JUNE/JULY 2020
FATHER’S DAY, REVERSED
THE SUSTAINABLE GIFTS FATHERS GAVE THEIR CHILDREN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HOW TO IMPROVE YOURS ECO-STYLIN’
SUSTAINABLE FASHIONS FOR MEN READY TO COOK
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CONTENTS
JUNE/JULY 2020
10 LIVE
5
FRESH FOOD COLLAB ARIZONA
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PHOENIX CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK
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THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION’S IMPACT WITH COVID-19
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ECOPLUS AZ
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UN-MASK THE EARTH
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SUSTAINABLE YOU…
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THE MANY ‘RELIGIONS’ OF MEDICINE
Join the newest movement
Economic and sustainable initiatives
Plus, the local initiative you can join
Greater efficiency for your HVAC system The environmental impact of the pandemic How to protect the family jewels Is the science of medicine religious?
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26
WORK
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GREENLIGHT SOLUTIONS
Empowering students and businesses with sustainability challenges
WATER TECHNOLOGIES 20 DYNAMIC Scottsdale innovator saves millions of gallons of water ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS KING 22 WHY How can you improve yours? CHAMPION 24 GREEN Meet Ryan Rabish
PLAY DAD GAVE ME 26 WHAT Reflections from their children
32 ECO-STYLIN’! Sustainable fashions for men TRIPPING USA 38 ROAD Tips to make a classic American pastime more sustainable
THAT ENERGIZE 40 RECIPES New dishes to try GREEN, HE’S GREEN 42 SHE’S Summer grillin’ foods OUTRAGEOUS STUFF 44 COOL Fun products SCENES 46 GREEN Things to do in June and July
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Yours in practicing a greener lifestyle
PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSISTANT EDITOR DESIGN DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DIGITAL COORDINATOR COPY EDITOR
Dorie Morales Michelle Glicksman Kyley Warren Sly Panda Design Lindsey Murphy Kait Spielmaker Michael Ziffer
ADVISORY BOARD Sam Campana Ric Coggins Valerie Crosby Lori Diab Ken Edwins
William Janhonen Jon Kitchell John Martinson Mary McCormick Eric Olsen
CONTRIBUTORS David M. Brown Jennifer & John Burkhart Ivy Ciolli Ric Coggins Andrea Dias Susan Lanier-Graham Karen Langston
Maria Lopez Casey Moran Ryan Mores Kait Spielmaker Rose Tring Elizabeth Walton Ashley Weisman
EDITORIAL INTERN Rachel Lee
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN MacKenzie Hotchkiss
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Green Living magazine is a monthly publication by Traditional Media Group, LLC. Periodical rate postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. Publisher assumes no responsibility for 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 © 2019 Traditional Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged to do so in writing. One print subscription is $39 per year or digital subscription is $12 per year. Canadian orders please add $13 per year for shipping and handling. International orders add $22 per year for shipping and handling. Bulk and/or corporate rates available. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions. Green Living magazine is printed on recycled paper.
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Letter from the Editor The other day I was talking to my dad about some of my childhood memories—when he took me to work with him in New York City, the one time we tried camping as a family (it was not our thing, though we tried!), and so many other special times. He’s been a constant in my life, and the one I turn to for advice, and yes, help (do we ever outgrow that?!). Those times are all gifts; special memories that I cherish. In this issue, which celebrates themes of both men and energy, our writer David M. Brown spoke to a number of people on what gifts—specifically related to nature and sustainability— their dads gave them. We also feature men’s eco-friendly fashions; Ryan Rabish, the owner of Integrity Valet and Desert Parking, which was one of the first Arizona Green Business-certified businesses through Local First Arizona; fun products for men; and more. Those interested in energy advances can read about ways to keep your air conditioning unit running more efficiently; home energy efficiency; and Dynamic Water and how it helps save water, money and chemical use. Oh—and we have some fun recipes that energize, so get ready to cook! We hope you enjoy these next two months and are safe and healthy. Happy Father’s Day and Happy July 4th! Environmentally yours,
Michelle Glicksman Editor-in-Chief Instagram: @MGlicksman
P.S. We love to hear from our readers! Send me an email at editor@greenlivingaz.com with your comments on the issue, the green industry, or story ideas.
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In Arizona alone, food insecurity is estimated to affect 2 million Arizonans each year. With nearly 30% of the population considered working poor, access to adequate food is a consistent problem—one made even more difficult through the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike McMahon, founder of Agave Farms and Urban Farming Education (UFE), and Dorie Morales, publisher of Green Living Magazine, are hoping to reshape the narrative surrounding food scarcity through their new collaboration, FRESH FOOD COLLAB. The initiative works to redirect surplus food to those in need, while also educating them regarding how to produce their own. The volunteer-driven collaboration has already hosted several events, with each one feeding over 500 families through the distribution of over 20,000 pounds of food. Join FRESH FOOD COLLAB on its journey to end hunger and support its local communities. For more information on FRESH FOOD COLLAB and volunteering opportunities, visit www. weareufe.org or www.facebook.com/freshfoodcollab. —Kyley Warren
Photos by Lorenzo Cuevas
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June/July 2020 | greenliving
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PHOENIX CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK
ECONOMIC AND SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES BY ANDREA DIAS
S
ustainability—“avoidance of depletion of natural resources maintaining ecological balance.” The goal of “sustainability” is tangential to the mission of Phoenix Cancer Support Network (PCSN) to empower clients throughout their cancer journey while promoting and protecting the unique needs of patients and their caregivers. PCSN takes its commitment to sustaining the community very seriously, as evidenced by Jenny Martin, PCSN founder and CEO.
Bus to provide fresh, healthful meals to even more homebound cancer patients. Through this partnership, The Joy Bus has been able to expand its reach to cancer patients outside of its immediate service area.
“We believe in a holistic concept of support with a watchful eye toward not only our clients and their caregivers, but the community as a whole,” she says. “By identifying and filling in the gaps that exist in the cancer support space, we are able to partner with existing resources to build a sustainable environment for the entire community.”
PCSN hopes to continue this earth-friendly, pandemicinspired format for future events. To help make these initiatives a success in helping those who really need a hand, contact info@pcsnetwork.org.
In facing the challenges raised by the coronavirus pandemic, PCSN has made the ecologically and socially responsible decision to add a virtual component to its 2020 Friendraiser planned for Sat., Aug. 15, 2020. By reducing travel to the event, limiting printed materials, and cutting back on décor, PCSN will reduce the amount of waste associated with a live event while reaching an even wider audience. PCSN proudly provides organic cleaning services from their partner AZ Uber Clean. This environmentally beneficial service is greatly appreciated by its clients, who are often hypersensitive to chemicals due to cancer treatments. PCSN provides free support and advocacy to clients and their families while they undergo cancer treatment. This includes safely providing nutritious meals and groceries for patients and their families, a growing need amid the coronavirus pandemic. PCSN recently partnered with The Joy
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“PCSN is extremely grateful to The Joy Bus for allowing us to provide their fresh, organic, specially curated meals to our clients. While undergoing chemo, it is important to focus on nutrition, and this is one way we can help accomplish that,” says Martin.
As a nonprofit organization, PCSN strives to remove some of the daily burdens that become overwhelming obstacles to cancer patients and their families. They are dedicated to providing free support, assistance, advocacy and guidance to those undergoing cancer treatment. Founded in 2017, they assist clients with the various daily tasks that accompany a cancer diagnosis. PCSN services include meal support, transportation to medical appointments, housekeeping, second opinions, collating medical records, financial support and even dog walking. Since its inception in 2017, PCSN has served over 220 clients in various capacities. Andrea Kramer Dias is a seasoned marketing and PR consultant and a NY transplant whose roots include entertainment PR, tour management, and marketing. She proudly serves Phoenix Cancer Support Network as its director of marketing and PR, provides support for Musically Fed’s media efforts and other clients. She loves providing unique, effective, and efficient results for her clients, and makes her home in Scottsdale with her husband, young son, and two entitled standard poodles.
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June/July 2020 | greenliving
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THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION’S IMPACT WITH COVID-19 PLUS, THE LOCAL INITIATIVE YOU CAN JOIN BY ELIZABETH WALTON
R
ecently, the American Lung Association took a bold and lifesaving step for lung health as it launched its COVID-19 Action Initiative, a comprehensive $25M effort to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics.
lung disease clinical trials. The Center started in 1971 as a small, specialized research effort in respiratory sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. It has evolved into an internationally renowned, comprehensive center that combines the highest caliber of research, clinical care and teaching.
COVID-19, like most in the coronavirus family, is a respiratory disease. And the American Lung Association is uniquely positioned to have a substantial and rapid impact. Through its established research program, the Lung Association will be funding coronavirus awards and grants for preventive research, vaccines, and antivirals, and tapping into their established Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network—the nation’s largest not-for-profit network of clinical centers dedicated to asthma and COPD research.
“The Lung Association has always played a key role in managing respiratory viruses ranging from our work with influenza to funding basic research on understanding COVID-19,” says American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer. “We intend to serve as the convener of government, private industry, and public health organizations to form a coalition that ensures better preparedness to meet the virus outbreaks of the future.”
One of the ACRC sites happens to be located in Tucson, Arizona. The University of Arizona Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center has a long history of conducting
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In addition to raising funds to increase research, the Lung Association will support education and advocacy efforts to prepare for future threats from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. greenlivingaz.com
“More than 36 million people in the U.S. suffer from lung disease, which places them at higher risk for experiencing complications of COVID-19, making it even more critical that we urgently work on reducing its impact,” Wimmer says. “Our organization was founded on the principle of using education, advocacy, and research to eradicate tuberculosis, and we will use those same principles to ensure our nation can address today’s pandemic and is prepared for future lung infections like COVID-19.”
“More than 36 million people in the U.S. suffer from lung disease, which places them at higher risk for experiencing complications of COVID-19, making it even more critical that we urgently work on reducing its impact.” The American Lung Association in Arizona joins the hard work to protect lung health by hosting its first-ever Virtual Fight for Air Climb to eliminate COVID-19 and other lung diseases that affect our community. Through June 30, 2020, community members can join this initiative by heading outdoors to one of the many beautiful mountain trails throughout Arizona (when safe and while practicing safe distancing) to #ClimbAgainstCOVID. “This initiative is an ambitious undertaking, but with the help of our community, and communities across America, we can beat COVID-19 and better prepare for future respiratory viruses. The Lung Association has the experience and resources to take this on,” says Elizabeth Walton, executive director of the American Lung Association in Arizona. To learn more about the Virtual Fight for Air Climb, visit https://bit.ly/virtualfightforairclimb. Elizabeth Walton is an Ohio native who relocated to Phoenix six years ago. She is the executive director of the American Lung Association in Arizona and enjoys hiking, yoga, and traveling in her free time.
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The American Lung Association invites you to head outdoors to one of Arizona’s many beautiful mountain trails to join in the #ClimbAgainstCOVID from May 1 to June 30, 2020. The Lung Association is proud to launch our COVID-19 Action Initiative, a comprehensive $25M investment to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics. To learn more about the event and get suggestions on where to climb, visit www.FightForAirClimb.org/Phoenix.
June/July 2020 | greenliving
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ECOPLUS AZ:
GREATER EFFICIENCY FOR YOUR HVAC SYSTEM BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM Tyler Teague began his career as an “HVAC guy,” but knew there had to be a better way to service air-conditioning units. Teague knew that one of the biggest problems with HVAC units, whether in a commercial or residential setting, was oil fouling. According to HPAC Engineering, oil fouling is “the buildup of a film of contaminated oil (which has relatively poor thermal conductivity) on the heat-transfer surfaces of HVACR systems.” Teague checked out possible solutions and launched EcoPlus Home Energy in the Phoenix area. He offers consumers two great products: a synthetic lubricant that helps protect new and existing HVAC units, and a smart thermostat that can help you control the efficiency of your HVAC unit.
WHY OIL FOULING IS A PROBLEM Teague compares the oil fouling problem to plaque buildup in the human heart. When plaque builds inside the arteries, your heart must work harder. To help overcome the inefficiency, humans can take a medication, exercise, or have surgery to clean out arteries. Oil fouling does to an HVAC unit what plaque does to the human body. The American Society
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of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) concluded that over its lifetime, a cooling system can lose up to 30% of its efficiency due to oil fouling. In units more than 20 years old, that number can increase to 40%. The EcoPlus lubricant reduces the oil buildup in your system. According to Teague, the one-time application of EcoPlus will reduce unit runtime, increase efficiency by up to 35%, and can even make your compressor less noisy. Teague explains that the one-time treatment of EcoPlus can double the life expectancy of a new cooling system. “The average AC unit is expected to last 12 years,” he says. “The average cost for a new unit is $7,800.” That works out to about $650 each year just for the cost of the AC unit. Teague explains that by extending the life of your AC unit by even five years, that is a $3,250 benefit. After the EcoPlus application, most AC units immediately blow air that is four to eight degrees cooler. Most homeowners notice a difference within 20 minutes. “Instead of it taking 10 or 15 minutes to cool down to greenlivingaz.com
temperature,” Teague says, “it takes just three to five minutes. Our product helps your AC unit run less, which means the unit lasts longer and it costs you less.”
REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT Teague is pleased with the environmental benefits of EcoPlus. Not only is the treatment more cost-effective for homeowners, but it also helps reduce carbon emissions. “For every treatment of EcoPlus, it reduces your carbon footprint by 1,695 pounds of CO2,” says Teague. That is the equivalent of planting 48 trees. The best part about EcoPlus is that it’s not a one-time savings. It is an annual savings over the lifetime of your HVAC.
By continuing to blow air across the cold coils for one to three minutes after reaching the designated temperature, the homeowner receives “free air” without the compressor working. With thousands of AC unit cycles each year in Arizona, it can be a significant savings. There are other smart advantages to the EcoPlus thermostat. “It is the only thermostat that can monitor your system 24/7 against inefficiencies, anomalies, and breakdowns,” explains Teague. The thermostat learns and measures efficiencies. It can send you alerts if the system goes down, if there’s a leak, if it needs a tune-up, or anything else that might show an inefficiency.
BUILDING A BETTER THERMOSTAT
“As long as the house stays cool, most people don’t realize the unit is not running efficiently.”
There is no doubt that AC units work hard in Arizona. Most people take it for granted that you set the thermostat to a temperature, and the cold air blows into the room to cool it down. When the room reaches the chosen temperature, the AC unit shuts off. Teague now offers a new thermostat that helps you get the most efficiency out of your HVAC.
After installing the EcoPlus thermostat, customers download an app. This allows a service technician to control the thermostat without having to go inside the home. Geolocation services let homeowners change the thermostat settings without needing to interact with the app.
“This is ideal after our treatment,” Teague explains. “It does everything the popular smart thermostats on the market do and so much more.” For example, you can take advantage of the extended blower feature. When an AC unit hits the designated temperature, it immediately shuts off the compressor. However, Teague realized that those cold coils offer a savings opportunity.
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“Your AC unit is the most expensive appliance you own,” says Teague. “It’s crazy not to have it run as efficiently as possible.” Find more about EcoPlus online at www.ecoplusaz.com. Susan Lanier-Graham is a freelance writer and speaker based in AZ and TX. Find out more at www.wanderwithwonder.com.
June/July 2020 | greenliving
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UN-MASK THE EARTH
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC BY IVY CIOLLI
A
s quickly as we have noticed our planet begin to heal and wildlife inhabit their former homes, the waste component of one-time-use face masks and gloves has become overly apparent, as well. I’m sure you have noticed discarded masks, gloves, and sanitizing wipes littering the streets and parking lots of grocery stores. Those that are not picked up by store employees or sanitation workers will inevitably be picked up by a gust of wind or washed down drains to later end up in our oceans and waterways. From my perspective, it seems as though our concern for our own health doesn’t translate to the health of our environment. It only takes a minute or two to discard these landfill-bound products in a waste bin. I can’t help but think about the massive amounts of plastic and non-biodegradable products entering our landfills by the tons.
BRAINSTORMING SOLUTIONS I came into this world with the innate compassion for the environment. From a young age, I thought about how we impact our earth positively or negatively. I would collect cans
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and other recyclables and wait for my mom to take me to the local grocery store to recycle them. On one hand, I enjoyed putting cans in the recycling machines and receiving nickels, but I also felt a huge amount of pride at being a part of the solution and not the problem. It was fascinating thinking about what products those recyclables were going to be transformed into. Fast-forward to the world we live in today. Now, I am seeking to find or create a possible solution to the compounding waste problem we are currently facing. I suggest we start by calling our local grocery stores and demanding recycling or trash bins for all these disposable gloves! As stated on April 16, 2020, in the article, “Discarded coronavirus face masks and gloves rising threat to ocean life, conservationists warn” on www.independent.co.uk, “The rise in disposable face masks and gloves being used to prevent the spread of coronavirus is adding to the glut of plastic pollution threatening the health of oceans and marine life, environmentalists warn.” greenlivingaz.com
PLASTIC IN THE OCEAN
We all lead busy lives, but Jack takes it upon himself to restore his beautiful neighborhood. As I was speaking to Jack, another person stopped on his jog to thank him and acknowledged the fact that he has been out there many days and hours cleaning their streets.
Scientists don’t know exactly how much plastic is in our oceans, but estimate approximately 8 million metric tons enters them each year. This is equivalent to nearly 90 aircraft carriers. If you think about all the plastic items you use on a daily basis—such as the one-time-use coffee cup you start your day with, the container your lunch comes in, or the plastic water bottle you drink from during your workout—it’s astounding how much disposable plastic one person can use in one day. Many of us are aware that plastic does not decompose and can remain in its original state indefinitely. I learned in the article “Plastic pollution wreaking havoc on marine ecosystem,” published on iWitnessNews, that a plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to biodegrade, while a plastic grocery bag can take up to 20 years.
I asked Jack, “Why do you do what you do?” He replied by saying, “I guess the way I see it is that we all play a role in our communities, whether it’s large or small. I think we’re all blessed to live in this country, and for those who have the ability to step up, we also have the responsibility to do what we can on behalf of our community and the people we share it with.” It’s evident that Jack appreciates the world that surrounds him. Jack has a “green heart” and spends time cleaning up his neighborhood.
When single-use plastics enter the ocean, they are broken down by wave action and sunlight into “microplastics.” Microplastics are tiny particles less than 5 millimetres in size, which are worn down from larger particles such as bottles and bags, polluting the oceans. Microplastics are usually mistaken for food by marine animals and when consumed, microplastics block their digestive system, causing them to die.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE But just as you continue to see carelessness, you are shown those who care greatly for the environment. They lead by example to show their neighbors and community how important it is to keep our streets and sidewalks clean. Caring for Mother Nature with no compensation but the gratification of seeing the change is their greatest reward. Just recently I was shown there are “green hearts” in our Valley. After two separate occasions of seeing a man near Bell Road and 64th Street with his blower, rake, and filled garbage bags lining the sidewalk, I knew I had to stop to meet him and thank him for his acts of kindness. I met Jack, and learned that he cleans debris from the sidewalks until it becomes too dark to continue. He gathers the garbage discarded by those who don’t have the same appreciation for the beauty around them.
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Another comment that he made that resonates with me is, “I often think that if everyone picked up one piece of trash when they saw it, how much of an impact that would have in every city, town, and state!” Recently, I’ve heard that Jack has influenced others—there was a ripple effect in the younger generation because of his community service. The best compliment is those who follow suit without having to enlist their help. In our family, we never make it home from a walk without pieces of litter to put in our recycling or trash bin. As we all navigate the precautions for our own health, we also need to be cognizant of our environment. As the old video store Blockbuster used to promote: Be kind, rewind. Let’s consider repurposing that slogan to save the environment: Be Kind, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle! We need this slogan to remind those neglectfully dumping their one-time-use gloves and masks that are defacing Mother Earth. It’s very simple—take your garbage home with you or find a waste bin. We can all create a ripple effect by teaching the next generation that keeping the streets, beach, or any public place clean is the same as keeping their room clean! Ivy Ciolli is a native of Arizona born with the innate desire to protect Mother Earth. She is a wife and proud mother of Cole and Brooklyn. Her days are filled with volunteering at her children's school, and philanthropic work involving abused and neglected children and animals.
June/July 2020 | greenliving
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SUSTAINABLEYOU SUSTAINABLE One thing you can do... HOW TO PROTECT THE FAMILY JEWELS BY KAREN LANGSTON
W
elcome to June. Hot enough for ya? June is Men’s Health Month—making it a great time to talk about the family jewels. Did you know that the American Cancer Society predicts about 191,930 new cases of prostate cancer, with about 33,330 deaths this year? There are things you can do to prevent this preventable disease.
THE SLANG In Victorian times, it was considered improper to refer to a male’s anatomy with the correct medical terms. What to do? Since a family’s wealth was in their much-loved and -protected precious jewels, losing those jewels could literally ruin a family. Plus, men of wealth and royalty held their precious lineage in their Calvin Kleins; thus, “family jewels” became the slang
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term for the male genitalia, and “protect the family jewels” became a popular term. So, how do you protect the family jewels?
A ZINC DEFICIENCY Let’s start with the essential trace mineral zinc. Did you know the prostate requires more zinc than any other organ in the body? Zinc deficiency is a worldwide problem. Studies have shown an association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and low levels of zinc. Long before the prostate is affected, you can look for clues of low zinc levels. These include white spots on fingernails, hair loss, and loss of taste and smell. greenlivingaz.com
If there is a diagnosis of BPH and/or you have any of these symptoms, have your zinc and other mineral status tested through a micronutrient test. In Arizona we are fortunate to be able to order our own lab tests. Men between the ages of 16-25 typically will notice white spots are on their fingernails if their diet is low in zinc. This is because these ages are when they are dealing with puberty, when the reproductive system is kicking into high gear, and when sexual activity is increasing. During these normal processes, zinc becomes even more important.
HOW TO CORRECT A ZINC DEFICIENCY One thing you can do is eat foods rich in zinc. Foods to incorporate into your diet include raw pumpkin seeds, oysters, beef, lamb, chicken, spinach, and cashews. If you want to take a zinc supplement, it is better to have your zinc levels tested first so that you know how much to take without causing a copper deficiency.
ARE YOUR CLOTHES IMPACTING YOUR HEALTH? Let’s also talk about tight-fitting clothes—especially in the lower region. Not only can these inhibit proper blood flow and irritate the skin, but they often do not allow the body to breathe. In fact, an increased number of young men are suffering from painful testicular problems including twisted testicles, bladder weakness, low sperm count, fungal infections, and bladder weakness from wearing tight-fitting skinny-jeans. Maybe we should go back to the MC Hammer pants from the early ’90s! No? Okay, I don’t blame you. But how about something in-between? It is important for men of childbearing years to look after their jewels. This means forgoing the trends and looking for looser trousers, including underwear. According to authors Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer in their book, Dressed to Kill, Second Edition: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, tight-fitting briefs have been implicated in male infertility because it increases testicle body heat. Sperm needs to be
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below body temperature to be fully functional, which is why testicles hang below the body. Start your own trend. Include loose-fitting pants, especially in the groin area. You want the waist loose enough to allow for loose boxer shorts. Boxer shorts allow for the jewels to hang and keep cool. They also allow the skin to breathe, preventing skin irritation and fungal infections. Let’s also bump it up a notch and start wearing organic cotton boxers. Synthetic fabrics, including the dyes, are made with toxic chemicals which can leach into your skin. Some of these hazardous chemicals have been found to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or toxic for reproduction. A 2014 meta-analysis found perfluorochemicals (PFCs) linked to prostate cancer, as well as both malignant and nonmalignant renal disease. Think about it–the most vulnerable part of your body, chronically exposed to excess heat and chemicals, is responsible for half the genetic coding for making a baby. Choose organic cotton loose trunk boxers or boxer briefs. Underwear Concept and Natural Clothing Company have a wonderful selection and colors to choose from. With summer upon us and the thermometer only going up, why not choose breathable trousers and shorts made from such fabrics as organic cotton or linen? Natural Clothing Company carries men’s eco-friendly and sensible comfortable pants and shorts. Toad&Co and Prana, found at REI in Arizona, also offer sustainably made, eco-friendly organic cotton and hemp clothing for work, play, and fitness. June is the month when we celebrate Father’s Day and transition from spring to hot weather in the Valley. What a perfect month to shop eco and healthy, and protect yourself as well as the next generation. Karen Langston is a certified holistic nutritionist working with clients and professionals on how to have three healthy poops a day. Poop well, be well. www.healthygutadvisor.com
June/July 2020 | greenliving
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THE MANY ‘RELIGIONS’ OF MEDICINE
I
t’s been said that one is wise to avoid public discussions of “politics and religion.” It may now be time to add to that caveat… the conversations of medicine.
There was a past era when nothing could be further apart than science and religion. After all, one school was based purely on fact and the other was RIC COGGINS based entirely on faith, right? It is my observation that religion has become increasingly secular, and that science—especially the science of medicine—has become more and more religious. Let me explain. I believe there was a time when fact-based medicine spoke with one clear voice. To be sure, there was always healthy debate over what the facts told us, but the facts always remained the center of focus. But over time, just like religion, medicine began breaking apart into its own denominations, all which claim to worship the god of health. And just like religion, today’s medicinal denominations have completely diverse ways to worship that god, and just as many religious irrationalities.
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Some of the medicinal denominations are called allopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, and homeopathic medicine. To be sure, there are many more, but these are sufficient to make my point. Most would agree that religion and money can be a bad combination. Perhaps where the wheels came off the medicinal wagon was the mixture of medicine and money in the early part of the 20th century, when Standard Oil monopolist John D. Rockefeller discovered that the byproducts of processing his crude oil from the ground into diesel fuel, gasoline, and kerosene could be made into substances that impacted the body and nervous system. In fact, the Rockefeller family is even known to have marketed a “natural cure” for cancer made from raw petroleum and opium. It didn’t taste very good, but who cared? It made you feel better! Just as Rockefeller monopolized transportation by secretly buying, then dismantling, perfectly functioning public transportation systems to increase the demand for his oil products, he also began funding medical schools and trade associations that would embrace his petro-based cures. greenlivingaz.com
Many say that this was the real start of today’s allopathic or Western pharmaceutical-based medical practices. Another subject where money and doctors made “bad medicine” was with tobacco. It was to a smoke-filled room of doctors in the 1930s that a very young Dr. Michael DeBakey delivered the results of his fact-based research that showed that smoking was a serious health hazard. The facts were presented… and ignored until the 1964 surgeon general’s report. This ignorance of the facts was largely due to the huge amount of medical and congressional lobby activities on the part of the tobacco industry.
I believe there is a place for all of the medicinal denominations, just as our country protects the right of all to believe as their denomination sees religious truth, or even not. Most people follow a particular religious denomination because its tenets are what they were taught. Few know anything about competing denominations, where they agree and where they depart theologies. I believe almost all people are good and sincere folks deeply adhering to what they inherited as truth. Much the same can be said of the denominations of medicine. Allopathic doctors are steeped in their denomination and what it teaches. An honest allopath will admit that he or she knows little about the other medicinal denominations… an arrogant one will call all the others “quacks.” I believe there is a place for all of the medicinal denominations, just as our country protects the right of all to believe as their denomination sees religious truth, or even not. I often get a chuckle when I jest that if I were to find myself with a spurting artery from an automobile accident, I don’t want an herbalist. I want the best emergency room allopath I can get! The big problem I see now is that while we understand we have the Freedom of Religion, we are seemingly not having the right to profess our freedom of medicine. Censorship is rampant on Facebook, YouTube, Google, and Wikipedia. If a fully accredited medical doctor (allopathic or otherwise) posts a video that does not walk the allopathic line, it is deleted. It’s why I had to go to Mexico and Italy to cure my cancer, when the allopaths came up empty-handed and told me to get my affairs in order. I guess the next time we fill up our gas tanks with Standard Oil, we can thank John D. Rockefeller for not having the public transportation systems that Europe has and for not having the right to the freedom of medicine. Ric Coggins is a University of Arizona Master Gardener who grew up on a one-acre garden tended by his father, who was a regular contributor to Mother Earth News and Organic Gardening and Farming magazines. Ric continues his father’s “green” traditions on a one-acre organic garden urban homestead in Mesa he calls The Fool on the Hill Farm.
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June/July 2020 | greenliving
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EMPOWERING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO BUILD RESILIENCY TO SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES BY KAIT SPIELMAKER, IN COLLABORATION WITH RYAN MORES AND ASHLEY WEISMAN
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reenLight Solutions first appeared on my radar during Green Living Magazine’s 2019 Earth Day event that featured an EcoTank. EcoTank is a play on the famous SharkTank show, where local entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of judges. In our version, GreenLight Solutions was runner-up. After this event, I researched more about what they were doing and eventually got involved, serving two semesters as a Solutioneer and a Project Leader.
University and the Maricopa Community College District can join GreenLight Solutions in an effort to experience real-life sustainability challenges in business and more importantly, strategizing with fellow team members in order to streamline solutions. Through GreenLight, students and local business leaders work collaboratively alongside one another to be the trendsetters needed in the community for the future of resilient sustainable development and a healthy planet.
WHAT IS GREENLIGHT SOLUTIONS?
RECENT PROJECTS
A mission statement that says it all, “To educate and empower students and business leaders to create positive social, environmental, and economic change through sustainability initiatives.”
Each semester, GreenLight facilitates partnerships with local businesses to create long-lasting, sustainable solutions. Projects from this past semester include local companies such as Valley Metro, Stardust Building Supplies, Solar United Neighbors and Tiny House Developers. The most recent semester truly tested the organization, which had to quickly adapt to a fully virtual platform in the wake of COVID-19. In
GreenLight Solutions Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit started in 2013, and today it has grown, evolved, and left its mark on the community. Students who attend Arizona State
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a smooth transition, all teams successfully communicated and problem-solved to ensure a showcase with fruitful sustainability results. With the new projects on the horizon, Co-Founder & Operations Director Ryan Mores states, “Our team is excited for the new opportunities these uniquely challenging times are presenting, and we’re ready to help businesses #buildbackbetter through our Learn-Strategize-Implement programs.” These new programs include tools to help businesses adopt sustainable principles in their operations. Their LearnStrategize-Implement programs have been modified to operate virtually and offer understanding of sustainability challenges, alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and how to transform the workplace culture to a more eco-conscious mindset. Ashley Weisman, program development director, says, “We’ve found that businesses have utilized our Sustainability Seminar Series as a great way to keep their people engaged and keep team morale up while social distancing. This is the perfect time to get this continued education opportunity!” Utilizing the tools laid out in these programs, businesses can further align with their mission and vision and establish strategic sustainability goals.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED As an educational nonprofit with student-led chapters, there are many ways to get involved. GreenLight Solutions is seeking additional sponsors for its WVE Media Twitter Video Campaign that will receive over 1 million views. Current sponsors include
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Caliber Companies, LocalFi, and AlaMari Media. Contact GreenLight to join as a sponsor for this campaign. Additionally, GreenLight Solutions Foundation invites all members of the community to contribute to their mission by donating one time or by becoming a GreenLight Glow Monthly Donor. For more information on how to sign up for these opportunities, how to contribute, receive monthly newsletters or to attend upcoming (virtual) Community Mixers, visit www.glsolutions.org or contact ashley@glsolutions.org for more information. Kait Spielmaker is a Michigan native who relocated to Phoenix, and is the digital coordinator at Green Living Magazine. She is an avid hiker and is working on her master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism at Arizona State University. Ryan Mores is co-founder and operations director with GreenLight Solutions Foundation, serves as vice chair on the Tempe Sustainability Commission, and works at Arizona State University’s (ASU) School of Sustainability. He earned concurrent degrees in Business Sustainability & Supply Chain Management, as well as an International Business Certificate, from ASU's W.P. Carey School of Business. Ashley Weisman is the program development director at GreenLight Solutions. She earned her Master of Sustainability Solutions degree at Arizona State University (ASU). She also worked at ASU at the University Sustainability Practices department as the sustainability certification program coordinator. This program won the Outstanding Educational Program award at ASU in 2018.
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Michael Boyko, CEO of Dynamic Water Technologies inside of a Dynamic Scale Reactor (DSR) at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix.
DYNAMIC WATER TECHNOLOGIES
SCOTTSDALE INNOVATOR SAVES MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER BY ROSE TRING
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n late April, the Los Angeles Better Buildings Challenge named the City of Los Angeles winner of its Walk the Walk Award for outstanding water conservation during the past year. City officials gave much of the credit for the honor to Dynamic Water Technologies (DWT), a Scottsdale-based company. Throughout a drought-stricken Southwest, municipalities and businesses are seeking innovative ways to save water and energy. After researching many options, city officials in Los Angeles installed DWT’s electrochemical treatment system that reduces process water used in cooling towers by millions of gallons of water per year. The installation is reducing water usage at City Hall East by more than 20% on an annual basis. The system has been in place for 21 months and has saved 2.45 million gallons of water to date. “This project is exciting because it accomplishes multiple goals at once—we are saving water, saving money, and moving away from chemicals,” says Mark Roussel, assistant director of the Building Maintenance Division at the City of Los Angeles. “It’s a win all around. We are proud to partner with the LA Better Buildings Challenge to share these exciting results.” Saving 2.45 million gallons of water at a single facility has
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massive implications, given recent scientific studies indicating the Southwest is in the middle of a megadrought. Scientists with Columbia University studied tree rings throughout the Southwest, and concluded, after years of research, that the current southwestern drought is the worst in 1,200 years and is likely exacerbated by human-caused climate change. Findings were reported earlier in April. “It’s imperative that governments and businesses work together to find innovative solutions to our ever-growing scarcity of water,” says Mike Boyko, president and CEO of Dynamic Water. “We must find technologies that allow us to minimize water usage worldwide.” The installation at Los Angeles City Hall East is one of two at government facilities that used DWT’s treatment system as part of studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a division within the U.S. Department of Energy. A multi-month study at the 242,000-square-foot Juliette Gordon Low Federal Building in Savannah, Georgia, produced similar water-saving results as those reported in Los Angeles. The General Services Administration, which issued the study, recommended that DWT’s technology be adopted at all federal government facilities. greenlivingaz.com
In Los Angeles, city officials reached the same conclusion after seeing the results from using Dynamic Water’s treatment system. They contacted DWT and the system is now being installed at the City’s Department of Water and Power’s headquarters. “The General Services Department operates and maintains over 400 City facilities,” Roussel says. “Sustainability is a key priority for us, along with controlling costs and providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff and fellow city workers.”
water produces savings in water and sewer and eliminates the need to add chemicals, which reduces overall operating costs for businesses and governments. “But most importantly, our most precious resource is conserved,” Boyko emphasizes. “This is one of the single most important advancements in water treatment because of the scientifically proven results in water savings.” While the City of Los Angeles is receiving one of the area’s
A before-and-after comparison of the dramatic reduction and elimination of scale and bio contaminant after the installation of Dynamic Water Technologies’ system.
Boyko says the data from Georgia and Los Angeles proves how much water can be saved by using a chemical-free treatment. The DWT process uses electrolysis to remove biocontaminants, mineral build-up and other impurities from industrial water. In large cooling towers, this translates to water being used for many additional cycles. Balancing the Los Angeles City Hall with the East Tower in the foreground, where Dynamic Water Technologies first installed their system in 2018.
most prestigious awards for sustainability, it is far from the only impact that Dynamic Water Technologies is having in California. DWT has installations in multiple facilities ranging from luxury hotels to medical research facilities. SoCalGas, a division of Sempra Energy, selected Dynamic Water’s system for its Energy Research Center cooling tower in early 2019. After 90 days of operation, officials at the Downey facility contacted DWT to survey other SoCalGas sites for installation. In October 2019, Dynamic Water Technologies installed systems at SoCalGas’ Monterey Park headquarters facility. Annual water savings are about 40 percent, or 2.2 million gallons a year across both sites. Another DWT customer, Gilead Sciences Inc., has been in the news frequently of late as its researchers seek treatment options for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Gilead is also a leader in sustainability. The company is saving more than 3 million gallons per year at its Oceanside facility after installing the Dynamic Water Technologies system. For more information, visit https://dynamicwater.com. Rose Tring, a former editor and reporter at newspapers nationwide, is a freelance writer for a variety of publications in the Phoenix area.
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– SPONSORED ARTICLE –
WHY ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS KING BY JONATHAN WATERWORTH
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any of you are likely not familiar with energy efficiency, but I have made it my career for the past 11 years and would like to share some of what I know with you today. We spend most of our time in our homes, and assume or expect that they were built well, safe, healthy, and comfortable—and for some that is true, but for most it is not. On average, a home has about 30% waste built into it, with some having more and some having less, bringing with it higher operational costs, along with comfort and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues. Over time, codes have changed the way we build things, all with the aforementioned issues in mind. And yes, although efficiency has improved, we are still finding and correcting inefficiencies in today’s housing stock. So whether your home was built in 1950 or 2019, you should consider having an energy assessment done to see where and how much can be improved.
HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPACTS I will not go into detail about how we do our assessments, but rather that we are looking to address safety, health, comfort, and costs. These are the four pillars to a proper energy retrofit, although your concerns are usually cost and/or comfort. You are probably wondering why health has anything to do with energy efficiency. I have witnessed the positive impacts on IAQ and subsequently occupant health when there is an
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emphasis on improving the living environment. When you have the knowledge and training to identify probable triggers within the home and eliminate the envelope and mechanical leakage while introducing proper balanced ventilation, there is a great probability for success. So, I have described the benefits of incorporating energy efficiency to the home, but let us recap: •
Identify and address safety issues
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Improve comfort and eliminate hot/cold rooms
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Improve IAQ and health
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Reduce operational costs
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Improve the durability and life cycle of HVAC
We can achieve this and a 30%-40% cost reduction on utilities while avoiding big-ticket items with long returns on investment, such as new windows and HVAC replacement.
REDUCING UTILITY COSTS Sound too good to be true? Wait, it gets better! What if I told you there is an additional 15%-25% reduction on utility costs that can be achieved? Let me start first with how we arrived where we are. Residential solar! I bet you’ve heard of it. The industry propped up by the taxpayer, that at best requires a large greenlivingaz.com
– SPONSORED ARTICLE –
investment by you to reduce your utility costs over a long period of time, while not giving you any of the benefits that efficiency does because solar doesn’t fix anything! You will still have dust, hot rooms, and an air conditioner running all the time. Here is an easy way to think of it. If you were stranded in the middle of the ocean on a life raft with a hole in it, would you want a bucket (being solar) or a patch (being efficiency)? I know what you're thinking—rescue helicopter!
LOAD SHIFTING The popularity of residential solar has created excess power on the grid from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., when there’s the least demand; and because utilities can’t sell it off, they have re-structured the rate plans to incentivize “load shifting.” This is revolutionary and will make people reconsider solar. Why invest in solar when you can in theory use your neighbor’s solar investment by getting on a rate plan that has low kilowatt-hour pricing during “off peak” and use clean, cheap renewable energy by load shifting? We start load shifting by looking at the high-demand equipment like HVACs, electric water heaters, pool pumps, ovens, and electric dryers. The ovens and dryers are a behavioral change, but the first three we want to determine when they operate, during off peak. The highest demand by far is the HVAC, so it is crucial to have energy efficiency measures performed on the home to Jonathan Waterworth effectively and efficiently “pre-cool” your home during off-peak prior to on-peak and “drift” across on-peak pricing, and/or we can set you up with “maintenance cooling” during on-peak by programming HVAC to cool short, limited bursts while keeping costs down. There is more potential with electric water heaters and how we use them. We can do a simple timer strategy, only having to run for a short period of the day while avoiding on-peak pricing, or a more advanced strategy using a water heater as an energy storage device.
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For those who have pool pumps, run them during off-peak daylight hours for better chlorination. By installing smart thermostats and sometimes, in addition, smart technology and timers controlling how and when we use energy to our advantage against a particular rate plan, we can achieve enormous savings and comfort, better health, and improved green living. Jonathan Waterworth is a LEED Accredited BPI Certified professional who started Az. Energy Efficient Home in 2009, being Arizona’s first Home Performance with Energy Star Contractor. He has developed and piloted methods that have advanced home performance, as well as lead with a heavy emphasis on health and indoor air quality within the home. Because of his contributions and leadership in home performance, he has been awarded the Nation’s Energy Star Contractor of the Year five times, and he is excited about the future of home performance and the benefits it provides to society. Waterworth can be reached at 480.471.0111 or info@azenergyefficienthome.com. www.azenergyefficienthome.com
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EACH MONTH WE FEATURE A GREEN CHAMPION WHO IS MAKING STRIDES IN THE GREEN COMMUNITY
MEET RYAN RABISH SUSTAINABILITY WITH INTEGRITY BY MARIA LOPEZ
www.localfirstaz.com/greenbusiness
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he opportunity for a more environmentally conscious work environment lies within every industry. Don’t believe us? Integrity Valet and Desert Parking, local parking companies, prove how it can be done. Sustainability is a passion for owner Ryan Rabish, and it has seeped into the way this small business operates. It starts at their headquarters and their footprint doesn’t travel far. Rabish was one of the first Arizona Green Businesscertified businesses through Local First Arizona. Being a steward of Arizona and our natural land is a personal value of Rabish, but he implemented good business practices quite seamlessly into his operations. Read how in this Q&A and find more green businesses to support at www.az.greenbiztracker.org. Share a bit about what sustainability means to you. Sustainability to me is having the smallest “footprint” I can and “leaving no trace” if at all possible. This considers the human experience while also nature itself, the animal kingdom, the resources that have taken millions of years to develop, plants and trees, etc. Our company’s environmental policies state, “ensuring all aspects and consequences of operational decisions are considered, to promote efficiency and embody a ‘Do No Harm’ ideology.” Share how you started implementing sustainability within your business. Was it a lot of work? How did staff react? We strive towards efficiency to manage more with less naturally, so sustainability goes hand in hand. We schedule shifts based on where employees live to limit drive time. Single-use plastics are banned in the office and field. We consciously order supplies and equipment considering shipping and impact. We use smart technology like Nest thermostats and purchase from local vendors. Pela phone cases are a great biodegradable option. We offer one complimentary vegan meal per employee, per week, paid for by the company. I’m 99% vegan for animal rights and sustainability purposes. This one can be more challenging to implement, but positive, respectful conversations with staff are fun! Many on our team are students and will be in leadership positions one day, so it’s good to promote critical thinking and diverse backgrounds coming together.
Share how COVID-19 is impacting your business with events being canceled and restaurants closed. How are you adjusting and what does the future look like for you? Like many businesses in the hospitality and service industry, the lights went out March 16. Turning the switch back on isn’t as simple as turning it off. When everything froze, I did my best to preserve what has been built over the past 13-plus years and communicated with staff what was happening. Though not ideal by any means, I’m extremely thankful to be where we’re at as a business and that our families are healthy during this time. Moving forward, a few restaurants were ready for us to start again on May 22. I prepared our own COVID-19 Guidelines specific to the valet parking and management industry and have been in touch with other operators in town. I’m hoping to be slammed by October as we adjust to each client’s specific needs this summer. Safety is always number one, so we’ll be extra prepared as we all try to navigate this unprecedented time. We’re a resilient group with amazing clients and look forward to serving again to the best of our abilities. Maria Lopez is the communications manager for Local First Arizona, a coalition of more than 3,000 local, independent businesses and nonprofits working to promote, support, and celebrate a vibrant and sustainable Arizona economy by educating citizens about local business ownership, social equity, cultural diversity, and environmental impact. More at www.localfirstaz.com.
If you want to nominate a Green Champion, please email editor@greenlivingaz.com
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June/July 2020 | greenliving
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WHAT DAD GAVE ME REFLECTIONS FROM THEIR CHILDREN BY DAVID M. BROWN
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his year, let’s step away about what we’d like to give our fathers, if we are fortunate to have them with us, and celebrate what they’ve given us—specifically, a respect for nature and an eco-consciousness that has improved our lives and the life of our communities. Here are 10 who remember their dads in that bright spirit.
His dad Fritz (or Frederick) was an outdoorsman and took him fishing when he was 8 to Turkey Creek in Merrillville, Indiana, near Chicago, where they both grew up. Dad set him up with a cane pole and a bobber. “Before my dad could put a worm on his hook, the bobber started to run, so I flipped the cane pole up over my head and brought in my first fish, a bullhead,” he says. That day he also bagged five others and a fourpound carp that he needed help to pull in. “Dad eventually got his line in the water and caught three bullheads,” Schilling recalls with a smile, “but this was my special day, the day I became a fisherman.” Growing up in the area, he would soon trek regularly to the creek with his friends to fish and observe. “We saw robins and woodpeckers. We saw muskrats swimming in the water. We saw snakes slithering in the grass. We saw squirrels climbing up trees chasing each other.” Fritz and 4-year-old Randy Schilling, 1954. Courtesy Randy Schilling
Elizabeth and Jerry Walton. Courtesy Elizabeth Walton
Elizabeth Walton, CFRE, executive director of the American Lung Association Arizona in Phoenix, grew up outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She spent summers at a family home in the little town of Vermilion along Lake Erie. “My father, Jerry, and I have both always loved being on the lake––swimming, boating—which taught me to be ecoconscious. From there, I became aware of other environmental issues, like air quality, which is a large part of my career today with the American Lung Association,” she says, noting that one of its goals is clean air for all. She moved to Arizona six years ago to be closer to her younger sister. “I love living in Arizona,” Walton says. “This state is so diverse and offers us so many opportunities to get outside and explore nature.” Scottsdale resident Randy Schilling was the development director at Audubon AZ for a decade, where he worked with associates such as former Scottsdale Mayor Sam Campana. Named by his grandmother for the actor Randolph Scott, he’s a semi-weekly steward now at Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale.
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He also went with his dad on his country bread route. “I would ride in the truck with him out in the country, and he would tell me about the different animals we would see. We saw deer, pheasants, and weasels, to name just a few. He would tell me about the crops planted in the fields and how the farmers tended to their fields to raise corn and wheat,” he says. In these outings, he had his dad all to himself, and he learned about life, which influenced him to help protect the environment in his adult life. “I just wish dad was still around, so I could take him fishing to my favorite places and share the good times,” he says. John Busterud is the regional administrator in San Francisco for the EPA Pacific Southwest, which includes Arizona. His father, also named John, inspired his career as an attorney and service in the military. He was also his most influential environmental mentor, encouraging him at an early age to appreciate the natural environment, both in native Northern California and in Southwest Oregon where his father was raised. John senior served in the California Legislature,
Michael and Daniel Keyack. Photo Michael Keyack
John Busterud, right, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, and his dad, Lieutenant Colonel John Busterud, Veterans Day, 2015. Photo courtesy John Busterud
where he was minority leader and the last Republican elected in the Haight-Ashbury district—a significant achievement considering the area’s well-known political alignments since the latter part of the 20th century. During his tenure, he championed preservation issues, notably the protection of a portion of Golden Gate Park. And, after his elected service, he was also active in a grass roots citizens’ effort to preserve the headlands at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. For those who have visited the area recently, hikers and cyclists now safely enjoy opportunities to appreciate one of America’s great engineering achievements. He later served in the Nixon and Ford administrations as deputy assistant secretary of defense for environmental quality and chairman of the president’s Council on Environmental Quality. “Throughout his career, and especially as I grew older, Dad would discuss significant environmental issues with me,” Busterud recalls. “I came to appreciate the complexity of environmental challenges and how responsible regulation should engage all stakeholders in crafting sustainable and effective solutions.” In Arizona, Michael Keyack is deputy
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director at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, created 17 years after the EPA was founded in 1970. He notes that his father, Daniel, was born in a small Pennsylvania mining town. “He grew up during the Great Depression, when every resource was precious every day,” he says. “After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he studied chemical engineering and began a career in the design and manufacture of semiconductor devices. His greatest career ambition was to become the president of a company, and, through hard work and patience, he reached his goal. “One night, as my father was leaving work, he noticed an employee wheeling a 55-gallon drum out to the back of a building and dumping the contents down a ravine,” he adds. “He investigated and found that this dumping had been going on for some time. He recognized the need to stop the dumping and address the issue quickly to protect the environment. He hired a consulting firm to assess the scale of the problem, estimate the cost of the remediation and investigate safe disposal.”
Austin and Kevin Edwards. Photo Stacy Edwards
Carmella Diamond and Louie Evangelista. Courtesy Carmella Diamond
He presented the owner of the company with a solution and clean-up cost, but the owner declined to act. His father then resigned from his long-sought-after position. “Maintaining his values and respect for the environment were more important,” Keyack says. He also learned that his grandfather, a miner, died at a young age from coal dust inhalation. “My father modeled how we all can aspire to do the right thing when it is needed,” he adds. “Both men inspired me to protect human health and the environment.” In Scottsdale, Carmella Diamond owns Carmella’s Savory Fare, which creates “memorable, soulful, authentic cooking classes and dining experiences,” to share her passion for connecting people with food. Recently, during COVID-19 restrictions, she began offering Zoom classes. Her dad, Louie Evangelista, was born in Queens, New York, just two years before the beginning of The Great Depression. He taught her the value of things when everything was precious. “Daddy never threw out anything. Louie always found a purpose to reuse items,” she recalls. “Baby food jars were good for keeping screws, aluminum foil always had a second or third life cycle. And, food was never discarded. It was transformed to something re-created by my mother in her great cooking.” A pioneer of eco-design and building in Arizona has been the Edwards Design Group, also based in Scottsdale.
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The owners are brothers Kevin and Doug Edwards. Kevin’s son, Austin Edwards, a 2013 Arizona State University business graduate with an emphasis in sustainability, works with them, creating new and renovated spaces using green materials and technologies. “My dad and mom have influenced and inspired me to be eco-conscious from the beginning of my life,” he says. “From the start, my dad led by example, putting quality organic food on the table and providing a home environment that merges the natural desert and sustainable building techniques into a beautiful home environment. “When I was younger, I figured a house with a cooling tower was normal, and I didn't think twice about why dad picked straw construction for our family home or why I have an efficient refrigerator,” he adds. “My dad has truly led by example and, as a 28-year-old man, I am finally figuring out how eco-conscious my dad is and how much I take after him.” He lives in Tempe and has a garden and fruit trees, rides a bike, and visits farmers’ markets.
fabulous lakes.” The family didn’t have a lot of things, but they had tremendous opportunities, especially for work. “We were implicitly taught the dignity of work, of taking care of oneself, being prudent in all things—in particular, being prudent with what we have been given,” she says. “So, we were taught to be stewards of the land and our environment and we were taught to always leave a light footprint wherever we went. “At home, we always recycled. My parents’ mantra was always, ‘Waste not, want not,’ and we were taught to appreciate what we had.” Scottsdale interior designer Tanya Shively grew up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, near Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. “I was surrounded by nature and a conservation mindset from the earliest days,” she recalls. “My father’s health issues with asthma pushed me to educate
Karrin Taylor Robson and Carl Kunasek. Courtesy Karrin Taylor Robson
“My hope is people see the value in making daily choices that lead humanity toward an eco-conscious and healthy future,” he says. “After all, it is not the planet we are going to have to save, it will be ourselves.” An Arizona native, Karrin Taylor Robson is the daughter of Carl J. Kunasek, who served in the Arizona House from 1972–1984 and then in the Senate from 1984–1988, where he was its president. An attorney, she is president of Phoenix-based Arizona Strategies, a land-use strategy firm. She has also worked with national organizations on Endangered Species Act and wetlands issues. “My parents were the first environmentalists I met, and my dad’s work in the Legislature left some great legacies, including the state’s historic Groundwater Management Act under Governor Bruce Babbitt and the Indian Bend Wash in Scottsdale. A former EPA Superfund site in a floodplain that regularly flooded causing extensive damage, today’s 11-mile greenbelt comprises popular parks, lakes, paths and golf courses. “My father instilled in me a love and respect for our fragile desert environment and an appreciation for its beauty. We spent many weekends traveling around Arizona, from the tall pines on the Mogollon Rim, to the historically rich Hopi Mesas, to Southern Arizona’s beautiful rock formations in the Chiricahua National Monument and to our state’s many greenlivingaz.com
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McCain, served Arizona as a senator from 1987 until his death in 2018. He was the Republican presidential candidate in 2008. The elder McCain moved to Arizona about 40 years ago from northern Virginia. He worked in the Senate liaison office for the Navy in nearby Washington, D.C. A fighter pilot, he was brutally imprisoned for five years in a Hanoi prisoner-of-war camp during the Vietnam War. “He became enamored and ultimately consumed with the beauty of the state,” McCain recalls, noting that much of that appreciation resulted from his dad staying with his mom, Cindy, at their mountain cabin in Cornville, a small community north of Phoenix. “Whenever anyone visited, he would go on and on about the trees on the property, especially the cottonwoods and the sycamores.”
Left to right, John Stulik; Tanya Shively; Rick Kortum, Tanya's father; Judy, her mother; brother, Colby; and sister-in-law, Meara Kortum. Courtesy Tanya Shively
myself about healthy design. I also learned perseverance, determination and a positive attitude by watching him deal with those challenges.”
McCain is president and chief operating officer for Phoenix-based Hensley Beverage Company, which distributes spirituous beverages as well as energy drinks, water, teas and wine. A Phoenix resident since 1996, he is married to Lucy; they have two married children, Margaret and Andrew.
John McCain and Andrew, fall 2017, Cornville, Arizona. Courtesy the McCain Family
Today her Sesshu Design Associates focuses on her WELL Designed™ interior design methodology, which holistically combines eco-sensitive technology and materials for comfort, style and psychological well-being. Her dad supported and encouraged her love of art and design and nature. “He grew up on a ranch and was very hands-on, always fixing and building and renovating. I learned so much by just watching him do things and create things from scratch, as if by magic. At the same time, respect for the land and the wild creatures around us was taught by example.” Andy McCain’s father, John
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from 1925 through 1955, evangelizing. His eco-consciousness today is based in a fascination, he explains, “of the connectedness between all things.” This recognition began in childhood, guided by his father and the family. They were necessity-driven recyclers. “My mother’s Norwegian father made violins from discarded wooden telephone poles,” Ramseyer recalls. “And both sets of my grandparents made clothes for their children.” When he was growing up in Milwaukee, the family had a basement fruit cellar with canned jellies and jams so as not to waste food. “My mother would dry clothes outside on a clothesline, and my father drove our car very short distances,” he recalls. “Water was conserved by taking a bath once a week in a tub. No showers were available, and there was no air-conditioning.” During World War II, the family rationed goods and services with other Americans. Glass soda bottles and milk bottles were recycled. “We were not unhappy with our lives because we were curious about the adventure of life and sharing with others. Hope was our friend, rationing was everywhere. We did the best we could,” he explains. “Eco-consciousness then was not a movement; it was a way of life, it was survival.”
Bill Ramseyer. Photo by Geoff Parker
David Brown is a Valley-based writer (www.azwriter.com).
“Dad would comment on the birds that had made seasonal homes on their property,” he adds. “He was always thinking of ways to preserve the property so it would always be a refuge to the wildlife. He would get particularly animated when the white tail hawks would appear and he could watch them at length as they patrolled the property looking for their next meal.” A few years ago, a special owl was released on the property. “He could not drag a visitor fast enough to show them his new feathered friend sitting in the tree,” he recalls. “He would say to me or one of my siblings, ‘C’mon, let’s go show so-and-so the owl!’” John McCain also loved the peace and comfort of the Arizona outdoors. “I think Dad loved Arizona so much that it was the first place he could really call home,” his son says. “Until he moved to Arizona, the longest he had ever lived consecutively was Hanoi, North Vietnam. Being rooted in Arizona gave him a real sense of hometown pride that most of us take for granted.” Bill Ramseyer is a Realtor® and Brand Ambassador with the Private Client Group, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Scottsdale. With wife Mary, he is the father and stepfather of eight, and he has 10 grandchildren. The couple live in Scottsdale. With documented ancestry to 1535 in Switzerland, his father Simon was born in Michigan; Bill’s mother, Hilda, was born in Iowa and traced her family to Norway. His father was a minister, and the family traveled throughout the United States greenlivingaz.com
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ECO-STYLIN’!
MEN’S SUMMER FASHIONS ARE NOT ONLY HIP, BUT SUSTAINABLE BY KYLEY WARREN
Left: Shirt by Vertigo by Vustra, $110. Top: Tee by Organic Basics, $86. Right: Shirt by Taylor Stitch, $98. Tee by Organic Basics, $39. Pants by United by Blue, $94. Bottom: Hoodie by Zero Waste Daniel, $95. Shirt by Patagonia Bluffside Shirt, $69. Pants by Taylor Stitch, $128.
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F
ounded in 2018 by Garik Himebaugh, Eco-Stylist serves as an online marketplace for ethically and sustainably made men’s clothing. The company works with over 40 brand partners to measure its environmental and social impact using Remake’s sustainable brand criteria. Eco-Stylist’s goal is to promote a world where sustainable clothing shopping is seamless for men. The company hopes to answer the question, “Can sustainable be dapper?” According to Himebaugh, it absolutely can. In fact, Himebaugh describes the Eco-Stylist brand as “uncompromising.” Whether it’s upcycled hats or hemp pants, he believes that style doesn’t have to be sacrificed in order to wear eco-friendly clothing alternatives. “You can be stylish and true to your values and sustainable; you don’t have to choose just one. At Eco-Stylist, ‘dress like you give a damn’ means the act of looking sharp without compromising your values. Our mission is to help you do that,” he says.
Photos by Aaron Blackburn Models Mark Crowley, Luis Delgado, Blaine Jackson, Alexander Krzykos Photographed on-site at FABRIC Tempe Outfits styled by Garik Himebaugh of Eco-Stylist All clothing available at www.eco-stylist.com
Tee by ISTO, $31.25. Flannel by ISTO, $75.75.
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Shirt by Jewel by Vustra, $110. Pants by United by Blue, $94.
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Shirt by ISTO, $75.75. Blazer by Taylor Stitch, $198.
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Shirt by Vustra, $110. Jeans by Taylor Stitch, $148. Shoes by Nisolo, $138.
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ROAD TRIPPING USA
TIPS TO MAKE A CLASSIC AMERICAN PASTIME MORE SUSTAINABLE BY CASEY MORAN
F
rom the Oregon Trail to Route 66 to National Lampoon’s Vacation, road trips are an enduring part of American culture. And today, after months of staying at home, they may beckon even more. For me, road trips still hold that nostalgia of arguing with my siblings in the backseat and begging to stop at bizarre roadside attractions. I believe the goal of a road trip is not just the destination, but the unique experiences and vistas around every curve of America’s highway system.
in green chili in Grand Junction, Colorado. In the Pacific Northwest, I ate fresh fish and chips on a pier while seals basked and barked in the sun beside me.
Not long ago, I went on a six-week road trip with an assortment of family members that allowed me to experience almost the entire variety of culture and landscapes America has to offer, driving in one huge circle to rural and urban communities. While we mainly camped or stayed in guest rooms and visited national parks and family members, road trips are highly customizable adventures that can be tailored to any level of luxury or activity. This customizability also makes road trips ideal for mixed-age or interest groups. Travel days can be the appropriate length for all group members, and include visits to a variety of destinations to fulfill the needs of every group member.
BE CREATIVE
If the possibility of unknown experiences and bespoke itineraries are not enough to whet your appetite for a traditional road trip, there are additional benefits. While the comparative ecological sustainability of car and air travel are still contested by scientists, several came to a consensus in an article published by Yale Climate Connections that multiperson road trips using a fuel-efficient vehicle are more energyefficient than the same trip would be by plane. Furthermore, traveling by private vehicle can help limit travelers’ interactions with large groups of people. As we look toward an era when the domestic economy, especially small, locally owned businesses, will be recovering from the effects caused by COVID-19, road trips can be a great way to spread the economic benefits of tourism across several rural communities.
EAT & STAY LOCAL One of the best and easiest ways to travel more sustainably is to spend your money at local businesses. Not only does this help money stay in the local economy, but it also exposes travelers to the unique flavor of each community. On my trip, we could have zipped through a fast food drivethru on our long road trip, but by stopping at local diners I discovered the most amazing breakfast burrito slathered
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Chain hotels embrace familiarity, but local hotels may be restored buildings from 1917, like Vendome Hotel in Prescott, or be exact replicas of frontier towns, like The Dickson Street Inn in Fayetteville, Arkansas. By eating and staying at local businesses, travelers can have unique, memorable experiences, and support small businesses. One of my least favorite things about air travel is the way it limits accessibility to lesser-known places. There are over 5,000 commercial airports in the U.S., but that pales in comparison to the number of interesting places to visit. You can obviously visit the classic Route 66 stops, but when planning a road trip, try to view it as a possibility to visit somewhere under the radar. For example, if you want to visit the Grand Tetons, you can fly into Jackson, Wyoming, which is a very popular and crowded tourism destination. If you are driving, however, like I did, you can bypass the Wyoming side of the mountain range and visit Victor, Idaho. The camping and hiking in Caribou-Targhee National Forest is very similar to that in the neighboring Grand Tetons National Park, but with a fraction of the crowding.
BE FLEXIBLE It can be hard to be creative! I’ll be honest—I had no idea Victor even existed until a few hours before driving into town. Popular destinations are generally accessible and wellmarketed, making it easy to find travel information. Less common, more creative destinations are more difficult to find, but also much more rewarding. Rather than scheduling every aspect of your vacation, try to make some decisions day-to-day. Picking up an interesting brochure or taking a scenic detour can lead to some of the most memorable experiences in your journey. In my day-to-day life, I tend to be a planner. Allowing myself to enjoy the unexpected on a road trip helped me grow in new ways and discover more amazing local restaurants and sights. After all, the true road trip is the stops we take along the way. Casey Moran is an M.S. student at Arizona State University and a research assistant for the Center of Sustainable Tourism. She has been lucky enough to road trip all over the country both as a child and an adult.
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RECIPES Recipes That Energize ROASTED CHICKEN WITH A HONEY CARROT PURÉE, ROASTED VEGETABLES, HERBS AND CHILI Recipe and photo courtesy of Nick Bahan Serves 4 For Carrot Purée: 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 1 Tbsp. honey 1/4 tsp. lemon juice Pinch of cumin Salt to taste Boil peeled and cut carrots until tender. Transfer to blender and purée until smooth. Season. Adjust as needed.
For Roasted Vegetables, Potatoes, and Raw Chili: 10 Brussels sprouts 6 pearl onions 6 butterball/fingerling/any small potatoes 1 Fresno/jalapeño chili Salt Garlic powder Oil Take stems off onions and Brussels sprouts. Take off outer skin on onion and loose leaves on Brussels sprouts. Heat pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp. oil. Add Brussels, cut side down, and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then add the onions, also cut side down. Continue to cook until the vegetables are nicely browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt as needed. Quarter potatoes. Heat sauté pan to medium high and add 1 Tbsp. oil. Add potatoes cut side down and place in 425º oven for 5-7 minutes. Pull and flip potatoes to other cut side and continue to cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Season with salt and garlic powder. Slice chilis thin and place in ice water to keep crisp and take some edge off.
To Finish: Oil Equal parts parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint Season chicken with salt and sear in sauté pan over high heat with a Tbsp. of oil until skin is golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes. Flip and transfer to a roasting rack on a foiled lined sheet tray. Place in 425º oven for about 13-15 minutes,
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depending on size or until internal temp reaches 165º. Pull and do a crack of fresh ground black pepper. Pick herbs, equal amounts, parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint. Take a spoonful of the carrot purée and place on edge of the plate. Using the back of your spoon, make a nice swoosh around the edge of the plate. Randomly but equally, spread potatoes and vegetables on top of the purée. Top with chilis and herbs. Place your cooked chicken breast adjacent to purée and veggies.
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BONE-IN PORK CHOP WITH MASHED SWEET POTATO, ROASTED CAULIFLOWER, AND A FRESNO CHILI VINAIGRETTE Recipe and photo courtesy of Nick Bahan Serves 4 4 bone-in pork chops:
Season with salt liberally and sear in a smoking hot sauté pan until both sides are brown, about 2-3 minutes each side. Transfer to a roasting rack on a foil lined sheet pan. Place in 425º oven for 15-17 minutes depending on thickness, or until internal temp is at 165º.
Roasted cauliflower: 1 head cauliflower Salt to taste Oil Cut cauliflower head in half. Take knife and cut around stem, removing florets from the stem. Cut into equal size pieces. Oil, season, and place on a foil-lined sheet pan, cut side down if there is one. Place in 425º oven and roast until dark brown and crispy, about 12 minutes.
The explosiveness of Devin Booker’s game on the court is unparalleled. Off the court, the Phoenix Suns superstar (and newly minted NBA All-Star) is fueled by masterful culinary creations from none other than Paradise Valley Chef, Nick Bahan. While Bahan notes that Booker is a very easy eater—and a fan of mac and cheese, in particular— that doesn’t stop him from trying to maximize on his talents, and expand his client’s taste palettes, in the process. “I try to be a very well-rounded chef so I can bring a lot to the table as a private chef, and not just a chef who specializes in one type of cuisine.” At the heart of his work, Bahan is quite simply a creator. He loves food and family—and is expecting a baby girl with his girlfriend in September. To follow along on Bahan’s culinary journey, connect with him on Instagram at @chefnickbahan. — Kyley Warren
Mashed sweet potatoes: 4 large sweet potatoes 1 Tbsp. honey 1/4 tsp. ginger 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1 Tbsp. butter Peel and rice sweet potatoes into equal sizes. Boil until fork tender. Transfer to a bowl and mash until desired consistency. Add butter, season, and mix. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Fresno chili vinaigrette: 2 Fresno chilis 1 sprig basil 2 sprigs mint 2 sprigs parsley 3 sprigs cilantro 1 Tbsp. capers 2 cloves garlic 1 Tbsp. minced shallot 1/4 cup olive oil 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar Chop herbs, garlic, capers, and shallot. You want them somewhat fine so it all comes together and gets to know each other in the bowl. If it was rough chopped it would be too separate and not cohesive. Combine all. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. Vinaigrette should be acidic and garlicky with spicy and herb-y notes. It should all work together, so adjust where you need to. greenlivingaz.com
To finish: Place spoonful of mashed sweet potatoes in the center of plate and spoon out into a circle. Add a handful of the roasted cauliflower and top it with a spoonful of the vinaigrette. Place pork on top of the cauliflower and take a spoonful of the vinaigrette and drape it over the pork chop so it runs off the sides and into everything else. June/July 2020 | greenliving
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SHE’S GREEN JOHN BURKHART
HE’S GREEN
SUMMER GRILLIN'
Product reviews from our eco-conscious couple John & Jennifer Burkhart
JENNIFER BURKHART
Summer is synonymous with pool time, icy beverages, and grilling! Maybe you'll be celebrating dear ol' Dad with a family BBQ and need some ideas on what to grill? We've got a sample menu for you, complete with organic and all-natural ingredients. Happy Summer, and Happy Father's Day!
ORGANIC SUNSHINE BURGERS PLANT BASED, SOUTH WEST STYLE
HE SAID: If you don't like meat and you hate flavor, these
are your burger patties. These were tasteless and chalky by themselves. You'll definitely need to dress these up to make them edible. I slathered mine in mayo and mustard and ate it like a lettuce wrap and it was decent.
SHE SAID: I've always enjoyed the hearty, satiating taste of black bean burgers, and these definitely had that, too. Thankfully, I couldn't taste the jalapeños, bleh. If that doesn't make me a true native of the Southwest, so be it! The crumbly texture made it difficult to hold in a lettuce wrap, but I still liked them.
SIMPLY 7
ORIGINAL, ORGANIC HE SAID: I'm not joking when I tell you this bag was empty in
a matter of hours. Our kids love veggie straws, and these are pretty much the same thing, just in ruffled chip shape. Light and crispy with the perfect amount of salt. I think a bowl of sour cream onion dip would take these from great to amazing.
SHE SAID: If you've ever had veggie straws, these are exactly that, just shaped like warped frisbees. Our kiddos snarfed them up faster than I could say, “Grocery budget!” They were thick, had a soft crunch, lots of potato flavor, but a grainy mouthfeel. Very different than typical potato chips.
COLEMAN ORGANIC
SPINACH CHICKEN SAUSAGE HE SAID: If Popeye made bratwurst, this is what he'd make.
These were overloaded with spinach to the point that it overpowered the flavor of the chicken. Not a good one to eat by itself, but I could see these being good in a pasta dish.
SHE SAID: Our youngest didn't appreciate the “green
stuff” (shocker), so that was a bust. As for me, I thought they were delicious just sliced up, and dipped in stone ground mustard. But with the versatile, savory flavor, you could definitely add these to many dishes.
REED'S
ALL NATURAL JAMAICAN STYLE GINGER ALE HE SAID: This quarantine has made me an expert on ginger
beers/ales, especially when they're combined with lime juice and vodka. This one was the tastiest ginger brews I've come across. I think the pineapple juice they add to this is what made it so good.
SHE SAID: I am SO not a fan of spicy ginger anything, so
I was apprehensive about this ginger brew. Well, consider me a convert, wow! It had a mild ginger flavor, and honestly reminded me of that refreshing taste of Sprite. Perfect for those hot summer days. Fun tip: add some vodka and freshsqueezed lime juice for a delicious Moscow Mule.
NIMAN RANCH
CHORIZO UNCURED SAUSAGE HE SAID: I'm pretty sure Niman's ranch is in the middle of
Death Valley, because these sausages were nearly dehydrated. Now, overcooking could have been a factor, but in my defense, the cooking instructions on the package are very vague. My advice if you try these—lightly pan fry them, do not grill.
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SHE SAID: Grilling chorizo sounded fancy, like something you'd find on a grill platter at a trendy restaurant. We had to try it. Sadly, these links dried out (“griller” error?). Even so, I enjoyed the not-too-spicy flavor, and would buy them again, but I’d sauté them next time.
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CRAFT NIGHTS
CRAFTNIGHTS.COM
June/July 2020 | greenliving
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COOLOUTRAGEOUSSTUFF BOTANIUM PLANTER
Growing herbs or vegetables in the summer months can feel daunting—especially if you aren’t an experienced gardener. But with the Botanium Planter, you can tap into your green thumb indoors and grow your own produce. The product features an automatic watering system and a water tank that lasts several weeks. Plus, the hydroponic technology limits excessive water usage. Forget soil, dirt, or soil-born bugs—the Botanium Planter enables you to enjoy the fulfillment that comes along with growing your own veggies or herbs, but without the hassle. $71 for one/$120 for two at www.botanium.se.
LUCKY TEETH ORGANIC CHARCOAL FLOSS PICKS
These biodegradable charcoal floss picks from Lucky Teeth are plastic-free and completely organic. With this product, you’re able to floss-on-the-go without feeling guilty. In addition to the sustainable nature of the floss picks, they are also complemented by organic peppermint oil. The handle is nontoxic, BPA-free, and made entirely of cornstarch. $7.99/30 picks at www.lucky-teeth.com.
PHILIPS HUE SMART BULBS
The Philips Hue Smart Bulbs were the first connected light bulbs to earn the mark for superior energy efficiency, and the technology they incorporate has only continued to improve and become more energy-friendly ever since. Opposite to most conventional incandescent light bulbs or even CFLs, the Philips Hue Smart Bulbs are centrally operated through connective means. A user can simply connect the technology to their WiFi and control the lights via their phone. This reduces excessive energy use in homes without having to operate your electricity through additional complicated systems. $9.99 at www2.meet hue.com.
TICO ORGANIC SHAVING OIL
Who knew that shaving could prove to be so eco-friendly? TICO Shaving Oil is an all-in-one organic shave solution that is packaged in a travel-friendly container. Don’t let the small size fool you, though—one bottle will last for more than 125 shaves, so the solution is long-lasting. Plus, the hemp and peppermint formula leaves a fantastic natural scent. What you put on your body is important, and TICO guarantees that its non-GMO-certified ingredients provide a shaving oil that not only smells great, but also feels great on your body. $19 at www.ticoshaving.com.
HOLD SUPPLY CORK TOILETRY BAG
If you plan to buy eco-friendly healthcare products, then it only makes sense that you similarly choose to store those products in a sustainable space. The Cork Toiletry Bag from Hold Supply is a great alternative to the conventional dopp kits—usually made of leather—that we find ourselves purchasing. The production of cork makes it an unparalleled sustainable product, and it’s translated into this creation from Hold Supply. Designed in Southern California and made of genuine cork fabric, this toiletry bag is a fantastic Father’s Day gift. $34 at www.holdsupply.com.
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The World is Changing... Keep your eyes on www.greenlivingaz.com for more information.
so are we.
Total Transformation – Coming Soon greenlivingaz.com
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GREEN SCENES
JUNE/JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS CENTRAL ARIZONA
NORTHERN ARIZONA
June 4
June 21
June 4
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried flower arranging before, or if you have and are looking for a refresher, join Flower Garage at 6:30 p.m. for its floral arranging class for beginners. At the end, you’ll leave with an arrangement of your own, as well as a glass vase. Additional vases and other customizations are also available during the session. Participants are advised to wear a mask, and class size will be limited to 10. For more information, visit www. theazflowergarage.com/event-info/ beginner-floral-class-at-the-flower-garage.
Beat the heat at the Embracing Your Journey Expo, a holistic, wellness and metaphysical event. Celebrate Summer Solstice and Father's Day at this family friendly event from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with something for everyone. Free admission the day of the event for dads that come with their family. Held at the Sheraton Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap Ave, Phoenix. Admission is $6 in advance online; $8 at the door the day of the event; free for kids 10 and under. The featured event is the Gong Meditation with World-renowned Gong Master Karyn Diane from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (limited to 25 people per session: $20 in advance; $30 at the door). For tickets, visit https://eyje62120.eventbrite.com/
Join local photographer Bob Shuman from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and capture a photograph of the full moon over Sedona’s Cathedral Rock. Space is limited, so make sure to sign up as soon as possible. For more information, visit https://aznaturalhistory. org/events/cathedral-rock-full-moonphotography-shoot/.
BEGINNER FLORAL CLASS AT THE FLOWER GARAGE
June 19
DINING FOR DREAMS… AT HOME
Local First Arizona found a way for your family to enjoy local, gourmet food right in your own kitchen. Four graduates of the Fuerza Local Business Accelerator program will be creating three-course family-style meals, which will then promptly be delivered to your doorstep. Each order includes enough food for a family of four, warming instructions, chef bios, and a placemat. The funds raised through the program help Fuerza Local Business Accelerator program expand throughout the state of Arizona, while helping Local First Arizona grow its efforts in the local food economy. For more information, visit www.localfirstaz.com/ events/dining-for-dreams.
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EMBRACING YOUR JOURNEY EXPO
July 9
GOLD PALETTE ARTWALK SUMMER SPECTACULAR
Looking to experience the Scottsdale Art District? Join the Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the District, which resides along Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School on Marshall Way to 5th Avenue. Many local galleries and two museums participate. This event features themed exhibits, live music, food and wine, and meet and greets with the artists themselves—the perfect way to beat the heat. In light of COVID-19, specific precautions will be taken. For more information, visit www. scottsdalegalleries.com.
CATHEDRAL ROCK FULL MOON PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
June 17
PLANT 2 PLATTER® COOKING CLASS & NUTRITION ED: A HEALTHY THYROID
Plant 2 Platter is offering an online class that includes nutrition education and cooking demonstrations. Chris Kalinich, a Certified Food for Life instructor, recognizes that diet plays a vital role in health and disease prevention. She pays special attention to the thyroid gland, as it regulates a body’s use of energy. Keeping this in mind, the class, held from 1-3 p.m., is designed so that participants can get a start in healthy, plant-based diets with simple recipes for the whole family. For more information, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/plant-2-platter-cooking-classnutrition-ed-a-healthy-thyroid-registration103756249736?aff=SedonaChamber.
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GREEN SCENES
JUNE/JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS NORTHERN ARIZONA
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
June 21 & July 20
June 19 or 20
June 4, 11
Summer is the beginning of the O’odham calendar, signifying that it is time to harvest saguaro fruit. Join this early-morning event to gather and prepare fruit with traditional tools and methods. Instruction on how the fruit is cooked into a sweet syrup will also be taught. Likewise, this class will explore the other desert plants and animals that were important resources for native people. A traditional lunch will also be provided. Held at Desert Museum, 7 a.m.-noon. For more information, www. visittucson.org/event/saguaro-fruitharvest-desert-museum.
Join Arizona Green Chamber and Green Living Magazine at this virtual Sip & Connect series from 5-6 p.m. The June 4th event topic will focus on sustainable fashion, with speakers Tracey Martin, Angela Johnson and Sherri Berry. The topic of the June 11 meeting is TBD. Register at www.azgreenchamber.org/page-1292644.
NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
Join local photographer Bob Shuman for an evening of learning how to photograph a sky full of stars over Sedona’s beautiful landscape while beating the summer heat. The price includes a lesson on postprocessing techniques. Space is limited, so make sure to sign up as soon as possible. The class is held from 6-10 p.m. and meets at Court House Vista parking lot. For more information, visit www.aznaturalhistory.org/ events/night-photography-class-4/.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 4, 11, 18, 25 RINCON VALLEY FARMERS & ARTISTS MARKET
Open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon along the Rincon Valley and the Cienega Corridor of the Sonoran desert, the Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market offers local produce, handmade goods, and beautiful scenery perfect for the whole family. Browse items including freshly roasted coffee, tortillas, salsas, and more, all available for purchase. When arriving, make sure to look for the big white and green barn. For more information, visit www.heirloomfm.org/ markets/rincon-valley/.
greenlivingaz.com
SAGUARO FRUIT HARVEST AT DESERT MUSEUM
July 18
CRAFT AND BUSINESS FAIR
The Cochise Crafters have prepared a showcase, held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Mall at Sierra Vista, where you can meet the local crafters of Sierra Vista and view their work. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists. For more information, visit www.cochisecrafters. com/july-18-craft-and-business-fair/.
BUSINESS
ARIZONA GREEN CHAMBER SIP & CONNECT SERIES
June 10
10 WAYS TO OVER DELIVER AND DRIVE REVENUE AFTER COVID-19
COVID-19 is dramatically changing how we interact, shop, and spend. This impact will continue even after lockdowns are lifted, especially for businesses who don’t have the strategies in place to succeed in a post-pandemic world. Alexi Venneri, Digital Air Strike’s co-founder and CEO, will discuss the practices and tools needed when businesses face these unavoidable and daunting circumstances. Join this online seminar from noon-1 p.m. to learn about the 10 strategies your business can implement to ensure it is proactive and ready to run. For more information, visit www.localfirstaz.com/events/10-waysto-over-deliver-and-drive-revenue-aftercovid-19.
June/July 2020 | greenliving
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THANK YOU to our partners
WE APPRECIATE OUR READERS SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS! Arizona Advanced Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Arizona Lung Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AZ Energy Efficient Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Suzette Coggins IBD Bemer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Courtesy Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 East Valley Women, Women of Scottsdale, Central Phoenix Women, North Valley Women . . . . . . . . . 43 Exceptional Water Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Fasturtle Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Fit N Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fresh Food Collab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Frontdoors Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Garden Goddess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Generac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hippie Hobby/craft nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 KFNX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Lifelong Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Lora Moon Styling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mediterra Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
EVERY HOUR, ON THE HOUR
Protect AZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Purple Lotus Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 US Dental Triage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
24 / 7 / 365
Senderos at South Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC
EXCLUSIVELY on 1100 KFNX
Wells Fargo Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
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My Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
greenliving | June/July 2020
Skimbot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Wittnessing Nature in Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
az.com greenlivingaz.com
Are you still on track for retirement? Time for a second opinion. Investors have survived market swings and corrections before. But a twinge of uncertainty may have you wondering if you should get another opinion to help confirm your wealth is in the right place. That’s why we’ve made it as easy as we can to have a complimentary, face-to-face meeting with a Financial Advisor. Maybe you just want to know if you’re really on track for retirement or if your investments could be better aligned to your goals. Or in the process of working hard for your money, you worry you’ve overlooked some necessary steps to transfer your wealth. Whatever’s on your mind, we’re here to listen, and we’ll help you evaluate your plan. It’s free, and there’s no obligation. Then you can decide if your wealth is getting the care it deserves. WEALTH MANAGEMENT | INVESTMENT PLANNING | RETIREMENT
Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2015 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.
97772-v1c A1953
Mark Morales First Vice President - Investment Officer 180 W Continental Rd Ste 120 Green Valley, AZ 85622 Toll Free: (800) 925-7470 mark.morales@wellsfargoadvisors.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/mark.morales
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