mesaaz.gov/about-us/city-projects/downtowntransformation. For a personal look at the updated historic space, attend the Green Living March issue launch party at Benedictine University on Thursday, March 2.

Read more urban development articles at greenlivingaz.com/urban

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mesaaz.gov/sustainability The Alhambra Hotel opened as the Pioneer Hotel in 1894.

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March 2017 | greenliving

19

INNOVATION

PHOENIX REIMAGINES RECYCLING

WITH A NEW PARTNER IN WASTE DIVERSION

BY LINDSAY ROBINSON

I

n 2013, Mayor Greg Stanton and the city of Phoenix raised the bar for waste diversion, setting a goal to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by 40 percent by the year 2020. This is an ambitious goal, and one the city is working to achieve with the help of a new partner in waste diversion, Recyclebank.

The city’s current waste diversion rate is about 20 percent, leaving plenty of room for improvement. That’s where Phoenix residents and Recyclebank come in. In order to reach the “40 by 20” goal, everyone needs to recycle more, they need to recycle correctly, and they need to start now.

New River & Trail Clean Up 7 to 10 a.m.

Dream City Church parking lot, 21000 N. 75th Ave., Glendale

The Recyclebank program, which launched its partnership with Reimagine Phoenix in January, aims to educate Phoenix’s 1.5 million residents about recycling and reward them for helping make the city a cleaner and greener place to live.

Recyclebank uses education and incentives to motivate residents to recycle more and correctly. Phoenix residents who become Recyclebank members earn points when they roll their blue recycling bin out to the curb each week. These points can then be redeemed for offers and discounts at various local businesses – like free coffee, yoga lessons or a discounted meal – or turned into donations for charities.

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greenlivingaz.com

INNOVATION

The more recyclables a resident diverts, the more points they collect. Members can also earn points on the Recyclebank website and mobile app by taking quizzes, watching videos, committing to daily pledges, and reading articles. The site features Phoenix-specific information to help residents recycle more and live more sustainably.

Educating residents is critical to reaching the waste diversion goal. The city spends millions each year pulling non-recyclable items, like plastic grocery bags, out of the recycling stream. Wondering what to do with items that don’t belong in the blue bin? Recyclebank provides a comprehensive directory of businesses and services that can help keep countless items from going to the landfill, from electronics and batteries to paint and textiles.

Becoming a Recyclebank member is free, and residents can start earning points as soon as they register. Currently, only Phoenix residents who live in single-family homes are eligible to earn points for recycling curbside, but anyone can earn points online as a digital member. All of Recyclebank’s marketing, outreach and resources are available in both English and Spanish.

For Phoenix to double its waste diversion rate by 2020, residents need to get excited about recycling. Through this new partnership, Phoenix residents can bank on rewards as they help to make Phoenix more sustainable for future generations.

Learn more about the program and how to become a member at recyclebank.com or on the Reimagine Phoenix website: phoenix.gov/ publicworkssite/Pages/recyclebank-rewards.aspx.

Lindsay Robinson works for Champion PR + Consulting, who currently provides public relations and consulting services for Recyclebank.

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March 2017 | greenliving

21

INNOVATION

CLEANING UP THE FINAL FOUR

BY BRET SCROGGINS

T

he NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as “March Madness,” is one of the most watched and attended sporting events of the year. With nearly 150,000 fans attending last year’s semifinal and championship rounds BRET SCROGGINS in Houston, it’s easy to understand why more cities are competing for the opportunity to host. To the surprise of many, Phoenix was chosen to host the 2017 Final Four, making it the first western city to host since Seattle in 1995. However, as with all other highly attended sporting events, hosting provides a challenge to the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee (PLOC) to implement strategies to handle the amount of waste that will be generated.

With this in mind, the PLOC has hit the ground running with the goal of making this year’s Final Four the most sustainable to date.

Each year the event produces an enormous amount of food, packaging, scrim (signage for the events), stages, and other materials that aren’t always recyclable or

22 greenliving | March 2017

compostable. The PLOC is taking this into account in hopes of reducing the footprint and legacy the games will leave once the championship game concludes.

Along with the NCAA, the PLOC believes the best way to make an impact is to create as close to a Zero Waste event as possible. Their goal is to divert 90 percent of the waste generated during the events by following the famous three R’s: “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” The committee will focus specifically on the music festival being held at Hance Park in Phoenix, the fan fest downtown at the Phoenix Convention Center, as well as the Final Four games taking place at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

Waste collection will play the biggest role in achieving the Zero Waste goals and also understanding the impact the games have on host cities. During the events, volunteers will be assigned to waste stations where they will encourage fans to “Slam Dunk Waste” by educating them on which items go into the corresponding bins. Additionally, the committee will be working with vendors to encourage all items brought into, used, and distributed during the events be either recyclable or compostable.

greenlivingaz.com

INNOVATION

banners will be transformed into backpacks for local schools, banners for future events, shade structures, and gift bags.

The committee has the unique opportunity to utilize the Final Four to engage fans and encourage sustainable habits following the tournament. By promoting sustainable initiatives during the Final Four, the PLOC and NCAA will be able to reduce its negative environmental impact on the local community. Achieving these goals will limit waste creation and increase the diversion and reuse of materials, thus providing a positive and lasting legacy for both the Phoenix community and Final Four tournament.

Waste from throughout the week of events will be transported and sorted in a separate facility before it travels to landfills. Sorting the waste beforehand will allow the PLOC to gain an idea of the diversion rate, with all trash, compost and recyclable material weighed and recorded on a daily basis. Scrim and banners used throughout the week will also be weighed and stored in order to prevent the materials from ending up in landfills. With help from the city of Phoenix and NCAA volunteers, old scrim and

The NCAA Final Four events will take place April 1-3. For more information on the Final Four’s green initiatives and to attend the events, visit phoenixfinalfour.com.

Bret Scroggins is a student at Arizona State University studying Business: Sports and Media Studies. He is an advocate of utilizing the power of sports to change and promote sustainable behaviors within the community.

Read more articles on innovation at greenlivingaz.com/innovation

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March 2017 | greenliving

23

ARCHITECTURE

ELEVATING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE THROUGH DESIGN

BY MEGAN DUFFY

K

MEGAN DUFFY

ermit the Frog always said, “It’s not easy bein’ green.” Since 2008, it has been even harder to be green in construction and design.

Clients are wary of cost, some feel the topic is overplayed, while others feel it is the cornerstone of good design.

So in 2017, what are your options?

LEED | usgbc.org LEED was the original. It is based on a point system for Silver, Gold or Platinum certification depending on how many points are achieved from their credit categories, including indoor air quality, site location and water consumption. In addition to the credit category, LEED also offers something a little more creative: the innovation catalog. If you do something above and beyond or tell a great story about renewability you may get an extra point for being creative.

WELL Building Challenge | wellcertifed.com WELL is a seven-part concept that includes air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind that relate to occupant health in the built environment. This program is third party certified by the GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.) who also administer LEED. The focus of WELL Building certification really starts to pick up where LEED leaves off and tends to be more applicable for interior spaces. The focus is on the health and wellness of the occupant, and productivity is backed by extensive research.

2030 Challenge | architecture2030.org Most architecture firms are participating in the 2030 Challenge, which states that all new buildings shall be carbon neutral by 2030. This would reduce our fossil fuel consumption in new buildings and GHG (green house gas) emissions to zero. The challenge allows only 20 percent of the renewable energy required to be purchased. The goal is innovation – how can architects, designers and engineers

24 greenliving | March 2017

create new, more cost effective strategies for their clients. May the best firm win!

Living Building Challenge | living-future.org/lbc This challenge states that a building should function as beautifully and efficiently as a flower, by giving more than they take. Its focus is lasting sustainable design – how about 100 years? This imperative does not account for the probable, but the actual. The certification is based on the building’s actual performance over a continuous 12-month period.

RESET | reset.build RESET is the new wave of certification. It has its own RESET AP that be can be put on display. Its focus is human health, such as indoor air quality. RESET prioritizes ongoing results and long-term occupant health. It requires data to be livestreamed to the cloud via multi-parameter monitors that can be accessed in real-time from any device.

There are also rating systems that help determine a product’s suitability including Green Star, BREEAM, Green Label, NSF140, and others.

We are lucky enough to live in a time where we have access to more information than one can process regarding the suitability and sustainability, interior space or products for our buildings in regards to the environment and our own health and wellbeing. Our goal as architects and designers is to identify what can be achieved on a per-project basis.

Education – as well as implementation – is key to making an impact. Ultimately, we strive to elevate the human experience through design.

Megan Duffy has over 15 years’ experience in the commercial interior design industry. She believes superior project outcomes result from the successful marriage of architecture and interior design, placing equal emphasis on function and form. As Senior Interior Design Lead at DLR Group, Megan takes pride in her role as a seasoned designer and mentor and takes on every project with enthusiasm and confidence.

Read more architecture articles at greenlivingaz.com/architecture

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25

BUSINESS

THE POWER OF

PURPOSE IN BUSINESS SUCCESS

BY KOANN VIKOREN SKRZYNIARZ

A

ccording to Yale professor Richard Foster, the average company launched today can be expected to survive only 15 years, compared to over 67 years for those founded in the 1920s. The path to brand love and related customer KOANN VIKOREN loyalty has waned, and ensuring a SKRZYNIARZ dependably stable business today is harder than ever before.

100 or more years ago, companies such as Ford, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and CVS were launched with a clear sense of purpose based on the intent to solve a recognizable social problem. Early leaders of these companies believed that profit would come as a result of creating real value for their customers.

As the 20th Century unfolded, a growing middle class fueled the economic engine, success bred a hunger for more, and the focus of leadership turned toward the power to generate profit rather than purpose. This trend was exacerbated with the advent of Madison Avenue, as marketers learned they could influence consumers to feel insecure in their happiness and to respond to a new set of invented needs.

People flocked to the comforts offered by a whole new array of short-term-fix products and solutions, accordingly.

The unintended consequences of what felt for decades like the Holy Grail – an infallible engine to increase global prosperity – began to be recognized by very few toward the end of the 20th Century. By then, however, the advent of the Internet vastly accelerated our understanding of the interconnectedness of our collective actions, including the previously unrecognized externalities being perpetrated on the planet and its inhabitants.

Today, we find ourselves in the midst of a global selfreflection about the role of brands in the world, our relationship to them as consumers, and our expectations of them moving forward. The tide has changed, and business as usual – with its laser focus on quarterly earnings growth – is no longer sitting right with most of us.

26 greenliving | March 2017

We are now in the midst of a substantial paradigm shift in terms of our expectations of the brands we support. And as the demand for new products, services and business models that once again deliver on both purpose and profit continues to soar, business leaders who are tapping this shift are thriving in the face of uncertainty.

Building a successful, purpose-led business in today’s world presents a complex set of challenges. It requires a reboot in the way we think about strategy, informed by a vastly extended field of knowledge about the social and environmental impacts of our operations. And it depends on a new set of tools and partners. Having a purpose statement alone will not drive you into the leaders’ circle or build the trusted brand that customers increasingly demand; the next economy requires whole-systems shifts through the collaboration of all parts of the value network.

The good news is, many forward-thinking brands – both smaller, local brands and global multi-nationals – are realizing that they have far more impact on society and the environment, for good or otherwise, than they once understood. By understanding these impacts more deeply, while reconnecting their strategy and operations to an authentic purpose, they are re-engaging their customers as partners to help create shared value in a changing world.

The Sustainable Brands community focuses on sustainability-driven innovation that creates both positive impact and profit at scale. We explore the systems, processes, tools and partnerships that are helping to introduce net positive purpose to the businesses we serve.

Visit sustainablebrands.com to learn more.

KoAnn is Founder and Chief Executive of Sustainable Life Media, producers and conveners of the international Sustainable Brands community. Prior to launching Sustainable Life Media in 2004, KoAnn founded and lead a boutique management consultancy called Organizations That Work, focusing on helping enable breakthrough financial performance through purpose-driven leadership and improved organizational alignment.

Read more business articles at greenlivingaz.com/business

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BUSINESS PROFILE

LOCAL WOMAN-OWNED RECYCLING COMPANY

SAVES ELECTRONICS FROM LANDFILLS

BY KAMILLA GRAHAM

I

n this modern world, new technology is created at and the environmental impact of end-of-life electronics was what feels like the speed of light. Every day computers, negligible. She began to realize that end-of-life electronics and cellphones and televisions need updates to software. the environmental impact from e-waste was astronomical. She Cellphones are improved each year, and the technology that wanted to do something about it. was cutting-edge just four short years ago becomes obsolete Harris’ company, eGreen IT Solutions, is not only certified and unable to support new applications. But what do you to wipe data and media to protect confidentiality, privacy and do with your old cellphone? How about your old computer? security; her company is also a true recycler of CRT Tubes, Should you simply toss them out? What about all the computer monitors and other display devices. The output from components inside? The screen, batteries and plastic parts? eGreen IT Solutions is clear glass used in the manufacturing of A 2010 report by UNEP (United new display devices for true clear glass Nations Environment Programme) reuse, preserving the environment states that the U.S. is the world for future generations. eGreen IT leader in producing electronic waste, Solutions helps keep electronic waste throwing away about three million out of landfills, eliminates illegal tons each year. exports to other countries, and stops Once you throw out those obsolete harmful byproducts during glass desktops, laptops, printers and processing. eGreen IT Solutions are cellphones they become “e-waste” also e-Stewards certified recyclers and which can contain harmful have ISO 14001 certifications. components such as lead, cadmium, On being a woman business beryllium and other known Karin Harris (middle) and her team at eGreen IT Solutions. owner, Harris said, “I am very dangerous chemicals. It is imperative proud to be an owner of an electronic that proper recycling take place when these devices need recycling company. I’ve been in the industry for many years replacing to limit the environmental and health impact of working alongside my professional male counterparts. I can these chemicals. truly say that for the most part I am respected because of my Fortunately, there is a local Arizona solution. Karin Harris, knowledge and longevity in the industry. The few times that a native to Pittsburgh, PA, founded eGreen IT Solutions to I encounter men who choose to attempt to disparage me steward all end-of-life electronics. Now, her company is not simply because I am a woman find out pretty quickly that only a premier certified electronic recycler in the Southwest I have the education, professional history and experience but also in the country. Harris also works with international that allows me to not only be a credible professional but a downstreams to assist her in getting eGreen’s recycled business-savvy owner.” electronics disposed of properly.

In addition to her dedication to reducing tech waste from “Electronic devices and electronic equipment is already the landfills and reusing electronics, Harris is also passionate the largest and fastest growing waste stream,” said Harris. about living a healthy lifestyle. Over the last five years she “Seventy percent of waste in landfills are electronics. As we has participated in bodybuilding competitions, successfully incorporate more electronic-devices usage into our daily lives, placing fourth in her first competition and second in her we are also contributing more to the fast-growing issue of second competition. e-waste management and disposal.”

With a background in the telecommunications industry For more about eGreen IT Solutions, visit egreenitsolutions.com. that began in the 1990s, Harris has turned two decades of systems engineering into an award-winning career. She tells a Kamilla Graham is an Arizona native and avid NPR listener who enjoys story about how during her time in telecommunications she rediscovering the world with her kids and husband. became frustrated by the irresponsible disposal of electronic waste. Karin also discovered that the attention to data security For more business profiles, go to greenlivingaz.com/bizprofile

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March 2017 | greenliving

27

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March 2017 | greenliving

29

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BY RILEY HOFFMAN

F

ollowing a true Wild West adventure, Riders of the Purple Sage is an adapted opera composition from the 1912 best-selling novel by Zane Grey. The major themes from the novel are still heated topics in today’s society: women’s independence, the right to bear arms, and an abuse of power, to name a few.

The story is what made Billie Jo and Judd Herberger, longtime Valley philanthropists and supporters of the Arizona art scene, fall in love with the show and sign on as executive producers alongside co-producer Kristin Atwell Ford.

“Riders of the Purple Sage is a classic boy-girl cattleranching Arizona story,” said Billie Jo. “Judd and I are very excited and feel that this opera is going touch the world.” She explained how this opera and the way it showcases Arizona’s heritage is unique, and that’s what makes it so special.

With stunning backdrops that can be considered characters themselves, Phoenix native Ed Mell is displaying his artwork on a large scale for the first time in his career. Hand painting each backdrop, the mesas and mountains fill the stage with danger, excitement and beauty in a mixture of colors and depth.

An opera telling the story of typical Arizonan life wouldn’t be complete without beautiful sunsets in the background.

“I am always looking for something that ‘sings’ and that can be adapted for the stage,” said Craig Bohmler, composer of Riders of the Purple Sage. “‘Riders’ has a perfect opera plot – young lovers, older lovers, vigilante justice and a contemporary sensibility all taking place in a glorious landscape.”

After reading only 30 pages of the 1912 novel, Bohmler knew he had to turn this classic into an opera masterpiece.

With the novel selling more than two million copies, being translated into over 20 languages and adapted into five

30 greenliving | March 2017

major motion pictures, it was only fitting that an opera be written next. This is Bohmler’s fourth opera in his long career as a composer.

The beauty of Arizona being the inspiration behind Riders came as no surprise to Bohmler. “It is a story that all Arizonans can relate to because it speaks of a land that we all love and celebrate,” he said. “Ed Mell is Arizona’s own landscape artist, and his work extends to national prominence. We all recognize our land in his work and will see it in his set design for the opera. I live in Scottsdale, and have endeavored to capture this grandness in music.”

Over four years in the making and with the full utilization of Arizona talent, Riders of the Purple Sage makes its worldwide debut. “It is exhilarating and humbling to see the large and passionate staff working to bring great artistry to this very large grand opera. As each element gets added the excitement mounts. Arizona Opera has been one of the finest companies I have worked with and I am honored to have had this association,” said Bohmler.

Riders of the Purple Sage had its Tucson premier February 25-26.

It will play in Phoenix at the Arizona Opera March 3-5. For more, visit azopera.org/performances/riders-purple-sage.

Riley Hoffman is a Southern California native who has always been passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle and helping educate others to do so. Her most important personal focus is joining the fight to replace the use of fossil fuels with renewable energy around the world.

Photo by Tim Trumble.

Find more arts and entertainment articles at greenlivingaz.com/ artsentertainment

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March 2017 | greenliving

31

GREEN THUMB

GROWING A FOOD FOREST

WITH JAY BARRINGER

BY REBECCA DIANE

W

hen arriving at Jay Barringer’s lush urban food forest in a typical neighborhood in northern Mesa, it is an extraordinary sight. The layers upon layers of green leaves climbing in every direction are a stark contrast to the standard barren landscape of the desert. Trees reach for the sky while vines twist around them, climbing their way through a vibrant jungle. The songs of joyful birds travel through the fresh air, attracted by the forest of trees that most people would only dream could be grown in the desert.

Mangoes, avocados, loquats, passion vines, pears, dragon fruit, kiwi, pineapple guava, cherries, apples, every kind of citrus imaginable – the list is almost endless. At least 300 food-bearing plants are established on Barringer’s 1/3-acre property, and he plans to experiment with much more.

Although it may seem crowded, he assures the plants don’t compete for nutrients and, in most cases, they actually help each other out. “The competition for light actually encourages faster growth,” Barringer explained.

At Barringer’s Food Forest Extravaganza, a semi-annual event where he lets the public wander around his urban forest, Barringer gives an informational presentation to people wanting to grow their own fruit bearing trees. He speaks about the basics of soil health, watering guidelines, creating a microclimate, and the seven layers that make up the ecology of a food forest.

This precept, familiar to permaculture enthusiasts, is an important principle for successfully integrating trees or plants that may not thrive in the desert on their own. Starting out with planting large, quick growing trees gives the younger, more delicate plants a chance to become better established before they reach into the harsh desert sun or get damaged by intense seasonal winds. This layering method sets up more hospitable conditions for these plants to spend their youth,

32 greenliving | March 2017

and encourages cooperative development of varieties of plants with varying needs.

Many urban desert fruit growers see these layers as flexible, and some trees or bushes can fulfill or be included in several layers depending on how they are grown and pruned. In some forest environments there are even more layers added to include the fungal/microbial and/or aquatic levels of cooperative plant life.

THE SEVEN BASIC LAYERS OF A FOOD FOREST ARE: Canopy: The tallest tree layer: Mulberry, Pecan, Carob, etc.

Sub-canopy: Most fruit trees fit in this category: Citrus, Apples, Peaches, Loquat, Moringa, etc.

Shrub Layer: Pomegranate, Guava, Figs, etc.

Herbaceous Layer: Many Vegetables, Herbs, etc.

Ground Cover: Legumes, Creeping Herbs, Wheatgrass, etc.

Rhizome Layer: Carrots, Ginger, Oca, etc.

Vining Layer: Passion Vine, Kiwi, Grapes, Blackberries, etc.

Jay’s food forest began as an experiment, and he encourages others to grow their own. He offers classes and foodscaping consultations where he inspires and educates others about the incredible possibilities of growing edible food forests in the desert.

For more information, visit Jay’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ ediblefoodscaping.

Rebecca Diane is a writer and Master Gardener with a degree in Sustainable Food Systems. She has worked in the holistic health industry for 13 years and is an Herbal Apprentice at Siphon Draw Apothecary.

Rebecca is a backyard medicinal herb farmer who loves to play music, practice yoga, and create a sustainable kitchen at home.

Find more green thumb articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

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March 2017 | greenliving

33

GREEN THUMB

BY RIC COGGINS

A

ccording to the Arizona Master Gardener Manual, “The ideal vegetable garden soil is deep, friable, well-drained, and has high organic matter content.” “Friable” is a term that refers to the soil’s ability to be readily crumbled into smaller RIC COGGINS fragments. Most soils native to Arizona tend to be shallow, mostly clay in structure (the opposite of friable) and are usually lacking in any organic matter. While there are some varieties of garden plants that tolerate clay soils, many of the plants we wish to grow struggle in this soil environment.

Soil pH is also a factor in plant roots’ ability to absorb nutrients. The optimum pH range for most plants is slightly acid to a pH neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0. Most central and southwest Arizona soils will range around 7.5 to 8.0 pH or higher. Our alkaline pH soil can inhibit a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients as phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, boron and zinc, even if these are amply present in the soil.

These issues require a certain degree of management if vegetables, fruits and ornamentals are to be successfully grown in our region. A soil test can be performed by a reputable test lab that will tell you exactly what you are beginning with and make certain recommendations on the steps needed to amend your soil.

SOIL AMENDMENTS Soil amendments are substances we add to the soil to improve its quality. Amendments can be natural or synthetic. Fertilizer is a great example of a soil amendment. While scientific research indicates the individual plant responds no differently to a natural amendment over a synthetic amendment, other research shows that the overall biological health of the soil improves best with natural amendments.

As previously mentioned, most Arizona soils lack organic matter. With an ideal organic content of five percent, we usually find our soils to contain less than one percent.

Amending your soil with composted organic material is likely the single best thing you can do for your garden. Composting your household and workplace organic matter is a good way to gain “free” soil amendments.

Soil amendments are not a one-time “fix.” Rather, they are a long-term solution, which over time will improve soil drainage, texture, and will increase the soil’s bioactivity.

RAISED BEDS AND CONTAINER GARDENING Raised bed and container gardening offer an effective alternative to amending your “in ground” garden soil. Like ponds and aquariums, raised beds and container gardens are basically “artificial environments” which provide the necessary habitat for its desired resident’s survival. Confined, elevated spaces can be filled with soil and organic composition perfectly matched to the needs of your desired plants. This way, you can begin with soils that would otherwise take years to build in the ground.

The framing materials for your raised beds can be wood, concrete, recycled materials, metal or anything that is strong enough to support and confine your “soil islands.”

Once the walls are constructed to your needs, they are filled with soil. Beginning with a coarser base of gravel will afford good drainage, especially for plant varieties that don’t like “wet feet.”

The remainder can then be filled with a mixture of native soil, composted organic material and a little sand for good measure.

Raised bed and container gardens are easy to manage in terms of fertilization and irrigation. It’s also easy to create cloches (covers) that will allow shade from the summer sun and protection from winter frost. Of course with container gardens you can simply pick your plants up and move them indoors or elsewhere should the weather become too cold or too hot.

MARCH PLANTING GUIDE March is a busy month for our spring and summer gardens.

We are still able to plant artichokes, and it is also time to plant basil, either from seed or transplants. By mid month you can plant lima, snap and yardlong beans. You are safe to plant beets as long as you get them in by March 15. Now is the time to plant most of your sweet corn and cucumbers from seed. March is also the month to set out your eggplant transplants. You would also do well this month in planting your cantaloupe and watermelon seeds. Tomato and pepper transplants, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, as well as summer and winter squashes should also be planted in March.

For more on soils, raised beds or what to plant in March, ask a Master Gardener! Call the “Plant Help Desk” at (602) 827-8201 or email maricopacountyplanthotline@gmail.com.

Ric Coggins is a University of Arizona Master Gardener (Maricopa County) who grew up on a one-acre garden tended to by his father, who was a regular contributor to organic gardening and farming magazines. Ric continues his father’s “green” traditions, owning and operating The Fool on the Hill Farm, a one-acre organic garden homestead in Mesa.

Read more about gardening at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

34 greenliving | March 2017

greenlivingaz.com

GREEN THUMB

PART 2: GET PRACTICAL

BY TANYA GLOS

L

ast month, we covered the foundations of organic agriculture. This month, we’re getting more practical. Shopping, purchasing, preparing and eating organic food is practical! It makes sense, and more and more people are TANYA GLOS discovering this to be true, as was proved by the 2016 U.S. Organic Industry Survey. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) published the annual survey results in May of 2016, stating: “The booming U.S. organic industry posted new records in 2015, with total organic product sales hitting a new benchmark of $43.3 billion, up a robust 11 percent from the previous year’s record level and far outstripping the overall food market’s growth rate of three percent. Nearly five percent of all the food sold in the U.S. in 2015 was organic.”

In addition to this information about the industry in general, the OTA takes a consumer survey which looks at the buying patterns of American households. According to the published results, “OTA’s survey uncovers that America’s 75 million Millennials are now devouring organic, and they’re making sure their families are, too. Parents in the 18- to 34-year-old range are now the biggest group of organic buyers in America.”

WHERE DO PEOPLE START? The gateway to organic is produce. Shoppers make a mental connection between purchasing produce that has been organically farmed and biting into a fresh fruit or vegetable.

According to OTA’s CEO and Executive Director Laura Batcha, “Almost 13 percent of the produce sold in this country is now organic. Farm fresh foods – produce and dairy – are driving the market. Together, they account for more than half of total organic food sales.”

Two more interesting areas of growth the survey uncovered were organic snack foods and organic non-food products.

Incorporating an organic lifestyle seems to be a trend for Americans, and one that isn’t going away anytime soon. “Our choices when doing the laundry, selecting apparel, and buying personal care products all have an impact on the health of our planet. Choosing products made with organic ingredients is an easy way to ensure that this impact is a positive one,” according to the OTA.

Understanding the value of organic practices is not difficult.

But what are some ways to make these shifts in purchasing habits without breaking the bank? According to the OTA, there are 14 ways to enjoy organic for less: • Buy in bulk.

• Shop in season, then store for the off season.

• Investigate private label products. They all go through the same rigorous USDA organic certification procedures.

• Plan for the month, not just the week.

• Cash in on coupons. Check websites and ask your retailer.

• Explore farm stands and farmer’s markets.

• Check out customer loyalty programs.

• Become a member of a CSA (community supported agriculture) program. This saves you money and supports your local economy.

• Make a shopping list and avoid impulse purchases.

• Cook at home.

• Join a buying club. Many ship organic food wholesale to doorsteps.

• Choose organic versions of the products you use most.

• Shop at two destinations. One strategy could be purchasing fresh produce at organic-focused markets, and packaged, canned and shelf-stable items at larger discount retailers.

• Go by/buy the books. There are several with recipes and ideas for organic on a budget.

However you begin or expand your organic purchasing, enjoy going organic knowing you are doing your body, your family, your local economy, and the world a favor. Every purchase counts! In a study published February 2014 in the “Journal of Applied Ecology,” researchers from the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland found that on average, organic farms supported 34 percent more plant, insect and animal species than those using conventional methods. In addition, the organic farms had 50 percent higher pollinator species diversity. It’s a win-win!!

For more on the Organic Trade Association, visit ota.com.

Tanya Glos helps people gain the benefits of a lifestyle filled with healthful, whole, organic foods. She has a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition Care and has practiced what she’s preached to individuals, families and groups since 1994.

Read more about gardening at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

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March 2017 | greenliving

35

GREEN THUMB

HOLISTIC HEALING THROUGH GRAZING

BY COLLEEN FORGUS

I

n the sustainable community, raising animals for food and caring about the health of the planet are sometimes regarded as conflicting paradigms. However, a growing chorus of scientists, farmers and activists are demonstrating how COLLEEN FORGUS symbiotic polycultures hold the key to responsible stewardship of the earth. Holistic planned grazing can actually improve soil health, facilitate carbon sequestration, and feed a worldwide population that is expected to reach 7.5 billion in 2017.

WHERE DID WE GO WRONG? Over the past 100 years, cattle – and even wild hoofed animals – have been deemed responsible for the overgrazing and the subsequent destruction of grasslands. Eventually, herds were reduced in size and in some cases, completely removed from the land they had roamed for thousands of years.

Biologist and environmentalist Allan Savory studied the desertification of the grasslands in his native Zimbabwe.

His research led to the destruction of 40,000 elephants in

36 greenliving | March 2017

the 20th Century as part of a desperate attempt to save the savannahs. Despite the removal of the elephants, the land continued to degrade.

At the same time, expansive mono crops of corn, soybeans, wheat, rice and cotton replaced 98 percent of the American prairie lands. Livestock and chickens moved from pasture to massive concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), where they were fed grain-based diets and treated inhumanely.

Manufactured fertilizers, pesticides, hormones and antibiotics were used with increasing frequency and quantities. The valuable humus that once covered the plains was vanishing in the wind, and with it, the ability to retain nutrients, water and microbial species. The more man disrupted Mother Nature’s order, the greater the problems became.

Vast areas of native grasslands have been burned. According to Savory, the burning of one hectare of land (equivalent to 2.47 acres) releases more damaging pollutants into the atmosphere than 6,000 cars. While burning destroys dead vegetation, allowing for new growth, Savory recognized that herbivores were much better adapted to remove the dead growth while simultaneously improving the quality of the soil.

Over time, he realized that removing the grazing herds from the land was actually facilitating its destruction.

greenlivingaz.com

GREEN THUMB

HOW SHOULD WE NURTURE THE SOIL? As any avid organic gardener will tell you, the vitality of the soil is the most critical component to a successful harvest.

Organic materials deliver nutrients and allow the soil to retain precious moisture and microbes. Pruning encourages fresh tender growth, instead of dense woody stems. Gently agitating the soil is supportive of the life below the surface.

Farmer Joel Salatin has long been a caretaker of the soil.

Salatin recognized long ago that diversification of livestock ensured his farm mimicked Mother Nature. At Polyface Farms in Virginia, Salatin employs holistic management of his pastures by rotating cattle and poultry through the fields.

They work in a symbiotic fashion to prune the grasses and fertilize the soil without the addition of chemical pesticides, fertilizers or supplemental grain feed.

Will Harris, a farmer in Bluffton, Georgia, abandoned conventional farming methods in the 1990s, allowing his farm to return to pasture. Like Salatin, Harris cultivates the soil, which in turn provides nourishment for the animals, plants and humans that benefit from the land. Generation after generation, the animals are stronger and healthier, roaming the fields that also support a variety of wildlife, from bald eagles to bumble bees.

HOW SHOULD WE FEED THE PLANET? Across five continents, Allan Savory has helped restore barren fields to productive grasslands through holistic management of livestock grazing. According to Savory, by returning one half of the world’s arid wastelands to lush vegetation through planned grazing, enough carbon will be sequestered to the soil to return the atmosphere to pre-industrial levels, while providing food for people who otherwise would have had none.

As Harris stated in the documentary “One Hundred Thousand Beating Hearts,” he is not responsible for feeding the world, but rather the community that surrounds him. As more and more farmers adopt these strategies, we will begin to feed the world.

Ultimately, it is the health of the soil that must be addressed. Microbial diversity within the soil facilitates the production of lush, nutrient-rich grasses that provide homes for wildlife, nourishment for animals, retention of rainwater, sequestration of carbon to the soil, cooling of the climate, and food for a growing population.

Colleen Forgus is a Certified Nutritional Consultant, Professional Chef, Master Gardener, speaker and educator. For more than 20 years, Colleen has used food to connect with others and inspire healthful living. You can reach Colleen at 480-399-3192 or thegirlandtheegg@cox.net.

Illustration by Rick Forgus, Atomic Werewolf Studio.

Find more green thumb articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

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March 2017 | greenliving

37

BE TEAM GREEN FOR SPRING TRAINING

BY GRETCHEN PAHIA

P

lay ball! Spring Training season is here, a time when baseball fans near and far gather within Arizona’s 10 Cactus League ballparks to watch teams perfect their games before the real season begins. But GRETCHEN PAHIA Spring Training isn’t just about the peanuts, hotdogs and foul balls.

For several ballparks and organizations around the Valley, it is making sure our fields and stadiums are around for generations to come.

Scottsdale Stadium has hit a homerun with its recycling initiative. The stadium first started recycling glass beer bottles back in 2008, collecting about 7,000 pounds that first year.

38 greenliving | March 2017

Now the facility is recycling 60,000-80,000 pounds of mixed recyclables annually, diverting 55-60 percent of waste from the landfill. The simplest change made, according to stadium supervisor Jeff Cesaretti, was to first collect recyclables from around the stadium before going back for trash. They discovered that most of the “waste” is recyclable.

The Scottsdale Stadium has also been working within The Charros Lodge onsite to serve food from local favorites such as Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Postino and more to those seated in that area. Named after the Scottsdale Charros, which has worked to promote Spring Training in Scottsdale for more than 50 years, the lodge is just one of the ways the organization raises funds for its year-round support of the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). The

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ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

stadium is also in the process of converting exterior lighting to LEDs, and is currently master planning with the San Francisco Giants – dubbed the “greenest team in professional sports” – on what the stadium will look like 20 years from now in terms of green practices and energy efficiency.

In the West Valley, the Peoria Sports Complex is looking at ways to make life better for ballplayers and guests. The professional baseball facility is one of the only Cactus League teams that has earned LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres clubhouses also work on energy conservation, with a combined annual water savings of 322,700 gallons and an electricity savings of more than one million kWh. As the first two-team Spring Training facility in the nation, both the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres were in friendly competition with each other to “green” their respective clubhouse renovations. Peoria Sports Complex also recently installed an LED scoreboard, the largest in the Cactus League.

The hometown Arizona Diamondbacks are also working to conserve and help keep the planet around for future generations. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick received LEED Gold Certification, with sustainable elements such as using native vegetation; minimizing stormwater runoff; and using grass-covered parking lots rather than asphalt, which can double as community fields when not in use. The D-backs also partnered with Waste Management and added 200 new recycling/waste receptacles throughout the ballpark just before the 2017 season. Also added this season: 50 high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers in the concourse restrooms to help reduce paper waste. The sustainability also transfers over to the regular season at Chase Field. The D-backs and Levy Restaurants donated more than six tons of food to Church on the Street, which equals more than 10,000 meals for people in the community.

The next time you head out to the ballgame, whether for Spring Training at one of the Valley’s many ballparks or at Chase Field during the regular season, be sure to take stock of all the efforts being made to reduce, reuse and recycle, and help do your part.

All Concerts are FREE!

Sunday, March 26th - 4:00 pm Scottsdale Bible Church 7601 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ

Brahms: Tragic Overture Schumann: Piano Concerto in A Minor Mozart: Symphony No.25 in G Minor VIP Preferred Seating available with a $15 donation ScottsdalePhilharmonic.com or call 480-951-6077

Walter Cosand Pianist

Gretchen Pahia has 15 years experience in both media and public relations and is an award-winning television news producer in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Portland. Gretchen is a native to Arizona, born and raised in Phoenix, and a graduate of Northern Arizona University. She lives in the Phoenix metro area with her husband, their two children and their dog.

Find more active lifestyle articles at greenlivingaz.com/activelifestyle

greenlivingaz.com

March 2017 | greenliving

39

RECIPES

IRISH GARDEN STEW RECIPE COURTESY OF TERRI TAYLOR, RD, CSO, NUTRITION EDUCATOR FOR HONORHEALTH VIRGINIA G. PIPER CANCER CENTER

WHEN IT COMES TO health, the luck o’ the Irish will surely be with you with this vegetable-laden stew.

This recipe features favorite Irish vegetables, but unlike traditional Irish stew, it is low in fat and high in fiber. Carrots and cabbage offer plantbased carotenoid phytochemicals associated with lower cancer risk. You can visit your local farmers’ market, CSA or your own backyard to find these local and seasonal ingredients.

INGREDIENTS: 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp olive oil 3 stalks celery, chopped 4 carrots, sliced or large dice 1 pound red or Yukon gold potatoes, cut in large dice, skin-on 6 cups organic low sodium vegetable broth 1 bay leaf 1/2 tsp caraway seeds 1/2 tsp rosemary, crushed 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 3/4 cup dry lentils, color of choice, rinsed 2 cups green cabbage, shredded Salt, to taste DIRECTIONS: 1. In a soup pot, sauté onion and garlic in oil over medium heat until translucent.

2. Add celery, carrots, potatoes, broth, seasonings and lentils.

3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until vegetables and lentils are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.

4. Add shredded cabbage. Simmer uncovered until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.

5. Season to taste with salt and more ground black pepper.

6. Remove bay leaf.

Yields six servings

40 greenliving | March 2017

JAY’S MUESLI (OVERNIGHT OATS) RECIPE COURTESY OF JAY BOGSINSKE, SINGH MEADOWS

MAKE MORNINGS BETTER AND enjoy these luscious overnight oats that are bursting with fruit and nuts, with this recipe from Jay Bogsinske of Singh Meadows. Visit their new space in Tempe!

INGREDIENTS FOR OATS: 3 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup pecans 1/4 cup walnuts 1/4 cup pistachios 1 tsp salt 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds

1/4 cup almonds 1/4 cup cashews 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 Tbsp flax seeds

DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and then empty onto sheet pan.

2. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

3. Remove from oven after toasting and cool at room temperature.

INGREDIENTS FOR WET MIX: 2 cups milk, your choice 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup apple juice 1 Tbsp vanilla paste 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup dried blueberries 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup craisins 2 cups green apple, diced DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine wet mix ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

2. Add toasted oat and nut mix to the wet mix and combine thoroughly.

3. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The oats will bloom.

4. Enjoy in the morning! greenlivingaz.com

RECIPES

TOTALLY AVE-SOME RECIPE COURTESY OF KATIE CAFFERELLI IMAGE COURTESY OF BCBSAZ

RED CHILE GLAZED

SWEET POTATOES

RECIPE AND IMAGE COURTESY OF FLOWER CHILD/ FOX RESTAURANT CONCEPTS

THESE RED CHILE GLAZED sweet potatoes will have you fired up for spring! Serve them as a decadent side dish or incorporate them into a stunning main dish.

INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed and roasted 1/2 cup sesame vinaigrette (recipe below) 4 oz. bok choy, julienned Handful of toasted sesame seeds DIRECTIONS: 1. Cube and roast sweet potatoes in the oven.

2. Create sesame vinaigrette according to directions below, or use your favorite bottled sauce.

3. Warm sesame vinaigrette in a large sauté pan until it begins to simmer.

4. Add roasted sweet potatoes, toss to coat and gently simmer until heated through. (Add a little water if needed to keep consistency of sauce.)

5. Add bok choy and sesame seeds, toss to incorporate, and remove from heat.

Yields 4 servings

SESAME VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar 1/3 cup tamari 2 Tbsp evaporated cane sugar 1/2 cup grapeseed oil

3 Tbsp Sriracha 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil

DIRECTIONS: 1. In a large bowl, combine vinegar, Sriracha, tamari, sugar and salt.

2. With an immersion blender, puree until smooth.

3. Slowly incorporate the oils with the immersion blender until smooth and emulsified.

Yields 2 cups greenlivingaz.com

THE WALK ON! KIDS Cooking Challenge is part of the 12th annual Walk On! Challenge, a free monthlong health and fitness challenge held each year in February. With childhood obesity rates reaching epidemic proportions, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) designed this program to motivate fourth- and fifth-grade students across Arizona to incorporate healthy habits into their daily routines for now and in the future. The Kids Cooking Challenge is a way to extend the Walk On! message outside the classroom. This year’s winner of the cooking challenge is Katie Cafferelli, age 11, from Saint John XXIII Catholic School in Scottsdale.

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups corn kernels 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 Tbsp shallot, chopped 1 tsp ground cumin 6 Tbsp olive oil, divided 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1 cup mango, chopped 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 2 avocados, halved, pitted, cored and chopped – set shells aside 3 Tbsp lime juice 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish Salt and pepper, to taste Feta for topping (optional) DIRECTIONS: 1. Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in large skillet. Sautee corn, garlic, shallots and cumin over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until corn begins to brown. Set aside until room temperature.

2. Place red bell pepper, mango, black beans and avocado in large bowl.

3. Add remaining 3 Tbsp olive oil, lime juice and cilantro.

4. Add cooled corn mixture to the bowl and stir.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Fill halved avocado shells with salad For more and garnish with cilantro. recipes, visit greenlivingaz.com/ 7. Top with feta if desired. recipes Yields 4 servings.

March 2017 | greenliving

41

EVENTS MARCH 20

MARCH 3

World Sparrow Day

GREEN SCENES

World Wildlife Day

MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

3/3-5 McDowell Mountain Music Festival

3/11-12 Uncommon Markets

3/17 Shamrock Fest

CENTRAL ARIZONA

March 1-5

March 4-5

DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC

TRES RIOS NATURE FESTIVAL

UNCOMMON MARKETS

Various times and locations Attend week-long foodie events as part of the Devour Culinary Classic, hosted by the Devour Phoenix Restaurant Coalition and Local First Arizona at several distinct venues in Phoenix. The goal of the events are to showcase celebrity culinary talent, the fine food and drink producers and purveyors of Arizona while furthering metro Phoenix as a dining destination worthy of international prestige. Featuring the Culinary Classic on Saturday and Sunday, plus additional events: Seven Chef Singh Along, Palette to Palate and the Devour Film Screening. Ticket prices vary. devourphoenix.com

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Base & Meridian Wildlife area, Avondale Tres Rios Nature Festival is a free outdoor event that showcases the rich diversity, wildlife, history and culture of the Gila River drainage, which is made up of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria Rivers.

With guided bird tours, canoeing on the river, archery, fishing and learning about Southwest wildlife, there is something for everyone. tresriosnaturefestival.com

10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Rancho Solano Preparatory School 9180 N. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale UnCommon Market showcases upcycled furniture and accessories, handcrafted goods, and fine art. This month’s market features FoodInRoot Farmers Market. Shop from the best of Arizona’s local farmers and food makers, providing fresher and better tasting foods, promoting health and wellness, creating sustainability in the environment, boosting the local economy, and having fun! Tickets cost $5.00. uncommonmarkets.com

March 3-5 MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL Various times, Hance Park 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix McDowell Mountain Music Festival M3F is a 100-percent nonprofit music festival committed to giving back to the community. Headlined this year by Flume and The Shins, all proceeds will benefit two family-based nonprofits. M3F is also striving to be zero waste, and the Green Living team will be onsite. One-day tickets are $45.00 and three-day passes are $90.00. mmmf.com 42 greenliving | March 2017

March 11 THE GREAT ARIZONA BEER FESTIVAL 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Civic Space Park 424 Central Ave., Phoenix This craft beer tasting extravaganza will showcase over 200 brews from more than 50 breweries from across the state, country and around the globe, each providing samples of their proudest brewing achievement. As a locally organized fundraising event, all proceeds benefit Sun Sounds of Arizona, a nonprofit radio reading service helping 49,000 people in Arizona with print disabilities. General admission costs $45.00. This event is 21+. azbeer.com

March 11-12

March 17 SHAMROCK FEST 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Dr. AJ Chandler Park 178 E. Commonwealth, Chandler Shamrock Fest is a St. Patrick’s Day celebration held in Downtown Chandler. The Fest will include live entertainment, Irish dancers, bagpipes, festive games, traditional food, a VIP tent, themed activities and a beer garden. Tickets cost $8.00 online and $10.00 at the door. holyshamrocks.com

greenlivingaz.com

EVENTS MARCH 21

Photo by Jason Vargo

International Day of Forests

3/9-12 Sedona Yoga Festival

3/12 Arizona Trail Day

3/18-19 Heritage Days: Tonto National Monument

NORTHERN ARIZONA

March 9-12

March 12

SEDONA YOGA FESTIVAL

ARIZONA TRAIL DAY

Various times Various locations, Sedona Sedona Yoga Festival, a consciousness evolution conference, provides the keys to unlocking your greatest transformation with a focus on yoga and the expansion of consciousness in the undisputed spiritual center of the southwest. There are over 200 sessions to choose from, ranging from quiet meditation to rockin’ vinyasa. All access passes cost $427.00 and single day passes range from $135.00-150.00. sedonayogafestival.com

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Page, Arizona Join the Arizona Trail Association for a full day of fun celebrating the Gateway Community of Page at Sanderson’s “Into the Grand.” Attend the dedication of their Gateway Community sign, then attend a hike on the scenic Arizona Trail at Stateline Trailhead. Vendors, food, presentations and entertainment for all ages. The event is free. aztrail.org/trail_day/page.html

March 18-19 HERITAGE DAYS: TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Tonto National Monument 26260 N. AZ Hwy 188, Roosevelt Come celebrate Heritage Days! There will be activities and demonstrations such as Native American dancers, several species of live animals native to Arizona, and hiking throughout the weekend. Admission is free.

For additional information, call (928) 467-2241 or visit the website. nps.gov/tont/learn/news/ heritage-days.htm

BUSINESS EVENTS

March 8

March 22

GREEN CHAMBER LUNCH AND LEARN

SUSTAINABLE LIVING FORUM: CLEAN AIR

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Singh Meadows 1490 E. Weber Dr., Tempe Attend the March Green Chamber Lunch & Learn to hear from Ken Singh and get a unique look at the new Singh Meadows location, an organic farm and community gathering space. Learn about the process of turning vision into reality with the respect and support of the local community. Tickets cost $22.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members. Cost includes lunch. thegreenchamber.org

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Laura Tanzer’s Atelier 410 N. Toole Ave #110, Tucson Join Delectables Restaurant, Green Living Magazine, Laura Tanzer, Local First Arizona, and Mrs. Green’s World for a free monthly sustainability series where experts in the community share their thoughts and encourage discussion about a different topic each month. The goal of the series is to inform and empower guests on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Refreshments provided. sustainablelivingforum.eventbrite.com

greenlivingaz.com

March 27 LFA FOR(U)M + AIA 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

TBC Phoenix, 3420 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix Part of the annual Modern Phoenix Week, LFA For(u)m is proud to share the stories of those at the vanguard of this movement. Between hotels, residences, restaurants, and retail shops, the impact of the Valley’s middle-century is recentralizing around the style’s inherent sustainability and sleek design, allowing a new crop to highlight these practices and enhance them. Featuring architects, builders, developers, and real-estate representatives behind such acclaimed rehabs as Hotel Valley Ho, multiple Al Beadle projects, Postino, and more.

Tickets cost $10.00. localfirstaz.com/events March 2017 | greenliving

43

EVENTS MARCH 22

World Water Day

3/11-12 Tucson Festival of Books

3/11-12 Wa:K Pow Wow

3/17-19 27th Annual Spring Artisans Market

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

March 11-12

March 11-12

TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

WA:K POW WOW

9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

University of Arizona Campus 1209 E. University Blvd., Tucson The Tucson Festival of Books is a free public celebration of authors, reading and literacy. This two-day festival attracts more than 130,000 book lovers to the University of Arizona Mall and nearby venues for exhibits, author presentations and panel discussions. tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday Mission San Xavier del Bac 1950 W. San Xavier Rd., Tucson This annual gathering of southern Arizona’s Tohono O’odham Nation and other American Indian tribes from around the U.S. features inter-tribal dances, hoop dance contest, drumming contests, and crafts and food vendors at the historical Mission San Xavier del Bac. The event is free. facebook.com/wakpowwow

March 17-19 27TH ANNUAL SPRING ARTISANS MARKET Tucson Museum of Art 140 N. Main Ave., Tucson For decades, locals and visitors have discovered Tucson’s best artisans at the Tucson Museum of Art’s (TMA) annual spring and winter Artisans Markets, featuring more than 100 juried artisans showing finely crafted pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles, fine art and gift items.

All three days feature food and drink for purchase, and you can visit the Local TMA Beer Garden. The event is free and open to the public. tucsonmuseumofart.org

For more events, visit greenlivingaz.com/events

SPRING INTO HEALTH! revitalizing food and pure flavors are at the heart of what we do 4025 e chandler blvd. #28 phoenix, az 85048 480-706-7472 tues-thurs 8a-8pm fri+sat 8a-9pm //sun 8a-4pm

WWW.POMEGRANATECAFE.COM 44 greenliving | March 2017

ORGANIC LOCALLY SOURCED VEGAN/VEGETARIAN CRAFTED WITH LOVE greenlivingaz.com

GREEN PAGES

thank you to our partners!

WE APPRECIATE OUR READERS SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS! APS............................................................................ 11

Expressions Home

PurMaid....................................................................9

Allstate Appliances.......................Back Cover

Gallery...................................Inside Back Cover

PurMaid Tucson................................................ 28

Antique Plaza....................................................... 15

Floating Lotus..................................................... 15

Purple Lotus Productions..............................39

Arbonne, Maria T. Roll................................... 28

Franca Amoroso-Chang................................. 28

Queen Creek Olive Mill.................................37

Bauman’s Xtreme Training.............................33

Friendly Pines Camp....................................... 38

Republica Empanadas..................................... 17

Balsamic Hot Sauce......................................... 28

Glos Wellness Solutions............................... 28

Salt River Project (SRP)..................................... 3

BSH Home Appliance........................................2

Keep Arizona Beautiful.....................................4

Sea of Green......................................................... 11

Candice Drake Skincare..................................33

KFNX........................................................................ 21

Scottsdale Philharmonic Orchestra.........39

Central Phoenix Women, East Valley

Lifetime Tea........................................................ 28

Siemens...................................................................31

Women & Women of Scottsdale...............31

Lulubell Toy Bodega........................................ 15

The Hippie Hobby.............................................37

Chandler Environmental

Mesa Arts Center.............................................. 17

The Melting Pot.................................................25

Education Center................................................4

Mint Nails & Spa................................................ 12

Twisted Sisters’ Designs................................. 15

City of Mesa........................................................ 19

Mesa Urban Garden......................................... 17

Unified Brands.................................................... 45

City of Peoria Planet Palooza.....................20

Paca de Paja B&B............................................... 28

Venue Projects.................................................... 19

City of Phoenix........ Inside Front Cover & 1

Past........................................................................... 15

Veronica Bahn Essential Oils........................33

CycloMesa............................................................ 17

Peak Scents.............................................................7

Villari’s Self Defense........................................ 28

Desert Eagle Brewing....................................... 15

Pet Wants............................................................. 45

Volstead Public House.................................... 15

DLR Group..............................................................7

Pomegranate Café............................................ 44

Wells Fargo Advisors.......................................23

Pourmasters..........................................................31

Witnessing Nature in Everything.................7

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45

G R E E N CHAMPIONS Each month in our Green Champions section we feature three people – one each in northern, central and southern Arizona – who are making strides in the green community.

Since March is National Nutrition Month, we highlighted top nutritionists and health practitioners in the state.

NORTHERN – GAYLE BAINGO Gayle Baingo is a Holistic Health Coach, Certified GAPS Practitioner and trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionist focusing on correcting gut dysbiosis and healing the digestive tract by removing inflammatory foods and providing nourishing healing foods specific to patients’ unique metabolic make-up. She uses functional nutrition to treat the whole patient, where the genetic make-up of each client and their disease is considered. She takes a mind, body and sprit approach and incorporates proven scientific methods using ancient techniques, designing a program that meets patients’ specific health needs and goals by getting to the root of the problem. She practices in Flagstaff and Sedona.

CENTRAL – LISA STIMMER Lisa Stimmer brings over 30 years of practical experience, course studies and health knowledge to her clients. She is a Healthy Lifestyle Coach with the following certifications: Holistic Health Practitioner; Certified Natural Gourmet Chef; Certified Gluten Practitioner; Certified First Line Therapy Lifestyle Educator through Metagenics; Certified Lifestyle Counselor who specializes in Weight Control and Stress Management; Certified Personal Trainer through the World Instructor Training Schools. In addition, Lisa has over 30 years of professional international modeling and acting experience. As a premier health and fitness model, she has appeared on the cover of national magazines and more than 50 national and international television commercials.

SOUTHERN – LAUREN KANZLER Lauren Kanzler, CCN, is a Tucson-based Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist in full-time private practice. Her certification is from the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN). She received her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Arizona and has been practicing in the Tucson community for the last 35 years. Lauren is a mindfulness-based, “whole foods” nutritionist with a strong orientation in functional and complementary medicine.

She enjoys teaching people about creating health and how to use food as medicine. She specializes in weight management, eating disorders, G.I. health, diabetes and general care.

Want to nominate someone as a Green Champion? Email your candidate to editor@greenlivingaz.com!

46 greenliving | March 2017

greenlivingaz.com

HE’S GREEN

SHE’S GREEN

GREEN JUICE

Product reviews by our eco-conscious couple John and Jennifer Burkhart In honor of St. Patrick’s Day and healthy resolutions, we chugged some green beer...wait...green juice!

Yeah, that’s it. Seriously though, we felt healthy as ever after drinking a week’s worth of spirulina and kale in a few hours.

The next time you’re staring into the dizzying abyss of cold-pressed juices, trying to decide between aloe vera and algae, keep these reviews in mind to help you choose.

SUJA ELEMENTS | ORGANIC SUPERGREENS, KING OF GREENS HE SAID: There are green drinks, and then there are GREEN drinks. This aptly named King of Greens juice is in the latter category. The spirulina and chlorella adds very strong grass-like flavor to this apple juice, and there’s a bit of a bite on the end from the ginger. It’s not undrinkable, but I wouldn’t recommend it to someone new to the green drink game.

SHE SAID: The clean, fresh smell of cucumber was inviting when I opened the bottle. At first, I could taste yummy apple, but then it quickly turned into a bitter, spicy lemon-ginger flavor that stung the back of my throat. I can’t imagine drinking a whole bottle of this.

He gave it:

She gave it:

ODWALLA | ORIGINAL SUPERFOOD FRUIT SMOOTHIE HE SAID: This is about as tasty as they get when it comes to drinking kale and algae juice. The base is a creamy blend of apples, peaches, mangoes and bananas. The mango and tart peaches were the strongest flavors, and there was only a slight grassy taste on the end. There was less than one percent green stuff in here, so it’s probably not the “greenest” of this bunch.

SHE SAID: If I hadn’t seen the color of this smoothie, I never would have guessed it contained healthy greens. All I could taste were apples, peaches and mangos. Delicious and readily available as these smoothies are, they aren’t organic and also include “natural flavors” – whatever that means. At least they’re non-GMO.

He gave it:

She gave it:

COLUMBIA GORGE ORGANIC | COLD PRESSED VITA SEA SUPERFOODS, ORGANIC HE SAID: Pear lovers rejoice! Your green smoothie has arrived. This Columbia Gorge green smoothie tastes almost exactly like pear nectar. It had only the slightest grassy taste, which is crazy because it has the most variety of grass added (wheat, barley and alfalfa grass, plus kelp and spirulina). This was my favorite.

SHE SAID: Creamy, smooth and sweet, I enjoyed this smoothie at first taste. It did have a soft grainy texture, likely due to the pear puree, but it wasn’t distracting. And though I couldn’t taste any, there’s enough greens in it to feed an army of rabbits.

He gave it:

She gave it:

EVOLUTION FRESH | ESSENTIAL GREENS WITH LIME, NON-GMO HE SAID: This was one of those drinks you either love or hate. It was the liquid form of a cucumber covered in Tajin powder. I was thinking it would grow on me since I like chili-lime cucumbers, but the lime clashed with one of the greens terribly (I suspect the parsley or lettuce).

I didn’t make it through a third of the bottle before getting sick of it.

SHE SAID: If the fresh-cut grass smell doesn’t tip you off, know that this juice is one you’ll need to take quick shots of, while repeating the mantra, “It’s good for me, it’s good for me.” The only fruit juice it contains – sour lime – wasn’t enough to save me from the bitter greens assault on my tongue.

He gave it:

She gave it:

FORAGER PROJECT | GREENS & GREENS, ORGANIC HE SAID: This was another cucumber, citrus and grass-flavored juice, but with cayenne, which made it taste more like the chili-lime cucumbers I used to snack on back in the day. Still, I haven’t developed a taste for limes and lettuce.

SHE SAID: This juice smelled like fresh-cut grass hiding in a spice cabinet, and it was one of the strangest things I’ve ever tasted. It hit me with a mysterious salty vegetable flavor, followed by a swift kick in the throat from the cayenne. After all the sweet juices we tested, this was very unexpected. If you’re a fan of spicy Bloody Mary’s, this might be your thing.

He gave it:

She gave it:

See more product reviews at greenlivingaz.com/hgsg greenlivingaz.com

March 2017 | greenliving

47

COOL OUTRAGEOUS

STUFF 2

1

VEGAN AND ORGANIC FACIAL KIT

Show your skin some tender loving care with Meow Meow Tweet’s all natural Facial Kit. Always vegan and organic, Meow Meow Tweet hopes to encourage small changes in their customers’ lives through the physical, emotional and ecological healthfulness of completely natural goods for the face and body. The set includes face cleanser, face oil, face exfoliant and face toner. Available in mini size or full size bottles. $25.00-$84.00 MEOWMEOWTWEET.COM

3

!

ORGANIC CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

After perfecting his chocolate chip cookie recipe over several decades, Mr. Nelson personally bakes, wraps and packages only 24 dozen cookies per day – a true one-man show. Mr. Nelson’s Cookies’ bakery is located in the Superstition Mountains in Gold Canyon, Arizona. These delicious cookies are made with 100 percent natural ingredients, including a rare Tahitian vanilla extract, three kinds of chocolate chips, and a famous organic dough. Order either 6 or 12 cookies packaged in beautiful boxes. Gluten-free available. $30.00-$58.00 MRNELSONSCOOKIES.COM

CHEMICALFREE SPRING CLEANING

Enjoy spring cleaning this year by taking the chemicals out of the equation! Californiabased company pHur has created a water and salt disinfectant that is registered as a proven disinfectant by the EPA both on state and federal levels. Simply apply the pHur Cleaning Water to a microfiber cloth or mop pad, then agitate to clean just about anything.

Spray the Disinfecting Water to cleaned surfaces to kill bacteria. No rinsing, wiping or waiting required. $30.95 for System Kit PHURWATER.COM

6

LOCAL

4

UPCYCLED COCONUT TREE BROOM

Keep it simple in the garden with the Original Garden Broom. In many tropical countries, the coconut tree is abundant. For centuries, the fallen branches have been bundled or woven into brooms and used for sweeping all outdoor surfaces. The Original Garden Broom is ethically traded and environmentally friendly. The broom stays firm and strong even when wet, does not disintegrate or fall apart during heavy use, and works on any surface. Clean up decks, sidewalks, patios, lawns, garden beds, doormats, cement floors, exposed aggregate and more. $24.99 THEORIGINALGARDENBROOM.COM

5

NATURAL FIRE ROCKS

Light up your life with natural Fire Rocks. These unique candle concepts are derived from the mines of Minnesota and quarries throughout the U.S. Each Fire Rock is one-of-a-kind and will last a lifetime. Many unique styles are available, from single-wick to upwards of five wicks. Custom creations are also available. $60.00-$90.00 FIREROCKSUSA.BIZ

EDITOR ’S PICK

RECYCLABLE WATER HOSE

This flat clear-flowing hose is flexible, lightweight, lead-free and drinking-water safe (using National Sanitation Foundation approved materials). Clear Flow Water Hose’s transparent polyurethane design allows the sunlight to pass through, controlling the bacteria and algae growth. You don’t get that with your common garden hose, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria as the water becomes stagnant and heated. The polyurethane material and the materials used to design the garden hose fittings are also 100 percent recyclable. $32.97 CLEARFLOWWATERHOSE.COM/GARDEN-HOSE Find more cool outrageous stuff at greenlivingaz.com/cos

48 greenliving | March 2017

greenlivingaz.com

ALLSTATE APPLIANCES

CARRIES BRANDS THAT ARE COMMITTED TO GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Largest distributor of the greenest appliances (Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau) on the West Coast!

SCOTTSDALE: 15250 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale / 480-948-9896 NEW STORE OPEN!

PHOENIX: 1817 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix / 602-252-6507 LAS VEGAS: 4995 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas / 702-891-9112