MARCH 2020
SAVING THE PLANET / EarthX and Fed By Threads ALOE VERA / How it can help you
STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY / The Global Reporting Initiative HEALTHY COOKING / The newest cookbook to know
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CONTENTS
MARCH 2020
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26
36
WORK
LIVE
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LETTERS AROUND THE WORLD
NEXT ECO EVENT 24 THE Join Green Living Magazine and ECO PHX
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BUT I DON’T SEE ANYTHING
AND FED BY THREADS 26 EARTHX Creating a sustainable apparel industry
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SUSTAINABLE YOU
FOR SUSTAINABILITY 28 STRIVING The Global Reporting Initiative
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ALOE VERA
STEINBACK 30 JYL The “World’s Healthiest Mom” debuts new cookbook
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WATER ART THOU MEDICINE
CHAMPION 34 GREEN Urban Farm Founder Greg Peterson
One writer shares their thoughts
What you need to know about ozone Add microgreens to your plate Using it to prevent, treat and beat cancer What you should know about the water you ingest
WITH THE GIRLS 20 SONOMA Where to eat and drink
PLAY
AUTHENTIC AMAZON 36 THE Things to think about 39 38 GALEANA The locale unveils a Zero Waste concept
40 RECIPES New dishes to try GREEN, HE’S GREEN 42 SHE’S Home products OUTRAGEOUS STUFF 44 COOL Products to try
MARCH 2020
SCENES 46 GREEN Events to attend
ON THE COVER EarthX
SAVING THE PLANET / EarthX and Fed By Threads ALOE VERA / How it can help you
STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY / The Global Reporting Initiative HEALTHY COOKING / The newest cookbook to know
Photo courtesy of EarthX
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greenliving | March 2020
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Yours in practicing a greener lifestyle PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DESIGN DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DIGITAL COORDINATOR COPY EDITOR
Dorie Morales Michelle Glicksman 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 Thomas Williams
CONTRIBUTORS E. Allen Jennifer & John Burkart Ric Coggins Beth Gorman Steve Kellog Claire Kredens
Karen Langston Susan Lanier-Graham Jessica Marie Elizabeth Pera Elaina Verhoff
MEDIA CONSULTANTS Lisa Racz John Waechter
EDITORIAL INTERNS Emily Ditomasso Madi Page
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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 Ahh, March. I love when the Valley of the Sun begins to warm up again, and spring is in the air. Although we don’t have an East Coast-type winter here in the Valley, there’s still that sense of renewal in the Earth as the new season settles in. This month, we talk about a lot of places around the world, from nearby in Sonoma County, California to the pink dolphins in Hong Kong to the Amazon. Ric Coggins talks about the benefits of aloe vera, Beth Gorman tells us why we need to think about ozone, and Ivy Ciolli teaches us about water. Of course, there’s so much more, as well—including a profile on my new favorite stop, the GALEANA 39 space in Phoenix, which is now home to an extensive collection of Zero Waste products, including locally and consciously crafted liquid soaps, body washes, laundry powder, dish soap bars, citrus shampoo bars, creosote shave bars, bath soaks, lotions bars, and shower steamers by the piece or by the ounce. I always learn so much working on these issues, from new ideas to new places to try! This issue marks my last with Green Living, and while I will miss being a part of the magazine in this role, I will still be an avid reader! I look forward to seeing the magazine evolve and continue to positively impact the earth and its inhabitants. Being part of Green Living has been a wonderful journey, and I thank you for letting me be part of your lives. Always,
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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JUNK MAIL FACTS Every 41 pounds of junk mail destroys 36.6 square meters of natural habitat and creates 105 pounds of CO2 emissions. 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water were used to produce U.S. mail in just 1 year. 250,000 homes could be heated for a single day’s junk mail. Junk mail produces more greenhouse gas emissions than 2.8 million cars. Nearly 4 billion trees worldwide are cut down each year for paper, representing about 35% of all harvested trees. 44% of all U.S. mail is discarded unopened = 4 million tons of waste of paper per year. Only 32% is recycled.
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March 2020 | greenliving
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WAYS YOU CAN STOP JUNK MAIL: AND SWITCH THE REST TO PAPERLESS!
STOP JUNK MAIL AT HOME
STOP JUNK MAIL AT WORK
1. Set a ZERO mail goal!
1. Get your employees on board.
• Many service providers & local utilities offer paperless or email invoices and billing statements. • Consider automatic monthly payment options through your bank to eliminate outgoing mail.
2. Get removed from mailing lists.
• Contact the Direct Marketing Association to be removed from many companies’ mass marketing lists. • Once a month, email or call companies and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. • No email/number? Tear off mailing label & enclose it in the postage-paid return envelope marked “ATTN: Customer Service” and request to be removed from their mailing list.
3. Refuse “Return Service Requested” mail.
• Write “Refused: Returned to Sender” on unopened envelopes of mail with the phrases “Return Service Requested”, “Forwarding service requested”, “Address Service requested”, or “Change service requested”. • Mail sent to “Resident,” “Current Resident,” or “Current Occupant” can also be refused if it contains one of the above endorsements, or is sent First Class.
4. Stop unsolicited credit offers.
• Opt-out permanently at www.optoutprescreeen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT. Learn more via the FTC
5. Opt-out!
• Opt-out of these coupon direct marketers: Val-Pak Coupons, Valassis and Epsilon Data Services. • For loose-leaf flier ads, look for opt-out information on the flier or on a separate postcard. • Opt-out of Yellow Pages, instructions also in the book.
6. Stop companies from selling your name.
• Call and ask your credit card company, bank and any other companies you purchase products/services from on a regular basis to stop selling your name. • When donating money or buying products, write in large letters: “Please do not sell my name or address”.
7. Avoid product warranty & “Contest” cards.
• Product warranty cards are often used to collect info on your habits and income for direct targeting mail. • Contest" cards are almost always quests for names.
8. Other things you can do:
• Switch to online news and magazines. • Offer to help friends and family get off mailing lists.
9. Hire someone to cancel accounts.
• Cancel Wizard is a one-stop resource for hard-to-cancel services like free trials, post-transaction marketing and other re-bill scenarios.
10. More resources on reducing junk mail:
• Check out: Catalog Choice, PaperKarma, us.junkmail.com and stopthejunkmail.com.
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• Provide plenty of clearly marked recycling containers throughout the company to promote overall recycling. • Deposit unwanted mail/faxes into collection boxes. • Personal items should be delivered to their homes. • Have employees ask businesses they deal with to not sell or trade your company’s mailing information. • If possible, only provide your company’s name, phone, and e-mail to other businesses, no physical address.
2. Minimize subscriptions, switch to online.
• Minimize subscriptions (one per department) and donate old publications/newspapers. • Switch to online/emailed subscriptions if possible.
3. Request removal from mailing lists.
• Tape your address to enclosed postage-paid envelopes and postcards with a request to be removed from the mailing list. Call/ email if possible. • For First-Class mailings or mail marked “Return Service Requested” or “Change Service Requested”, cross out your name, address and the bar code. Write “Refused: Return to Sender”, and return to mail carrier. • Ask to be removed from business-to-business mailing lists, contact Dun & Bradstreet: call 1-800-333-0505 or e-mail: custserv@ dnb.com.
4. Design a multi-use model postcard.
• Place address label at the top of the postcard OR say: “TAPE ADDRESS HERE.” Important to have the address (that you want deleted) at the top (vs. the middle or bottom) to avoid confusion at the post office. • Check-off box that says: “Delete Address.” Below that, you can have smaller check-off boxes that say, “Info not wanted”, “Person no longer here”, “Address Insufficient”, “Do NOT place my address on any mailing lists” and/or “Please keep sending mailing, but change info to:” (then leave spaces for name, title, organization, and address)... • Periodically, mail pre-printed postcard to all senders.
5. Clean up your own mailing lists.
• Consolidate mailing lists and delete duplicate listings. • Send customers who receive multiple mailings a list of their recipient employees, ask them to cross off names of employees who have left or relocated. • Label all direct mail as “Return Postage Guaranteed”. • Print easy “opt out” instructions on the mailing.
DID YOU KNOW? • Every 41 pounds of junk mail destroys 36.6 square meters of natural habitat and creates 105 pounds of CO2 emissions. • 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water were used to produce U.S. mail in just one year. • 250,000 homes could be heated for a single day’s junk mail. • Junk mail produces more greenhouse gas emissions than 2.8 million cars. • Nearly 4 billion trees worldwide are cut down each year for paper, representing about 35% of all harvested trees. • 44% of all U.S. mail is discarded unopened = 4 million tons of waste of paper per year. Only 32% is recycled.
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LETTERS AROUND THE WORLD BY E. ALLEN
DEAR HONG KONG, Thank you. One of my lifetime bucket list goals was to see living wild Pink Dolphins in Hong Kong Bay. In October 2019, my Canadian friend extended the invitation to visit her, as well as to find what are actually extremely endangered Chinese White Dolphins. The Hong Kong Pink Dolphin Tours Company has had more success in finding these rare Chinese Chordata because they use larger boats with slower engines. Upon reviewing the video, it is also possible they use a highfrequency whistle to signal the dolphins, but they did not actively feed the mammals during our tour. My friend, who holds a degree in hotel and tourism, had been on four previous tours looking for the elusive pods without success. “Not this time, I have foreseen it!� Her prognostication was correct. We were able to see 10 out of the known remaining 37 animals tracked and studied in the bay. Sadly, there was only one baby calf in the group. During the same time our tour took place, there was another small speedboat with two people right next to the dolphins jumping in and out of the water. One photographer with a high-speed lens standing at the bow, and the other person steering the single prop engine aft. Our guide stated the photographer was a graduate student researching the remaining pod.
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The 3-hour tour is offered three-days-a-week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) and costs about 350 Hong Kong dollars, approximately $45 U.S. dollars. For more conservation information on the remaining 37 dolphins, the tour guide encouraged me to contact the Hong Kong Dolphin and Whale Conservation Society. Thank you for answering questions in three different languages, as well as helping bring awareness to many opportunities for change we have to encourage the population of marine life in shared waters. Hong Kong airport land reclamation projects have been one habitat disturbance concern for the marine mammals surrounding the bay. The continued expansion for new hotel development and apartments continues to impact the endangered Chinese White Dolphins. Perhaps in the future visitors might take this new awareness into their decision-making process when choosing an overnight travel destination location.
DEAR AUSTRALIA, My younger brother has been traveling the globe for the past six months with his wife. His animal bucket list included the vulnerable Quokka. The Quokka is a small brown marsupial with a mouse-shaped face and nocturnal tendencies, and reminded me of a bashful baby marmot from Rocky Mountain National Park.
March 2020 | greenliving
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Quokka in Australia
Pink dolphins in Hong Kong
Pandas in China
Sadly, much of your country was on fire during our visit this past New Year 2020. The Surf Rider Foundation at Manly Beach speculated the lack of rural firefighting funding was a key contributing factor to the duration of the fires. We did manage to find the fuzzy marsupial awake during the day across from the crocodile paddock. Quokka quota check. The restoration and care of animal burn victims on Kangaroo Island is still seeking volunteers, in case any heart-centered visitors have seven days to spare. Thank you, rain, for putting out most of the brush fires. Thank you Surf Rider Foundation for helping track animals like the Fairy Penguins that migrate to your shores every year but have not been spotted yet this season.
DEAR CHINA, Happy Year of the Rat; please stop eating bats. Right now the coronavirus is holding my co-teacher hostage over the Spring Festival/Chinese New Year holiday because her family is in the same province as ground zero. As a result of the proactive and unified awareness of the government, businesses and individuals have been wearing masks as well as attempting to follow safety guidelines. Reports were released from Wuhan province regarding a possible transmission vector via consumption of bats. China has been working very hard to lead some very progressive programs for animals returning from the brink of the
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endangered species list. By the way, if you would like to visit the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, you need to get there very early in the morning because they are very sleepy bears.
DEAR AMERICA, Please travel, but be safe, and stay healthy. Go find your endangered animal, in the wild if possible. Choose ecofriendly, as well as sanitary, destinations for your travel is always important. Help animals if you can along the way by volunteering at any of the organizations mentioned above, and/or donating to charities that support causes you feel align with your ethos. Do try new foods, preferably not bat soup, shark fin soup, or whale meat in Japan.
DEAR NEW ZEALAND, Thank you for being New Zealand. Congratulations on opening The Green School this month to encourage the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. Sincerely, E. Allen E. Allen is an elementary science and robotics teacher, and level 6 google guide.
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BUT I DON’T SEE ANYTHING WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OZONE BY BETH GORMAN
“Why, Mom? It looks fine out there. Why can’t I go to practice today?”
H
ow do you explain to 10-year-old Stephanie that there is something insidious in the air that she can’t see or even smell, but because she has asthma, she must avoid? It’s a question many families must answer during ground-level ozone season, which starts in April and continues all summer long in the Southwest.
When people hear the word “ozone,” they immediately think of the ozone layer, which is naturally formed miles above the surface of the planet. Ozone in that location is critical because it protects us from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet light. You may remember concerns regarding a “hole” in the ozone layer. Reports indicate that actions taken worldwide decades ago to limit the production and release of certain chemicals that were damaging the ozone layer are working and the thinning is slowly healing.
WHERE DOES THE “BAD” OZONE COME FROM? Ozone at “nose level” is formed when emissions from many different sources (natural and human-caused) combine photo-chemically with oxygen, under specific meteorological conditions. The ingredients for ozone include nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are produced primarily when fossil fuels are burned (in engines of motor vehicles, power plants and gas-powered lawn equipment, for example) or when some chemicals evaporate (from factories, gasoline, solvents, paint, etc.) into the air. To add to the mix, some types of vegetation emit VOCs as well, including varieties of eucalyptus, bottlebrush, willow, oak and sycamore. Ozone is a very complicated air pollutant since it isn’t emitted directly from a source and is created when just the right mix of
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pollutants are present under just the right weather conditions. The sun needs to be at a more direct angle above us, which starts in late spring and continues through the summer months, and hot temperatures boost volatile chemical evaporation. In addition, calm air and a cloudless sky allow the intense solar radiation to trigger the reaction that creates ozone. And, ozone doesn’t stay where it is created. It can travel on prevailing winds and end up miles downwind of the original sources.
HOW IS OZONE HARMFUL? The worst thing about ground-level ozone is what it does to our lungs. When it meets tender tissue, like our airways and lungs, it oxidizes it, causing inflammation and irritation akin to an internal sunburn. This makes taking a deep breath more difficult and can actually be painful for people with respiratory disease, like asthma. Which brings us back to Stephanie, and why it is best if she doesn’t play soccer when ozone levels are unhealthy. Health impacts are greater if you are outside breathing faster on a high-ozone day. Stephanie loves soccer and is a really good player, which involves a lot of running up and down the field. If she plays when ozone is elevated, Stephanie risks experiencing decreased lung function, wheezing, asthma attacks, increased susceptibility for respiratory infections and pulmonary inflammation, and the possibility of needing medical treatment or even a visit to the emergency room. Her mom understands this and is trying to protect her from these challenges. But it isn’t easy, especially when Stephanie looks out the window and sees clear skies and a seemingly normal-looking day.
ARE OUR PETS SUSCEPTIBLE TO OZONE, TOO? It isn’t just human lungs that are affected when ozone is high. Pets are not immune to the effects of ozone pollution, so
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on days when air quality is poor, they should be kept inside as much as possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. According to Dr. Wendy McClelland, DVM, in her article ‘Very High Risk’ Air Quality Affects Pets, Too, “Pets with short noses and flat faces, such as Boston terriers, Pugs, Bulldogs, ShihTzus, and cats such as Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold, are particularly at risk for respiratory issues during high-risk air quality alerts.” So, limiting exposure to outside air and reducing your furry friend’s level of excursion when he or she is outside will help protect their airways from irritation.
HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES? To reduce exposure when ozone levels are elevated, you can do what Stephanie ended up doing and spend more time indoors, choose less intensive outdoor activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe in as much ozone, and you can plan outdoor activities during the morning or evening when ozone levels are lower. It is critical to check local air quality so you know if and when ozone is going to be high.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE THE EMISSIONS THAT FORM OZONE? There are so many different actions that we can choose from to improve air quality that everybody can do something to help keep the air ozone-free. And the majority of these activities will save us money, too, so there are benefits all around! Pick
one or two from the list below to begin breathing cleaner air. •
Conserve energy and purchase Energy Star equipment when buying new items.
•
Drive less—share rides, take transit, bike, walk whenever possible. You will be surprised at how stress is reduced when you cut the time you are driving alone in your car.
•
Refuel your vehicle in the evening, be careful not to spill, don’t overfill your gas tank, and tighten your gas cap securely.
•
Check tire pressure monthly and keep them properly inflated.
•
Avoid planting high-VOC-emitting trees when adding to your landscape.
•
Combine errands to skip trips.
•
Replace gas-powered lawn and garden equipment with electric, battery, or manual when possible.
•
Avoid engine idling. Park and go inside instead of idling in drive-thru lines. Check your phone before you leave the building, as opposed to while you are in your car.
Since the majority of the emissions that form ozone are vehicle-related, healthy air does start with us. The fewer the high ozone days, the more time our kids—Stephanie included— can be outside playing and being active, which is the healthiest place for them. Healthy air is in our hands! Beth Gorman is a senior program manager for the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality in Tucson. She manages the Public Outreach and Education Section of the department, which consists of pollution prevention and public outreach programs regarding air quality and stormwater protection, as well as community outreach for air quality permitting, solid waste management, and water quality issues. She also oversees the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality-funded Voluntary No-Drive Days/Clean Air Program and the Lawn & Garden Equipment Emission Reduction Program, and is the media spokesperson for the department.
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March 2020 | greenliving
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SUSTAINABLEYOU SUSTAINABLE One thing you can do...
ADD MICROGREENS TO YOUR PLATE BY KAREN LANGSTON
T
he signs of spring are evident on the grocer’s shelves. Look past the big, luscious organic green leaves and focus on the teeny-tiny ones looking like they just sprouted. Yup, those are the ones—they’re better known as microgreens. The term “microgreens” is the novel clever marketing buzz referring to teeny-tiny edible greens grown in soil from the seeds of vegetables and herbs. This is not new, but sometimes we just need a sexy name to reinvigorate an old concept. Whatever you call them, consider adding microgreens to your plate. What is the difference between microgreens, baby greens
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and sprouts? Microgreens are grown in soil and harvested 7-14 days after germination. If you were to let them grow longer, they would become baby greens, which are also yummy. If you continue to let them grow, you would have a mature vegetable or herb. The difference between sprouts and microgreens? Sprouts are germinated seeds, soaked in water then sprouted using the humidity in the jar with no soil. Microgreens are gaining popularity over sprouts because they are easier to grow and safer to eat. Raw sprouts have been associated with foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This happens when the humidity is not properly monitored, leading to pathogen overgrowth. greenlivingaz.com
Although you can still purchase sprouts, the U.S. government warns against eating raw sprouts. I also do not recommend for those who are immunocompromised, the elderly and young children.
WHY WOULD WE WANT TO ADD MICROGREENS TO OUR PLATE? Seeds require a specific amount of nutrients in order to create the energy for the plant to break through its tough exterior and sprout. It is believed the younger the plant is, the more concentrated the nutrients and energy that we can fuel our body with.
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Microgreens are typically grown from the seeds of leafy greens such as arugula, kale, beets, onions, watercress, radish, chard, bok choy and cabbage, and herbs such as basil, chervil, cilantro, chives and parsley. Let’s face it—most of us are not doing a great job of getting our daily allotment of veggies. I am just as guilty. Microgreens are a great way to boost your nutritional requirements to keep you feeling energized. Of course, nutrients will vary depending on the plant. In general, microgreens are an excellent source of minerals, such as naturally occurring sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. This is a good thing, since most Americans eating the standard American diet are deficient in these lifesaving minerals.
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WHAT DO THEY TASTE LIKE? If the nutrients are concentrated, so is the flavor. For instance, onions will be super strong in flavor and radishes will be super spicy. Not bad for such a teeny-tiny plant. If you are looking to spice up a sandwich or salad, add some peppery flavor with micro-radish.
GOOD FOR THE PLANET Microgreens are also good for the planet. Because of their short growth period, they do not deplete the soil. Thus, experts believe, these nutrition powerhouses could help in feeding the world population which, by 2050, is estimated to grow to 9 billion people. Also, microgreens do not require toxic spraying of herbicides and pesticides; a win-win for our health and the planet. On a commercial level, microgreens are rapidly produced, resulting in low-cost, sustainable production. In small urban gardens, numerous plantings can occur for a longer harvest period in comparison to fully mature vegetables. Are you living in small quarters? If you have a sunny windowsill, you too can take advantage of your green thumb all year long. All microgreens require are a container, quality organic soil, sun, water, and your enthusiasm to grow your own. How are you going to incorporate microgreens into your lifestyle? 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
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March 2020 | greenliving
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ALOE VERA
USING IT TO PREVENT, TREAT AND BEAT CANCER FOLLOW RIC COGGINS’ JOURNEY THROUGH CANCER…
M
RIC COGGINS
ost of us have or have had aloe vera plants at one time or another. They make great house plants and in warm enough areas, great garden foliage that can survive long periods of little water. Aloe plants are a member of the lily/onion family, and is thought that they likely originated in Africa, before spreading throughout the world.
The first known written reports on the nourishing juice of the aloe vera plant reach as far back as 6,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Knowledge of aloe vera’s pharmaceutical properties were recorded in Sumerian clay tablets in 1750 B.C. Mentions of aloe are included in the Bible and in the legends of ancient kings and queens. We even know that Alexander the Great was persuaded by Aristotle to conquer the island of Socotra (now a part of Yemen) where aloe was cultivated, in order to have aloe vera to treat his soldiers. In Roman times, physician and naturalist Dioscorides recommended the use of aloe for numerous physical disorders, such as the treatment of wounds, gastrointestinal discomforts, gingivitis, arthralgia, skin irritation, sunburn, acne, hair loss and others. Today we are probably most familiar with aloe vera’s ability to remarkably speed up our healing from sunburns, whether in rubbing the gel of a freshly cut leaf on the burned skin area or in using a commercially prepared product which has
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aloe added to it for increased effectiveness. Along those same lines, aloe vera’s benefit when added to cosmetic and haircare products is well known and universally understood. But did you know that it has been used successfully in helping patients with cancer fight and overcome that disease? Like many of you, I have had aloe vera in my gardens for decades, and everyone in my family has been treated with it at one time or another for skin burns and sunburns. In the ’80s, I suffered third-degree burns on one of my hands when an oxyacetylene welding torch exploded. Of course, due to the severity of my injuries, I sought treatment from an allopathic burn trauma facility. However, in addition to the conventional treatments they applied, I also placed freshly filleted aloe leaves from my garden on my badly burned hand. Amazingly, today no one would know this story unless I told them, as I healed without scarring to my hand. I’ll bet you cannot tell which hand I burned if you looked. I learned about aloe vera’s healing powers with cancer from Chris Wark, whom I have written about before. Wark used aloe vera juice in 2004 to help cure his colon cancer. He remains cancer-free today, some 16 years later. Today he is the father of two girls—two girls whom he would likely never have had due to sterility likely induced by conventional treatments of chemo and radiation, which he avoided by using diet and supplements, including aloe vera gel. So does aloe vera cure cancer? No, as such, it does not. But it does provide remarkable support to something that does cure cancer… the human immune system. As I have written in the greenlivingaz.com
past, while we all are likely to develop cancer cells, those rogue cells in our body that refuse to follow their genetic instructions, the truth is that we are not supposed to get cancer, which is the disease that ensues when those rogue cells take over. The human immune system, when functioning properly, has no difficulty hunting down cancer cells and “killing” them before they wreak havoc. And as we have discussed in the past, the gut is responsible for as much as 90% of that immune system. In fact, the gut is also the first line of defense in your immune system. So it stands to reason that if we have a healthy gut, we have a healthy immune system. It is at this juncture that aloe vera rises to the top in being one of our cancer-fighters, as it is one of the most powerful items we can ingest to support our gut, and in turn, support our immune system.
ACEMANNAN While there are literally thousands of compounds in aloe vera that account for its amazing effects on our health, the super-nutrient called Acemannan is believed to be one of its top healing agents. One of the problems in a number of illnesses is that the immune system can have difficulty recognizing the “intruders” that cause those diseases. Without getting too deep into the science (which is readily available online to those interested), Acemannan essentially aids the immune system in helping identify cancers and viruses, so that once it has found them, it can “send in the troops” to take them out.
important for the blood coagulation and the routing of impulses in muscles and nerves. •
Magnesium is important for the functionality of numerous enzymes; it eases the over-stimulations of muscles and nerves and protects the heart from arterial disease. Magnesium is especially important for individuals who live with a high level of stress “anti-stress mineral.” We all need help here!
•
Manganese helps the body with the detoxifying processes and is needed for bones, cartilages, fibres and connective tissue.
•
Selenium assists the cells in the destruction of free radicals which are produced by stress, environmental exposures, cigarette smoke, etc. Moreover, it is very important for the immune defense. When there is insufficient selenium, the tissue ages more quickly.
•
Zinc protects from free radicals and strengthens the immune system. It also accelerates the wound-healing process and stops inflammation.
Other important minerals and micronutrients in aloe vera are chromium, potassium, copper and sodium.
VITAMINS While the vitamin content of aloe vera is relatively low compared to a lot of fruits and vegetables, the vitamin content in aloe is crucial for the synergy effect of all of its other ingredients. Those familiar with the science of homeopathy
AMINO ACIDS There are 20 amino acids which our body requires in order to rejuvenate, but which the human body cannot produce by itself. Aloe vera gel contains at least seven of the eight most essential amino acids required, as well as a number of the other “nice to have” amino acids.
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ENZYMES Enzymes enable, accelerate or prevent chemical processes. The enzymes contained in the aloe vera gel help with digestion and in absorbing the sugars, proteins and lipids of our daily food intake. Studies show that some of the enzymes present in aloe vera gel can even destroy free radicals, also known as environmental poisons. Among others, the following enzymes are to be found aloe vera gel: phosphatase, amylase, bradykinae, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase and peroxidase.
MINERALS AND MICRONUTRIENTS Minerals and micronutrients are an essential part of our body’s needs and are crucial for maintaining health. Without minerals and micronutrients, the functionality of vitamins and enzymes is impaired. An imbalanced relation of the individual micronutrients plays a major role with regards to cancer—not to mention heart attacks. The following minerals and micronutrients are constituents of aloe vera: •
Iron is important for the immune system and for improving general well-being.
•
Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, it is also
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understand the concept of less being more and the synergies of combined compounds. With that said, note that the following vitamins are also contained in the aloe vera plant: •
Vitamin B1 is important for our balance of energy. Even small deficiencies can lead to emotional and physical weaknesses.
•
Vitamin B2 is necessary for the detoxification processes, as it steers oxidation processes. It is also important for the building of red blood cells.
•
Vitamin B6 is a co-enzyme, essential for the amino acid metabolism. It is also needed for the synthesis of hemoglobin.
•
Vitamin B12 is important for the synthesis of nucleic acid. Deficiency leads to the decrease in the cell division of the bone marrow (pernicious anemia). As this vitamin is usually only present in animal products, vegetarians can benefit from supplementing their plant-based diet with aloe vera gel.
•
Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, strengthens the immune system overall. It is necessary for the growth of bones, teeth, blood and hormones; it protects the body cells from premature aging; and it halts the effects of toxins.
•
Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals and therefore protects the cells from premature aging. It accelerates the healing process, helps with rheumatic issues and strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system.
ADDITIONAL PLANT COMPOUNDS Along the lines of homeopathy, secondary plant compounds are only to be found in small amounts in aloe plants, but they do tend to determine tastes, smells and colors. Also, they are very pharmacologically effective. Aloe vera gel contains: •
Lignins are dietary fibers that stimulate digestion and can penetrate the skin deeply, where they work as carriers for other important substances by binding them and transporting them into even deeper skin layers.
•
Essential oils that can work both in an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial way.
•
Anthraglycosides are mainly found in the skin of the leaf and they have a laxative effect. In high concentrations these substances are toxic, but in the case of the aloe vera gel where the content is very low, the effect is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.
•
Sterols work in an anti-inflammatory capacity and decrease the blood cholesterol level.
•
Saponins are glycosides that account for up to 3% content of the aloe vera gel, and have a cleansing and antiseptic effect. These substances are very important for the germ-killing qualities of aloe vera gel with bacteria, virus, fungi and yeasts.
•
Salicylic acid, the agent of aspirin, works as a painkiller, decreases fever, and stops inflammation.
WHAT IS THE BEST ALOE VERA GEL TO USE? Though he did not pen it, my dad used to say, “The worst day fishing was better than the best day at work!” Along those
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lines, any aloe vera is likely better than no aloe vera. This spirit is demonstrated by Dr. Michael Haley, owner of Stockton Aloe, a provider of aloe vera products and other wellness supplements and cosmetic applications. In an interview with Chris Wark, Dr. Haley suggested the aloe is such a superfood that, “even when you have bad aloe, it’s still pretty good.” Dr. Haley conveys that while a number of aloe vera varieties exist, pretty much all purveyors of aloe vera are choosing the species Barbadensis Miller from which to base their products. Within that species though, there further exist several more varieties. The variety that Dr. Haley’s company grows and distributes is called Barbadensis Miller Stockton, named after aloe pioneer Rodney Stockton, who studied the world’s aloe plants, determining that this variety was the most effective. Drinking this variety every day, Stockton lived a healthy active life well into his 90s. Most aloe products available today are heavily filtered and pasteurized. They may also have preservatives added to make longer store shelf-life possible. Aloe from Haley Nutrition is nothing more than 100% raw, unfiltered, hand-filleted aloe leaves with nothing added… not even water. The pure gel is poured into bottles and then quickly frozen. If you don’t live in Florida, where he processes his Caribbean-grown stock, he ships it direct, frozen and packed in Styrofoam and sometimes dry ice, depending on the time of year and where the ultimate destination is. This method allows for all of the natural benefits to be provided, including all of the enzymes which are killed during the pasteurization process. Dr. Haley says that the potency of the healthful constituents of aloe increases with the age of the plant. His product is made from leaves that are at least 3 to 5 years old. Younger leaves may not have as much nutritional benefit yet, and leaves that have been on the store shelf for a long time may have lost much of it. I used the Stockton Aloe 1 products during the time I was treating my active cancer. If you too are fighting active cancer, know that a therapeutic dose can be as much as 24 oz. of gel per day. Many consider a regimen of 8 oz. per day to be a good rule of thumb for daily or preventative maintenance. This applies only to pure leaf gel though—processed brands that may include some of the leaf skin should not be consumed in these quantities. If you are going to use off-the-shelf aloe, follow the directions on the label. Now that it has been a couple years of my being cancer-free, my daily dose is 4 oz. mixed with an equal amount of spring water, and some pomegranate concentrate for good measure and flavor. Whether you wish to prevent cancer or are fighting an active case, aloe vera should be considered as a part of your overall health and wellness regimen. 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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March 2020 | greenliving
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WATER ART THOU MEDICINE BY IVY CIOLLI
A
s we move through 2020, I hope our thoughts and intentions are as clear as the water we ingest. As I mentioned recently, the source of our water is vital and correlated to our health. Let me start by saying that our living bodies thrive on living water. Spring water is alive, overflowing with vital minerals designed by nature to replenish and renew all living organisms! According to Dr. Josh Axe, while we’re lucky enough in the United States and other developed nations to have easy access to plenty of clean drinking water, just how healthy is our water, really? Compared to the type of water that our ancestors drank thousands of years ago, the water coming out of our faucets today—or from store-bought plastic bottles we commonly purchase—might fail in comparison. How so? According to emerging theories on “structured water,” water that hasn’t yet been filtrated, mechanically cleaned or “processed” in any way, to some degree, might hold more “energy” in it.
therefore, the water loses some of its healing benefits. Dr. Gerald Pollack of the University of Washington is one of the leading authorities on structured water. After studying water science and technologies for the past decade-plus, he believes that water is profoundly impacted by light and heat-generating sources found in nature, which change the molecular composition of the water we drink and store within our bodies. While research is still limited and inconclusive, structured water might have an optimal pH that is crucial to health and a specific power source that helps us stay maximally hydrated. Because of the many roles that water and hydration have in the body, structured water is said to benefit: •
Energy levels
•
Digestion and regularity
•
Enzymes that help with nutrient absorption
• Concentration
Structured water is “the water that’s found in nature,” according to groups like Structured Water Technologies. The theory is that structured water molecules held within our cells might have a higher level of electrical charges, in a specific order that helps our cells function. When our cells’ water molecules are optimally charged, this can potentially impact how the muscles and tissue throughout our bodies work.
•
Muscle contractions
•
Positive moods
•
The ability to sleep well
•
Blood pressure and cholesterol levels
But when water is mechanically filtered, treated with chemicals and contaminated with various pollutants or toxins—leading to high tap water toxicity and abnormal estrogen levels in our water—the structure changes and,
•
Weight control
•
Kidney and liver health
•
Joint health
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• Respiration • Endurance
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To understand what the potential benefits of structured water might be, it helps to first grasp how water works within our cells. Water is an important building block in every single cell in your body. The actual structure of your cells is something like a matrix that is made up of different acids (some of which are proteins). Between the acids is where water is held, essentially bridging the gap. All of the water molecules within our cells hold electrical charges, whether positive or negative. Oppositely charged water molecules line up next to one another, just like a battery. Initially, water gets its charge from the sunlight or heat in the environment, and then stores it within our cells. The idea behind structured water is this: Ordinary water filtration processes that have the purpose of cleaning drinking water also de-structure water molecules in the process. When the water is no longer structured the way it was intended to be, the health of your cells suffers; specifically, the protein molecules within your cells don’t work the right way. This can negatively impact muscular and tissue functioning, leaving you prone to injuries. How exactly does the water within our cells become unstructured? It’s not entirely clear yet, but one theory is that too much time spent indoors—away from natural sources of energy like the sun and the earth’s surface (imagine a clean-running mountain creek that people used to drink directly from)— could partially be to blame. Think about this: water is a reflection of ourselves. We all have experienced tidal waves in our lives, but our resilience and ability to paddle to calm water is part of our survival mechanism. When our bodies are balanced by nature’s spring water, we begin to experience clarity and energetic flow, resulting in fluid thoughts and intentions! We tend to be incredulous and look for shortcuts or a quick fix when it comes to our health. But what really matters? We hear the saying, “see the cup as half-full, not half-empty.” Or
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fill your cup, making it possible to continue to give of yourself to others. This is advice I need to take myself! There is also the unspoken cup that eventually overflows. What I am referring to is toxins. We don’t just wake up with cancer, chronic autoimmune disease, depression or any ailment for that matter. There is always a tipping point of how much our body can handle. What you put into your body is what you get out. I always say, “If we aren’t preventing, we are causing!” It comes down to making the choice: prescription or prevention? My suggestion is to not put a Band-Aid on the issue. The only way to truly heal is to get back to your roots! Saturate your limbs and trunk with spring water to revitalize your cells. Soak in the sun to recharge your body and absorb vitamin D (preventer of cancer). Are you ready to shift your paradigm and see what your miraculous body is capable of? Think of it this way: water represents a glass mirror and by choosing living water, you will see the reflection of the HEALTHIER YOU! My 2020 vision is crystal-clear, is yours? Are you ready to dive in and electrically charge your cells with structured water, providing optimal cell function? My favorite place to get structured spring water filled with nutrients is at Kaleidoscope. With many Valley locations, it’s easy to grab one of their spring waters with alkalizing chlorophyll, detoxifying charcoal, or inflammation-fighting and cell-regenerating turmeric frankincense. But you don’t have to stop there. Sign up for one of their juice cleanses to shed unwanted weight and toxins from your body. Check them out at www.kaleidoscope.love. My hope is for all of us to renew, regenerate, and regain our youthful self! 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.
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SONOMA WITH THE GIRLS BY ELAINA VERHOFF
S
ometimes when your birthday is around the corner, and you’re craving some quality friend time, you have to take matters into your own hands. And that’s exactly what I did when I suggested to my girlfriends that we all take a midNovember trip to wine country. Amazingly, all four of them were free, we booked a smoking deal on our flight, rented an awesome minivan, and soon we were on our way. My super helpful dad offered to shuttle us to the airport, a quick trip that set the tone for a no-filter, snort-laughing weekend. “Just pretend I’m not here,” he joked after silently enduring 20 minutes of free-flowing girl talk before dropping us curbside at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Now, before I fast-forward and tell you about my totally embarrassing goof at the airport, I want you to know that in my past life (pre-kids), I was quite the world traveler. These days, not so much. OK, so what did I do at the airport? I forgot
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my driver’s license! Yes, I made the stupid move of throwing my license and debit card in my small purse for a night out earlier in the week—and leaving it there! But because of this bonehead move, I now have a very important travel tip to share. You can get on a plane without a photo ID! Yes, it’s true. If you are a big nerd and carry a huge wallet with a checkbook (proof of address) and a few other pieces of ID like a credit card or insurance card, you have to endure a little more thorough security, but you can still fly! It was close, but I made it through the cavity search (kidding!), caught up with my friends, and slid into my seat not a moment too soon. One bloody Mary and a bag of pretzels later, my heart rate had returned to normal, and we were there. So if you do find yourself enjoying a long weekend with your girlfriends in Sonoma, where should you indulge? Here are some of the highlights of our girls trip to wine country. greenlivingaz.com
WHERE TO EAT
El Dorado Kitchen
If contemporary California cuisine is your thing, stop in for a meal at El Dorado Kitchen. We arrived at the tail end of the lunch hour, so we found a spot in the lounge area by the bar and had our pick of both the lunch and lounge menu. I went with steamed mussels, topped with bright green poblano rings and accented with perfectly toasted bread points to dip into the garlicky broth. I ended up going in halfsies with my friend who had ordered the mushroom flatbread. The thin yet perfectly airy bread was piled high with fresh mushrooms and arugula, dusted with a flurry of freshly grated parmesan, and accented with earthy truffle oil. And while the unique cocktails were tempting, crisp local wine won out. the girl & the fig
birthday cake, which our waiter was so kind as to keep it cold for us for the afternoon while we wandered the town and digested our mid-day meal.
I knew we had to have a meal at the girl & the fig when every single person I asked for recommendations put it on the list. Again, fresh, local seasonal food—after all, it is Sonoma. We sat out on the patio, which while nice, was not quite the al fresco experience this Arizona girl craved. We were wrapped in a thick plastic roof/tarp (think snow globe) due to it being rainy season. So despite the unseasonably warm sunny weather, we couldn’t bask in the sun. Also, I’m an ambiance girl, so I’d recommend opting for the small indoor space, which was oozing with cozy vibes.
WHERE TO DRINK
That said, the food and cocktails were sublime. More mussels, the most substantial quiche Lorraine I’ve ever encountered, and matchstick frites that were pure potato perfection. My friends even surprised me with a lemon
We kicked off our Saturday evening with a visit to Sigh champagne bar, located just off the plaza. Pure bubbly, girly deliciousness in a compact mirrored space, where worries don’t exist, and the stresses of kids, relationships, and work disappear.
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Zina Lounge
If daytime drinking in a prime patio spot is your thing, head to Zina Lounge on the square. We zenned out for hours at an outdoor table, where we made friends with passersby, and tried some amazing local wines. If the weather is nice, do yourself a favor and stop by Zina Lounge to sample the reds and whites, small bites, and sunshine. Sigh Champagne Bar
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The owner, Jayme, told us she grew up in the area, the daughter of the town orthodontist. Eight years ago, she saw a niche and opened the town’s first champagne bar in a tiny alley space. Since then, she’s moved and expanded, and business seems to be booming. She shared some insight into the difference between Champagne from France (chalky mineral soil) and its cousin in Sonoma (volcanic soil).
wine country weekend, a rental home is the way to go. After checking out many amazing options online, we chose a fivebedroom farmhouse estate on 3 acres near Sonoma plaza. This dream home had its own vineyards (swoon), a fire pit ringed with Adirondack chairs, a putting green, and a big kitchen island to gather and gab over coffee and evening cheese plates.
This is a must-visit spot. But don’t take my word for it. Travel & Leisure named Sigh one of the top 25 wine bars in the country.
Our vacation home, dubbed Carneros Ranch, was on Shainsky Road, where neighborhood morning walks showcased foggy tree-lined streets, farms with cows, wandering roosters, peacocks and guinea hens. We grabbed loads of provisions at Whole Foods, so wine, coffee, chocolate, fresh fruit, and plenty of cheese and crackers were at our fingertips.
HIKING A hike was one of the must-do items on our agenda, so Sunday morning we headed to the Sonoma Overlook Trail, a 3-mile hike that starts in a cemetery and winds its way up to a beautiful view of Sonoma Valley. For us, it was the perfect manageable trek—not too tough, but enough of a workout that we felt prepared to dive into another cheese plate with wine with zero regrets.
WHERE TO STAY If staying in town, El Dorado Hotel would be a prime spot to land. However, if you’re planning to have the true girls'
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Check Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO. Lots of options.
The only bad thing about this trip was having to pack our things and leave it all behind. Fortunately, we’re already talking about our next girls trip—possibly to Palm Springs! Elaina Verhoff is a freelance writer, mom, and owner of a public relations firm.
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HOLIDAY GIVING DECEMBER 2019 - VOLUME 17, ISSUE 12
T reasures Heart of the
KURT AND BRENDA WARNER HAVE TURNED LIFE’S CHALLENGES INTO AN ENDURING DRIVE TO GIVE
HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK + CARDS FOR KIDS + THE ANTHONY BATES FOUNDATION
JANUARY 2020, VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1
JULY 2019 – THE EDUCATION ISSUE VOLUME 17, ISSUE 7
A MOTHER’S
From
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FOUR SISTERS UNITE TO FIGHT OVARIAN CANCER
EXPECT MORE ARIZONA + GENESIS CITY + ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF PHOENIX
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FEEDING MATTERS + ARIZONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION + TEEN LIFELINE 7/2/19 5:27 PM
Celebrating the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE + THE KNOCK + FRONTDOORS TV WITH CAREY PEÑA frontdoorsmedia.com
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March 2020 | greenliving
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JOIN GREEN LIVING MAGAZINE AND ECO PHX FOR A SUSTAINABILITY EVENT ON MARCH 21 CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS, LIVE MUSIC, VENDORS, AND THE ECO PHX SUSTAINABLE APARTMENTS
BY MADI PAGE
G
reen Living Magazine and ECO PHX are joining forces to offer a fun, interactive eco event.
On March 21, join the Green Team for an experience that will feature sustainable projects and services, including the new ECO PHX sustainable apartments; cooking demonstrations by Chefs Elizabeth Joseph founder of Be More Raw, Jason Wyerick, founder of Casa Terra, and Jennifer Johnson founder of Witnessing Nature; family-friendly activities; and live music. Every attendee will receive a “passport” that can be stamped upon visiting each of the interactive booths that will highlight an UNsustainable development goal—some of which include our partnerships with COX Enterprises, Natural Grocers, MEB Management Services, True Garden, Express Furniture Rental, Casa Terra, and Sherwin Williams. Once the passport is completely filled with stamps, the attendee will be entered into a raffle to win a prize! The event will be held at Roosevelt Mini Park, 837 N. 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., but if you happen to be an early riser, come ready at 9 a.m. for a mindful start to the day with some morning yoga presented by Elevate Yoga. ECO PHX is the first sustainable apartment complex in the Phoenix area. The complex offers 70 luxury apartments, each of which includes features such as solar energy, greywater recycling, EV charging stations, a car sharing program, and more. Each of these unique features create hope that the future will be more sustainable, one apartment complex at a time. The Habitat Fenix team created this complex as an approach to meet an underserved market of residents who are environmentally sensitive, which is why it is purposely sustainable. Although this is the first foray for Habitat Fenix into sustainable apartment complexes, they have additional upcoming projects, including one in Mesa near the light rail. The sustainable apartment complex was founded by military
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veteran and local entrepreneur, Thomas McPherson. His goal for creating the sustainable complex was to develop a more just world for all living things in the community. McPherson attributes his desire to regenerate the world from his time serving as a U.S. Navy Fleet Marine, where he saw the destruction of the ecosystem due to the droughts, rising seas and food shortages that millions of people had faced globally. There are many ways, however, that people can create a change in the world—and it all starts with how people live their daily lives. “Go to a local farmers’ market for produce,” he explains. “The food actually has higher nutritional content, the amount of embodied CO2 in the food is much lower, and you are supporting small local farmers that usually implement more sustainable land management practices. Or, get some motion sensing light switches for your bathroom or other rooms so the lights automatically go out shortly after you leave the room. Or, bring in durable bags to the grocery store. Or, better yet, vote someone into office that shares the same values about our natural resources as you do. Finally, vote with your dollars and cents. The markets follow the money, and if we, as consumers, demand biodegradable ‘plastic’ (made from plant-based materials) or electric cars, or buildings with solar panels and living walls, the market will provide those things.” To learn more about McPherson’s journey in creating a more just world for the community, join him and the Green Living Magazine team on March 21. Whether you are an expert on sustainability, are interested in a new home, or are just recently beginning your eco-journey, this event will serve you well. For more information, visit www.greenlivingaz.com/party. Madi Page is currently a senior at Arizona State University studying nutrition. After graduating in May of 2020, she plans to work towards her goal of becoming a physician's assistant. In her free time, Page enjoys writing, spending time with her friends, family and dog Oliver.
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What would YOU do to protect our planet?
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It’s the Ultimate Challenge for those who want Lasting Change. 5 Pledges x 10 Actions = 50 Ways to Protect our Planet. To learn more visit
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EARTHX AND FED BY THREADS CREATING A SUSTAINABLE APPAREL INDUSTRY BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
T
his April marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. When the first citizens took to the streets in 1970, they hoped to mobilize the world’s citizens to change the planet’s future.
businesses interact with sustainability,” explains FBT president and partner Skya Nelson. He sees the partnership as the ideal way to educate, innovate, and change the apparel industry and beyond.
FED BY THREADS PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE FASHION
“Fifty years ago, the first Earth Day took place because one senator was troubled by the lack of attention being paid to environmental issues,” says Tony Keane, CEO of EarthX.
Nelson established FBT to counter the exploitative fast-fashion industry. With the advent in the 1990s of so-called “fast fashion,” people have more clothing than ever before. This leads to excess waste, pollution, and massive amounts of water use. According to EKOenergy, “the incomprehensible scale of the fashion industry and the sheer quantity of fabrics that are produced for clothing each year is what makes the fashion industry so destructive.”
EarthX began as Earth Day Dallas. Today, it is the world’s largest environmental expo, conference, and film festival, covering five blocks in the Dallas Arts District over one weekend in April. The EarthX mission is to “connect a global community to create a sustainable world for all life and future generations.” Keane expects Earthx2020 to be the biggest event yet. “Earthx2020 will pay homage to the half century of planetary advocacy that followed and leverage the power that hundreds of thousands of people coming together can bring to championing a better planet for future generations.” Trammel S. Crow, a Texas-based environmentalist and businessman, founded EarthX in 2011 to promote environmental awareness and impact through conscious business, nonpartisan collaboration, and community-driven sustainable solutions. Tucson-based Fed By Threads (FBT)—an organic sweatshop-free boutique apparel maker—shares this hope and vision. It is one of the sustaining sponsors for Earthx2020 and has a three-year agreement with the organization. “EarthX, under Crow and Keane’s leadership, changes the way
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Tony Keane, CEO of EarthX Skya Nelson, President & COO of Fed By Threads
The first problem is the massive amount of textiles in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, textiles accounted for almost 17 million tons of waste in 2017 alone. The production process is also destructive. That includes the manufacture of synthetic fibers, excessive water used for raising cotton, massive amount of electricity for running machinery, and emissions from coal-powered manufacturing plants. In contrast, FBT promotes sustainable eco-friendly apparel. The company’s ethical Supply Chain Aware (SCA) manufacturing from dirt-to-shirt offers guilt-free fashion. The FBT clothing uses sustainable, recycled, and organic fabrics. FBT is introducing an exciting new line of hemp apparel from inside the Earthx2020 Hemp Pavilion in April.
FBT PROMOTES SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH THE USE OF HEMP Nelson always thinks of solutions to problems when designing products. greenlivingaz.com
“When I’m working on a product line, I’m often trying to imagine the end product,” he explains. “We question what problems we have in our industrial system right now and look at how we can offer a solution.” Part of that solution for the apparel industry is the manufacturing process. FBT uses green/eco-friendly and non-toxic manufacturing. Another part of the solution is the supply chain. Every garment is made in the USA where FBT can inspect the manufacturing facilities. Another part is using sustainable fabrics such as hemp. “You can use hemp oil to create hemp polyester to replace oil-based polyester,” explains Nelson. Even when products end up in the landfill or ecosystem, they are biodegradable. “This means fish are eating plants rather than plastic,” Nelson says. He is excited about the possibilities of using hemp as a sustainable, organic apparel source. “We’re picking products that have a future that doesn’t need to be reimagined.”
Tiny House Show Earthx2020 50th Earth Day 2020
globally but act locally. Education is the key to all of this.” “We are excited to have Fed by Threads on board as the exclusive apparel partner for Earthx2020. With a mission to manufacture garments that are sustainable and ethically produced while working to feed millions of children in need, we look forward to partnering with them on championing a better planet for future generations,” says Keane. Earthx2020 is April 24-26, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. The Hemp Pavilion & Stage—EarthxHemp—offers information on the environmental benefits of hemp-based products. For more on EarthX, visit www.earthx.org and check out Fed By Threads at www.fedbythreads.com.
EXPO EarthX2019 at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
Hemp has been part of the textile industry for millennia. According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it was one of the earliest plants used for textile fiber, dating back to 8,000 BC. But plastic killed the hemp industry. In the 1930s, a propaganda campaign began to discredit hemp. After DuPont patented plastic fiber, it launched a lobbying campaign to erroneously tie hemp to narcotics. The US Congress passed the “Marihuana Tax Act” in 1937, outlawing hemp production. That was not reversed until the 2018 Farm Bill.
Susan Lanier-Graham is a freelance writer and speaker based in Arizona and Texas. Find out more at www. wanderwithwonder.com. Wild Bills Olde Fashioned Soda Pop Co. Earthx2020 EXPO
THE FBT MESSAGE FOR SOCIAL GOOD FBT ties its social agenda of environmental change with feeding the hungry across America. It provides meals through a partnership with Feeding America. Nelson expects that over the next three years, the FBT partnership with EarthX will provide more than two million meals. “We’re seeing real change,” he says. “We really do think greenlivingaz.com
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STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY THE GLOBAL REPORTING INITIATIVE BY STEVE KELLOGG
S
ustainability is not a new concept. In 1987, the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development described sustainable development as meeting “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development) The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) was formed in 1997 in Boston, Mass., by two non-profits, Ceres (formerly the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies) and Tellis Institute with the support of UNEP (United Nations Environment Program). GRI relocated to Amsterdam, Netherlands and has since developed reporting guidelines in order to create a uniform set of standards upon which to measure sustainable goals and actions. Simply put, GRI is an international independent standards organization. It works with businesses, governments and other organizations to understand and to communicate their impacts on issues including the economy, climate change, human rights and corruption. The Global Reporting Initiative is a pioneer of sustainability reporting and has produced reports in more than 100 countries. Although the GRI is independent, it remains a collaborating center of UNEP and works in cooperation with the United Nations Global Compact. GRI has produced the first global standards for sustainability reporting. The standards are divided into three primary categories: • Economic • Environmental • Social Economic standards address economic and financial issues including economic performance and impacts, procurement
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practices and corruption. Environmental issues involve material, energy, water, biodiversity, emissions, waste and compliance. Social issues are wide ranging and include employment, health and safety, labor (especially child and forced), human rights, privacy and more. With pressure from stakeholder groups including governments, consumers and investors seeking greater transparency, many companies now publish a sustainability report, also known as a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Notable companies, such as Apple, Ford, Bank of America, to name only a few, are participants. Looking more closely at Ford Motor Company, it has been reporting for 20 years via a variety of reporting framework indices, including GRI. Its program focuses on three areas: Enhancing People’s Lives, Advancing Our Planet, Innovating Future Motion. The company is clearly committed to sustainability and has numerous programs in place to enhance it. For example, Ford has a stated goal of “aspiring to become the most inclusive and diverse global company.” This goal is further broken down to focus on gender diversity and equality and protecting human rights in the supply chain. In 2019, Ford Motor Company received an A grade for its water security efforts from CDP, the environmental impact nonprofit that drives sustainable economies. This marks the fourth year in a row Ford has earned an A from CDP for its water management efforts. It is clear that the act of reporting is creating not only greater transparency, but positive actions to achieve improved sustainability in a variety of areas. GRI Standards are the first and most widely adopted global standards for sustainability reporting with 93% of the world’s largest 250 corporations reporting on their sustainability
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performance. Such disclosers are believed to encourage accountability, resulting in improved environmental protection, improved governance and the betterment of society. Although sustainability reporting in the United States is presently voluntary, corporations have increased their reporting on these issues. The Governance and Accountability Institute (GAI) reports that approximately 81% of S&P 500 companies issued a sustainability report in 2015, compared to less than 20% in 2011. By 2016, over 13,000 companies had produced more than 80,000 reports. KPMG’s 2017 survey reveals that sustainability reporting is standard practice for large and mid-cap companies worldwide.
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As a side note, sustainability investing continues to grow in popularity, but the lack of standardization in reporting poses a challenge for investors wishing to maximize their social responsibility, and minimize the social damage, of their investments. According to the CPA Journal, 60% of companies believe their sustainability disclosures facilitate investors’ comparison of companies while 92% of investors do not agree. It would appear that more efforts are needed in this area. While sustainability reporting is still in its infancy, improvements in consistency and transparency are slowly occurring. However, its impact is being felt as companies and other organizations are altering behaviors to become increasingly sustainable. GRI is not the only organization in this space. Others include: The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Global Initiative for Sustainability Ratings (GISR) For additional information, the GRI website is www.globalreporting.org. Steve Kellogg is a consultant (working with start-up businesses), speaker, trainer, copy and content writer, and recovering architect/land planner.
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March 2020 | greenliving
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JYL STEINBACK
THE “WORLD’S HEALTHIEST MOM” DEBUTS NEW COOKBOOK BY MADI PAGE
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uthor Jyl Steinback is best known among her peers as the “World’s Healthiest Mom.” Not only is Steinback the well-known author of several cookbooks, but she also works as the executive director of Shape Up US, Inc.—an organization dedicated to preventing obesity, empowering children and families to lead happier, healthier lives—and is a homeopathic practitioner. Steinback began her career as many do, wanting to make a change in the world that could positively help others. Hers began on a personal note. One day, back when she was a student at Arizona State University, she was walking to class when she noticed a group of male students with number cards “rating” the women who walked by. At the time, Steinback was overweight. At first, she felt devastated. But later, Steinbeck would come to attribute that moment as one of her blessings in disguise, as
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it gave her a push in the direction of living a healthier lifestyle. “I didn’t want a diet, I wanted a new lifestyle,” she explains. “A way of life that made me feel good inside and out.” From there on out, Steinback had a completely new outlook on her health, and in 1993, it inspired her to write her first cookbook. Called Fat Free Living Cookbook, it contains 275 fatfree recipes designed to be simple and convenient for anyone. Since then, Steinback has authored 12 cookbooks, which have sold over two million copies. She created each of them with the hope that her readers would be inspired to learn more about health, and even possibly make changes to their lifestyle, nutrition and overall health. In 2011, Steinback was awarded a Community Leadership Award from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition for exemplary service and dedication to improving greenlivingaz.com
the lives of others by promoting and fostering opportunities for participation in fitness, sports or nutrition programs. Having two children herself has inspired Steinback to be a voice for children’s health and wellness. She is passionate about bringing health and wellness programs to schools, in order to give kids the right education platform at a young age. She hopes that teaching them this information at these ages will ultimately help them to blossom both mentally and physically. Steinback even recently started a program called Clap4Health!SM, which is being implemented in schools and other organizations. It is designed to bring wellness and mindfulness into people’s lives through clapping. Blonde Brookies Steinback’s list of accomplishments is long, as she is such an amazing advocate to the community on health and wellness—but her most recent success story has to do with her newly published cookbook. Think Outside the Lunchbox is her newest cookbook, and it contains over 250 plant-based, nutritious recipes the whole family will love.
Steinback was inspired to create her first-ever plant-based cookbook as a way to give others a new perspective on how a plantnutritious diet can be good not only for the environment, but as a way for people to truly flourish. “To me, it’s changing your habits; it's a cultural change and getting educated,” she explains. “It is rolling out of bed on the other side in the morning (don’t knock it till you try it—it will change your whole day and you will think differently). It is clasping your hands, moving your finger; it’s different. It feels strange, possibly uncomfortable, but wonderful. I know I do it all the time. If you are a walker or biker and you always go on the same trail, go the trail another way and ‘think outside the lunchbox.’” Key Lime Parfait
Each recipe in the cookbook was created by minimizing all processed foods and utilizing only vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fruits. They also eliminate all animal products as an approach to a kinder and more gentle way of eating. Sweet Potato Meatballs
For more information, visit www.americanshealthiestmom.com and www.shapeupus.org. The cookbook is available at www.amazon.com. Madi Page is currently a senior at Arizona State University studying nutrition. After graduating in May of 2020, she plans to work towards her goal of becoming a physician's assistant. In her free time, Madi enjoys writing, spending time with her friends, family and dog Oliver.
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CHANGING THE WAY TO GROW FOOD
Photos courtesy Pure Greens
PURE GREENS OFFERS TURNKEY HYDROPONIC CONTAINER FARMS
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hoenix business owners Damon and Taisiya Jacobson were inspired to create a product that changed the way people view growing their own produce.
With prayer and a newfound interest in farming, the couple created the company Pure Greens, LLC in 2015. Pure Greens, a sister company to Southwest Mobile Storage and Fire Training Structures, manufactures and sells turnkey hydroponic container farms in refrigerated shipping containers. “My husband’s expertise [is] the container and I have expertise [in the] food and nutrition,” Taisiya explains. “We combined them together.” The refrigerator units are available in various layouts, and can grow leafy greens, herbs and micro greens year-round. In order to keep their produce healthy and flavorful, it is grown without soil, using recycled water, and in certain temperatures and lighting—which is all controlled through an app.
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According to Andrew Wise, head grower at Pure Greens, the LED lights used in the unit are not only a more sustainable option, but are also a cheaper alternative. “As far as power consumption goes. Our LED grow lights are about 25%-30% more efficient than a fluorescent light. The LED grow lights also decrease maintenance cost (re-lamping) by upwards of 40% compared to a standard fluorescent light,” he says. To give customers have a deeper understanding of how they can add vegetables into their everyday meals, Pure Greens also launched a YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/channel/ UCuIgcCQE0cULc5TQkFitytA), where Taisiya creates cooking videos with recipes they find on the internet. So far, there are four recipe videos available—thyme and mushroom pasta, cucumber dill salad, caprese bruschetta and spring quinoa parsley salad. “We want to encourage people to cook and incorporate greens and micro greens into their diet,” Taisiya says. greenlivingaz.com
While the current units are limited to growing only specific items, the long-term goal is to build a different system that adds items such as tomatoes and strawberries to the indoor farm. “Tomatoes and strawberries are more vertical and need more space,” Taisiya explains. “They need a completely different time set with the lighting and the temperature. While Taisiya does not believe this form of farming will replace traditional farming, she said she believes it will definitely help farmers, since the main problems many farmers face are in regards to irrigation and soil. “The key to a good crop is good soil,” Taisiya explains. “When all the minerals are taken out of the soil, then we have a problem.” The Pure Greens owner said she sees a bright future for the indoor farming industry because how advanced both China and Europe have become. “Asia is way advanced,” she says. “They have a whole community where everything is sustainable and vertical.” Taisiya adds that the industry is going to grow, and that America is only in the beginning stage of it. In larger cities such as Chicago and New York, there are people growing gardens on their rooftops because of the rise of E. coli in vegetables due to the amount of produce that is being transported in a span of a week. “People are not interested in eating that,” she says. “It is tasteless and full of herbicides and pesticides.” As of now, Pure Greens sell its produce to local chefs, various other end-users, and can be found at farmers’ markets. However, they hope to expand their client base in the future. Taisiya shares that working with different schools is definitely on her list of future plans—not only to sell them their produce, but to also provide them with their own unit as an educational tool.
Pure Greens co-founder Taisiya Jacobson
She also added that she is interested in using Pure Greens to help challenged-climate countries such as Puerto Rico and Africa. “It can be any place that is facing calamities,” she says. Pure Greens has looked into partnering with bigger industries and farming experts, but they also want the unit to be available for people who simply want to grow their own produce. The plan is to work with builders and include units in everyday homes. Depending on the client’s desires, Pure Greens can make a unit half the size, so a house owner can create their own leafy garden. “I feel like America is becoming more aware and wants to lean toward the shift of locally grown foods,” Taisiya says. For more information on Pure Greens, visit www.puregreensaz.com, on Facebook at @PureGreens, or on Instagram at @puregreensllcaz. Emily DiTomasso is a senior at Arizona State University, studying journalism. After graduation, she will work towards finding a writing or photography job. In her free time, she likes to watch movies, read, bake, and spend time with her friends, family and her dog, Toby.
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March 2020 | greenliving
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EACH MONTH WE FEATURE A GREEN CHAMPION WHO IS MAKING STRIDES IN THE GREEN COMMUNITY
POP-UP NURSERIES & DESERT GARDENING TIPS URBAN FARM FOUNDER GREG PETERSON BY ELIZABETH PERA
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n 1989, Greg Peterson found the perfect property to call home. Known today as The Urban Farm, the 1/3-acre urban lot near 16th Street and Bethany Home is where you can find Peterson lecturing, recording podcasts and continuously updating his edible garden and yard which he calls a farm. “I have more than 70 fruit trees, the entire front and back yard are designed as an edible landscape with chickens in the backyard,” says Peterson. “My mission is to show others that they too can realize the power, joy and deliciousness derived from growing their own food and creating their own urban farm.” The transition from urban garden to urban farm is a simple one—change the way you think about your yard from a hobby to a space that can actually feed your family and the neighborhood. People are jumping on board by the thousands, transforming their yards from one that takes time and energy to a productive healthy landscape that produces organic food which tastes amazing and saves money at the grocery store. One of the biggest components to making this transition is education. Over the last 30 years, Peterson has hosted gardening and farming classes in the community. He uses his property as a visual tool for others interested in growing their own groceries. Every year, he hosts his annual Fruit Tree Education Program. People from all over the low desert can take classes to learn how to successfully grow, then pre-order fruit trees from him and pick them up at his October Pop-up for citrus and his January Pop-up for deciduous and topicals. Those who don’t pre-order can come and pick up various citrus and deciduous (apples, peaches, apricots, plums, figs, berries, and more) trees at his pop-up nursery where many trees are ready for picking. Now in its 20th year, the Fruit Tree Pop-Up Nursery doesn’t just provide a healthy tree that will thrive in the Valley—Peterson also offers tips that will ensure a tree’s success. “The way to be successful is through knowledge,” says Peterson. “I have helped plant more than 50,000 fruit trees in this city, and the education I give out is as valuable as the tree people buy.”
All of the trees Peterson sells are hand-picked and selected to thrive and produce fruit in the desert climate. At each pop-up nursery, Peterson answers questions and advises people on how to successfully create their own edible landscape. “Our agricultural system is broken,” says Peterson. “We now have access to more, but less nutritious food than ever before. Urban farmers are the new victory gardeners. You can support yourself, your family and your community and make a positive impact on the world by simply growing your own food.” To learn more about gardening in the desert, download Peterson’s free planting calendar at www.plantingcalendar.org and for information on the Pop-Up Nursery, visit www.fruittrees.org. “Your garden is a gift that keeps on giving—year after year,” says Peterson. “The transition from gardener to farmer is an easy one, and I am here to help teach others how to do it.” To find out more information and to get your garden growing, visit www.urbanfarm.org or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theurbanfarm. Elizabeth Parra is an Arizona native and graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She has been writing for most of her life and enjoys covering unique stories about Valley residents making a difference in their community.
If you want to nominate a Green Champion, please email editor@greenlivingaz.com
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THE AUTHENTIC AMAZON BY CLAIRE KREDENS
I
t’s no secret that the Amazon is one of the most biodiverse and important ecosystems in the world and currently faces high rates of deforestation. These are two forces that do not mix— heavy deforestation causes extinctions we do not even know are happening, creates chain reactions of environmental disasters like floods, decreases carbon sequestration (giving us less protection against climate change), and changes weather patterns. It’s not all doom and gloom—one way to help conserve the Amazon is simply to visit it in a very responsible manner.
Photos by Claire Kredens
With all of this in mind, I chose to visit the Peruvian Amazon with Otorongo Expeditions during the wet season. It was the best three days I could have imagined; we saw sloths, prehistoric-looking birds, monkeys, boas, poison frogs, primary forest, and much more. Otorongo prides itself on promoting sustainable community development and providing authentic Amazon experiences with a small footprint on the forest. They do not condone activities that harm the forest or its creatures (like sloth selfies), rather, they expose visitors to opportunities to see animals in the wild.
When planning a trip to the Amazon, choosing a lodge, While I visited the Amazon to see its famous biodiversity tour, or activities that are and support sustainable sustainable, responsible, tourism efforts, I am glad and in the best interest of it was not entirely the the forest and communities pristine paradise advertised within it is of utmost by other tour companies, importance. Many lodges giving a false illusion that and tourist attractions in the forest is not under the Amazon take advantage threat. Otorongo promises of people wanting to see as the visitor the authentic much as they can during Amazon, and that is exactly their short trips with all what we got. the luxuries of home. This results in many animals We saw plastic in the being exploited via practices Amazon River where the like baiting, illegal capture pink and gray freshwater for paid wildlife interaction, dolphins swim, trees cut and their habitats being down for agriculture, and invaded with modern smoke coming from the (rather than sustainable) tree line in the distance. We stayed in one of three of Otorongo’s new and beautiful private infrastructure and Most memorably, while on bungalows built with recycled and long-lasting materials. See more on amenities. a boat excursion to search the new construction in their journal.
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out unique wildlife, our guide Eddy turned to us and said, “I hate that sound–saws–they are cutting down the forest.” I listened, and tears came to my eyes; we then had an honest conversation about deforestation and conservation efforts. Eddy supports sustainable and authentic tourism because he believes that when people come to the Amazon, not only does it provide financial reasoning for conservation, but it also fosters environmental stewardship; visitors will go home with awareness of the threats facing the forest and hopefully take action. Returning from our last water safari, we were treated with National Geographic-quality wildlife sightings and predator-prey interactions. We were awestruck when three blue-and-yellow macaws flew overhead, a lottery sighting for this part of the Amazon.
TIPS AND TRICKS
FOR FINDING A RESPONSIBLE RAINFOREST LODGE/TOUR OPERATOR • Do NOT support attractions that guarantee animal sightings or interactions—these attractions use practices like baiting, inhumane captivity, or illegal capture to provide these experiences. The best and most responsible way to see animals is in the wild, and many tour guides know where to look to give you the best chance at seeing what you came to see. • Do your research! It took me weeks to decide on a lodge that fit my needs. Read reviews, the operator’s website, and anything else you can to ensure that it is community-based, uses sustainable practices, and advertises respect towards nature (example: Otorongo’s website says do not take sloth selfies). • Get out of your comfort zone. Rainforests can be terrifying in the best way. Do not expect modern amenities, hot showers, bug-free rooms, and air conditioning. Live minimalistically and get the full rainforest experience; it will allow you to immerse yourself into the forest— not to mention staying someplace with minimal amenities usually requires less destruction of forest land.
Planting two trees in the Amazon Rainforest was a highlight of my trip and a symbol of my lasting commitment to the forest. I hope I can return to Otorongo and see them when they are grown.
After contributing to reforestation by planting trees on Otorongo’s property, I was reminded of our guides’ and navigators’ connection and commitment to the wellbeing of the forest. Inspired, covered in bug bites, and reminiscing of the beauty and destruction of the forest, I departed with hope and a renewed commitment to doing my part in conserving the incredible Amazon. Special thanks to my friends at Otorongo Expeditions, our guide Eddy, and team of navigators for an incredible visit and allowing me to write about their wonderful Amazon operation. All photos were taken on Otorongo’s property. Claire Kredens is a master’s student in community resources and development at Arizona State University and works at the Center for Sustainable Tourism. She loves to travel, but wants to make tourism as sustainable and beneficial for the environment and local communities as can be. She hopes to work internationally in places of high biodiversity in order to use sustainable tourism as a tool for conservation and sustainable development.
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• Watch what you buy. Some markets in rainforest areas provide souvenirs made with animal parts. If you are buying, for example, exotic bird feathers, remember that they came from a living animal and could have been part of the illegal wildlife trade or illegal sourcing. • Don’t fall for greenwashing. If a lodge or operator says holding a sloth is okay, it is not okay. It is illegal (in Peru) to make money off of a captive wild animal because it causes harm to ecosystems and the animals, and sends the wrong message about wildlife. Many operators will try to convince tourists that certain practices are ethical or responsible when they are not. Trust your gut, and confer with your travel party if something seems off.
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GALEANA 39
UNVEILS ZERO WASTE CONCEPT IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX BY JESSICA MARIE
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he GALEANA 39 space has always been special, supercharged, one may say after visiting. The vibe and the visionary shop curator are so fresh, so exciting it’s nearly impossible to leave without a smile. It comes as no surprise this will be home to a most extensive collection of Zero Waste products, raising the bar for how we can reduce our footprints and still live our best life. Launching this month, shoppers will be able to purchase locally and consciously crafted liquid soaps, body washes, laundry powder, dish soap bars, citrus shampoo bars, creosote shave bars, bath soaks, lotions bars, and shower steamers by the piece or by the ounce in their own vessel or a reusable one available for purchase. These locally crafted options are accentuated with natural fiber dish brush options, Swedish dish towels, loofah sponges, soap saver bags, eco-toothbrushes and floss.
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GALEANA 39 has considered every aspect of caring for our homes and bodies and created a Zero Waste collection completely unique and so exquisite that parting with the packaging is a welcomed change. The potential impact of everyday small decisions is cumulative and becoming more and more evident with the ripple effect of mindful living. Sometimes it’s daunting to consider how far we must progress to gauge a difference being made. A reusable grocery bag, buying in bulk, recycling, and consuming less all seem minor in comparison to the “big” planetary issues on the forefront. Throughout Green Living’s decade of publications, it has become a reality that many little changes are creating a big movement. It’s a whole lot easier to walk the path towards global improvement when it smells and feels as lovely as the products offered in this bohemian-inspired boutique.
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WHY ZERO WASTE AND WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN? Green Living published an article in the December 2010 issue titled “A Zero Waste Arizona,” by Kristi Eaton. A decade ago, this movement was defined as “the idea that the entire concept of waste should be eliminated.” In doing so, waste becomes a resource or a reusable/recyclable product. Fast-forward 10 years and great progress has been made, although there still exists (always exists) room for improvement. Zero Waste concepts are beginning to takehold internationally spanning groceries, home, and body care. There are options for purchasing the highest quality products, often locally crafted and at discount prices, due to the elimination of excessive packaging, in nearly every major city. Humans are messy. We spill stuff, then must devise ways to clean it up. We spray stuff and then find out the long-term implications are disastrous. We modify stuff and then realize the original version was much healthier and adapted perfectly. We also have a downloaded mentality of convenience, that’s caused a lot of waste to build up in our landfills. Plastic packaging requires anywhere from 10-1,000 years to degrade, depending on the type of plastic. Microplastics in our air, water, and soil equate to the average human consuming over 1,000 pieces of plastic per year. The collective conscious has recognized a dire need for a shift and that time is upon us. Zero Waste products provide a space for the consumer to significantly reduce their eco-footprint, while also enjoying new environmentally friendly options for everyday life needs. It’s a sunny, gorgeous Phoenix Saturday and GALEANA 39 is hopping! People are flowing in the front door, chatting,
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laughing enjoying a leisurely coffee. This space hums with life. The brilliant Arizona sun is shining in the front window illuminating each hand-selected piece, dancing off the gorgeous ceramics and unique glass finds. The scent of Palo Santo is fresh in the air. There’s a delicate aroma of orange blossoms wafting through the space from the owner’s oneof-a-kind hand poured candles. There are shelves of home and body care products and the tiny clinking of glass jars as customers fill up their jars and take in the sensory delight of how easy it is to be green. “This is really good.” “Have you smelled this?” “I love this.” Murmurs escape the crowd as they pine over this eclectic collection of all goods wonderfully unique for home and human. It’s so easy to be swept into the race of each day, accomplishing tasks one by one to check them off the list. The convenience may often take precedence to a truly mindful experience, a pleasureful memory. Step into this space and slow down, if only for a few moments. Breathe. Enjoy the positive impact being made by shopping local, Zero Waste, and with intent. The moment one thinks they have addressed each of their senses, there’s just a little bit more to absorb and enjoy at GALEANA 39. Bring a jar and take a little piece of this peace back home with you. Jessica Marie is an entrepreneur, mother, writer, and owner of Aster Earth Soapery. She lives and works in Chandler, with her three beautiful children.
March 2020 | greenliving
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RECIPES SPRING GREEN SALAD
Recipe and photo courtesy Jamie Miller, registered dietitian, Village Health Clubs & Spas, www.villageclubs.com
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. sugar snap peas, trimmed, stringed, cut in half on the diagonal 1 bunch of asparagus, tender tops only 1 bunch radishes (about 6 oz.), trimmed, thinly sliced 3 green onions, thinly sliced 4 oz. feta, crumbled 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, or more to taste Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh mint Zest of 1 lemon Salt
DIRECTIONS
Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside. Cook peas and asparagus tips in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisptender, about 2 minutes. Drain from the hot water then transfer to the bowl with ice water to cool. Once cooled, transfer to a kitchen towel to dry. Toss peas, asparagus, sliced radishes, sliced green onion, and feta in a large bowl. Add oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest to salad and toss to coat. Season salad with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Garnish with fresh mint.
CITRUS SALAD
Recipe and photo courtesy Don Crossland, www.shootwhatyoueat.com
INGREDIENTS 4 oranges 2 grapefruits Red onion, thinly sliced Ÿ cup mint leaves, finely chopped Juice from 1 lemon Juice from 1 lime 1 tsp. honey ½ tsp. cumin 2 Tbsp. coconut oil DIRECTIONS
Cut the ends off of the citrus fruit and cut away skin and pith from the sides. Working over a bowl, cut between the membranes to release the sections into the bowl. Drain juice from bowl and set aside. Combine mint, lemon & lime juice, honey, cumin and coconut oil to make the dressing. Place citrus wedges on a plate or shallow bowl, garnish with red onion slices and drizzle dressing over the salad.
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greenliving | March 2020
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PITA JUNGLE VEGGIE NOODLE STIR FRY RECIPE
Recipe and photo courtesy Pita Jungle, www.pitajungle.com
INGREDIENTS Aromatics:
½ Tbsp. minced garlic ½ Tbsp. minced ginger 1 Tbsp. finely diced onions Veggies:
1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup cauliflower florets 2 oz. carrots (julienne) 2 oz. zucchini (slices) Noodles:
Shirataki noodles (24 oz.) or linguini Sauces:
1 Tbsp. sriracha 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar 1 tsp. fish sauce (optional) Garnish:
10 mint leaves (chiffonade) ¼ cup of cilantro leaves ½ cup of pea sprouts 3 Tbsp. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS
In a large sauté pan, heat up olive oil. Start browning the veggies (add salt and pepper as needed). Add the aromatics and let sweat, add the sauces and deglaze with the sauces. Toss in the noodles and mix well. Plate in a bowl and add garnish.
MISO DEVILED EGGS
Recipe and photo courtesy Don Crossland, www.shootwhatyoueat.com
INGREDIENTS
6 free-range eggs 2 Tbsp. miso 1 Tbsp. ponzu 1 dash sesame oil 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise Chili paste or Sriracha Finely sliced scallions Bacon Sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
Put eggs in a pot with enough water to fully cover them. Bring to boil then cover and turn off heat. Let sit for 10 min. Remove from pan and shock in cold water. Slice bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and fry until crispy. Transfer to paper towel to drain. Once cooled, peel eggs and cut in half. Remove yolks and place in a bowl (or food processor) and reserve whites. Add miso, ponzu, sesame oil and mayonnaise. Mix well until a paste-like consistency. You can either spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves or use a piping bag. Garnish with chili paste (or Sriracha), bacon strips, scallions and sesame seeds.
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SHE’S GREEN JOHN BURKHART
HE’S GREEN HOME
Product reviews from our eco-conscious couple John & Jennifer Burkhart
JENNIFER BURKHART
We think any time is a good time to bring more eco-friendly products into your life, but why not especially during “spring cleaning?” Open those windows, air out the house, and make some healthy changes by purging some harmful products from your home. Not sure where to start? Read on for a few easy switches to a healthier abode.
U KONSERVE
FOOD KOZY REUSABLE WRAPS HE SAID: You need to be a bit of an origami master to utilize these
properly. Fold them up wrong and you'll be letting air in. I also found them a tad small—I wasn't able to fold around anything longer than six or seven inches. These were great for sandwiches or muffins, and the best part is that they double as a plate once you unfold them. Nifty!
TWIST
SCRUB SPONGE HE SAID: I totally went all slasher flick on one of these to see how durable they were. Held up pretty good, not a single cut in the sponge. But they were still vulnerable to the dreaded sponge funk smell. I felt like these started smelling quicker than most sponges. I also kind of wish they weren't bright white. They quickly looked (and smelled) funky.
GRAB GREEN
POWER DEGREASER, KITCHEN, TANGERINE WITH LEMONGRASS HE SAID: This Grab Green was a convenient kitchen cleanser, but calling it a power degreaser is like calling a Ford Pinto a Ferrari. Sure they both do the same thing, just one does it way better. It took two passes to remove light stovetop grease. I did really enjoy the bright lemongrass and tangerine scent though.
SHE SAID: I loved this design for sandwiches! So much
easier to get the food in and out, and the transformation to a plate is just so convenient! I did have a bit of trouble wrapping smaller items, due to the durable thick plastic and Velcro not lining up quite evenly. However, these are still an awesome choice, and kept a sandwich fresh for at least 24 hours.
SHE SAID: Ok, so, not the most exciting thing to talk
about, but roll with me here. Anything that makes doing dishes less of a chore is a-o.k. in my book. This biodegradable sponge made quick work of the dish pile, with lots of lather and scrub power from natural cellulose fibers. They are even hand sewn! The only negative is what John mentioned—they were quick to smell icky (but stayed white, actually. Let's face it, I do more dishes... and rinse the sponge, ha!).
SHE SAID: So, I never think to clean those tiny, good-for-
tall-people-only cabinets above my stove, but they're the worst for caked-on grease and dust. Well you know what? They're clean now! I also put this degreaser to the test on the worst neglected nooks and crannies of my white stove. Yup, finally, that super stubborn, ugly film—gone. The downside? The fragrance started to irritate my nose. Must have been the “safer(?) man-made ingredients” listed on the label (what does that mean??). Just buy the fragrancefree to avoid those.
FRESH WAVE
ODOR REMOVING GEL HE SAID: This one doesn't make sense to me on a scientific
level. The main ingredient is highly absorbent polymer, but its already very saturated with water and essential oils so I don't see how it can absorb ambient odors. I consider this one more of a long-lasting, slow-release air freshener. It gave off a faint, pleasant scent that sorta reminded me of ginger beer. When you're done with this don't throw it out. It holds moisture very well, which makes it a good garden soil amendment.
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greenliving | March 2020
SHE SAID: With four males in the house—two of them of
the senior canine and feline persuasion—you can imagine the daily battle for fresh air around here. The dog bed area is especially odorous, so that's right where this “can of hope” was placed. The woodsy/leather-bound-book scent wasn't my preference, but I could only smell it if I was right next to it. I did notice a reduction in the dog funk over the following few days, wahoo! It works, and is non-toxic too.
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March 2020 | greenliving
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COOLOUTRAGEOUSSTUFF SQUIREME GLASS BOTTLE
The SquireMe Glass Bottle is an extremely light, incredibly strong, lab-quality borosilicate glass. It comes with an easy-grip silicone sleeve, and is available in a wide variety of colors. SquireMe is the odorless, dishwasher safe, non-toxic bottle (it’s BPA-free, phthalate-free and made of FDA-approved materials) that promotes sustainable practice and designforward hydration—perfectly suited for those who are environmentally conscious. Works with both cold and hot beverages. $35 at www.ameico.com.
NAPA VEGAN LEATHER TOTE
The Napa Vegan Leather tote is hand-woven, fashionable, and made from 100% vegan leather. Perfectly structured with a generous interior to hold all of the most important onthe-go life accessories, this elegantly crafted tote seamlessly transitions from season to season. Lulu Dharma has been creating 100% vegan products since 2015. This accessories brand now sources and uses 100% water-based, non-toxic inks in their production and is working toward using only materials that are 100% naturally-derived, focusing on sustainable fibers and woods, in all future collections. $95 at www.luludharma.com.
HUMBLE SUDS
Humble Suds is a line of plant- and mineral-based multipurpose cleaning products that clean your home without harmful chemicals. Started by two moms, Humble Suds products are free of SLS, synthetic fragrances and phthalates, and are vegan, glutenfree and cruelty-free. The All-Purpose Cleaners are available in 16 oz. glass bottles, with the option to refill these with 2 oz. glass concentrates. Their other packaging is reusable and/or recyclable. The company is dedicated to cleaning up our homes without dirtying the planet as well as making cleaning a transformative and joyful part of the day. $12.95-$18.95 at www.humblesuds.com and at select retailers.
SMARTYPITS
SmartyPits launched the first deodorant to use a totally biodegradable tube—no plastic coating to laminate the tube or a single plastic component in the push-up mechanism. With many savory options to choose from, women can wear SmartyPits worry-free, as the formulas do not have any aluminum, phthalates, propylene glycol, parabens, or talc. The tubes also give 1% of every sale back to breast cancer research as well, so they are good for the planet... and the soul. $11.99 at www.smartypits.com.
VERLOOP ALL-OVER POM PILLOW
The perfect accent to any space, handcrafted poms in assorted sizes accent an 18 x 18 pillow. Each pillow is unique, made from repurposed materials. $85 at www.verloopknits.com.
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greenliving | March 2020
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FIND YOUR CREATIVITY.
Feeling at home starts with the right connections. Contour TV®
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GREEN SCENES
MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS CENTRAL ARIZONA
March 6-8
March 14-15
This event—voted the best Home Show in Arizona and a top 10 national event since 1993—returns to State Farm Stadium, and includes everything from resources for landscaping, splash pads and wallpaper complimentary wine tasting, DIY sessions, ask a master gardener, and more. Admission for adults is $8; and $2 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. For more information, visit www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com.
Spend the weekend celebrating the cultures of the South Pacific Islands at the Arizona Aloha Festival. There will be several stages of live music, dancing and lectures about Hawaii and Polynesia. The festival will take place at Tempe Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Vendors will be selling traditional crafts, fresh flower leis, baskets, hats, bone necklaces, and more. Kids can spend the day enjoying island crafts, while parents can indulge with the famous foods of Hawaii and the South Pacific. For more information, visit www.azalohafest.org.
MARICOPA COUNTY HOME SHOWS HOME & LANDSCAPE SHOW
March 13-15
SCOTTSDALE ARTS FESTIVAL
Recognized as one of the top art fairs in the country, Scottsdale Arts Festival will celebrate 50 years of being a part of the community with art, music, gourmet food trucks and family fun located at Scottsdale Civic Center Park. The threeday celebration will also feature more than 170 jury-selected artists from throughout the U.S. and Canada, two stages of live entertainment, creative activities for kids, and free admission to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). For ticket prices and more information, visit www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org.
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greenliving | March 2020
ARIZONA ALOHA FESTIVAL
March 21
ARIZONA BAO AND DUMPLING FESTIVAL
Explore all the different bao and dumplings from various cultures at the Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival at this festival at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in Chandler. Most bao or dumpling businesses at the festival will have at least one bao or dumpling on their menu that is $5 or under. Boba, desserts and other Asian cuisine will be available too. Along with the food, there will also be free games and a curated marketplace with local artists. Tickets are $8 for adults, or $4 for children ages 7-12, and covers the cost of admission only (food and drinks are additional). The main festival will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.visitphoenix. com/event/arizona-bao-and-dumplingfestival/126714/.
March 21
GREEN LIVING MAGAZINE & ECO PHX ECO EVENT
On March 21, join Green Living Magazine and ECO PHX for an interactive eco event, featuring sustainable projects and services, including the new ECO PHX sustainable apartments; cooking demonstrations by Chefs Elizabeth Joseph founder of Be More Raw, Jason Wyerick, founder of Casa Terra, and Jennifer Johnson founder of Witnessing Nature; family-friendly activities; and live music. Interactive booth vendors include COX Inc., Natural Grocers Inc., True Garden Inc., Express Furniture Rental Inc., Casa Terra, EarthX and MEB Management Services, and Sherwin Williams Inc. Raffle prizes, too. Join in the fun beginning at 9 a.m. with morning yoga by Elevate Yoga. The main event will be held at Roosevelt Mini Park, 837 N. 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.greenlivingaz.com.
March 26
PLANT BASED JUNK FOOD
Enjoy vegan comfort food at the Vulture pop up in Phoenix. Vulture, which is coming from Los Angeles, will be the only booth, and they will be serving the best crispy chik’n sandwiches, loaded fries and more. There is no entrance fee, and the booth will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wren House Brewing Company. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ events/121382295848485/.
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GREEN SCENES
MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS SOUTHERN ARIZONA
NORTHERN ARIZONA
March 14-15
March 12
From 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., join fellow book lovers for a community wide celebration of books at the Tucson Festival of Books. The goal of the festival is to increase literacy rates among children and adults. Attendees will be able to attend book panels, literature exhibits, and have a chance to meet some of their favorite authors. All the proceeds will go towards from the festival will go towards critical local literacy programs. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit https:// tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/.
The U.S. Green Building Council and the Appraisal Institute are hosting two days of courses to increase the number of educated appraisers in Arizona who understand and give proper value to energy efficient and sustainable homes. This is the fourth appraiser educational event hosted by the Residential Committee of the U.S. Green Building Council, Arizona Community. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but attendees should bring their own calculator. For more information and to register, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/capturing-the-value-of-greentickets-83269117171.
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
March 28
TUCSON BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL
The Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation (SABHF) hosts its 35th Annual Blues & Brews Festival. The mission of SABHF is to preserve and present blues music as a cultural experience. This all-day event will feature Castro Coleman—also known as Mr. Sip—as the headliner, along with Black Cat Bones, Casey Hensley, The Coolers and more. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the gate. It’s free for children 12 and under with a paying adult. For more information, visit www. visittucson.org/event/tucson-blues-brewsfestival.
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CAPTURING THE VALUE OF GREEN
March 12-16
SEDONA YOGA FESTIVAL
Enjoy multiple days of total relaxation and energetic transformation at the Sedona Yoga Festival. Going on its eighth year, the festival’s goal is to bring people peace, practice, celebration and conversation while being surrounded by the natural beauty of Sedona. The festival, which also includes holistic practitioners, musicians and more, is a unique opportunity to gather together in the joyful pursuit of possibility. Yogis and experts alike will meet at the Sedona Performing Arts Center at Red Rock High School. For tickets and more information, visit www.sedonayogafestival.com.
BUSINESS
March 3
SCOTTSDALE FORWARD: DEVELOPMENT (OR NOT)? BUILDING THE ECONOMIC FUTURE OF SCOTTSDALE
The Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual event, where participants can discuss the different perspectives of the economic future of Scottsdale with community leaders. From 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., attendees will have the opportunity to experience different panels, and receive updates on the city’s economic development status. There will also be a presentation by Grady Gammage Jr., founding member of Gammage & Burnham, Attorneys at Law. For more information, visit http://scottsdalechamber.chambermaster. com/events/details/scottsdale-forward2020-development-or-not-building-theeconomic-future-of-scottsdale-10994
March 18
FOOD JUSTICE - CREATING EQUITY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
Held at Rio Salado College from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., this event discusses the inequity that is plaguing the community at large, and how to solidify the community’s right to grow, sell and eat healthy foods that are accessible. The goal of the focus on equity in food systems is to help provide a more sustainable future for the earth while also respecting cultural traditions. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local industry experts, as well as the author of Farming While Black and codirector/program manager of Soul Fire Arm, Leah Penniman. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/food-justice-creatingequity-through-sustainable-food-systemstickets-77420094587.
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greenliving | March 2020
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