Green Living Magazine - October 2021 by Green Living AZ magazine

your conscious life

GREEN LIVING October 2021

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Meet award-winning interior designer and TV personality Angelo Surmelis The Gangsta Gardener

Tells it like it is

Green Design Four Arizona designers weigh in

An Utopian Sci-fi Trilogy in Architecture: Taliesin, Arcosanti & Telosa

US $4.99

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

Equip for Success Almost all successful structures and systems are built on a solid foundation. So, if you are hoping to have crystal clear water along with a system that can continue to provide you with having this type of water, then you must have a solid foundation. One of the first things to consider is the pump. The pump is like the heart of the entire system. Nothing will operate properly unless you have the correct pump precisely selected for all the equipment tied to it. It’s very similar to your own heart. The stronger the heart, the easier it is to push blood through your veins, which makes your heart more efficient. We choose a variable speed pump which allows you to control the speed of the water going through all your plumbing from the skimmer and main drains all the way through the equipment and back to the floor and wall returns. The size of your plumbing will make a big difference as to how hard your pump is going to work which will also relate back to its efficiency. Larger plumbing will reduce the head pressure on the pump and decrease the velocity of the water flowing through the system.

So, what does that mean for the homeowner? It means that you can run your pump at a lower speed and get plenty of flow versus a system with smaller plumbing that would have to run at a higher speed to achieve the same flow. Once again, it’s just like the veins in your body - the bigger they are, the more blood they can carry efficiently throughout the body. Filtration is the second piece of equipment for your baseline of success. There are many different types of filters to choose from on the market. However, there is one very important factor to consider no matter what you choose. That factor is called the Filter Media Rate (FMR). This single factor can make or break any pool system and cause nightmares without a doubt. The purpose of a filter is to remove organics, dirt and debris from the water as they’re introduced into the pool. The slower the water flows through the filter, the better the filtration. Here’s an example: If you’ve seen a raging river, they are normally pretty murky and muddy. On the other hand, have you seen a slow, flowing creek? They are normally crystal clear, and you can typically see all the way to the bottom. You can’t ever have too much filtration for your pool system.

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

STAYCATION IN YOUR CHEMICALFREE BACKYARD Our first recommendation for filtration is utilizing a sand filter with glass or ceramic media. Sand filters require frequent backwashing to keep them clean. Not only does it keep the filters clean, but it also keeps your pool from the buildup of what is known as, “Total Dissolved Solids” (TDS). TDS is the buildup of chemicals, oils, lotions, body fluids and anything else that is dissolved in water. This also includes anything coming into your tap from the local water company. Keeping a low TDS will help keep your pool much healthier for you and your family. The last important piece of equipment to consider is sanitation equipment. There are many people today that are more focused on healthy alternatives instead of using chlorine. Some people are sensitive to the traditional types of chlorine and chemicals used to treat pools and spas.

Exceptional Water Systems focuses its research on utilizing some of the most powerful natural oxidation and disinfection processes on the planet. We take ozone and oxygen and diffuse them into the water creating Nano bubbles, or Ultra-Fine Bubbles (UFB’s). These tiny bubbles are invisible to the naked eye but provide some of the greatest residual sanitation you could ever imagine. Ozone by itself can be 20 to 3000 times stronger than chlorine and is 10,000 times more effective at killing microorganisms that can be harmful to you. The best part of utilizing this type of sanitizer is that the disinfection byproduct is none other than OXYGEN! For more information on how we can help with your pool system, visit www.exwsystems.com or call 480-694-4709. Exceptional Water Systems is dedicated to providing Healthy Water for Humanity!

Visit EXWSYSTEMS.COM to learn more! Call today at 480-694-4709 451 E Juanita Ave. Suite 20 Mesa, AZ 85204

I Turn Grass Into Wool, What’s Your Superpower? Carpets Influenced by Nature and Focused On Health Wool has been THE go-to fiber used to make carpet for hundreds of years… make no mistake about it: wool is the superior floor covering textile and it’s hard to argue with the straight facts about all of its amazing features and benefits. There has been no shortage of attempts to replicate the softness, resiliency and natural beauty of wool, however, wool maintains its spot at the top and remains one of nature’s most prolific gifts. Renewable, sustainable, naturally stain resistant and, as a carpet fiber, it often lasts twice as long as its synthetic counterparts.

Call or visit us to learn more:

602-224-5313 organiclivingaz.com

• Choose from wall-to-wall carpet or your choice of sized rugs • Made with 100% wool fibers, jute, hemp & cotton • Natural latex used for backing • No moth repellent chemicals

The Truth About “Zero VOC” Paints

”Zero VOC” does not mean the paint is free of formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone, or odor masking agents. AFM Safecoat is the leading provider in environmentally responsible, sustainable, and non-polluting paints, stains, finishes & more! All AFM products use high-quality, refined resins and raw materials to avoid the residual chemical compounds that offgas and cause problems for people with asthma & allergies.

• Paints & Primers • Sealers, non paint finishes • Caulk • Adhesive

Call or visit us to learn more:

602-224-5313 organiclivingaz.com 8342 N. 7th St. • Phoenix, AZ 85020

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

CAR-0420-00088

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

CONTENTS

October 2021 GOOD

18 Pick a Plant 20 Redesigning Water Softeners Industry 22 Furniture Takes a Stand Or find a treasure

Protect your health and the environment

Creating healthy environments inside and out

24 Green Champion

Gangsta Gardener planting seeds

STYLE

28 Breaking News in Fashion Justice for garment workers

HOME

30 Green Feng Shui

How to use what you have to feng shui your space

34 Landscaping

Design for life in the desert

TRAVEL

50 Hotel Valley Ho

Mid-century vibe with a modern twist

DESIGN

FEATURES

Storytelling with TV personality and interior designer

52 ASU Art Museum 58 Primitive Forms

What’s growing in popularity

IN EVERY ISSUE

36 Green Design 40 Sci-fi Trilogy of Utopia 44 Angelo Surmelis

Taliesin, Arcosanti & Telosa

On the cover: Featuring ZuZu located inside the Hotel Valley Ho. The restaurant is dedicated to Rosalyn Bennett Lyon, also known as ZuZu, who was the matriarch of the family that owns Hotel Valley Ho. Photo courtesy Hotel Valley Ho

GR E E N L I V I N G

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Art Inspires Change

Is it art or is it furniture?

8 8 10 12 16 60 62 64

Editor’s Note Contributors On the Web What’s Hot Cool Outrageous Stuff She’s Green, He’s Green Green Scenes Final Word

FA L L

PARADISE.

4TH NIGHT FREE. Book a three-night stay and get the fourth consecutive night free. Blackout dates apply. Not valid with any other offer. Deposit of first night’s room and tax required at time of booking and is nonrefundable. Cannot reserve more than 120 days in advance.

EDITOR'S

Note

Contributors Welcome to Fall!

Meet some of our contributors!

Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I grew up on the east coast and remember October’s firework display, when the trees would showcase their beautiful leaves bursting with colors of yellow, burgundy, red, and orange. Often we would drive around just looking at the foliage in awe, as if it was the first time we had experienced nature in all her glory. Here in Arizona, the dramatic Southwest desert landscapes contribute to the autumnal hues of red and yellow along the creeks in the upper elevations. In the lower part of the state, the saguaro cacti become the focus, framed by yellow cottonwoods. Inside our home, we’ve begun to change the décor slightly to get ready for the family gatherings, cooking hearty meals, and sitting around a warm fire. However, if you are like me, changing the décor and furniture is almost a daily occurrence. My house never looks the same when friends come to visit. However, I profess that this ritual is necessary as it prepares me to get into my creative mode! This month’s issue is all about Design. We have covered the scope of designing your home in such a way that it not only looks good, but feels good as well. We also introduce you to the Sustainable Furnishings Council— an organization that focuses on eco-friendly ways to protect our planet. Also, check out Kieran Kinsella’s unique tree trunk furniture—it is truly a work of art.

Laura Vida, writer Laura Vida, the founder of Interior Alchemy, is a Feng Shui Expert and Spiritual Psychologist backed by three decades of experience. She offers private and group consultations, workshops, and coaching to bring beauty and harmony into your life—both inside and out. You can find out more at www.lauravida.com

I had the chance to reconnect with Angelo Surmelis, a professional interior designer, TV personality, cofounder of his own furniture line and author of The Dangerous Art of Blending In. I interviewed Angelo in 2006 and remember how much fun we had then. When the opportunity came up to speak with him again, our interview was more about old friends chatting over coffee and talking about life’s experiences. I am especially proud of him for having the courage to share his story and write a book that is helping others. One of the most intriguing stories in this issue is about Telosa, a new utopian city that may one day be the prototype of how we’ll live in the future. It lends itself to a perfect sci-fi trilogy, beginning with the evolution of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West and of Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti. So, cozy up to the fireplace, snuggle with a warm blanket, and enjoy reading Green Living’s Design Issue. And… if that chair seems to be in the wrong place… by all means, move it! With gratitude,

Carol

Carol Kahn

Managing Editor Instagram: @carol_kahn

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Photo by Gary Glenn Portraits

Donna DiFrancesco, writer Donna DiFrancesco is a Conservation Coordinator at the City of Mesa (a Water – Use It Wisely partner) where she educates Mesa residents about Xeriscape, water conservation, living green and sustainability. She dreams of someday taking on a superhero persona as Xeriscape Woman, wearing a large “X” on her chest, and carrying an ironwood branch magic wand that will turn dull, grassy lawns into beautiful Xeriscapes.

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GREEN LIVING greenlivingmag.com

PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR VP OF OPERATIONS ART DIRECTION & DESIGN ASSISTANT EDITOR EVENTS & MARKETING COPY EDITOR

Dorie Morales Carol Kahn Diana Vowels Sly Panda Design Anna Dorl Avery Alvarado Michael Ziffer

CONTRIBUTORS Adrianna Bachmann David M. Brown Jennifer Burkhart John Burkhart Donna DiFrancesco Amanda Hooten

Karen Langston Maja Peirce Mary Stanger Elaina Verhoff Laura Vida

SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN Samantha Parker

ADVERTISING Julie Baum - julie.b@greenlivingmag.com Dorie Morales - sales@greenlivingmag.com

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CONTACT US:

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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.

OCTOBER 2021

GREEN LI V I NG

ON THE

Web

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

@greenlivingaz

PRODUCTS

STYLE

DESIGN

Eco-Friendly Tech Accessories

Billie Eilish and Nike Air Jordans Team Up to Create Sustainable Shoes

Salt River Project Plans Three New Solar Power Plants

Several different companies have come out with eco-friendly tech accessories in recent years, and the concept of recyclable, compostable, and plastic-free phone cases has really caught on.

This September, Eilish announced her Nike partnership, which includes two unique and exclusive designs for sustainable shoes that are 100% vegan and made with over 20% recycled materials.

The Salt River Project (SRP) is developing three new solar power plants across Arizona, one of which will be the largest standalone plant in the state, connecting customers with 400 megawatts of renewable energy.

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Green Living highlights Arizona Restaurant Week, filling your Instagram feed with stunning photos of delicious and nutritious meal deals from restaurants around the Valley.

Tiradia Cork and Green Living partnered for a giveaway— one lucky reader took home two Always Ready pouches from Tiradia and a Greenie subscription to the magazine.

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T HE F U T U R E OF AR IZONA’S W IL DL IF E IS IN YOU R HAN DS. The Arizona Game & Fish Department provides critical on-the-ground conservation work to ensure wildlife is around for this and future generations. And we do it all without a single penny from the Arizona general tax fund. Our funding sources are limited, and your donation can help save lives. Become a conservation member today.

JOIN OUR MISSION: AZWILDLIFEHERO.COM/MEMBER WHEN YOU GIVE , YOU AL SO RECEIVE .

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WHAT’S

Hot

Unique Antiques Across Arizona Stop and shop at top consignment and antique stores BY ANNA DORL

Antiquities Warehouse

Designing a home with brand-new furniture can be quite expensive. However, hunting for old things to make new again can be more intriguing. Consider curating your home with unique one-of-a-kind items that would be conversational and sustainable at the same time. Take a look at Green Living's list of the top consignment and antique shops across Arizona. SWEET SALVAGE Located in Phoenix’s Melrose District, Sweet Salvage is self-described as an “occasional marketplace.” Only open to the public the third weekend of each month (Thursday through Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, this shop offers a unique opportunity to purchase sustainably. Sweet Salvage unveils new inventory each time the market reopens; their shifting selection of goods centers around the theme of each month’s market chosen by artisans. In their expansive warehouse and showroom, they also offer boutique and artisanal clothing and accessories for shoppers. Whether you prefer shopping for consigned furniture or clothing (or both), make a pit stop at Sweet Salvage. Visit them in person at 4648 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, online at www.sweetsalvage.net, or call (602) 279-2996. ANTIQUITIES WAREHOUSE After spending years working in fashion and design, founder Louise McDermott made it her mission to repurpose architectural items and interesting objects from across the

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globe. Antiquities Warehouse was established to do just that — the company’s sprawling 35,000-square-foot building in Phoenix boasts a collection of curios that constantly changes. These items aren’t all American-made; while many are from the Midwest and East Coast, Antiquities Warehouse often sources from countries such as France, Germany, and Belgium. The company’s most memorable creations include repurposed chairs, tables, and doors (pictured above). Visit Antiques Warehouse in person at 2025 E University Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85034, online at www.antiquitieswarehouse.com, or call (602) 253-6206.

CALL IT NEW, CALL IT ANTIQUE With one location in Mesa and another in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Call It New, Call It Antique is a dual-action powerhouse for anyone who likes to shop secondhand. “Call It New” is the shop’s consignment and resale center for gently used newer items, while “Call It Antique” is the antique mall portion of the store that features older treasures. The company’s Mesa location covers 40,000 square feet, and with so much space, there’s sure to be

20 years of authentic Italian food and service at our Scottsdale location!

HAPPY HOUR

Outdoor Patio Coming In The Fall!

Hours

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Reservations, please call www.tuttisantiristorante.com

6339 E. Greenway Rd., Scottsdale, 85254

from the company’s website, where they can upload item photos and brand names for the store’s consideration. Visit Another Time Around Furniture in person at 2811 E Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032, online at www.anothertimearoundfurniture.com, or call (602) 482-2884.

SWEET PEA TRADING This company defines themselves as “purveyors of vintage and antique finery.” Sweet Pea Trading came under new ownership in July 2020. After taking the reins from previous owner Wynne Melton, Jack and Pat Seltzer have carried on the legacy of the unique shop, which originally opened in 2007 in Camp Verde. Customers can explore over 10,000 square feet of antique items, home decor, and an eclectic mix of different collectibles. Over 40 vendors change out the items in their booths every week, so there’s always something new to experience. Visit Sweet Pea Trading in person at 437 W AZ-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, online at www.sweetpeatrading.com, or call (928) 567-6555.

Sweet Pea Trading

something for every visitor to fall in love with. The shop’s conglomeration of antique, vintage, and pre-loved items includes everything from mid century modern furniture to children’s collectibles to Southwestern and Native American items. Visit Call it New, Call it Antique in person at 2049 W Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202, online at www.callitnewcallitantique.com, or call (480) 464-1234.

ANTIQUE PLAZA Antique Plaza, Mesa’s oldest antique store, has been curating collections of unique pre-owned items for 25 years and counting. Their staff is composed of different area experts, including “collectible connoisseurs” and “furniture fanatics” who assist customers through their experience and expertise. The 35 dealers who are currently featured at Antique Plaza—some of whom are employees as well—offer a wide selection of items for shoppers to peruse, including cases of collectibles, clothing, vinyl records, and neon signs. According to their website, “You might not always find what you’re looking for, but you’re sure to find something better.” Visit Antique Plaza in person at 120 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, online at www.callitnewcallitantique.com, or call (480) 833-4844. ANOTHER TIME AROUND FURNITURE Since their beginnings in 1991, Another Time Around Furniture in Phoenix has worked their way up to become Arizona’s largest antique and pre-owned furniture store. Specializing in several different furniture varieties as well as mattresses, this location offers used and new furniture, allowing the company to cater to any customer’s budget. Sellers can conveniently start the consignment process

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ANTIQUE TROVE With two locations in the West — one in Scottsdale and the other in Roseville, California — Antique Trove curates a myriad of reclaimed antique items. The company mainly focuses on furniture, decor, collectible items, and reclaimed architectural items. Their 23,000-square-foot facility in Scottsdale functions like a maze through time, displaying hundreds of items of different eras to customers. Antique Trove seems to have everything from classic baseball card collections to vintage jewelry pieces to 1800s-era furniture, so whatever you’re on the hunt for, you’re sure to find something that interests you. Visit Antique Trove at 2020 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, online at www.antiquetrove.com, or call (480) 947-6074. As you explore Arizona in search of the perfect pre-loved items for your home, hopefully this list will help you find the unique antiques that you’ve been searching for. Antique Trove

COOL

STUFF Outrageous

Feel Good Furnishings for the Planet

1 1 A Rug to Remember “Old craft, new ideas” is the mantra at Loloi Rugs. Their rugs are hand-woven and made from wool and cotton, maintaining a thoughtful commitment to their craft while fostering innovation and collaboration. They partner with brands such as ED by Ellen DeGeneres, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines, Rifle Paper Co. by Anna Bond, and other big names to curate unique collections that reach a wider audience. Loloi Rugs also works with a nonprofit called GoodWeave that audits their factories in India to ensure working conditions are safe and voluntary. Available in multiple sizes, starting at $379 on www.rugs-direct.com.

2 A Seat You Can’t Beat The Townes Chair from Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams (MGBW) is handcrafted in North Carolina with the environment in mind. Their “Eco-Luxe” cushion is free of fire-retardant chemicals, contains ozone-friendly foam and padding (up to 10% soy), and is wrapped in 80% regenerated fibers. Even the back pillows (sold separately) contain recycled fibers from plastic bottles. From inception to delivery, MGBW takes care of their products to ensure a premium and convenient experience. They will even unpack, inspect, and assemble the product in its new home! $2,420 at www.mgbwhome.com.

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3 Get Savvy with Saatva Saatva mattresses stick to a few guiding principles: sell a high-quality product at a fair price, provide great customer service, and show respect for people and the environment. Their award-winning classic mattress uses 100% organic cotton for its covering and delivers comfort with softness and durability. Each mattress is made to order and hand-delivered, allowing customers to rest easy as they begin their 180-day trial period. With numerous styles and comfort levels to choose from, every customer can find their perfect fit. Available in multiple sizes, starting at $887 at www.saatva.com.

4 Walls for Wildlife 5

If these walls could speak, they would tell a story of passionate design and conservation. Based in the U.K., Newton Paisley creates wallpapers that are hand-drawn by conservation biologist Susan Paisley and made with recycled materials. They approach production with minimal waste or energy required and only use water-based, environmentally friendly ink, free from harmful chemicals. This piece of art also makes a statement for protecting land; for every meter of fabric sold, 100 meters of wild habitat is preserved through their collaboration with World Land Trust. Starting at $331 per roll at www.newtonpaisley.com.

5 Reclaimed Purpose re.dwell is a custom furniture business operating out of Grand Rapids, MI, with a focus on responsibly sourced wood. Over 75% of the materials used in their furniture come from reclaimed and recycled lumber, finding potential and creativity in what would otherwise end up in a landfill. The company is committed to rejecting illegal or irresponsible sources that cause harm to our forest resources, all the while creating thoughtful and sustainable pieces for their customers. For more info, visit www.redwelldesign.com.

OCTOBER 2021

GREEN LI V I NG

GOOD

Reuse

Pick a Plant Or find picked treasures BY CAROL KAHN

Photo courtesy Hawk Salvage

Located in the Historic Grand Avenue arts district in Phoenix, Arizona, Hawk Salvage features a carefully curated selection of vintage, industrial, reclaimed, antique, and one-of-a-kind finds and oddities, as well as an extensive selection of rare and unique house plants.

Hawk Salvage was founded by Greg Hawk (a.k.a. “Hawk”), a retired Phoenix Fire Department Captain and a selfproclaimed picker. What started as a hobby has turned into a lifelong passion for discovering history's lost treasures. With a keen eye and a knack for unearthing rare gems, Hawk travels the U.S. with a truck and trailer, personally hand-selecting every item for the store. Hawk Vintage is not your typical vintage home decor store—you won't find any chalk painted furniture, inspirational signs, or pallet wood DIY items there. From the building itself, which was previously a 1940s automotive shop, to everything inside the store, it all has a story. Hawk is happy to share them with everyone who comes through the doors. While the inventory constantly changes, items often found in the store include antique apothecary bottles, unique antique furniture, tintype and ambrotype photography, ephemera, postmortem items (including human skulls once used as teaching models), original artwork from the 1700s (including oil paintings, drawings, lithographs, woodcuts, and etchings), religious sculptures, repurposed industrial furniture, vintage chemistry glassware, old maps, and hardto-find plants.

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FALL PLANT SWAP On Sunday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hawk Salvage will host its first-ever community Plant Swap. Attendees can mix and mingle with fellow plant lovers, learn tips and tricks from other green thumbs, and take home some new greenery to liven up a home or office space. Participants are encouraged to bring at least one live and healthy plant or rooted cutting for trading with another plant or clipping of equal size. Hawk Salvage will have planting stations and soil available for use for a small fee, up to $10 depending upon the size of the plant. Bring your own pot or peruse the selection of unique pots and glassware available for sale at Hawk Salvage. For those looking to further expand their plant collection, the store will also have some rare, imported plants available for purchase, such as Medusa’s Head from South Africa; Gonolobus, a vining plant with edible fruit from Mexico; and several types of Pothos, Monsteras, and Philodendrons. During the event, attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, and artist demonstrations. Hawk Salvage is located at 1109 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. For information, visit: www.hawksalvage.com.

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GETTING YOUR ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BREAST HEALTH. At HonorHealth, we make it as easy as possible for you with convenient locations, early morning appointments and same-day results.

To schedule your mammogram, call 623-580-5800.

You’re just who we’re looking for! Take your GREENNESS to the next level and help shape Mesa’s future. Give us your ideas on how to make Mesa an even greener and cleaner city. C I T Y O F M E S A 2 0 2 1 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N

Register for one of our virtual workshops, engage by posting comments, or take a survey at our Footprint for the Future portal. The Climate Action Plan is our commitment to proactively and responsibly protect and conserve Mesa’s environment and natural resources.

OCTOBER 2021

GREEN LI V I NG

GOOD

Housekeeping

Redesigning Water Softeners

Protect your health and the environment BY KAREN LANGSTON

We were given an RV portable water softener. As I watched the rusty-colored salty sludge ooze into the surrounding grass, I didn’t feel good. I mean, deep in the seat of my root chakra. My thoughts were whirling. I needed to learn more.

Arizona water is high in naturally occurring minerals, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron which can cause problems for the appliances in our homes. Traditional salt systems contain two chambers. In the resin tank, a process called ion exchange takes place. It contains small resin beads filled with sodium ions. As the water flows through the resin tank, the hard minerals attach to the beads and sodium ions are exchanged into the water. This saltier soft water then flows into your home. When the beads become saturated, the system regenerates by flushing the beads with salt and water, flushing the system and dumping the waste into the drain.

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Ion exchange softeners are wonderful for our pipes and appliances reducing limescale, appliances last longer, reduce water spots and rings on dishes and bathtubs. However, there are serious disadvantages. Ion exchange water softeners are void of important minerals. Side effects of mineral deficiency include eczema, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. There are also the potential health risks for people on low sodium diets. The exchange of hard minerals for sodium adds 7.5 milligrams per quart for each grain per gallon of hardness removed. Using potassium instead of salt may cause problems for those with kidney disorders and disease, hypertension and

diabetes. Softened water dissolves heavy metals including lead faster because of materials and components found in service lines and home plumbing. Ion exchange softeners are also an environmental disaster. In fact, some states have banned the use of saltwater softeners. Arizona is headed in this direction, but far too slowly. Scottsdale was the first municipality to directly address salinity from water softeners, issuing an ordinance in 2014 offering residents a rebate if they improve the efficiency of their existing ion-exchange water softener, upgrade to a potable service, or remove the system altogether. For other communities, the debate continues. These systems waste an incredible amount of water. The EPA estimates a typical ion exchange softener uses about 25 gallons a day or up to 10,000 gallons per year. Sewage treatment plants are not designed to remove overwhelming amounts of salt. It takes only one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water and there is no easy way to remove it. Once dispersed into the ground, it impacts soil structure and soil permeability thus poisoning and killing plants, which renders the soil useless for future planting. It’s also toxic to house plants, fish, aquatic life, and amphibians. Think about the parks, lakes, and farmers trying to grow your food. Municipalities are spending millions of dollars putting equipment in place to render the problem. Arizona is in extreme drought at the moment. It can’t afford to waste water just to flush out excess salt. What can we do? Water conditioners have the same outcome; however, they are able to keep your water mineralized. These systems alter the chemical structure of minerals so they do not stick to your pipes. Germany uses a technology called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) studied extensively by Arizona State University. An Electronic Descaler manufactured by Aqua Genesis is a device that wraps around water pipes, sending electrical impulses into the water and disrupting hard water minerals, which drain without attaching to plumbing.

BUTTERFLIES

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OCTOBER 1 - MAY 31

We can’t wait for Arizona to come together and outright ban ion exchange water softeners. It’s up to us to take responsibility to protect our health, wildlife, and Mother Nature.

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GREEN LI V I NG

GOOD

Organizations

The furniture industry takes a stand BY AMANDA HOOTEN

STAINAB L SU

N FUR ISHIN

COUNCI L GS

Creating Healthy Environments Inside and Out

Photo courtesy Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

member

Where does your furniture come from, and how is it made? Since 2006, the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) has been asking this question of major designers, retailers, and manufacturers around the world. This nonprofit organization is a network of home furnishing companies devoted to educating and expanding the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in the furniture industry.

While the average household is uninformed on the source and true quality of their furnishings, SFC makes it easy to find companies that have committed to “Eco-Action” plans as part of their production framework. These plans focus on improving carbon emissions, health, social equity, waste, water, and circularity within their companies and serve as an example for other industry leaders to follow. Through education and awareness, their stamp of membership is becoming a highly sought-after badge of approval.

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Becoming a member of SFC starts with an application. Companies join by completing a Best Practices Agreement, including the Commitment Pledge, and describing their ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption, better manage their supply chain, and implement outreach and education initiatives. Additionally, they pay dues on a scale based on their sales or institutional budget. As members, they gain access to a media tool kit that allows them to add the SFC branding to their websites, alerting customers of their commitment to sustainability. In combination with

a network of diverse and like-minded companies, SFC also partners with environmental leaders such as National Wildlife Federation, Rainforest Alliance, and World Wildlife Fund. This alignment allows SFC and its members to have a guided, balanced, and informed perspective as they pursue their sustainability goals. Branching off from SFC is their sister effort, the Sustainable Furnishings Education Fund (SFEF). The mission of SFEF is to educate furniture consumers, designers, and the residential furnishing industry on making sustainable choices and on the impact of their choices in materials, products, and services. SFC defines sustainable furnishings as products that are made and distributed in ways that protect our planet. By purchasing through their network, consumers support companies that are working to reduce their environmental footprint, while gaining healthier products and design services in the process. "Design decisions are important not only for the beauty, comfort and functionality of our homes, but also for the functionality of our future,” says Susan Inglis, Executive Director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. “When we choose products that were made without harming the environment and that are not laden with harmful chemicals, we are supporting the possibility of sustaining a healthy future. That is inner beauty and we at SFC are pleased to help every home find it."

In the spirit of education, SFC also champions a popular program known as Green Leaders Certified Sustainability Training. The course is a total of six hours long and provides an overview of sustainability issues, applicable advice for growing an eco-friendly furnishing business, and helpful implementation plans. Program participants gain expert level sustainability knowledge and become recognized as a GREEN Accredited Professional. This outreach creates more leaders fighting for a better world, striving towards healthier interiors for both people and the planet. How does the average consumer apply this new-found knowledge? There’s a resource for that, too. SFC has curated a “Quick Buying Guide” which demonstrates how we can ask the right questions when purchasing our furniture. Some of the themes include how it’s made, where it comes from, and the ethos of the company. Making an effort to preserve our natural resources and protect the environment should be at the top of the list when purchasing new furniture. Next time you eye a new piece of furniture, remember where it came from — it's just as important as where it will go in your home. Editor’s Note: "Storytelling Art & Design" on page 37 features interior designer, Angelo Surmelis, who has been a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council for more than ten years. He practices sustainability not only within his interior design, but also with his furniture line angelo:Home.

OCTOBER 2021

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Green Champion

The Gangsta Gardener: Planting a Seed A plant revolution turns into an evolution BY CAROL KAHN

Photos courtesy Ron Finley

Whether he’s speaking at a TED Talk, his Master Class, during an interview, or to any audience, Ron Finley will tell it like it is. Using profanity mixed in with metaphors, philosophy and words of wisdom, his message is clear, precise and will certainly leave a lasting impression.

Finley is known as the Gangsta Gardener, which means, “projecting strength on one’s own terms, hip, cool, innovative, revolutionary, resolute, vital, and the cutting edge.” He speaks about protecting Mother Earth, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the corruption of big businesses dumping contaminants into the ocean—all of it—and uses gardening as an allegory to express life lessons. Within the woven webs of life, his goal is to plant seeds of knowledge and wisdom, so that today’s youth grow up to potentially be the ones who save our planet. “Children are adults, they are just little [adults],” Finley says. “We have to plant that seed early to establish truly what humanity is. We have lost it. How do you get it back? How do we get out of this insanity and get it back to humanity? When will we show our kids that ‘things’ don’t give you value? You can’t eat f------ diamonds.”

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He went on to explain that kids today don’t see a value within themselves, their friends, or their neighbors, because it is not a physical “thing” like expensive sneakers, phones, or cars—those things seem to have more value. But what about the air we breathe? That is the single most important thing on this planet—over everything, including food and water. “People say, ‘Oh, but there is water over there.’ What do you think the O in H2O stands for? You can go without water and food for a couple of days, but your ass isn’t going anywhere without air,” Finley says. “We are not trained to be on this planet—to know that Mother Nature is alive. Everything is alive: the water, mountains, the soil, air, everything is alive—no one teaches us that. The planet is regenerating. It’s not sustaining itself, it’s growing, and it regenerates itself every 24 hours.”

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While making compost one day, Finley says that he mixed “some brown things together with some green things” and he began to hear a sizzling noise along with heat and steam emanating from the soil. “It makes you realize that nothing dies,” he says about that experience. “It’s an energy transfer —that is what composting taught me. This s--- doesn’t die, so do we die? It made me question how we die… I believe now that we don’t die, that our energy just transforms.” Finley wonders why we are trashing this planet, and he says that others expect that it is going to clean itself. He asks— do we not care? “I am not going to Mars, f---Mars,” he says. “Fix this [Earth] before screwing up another planet. I’m not going to give five million dollars to put me on a spaceship to look at a planet for four minutes. Why go to another planet? So we can f---that up too?” Finley says that gardening seduces him and teaches him more about himself and the planet then he could have learned reading any book. He says gardens represent freedom and that he’s taking some of that power back. “What I realize [is that] these gardens are not about food production, these gardens are about freedom. That’s what these gardens mean to me in this f----- up oppressive society,” he says. “That’s what we are trying to change, and if we show you this one aspect of being free, people might look at other stuff differently. No one is going to fix this for you. You need to fix it yourself, and that is the initiative I took. I didn’t do this for fame; I didn’t do this for money; I did this because it was right.” Finley recalled an incident that took place in 2005 outside his home in South-Central Los Angeles. At that time, homeowners were responsible for taking care of the “parkway” — a little patch of grass between the sidewalk and the street. Finley says that one day he was mowing the parkway and noticed all of the trash left behind. He decided to make it more beautiful, planting flowers and banana trees. Apparently a neighbor called to complain, and there were citations and warrants out for his arrest. This happened twice. Finley took it upon himself to fight back and eventually had the laws changed, allowing people to plant edible plants on the parkways.

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The media was all over these stories that appeared nationwide: “‘Gangsta Gardener’ Ron Finley fights to save farm from eviction,” “Urban Gardening: An Appleseed with Attitude,” “For MasterClass’s Ron Finley, growing a garden is a revolution,” and “How South LA’s ‘Gangsta Gardener’ Is Changing Neighborhoods for the Better.” Those headlines also helped Finley get selected for a TED Talk search in Vancouver, Canada. “I didn’t know how to do a PowerPoint, I never spoke in front of an audience, and I was the last person on stage. In fact, I was the last person selected for that TED Talk because they didn’t have time to put my name in the brochure. I ended up getting a standing ovation, and I just walked off the stage,” he says. “It wasn’t until I was in my hotel room looking out the window. I could see my face in the reflection of the harbor and the lights in the distance. I thought, ‘I’m in a foreign country, doing a TED Talk because of a hater.’” All of the fame is irrelevant to Finley. What he wants most is to teach people to take care of our mother – Mother Earth. “Nature has healed me. Yes, it has. I like to remind people that we are nature.” he said. “You heal your mother and you heal yourself. That is what I am doing in this garden. That’s what I try to do around the world when I talk to people. People think that they need me. They don’t need me. They have what they need. What they need is to start at the beginning with their own story.” “The compost made me realize that consciously nothing ever dies.The whole thing with the garden makes me look at everything differently. I have a fountain in my garden with a dragonfly that comes to visit. One day, I looked up and saw the dragonfly interacting with a hummingbird. I get to see things that I have never seen in my life—and I created this. I already know what to do, it’s real simple: you have the sun, soil, water and you have a seed. Where do you want your beauty to come from?” What’s next for Ron Finley? “I want to wake up in the morning, that’s what’s next. We are too busy in the future [because we’re] not taking care of the present. That is why it’s called a present… I try to get people to realize the present is right now, because if we don’t fix this s---, there is no future.” Visit www.ronfinley.com to find out more about the Ron Finley Project.

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Activism

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NE WS

SB62 Was Signed By California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom BY MAJA PEIRCE

September 2021 was a critical time in California, which houses the fifth largest economy in the world and the most extensive apparel production hub in the United States. The fair wages of over 46,000 garment workers, mostly women of color, lay in the hands of SB62 - a bill sitting on Governor Newsom’s desk, waiting for a decision to be signed or vetoed. “Today we won justice for garment workers," Senator Durazo said. “For too long, bad-actor manufacturers have exploited garment workers toiling in unsanitary conditions for as little as $5 an hour. I applaud Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation to safeguard legal wages and dignified working conditions for this highly-skilled workforce and level the playing field for ethical manufacturers that are doing the right thing. Ethical fashion is the future.” SB62, more specifically, addresses wage theft in California’s garment industry by ending the piece rate system of pay which compensates workers for every hem, seam and cuff they sew. In most cases, apparel workers finish with as little as three cents per garment amounting to less than $5 an hour. Employers are expected to make up the difference and pay the legal minimum in such circumstances; however, brands have exploited loopholes in the law for over 20 years, resulting in the depletion of the Garment Worker Restitution Fund. Established by the original Garment Worker Protection Act, AB633 (Steinberg) in 1999, the Garment Worker Restitution Fund has been overwhelmed with wage claims by hundreds of workers annually, and is often insolvent. At this moment the fund carries a balance of $700,000, with unpaid wage claims to garment workers totaling $7 million. “It’s often California taxpayers who have to back fill the Garment Worker Restitution Fund and fill in these gaps in wages that are owed to garment workers that starts with the purchasing practices of big brands,” said Elizabeth Cline, author and advocacy and policy director of Remake. Final Random Inspections (FRI) done in 2015 and 2016 by the U.S. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division demonstrated that 85% of the 77 garment shops inspected were found to have wage violations. These numbers do not account for many undocumented Latino immigrants who

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have not come forward to file wage claims out of fear of deportation or whose communties have lost substantial economic support due to the lost income. SB62 requires employers to pay an hourly wage and only allows piece-rate compensation as an incentive bonus, unless provided for in a collective bargaining agreement. The bill passed the Senate and was heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee mid-August. The industry was headed in a dangerous direction by lowering standards of quality exponentially and endangering the well-being of thousands of garment workers. Passing SB62 was a necessary step towards leveling the playing field to grow a strong ethical fashion industry in California. “Passing these regulations could help establish a new standard of compliance and help drive decision making for the industry at large. SB62 would also make ethical sourcing the norm in Los Angeles and help the local manufacturing industry and its workers. It’ll give brands like Reformation more opportunities to collaborate with other brands, to work together towards ensuring that factories are providing healthy and safe working conditions for the men and women who make our clothes,” said Carrie Freiman, director of Sustainability for Reformation. SB62 was endorsed by over 150 industry leaders, more than half of which are minority-owned or are small- and mediumsized businesses. It has also gained support from leading brands & manufacturers, like Reformation, Christy Dawn, Saitex, Mara Hoffman, and Boyish Jeans. SB62’s 150 industry endorsers include many local manufacturers and brands who believe that dignified fair wages and strong accountability lead to better products and higher profits, which have the potential to solidify California’s role as the sustainable fashion capital of the US. Visit www.remake.world for more information.

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Interior Design

Green Feng Shui

How to use what you have to feng shui your space BY LAURA VIDA

The practice of feng shui encourages the idea that we are affected by our environments. They can either uplift and support us, or drain and disempower us. Simply put, our stuff affects our life. The goal of good feng shui is to attract the positive energy naturally circulating in the earth—called chi, life force, or cosmic energy—and bring it into our living and working spaces to support and enrich our lives.

Every area of your life is represented within your space. There is an area for career, clients, travel, creativity, children, relationships, fame and reputation, wealth, family, spirituality, and harmony. We use a grid system to map the energy of a space called the Bagua Map. It's based on the I Ching—the ancient Chinese divination text—and locates each of the nine life areas in your space. Then, we implement remedies using color, scent, clearing, placement, and The Five Element Theory. This is done to balance and elevate the area of your space that corresponds to the area of your life you want to activate. Many are under the assumption that feng shui is complicated, and to reap its benefits, you'll have to invest a lot of money. Actually, neither of these statements is true. Good feng shui is about developing an “intentional relationship” with what you already own and arranging it in

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a way that harmonizes your space to benefit your life. Begin by walking through your home as if you were entering it for the first time. See it with fresh eyes and become aware of how each space makes you feel. Notice where your eye goes, and more importantly, where you avoid looking. Take note of the rooms that draw you in and the rooms you try to avoid. When you map your home, you'll discover which area of your life each room represents. I bet you'll find it both accurate and enlightening! You can download a free copy of the feng shui map to use here: www.interior-alchemy. mykajabi.com/free-map-download The good news is that you have the power to shift your home's energy to become uplifting and nurturing. Here are some simple ways to zap stagnation, raise your home's vitality, and start attracting supportive, positive experiences using items you already own.

CLEAR YOUR CLUTTER - TOO MUCH STUFF CLOGS YOUR LIFE Everything you own holds a bit of your life force. That's why you feel so good when you clean out our closet or garage. You've just regained some of your vitality back! If you're feeling tired or depleted, try letting go of anything you don't use, love, or need. BRING THE OUTSIDE IN - STIMULATE YOUR WEALTH WITH PLANTS Plants are a wood element that represents growth and expansion. To raise the vibration of your home and stimulate wealth, add lush green plants to the back left quadrant of your home, office, or desk. This is where your wealth area is located. Try adding a peace lily, jade tree, or fresh-cut flowers from your garden. Grow a mini herb garden in a sunlit window. Herbs represent the spice of life and can add some oomph to your finances. SHINE ON - ADD LIGHT AND OXYGEN TO GET LUCKY The best-kept secret to good feng shui is found in nature, and it's free! Use sunlight and fresh air to raise the vibration of every area of your life by inviting it into your space daily. It is essential to open your front door regularly as it is considered the “mouth of chi,” where beneficial energy enters your home. Even if you don't use your front entrance, make it a habit to open the door daily and get your mail, grab the morning paper, or greet the day. Lucky energy, or beneficial chi, rides on the waves of sunlight and fresh air, so opening doors, windows, and blinds is the best way to activate every area of your life with positivity. HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF - FRESHEN ANTIQUES AND USED FURNITURE “Predecessor Chi” is a phenomenon where the energy of the person who used something before you clings to the item and lives in your home. You can think of it as “house karma.” If the previous occupants had good fortune, you would benefit from it, but if they did not, you would feel unwanted effects as well. It's a good idea to clear any furniture or clothing when you don't know its history. You can do this by “smudging” the item with a bundle of dried sage or palo santo sticks. You light the sage or palo santo and wave it around the object, visualizing the smoke carrying any negative energy away. If you are in an office environment or sensitive to smoke, you can buy sage or palo santo clearing spray and spritz your items instead.

MOTHER NATURE KNOWS BEST - USE NATURAL MATERIALS TO KEEP YOUR SPACE HIGH VIBE Although there are some fun new building materials, like the trends of vinyl plank floors and synthetic countertops, too much of these faux materials can be a feng shui faux

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pas! This is because natural materials that come from the earth, like stone and wood, resonate at a higher frequency than materials made from plastics and resin. Consider using green building materials such as hemp, cork, and repurposed wood from responsible sources as an alternative.

HANDS-ON FENG SHUI - INFUSE SOME FRESH OOMPH INTO YOUR LIFE WITH THE POWER OF TOUCH A traditional remedy for stuck energy or life stagnation is touching or moving nine items in each room. Nine is the most powerful number in feng shui, representing quick action and successful completion. Touch your photographs and slightly rearrange them. Move a chair or sofa a few inches. Dust off your plants. Wipe down your front door with essential oils or white vinegar and water. In feng shui, we tap into the power of intention to energize our actions and manifest our goals. These may seem like simple remedies, but infused with intention, they have the power to transform your space and elevate your life. What we own comes to life with our attention and withers when we take things for granted. Are you ready to raise your vibration and ignite every area of your life with feng shui?

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Landscaping

Landscape Design for Life in the Desert BY DONNA DIFRANCESCO, WATER - USE IT WISELY

Photo by Dave Seibert

Here in Arizona, our outdoor living spaces keep us connected to nature and offer a relaxing atmosphere to spend time with family and friends. SOW THE SEEDS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Smart landscape design provides stylish places to relax in So, are you wanting more hummingbirds and buzzing bees? your yard; adds beautiful colors, fragrances, cool shady Fragrant flowers? Shady trees? Water conservation becomes areas; and can enhance overall curb appeal and invite nature poetic in its beauty when desert landscaping balances plant to your home. Of course, we do live in Arizona. Low-wateraesthetics and dry climate mindfulness. At Water – Use It use plants are a conscientious way to achieve spectacular Wisely, we show Arizona desert dwellers how easy it is to aesthetic results around your home this fall and show an conserve water through good landscaping habits. Think appreciation for our desert climate. of our website wateruseitwisely.com as your trusted, go-to water conservation resource. We have a lot of expertise LANDSCAPE DESIGN WITH WATER IN MIND thanks to our 18 partners who contribute to the campaign. Half of household water - in some cases as much as 70% But our goal is to bring you the best information and advice goes into our landscape, making it especially important to from other local experts like the University of Arizona be efficient in our design and maintenance. The extended Master Gardeners, landscape and plant nursery members, drought and recent announcement of a Tier-1 Colorado irrigation or rainwater harvesting experts, and more. River shortage declaration (projected for January 2022) reinforces the gravity of being responsible with all the water WHERE TO BEGIN FALL PLANTING? we have. Water conservation must be a part of our long-term Fall is the prime time to plant trees, shrubs, and spring management strategy and lifestyle and is why we all need to wildflowers in most areas of Arizona. From late September be smart about the water we have. It just makes good sense through early December soil temperatures are still warm, for our landscapes to be designed with the low-water-use encouraging root growth and development. Planting now principles of Xeriscape. allows plants to become established before next summer’s

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heat sets in. Also, with cooler temperatures, plants need less water, and it is a much more forgiving time of year to put new plants in the ground. We’ve created a handy website, www.waterplantitwisely.com, dedicated to low-water-use landscaping and planting tips. The website provides fall landscaping ideas and is helpful for anyone who seeks guidance on best home gardening practices. Here are some of the topics you’ll find: • Drab to Fab Video Series: Ten short videos follow a landscape transition that took place in Avondale. It provides you with steps to take, and don’t miss video 10 for a fun time-lapse of the installation. • Rainwater Harvesting: The generous monsoon season reminded us to ask ourselves why should we pay for water when it’s free? Learn how to direct beneficial rainfall to your plants. • Welcoming Wildlife to Your Garden: While we have numerous blogs on this topic, we like to feature this beautiful booklet from Glendale that will show you what plants to select to provide great habitat. • Design Themes: This design booklet from Scottsdale provides design ideas for unique landscape options like Birdscape, Colorscape, EZscape, Flutterscape, Nativescape, Shadescape, and Verdescape. • Is Artificial Grass What You’re Looking For?: OK, it’s complicated. While it can save water, artificial grass can reach temperatures of 200-degrees during our hot summers. We have nine additional tips to help you with this decision. Of course, we have more on Xeriscape principles including plant selection, irrigation, how to water properly, and more. The best part? We provide you the guidance needed to keep it simple and affordable, and to do-it-yourself or hire a pro. Now, let’s do some gardening!

The Seven Principles of Xeriscape Design Xeriscaping is defined by seven horticultural principles which help to ensure that landscapes, wherever they are located, reflect a sensitivity to the local environment and its climate. You can find more details on each principle at wateruseitwisely.com. 1. Planning and Design 2. Soil Improvement & Grading 3. Practical Turf Areas 4. Efficient Irrigation & Water Harvesting 5. Mulching 6. Low-Water-Use Plants 7. Appropriate Maintenance

Who is Water – Use It Wisely? The Water – Use It Wisely campaign was launched in 1999 to promote an ongoing water conservation ethic among Arizona’s rapidly growing population. We want to bring more attention to Arizona water topics and issues, which can be both unique and complex, and to inspire our water users as to the best ways to use water wisely in our state. Partners include the municipalities of Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe as well as the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Central Arizona Project/CAGRD, EPCOR Water, Global Water Resources, and Salt River Project.

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Angelo Surmelis Storytelling Through

Art & Design BY CAROL KAHN

His favorite movie is "The Godfather", he listens to Annie Lennox, sips on La Crema Pinot Noir, wears a black motorcycle jacket that he found in a thrift store - and above all, his favorite color is green. Of course it is!

This is not the only reason that Angelo Surmelis, a TV personality, interior designer, furniture designer, and author is featured in our Design issue. We love the fact that he is a huge supporter of sustainability. Surmelis is an ambassador with the Sustainable Furnishings Council, located in High Point, North Carolina - which is also known as the “Furniture Capital of the South.” [More about SFC can be found on page 22 in this month’s issue]. Surmelis joins a prestigious list of interior and furniture designers including Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Kathy Ireland, and Thom Filicia to name a few. The SFC’s campaign, “Why Green? Why Not?” includes Surmelis’ quote: “Design is about enriching lives. What better way than making it green? A ginormous no brainer.” Surmelis has been a SFC ambassador for more than ten years. Susan Inglis, Executive Director of SFC and resident expert with the organization, says, “Angelo Surmelis is a wonderful champion of our cause. We have enjoyed working with him in sustaining a healthy future for over 10 years. Together, there is plenty more work to do—we enjoy working with him now, and we know it will be a pleasure as we progress.” Inglis goes on to say, “The way [Surmelis’] furniture line is transported and how it is made is not different and better—it’s more mainstream, and it’s very efficient, from the logistics of shipping and making good choices when specifying materials such as wood and fabrics.”

The love-fest between Surmelis and Inglis is genuine. “I was impressed with the furniture industry because I am a furniture geek and [Inglis] is a green geek, and the two of us together wondered, how do we make these two worlds merge? I instantly fell in love with her narrative and asked, how can I help? …She suggested that I get other manufacturers to join us and lessen the footprint. For me, it was a love-fest but it made perfect sense,” Surmelis says. At the age of five, Surmelis emigrated with his family from Greece to the United States. They moved to Chicago with little money and found a tiny apartment to live in. “This apartment was so tiny that I figured I could make it bigger if I leaned on the walls. When that didn’t work, I started to move the furniture around. One day my mother went to stop me, and my dad said, ‘Don’t stop him, I don’t know what this kid is doing, but whatever he is doing, the place looks better.’” Surmelis started his own furniture line over 13 years ago because he wanted to shop in the kind of establishment that he dreamt about when he was a kid. Hence, angelo:Home was born. “We launched the brand in 2008— no planning whatsoever—I always wanted to do this. I wanted to have my own line of affordable furnishings because I grew up not being able to afford anything, and I thought, if I am going to be in design, I want to make things attainable for people. All of this was before Target was doing what they were doing and the Wayfairs were doing what they were doing. Affordable home goods were

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not available. I really wanted to break the mold and do something colorful and fun.” Surmelis’ line is less about trends and more about living your style. He says that he designs pieces to be affordable, stylish, and hopefully inspiring for you to include in your home decor alongside all of your own personal finds. One of the ways that he practices sustainability is by eliminating all the extra packing materials used in shipping his furniture. Another way is by reusing old furniture and repurposing great finds. He encourages his design clients to repurpose their own furniture as well. Rather than throwing away a good chair or sofa, he has them reupholstered instead. A new piece of fabric will breathe new life into a faded chaise that was about to be discarded. “I worked with a client who had some great pieces with beautiful lines. This one piece, a barrel chair from Crate and Barrel that she bought years ago—she wanted it, even though the fabric was dull. Then, she showed me another chair that was $3000. I said we could make that chair look like this one by changing the fabric and having it reupholstered…She had great pieces and saw the treasure in that piece. That’s the magic in a great client relationship—you have a client who trusts the process. To me, the excitement is how we took a really great piece and saved it from the landfill and showed her how amazing it now looks,” Surmelis said.

money and I thought, what am I doing? My hand was shaking as I was paying for it—but I will never get rid of it. It covers the spectrum of something I got out of a dumpster that I dove into and walked home with to this very ‘boujee’ chandelier.” Surmelis’ personal life has been filled with ups and downs, but his career is filled with happy accidents and taking chances. He is an award-winning interior designer, and has appeared on several shows on HGTV and TLC. He started his own furniture line more than 12 years ago, and most recently, has written a novel titled, The Dangerous Art of Blending In. The book is a raw and powerful story based on Surmelis’ childhood. Writing it was cathartic for him, and he says it was the world’s longest journal entry.

“Take your broken heart and make it into art.” - Carrie Fisher “I get real emotional every time I think about this quote. That’s what we do. All the artists in the world take what’s broken and turn it into art - hoping that our art somehow heals us, but also, it touches someone else [who] needs healing as well.”

“Essentially, the book is about a young Greek boy growing up in the Midwest who has to learn how to deal with being gay,” he explains. “He struggles with that while living in a very abusive household that doesn’t want him to be gay. He has to learn to stand up for himself and figure out how to be who he is and be okay with that. It was an autobiographical story, but it was done in a way that was fictionalized because I didn’t want [to write] a memoir. I wanted to write a book that I wanted to read when I was kid, because when I was growing up I didn’t see anybody like me. It was tough. There was a time in my life that I didn’t want to be around anyone. I didn’t want to live anymore because I carried this pain. The beauty of this book was that I heard from so many kids from around the world saying that they thought they were the only one's going through this too.”

Surmelis is a master at finding trash and making it into treasure. As he surveys his home to select a favorite - Angelo Surmelis find to share with us, he eyes a fourfoot-tall plant stand. “This plant stand During COVID-19, Surmelis got back is mid-century modern and looks like a piece of art. It looks into creating art to pass the time. Collages, he says, are one like a sculpture to me. I found it in a dumpster, because back of his favorite art forms because they give him the ability to in the day when I didn’t have any money, I would dumpsteruse layers of images to tell a story—similar to what he does in dive all the time. I found amazing things that people would interior design. throw out. I have had that for probably 30 years—every “I am so grateful for art. It played a huge part in saving my place I have gone, I dragged that thing with me.” life. It allowed me to leave my situation and imagine a better On the other side of the spectrum is something more world. I could draw a better world; I could put a collage opulent. “I have a vintage 1800s French chandelier that I together for a better world; I could make my home look paid way too much money for. It costs more than my first pretty and it made me feel like I was in a better world. Art three cars combined. It’s the first time I made some real saved me—it just did.”

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Living Room: Before

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Green Design What’s Growing in Popularity? BY DAVID M. BROWN

Four Scottsdale interior designers who share a commitment to sustainable projects and holistic living offer insights on recent green processes and products so that you can create spaces that express who you are and where you stand.

“Green living is about our lifeline to nature and all that we are. We must address the whole person in every environment we are in,” says Barbara Kaplan IFDA, Allied ASID, who practices “Interior Design Through Holistic Living. “As designers, we create environments for people to thrive in and reduce the negative impact on the environment. These spaces need to be healthy, comfortable, flexible in use and designed for happy lives.”

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Susan Solliday, Realtor®, past president of the Arizona North Chapter of ASID, and associate with Duneier Designs says, “Even before COVID, designers and their clients had an increased awareness of the impact our personal environments can have on our health. Manufacturers have responded to this new-found concern through products that focus on cleaner indoor air, surfaces that work to keep us safer and repurposing products into second lives.”

One of the area’s pioneers in sustainable design, Tanya Shively, ASID, adds, “It’s a relatively recent metaphor, but the message is as old as Genesis: We are the keepers of the bounty we have been given, the stewards of our planet. We can either ravage our resources or we can be thoughtful and respectful of the right of future generations to enjoy what we enjoy.” Anita Lang, ASID, opened IMI Design in 1992 and says that sustainability is “near and dear to our family’s heart.” She admits occasional discouragement with the lack of implementation of environmental remedies but remains committed to green design, in particular, incorporating legacy elements into her clients’ interior designs. “We live in a disposable culture, and I spend time teaching my clients about the benefits of designing for the long term and using timeless pieces that you can take with you or sell—and keep out of the landfill.”

THREE MORE CHEERS FOR THE THREE R’S “Reduce, re-use, recycle” is a continuing mantra. Instead of just buying new pieces for a redo, move them to other places. “Take everything out of each room and then bring the same pieces back and place them in different locations to create a new look and living experience,” says Kaplan. Reclaimed wood or wood-looking products have gained popularity. “Reusing barn wood, whiskey barrels, pallets and crates not only adds character, uniqueness and warmth to modern interiors, but helps slow deforestation and improves air quality by reducing raw wood milling,” Solliday says. In the living room of the Desert Mountain Scottsdale home designed by Bing Hu’s

Recycled metals and glass are becoming popular as H&S International, floor-to-ceiling windows celebrate the peak while still providing components in flooring, countertops and furniture, privacy. The front face of the home overlooks the luxury community, with expansive city views beyond. The rugs are natural wool and silk. Courtesy Tanya Shively she adds. For example, recycled glass countertops are an environmentally sensitive replacement for such as plastic lumber for decking and fencing. “Although quarried stone. “Composed of a mix of quartz, porcelain and precautions must be taken in the recycling process, the recycled bottles or windows, these hybrid products result in a resulting products are quite amazing,” says Solliday. “Not very dense, durable and beautiful surface in an array of colors only does the ‘lumber’ look great, but it’s not subject to and styles, and they won’t harbor harmful bacteria and give termite infestation or rot, or require ongoing maintenance, off zero emissions,” she explains. which alone can damage our ecosystem.” In addition, milk jugs, plastic bottles, and plastic grocery Recycled plastic is also being made into broadloom carpet bags are being recycled into building and home products and area rugs, or extruded or injected into molded furniture. She offers as an example Calhoun, Georgia-based Mohawk Opposite: For this Valley bedroom, Anita Lang and her team at IMI Flooring, which specializes in a carpeting product made Design Studio used curated vintage pieces such as the art and highfrom as much as 100-percent post-consumer recycled plastic. quality pieces that are collectible such as the chaise and headboard. The bed linens are hemp, which uses less water and helps maintain the soil quality. And, a local artisan completed the mill work and the custom bed. Courtesy IMI Design Studio

As part of her mission to be responsible to the planet and create “WELL Designed” homes that are eco-conscious, OCTOBER 2021

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pictures from the internet or following what the color of the year is,” she says.

NEW PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY Lang has recently used recycled carpeting from Shaw Industries Group at Talisker, a ski-in, ski-out resort in Deer Valley, Utah. “It has lifecycle thinking behind it, from the materials used to how to dispose of it,” she explains. For her projects, Solliday has been incorporating bamboo, which has become increasingly popular in flooring, cutting boards and countertops. “Bamboo is one of our fastest-growing plants, harvestable within four years of planting and is nontoxic and recyclable and has a low carbon footprint,” she says. Cork floors now feel and look like hardwood. “Patterns are being printed on cork or manufactured as a hybrid product with a super-tough vinyl sitting on top of a cork floating floor plank,” she says. Low-VOC paints are widely available, and Solliday specifies lower off-gassing paints. “Sherwin Williams, in fact, has recently developed a paint product that has sanitizing technology to help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria on painted surfaces.”

In this butler’s pantry, Susan Solliday designed the cabinetry, had it manufactured locally with low VOCs and then sealed it with walnut oil. She also contracted for the marble countertops to be fabricated locally. The cabinetry encloses Jenn Air Energy Star appliances including a dishwasher, coffee machine, ice maker and warming drawers. Courtesy Susan Solliday

healthy and very livable, Shively has founded The Furniture Angel, a nonprofit that helps to keep high-end furniture out of landfills by offering a path to donation and a tax deduction for the responsible homeowner. Repurpose or acquire heritage pieces, Lang suggests. She’s recently acquired a set of 1970s lamps made by renowned Charles of Paris for a Paradise Valley client, a classic sectional for herself and reclaimed oak furniture for another client. “Buy the best pedigree you can, the best artisanship. Pick pieces and designs that are classic, not just repeats of

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Shively has been using Mostro by Zak + Fox, a new sustainable alternative to shearling or fur. Available in five colors, it is a woven, long-pile plush velvet manufactured completely from wool fibers, and no animals are harmed in making it. She says, “It’s much softer than even a fake fur made from polyester or similar fibers and would make great pillows or a throw on a bed.”

She has also been bullish on circadian rhythm lighting. “It’s designed to allow bodies to fall asleep faster and sleep better because we are given time to adjust from the bright lighting that signals our brains to be alert and wakeful,” she explains. “It’s similar to using the dim feature on your phone that reduces blue light and warms the screen display slightly at night but in a whole room or even whole house way.”

In addition, Ketra’s Natural Light Solution is a recent LED lighting and control system that allows lighting programs to replicate the change interior light to closely mimic natural daylight and how it shifts from warm to bright and back to warm during the day.

Some clients have also asked Shively to reduce EMF waves in their homes, especially their bedrooms at night. She notes that they can turn off Wi-Fi at night, and they can further minimize sources from outside by painting exterior walls with reflective paint (under the visible exterior color paint) to stop incoming frequencies from cell towers and other sources. “They can even shield wiring in the home with conduit similar to a commercial building to reduce the dirty energy created by the basic electrical wiring in the house,” she says. “The energy created by EMFs can affect sleep, cause headaches and other issues for people who are sensitive to them. And many more people may be affected without even realizing why they are experiencing these symptoms.”

GOOD PRACTICES FOR GOOD SPACES & LIVING Kaplan notes that we need to be mindful of advances in technology, but, “We also need to shut technology away to give us human experiences and interaction with people and nature.” “People must participate in the creation of their own environments for their health, well-being and lifestyle,” she adds. “This requires taking time for oneself to be mindful and introspective as to one’s needs and wants and one’s style of living and taste in home fashion.”

psychology, feng shui, and the Bajaro Method, which focuses on awareness of changes in each person and in their surroundings. “This awareness encompasses understanding and accepting ourselves and the world and people around us,” she says. Kaplan also likes biophilia, such as using plants inside to mirror those outside. “Just like nature, which is everchanging, we as humans are ever-changing and have requirements for health and well-being that grow and evolve as we do. We are living and breathing green design always and all ways.” Solliday and her team strive to integrate sustainable design into all interiors. “We are always seeking ways to help reduce the negative impacts on both the environment and the health of occupants, whether from sourcing locally to save on fuel costs, utilizing digital technology versus print to reduce waste or choosing sustainable materials,” she says. For Lang, by planning for longevity, and avoiding thinking in short cycles, designers and their clients can create unique personally felt interiors. “They sit outside the trends and are truly creative because they come from inside you and represent yourself,” she says. “In this way, you’re not following design. You’re driving it.”

She combines various approaches in her work, including When she added this master bedroom to the existing house, Barbara Kaplan enlarged the window as much as structurally possible to give the bedroom the feeling of being outdoors. Courtesy Barbara Kaplan

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Photo by Jill Richards

A stone and stucco building rises up from the desert landscape, reminiscent of a Mesoamerican pyramid. Frosted glass panels stretch across the sloping roofs, lined and detailed with rust-red metal. An isosceles triangular pool filled with sparkling turquoise water tempts visitors to take a refreshing dip and escape the Arizona heat.

This is Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, tucked away in the mountains of Scottsdale. Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect and designer. He designed more than 1,000 structures over a 70-year timeline. His belief was to create organic architecture — designs that were in harmony with humanity and the environment. Wright’s collection of essays “In the Cause of Architecture” detailed six core propositions of organicity. In it, he wrote, “The notion of organic not as a thing, but as the character of a thing, living and active as an intrinsic quality that emerges in varied forms responsive to the surrounding environment.” This concept became Wright’s driving principle. Just like any living thing that grows from within and adapts to its environment, Wright’s philosophy demonstrates his affinity for organic architecture that works in tandem with its surrounding environment.

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Wright’s primary family home located in Wisconsin is known as the original Taliesin. When Wright began to suffer from pneumonia in his 70s, his doctor suggested that he find a more temperate place to live during the winter months. Arizona became his new home and Taliesin West was born. After visiting Arizona in the past, he returned in 1937 to stake out a potential spot in Scottsdale in the shadow of the surrounding mountains. He fell in love with the location, and construction on Taliesin West officially began in January of 1938. “It changed constantly,” says Jeff Goodman, Vice President of Communication and Partnerships at Taliesin West. “[Wright] viewed it as his desert laboratory where he could experiment with different materials… before putting them into his architectural projects. He’d come back every fall

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Taliesin West: Inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s Desert Laboratory Sustainability through organic architecture principles

BY ANNA DORL

and change some aspect of Taliesin West. It even continued through his death—that’s how Wright wanted it to be.” Taliesin West was the original location of Wright’s School of Architecture, which moved to Arcosanti in June of 2020. Wright’s philosophy on how he believed architects should be educated revolved around the idea of learning by doing. In line with this, the architecture students were required to construct their own living quarters as part of their curriculum. “The shelters evolved from simple white tents in the desert where students used to stay,” says Goodman. “They’d build during the day and sleep there at night, and then they decided to make their own modifications to them. That program grew to become an opportunity to make your own mistakes in your own structure and learn from them.” Each dwelling was uniquely constructed, designed, and decorated by each student. Today, the original structures built by Wright and his students have been preserved and left alone, but Taliesin still revolves around innovation and experimentation in the name of knowledge. “The whole experience of being at...Taliesin West was about

learning to be more than an architect, it was about learning to be a productive citizen of the world,” says Goodman. “[The architecture students] designed, built, prepared meals, served, and performed in theaters, all as part of Wright’s educational philosophy.” Today, Taliesin West looks different than it did in its heyday, but true to Wright’s vision, it continues to be a powerhouse of architectural education. “Visitors get to experience one of Wright’s most personal creations [here],” Goodman says. “He didn’t [build] it for a client, he made it for himself, his family, and apprentices.” Goodman looks forward to resuming tours of the historic and more current shelters, which paused because of COVID-19 concerns. “We’ll be seeing a new version of the shelter program and other new things too,” he says. Currently, Taliesin West offers a K-12 STEAM program and seasonal camps, allowing kids of all ages to learn through both virtual and in-person options. Visit www.franklloydwright.org for more information about Taliesin West.

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Arcosanti

An urban laboratory in the desert of Arizona BY MAJA PEIRCE

In the Arizona desert, approximately 70 miles north of Phoenix, lies an experimental city that could easily be mistaken for the set of a Star Wars movie. Arcosanti is an urban laboratory designed by ItalianAmerican architect Paolo Soleri.

Soleri was an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West, Wright’s winter home in Scottsdale. Following his departure from the fellowship, Soleri founded his architectural studio and non-profit foundation Cosanti and opened Arcosanti in 1970, modeling it on Taliesin’s facilities and his long-standing dream of “arcology.”

of his structures at Cosanti were built below ground level and surrounded by mounds of earth, which acts as natural insulation to better moderate the dwelling's interior temperatures. The Dome House, built in 1949 in Cave Creek, Arizona, was the first example of Soleri’s semi-subterranean structures.

Arcology, a term coined by Soleri, fuses architecture with ecology. Conceptually, it revolves around an ideal city contained within one towering vertical structure. It uses passive solar architectural techniques such as the apse effect, greenhouse architecture, and garment architecture to reduce the energy usage of the city in terms of heating, lighting, and cooling.

Soleri built Arcosanti to be the future of architecture and community, dreaming of the day it would house over 5,000 residents. 50 years later, it has consistently only been able to retain 50 residents at any given time.

While most architects today build from the ground up, Soleri built his structures in quite the opposite way. Many

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The Arcosanti community describes itself as a “deliberate critique of the rampant culture of consumerism [Soleri] saw taking hold in the world.” However, to this day, it still relies on the consumerism and economy of the outside world by selling bronze bells as its main source of income, while also

SIGN • ARCHITECTURE • DESIGN • ARCHITECTURE • DESIGN • ARCHITECTURE • DES renting rooms out on AirBnB and hosting raves. While the concept of Arcology denounces the use of cars and describes them as “the death of society,” the Arcosanti community still uses one to make a 70-mile trip for groceries. Within the past year, the School of Architecture, which grew out of the Taliesin Fellowship created by Frank Lloyd Wright, moved to Cosanti and Arcosanti. Its previous campuses were located at Taliesin West in Scottsdale and at Wright’s family home, Taliesin, in Wisconsin. With fluid sandcast domes and forms carved directly out of the desert, garden courtyards, and terraced landscaping, the campuses have the potential to inspire students in individual experimental design and building structure tailored to a specific landscape. “In a way, both these places were built with that area in mind with spaces for studying and doing project work, facilities for arts and crafts, and practicing construction of architecture,” says Chris Lasch, the president of the School of Architecture. “For us, the thing that makes our program most unique is that it immerses nature. All our students live, work, and learn together on campus. That was the tone set at Taliesin West, but Arcosanti and Cosanti are also a great fit in that way.” For students at the School of Architecture, this means growing their craft in a learning environment that encourages them in individual pursuits of design experimentation, such as participating in the Shelter Experience. The Shelter Experience is a thesis program that has existed since 2016, continuing the legacy of the Taliesin Fellowship

historical Student Shelter Program originally at Taliesin West. While attending school, some students live in, help build, and maintain student-built shelters scattered across the campus. These structures have been designed in response to the desert landscape and climate by students, and a faculty structural engineer evaluates the plans to ensure the building is structurally sound. Students learn how a design progresses, from schematic design through construction documents and approval permits, all the way to the construction phase in real time. The School of Architecture believes that this type of living arrangement provides students with a spontaneous exchange of ideas between themselves and faculty members. With a graduating class of approximately six architects, the School of Architecture is a tight-knit community. They coordinate formal evening events and invite prestigious architects and firms to network with students. This tradition started with Wright, and the Taliesin Fellowship and has been replicated and further developed in the years since his passing. The structures built under the Shelter Project undoubtedly add value to the students’ curriculum, yet the concept goes against Arcosanti being “an ideal city contained within one towering vertical structure.” After all this time, Paolo Soleri’s dream didn’t exactly happen the way he envisioned it, yet Arcosanti still remains as a reminder of what could be. The School of Architecture hopes to pursue new projects with Arcosanti both architecturally and agriculturally. Looking to the future, perhaps by inspiring experimental design projects by future architects, it can be a stepping stone for what is to come.

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Telosa A New Utopia BY CAROL KAHN

Renderings courtesy Telosa

Back in the 1960s, an animated television show called “The Jetsons” was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. The cartoon featured a family living in a utopian future—housing in the sky, a three-day work week, and robotic housekeepers, as well as driving aero cars that looked like flying saucers. The Jetsons were living a space-aged life in Orbit City in 2062, exactly 100 years into the future. In 1970, the Cosanti Foundation began building Arcosanti, an experimental town in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of Phoenix. It was an attempt at “arcology,” integrating the design of architecture with respect to ecology. Arcosanti was the testing ground for Paolo Soleri’s progressive urban planning concepts. He believed that in nature, as organisms evolve, they increase in complexity and become more compact. He felt that a city should similarly evolve, functioning as a living system. By incorporating arcology, he determined that many problems of urban civilization — population growth, pollution, energy/natural resource depletion, food scarcity, and quality of life — would be remedied. Soleri argued that cities should be compact, car-free, low impact, and civically minded. Arcosanti was planned to become a city of 5,000. Its population barely reached 150, and by 2008, it had come to a standstill.

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In Nevada’s central Black Rock Desert, once a year, for one week, a Mad Max-esque city rises out of a salt bed. It becomes a full-fledged, thriving metropolis. More than 70,000 people converge, forging a community of those who are dedicated to celebrating creativity, self-expression, cultural differences, and knowledge sharing while releasing social stigma—all to create this massive, sustainable, eco-friendly, self-aware, and amazing experience. Regardless of its impermanence, everyone who sets up camp has a set of ten principles to follow. Fast-forward to September 1, 2021. Media outlets around the world began reporting that a new city was on the horizon—a city that will house five million people and cost over $400 billion to build. The city is named Telosa, after a word derived from the Greek word “telos,” meaning “higher purpose.”

SIGN • ARCHITECTURE • DESIGN • ARCHITECTURE • DESIGN • ARCHITECTURE • DES Telosa is the brainchild of Marc Lore, a serial entrepreneur and investor whose company Jet.com was acquired by Walmart in 2016 for $3.3 billion. Lore believes that combining the best of different cities around the world—the vibrancy and diversity of New York City and the efficiency, cleanliness and safety of Tokyo, combined with the social services, sustainability, and governance model of Stockholm—he will create the most open, fair, and inclusive city in the world. “Cities, to date, that have been built from scratch are more like real estate projects. They don’t start with people from the center because if they started with people at the center, they would think—what is the mission and what are the values? The mission for Telosa is to create a more equitable and sustainable future. That’s our North Star and that will never change,” Lore said. Lore speaks of equitism, where everyone has the opportunity for unlimited growth. Imagine living in a city with an economic system in which citizens have a stake in the land; as the city does better, the residents do better. “We are taking a stab at what we call equitism. What if you could pay the same taxes that you can today but get the best social services of any country in the world? We are testing this new model for society and at the same time building a city from a clean slate.” Imagine a city, 30 years from now, where a photovoltaic roof, elevated water storage, and aeroponic farms enable the structure to share and distribute all it produces. Where the city parks host carefully managed reservoirs that store water for the city and provide all residents with open space within minutes of where they live. Where streets prioritize bikes and pedestrians. Slow-moving autonomous cars safely share the street with people and nature. Training centers, cultural

institutions and retail stores spill out onto the street, where shaded public spaces encourage residents to come together. Lore says that he wants people to have a sense of pride in the city [of Telosa] because the city lives by a set of values that resonate within them. Joining in his vision is Bjarke Ingels. His company, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), employs a group of architects, designers, and builders who operate within the fields of architecture, urbanism, research and development. Ingels defines architecture as the art and science of making sure our cities and buildings fit with the way we want to live our lives. In 2011, The Wall Street Journal named Ingels Innovator of the Year for architecture, and in 2016 Time named him one of the 100 Most Influential People. Currently, the group is looking for locations within the U.S. to build their metropolis. Reports of exactly where are swirling like dust devils forming in the desert. So far, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Texas are at the top of the list. Lore’s goal is to set the global standard for urban living and to expand human potential by becoming a blueprint for future generations. His goal is to have the first phase of this development ready by 2030—which is less than nine years from now. As the mission to build a different kind of city is in forward motion, one can’t help but wonder if a brand-new city that implements diversity, equity, inclusion, and equitism will change the way humans look at the world and interact better with one another. Or, will Telosa become another Arcosanti? With the experimentation of Burning Man, therein lies hope. If the highest purpose of a great city is to create a new world order where people can flourish together, then perhaps Telosa will become a new utopia for us all. However, living in a swanky cloud house, working three days a week and driving around in an aero car might not be that bad either.

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TRAVEL

Locally

Diverting 20,000 Tons of Waste

Photos courtesy Hotel Valley Ho

Eco-conscious Scottsdale Valley Ho Hotel preserves mid-century modern architecture BY MARY STANGER

Originally built in 1956, Hotel Valley Ho hosted stars like Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The hotel was almost destroyed before new ownership took over and made the decision to restore the building instead.

“Twenty thousand tons of waste was saved when the hotel was restored in 2005 rather than being torn down,” says Hotel Valley Ho Director of PR and Communications, Kristin Heggli. “The property went up for sale in 2002 and almost went to another buyer who had plans to demolish it, so this was a very real concern.” Today, the hotel is known as “one of the best-preserved mid-century hotels in the country” and boasts a myriad of sustainability features. Designed by renowned local architect Edward L. Varney, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and was known for his minimalist style, the original hotel featured 180 rooms—some with kitchenettes—and all with black-andwhite TVs. The hotel was also the first in Scottsdale to

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have central air conditioning. The original design plans included a tower, but it was not completed until 2008 after the building had been restored. Today the “Tower” is a luxury feature of the hotel offering the “ultimate boutique experience” with rooms overlooking Camelback Mountain and downtown Scottsdale. The $80-million restoration of the hotel began in 2004 and was completed 49 years to the date of the original hotel opening: December 20, 2005. The conference space and 120 rooms that had been added in the 1970s under Ramada ownership were not restored, as they were not considered historically significant and were not part of the original Valley Ho. A restaurant (ZuZu), pool (OH Pool), and spa (VH Spa) were all added during this reconstruction as well.

ECO-CONSCIOUS FEATURES In addition to the trendy, mid-century architecture and design, the hotel is eco-friendly. An estimated 200 gallons of waste per room, per month, is produced by hotels, but Hotel Valley Ho strives to remain environmentally focused. “We are always evaluating new opportunities to reduce energy, water, and waste,” says Heggli. The hotel conserves water by making use of low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. In addition, guests can choose to have linens reused rather than washed every day. Once the linens are too worn to continue using, the hotel donates them to local domestic violence and animal shelters for their use.

ECO-FRIENDLY INSIDE AND OUT Hotel Valley Ho is truly eco-friendly inside and out, using no herbicides or pesticides in their landscaping as well as green-certified cleaning products inside. The kitchen staff recycles cooking oil, compost waste, and makes use of the chef’s herb garden in addition to sourcing

many ingredients from local food purveyors, reducing “food miles,” and saving energy. Additionally, dual-pane glass throughout and energy-efficient lighting add to their conservation efforts. Collectively, the hotel recycles up to four tons of materials every month!

CLEAN THE WORLD Partnering with the Clean the World recycling program not only helps further the hotel’s conservation and recycling efforts but also provides for those in need. Through this program, soap, shampoo, and other items are collected from hotel rooms, cleaned, and then donated to domestic homeless shelters and to over 50 developing countries. Last year, Hotel Valley Ho alone donated over 1,100 pounds of soap. Locally owned and independently operated, the hotel is Green Certified and has been the recipient of the Environmental Excellence Awards Program, Valley Forward Association Merit Award, and the Good Earthkeeping Award. For more information, visit www.hotelvalleyho.com. OCTOBER 2021

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DESIGN

Art Museum

ASU Art Museum Uses Art to Inspire Climate Action BY ADRIANA BACHMANN

Postcommodity installation at the ASU Art Museum's Ceramics Research Center. Photo courtesy ASU Art Museum

Art is powerful. So powerful that it has the potential to influence our politics, society, and culture. All significant movements for positive change are often accompanied by outpourings of artistic expression that help convey powerful messages and inspire action.

The Arizona State University Art Museum has a robust art and sustainability initiative, which regularly features artists in their exhibitions that consistently engage with the ongoing and complex challenges of sustainability. Is it any wonder that many believe them to be a catalyst for dialogue and change? For over 20 years, the ASU Art Museum has presented a series of projects that have focused on the broad issues of sustainability. These projects have encouraged artists and the public alike to rethink the pressing issues of climate change, climate justice, biodiversity, and more. Exhibitions range from artists reflecting and commenting on these issues to providing concrete solutions, working individually or in large groups. At any given moment, artists may work inside the museum or directly engage with organizations, communities, or the natural environment. Heather Sealy Lineberry, Curator Emeritus at the ASU

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Art Museum, said the project “Defining Sustainability” from 2009 was a true testament to the museum’s art and sustainability initiative. She explained that it opened at a time where the term “sustainability” was starting to slip into the public’s vernacular, shifting away from its strict use in policy. This shift invited artists and designers to explore the larger concept of sustainability through a range of formats and materials. “Defining Sustainability” was a series of exhibitions that focused on the complexity of sustaining life on Earth, and highlighted issues of sustainability specific to the desert and other environments. A few features from the series included a project called “Native Confluence: Sustaining Cultures” created by a group of contemporary indigenous artists that spoke to an indigenous and holistic worldview of practicing sustainability, as well as a project called “Political Ply” created by design students who got the chance to create shade structures using recycled political posters. Overall,

“Defining Sustainability” did a spectacular job of touching on a breadth of subjects within sustainability, including environmental, social, and cultural aspects. Although there are many more exhibitions that have focused on sustainability at the ASU Art Museum, a couple of honorable mentions selected by Lineberry include the projects “Feast on the Street” from 2013 and “Trout Fishing in America and other Stories” from 2015. “Feast on the Street” was a massive urban harvest festival that brought people together around a half-mile-long community dinner table in downtown Phoenix to celebrate people, food, and art in the desert. The ASU Art Museum collaborated actively with organizations throughout Phoenix and Roosevelt Row, along with artists Clare Patey and Matthew Moore, to reclaim the city street. The festival’s agenda included discussions about growing food responsibly in the desert, composting food scraps, using solar energy, utilizing community gardens, and more. Ultimately, this interactive exhibit helped people understand the whole cycle of a meal – from growth to production, consumption, and disposal. “Trout Fishing in America and other Stories,” by international artists Bryndis Snæbjörnsdóttir and Mark Wilson, took on issues specific to animal conservation and the decrease of biodiversity. They researched programs underway to reintroduce the California Condor and the Humpback Chub into the Grand Canyon, documenting their journey along the way. Their exhibition included photographs, videos, and sculptures that explored human and animal interaction. This inspired further discussions at the museum on how we interact with animals in our environment.

New Earthworks Artists: David Brooks www.davidbrooksstudio.com Carolina Caycedo www.carolinacaycedo.com Desert Artlab/ April Bojorquez & Matt Garcia www.desertartlab.com Hope Ginsburg www.hopeginsburg.com Scott Hocking www.scotthocking.com Mary Mattingly www.marymattingly.com Sam Van Aken www.samvanaken.com Steven Yazzie www.yazziestudio.com

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There is a multitude of ways an artist can communicate information or express a powerful message through their artwork. “Artists have the ability to engage with both data and effect,” says Lineberry. “A lot of the artists that are working today on the issues of sustainability are expert researchers and have done the work... but can [also] bring to the equation the emotional impact. Whether with object or performance, they can really bring about change in perspective and even change in behavior by including that emotional component.” The next exhibition at the ASU Art Museum that will focus on sustainability will be “New Earthworks,” opening on April 16, 2022. According to Lineberry, this exhibition will present works by eight contemporary artists who explore our interconnectedness with the Earth. Their objects, mixed media installations, and performances will take on issues of decreasing biodiversity and environmental justice, reassert indigenous knowledge, and envision new systems to address climate change. While you are waiting for the “New Earthworks” exhibition to open next year, you can visit the ASU Art Museum to see their current exhibition “Undoing Time: Art and Histories of Incarceration,” which explores America’s historic incarceration system and its foundational roots. If you pay close attention, you may see some links between our current carceral system and its negative sustainability impacts throughout the exhibit. Isn’t it interesting how it is all related? ASU Art Museum's nympheum during the Defining Sustainability exhibition. Photo courtesy ASU Art Museum

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DESIGN

Furniture

Each objet d’art tells a story BY CAROL KAHN

Kieran Kinsella spends the majority of his time in his shop carving, sculpting, and crafting wooden logs into unique and somewhat primitive looking pieces of furniture.

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His designs vary in style, drawing inspiration from Shaker-style furniture and Mid-century modern designs to clear across the continent, creating African-looking vessels—the ones that might be reserved for the chief of a village to sit on. Growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley, Kinsella says that he spent a lot of time in nature and perhaps that has always been his inspiration. “In the Northeast, where I live, there are a lot of forests and trees—it’s pretty abundant.” Kinsella spoke candidly about the selection of wood that he chooses to use for his sculptured furniture. There is no middleman in the purchasing process and he hand-selects each piece that he uses. He went on to explain that he wants to be transparent in how he sources his materials. “I want to be clear in how I source my materials. At least 30 to 40% of the wood I source is salvaged from fallen trees. I use local materials and work with local foresters, loggers, and tree service people,” he says. Yet, he does repurpose salvaged wood and considers it his homage to nature. “That’s my favorite to use, because it’s rescue wood. The most pleasing discovery for me is finding wood that was just in a firewood pile or what the tree service was going to put in their log dump.” As a sculptor, artist, and furniture maker, Kinsella’s wood pieces are created from select Northeast hardwoods, hand-carved and kiln-dried. Additionally, he creates ceramics vessels that are handmade using slip cast porcelain and handbuilt stoneware, working with other local artisans to complete those pieces. His works of art are architectural, some with arched legs, while others are more rough, wild, and abstract. He allows the chunk of wood to determine his design. There is something special about putting legs on a log that has become his signature statement.

“There is a range of inspirations that I draw from… Each piece is oneof-a-kind and hand-shaped. There will always be some variances. The wood will crack differently in the kiln when it dries and take on a different shape, so there are some variances in each piece created.” Each piece of wood tells a story, revealing a dateline and certain characteristics—it’s the spoken language of trees. “I can look at the top of a cut log or tree trunk and look at the rings to determine how the tree grew—It tells a story about the material, in a way, and how it is connected to the environment. Each individual tree has its own different traits and character and diverse woods react differently,” he says. “I’ve been doing this long enough where I can see flaws in the wood, and Photos courtesy Kieran Kinsella I am able to utilize those parts while accentuating others. I think that these pieces have a real connection with nature and the local environment.” Each crafted piece of art takes anywhere from 25 to 30 hours to complete. Some have taken much longer—over 100 hours. He has to be in the moment, without distractions, paying attention to the process as he works. Yet Kinsella says he enjoys the solitude of creating his objet d’art. “I work by myself and enjoy the rhythm and peacefulness of the day, making and creating these pieces,” he says. “Seventy-five percent of the work is dusty, hard, and not glamorous, but I enjoy that because it is my own doing and I make it work. There’s the smaller percent, the creative part, and that’s what keeps me going. No matter how busy I am, I can always make time for creating or seeing potential in a lot of new shapes in different pieces of wood. Just the excitement of finding new shapes and learning—you can never learn enough—and that’s the most fun part now. It’s a long, slow journey to get better.” Visit www.kierankinsella.com to learn more about Kieran Kinsella and his sculptural vessels. OCTOBER 2021

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She’s GREEN He’s GREEN BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART

Seasonal Fun Foods October is a favorite month in our house. We love Fall, especially Halloween! And the cooler weather, color-changing trees, fun décor, and candy. But can you stay true to healthy eating and organic principles around the biggest candy-focused holiday? Definitely. Take a read, and have a happy Fall!

Chocolove

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Bobo's

Pumpkin Spice Milk Chocolate Bites

Assorted Chewie Fruities snack packs, USDA organic

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He Said: He who controls the pumpkin spice controls the world! Seriously, people go crazy for this stuff this time of year. These chocolates were smooth, and had a strong nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon flavor. One and done for me, just like everything else pumpkin spice flavored. I'll have one now and another one next October.

He Said: Wow! I really couldn't find a downside to these. They were sweet and tart fruit chews that had new and interesting flavor combinations. They were organic, with no artificial flavors, dyes or GMOs. I truly had a hard time stopping the “reviewing” of this treat. Starburst, eat your heart out.

She Said: Ah yes, the obligatory “pumpkin spice” flavors are here! But do they need to be in chocolate? I love chocolate, and I love pumpkin spice, but apparently I don't love them mixed together. The chocolate was perfect and delicious, and I would buy it plain. I just didn't enjoy the filling.

She Said: Yum! I'd definitely hand these out at Halloween. Similar to Starbursts, in that you're going to need a really good toothbrush, but these were softer and... “healthier?” Can I claim that about candy? I mean, they have vitamin C, so...

He Said: This had oats and spice and everything nice. It was like a double-wide chewy granola bar with sweet cinnamon and clove taste. I found this bar to be a bit boring in the flavor department, but that's because pumpkin spice isn't really my jam. I have no doubt I would like a different flavor of Bobo's bars.

She Said: It would feel a bit like a brick in my backpack, but I'd still pack a Bobo's bar on a hike. It satisfied my hunger and sweet cravings with the tasty pumpkin and spices. They're a little spendy, but a healthy, gluten-free, and quick snack on the go.

Rebbl Spicy Chai Ashwagandha Elixir, USDA organic He Said: So, full disclosure, I'm a bit of a chai snob. My grandparents took frequent trips to India and brought back a simple ginger chai recipe that will forever be my favorite. That being said, I thought this Rebbl chai was sweet and drinkable, but over-spiced. I will give them kudos at hiding almost half your daily ashwagandha dosage. That's no small feat considering ashwagandha tastes like straight dirt.

She Said: My dairy-intolerant self is giddy to have found an abundance of grab-and-go non-dairy coffee and tea drinks. I am new to “wellness elixirs” like this one, and I see the allure. Plenty of coconut flavor and spices made this a nice treat. And if the ashwagandha helps to reduce inflammation and stress, then I'll have another!

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OCTOBER 2021

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GREEN

Scenes

October Events Throughout Arizona CENTRAL ARIZONA October 2-3 ASES National Solar Tour The American Solar Energy Society (ASES)’s National Solar Tour is the largest national event that focuses on grassroots solar, renewable energy, and sustainable living. This a virtual and in-person experience with both online and live tours of solar-powered homes and businesses. Come together to celebrate the impact of alternative energy with other eco-conscious consumers. Visit www.nationalsolartour.org and www.nationalsolartour.org/organizer/ev-helber/ for more information.

October 1-17

October 15

The Arizona Virtual Plant Festival

Empty Bowls

After planning an in-person event that was sidetracked by COVID-19 last year, the organizers behind this event have transitioned it into an online format. The Arizona Virtual Plant Festival contains recorded events and exhibits for attendees to enjoy until the end of fall 2021. Plans for an eventual large-scale event at the University of Arizona are in the works. For more information, visit www.allevents.in/online/the-arizona-virtualplant-festival/200021323555627.

Empty Bowls is Waste Not AZ’s signature event, reminding our community of the many people who regularly experience hunger. Arizona Clay Association has been busy handcrafting gorgeous bowls for customers to purchase. The two companies will be returning to the beautiful Arizona Center for this event on Friday, October 15. Tables will be filled with hundreds of handmade clay bowls for shoppers to choose from. Your $20 purchase enables Waste Not to provide 100 meals to people in need and also includes lunch from Salad and Go. Need an amazing gift or can't choose just one bowl? Additional bowls are just $10. Join us for lunch & shop with us for gifts that give back. For tickets and more information, visit www.wastenotaz.org/emptybowls.

October 8, 9, 10 Arcosanti Convergence Festival This three-day festival in Mayer centers around the celebration of art, music, and all things countercultural. Happening over Indigenous People’s Day weekend, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for the self and the collective. For tickets and more information, visit www.allevents.in/mayer/ arcosanti-convergence-festival/10000159918722203.

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA

NORTHERN ARIZONA

October 14-17

October 17

BOND Multi Multifamily architects and manufacturers come together at this three-day conference in Tucson. Attendees gather to exchange the latest information in residential developments and projects. Attendees will include spokespeople from 75 of the top 100 architect firms in North America, who oversee design and production practices. For tickets and more information, visit www.10times.com/bond-multi-tucson.

October 20

D.I.G. Online: The Wonders of Arizona Wildflowers The Desert Institute of Gardening (D.I.G.), the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and the Maricopa County Master Gardener Program are teaming up. Join their online Zoom class to educate Arizonans all about the wildflowers native to the state and on where to spot them in the wild. Led by master gardener Chris Wais, it’s sure to be an educational and fun experience. For tickets and information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/dig-onlinethe-wonders-of-arizona-wildflowers-tickets-163267335997.

In Conversation: Rick Joy and Jeremy Mikolajczak at the Tucson Museum of Art. Rick Joy, founding principal of Rick Joy Architects in Tucson, includes raw material in his design work. His upcoming discussion with Jeremy Mikolajczak, the CEO of Tucson Museum of Art, will serve as part of the museum’s Leadership Circle lecture series. For tickets and more information, visit www.tucsonmuseumofart. org/event/in-conversation-rick-joy-and-jeremy-mikolajczak/.

October 20-22 EH&S Management Forum This weekend conference is the largest yearly gathering that focuses on the intersection between EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) and sustainability. Industry professionals can come together and exchange best practices for seeing success in their company’s environmental footprint. For tickets and more information, visit www.10times.com/ehs-s-managementforum-tucson.

October 30 Snowy Shrubs of Autumn Watters Garden Center hosts workshops frequently throughout the year. This one will teach you how to keep your yard looking stunning year round through planting shrubs in your yard or garden. Learn about sustainable design practices through planting combinations and tips from experts so you can enjoy gazing at your garden 365 days a year. This event is free. For more information, visit www.wattersgardencenter.com/classes/.

BUSINESS October 6 Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo Join the Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) for the largest business and technology-centric event in Tucson. For nine years in a row, attendees have connected with industry professionals and how technology can benefit many different industries. For tickets and more information, visit https://techlaunch.arizona.edu/ events/1035-2021-southern-arizona-tech-business-expo.

OCTOBER 2021

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FINAL

Word “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost

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Green Living Magazine - October 2021

Articles inside

Sci-fi Trilogy of Utopia Taliesin, Arcosanti & Telosa

Angelo Surmelis