Green Living Magazine - February 2022 by Green Living AZ magazine

your conscious life

GREEN LIVING February 2022

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The Hanley Estate First LEED for Homes certified property in Paradise Valley ZenniHome: Tomorrow's home, today Invest in Outdoor Living New Electric Vehicle: Polestar

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

A New Drop of Water

Photos courtesy Durango Hot Springs

Each year, people set goals as their New Year’s resolutions. The most popular items are typically related to health and wellness, such as eating healthier, exercising and losing weight. We all know it’s not always easy staying on track with new goals. Statistics show that after six months, only 46% were still on track with their goals. At the end of the year, only about 9% of the determined actually felt like they met their goals. If you live in the warmer part of the nation, some of you may be enjoying swimming in a pool or soaking in a spa. Even though swimming is a great way to exercise (and probably one of the best ways to exercise), it also comes with some pitfalls. Exposure to an abundance of different chemicals used to treat that body of water isn’t exactly healthy. Unfortunately, there are many chemicals used in a swimming pool that cause numerous health issues. Since our skin is the largest organ on our bodies, it is capable of absorbing many of those chemicals. Just talk to some of the top swimming athletes, coaches and swim school instructors and you’ll get a much better perspective. At Exceptional Water Systems, we specialize in treating water naturally by utilizing the elements of life. The most common elements we use are oxygen, ozone and carbon dioxide. These powerful elements provide one of the healthiest swimming experiences you’ll ever have. Swimming in highly oxygenated water utilizing “Ultra-

Fine Bubble” technology gives you a super-soft feel to their skin and you will feel as if you just stepped out of the shower. You’ll feel better knowing that ozone is the strongest natural disinfectant and oxidizer on the planet. It is the one element that keeps the air we breathe safe and clean on a daily basis. Utilizing it for water treatment is 20 times stronger than chlorine and 10,000 times more efficient at killing microorganisms that are harmful to us. The beautiful part about using it in water is that there are NO chemical byproducts. Once the ozone is done disinfecting and oxidizing the water it goes back to being oxygen. We utilize carbon dioxide in place of acid to maintain the proper pH in the water. When utilizing carbon dioxide it helps lower the pH without leaving behind harsh chemical byproducts. Exceptional Water Systems is determined to provide the healthiest swimming experience possible. If you would like to start the new year by experiencing the wonderful benefits of swimming in an oxygen-filled pool, we will be more than happy to assist you. Experience the Exceptional Water Systems difference in water quality and you’ll find there is just no other substitute. For more information on how we can help you with your pool system, please contact us at www.exwsystems.com or call us at 480-694-4709.

Utilizing natural elements to balance water. We are committed to making water pure.

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CONTENTS

February 2022

GOOD

12 14 16

Star Power: Earthshot Prize Creating solar alternatives

New Day’s Lyric

Amanda Gorman’s inspirational poem

See the World Through a Different Lens Films that make a difference

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

18 At Home with Nature 20 Forest Bathing

Toss technology for the great outdoors One with nature

STYLE

22 Mylo

Mushroom-made leather

HOME

24 Reduce your Carbon Footprint 30 The Greenest Home Goods Changes you can make today Decorate green

40 32 The Hanley Estate 36 ZenniHome 40 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 43 Moongate in Sedona

An award-winning sustainable home

LEED for Homes certified

Tomorrow’s home, today

There's no time to waste

About the cover: This 17,000-square foot rural Mediterranean estate, includes a stand-alone guest house and casita. It was the first “LEED for Homes” certified property in Paradise Valley and one of the largest LEED-certified homes in Arizona.

GR E E N L I V I N G

44 Be a Vegan, at Times

Recipes from cookbook author, Jessica Seinfeld

48 Valentine’s Cocktails

Add some spice to your love life

FEATURES

SAVOR

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DESIGN

52 Wellness Design Trends Future of 54 The Residential Design

Healing begins with our personal spaces

Vertical living in Arizona

56 Why Invest in Outdoor Living? Tips from a landscape architect

TECHNOLOGY

58 The Polestar Experience The latest EV on the market

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 4 6 8 10 62

Editor’s Note Contributors On the Web Event Recap Cool Outrageous Stuff Green Scenes

architecture

l if es t y le

inspiring living

a r c h i t e c t u r e your l i f e s thome. y le Reimagining

inspiring living 6900 east camelback road suite 400 scottsdale, arizona 85251 P 602 604 2001 F 480 874 7084 www.candelariadesign.com

EDITOR'S

Note

Contributors Welcome to Green Living’s Home edition. One of the most iconic movie lines of all time comes from “The Wizard of Oz,” when Dorothy was instructed by Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, to "Click your heels together three times and say 'There's no place like home, and you'll be there.’"

For most, our home has been our safe haven, our place of comfort and our refuge— especially over the past two years. Many people have relocated to other places, redecorated their homes, remodeled their indoor and outdoor spaces, and created home office spaces. We can all agree, for the most part, that there has been no place like home. Home is the physical place where we live—our place of shelter. It’s also the city and the state that we refer to as home. Oh, and let's not forget planet Earth. Have you ever thought about why we don’t mention Earth as our home? Well, for one, if you did say, Earth is my home when asked where you live, people would think you were from another planet, and unfortunately, not this one. As a part of Green Living’s mission, it is important to us to educate and inspire our readers. As we explore new ways to live a sustainable and eco-conscious life, it’s our responsibility to deliver stories that will create thought-provoking conversations with the sole intention that together, we will save our planet.

Barbara Kaplan, writer Barbara is the past president of the International Furnishings and Design Association & Women At The Top, Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Her company, Design Dimensions, has been in business for over 25 years. Barbara has had her own column in the Tribune family of newspapers and the City Sun-Times. She has appeared in magazines, HGTV, and other television and radio programs. Barbara has presented seminars about The Bajaro Method and certified design professionals in The Bajaro Method.™

One of the most intriguing stories in this issue is about ZenniHome, tomorrow’s home, today. Our Publisher, Dorie Morales, told me about this transformative home building company. I watched her interview with Bob Worsley, a former Arizona State Senator, entrepreneur and founder of ZenniHome. These 640-square foot shipping containers are solar-powered, energy-efficient and are intended to cut our carbon footprint. They will be manufactured in the U.S. and constructed on an assembly line—just like cars are today. From the moment you order your new home, it will be shipped to your site and set up in a matter of weeks. All you need to bring is your suitcase, a toothbrush and a few other essentials. Additionally, within the pages of this month’s issue, you will travel around the globe exploring places like Antarctica and Vietnam, through “Docs that Make a Difference,” a series of documentaries that will be shown this month at the 28th Sedona International Film Festival. If you haven’t bought a ticket yet—you should. Jessica Seinfeld, author of “Be a Vegan, at Times,” sent us a few recipes to try. In celebration of our home edition, we’ve featured several stories from a few of Arizona’s best architects, interior designers and landscape architects. We hope that you enjoy Green Living’s Home edition. … Now where are my ruby slippers?

Carol

Carol Kahn Managing Editor

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Adriana Bachmann, writer Adriana is a corporate communications professional by day and a green lifestyle blogger by night. Convinced that there is an undeniable connection between mind, body and earth, she became a certified Ecospirituality Coach to teach others how they can use nature to nurture and heal themselves. During her free time, Adriana volunteers with Arizona Sustainable Apparel Association as the VP of Marketing, spreading the sustainable fashion gospel. Learn more about Ecospirituality by following her blog on Instagram at @earthmommatrainee and online at www.earthmomma.co.

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PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS ART DIRECTION & DESIGN DESIGN & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

Dorie Morales Carol Kahn Alexandra DiPeri Sly Panda Design Maja Peirce Corinna Houston

CONTRIBUTORS Dennis Andres Adriana Bachmann David Brown Amanda Hooten Barbara Kaplan

Sarah McLean Maja Peirce Stephan Richter Mary Stanger Ryan Trudell

ADVERTISING SALES Julie Baum - julie.b@greenlivingmag.com Sabine Engelbrecht - sabine.e@greenlivingmag.com Dorie Morales - sales@greenlivingmag.com

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CONTACT US AT:

Subscriptions: hello@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.

FEBRUARY 2022

GREEN LI V I NG

ON THE

Web

This month on greenlivingmag.com and social media. /greenlivingmagaz

@greenlivingaz

GOOD

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

TRAVEL

Cultivating Health Through Community Gardens

Canyon Ranch

Paravel Sustainable Travel Luggage

Community gardening has a long history, and are often used to revitalize communities affected by urban decline to build a sense of social responsibility, provide nutritious food, teach environmental stewardship and create a safe place for community members.

In 1978, founder Mel Zuckerman transformed his sedentary lifestyle into a wellness-focused one. As the first-of-its-kind integrative wellness resort, Canyon Ranch combines holistic methods, treatments and evidence-based methodologies from western and eastern sources to address well-being of mind, body and spirit.

Pure excitement and meticulous planning go into most vacations, but finding the right luggage for a trip can ultimately be stressful. Worries of zippers breaking, hard cases denting and having enough space for every outfit is overwhelming at best. Green Living provides sustainable luggage choices for your next big adventure.

INSTAGRAM

ZEV is extending vehicle’s lives 3-5 years by installing electric battery conversion kits and reducing significant greenhouse gas emissions! Dorie Morales talks to Jay Ennesser about ZEV's new software, innovation center, employment opportunities and headquarters.

Jason Church, COO of Courtesy Automotive Group, discusses the state of Electric Vehicles at Barrett Jackson. Maverick Knoles, president & CEO of Legacy EV, Seth Burgett, president & CEO of Gateway Bronco and others also discussed how they got their start in the EV industry.

GR E E N L I V I N G

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PAY IT FORWARD. FOR GEN ERATIONS. There are many ways to spend your tax refund. But what if you could do something even more meaningful with that extra money this year? You can, and it’s as easy as checking a box.

Your contribution will help the Arizona

Whether you prepare your own taxes or have

Game and Fish Department conserve and

someone do it for you, mark Arizona Wildlife

protect Arizona’s wildlife. Now and for

on your tax return to donate some or all of

generations to come.

your state tax refund.

MakeAMarkForWildlife.com ildlife.com

@azgfd

EVENT

Recap

Zero Electric Vehicles Grand Opening in Gilbert, Arizona On January 28, ZEV celebrated its grand opening at their 103,000-square foot, state-of-the-art electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Gilbert. A crowd of about 100 people gathered to view the vehicles and facility. A ribbon cutting ceremony and pancake breakfast took place at the new headquarters with ZEV President Jim Maury, CEO Carolyn Maury, ZEV Co-Founder Charles Maury, Mayor of Gilbert City, Brigette Peterson, former U.S. Representative Barry Goldwater Jr., and the staff at ZEV along with Green Living magazine. Thanks to representatives of the following companies who attended the event: ASU, Care Transit, Cox Automation, SRP and SRPMIC

GR E E N L I V I N G

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Let Us Help Jump-Start Your Natural Healing Abilities ASK ABOUT OPTIONS FOR IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTING

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FEBRUARY 2022

GREEN LI V I NG

COOL

STUFF Outrageous

We Go Together Like… These thoughtful décor items go better together. Explore these perfect pairs and show your space some (eco-friendly) love this Valentine's Day!

Coasters & Mugs It’s time to upgrade these common household items into impactful alternatives! Natural Home creates sustainably harvested coasters from cork, a renewable and biodegradable material. Their simple design guarantees to blend into any home aesthetic and prevent those pesky moisture rings or general water damage from impacting your furniture. Their products are made with nature in mind, and they aim to make eco-friendly living more affordable for the everyday consumer. United by Blue offers the perfect pairing with their unique ceramic stoneware mugs, artfully crafted for your morning cup of joe. They prioritize ethical manufacturing and sustainable materials with all their products and commit to removing one pound of trash for every product purchased.

Coasters starting at $6.99 per 4 piece set at www.naturalhomebrands.com Mugs starting at $32 at www.unitedbyblue.com

2 Place Mats & Napkins Add a natural touch to mealtime with these USDA certified organic cotton place mats and napkins from Native Organic. They’ve been operating a water-powered mill for 100 years, directly supporting American family farms and becoming the only North American cotton mill that is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. Native Organic also boasts the lowest carbon footprint in the industry, claiming to emit 80% less CO2 emissions than their competitors. In addition to meeting the highest standards, their products are made in-house and free of GMOs, chemical additives and toxins. Place mats ($18) and napkins ($38 per set of 4) available at www.nativeorganic.com

3 Pillows & Blankets It doesn’t get much cozier than this soft corded artisan duo! West Elm believes in supporting the artisans behind the products, collaborating with craftspeople around the world and investing in their communities to ensure ethical treatment of workers and production practices. This handwoven blanket and pillow cover are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory in India and reflect the mission of preserving crafting traditions on a global scale. Additionally, West Elm uses 60% of their product sales to support at least one of their many company sustainability initiatives. Pillow cover and throw set available for $99 at www.westelm.com

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4 Welcome Mats & Wreaths Elevate your home’s curb appeal with a front porch that is both natural and stylish. L.L.Bean offers a mat from their Everyspace Waterhog collection that is made from 94% recycled materials, crush-resistant and designed to keep surfaces clean both indoors and out. It’s easy to clean and dries quickly, helping it to resist mildew, shedding or fading. The mountain design reinforces L.L.Bean’s mantra that “the outside is a gift.” Complement your front door with a natural herb wreath from Creekside Farms, handmade to order with natural ingredients on a familyoperated farm in Monterey County, California. Their herbs and flowers are grown naturally and pesticide-free across a combined 20 acres of land, harvested by hand and laid out to air-dry before shipping out to customers. Welcome mat available for $39.95 at www.llbean.com Wreaths starting at $69.95 at www.creeksidefarms.com

5 5

Bath & Body Towels Say goodbye to your musty old towels and hello to a new way of drying off! Sand Cloud has developed a multifunctional towel made from 100% organic Turkish cotton that will dress up any towel rack or linen closet. From the shower to the beach, it’s light and compact design is made for all of life’s adventures. Their towels are stylish, dry quickly and are even sand-resistant for those summer beach days. Sand Cloud is motivated and driven by the health of our oceans, donating 10% of their profits towards marine conservation. Navy bath bundle available for $80 at www.sandcloud.com FEBRUARY 2022

GREEN LI V I NG

GOOD

Ideas

EARTHSHOT PRIZE - CLEAN OUR AIR FINALIST

Star Power

Teenager Vinisha Umashankar creates a solar-powered ironing cart

Vinisha Umashankar of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, proves you are never too young to help the environment through innovation. At 14 years old, her solar-powered ironing cart is a clean alternative to the charcoal-powered street irons that press clothes for millions of Indians each day. On her way home from school one day, Vinisha saw an ironing vendor dump charcoal in the garbage. Curious, she began researching the impact of charcoal and discovered how smoke causes lung disease among vendors. She was shocked to learn of the connection between charcoal and deforestation—each year industrial quantities of trees are felled to make charcoal. Vinisha’s solar-powered cart replaces dirty charcoal with clean energy from the sun. Five hours of sunshine powers the iron for six hours—a win for the environment as well as for vendors. Extra mobility means they can sell on doorsteps as well as the roadside. Built-in phones and charging points bring extra income as well. Overall, the ironing cart helps 13 of the 17 UN

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Sustainable Development Goals. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries— developed and developing—in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go handin-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Passionate about innovation, Vinisha traces her love of science to the encyclopedia she received on her fifth birthday. It instilled a fascination about how things work— one that intensified as she realized the power of invention to do good. Vinisha plans to manufacture the solar ironing cart in India and sell it at an affordable price. She wants to export it to Asia, Africa and wherever the sun shines throughout the year. Vinisha’s example shows that by innovating today, the next generation can create a cleaner tomorrow.

ABOUT EARTHSHOT PRIZE: The Earthshot Prize has kicked off 2022 with an ambitious search for the world’s greatest eco-innovators and their breakthrough solutions. Launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in October 2020, the Earthshot Prize is the most prestigious global environmental prize in history, offering $1M each to five winners every year.

every door opens a new opportunity

Over a 10-year period, at least 50 solutions to the world’s environmental problems will be demonstrated. Earthshot’s goals are to fulfill five categories: Protect and restore nature, clean our air, revive our oceans, build a waste-free world and fix our climate. While these goals may be ambitious, if achieved by 2030, it will improve life for us all, and for generations to come. Nominators from around the world have until Mar. 4 to submit entries to be considered for Earthshot Prize 2022. For more information about Earthshot Prize and how you can participate, visit www.earthshotprize.org.

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half-page ad Green Living Feb 2022.indd 1 FEBRUARY

2022

GREEN LI V I NG1/14/22138:33 AM

GOOD

Poet

New Day’s Lyric

New Day's Lyric

Amanda Gorman took the world by storm during Joe Biden’s 2021 Presidential Inauguration by reciting her captivating poem, “The Hill We Climb.” She received critical acclaim and international attention instantaneously. Gorman, a National Youth Poet Laureate and a cum laude graduate of Harvard University, is the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. She is the author of three books, the most recent, “Call Us What We Carry,” which she says is based on the emotional rollercoaster of the pandemic. Gorman did not want to do a mathematical timeline of what has occurred during COVID-19, however, she wanted to tap into the emotionality of what it feels like, what it does to the body and mind, as well as relationships with each other. It’s about going through something so dark, and yet, we still find light and the best of each other. On Dec. 31, Gorman debuted her New Year’s poem titled, “New Day’s Lyric,” in partnership with Instagram—a social media platform with over 450 million followers. A video of Gorman reciting this inspirational poem can be found on her Instagram page, @amandascgorman. To date, her melodic prose has nearly 6.3 million views. Gorman says that she partnered with Instagram for many reasons, but mostly, it has given her a platform to engage in—not only in the narratives of reconciling with grief, loss, social change, climate change—but in many conversations that occur through social media. As a committed advocate for the environment, racial equality and gender justice, Gorman likes to use poetry as a way to pay it forward. She says that her readers are her muses, and she enjoys seeing her words come to life. Once Gorman’s poetry is put out into the world, the world grabs hold of her words and recites them back with the same powerful rhythm and beauty she intended.

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May this be the day We come together. Mourning, we come to mend, Withered, we come to weather, Torn, we come to tend, Battered, we come to better. Tethered by this year of yearning, We are learning That though we weren’t ready for this, We have been readied by it. We steadily vow that no matter How we are weighed down, We must always pave a way forward. This hope is our door, our portal. Even if we never get back to normal, Someday we can venture beyond it, To leave the known and take the first steps. So let us not return to what was normal, But reach toward what is next. What was cursed, we will cure. What was plagued, we will prove pure. Where we tend to argue, we will try to agree, Those fortunes we forswore, now the future we foresee, Where we weren’t aware, we’re now awake; Those moments we missed Are now these moments we make, The moments we meet, And our hearts, once all together beaten, Now all together beat. Come, look up with kindness yet, For even solace can be sourced from sorrow. We remember, not just for the sake of yesterday, But to take on tomorrow. We heed this old spirit, In a new day’s lyric, In our hearts, we hear it: For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne. Be bold, sang Time this year, Be bold, sang Time, For when you honor yesterday, Tomorrow ye will find. Know what we’ve fought Need not be forgot nor for none. It defines us, binds us as one, Come over, join this day just begun. For wherever we come together, We will forever overcome.

New Year Green Sale

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FEBRUARY 2022

GREEN LI V I NG

GOOD

Films

See the World Through a Different Lens

The 28th annual Sedona International Film Festival runs from February 19-27 in Sedona, Arizona. BY CAROL KAHN

This year’s festival features over 150 independent films from around the world. The films range from shorts, features, animated, foreign, student films and documentaries. The festival highlights, “Docs that Make a Difference,” a series that turns movies into motivation and art into activism.

These films are often thought-provoking, stimulating, powerful and allow the viewers to see the world through a different lens. Audience members come together to explore, learn and engage in a healthy discourse. Green Living magazine asked SIFF’s Executive Director, Patrick Schweiss, and Documentary Programmer, Jerry Hartleben, to give us a sneak peek of the environmental films being shown during this year’s nine-day festival.

The film spans six continents and draws on contemporary cinematography, including satellite filming, to show rivers from perspectives never seen before. Visit: www.dogwoofsales.com/river

Here are four films with four green thumbs up.

A CRACK IN THE MOUNTAIN “A Crack in the Mountain” is a feature length documentary about the world’s largest cave. RIVER “River,” a film by Jennifer Peedom, is a cinematic and musical odyssey that explores the remarkable relationship between humans and rivers. Written by Robert Macfarlane with music by Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). Featuring music by Johnny Greenwood and Radiohead; Willem Dafoe narrates the film.

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Hang Son Doong, which translates as “mountain river cave,” is located in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province in Vietnam. The national park is also a UNESCO world heritage site. First discovered in 1990 by a local farmer, it wasn’t explored until 2009 when a British expedition team rigged ropes and descended down into the crevice. Many people have described Son Doong as a lost world. It

has its own lake, jungle and even a unique weather system. In 2014, plans were announced to build a cable car into Son Doong, with many arguing that this would destroy the cave’s delicate ecosystem. The film follows members of the local community who were divided over the benefits this development would bring. The documentary also uses the narrative as a lens through which to investigate related themes such as the challenges of modern day exploration, environmental conservation and sustainability and the perils of operating as an activist in a country like Vietnam, where freedom of speech is severely censored. Visit: www.acrackinthemountain.com

12TH HOUR “12th Hour” is a visually stunning and brutally honest cinematic lament on the subject of global climate chaos and the challenges of confronting the issue head-on. Much of our population currently lives with hopeful delusions about climate change. These delusions, many of which are built in by evolution, hamper our ability to meaningfully address the problem. Our brains evolved to solve short-term challenges for our survival. Climate change is a long-term challenge for our survival. Can we bridge the gap between these modes of thinking? Emmy-nominated actor, David Morse, narrates “12th Hour” with insight from noted evolutionary biologists, climate scientists, cognitive researchers and psychologists.

AFTER ANTARCTICA This brilliant adventure film features legendary polar explorer, Will Steger, as he makes multiple journeys across both poles and experiences the most pressing environmental issue of our time—changing the course of his life.

Visionary thinkers like Peter Russell, Dr. Paul Piff, Dr. Kari Norgaard and dozens of the brightest minds in academia lay out a look at mankind: Our past, our abilities, our shortcomings and what may be humankind's final destination.

In 1989, Steger led an international team of six scientists and explorers on the first coast-to-coast dogsled traverse of Antarctica. The ultimate mission of the expedition was to draw global attention to Antarctica’s changing climate and use the expedition as a tool to renew the Antarctic Treaty, which would protect the continent from mineral exploitation. Even with his background in science and knowledge of the changing climate, Steger could never have expected what he would soon discover. This arduous expedition opened his eyes to the most pressing issue of our time and ultimately changed the course of his life forever.

Visit www.sedonafilmfestival.com for more information about the film festival and to purchase tickets.

Visit: www.12thhourfilm.com

Now, 30 years later, Steger heads out on the ice once again, this time to the opposite end of the Earth, recounting the life-changing journey that led him to where he is today. “After Antarctica” is a film about a legendary expedition unlike any other—not only were Steger and his team of renegade explorers the first to complete this historic feat— they were also the last. Visit: www.afterantarctica.com

FEBRUARY 2022

GREEN LI V I NG

HEALTH &

Wellness

At Home With Nature BY DENNIS ANDRES

The American home of 2022 boasts a stunning array of technology. From smart speakers to laptops to smartphones, untold information and entertainment are at our fingertips. Unfortunately, the same technology can become the enemy of our well-being. No longer the domain of teenage gamers alone, information addiction is an illness affecting every age group and gender. Today, behaviors that would have flagged the addiction—from waking up in the middle of the night just to check a social media account to accessing our favorite websites before going to bed—are now taken for granted. Long hours of looking at screens, however, has a cost. Excessive tech fosters anxiety, depression and lethargy. But while McDonald’s can tell us the number of calories in a Big Mac, Netflix cannot say what binge-watching a new series will cost us. Worse, beyond TV and movies, many functions of modern life—shopping, dating, gaming and foodordering—have also moved online. Putting tech down, in other words, is harder than ever to do. How can we enjoy technology without all the stress? From 1950s TV to 1970s video games to 1990s internet, the growth of tech in the home has pushed something else aside. Finding recreation and entertainment in gadgets, Americans stopped seeking it in fields, streams and forests. While we wait for tech titans to reprogram their gadget to foster health instead of suck up attention, there is an alternative. Rather than drop technology, we can simply add nature. Scandinavians have been taking this approach for a long time. In Norway, Sweden and Denmark, friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv) or “open-air living,” is supported by hundreds of organizations and tourism bureaus educating people on how to be outside, and why lunchtime jogs and commuting by bicycle matters. In the face of information overload, Scandinavians schedule friluftsliv opportunities into their calendars before anything else. Intuitively, Americans get that nature is good for us. Surveys demonstrate that scores of us know that walking outdoors helps weight loss and prevents or reduces heart disease, anxiety and depression. The lack of actually experiencing the outdoors, however, leads some to agree with Woody

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Allen, who said, “I love nature…I just don’t want to get any of it on me.” According to a study published in “Frontiers in Psychology,” and reported on the website ScienceDaily.com, merely twenty minutes in nature will significantly lower your stress hormone levels. Better yet, people connected with nature feel greater happiness and meaning and demonstrate better cognitive skills. Outside information and entertainment are the things that enrich us. As we watch plants and animals, we may be surprised to learn that they are more intelligent than we anticipated. At night, the outdoor show keeps going, as clear temperatures and low humidity make the Southwest ideal for stargazing. The more we embrace nature, the more we become aware of our own part in a global ecosystem, one without walls. The outdoors is a community that provides not only learning and diversion but also vibrant health and good fun. Discover this about nature, and there’s no need to convince us it is worth sustaining. After all, it’s home.

FEBRUARY 2022

GREEN LI V I NG

HEALTH &

Wellness

Forest Bathing & Mindful Walking BY SARAH MCLEAN

“If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you’ll come to understand that you’re connected with everything.” — Alan Watts, 20th-century British Philosopher

Have you ever been forest bathing? You’ve likely spent time in the woods, but perhaps you’ve never called it bathing. Forest bathing is a popular practice that has had its resurgence. In Japan, it’s called shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese translates to “forest,” and yoku means, “bath.” So, shinrin-yoku, is another way of saying, bathing in the forest atmosphere or taking in the forest through your senses. The formal practice of forest bathing was developed by the forestry service of Japan, where nearly 91% of the population lives in urban areas, though now it is practiced all over the world. At many of the retreats I lead, I make time for our escape deep into a forest (you can do this in sand dunes, prairies or deserts, too!) We are welcomed and become part of the forest’s community. As we take a break from devices, slow down and tune in to the scents, textures, tastes, sounds, spaciousness, light and aliveness, our intimacy with the primordial forces of water, earth, air, space and light, aliveness, harmony and peace is renewed. We soon recognize that the flora and fauna are kindred spirits who share their beauty and wisdom with us. It seems as if every being in nature beckons us to fall in love with it. There’s a growing body of evidence that the practice can help boost immunity, mood and reduce stress. One study published in 2011 compared the effects of walking in the city to taking a forest walk. Both activities required the same amount of physical activity, but researchers found that the forest environment led to more significant reductions in blood pressure and stress hormones. Trees and plants emit wood-essential oils known as phytoncides, which are antimicrobial compounds that serve as protection from insects, disease and fungus. These compounds appear to trigger natural killer cells in people, which can serve to fight cancer. What amazes me is how much nature—and it goes without saying—unconditionally loves and accepts each and every

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one of us. She is unconcerned with politics, age, religion, ethnicity, ability, what you look like or what you do for a living. She sees you as you are and loves you. As the great 19th century Lebanese writer, Khalil Gibran, wrote, “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” Our relationship with nature and the earth is beyond the intellect, it is a relationship of the heart, one that each of us can cultivate and attend to. I often make a vow to recognize the divinity inherent in every sentient being, especially the earth herself. Nature is a wonderful teacher, too. There are lessons, answers and messages everywhere. In the small, yet great, old growth forest in West Cork, Ireland, there lies a slow-moving stream that feeds into a small still pond. Walking into the magic wood and making a way down a path onto a hidden wooden bridge, one can stand and watch the water’s stillness, punctuated only by a skimming water bug or two. If a pebble is tossed onto the surface, the ripples travel far and strong, until, at some particular invisible barrier, they disappear. These ripples teach us that action can be powered by stillness. And, each one of us creates a ripple effect by the way we live; the love we share; and the vows we make.

I GIVE DIAMONDS A NEW LOVE STORY

COULD IT BE YOURS?

ALEXANDRA BROOKE JEWELRY DESIGNS www.abrookedesigns.com 303 870 7791

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STYLE

Textiles

Mylo

Let’s Unleather Together BY MAJA PEIRCE

Leather is notoriously difficult to replace with a vegan and environmentally friendly textile. But an up-and-coming textile manufacturer, Bolt Threads, might just have the solution: Leather made of mushrooms. It’s described as being “everything you love about leather, without everything you don’t.” Bolt Threads, a company driven to find the future of high-performance materials, engineered mycelium into a sustainable bio-based leather substitute known as Mylo.

and trend cycles rise, spawning young designers desperate to find ways to slow the impact their products have on the planet. Eco-textiles have become increasingly popular and brands pour efforts into scientific experimentation with various new materials. Such is the case with Mylo.

Mycelium and other fungi predate humans by millions of years. The mycelium can best be described as the roots of a mushroom that has sprawled beneath the ground we walk on. This nexus of fungal threads breaks down organic matter and provides nutrients to plants and trees every day. With the recent release of “Fantastic Fungi” on Netflix, many are learning about the multifaceted wonders of mushrooms and their mycelium, from health benefits, to sustainable decomposition of waste and, surprisingly, fashion. As an industry, fashion is known to leave its wake of environmental damages as fast fashion purchases

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Frayme Mylo bag on the runway. Photo courtesy Stella McCartney

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The process of producing Mylo takes less than two weeks and begins with mycelium cells grown on beds of renewable, organic matter. Billions of cells grow and create an interlaced 3D network which is then processed using Green Chemistry principles and emerges as a soft, supple textile. Mylo is then tanned and dyed to become the material that sparked the “mushroom leather” movement. The 100% renewable energy-powered agriculture facility that mycelium is grown in and the significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions makes this material an up-and-coming sustainable textile to work with.

The scientists behind Bolt Threads now work with their Mylo Consortium, a group of world-renowned brands that invest in meaningful innovations, such as Adidas, Lululemon and Stella McCartney. These companies were chosen for their product quality, global reach and devotion to innovation. Stella McCartney was there at Mylo’s inception and has been an integral part in collaborating innovative technology with high fashion. Their first constructed Mylo project was a bustier top and utilitarian trousers from panels of Mylo laid on recycled nylon scuba. Some time later, McCartney presented The Frayme Mylo, a bag inspired by the Falabella tote that reinvigorates brand codes while progressing into the realm of sustainability. The Frayme was part of her fungi-inspired Summer 2022 collection and was the first ever Mylo bag to walk the runway at Paris Fashion Week. Adidas introduced the first-ever shoe made from Mylo in April 2021. To showcase the extent of innovation, Adidas constructed their most iconic pair of sneakers, the Stan Smith, out of Mylo. The fresh take on a classic style enables Adidas to demonstrate Mylo’s ability to substitute for longstanding leather fan favorites.

Lululemon Mylo Yoga Mat. Photo courtesy Bolt Threads

product to use Mylo as something other than a substitute for leather. The mat, made from undyed Mylo strips, plays with varying woven patterns to guide hand and feet placement during practice. The collection also includes a yoga mat bag and duffel that showcased Mylo features such as zippers and braided handles.

Designing the iconic Stan Smith with Mylo. Photo courtesy Adidas

“By creating the iconic Stan Smith with a Mylo material upper, Adidas is demonstrating the far-reaching potential of this innovative material,” VP of Product at Bolt Threads Jamie Bainbridge said. “We are thrilled to be working with Adidas in the kind of development partnership that makes innovation a reality. Mylo has the strength and performance it does today thanks to the guidance and deep technical expertise of the Adidas team in making great footwear.” Lululemon proved Mylo is not just for the fashion community and designed a Mylo yoga accessory collection that includes a concept yoga mat. This yoga mat is the first

“As a premium athletic brand, having innovative and proprietary fabrics and other materials that help guests feel their best to perform their best is something we’re proud of,” said Sun Choe, chief product officer at Lululemon. “Sustainable innovation will continue to play a key role in the future of retail and product, and for us, leveraging a material like Mylo demonstrates our commitment to creating a healthier environment through lower-impact products, while also giving us the ability to reimagine iconic pieces in our line through a sustainability lens.” From high-fashion brands to athletic brands to street wear, Mylo is proving itself versatile and significantly better for the environment than classic leather. It will be interesting to see how it trickles down to become an accessible textile alternative to leather for everyone. Of course, innovations need the global reach and quality production of higher end brands to connect with their audience. However, it will be exciting to see how technology such as this is also used to empower people in all fashion markets to make sustainable and eco-friendly choices in their wardrobe and beyond. FEBRUARY 2022

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HOME

Improvements

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Changes you can make at home today BY ADRIANA BACHMANN

If you were to look up the term “carbon footprint calculator” in a search engine right now, you would be met with a slew of websites offering to help you quantify your carbon impact on the planet. And when you’ve finally finished the questionnaire, it can be hard not to feel overwhelmed by the numbers that you see. What does it mean that my household electricity accounts for 26,525 lbs of carbon per year? What does it mean that the car I drive to work accounts for 9,075 lbs of carbon per week? What does it mean that the average waste emissions for an American household of two people is 1,383 lbs? And I produce HOW much? That can’t be right! So you use a different calculator—you know—for a second opinion. Except this other calculator includes carbon emissions produced by your consumption of goods and services, along with everything else. Then the unthinkable happens: You’re faced with an even larger number.

adopting more sustainable practices can often make a positive difference in your outlook, since living more in line with your personal values can help you cultivate your sense of self. Taking action, no matter how small, can also help reduce anxiety by making you feel like you’re contributing to the solution and not the problem. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified transportation, energy use and waste disposal as some of the top contributors to a household’s emissions. You can start the process of reducing your carbon footprint by identifying which of these three categories you want to focus on first.

Cue the crippling eco-anxiety and regret for your carbon impact. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by Yale University found that an all-time record of 70% of Americans are worried to some degree about climate change. That’s nearly three quarters of the third most populated country in the world. It’s easy to judge yourself harshly for lifestyle practices that contribute to climate change, and feelings of guilt and shame for your impact go hand-in-hand with feelings of powerlessness. So what can you do to help ease this eco-anxiety? Working towards reducing your carbon footprint and

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TRANSPORTATION One of the most effective ways to begin thinking about how to reduce your carbon footprint is to consider how much, and how often, you travel. Try taking other modes of transportation such as a train, bus or better yet, ride a

bike. If you still need to drive a car to get around (since not everyone has access to a robust public transportation system), consider these tips for making your trip more eco-friendly: • Regularly service your car to keep it working efficiently • Check your tires to make sure the tire pressure is not low • Use cruise control on long drives • Be gentle with the gas pedal • Carpool as often as possible

ENERGY USE Homes use large amounts of energy for heating, cooling, lighting and many other functions. Making even small changes to these functions can make a big difference. Consider the following: • Turn down the heat and water heater

up in landfills and incinerators. The goal is to reduce the amount of solid waste that goes to the landfill, which in turn will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from their decomposition. Here are some tips: • Reduce your consumption of products • Reuse or repair items before throwing them away • Recycle any paper, plastic, aluminum or steel

• Turn off lights and unplug appliances when not in use

• Lower your food waste by freezing leftovers and eating them

• Use a laptop versus a desktop computer

• Compost the food you are not able to consume

• Replace incandescent lights with LEDs • Choose renewable energy when possible

WASTE DISPOSAL According to the EPA, Americans generate about 258 million tons of trash a year, 169 million tons of which ends

While you’re working on reducing your carbon impact, try your best not to get overwhelmed. As you start making changes, you’ll realize there are hundreds of things you can do to live a little more sustainably. The key is to pick your battles and work on the things that get the most return from your efforts. You can’t do it all, but you can do your best.

Let us design the perfect trip to help reduce your carbon footprint. Book a trip and mention Green Living magazine get a free travel guide.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

What Are You Giving Up by NOT Going Solar?

When homeowners are considering solar energy to power their home, they are often focused on one thing: “How much does solar cost?”

The real question to ask is, “What would the electricity from your utility cost you for the next 25 years vs. that same typical warranty period for the solar system?” It is important to compare those costs to see where your savings can be. Solar is a clean energy, carbon reducing choice to power your home, generally at a lower cost. This is not adding something new to your budget, rather it is switching your electricity provider. Think of buying a home instead of renting one. With solar you own your power instead of renting it.

WHAT IS THE COST OF DOING NOTHING? Even though solar panels generally last longer than the typical 25 year solar panel warranty period, we will use a 25 year period to compare. Over 25 years, electric rates continually escalate. Comparing utility cost vs. solar, solar companies generally use a conservative 4% annual inflation factor to fairly estimate the long-term utility powered electricity cost. Rate increases are different at each utility. Last year some utility increases around the country went up as much as 10%. If you add up 25 years of utility payments, using a 4% per year increase factor, you will see your “Cost of Doing Nothing” or CODN. Let’s calculate. Figure out what you’re paying (monthly average) to the utility. Add up your last 12 months of electric bills and divide by 12 to get your Monthly Average Power Bill. Call it an MAPB. For example, using a $150 per month MAPB for 25 years with a 4% annual increase, you could get your financial calculator out and plug all of that into a formula and get $74,962.63. Or, you could use the following simple formula for a fun quick CODN estimate!

CODN = MAPB / 2 X 1000 If your MAPB is $150 per month, this formula of $150 / 2 x 1000 = $75,000. That $150 per month goes up each year accumulates into a $75,000 cost for “rented” utility power. It is shocking how much it adds up exponentially. The utility payments keep increasing and never end. Solar is a home improvement asset that gets paid off with fixed, lower payments (if financing it) and solar can save lots of money compared to the CODN.

There are no up-front, out of pocket costs when you finance solar. Importantly, one of the other key considerations is the JOY of knowing that you are reducing your carbon footprint. The savings vary because each house is unique and utility rates and plans are different, so it is important to get a specific savings estimate from a trusted qualified solar professional. What if solar cost only a fraction of your CODN? For example, what if it was ½ or ⅓ the CODN cost? That could be $37,500 to $50,000 staying in your pocket instead of going to your utility company. If you think your family deserves the thousands of dollars of savings, then go to Solar-Proud.com/Tammy to contact me about saving $$$ and humanity with solar. We can help you determine if solar would make sense for your home. Tammy Bosse is an Independent Solar Consultant with Powur Public Benefit Corporation, Designated Broker & REALTOR at Boss Properties, EcoBroker, GREEN, GRI, e-Pro, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor and the co-author of the newly released book: “ERASE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT & Save Yourself Real Money – RIGHT NOW”. You can find more information about real estate at BossProperties.com and about solar and the book at Solar-Proud.com/Tammy

HOME

Products

Shop the Greenest Home Goods

It takes time to curate pieces for your home that you cherish and bring the space’s full potential out. As we spring clean and make room for new treasures in the home, these brands are bringing you sustainable options so your home can be part of helping ours thrive.

The ReBoard Made entirely out of kitchen plastic scraps and renewable sugarcane, these BPA-free cutting boards made by Material are bound to add a spring to your step when you go to cook. It comes in a variety of colors: “Reimagined Justice” Green, “Deep” Green, “Sand” Yellow, “Coral,” “Tide Blue” and “To Pó-Po, with Love” Light Pink. $35 www.materialkitchen.com

Smart Ocean Chair Between 500,000 to 1 million tons of fishing gear are discarded or lost in the ocean every year. Humanscale incorporates almost two pounds of recycled fishing net into what they call “the most sustainable chair in the world.” The nets are converted into plastic pellets and then used to manufacture Smart Ocean Chairs. They are the first-ever ergonomic chair to be built with recycled net as well as first-ever to achieve complete Living Product Challenge certification—the most rigorous sustainable manufacturing criterion. They use Form-Sensing Mesh technology and transparent functionality so the chair adjusts to each unique user. $1,179 www.humanscale.com

Medley Gio Sofa The Gio Sofa creates a lighter look to any space while maintaining maximum seating area. With its soft curves and ample back pillows, you are guaranteed a cozy seat. Medley ensures that their wood comes from Forest Stewardship Council-approved forests, CertiPURUS®-certified poly foam which is the cleanest synthetic choice. The fabric used for linings is 100% organic cotton or certified synthetic. All furniture is finished with a beeswax polish that nourishes and protects the beauty of the furniture. $1,841.00 www.medleyhome.com

angelo: HOME angelo: HOME furniture was created and launched in 2008 by Angelo Surmelis to fill a need he had when shopping for clients and himself. His goal was to find pieces that were not only classically stylish but affordable. The line uses sustainable materials whenever possible and is always looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint (from packaging to transport) and working to make the use of green materials more accessible. Due to their sustainable properties, they also use rubber wood and bamboo when possible. The Doreen Upholstered Queen Bed offers the perfect balance of comfort and contemporary style—perfect for a main or a guest suite. $1,545.99 www.angelohome.com/

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A STATE OF MIND.

A WAY OF LIFE.

E X P E R I E N C E T H E U LT I M AT E I N L U X U R Y, C O M F O R T & D E S I G N Our luxurious heirloom quality furniture, home furnishings, and original works of art are handmade in America using the finest materials and methods of craftsmanship. Let us enrich your lifestyle by creating timeless custom furnishings of the highest quality for your home.

BUFFALO LEATHER FURNITURE • FINE ART • UNIQUE FURNISHINGS • LIGHTING • TABLES • ACCESSORIES SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM ORDERS • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING • MADE IN THE USA 7044 E. FIFTH AVENUE, SCOTTSDALE, AZ | 480.946.3903 | BUFFALOCOLLECTION.COM

Project: Sedona Moongate Swaback Architects + Planners Scottsdale, Arizona Architect: Jon Bernhard Builder: John Anderson, 180 Degrees Design + Build

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Moongate in Sedona PHOTOS BY DINO TONN

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In the Dark Sky Community of Sedona, AZ, a majestic residence rises out of the red rocks, in the moon’s shadow. Appropriately named, “Moongate” is an 8,215-square foot residence that sits on 4.4 acres. Curving glass walls are strategically placed to capture nearby mountain views and other spectacular landmarks. Swaback’s Jon Bernhard designed this multiple award-winning home.

the interior of the house further reinforces this connection of exterior and interior, blurring the lines where one starts and the other ends.

At the entrance to the home, a semicircular stone structure—or inverted moongate frames—the house and gives it its name.

CONDITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ORIENTATION AND SITE DESIGN Given the natural striations and layering in the red rock composition, the integration and size of the home is not revealed until you’re inside. This is essential to the success of maintaining a light touch on the land.

The house — two half circle wings joined by a rectangular glass box entryway and gallery—includes sweeping and graceful roof overhangs, canted just so to shade windows and balconies during the summer while allowing the winter sun to saturate the interior with warmth. Rock slabs appear to be part of the landscape.

RESPONSE TO AN EMBODIMENT OF PLACE The selection of locally sourced stone, ranging from a small 12-by-12-inch block to boulders the size of a small vehicle, allows the house to seemingly rise up out of the landscape as if the house was integrated into rock formations that were already present on the site. The incorporation of the stone on

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The architecture, while striking on its own, still takes a back seat to the landscape that surrounds it. The placement of windows and captured views allows you to be in the main living space with 270-degree views that feels like a completely private experience. Views of the neighboring houses are obscured by careful placement of trees, vegetation, landscape berms and solid walls. Every room in the house, including the bathrooms, have private views of the amazing landscape.

SUSTAINABILITY Functional and necessary components were treated in a thoughtful way, as not to distract from the architecture. • Recessed solar shades provide a functional purpose of providing privacy and blocking the sun while retracting into the ceiling when not in use, completely hidden from view. • Hidden doors throughout the house conceal the much-needed functional spaces for mechanical, audio-visual components and plumbing equipment while keeping these items out of sight. • Low-profile fans circulate air to maintain interior temperature control. • Mechanical supply diffusers are tucked behind floating ceiling soffits, concealing their presence, yet maximizing their efficiency. • The fabric ceiling not only mitigates noises from the hard stone and glass surfaces throughout the house, but it also conceals speakers and other components that typically clutter ceilings. • Closed cell insulation in roof cavities provides exceptional thermal protection from the exterior elements. • The gallery stairs lightly touch the interior stone, suspended from the ceiling by thin rods, giving the illusion of a floating glass staircase. The structural components supporting this system are concealed and undetectable. • Treatment of materials with respect to climate and use that create a narrative of weathering/aging. • The stone veneer and metal panels will age over time, acquiring a patina and weathering that will enhance the beauty of both materials. FEBRUARY 2022

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The Hanley Estate The first ‘LEED for Homes’ certified residence in Paradise Valley DAVID M. BROWN

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Respect for the desert, marquee design and craftsmanship and environmental sensitivity: Lee and Nancy Hanley’s home artfully combines tradition and energy-saving technology.

When they worked with their design/construction team on the residence just before and during the Great Recession, 2006–2010, the Hanleys wanted to demonstrate they were environmentally conscientious, without sacrificing authenticity, spaciousness and luxury for energy efficiency.

As a result, their 17,000-square foot rural Mediterranean estate, including a stand-alone guest house and casita, became the first “LEED for Homes” certified property in Paradise Valley and one of the largest LEED-certified homes in Arizona. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a green building certification program developed by the nonprofit Chicagobased U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). After years of passionate planning on the home, Lee, a Marine Corps officer and veteran, passed away in Aug. 2012, a year and a half after the home was finished. On the wall of his study are ceremonial swords, awards and commendations, including one noting Nancy’s continuing support of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Nancy met Ron Eriksson in 2018, and the two were married the following year. The couple is remodeling a smaller luxury home in nearby Finisterre. On a 4 1/2-acre-plus lot, the timeless estate has views to adjacent Camelback Mountain with direct access to the trails; in the distance are the McDowell Mountains. The main home has four bedrooms, five full bathrooms and three powder rooms; the guest house has two bedrooms and one bath; and the casita has one bedroom and one bathroom. In addition, the home features two two-car garages and a heated pool/spa. Widely honored, the home received a Pacific Coast Builders Gold Nugget Award in 2011 for the best home over 6,000 square feet and, the same year, a National Gold Nugget Grand Award for the Best Custom Home over 6,500 square feet. The couple’s stellar team included Architect Mark B. Candelaria, AIA, Candelaria Design Associates LLC; green building pioneer, Desert Star Construction (DSC); Interior Designer, Donna Vallone; Architectural consultant, Jim Smith, Serving the Nation; Landscape Architect, Jeff Berghoff; and lighting designer, Creative Designs in Lighting, Walter Spitz, principal. “We are thrilled to be working with Mark Candelaria and the same design/ construction team on our new home,” Nancy says. “The client was very intent on creating a truly authentic rural Mediterranean home incorporating reclaimed

materials, including beams, wood floors, fireplaces and doors,” Candelaria explains. “And then all new materials had to be incorporated in a way that reinforced this old rural Mediterranean aesthetic, while also incorporating the latest technology including lighting, energy efficiency and solar. The challenge was to includee this technology in a hidden manner that did not detract from the authentic rural Mediterranean style.”

DESIGNED & BUILT GREEN Each of the structures on the property received a LEED rating: the 13,982-square foot main house, LEED certified; the 2,025-square foot guest house, Gold; and the 977-square foot casita, Platinum. Individual spaces achieved these HERS ratings: main house, 57; guest house, 61; casita, 62. The Home Energy Rating System index is the industry standard measuring energy efficiency. The lower the score, the more efficient the space. The not-for-profit Residential Energy Services Network, based in Oceanside, California, maintains national standards for building energy efficiency rating and certification systems in the United States. RESNET determines HERS by checking exterior walls, above and below grade; floors above unconditioned spaces such as garages or cellars; ceilings and roofs; attics, foundations and crawl spaces; windows and doors; vents and ductwork; HVAC systems; the water heating system; and thermostats. To get started, the team razed the 1960s home, then salvaged the materials, much of it steel, and donated these to local nonprofits. Berghoff employees saved all of the original plants, trees and cacti, some of which are more than a century old; they then replanted them on the property. Led by company founder and CEO, Jerry Meek, Desert Star Construction built with 8-inch CMU blocks and 2 x 4-inch furring. The next layer is a local blend by Anasazi Stone— mortar washed using sand from the site—coats the blocks and furring. For insulation, the team installed sprayed-foam, blown cellulose and batts based on various requirements. DSC also built a ground-mounted solar farm consisting of about 39 arrays for solar electricity, which power approximately half of the home’s needs, and three dedicated solar hot water heater panels. In addition, the company installed a smart fertigation system reusing gray water and a commercial-grade central heating and cooling plant.

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Without the central cooling plant, the home would require as many as 23 traditional cooling units, explains Ryan Christiansen, director of operations for Desert Star Concierge LLC services, which has maintained the property since it was completed. “These four units in place require less space than traditional units and they last long; the ones here are original from 2010,” he says. The solar water heaters provide about 110 gallons of water; they replenish in about two hours, so even with a house full of family and guests, no one has to wait for a hot shower. “Even as the home exudes the spirit of European design, art and beauty, its heart beats strong for the future,” explains Candelaria, in his 40th year designing award-winning custom homes in the Valley and across the country. “Advanced technology goes virtually undetected, helping to make the residence 43% more energy efficient and save 67% more water on irrigation than a typical custom home.”

RESPECT FOR MANY TRADITIONS In addition to its energy efficiency, the home celebrates European antique furnishings, chandeliers and art masterpieces. “It’s rural Mediterranean, not too French, not too Italian,” Nancy says. “Each space is designed and enriched with the homeowners’ deep appreciation for European design,” Candelaria explains. “Painstakingly sourced materials and architectural salvage, such as reclaimed Belgian cobblestone, Douglas fir ceiling beams and French oak flooring, limestone fireplaces imported from France and antique hardware create a sense of classic tradition.”

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She sourced her antiques, artworks and accessories such as vintage chandeliers from Valley of the Sun boutiques as well as her extensive travels throughout the country and the world. “We took several trips together to gather antiques and one-of-a-kind interior doors and shopped in Los Angeles for fabrics and furniture,” says Niki Saulino, a designer for Vallone Design, which has been completing high-end residential and commercial interiors for 20 years. “We catalogued all of the existing art and antiques in seven volumes. Details are everywhere you look!” The home is also an intimate art gallery. Most of the artworks are by 19th- and 20th-century European and American impressionists and post-impressionists. In the library, Candelaria designed a niche to accommodate a large painting from 1889, “Wallingford Bridge, England,” by Herbert Olivier (1861–1952), uncle of Laurence Olivier, the great English actor (1907–1989). “When we were in England, we bought it at auction and became the first owners of the painting outside of the Olivier family,” she recalls. Even the architecture is infused with artwork. In the living room, Candelaria designed a coffered ceiling with 15 squares. Each one has an original oil on canvas painted by Valley resident Kim Sweet in shades of beige, light brown and gray. Among the spectacular antique furnishings are three Japanese tables and a 19th-century hand-painted bureau, also from Japan, and a fragile, aged walnut chest with scratches and scars. It was trucked to the site from a San Francisco antiques boutique and placed before the house was even finished. “The piece cannot be moved without taking it apart, dowel by dowel,” she explains.

At Exquisite Surfaces in Los Angeles, the team found an 1800s limestone fireplace for the living room. “They laid the pieces out on the floor for us to see, and it was constructed on site at the home,” she recalls. In addition, her most prized piece is a beautifully grained walnut housekeeper's cabinet from the late 1700s in the breakfast room across from the kitchen. “I picture that it was in the servants’ quarters for an affluent family,” she says. “I think about the background of where it has been and who used it. It was never intended to be fine furniture but an everyday working piece. I just have it waxed and love using it to store placemats, chargers and napkins, just as it had been used for over two centuries.” Family is a strong tradition here, too. Candelaria notes, “Among the couple’s collection of art, books and antiques are photos of the homeowner’s children, grandchildren and lifelong friends, showing that each room is made to share life’s most precious moments with those they love most.” Visit www.candelariadesign.com and www.desertstarconstruction.com/custom-home-builder/ zona-verde for more information about the home.

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ZENNIHOME Tomorrow’s home, today BY CAROL KAHN & DORIE MORALES

Imagine living in a home that is completely self-contained—all of your appliances and furniture come securely fastened in a neat shipping container made of steel. Rooms become multipurpose rooms; the living room converts into a bedroom at the push of a button or a wave of your hand. The dining area turns into an office or second bedroom. You have top-of-the-line appliances, washer and dryer, and a water system that is set up for conservation.

These homes include net zero energy with solar, lithium batteries, including superior insulation and smart home technology. This 640-square foot home feels like a furnished 1,500-square foot home. You have all the essentials you need to live a healthy, minimalist lifestyle. Just pack a suitcase, bring a set of towels and add in all the kitchen essentials. And if you have to move across the country or across the continent, your home moves with you. The shipping container can be placed on a train or cargo ship and brought to your new location. This is tomorrow’s home, today. ZenniHome is the brainchild of Bob Worsley, an entrepreneur and a former U.S. Senator [R-Ariz.] from 2012-2019, and Stephen D. James, Planning and Community Designer of eco-friendly master planned communities including, Daybreak in Utah. “We're trying to build tomorrow's home today. And tomorrow's home, we think is smart. It's connected. It's

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green—it’s Net Zero Energy. And we think that people, over time, will have to start getting comfortable living in smaller spaces that are more high-tech, that feel like they're bigger,” Worsley said. Worsley states that people are spending too much money on homes and their yards. “We come home sometimes, and there's all these things broken and so it's just nice to be able to lock and leave and go somewhere and be able to be free to roam.” ZenniHomes are built inside a factory, while integrating technology into it. “We've created robotic transforming spaces inside, so everything has three purposes, not just one. This is the idea of having multiple purpose rooms. Everything will be standardized globally,” Worsley explained. “Everything has been optimized for cargo ships, trains, trucks, to even lifting devices and forklifts to set the homes in place.” Worsley went on to say that ZenniHome would be the first company building homes, just like we build cars. The steel frame is the size of the container—no wood—and it

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goes down an assembly line. “Someday we'll have this fully assembled, fully automated and your options will be just like the seats in a car—leather or cloth or deciding what features you want on the outside and the inside.” Worsley stated that their goal is to build 500 homes a week out of one gigafactory. “No one in the country can build more than 3,000 homes in six weeks, we'll do that. So we're green. We're smart, and we're robotic.” As the factory gets up to full speed, Worsley anticipates that it will take three weeks from the time the order is placed to ship the home to the homeowner’s location (depending on where it is) and two days to set up, once it’s placed on the site. The interesting part is that all of this is happening right this minute. Worsley signed a lease with the Navajo Nation in Page, Arizona, to set up a factory that is energy-efficient and uses steel from a nearby steel company. “From the ashes of one of the world’s largest coal power plants, we are building

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a sustainable, green housing factory—one with enormous employment potential for the Navajo Nation,” Worsley said. “Our location in Page provides ample room for expansion, including potential for a future one million square-foot gigafactory, a strategic location near our west and southwest markets, and access to a highly skilled local workforce. We are grateful to the Navajo Nation for their partnership. They have been tremendous to work with, and we look forward to being part of and giving back to the Diné community for many years to come.” ZenniHome is essential for aspiring first-time homeowners, retirement or resort living, a family wanting to make room for multiple generations, for someone looking to create a rental property, or a developer seeking an answer to cost and supply issues. Homes range from $75,000-$100,000 per unit. For more information, visit www.zennihome.com.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

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SAVOR

Cookbook

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Be a Vegan, at Times

Jessica Seinfeld is the author of five cookbooks, three of which are “New York Times” bestsellers.

In addition, Seinfeld is the president and founder of Good+Foundation, a nonprofit organization that partners with a national network of leading programs to break the cycle of family poverty through the power of donated goods and services. Her newest cookbook, “Vegan, at Times,” was released in Nov. 2021. She dedicated her book to her mom, Ellen, who she says forced their family to eat tofu and brown rice before it was cool. She also mentions her daughter, Sascha, whose resistance to healthy food has kept her working like a fool. “I am grateful to you both,” she writes. In the introduction of her book, Seinfeld mentions, “Kitchens and food are just a giant playground to me. I love lots of things you won’t find in the strict vegan diet. I love cheese. I love honey. But hey—you picked up this book,” she says. “It means you are not a strict rule-follower. Neither am I.”

That should make you feel good, right? Seinfeld believes that if you eat vegan food a few days a week, you will feel better, have more energy, and do good for animals and the planet. How can you argue with that?

Seinfeld does admit that she isn’t a committed vegan. Her husband, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and her children aren’t either. Instead of convincing you to become a vegan or shaming you for eating meat, she simply wants to show you how easy it is to be a vegan, at times, by cooking flavorful, affordable, robust, plant-based meals whenever you want. “Vegan, at Times” contains over 120 step-by-step recipes that are simple to make with ingredients that are easy to find. Included are recipes such as butternut squash and quinoa soup, black bean burgers and mushroom bolognese—a Seinfeld family favorite. Seinfeld has whipped together healthy meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks and desserts including one for carrot cake. Seinfeld demonstrates how to create a basic vegan pantry filled with essential items to keep on hand, as well as sample menus for combining recipes. Green Living magazine has included a few recipes for you to try on your own, compliments from Jessica Seinfeld. Be curious. Be adventurous. And, if you are ready, we invite you to be a Vegan, at Times. Visit www.jessicaseinfeld.com for additional recipes.

Green Hummus

You may balk — but trust instead. MAKES ABOUT 1¼ CUPS

One 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas 1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley or cilantro leaves 2 scallions (white and light green parts), cut into 1-inch pieces 1 clove garlic ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste ⅛ to ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper Fresh fruit and raw crunchy vegetables for serving, such as clementines, apples, red bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots and radishes In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, scallions, garlic, oil, lemon juice, salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Puree until creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Taste for salt; you may want to add a little more. Serve with fruit and raw vegetables. FEBRUARY 2022

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Cauliflower Rice and Beans

This is a slightly healthier version of rice and beans, in less time. SERVES 4

For the beans 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped ½ tsp kosher salt 1 tsp ground cumin Two 15.5 ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed, or 3 ½ cups cooked black beans A few shakes of your favorite hot sauce (optional) ⅓ cup water For the cauliflower rice 1 medium to large head of cauliflower, cut or broken into florets 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp chili powder ½ tsp kosher salt 1 avocado, sliced for serving Pico de gallo or store-bought salsa, for serving Make the beans In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and salt and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often until very tender. Add the cumin and cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Add the beans, hot sauce and water. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until heated through. Make the cauliflower rice Add half of the florets to a food processor. Pulse several times until chopped (fine but not too fine). Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the remaining cauliflower (you should get about 5 ½ cups). In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the rawness from the cauliflower cooks out (but you still want it to be al dente, not completely soft). Stir in the chili powder and salt. Divide the beans and rice among bowls. Top with the avocado and pico de gallo.

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Chocolate Banana Bread

This was the first vegan item in our house that was unanimously approved. Full disclosure: They did not, still do not know, it is vegan. Chopping a chunk of chocolate is fancier; using chocolate chips is easier. Your choice. SERVES 8

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray ¾ cup walnuts 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large) ¾ cup sugar ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ¾ tsp kosher salt ¾ tsp ground cinnamon ½ cup dark chocolate (or chips; vegan), plus more for the top Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8.5 x 4.5–inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides (for lifting out the baked bread). Spread the walnuts on a sheet pan and bake for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant and crisp. Let them cool, then coarsely chop. In a large bowl, whisk together the bananas, sugar, oil and vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and stir to combine (the batter will be thick). Fold in the chocolate and walnuts. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the top with some more shards of chocolate. Bake for 57 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool on a wire cooling rack for 20 minutes before unmolding. Let cool completely before slicing.

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SAVOR

Cocktails

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Say Ur in Love

(Sayuri & ROXX Cocktail) Be the essence of smoothness this Valentine’s Day with a “Say Ur in Love” ROXX original cocktail. A blend of floral notes paired with a tropical pineapple finish and a soft hint of cherry is sure to set the tone for a romantic dinner at home. 1 oz Sayuri Nigori Sake 1½ oz ROXX Vodka 1½ oz pineapple juice Splash of simple syrup Splash of Grenadine for color Add all ingredients to a shaker, shake and strain into a martini glass.

Skinny eXXpresso Martini The Skinny eXXpresso Martini is both bold and smooth, while remaining calorie-free. This local combination boasts rich and indulgent notes of chocolate, caramel and roasted peanuts. A “buzz-worthy” drink. 2 oz ROXX Vodka 3 oz Cactus Licker Cold Brew 4 drops of Stevia Add all ingredients to a shaker, shake and strain into a martini glass.

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Get Ready to Vote!

It’s time to recognize the best conscious companies in Arizona with our first annual Best Of Issue coming this summer.

And we need your help. Vote for your favorite sustainable or ethical business starting March 15th. Categories and how to vote will be announced in the March issue.

Save the Date FEBRUARY– MARCH 2022

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DESIGN

Mindful

Wellness Design Trends for the New Year & Beyond BY BARBARA KAPLAN, IFDA, ALLIED ASID

People are finding themselves going inward in 2022. Into their homes and into a peaceful state of mind. Mindful interior design is becoming a focus in everyday lifestyles as a natural support to help create well-being in everyday spaces. Healing can begin with our personal spaces. Sunlight, fresh air, plants, along with other natural elements will be a greater focus in design. Our homes must be felt as a safe sanctuary to nurture and rejuvenate ourselves. This is where we have a tremendous impact on our overall well-being.

Health-encouraging elements and floor plans will make a difference, including sound privacy, especially in home offices, air filtration systems, natural light, biophilic design, flexible rooms, moveable doors and walls.

Our bedroom provides the perfect transition between rest and work. Voice controls and hands-free technology have become our companion to open and close window coverings and even no-touch is becoming a component of avoiding germs. Our friends Siri and Alexa have given us voice support as a way of life.

The impact of COVID inspired moving away from ‘open everywhere’ floor plans to more separation. When several people use a space together, there is noise pollution, odors that move from one room to the next, loss of much needed privacy and a diminished sense of cleanliness. One way to improve these conditions is to design more spaces with privacy niches, so you still have the feeling of openness without it being one big open space.

Bathrooms have become even more important as personal escapes. Toilets now play music and have special lighting effects. Showerheads recreate the experience of being caught in a rainstorm or waterfall. The power of light as light therapy has become more understood as a positive impact on our mood, lowering our stress levels, increasing our energy level, or soothing and calming us after a challenging day.

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The home will become the place in which to live a richer experience than what you were used to. This will include home fitness areas, reading rooms and media or home theater spaces. Music, lighting and shading will play a much more important role in these spaces to create different ambiances throughout the home.

Previously showing off your big screen or massive speakers was the craze, now ‘subtlety’ will be the in-thing. Speakers that deliver great sound but blend into the room; motorized shades and lighting that can be programmed to create a zen-like feeling. Screens or TVs will not be seen until commanded, reducing visual clutter. There is an increase in functionality without fuss. Lowmaintenance surfaces and ways to organize living areas that support health and well-being are strong 2022 trends. People are spending more time at home, whether adults working or kids learning remotely. Both cause homes to have more traffic and wear and tear, making it harder and critical to keep them clean. We’re going to see an interest in mudrooms where people can decontaminate, removing dirty shoes or outerwear before coming into the main living areas. Laundry areas have become more important. Some modified for the pet explosion trend, needing space for new furry friends. Laundry appliances are more functional and wellnessfocused with steam and mood-lifting colors. Laundry rooms are being designed to be brighter and more decorative as they serve more objectives. Enhanced outdoor living areas are in demand to be comfortable and well-equipped as their interior equivalents.

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With people seeking to avoid crowds, private outdoor spaces have gained more prominence amongst friends and family. Part of this trend has enhanced outdoor cooking and entertaining capacity with people preparing full holiday meals outdoors, experimenting with smokers, rotisseries and flat-top grills. They’ve discovered that today’s outdoor appliances offer a huge degree of cooking flexibility, and they’ve discovered that eating outdoors feels good, the meals taste better, entertaining is less stressful and there’s a certain intimacy, gathering around a fire pit to tell stories, or watching a movie together on a big screen TV with a great sound system under a beautiful night sky. It’s expanded our vision of what entertaining can be. Technology will also be a force in creating outdoor living environments with hidden speakers, path lighting for safety and ambiance, TVs that can withstand the elements and hide away when not in use. Motorized shades that quickly convert an open-air patio into a cozy, semi-enclosed space that helps control temps and keeps bugs out are highly desirable. Apps that control each of these make it more enjoyable and easy to use. As we begin 2022 with these new trends, be assured that more trends will emerge, giving us that peace-of-mind lifestyle that we are all seeking to obtain. Love your lifestyle now and live mindfully! For more information visit www.BarbaraKaplan.com

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DESIGN

Architecture

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Insights Driving the Future of Residential Design Gensler’s Residential Experience Survey underscores the growing demand for dynamic residential units and the opportunity for vertical living. BY STEFAN RICHTER

The past two years have reemphasized the central role of the home in our lives. Remote work creates new needs for residential design, fundamentally altering the way we experience the home. Rising housing costs drive demand caused by people moving across the country and into different cities looking for affordability, quality of living and space.

With an eye to meet this demand and attract new residents, core districts are continuously looking to densify, requiring new projects to build vertically. With support from updates to the municipality's general plans, residential development beckons for increased investment especially in and around the light rail. Among the factors impacting people’s decisions about where to live, Gensler wants to know, “What matters most?" Their Residential Experience Index unpacks this question, investigating residents’ housing experiences and asking what they value for the future.

AFFORDABILITY IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER FOR RESIDENTS Our Residential Experience Index found that the decisionmaking process in choosing where to live is surprisingly consistent: affordability, quality and spaciousness are the top factors, with little variation by market or demographic group and surprisingly little variation over time. Addressing these synergistic, but competing factors is a balancing act — and requires an understanding of the right trade-offs to optimize the residential experience while managing growing issues of housing affordability. A consideration of vertical living comes into play on both cost and environmental impact; tall buildings can be ecologically minded as they shade the ground, discourage sprawl and are inherently more efficient, using fewer resources and delivering more services to more people with a smaller carbon footprint.

WELL-DESIGNED SPACE IS BETTER THAN MORE SPACE After affordability, a home’s design quality is the top

priority. Recently, residential design has concentrated its innovation on shared spaces and amenities, but the largest opportunity lies within the unit design and experience — driving 53% of overall home satisfaction. Residents like space, but they’re willing to trade it for better unit design — especially if the design retains a feeling of more space. As a result, developers are finding new ways to optimize living space within a finite area. The most effective ways to accomplish this are unit designs that offer more storage, better layouts and reduced noise levels.

UNITS NEED TO SUPPORT WELL-BEING AND WORKING FROM HOME In creating homes that support well-being, developers will also support key needs of remote workers. Homes that support well-being are about more than just integrating the outdoors — those with higher unit safety and diverse establishments nearby are also considered optimal to supporting a resident’s lifestyle. When residential units are designed with access to natural light, fresh air and the outdoors, residents can enjoy healthier units that foster a flexible live, work and play space. For developers building residential towers in extreme arid climates like the Valley, building orientation, solar shading, passive conditioning and water conservation are design strategies that can be implemented to positively impact the operations of a building and can ultimately enhance the overall well-being of its occupants. Our homes play a larger role in our lives than ever before. To optimize the residential experience, we must find the right balance between affordability, quality and space.

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DESIGN

Outdoors

Why Invest in Outdoor Living? BY RYAN TRUDELL

When I find myself in casual conversations and the topic of “What do you do for a living?” comes up, it is always entertaining to see the responses that I receive when I mention that I am a landscape architect. People’s minds are immediately flooded with thoughts about their outdated patios and dying plant material, and the questions start to flow. What should I plant in my yard? Should I remove my old, cracked patio? Will this cost a lot of money, or would it be easier if I just move? Before I dive into any answers, my first response is to tell people to dream. Think about what it is that you like about your home. What makes it personal to you? What do you enjoy? What do you want to change? I can make all sorts of comments and share my opinions, but it is just that—an opinion. The beauty of homeownership is that you can make your own home, well, your own. It’s wholly and completely yours, full of your own lifestyle, desires and dreams. So why should someone spend their hard-earned money on outdoor spaces? The answer is two-fold. First and foremost is the fact that this is your home, and you want to enjoy

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the experience of your home to its fullest potential. Life is short, and cultivating high-quality living at the home front is something that needs serious consideration. Our homes have become remote workspaces, school classrooms, personal fitness centers, movie theaters and general ‘staycation’ locales of choice (or lack thereof). With the growing amount of time that we spend in our homes, it is imperative to our physical and mental well-being that we create healthy and positive settings to thrive. The second reason to willingly spend money on a landscape project is to increase the value and marketability of the home. A well-executed outdoor space actually carries financial benefit and value to the property. For example, a well-designed series of outdoor rooms can make a 2,500-square foot home look and function like a 3,000+ square foot home.

By simply blending the experience between indoor and outdoor living with thoughtfully arranged outdoor gathering spaces, a home can ‘live’ so much larger than the footprint and can accommodate a wider variety of activities and groups. I challenge people to think about their outdoor spaces as an extension of their home, where the indoor-to-outdoor transition is a seamless experience and the landscape becomes a series of open-air rooms. The next step—how do you wish to live in these rooms? What is your lifestyle—are you active or passive? Do you have a large family with energetic kids or do you prefer an intimate, quiet space to escape? The opportunities are endless, and that is the daunting, yet fantastic opportunity that each homeowner must consider to capture the full benefits and potential of their property. That is where landscape design professionals step in and assist with developing and refining the vision for an outdoor environment. Regarding what specific landscape amenities people enjoy and request most often, the responses are quite common and predicated around basic human needs and desires for food, fire and water. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the inclusion of a kitchen space in an outdoor environment only makes sense, and that trend has certainly been on the rise in the past decade or more.

Creating al fresco dining areas equipped with BBQ grills and other outdoor kitchen amenities have become the staple request for most home landscape renovations and new-built outdoor environments. Additionally, ample-sized patio spaces programmed with fire pits and comfortable seating have become a favorite place for families to gather and enjoy evening drinks or s’mores over the open fire. Finally, the other major item that people gravitate to is water. Whether it is a resort-style swimming pool or small garden water feature, people are attracted to the soothing acoustics and visual aesthetics of water. If you have children (or be honest, still act like a big kid) the draw towards water is powerful and undeniable. For many of us, our homes have become our refuge and central location where we spend the vast majority of our time. I encourage people to find joy in the creative process as they begin to dream about the possibilities for their outdoor environment. Create places to rest and escape from the frenetic pace and demands of life. Create places to entertain and live in community with others. Be bold; give it a personality that is distinctively yours… and dream.

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TECHNOLOGY

Electric

The Polestar Experience

New electric vehicle being produced in the U.S. this year BY MARY STANGER

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It’s no secret that the demand for EVs (Electric Vehicles) is up. The industry is increasingly gaining in popularity and is expected to surpass $800 billion by 2027. Nearly every major car manufacturer is prepping to release some form of EV soon—some as early as this spring. As consumers transition to EVs, a significant change in infrastructure is imminent. The role of the auto mechanic will become more technologically focused as more consumers move to EVs. In addition, advancements in battery technology will be necessary to help reduce battery cost and charge time as well as increase range.

THE POLESTAR EXPERIENCE Jason Church, chief operating officer, has worked for Courtesy Automotive Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, for over a decade. The dealership currently offers a number of EVs and hybrid vehicles including those designed by Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. “Every single manufacturer is jumping toward an electric offering,” Church said. “I think what becomes apparent is that it’s a steep learning curve.” Church says that Polestar is projecting huge growth and is, “well placed to take a large portion of the electric car sales” in the future.

Not only does Polestar have the clout of manufacturing with Volvo, but while others are struggling with current production constraints, Polestar dealers have managed to keep their vehicles stocked. In addition, the fully electric, aerodynamic Polestar 3 SUV, will be locally produced in South Carolina and made available to dealers across the U.S. "Production in the U.S. reduces delivery times as well as the environmental impact associated with shipping vehicles around the world. It will even have a positive impact on the price of Polestar 3," said Dennis Nobelius, chief operating officer at Polestar. "All of this makes the brand even more competitive in the critical American sales market." “Polestar is already leading the shift to electric vehicles with the Polestar 2,” says Gregor Hembrough, head of Polestar North America. “With avant garde design, technological innovation and true sustainability credentials, Polestar stands out in the industry. We are one of the only global premium automakers solely offering electric vehicles, and we want to encourage drivers to transition to fully electric cars. Polestar is serious about its sustainability goals—and that includes the fact that our cars have and will continue to have zero emissions.”

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“Compared to our current models, Polestar 3 will ride on an all-new EV platform and complement Polestar 1 and 2 with a sporty, aerodynamic SUV shape,” Hembrough adds.

POLESTAR FEATURES The new Polestar EV will come complete with built-in Google Assist activated by voice command and a safetyfocused Pilot Assist feature. When driving on any road with marked lanes, Pilot Assist can be activated with the touch of a button. The feature is designed to be used with a driver who is engaged (not texting or distracted) but keeps the car inside the yellow lines. It also includes an adaptive cruise control that Church says is impressive. “So, if a car slows down in front of you,” says Church, “you don’t even have to touch the brake; it slows down. If that car accelerates, it accelerates.” The Polestar also features regenerative braking—a mechanism that slows the vehicle down when the gas pedal is released. This way, the vehicle uses its momentum for energy that would otherwise be lost to brake discs as heat. Conventional braking systems lose excess kinetic energy to heat due to friction every time the driver brakes. Regenerative brakes are more efficient and can significantly extend the brake life on the vehicle. The Polestar 1 boasts 619 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The Polestar 2 starts out at $38,400 after a federal tax credit and comes equipped with a long-range dual-motor

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with an output of 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. According to Church, these vehicles can even handle snow. “It’s in the DNA,” laughs Church, referring to the Polestar’s Swedish roots and Volvo heritage. Many EVs are now allwheel drive, and if fitted with appropriate winter tires, are comparable to their gas-powered counterparts in the snow. What’s more, the Polestar 2 can travel over 230 miles before needing to recharge. Polestar offers the convenience of a purchasing experience that can be completed 100% online. In addition, they offer 26 retail “spaces” or showrooms currently open in the U.S., where customers can experience Polestar firsthand. Each of these retail spaces has a Polestar Specialist who can assist with the online purchasing process, answer questions and schedule test drives. Customers can even book a test drive from home and a specialist will deliver the vehicle to their residence. Polestar also offers free pickup and delivery maintenance. “We’re digital-first, meeting our consumers where they are. We’ll bring a car to you for a test drive or deliver a new car to your driveway, and we have our physical spaces for those who want to go in and talk with a Polestar specialist and learn more about the brand in a low-pressure, art-gallerylike environment.” Scottsdale Fashion Square currently has a Polestar retail space under construction which is located near Neiman Marcus and Tiffany’s. For more information, visit polestar.com.

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GREEN

Scenes

February Events Throughout Arizona CENTRAL ARIZONA February 3-24 Life Beyond Measure In celebration of Black History Month, ASU School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies presents the work of Aaron Allen Marner’s, “Life Beyond Measure. Marner’s work has sought to capture and express his own experience as an African American artist. He reflects on experiences from the last two years, such as the pandemic, loss, racial dilemmas and personal relationships. February 7-24 at ArtSpace West, Arizona Statue University. Opening reception: Thursday, Feb. 3 7-9 p.m.

February 4 Aerial Yoga Bootcamp: Elevate Your Strength Elevate Your Strength Bootcamp is a conscious program that blends aerial yoga and strength training to increase endurance, stability, focus and power. In this weekly class at 4:30 p.m., you will use the aerial yoga hammock, interval training, cardio bursts, targeted yoga stretching and shapes, and train as a group to build stronger bodies. The focus will be on bringing a variety of philosophies together so the body and mind are balanced, refreshed and strengthened. This is not your typical aerial yoga class: Be prepared to get your sweat on and burn some calories – and have some fun along the way! For more information visit www.eventbrite.com/e/aerial-yogabootcamp-elevate-your-strength-tickets-235623404947

other lines of business. The Greatest Show on Grass is also the Greenest Show on Grass? Since 2013, WM and the Thunderbirds have teamed up for the largest zero waste sporting event in the world with over 700,000 fans over the course of tournament week. With their partnership extended through 2030, WM and the Thunderbirds remain committed to making the WM Phoenix Open the gold standard for sustainable events through innovative strategies, new technologies, and a strong commitment to recycling rights. For more information on attending the Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit https://wmphoenixopen.com

February 17-27 Arabian Horse Show The largest Arabian Horse Show in the WestWorld is hosted right in Scottsdale. Exciting competitions, gala parties, educational seminars, and international cuisine keeps thousands of spectators coming back every year. Vendor booths offering jewelry, clothing and works of art are available for purchase and free family activities including “Meet and Arabian Horse,” ice cream socials, and Paint-A-Pony ceramic painting are exciting examples of whats to come. To find out more information, visit www.scottsdaleshow. com/shows/scottsdale-arabian-horse-show

February 27 The Royal Wedding

February 7-13 Waste Management Phoenix Open WM (WM) is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America, serving over 20 million customers through collection, landfill, transfer, recycling and

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Join Enchanted Dream Parties for The Royal Wedding and watch Prince Charming marry the love of his wife Cinderella. This event is great for kids who get swept away in the romantics of the beloved Disney princess film. It will take place at 11:00 am at Singh Meadows in Tempe. To find more information, visit www.enchanteddreamproductions.com/dream-parties

NORTHERN ARIZONA

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

February 3-6

February 2

Spiral UP! Women’s Retreat

Docent Art Talks: Let’s Meet in the Garden - A look at 10 artists who cultivated and painted gardens

Join Author and Master Coach Helen Racz and Hypnotherapist/ Yoga Instructor and Coach Paige Clark for a weekend of transformation, growth and discovery for your mind, body and spirit! This is an advanced women's retreat for coaches, healers and women ready to take life and their businesses to the next level! Come share your gifts as well as receive from magnificent healers and coaches. Meet other incredible, growth-oriented women and learn how to use your mind as your tool to create a life that you love. Receive group and 1:1 coaching, body and energy work that will, without a doubt, change your life forever! To learn more, visit www.allevents.in/sedona/spiral-up-womensclarity-retreat/10000174264378447

Throughout history, flowers and gardens have been favorite subjects of artists. Join us on a tour as we visit the homes and gardens of 10 artists whose floral expressions are as varied as the artists themselves. This talk will help us appreciate each artist’s relationship with nature and remind us of how gardens provide a sense of joy. Art Talks take place every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Feb. - Apr. They are presented by members of TMALearn! Docent Council. For more information, visit www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/ event/docent-art-talks-lets-meet-in-the-garden-a-look-at-tenartists-who-cultivated-and-painted-gardens/

February 3-8

February 26

Stream of Consciousness Retreat and Writing Conference Have you heard a calling to write? Is your creativity stagnant and you need inspiration? Find the voice of your story. Spend the weekend at the spa for rest and rejuvenation, participate in breakout groups with authors who offer writing tips and join everyone at a special energetic location to participate in writing exercises. Walk the labyrinth and restore your soul at this writing retreat located in the heart of spiritual Sedona. For more information, visit www.allevents.in/ sedona/stream-of-consciousness-retreat-and-writingconference/10000179049019437

February 24-28 Divine Goddess Revival Sacred Retreat for Women Join Sacred Sedona as women connect with the beauty of the land to bring the Goddess in you, out. When you connect with your Goddess, you know no fear, you know no bounds, you only walk in the essence of peace, power, love and bliss. Through Sound Bath Healing, Gentle Yoga, Meditation, Drum Circle Ceremony, Medicine Wheel Ceremony and just spending time on the land in beautiful contemplation and vortex energy, you will connect quickly with the Goddess within. For more information, visit www.allevents.in/sedona/divine-goddess-revival-sacredretreat-for-women/10000218153943317

BUSINESS February 15-17 Green Biz Amidst challenging times, the sustainability profession is evolving — with new concerns, opportunities and concepts emerging faster than ever. Join the dynamic GreenBiz 22 community of more than 1,000 professionals to explore the latest trends, learn from your peers and form valuable connections in Scottsdale, Arizona, To find more information, visit https://events.greenbiz.com/events/ greenbiz/scottsdale/2022

Heritage Fruit Trees and Backyard Propagation Class Mission Garden has heritage fruit trees of many varieties. Have you ever wondered how to grow new heritage fruit trees in your own yard? Every year in February, Jesús García teaches how to grow new Kino Heritage Fruit Trees from the ones at the garden. Learn about the amazing origins of the garden's heritage trees, how to take cuttings, and how to root those cuttings to grow new trees. All class members will go home with some cuttings! For more information, visit www.missiongarden.org/classes-workshops/ heritage-fruit-trees-and-backyard-propagation-class-feb26

February 26 Earth Gong Bath Join the Earth Gong Bath in Tucson to release, relax, renew and rediscover yourself. You're welcome to lay, sit, meditate, pray, journey, do yoga, dance—whatever feels right to you. This is your opportunity to enlist healing sound in assisting you in whatever way serves you best. For more information, visit www.naturaltucson.com/events/221184/earth-gong-bath

VIRTUAL February 24 Equity Talks: Achieving Environmental Change Through Nourishing the Planet (and Ourselves!) As the heat of the planet rises, so too does the pressure on rising generations to find solutions to heal our environment. Such pressure gives rise to a new climate-induced crisis: Our own mental health. How is climate change altering the way we relate to stress and trauma, our decisions about our future, and the increased disparities experienced by marginalized communities? From 7:00 8:15 p.m., Join Teach for America as they sit at the intersection of climate change, social justice, and mental health and discuss how we can all contribute to the harmony of our world and our own inner peace. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org/ events/equity-talks-achieving-environmental-change-throughnourishing-the-planet-and-ourselves

FEBRUARY 2022

GREEN L I V I NG

Here for you

In these unprecedented times, it is important that you know we’re committed to providing you the financial access, guidance and support you need during this rapidly evolving situation. Through digital, mobile, and by phone Wells Fargo Advisors is here and we continue to serve you and support our communities so that you can focus on what matters most — caring for your family’s health and safety.

Helping you focus on what matters most: Mark Morales First Vice President - Investment Officer Direct: (480) 419-2016 mark.morales@wellsfargoadvisors.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/mark.morales

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Green Living Magazine - February 2022

Articles inside

The Hanley Estate LEED for Homes certified

ZenniHome

Moongate in Sedona An award-winning sustainable home