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GREEN LIVING

Celebrate Earth Day SHELTERS Go Green GREEN HOME CHECKLIST April 2012 | Nashville Edition

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natural awakenings

April 2012

NA Nashville Edition

contents 10

6 newsbriefs

10 healthbriefs 12 globalbriefs 20 consciouseating

22 naturalpet 24 fitbody

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

16 GREEN HOME CHECKLIST

Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now by Crissy Trask

20 WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

10 Ways to Reduce Costly Food Waste

27 eventscalendar

28 ongoingcalendar GO GREEN

by Amber Lanier Nagle

22 SHELTERS

29 classifieds 30 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

LEED-Certified Facilities Care for Animals and the Earth by Sandra Murphy

24 FOREST BATHING The Healing Power of a Walk in the Woods by Maggie Spilner

how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 615-767-8818 or email: NApublisher@NANashville.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

26 MOBILIZE

FOR EARTH Pledge a Green Act

for Earth Day 2012

Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: NApublisher@ NANashville.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

26 16

calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: NApublisher@NANashville.com or fax to 1-888-391-2279. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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letterfrompublisher What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on? ~ Henry David Thoreau

A contact us Publishers Jim and Bonnie Crawford Editors Leta Myers Susan Cothran Design Susan McCann Advertising Bonnie Crawford Distribution Jim Crawford Franchise Sales John Voell II 239-530-1377 P.O. Box 8126 Gallatin, TN 37066 phone: 615-767-8818 fax: 1-888-391-2279 NANashville.com

pril 22 marks the 42nd anniversary of the first observance of Earth Day. Former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day’s co-founder, said he modeled Earth Day on anti-Vietnam War demonstrations called “teach-ins” that then were common on college campuses. Why not devote a day to a nationwide teach-in on the environment? Thus was born Earth Day. Eight months later, on April 22, 1970, 20 million people, 2,000 colleges and universities, 10,000 grammar and high schools and 1,000 communities mobilized for the first nationwide demonstrations on environmental problems. Congress adjourned for the day so members could attend Earth Day events in their districts. The response was nothing short of remarkable, and the modern American environmental movement took off. Celebrating Earth Day, our April edition focuses on Green Living. Use our feature article “Room by Room Green Home Checklist” on page 16 to implement simple changes or to educate yourself on establishing a greener home. Our article “LEED Shelter Design” on page 22 talks about the health benefits received by our sheltered animals when LEED design is implemented. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day, be sure to read our NewsBrief on Nashville’s Earth Day Festival on page 6 and “Mobilize for Earth Day” events on page 26. Once you finish reading this edition you will have many ideas that will either start you on a “green” journey or continue your existing one. As parents, you want to guide your children in a like-minded direction, so remember to make going “green” fun!

Nothing happens until you take action!

© 2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

natural awakenings

April 2012

newsbriefs Nashville Earth Day Festival Living Green and Healthy! Nashville community will Thecelebrate the 11th annual Nashville

Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 21, from 11am-7pm at Centennial Park. This year’s festival will help the community take another step toward Mayor Karl Dean’s goal of making Nashville the greenest city in the Southeast. The event will feature many exhibits and activities aimed at educating Middle Tennesseans about protecting our environment. Nearly 100 familyfriendly booths, hosted by community groups, environmental organizations and government agencies, will offer fun and exciting hands-on activities for all ages. Live entertainment will start at 11am on the Youth Stage and will continue at 2:00pm in the bandshell. The event is free and open to all ages. It is a rain or shine event. Complimentary bike parking is available. For more information or to see a detailed list of activities visit: NashvilleEarthDay.org. See ad, page 15.

NA Nashville Edition

Natural Awakenings Opens New Online Store

atural Awakenings Publishing Corp. (NAPC), a national leader in green and healthy living, has opened a new web store that features items supporting sustainability and natural health for men, women, children and pets. Visitors can shop by product categories that include beauty and skin care, home and office, books and music, fitness, clothing and jewelry, and kids and pets. NAPC publishes Natural Awakenings magazine in more than 80 franchise markets across the country, serving more than 3 million readers. Each month, these print and online publications take a practical look at the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth and sustainable living. NAPC founder Sharon Bruckman says the new web store continues that tradition of empowering healthy living and a healthy planet. “Since 1994, Natural Awakenings magazine has provided our readers with inspirational guidance on health, fitness, personal growth and green living. Our new store offers the very best products we can find that support living in growing balance with ourselves, our community and the natural world. We intend this web store to be a shopping guide to ‘conscious consumption’ that supports the ideals of sustainability, natural health and the interconnectedness of all things.” The online store will regularly feature new additions and specials, and visitors can subscribe to a free digital newsletter for exclusive email offers. For more information, visit NAWebStore.com. See ad, page 23.

Health Fair Sponsored by Christ the king Church

Coming in May

ver 20 vendors will participate at this Health Fair that will focus on promoting products and services geared toward a healthy mind, body and spirit. Attendees will also be able to take advantage of on-site screenings for hearing, low vision, blood sugar, BMI testing as well as chair massages, advance directive information and fire safety information. This event will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 12-4:30pm at Christ The King Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd, Nashville. For information or to participate please contact Dee Stoffer at 615-772-8111 or email dee.stoffer@ctk.org.

Dinner and Bikes by Meredith Montgomery

hat happens when a vegan chef and a publisher team up with a blogging bicycle activist? A month-long tour called Dinner and Bikes is created, bringing people together for delicious food, an insightful look at bicycle transportation and access to a traveling bookstore. Joshua Ploeg, the Traveling Chef; Joe Biel, founder of Microcosm Publishing; and Elly Blue, bicycle transportation and grassroots culture blogger, are touring the Southeastern U.S. this spring as a follow-up to their 2011 West Coast tour. Dinner and Bikes will be making an appearance in Mobile on April 25. Piling into a rental car, the trio drives from town to town, putting on what Blue describes as, “a dinner theater, but with bikes.” Guests arrive at 7 p.m. to enjoy a buffet of vegan and gluten-free food. While everyone dines, Blue and Biel use photos and videos to lead an exploration of bicycling from an economic standpoint and as a means to encourage involvement in local bicycling issues. Their hometown of Portland, Oregon is used to inspire and illustrate progressive bike culture. After questions from the audience, everyone is invited to peruse the mobile book and zine shop that features transportation- and food-related titles. “It’s really rewarding to see the ideas that people in other cities have and to then share those experiences with others on the rest of the tour,” says Blue. “I’m really amazed at how bike-friendly other cities are getting—we are in the middle of a major bicycle movement right now.” Before their first tour, the group had planned to target audiences of experienced cyclists. They were pleasantly surprised to attract attendees of varying experience levels and demographics. “It’s great to talk to fellow bike activists about specific ideas that the general public may not be aware of. We’ve come to really enjoy when our audience is people who have come out of curiosity,” Blue explains. “They become so engaged in seeing the world from a different perspective—one where streets are no longer boring.” In response to the overwhelmingly positive response the touring program has received, Blue again points to the bicycle movement that is currently taking place. “People are hungry for this,” she remarks. No pun intended. For more information, visit DinnerAndBikes.com. The Nashville event, hosted by Watkins College of Art, Design, & Film is scheduled for Sunday, April 29. Produce for the event is being donated by The Turnip Truck. Events/dinner start at 7pm and the cost is on a sliding scale of $7 to $20. Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of the Mobile/Baldwin, Alabama edition of Natural Awakenings.

WOMEN’S WELLNESS The Latest Great Tips and Technologies for Aging Beautifully Experience Life at its Best

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natural awakenings

April 2012

newsbriefs HypnoBirthing The Mongan Method

Resonate, Vibrate and Harmonize with the Earth!

ypnoBirthing is a technique for achieving a satisfying and stress-free method of birthing. HypnoBirthing teaches you, along with your birthing companion, the art and joy of experiencing birth in a more comfortable manner. You will learn to call upon your body’s own natural relaxant and thus lessen or eliminate discomfort and the need for medication. When a woman is properly prepared for childbirth and when mind and body are in harmony, nature is free to function in the same well-designed manner that it does with all other creatures. HypnoBirthing teaches you to release all prior programming about birth, how to trust your body and work with it, as well as how to free yourself of harmful emotions that lead to pain-causing fear and unyielding muscles. Classes include techniques of deep relaxation to help you eliminate the fear-tension-pain syndrome; how your body is naturally designed to conceive, nurture and birth your baby with ease and comfort; how to create your body’s own natural relaxant; natural ways to bring your body into labor without artificial chemical induction; gentle birthing techniques that allow you to breathe your baby into the world without the stress of hard physical pushing, and how you and your birthing companion can create a birthing environment that is calm, serene and joyful, rather than tense and stressful. For more information vist: Margalena.com. To reserve your space at this free seminar email: Katherine@YourCosmicConnections.com. 615-463-7677.

NA Nashville Edition

cience and Quantum Physics validate that sound, vibration, and frequency are the building blocks of our world. Today we have the benefit of modern technology to support the ancient therapeutic methods of using sound for healing in Vibrational Medicine. This therapeutic process is based in the scientific knowledge that all matter has its own frequency. Frequency is used with radio signals, medical equipment and our speaking voices which use frequency to carry our communication to others. Our limited hearing range prohibits us from hearing many sounds (frequencies) and we are part of an environment that is total vibration. Your personal frequencies can be identified through voice analysis, an out-picturing of the internal workings of the physical, emotional and mental body. The Voice Analysis can be an early warning system for potential health issues or a tune-up to keep yourself vibrant and healthy. You can learn how to use everyday equipment to identify your own imbalances and correct them. Attend one of our free introductory sessions or a regular training class in voice analysis and learn how you can take charge of your own vitality and good health. You’ll learn how to identify frequency imbalances and about the tools that you already have to correct them. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Vibrationally Sound at 615-238-7255 or 615-809-2550. VibrationallySound. com.

A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival

magine being able to visit 20 Tennessee wineries in one location. The Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival provides just that. Visitors can stroll from tent to tent sipping the rich heritage of Tenessee vines, savoring gourmet specialty foods, shopping for handcrafted items from local artisans, enjoying music, and attending educational seminars on food and wine. The seminars will include food and wine pairings, cooking with wine and unusual options from local wineries. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great opportunity to shop local for wine and to connect with local sources of wine made from Tennessee grown fruit. This event will be held on Saturday, May 12 from 12-6pm at Nashville Shores, 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage. For information contact Tammy Algood at 615837-5347.

natural awakenings

April 2012

healthbriefs

National Start! Walking Day

mproving overall health can be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other—and April 6, National Start! Walking Day, is the ideal opportunity to begin a regular walking routine. American Heart Association (AHA) research shows that individuals can gain about two hours of life for every hour engaged in regular, vigorous exercise—a two-for-one deal that’s hard to beat. Walking just 30 minutes per day, five days a week, can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, promote better sleep and assist in maintaining healthy body weight. Visit StartWalkingNow.org for resources to kick-start a heart-friendly regimen. The site offers links to local walking paths, heart-healthy recipes, an online progress tracker and an app that helps walkers find and create paths while traveling. To find walking buddies or start a walking club, visit AHA’s MyWalkingClub.org.

Unplug During Screen-Free Week

he American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for children under 2 and less than two hours per day for older children. Yet, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 40 percent of 3-month-old infants are regular viewers of television and DVDs, and school-age kids spend nearly twice as many hours with screen media such as television, video games, computers and handheld devices as they spend attending school. To help kids, families, schools and communities turn off screens and turn on healthier activities, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) urges everyone to participate in Screen-Free Week, April 30 through May 6. CCFC is a national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups, parents and individuals, with a mission to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers. “The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious problems facing children and society today,” advises CCFC Director Susan Linn. “Childhood obesity, eating disorders, youth violence, sexualization, family stress, underage alcohol and tobacco use, rampant materialism and the erosion of children’s creative play are all exacerbated by advertising and marketing.” Learn more about the week-long event, efforts to restrict marketers’ access to children and how to help, at CommercialFreeChildhood.org.

NA Nashville Edition

Diabetes Linked to Dirty Air

ealth wise, the air we breathe is just as important as the foods we eat, according to a recent report published in the journal Diabetes Care. The report is based on one of the first largescale, population-based studies linking diabetes prevalence with air pollution. According to researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston, a strong, consistent correlation exists between adult diabetes and particulate air pollution, an association that persists after adjustment for other risk factors such as obesity and ethnicity. The relationship was seen even at exposure levels below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety limit.

Green Veggies Boost Immunity

esearchers reporting in the journal Cell have found another good reason to fill our plates with plenty of green vegetables like bok choy and broccoli: Tiny chemical compounds found in these healthful greens interact with the immune cells of the gut, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), by effectively protecting them and boosting their numbers. IELs, white blood cells that inhabit the lining of many body cavities and structures, are concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract, where their primary purpose is to destroy target cells that are infected by pathogens. Because pathogens frequently enter the body via the gastrointestinal tract, a high IEL count benefits overall health. Source: Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK

Are Cell Phones Safe?

uestions about how cell phones might impact our health have sparked significant controversy. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use. Caution was also urged in an article about cell phone safety published this past October in the journal Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. It reported that cell phones that are switched on and carried in shirt or pants pockets can exceed U.S. Federal Communications Commission exposure guidelines, and also that adults and children absorb high levels of microwave radiation from the phones. According to the paper, children are at greater risk than adults, absorbing up to triple the amount of microwave radiation in their brain’s hypothalamus (which links the nervous and endocrine systems) and hippocampus (vital for memory and spatial navigation) compared to adults. Absorption into their eyes was also greater, and as much as 10 times higher in their bone marrow than adults’. The IARC concludes that these findings call for cell phone certification consistent with the “as low as reasonably achievable” approach taken in setting standards for using radiological devices. “It is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones,” says IARC Director Christopher Wild. “Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure [directly to the head], such as handsfree devices or texting.” Additional resource: Epidemiologist Devra Davis, Ph.D., reports on this topic in Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation.

Sweet Stuff Combats Infections

oney’s use as a medicine was described on Sumerian clay tablets dating back 4,000 years, and ancient Egyptians made ointments of the sticky substance to treat wounds. Now, contemporary scientists have shown that manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand, could be an efficient way to clear chronically infected wounds and help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Professor Rose Cooper, of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, in the UK, has investigated how manuka honey interacts with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group A Streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). She discovered that the honey interfered with their growth, blocking the formation of biofilms that can wall off such bacteria from antibiotic remedies.

natural awakenings

April 2012

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

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NA Nashville Edition

From toddlers to tweens, many children eagerly anticipate one of spring’s most pleasurable rituals: coloring Easter eggs. This shared family activity allows kids to be hands-on artists, as they choose from a palette of cheerful hues to fashion little edible treasures. But youngsters that dip their hands into synthetic dyes can absorb chemicals through the skin that have been linked with allergic reactions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and with ADHD and hyperactivity, per a 2011 report by Science News. Keep their creations healthy and chemical-free by avoiding commercial food coloring and using easy-tomake, fruit- and veggie-based dyes instead. The simplest way to use Earth-friendly shades is to add natural materials when boiling the eggs. Some suggestions: purple grape juice or crushed blueberries, for blue; liquid chlorophyll or spinach, for green; organic orange peels or ground turmeric, for yellow; cranberries, pickled beets, cherries or pomegranate juice, for pink and red; and yellow onion skins, cooked carrots, chili powder or paprika, for orange. Then, follow these directions: Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan and add water to cover. Add one teaspoon of white vinegar (this helps the eggshells absorb color) and the natural dye material; use more material for more eggs or a more intense color. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for 15 minutes. Remove the eggs and refrigerate them. These naturally colored treats, more beautiful than their artificially enhanced cousins, will mimic Mother Nature’s softer, gentler tints. For a shiny appearance, rub some cooking oil onto the eggs when they are dry. Also remember that hard-cooked eggs are more perishable than raw ones, and should remain outside the refrigerator no more than two hours (so the one possibly found the day after Easter needs to hit the compost pile) and be consumed within one week.

Whale Watching

One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Whales Greenpeace Executive Director Philip Radford reports that the discredited practice of vote buying at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has been ended. “Countries like Japan can no longer bribe poorer countries to support their pro-whaling stance. This means that whale conservation finally has a fighting chance.” The U.S. delegation supported a measure intended to increase transparency in membership fees after hearing from millions of whale lovers. Initiated by the United Kingdom and backed by a number of countries, the proposal passed via a rare consensus among the 89 participating countries. It is believed that payment of membership dues in cash allowed wealthy countries to purchase the votes of other nations. Dues for the commission must now be paid via bank transfer from government accounts.

Pocket Calculator

New Gadget Measures a Family’s Eco-Footprints A brand-new online environmental tool from Low Impact Living, the Impact Calculator, measures the many footprints of a household’s lifestyle. With it, families can assess their specific carbon, energy, water, trash, wastewater and stormwater-runoff amounts. Then, by entering the Zip code and home size, it encapsulates in one number the overall environmental footprint compared with a typical home in the region, suggests green home and lifestyle projects and saves a profile, along with project notes, for future reference. To use the calculator, visit Tinyurl.com/59ksp3.

Enjoy the Gift of ganoderma Bug Muscle

Biomimicry Presents a Solution for Drought With global temperatures continuing to rise and droughts expected to become more severe, Australian Edward Linacre has designed a beetle-inspired device called Airdrop that is capable of extracting water from even the driest desert air. His invention recently won the prestigious global James Dyson award. “Biomimicry is a powerful weapon in an engineer’s armory,” comments Dyson. Linacre, a graduate of Swinburne University of Technology, in Melbourne, wanted to solve the drought problem afflicting parts of his country. The lack of rain has brought dry, damaged soil, dead crops and mounting debt for farmers. Rather than using complex, energy-intensive methods such as desalination or tapping into underground water sources, Airdrop’s source of water, the air, can be used anywhere in the world. The device delivers water to the roots of crops in dry areas by pushing air through a network of underground pipes and cooling it to the degree at which moisture condenses; then the water is pumped to the roots. Linacre was inspired by the Namib beetle, which survives in areas that receive just half an inch of rain per year by consuming the dew it collects on the hydrophilic skin of its back. Find more info at Tinyurl.com/6ts34y5.

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April 2012

globalbriefs Global Gardens

New Global Warming Planting Map The color-coded map of planting zones on the back of seed packets is being updated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reflect climate changes brought on by global warming. The new guide, last updated in 1990, reflects, for instance, that the coldest day of the year isn’t as frigid as it used to be, so some plants and trees can now survive farther north. Nearly entire states, such as Ohio, Nebraska and Texas, are now classified in warmer zones. The new guide uses better weather data and offers more interactive technology. Gardeners using the online version can enter their Zip code and get the exact average coldest temperature. For the first time, calculations include more detailed factors, such as prevailing winds, the presence of nearby bodies of water and other local topography. Boston University Biology Professor Richard Primack observes, “There are a lot of things you can grow now that you couldn’t grow before. People don’t think of figs as a crop you can grow in the Boston area. You can do it now.” The changes come too late to make this year’s seed packets, but they will be on next year’s, says George Ball, chairman and CEO of the W. Atlee Burpee seed company. View the planting zones map at Tinyurl.com/7r5u267.

Better Threads

Rug Industry Tackles Child Labor Injustice The nonprofit GoodWeave organization works to end child labor in the rug industry and provides educational opportunities for kids in weaving communities worldwide. The GoodWeave label is given solely to rug companies that only hire employees of legal working age. GoodWeave, offering the world’s only independent child labor-free certification for rugs, makes unannounced inspections of looms overseas to ensure that standards are upheld. Programs funded by GoodWeave-certified rug sales have helped nearly 10,000 children in Nepal and India to attend school instead of working on looms. An estimated 250,000 children are still weaving today. “It’s widely documented that children are exploited to make all sorts of products in our global economy,” says Nina Smith, GoodWeave USA executive director. “But in the case of carpets, consumers can do something to put a stop to these inhumane practices. By buying a certified rug, you can change a child’s life.” Find participating local retailers by Zip code at GoodWeave.org. 14

NA Nashville Edition

Honk Honk

Driving Less and Enjoying it More Only 31 percent of American 16-yearolds had a driver’s license in 2008, down from 46 percent in 1983, according to a University of Michigan study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention. Eighteen-year-old legal drivers decreased from 80 to 65 percent over the same period, as did adults in their 20s and 30s, although by not as much. A new survey by the carsharing company Zipcar confirmed that those with licenses are trying to drive less, as well. Altogether, more than half of drivers under the age of 44 are making efforts to reduce the time they spend in traffic. Factors supporting this trend include the high cost of gas and insurance, tighter restrictions on teen drivers in many states and congested roads. In addition, Michael Sivak, a research professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, cites the importance of the Internet. “It is possible that the availability of virtual contact through electronic means reduces the need for actual contact among young people.” He also points out that, “Some young people feel that driving interferes with texting and other electronic communication.” Public transit is filling part of the vacuum. The United States, which has long trailed other countries in mass transit usage, is catching on among younger generations. Source: Grist.org

natural awakenings

April 2012

GREEN HOME CHECKLIST

4 Clean naturally. Chemical pow-

by Crissy Trask

erhouses have become the norm in household cleaning products, but they are not essential. Non-toxic cleaners are up to the task, from cleaning a sink to an oven.

Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

reen living is being embraced by more folks than ever, in ways both large and small, giving the Earth some much-needed kindness. If you’re interested in some good ideas that fall between a total home solar installation and basic recycling—with many delivering big impacts—check out Natural Awakenings’ room-by-room green checklist. You’ll find inspired, practical changes that are doable starting right now.

Kitchen

The kitchen can be a hot spot for waste. Eileen Green, with EcoEvaluator.com, says that reducing waste, conserving water and increasing energy effi-

ciency are all important considerations within an environmentally friendly kitchen.

4 Eat up food. Each year, a typical household discards an estimated 474 pounds of food waste, according to University of Arizona research—at large economic and environmental cost. Buying more fresh food than we can eat before the expiration date is up and allowing leftovers to expire in the fridge are culprits. “Drawing up menus and avoiding buying on impulse can help,” advises Green. Compost food scraps at home or sign up for curbside composting, if it’s offered locally. Disposing of food in garbage disposals or landfills is not environmentally sound.

4 Dispense with disposables. Replace disposable paper and plastic products with durable, lasting alternatives: cloth

napkins instead of paper; dishwasher-safe serving ware instead of single-use paper or plastic; glass or recycled food storage containers in place of throwaway plastic bags and wrap; and natural fiber dishcloths to replace paper towels and plastic sponges.

4 Shop for the Energy Star logo. Appliances bearing the Energy Star logo are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than standard ones. This translates to significant savings in annual operating costs.

4 Filter water with less waste. Bottled water is expensive and wasteful. Instead, purchase a homefiltering system that uses recycled or reusable filters. On the road, carry tasty filtered water in a reusable glass bottle.

4 Conserve water. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded and fill the sink with water, rather than running it down the drain, when washing by hand. Use water only to wet and rinse; otherwise turn it off.

4 Phase out non-stick skillets. Teflon coatings can leach toxins when damaged or overheated. Play it safe and begin assembling a set of cookware that includes properly seasoned cast iron, which is naturally non-stick.

4 Avoid cheap reusable shopping bags. Flimsy reusable bags end up as trash within a few months under normal use. Buy a set of high quality reusable bags that will give years of use.

NA Nashville Edition

Bedrooms

“Most people spend more time in the bedroom than in any other room of the house,” remarks Huffington Post Eco Etiquette columnist Jennifer Grayson. “So it’s important to focus on making bedrooms as green and healthy as possible.” She advocates paying special attention to sleepwear, bedding and furniture people sleep on.

4 Start with a good foundation.

Box springs can be constructed of plywood or particleboard, which commonly contain formaldehyde, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a toxic air contaminant by the state of California. Choose those that have been certified as formaldehyde-free or with low emissions. A platform bed made of Forest Stewardship Councilcertified wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, is a healthy alternative.

4 Don’t sleep on a cloud of chemi-

cals. “If your face is pressed up against a conventional mattress for seven hours a night, then you’re going to be breathing in whatever chemicals are off-gassing from that mattress for seven hours a night,” warns Grayson.

vents inside bedrooms and block the afternoon sun with interior or exterior solar shades. By day’s end, even in warm climates, bedrooms should be cool enough for sleeping with the addition of a slight breeze from an open window or a slow-running floor or ceiling fan.

4 Go wireless. It’s impossible to completely avoid electromagnetic radiation from today’s technologies, so lower exposure in the bedroom by removing electronic devices and placing electrical items at least five feet away from the bed. 4 Forget fabric softeners. Most fabric softeners contain highly toxic chemicals that latch onto sheets and can be inhaled or absorbed directly into the bloodstream through skin. Instead, add a quarter-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to soften sheets and other laundry.

4 Leave the lights off. Motion-detecting nightlights save energy while allowing safe passage in the wee hours.

Laundry Room

Mattresses are commonly treated with fire-retardant chemicals to comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. To avoid toxic chemicals like the hydrocarbon toluene, emitted from mattresses stuffed with polyurethane foam, instead look for untreated, wool-covered mattresses (wool is a natural fire retardant) filled with natural latex or containing a spring system wrapped with organic cotton batting. Non-organic cotton production relies on lots of hazardous synthetic chemicals in its production. Organic cotton, linen and wool bedding are safer bets, especially when certified to meet strict environmental standards.

In a typical U.S. home, the washing machine accounts for 21 percent of home water use and combined, the washer and dryer comprise 5 to 8 percent of home energy demands. Diane MacEachern, founder of BigGreenPurse.com and author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, explains that a good way to conserve key resources is to use these appliances less—reducing the number of loads and drying items on outdoor clotheslines or indoor racks. MacEachern says, “You can probably wash things like sweatshirts and blue jeans less frequently without much consequence, and a clothesline requires no energy other than the sun.” Also, make sure that whatever goes into the washer or dryer with clothes is non-toxic, or else you’ll be wearing toxic chemical residues next to your skin all day, cautions MacEachern.

4 Block the afternoon sun. Dur-

4 Select cold water. On average,

ing the day, shut off air-conditioning

only 10 percent of the energy used by

a clothes washer runs the machine; the other 90 percent goes to heat the water. The typical American household does about 400 loads of laundry each year, resulting in much energy squandered on hot water. With the exception of laundering greasy spots or stubborn stains, routinely wash in cold water, using a cold-water eco-detergent.

4 Install a clothesline. Running a dryer for just 40 minutes can use the energy equivalent of a 15-watt, compact fluorescent bulb lit for a week. Stretch out a line and hang clothes outside to dry in the fresh air to save about $100 a year on electric bills. The sun imparts a disinfectant benefit as a bonus.

4 Replace an old machine. A washer or dryer that is older than 10 years has hidden costs. EnergyStar.gov notes that an older machine uses more energy and can cost from 10 to 75 percent more to operate than a new, high-efficiency appliance.

4 Choose eco-friendly laundry products. Conventional laundry soaps contain chemicals that can be problematic for us and wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Look for coldwater brands that are fragrance- and phosphate-free.

4 Switch to concentrates. Concentrated detergents translate to less energy used in shipping, less waste and more value.

4 Stop static cling without dryer sheets. Never over-dry clothes and always dry natural fibers separately from synthetics to prevent static cling.

Bathroom

The smallest room in the house is a disproportionately large contributor to household environmental impacts. In an average non-conservationminded American home, 38,000 gallons of water annually go down the drains and toilet. “Along with that water,” says MacEachern, “You’ll be washing lots of personal care and cleaning products down the drain, as

natural awakenings

April 2012

GREEN UN-ROOM CHECKLIST by Crissy Trask Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms earn the most attention in greening up our homes, but what about the miscellaneous spaces? Attics, garages, closets and entry halls can get overlooked, although they also yield benefits from some green-minded attention. Here are tips for the most common “un-rooms” to get the ball rolling.

Garage

4 Empty the car of extra weight and optimally inflate tires to improve gas mileage by up to 5 percent.

4 Replace poisonous windshield wiper fluid with a make-it-yourself solution that combines seven cups of distilled water, one-half-cup isopropyl alcohol and one-half-teaspoon ecodishwashing liquid. Properly dispose of old wiper fluid in a boldly labeled container at a hazardous waste center.

4 Clean with a broom instead of a hose to save water.

Attic

4 Install a whole-house fan to pull warm air out of the attic, keeping rooms below cooler.

4 Blanket the attic with a reflective heat barrier to reflect heat before it has a chance to enter.

4 If the tops of floor joists above the insulation are visible, EnergyStar.gov recommends adding more insulation

until they are no longer visible when viewed at eye level.

Entry Hall

4 Leave shoes, along with allergens and dirt, at the door for a healthier home.

4 Reduce unwanted mail by opting out of catalogs, credit card and insurance offers and Direct Marketing Association-member mailings at CatalogChoice.org, OptOutPrescreen. com and DMAChoice.org, respectively.

4 Doormats made from recycled plastic soda bottles keep millions of them from entering landfills.

Closets

4 Get organized with bins and shelves made from recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, salvaged and repurposed items, formaldehyde-free plant-based boards or Forest Stewardship Councilcertified wood.

4 Shop for local, previously owned clothes and accessories from consignment boutiques, thrift stores or a local clothing swap.

4 Slip into some vegan or Earthfriendly shoes; there’s a lot more to choose from than hemp sandals. Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sierra Club, Mayo Clinic, chej.org, DrClaudiaMiller.com, DrWeil.com, ftc.gov, EnergyStar.gov

GO-TO RESOURCES Urban composting solution BokashiComposting.com Toxins in consumer products Toxipedia.org Eco-water filters Brita.com/your-brita/recycle-your-filter BritishBerkefeld.com TerraFlo.com/recycle.htm Textile certifications Tinyurl.com/7wd9vlr 18

NA Nashville Edition

PVC fact sheet MyHouseIsYourHouse.org/pvcfacts. html Radiation exposure facts epa.gov/radtown/index.html Safe cosmetics and personal care products ewg.org/skindeep

well, where they could get into local natural water supplies and make life difficult for birds, frogs and fish.” Sara Snow, television host and author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home, cautions against personal skin care products with questionable chemical ingredients. “A good percentage of them are being absorbed right into our bloodstream, so focus on ingredients that do no harm; ones that help our bodies instead, such as nourishing and healing botanicals.”

4 Slow the flow. Ultra-efficient showerheads use as little as 1 gallon per minute (gpm); aerated types that mix air into the water stream to enhance pressure provide a good soak and rinse using less than half the water than some other low-flow showerheads. At the sink, aerators should flow between 0.5 and 1 gpm—plenty of pressure for brushing teeth and washing hands.

4 Flush responsibly. According to the EPA, the toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Replace older toilets (pre-1994) with new, higher efficiency models for savings of two to six gallons per flush.

4 Heat water wisely. A tankless water heater supplies instantaneous hot water only as needed. Or, install a timer on a traditional water heater to cut warming time to a few hours a day at most.

4 Shun a plastic shower curtain. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been called “the poison plastic” for its highly toxic lifecycle, which includes the release of dioxins into the air and water. These toxic chemicals persist in ecosystems and can cause cancer. PVC shower curtains are also a short-life product that cannot be recycled, so switch to a PVC-free alternative. Organic hemp is the eco-shower curtain gold standard.

4 Ban antibacterial products. Triclosan is a popular antibacterial agent found in many household cleaners, hand soaps, cosmetics and even toothpaste. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a registered pesticide and probable human carcinogen thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showing up in the environment and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urine. The Mayo Clinic suggests that triclosan may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant germs and harm the immune system, making us more susceptible to bacteria.

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4 Install a shower filter that removes chlorine. Chlorine, which is increasingly being linked to some cancers, is used by many municipalities to disinfect water supplies. People absorb more chlorine through the skin and by inhaling chlorine vapors when bathing and showering than from drinking it.

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4 Use recycled and unbleached paper products. Using recycled bath tissue helps close the recycling loop on all the paper we dutifully recycle at the curb. Unbleached varieties keep chlorine byproducts like dioxins out of the environment.

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4 Remove bad odors instead of covering them up. In a University of California study, chemical air fresheners were found to have higher concentrations of polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC) than any other household cleaning product. Long-term exposure to some VOCs have been linked with adverse health effects.

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This Natural Awakenings checklist suggests steps that are possible in making any home healthier, safer and more enjoyable. Start checking off items today and begin shrinking the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecological footprint right away.

Birds are indicators

Crissy Trask is the founder of Green Matters.com and author of the bestselling, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Follow her at Twitter.com/greenmatters.

~Roger Tory Peterson

of the environment. If they are in trouble, we know weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll soon be in trouble.

natural awakenings

April 2012

consciouseating

Waste Not, Want Not 10 Ways to Reduce Costly Food Waste by Amber Lanier Nagle

ost of us regularly discard food items—week-old cooked pasta, stale cereal, half a loaf of moldy bread, suspicious leftovers and other foods we fail to eat before they perish. But consider that the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that 40 percent of all edible food products in the United States—comprising 34 million tons—is wasted each year. Food waste occurs at all levels of the supply chain. Farm fresh fruits and vegetables are often left unharvested because their appearance does not meet aesthetic standards imposed by grocery stores, and pieces bruised or marred during shipping and han-

NA Nashville Edition

dling are routinely discarded. Many restaurants serve supersized portions of food, even though much of it is left on plates when customers leave, and thrown into dumpsters. Plus, many shoppers buy more than they need. With a little care and a more enlightened system, we could help prevent much of the waste and better address hunger in the United States. Researchers estimate that Americans could feed 25 million people if we collectively reduced our commercial and consumer food waste by just 20 percent. From an environmental standpoint, wasted food equals wasted water, energy and chemicals. Produc-

ing, packaging and transporting these food items generate pollution—all for nothing: a zero percent return on our dollars. Food waste represents the single largest component of all municipal solid waste now going into landfills. Although it is biodegradable when properly exposed to sunlight, air and moisture, decomposing food releases significant amounts of methane, a heattrapping greenhouse gas that is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2). Ten tips make it possible to reduce our “food print”. Shop smarter. Preplan meals for the week, including non-cooking days and leftover days. Make a shopping list and stick to it after inventorying the pantry, fridge and freezer. Buy produce in smaller quantities to use within a few days. Because we tend to overbuy when we’re hungry, don’t walk the aisles with a growling stomach. Organize the refrigerator. Place leftovers at eye level in the fridge, so they are front-and-center anytime someone opens it. When stowing groceries, slide older items to the front. Pay attention to use-by dates and understand that food is good for several days beyond a sell-by date. Freeze foods. Many food items will last for months in the freezer in appropriate storage bags and containers. Share surplus food. For larger dishes such as casseroles and crockpot meals, invite a friend over for supper, deliver a plate to an elderly neighbor or pack leftovers to share with coworkers. Donate extra nonperishable or unspoiled food items to a local soup kitchen, food bank or pantry or homeless shelter.

Store food properly. To maximize food’s edible life, set the fridge between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange containers so that air circulates around items; the coldest areas are near the back and bottom of the unit. For fruits and vegetables stored in plastic bags or designated bins or containers, squeeze out air and close tightly to reduce the damaging effects of exposure to oxygen. Buy ugly fruits and veggies. Grocery stores and markets throw out a substantial volume of vegetables and fruits because their size, shape or color is deemed less than ideal. Purchase produce with cosmetic blemishes to save perfectly good, overlooked food from being discarded as waste. Use soft fruits and wilted vegetables. Soft, overripe fruits can be converted to jellies, jams, pies, cobblers, milkshakes and smoothies. Wilted carrots, limp celery, soft tomatoes and droopy broccoli can be chopped up and blended into soups, stews, juices and vegetable stocks. Dish up smaller portions. Smaller portions are healthier and allow leftovers for another meal.

Take home a doggie bag. Only about half of restaurant diners take leftovers home. Ask to have unfinished food boxed in a recyclable container, and then enjoy it for lunch or dinner within two days. Compost routinely. If, despite daily best efforts, food waste still occurs, recycle it with meal preparation scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Create an outdoor compost heap, or compost cooked and uncooked meats, food scraps and small bones quickly and without odor in an indoor bokashi bin. “Earth Day—April 22nd—serves as a reminder that each of us must exercise personal responsibility to think globally and act locally as environmental stewards of Earth,” says Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. “Reducing food waste is another way of being part of the solution.” Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer specializing in how-to articles pertaining to Southern culture, healthy living and the environment.

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f stone and crystal energy work f chakra balancing f clearing of negative energy f reiki certified Call today to schedule an appointment with Kelly 615-804-9154 kelly@kelly-mcc.com

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A fool flatters himself, a wise man flatters the fool. ~Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Source Code: NATURAL7 Expires January 8, 2012

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April 2012

naturalpet

when sealed, can withstand a lot of mopping. We used a local quarry for materials.” At least 10 percent of the building materials were sourced within 500 miles of the site and the project contains more than 10 percent pre- and post-consumer recycled content.

Good for the Animals

SHELTERS GO GREEN LEED-Certified Facilities Care for Animals and the Earth by Sandra Murphy

City managers are realizing that going green is the right thing to do. In many areas, new municipal construction is required to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified to reduce operating costs, conserve resources and provide a healthier work environment. Older municipal buildings slated for remodeling also can be transformed. Buildings may even quality for incentives from local utilities in some states. As a result, animal shelters are now joining the move to green. Good for the Environment “Our goal was to reduce our carbon paw print,” says Dave Dickinson, interim director of Sacramento County Animal Care, regarding the California capital’s LEED Gold-certified shelter. “The Silicon Valley architect incorporated natural light, a beneficial air circulation system and numerous energy- and resource-saving elements to create an extraordinary environment for both the 22

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animals and employees.” The LEED rating system, developed by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), signifies levels of silver, gold or platinum status, based on eco-business practices. Swatt | Miers Architects chose polished concrete for the Sacramento shelter floors. “Tile is nice, but grout harbors bacteria,” says George Miers, a principal of the firm. “Concrete is a sustainable material and

“Use of natural light reduces the cost of electricity,” explains Dr. Amber Andersen, a Los Angelesbased veterinarian. “Lights can be programmed to dim gradually and provide the animals with a regular sleep cycle. It’s stressful for them to be in bright light all the time.” In addition, strategic placement of the dog runs and decorative potted plants to block their view of one another tends to reduce canine stress and barking. “Calmer dogs are more likely to be adopted,” Andersen notes. The facility operates a similar homey setup for cats with room to run around, climb carpeted furnishings and play. In Denver, Colorado, a new LEED Platinum-certified, 36,000-square-foot shelter is twice the size of the former facility. Particular attention was paid to air circulation to help prevent the spread of canine flu, kennel cough and staph infections, and to maintain a healthy operating room while regulating temperatures throughout the facility. “The city of Denver consistently chose the best options for the animals and the environment, while being mindful of the budget,” remarks Scott Jones, of Denver’s Air Purification Company. “This is the benchmark for future designs; on a larger scale, this model can be used for hospitals.”

Good for Business The Plano, Texas, animal shelter, which was due for a comprehensive remodeling, is now LEED Silver certified. “We learned that the addition of a new wing could be done according to LEED standards, but we also had to make improvements to

LEED certification criteria include site selection, pollution prevention during demolition and building, protection and restoration of habitat, water use reduction indoors and out, green power, and use of regional materials to cut transportation fuel, road wear and air pollution. the existing structure, so that the entire building was improved,” says Melinda Haggerty, the city’s sustainability and communications coordinator. “This was a learning experience on all levels. We saw firsthand that you don’t need to sacrifice aesthetics for function. You can have a comfortable place to work while saving money.” The USGBC reports that buildings of all types consume an average of 72

percent of the electricity generated worldwide. That can be reduced by 24 to 50 percent with green building practices. “It’s always important to emphasize the return on investment. It might cost a bit more on the front end, but the benefits far outweigh the costs,” Haggerty advises. “Reduced energy costs, better water usage and healthy air quality contribute to a comfortable work space. Employees have pride in the facility, and that makes them more productive.” In Middletown, Rhode Island, Christie Smith, executive director of the Potter League for Animals, remarks that after their old building was demolished, 75 per cent of the materials were recycled, repurposed or reused. Their new, LEED Gold-certified animal shelter was the first in the nation to be certified.

the dream comes together as a design idea. From that moment on, the question is: How much of the dream can you keep?” queries Myers. “These cities made LEED a priority, even when animal control projects may be at the bottom of the list. They recognize the synergy between caring for animals and caring about the planet; green design underscores the caring.” Sandra Murphy writes about pets and more for Natural Awakenings.

Bringing Beneﬁts to Life “There’s a conceptual moment when

Shop with a Conscience at Natural Awakenings’ New Webstore As a leader in green and healthy living, it makes perfect sense for us to open a webstore that features items that support sustainability and natural health. You’ll love our easy-to-navigate site. Shop by product categories that include beauty and skin care, home and office, books and music, fitness, clothing, cosmetics, kids and pets. It’s your one-stop eco-friendly and healthy living destination!

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natural awakenings

April 2012

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n Reduction of adrenaline and noradrenalin, also stress-related hormones n Increase in immunity-boosting natural killer (NK) cell activity, and the numbers of NK cells and anticancer proteins known to combat cancer

Newest Findings

FOREST BATHING The Healing Power of a Walk in the Woods by Maggie Spilner

“N

ature doesn’t bang any drums when she bursts forth into flowers, nor play any dirges when the trees let go of their leaves in the fall. But when we approach her in the right spirit, she has many secrets to share. If you haven’t heard nature whispering to you lately, now is a good time to give her the opportunity.”

~ Osho, in Osho Zen Tarot: the Transcendental Game of Zen As we all innately know, spending time in nature is good for our body, mind and spirit. It’s why we’re attracted to green places, flowers, lakes, fresh air and sunshine. Taking a nature walk—affording plenty of fresh air and exercise in a quiet setting— has traditionally been prescribed for good health. That raises a question: How much natural healing are we sacrificing when we spend most of our days indoors? 24

NA Nashville Edition

In Japan, a group of medical researchers and government-affiliated forest organizations support the creation of forest therapy centers, where people enjoy the trails and guided walks and also receive free medical checkups under the trees. Since 1984, they have been studying the health benefits of walking in the woods, termed shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. There are now more than 30 such officially designated sites. In related studies, scientists from Japan’s Nippon Medical School and Chiba University tracked positive physiological changes in individuals walking in the woods compared with city walkers. Early results were published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, European Journal of Applied Physiology and Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents. Forest walkers showed: n Lower concentrations of salivary cortisol, known as the stress hormone n Lower blood pressure and heart rate

The researchers theorized that organic compounds called phytoncides, produced by trees and other plants as a protection from disease, insects and fungus, were also producing beneficial natural killer cells in people in the forests. In a study that exposed participants to phytoncides via aromatic oils fed through a humidifier in a hotel room, the researchers found similar increases in NK levels. A 2011 study by Nippon Medical School’s department of hygiene and public health showed that the resulting increase in NK cells lasted for 30 days. They concluded that a monthly walk in the woods could help people maintain a higher level of protective NK activity and perhaps even have a preventive effect on cancer generation and progression. Qing Li, Ph.D., the assistant professor leading several of these studies, suggests that dense forest areas are more effective at boosting immunity than city parks and gardens. He also reports that phytoncide concentrations increase during summer growing seasons and decrease during the winter, although they are still present in tree trunks even when the trees are deciduous. Li further suggests that walks in the woods should be conducted at a leisurely pace. For stress reduction, he suggests four hours of walking, covering a generous 3 miles, or 2 hours walking about 1.5 miles. For cancer-protecting effects, he suggests regularly spending three days and two nights in a forested area. “Carry water and drink when you’re thirsty,” says Li. “Find a place that pleases you and sit and enjoy the scenery.” He adds that relaxing in a hot tub or spa counts as a perfect end to a day of forest bathing.

Li foresees a future in which patients diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension may receive a forest bathing prescription, but counsels that shinrin-yoku is considered preventive, rather than therapeutic, medicine.

Enhancing Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Power Ecopsychologist Michael Cohen, Ph.D., executive director of Project NatureConnect, adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want to increase the healing effect of being in nature, it helps to change the way you think and feel about connecting with it.â&#x20AC;? He has students repeat the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as they encounter natural attractionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;be it a tree, bird, brook or breezeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;until they feel that they are part of nature, not separateâ&#x20AC;Ś part of the healing wisdom of the planet. More, he states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sharing helps solidify the experience and opens you to greater personal healing.â&#x20AC;? Maggie Spilner, author of Preventionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Complete Book of Walking and Walk Your Way Through Menopause, leads walking vacations for her company, Walk For All Seasons.

Go Prepared Protect and comfort your feet when traversing forest paths and trails by switching to an off-road shoe, hiking shoe or boot, because the sole will grip uneven surfaces better. If weak ankles are a problem or if uneven trails or rocky climbing are on tap, select high-top models. Wear them around town before heading into the woods, and always take along moleskin or specialty blister band-aids and thicker or thinner socks to aid any hot spots or blisters. Note: A moisture-wicking synthetic sock prevents blisters better than an organic cotton or cotton blend sock.

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action. ~Mother Teresa

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natural awakenings

April 2012

Day. “I think it’s really valuable for everyone in the world, even for a day, to do something for the environment and think about the Earth.”

Take Part Now

MOBILIZE FOR

EARTH

Pledge a Green Act for Earth Day 2012

arge or small, each green action we take—from workplace commitments to reduce, reuse and recycle to individual initiatives like riding a bike to work—helps to protect the integrity of our irreplaceable planet. We have come a long way from the first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, that activated 20 million Americans. Today, the Earth Day Network (EDN) collaborates with 22,000 partners in 192 countries, and 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the world’s largest annual civic observance. More progress is needed, however. “This Earth Day, we are mobilizing people on the planet simply to say one thing: The Earth won’t wait,” advises EDN Director of Earth Day, Franklin Russell, noting that environmental issues are frequently put

on the back burner in the face of global economic challenges. “All too often, we hear of another oil spill or pipeline break, or another mountain leveled to mine for dirty coal. It’s time that we mobilize the Earth and speak with one voice, one message,” he asserts. “It’s time that our leaders put us on the path to sustainability.” EDN invites us to help build the momentum by continuing to participate in the Billion Acts of Green campaign launched for Earth Day 2011. Its goal is to record a billion acts of environmental service and advocacy before Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, taking place this June, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To date, more than 499 million acts have been pledged—a powerful cause for hope. “I’m resolutely optimistic,” says Denis Hayes, organizer of the original Earth

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Pledge your own green act today at EarthDay.org and help mobilize the Earth by attending and supporting one or more of these local Earth Day 2012 events. Arbor/Earth Day Celebration Pinkerton Park 405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin Saturday/April 21/10am-2pm EarthMatters/Earth Day Week Saturday/April 21/6pm 823 Woodland St, Nashville Murfreesboro’s Earth Day Celebration Civic Plaza 111 W Vine St, Murfreesboro Tuesday/April 24/10am-2pm Earth Day/Organic Wine Tasting Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary 545 Beech Creek Rd, Brentwood Sunday/April 22/4pm Earth Day 5K/Banana Hammock Smoothies Charlie Daniels Park 1038 Charlie Daniels Pkwy, Mt Juliet Saturday/April 21/12(noon)

calendarofevents NOTE: Dates and times shown are subject to change. Please confirm event prior to attendance. All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email NApublisher@ NANashville.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NANashville.com to submit online.

MONDAY, APRIL 2 Knee High Naturalist: Who lives in a tree? Thru April 3. 10-11:30am. $10/child & adult in advance: $15/child & adult at gate. Presented by Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, 545 Beech Creek Rd, Brentwood. 615-370-4672.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 Jr. Naturalist Kickoff: Mammals! - 10-11am. Free. All ages welcome. Kick off spring break with the Jr. Naturalist Kickoff. Learn all about those warm and furry animals and get started on earning the Jr. Naturalist patch and certificate. Then, look for the mammal patch icon through the rest of the year for more programs to help you on your mammal mission. Please call to register. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville. 615-862-8539.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Puppet Show Party - 10-11am. Free. All ages welcome. Puppet shows are fun and a great way to learn about nature! Join us for an hour of pure fun. We will present some of our best puppet shows and then teach you how to make a puppet of your own. Please call to register. Leader: Christie Wiser. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville. 615-862-8539.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Wonderful Wildlife with Walden’s Puddle - 1011am. Free. Join Carolyn Pendarvis, Walden’s Puddle WREC, as she introduces you to some amazing wild animals found in our own back yard. You’ll meet a few non-releasable education animals up close and personal and learn about what Walden’s does and why it’s so important. Call to register. All ages welcome. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville. 615-862-8539.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Expo Preview - 10am-5pm. Free. You’re invited! Come and enjoy a peek at all that you will find at “The Galactic Expo” in May. FREE seminars; Intuitive readings; Energywork; Massage; Aura Photography and shopping, all at show prices. Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. Nature Play Open House - 10am-1pm. Free. All ages welcome. Nature Play is a great way to introduce the simplicity and fun of nature to your children. Call to register. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville. 615-862-8539. Feathered Gems of TN - 4-6pm. Free. All ages welcome. Join us for an opening reception for our newest exhibit. Ed Schneider’s detailed photographs bring to life these avian jewels, and inspire

us to look and listen more closely to Nature’s gifts surrounding us. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville. 615-862-8539.

MONDAY, APRIL 9 A Night at the Opera - 7:30pm. Free. Lipscomb University’s opera workshop class will perform scenes from Mozart’s “Cosi fan Tutte,” Handel’s “Alcina,” Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Mikado,” and “Ruddigore,” Humperdinck’s “Hansel & Gretel,” and Bizet’s “Samson & Deilah.” Lipscomb University - Ward Hall, 3901 Granny White Pike, Nashville.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 Southern Women’s Show - Thru April 15. $8/advance purchase at Kroger grocery stores. This annual show attracts thousands of local women each year with fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, beauty tips, health screenings, decoration ideas and personal growth opportunities. Nashville Convention Center, 601 Commerce St, Nashville.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Lymphatic Therapy - Thru April 15. Understand the lymphatic system of the body. LMTs 21 CEs. Class led by Jan Schim, LMT. For additional information or to register call 615-834-0080. East Meets West Holistic Education Center, 5814 Nolensville Pike, Suite 106, Nashville. EMWHEC.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Buttercup Festival - 10am-4pm. Free. Annual event with over 60 vendors. Food, ice cream, petting zoo, music and new this year, “Little Miss Buttercup.” Nolensville Feed mill, 7280 Nolensville Rd, Nashville. Hypno-Birthing - 11am-1pm. Free. Margalena Waker presents a perfect introductory class for anyone expecting or planning a baby! Hypnobirthing teaches you to release all prior programming about birth, how to trust your body and work with it, as well as how to free yourself of harmful emotions that lead to pain-causing fear and unyielding muscles. This is a technique for achieving a satisfying and stress-free method of birthing. It teaches you, along with your birthing companion, the art and joy of experiencing birth in a more comfortable manner. RSVP to Katherine@YourCosmicConnections.com. More about Hypno-birthing at Margalena.com. Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. 615463-7677. Essential Backyard Composting: Techniques for your “Yarden” - 2-3pm. Free. All ages welcome. Join guest Sizwe Herring of EarthMatters for a basic “how to” class on composting and getting a graden started in your own yard! We’ll also look at anaerobic composting method known as Bokashi.

Call to register. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville. 615-862-8539. Spiritual Awareness with Hypnosis - 2-3pm. Free. Marvin Wilkerson, Certified Hypnotist, presents the side of Hypnosis rarely discussed or understood. Come journey with Marvin to the mystical side of Hypnosis. Learn how to ascend to your Light Body or find yourself in the Hall of the Akashic Records. We are learning to travel to the fifth dimension so come to this most enlightening presentation to find out how! Learn how to self-hypnotize and look into the “magic mirror.” Visit Marvin at Astromarv.com. RSVP to Katherine@YourCosmicConnections.com. Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. 615-463-7677.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Temple Arts Festival - Thru April 22. Free. Saturday/8am-10pm. Sunday/10am-5pm. A Juried Art Exhibition and Sale featuring artists from around the country exhibiting works in glass, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, painting and photography. The Temple, 5015 Harding Rd, Nashville. The Herb Society of Nashville - Annual Herb Sale - Free, $5/parking fee. 9am-2pm. Annual plant sale at the TN State Fairgrounds. Browse through 15,000 herbs, including hard-to-find varieties as well as the Society’s Herb of the Year for 2012 - the rose. TN State Fairgrounds, Sports Arena Building off Wedgewood Ave, Nashville. 615-347-6403. The Common Spititual Nature of All People - 10am-12pm. Free. For the last 24 years Carl DeVilbiss has explored the process of engaging groups of people in rich dialogue to connect with their essence, the authentic power of their Spiritual Nature. This session will be an interactive learning experience. This emerges as you contribute to, and grow from, crafting a simple Tetrahedron model of the common Spiritual Nature of all people, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, creed, age or gender. You will work together to develop the model and then create a personal action plan to apply this model to further enlighten and enliven your own life. RSVP as space is limited to Katherine@YourCosmicConnections. com. 615-463-7677. Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. YourCosmicConnections.com. Cleanup & Campfire - 12-2pm. Free. Come by the Nature Center and be prepared to help pick up litter from 12-1pm. Next, bring your trash bag by the Nature Center and join us for a campfire and s’mores. Win a “give-a-way” for collecting the most trash. Call to register. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St, Nashville. 615-862-8539. A Fork In the Road - 1-4pm. Presented by Sue Ruzicka, a sound healer for over 30 years. You will enjoy this fascinating and experiential workshop on sound and vibration. Using tuning forks compliments any type of healing work and adds a new depth to frequency and communication. The effects can be felt immediately and are long lasting.

natural awakenings

April 2012

Use tuning forks to speed physical and emotional healing, for stress relief, to heighten communication skills. Use on yourself, others and even your pets. Bring a new sonic awareness to life, helping you to listen and observe life as musical. RSVP to Katherine@YourCosmicConnections.com. Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. YourCosmicConnections.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Earth Day Legacy Project - Join GoodWorks in Leiper’s Fork on their first annual Earth Day Legacy Project. Sponsored by Williamson County Master Gardeners, help support this initiative by cleaning up the surrounding grounds and implementing a permaculture design with raised bed organic gardens. For information or to register email to info@goodworksinleipersfork.org or call 615-595-0149. Essential Oil Share - 6:30-8:30pm. $5 donation appreciated. Come smell the gardens of Mother Earth. Natural organic therapeutic grade essential oils from Young Living. East Meets West Holistic Education Center, 5814 Nolensville Pike, Suite 106, Nashville. 615-834-0080.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24 A Taste of East Meets West Holistic Education Center - Thru April 27. Learn the benefits of natural wellness therapies in a 3 hour introductory class: reflexology, aromatherapy, craniosacral, lymphatic, myofascial, chair massage, Ayurveda and Tai Chi. CEs for LMTs. For more information call 615-834-0080. Registration required as space is limited. East Meets West Holistic Education Center, 5814 Nolensville Pike, Suite 106, Nashville. EMWHEC.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? 11:30am-1pm. Free. A sense you’ve lived before? Out-of-body or near-death experiences? Dreams of a departed loved one? An inner light or inner sound? You are warmly invited to this workshop for people of all faiths that can help you discover what your experiences really mean, and connect with other like-minded people. Attendees receive a FREE CD with special techniques for exploring Dreams and Soul Travel. Presented by Carl DeVilbiss and Eckankar. ECK-Tenn.org. RSVP as space is limited. Katherine@YourCosmicConnections.com. 615-463-7677. YourCosmicConnections.com. Vibrational Medicine/Voice Prints - 2-3pm. Free. Vibrational Medicine is about learning how your personal vibrations and frequencies create and support the world you live in. This introductory seminar will give participants some grounding in vibrational medicine and therapy, including some history and studies to validate the frequency process. A voice analysis will be done live, so that participants can experience and visualize the voice print. Shira will discuss the value of the voice print and how to use it to determine illness and dis-ease in the physical, emotional and mental body. There will be experiential work for all who come. Presented by Shira Hunt LPN, CVT, CHTP. RSVP as space is limited to Katherine@Your CosmicConnections.com. Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. 615-463-7677.

NA Nashville Edition

ongoingevents NOTE: Dates and times shown are subject to change. Please confirm event prior to attendance. All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email NApublisher@NANashville.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NANashville.com to submit online.

daily Adventure Science Center – 1:30-2:30pm daily. Sci-Bites. Live demonstrations and hands on programs that spark imaginations and encourage curiosity. Adventure Science Center, Cosmic Ray’s, Second floor, 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville. 615-862-5160. Bubble Cave - Bubble Cave is now open for exploration. Learn about the science of bubbles and caves. How do bubbles work? Why do they pop? What exactly is a sink hole? For more information on admission times, ticket pricing and parking, call 931-648-5780. Customs House Museum & Cultural Center - Clarksville, 200 South Second St, Clarksville. Centennial Dog Park - Open from dawn to 8pm. Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville. For dog park rules visit Nashville.gov. Complementary Medicine Program - Acupuncture, massage therapy and aesthetic (skin care and facials) by appointment Monday through Saturday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 615-222-3234. Open to STHS patients, associates, and the public. Baptist and Saint Thomas Hospitals. Hermitage: Frontier Farm to American Landmark – Daily. Take a look at how this 1,000-acre property evolved from a modest frontier farm to Andrew Jackson’s prosperous and expansive cotton plantation. The exhibit also shows how after Jackson’s death, the Hermitage became an American landmark while simultaneously deteriorating due to the Jackson family’s downward financial situation. Hermitage, 4580 Rachaels’ Ln, Nashville. 615-889-2941 or visit: TheHermitage.com. Movement Lessons - Aches, pains, disability? Daily group and private movement lessons for body/brain function: improve balance, strength, bones, brain, comfort and more. Info@NashvilleMindAndBody.com. 615-269-9718. Music City Alpacas - Field trips, fleeces, organic compost, yarn and several alpaca products available. Show, pet and fiber quality animals available for 4-H to backyard pets. Location: 14087 Old Hickory Blvd, Antioch. Contact Amanda LaQuiere at 615941-1639 or visit: MusicCityAlpacas.com. Nashville Farmers’ Market – 8am-5pm daily. 900 Rosa Parks Blvd, Nashville. 615-880-2001. Nashville Zoo – Various events include Members’ Day, Grandparents’ Day, Sunset Safari, camping experiences, Seniors’ Day, annual 5K race, and much more. Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Rd, Nashville. 615-833-1534 or visit: NashvilleZoo.org. Parthenon – Tour a replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. Contains a re-creation of the 42 foot statue of Athena. Closed New Year’s Day. Centennial Park, 2600 West End Ave, Nashville. For pricing and schedule information call 615862-8431.

Purity Dairies - See how ice cream is processed and packaged. Includes a free ice cream novelty. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this, but you do need to call first. 615-760-2200, Ext 73314. Reservations req. & tours available from 10am-1pm. Shelby Dog Park - Open dawn to 8pm. Behind Shelby Park Community Center, Shelby Ave at S 20 Street, Nashville. For dog park rules visit: Nashville.gov. Stones River Farmers Market - Online farmers market, featuring several farms and locally grown and produced products. This farmers market offers consumers the opportunity to “call ahead” and have your order waiting for you. For more information or to order call John Erdmann at 615-848-8942. Tennessee Agricultural Museum – Daily. Located on the spacious grounds of the Ellington Agricultural Center includes an extensive collection of home and farm artifacts from the 19th and early 20th century. Hands-on activities, seminars, music, molasses arts, crafts festival, educational, basket making, quilting, spinning and much more. Tennessee Agricultural Museum, 440 Hogan Rd, Nashville. 615-837-5197. The Tennessean - Find out how our local newspaper works. Tour our newsrooms and see our production process. For reservations call 615-6642171 or email: tours@tennessean.com. Thompson’s Station Farmers Market - April 18 thru October 24. 2-6pm. For more information, item availability and participation call Rebecca Wynd at 615-612-9432. OutdoorEncounter.org. Warner Dog Park - Open from dawn to dusk. Edwin Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville. For dog park rules visit: Nashville.gov. Yoga Classes - Baptist Hospital Wellness Center, 2000 Church St, Nashville. 615-284-5066. Saint Thomas Wellness Center, 4220 Harding Road, Nashville. 615-222-2056. For class schedule and fees call desired location. Yoga Country – Yoga classes and workshops for all levels. Complimentary Yoga Advisor program for new students. Yoga Works Teacher Training, private yoga sessions, and corporate yoga also available. Location: 116 Wilson Pike Circle, Ste 235, Brentwood. For information visit: YogaCountry.com or call 615-377-7776.

monday Metro Nashville Farmers’ Market – 9-5pm. Open all year. 900 Eighth Ave N, Nashville. NashvilleFarmersMarket.org. Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art – 11am-4:30pm, Sun; 9:30am-4:30pm, Tues-Sat. The 55-acre site includes art museum, botanical gardens, restaurant, gift shop, sculpture trail, changing art exhibits and Botanic Hall. Price varies. Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art, 1200 Forest Park Drive, Nashville. 615356-8000.

classifieds Place your classified for only $1.00 per word, per month (10 word minimum). To place listing, email content to: NApublisher@NANashville.com

BOOKS (USED) Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. 615-463-7677. We are a year round college textbook buyback location for BookFool.com. Paying you cash for your textbooks.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

a positive state of mind, and take back control of your time and life. For more information or to register visit: ForwardFirstCoaching.com or call 800-991-7844.

Diabetes Support Group - 6-7pm. The group meets the first Thursday of each month. Baptist Hospital Diabetes Center, 2010 Church St, Ste 201, Nashville. 615-284-2800

wednesday

friday

East Nashville Farmers Market - 3:30-6:30pm. Features a diverse mixture of products, including natural dye clothing, candles and fresh cut flowers from local growers in the Middle TN area. For more information call Sean Siple at 615-585-1294. EastNashvilleMarket.com.

Coffee, Tea and Diabetes Support Group – This group meets the first Friday of each month. Middle TN Medical Center, 1700 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro. For information call Roshelle Parker at 615-426-2646.

Full/Part time Community Relations Rep – Natural Awakenings is now accepting resumes for Community Relations Rep/s in select Nashville/Middle Tennessee territories. People skills, excellent communicator, organizational skills, previous sales experience an advantage but will train the right person. We’re positive people looking for positive associates. Flexible schedule with great earning potential. Email cover letter and resume to NAPublisher@NANashville.com.

Fat Lady Yoga - 5pm & 7pm. $15 per class or buy a 6 class package for $75. No matter your size, come and have fun. RSVP required as class size is limited. 615-834-0080. East Meets West Holistic Education Center, 5814 Nolensville Rd, Nashville.

HEALTH COACH

Yogalesque – 7:15-8:15pm. Class/$8. This class is designed to make you long and flexible, while staying lean and strong. Perfect for new and experienced alike. Bring your own mat. For more information visit: DelinquentDebutantes.com.

Need a Cancer coach? For healing, call 901644-0831.

MASSAGE We travel to you! Same day appointments. 615349-1345.

WEIGHT LOSS Achieve your New Year’s resolution to lose weight and/or get fit with our 72 day Alkaline Weight Loss challenge. 615-972-4344. SevenPoint2Challenge.com. ARTemis – 6-8pm. Free. First Monday of every month. Nonprofit organization, Festive Evolution, is facilitating this convocation of women to discuss the role of the artist in effecting social change. The fundamental principle of Festive Evolution is that artists are among the greatest agents of change in the world. For more information email: SaraLSharpe@gmail.com.

A-Course-In-Miracles - 7pm. Bread Of Life Ministry, 11936 Lebanon Rd, Mt. Juliet. For more information or to register call Libby at 615-773-6084.

Svaroopa Yoga with Ryoko - 7:30-9:00pm. Therapeutic style of yoga reaches into and releases the deep seated layers of spinal tension in your body. Beginner friendly and drop-in’s welcome. The Yoga Room (Berry Hill, near 100 Oaks Mall), 2829 Azalea Place, Nashville. 615-298-443 or visit: HealingSpiritBodywork.com.

thursday Conversations with God - 10 class module. $15 per class, module pricing available. Led by Annie & Greg Sims, certified as instructors by the author of “Conversations with God,” Neal Donald Walsch. 615-834-0080. East Meets West Holistic Education Center, 5814 Nolensville Rd, Nashville.

tuesday

Nissan Auto Plant Tour - 10am & 1pm. Free tours for ages 10 and older. Reservations are preferred. Smyrna location. 615-459-1444.

Nissan Auto Plant Tour - 10am & 1pm. Free tours for ages 10 and older. Reservations are preferred. Smyrna location. Call 615-459-1444.

KidZone - 4pm. Free. Cool crafts, great games, special guests and more, all designed just for elementary school age kids! There’s something different every week. Madison Branch - Nashville Public Library, 610 Gallatin Rd S, Madison. 615-862-5868.

Cardio Burlesque: Striptease Aerobics – 6-7pm. Class/$8. This class uses burlesque and belly dance moves with aerobics to get, and keep your heart rate up. For more information visit: DelinquentDebutantes.com. La Leche League of Rutherford County – 6-8pm. Free. Second Tuesday of every month. Explore the advantages of breastfeeding, childbirth and the baby at home, the art of breastfeeding and overcoming difficulties, nutrition and weaning. All welcome. 931-308-9817. Crossway Baptist Church, 4194 Shelbyville Pike, Murfreesboro. Power Hour Workshop – 7-8pm. Second Tuesday of every month. Learn how to articulate and reach your life goals, find balance, create a vision of your life, eliminate obstacles, practice

Hillsboro Village Art Walk - 5-8pm. Free. First Thursday of every month, year round event. All the shops in the village are providing something special including artists, musicians, demonstrations, book signings, movies, etc. Families welcome. Hillsboro Village, 21st Ave S & Blakemore, Nashville. Reiki - 6:30-8pm. First Thursday of each month. Donations appreciated. Experience a night of energy-work as a recipient, practitioner or observer. Cosmic Connections, 1701 Portland Ave, Nashville. For information contact Diana Shaffer at 615-513-6565.

Senior Fitness Circuit Training - 8:30am. Every Friday. Middle TN Medical Center, 1700 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro. 615-896-0290. Story Time - 10:30am. Program includes songs, stories and a simple craft or coloring page. All preschool age children are welcome to attend. Gallatin Public Library, 123 East Main St, Gallatin. Band Music – 7-9pm. Third Friday each month. Live music with a different band each month. Cannonsburgh Village, 312 South Front St, Murfreesboro. 615-890-0355. Mindful Nourishment – 7-9pm. Donations appreciated. First and third Friday of every month. Support group for anyone on a diet, life style change or just interested in learning more about nourishment and how to eat better. For more information call 615-834-0080. East Meets West Holistic Education Center, 5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville.

saturday Build And Grow – 10am. Enjoy a kid’s clinic for hands-on fun and excitement. Lowes Home Improvement Store. Contact your local Lowe’s for schedule. Forest Hills Farmers Market - Open thru October. 8am-12pm. The market provides a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, herbs and meats grown by area farmers. Fresh cakes, pies and pastries are also available, prepared by local bakers who provide desserts to many of Nashville’s upscale restaurants. Growers donate portions of their fresh produce each week to Feed America First. Bring either cash or checks to buy the produce. For more information or to volunteer, contact Leigh Ann Pettus, Market Organizer at 615-376-8013. ForesthillsUMC.org Nashville Fibro Friends – 11:15am-1:15pm. Free. First Saturday of each month. Meet with others who suffer from Fibromyalgia and chronic pain to discuss, share, laugh and conquer the misconceptions regarding these disabling conditions. McNamara’s Irish Restaurant, 2740 Old Lebanon Rd, Nashville. 615-403-1515.

sunday Add Harmony to Life – 10:30-11:45am. Donations appreciated. Every Sunday morning, Speakers, Ministers, guided meditations, inspirational readings, and more. World Music Nashville, 7069 Highway 70 South, Nashville. 615-662-5539. www.mccsl.org.

natural awakenings

April 2012

communityresourceguide Natural Networking at its best! Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, call 615-7678818 or email NApublisher@ NANashville.com to request a media kit. ASTROLOGY Marvin L. Wilkerson Master Astrologer 615-557-5667 Astromarv.com

ORGANO GOLD

615-967-8844 liquidtreasure@comcast.net LiquidTreasure.OrganoGold.com

Coffee is the second most consumed drink on the planet after water. It’s the second most traded commodity after oil. People drink coffee all day, every day in almost every country around the world. What if the simple act of drinking a cup of coffee could improve your health? Organo Gold includes a complete line of gourmet coffee, hot chocolate and green tea products. See ad, page 13.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY SMILES OF CHATTANOOGA

One on One consultations, workshops, lectures and presentations including Sun Bear’s Native American Medicine Wheel. For more information, to schedule an appointment, or for your free horoscope forecast visit: Astromarv. com. See ad, page 20.

AURA PHOTOGRAPHY AURA IMAGING PHOTOGRAPHY 615-463-7677 YourCosmicConnections.com

Open up your understanding of the human energy field. Not only do we have physical bodies, we are indeed beings of energy. Your Aura-Chakra Photo and Report gives you a colorful visual representation of your energy field. Biofeedback sensors analyze process and correlate your information to exploring your inner world of mind, body and energy. See ad, page 12.

FAMILY PRACTICE COLE FAMILY PRACTICE

4962 Lebanon Pike, Old Hickory 615-874-3422 ColeFamilyPractice.org

Traditional healthcare with a holistic approach! We can see the whole family for their healthcare needs. Same day appointments for acute illness. We accept most insurance. See ad, page 17.

FOOD/BEVERAGES

NA Nashville Edition

Robert J. Gallien DDS 4620 Hwy 58, Chattanooga 423-208-9783 SmileChattanooga.com

Taking fear out of dentistry! Dr. Robert Gallien’s holistic approach to dentistry offers a variety of treatments that establishes a “comfort-comes-first policy.” For more information please call or visit our website. See ad, page 25.

INTUITIVE Kelly McCullough

kelly@kelly-mcc.com Kelly-Mcc.com 615-804-9154

Kelly offers a variety of services that empower people to improve their overall well-being. Intuitive readings, stone and crystal energy work, chakra balancing, clearing of negative energy from the body and etheric field. Kelly is also Reiki certified. RSVP to Cosmic Connections, by appointment only. 615804-9154. See ad, page 21.

SCHOOLS MILLER-MOTTE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

1515 Gallatin Pike North, Madison Admissions – 888-803-4203 Other – 615-859-8090 Miller-Motte.edu

If you’re beginning your educational journey, or need specialized career training, our faculty and staff are ready to help. Classes include electrical systems, welding technology, HVAC, solar technology, wind technology, sustainable construction, security systems, cosmetology and esthetics that are accessible and affordable. See ad, page 4.

SPIRITUAL LIVING HOLISTIC SERVICES STORE COSMIC CONNECTIONS

1701 Portland Ave, Nashville 615-463-7677 YourCosmicConnections.com

We are a gift, book, music and holistic services store offering a wide range of products, services, free seminars and affordable workshops to empower you on your path of mind-body-spirit connections and wellness. See ad, page 6.

HYPNOSIS MIDDLE TN HYPNOSIS CENTER

1461 Battleground Dr, Suite B, Murfreesboro 615-653-4628

At the Middle Tennessee Hypnosis Center we help people access the highest levels of their mind in to achieve inner peace, become healthier, and have more love for life! Stress management, weight loss, smoking, chronic pain, sports and more, we can help. See ad, page 9

Music City Center for Spiritual Living 7069 US 70S by Krogers 615-662-5539 MCCSL.org

MCCSL is a healing & teaching center which provides spiritual tools that can change your live! Revs. Michael & Dyann invite you to join them on Sunday at 10:30. info@mccsl. org.

VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS Independent Distributor

ChrisTait.MyShaklee.com 615-554-6307

Shakleeis the number one natural nutrition company in the world. Our mission at Shaklee is to provide a healthier life for everyone and a better life for everyone. When you pick Shaklee, you will know three things to be true. It is always safe, it always works, and it’s always green. See ad, page 32.

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS...

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NA Nashville Edition