December 2011 Green Living Monthly

Page 1

Green Living December 2011 • greenlivingmonthly.com

Monthly

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

Green Thoughtful Gifting

SHIFT YOUR SHOPPING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Walk -n- Shop Map Downtown Spokane

Toys for your fur kids!


CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD Be it Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice or Christmas, December is a festive, light-filled time. It is also a time of reflection on the past year and the hope for a good New Year. Green Living Monthly celebrates the unique traditions that different cultures express for the Christmas season.

Christmas in Germany

“Fröhliche Weihnachten” Christmas preparations often begin on the eve of December 6th. People plan special evenings for baking spiced cakes and cookies, and making gifts and decorations. Little dolls of fruit are traditional Christmas toys. Young boys dress up as kings and carry a star round the village, singing carols. And of course, Germany’s famous Weinnachtmarkt (Christmas Market) has been adopted all over Europe and in many places around the world.. The Weinnachtmarkt is a huge open-air market with booths of food, hot-mulled wine, beer, artisans selling their unique gifts, music and entertainment. German children leave letters sprinkled with sugar to make them sparkle) on their windowsills for Christkind, a winged figure dressed in white robes and a golden crown who distributes gifts. Germans make beautiful gingerbread houses and cookies. The German Christmas tree pastry, Christbaumgeback, is a white dough that can be molded into shapes and baked for tree decorations. In some parts of Germany, people believe that the Christ Child sends a messenger on Christmas Eve. He appears as an angel in a white robe and crown, bearing gifts. The angel is called Christkind. There is also a Christmas Eve figure called Weihnachtsmann or Christmas Man, who looks like Santa Claus and also brings gifts. Some homes in Germany have several Christmas trees, and in all towns across Germany, they can be seen glittering and glowing. In Germany they hang up Advent wreaths of holly with four red candles in the center. They light one candle each Sunday and the last one Christmas Eve. Children count the days until Christmas using an Advent calendar. They open one window each day and find a Christmas picture inside. On Christmas Eve, the traditional visitor is the Christkindl who is the Christ Child’s messenger. She is a beautiful fair-haired girl with a shining crown of candles who visits each house with a basket of presents. In some homes a room is locked up before Christmas Eve. The children are awakened at midnight by their parents and taken to the locked room. The door is opened and they see the tree all lit up, with piles of parcels on little tables.

Christmas in Greece

“Kala Christouyenna” St. Nicholas is important in Greece as the patron saint of sailors. According to Greek tradition, his clothes are drenched with brine, his beard drips with seawater, and his face is covered with perspiration because he has been working hard against the waves to reach sinking ships and rescue them. Greek ships never leave port any time of year without some sort of St. Nicholas icon on board. On Christmas Eve small boys go from house to house beating drums and singing Christmas carols. They and are given dried figs, almonds, walnuts and lots of sweets or sometimes small gifts. After 40 days of fasting, the Christmas feast is looked forward to with great anticipation by adults and children alike. Pigs are slaughtered and on almost every table are loaves of christopsomo or “Christ Bread”. This bread is made in large sweet loaves of various shapes and the crusts are engraved and decorated in some way that reflects the family’s profession. In almost every home the main symbol of the season is a shallow wooden bowl with a piece of wire suspended across the rim; from that hangs a sprig of basil wrapped around a wooden cross. A small amount of holy water is kept in the bowl

2 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • December 2011

to keep the basil alive and fresh. Once a day, a family member, usually the mother, dips the cross and basil into the holy water and uses it to sprinkle water in each room of the house. This ritual is believed to keep the Killantzaroi away from the house. Killantzaroi are mischievous goblins who emerge from the center of the earth during the 12 days of Christmas. Priests sometimes go from house to house sprinkling holy water around to get rid of the bad spirits who may be hiding in people’s houses. Very few presents are given to each other. Instead, small gifts are given to hospitals and orphanages. On Christmas Eve, groups of people gather around the holiday table. Figs, dried on rooftops are served with the spicy golden Chrisopsomo bread. People greet one another by saying “Hronia polla” or many happy years. The table filled with food may include such dishes as kourambiethes, a Greek nut cookie. In most Greek homes an evergreen tree is decorated with tinsel and a star placed on top. Gifts are exchanged on January 1st, St Basil’s Day.

Christmas in the Holy Land

“Mo’adim Lesimkha. Chena tova,” Hebrew “Milad Majid,” Arabic

The Holy Land where Christ was born is often full of travelers coming to celebrate Christmas. Here in a grotto there is a 14-pointed Silver Star on the floor is where the birthplace is said to have been. There are three Christmas Eves in the Holy Land. One is celebrated by the Protestant and Catholic Churches. One is for the Greek Orthodox, Coptic (Egyptian) and Syrian churches. The third is the Armenian Church. At times, all three services are going on at the same time, but, in different parts of the church, as well as in different languages. For lunch they eat turkey, spiced with pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg and stuffed with rice, meat, pine nuts and almonds. Early in the evening, members of the Protestant church groups go around singing carols. On Christmas morning children open their presents before breakfast. After breakfast Protestant people go to church, and then visit friends to wish them a happy Christmas. The Catholic Church priests bless water from which all members of the family sip. In the Greek Orthodox Church, Epiphany is very important. Epiphany is on January 6th and celebrates the revealing of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (3 wise men.) They have a special church service where a cross is dipped into water to bless it. People take the water home with them and drink three sips before eating anything.

Christmas in India

“Shub Naya Baras,” Hindi for “Good New Year” Christians in India decorate banana or mango trees. They also light small oil-burning lamps as Christmas decorations and fill their churches with red flowers. They give presents to family members and baksheesh, or charity, to the poor people. In India, the poinsettia is in bloom and so the churches are decorated with this brilliant flower for the Christmas Midnight Mass. In South India, Christians put small clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses at Christmas, just as the Hindus do during their festival called Diwali.

Feliz Navidad! continued, 4


Green Living Monthly

Vol. 1 Issue 5

December 2011

greenlivingmonthly.com Editor

Chris Ellis

mirshka214@yahoo.com

509-981-3839

Publisher

Dana R. Michie

danam@lakespokanemdia.com

509-467-3826

Advertising

mirshka214@yahoo.com

509-981-3839 509-467-3826

Contributing Writers:

Dr. Alycia Policani, ND Bill Bloom, Sustainable Business Network Maree Koolstra Carol Byrnes, Diamonds in the Ruff Jaiden, Kids’ Corner Trish Vieira, Spokane’s Family Farm Artist/Designer WALK/SHOP Map, Carine Mossay, Avignon Essentials Frog Artist, Kristi Stout

January 2012 Deadline: Wednesday December 16 The staff at Green Living Monthly, while respecting the opinions and views of our writers and advertisers; don’t always agree and/or support those views. We feel it is important for everyone to “do the research” on controversial topics. Please feel free to send your letters to the editor to glm@lakespokanemedia.com.

Our goal is to bring useful local information and tips to individuals, organizations and businesses that every day are joining the collective movement towards more responsible stewardship of our environment and planet.

lakespokanemedia.com

Contents 2 Christmas around the world 5 Green Thoughtful Gifting 7 Quick Tips for Cold and Flu Prevention 8 SHIFT YOUR SHOPPING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 8 Walk -n- Shop Map of Downtown Spokane 10 Reduce Recycle, Reuse & Repurpose: Card Boxes 11 Delicious Holiday Eggnog 12 Crafty Kid Friendly Christmas Gifts 12 Organic Pets: Toys for your fur kids 13 Kids’ Corner: Christmas, by Jaiden 14 Event Calendar

Holidays... It’s easy to feel stress and worry this time of year. Stress over getting everything done for the holidays; worry about finances, worry about the right gifts, worry about the worrying affecting our health. I remember a good friend telling me that life’s memories are “snapshots” in our mind. The most powerful moments, good or bad, are measured in seconds in our memories. I realize now how powerful moments are, and how important it is to “live in the moment.” Those snapshots do not include the past or future surrounding that moment, only the moment itself. It’s easier said than done. But when I have practiced this “living in the moment” stuff, I know that my stress level is greatly reduced. I can appreciate that second for what it’s giving me, not thinking about what caused it or how it will turn out. Therefore, it makes sense to me, especially this time of year to take this present moment and

breathe…take in the season: the lights, the beauty of the snow, the sunsets, the smiles, the gathering of friends and family, the sight and smells of good food, the comfort of your pet’s lovable look. Seize the moment, because it will not pass this way again.

Wishing you and yours a blessed and beautiful season!

Chris Ellis “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. “ Anonymous

December 2011 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • 3


Christmas in Africa

Feliz Navidad! continued from 2

Christmas in Iraq “Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah” In the Christian homes an unusual ceremony is held in the courtyard of the home on Christmas Eve. One of the children in the family reads the story of the Nativity from an Arabic Bible. The other members of the family hold lighted candles, and as soon as the story has been read a bonfire is lit in one corner of the courtyard. The fire is made of dried thorns and the future of the house for the coming year depends upon the way the fire burns. If the thorns burn to ashes, the family will have good fortune. While the fire is burning, a psalm is sung. When the fire is reduced to ashes, everyone jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish. On Christmas day a similar bonfire is built in the church. While the fire burns the men of the congregation chant a hymn. Then there is a procession in which the officials of the church march behind the bishop, who carries an image of the infant Jesus upon a scarlet cushion. The long Christmas service always ends with the blessing of the people. The bishop reaches forth and touches a member of the congregation with his hand, putting his blessing upon him. That person touches the one next him, and so on, until all have received “the Touch of Peace.”

Christmas in Peru

“Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo” In Peru nativity scenes with Retablos altar inside are very popular. When priests were first taken to traveling they would carry small altars around with them for festival days. These gradually developed into portable boxes with saints above the altar and scenes from everyday life below it. Now the retablos depict Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, with local people crowding around.

Christmas in Vietnam

“Chuc Mung Giang Sinh” Traditional Vietnamese religions are Buddhism and the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism. However, during French rule, many people became Christians. Christmas is one of the four most important festivals of the Vietnamese year, the others being the birthday of Buddha, the New Year and the mid-autumn festival. On Christmas Eve the Christians attend a midnight Mass. After Church people return to their homes for the most important meal, the Christmas supper. The dinner usually consisted of chicken soup, with wealthier people eating turkey and Christmas Pudding. European customs of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree are also popular.

4 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • December 2011

“Geseënde Kersfees” Afrikaans “Een Plesierige Kerfees” “Afrikand “Rehus-Beal-Ledeats” African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja Preparation for Christmas in the Congo begins when a group of people are designated to prepare the annual Christmas pageant. Christmas day begins with groups of carolers walking through the village, along the roadway, and by the houses of the missionaries, singing lovely carols known the world around. Often people may be awakened by a group of carolers beginning to converge on the house of worship. They return home to make final preparation as to the clothes one must wear and also as to his offering for the Christmas service. The most important part of their Christmas worship service is the love offering. This is the gift in honor of Jesus. Then at about 8 or 9 o’clock in the morning everyone makes their way to the celebration of the birthday of Jesus. Everyone who attends the service goes forward to lay down their gift upon the raised platform near the Communion table. Not one person will attend the service without giving a gift. People have Christmas dinners after the service, preparing tables out in front of their home and inviting many of their good friends to share. Christmas in South Africa is a summer holiday. In December, the southern summer brings glorious days of sunshine that carry an irresistible invitation to the beaches, the rivers, and the shaded mountain slopes. Schools are closed, and camping is the order of the day. In South Africa there is no snow, but rather many flowers; beautiful varieties of cultivated and wild in full bloom. In the cities and towns carolers make their rounds on Christmas Eve. Church services are held on Christmas morning. Christmas Eve celebrations in larger centers include “Carols by Candlelight” and special screen and floor shows. Homes are decorated with pine branches, and all have the decorated Christmas fir in a corner, with presents for the children around. At bedtime on Christmas Eve, children may also hang up their stockings for presents from Father Christmas. Many South Africans have a Christmas dinner outside. For most, it is the traditional dinner of either turkey, roast beef, mince pies, or suckling pig, yellow rice with raisins, vegetables, and plum pudding. In the afternoon, families go out into the country and usually there are games or basking in the warm sunshine, and then home in the cool of the evening. Boxing Day is also a proclaimed public holiday usually spent in the open air. It falls on December 26 and is a day of relaxation. In Ghana, on Africa’s west coast, most churches herald the coming of Christmas by decorating the church and homes beginning with the first week in Advent, four weeks before Christmas. This season happens to coincide with the cocoa harvest, so it is a time of wealth. Everyone returns home from wherever they might be such as farms or mines. On the eve of Christmas, children march up and down the streets singing Christmas carols and shouting “Christ is coming, Christ is coming! He is near!” in their own languages. In the evening, people flock to churches which have been decorated with Christmas evergreens or palm trees massed with candles. Hymns are sung and Nativity plays are presented. On Christmas Day, children and older people, representing the angels in the fields outside Bethlehem, go from house to house singing. Another church service is held where they dress in their native attire or Western costumes. Later on there is a feast of rice and yam paste called fufu with stew or okra soup, porridge and meats. Families eat together or with close neighbors, and presents are given. On the west coast of Africa, in Liberia, most homes have an oil palm for a Christmas tree, which is decorated with bells. On Christmas morning, people are woken up by carols. Presents such as cotton cloth, soap, sweets, pencils, and books are exchanged. Also in the morning a church service is held in which the Christmas scene is re-enacted and hymns and carols are sung. Dinner is eaten outdoors with everyone sitting in a circle to share the meal of rice, beef and biscuits. Games are played in the afternoon, and at night fireworks light up the sky.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. ~Buddha


Green Thoughtful Gifting Written By Chris Ellis The Holidays have arrived and the pressure to find the “perfect” gift which is also affordable can be daunting. A few years ago I took my niece and nephew to a large box store to pick out gifts for them. This was a major mistake. While I stood on the sidelines like a deer in the headlights, hundreds of children were running around the store and through the aisles like mice trying to find their way around a maze. The sound volume was piercing. After an hour in the store, and raising my previously negotiated gift-cost ceiling, we left with a bunch of junk that I doubt they paid much attention to three days later. My head was pounding, I was exhausted, and I’d spent way too much to justify what we’d gotten. I don’t think I’m alone in this scenario. I resolved from that point on that shopping should be fun (for me) and the gifts should be meaningful (therein lies the challenge with kids.) One year, considering recycling to be meaningful, I went to Goodwill (fun for me), and bought four beautiful gowns for my niece. (She was seven and loved to play “dress up.”) I folded the dresses (ranging in prices from $10 for a long-trained wedding dress, to no more than $3 each for the other gowns,) and put them in a HUGE box. I will never forget her face as she opened the box and pulled out yards and yards of beautiful silk and taffeta. She immediately put on the wedding gown and by the look on her mother’s face, it was probably a mistake (but, aunties can get away with such things.) For the next few days she would pull the dresses out and spend hours dressing up. And even now, I see the dresses in her room and the fun she and her girlfriends have “playing dress up.” All this for under $25. Another year, I took a huge risk. I was involved with a non-profit wolf rescue association (Wolf Haven International: wolfhaven.org/adopt.php), that had a program where, for a certain donation, you could “adopt a wolf,” giving the animal food for several months, medical care, etc. For the donation, the recipient received an “adoption certificate,” a photo of the wolf and a bio on his/her personality. It seemed like the right thing to do, and my nephew loved dogs. However, it was Christmas and this was not a Hot Wheels. Much to my joy, he opened his package, let out a long sighhhhhhhh, and spent at least an hour looking at the photo and having us read the wolf’s bio. Months later, he asked his mother (my sister), if they could send some dog food to his wolf. I wonder now if our children want mass quantities of expensive gifts because that’s what we’ve taught them? My nieces and nephews are like any other kids, they love that stuff. But to my amazement and joy, I saw a deep appreciation for gifts that were well thought-out and unique, not the amount of money I spent. This year, I will BUY LOCAL, supporting our community. We have a fantastic variety of fair trade, green and locally owned businesses right in our backyard that can meet every gift need. The Spokane Public Market is a one stop shopping option as well as the surrounding neighborhood businesses (see WALK/SHOP MAP.) There are also huge arrays of non-profit gift shops, some online, some with store fronts in our town. WAMAL (WA State Malamute Adoption League) is one @Wamal.com; they have great gifts whose profits go to the rescue, feeding, health care and adoption of orphaned malamutes. And finally, don’t forget your local craft fairs and church bazaars with their wonderfully handcrafted items. This year, I want my holiday dollars spent with a triple purpose in mind: 1). the thought for the recipient, 2). supporting local businesses and non-profits thereby keeping my dollars circulating within my home town and 3). keeping it green: fair trade gifts, recycled gifts, using recycled wrapping paper, or inspirational gifts motivating love and respect for our environment. It just feels right. These are just a few ideas for gifts for children, which for me, can be the most confusing. The following is another idea submitted by a writer who will remain nameless (for obvious reasons.) We’re talking about…Re-Gifting (shhhhhhhhhh!)

Re-Gifting continued, 6

December 2011 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • 5


BREATHE THE DIFFERENCE Smoke from burning leaves and wood is as harmful as cigarette smoke and can contribute to birth defects, cancer and lung disease. Not only is outdoor burning dangerous, but it is illegal in most communities and can carry large fines. Chip or compost your yard waste instead of burning. And NEVER burn your garbage. This fall, start really protecting your family. For clean healthy alternatives to burning, visit our website. www.ecy.wa.gov/BreatheTheDifference

“To Re-Gift Or Not To Re-Gift?” Continued from 5

When it comes to re-gifting you will find differing opinions on the subject. Some people think re-gifting is a great way to recycle and reuse, while others would never re-gift and are even offended at the mere thought of it. Here is an idea. Have a “Re-gifting Exchange.” Here’s how it works. Get a group of friends together. It can be a small group or large group. Just make sure that you have a varied or diverse group of people. For example you wouldn’t want to invite only friends you see every day because then the chances of you selecting a gift at the exchange that you think would be perfect for Ginger was brought to the exchange by Sandy and it was originally given to her by Ginger… you get the idea. Agree on the number of “gifts” to bring to the exchange and if you are bringing a gift that you received from one of the friends in the group, keep in mind some feelings may be hurt. So you might create invitations to the party with a cute disclaimer that talks about it being fair game to bring “any and all gifts” so not to be offended. If re-gifting is not your thing, then for your group of friends, make an arrangement that gifts can only be handmade, under $10, from the clearance rack or purchased by extreme couponing. Get creative. Then don’t forget to wrap them in recycled paper and ribbons. You can use the “exchange” idea for lots of other things too. What about small household appliances, seasonal clothing and accessories, children’s clothes and toys, the list goes on and on. Get the guys involved and have them bring tools, garden seeds or young plants or sporting equipment. You have lots of possibilities.

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2. Probiotics. Specifically, Lactobacillus, Acidophilus and Bifidobacter. These three good gut bugs, which comprise a major portion of your intestinal flora, are integral to immune defense. A Journal of Pediatrics study released a few years ago found that school age children that received a daily probiotic supplement became ill 75% less of the time! The rate of illness was decreased by 90% in daycare children who received a daily probiotic! Unfortunately, yogurt won’t do the job alone. There isn’t enough of a culture present in yogurt and many people have a dairy allergy which will lower immune function with consumption.

Quick Tips for Cold and Flu Prevention By Dr. Alycia Policani Evergreen Naturopathic Yes, the cold and flu season is upon us again, although this year, it seems as if it never left. So what can we do to prevent these viruses from using us for their own nefarious purposes? Well, if you’re like many people, you might find yourself standing in line for a flu shot. This isn’t the an-

swer for everyone though, and some health populations need to avoid it. So what is the alternative you ask? Naturopathic physicians believe the alternative is using the immune system we already have in place for this very purpose. There are a few very simple things you can do to help your own innate immune system eradicate these nasty invaders.

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3. Elderberry syrup (sorry, elderberry wine is not a replacement). The elderberry contains antioxidants, bioflavinoids, vitamin A and vitamin C which boost immune function and prevent the ability of the cold and flu viruses to infect our cells. Unlike Echinacea, Elderberry can be taken every day throughout fall and winter without interruption. Submitted PHOTO

1. Vitamin D. This nutrient/ hormone is proving itself to be of utmost importance to our immune system and overall health. A recent study out of UCLA found that 8000 iu per day of Vitamin D3 helped prevent cancer, MS and Type 1 Diabetes in adults. They also found that doses of 40,000 iu daily were nontoxic. Not that you should take this amount but just to show that 8000 iu per day will not be harmful to a normal functioning adult liver. Cold and flu season happens in fall and winter because we have less daylight and therefore, less Vitamin D.

These are some very simple tips for cold and flu prevention that are safe for most children and adults. Of course, washing hands, staying home when ill, publicly humiliating coworkers who come to work sick or siblings who bring their sick children to your home are just common sense measures that will reduce the spread of disease. Dr. Alycia Policani, ND Evergreen Naturopathic 315 W. 9th Avenue #105 Spokane 755.5100

Dr. Alycia Policani graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1996, with a B.S. in Human Biology and went on to National College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she achieved her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2000. She has ten years of experience in private practice as sole proprietor of Evergreen Naturopathic (509) 755-5100 Dr. Policani practices as a primary care physician with emphasis on women’s health, menopause, and thyroid disease, using science based natural medicine. Dr. Policani grew up in Spokane, pursuing many outdoor activities that allowed her to develop a deep appreciation for nature, ultimately leading her down the path to naturopathic medicine. When she is not at the office you can find her horseback riding, gardening, hiking or traveling with her husband and son.

December 2011 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • 7


BUY DOWNTOWN SPOKANE

5

By Bill Bloom Sustainable Business Network

for the Holidays!

This holiday season local shoppers have a great opportunity to find some unique and beautiful gifts while also giving our local economy a little boost as well. The Sustainable Business Network of the Inland Northwest (SBN) is a group of local business owners who have recently partnered with the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) to help bring some attention to the importance of local independent retailers. More than 150 communities across North America, along with partner organizations including American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and BALLE and New England Local Business Forum, are taking part of an unprecedented national campaign that encourages residents to take job creation and economic concerns into their own hands by exercising their power to strengthen their own local economies. “We’re asking community residents to shift your purchases of food, cards, gifts, flowers and other holiday purchases to where it matters most, from your friends and neighbors at locally owned businesses. And while you’re at it, see some familiar faces and enjoy the experience,” said Joe Grafton, director of Somerville Local First in Massachusetts.

8 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • December 2011

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Participating businesses to date include; Eco Depot, Hula Hut Grill, Kelly Lerner - Architect, Kizuri, Maid Naturally, Mountain Gear, OPA Restaurant, Rings and Things, Roast House Coffee, Rocket Bakery, Spokane Holistic Chamber of Commerce, Sun People Dry Goods, The Family of Light Healing Center, with others to be announced. At the businesses you will find a place to drop you ticket for the chance to win a variety of prizes. Tickets will be collected from November 21st through December 21st, so there will be plenty of time to drop off your tickets in the course of your regular holiday shopping. The drawing will happen on December 23rd.

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Here in Spokane, the SBN will be distributing tickets to everyone who has already signed one of their “Shift Northwest” pledge cards, through their partner businesses and a wide variety of social media outlets. People are strongly encouraged to share the email and links to tickets with friends, family and coworkers. You can download tickets and find more information at ballespokane.blogspot.com/.

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Locally-owned businesses typically generate up to three times the local economic activity of national chains because independents spend more money in the local area, including using more local goods and services such as banking, printing, advertising, legal services, furnishings and more. Through this “multiplier effect,” the added taxes collected from local expenditures provide support for local schools, parks, law enforcement and more. Numerous studies on the impact of buying from local, independent businesses have found impressive benefits. For example, a 2008 study of Kent County Michigan by Civic Economics projected shifting 10% of the county’s per capita spending from chains to locally owned, independent businesses would create “almost $140 million in new economic activity and 1,600 new jobs for the region.”

2

Americans are about to spend a large portion of their annual shopping budget between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31—the National Retail Federation predicts about $700 per shopper. Numerous studies show that if those dollars are shifted to locally owned, independent businesses, they’ll generate 2-3 times as much economic activity in local communities than if that money had been spent at a national chain. Across North America, that could mean billions of dollars of local economic impact.

BUY LOCAL . . .

SHIFT YOUR SHOPPING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON


December 2011 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • 9

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Reduce, Recycle, Reuse & Repurpose

Before you start gather together all of the supplies. For this project you will need:

with Recycle Rita

Card Boxes

Greeting Card* Pen or Pencil Cellophane Tape Ruler Scissors *Both Square and rectangular greeting cards can be used for this box! 1 - Start off by cutting the card in half. This is done easily by cutting the card along the fold. You should then have two pieces of equal size.

This is a great way to use up Christmas cards and Birthday cards. 2 - Cut just a sliver off of each edge of the back of the card. You will want the back about 1/8” to 1/4” smaller than the front. Over 100 Bulk Foods to Choose From

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3 - Lay both the front and the back of the greeting card on your table with the side that was the inside of the greeting card facing up. Line up the ruler along one of the short edges and mark the card 3/4” from each corner. Repeat this on the other short side.

10 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • December 2011

Now line up the ruler along one of the long edges, mark the card 3/4” from each corner, and then make another mark 3/4” in from there. Repeat this for the other long side.


4 - Use the picture as a guide to draw lines on each of your greeting card pieces.

Delicious Holiday Eggnog By Trish Vieira

Spokane’s Family Farm

Using a ruler and pen, connect each of the marks you made on the short edges of the card. Note that the marks you made 3/4” from the corner on the long side of the card are not connected. Line up a ruler along those marks and draw a line from one line to another, not going all of the way to the edge of the card.

12 farm fresh egg yolks 2 cups super fine sugar 4 cups Spokane’s Family Farm milk 4 cups Spokane’s Family Farm cream 1 liter dark or spiced rum 1 Tablespoon vanilla 2 teaspoons of fresh grated nutmeg *can add 1 cup brandy (optional)

Finally, use the ruler to connect the second marks you made on each of the long edges. 5 - Use the scissors to cut on each line you draw on the short edge. Only cut up as far as the intersecting line which should be about 1 1/2” from the edge.

Whisk egg yolks and sugar together well until sugar liquefies (about 3 minutes). Add milk to egg yolks and heat on med heat stirring constantly to 160 degrees (do not boil or it will curdle)! Add the rum, vanilla and nutmeg and refrigerate overnight. Add cream and mix well before serving. Dust with fresh nutmeg and cinnamon if desired and serve chilled. Since there are very few ingredients in delicious eggnog, make them all count! Start with fresh eggs, milk and cream and make sure to grate your nutmeg fresh…you will need more than the prepared stuff but once you try it fresh you will never waste your time with prepared nutmeg. This method uses a slightly cooked method or custard type which is a bit thicker and you will have no worries about consuming eggs raw.

A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light. Moshe Davis and Victor Ratner, Hanukkah

6 - Start off by making two folds along the side with the two lines you drew. First fold in the edge on the first line you drew, until it touches the second line. Then fold it in again on the second line.

7 - On the other edges of the card, fold in each edge on the line you drew. Now fold in each of the pieces - tabs - you cut. Now we can assemble the box...

Classes for whole families and their pets start monthly. Kids welcome! Questions? Please email! ditr_training@hotmail.com Voice mail (509) 325-RUFF or call Carol: (509) 328-6959 2925 N. Monroe Spokane, WA 99205 December 2011 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • 11


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Submitted PHOTO

Old color crayons get a new life with this easy to do home craft

12 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • December 2011

prairie dog

would dig a hole in the hot desert sand and put the crayons inside where they would melt to form new crayons for her students. I thought, “Why can’t we do that in our oven?” My kids and I spent a rainy afternoon going through our multiple crayon boxes, sorting, and peeling paper off of our crayons. We decided that we wanted multi-color crayons so we took the crayon bits and pieces and put them into muffin tins. We filled the cups ¾ of the way with the crayons. I turned on the oven to 250 degrees and watched closely, checking them every 5 minutes after the first 10 minutes. It took about 20 minutes for them to be completely melted. I carefully removed the muffin tray from the oven and set it to cool. Once they were cooled they slid right out of the tray and we colored some very pretty pictures. This is a great gift for kids to give to kids with a package of paper.

Crafty Kid Gifts Continued on page 14

Submitted PHOTO


ORGANIC PETS

Toys for your fur kids! Stocking Stuffers for your Special Pet By Carol A. Byrnes, Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed

one of Spokane’s great locally-owned pet boutiques and you’ll be amazed at the vast array of fun toys to stimulate your pet’s senses and exercise both body and mind. Choosing for your favorite feline is pretty simple - as long as it meets their stalk, chase, and pounce desires, cats are happy. Predatory games rule! Feathers, fur, catnip scented toys that roll, flutter or crinkle will definitely float the feline boat.

Are you looking for a special stocking stuffer or a fun toy to keep your pet entertained during the busy holiday and beyond? We have some great suggestions for you. What? He Choosing the right toys for doesn’t like toys? dogs can be a bit more comPerhaps you’ve plicated - mostly because we been selecting the Carol A. Byrnes, choose what we think is “cute” wrong type of toy for Certified Professional Dog your particular furry Trainer-Knowledge Assessed and don’t always take their instinctive drives into account friend or he hasn’t learned that the best part of a toy is when toy shopping, like we do for our cats. The types of toys your dog will getting to play a game with you! enjoy is pre-programmed by his geOnce upon a time, the toy section netics: what job his breed, or predomiof most pet stores contained a small nant breed, was bred to do. Most, inselection of hard rubber toys shaped cluding the tiniest Yorkshire Terrier, like balls or bones and flannel catnip were bred for a specific purpose. Your mice. “Fancy” toys had a bell inside. Yorkie’s ancestors were fierce vermin That was about it. “Real dogs” chewed catchers , so toys that squeak, can be sticks. Times have changed. Stop into shaken, “killed” and disemboweled

PHOTO CHRIS ELLIS

will be favorites. (Yes, taking the innards out is a normal part of playing with stuffies.) Try puzzle toys - toys inside of toys, or if your dog likes food more than toys, a food puzzle will fill the bill. “He plays with it for awhile, but then loses interest.” Once caught or “killed” the hunt is over -and so is the fun. Play hide and go seek! Is “chase” your herding breed’s favorite game?

How about a flirt pole - a toy that dangles on a rope from a pole - or a ball launcher or frisbee? Always quit when your dog would like to play longer and then put the toy away until next time rather than leaving it in the yard. This will keep the toy and the game novel and fun and maintain your participation as part of the fun.

STOCKING STUFFERS Continued, 14

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December 2011 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • 13


Kids’ Corner

Christmas By Jaiden

Crafty Kid Gifts

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. Here are the things I like most about Christmas: • Placing ornaments of different shapes and sizes in many places on the tree. • Watching the snowflakes float down from the sky. *Unwrapping presents is a big surprise! • Wrapping presents for family and friends. • Making gingerbread houses. • Spending time with your family. • Looking at the lights on other houses.

• Making snowmen. • Throwing snowballs. • Sledding down the hill. • Skating on the ice. • Being very nice. • Sitting by the fire. • There are so many things to do I never will get tired! But the most important part to me is celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Jaiden is a new writer for Green Living Monthly. She is 9 years old and has written 1 book and is finishing her 2nd. We welcome her work in “Kids’ Corner.”

He may be trying to tell you, “This is what I want to play with!” What texture does your dog crave?

fillable Hemp Mouse (Seriously cat kangaroo kicking fun at my house!) 2. Premier: Funkitty Egg-Cersizer (For cats that need more exercise or just to exercise their brain!) 3. Fat Cat: Showgulls Catnip Toy (It will make you laugh and your cat will love it, too.) 4. Huggle Hounds: Wiley Macho (Great fun and incredibly durable!) 5. Nina Ottoson: The Twister (Right paw blue?) 6. Perfect Pet Chews: Deer, Elk or Moose Antlers (Long lasting for the heavy chewer in your life. Antlers are shed naturally, so no animal must die to produce them. Soak overnight in a beef broth to make a tastier chew!) 7. Safe Made: Biggie Bones (My new favorite stuff-able toy-dogs love the texture for chewing!) 8. Himalayan Dog Chew (Did someone say, “Yak’s milk”?) 9. West Paw: Bumi (Eco-friendly, made in Montana. So durable, if your dog destroys it, they have a one-time replacement policy.) 10. DAP: Dog Appeasing Pheromone and Feliway for cats. (Holiday Stress! Do they make it

STOCKING STUFFERS Continued from 13

What kinds of things does your dog get into that you wish he wouldn’t? He may be trying to tell you, “This is what I want to play with!” What texture does your dog crave? Many retrievers adore soft, mouth-filling items. (Think dead duck.) Does your dog gnaw the legs of your wooden chairs? Choose hard chew toys of similar size that satisfy the crushing power of his molars. Does he grab a dish towel or your underwear and run with it through the house? Try a long braided fleece or floppy rope tug that he can fly like a flag as he races around the yard. Amy at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile on Regal and the Palouse Highway gave me her “Top Ten Stocking Stuffers” from playthings to pacifiers list: 1. From the Field: Shelby the Re-

14 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • December 2011

Continued on page 14 Do you have wood scraps, paint, and extra nails lying around? With supervision a child can turn those scraps into a bird house with flair for a special adult in their life. An adult will need to do the sawing of the wood but a child can nail and paint it, with supervision. My kids recently took a large scrap of wood and painted it a solid color with some left over house paint and then painted “WE LOVE MOM” in a different color with more left over house paint. It proudly sits by my steps next to my front door and warms my heart every time I see it. If you have scraps of trim wood and an extra piece of large tile left from a project, it can be turned into a trivet as our Uncle Doug did last year with my boys. Do you want to preserve your child’s hands that become big almost overnight? Pick up some large solid color mugs from for humans?!) The best thing about local Spokane pet boutiques? They have great stuff for the human end of the leash, too! Keep it local - support our many great local pet boutiques. Happy Holidays! Carol Byrnes is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She and her husband are owners of Diamonds in the Ruff in Spokane, where their primary focus is helping families build good

a thrift store or the dollar store. Wash them very well with Dawn dish soap, it’s a degreaser. Then in the area you will be painting make a thick paste of baking soda and water and rub on the area, rinse well, and rewash with Dawn. Now for the fun part! Take paint (check with a craft store for the right kind) and brush it on your child’s hands and then carefully wrap the hands around the mug, then remove the hand trying not to smudge the paint. Once the paint is dry, spray the handprint with a sealer. Please remember to do this part! I did this project with my oldest son when he was 18 months and only sealed part of the mugs. The mugs without sealer washed off. Gift giving doesn’t have to be expensive and the gifts don’t have to be purchased from a store. A homemade gift can join hearts together and create a special feeling between the giver and the receiver that will last long after the holiday season.

relationships with their dogs through positive force-free training. Carol has created two Powerpoint presentation tools which are used by trainers all over the world: “What is My Dog Saying?” Canine Communication 101, and “What is My Dog Saying at the Dog Park?” Dog Park Safety & Etiquette and Dog-Dog Play. Both are available through tawzerdogvideos. com and dogwise.com. She is currently working on “What is My Cat Saying?” Feline Communication 101. Praire Dog Mercantile, 2917 E. Palouse Hwy, 443.9663, PraireDogMercantile.com Pet Vittles, 919 N. Argonne Ave., Spokane Valley, 927.0675, PetVittles.com Yuppy Puppy, 9423 N. Newport Hwy., 467.8221, YuppyPuppySpokane.com


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DECEMBER EVENT CALENDAR

1st Anniversary Party & Customer Appreciation Day - Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Join Sun People Dry Goods as we celebrate our 1st Anniversary and YOU our customers! Stop by for cake, Roast House Coffee, drawings, prizes, discounts and fun! Everyone’s a winner - we’ll be giving away gift certificates, discount coupons, products, jute bags and more! Film Showing of “Radically Simple” - Sunday, December 4th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. FREE. No Preregistration Required. Everyone is welcome to attend! Jim Merkel is a crusading author, engineer and advocate of sustainable living who’s used his knowledge to demonstrate and exemplify a less-resource intensive lifestyle—one that allows people to be happier with less. “Shop for a Cause” - a fundraising event for The Lands Council- Wednesday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Shop at Sun People on this day and 10% of your purchase will go to The Lands Council to support their work to preserve and revitalize Inland Northwest forests, water, and wildlife through advocacy, education, effective action, and community engagement. Vermicomposting Workshop - Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 a.m. to Noon FREE. Preregistration Required - only 20 spaces available. Register at the store or online at www.sunpeopledrygoods.com Join Cliff Winger, Master Composter/Recycler (a program of the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System) and Vermicomposting expert, to discover the joy that worms can bring to your family and garden; see active worm bins; learn the benefits of worm composting; learn about proper care & how to avoid common problems. See how you can create your own worm bin with inexpensive materials. Film Showing of “Quantum Activist” - Sunday, December 18th from

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509-413-1403

www.sproutsalonspa.com info@sproutsalonspa.com

1628 W. Francis, St. 2, Spokane, WA 99205

2:00 to 4:00 p.m. FREE. No Preregistration Required. Everyone is welcome to attend! With a poignant relevance to the problems of our day this film follows quantum physicist, Dr. Amit Goswami as he demonstrates how our mistaken views of reality had led to our current environmental, social, economic and spiritual crisis. **For additional information about any of our events, please contact Juliet at juliet@sunpeopledrygoods.com

Sun People Dry Goods Co. Offers Free Recycling Drop-Off Center

Collection Program to ensure environmentally safe disposal Sun People Dry Goods Co., a locally-owned retail store specializing in sustainable products for the home & garden, now provides service for proper disposal of (hazardous) household materials, including compact fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, inkjet cartridges and cell phones. (These products contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and nickel, which can contaminate the environment when improperly disposed of. Cell phones and light bulbs also contain valuable materials that can be reused for new products. The Environmental Protection Agency and many manufacturers encourage proper recycling to protect the environment.) The Spokane community is welcome to bring used compact fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, inkjet cartridges and cell phones to the store’s collection station. The collections are then sent to Earth Works Recycling, a recycling center located in Spokane, where any waste is safely removed so that it does not enter the environment. The recycling drop-off is located inside Sun People Dry Goods Co. at 32 West 2nd Avenue, Ste. 200, in downtown Spokane. Store hours are on Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Store is closed on Mondays.

December 2011 • GreenLivingMonthly.com • 15


May your holidays be filled with joy and cheer and may your new year bring you peace and happiness Green Living Monthly


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