2009-08-CCN

august 2009

c onnec tion

free

SLOW MONEY INVESTING

FOOD, FARMS AND FERTILITY MATTERED!

INAUGURAL NATIONAL GATHERING:

SANTA FE, SEPTEMBER 9-11

S

low Money is a book, an emerging network, a call to action. The goal: Major new sources of capital for local food systems and small food enterprises. And, if that isn't enough, authentic alternatives to the bigger, faster and more complex investment products of Wall Street.

When Woody Tasch came to New Mexico in 2007 to take a year off and write a book, he didn't know he was starting a movement. Now, here he is, book in hand, the Slow Money Alliance launched, with a buzz that is national, and maybe even international. Woody, a La Monanita Co-op member, is bringing Slow Money's inaugural national gathering to Santa Fe on September 9-11. La Montanita Co-op is a proud sponsor.

Slow Money is inspiring folks, including a recent Huffington Post blogger: "This 4th of July, let's declare our freedom from the pharmopetro-chemico-military-industrial-agribusiness... Slow Money gets right to the heart of everything that's ailing our economy and corroding our culture... It offers a formula for a new kind of capitalism in which farmers' markets and stock markets both flourish.

“It makes the case for an enlightened, re-localized food system that could bring us wholesome foods affordably without degrading people, animals and the planet. Sound impossible?

It's really our only hope."

For more information or to register for the gathering go to www.slowmoneyalliance.org Consider membership in the Slow Money Alliance. See you in Santa Fe, September 911 at the Slow Money Gathering!

SLOW MONEY

I

n order to preserve and restore local food systems and local economies; in order to reconnect food producers and consumers and reconnect investors to that in which they are investing and to the places in which they live; in order to promote the transition from an economy based on extraction and consumption to an economy based on preservation and restoration; we do hereby affirm the following Principles.

I. We must bring money back down to earth.

II. We must bring our money home. We must put money back into local economies and carbon back into the soil.

III. We must invest as if food, farms and fertility mattered.

IV. We must invest as if carrying capacity, diversity and non-violence mattered; as if aquifers mattered; as if childhood nutrition and food deserts and obesity sideby-side with hunger all mattered.

September 9-11, 2009 • SANTA FE RAILYARD Slow Money’s new economic vision is an emerging network of investors, donors, entrepreneurs, farmers and activists committed to building local food systems and local economies. It's about the soil of the economy. It's the beginning of the "nurture capital" industry.

Come to Santa Fe. Meet thought leaders and change agents from around the country. Let's build new capital markets that support preservation and restoration. Let's fix America's economy... from the ground up.

Date!

THE CO-OP’S ANNUAL

Membership Meeting Sat. October 24th, 5:30pm

at SITE Santa Fe, this event is free and open to the public! Enjoy a Local Foods Fiesta, local music and SITE Santa Fe’s current exhibition following Susan’s talk.

WE ARE PLEASED TO WELCOME

SUSAN WITT

Executive Director of the E.F. Schumacher Society. She will speak on linking people, land and community through local economies.

For more information contact Robin at robins@ lamontanita.coop or call her at 505-217-2027, or toll free outside of Albuquerque at 877-775-2667.

See page 2 for more information.

Space fills quickly so farmers, gardeners, artists and environmental and social justice organizations please reserve your FREE space early. To reserve your space contact Robyn at 217-2027. Or call toll free 877-775-2667

Oct. 24th

5:30pm

with Susan Witt

La Montanita Co-op, Edible Santa Fe, Bioneers, 1% for the Planet, Santa Fe Alliance, Blue Moon Fund, Green Money Journal, Organic Valley Co-op, RSF Social Finance, Slow Food, The Organic Center, Edible Communities Publications, BALLE, Ethical Markets Media, Capulin Cooperative Alliance, Haymarket Peoples Fund, Crop to Cuisine SIGN the Principles! JOIN the Alliance!

REGISTER for the National Gathering at www.slowmoneyalliance.org

SPEAKERS I N C L U D E : PAOLO DI CROCE, executive director, Slow Food International ANTHONY FLACCAVENTO, executive director, Appalachian Sustainable Development JOAN GUSSOW, author, This Organic Life PETER KINDER, president, KLD Research and Analytics FRED KIRSCHENMANN, director, Leopold Center KRISTIN MARTINEZ, entrepreneur in residence, New Mexico Community Capital DAVID ORR, professor, Oberlin College GEORGE SIEMON, CEO, Organic Valley

V. There is such a thing as money that is too fast, companies that are too big, finance that is too complex. Therefore, we must slow our money down—not all of it, of course, but enough to matter.

VI. Organic seed companies, organic farmers, manufacturers of organic agricultural inputs, slow food restauranteurs, niche organic brands, local food processors, producer and consumer co-ops, neighborhood retailers, CSAs, farmers’ markets, urban gardens, edible schoolyards—without them, there can be no durable economic health or quality of life, no durable food safety or food security.

VII. We must build the nurture capital industry.

VIII. We must give investors and philanthropists the tools they need to facilitate dramatic increases in support for small food enterprises — new philanthropic charters that steer foundation assets, funds dedicated to CSAs and organic farmland,

Save the

GREG STELTENPOHL, founder, Odwalla WOODY TASCH, chairman and president, Slow Money JUDY WICKS, founder, White Dog Cafe

PA R T N E R I N G O R G A N I Z AT I O N S :

FROM THE GROUND UP

Slow MONEY PRINCIPLES

AS IF OUR

nurture CAPITAL and collaborative structures for local investors.

IX. There is something beautiful about a diversified organic farm. There is something beautiful about a CSA. There is something beautiful about Terra Madre. There is nothing beautiful about bovine growth hormone or Red Dye #4 or high fructose corn syrup. We must invest as if beauty mattered.

X. We must dare to imagine that after the Age of Industrial Finance and Industrial Agriculture comes the Age of Earthworm Economics. Let us recognize the words of Paul Newman, one of its first proponents, who said: “I just happen to think that in life we need to be a little like the farmer who puts back into the soil what he takes out.”

XI. We must ask: • What would the world be like if we invested 50% of our assets within 50 miles of where we live?

• What if there were a new generation of companies that gave away 50% of their profits?

• What if there were 50% more organic matter in our soil 50 years from now?

XII. We need slow money... quickly.

The Slow Money Principles are a living document, a beginning, a reflection of the vision that is emerging in communities around the country. Join the Alliance and sign on at www.slowmoneyalliance.org

SUSAN WITT

Linking Land, People, Communities and Local Economies created more affordable access to land. She is founder COMING SOON, SAVE THE DATE October 24, 5:30pm at SITE Santa Fe

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usan Witt has served as executive director of the E. F. Schumacher Society since its founding in 1980 and has led the development of its programs.

E. F Schumacher’s economic principles found a wide audience with the publication of his landmark book Small is Beautiful in which he “argued for a system of diverse regional economies based on social and ecological principles.” At the Schumacher Society, Susan helps to manifest Fritz’s ideals by “maintaining a research library, organizing lectures and seminars, publishing papers, developing model economic programs, and providing technical assistance to groups working to build sustainable local economies by linking people, land, and community.”

Additionally, Susan is the founder and administrator of the Community Land Trust of the Southern Berkshires, and in that capacity has been responsible for many of the innovative financing and contracting methods that

of the Self-Help Association for a Regional Economy (SHARE), a micro-lending program for small businesses and the newly formed “BerkShare” local currency program. In 1992 she was elected the first woman president of the Great Barrington Rotary Club. She serves on the boards of the Great Barrington Land Conservancy, WAMC Northeast Public Radio and of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). She is an advisory board member of The Orion Society, publishers of Orion magazine.

We are pleased to be able to publish several of Susan’s essays in the coming months in the Co-op Connection News. Her essays have appeared in a variety of books and periodicals across the globe. Susan speaks regularly on the topic of citizen responsibility for shaping local economies.

We at La Montanita Co-op are honored to be able to host her for this, her first trip to New Mexico. Watch upcoming Co-op Connection News issues for more information on her appearances in Albuquerque and Santa Fe in October. See her article, Land: the Challenge and the Opportunity beginning on page 2.

living

economics

A Community - Owned Natural Foods Grocery Store La Montanita Cooperative Nob Hill/ 7am-10pm M-S, 8am-10pm Sun. 3500 Central SE Albuq., NM 87106 265-4631

DE-COMMODITIZE THE LAND

LAND:

CHALLENGE AND

OPPORTUNITY SUSAN WITT AND BOB SWANN To read the full text of this article go to www.schumachersociety.org/publications/essay_land.html.

Special thanks to Susan Witt and the E.F. Schumacher Society for permission to excerpt the following article.

ciples of Gandhi. Vinoba walked from village to village in rural India in the 1950s and 1960s, asking those with more land than they needed to give a portion of it to their poorer sisters and brothers. The initiative was known as the Boodan or Land Gift movement, and many of India's leaders participated in these walks.

BY

Valley/ 7am-10pm M-Sun. 2400 Rio Grande Blvd. NW Albuq., NM 87104 242-8800 Gallup/ 10am-7pm M-S, 11am-6pm Sun. 105 E. Coal Gallup, NM 87301 863-5383 Santa Fe/ 7am-10pm M-S, 8am-10pm Sun. 913 West Alameda Santa Fe, NM 87501 984-2852 Cooperative Distribution Center 3361 Columbia NE, Albuq., NM 87107 217-2010 Administrative Staff: 505-217-2001 TOLL FREE: 877-775-2667 (COOP) • General Manager/Terry Bowling 217-2020 terryb@lamontanita.coop • Controller/John Heckes 217-2026 johnh@lamontanita.coop • Computers/Info Technology/ David Varela 217-2011 tech@lamontanita.coop • Food Service/Bob Tero 217-2028 bobt@lamontanita.coop • Human Resources/Sharret Rose 217-2023 hr@lamontanita.coop • Marketing/Edite Cates 217-2024 editec@lamontanita.coop • Membership/Robin Seydel 217-2027 robins@lamontanita.coop • CDC/MichelleFranklin 217-2010 mf@lamontanita.coop Store Team Leaders: • Mark Lane/Nob Hill 265-4631 markl@lamontanita.coop • John Mulle/Valley 242-8800 jm@lamontanita.coop • William Prokopiack/Santa Fe 984-2852 willpro@lamontanita.coop • Alisha Olguin/Gallup 575-863-5383 alishao@lamontanita.coop Co-op Board of Directors: email: bod@lamontanita.coop President: Martha Whitman Vice President: Marshall Kovitz Secretary: Ariana Marchello Treasurer: Ken O’Brien William Bright Lonn Calanca Stephanie Dobbie Tamara Saimons Betsy Van Liet Membership Costs: $15 for 1 year/$200 Lifetime Membership Co-op Connection Staff: Managing Editor: Robin Seydel robins@lamontanita.coop Layout and Design: foxyrock inc Cover/Centerfold: Co-op Marketing Dept.

Advertising: Robin Seydel Editorial Assistants: Rob Moore, Josh Center robm@lamontanita.coop 217-2016 joshc@lamontanita.coop 217-2016 Printing: Vanguard Press Membership information is available at all four Co-op locations, or call 217-2027 or 877-775-2667 email: robins@lamontanita.coop Membership response to the newsletter is appreciated.

Address typed, double-spaced copy to the Managing Editor, robins@lamontanita.coop website: www.lamontanita.coop Copyright © 2009 La Montanita Co-op Supermarket Reprints by prior permission.

The Co-op Connection is printed on 65% postconsumer recycled paper. It is recyclable.

We abuse the land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.

- Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac (1949)

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any problems of our age demand brave new solutions. The rapid breakdown of existing systems calls for courage, flexibility, vision and steadfast determination. It is time for action of a broad and populist nature informed by common cause and common consent, action which is bold and affirmative, action which reflects a new understanding of our responsibilities to the earth and to one another. Future generations deserve nothing less.

Earth-Given The economist Ralph Borsodi, in his book The Seventeen Problems of Man and Society, distinguishes between those things that can be legally owned and thus traded, and those that belong in the realm of "trusteeship," to use Gandhi's term. Whatever an individual creates as a result of labor applied to land — the harvest from a garden, the home built of wood from the forest, the sweater knitted from spun wool — is private property and may rightfully be traded as commodities. However, the land itself and its resources, which are Earth-given and of limited supply, should be held in trusteeship and their use allocated on a limited basis for present and future generations.

The scarcity of arable land and a growing demand for it result in an increase in the value of the land through no effort on the part of the landowner. The potential for speculative gain inherent in the present system of private land ownership places tremendous pressure on the landowner to maximize the dollar value of the land by developing it. The use of zoning regulations and conservation restrictions is a limited and increasingly costly method for ending our tradition of land exploitation.

A further result of the ability to commoditize land is that wealth generated by a community will flow first into land — from which high gains are anticipated — rather than into new small businesses. The local economy stagnates when a community's capital is tied up in land. Credit for the small-business owner tightens. The region loses its diversity of enterprises, which is the basis of a more sustainable economy and a more environmentally responsible business sector. When a region unties its capital from the land, it creates new investment capital, which can activate the imaginative and entrepreneurial skills of the community, generating new local businesses that will produce goods and services once imported from other regions. New investment capital can facilitate increased regional production and steel regional economies against fluctuations in the broader economy.

Community Land Trust The Community Land Trust (CLT) concept as developed by the E. F. Schumacher Society was inspired by Ralph Borsodi and by Borsodi's work with J. P. Narayan and Vinoba Bhave, both dis-

Without tools, seeds and an affordable credit system available to purchase these necessary things, the land was useless to them. They soon sold their deeds back to the large landowners and left for the cities. Seeing this, Vinoba altered the Boodan system to a Gramdan or Village Gift system. All donated land was subsequently held by the village itself. The village would then lease the land to those capable of working it. The lease expired if the land was unused. The Gramdan movement inspired a series of regional village land trusts that anticipated Community Land Trusts (CLT in the United States).

The first CLT in this country allowed AfricanAmerican farmers in the rural South to gain access to farmland in the “New Communities” of Albany, Georgia. They relied on the legal documents of the Jewish National Fund in structuring the organization.

The Fund began to acquire land in Israel at the turn of the last century and now holds 95 percent of the land in Israel. It has a long and established legal history of leasing land to individuals, to cooperatives, and to intentional communities such as kibbutzim.

After traveling to Israel in the 1960s, the group purchased a 5,000-acre farm in rural Georgia, developed a plan for the land, and leased it to a group of African-American farmers.

The legal documents have been tested and refined since the 1960s, and hundreds of Community Land Trusts are now operational, with many others in the planning stage. The perseverance and foresight of that team of Schumacher staff and residents of Georgia, motivated by the right of African-American farmers to farm land securely and affordably, initiated the CLT movement in this country.

Organizational Structure A Community Land Trust is a not-for-profit, democratic organization, with membership open to any resident of the geographical region or bioregion where it is located. The purpose of a CLT is to create a democratic institution to hold land and to retain the use-value of the land for the benefit of the community. The effect of a CLT is to provide affordable access to land for housing, farming, small businesses and civic projects.

A CLT acquires land by gift or purchase and then develops a land-use plan for the parcel, identifying which lands should remain forever wild and which should support low-impact development.

A Community Land Trust fosters healthy ecosystems and an appropriate social use of the land. The planners solicit input from residents of the region to determine the best uses of the land: recreational space, wildlife preserve, managed woodlots for a local industry, secure farmlands for the region, affordable housing and/or office space. The land trust then leases sites for the purposes agreed upon. The lease runs for ninety-nine years and is inheritable and renewable on the original terms. The leaseholder owns the buildings and any agricultural improvements on the land but not the land itself.

Upon resale, leaseholders are restricted to selling their buildings and improvements at current replacement cost, excluding the land's market value from the transfer. They are not permitted to sell or sublet the land itself, which remains permanently owned by the Trust. The resale restriction ensures that the land will never again be capitalized and will provide affordable access to land for future generations. The land-use plans ensure that the resource base is maintained and enriched; not deplet-

continued on page 3

RUN for the

BOARD of DIRECTORS CANDIDATE PACKETS AVAILABLE AUGUST 7TH Pick up a Board Candidate packet at any Co-op location.

Help guide the growth of New Mexico’s Cooperative Economic network.

For more info contact : bod@lamontanita.coop.

DEADLINE: September 17, 2009 BOARD ELECTIONS: November 1-14th, 2009 NOMINATIONS: from August 7-September 17

IT’S YOUR CO-OP!

2

august 2009

living

economics

THE SCHUMACHER

SOCIETY

"Perhaps we cannot raise the winds. But each of us can put up the sail, so that when the wind comes we can catch it."

-E.F. Schumacher, Small is Beautiful

E.F. SCHUMACHER Schumacher’s 1974 tour of the States; a tour which had a catalytic effect on the sustainable energy movement. At Schumacher’s suggestion Swann established a U.S.-based group to work on the interface of economics, land use and applied technology; six years later the E.F. Schumacher Society came into being.

E

rnest Friedrich Schumacher, (August 16th, 1911-Sept 4th, 1977) rose to international prominence with the publication of his landmark book Small is Beautiful, Economics as if People Mattered in 1973. The book has been translated into 27 different languages and in 1995 was named by the London Times Literary Supplement as one of the hundred most influential books written after World War II. E.F. Schumacher Society founder, Robert Swann, was inspired by Schumacher’s writings published in Resurgence magazine. On a trip to England to meet Schumacher in 1967, he suggested the articles be collected in a book format, leading directly to the publication of Small is Beautiful. Swann organized

The mission of the Schumacher Society is to promote the building of strong local economies that link people, land and community. With Susan Witt as executive director, the society has evolved programs that have grown increasingly effective in fulfilling the mission envisioned by Schumacher, such as developing model programs, including local currencies, community land trusts, and microlending; hosting lectures and other educational events; publishing papers; and maintaining a library to engage scholars and inspire citizen-activists.

LAND AS A COMMUNITY TO WHICH WE

BELONG continued from page 2

ed. The Community Land Trust lease is a tool for meeting social and ecological objectives.

The CLT as a regional landholding organization is an innovative concept compared to conventional patterns of landholding in the United States, but its roots go back to the tradition of the early settlers in New England who brought the practice of the "commons" with them from England. The CLT is not merely a method of holding land in common; it is a way for the community to hold land for the "common good" that provides both security and equity for leaseholders by encouraging their long-term investment and helping them to establish deep roots in the community.

Innovative Planning, Ecologically Sound Goals The CLT recognizes that human beings are a part of the ecological reality of a region and that in order to reach ecologically sound goals we must support economically sound objectives. The CLT approach to land-use planning requires a compatible and sustainable mix of conservation, recreation, housing, farmland, and regional small-scale industries. This means using tracts of land in such a way that the houses do not intrude, or intrude only minimally, on farmland and forest. Because the Community Land Trust is the owner of all lots on a tract of land, it can cluster housing, build shared driveways, and designate common-use areas.

Cooperation Builds Community The Community Land Trust in the Southern Berkshires holds title to twenty-one acres in Great Barrington known as Forest Row. Forest Row includes preserved land, a common recreational area, woodland, and eighteen units of housing clustered on five acres that were developed in collaboration with the future home owners. Even with careful planning and unit-owner participation, the CLT was unable to keep purchase costs as low as it would have liked because of the high cost of construction.

This problem was tackled by the Fund for Affordable Housing, a separately organized tax-exempt organization that can accept donations to subsidize construction costs. The Fund has built two homes at Forest Row for sale to low-income families. As a volunteer organization modeled after Habitat for Humanity, the Fund organizes community assistance for the construction of the homes it builds.

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august 2009

Gallup

Recently the Community Land Trust in the Southern Berkshires joined with the Great Barrington Land Conservancy to establish a fund to purchase tracts of farmland. The land will be leased back to farmers at a reasonable cost, thus reducing overall indebtedness on farms. The farmers will retain ownership of the buildings and equipment, which they may sell to future leaseholders at replacement value. The lease agreement is a tool to protect present and future affordability of the land for farmers and ensures that conservation measures are incorporated into agricultural practices.

Appropriate Tool for Change The Community Land Trust is a flexible civic tool for holding land on a democratic basis for the common good while facilitating private ownership of structures and improvements. Unfortunately, the accumulation of land in CLTs has been very gradual. It is true that each new piece of land in a CLT has its own story of hope and good work and that each piece serves to remind the general public that land is "a community to which we belong." But there is no broad movement to de-commoditize land. We have yet to fully imagine and embrace a culture in which land use is allocated by social and environmental contract rather than by checkbook.

Can our Western minds imagine what it would be like if all the land in a region were freed from debt and freed from trading to the highest bidder? In short, freed to be the "community to which we belong." E. F. Schumacher suggested in his classic work, Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered, that the best strategy for action is simply to begin: "Perhaps we cannot raise the winds. But each of us can put up the sail, so that “The modern industrial system has a built-in tendency to grow; when the wind comes we can catch it cannot really work unless it is growing. The word ‘stability’ has it." We feel that a Community Land been struck from its dictionary and replaced by ‘stagnation’. Its Trust is just such a sail. A local CLT is, continuous growth pursues no particular aims or objectives: it is by its very existence, a means for edugrowth for the sake of growing. No one even enquires after its cating the public on issues of land final shape. There is none; there is no ‘saturation point’. Who, it tenure; it can "catch" and hold land as may be asked, calls the tune? Fundamentally, the technologist. it is freed for the community. With the Whatever becomes technologically possible — within certain economic limits — must be done. Society must adapt itself to it. The forming of Community Land Trusts question whether or not it does any good is ruled out on the spearound the country, a movement is cious argument that no one knows anyhow what is good or evil, growing that can lead us to a new culwholesome or unwholesome, worthy of man or unworthy.” tural relationship with the land. We E.F. Schumacher from Modern Industry in the Light of need only dare to raise the sail. the Gospel

IDOLATRY of GROWTH

Valley

nother example of cooperation between landholding organizations is the work of the Great Barrington Land Conservancy (which has tax-exempt status as a conservation group) and the Community Land Trust in the Southern Berkshires. When the CLT bought Riverbank House, the steep riverbank behind the building was littered with debris from years of neglect and from a fire in the building next door. CLT member Rachel Fletcher led a clean-up team and conceived the idea of a Housatonic Riverwalk to parallel Main Street; the town has shared her dream. Over one thousand volunteers helped in cleanup and trail-building along the river. The Great Barrington Land Conservancy now holds a ninety-nine-year lease along the trail.

Santa Fe

for more information

www.lamontanita.coop Co-op Values Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Co-op Principles 1 Voluntary and Open Membership 2 Democratic Member Control 3 Member Economic Participation 4 Autonomy and Independence 5 Education, Training and Information 6 Cooperation among Cooperatives 7 Concern for Community The Co-op Connection is published by La Montanita Co-op Supermarket to provide information on La Montanita Co-op Food Market, the cooperative movement, and the links between food, health, environment and community issues.

Opinions expressed herein are of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Co-op.

CO-OP

YOU OWN IT 3

back to

school

august 2009 4

THE CO-OP AS A

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

BY AMYLEE UDELL t this time of year, our thoughts are on kids returning to the classroom. But, in truth, our children never stop learning. They may learn their three Rs in a school building, but they learn the most about their world and world view from YOU: parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, close family friends and other loving caregivers. One of my family’s main learning environments is La Montanita Co-op.

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The Co-op is a fantastic living classroom for all kids (and grown-ups, as well). Mommy’s Shopping Helper is a coveted position in our home and I use that excitement to work in teachable moments. They do not need to be profound lessons, though some may leave lasting impressions. Rather, the cumulative effect of these little moments will help form life-long curiosity, habits and basic academic and living skills. Really? A grocery shopping trip? Just take a look: • Bring an age-appropriate grocery list for your child to read and check off. This could be drawing or photos you compile or a list your child wrote in his or her unsteady, novice hand.

• Have your child find the bulk item number and, if able, write it on the tag. This is MUCH more fun than a worksheet! I could always tell that my kids were anxious to do this “real” job and so it was never a chore for them.

• Gathering ingredients for his or her own special recipe always makes shopping fun. And cooking provides lessons too numerous to detail, but includes geography (where is this recipe from?), chemistry (why does this rise?), fractions (we are doubling this, so how many cups are needed?) and even basic eye-hand coordination for a little pourer and stirrer.

• Compare prices – which product is really the better deal?

• “Do we want the fruit from Chile or the local one?” This question can spur discussions on many fronts. Where is Chile? How did the fruit get here? Who got it here? Why is one cheaper than the other?

When does this fruit grow?

• A chocolate bar is a simple thing, isn’t it? But choosing one with your children can open a world to them. What exactly IS chocolate?

Where are the beans grown? How is it made? What is Fair Trade?

You could work in a discussion of percentages and do a taste test.

What kid WOULDN’T be motivated by that?

• Check out the plethora of oils and see as many science lessons!

What is an oil? From where does oil come? How do you get from a plant to a vegetable oil? What oils do you consider healthy and why?

Which leads to….

so many processes! Such variance in price too.

Basic economics can be worked into many shopping discussions.

• As I have come to learn, food is highly political.

As your kids get older, you can begin discussing pollution, real vs. processed foods, government regulations, irradiation, subsidies, small and big farming issues, food safety and how each of these affects our food supply as a whole and in your own home.

These are a very few examples of how your kids can learn during a shopping trip. Even reading ingredients of a package or estimating the bill as you go are valuable skills. Taking your children with you to the co-op is time well spent. You can just BE together and talk or you can also boost real life academic skills in math, reading, writing, geography, science, history, social studies and so much more.

• Nutrition – an obvious topic to come up during food shopping. What you buy (and do not buy) teaches your children your nutritional ideals. Talk about why you like a certain food or why you cannot or will not buy another.

• Exotic Cheese Diving is a favorite adventure of ours. We stand in front of the cheeses and see so many flavors, so many countries, so many milks,

AMYLEE UDELL is a mother of three and coowner of Inspired Birth and Families, which promotes life-long learning for parents and kids through pregnancy, birth, parenting, movement, nutrition and other lifestyle classes. You can learn more about their events at www.InspiredABQ.com.

PARENTING WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS PRAISE AND SELF-ESTEEM Thursday, August 13, 6-8pm Many child development specialists are exploring the backlash of evaluative praise and its effects on a child’s self esteem. This workshop explores the root of positive self-esteem in children and the use of descriptive praise to support it.

This workshop is designed for parents of children of all ages. PLEASE REGISTER AT 505-2322772 or www.InspirdABQ.com

GREAT EXPECTATIONS Pre-conception and early pregnancy class. A great start for your baby AND you. HELD MONTHLY. Go to www.InspirdABQ.com for more info.

COMING SOON: It’s a FAMILY FAIR, September 19: Budget Living — NATURALLY! A free community event with tips, classes, presentations and solid advice on raising a healthy family on a budget - while still having fun! Topics will include free and cheap events for Albuquerque families, menu planning, healthy eating for less, raising financially responsible kids and MORE!

SOME TIPS FOR

MASTER OF DRIP IRRIGATION to satisfy every need from seedlings to mature trees and everything in between

345-9240

Th e No b Hi l l Growers’ Market

Every Thursday 3pm-6:30pm Morningside Park

FEEDING BABY

BY NINA GOMEZ-LUCERO t is common for parents to want the best for their children. So why should what you choose to feed your baby be any different?

Making your own baby food is not as hard as it may sound. It offers many benefits like minimizing waste, is cost effective, it ensures that you are not feeding your baby any additives or preservatives, offers more variety for your child, and gives you piece of mind knowing exactly what is going into your precious baby’s body.

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Commercial Cereals vs. Homemade cereals: Commercial baby cereals are made from refined grains like rice, barley and oat. The process of refining takes out the bran and the germ (the most nutritious parts), allowing grain products to stay on the shelves longer. There is nothing more pure and whole than buying whole grains and making your own baby cereal. Mix with breast milk or formula.

Cooked cereal can be stored in the fridge for no more than 72 hours.

Fruit and Vegetables It is best to use fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible although frozen fruits and veggies are okay too. Canned fruits and veggies are not recommended.

When food is canned, liquid is added, either syrup or brine. The can is then cooked at high temperature with the food in it, ensuring its long shelf life. Also the inside of the can is coated with BPA, an endocrine disrupting chemical that can leach into the food.

Pediatricians recommend that you peel and cook fruits and vegetables until your baby is at least 8 months old. This makes the food easier to digest .

The best way to cook fruits and vegetables is to bake, steam, or boil in scant amounts of water.

Reserve the excess water for the pureeing.

BENEFITS

Once the food is cooked, mash or puree as needed.

You can also add water, breast milk, or formula. Keep in mind that it is best to use fresh and not frozen breast milk. Cool and serve the puree or spoon it into ice cube trays and freeze for later use. If you decide to freeze your puree, spoon the food in the ice cube trays and then cover them with plastic wrap and freeze.

When they are completely frozen, pop the cubes out of the trays and store in a freezer bag. Write the date and type of food on the bag. Each frozen cube puree is equal to about one ounce of baby food and can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Proteins Meats, tofu and fish can be cooked, pureed, and frozen just as fruits and veggies are.

It is recommended not to use deli meats.

Chicken Purée (Basic) 1 cup cold and cooked boneless chicken - chopped into no bigger than 1 inch pieces Place in blender or food processor and puree until a powdery mix is formed. Slowly add water and puree further until a smooth consistency is created. You may add veggies or fruits to this puree as you like.

Tofu Baby Meals Cube and sauté in olive oil or just blend or cube and serve. To blended tofu you add: applesauce, squash, avocado, pears blueberries and bananas, sweet potato and carrots, broccoli or parsnips For more information, Inspired Birth and Families offers classes. Visit their website www.inspiredabq. com/ or amylee@inspiredabq.com. Or check out the books on feeding baby at the Co-op.

T H AT A R E N U T R I T I O N A L A N D E C O N O M I C A L

agua es

vida PART

A PHARMACY RUNS

by Michael Jensen

A

migos Bravos has found seven different pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), including acetaminophen, DEET, sunscreen, antibiotic, anti-seizure medication, tranquilizers and caffeine, in the drains and ditches running along the Río Grande in the Albuquerque-Bernalillo area.

Drinking

RIVER

Environmental Impacts Research shows that PPCPs in surface waters are harming wildlife. A recent New York Times article cited cases of amphibians sprouting extra legs, male alligators with stunted genitals and male smallmouth bass producing eggs (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/opinion/28 kristof.html). Salmon have been affected by the combination of different pesticides found in agricultural areas which reach water through runoff. There is also evidence that earthworms, snails, and zooplankton are affected by PPCPs. DEET (insect repellant) appears to be somewhat toxic for coldwater fish, like trout, and some species of freshwater zooplankton. DEET may also have an impact on human health, especially in children.

Human Health Impacts Debate about impacts on the environment is giving way to concerns about threats to human health. One major concern is with “endocrine disrupting compounds”, which are natural or synthetic hormones or chemicals that have a similar effect in the body. There are indications that humans could be harmed by chronic exposure – such as through drinking water – to even very small amounts of these and other PPCPs. For example: • Human embryonic kidney cells exposed to a mixture of common drugs had cell growth slowed by up to a third; • Human blood cells exposed to diclofenac (a pain reliever) reacted as though they were inflamed; inflammation plays a role in conditions ranging from infections and arthritis to heart disease; • Human breast cancer cells grew twice as fast when exposed to estrogens – likely from birth control pills and hormone treatments – taken from catfish caught near untreated sewage overflows; • Bisphenol-A (used in some plastic bottles and the linings of soda and food cans) has been linked to many health problems, including cancer; • Chronic exposure to small amounts of “persistent organic pollutants,” like pesticides, can increase the hormone system’s sensitivity, which could then trigger allergic reactions, including asthma, in people that may have a predisposition;

TWO

• A study by the Centers for Disease Control found oxybenzone in 96.8% of human urine.

Oxybenzone may act as a photocarcinogen because it is a form of benzophenone, which is documented to break down DNA when illuminated. The CDC concluded that this kind of chemical needs more research.

THROUGH IT

The big question is: IS OUR WATER SAFE?

august 2009 5

the

DEBATE

OF REACH?

BY JANET GREENWALD AND LESLEY WEINSTOCK very three years the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Surface Water Quality Bureau proposes amended standards for the rivers of New Mexico, including the Rio Grande. This process is called the Triennial Review; 2009 is a Triennial Review year. This year the NMED is proposing that the standards for long-lived alpha-emitting radionuclides be ten times more protective than they are currently. Long-lived alpha-emitting radionuclides include man-made radioactive isotopes, such as Plutonium.

E

Colorado recently made their standards for these radionuclides in rivers and streams one hundred times more protective. New Mexico needs to do the same. Recent research, such as that done by the world-renowned physicist, Dr. Arjun Makhijani, shows that our health, and especially that of the fetus and young child, is not protected under the current Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) drinking water standards, which are less protective than NMED’s proposed river water standards. Increasingly, rivers have become a tap water source.

ENVIRONMENT IS GIVING WAY TO If the question is: “Are the levels of PPCPs that we Emerging Science CONCERNS ABOUT THREATS TO found safe to drink?”, then The pharmaceutical industry and many HUMAN HEALTH. the answer is: “They are considered safe by the govwater suppliers argue ernment, but they have only that there is no risk to begun to study the problem and have not yet estabhuman health from PPCPs in the environment lished safe standards.” Federal law requires water because the concentrations are so low and providers to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards. research in this area is not definitive. But some in There are only approximately 100 chemicals with stanthe industry now acknowledge the widespread dards, while the chemical and pharmaceutical indusexistence of PPCPs in the environment and the tries have created tens of thousands of compounds. legitimate public concern over impacts to the environment or to human health.

Given the trends in the emerging science on pharmaceuticals, personal care products and endocrine disThe drug industry generally studies PPCPs by conrupting compounds, it might be reasonable – absent structing a model to estimate danger based on how conclusive testing on the water supply – for people much of the drug is sold and how toxic it is to labwith compromised immune systems, pregnant oratory animals at acute levels (large amounts over women, the elderly and the very young to consider short periods). Then they add a safety margin. drinking water that has received further treatment, However, emerging science indicates that PPCPs either from reverse osmosis systems or from purified taken chronically (over time) at very low doses are water suppliers. having a documented impact on wildlife and a suspected impact on human health.

NEXT MONTH: What people can do about PPCPs. For information about this project, contact Researchers are beginning to understand how Michael Jensen (mjensen@amigosbravos.org) some types of PPCPs can alter immune system function. Acute doses seem to shut down immune system functioning, but chronic low

PROTECTIVE

PLEASE CONTACT the Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) and ask them to support more protective water quality standards for the Albuquerque Reach of the Rio Grande including 0.15 picocuries/liter for the long-lived alpha-emitting radionuclides.

WATER

QUALITY

standards!

The Water Utility Authority Board consists of three city counselors: WUA Chair Trudy Jones, 768-3106, eshields@cabq.gov; Rey Garduno: 7683152, julianmoya@cabq.gov and Ken Sanchez: kensanchez@cabq.gov, 768-3183. And three county commissioners: Alan Armijo, vice chair 4687185; agonzales@bernco.gov; Maggie Hart Stebbins 468-7108, shgutierre@bernco.gov and Art De La Cruz: 468-7448, dherrera @Bernco.gov. Also on the WUA ABCWUA board is a representative appointed by Mayor Martin Chavez: 768-3000, mayor@cabq.gov.

If you recognize your city or county representative, please contact that person. If not, contact the chair of the ABCWUA, Trudy Jones at 7683106 and Mayor Chavez at 768-3000 or mayor@cabq.gov. For more information contact Agua es Vida Action Team (AVAT) at 2425511 or contactus@cardnm.org. Thank you!

Body-Centered Psychotherapy and Trauma Healing

The Water Utility Authority, which oversees domestic water supplies for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, supports standards one hundred times more protective for long-lived alpha-emitting radionuclides for the upper reach of the Rio Grande (above Cochiti).

However, according to their correspondence with the NMED, they do not support the ten times more protective standards recommended by the State for the Albuquerque Reach of the Rio Grande (located between Bernalillo and Isleta). It is this reach of the Rio that currently supplies twenty-five percent of Albuquerque’s tap water and soon will supply ninety percent of Albuquerque’s drinking water.

Beginning in November of 2008 Aqua es Vida Action Team (AVAT) and Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping (CARD) asked that the Water Utility Authority produce a written report with a budget (if their reasons are monetary) on why they will not support more protective surface water standards for the Albuquerque Reach of the Rio Grande. The Water Utility Authority has refused to comment concerning this request.

Is the Water Safe?

Typical wastewater treatment systems do not eliminate all PPCPs from the water they discharge; similarly, drinking water treatment systems also do not eliminate all PPCPs. Some methods, such as activated carbon, ultraviolet and ozone treatment are more effective than standard treatment processes (the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority uses activated carbon and ozone). However, the EPA says there are no wastewater treatment systems specifically engineered to remove pharmaceuticals and is working on better treatments.

ABOUT IMPACTS ON THE

Support More More Protective Standards for the Rio Grande: JUST OUT

doses can force the immune system into overdrive. This counter-intuitive result is changing the field of drug impacts research and the way standards are set, shifting the focus to chronic low-dose exposure. PPCPs may be peculiar in this regard, compared to other environmental contaminants, because they are designed to act on the human body at very low concentrations.

Penny Holland M . A . , L . P. C . C , L . M . T.

505-265-2256 LPCC Lic. 0494

LMT Lic. 1074

action alert

co-op news

august 2009 6

THE SILK SOYMILK SAGA: IMPORTED BEANS and TOXIC CHEMICALS Dairy Department

its exemplary practices in full and open disclosure of its business practices. Other highly committed companies, including Small Planet Tofu and Vermont Soy, work directly with North American organic farmers.

UPDATE

BY MARK KASTEL, CORNUCOPIA INSTITUTE he recently released Cornucopia Institute Report, Beyond the Bean: The Heroes and Charlatans of the Natural and Organic Soy Foods Industry also has an accompanying scorecard rating organic and non-organic brands. It separates soy industry heroes — who have gone out of their way to connect with domestic farmers — from agribusinesses exploiting consumer trust. The report and scorecard can be found on Cornucopia’s website at www. cornucopia.org.

T

Through a nationwide survey of the industry, on-site farm and processor visits, plus reviews of import data, Cornucopia assembled a soybean foods rating system respecting the fundamental tenets of organics.

a SOYMILK

SILK: Not so Smooth or Transparent According to reports by farmers and farmer-owned cooperatives, after Dean Foods purchased the Silk brand in 2002, it told domestic farmers that they would not work with them and buy their organic soybeans unless they could match the cheaper price of imported Chinese soybeans.

A Dean Foods’ statement about buying all North American soybeans was recently added to their web page, just before the release of the Cornucopia report. Silk Soymilk and Horizon organic milk are both marketed by White Wave, a division of Dean Foods.

Recently the Silk brand has switched to “natural” branding of their products, with only a few Silk items remaining certified organic. They did not inform retailers of the switch to conventional soybeans, did not change their UPSC codes and did not drop the price of their product, although they began using much cheaper conventional soybeans.

Taking a Hexane Bath Beyond the Bean also exposes the natural soy industry’s “dirty little secret”: its widespread use of the toxic solvent hexane. Conventional soybeans are bathed in hexane by food processors seeking to separate soy oil from the protein and fiber of the beans. A byproduct of gasoline refining, Hexane, a neurotoxic chemical, poses serious occupational soy HERO hazards to workers and is classified as a “hazardous air pollutant” by the EPA. It is banned in organic production.

Food processors are the country’s major hexane emitters. When The Cornucopia Institute sent samples of hexane-extracted soy flour to an independent lab for residue testing, residues as high as 21 parts per million were found. The effects on consumer health of repeated and long-term consumption of hexane-extracted soy ingredients have not been thoroughly studied. An extraction process that does not involve hexane is available, but using hexane is cheaper for the processor.

Residue tests reveal that small amounts of hexane can and do appear in ingredients processed with the toxic chemical. Silk’s Light soymilk, as well as its “Heart Health” soymilk, is made with hexaneextracted soy flour instead of whole soybeans.

Soybeans used in Silk’s Light and Heart Health soymilk are immersed in this neurotoxic petrochemical to make soy flour, which is listed as the main ingredient in these Silk products.Silk’s creamers and Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA contain other minor hexane-extracted ingredients—soy lecithin and algal oil, respectively.

The Cornucopia Institute has received reports from parents of toddlers and children who experienced diarrhea and stomach upset from the DHA used in Silk (Life’sDHA by Martek Biosciences Corporation). This is the same additive, found in infant formula (extracted from algae and soil fungus), that has been linked to severe adverse reactions in infants.

Cornucopia has obtained adverse reaction reports from the FDA verifying this health side-effect.

The FDA has never tested the safety of Life’s DHA, relying instead on safety data supplied by the same corporation that has a financial interest in selling and placing these additives in foods. The FDA did, however, indicate serious reservations regarding the safety of these additives. The government does not require that companies test for hexane residues in foods, including in soy-based infant formula.

For more information or to read the whole report go to www.cornucopia.org, e-mail them at culti vate@cornucopia.org, or call 608-625-2042.

EDITED FROM SEVERAL CORNUCOPIA INSTITUTE SOURCES BY ROBIN SEYDEL

Don’t be fooled by ”NATURAL“ Soymilk

While Dean Foods denies that they utilize the cheaper, conventional Chinese soybeans, the Cornucopia Institute has no way of verifying whether the information about Dean Foods’ soy sourcing is accurate today because of their refusal to participate and share such data. Unlike their two competitors in the refrigerated dairy case (Organic Valley and Wildwood), Dean Foods refused to transparently participate in Cornucopia's study—depriving their customers of an independently verified review of their practices.

I

Many other prominent soy food brands around the country were fully transparent in their practices. Another major name in the organic and natural foods industry, Eden Foods, deserves particular recognition for

a soy

n response to the Cornucopia Institute research and report the Co-op will only carry Silk Organic Soymilk and has discontinued other Silk products. In the dairy case you will find Organic Valley Soymilk, Edensoy, Westsoy, and Soy Dream, all made from nationally sourced organic soybeans. Other alternative milks Pacific Organic Oat, (Pacific non-organic almond, hazelnut and rice), Organic Living Harvest Hemp milk, and Almond Breeze made by Blue Diamond (non-organic).

hero

CHOOSING WISELY

Co-op Board Study: MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS!

T LOCAL SALE ITEMS SHOP LOCAL & SAVE Leroux Creek

Hotchkiss, CO Organic Apple Sauce, 4 pack. Select Varieties.

Sale $2.49

Udi’s Denver, CO Wheat-Free Granola, 13 oz. Select Varieties.

Sale $4.49 Herbs, Etc. Santa Fe, NM Deep Sleep, 1 oz. Sale $8.99. Additional Herbs Etc. items also on sale Even more

LOCAL PRODUCTS on sale in our stores!

VALID IN-STORE ONLY from 7/29-9/1, 2009:

hose of us on the Co-op Board take the purpose of La Montanita Co-op (also referred to as our Global Ends Policy) seriously. We agree that the Co-op will have been successful if it helps to create “a cooperative community based in the shared benefits of healthy food, sound environmental practices and a strengthened local economy with results that justify the resources used.”

That’s a tall order, and so several months ago we began a process of board study in order to deepen our understanding of the Cooperative Model. It has been an interesting process that has raised more questions than it has answered.

We started with a well-known article, “The Tragedy of the Commons” that highlights the difficulties of cooperation and describes a tendency toward competition and self-aggrandizing behavior. We were left with questions about the most effective policies, legislation and forms of government to support cooperative behavior.

Next, we read a long history of cooperatives in the United States as well as an in-depth description of the rise and fall of the Berkeley Co-op in California. These readings left us with questions about many factors that influence cooperative development, including types of

NOT ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE AT ALL STORES.

AUGUST SPECIALS WANT TO SEE YOUR LOCAL PRODUCT ADVERTISED HERE? Contact Eli at elib@lamontanita.coop

The CO-OP Food-Shed Project: Bringing local farmers together with Co-op shoppers for the best in fresh, fair and local food.

board leadership, systems of decision-making, the role of education in co-ops, the importance of effective partnerships and alliances, and the need to assess and respond effectively to changing economic times.

Finally, we read about the development of cooperatives in Europe and how it has differed from the evolution of co-ops in the United States. This exploration led to questions about the impact of culture on cooperation, the value of national supports for cooperatives and the importance of a regional approach to economic development.

La Montanita Co-op is concerned about broad-based and complex issues that have to do with vital community, healthy economy, values-based education and sustainable agriculture, so maybe it isn’t surprising that knowing how best to achieve our ends policy isn’t easy.

Board study has been one way for us to expand our understanding of the multi-dimensional factors that we must confront in every board decision we are asked to make.

BY BETSY VANLEIT

co-op news

august 2009 7

THE INSIDE

SCOOP

Recently, myself, Martha Whitman (board president), Sharret Rose (human resources director), and Bob Tero (food service director) attended the annual CCMA (Consumer Cooperative Management Association Conference) in Pittsburg. This was the 53th annual gathering of CCMA. The theme of “By Art and Design: Thriving in Trying Times� was appropriate, considering the current economic climate. CCMA was attended by 350 food cooperative managers, directors and trainers from across the country. Along with the many excellent workshops offered at the conference, the most anticipated event is the conference awards banquet.

location, our remodel of the Santa Fe location, the Food-Shed Project and distribution center both launched in 2007. This was a great time to reflect on how far we have come. This award is truly a cooperative effort of all our stakeholders. All of these projects have had and will continue to have their share of challenges. While it’s nice to bask in the spotlight for a few minutes, it is also a reminder that we have done good work, but there is more work to be done.

I am proud to announce that La Montanita was awarded the Cooperative Innovative and Achievement award. This award was presented to La Montanita for our work in establishing the Gallup

My heartfelt thanks to all who have supported La Montanita, and to our staff, who work hard every day to make La Montanita more than a grocery store. As always, I can be contacted by phone at 505-217-2020 or by e-mail at terryb @lamontanita. coop.

-TERRY

Health and Beauty Aids Product Spotlight:

Alaffia Co-op Body Care Products

Calendar of Events 8/7 Board Elections Candidate Packets at Info Desks at all Co-op locations.

8/18 BOD Meeting, Immanuel Church, 5:30pm 8/24 Member Engagement Committee, CDC, 5:30pm TBA Finance Committee Meeting, CDC, 5pm 9/9-9/11 Slow Money, National Gathering in Santa Fe, see page 1

CO-OPS: A Solution-Based System A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

FRESH DELICIOUS

&ORGANI C

GOOD FOR US, GOOD FOR THEM

BY VALERIE SMITH, VALLEY CO-OP hese days, a lot of businesses do good work. Agbanga Fair Trade, Shea Butter Cooperative is one of them. Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care is just such a company. Its products combine the unique and wonderful handcrafted shea butter of Togo, Africa, with a vision of empowerment and education for the people of Togo.

T

75% of the people of Togo live on less than $2 a day. Schools and health clinics are few in number and concentrated mostly in the cities. With most people there traveling by foot, education and health care are out of reach for most rural residents. In rural areas, only 16% of boys will attend secondary schools and only 9% of girls. Togo has half the adult literacy rate of the United States.

Togo has the 45th highest infant mortality rate in the world, with 57.66 deaths per 1,000 births (compared to 6.3 in the United States). More devastating is the death of mothers. 270,000 women in Sub-Saharan Africa die each year from complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Losing the primary caregiver in a family with young children can have a crippling effect on the remaining parent’s earning potential, cruelly perpetuating the poverty cycle.

Olowo-n'djo Tchala, the founder of Alaffia, grew up in Togo, Africa. One of eight children, he lived in a tiny hut, with everyone fitting on the floor at night by sleeping diagonally. He dropped out of school in the sixth grade to help the family earn money by farming. He later married an American botanist and came to the United States, where he received a college education.

As a college student, Olowo-n'djo decided to do something for the people of his home country. He started a company which manufactures a line of shea butter-based skin and hair care products. He purchases shea butter from the Alaffia/Agbanga Fair Trade Shea Butter Cooperative, a collective of

over 300 women from 80 families. Their knowledge of working with shea butter creates a rich, velvety butter nothing like the refined paste sold in the mass market. Besides being paid higher wages for their work, the cooperative members can get grants for starting other businesses.

Alaffia donates 10% of its sales to community improvement projects in Togo. The projects that Alaffia supports are: 1. The Bicycle Project. Alaffia has collected over 2,000 bikes since 2006 and sent them to Togo for students who would otherwise be unable to attend distant schools. It also employs a bike mechanic in Togo to make sure the bikes can be used by their recipients.

2. The Schools Project. Alaffia has donated school supplies and uniforms for 300 children in the last 2 years, as well as building benches and roofing for rural schools.

3. Maternal Health Care. 5% of opening store orders go to the Fousena Fund, named for the founder’s sister who died of complications of childbirth. This fund provides 40 women per year with full pre- and postnatal care. Alaffia also opened the Alaffia Women’s Health Clinic in 2007.

4. The Reforestation Project. Alaffia donates trees to communities for replanting deforested areas, concentrating on the hardest hit areas, as well as the shea tree forests.

Alaffia’s products are wonderfully rich and come in a variety of exotic fragrances, as well as unscented.

Besides being very clean, the products are luxurious and a decadent treat for the senses. The recent introduction of the Everyday Shea lotions (13% shea butter) added enough sales to allow the African cooperative to hire 4 more women. Each product that is purchased contributes directly to the future of Togo by empowering women and students.

SHOPYOUR CO-OP Classical Homeopathy Visceral Manipulation Craniosacral Therapy

MARY ALICE COOPER, MD St. Raphael Medical Center 204 Carlisle NE Albuquerque, NM 87106

505-266-6522

Thursday Summer Jazz Nights

sponsored by 3OUTHWEST 'ASTROENTEROLOGY !SSOCIATES 0# Thursday, 7:30pm

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Elections Calender

Friday, 7:30pm AUGUST 14 Saturday, 7:30pm AUGUST 15

Important Dates to

REMEMBER August 7: Nominations for Candidates for the Board of Directors Elections open.

All Candidates must have been Co-op members as of July 1, 2008. Packets available at all locations.

September 17: Nominations for candidates close. Members should be sure to update their addresses at their local Co-op Information Desk if they have moved in order to receive ballots.

October 24: Annual Membership Meeting. Candidates have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the membership. Susan Witt of the E.F. Schumacher Society will speak on Linking Land, People, Economics and Communities.

November 1-14: Annual Board of Directors Elections.

WATCH

YOUR MAILBOX FOR YOUR

BALLOT.

-IM? !FFCMIH /NE OF A KIND -OSE !LLISON WITH HIS UNIQUE STYLE OF THE BLUES JOINED BY .- DRUMMING LEGEND 0ETE !MAHL PLUS BASSIST ,UIS 'UERRA

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9!,% 3% s s WWW OUTPOSTSPACE ORG EXPERIENCE JAZZ IN NEW MEXICO LAND OF ENCHANTMENT Funded in part by the New Mexico Tourism Department

salsa season

august 2009 11 Fiery Thai Salsa

Heat oil in medium frying pan. Saute onion until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, oregano, basil and Tabasco sauce; cook 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in tomatoes and pears. Cover and refrigerate. Makes 5 cups.

Watermelon Fire and Ice Salsa 3 cups watermelon – chopped and seeded 1/2 c. chopped green pepper 2 T. fresh lime juice 1 T. fresh, chopped cilantro 1 T. green onion chopped 1 T. jalapeno, green chile or favorite hot pepper – seeded and chopped* 1/2 t. finely chopped garlic *Use up to 2 tablespoons chopped jalapenos, depending on taste.

Combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Delicious with cheese-filled manicotti, or use 1 cup sour cream on top of 1 cup salsa and serve with chips.

Raspberry Salsa 1/2 c. fresh raspberries, washed 1/2 c. chopped red bell pepper 2 Serrano peppers, minced fine 1/4 c. chopped red onion 1/2 c. chopped tomato, seeded 2 t. fresh chopped cilantro Salt to taste Gently combine all the salsa ingredients, carefully leaving the raspberries whole. Allow to set for at least 1 hour.

3 c cucumbers, chopped seeded-peeled 1 c green onion, chopped 3/4 c. radishes, chopped 1/4 c. fresh mint, chopped 3 T. fresh ginger, minced & peeled 3 T. fresh lime juice 2 T. sugar 1 T. minced garlic 1 t. minced garlic 1-1/2 t. sesame chili oil Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until juicy, about 1 hour. Stir before serving cold.

Therapeutic Environments™ Classic Pico de Gallo 8 Roma tomatoes, chopped 1/4 c. red onion, finely chopped 2 jalapenos, minced 1/2 c. cilantro, chopped Juice of 1/2 a fresh lime 1/2 t. coarse salt 1/4 t. fresh ground black pepper Combine roma tomatoes, red onion, jalapenos, cilantro, fresh lime juice in a small serving bowl.

Season with salt and pepper.

These recipes have been adapted and reprinted from the following sources: www.gourmetsalsarecipes.com www.recipesource.com www.pepperfool.com www.tampabay.rr.com www.fatfree.com www.thefunplace.com

&LOCAL FAMILY WELLNESS

FAIR Sat., Sept. 19th, 10-4pm

FREE For more info contact VALERIE AT 505-242-8800 2400 Rio Grande Blvd, NW

505.343.0552 Connie Henry PhD, ND, RN, CHF, CADS/ Digby Henry MA, CHF, BBP, CADS

Offering: “Certified Health Facilitator Program” and in Collaboration with NM Solutions, Call 505.268.0701 Smoking Cessation Classes, Acudetox Consultation and Wellness classes

Personal Growth Childhood Trauma • Illness Drugs/Alcohol • Loss Women’s Issues

Louise Miller, MA LPCC NCC Psychotherapy louise@louisemiller.org www.louisemiller.org

fresh fair

La Montanita Co-op’s Valley Location hosts

www.bodymindspiritplace.com

Phone (505) 385-0562 Albuquerque, NM

CLIMATE CHANGE IN NEW MEXICO: SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITIES August 21, 9- 4pm, George Pearl Hall at UNM, Central and Stanford NE, Albuquerque New Mexico residents and leaders discuss confronting climate change with meaningful policies, laws and actions. $20 Symposium fee includes box lunch. Scholarships available. Seating is limited. RSVP:www.lwvnm.org, e-mail LoraLucero@aol.com or 505247-0844. Funded in part by Oxfam of America, the League of Women Voters Education Fund, and the Sierra Club, Rio Grande Chapter.

farming &

gardening

august 2009 13

FDA is Poised to APPROVE

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FISH

T

he Food and Drug Administration has made the informal decision to regulate transgenic fish under its authority to review new animal drugs. Given the potential toxicity, allergenicity and aquaculture diseases posed by the commercialization of transgenic fish, the Center for Food Safety is demanding that the FDA adopt a pre-market regulatory review that does not ignore these potential human health safety concerns.

The potential impacts of these fish on public health must be researched by companies that are not profiting from their commercialization. This research is important as genetically engineered fish (GE fish) are new to the human food supply and present unknown risks to human health, including the potential impacts of significantly elevated growth hormone levels in these fish. The FDA's failure to require toxicological testing for these fish suggests that the agency's review process is favoring the biotech industry instead of acting to ensure consumer safety.

The commercialization of these genetically engineered fish poses the potential for irreversible damage to the environment. Fish farms have repeatedly demonstrated that fish kept in ocean and freshwater pens escape from their confinements. There are compelling scientific studies documenting the potential for escaped genetically engineered fish to become invasive species that could cause permanent ecological damage to wild fish stocks as well as to the wider marine environment. These new studies have shown that transgenic fish are more aggressive, eat more food and will attract more mates than wild fish. The studies also show that although transgenic fish will attract more mates, their offspring will be less fit and less likely to survive. As a result, scientists predict that transgenic fish may cause some species to become extinct within only a few generations. When one species becomes extinct, other species will likely be affected. There are already 114 species of fish, including the Atlantic salmon that are listed under the Endangered Species Act. The FDA should not promote the introduction of another threat to our endangered fisheries.

action

alert!

CONTACT THE FDA TODAY!

D

emand a Moratorium on the Commercialization of Genetically Engineered Fish. For reasons already mentioned and others, please take the time to contact the FDA and strongly urge them to fully review the significant human health and environmental risks posed by genetically engineered fish. The precautionary principle must be used at this health and planet-altering juncture.

The approval and commercialization of GE salmon and other GE fish at this time is totally unacceptable! Please fully support a moratorium on the commercialization of transgenic fish. Go to www.centerforfoodsafety.org to send an e-mail to the FDA on the commercialization of genetically engineered fish. Or write to: Docket No. 01P-0230. Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, or by telephone: 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) main FDA phone number (for general inquiries).

Impacting PUBLIC HEALTH

International Organic CONFERENCE

COMES TO SANTA FE BREEDING DIVERSITY: IFOAM Conference on Organic Animal and Plant Breeding Sante Fe, August 25-28 he time is right to focus on organic breeding. Fostering the sustainable development of new successful low input breeds is urgent in the face of coming challenges of food insecurity and massive threats to the livelihoods of millions of people caused by climate change.

change of experiences and perspectives on organic breeding. Even though technical aspects may differ, each field can inspire the other to develop and build upon successful strategies.

T

This conference provides for the opportunity to revive traditional knowledge from the global North and South and connect it with current international organic research. Through the fusion of traditional breeding knowledge and newly developed organic breeding methods, there is a great opportunity for intercultural learning and valuing knowledge which was kept through generations for the well-being of communities.

Through the conservation and promotion of Agro-Biodiversity of both animal and plant genetic resources, organic agriculture will again prove to be a viable alternative to genetically modified organisms. Both organic plant and animal breeding are gaining momentum in several parts of the world. Successful organic breeding is the basis of organic production, but it is only in early phases of development.

Because of the key role women play in the selection of seeds and management of small livestock, the conference will highlight their knowledge and contributions. Vandana Shiva wil give the opening keynote address on August 25th. This event is open to the public (those not attending the whole conference). Tickets are $15 general admission.

Organic breeding includes the efforts of both professional companies involved in the organic market, as well as participatory farmers’ initiatives from around the world. The conference aims at encouraging the dialogue between commercial and subsistence farmers, scientists and practitioners, professional farmers and hobby gardeners and animal keepers, to promote the lively ex-

The conference will take place in the brand new convention center of Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more info or to register for the whole conference or just the opening event go to www.shop.ifoam. org/conference.

NMSU-LOS LUNAS FIELD DAY The NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Economic Sciences Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas and the USDA-NRCS Los Lunas Plant Materials Center Invite you to attend Field Day at Los Lunas, New Mexico.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 1036 Miller St. SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031, 505-865-4684 Registration begins at 8am, Welcome Addresses begin at 8:15am. Field Tours and Demonstrations begin at 9am. Lunch at Noon and Door Prizes!

YOUR CO-OP HAS

ALL YOUR

BBQ FIXIN’S! featuring FRESH,

FAIR AND LOCAL Organic Beef!

Your co-op carries ALL YOU NEED for a DELICIOUS and

Healthy Barbeque...

santa fe AUGUST 25-28

FOOD-SHED VALUE

co-op trade:

certified

CHAIN

A FRESH Baguette made from Northern New Mexico grown wheat that was milled in Central New Mexico and crafted into bread by a small local bakery. This baguette represents a value chain of growers, processors, producers and distributors all over New Mexico

Organic chicken feed

from

embudo valley, NM

Now Available From the Cooperative Distribution Center, 3361 Columbia NE, Abq. NM 87107.

AT ALL CO-OP LOCATIONS

Orders must be placed by PHONE: 505-217-2010 OR EMAIL: orders@lamontanita.coop Organic Lay Mix-50 lb $32.50 plus tax • Organic Grower Mix-50 lb $32.50 plus tax • Organic Scratch-50 lb $22.50 plus tax. Pick up times: Fridays by appointment CASH OR CHECK ONLY

Member of International Society of Arboriculture and Society of Commercial Arboriculture ISA Certified, Licensed & Insured

232-2358 www.EricsTreeCare.com ericstreecare@yahoo.com

SUMMER TIME CARE Now is the time to deadwood your larger trees and assess your Elms and Cottonwoods for potential hazards.

Call for estimate on crown cleaning your trees.

SERVICES • Fruit and Shade Tree Pruning • Technical Removal • Planting • Cabling & Bracing • Fertilization • Root Rehabilitation Services

sustainable

communities

MINIMIZE OUR IMPACT

A S M A L L B U S I N E S S D E M O N S T R AT E S

Energy Independence T FRANK WILSON OF THE FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING he Foundation For Sustainable Living is a non-profit foundation that develops and implements projects to promote sustainability of all life on the planet. Our principal focus is on creating a consciousness that the world is home for all to enjoy equally. To achieve sustainability, we promote wise use of limited resources, developing renewable resources and defining our individual needs from the heart. To demonstrate our commitment to our stated mission, we have taken action to minimize our impact on the environment by lowering consumption of resources, first adjusting our energy use and then producing our own power. Information on our projects is available on the website at www.foundationforsustainableliving.org.

BY

Existing Office Building The original building was designed and built in 1985 as a passive solar office. The south facing walls are all glass with a massive concrete trombe wall located one foot inside the windows. A clerestory window also allows sunlight to strike the concrete north wall and store radiant solar energy. The design originally specified a passive system that relied on heat radiation and the convective loop to move the warm air through the building. Three small blowers controlled by a thermostat attached to ductwork were later added to move warm air to the cooler areas of the building. The heat produced is stored in the thick walls and concrete slab floor.

On those rare cloudy days, electric or gas heat warms the building.

Springtime ventilation and summer cooling for most months is provided by evaporative coolers. These energy efficient units move fresh, humid air in through the ductwork and exhaust stale air to the outside through ceiling vents. Refrigerated air is used only in the hot humid months; this is done quite reluctantly because of the high energy consumption.

Selecting an Alternative Source: Photovoltaic Electric In 2007 the Foundation elected to become more energy self sufficient and install a photovoltaic system. We selected a grid-tied system whereby Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) gives a credit for any excess power the system produces. In addition, PNM pays a conservation credit of $0.13 (2007 rate) per kilowatt hour (kWh) for all electricity generated.

The system is sized for the amount of electricity needed, which is measured in kilowatt hours. To minimize overall cost we began by evaluating our present energy use, finding that the fluorescent ballast lighting installed in 1985 was consuming 2.5 times more energy than modern lighting systems. A more efficient lighting system was installed, providing better quality light with less energy consumption.

The electric hot water heater was placed on a timer to produce hot water at lunchtime, and an on-demand hot water heater is proposed as a future energy saving replacement. We determined that the unvented attic space was a source of unwanted heat, and immediately installed two wind-powered turbines to exhaust this heat. The cooler attic lowers cooling costs.

System Sizing The cost of a photovoltaic increases as the capacity of energy production increases. Our choices for sizing were dictated by roof area avail-

GREEN DRINKS Joe’s Diner, 2801 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, Front Patio Joe's Diner has led the Santa Fe food industry in supporting the Farmers’ Market and many items are prepared from scratch on the premises. Join Duncan Sil from Santa Fe County's Office on Economic Development for a brief overview of the developing Solar Financing program. Local builders, designers and energy experts will be on hand to answer all your questions about how to make your current investment more energy efficient.

All are welcome!

See you at Joe’s Diner

SOLAR

FINANCING

Aug. 26 6:30 PM

MINIMIZE our impact on the environment... lower resource CONSUMPTION... produce our own POWER

able to place panels, size of inverters and controllers readily available, peak energy demand, and initial capital the Foundation was willing to invest. A major consideration was that PNM will only pay a conservation credit if the system is less than 10 kilowatts (10kw).

We selected a system sized at 10kw, which means for each hour of optimum sunlight, the panels are capable of producing 10,000 watts. This is enough energy to illuminate 100 light bulbs of 100 watts each. .

Does it Pay for Itself?

We are often asked about the economics of the system which will indeed pay for itself in about 20 years, but this time is reduced to 10 years when

august 2009 14 Federal and State tax credits are factored in. Also, in New Mexico, there is no state sales tax on this equipment.

During the fall and spring when there is lower energy use and sunny days, the net meter (the one PNM reads to calculate your monthly bill) turns backward. Only when the refrigerated air or the central heating unit is operating does the meter move forward at a slow pace.

When asked about the economics I wonder why an alternative energy system is asked to pay for itself in measurable currency (meaning US dollars). The return on the money spent can be measured by the feeling that is present in the staff every day when we arrive at work to a comfortable work place that produces more electricity than it consumes.

The feeling of opening the mail and receiving a check from the utility company is hard to explain. It can be compared to receiving a dividend from your investment in a “green” company, except in this case we have eliminated the risk of investing with someone we may never see, or paying a commission to a broker. We are being paid directly to produce our own energy.

Getting Started Now For the price of a new economy car, a property owner can install a system that will create some energy independence, which for many will provide a strong sense that they can contribute to the overall well being of the planet. To become an energy producer is rather easy, and for the Foundation it has been a rewarding experience.

FRANK E. WILSON is the founder and director of the Foundation For Sustainable Living which is funded by private donations. He divides his time between Costa Rica in Central America and Albuquerque. He can be contacted at info@ foundationforsustainabliving.org or 998-0301.

V I S I O N S H I F T : A R T I N T H E A G E O F C L I M AT E C H A N G E

shifting the energy

PARADIGM

BY MARIEL NANASI, SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR, NEW ENERGY ECONOMY ision Shift! Art in the Age of Climate Change” explores the future of Santa Fe as we look at the opportunities ahead in the new energy economy. We invite you to join us by using your creative power to help re-imagine our future landscape – one powered by the sun, the wind and the land, not fossil fuels.

“V

Opening on October 8, 2009, at five venues in Santa Fe: Art-in-Transit (displayed inside public buses throughout Santa Fe), Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA), Santa Fe Art Institute, Santa Fe Place (the “Mall”), and Warehouse 21, we hope to create a needed paradigm shift and help break our dependency on fossil fuels.

This art collaborative is inviting artists to communicate their deepest concerns about pollution and the environmental destruction occurring in our world today. We will also celebrate the miraculous human ingenuity and innovation needed to end this devastation. Please consider creating art (including performing) for one of the openings. See the exhibition prospectus at: www. visionshift.org.

We seek to inspire and raise the consciousness of those who view the art, impact policy, transform our carbon footprint, and create meaningful social change within our own community. The art shown will depict images both hopeful of what transformation can bring, in the real or abstract, as well as graphic images of earth devastation, human displacement, the effects of hubris and depictions of the suffering and tragedy directly linked to environmental destruction.

Through art we can challenge many of our society's deepest-seated assumptions, such as the connection between consumption and happiness, the electric/

gas utility as “provider,” the difference between “wants” and “needs,” the “benefit” of plan-ned obsolescence and others.

Vision Shift! is a collaborative of organizations including Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe Art Institute, Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Earth Care (Youth Allies Leadership Program), Fine Arts for Children and Teens (FACT), New Energy Economy, Santa Fe Place and Warehouse 21. It also includes community individuals engaged in arts, social activism, environmental sustainability and youth development. Other organizations are welcome to join the Collaborative in the coming weeks.

The Art Collaborative will host one opening night at each art exhibition space. Starting in October we will feature different performance artists who will translate ideas into movement, dialogue or visual imagery, and communicate a new understanding through the languages of art. Installations and events throughout the month of October will include paintings, sculpture and live performances. Join us as we work to spark activism and critical community engagement around the twin challenges of global warming and energy dependence.

Now, more than ever, we need our poets, musicians, actors and singers – all our creative people – to speak loudly, to help decipher our situation and concoct remedies for extricating ourselves from the destruction of our environment. After the October events partner organizations will continue to activate this artistic network to help with important policy and regulatory initiatives.

For more information contact New Energy Economy at mariell@seedsbeneaththesnow.com or call 505-469-4060.

community

forum

august 2009 15

ALBUQUERQUE OPEN SPACE PRESENTS:

Open Space

25th Anniversary Celebration, August 8, 9-5pm KENT SWANSON, ABQ OPEN SPACE ince its inception in 1984, the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division has been working to preserve environmentally and culturally important lands throughout the Albuquerque area. Much of what defines Albuquerque and makes it unique is its “open” and undeveloped spaces, such as the cottonwood Bosque of the Rio Grande Valley, the Sandia Foothills and the volcanic escarpment and grasslands of the City’s West Side.

beautiful Open Space Visitor Center. There will be activities for the whole family in addition to educational displays about the Division and its history. Scheduled tours and activities include: • Self-guided Bosque Tours • Piedras Marcadas Pueblo Tour • Farm Tours/Hay bale Rides • Art Tables for the Kids • Live Birds presented by Hawks Aloft • Workshops on Gardening and Agriculture • Live Music • Food vendors • Presentations by community members involved in early Open Space preservation

BY

S

Most people living in Albuquerque are aware that the Open Space program exists to preserve these lands, but many people do not know everything we do. For example, the Division also manages farms, wetlands, archeological sites and hundreds of acres of Major Public Open Space in Sandoval County and in the Manzanos and Sandia Mountains.

The 25th Annual Open Space Celebration is free and open to the public. Please call 452-5200 or see www.cabq.gov/openspace to learn more about this unique event for the whole family. The Open Space Visitors Center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW between Montaño and Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration is a great way to learn more about the Division and the varied lands we manage, while taking in a festive environment of music, food, tours, workshops and more at our

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH

AR TMAKNG 7th Annual WE ART THE PEOPLE Folk Art Festival Returns

BY RON BREEN Albuquerque's 7th annual We Art the People folk art festival and Giant Puppet Parade kicks off Sunday, September 13, with more than 100 local artists and their recycled, found and even new creations.

We Art the People is staged by OFFCenter Gallery Community Arts Studio, which is also planning a community recycle-for-art project leading up to the folk art festival. Dozens of arts and crafts vendors will be displaying and selling art assemblages made from radios, furniture, bottle caps and tobacco tins; tee-shirt skirts; bowls fashioned out of old LPs and a "zoo" of exotic animals made out of recycled car parts.

The alcohol-free event will feature a Samba parade of giant puppets made of fabric, wood, parts of back

packs and old inner tubes; an art tent where anyone can make art; two stages of musical entertainment, buskers and food and drink.

"It's a lot of fun and it's free. There's artmaking and fun for all ages," said OFFCenter artist Sharie Fabian.

OFFCenter is a community art space located in the heart of Albuquerque. The center is home to a studio, a gallery and a sales shop. Anyone in the community is welcome to come to OFFCenter to make and buy art. Artists of low income are especially encouraged to make art in the studio, sell their work in the gallery shop and submit their work for display in the gallery.

Individuals, families and groups participate in a wide variety of both casual open studios and organized activities.

SHE IS AN ASTRONOMER A S P E C I A L E V E N T FOR

GIRLS

august 9th

The National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryVery Large Array (NRAO) and The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS), in partnership with the City of Albuquerque's Open Space Division and the Explora Science Center, will present a free astronomy event for girls aged 8 to 18 entitled "She Is An Astronomer," on Sunday, August 9, from 1-6pm at the Open Space Visitor Center on Albuquerque's West Side.

"She Is An Astronomer" will feature a variety of hands-on science activities and demonstrations, planetarium shows every half hour, and, weather permitting, telescope viewing of the sun. Girls will meet and interact with some of New Mexico's top female astronomers and scientists, who will be staffing activity stations. Educators from the Explora Science Center and female amateur astronomers from TAAS will also present activities.

To support the event theme, "Astronomy Is Women's Work," a selection of activity stations will take a myth-busting approach to traditional female roles. These stations are: "Doing Dishes" (radio astronomy); "Looking in the Mirror" (optical astronomy); "Cooking Light" (astrophotography, the spectrum); "Applying Mineral Make-up" (planetary geology, meteoritics, astrobiology); and "Sweeping the Universe" (sky surveys, building models of the universe). Girls who visit all five of these stations will receive an astronomy-related keepsake.

Participating astronomers and scientists include: Jayne Aubele, Planetary Geologist and Vulcanologist; Penelope "Penny" Boston, Astrobiologist; Patricia "Trish" Henning, Astronomer; Rhian Jones, Meteorite Expert; Laurel Ladwig, Planetarian; Aileen O'Catherine, Astronomy Writer; Becky Ramotowski, Astronomy Writer & Astrophotographer; Debra Shepherd, Astronomer.

The Open Space Visitor Center is located at Coors Boulevard and Bosque Meadows Road, between Paseo del Norte and Montano Road. For event information and directions, call 505-261-0040, or visit www.astronomyworkshops.org/siaa.html.

FOOD-SHED:

VALUE CHAIN ENJOY A FRESH BAGUETTE made from Northern New Mexico grown wheat that was milled in Central New Mexico and crafted into bread by a small local bakery. This baguette represents a value chain of growers, processors, producers and distributors from all over New Mexico

AT ALL CO-OP LOCATIONS

To participate in any of OFFCenter’s activities, sign-up for a booth space at the We Art the People Folk Fest or to volunteer contact Ron Breen, 505-247-1172.

NTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE Come celebrate International Day of Peace and learn more about what people are doing to create peace in their lives. Albuquerque Center for Peace & Justice, Project PeacePal and Roots & Shoots will be sponsoring this fundraiser with interactive exhibits, small silent auction, and food for sale at the Harwood Art Center on Sunday, Sept. 20th from 2-5pm. Music with the Todd Tijerina band and others. The event is free, but bring your wallet! For more information call 255-2042.

HERB

PEACE IS A VERB SEPT. 20TH 2-5PM WALKS! WITH NOTED LOCAL HERBALIST Two Locations!

Nob Hill

Bert Norgorden

ONE DAY september 5th

TALKFEST Acupuncture Center Relief from stress, pain, digestive discomfort, colds & flu Most insurances accepted.

3415 Silver SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 P: 505-265-5087 103 East Hill Gallup, New Mexico 87301 P: 505-863-8018

The Albuquerque Cultural Conference is holding a one-day Talkfest at the Harwood Art Center on Saturday, September 5, from 10-5pm. Topics will include the present state of the arts, culture in the region, programs on performance art, community action, cultural politics, and planning the 2010 Conference. at the harwood art center

ADMISSION WILL COST FROM $5 TO $15 INCLUDING FOOD AND P O E T R Y.

FOR

MORE

I N F O R M AT I O N W R I T E A L B U Q U E R Q U E C U LT U R A L C O N F E R E N C E @ YA H O O . C O M

Discuss plant family characteristics, how to use “KEYS” in identification and the medicinal properties of each herb. Bert has been wild crafting and making herbal medicines since 1988, taught at the North American College of Botanical Medicine, is the Director of the Foundations in Herbal Medicine Course, makes herbal tinctures and is utilizing his photography for both plant identification and art.

Aug.9

In the Sangre de Christos, 9-6pm

Aug.23 In the Jemez mountains, 9-6pm TO REGISTER or for info call 345-9132 plantworksnm@aol.com LEARN TO IDENTIFY MANY INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANTS AS WELL AS WHICH ONES ARE POISONOUS.

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

50¢ off

75¢ off

ONE (1) 16 oz jar of Sunland® Natural Valencia Creamy OR Crunchy Peanut Butter

any SIX (6) Clif Kid™ Organic Z BaR or Organic Twisted Fruit PLU: 8307 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

“I like school. It’s fun!”

–Lizelle, age 6

PLU: 8312 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

“Dad makes me celery with crunchy peanut butter for a snack.”

–Levi, age 3

Some product varieties may not be available at all stores.

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

50¢ off “Me, I like math best.”

–Emily, almost 7

50¢ off

any SIX (6) Brown Cow™ 6 oz Yogurts

ONE (1) loaf of Rudi’s Organic Bakery® Honey Sweet Whole Wheat Bread

“My favorite snack? Mom makes sandwich squares after school with cheese and tomatoes. I eat the cheese first! ”

–Julia, age 5

PLU: 8308 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

The importance of snacking shouldn’t be underestimated. Snacking in moderation supports a healthy diet.

PLU: 8313 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

Some product varieties may not be available at all stores.

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

BOGO

“I love arts and crafts.

I like to use paper and scissors.”

–Julia, age 5

Buy One, Get One FREE

Buy ONE (1) Organic Valley® sliced Cheddar or Muenster cheese and get one FREE

$2.00 off

“I love my orange omega gummies. I can’t wait to take my vitamins!”

–Lizelle, age 6

ONE (1) Bottle of Nordic Naturals® Nordic Omega-3 Gummies • 60 count

PLU: 8314 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

PLU: 8309 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

Kids do need fat. It’s extremely important for growth, brain development. The best fats are monounsaturated fats: olive oil, nuts, avocados. They have the same caloric density as other fats, but they push up good cholesterol while cutting down the bad. Omegas are good too. They benefit the immune system, brain and heart.

Flaxseed, coldwater fish and eggs are rich in omegas.

Dr. William Sears, a Capistrano, California-based pediatrician and author says, “Children are born grazers; we try to force them to gorge on three big meals a day, but it’s healthier to snack—as long as it’s not on garbage.”

So what makes a child’s snack healthy? Dr. Sears says to look for the following*:

Omega-3s. Children are most deficient in this nutrient.

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

BOGO Buy One, Get One FREE

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

Taste. If it doesn’t taste good, kids won’t eat it.

$1.00 off

Buy ONE (1) Organic Prairie® sliced Smoked Turkey, Oven Roasted Turkey, Hardwood Smoked Ham, or Canadian Bacon and get one Free

Missing ingredients. Avoid hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup.

ONE (1) 8 oz Bottle of All Terrain® Hand Sanz™ Fragrance Free ONLY

PLU: 8310 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

PLU: 8315 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

“My auntie makes sure I always have clean hands at school.”

–Angelina, age 5

“Turkey roll-ups are my favorite!”

–Lizelle, age 6 Some product varieties may not be available at all stores.

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

Expires 8-31-2009 • Redeemable ONLY at La Montañita Co-op locations

$1.50 off

FREE COFFEE

FOUR (4) Big B’s Famous Organic Lemonades 16 oz bottles

PLU: 8311 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

ONE (1) FREE Small Cup of Brewed Coffee with the purchase of any Breakfast Burrito from the Co-op Deli

“Breakfast burrito for me and coffee for Mom! She says the eggs have omega something.”

–Matt, age 13

($1.39 value)

PLU: 8316 Limit one coupon per purchase of specified product(s). Void if altered, transferred, reproduced, exchanged, sold, or purchased.

Valid only at La Montañita Co-op locations.

Expires August 31, 2009.

AN APPLE A DAY...

Apples are chock full of vitamin C and antioxidants, and eating apples has been shown to help prevent several different types of cancer. High in fiber, bulky for the number of calories apples contain, apples may also help aid with weight loss and lowering cholesterol when eaten in place of higher fat and sugar content foods.

The Co-op Produce Dept has a variety of apples available at great everday values. Get one for the teacher too!

Strive for five. Look for 5 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of sugar per serving.

Organic. Children (and older adults) have more fragile immune systems that can be weakened by added chemicals.

Here are some healthy snack ideas: Edamame: Find them in the freezer section, steam them in their pods until tender, salt and let your child pop out the beans for munching.

Delicious and protein-filled.

Hummus: A fine accessory for raw carrots, celery, lightly steamed broccoli and sugar snap peas.

Apple slices: Spread them with peanut butter for fiber, vitamins, and protein.

Whole grain tortilla chips: Douse them with melted cheese (protein and calcium!) and mild salsa (lycopene! which is an antioxidant!) or guacamole (healthy fats and vitamins!).

Low-fat yogurt: Calcium, protein, acidophilus. Top with granola.

Dried fruit: Offers the crunch of chips with the additive-free nutrients of fresh fruit, and a nice change of textural pace.

Does not include speciality coffee drinks.

“An apple for the teacher a day helps keep the homework away.”

–Matt, age 13

Kids need 2-4 servings of fruit each day as an important source of nutrients. Sugars from fruit come with nutrients, but the sugars in cookies and sodas do not.

Satiety factor. Choose snacks with both fiber and protein, which give the feeling of fullness.

Some product varieties may not be available at all stores.

“Lemonade tastes good!”

–Levi, age 3

Kids have small bodies with high energy needs. For cell growth and brain development, they need to eat every two to three hours. These just aren’t snacks we’re feeding kids, they’re nutrition boosts to help kids get through the day until they can share a meal with the rest of the family.

“Dad makes the best oatmeal. He puts raisins on top. Yummy!”

–Emily, almost 7

START THE DAY RIGHT

If you are looking for a food that help you begin your day with lasting energy, help you lose weight, and help in the fight against heart disease and other anxiety-inducing diseases, eat oatmeal. Every member of your family will be positively affected by your decision to include oatmeal in your diet.

The Co-op Bulk Dept has a vast assortment of breakfast cereals available at great everday values.

Frozen fruit: A frozen fruit salad that will naturally thaw by lunchtime.

Use fruits such as frozen organic blackberries, dark sweet cherries, raspberries and strawberries. For an added touch, drizzle fruit with a tablespoon of 100 percent pure maple syrup.

Healthy Beverages: Fill thermoses with organic milk or organic soy milk. Organic fruit drinks such as blueberry, pomegranate, apple or cranberry juice are also healthy alternatives to their counterparts (no refines sugar.) Convenient organic juice pouches are also available and easy to tuck into backpacks.

Healthy Grains: Mix together ready-to eat cereal, dried fruit and nuts in sandwich bags for an on-the-go snack. * Info taken from an article by Anna Soref on http://naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com

Join La Montañita Co-op!

Your community-owned natural foods grocery store

Why Join?

-You Care!

–about good food and how it is produced -You’re Empowered!

–you help support the local/regional food-shed -You Support!

–Co-op principles & values and community ownership -You Vote!

–with your dollars for a strong local economy -You Participate!

–providing direction and energy to the Co-op -You Receive!

–member discounts, weekly specials and a patronage refund

You Own It!

–an economic alternative for a sustainable future

In so many ways it pays to be a La Montañita Co-op Member/Owner!

Great Reasons to be a Co-op Member • Pick up our monthly newsletter full of information on food, health, environment and your Co-op.

• Member refund program: at the end of each fiscal year, if earnings are sufficient, refunds are returned to members based on purchases.

• Weekly member-only coupon specials as featured in our weekly sales flyer. Pick it up every week at any location to save more than your annual membership fee each week.

• Banking membership at the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union.

• Member only discount days: take advantage of our special discount events throughout the year–for members only.

• Special orders: on order large quantities or hard-to-find items at a 10% discount for members.

• General membership meetings, Board positions and voting. Co-ops are democratic organizations. Your participation is encouraged.