Green Living Magazine - December 2020 / January 2021

your conscious life

GREEN LIVING December 2020/January2021

greenlivingmag.com

Supermodel Rachel Hunter Shares her thoughts on yoga and meditation, living a healthy lifestyle, and what she’s up to now Arizona’s Last, Best River What you need to know about the Verde

Raise the Bar A shampoo trend to try

Sweet Advice The health benefits of honey

US $4.99

Green Living AZ 13845 N Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Healthy Living in Your Backyard

I’d like to give a completely different view of having a swimming pool than most people might have. Of course, that view will first come with an explanation regarding how we perceive water. If we take some time to really learn about it, water has some truly unbelievable meanings beyond our comprehension. Believe it or not, humans are naturally drawn to water. Our bodies are made up of 75% water, and our brains around 90% water. We obviously need water to survive! If our bodies reach a depletion of 50% or less of water, we cannot survive. Before we’re even born, we are developed in the womb… in water! It’s no wonder that we are naturally drawn to water.

In our view, a swimming pool should be a place to retreat to, relax with, and respect the very element that provides us life.

Unfortunately, many people have a hard time enjoying this activity due to the amount of chemicals used for treatment.

We understand that very well, and have seen and heard many who suffer today from the effects of their exposure to these environments over the years. Chlorine has undoubtedly provided us with beneficial uses for many years—but it has also caused many people grief from being around it so much.

Exceptional Water Systems (EWS) is committed to providing water quality above and beyond industry standards. We help design, engineer, and build swimming pool systems by utilizing natural elements to provide the highest water quality imaginable, which ultimately results in exceptional water for anything it touches. In a more simplistic term, EWS utilizes nature’s greatest elements to nurture life’s most basic building block… water!

Swimming pools are amongst some of the worst chemical-ridden environments our families endure on a regular basis. Many commercial facilities and residential homes pump in numerous amounts of chemicals like chlorine, acid, clarifiers, algaecides, tile cleaners, etc., etc., etc. every day. Week after week, these bodies of water are pummeled with different chemicals to try to keep them clean, clear, and safe. I perceive water in a swimming pool as a caged animal. It is contained to serve us for our own pleasure, but is then abused with an abundance of those same chemicals. As time goes by, in our eyes, it becomes a truly dreadful place to expect healthy returns.

Rather than holding it captive, what if we utilized this water much like a natural pond or a spring in the wild? Is it really possible to do so? The answer is YES… of course it is! It then stems back to the beginning of this message in understanding

the physical elements within the water, before letting it continue its journey in providing life to the next.

At EWS, we research water down to the quantum physics level.

Here, we can better understand how water is meant to serve other environments, and with what elements it embodies to do so. Our systems are designed to diffuse different natural gasses into water, like oxygen, ozone, and carbon dioxide. These natural elements help increase the water’s disinfecting, oxidizing, and balancing capabilities—while keeping it healthy and safe.

Our first two systems are AquaGen for commercial pools, and Aqua Fuzion for residential. Both systems utilize pure oxygen to increase the dissolved oxygen content in the water, which provides the water with numerous benefits for just about anything it touches. The oxygen content in normal water is normally between 6–8 ppm, and with either or our systems, it can raise to as much as 10–35 ppm. The abundance of oxygen gives the water a soft feel just like salt water, except much healthier. The increased oxygen levels also increase the clarity of the water, making is crystal clear. Most of our clients tell us it provides them with an increased amount of energy, and they use it for recovery after a good workout.

When we add ozone to the mix, it provides sanitation and oxidation capabilities as much as 3,000 times stronger than chlorine, and is 10,000 times more efficient at killing unwanted microorganisms in the water. Thankfully, the byproduct from using ozone is oxygen. That’s right, as ozone is used up, it goes back to being oxygen. Simply enough ozone is comprised of just three oxygen molecules.

For balancing the pH in the water, we utilize carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of the typical acid. Once again, this natural element is quite powerful, since we are able to make it 100% efficient. CO2 is much safer to handle than acid, and is much healthier for the water.

When all three elements are used to treat and balance the water, it is truly a remarkable experience. If you’re tired of swimming in chemical-ridden pools, we’ll help guide you to a whole new experience. Once you experience highly oxygenated water, there’s just no other substitute!

If you would like more information on how you can improve your water quality, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Recycle Your Old Electronics to Make Way for the New

Specializing in Residential and Commercial: ✔ Electronics Recycling ✔ Data Destruction ✔ IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Mention Green Living magazine and we will waive the $25 drop off fee.

Please call for pricing or schedule a drop off.

Free hard drive destruction with a certificate.

602-944-4151 | egreenitsolutions.com eGreen IT Solutions, LLC 11034 N 23rd Drive, Suite 107 Phoenix, AZ 85029

Electronics Recycling Guide What We Recycle: Information Technology

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

Mainframes /minicomputers and associated hardware Personal Computers, Laptops, Notebooks and associated hardware All Printers and Copiers Typewriters and Calculators User terminals and systems Facsimile and Telex Telephones (cordless, cellular, and corded) and Answering Systems Scanners Array, Disk Drive Battery Laptop Battery Scanner/Cell Phone Cables/Mice CD Drive, External Charger

What We Recycle: • • •

Power Strip/Surge Protector

• • • • •

Projector

• • • • • •

Hard Drive/ZIP Drive External Keyboards/ Computer Mouse Modem/DSU/CSU/TSU Monitors (CRT Monitors - call for pricing) PC System Monitors PC/MAC, Desktop/Tower and Point of Sales items including Display, Systems, Pin Pad, Register/Monitor, Keyboard, Printer, Drawer, Display, CPU Slice, Hand Scanner, all Base types, Card Swipe, CPU Slice, Scanner/Scale

Router/Switch/Hub/Mux Tape Drive, External Time Clocks

• • •

Test equipment Hard disk drives Power Supplies, Cabling, Wire, and Transformers Connectors Circuit boards Medical equipment Solar Panels

• • • •

UPS, Sml/Med/Lg

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Audio equipment, Stereos, Speakers, Cassette Recorders Televisions (call for pricing) Satellite and cable equipment Video equipment I.E. VCRs Video game equipment Digital cameras

•

Ferrous (Metals containing Iron): Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wrought Iron. All types and all designations...

•

Non-Ferrous: Gold, Silver, Copper, Aluminum, Brass, Solder

Electronic Components

Docking Station Floppy Drive, Internal/External

Printer, Desktop Dot Matrix, Desktop Ink Jet, Desktop Laser (Large or Network), Line Printer, Phaser, Plotter, POS Mod,

Miscellaneous Electronic Items

Consumer Electronics

Communications Controller Dumb Terminal

Power Supply

What We Recycle:

• • • • •

Capacitors Diodes Resistors Transistors Integrated circuits

What We Do NOT Recycle: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Appliances Mercury Thermometers Thermostats PCB Ballast Smoke Detectors Florescent Light Bulbs Fuel/Oil Filters Hazardous Materials Fluids/Cleaners Paint Aerosols Refrigerant Gas Cylinders Oily Debris Stand Alone Batteries (**Batteries in electronics are accepted**)

CONTENTS

December 2020/January 2021 GOOD

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Neighborhood Ventures

16

Random Acts of Kindness

Opening up community real estate investing to all Arizonans How it can boost your health

HEALTH & WELLNESS

18

Sweet Advice

20

The Magic of Meditation

What you need to know about honey 3 apps to try

BEAUTY

38

22

Raise the Bar

24

New Year, New You

26

30

HOME

Meet the yoga and meditation teacher, DAH! yogurt brand partner, mother, and healthy lifestyle enthusiast

the Gift of Fresh Air This Holiday Season 34 Give

50th anniversary of Clean Air Act Amendments

38 Holiday Gift Guide 42

Arizona’s Last, Best River A vibrant Verde starts here

Eco-friendly makeup

STYLE

FEATURES Supermodel Rachel Hunter

Bar shampoos

28

The Future of Fashion

Two ways to do fashion in 2021

Stardust

Building a cleaner world, one recycled item at a time

SAVOR

48

Spice Up the New Year

50

Recipes

The health benefits of spices Dishes to try

TRAVEL

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Shop local this holiday season

Vacations With Less Travel Locals’ contributions to Arizona’s tourism industry

DESIGN

56

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 6 8 10

4

Editor’s Note Contributors On the Web What’s Hot

12 60 62 64

Cool Outrageous Stuff She’s Green, He’s Green

Home Sweet Home

Spark ways to spark more joy in your home

TIPS & TRICKS FROM THE EXPERTS

58

Ivy Ciolli

Shares her favorite cleaning product

Green Scenes Final Word

On the cover: Rachel Hunter Photo by Rowan Daly

GREEN LIVING

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EDITOR'S

Note

Contributors Meet some of our contributors!

This month we asked them…

What do you love about fall?

Karen Langston, writer Well, it’s been quite a year—I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for 2021!

Yet, as I look back over the past 11 months, there were still plenty of good things that happened. I spent more time with my family. I finally cleaned out a few closets that were on my to-do list for the past few years. We launched a rebrand of Green Living.

Thank you for both closing out the year with us, and starting a new year.

In this issue, we caught up with supermodel Rachel Hunter, and spoke with her about her healthy lifestyle, yoga and meditation, and more. Speaking of meditation, check out our article featuring a few meditation apps—they’re perfect to get you through the holidays, and then to start off your new year on a peaceful note.

Dubbed the “Poop Queen," Karen Langston is an internationally recognized nutritionist, speaker, and leading expert gut health trainer, helping clients to lose the bloat, constipation/diarrhea, and feel full of life and energy. Healthy gut, happy life!

“One change I want to incorporate into my life in 2021 is to take more time out to explore this wonderful country, with as light of a carbon footprint as possible,” she says.

We also talk about fashion trends for 2021, eco-friendly makeup, ADEQ, and the power of honey. Oh, and how much do you know about the Verde River? Read the article on it to learn more!

Plus, there are so many other stories to help you start fresh in 2021.

Happy holidays, and Happy New Year from all of us at Green Living!

Environmentally yours,

Laura Madden, writer Michelle Glicksman Editor-in-Chief michelle.g@greenlivingmag.com

Laura Madden is an advocate for fashion, art, and sustainability through her work as an influencer, stylist, writer, model, and artist. She is the founder of ReFashioned Art, her brand of upcycled art, and her blog, ReFashion Report. More about Madden can be found on her websites www.iamlauramadden.com and www.shop.iamlauramadden.com, and on instagram at @iamlauramadden and @ReFashionedArt. “In 2021 I plan to take more risks,” she says.

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your conscious life

GREEN LIVING greenlivingmag.com

PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VP OF OPERATIONS ASSISTANT EDITOR ART DIRECTION & DESIGN DIGITAL COORDINATOR SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR COPY EDITOR

Dorie Morales Michelle Glicksman Diana Vowels Kyley Warren Sly Panda Design Kait Spielmaker Victoria Klotz Michael Ziffer

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Kathleen Andereck David M. Brown Jennifer Burkhart John Burkhart Ivy Ciolli Ric Coggins

Karen Langston Laura Madden Elaina Verhoff Dr. Christine Vogt Max Wilson

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERNS Jessica Gaimaro Victoria Klotz

EDITORIAL INTERNS Tony Barrera Patrice Timmons

SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS Stephany Preciado Chloe Rapp

STUDENT ADVISOR Chloe Billingsley

The ONLY dealer in Arizona to offer a FREE DEALER ADDENDUM! E IS THE PRICE YOU SPEAY !

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DATA ENTRY INTERN Edward Balderrama ADVERTISING Dorie Morales - sales@greenlivingmag.com Victoria Klotz - victoria.k@greenlivingmag.com Sheree Kamenetsky - sheree.k@greenlivingmag.com

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CONTACT US AT:

Subscriptions: orders@greenlivingmag.com Advertising: sales@greenlivingmag.com Editorial: editor@greenlivingmag.com

480.840.1589 • www.greenlivingmag.com 13845 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 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 contributed manuscripts, editorial content, claims, reviews, photographs, artwork or advertisements. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the company or official policies. Entire contents © 2020 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 $25 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.

1233 East Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85014 (602) 635-2559 www.CourtesyChev.com Courtesy is the only Chevy Dealer in Arizona to be awarded the Dealer of Excellence two years in a row!

No Dealer Adds on in-stock units.

For J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence Program, visit jdpower.com/DOE DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

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ON THE

Web

This month on greenlivingmag.com and social media. @greenlivingaz

@greenlivingaz

Photo by Remedy Pics on Unsplash

Photo by David Iskander on Unsplash

@greenlivingaz

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

/greenlivingmagaz

GOOD

TECHNOLOGY

HEALTH & WELLNESS

How to Celebrate America Recycles Day

The Future of CBD Is In Socati’s Hands

When we recycle, we don’t have to create as many new products. We can conserve natural resources such as trees used for paper and oils used for plastic, while protecting our world in the process. To celebrate America Recycles Day, our editorial intern, Patrice Timmons, broke down the benefits of recycling.

Socati, founded in 2018, is the recognized leader in the cannabinoid sector. From its beginning, Socati has used advanced processes that remove the THC from the hemp plant extracts. We spoke with Mark Elfenbein—chief revenue officer at Socati—about what makes Socati so unique as a company and what the future of CBD looks like.

Wellness Wednesday: Journaling Exercises for Everyday Anxieties Most of us struggle with feelings of anxiety, especially during situations of high stress. Fortunately, there are different ways through which we can cope with everyday anxieties.

Editorial intern Tony Barrera explores this more through this “Wellness Wednesday” feature.

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Spotted...

Recipes

The team behind Kangen Water® was spotted rocking one of our very own Green Living magazine T-shirts, which are made from recycled water bottles. Snap a photo in your Green Living T-shirt for a chance to be featured on our Instagram page!

Our social media pages offer fantastic inspiration for how to live a more conscious lifestyle, and tips on how to implement a more organic diet, too. This Fresh Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie recipe—courtesy of Fresh Cafe—is what all of our healthy fall dreams are made of.

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WHAT’S

Hot

Forget About Food Waste

For the Greater Good

Meet the cookbook you didn’t realize you needed. While most cookbooks present one inspiring recipe after another, sending you to the shops with an enormous list of ingredients, much of those ingredients often gets wasted in the end.

The inaugural Greater Good Charities’ Nature’s Voice Awards, aiming to amplify the voice and impact of sustainability advocates across the globe, recently announced that Earth Uprising is the grand prize winner, and awarded the organization a $10,000 grant. The grant is given by Greater Good Charities in partnership with Nature’s Logic, an environmentally conscious pet food brand.

Enter Use it All, a kitchen skills handbook for real people with really busy lives who want to do a bit of good. Packed with over 160 recipes that form a blueprint for seasonal eating, it offers dozens of alternative flavor combinations to adapt according to what you have on hand.

Putting these skills into practice means you'll eat creative meals, buy less, use less packaging, and make so much more with what you've got. Available in January 2021; $31.99 at www.barnesandnoble.com

Truckin’ Along Recently, Waymo, which is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, and Daimler Trucks signed a broad, global, strategic partnership to deploy autonomous SAE L4 technology. Their initial effort will combine Waymo's industry-leading automated driver technology with a unique version of Daimler's Freightliner Cascadia, to enable autonomous driving.

Both Waymo and Daimler Trucks share the common goal of improving road safety and efficiency for fleet customers.

The autonomous Freightliner Cascadia truck, equipped with the Waymo Driver, will be available to customers in the U.S. in the coming years. Waymo and Daimler Trucks will investigate expansion to other markets and brands in the near future. www.waymo.com/www.daimler-truck.com

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Founded on Earth Day 2019, Earth Uprising is an international youth nonprofit, with a large network of organizers from countries and cities around the world, that works to combat the effects of the climate crisis. Earth Uprising fosters connections between climate activists from across the globe through its global youth council to enhance its work. www.naturesvoiceawards.org

Chandler Takes Homes Awards as ‘Champions For Clean Air’ for 2020 A City of Chandler (Arizona) program to encourage employees and the public to take steps to help reduce pollution in the Valley, and the employee who coordinates the program, were recognized at the 33rd Annual Clean Air Campaign Awards presented by Valley Metro in a virtual ceremony in late October.

The awards recognized 21 Valley commuters or organizations who demonstrated their commitment to promoting and using alternative modes of transportation, including carpool, vanpool, bus, light rail, telework, bicycling, and walking.

Chandler’s Transportation Policy Division won the Outstanding Travel Reduction Program for organizations with more than 500 employees. In addition, City employee Nancy Jackson was named the Outstanding Transportation Coordinator, also for organizations with more than 500 employees.

STUFF Outrageous

COOL

2

1 Face It Tayvada is a POC, female-owned, small business and lifestyle brand that focuses on improving self-care through the mind, body, and spirit. The Tayvada Reusable Makeup Remover Pads are made with four layers of fabric, including highly absorbent, hypoallergenic bamboo. Each set purchase includes two types of reusable makeup pads— the Plush White Terry Bamboo Pads, which work best with toners, serums, and face masks, and the Grey Charcoal Bamboo Pads, which are perfect for removing makeup. $17.99 at www.tayvada.com

2 Bee the Change Honey is the perfect companion to the warm drinks of the holiday season. Pass the Honey's sweet honeycomb is made using sustainable techniques that help protect the bees. And, the company is committed to evolving these sustainable practices and helping them become more widespread. In addition to being delicious, honeycomb is also really nutritious. $34.99 at www.passthehoney.com

3 Goodbye to the Dry Protect your lips from the cold weather with Package Free’s vegan lip balm. Made with fair trade organic cocoa butter and coconut oil, this product can help protect your hands, face, or any other exposed skin from being dry.

This product is available in Rosemary Eucalyptus, Coconut Cacao, or Sweet Orange Tangerine. It is also wrapped in a paper tube to avoid the waste of single-use plastic. $14 at www.packagefreeshop.com

4 A Sweet Treat This year, make Santa the best cookies he has ever had with Foodstirs’ organic Chocolate Chippy Cookie Mix. Made with fair trade chocolate and other ethically sourced ingredients, these cookies are sure to satisfy the sweet cravings of the holiday season. The cookie mix is also low in sugar, free of artificial junk, and non-GMO verified. You can even use the mix to make vegan cookies. $5.99 at www.foodstirs.com

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GOOD

Investment

Neighborhood Ventures

Opening up community real estate investing to all Arizonans

BY ELAINA VERHOFF

P

Plenty of people have thought about investing in the hot Phoenix real estate market but aren’t sure where to begin or just don’t have enough money to make it happen. A local company called Neighborhood Ventures is giving Arizona residents an opportunity to get involved by buying a share of an apartment building in the Phoenix area with a minimum $1,000 investment.

Since 2017, Neighborhood Ventures has funded four properties in Tempe, Scottsdale, and Uptown Phoenix, with a total investment of $2.65 million from 290 investors. The company was founded by John Kobierowski, managing partner of leading commercial brokerage and advisory services firm ABI Multifamily, and Jamison Manwaring, former VP of investor relations for Lifelock.

“We created this company because we believe strongly in inclusivity,” says Kobierowski. “Multifamily investments that were once only available to an elite group of wealthy investors are now available to everyone, thanks to crowdfunding legislation passed in Arizona a few years ago.

Our team is proud to be the first company to open up this business opportunity to all Arizonans.”

Manwaring explains that the company’s model is to connect with people who want to invest in their community, and give them the tools to come together through the Neighborhood Ventures platform to buy a building together.

“In the process, they get an up-close look at what goes into this type of investment, without the hassles of doing it alone.

We like to say they can own an apartment building and never have to worry about unclogging a toilet.”

At a time when it’s hard to drive through Phoenix without seeing buildings being razed to make way for the construction of big luxury apartment buildings, Neighborhood Ventures is taking a different approach, finding older apartment buildings in up-and-coming neighborhoods that offer good value and the opportunity to upgrade with improvements like new roofing, paint, flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and appliances.

Lead Designer Rocky Petersen says it’s important to look beyond the surface to find the “good bones” of a building

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and uncover the beauty that’s hiding behind the chipped paint, overgrown vines, and shabby linoleum.

“We give Neighborhood Ventures properties a high-end look on a budget,” says Petersen. “Livability is important, because we truly want our properties to improve the neighborhood.

Currently we’re looking into putting in a community garden at one of our upcoming projects—something for all the residents to enjoy.”

Kobierowski says it has been rewarding to see real estate crowdfunding embraced by investors. Each project has been funded more quickly, and the team is seeing growing demand from people interested in getting involved.

“We’re bringing fresh ideas and new ways of thinking to the real estate industry in Arizona. We are not content to settle into a routine, but we challenge ourselves to continually find ways to scale our operations, create new trends in the industry, and always be out front, inspiring others to challenge the status quo.”

Learn more and find the latest investment opportunities at www.neighborhood.ventures.

Scottsdale’s Charitable Alternative for Home Décor Shopping Got Legs- A not-for-profit home furnishings store selling high-quality, gently used furniture and home decor.

100% of proceeds support local Arizona families and Veterans who have overcome chronic homelessness and found permanent housing .

Got Legs Proudly Supports Bridging AZ Furniture Bank Bridging AZ is an award winning nonprofit. Established in 2004 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Bridging is Arizona’s first furniture bank. To date, Bridging has helped over 60,000 fellow Arizonians by providing them with furniture and other items graciously donated by the general public.

Large selection of fine handmade rugs from Persia, Turkey, Pakistan and India. Beautiful Handwoven Native American Textiles

Quality Home Furnishings!

Antiques, Contemporary & Mid-Century Modern

Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Please consider redirecting your state income tax to support Bridging AZ. If you pay Arizona taxes you can receive a dollar for dollar Tax Credit - not a deduction but an actual credit.

You can donate toward the Charitable Tax Credit even if you donate to other tax credit programs. Up to $400 per person or $8oo per married couple.

For more information visit

Now accepting costume jewelry and collectibles for donation.

Last year Bridging AZ purchased 387 new beds. Donate your unused items, help us serve even more Vets this year! new beds for Veterans

www.GotLegs.org Handmade Pens by Veterans available for sale –we engage previously homeless veteran in the art of woodworking

www.BridgingAZ.org

Got Legs Furniture 8421 N. McDonald Drive Scottsdale AZ 85250 Open Noon – 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday

GOOD

Sustainable You

Random Acts of Kindness

BY KAREN LANGSTON

R

Recently, I found myself in an Oklahoma local coffee drive-thru. As I pulled up to the window, the employee informed me that the person in front of me had paid for my drink. Faster than a caffeine buzz, a warm, fuzzy feeling raced through my veins. Enjoying the gratitude, I handed the employee my credit card, saying, “Let’s pay it forward.” This happy, feel-good moment of receiving, and then imagining how the next person was going to feel, resulted in an allday smile and an extra pep in my step.

How about you? Have you experienced a warm, fuzzy, happy feeling when you volunteered, helped another, or donated to a great cause? Did it change your whole day? Leave you feeling really good?

Did you know we are wired to do kind things? It is actually in our DNA to be kind and help one another—it’s called human nature. Most often, we see this in times of disaster, like after a hurricane, earthquake, or now, with COVID-19.

Studies have collectively found altruistic behavior, whether giving money, giving time, or random acts of kindness, activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure.

Giving back and serving others releases endorphins and the hormone oxytocin, which produces positive emotions known as the “helper’s high.” This term was first noted by author Allan Luks in his book, coauthored with Peggy Payne, The Healing Power of Doing Good.

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Helping another or volunteering helps the one giving, too.

A commissioned study by the charity Guide Dogs found that 95% of the 2,000 subjects who gave their time to a good cause felt happier. A 1997 study focused on teenagers with behavioral difficulties; instead of punishing them for negative behavior, they were assigned to help younger children with homework. Interestingly, the teenagers made significant improvements in their studies and also showed positive changes in their attitude towards themselves, others, education, and their outlook on the future. Helping others regulates our own emotions, decreases symptoms of depression, and ultimately improves our emotional well-being.

Scientific journals have found that giving money, giving to charities, and other forms of generosity activate regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, as well as boosting health.

In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People, Stephen Post, a professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook University, reports that giving to others has been shown to increase health benefits in people with chronic illness. An American Psychological Association Journal of Occupational Health Psychology study found that volunteering may lead to living longer. Other studies have found that those volunteering for longer periods are less likely to develop hypertension and have better psychological well-being.

Studies concur that simply being kind and practicing compassion releases the hormone serotonin, which is associated with emotional warmth, and feel-good emotions which can lower blood pressure, anxiety, and inflammation.

Giving back creates nothing but positive benefits, including physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

A 2016 neuroimaging study conducted a series of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore how specific brain areas were affected by giving versus receiving social support. The researchers found that giving ultimately had greater brain benefits than receiving. The scans showed specific activation when a participant was giving support, more so than receiving support.

How can you get in on the health-benefiting, feel-good activities while helping another? The sky’s the limit. The best advice is this: only do what you are capable of. Do not overextend yourself or create unrealistic exceptions. Giving back should not cause you stress. It should bring feel-good emotions for you and the receiver of your altruism.

Make a list of what you are truly passionate about, then research organizations that align. If donating money to a local charity brings you happiness, then go for it. If you have more time on your hands, your time is worth its weight in gold.

If you love animals, join a local animal shelter. Caring for animals has shown wonderful positive impacts for both animals and people. Deliver meals for those who need assistance, or help children with their studies. Donate your books and magazines to your local library or a medical office. Or, how about giving back by donating blood?

One of my ways of giving back is anonymously purchasing a police officer or firefighter’s coffee. I then wait to see the look of confusion, followed by a big smile of gratitude.

Really makes my day.

Another way you can spread some love is by contacting your local homeless shelter—they are always in need of help. Or, simply make another smile by giving a genuine compliment, pay for someone’s meal or groceries, or pay it forward by purchasing someone’s coffee in the morning.

How about just sitting and listening to a stranger’s story?

Pick up the phone and reach out to a friend, ask how they are really doing. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy the feelgood, all-over, fuzzy-warm benefits. It just might give you an extra pep in your step.

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HEALTH &

Wellness

BEE-cause I Said So! What you need to know about honey

BY RIC COGGINS

T

One of the simplest and least expensive regimens I employed to eradicate cancer from my body was a daily inclusion of raw, unfiltered honey. This may seem counterintuitive given all of the evidence that a major ingredient in honey—sugar—debilitates the immune system and further serves as actual food for cancer cells. Instead, however, in the case of honey, the opposite seems to be true. Published studies thus far have shown that honey actually improves immune function. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and further, scavenges toxic-free radicals from our body.

The most recent studies on honey show it to have very specific anti-cancer properties in both cell cultures and in animal models. The exact mechanisms of these properties include the induction of apoptosis, the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle arrest… again, all anti-cancer properties.

Now, if these terms are not familiar to you, hope they never are. To those who have confronted cancer, they are unfortunately all too familiar.

To comprehend the usefulness of honey in warding off or even reversing cancer, we need to understand some of the various factors which cause cancer and understand that cancer development can occur 10-15 years after exposure to these risk factors.

Per a 2012 study, cancer risk factors can include the following.

• Personal low immune system status • Underlying chronic infections • Underlying chronic inflammation • Chronic, non-healing ulcers

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• Accumulation of toxic-free radicals • Genetic inheritance Honey offers a response to at least five of the six known risk factors in that: • Honey is a proven immune-booster; • Honey has proven anti-microbial properties; • Honey is a naturally anti-inflammatory agent; • Honey has shown to abate ulcerations and chronic, nonhealing wounds; • Honey is a scavenger of toxic-free radicals.

The outcome of a study that looked into the relationship between the rate of cancer incidence and honey intake, which was conducted in developing nations, suggested that people who consumed more honey had less cancer. While there of course could be many other factors involved, this is nonetheless very interesting.

So just exactly what is in honey that has been shown to protect us from cancer?

Well, for one, polyphenols. Polyphenols are micronutrients attained through consuming certain plant-based foods.

Polyphenols’ benefits are not limited to just resisting cancers, but they also have been shown to improve digestion, brain function, and blood sugar levels, as well as protect against blood clots and heart disease.

Some of the polyphenols that honey offers include caffeic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant; chrysin, which can also reduce aromatase enzyme hormone production; caffeic acid phenyl esters (CAPE), which have been studied against glioblastoma; quercetin, which has been shown to be effective in cell culture studies against many cancer cell lines, including pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer; and apigenin, which has also been studied against many cancer types.

In general, you do not need to consume a particular type of honey to see benefits. Studies that have looked at manuka honey, bush honey, and generic honeys show that all varieties seem to be effective against cancer cells and in improving the immune status of the study participants. However, the darker the honey, the more positive plant chemicals (i.e., polyphenols) it had. So, I always look for darker honeys when I am shopping for honey.

Now, does this mean that just any honey is optimum for you?

That answer is no, as much of the commercially processed “honey” you find on the store shelves has been adulterated with fructose syrup and high fructose syrup. Even worse, some of those ingredients are coming from China, where few controls are in place to protect us from contaminants that China is known to have. Because of this, the best idea would be to buy your honey directly from a local beekeeper. It should be raw and unfiltered by my estimation. In addition to the health aspects, you are supporting local beekeepers—and that supports your local hive’s polinators. It’s also known that local honeys produced from local pollens have helped many folks who are prone to allergies either reduce or resolve entirely their allergic symptoms… without taking allergy drugs.

Because a bee’s normal travel radius is around two miles from their hive (and they have been tracked four to six miles), I am not sure there is really such a thing as organic honey, though it is offered in the marketplace. I just don’t know how they can be sure that a bee did not harvest pollen from GMO plant flowers or plants sprayed with non-organic materials. For this reason, I tend to like desert honeys, thinking that there is less of a chance that the desert pollens are contaminated.

As for dosage, like most natural remedies, we are somewhat on our own to work that out. In my research, I found that studies done with a therapeutic dose of 4 tablespoons per day were particularly beneficial to the participants. In my own case, I took 2 tablespoons per day… one before bed and one in the morning, and continue that dosage as a maintenance regimen to prevent any return of cancer.

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HEALTH &

Wellness

The Magic of Meditation

BY KYLEY WARREN

M

Meditation is undoubtedly good for your mental health—in fact, it’s been known to help combat chronic pain, reduce stress, and ultimately stabilize your blood pressure. But for a practice that’s intended to help mellow your mood, it can actually inspire a lot of stress for beginners.

For those unsure of exactly where or how to begin, meditation apps are usually a great place to start. These programs are often hosted directly on your smartphone, and they help to not only make the practice more accessible, but also to allow you the freedom to work at your own pace. Here are our picks for some of the best meditation apps available for download on your smartphone right now.

HEADSPACE With hundreds of guided meditations—and even some mini-meditations for those looking to squeeze in a quick guided session—Headspace is regarded as one of the most advanced meditation apps in the world. The program attempts to tap into every area of mindfulness by pairing stress-relieving meditations with sleep sounds and animations to help you better understand the art of the practice. $7.99 to $12.99 per month

CALM This app provides guided sessions that can range anywhere from 3 to 25 minutes—so regardless of how much time you can dedicate to meditating each day, Calm provides plenty of session options. Each meditation is rooted in a specific theme, including everything from mindfulness and practices for calming anxiety, to gratitude and spiritual alignment. Beyond guided meditation, the program also features soothing sounds and breathing exercises. Free, with some in-app purchases AURA Wellness gurus have a particular affinity for Aura because the app places just as much of an emphasis on meditation as it does the greater science of mindfulness and mental health. The program offers personalized life coaching, daily meditations, nature sounds, and music—all of which are catered to fit the user’s exact frame of mind. Meditation is meant to promote progress—and Aura tracks a user’s moods and patterns as a means to craft a completely individual experience. Free, with some in-app purchases Photo by Kait Spielmaker

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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PASTURE-RAISED, HIGH-GRADE EGGS: Cruz Farm’s hand-collected eggs are laid by some of Arizona’s happiest and healthiest hens that are free to roam the pasture while enjoying fresh air and sunshine.

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FRESH, JUICY MANGOS: Cruz Farms supplies two varieties of mangos: Kent and Tommy.

These mangoes are grown and harvested in Tapachula, the Chiapas region of southeast Mexico. Tommy mangoes are known for their dark red coloring and Kent for their sweet flavor and low fiber content.

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STYLE

Beauty

Raise the Bar

Hair ye, hair ye… we declare that getting your hair clean has never been as easy to do in an eco-friendly way than now.

Ditch the plastic containers for shampoo bars, which are great for you and the environment.

the earthling co.

These shampoo and conditioner bars contain plant-based ingredients and are super concentrated. Manufactured in the United States with plastic-free packaging, they contain no fillers, silicone, or parabens. Good for all hair types, they last for 50-75-plus washes. One percent of sales are donated to 1% for the planet. www.theearthlingco.com

Shambar Available in Awaken, Soothe, or Hydrate, Shambar’s combo shampoo/conditioner bars are sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and paraben-free. They contain no synthetic fragrance, and are cruelty-free. Awaken, which supports scalp circulation, and Soothe, which is ideal for sensitive scalps, are vegan. Hydrate, which is designed to volumize and moisturize, contains honey. $15 at https://shambar.com

Unwrapped Life Vegan, cruelty-free, color-safe—the shampoo and conditioner bars from Unwrapped Life are created to be Earth-friendly, as well as ensure great hair days are ahead.

These bars are formulated for certain hair types and concerns, and arrive wrapped in kraft paper that can be recycled or composted. The travel sets (pictured here) are available in options such as The Hydrator, The Stimulator, The Balancer, The Fixer, and The Detoxifier, and arrive with convenient carrying tins. $31 at www.unwrappedlife.com

552M Soap Free This soap-free shampoo bar from Odacitébar nourishes your scalp with argan, coconut, jojoba, and orange oil.

It works on all hair types and textures, and is vegan, sustainable, sulfate-free, and silicone-free. The name? The 552M is in reference to the 552 million plastic shampoo bottles that end up in landfills each year. By offering this plastic-free bar, the company aims to help lower that number. $29 at www.odacite.com

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STYLE

Beauty

New Year, New Look WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

Fall Color The best-selling "Saavy" lipstick from Tuchéir Cosmetics is long-wearing and flattering to most skin tones, going on creamy and smooth, and drying to a deep warm brownish matte. The company offers only an all-natural, vegan cosmetics line. $18 at www.tucheir.com

The Eyes Have It A cult favorite line of affordable, highly pigmented colors, Makeup Geek is a cruelty-free, 99% vegan line of color cosmetics made in the U.S.A. that was founded

by Marlena Stell, a beauty entrepreneur and one of the original beauty influencers. Makeup Geek’s Matrix Palettes are available in Neutral and Color, each containing 28 shades of the brand’s highly pigmented yet blendable shadows. The Matrix Neutral Palette, $124.99, features 27 matte eyeshadows and one shimmer eyeshadow; The Matrix Color Palette, $124.99, features 28 matte eyeshadows, www.makeupgeek.com

Lay the Foundation This foundation from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics includes a complex of ocean minerals and skincare-quality blend formula. Ingredients such as cucumber and calendula flower extracts soothe dehydrated skin and uncover a radiant complexion. The collection includes 16 shades that provide a formula sensitive enough to be applied to problematic or post-treatment skin. $54 at www.ybskin.com

Give ’Em Lip Fabric Texture Lipstick from Bodyography is a demi-matte lipstick with powerful pigments that coats lips in a blurred matte veil that never looks or feels dry. Bodyography, a family-owned business, believes in clean beauty, and infuses ingredients such as antioxidants, anti-aging superfoods, and minerals into its products. The company is also certified cruelty-free, and its products are parabenfree, gluten-free, and free from a number of other harmful ingredients. $26 at www.bodyography.com

Lash Out This long-lasting mascara from Elina Organics Natural applies smoothly and removes easily. Its 100% natural, 85% organic vegan and gluten-free formula is enriched with eyelash conditioning and strengthening ingredients, including chamomile, vitamin E, coffee powder, and sunflower seed oil. It’s water-resistant, gentle, and nontoxic, made without any artificial colors, dyes, toxic preservatives, petroleum, or synthetic fragrances. $26 at www.elinaorganicsskincare.com

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While your best face is always your makeup-free face, for those who prefer some color, turn to these better-for-you, better-for-the-environment options

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STYLE

Fashion

Laura Madden

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The Future of Fashion

Two ways to do fashion for 2021 that are good for you and the planet

BY LAURA MADDEN

L

Like most industries, the fashion industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, provoking brands to pivot and pirouette just to stay afloat, and consumer habits that may be changed forever. With all the uncertainty in our world today, one thing’s for sure—we still need fashion, and fashion needs us!

So, what’s an eco-conscious fashion-lover to wear? Whether you are just starting out on your sustainability journey or you’re a seasoned environmentalist, here are two tips that any fashion lover can employ to stay fabulous, while taking care of the planet.

time. Shop for items that work for your lifestyle, personality, and body type. It is very helpful to know your style in order to avoid curating a closet full of clothes but having nothing you’ll actually wear. Consulting a professional stylist is a worthy investment to achieving this.

Pro tip: Shop secondhand to decrease your environmental impact.

One of my favorite ways to do what I call functional shopping—which is also sustainable—is to invest in pieces that can last a lifetime, pair with multiple pieces in my wardrobe, and can be worn a number of different ways and for a number of different occasions. These are very functional pieces and will stand the test of time!

1. DRESS FABULOUSLY Nothing is out of style unless it’s not your style. Wear what you love, and what makes you feel good. Fashion is your “feel-good” tool, and we all can use as many feel-good tools as we can get these days! What you wear should make you feel like your best self, whether you’re in cocktail attire or comfy cozies!

With so much of our day-to-day lives moving online, it helps to prioritize “above the desk” dressing. Think of a beautiful sleeve or an exaggerated cuff, a structured shoulder, a bold statement necklace to brighten your face, or maybe even a sassy tie (depending on how fashion-forward you lean, maybe a bowtie).

Pro tip: Accessorize to maximize.

One of my favorite sustainable styling tips is to maximize the wardrobe you already have by curating a collection of accessories. Accessorizing is the fastest way to reinvent even the simplest of looks. I like to focus on timeless investment pieces that can easily be restyled and reworn by simply swapping out accessories.

Take a little black dress—this one garment can be restyled a multitude of ways with different types of accessorizing.

Accessories are your wardrobe’s transformational tools—hats, hair accessories, statement jewelry, belts, scarves, pins, shoes, etc.

2. DRESS FUNCTIONALLY Buy what you’ll wear, love, and take good care of for a long

Pro tip: If in doubt, restyle, and rewear what you already own.

Focusing on basics may seem a bit boring at first, but these are the wardrobe workhorses that can be worn and reworn many times over. These items are the easiest to accessorize, restyle, and rewear, which greatly decreases your impact on the environment.

Pro tip: Shop timeless styles.

Focus on solids and classic patterns, such as stripes, herringbone, houndstooth, and polka dots. “Timeless” may look different for everyone, but for me, I focus on a solid black dress, a structured blazer, jeans that can be dressed up or down, a black motorcycle jacket, a black T-shirt, and a white button-up. These are items I keep coming back to— easy to restyle and rewear over and over just by mixing and matching, and swapping out accessories.

No, fashion won’t change the world, but if you need a pickme-up, it just might change you, even if for one day (or one Zoom call). I hope you’ll consider pursuing your journey to a more sustainable relationship with fashion. The future of fashion is undoubtedly more Earth-friendly and responsible, and it will be just as beautiful and glamorous as ever.

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HOME

Reuse

Stardust

Building a cleaner world, one recycled item at a time

BY TONY BARRERA

C

Changing the world always starts with a question: “What can I do?” And, after having seen the green potential in reusing building materials, this was likely the question that propelled one of Stardust’s co-founders, Jerry Bisgrove, to help create this nonprofit organization in 1997. Because, changing the world is exactly what Stardust is doing.

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Stardust currently operates two reuse centers in the Valley, each of which sells building materials and appliances that have been gently used, salvaged, and/or obtained from a surplus on a construction job. The materials are then sold at a price that is anywhere from 50%-80% cheaper than retail stores.

Stardust also provides deconstruction services in order to salvage materials and recycle them. This preempts their harmful disposal, which could result in full landfills that contaminate the planet.

All these services are in line with the organization’s purpose and mission, which, as the organization’s CEO, Karen Jayne, emphasizes, are: “[To] provide quality reclaimed materials for reuse. We envision a future without waste; a sustainable community where resources are reused for redistribution.”

So, purchasing these affordable materials is not only really good for our wallets, but also for the environment.

“Reuse has many benefits for both the environment and the community: it reduces the amount of usable materials that end up in our landfills; it provides a resource for quality materials so that individuals may maintain their homes creating a safe, secure, and healthy place to live; it [also] reduces [our] carbon footprint and it uses significantly less energy than a manufacturing a new item,” Jayne says.

Stardust has saved the planet from over 80 million pounds of materials that could have otherwise ended up in landfills.

These environmental benefits have come through the organization’s belief that economic growth and prosperity can still be driven by policies and practices that help reduce waste and protect the planet.

Stardust is working harder than ever to make this thought a green reality in the coming years. And the organization offers several ways for the public to help it come to fruition.

“There are several ways to get involved,” Jayne shares. “[You can] use Stardust deconstruction services when you are

remodeling your home, donate your gently used building materials to Stardust, shop in one of our reuse centers, volunteer at our Gifts In Kind program, or explore board service with Stardust.”

Stardust’s commitment to the environment does not end there. In order to keep reducing the environmental problems generated by construction waste, Stardust is hard at work to expand its work and reach.

“Stardust is exploring several opportunities for the future,” explains Jayne. “[These include] deepening our deconstruction services; increasing and expanding our advocacy work to help develop incentives and ordinances related to deconstruction; and exploring additional opportunities for building material resale, such as examining raw material resale and commercial building material reuse.”

For more information, visit www.stardustbuilding.org.

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Speaking Wi t h Supermodel

Rachel Hunter Yoga and meditation teacher, DAH! yogurt brand partner, mother, world-renowned model, and healthy lifestyle enthusiast

BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOS BY ROWAN DALY

R

Rachel Hunter has been busy. The supermodel—who has appeared on magazine covers ranging from Vogue to Rolling Stone to Sports Illustrated, had a contract with Cover Girl, and more—was not only the host of Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty television show on Imagination Television, but is now the DAH! yogurt brand partner, a yoga and meditation teacher, lives a healthy lifestyle, and is the mom to two grown children. We caught up with her to talk about what she’s been up to, health, wellness, and more.

Green Living (GL): Touching back on your television show Tour of Beauty, what inspired you to do the show?

Rachel Hunter (RH): I had just finished shooting a TV show in New Zealand. I was sitting with Bettina, one of the producers of the show, and she was like, we need to do another show! We sat and brainstormed different ideas. As a New Zealander, we are known to be travelers and explorers.

And, I have a history in beauty and fashion, as well as a deep love and curiosity of nature, the world, and cultures. This was to be a journey of incredible discovery to see the true integration of beauty in many forms and ways of living. The show really embraced this in many ways, and many times the most memorable moments were subtle in community.

GL: You’ve traveled a lot around the world, spending much time in India especially... what you have learned that most surprised you and where was that?

RH: From my timing filming Tour of Beauty, many of the countries hold such a strong place in my heart, and while visiting so many, I felt, “I could live here!” I learned so much! The world is rich in diversity, and rich meaning, not wealth in a monetary form, but so deeply rich in many other ways. Community, community, community!

The abundance of the heart! The happiest moments are moments we feel are unknown and are experiencing at that moment. The moment we experience, we expand and feel more connected and relax into what becomes known.

Understanding and being open. Community, experiencing the warmth of the many people with their big hearts and open homes to be a part of. Today, in this world situation we are in, these memories I have and many of us reflect on, the true simplicity of connection. Merely sitting and eating, being close, and connecting.

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GL: You also have a book out?

RH: The book is available in New Zealand. It is of my travels while filming the first series of Tour of Beauty. I hope to bring it to the U.S. and UK soon.

GL: You are also very into yoga, and I heard you have completed more than 500 hours of Registered Yoga Training (RYT), and more. How do you think doing yoga affects you personally?

RH: Yoga means to yog—unite. So this is a journey of discovery that is not an end date or ‘ok I’m done now.’ For

myself I found stillness and joy. The people again embraced and the sense of inclusiveness and community. To sit on the side of the streets, see the colors of the people, sipping a chai and eating prakora.

GL: You are also a trained meditation teacher and have spent many hours and years studying meditation with some top experts. Can you tell us more about this?

RH: Practice, practice, practice! Some meditations in the morning are great; some not so great. My thoughts come, but I now can giggle and am less hard on myself. No judgment during or after meditation. It is what it is, and that’s ok.

Meditation is a beautiful way to stabilize the system. It’s beautiful listening to talks of teachers and people who know this practice, and who have studied this ancient practice.

Many people think it is to rid thoughts; this does happen, it takes time. There are many ways and paths to this. You will find that path when it shows you. Mantra and breathwork are lovely ways to enter into meditation.

GL: You of course eat healthy, and currently work with DAH!, the 2020 Sofi Award-winning yogurt brand. Can you share what drew you to the company and what you like about it?

me, the asana [postures] were my entry point. Since training in India for the last three years, this practice of yoga goes beyond the postures. It’s all about breathwork, meditation, focus, bliss, and self-study. These are all limbs of yoga. I love life and I love being involved in life. I love being a mother, having fun, working, enjoying friends, etc. But, I love the non-seeking of who I am. For me, this is endless and I will always be discovering externally and internally! After my mother passed away three years ago, I wanted to pilgrimage through India to help let go of the grief and answer some deep questions. Restless soul syndrome. Within India and in

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RH: It is a dream partnership!

This is when situations align.

The message of slow culture, the essence of the brand, the India connection. The brand teaches you to slow down, eat well, enjoy life, meditate. This is an amazing mindset for a brand, and their product line is just, WOW! Plant-based yogurt! Lassi! And now Dahi too! High probiotics (15 billion per serving). The union here is united! Yoga and meditation unite us further. The founders are authentic, the brand is authentic, and the product is delicious and authentic. While spending time in India I fell in love with Lassi, and that is what first drew me into DAH! GL: Do you have any favorite flavors of DAH! Specific products?

RH: The Alphonso Mango Lassi is a favorite, and all the plant-based yogurt. DAH!’s plant-based products include Almond Yogurt, and the brand’s newest offering

Oat+Almond+Coconut [OAC] Blended Yogurt that is 100% plant-based. It contains no added sugar and is packed with 50 billion probiotics to benefit the body and gut health. Just simply amazing! I love having mine with fruit, nuts, and seeds. I often pair the Lassi with papaya. A healthy breakfast to start the day!

GL: As a brand partner for the company, you also share some of your favorite DAH! recipes. Can you tell us one of your favorites?

RH: Sweet potatoes or papaya, topped with the almond yogurt, honey, fruit and nuts, or flax seeds. There are so many ways to get creative with DAH!! I also love to make yogurt smoothies with the strawberry Lassi, or breakfast bowls with the blueberry almond cups. What is great about it is that you can drink the smoothie as-is, or just enjoy one of their yogurt cups while at the beach, in the morning, for a midday snack, or they’re perfect for a picnic or on-the-go.

GL: Do you incorporate any other mindful, sustainable, or eco-friendly practices into your life?

RH: I stay in my lane! Be conscious! Keep my consumption down!

GL: How have you been coping during COVID? Have you slowed down at all or are you still keeping a busy schedule?

RH: I was part of a silent retreat for 18 days and in an ashram in India for four months, so yes, I have slowed down.

I returned to the U.S., and yes, the slowing down is real. I always make it a point to get out of the house to hike, get fresh air, and of course, do yoga.

GL: Any projects on the horizon that you’d like to share?

RH: Releasing my yoga platform, which can be found on my website, www.rachelhunter.com.

GL: Anything else you’d like to share?

RH: Be well, listen, and connect (responsibly) with social distancing. Reach out to each other during these times.

To learn more about DAH!, visit www.dahlicious.com or Follow @Dahlicious on social media.

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Give the Gift of Fresh Air This Holiday Season 50th anniversary of Clean Air Act Amendments

BY DAVID M. BROWN

I think that 1970 will be known as the year of the beginning, in which we really began to move on the problems of clean air and clean water and open spaces for the future generations of America. — President Richard Nixon

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Wrap up some eco-gifts in the season of giving, in this very challenging COVID-19 2020. In particular, consider giving tools that promote clean air.

That’s the seasonal message from four Arizona environmental departments: the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD), Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ), and Pinal County Air Quality Control District.

“ADEQ and its partners encourage Arizonans to give the gift of clean air this holiday season through actions that can improve the quality of our air all year long,” says Daniel Czecholinski, director of the ADEQ Air Quality Division, Phoenix.

His group’s responsibilities include air quality forecasting (or Air Quality Indexes, AQIs), monitoring and analyzing data, issuing permits, compliance inspections, vehicle emissions testing, asbestos compliance inspections and preserving visibility in the state’s urban areas, national parks and the wilderness. (See sidebar, “Some Clean Air Terms.”)

Continuing the “Burn Cleaner, Burn Better” campaign ADEQ and MCAQD began a few years ago, this year’s expanded partnership coincides with the 50th anniversary of the federal Clean Air Act Amendments, which have rewarded Americans and Arizonans with significant environmental and health benefits. Following the Clean Air Act of 1963, President Nixon signed the comprehensive Clean Air Act Amendments on December 31, 1970; other amendments have followed.

ADEQ works with the state’s three most populous counties to administer the provisions of that federal legislation and Arizona’s rules and maintains air quality oversight of county and state facilities within all other state counties, excluding

tribal lands. The Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 issues air quality permits on tribal lands in Arizona, except for Navajo Nation and the Gila River Indian Community, which have authority to implement portions of the permitting programs.

Arizona’s collaborative air quality monitoring network comprises 100-plus air-quality monitoring stations; the data helps ADEQ and its partners comply with provisions of the Clean Air Act and its amendments. Depending on location, the stations measure levels of ozone, particulate matter 10 (PM10), particulate matter (PM2.5) and other regulated pollutants. Coarse particulates (PM10) have diameters 10 micrometers or less and fine particulates (PM2.5) diameters 2.5 micrometers or less.

“Thanks to the collective efforts of industry and our communities, Arizona has much cleaner air today than 50 years ago, when the Clean Air Act went into effect. Even as our economy has thrived and our population boomed, Arizona has been able to achieve major improvements in the quality of the air we breathe,” says Czecholinski. “But we still have more work to do, as we strive to meet more stringent federal air quality standards designed to protect our health and environment.”

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WINTER WONDERLAND, WINTER CHALLENGES Our world-destination desert winters are, however, times of challenged air quality.

Whatever we can do to reduce the amount of pollution in the air will help those who are medically fragile, including individuals with COVID-19.”

“Winter brings special air quality concerns because of temperature inversions. Cold air sinks down the mountains overnight, trapping whatever we put into the air during the evening and early morning and concentrating the pollution at ‘nose-level,’” explains Ursula Nelson, PDEQ director, in Tucson.

“We ask residents to take simple steps like don’t burn wood on a No Burn Day, when the pollutant levels are the highest and unhealthiest. And, to help combat ozone, we ask residents to drive less, fuel after dark and avoid using leaf blowers,” says McNeely.

Also during the holiday season, residential wood burning typically increases: in fireplaces, outdoor fire pits and even fireworks.

Elizabeth Walton, executive director, American Lung Association in Arizona in Phoenix, explains that new research has established that long-term exposure to fineparticle pollution is associated with an 11% increase in deaths from COVID-19, which has already been responsible for 250,000-plus deaths in the United States as of late November 2020.

“Avoiding wood burning, unless that is the sole source of heat, is a great way to reduce the amount of smoke in the air,” she adds. “And refraining from idling your vehicle’s engine in drive-thrus or in the driveway will also help keep the air healthier to breathe.”

With more people at home because of the pandemic, there could be more wood burning this year that could increase fine particulate matter from smoke (PM2.5), which accumulates near the ground overnight and in the morning.

Absorbed into the bloodstream, fine particulates can reduce lung function, exacerbate bronchitis and asthma, and even lead to more severe impairments.

Maricopa County periodically has days with high levels of air pollution caused by wood-burning smoke and issues “No Burn Days” throughout the holiday season, especially during the winter months.

“PM2.5 smoke poses a serious health risk to the elderly, children with asthma, and folks with respiratory issues.

The particles can be absorbed into the bloodstream and decrease lung function, exacerbate bronchitis and asthma, and increase chances for heart attacks and premature death,” says Philip McNeely, MCAQD director, Phoenix.

Children under 18, older adults, and people with diabetes, heart disease, asthma or other lung diseases are the most vulnerable, but even the healthiest adults can be affected. Studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems including irritation of the airways; coughing or difficulty breathing; decreased lung function; aggravated asthma; development of chronic bronchitis; irregular heartbeat; heart attacks; and premature death of people with heart or lung disease.

“All of these conditions can affect those with COVID,” adds McNeely.

Nelson says: “We always think of children and people with lung diseases as being at risk, but did you know that cardiac disease puts one at risk when pollution levels are elevated?

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“For 50 years, the amended Clean Air Act has saved American lives, improved our air quality and protected our health,” she says. But climate change and other events are offsetting some of these gains. “Rising temperatures, devastating wildfires and catastrophic floods all create air quality issues and compound the lung health challenges facing our most vulnerable communities,” she says.

“Now, in the midst of a generational lung health crisis, cleaning up air pollution is more important than ever,” Walton adds. “We must do more to protect the air we breathe and ensure that all communities are afforded the health benefits of cleaner air.”

GIFTS THAT GIVE LIFE Take a deep breath and take out the ribbons and bows: Here are some gifts that help improve Arizona’s air quality: Download the Air Arizona App - ADEQ’s free Air

Arizona mobile app (in English and Spanish) displays the ADEQ Air Quality Forecast Team’s hourly air quality forecasts for the Phoenix, Nogales, Tucson, and Yuma communities to help people plan their days and reduce potential health impacts of air pollution.

Air Arizona sends alerts to an app user’s home screen when a High Pollution Watch or Advisory (HPW/HPA) is in effect and provides suggestions for how to protect health during hours of potentially bad air quality. (See sidebar, “Some Clean Air Terms.”) To download the app: www.azdeq.gov/AirAZ. Use ADEQ’s Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program (VVRP) - People who live in the Phoenix or Tucson area with a vehicle 12 years or older that has failed an emissions test may qualify for up to $550 in vehicle repairs: www.azdeq.gov/ CarHelp.

Mowing Down Pollution - To improve air quality and reduce air pollution produced by gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, ADEQ has partnered with the MCAQD and the PDEQ to offer lawn and garden emission reduction programs.

Available to residents of Maricopa and Pima counties, these programs offer vouchers toward the purchase of a new electric- or battery-powered lawn mower and one lawn and garden device when the old working gasolinepowered equipment is recycled. For Maricopa County, see cleanairmakemore.com/lawn/. For the Pima County version, see “Cut Down Pollution”: www.pima.gov/HealthyAir. Reel, or push, mowers are not covered, although program administrators are working to add them: www.azdeq.gov/ node/6221.

Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit Program Designed to reduce air pollution from wood-burning fireplaces,

Some Clean Air Terms Air Quality Index (AQI): A rating of good or bad air quality on a scale from 0 to 500 in six categories: Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous. An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the national air quality standard for the pollutant—the level EPA set to protect public health. AQI values at or less than 100 are considered satisfactory.

When AQI values are greater than 100, air quality is considered to be unhealthy—at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values increase. ADEQ meteorologists provide hourly AQI forecasts based on the EPA’s AQI federal health standards for Nogales, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. See azdeq.gov/ forecasting. (Source: AZDEQ)

HPW/HPA: When ADEQ air quality meteorologists identify the potential for a forecasted pollutant to exceed the federal health standard (100 AQI), ADEQ will issue a Health Pollution Warning, which can be issued up to five days in advance. The HPW serves as an early outlook and provides people with advance notice of potential poor air quality –– information they can use to plan activities, such as time outdoors, carpooling and teleworking.

This is particularly important for those sensitive to poor air quality to prepare for high-pollution levels. As the date of an issued HPW nears and additional data are available to strengthen the forecast analysis, if appropriate, ADEQ will upgrade the HPW to a Health Pollution Advisory. ADEQ issues an HPA when exceedance of the federal health standard for a forecasted pollutant is imminent or there is a high probability. See www.youtu.be/22ZkLyyTZRI

this opportunity provides up to $2,000 to retrofit a wood-burning fireplace to a cleaner, healthier natural gas log set.

Residents can use their natural gas log set fireplaces on designated No Burn Days. Other cleaner options include a fireplace retrofit, certified wood stoves, pellet stoves, gas and/or electric fireplaces. For more details and to sign up, visit www.cleanairmakemore. com/fireplace-retrofit-program/.

See the EPA’s guidance for cleaner-burning fireplace options and fireplace retrofits: www.epa.gov/burnwise/ choosing-right-fireplace-or-fireplace-retrofit-device.

“So much progress has been made in the last 50 years to improve air quality throughout the nation,” says Nelson. “Pollution from bigger sources is regulated through the implementation of the Clean Air Act. What’s left are the smaller, individual emitters—like you and me. We can make or break the quality of the air we all breathe: together.

Healthy air is in our hands.”

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Arizona’s Last, Best River A vibrant Verde starts here

Photo courtesy Friends of Verde River

BY DR. MAXWELL C. WILSON, PROGRAM MANAGER, AND DR. NANCY L.C. STEELE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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When you think of Arizona, you should think of rivers. It wasn’t that long ago that the state was full of them. Little Colorado and San Francisco, Salt and San Pedro, Gila and Santa Cruz, Blue and Verde, some flowing north from Mexico, some flowing south from Utah, and a great many meeting in the middle; it would have been hard to have come to Arizona and not stumble across a river when your grandparents or great-grandparents were kids.

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But things have changed. Dams built to protect us from catastrophic floods and fill canals stopped rivers dead in their tracks. Motors made it possible to pump even more water out of the ground, drying springs that feed the rivers.

Our cities grew, turning acres of desert solitude into thirsty lawns. One by one, we watched our rivers dry up.

But not the Verde.

WILD AND SCENIC Stretching 190 miles from the grasslands of Chino Valley to the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, the Verde is Arizona’s last, best river. The Verde provides a home to over 200 bird species, 90 mammal species, and 75 native amphibian and reptile species. As the river dips behind the Mazatzal Mountains, it gains national recognition as the only section of river in Arizona designated “wild and scenic” by the federal government.

The Verde supports our communities, bringing us food to eat, wine to drink, and cool waters to protect us from the summer heat. Flowing into the Phoenix Metro Area, the Verde joins with the Salt to provide about 40% of the drinking water supply to over three million people. From the forests to the deserts, elk to rattlesnakes, vineyards to sweet corn, and cold nights to searing hot days, the Verde is everything that makes Arizona, “Arizona.”

FIGHTING FOR ITS LIFE However, the Verde is fighting for its life. Summer flows have declined by more than 40% in some areas. Climate change looms, with hotter, drier years to come. Invasive plants that choke rivers require constant vigilance to keep at bay. Unchecked increases in groundwater pumping threaten to suck the Verde dry.

Decades long slow downs in the courts mean that many people don’t know how much water they really have the right to use. So far the Verde has survived but until these problems are solved it will never thrive.

But there is hope. In the spring of 2007, a group of longtime river activists decided to take a “handson” approach to protect the Verde. Friends of the Verde River (at that time called Friends of Verde River Greenway) emerged, committing to river restoration and enhancement projects, as well as introductory canoe trips on the river.

A pair of bald eagles. Photo by Joe Mealey

After a decade of protecting the river, Friends merged with two partner organizations, hired its first full-time, paid executive director, and organized its operations around a mission of working collaboratively for a healthy, flowing Verde River system.

Today Friends operates a wide variety of programs to keep the Verde healthy. As a leader in the Verde River Watershed Restoration Coalition, Friends has restored more than 9,000 acres of riparian forests, helping native plants and animals thrive.

A NOVEL PROGRAM Friends also operates the Verde River Exchange, a novel program that allows businesses to voluntarily reduce the impact of their groundwater use on the river by purchasing “credits” that are generated when other water users reduce their water use.

The Land and Water Planning Toolbox provides guidance to governments and land management agencies on how to plan so that communities thrive without drying up the river. In collaboration with partners at The Nature DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

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Conservancy, Friends monitors progress through the Verde Watershed Report Card.

Healthy rivers need healthy communities to support them, so Friends has a strong community program, too. Friends connects people to the river through volunteer opportunities and events, such as the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival and Verde River Runoff.

However, there is still a long way to go to ensure the Verde stays flowing and healthy.

River flows continue to decline and climate change is taking its toll.

That is why in 2021 Friends is launching River Friendly Living, a new program to support and recognize those who strive to protect the river in their homes, businesses, and communities.

The vision is simple: Friends will provide a checklist of easy ways for folks, be they residents, business owners, farmers, ranchers, or real estate developers, to do their part to be “river-friendly.” Once they commit to certain “river-friendly” steps, Friends will publicly recognize them through certification so that their efforts will inspire others.

That way, when you go to the store you’ll know which ears of corn or cuts of beef are grown in ways that protect the river and which aren’t. When you get a glass of wine, you’ll know the water used to make it is being put back in the river through programs like the Verde

Isaac Dudley fishing the Verde River. Photo by Max Wilson

River Exchange. When you buy a home you’ll know that you are helping the river that you love. Through River Friendly Living, Friends is charting a path that proves communities and rivers can thrive together.

Crew member clearing arundo. Photo courtesy Friends of Verde River

THE FUTURE We love the Verde. We love its refreshing waters and its shaded banks. Max loves the freezing mornings spent with his dad as they chase winter fish and the squeals of delight from his sons when they wake up to the news that today is “river-day.” Nancy loves hiking along the river, watching river otters play and bald eagles and great blue herons soar. But we are also scared of a future where the Verde is dry, like so many of Arizona’s other rivers. Luckily you still have time to protect the river flows we have, time to keep invasive plants at bay, and time to keep our hillsides from eroding away.

Friends of the Verde River is excited to bring river-friendly living to you, and we can’t wait to help you do your part to keep the river we love healthy and flowing.

For more information, visit www.verderiver.org.

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• • • • •

2020

3rd Annual Golf Tournament

December 6, 2020 7:45 am • Raven Golf Club Join us for some good fun while raising funds for cancer warriors in the community Email info@pcsnetwork.org for more information and sponsorship opportunities Text: PCSNGOLF to 44321

Make a Difference TODAY info@pcsnetwork.org 602.760.6000 pcsnetwork.org

December 1, 2020 Please join PCSN for our 4th Annual Giving Tuesday Campaign. $65 provides an infusion package for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Each gift contains a comfy blanket, exclusive HATE CANCER tee, tote bag, water bottle and lip balm.

Text: NOV2020 to 44321

OUR SPONSORS

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Holiday Gift Guide!

Corona Quartz Rare Halloysite Included aka Mango Quartz from Cabiche Unique to the extensively beautiful and quartz-rich terra of Boyaca, Columbia. Everyone who is re-awakening needs one. Activates the 7 and higher chakras, and accelerates our journey to all the planets and asteroids, and helps tap into the collective truth. These crystals are excellent to meditate with if you feel a strong calling to them. Blessed be - $25 and up depending on size at www.serenity-rocks.com.

Matcha Tea Set from MatchaKari In 2007, Dr. Andrew Weil M.D. and André Fasciola fell in love with traditional matcha on a business trip to Japan. With a shared mission to expand the reach of the product—and to speak on its undeniable health benefits—the duo founded MatchaKari, with the hope of providing an experiential alternative to coffee and sugary drinks to American consumers.

MatchaKari is rooted in the belief that good matcha should be accessible anywhere in the world—and they maintain this belief by only importing products that meet the company’s standards for color, aroma, and flavor. Dr. Weil, a cofounder of the brand, prefers to start the day with matcha because he appreciates the matcha’s: Beautiful color. Aroma. Complex rich taste.

“Also, I like the ritual of drinking matcha. It is a relaxing and meditative time for me and I know I’m getting the health benefits from it,” says Dr. Weil.

Matcha Tea Set $139.00

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For more information on MatchaKari, visit www.matcha.com. You can also follow along with the brand on social media at @matchakari

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Activ Intimates Playette Bodysuit As sexy as it is comfortable, Activ Intimates Playlette bodysuit is beautifully designed and thoughtfully made to love confidently—all night long. Modeled by Emily Ortiz. Photographed by Steven Fellheimer. Shop the Activ Intimates collection at www.activintimates.com.

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Holiday Gift Guide!

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Good, Clean Fun Sapone Brothers Handmade Soap makes its luxury artisan bars of soap, beard balms, and body butters out of all-natural and pure ingredients like organic Shea butter, coffee grounds, and 100% pure essential oils. Some ingredients are sourced locally like organic tallow, organic raw honey, and sometimes craft beer! These chemicalfree, small-batch products are great stocking stuffers, party favors, and gift basket additions. The packaging is minimal and compostable, made of recycled brown paper and natural jute twine. The soaps come in 3 main sizes, starting at $10 for a bar, with bundle options available. To order, contact @saponebros (Instagram), Sapone Brothers (Facebook), email saponebrothers@gmail.com, or visit www.saponebrothers.com. Products also available through collaboration with primary soap model Kelly Cleland at www.kellyacleland4.com.

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Holiday Gift Guide!

Scottsdale’s Charitable Alternative for Home Décor Shopping

Custom Handmade Pens by Veterans

Got Legs- A not-for-profit home furnishings store selling highquality, gently used furniture and home decor.

100% of proceeds support local Arizona families and Veterans who have overcome chronic homelessness and found permanent housing

Priced from $20 - $50 each

Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Please consider redirecting your state income tax to support Bridging AZ. If you pay Arizona taxes you can receive a dollar for dollar Tax Credit - not a deduction but an actual credit.

You can donate toward the Charitable Tax Credit even if you donate to other tax credit programs. Up to $400 per person or $8oo per married couple.

Unique Assortment of Wood Pens

Featured- Hard Rock Maple Pens!

Handcrafted using the donated Basketball court floor from Grand Canyon University Price- $25 each

For more information visit

www.GotLegs.org www.BridgingAZ.org

Got Legs Furniture 8421 N. McDonald Drive Scottsdale AZ 85250 Open Noon – 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday

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- SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION -

Arizona’s Children Association Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) is one of the oldest and largest statewide comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health non-profits in Arizona. Founded in Tucson in 1912, AzCA provides services in all 15 counties to meet the needs of more than 40,000 children, youth and families each year.

Our children and families are particularly hit hard by recent events. In times of crisis and uncertainty, like COVID-19, one unforeseen incident can leave our families’ jobless, facing eviction, without childcare, and even hungry. In these difficult times, our families are turning to us for help.

Requests for basic needs (i.e. utility bills, food, hygienic supplies, educational materials, etc.) are coming in to our offices daily.

Our ability to fulfill the increase in requests for aid from our families is imperative to their survival. We can’t do it alone.

In these times of darkness, we have also seen light. Stories of success remind us that if we continue to work together, we can change the path for Arizona’s most vulnerable children and families – just like JC. Eighteen-year-old JC was homeless when he joined our program for young adults previously involved in foster care. AzCA was able to connect him with housing and a mentorship opportunity. He now has the opportunity to build his employment skills and gain volunteer experience at a neighborhood church. Through donations and emergency funding, we were able to purchase him groceries and hygiene items needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the generosity of our supporters, JC is now secure in his housing with his basic needs met. He is working toward his goal of employment and has enrolled in a post-secondary education program for welding.

Generosity from the community ensures that we can continue to further our mission to “Protect Children, Empower Youth, and Strengthen Families.” Statewide services include: Foster Care & Adoption, Kinship Support, Behavioral Health & Trauma/ Crisis Response, Family Education & Support, Young Adult Services, and Family Preservation & Reunification.

Your gift is tax deductible and may qualify you for the AZ Charitable Tax Credit. Learn more at www.ArizonasChildren.org.

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SAVOR

Spice

SPICE UP THE NEW YEAR

BY KYLEY WARREN

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With a new year comes new opportunities to reassess what we give life to in our day-to-day lives, and what areas we need to refine—including our own diets. Adding spices to your diet not only adds a flavorful touch to any meal, but it’s also proven to reap a number of health benefits, too.

CARDAMOM This spice is as pungent and sweet as it is complex. Thanks to its high mineral concentration—including elements like magnesium and zinc—cardamom boasts a number of health benefits, including an ability to soothe an upset stomach. The spice has also proven to act as an ingredient that can help fight inflammation.

TURMERIC This spice is proven to be one of the most versatile items on the market right now, and for good reason. Turmeric is rich in curcumin—an antioxidant that eases inflammation and can help to combat chronic pain. It also increases the body’s antioxidant capacity. Curcumin could help lower the risk of heart disease, as well as possibly prevent or treat cancer.

GINGER One of the most universally known cures for an upset stomach or nausea is to drink a ginger ale—and with the health benefits provided in ginger, it’s a no-brainer why. Ginger helps to produce a calming effect on the lining of a person’s digestive system, ultimately alleviating feelings of sickness in the process. The spice also has a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to prevent diseases like cancer.

GARLIC There are few foods that a touch of garlic doesn’t make infinitely better. Though technically a vegetable, garlic is often used to spice up foods. And luckily, it is actually packed full of more than just great flavor. Within the garlic plant is a powerful compound called allicin—which studies have shown may help to lower a person's chances of getting heart disease. Other research shows that garlic helps to combat high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Just make sure to chop or cut the garlic clove if you’re looking to reap its benefits, as allicin is formed after the cells in the garlic have been cut.

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SAVOR

Recipes

Pumpkin Spiced Sweet Potatoes and Apple Soup

RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF DEEPIKA HALDANKAR WITH EASY BABY MEALS, WWW.EASYBABYMEALS.COM

1 cup sweet potato cubes (chopped ½ inch) ½ cup apple cubes (chopped ½ inch) ¼ cup celery (chopped) 1 ½ cup vegetable broth (or chicken or beef broth) ½ inch cinnamon stick ½ tsp. olive oil or unsalted butter ½ tsp. pumpkin spice Handful of chopped walnut pieces (optional) Heat a pan, add olive oil/butter and cinnamon stick. Once the oil heats, add sweet potatoes, apple, and celery cubes. Mix this well. Now add pumpkin spice and vegetable broth. Bring this to a boil. Simmer on low heat until the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked.

Once done, let it rest for a few minutes, then transfer it to a food processor and turn it into a smooth puree. Pour this into a serving bowl, garnish it with some walnuts and freshly ground black pepper, and serve warm.

For more recipes and food-related articles, visit: www.greenlivingmag.com/savor

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Potato, Chickpea, & Spinach Curry

RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICIA CONTE OF GRAB A PLATE, WWW.AZGRABAPLATE.COM

2 Tbsp. olive oil ¾ lb. new potatoes, washed and cut into evenly sized chunks ¼ cup white onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 (15.5 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes in juice 1 (13.5 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk 2 tsp. yellow curry powder 1 ½ tsp. turmeric ½ tsp. ground cumin ½ tsp. ground coriander ¾ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper ½ tsp. red pepper flakes 2 ½ cups, packed, fresh spinach leaves Add the oil to a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat. When hot, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes in juice, the coconut milk, and all the seasonings.

Mix to combine. Add the potatoes.

Reduce the heat to simmer, cover and cook for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Add the spinach and stir into the mixture so the spinach wilts. Serve warm.

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TRAVEL

Locally

Vacations With Less Travel Locals’ contribution to Arizona’s tourism industry

BY DRS. CHRISTINE VOGT AND KATHLEEN ANDERECK

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This year has not been the year many of us expected. In the middle of March, Arizona’s Cactus League was in full swing, resorts were at full occupancy, and the weather was glorious. Some may have been on a spring break trip— which would turn out to be their last vacation of 2020. But Arizona was not immune to the virus that was beginning to make its way throughout the world, the U.S., and our state. Our ability to travel freely and do all the recreation activities that are important in our lives ended suddenly.

For the past nine months, the directive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been to stay home— meaning no vacations, and no travel for any reason. Business travel has largely ceased, events have been cancelled, attractions closed, and along with that, many summer and fall vacation plans cancelled or delayed.

Now we face decisions about holiday travel for visiting family, or maybe a trip for skiing or other winter activities. And rightfully so. With the pandemic not yet under control, we are still being cautioned not to travel, or to avoid particular modes of transportation or types of vacations and activities.

A result of this travel hiatus is an enormous impact on travel destinations worldwide. Arizona’s tourism industry is significant to the state’s economy. The current estimate is a loss of $9 billion of direct visitor spending in the tourism revenues for the first half of 2020, according to the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. This is impacting many employees in tourism and hospitality, businesses large and small, and government-operated venues such as Sky Harbor

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Airport. Tourism is hurting, and so are the people, businesses, and communities that depend on it for their livelihoods.

As tourism researchers and educators, one of the first topics we cover with students or on surveys we conduct around the state of Arizona is, “Why do people travel?” What needs or motives underlie the act of travel? The most popular motives are to spend time with family or friends, be outdoors or experience culture, meet new people, see new places, try new activities, relax, and be safe and healthy while on vacation.

While our instinct is to wander far and wide, these motives can also be fulfilled by staying close to home and taking vacations that require less travel time.

While tourism is often considered trips that are greater than 50 miles away from home, with the pandemic, getaways of any distance can satisfy many travel motives. Arizona as a destination has much to offer local residents, as well as seasonal or winter visitors. We can get our vacation fix and help our local and state’s economy at the same time. The Arizona Office of Tourism is now promoting staycations,

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road trips, and a rediscovery of familiar and lesser-known Arizona destinations (www.visitarizona.com).

Arizona offers a plethora of natural and cultural attractions that can be visited while still allowing travelers to follow safety guidelines. As a consumer of travel, now is a good time to think about taking a vacation to uncrowded places.

Be safer, more responsible, and greener by visiting lesserknown destinations, or popular places at less busy times.

Revisit some of the nearby places that are favorites.

Staying overnight can be safe. Hotels have redesigned many of their features and services to be touchless. Dining can also be safe with takeout and outdoor dining options. In the southern part of the state, camping and RV trips are an option. Airbnbs are also a popular choice for travelers, as many homes offer seclusion.

Helpful Travel Info For COVID travel updates, check the state’s website: www.tourism.az.gov/covid-19updates-2/ For travel ideas, visit: www.visitarizona.com or local communities’ tourism websites

Car trips are also popular, and Arizona has many scenic drives (check out any Arizona Highways magazine issue).

The noted leisure activities offer an extensive menu of outdoor activities.

Many museums have also reopened with appropriate safety measures in place, offering cultural experience opportunities.

This is a disappointing year for Arizona’s tourism industry.

Recovery will take time. Consider a vacation close to home, particularly if being cooped up has taken its toll; travel is good for both physical and mental health.

Recent research from Phocuswright indicates that many U.S. travelers are not comfortable going too far from home.

There are too many uncertainties and unknowns. But a large majority feel they will be ready to travel within the U.S. during the coming year. Until that time comes, dream about and plan for a vacation, either domestically or internationally, and be ready to go when it’s safe to travel. In the meantime, reduce cabin fever by taking trips close to home in our beautiful state, and enjoy the time with family.

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Some Fun Spots in Arizona • Snowbowl, Flagstaff for early season skiing • Agua Fria National Monument, Black Canyon City for spectacular desert hiking • Willcox for fall harvest food and wine • Sierra Vista for birding and wildlife watching

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DESIGN

Interiors

Spark Ways to Spark More Joy in Your Home

BY MARY HAMPTON, OWNER OF SCOTTSDALE-BASED HAMPTON DESIGN & CLOSETS

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’Tis the season for pumpkin spice and everything nice! The month of December tends to spark joy automatically when decorations go up, gift-giving is top-ofmind, and opportunities to help those in need are abundant. But when the tree gets tucked away for another year, that extra twinkle tends to fizzle out. Luckily, there are several ways to spark joy in your home all year long that require little to no budget, and a small amount of energy.

The walls around you should bring a smile to your face and a sense of peace to your soul. Walk through your home, step into each room, and if you don’t feel joy, try making some tiny changes that will make a huge overall difference.

extra pillows, important files, seasonal clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, and anything else that could end up on the floor or shoved in the back of a cabinet. If something doesn’t have a place or a “home” in a room, consider tossing it.

First, surround yourself with love! Having an item in every room that makes you feel good when it catches your eye is key. Think of displaying a picture frame that encompasses a once-in-a-lifetime memory or a rare family trip. Add a throw blanket that someone special made for you to a cozy chair. Put a fancy handbag that you worked so hard for on display in your closet. Having tangible items that are connected to gratefulness cue happiness.

Functional flow is extremely important in order to turn a room dedicated to deeds into a dream space. Specifically, the laundry room. Eliminate excuses and get things in order by maximizing storage and creating a folding station.

Add a shelf with a picture that always makes you smile, inspirational décor such as quotes, or consider a peel-andstick wallpaper in a bold pattern. These small changes will take a dreaded room designated for chores and turn it into a cool, calming place that you will actually enjoy.

Next, switch things up. When was the last time you moved the couch in your living room? Probably never. Something as simple as positioning a chair closer to the window to get natural light can make a big difference. Kids love putting their bed or dresser against a different wall. Try swapping out the chairs around your kitchen table. Mix up the décor on the shelves in the den. Rearranging rooms as often as possible will make the space feel fresh. Your brain will notice too, thus sparking more joy.

Mess equals stress. Clutter can cause chaos and anxiety. Have a spot for everything, including toys, books, art projects,

Finally, add a pop of color! Whether it’s an accent wall of tile or a pretty paint job, every color has meaning.

Red represents high energy and power and will instill confidence. Orange is joyful, warm and inviting. Yellow is the color of optimism, brightness, and a cheery attitude.

Green promotes renewal, balance and refreshment.

Determine what you’d like to bring more of into your life and home, then choose your color wisely. Follow your heart and put those fingers to work, and you will most definitely spark more joy in your home.

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TIPS & TRICKS

From the Experts

Truce be Told

BY IVY CIOLLI

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Truth be told, my family does not always agree. We value and encourage differences in opinions, but one thing we all agree upon is the cleaning products we use in our home. It has taken many years of trial and error to finally find the environmentally friendly and non-toxic Truce! While my family loves the minty clean smell, I appreciate the disinfecting, antibacterial, and anti-microbial benefits found in one beautiful blue bottle. Best of all, this company is local to the Valley!

Our home environment has always been chemical-free for our health and the well-being of our four-legged family members (our dogs, tortoises, and bunnies). Oh, and did I mention Truce’s products are cruelty-free and they have pet care products, too? In our home, we avoid neurotoxic plug-ins and chemically scented candles. As an asthmatic, my lungs and respiratory system are immediately affected by these toxins. While we can’t control the external environment and the toxins that invade our Earth, we can control what enters our home.

I’m sure most of you have heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” In my family, we believe that what we clean with and apply topically is as important as what we eat. We not only ingest food orally, but we also absorb products topically. Traditional cleaning agents are toxic and harmful to our health, while being extremely detrimental to the welfare of our environment. Everything that goes into our waterways directly affects our food sources, including crops and animals. My family strives to be the change in this pollutant cycle.

While reading on their website, I was astonished to see that the founder of Truce, Diann Peart, mentions that while in a graduate school ecology seminar, her professor told them that research had determined that the “average homeowner applies chemicals on their property at 5 times the rate of agribusiness.” This truth not only breaks my green heart, but encourages me to make a difference one home at a time!

The truth is, Truce is the perfect holiday minty fresh product line, and they use only 14 simple, safe,

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and effective ingredients that you can actually pronounce.

My favorite product is Truce’s all-purpose cleaner, which is made from ingredients that I am familiar with and trust. The formula is water, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, organic Castile soap, peppermint essential oil, and rosemary essential oil. I am a one-stop-shop kind of girl, and appreciate a spray that I can use on non-porous countertops, showers, floors, glass—and the list goes on. I am not only pleased with the cleanliness the product provides, but I am invigorated by the smell. Their entire product line is made from simple formulas that create an aroma in your home that is mood-boosting and festive. Truce truly puts a pep in my step, and motivates me to clean more—and that is not something I am naturally motivated to do!

Truce’s bottling is recyclable PET, BPA-free and 100% safe.

Once I finish their bottle of greatness, I refill it, recycle it, or repurpose it! You can find their products sold through retailers such as Amazon, Thrive Market, and Sprouts Farmers Market. Or, you can shop directly on their website at www.truceclean. com for larger quantities, or the gallon jugs of all-purpose cleaner concentrate. I appreciate the fact that they are trying to be more efficient and less wasteful. By switching to selling only cases, they reduced their shipping waste by 50%!

The truth of the matter is, Truce has won our green hearts! So as we search for armistice outside of our home, we can always count on Truce products for peace of mind when it comes to trustworthy cleaning products. May we all stay true to our planet this New Year with TRUCE!

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She’s GREEN He’s GREEN

BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART

Practical Gifts Even though the holidays may be different this year, you can still show love and appreciation to loved ones from afar. Who doesn't love mail? It's the perfect year for holiday cards! Maybe we'll actually get them out this year. Or, if you're looking for a small gift to send in the mail, or even just something for the home, read on, friends. We may have a few earth-friendly ideas up our ugly-sweater sleeves.

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He said: This box of tea was perfect for the indecisive types because it has two types in one box. The blueberry lavender had a nice tart zing to wake you up in the morning, and the rose chamomile was floral and mellow to put you to bed. This worked perfectly for us because I liked the rose and Jen liked the blueberry.

She said: Both of these teas were delicious! Daily Beauty was a tasty blueberry whether iced or hot, and a beautiful purple color. Beauty Sleep had me falling asleep in my book shortly after.

That chamomile works wonders! Loved the blush pink color, but the rose flavor was interesting—something I associate with soaps and perfumes. Still a great cup of tea!

He said: What a cool thing! I would've stopped buying paper filters a long time ago had I known these existed.

The stainless steel mesh did a great job filtering; I didn't find any grounds in my cup. We rinse it out and then store it back in the pour-over dripper. Superior to paper filters in every way.

She said: I can finally stop buying paper filters, hooray! This reusable filter is such a simple earth-friendly, money-saving switch. My coffee tasted delicious, and clean-up was easy. A no-brainer gift for a loved one, or yourself!

He said: No review of ours would be complete without some sparkling wine... oh my god, quarantine is turning me into a lush! This sparkling wine had a bright apple and citrus flavor, with a fairly complex floral finish. Normally I think of proseccos being a little sweeter, but this was still a tasty beverage.

She said: Sparkling wine is becoming a favorite in our house. Every day is a gift, right? No need to wait for a special occasion to break out the bubbly. This was bright, crisp, and acidic, not too dry, a little fruity, and organic. Just the way I like it!

Kikkerland iridescent travel straw set He said: I'm guaranteed to lose this straw in about two days. This was super compact and convenient, so find a special place to keep it. It did have a small air bleed (bubbles in the straw when drinking) which was annoying, but not bad enough to outweigh its eco-friendliness. I suspect the bleed will get worse over time, so be gentle with this one for sure.

She said: I loved the little case, which fit neatly in my pocket, purse, or glove box. It's hardly bigger than a lighter (also, stocking stuffer!). The concept of a telescoping straw and cleaning brush is pretty genius, but the brush collapsed when I cleaned the straw (moving parts) and the straw was not airtight. It still worked well enough, but I may look for a different brand.

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of inspiring interest in and building knowledge of STEM around Arizona

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GREEN

Scenes

Dec/Jan Events Throughout Arizona

CENTRAL ARIZONA Through January 8, 2021 Vertuccio Farms Presents Lights at the Farm

December 3 Creating a Healthy, High-Performance and Energy-Efficient Home

Bring your whole family for a cheerful evening at Vertuccio Farms. You can experience a variety of food, including sweets and s’mores. There are beautiful displays, including a nativity set and a giant snowman. You can enjoy activities such as skating, mazes, mini golf, and a photo booth. The farm will be open from 5:30-10 p.m. Admission prices are $10 online, $12 at the gate, and free for guests ages 2 and under. To learn more, visit www.visitmesa.com/ events/vertuccio-farms-presents-lights-at-the-farm/

Recurring on Thursdays through December 30 Scottsdale ArtWalk

Learn about energy-efficient building design during this webinar, part of the Scottsdale Green Building Education Series. The presentation is led by Daran Wastchak, president of Learning Edge, LLC, a professional with an extensive background in energy efficiency. Learn how you can take steps to improve the comfort and ecological impact of your own home. This event will take place at 6-8 p.m. Registration is free. For more information, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/green-building-program

December 19 Waking up with the Butterflies Enjoy this opportunity to spend a moment with mesmerizing butterflies as they wake up at Butterfly Wonderland. This is a great time to practice photography skills and enjoy the beautiful rainforest habitat. Social distancing and masking will be enforced.

This event will take place from 8:15-9:30 a.m. Prices are $30 for public, and free for members. Must be at least 18 years of age to join. For more information, visit www.butterflywonderland.com/ special-events/#waking

Take a leisurely stroll through Scottsdale’s Old Town Art District, and wander over 100 art galleries, viewing art from Arizona and around the world. The walk goes from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more at www.experiencescottsdale.com/event/ scottsdale-artwalk/362957

Recurring on Saturdays Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market Experience a delicious variety of locally grown foods including meats, cheeses, jams, and organic and pesticide-free produce!

The market is open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.experiencescottsdale.com/event/oldtown-scottsdale-farmers-market/366396/

BUSINESS December 3

December 10

Green Finances

Community Networking

Part of the Sip + Connect series from AZ Green Chamber. The virtual session will include a variety of speakers, and will be led

by Robin Reed, president & CEO of the Arizona Black Chamber.

Connect and discuss finances with your community. There’s an opportunity to purchase sponsorship for your business. This event will take place from 5-6:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.azgreenchamber.org/event-3933134

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Part of the Sip + Connect series from AZ Green Chamber. Share and discuss the highs and lows of your business and family during this virtual meeting. Breakout rooms will be established to achieve more personal discussions. This event will take place from 5-6:15 pm. For more information, visit www.azgreenchamber.org/event-3948459

NORTHERN ARIZONA

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Recurring Monday through Thursday

Through January 3, 2021

Sedona Community Food Bank

Tucson Botanical Gardens

While the holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate your life and accomplishments, not everyone has such good fortune.

This season, give back to your community at the food bank— volunteers can contribute by sorting, preparing, and distributing food. Must fill out application. Possible volunteer times run from 7:45-11:30 a.m. To learn more and get involved, visit www.sedonafoodbank.org/volunteer.html?page_id=69

Join this outdoor exhibit to observe an assortment of 13 distinctive birdhouses and nests, created by 13 different artists.

The exhibit will be open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every day, as well as 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays. Price is included with admission: $15 for adults, $13 for students, seniors, and military; $8 for ages 4-17; free for guests under 4 years of age. Free for members, except the nighttime admission, which is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Learn more at www. tucsonbotanical.org/event/bird-houses-nests/

Through January 9, 2021 Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest

Recurring on Wednesdays

The availability of water in the Southwest is a complex and fascinating topic, with conservational and cultural ramifications.

As the climate changes and populations increase, it will only become more complicated. Head to Coconino Center for the Arts to view the works of nine Arizona-based artists, enjoy their perspectives, and learn about the issue. Admission is free, but visitors must sign up in advance. Available times are listed on the website. For more information, visit www.flagstaff365.com/ event/parched-the-art-of-water-in-the-southwest-3/

Heirloom Farmers Markets—Green Valley

Dec 4, 5, 8-12 Every Christmas Story (And Then Some!)

If you’re longing for a Christmas play with some variety, this might be the one for you. Enjoy this eclectic collection of stories and carols presented by The Collective Sedona. Precautions, including distancing and masking, will be enforced. The play runs from 7-9 p.m. Admission price is $25. For more information, visit www.visitsedona.com/events-calendar/every-christmas-storyever-told-and-then-some/

December 5 Holiday Candy Cane Lane Drive-Thru Light Display Looking for a beautiful, festive show that you don’t have to leave your car for? Visit this collection of 49 dazzling light displays, including trees, candy cane poles, and a lighted tunnel. There are also opportunities to meet law enforcement agencies and to vote on your favorite exhibit, bring a letter to Santa Claus, and donate toys. This event will run from 6-9 p.m. Admission price is $10 per car. For more information, visit www.flagstaff365.com/event/ holiday-candy-cane-lane-drive-thru-light-display/

December 5 Virtual Salve Making Does the winter weather have your skin drier than usual? Join herbalist Mike Masek in a live video presentation, where he will lead you through two methods of creating your own salve. This virtual event is sponsored by Flagstaff’s Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and will run from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Prices are $30 for the general public, and $25 for Willow Bend members. For more information, visit www.willowbendcenter.org/adult-education/

Explore a variety of delicious home-grown foods, local crafts, and jewelry, while enjoying live music. Health precautions, including social distancing, masking, and frequent hand washing, will be enforced. Admission is free. The market is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, visit www.visittucson.org/event/ heirloom-farmers-markets-green-valley

December 12 Christmas Lighted Parade and Crafts Fair Get in the holiday spirit with this fun, family-friendly event. Begin by browsing a festive assortment of crafts and food, then stay to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree, the nativity scene, and the lighted parade. Better be nice... Santa Claus will be there! This event will take place from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit www.willcox.az.gov/events/2809/

December 19 Playground Jam Sessions Looking for an exciting outdoor event for the whole family? Head over to Gladden Farms Community Park to enjoy live music and various activities. If you’d like to make an impact this holiday season, you can donate jars of peanut butter and jelly—not only are you helping others, but you can receive prizes, too. This event will run from 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, visit https:// www.maranaaz.gov/town-calendar/jamsession2-zjfgf

December 19 Cactus Chaser Mountain Bike Time Trial Need a good reason to step outside and get some exercise? Enjoy the beautiful mountains and cactus forest of Tortolita Preserve on your mountain bike. Come by yourself or invite your family and friends for an active get-together. Push yourself to see how quickly you can complete the trail in one or two laps. Registration fee is $30. Must be at least 12 years of age to participate. Checkin starts at 8:30 a.m.; the event will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, visit www.maranaaz.gov/town-calendar/ cactus-chaser

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FINAL

Word “Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose—not the one you began with perhaps, but one you’ll be glad to remember.”

—Anne Sullivan

Happy holidays, and Happy New Year from all of us at Green Living!

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