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April 2013 | Central Ohio Edition | NACentralOhio.com natural awakenings
April 2013
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5 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 9 community spotlight
Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
11 SWIMMING IN NATURE
Natural Pools Filter with 10 globalbriefs Plants, Not Chemicals by Monette Friedlander 12 fitbody 10 19 healthykids 14 HONORING EARTH DAY 20 naturalpet 11 Go Green at Parks and Other Community Events 22 healingways 25 wisewords 16 THE NEXT LEVEL 16 Education for a More 26 greenliving Sustainable World by Linda Sechrist 20 28 calendar 19 PARK IT HERE 29 classifieds Exploring America’s National Treasures 30 resourceguide by S. Alison Chabonais
advertising & submissions
20 DETECTING DISEASE
Liver and Adrenal Issues Share Symptoms how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media by Dr. Shawn Messonnier kit, please contact us at 614-374-6018 or email Publisher@NACentralOhio.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th HOUSEHOLD CLEANSE of the month. Banish these Five Chemicals for a Domestic Detox Editorial submissions by Gail Griswold-Elwyn Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NACentralOhio.com. Deadline for editorial: the HEALING THE 10th of the month.
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ECOSYSTEM WITHIN
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A Conversation with Bioneers calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: Publisher@NACentralOhio.com Co-Founder Nina Simons or fax to 614-455-0281. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of by Brita Belli the month.
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GOING ELECTRIC regional markets Tech Advances May Drive Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Eco-Transportation Mainstream Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing by Brita Belli franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other Riding Green in markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Central Ohio COTA Debuts New Natural Gas-Run Buses
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by Deena Kloss
natural awakenings
April 2013
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letterfrompublishers Welcome to April’s Green Living issue of Natural Awakenings of Central Ohio! Originally seeded in 1994 with a Naples, Florida, newsletter by natural and sustainable living enthusiast Sharon Bruckman, this magazine has since blossomed into a nationwide family of publishers serving 88 communities and more than 3.6 million loyal readers.
contact us Publishers Kerry Griffith Sean Peterson
From Kerry Griffith
Editors Barbara Amrhein Theresa Archer Brita Belli S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Design & Production Stephen Gray Blancett Patrick Floresca Steve Hagewood Ad Design Charles Erickson Ryan Mackey Franchise Sales John Voell II 239-530-1377 Natural Awakenings of Central Ohio P.O. Box 557 Centerburg, OH 43011 Phone: 614-374-6018 Fax: 614-455-0281 Publisher@NACentralOhio.com www.NACentralOhio.com © 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $24 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
I first became aware of Earth Day in 1995, during my senior year in high school. In line with my favorite Sacagawea quote, “Plant a thought, harvest an act,” a buddy and I enthusiastically campaigned for a group cleanup along a nearby stretch of highway, yet were the only two who showed up! We realized that: a) our peers thought they had better things to do with their Saturday morning, and/ or b) meaningful awareness was still lacking. We giggled as we picked up the trash. I couldn’t have imagined then how honoring Earth Day would become such a rite of celebration in my life. Many people send holiday cards each year, whereas my husband and I enjoy sending our greeting honoring April 22. My brother creates a green-themed photo collage of my two kids, and I note on the back a few suggestions/reminders of how each of us can be a responsible environmental steward. Our friends and family say the cards bring them joy too! Keep your eye out for this fun act of Mother Earth love at NACentralOhio.com/Facebook. How do you celebrate Earth Day? Similar to New Year’s Day, it’s a good time to reflect on thoughts and actions that contribute to the preservation of our planet’s resources. Maybe you’ll commit to a new green living resolution as a daily practice. Check out our list of celebrations on page 14 to choose fun ways to participate that suits you. Whatever you decide to do, keep Sacagawea’s wise words in mind: our thoughts do become our actions. And our actions impact our Earth.
From Sean Peterson
The ol’ gal is not looking too shabby for 4.5 billion years old. Mother Earth provides such a bountiful nest for us 7 billion inhabitants, and all the nooks and crannies to explore make for endless adventure to those who seek it. My grandmother spent many of her retirement years touring the country by motor coach, visiting as many national parks throughout the lower 48 states as time and her health allowed. My goal is to one day make a similar pilgrimage. One summer after college, my family drove from Minnesota westward to Washington. We passed through Badlands National Park in South Dakota, marveling at the bison and geologic wonders. In Wyoming, we witnessed the majesty that is Yellowstone National Park. It’s one thing to read about Old Faithful, but it’s entirely another to be awestruck in the presence of such a magnificent towering fountain, being governed by Mother Earth’s biorhythms. Perhaps now is the perfect time to start planning your own summer adventure to one of these national gems. You can get ideas from this month’s “Park It Here” feature. But you don’t even have to travel that far to seek out the treasures of nature. Start right here in Central Ohio at one of the many fine Metro Parks. There are 16 in all, which encompass 27,000 acres across 7 counties. Honor your mother,
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.
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Kerry Griffith and Sean Peterson, Co-Publishers
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newsbriefs Local Fair Trade Firm Hosts Knitting Contest and Show
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ilBear, a Central Ohio shawl, wrap and scarf maker, is holding a Knits Into Spring contest. Knitters that submit spring-themed knit or crochet projects by 4 p.m., April 24, will be eligible to win a gift basket valued at $350. Judging will take place at 1 p.m., April 27, at MCBI, in Zanesville, and the public is invited to view the creations and participate in a silent auction, fiber arts demonstrations and other activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the same day. The auction proceeds will benefit Christ’s Table, an organization that provides food assistance to individuals in need. LilBear was founded by fiber artist Laura Berry, who sources her yarn and fiber exclusively from fair trade schools in Nepal, Bolivia, Peru and South Africa, helping to support women across the globe. Cost to enter: $10. Public admission: $3, children under 12 admitted free. Location: 2725 Pinkerton Ln. For more information, call 614-935-6220 or visit LilBear.org.
Chiropractic Health Center Opens New Facility
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ctive Edge Chiropractic, a whole-body chiropractic health and rehabilitation facility, has opened at 1156 Dublin Road, Suite 102, in Columbus, near Grandview Heights. The 1,500-square-foot-plus facility offers a fitness floor and rehabilitation area with group exercise classes and personal training services, as well as individual treatment rooms with services ranging from chiropractic care to massage therapy, physical rehabilitation and nutritional counseling. Additional services include educational sessions known as “Doc Talks” and personalized home visits to prevent recurrence of injuries. The center’s functional approach treats the whole patient, using multiple strategies to encourage stronger, faster healing that include soft tissue techniques, physical therapy, adjustments and nutritional advice. Their progressive physicians treat conditions ranging from sports injuries and neck and shoulder pain to accident-related injuries, numbness, tingling, and general stiffness and soreness. For more information, call 614-407-5335 or visit Active EdgeChiropractic.com. See ad, page 11.
The Hills Market Opens Downtown Location
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s part of the transitioning of downtown Columbus into a thriving retail center with a neighborhood feel, The Hills Market, a locally owned, full-service grocer founded in 1993, in Worthington, has opened a second location at 95 North Grant Avenue. The market has transformed the 12,000-square-foot space of former car repair shop Wilson’s Auto Service, and provides the same options as their Worthington store: a bakery, butcher shop, deli, salad bar, seafood and sushi counter, dairy and frozen food sections and a standard assortment of dry goods. The all-inclusive market features such local specialties as Snowville Creamery yogurt, Luna Burger frozen veggie burgers and a coffee bar exclusively serving java from Silver Bridge Coffee Co., in Gallipolis. The store also offers a large selection of wine and beer and numerous organic food options. Shoppers can enjoy grab-and-go sandwiches and hot dishes, a salad and soup bar and sushi, and can eat in dining areas inside and outside the store. Catering, curbside grocery pick-up and delivery services are available, and the store will also offer private cooking classes and wine tastings. For more information, visit TheHillsMarket.com.
Learn Holistic Approaches to ADHD and Autism
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n conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, Susan Richardson and Bobbi Decker will offer a class to discuss natural and holistic approaches to addressing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 11 at Journeys of Wisdom, a holistic healing center in Columbus. Richardson and Decker will offer information about therapies for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and autism that include stimulation of the limbic region of the brain using aromas from therapeutic-grade essential oils. They note that diffusing, applying or ingesting essential oils may offer potential benefits for individuals that have these disorders, because the sense of smell is linked to the mind’s emotional and hormonal centers. According to Decker and Richardson, essential oils help detoxify the body and balance the emotions. Location: 6161 Busch Blvd., Ste. 316. For more information, contact Bobbi Decker at 614-586-5465, BDecker23@ msn.com or visit JourneysOfWisdom.com. natural awakenings April 2013 5
30 Mile Meal Project Comes to Licking County
Local Author Confronts Hoarding in New Book
he groundbreaking 30 Mile Meal project, which began in 2010 in Athens County, in Southeast Ohio, has found a second home in nearby Licking County as part of its vibrant locavore initiative. Locavores— those that seek out food grown and raised in their own community—can now discover the diversity of Southeast Ohio’s local foods economy within a 30-mile radius of Licking County. Based on the national 100 Mile Meal movement, the endeavor was started to promote local food producers like farms and dairy sellers, local markets and farm stands, and servers such as restaurants and bakeries, within a 30-mile radius of the center of the participating county. Proponents say there are health, environmental and economic benefits to be had by knowing where food comes from, eating food that’s in season, and supporting local farmers. The 30 Mile Meal Project has also spurred the creation of the Real Food-Real Local-Real Good Institute, a resource for other local communities that want to utilize regional food production as a sustainable economic development strategy. An Institute conference planned for July, in Athens, will include farm and farmers’ market tours, panel discussions and locally sourced dining.
n her third book, Zen of Hoarding, Columbus, Ohio resident Saira Priest approaches the national problem of hoarding with a focus on individual decisionmaking and empowerment. Priest estimates that between 6 million and 16 million households in the U.S. struggle with hoarding. Reality TV shows and newspaper headlines highlight the extreme, compulsive hoarders, but Priest says many more families are living with clutter and collections that are interfering in less drastic ways with their peace of mind. With the constant flow of cheaply produced, throwaway items, it’s easy for Americans to get caught up in over-consumerism. Priest believes most people can relate to just having “too much stuff” and being unsure what to do with it all; in Zen of Hoarding, she provides 108 offerings for deciding what to own. Priest invites readers to use a Zen approach to clearing the clutter in their spaces and minds, suggesting that as people process their things, they also process their experiences. The author hopes to increase readers’ empathetic understanding of how hoarding begins and what compels individuals to hold onto things long after they are done with them, and she offers new and gentle ways to facilitate processing one’s collections.
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For more information, email LickingCountyLocalFood@ gmail.com or visit 30MileMeal.com.
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For more information, visit ZenOfHoarding.com.
Dual Expos Arrive in Columbus
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he Northland Performing Arts Center will feature two expos in one—the Journey Expo and the Living and Eating Green Expo—on May 4 and 5. Sponsored by The Journey magazine, the dual events will give attendees opportunities to learn about topics ranging from eco-living and nutrition to complementary modalities. Vendors will showcase nutritional remedies, bodywork, art, crystals, organic food and products, yoga, music, astrology, psychic readings and aura imagery. The expo’s featured keynote speaker is George Noory, host of the Gaiam TV program, Beyond Belief, and of the nationally syndicated radio talk show program, Coast to Coast AM, which airs on more than 560 stations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Guam and reaches millions of listeners. The Journey Expo will also feature lectures from such notable speakers as Dr. Terry Gordon, Dr. Linda Backman and Melissa Leath; a special screening of Bethany’s Story, a film about a woman healed by a raw food diet; and other workshops and demonstrations designed to spark higher levels of consciousness. Location: 4411 Tamarack Blvd. For tickets and more information, call Clyde Chafer at 440-223-1392 or visit TheJourneyMag.com. See ad, page 7.
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Veg Out at Cincinnati Food Festival
Celebrate Local Relocates in Easton
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For more information, visit CinciVegFest.com.
For more information, call 614-471-6446 or visit CelebrateLocal. wordpress.com and EastonFarmersMarket.org.
elicious, plantbased entrées and desserts are just some of the highlights attendees can enjoy at the Cincinnati VegFest, taking place from noon to 6 p.m., April 13, at the University of Cincinnati McMicken Commons. The event will also feature guest speakers including Will Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet, and Anya Todd, a registered dietitian specializing in vegan nutrition. Yoga, live music, a raffle and other activities and entertainment will also fill the family-friendly agenda. Like other VegFests held around the world, this annual food festival promotes veganism and vegetarianism, healthy living, environmentalism and community spirit. But the Cincinnati VegFest will specifically celebrate local healthy options and activities, while also encouraging the university and greater Cincinnati community to continue to make more positive, sustainable choices.
elebrate Local, a one-of-a-kind Columbus shop that showcases Ohio-produced handmade and artisan goods, has moved from Easton Town Center’s northeast corner to a larger, permanent space at 3952 Townsfair Way, adjacent to Panera Bread and across from Crate & Barrel. Born from the Easton Farmers’ Market, the shop has grown from a seasonal popup store into an established hub for everything local, specializing in gifts from local artisans and food purveyors that encompass both mom-and-pop businesses and more well-known Ohio favorites. Gift-worthy items include local foods like salsa, sauces, beer and baked goods; children’s clothes and custom T-shirts; stationery and notecards; and artisan jewelry. “It’s becoming popular for people to ‘buy local’ for others and themselves,” says owner and co-founder Heidi Maybruck. “It’s really much larger than just a trend, though. Buying local is part of the greater sustainability movement at large, and people who shop with us value a greater connection between themselves and what they are buying. Some people buy local because they appreciate the familiarity of the town or city a product is coming from. Others like to purchase locally to reduce their environmental impact, or to strengthen their local economy. Whichever reason someone chooses, their decision helps to make a positive, sustainable difference.”
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healthbriefs
A Bus Pass to Green Well-Being
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here’s a way to simultaneously help both Planet Earth and one’s own health, report scientists from Imperial College London, in England. The researchers examined four years of data from the country’s Department for Transport National Travel Survey beginning in 2005, the year before free bus passes were available for people ages 60 and older. The study team found that those with a pass were more likely to walk frequently and take more journeys by “active travel”— defined as walking, cycling or using public transport. Staying physically active helps maintain mental well-being, mobility and muscle strength in older people and reduces their risk of cardiovascular disease, falls and fractures. Previous research by Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes published in The Lancet has shown that just 15 minutes of moderate daily exercise lowers the risk of death in people over 60 by 12 percent, and another study at Newcastle University found that 19 percent of Britain’s adults achieve their recommended amount of physical activity through active travel alone. Public health organizations in the UK believe that “incidental” exercise, such as walking to and from bus stops, may play a key role in helping seniors keep fit and reduce social exclusion.
Getting the Lead Out
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he U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently redefined the “action level” for lead exposure in children. Youngsters are now considered at risk and qualify for careful medical monitoring if they have more than five micrograms per deciliter of lead in their blood—half the previous threshold. Lead poisoning can cause cognitive and behavioral problems, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends testing blood lead concentration levels at age 1 and again at 2, when concentrations peak. Most lead poisoning cases occur in substandard housing units, especially those with window frames still coated with lead-based paint banned since 1978. Families in dwellings built before 1950 should also be vigilant about lead. The Consumer Products Safety Commission cautions that home lead test kits sold online and at hardware stores may not be reliable enough to identify and remove sources of exposure. Professional contractors offer more accurate results. Children exhibiting blood lead levels above the new threshold are usually monitored, rather than treated with medications that carry serious risks. Once lead sources are removed, children’s blood lead levels typically return to a more normal range within weeks. The CDC confirms that rather than remedial treatment, the primary goal should be making sure children aren’t exposed to lead in the first place. Fortunately, the levels of most of America’s youngest children today are well below the revised action point, with average blood lead content of 1.8 micrograms, while school-age children, teenagers and adults face little risk. 8
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Coffee and Vision Loss Linked
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asing up on java consumption or switching to decaf may be a wise move for coffee lovers, according to a scientific paper published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. The study links heavy consumption of the caffeinated beverage to an increased risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma, a condition in which fluid builds up inside the eye and puts pressure on the optic nerve. This leads to some vision loss and in serious cases, total blindness. Researchers obtained data from 78,977 women from the Nurses’ Health Study and 41,202 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study that focused on caffeinated coffee, tea and cola servings. They found that drinking three or more cups of caffeinated coffee daily was linked with an increased risk of developing the eye condition, especially for women with a family history of glaucoma. However, the researchers did not find associations with consumption of decaffeinated tea, chocolate or coffee. “Because this is the first [such] study, confirmation of the U.S. results in other populations would be needed to lend more credence to the possibility that caffeinated coffee might be a modifiable risk factor for glaucoma,” says Doctor of Science Jae Hee Kang, of the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts. “It may also lead to research into other dietary or lifestyle risk factors.”
communityspotlight
Eartha Limited
Diverting Food Waste from Landfills by Deena Kloss
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ntil recently, it wasn’t easy to recycle in Columbus. Instead, most waste was sent to landfills, aluminum was considered garbage, and the concept of collecting food scraps was limited to massive scale food prep operations that transported scraps to factory farms to be used as cheap animal feed. Today, the topic of food waste is big news in the mainstream media. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that Americans throw out the equivalent of $165 billion of good food a year, averaging about 20 pounds of edible items each month, or around $1,650 a year for a family of four. In restaurants, most waste is generated from food prep and is even more costly. When Elizabeth Lessner of the
Columbus Food League wanted her six restaurants [Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits, Surly Girl Saloon, Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails, Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace, Jury Room, and Grass Skirt] to go zero-waste, she was faced with a challenge: Franklin County outlaws diverting food waste from the landfill. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is funded in large part by landfill tipping fees, and diverting heavy food waste would eat into their bottom line. Working together with SWACO, public officials and local leaders over time, Lessner received permission to divert food waste via her new business, Eartha Limited. Using a small truck partially powered by biodiesel generated from recycled fryer oil, Eartha hauls food
waste from establishments such as Ohio State University, Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Northstar Café, Pattycake Bakery and even select White Castle locations, to Ohio Mulch for repurposing into compost under the brand name Green Envy. This high-grade matter is frequently used in the landscaping design at some of the same restaurants where the waste was initially generated. Eartha Limited is expanding its reach in the greater Columbus region, working with restaurants, public school districts, colleges and universities, bakeries, craft brewers, corporate cafeterias, sports arenas, outdoor music and cultural festivals, caterers and catered events, groceries and others to divert food scraps from landfills. Lessner believes that even more can be done to trim waste on the front end, and as the concept enters everyday awareness, homeowners, too, are beginning to see the benefits of reducing food waste— via composting—at home. Location: 371 Maier Pl., Bay 15. For more information, call 614-221-9046, visit EarthaLimited.com and Ohio MulchBulk.com/prod/green-envy-2.
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Cool Tool
New Calculations for Polar Ice A new report from the University of Washington, in Seattle, published in the journal Science on polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, works to reconcile differences between sometimes-conflicting research studies. Scientists compiled 20 years of data to determine how much ice is being lost and sea levels have increased as the global climate warms. Past studies have shown a range of ice losses, from zero to catastrophic. When the data was synthesized and analyzed holistically, it became clear that the ice sheets are losing three times as much ice each year as they did in the 1990s—in the middle of previous estimates. Ice sheets are one of several main drivers of rising sea levels. Other factors, which account for 80 percent of the increase, include the melting of glaciers on land and the expansion of the sea itself as the atmosphere heats up. The melting of polar sea ice has no direct effect on sea levels because the ice is already in the water. Glaciologist and co-author Ian Joughin told The Christian Science Monitor, “The melting needs monitoring to further understand the ice sheet processes leading to the change.”
Thrifty Threads
Levi’s Latest Sustainable Moves World record holder and Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt will soon model Puma boots that are “made for rotting,” and when the next Levi Strauss collection arrives, their new jingle will be, “These jeans are made of garbage.” Crushed brown and green half-liter plastic bottles will be on display at retail store displays, of which the equivalent of eight, or 20 percent, are blended into each pair of Waste<Less jeans. Nike and Gap have their own sustainability programs, and Patagonia has long supported a small ecosystem of Earth-friendly suppliers. But as the biggest maker of jeans in the world, with sales of $4.8 billion in 2011, Levi’s efforts command the most attention. Levi joined the Better Cotton Initiative, a group of companies that work with local nongovernmental organizations in Pakistan, India, Brazil and Mali to teach farmers how to grow cotton with less water. Last year marked the first cotton harvest given this effort and Levi has blended its share into more than 5 million pairs of jeans. With cotton prices on the rise and pressure from activist groups such as BSR, an environmental organization that works with businesses, large clothing manufacturers are starting to adopt more sustainable practices. Source: Business Week 10
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Label GMOs
Whole Foods Supports Americans’ Right to Know Whole Foods Market has become the first company in the industry to decide that all products containing genetically modified organisms (GMO) in its U.S. and Canadian stores must be so labeled by 2018. “We support the consumer’s right to know,” said Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, in announcing the policy. “The prevalence of GMOs in the United States, paired with nonexistent mandatory labeling, makes it very difficult for retailers to source non-GMO options and for consumers to choose nonGMO products.” Genetic engineering introduces changes in DNA structure—usually to increase crop yield, plant hardiness and aesthetic appeal, rather than improve nutritional content. Acknowledged downsides of artificially transferring genes into plants include substantial increases in the use of chemicals and genetic cross-contamination of fields. While major food companies funded the defeat of California’s Prop 37 calling for GMO labeling, 82 percent of Americans are pro-labeling, according to a recent poll by market research firm YouGov. On April 8, Americans will demand that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stop choosing Monsanto’s industrial interests over policy transparency and public health. Concerned citizens are beginning to take back America’s food system. Join the Eat-In for GMO Labeling, Stone Soup style, outside of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 8. Visit Occupy-Monsanto.com.
Swimming in Nature Natural Pools Filter with Plants, Not Chemicals by Monette Friedlander
The findings of a survey of teachers conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, in collaboration with the College Board and the National Writing Project, show that the Internet has opened up a vast world of information for today’s students, but digital literacy skills need improvement. Three-quarters of Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers say that the Internet and digital search tools have had a “mostly positive” impact on their students’ research habits, but 87 percent say these technologies are creating an easily distracted generation with short attention spans, and 64 percent say they do more to divert students’ attention than to help them academically. The good news is that 99 percent of teachers in the study agree with the notion that, “The Internet enables students to access a wider range of resources than would otherwise be available,” and 65 percent agree that, “It makes today’s students more selfsufficient researchers.” Read the full report at Tinyurl.com/ TeenResearch.
Plant a thought, harvest an act. ~ Sacagawea
Photo by Woodhouse Natural Pools
Students Learning to Adopt Internet Academics
atural swimming pools are a healthy, eco-friendly alternative to traditional pools that require hefty applications of chemicals. Europe, where such pools have been popular since the mid1980s, boasts more than 20,000 of them, 100 of which are public pools in Germany. Today, these sustainable oases of recreation and pleasure are gaining popularity in the U.S. Natural pools can be constructed to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings or built to accentuate the architecture of an adjacent home. While design and construction options are limitless, natural pools all share certain green characteristics: they are free of the chemicals, additives and energy-depleting filtration and heating systems common to most backyard pools. Natural swimming pools are designed with two main areas: a swimming zone that resembles a conventional swimming pool or pond, and a regeneration zone that contains a lined overflow pool filled with gravel, sand or lavastone for filtration, and aquatic plants. The plants provide a working eco-system for the pool, supporting beneficial bacteria, water regeneration and an attractive natural
Photo by Clearwater Revival
Online Literacy
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aesthetic. Pool owners and their designers can also choose to supplement the “working” plants with decorative species. Installation costs for these selfcleaning, mini-ecosystems are about the same as traditional, chemicalbased pools, but they are easier and less expensive to maintain. Natural pools don’t require covers during the winter (they provide a scenic backdrop when frozen over) or the constant addition of chlorine and other chemicals. Skimming fallen leaves off the surface is the biggest upkeep job that owners face. Because the regeneration zone of a natural pool is outside of the swimming area, aquatic life remains separate from swimmers. Frogs, dragonflies and birds keep mosquitoes and their larvae at bay. An aeration system oxygenates the water to prevent the buildup of unwanted film and helps circulate water through the plant roots for cleansing. If designed and managed properly, natural pools remain just as clean and safe as their conventional counterparts, while leaving a much lower “pool print” on Mother Earth. Monette Friedlander is an Ohio-based independent landscape designer and consultant. Connect with her at GardensByMonette.com.
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fitbody
Picture Perfect From athletes to astronauts, mental imagery boosts performance. by Debra Melani
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ast winter, Terry Chiplin went for an early morning run near his Colorado home. Snow crunched as his sneakered feet hit the front porch of his mountain lodge, tucked into a secluded forest. Evergreen boughs glistened in the sun, drooping slightly from the weight of the sparkling white powder. The running coach smiled as he lifted his face to the sky, welcoming the large, wet flakes that kissed his face. “Can you picture it?” asks the bubbly British native and owner of Active at Altitude, in Estes Park. That is visualization, he explains, a concept he uses regularly at retreats he conducts for runners from beginner to elite as a holistic means of boosting performance. “It’s simply a succession of mental images; we use visualization all the time.” Whether it’s Tiger Woods envisioning a perfect golf swing minutes before taking a shot or Michael Phelps replaying a mental video of an ideal swim the night before an Olympic event, many athletes have long worked with trainers such as Chiplin to move beyond strictly physical preparation and consciously enlist creative mental capacities to enhance their performance. Using imagery and positive self-talk can improve the
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efforts of any type of athlete and, as Chiplin’s clients have found, improve their lives. “The notion that we are just a physical body, so we just need to train physically, is old-fashioned,” Chiplin maintains. Shortly after launching his program six years ago, he learned firsthand how powerful the mind could be in boosting (or sabotaging) performance. He remarks, “It quickly became apparent that the main issues people face are the mental things, what is happening in their heads.” Chiplin recalls watching runners fall from the peak capabilities they had reached after training hard for endurance events as their mileage tapered off in the final days before the race. Similarly, he thinks the sort of “negative visualization” he witnessed can have a similar impact on everyday life events, such as exams, interviews and job achievement. Although unclear about its exact mechanism, sports psychologists have long recognized the value of positive mental imagery, especially in building skills and reducing anxiety. In working with athletes, they apply shared models such as those reported in The Sport Psychologist. Both professional and amateur runners have benefited from Chiplin’s
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camps, including graduate Ginny Landes, 62, who says visualization techniques have changed her running outlook and her life. “My goal is not high achievement or personal records; it’s to always finish my run feeling good,” says Landes, of Lafayette, Colorado. As part of the visualizing process, she says she also clears her mind of negative thoughts, stops comparing her performance to others and accepts factors that are out of her control, whether it’s bad race weather or competitive colleagues. Practicing helpful visualization techniques consistently in daily life can lead to better returns across the board, not just in athletics, according to Terry Orlick, a performance consultant from Ottawa, Ontario, and author of many self-improvement books, including Embracing Your Potential and In Pursuit of Excellence. Orlick has worked with people from many walks of life that use im-
Visualization Tips
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s with any skill, practice often, gradually increasing the number of sessions. n For maximum effect, incorporate sounds, smells, colors and feel ings to create vivid images. n
Plan imagery to meet current needs. If struggling with a skill, imagine performing it perfectly and confidently many times. If distractions are an issue, imagine remaining calm and focused while dealing with whatever occurs during an event.
Source: Adapted from Association for Applied Sport Psychology
agery in their quest for improvement, including surgeons, musicians, pilots, dancers, astronauts and CEOs. When working with Canadian Olympic teams, Orlick found that 99 percent of the athletes practiced visualization an average of 12 minutes per day, four times a week. Studies have linked imagery and improved performance in a variety of sports. For instance, researchers found that golfers that used visualization and positive self-talk improved their putting performance (Journal of Sports Science & Medicine). Another study showed an increase in confidence among novice female rock climbers, leading to better performance (Journal of Sport Behavior). For Landes, her personal experience is all the proof she needs. After years of rarely being able to run the entire course of a major annual race in Aspen—generally walking the last stretch—Landes tried visualizing herself having a strong finish as she trained and prepared for the event. For weeks, she replayed the last three miles many times in her mind. Then she ran the race, paring 12 minutes off her previous year’s time. “It felt great,” Landes says, “and it worked.” Freelance journalist Debra Melani writes about health care and fitness from Lyons, CO. Connect at Debra Melani.com or DMelani@msn.com.
ecotip Gas Saver
Keep Bucks in Your Pocket at the Pump When mass transit isn’t an option, drivers have many ways to save money by coaxing more miles per gallon (mpg) from their vehicle. It’s easy to adopt some simple driving and maintenance habits. Slow down. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph can improve gas mileage by as much as 15 percent. Reduce excess weight. An extra 100 pounds of nonessential cargo in a vehicle could reduce mpg by up to 2 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Properly inflate tires. The increased surface area of the rubber in soft tires meeting the road creates ongoing drag and a greater demand on the engine. Keep the engine tuned. Regularly check and refresh fluid levels, especially in colder regions where winter places additional stress on engine parts. While high-quality synthetic motor oil blends may protect the engine better than conventional oil, they don’t eliminate the need for regular oil changes, according to JiffyLube.com. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence notes that one misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent. Avoid rapid accelerations and braking. The EPA estimates that about half of the energy needed to power a car is consumed during acceleration, and fuel economy can be improved by as much as 10 percent by avoiding unnecessary braking. Keep the engine air filter clean. According to AAA.com, a clogged filter strains performance. In some cars, the filter can be easily checked by the owner; or drivers may ask a technician to do so during regular tune-ups.
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Honoring Earth Day Go Green at Parks and Other Community Events
Local food, musicians and activities throughout the day. Community Market.org.
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ost kids don’t have a clue what wilderness means,” observes Robin Snyder, chief of visitor services at New River Gorge National River, in West Virginia. “Many haven’t been exposed to basic outdoor nature activities.” That’s why the National Park Service annually sponsors more than 57,000 local school and park programs across the country, reaching 2.9 million students each year. More than 810,000 children also are participating in its Junior Ranger program. Many programs reflect First Lady Michelle Obama’s child wellness initiative, with the appropriate twist, “Let’s move outside.” This year’s National Park Week, from April 20 to 28, centered on Earth Day, will offer free weekday admission to all 398 national parks from April 22 to 26, adding 134 more historic sites, preserves, recreation areas and other sites to the usual 264 with no entrance fee. Earth Day’s 43rd anniversary celebrations throughout America and worldwide will encourage everyone to join in the next “billion acts of green,”
aligned with the theme: The Face of Climate Change. “In the face of unprecedented occurrences of extreme weather, loss of species and pollution, it is clear that climate change is affecting our planet. We cannot afford to wait any longer to act,” advises the Earth Day Network, which posts many ideas for participating at EarthDay.org/takeaction. Find local park activities by state at nps.gov/findapark/event-search.htm or check a park’s website for upcoming programs. Following are other leading local events that will help citizens of all ages answer the call to go green.
Capital Square Earth Day Celebration Friday, April 19, noon. Ohio Statehouse, Broad and High St, Columbus, 43215
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Earth Day Celebration Saturday, April 20, 9am-5pm. 4850 W. Powell Rd, Powell, 43065
Celebrate Earth Day and explore the building stones of Capitol Square with special guests Dale M. Gnidovic, curator of the OSU Orton Geological Museum, and E. Mac Swinford, assistant state geologist at ODNR Division of Geological Survey. 614-752-9777. OhioStatehouse.org.
Admission: adults, $14.99; seniors, $10.99; children 2-9, $9.99; children under 2, free. Located throughout the Columbus Zoo, local conservation and wildlife businesses and eco-conscious community organizations will share their earthly knowledge through interactive exhibits. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn what you can do to better serve the environment. 614-645-3550, 800-666-5397. ColumbusZoo.org.
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Earth Day Events at Clintonville Community Market Saturday, April 20, all day. Clintonville Community Market, 200 Crestview Rd, Columbus.
SWACO 2013 Household Hazardous Waste Collections Saturday, April 20, 8am-2pm. Ashland Inc., 5200 Blazer Pkwy, Dublin.
NACentralOhio.com
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) will be collecting all household hazardous waste except latex/ water base paint, and Operation Feed will be collecting canned food items and monetary donations. AMVETS will be available to collect clothing (men, women and children), shoes (no boots), all bedding items (no mattresses), draperies and curtains, housewares and glassware, linens and radios and other small appliances. Possitivity also will be at Household Hazardous Waste to collect e-waste items, including computers, LCD monitors, laptops, printers, cell phones, fax machines and PDAs. CRT monitors and televisions can be recycled for a fee. CRT monitors are $15 and televisions are $25. Monitors and televisions with cracked glass or televisions in wood consoles are not accepted. Pottery Barn Kids – Trees for the Future Saturday, April 20 – Monday, April 22 Come in to the Polaris Mall store for a free packet of seeds for the kids to plant at home (while supplies last) and fun activities. Plus proceeds from the purchase of select lunch products will go towards Trees for the Future. Help organizers reach goal of planting 50,000 trees. Earth Day Empowerment: Transforming Your Body, Your Home, Your Planet Sunday, April 21, noon-4pm - 6180 Linworth Rd, Worthington, 43085 Join Big Green Head, Worthington Optimal Wellness and Natural Awakenings of Central Ohio to spotlight local speakers, vendors and organizations for an afternoon of information, education and wellness activities. See ad on back cover.
Celebrate Earth Day on the Hocking River Sunday, April 21, 10am-5pm. Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, 12789 State Rte 664 S, Logan, 43138 Will you find a tire, a stove, or maybe a glider? The hunt for the best trash pickup story is on. Paddle your canoe and gather trash along the river. This is a great chance for groups or individuals to gather together to help keep our waterways clean for future generations. So if you are looking for a community or civic project or just want to lend a helping hand, head on down to Hocking Hills Canoe Livery. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Dress accordingly, remember, the water will be cold. You may even want to break out the rubber boots or waders. Just remember, in order to clean up the river, you may have to get dirty. 740-385-0523, 800-634-6820. HockingRiver.com. City of Columbus, Franklin County, ScottsMiracle-Gro, Stinger and other community partners to celebrate Earth Day and the Columbus gardening community. Monday, April 22, 10am-2pm. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and The ScottsMiracle-Gro Community Garden Campus, 1777 East Broad St, 43203 Earth Day Schedule: 10:30am - Program with Mayor Michael B. Coleman 11am-2pm - Tours of Community, Hands-on Activities for Kids, Gardening Demonstrations and Giveaways, How to Start a Community Garden Info, Local Food Trucks Serving Lunch. The Ohio Statehouse Arbor Day and Earth Day Celebration Tuesday, April 23, 10:30-11am. Ohio Statehouse, Broad and High, Columbus, 43215 Ohio Statehouse will commemorate Arbor Day and Earth Day with a tree-planting ceremony on the North Plaza of Capitol Square. The annual Ohio Statehouse Arbor Day tree planting is part of the ongoing efforts of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board to create a prominent green space for the citizens of Ohio. 614-752-9777. OhioStateHouse.org. Earth Day 2013: Stand Together Saturday, April 27 at the Columbus Commons A celebration to commemorate Earth Day will be held at the Columbus Commons, in the heart of the city. The celebration will feature live bands, food trucks, green businesses, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities, information booths, and much more. EarthDayColumbus.org or GreenCBus.org. Whole Foods Recycle Fest Sunday, April 28, 10-4pm Whole Foods, 1555 West Lane Ave. Upper Arlington, 43221 Drop off for household electronics, and receive a Whole Foods gift (while supplies last). 614-481-3400. natural awakenings
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to both positive choices and the necessary tools for problem solving. “These elements enable students to take all that they learn and use it with reverence and a sense of responsibility,” says Weil. Her institute offers the only master’s degrees in humane education that this approach requires, with complementary in-class and online programs for young people and adults. Her determined vision is slowly becoming a reality as teachers become familiar with these concepts and integrate them into hands-on, project-based learning that crosses disciplines and better marries school experiences with real-life lessons.
Zoe Weil portrait by Robert Shetterly
Make the Extraordinary Ordinary
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seymour Papert, a renowned educator and computer scientist, has conducted indepth research in how worthy real-world topics get students excited about what they learn. They increase their tendency to dig more deeply and expand their interest in a wide array of subjects as they better retain what they learn, become more confident in trusting their own judgment and make the connections needed to broadly apply their knowledge. Young people learn how to collaborate and improve their social and group speaking skills, including with adults.
THE NEXT LEVEL Education for a More Sustainable World by Linda Sechrist
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“
hat is the purpose of education?” That’s a question Zoe Weil frequently revisits with her workshop audiences. As co-founder and President of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), Weil has spent most of her adult life researching the answer. Her conclusion is that the U.S. Department of Education’s present goal of preparing graduates to “compete in the global economy” is far too myopic for our times. Weil’s firsthand research, which grounds her book, The Power and Promise of Humane Education, has led her to forward the idea that the goal should be inspiring generations of “solutionaries” prepared to joyfully and enthusiastically meet the challenges of world problems. “I believe that it is incredibly irresponsible for America’s educators and policymakers not to provide people with the knowledge of interconnected global issues, plus the skills and tools to become creative problem solvers and motivated change makers in whatever fields they pursue,” says Weil. Weil points to four primary elements that comprise a humane education: providing information about current issues in age-appropriate ways; fostering the Three C’s of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking; instilling the Three R’s of reverence, respect and responsibility; and ensuring access
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We need to build cases for environmental protection around broad-based community concerns like health, quality of life, the protection of watersheds and wildlife and the education of our children. Environmental issues are also social, economic and quality of life issues. Our challenge is to bring life-sustaining principles into creative thinking for the long view, rather than the short term. ~ Terry Tempest Williams
According to Papert, project-based learning improves test scores and reduces absenteeism and disciplinary problems. “If schoolchildren are given the gift of exploration, society will benefit, both in practical and theoretical ways,” notes Papert.
Telling Transformation
Papert’s observations were affirmed by middle school students at Voyagers’ Community School, in Farmingdale, New Jersey, in one of the IHE 10-week online classes— Most Good, Least Harm—in April 2012. “Initially, students were intimidated and underestimated their ability to express their thoughts and concerns or debate issues with the adult participants. That challenge faded quickly,” remarks Karen Giuffre, founder and director of the progressive day school. Posing provocative questions like, “What brings you joy?” and engaging in conversations in subjects like climate change, racism, recycling, green energy, genocide and war challenged the students to step up to become respected equals. “This demanded a lot from these young people, because the experience wasn’t only about absorbing complex issues and developing an awareness of the material, political, economic and cultural world around them. It was also about how they probed their minds and emotions to determine where they stood on issues and what they could do to change their lifestyle, or that of their family and community, to make it more sustainable,” says Giuffre. The students went on to help organize a peace conference that entailed 20-plus workshops to inspire an individual mindful awareness of peace that motivates and empowers the peacemaker within. It was intended to incite collective action across generations, explains Giuffre, and was followed by community service to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
Answering the Call
Children or adults that participate in activities such as those created by IHE or the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Challenge 20/20 are developing what Peggy Holman describes as “change literacy”, the capacity to be effectively present amid a changing set of circumstances. Holman, an adjunct professional lecturer at American University’s School of Public Affairs, in Washington, D.C., is co-founder of the Open Space InstituteUS, which fosters whole-system engagement, and author of Engaging Emergence. “Conversational literacy—the capacity to talk and interact in creative ways with others that are very different from us—is our birthright. However, change literacy, a necessary skill for future leaders, is learned via curiosity,” advises Holman. “In my experience, children grasp it more quickly than adults, because authentic expression and curiosity come naturally to them. Children don’t have a long history, and so are naturally more present when engaged in exploring things that matter.” Global problems of deforestation, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, terrorism, water pollution and shortages, natural disasters and mitigation, global warming, education for all, biodiversity, ecosystem losses and global infectious diseases aren’t yet subjects found in a normal curriculum for grades five through nine. However, the Internet-based Challenge 20/20 program now has youth in nearly 120 independent and traditional schools throughout the United States working on solutions that can be implemented both
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Bill McKibben portrait by Robert Shetterly
beyond the acquisition of information,” says Aftab Omer, Ph.D., president of Meridian University, in Petaluma, California, and founder of its formative Institute of Imaginal Studies. “In informational learning, we acquire facts, concepts, principles and even skills, but in transformative learning, we are cultivating capacities. This is how certain capabilities become embodied in us, either as individuals or as human systems,” he advises. Portrait artist Robert Shetterly tours with his series of more than 100 portrait paintings in traveling exhibits titled Americans Who Tell the Truth. They are helping individuals learn to embody patience, perseverance and compassion, while enhancing their understanding of sustainability, social justice, civic activism, democracy and civil rights, via both historical role models and contemporary mentors such as environmental activist Bill McKibben, conservationist Terry Tempest Williams and renowned climate scientist James Hansen. “We don’t need to invent the wheel, because we have role models that have confronted these issues and left us a valuable legacy,” remarks Shetterly. In 2004, he collaborated to produce a companion curriculum with Michele Hemenway, who continues to offer it in Louisville, Kentucky, elementary, middle and high schools. Hemenway also teaches Art in Education at Jefferson Community & Technical College and 21st-Century Civics at Bellamine University, both in Louisville. Out of many, she shares a particularly compelling example of a student transformed due to this learning method: “I taught a young girl studying these true stories and portraits from the third through fifth grades when she took her place in a leadership group outside the classroom. Now in middle school, she is doing amazing things to make a difference in her community,” says Hemenway. Reflecting on her own life, deciding what she cared about most and
locally and globally. “Challenge 20/20 partners American schools at any grade level [K-12] with counterpart schools in other countries, free of cost,” explains NAIS Director Patrick Bassett. “Together, teams tackle real global problems while forming authentic bonds and learning firsthand about cross-cultural communication.” Qualifying students may have an opportunity to share their experiences at the association’s annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference. In 2010, 11 students at the Fay School, in Southborough, Massachusetts, partnered with Saigon South International School (SSIS), in Vietnam. After a year of studying, raising awareness and brainstorming solutions for the global water deficit, Fay students focused on the challenges families in underdeveloped countries face that must walk miles to find clean, safe, water sources. A taxing water-carrying experiment brought immediate appreciation for the difficulty of transporting water, prompting them to invent the Water Walker. The modified rolling cooler with heavy-duty straps attached can carry up to 40 quarts of water on large, durable wheels and axles designed to navigate rocky terrain.
Re-Imagining Education
“Transformative learning, which is vital to the learning journey, goes 18
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what actions she wanted to take, plus her own strengths, helped the student get a blighted building torn down, document and photograph neighborhood chemical dumping and have it stopped and succeed in establishing a community garden, a factor known to help reduce crime. Among Shetterly’s collection is the portrait of John Hunter, a teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia, who devised the World Peace Game for his fourth grade students. Children learn to communicate, collaborate and take care of each other as they work to resolve the game’s conflicts. The game triggers an eight-week transformation of the children from students of a neighborhood public school to citizens of the world. Demonstrating transformational learning at its best, they experience the connectedness of the global community through the lens of economic, social and environmental crises, as well as the imminent threat of war. Hunter and his students are now part of a new film, World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements, which reveals how effective teaching can help unleash students’ full potential. Professor Emeritus Peter Gray, of Boston College, who researches comparative, evolutionary, developmental and educational psychology, believes the transformational method will be accepted as part of the increased demand to integrate enlightened educational approaches in public schools. The author of Free to Learn notes, “A tipping point can occur. It’s happened before, when women won the right to vote, slavery was abolished and recently when gays were openly accepted in the military.” Weil agrees that when more individuals commit to working toward a sustainable and just world, it will happen. “What’s more worthy of our lives than doing this work for our children and coming generations?” she queries. “How can we not do this for them if we love them?” Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. For recorded source interviews and additional perspective, visit her website, ItsAllAboutWe.com.
healthykids
P ARK IT HERE Exploring America’s National Treasures by S. Alison Chabonais
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he Kent family, of Amherst, New Hampshire, has faced many “Can I really do this?” moments while adventuring in America’s national parks. So far they’ve visited 57, and with Pinnacles just named a full park in January, they’ll likely be headed for California again. American Somoa, in the South Pacific, potentially the last and most remote destination of their 11-year odyssey, is under serious consideration. Along the way, father Scott, mother Lisa and (now) 18-year-old Tanner and 16-year-old Peyton each grew increasingly self-confident in testing their skills at everything from spelunking, subtropical snorkeling and paragliding to ice trekking and kayaking subarctic waters. “If they offered it, we tried it,” says Lisa. “Our family regularly debates our favorite memories.” While they hiked and explored natural rock formations at every opportunity—including New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave, South Dakota’s Wind Cave and California’s Yosemite—the gals also liked to ride horses while the guys fly fished. “One of my favorite mo-
ments was when Tanner and I hiked a Colorado trail to a pristine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, where he caught his first trout,” recalls Scott. “I never give the same answer as to the best experience or best park,” adds Tanner, citing Yellowstone, in Wyoming, and Wrangell-St. Elias, in Alaska, as particularly spectacular, partly for their distinctive wildlife. His favorite anecdote? “When I was little, I stared down a barracuda in the Dry Tortugas, off the coast of South Florida, wildly pointing it out to Dad, who was calmly photographing itty-bitty fish and never saw it.” “It’s so cool to get close to a big an-
imal,” says Peyton, recalling when she and Mom were sea kayaking Alaska’s Glacier Bay near a humpback whale. “I thought we were going to end up in the whale’s mouth,” she laughs. The family agrees that their longest expedition—eight Alaskan parks in three weeks—was extraordinary. “We had to fly into the Arctic Circle on a float plane and walk the ice using crampons,” Peyton notes about their visit to the remote Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, among America’s least-visited parks, in contrast to the most-visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina. Whether witnessing Kodiak Island bears, Hawaiian volcanoes or Everglades’ alligators, their overarching mission was to visit every major park before Tanner embarked for college. The family’s National Park Service Passport already has 57 stamps secured during school holidays and summer vacations, timed to prime park seasons and complemented by destination photos. “It’s easy to talk about the big moments, but you can have a memorable time in any park,” says Lisa, from appreciating the beauty of a boardwalk to boarding a ferry for an island picnic. “Getting back to basics has been really good for our family, part of the glue that binds us together.” She says her growing children learned to be brave and patient, help fellow travelers and be happy without cell phones. “We moved away from immediate gratification to focusing on a greater good,” remarks Lisa. “We enjoy interacting and doing simple things together.” The family assesses its national parks tour as affordable, accessible and affecting how they experience life as a software engineer (Scott), physical education teacher (Lisa) and student athletes (Tanner and Peyton). They are pleased to be counted among the innumerable national park visitors that have benefited since the inception of what Ken Burns’ video series characterizes as America’s Best Idea. Lisa sums it up: “You don’t have to do it as big as we did to get big out of it.” S. Alison Chabonais is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.
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naturalpet
DETECTING
DISEASE
Liver and Adrenal Issues Share Symptoms by Dr. Shawn Messonnier
A
drenal and liver diseases can commonly plague pets, with adrenal problems occurring more often in dogs but routinely misdiagnosed, and liver disease more frequently present in cats.
Liver Disease
Adrenal Disease
Adrenal issues, especially common in middle-aged and older canines, can refer to Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease—signifying decreased or increased adrenal function, respectively—and are commonly misdiagnosed as liver disease. Addison’s disease, although not prevalent, is often incorrectly diagnosed because its symptoms of reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness are shared with most
This inclusive term is used to describe any disorder of the liver. In both dogs and cats, common causes include toxins, infections, metabolic problems and tumors. In cats, infections and fatty liver disease are more likely, while dogs more often experience infections and tumors. Clinically affected pets are usually anorectic “In my veterinary (not eating) and lethargic; in severe cases, jaundice may occur. practice, pets with Conventional therapies depend to elevated levels of some extent on the cause, but in general, antibiotics and hospitalization for enzymes indicating fluid therapy and forced feeding, often liver or adrenal through a stomach tube, are necesdisease are always sary to give the pet the best chances of recovering. Pets with liver cancer treated with natural are usually diagnosed too late to be a remedies first. In candidate for surgery, unless only one liver lobe is involved, or chemotherapy. most cases, this More gentle natural therapy treatment is often results in curing the condition, even in later stages, depending upon effective and the root cause. The herb milk thistle conventional is well known for its ability to heal medication is liver damage. B vitamins, as well as the nutritional supplements comprisnot needed.” ing S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and phosphatidylcholine, may also be ~ Dr. Shawn Messonnier effective treatments. Central Ohio NACentralOhio.com 20
other diseases. Blood testing can be helpful, but is not always definitive. Cushing’s disease is a more common problem. Signs mimic diabetes and kidney disease, including increases in appetite, thirst and urination. Accurate diagnosis requires specialized blood tests and abdominal sonograms. Conventional treatment for either disease involves lifelong medication. Natural therapies that work to prevent and alleviate such ailments may involve adrenal glandular supplements, milk thistle and herbs such as licorice (for Addison’s disease) or ginseng and magnolia bark (for Cushing’s disease). Regular laboratory testing is important for a pet to allow for early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening diseases. If a pet develops liver or adrenal disease, combining conventional therapies with natural remedies usually results in successful treatment of the condition. Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCare Naturally.com.
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healingways
can cause eye, nose, throat and skin irritation; at its most malignant levels, it can cause severe allergic asthma, infertility and lymphoma, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Healthier choices: Switch to all-natural beauty products and cosmetics. At minimum, check that compressed wood fibers don’t use a formaldehyde-based chemical as a binding agent; better yet, choose natural, reclaimed wood for interior surfaces and furnishings.
Household CLEANSE Banish these Five Chemicals for a Domestic Detox by Gail Griswold-Elwyn
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“
mericans are collectively more aware and educated than just a few years ago about the range of environmental chemicals we inhale and ingest, yet most still live with dangerous substances in their homes,” according to Jen Loui. She is a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-accredited professional in St. Louis and an industry expert who writes green curricula for high schools across the country. Guarding against pollution of indoor air is a good place to start; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked poor air quality among the leading environmental dangers, reporting links to many common health problems. Here’s how to
rid the family home of the top five common household toxins. Formaldehyde. Traces of this toxin, the same chemical used to embalm the deceased, pervade almost every room. “My clients are often shocked to learn that they likely ingest this toxic, cancer-causing chemical every day of their lives,” says P. Richelle White, a sustainable lifestyle coach and co-owner of Herb’n Maid, a green cleaning and concierge service in St. Louis. “Because formaldehyde is often an ingredient in everyday things like cosmetics, faux wood furniture and conventional cleaning products, they get a daily dose of it.” Even at low levels, formaldehyde
Polyvinyl chloride. PVC is omnipresent and dangerous. Water bottles, nylon backpacks, pipes, insulation and vinyl tiles generally contain PVC, as well as almost anything waterproofed, such as baby changing mats and mattress covers. PVC usually contains plasticizers called phthalates, which are released over time; it also can chemically combine with other organic materials to produce toxic dioxin byproducts. According to Greenpeace and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), PVC byproducts and vapors are endocrine disruptors that can mimic or block hormones in the body. In addition, the EPA has linked PVC to serious respiratory problems, immune suppression and cancer. Healthier choices: Look for PVC-free plastics. When shopping for waterproofed items, choose those with coatings made from polyurethane or polyester. Phthalates. A 2007 report by the NRDC notes that 12 out of 14 common brands of household air fresheners
We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb
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and room sprays contain phthalates, which people regularly inhale primarily because these chemicals prolong the time that products maintain their fragrance. In studies conducted by the World Health Organization, researchers concluded that consistent exposure to phthalates could increase the risks for endocrine, reproductive and developmental problems. The majority of synthetic air fresheners were found to also emit significant amounts of terpene, a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can react with naturally occurring ozone to create formaldehyde. Healthier choices: Put boxes of baking soda in cabinets to absorb odors and scent interiors with allnatural oils and potpourri. Chlorine. According to the American Lung Association, most conventional cleaning products include some chlorine, with large concentrations in bleach. Inhalation of chlorine can irritate the respiratory system; prolonged exposure can lead to lung disease and asthma. Healthier choices: Purchase chlorine-free cleaning products,
“Allergies, asthma, lung cancer and heart problems have all been linked to poor indoor air quality.” ~ U.S. EPA
especially chlorine-free bleach. Or make inexpensive solutions of white, distilled vinegar mixed with a little lemon for scent for a multipurpose, multi-surface cleaner; try baking soda as a scrubbing powder. Volatile organic compounds. VOCs are emitted as harmful gases by a wide array of products including paints, lacquers and paint strippers; cleaning supplies; pesticides; carpets and furnishings; office copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper; plus graphics and craft materials that include glues and adhesives,
permanent markers and photographic solutions. The EPA calculates that, “Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher [up to 10 times] indoors than outdoors.” Healthier choices: Look for VOCfree products and consider using organic clay paint, which has the added benefit of acting as an absorbent of toxic gases. Most people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, where the air quality can be two to five times (and even up to 100 times) more polluted than the air we breathe outside, according to the EPA. “A simple solution is to open windows for a portion of each day or night to let in fresh air,” advises Loui. Making these choices enables us to protect ourselves better at home. Gail Griswold-Elwyn is founding president of Rethink Renovations, of St. Louis, MO, which offers green design/build and construction services, including cabinetry and furniture that minimize environmental impact. Connect at 314-323-8845 or RethinkRenovations.com.
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wisewords
Healing the Ecosystem Within A Conversation with Bioneers Co-Founder Nina Simons by Brita Belli
B
ioneers are innovators from all walks of life, seeking to make the world a better place in ways that respect the Earth and all of its inhabitants. Their organization, considered a “network of networks,” connects people and ideas through their annual National Bioneers Conference, local community action groups and original multimedia productions, including the award-winning “Revolution from the Heart of Nature” radio series. Bioneers co-founder Nina Simons, co-editor of Moonrise: The Power of Women Leading from the Heart, talked with Natural Awakenings about the role each of us plays today in creating a more sustainable tomorrow.
How can we be hopeful about the state of the Earth? I feel that we each need to cultivate a balanced view. It’s important to hold what I call a “both/and” awareness, which recognizes how seriously our planet’s life support systems are compromised and how intensive the demand is for us to engage in reversing their deterioration. At the same time, I remain deeply hopeful, because so many people are awakening to the urgency of the issues we face and many more are now mobilizing to act in positive ways.
Does this mean that you see a societal shift toward a better way of thinking? Our state of mind is directly affected by
where we place our attention. If our primary source of information is mainstream media, then it’s easy to feel depressed and hopeless. Each of us would benefit from limiting our daily media intake, because it influences our inner story and impacts how we nourish our psyches, stories and visions. One of the greatest medicines for despair is action. When we act on behalf of what we love and those in need, it can help restore gratitude, a sense of faith and a more balanced view. That’s why natural disasters often elicit the best kinds of responses human beings can offer: compassion, empathy and a desire to generously contribute to solutions.
To what extent does healing the Earth depend on healing ourselves? We co-created the current political, economic, energy, industrial and food production systems based on competition and hierarchies that are wreaking havoc on Planet Earth and on our collective quality of life and future survival. As long as we participate in them, we perpetuate them. We have an immense opportunity to reinvent our selves and society’s systems right now. Our culture conditions us to be hard on ourselves, judging and comparing our talents and actions while often valuing ourselves primarily based on our work or relationships. To be the most effective change
agents we can be, I believe we need to reverse these patterns and learn to consider ourselves and all of life as sacred and inherently worthy of love. One of the most powerful things each of us can do at this pivotal point is to claim full responsibility for our inner “story-scape”—to shift our personal story about the impacts we’re capable of having, what our capacity for action really is and how bringing ourselves in service to life at this moment can be meaningful, joyful and effective.
Isn’t there often a conflict between what people believe and what they do? We each contain a complex ecosystem within us. The more we can become conscious of cultivating ourselves to be authentically and fully in heartfelt service to what we love, the better we can show up on behalf of the Earth and the people and creatures with whom we share it as home.
Do you see women playing a particular role in this transformation? While every person is a unique mix of both masculine and feminine qualities, I think that women as a whole have a deeply embedded coding that inclines us to be especially strong in caring, compassion and collaboration. As leadership capacities, I believe these three—and connecting across differences—may be among the most essential to resilience. Our future as a species will clearly benefit from more women finding their voice, truth and connections to power. The more women that can articulate their individual experiences in support of an inclusive collective vision, the more we can begin to tip our institutions, culture and the men we love to increasingly value these “feminine traits,” which I refer to as relational intelligence. For a long time, we have perpetuated a fatally flawed culture that has put intellect first. It’s past time that we all put the wisdom of our hearts, bodies and intuition first, with intellect in a supporting role. Freelance writer Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine. Connect at BritaBelli.com.
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greenliving
adds, “but it doesn’t matter as much as a cheaper upfront cost and longer range—200 miles plus—instead of the standard 100 now.”
Mass Transit
GOING ELECTRIC Tech Advances May Drive Eco-Transportation Mainstream by Brita Belli
W
ith the opening of three new Supercharger stations for its luxury Model S on the East Coast last January, electric carmaker Tesla now operates a total of nine stations serving its electric sedan owners between San Francisco and Los Angeles and between Boston and Washington, D.C. That same month, Nissan announced plans to add 500 public stations for electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging, which provide 80 percent of a charge in less than 30 minutes, tripling the number of such stations by mid-2014, including the first ones in our nation’s capital. It also aims to increase the presence of charging stations at workplaces. These steps in the growth in infrastructure are easing Americans’ transition from gas-powered to electric and hybrid cars. Already, more than 7,000 public charging stations dot the country, from Custer, Washington, to Key West, Florida (plan a route at Tinyurl.com/MobileChargingStations). Meanwhile, most EV owners simply charge up at home.
Driving Excitement
Excitement has risen in recent years as electric car manufacturers have rolled out more affordable, family-friendly versions like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Honda is testing its Fit EV in 2013; with only 1,100 available to lease, opportunities to try out the fun, sporty car are at a premium. These models offer considerable fuel efficiency, easy charging and even apps to check their charge, yet ecovehicles continue to represent a fraction of overall car sales. In a 2012 report, the U.S. Energy Information Administration noted that fewer than 10,000 EVs were sold in 2011. While sales of all-electric vehicles improved slightly in the first half of 2012, dealers saw nowhere near the major jump produced by plug-in hybrids like the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius. Obstacles to a stronger EV sales upswing include purchase price, charging time and driver anxiety about range. “The battery is a big reason the cars are expensive,” says Jim Motavalli, author of High Voltage: The Fast Track to Plug in the Auto Industry. “More public charging is coming,” he 26
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Almost any form of public transportation can run on alternative power—electricity or natural gas, propane, biodiesel or hydrogen. “The big hurdle,” says Motavalli, “is having enough stations to rival the 160,000 conveniently located gas stations we already have.” Biodiesel buses have been in use for several years at locations like Colorado’s Aspen resorts and Harvard University. Musicians Willie Nelson and Jack Johnson each rely on a biodiesel tour bus. Many school buses—including those in Charleston, West Virginia; Medford, New Jersey; and San Diego, California—have been converted to biodiesel, significantly reducing the toxic emissions and particulate matter children breathe in at bus stops. Some school systems in Michigan and New York use hybrid-electric buses. Vehicle fleets are also joining the greening trend. Kansas City, Missouri-based Smith Electric Vehicles already produces all-electric, zero-emission trucks for Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, Staples and the U.S. Marines. The need for regular recharging, a former obstacle for deploying electric buses for public transportation, has been cleared by Utah State University’s (USU) Aggie Bus. The groundbreaking, all-electric bus has a plate that draws off electricity across an air gap when it pauses over another plate installed at a bus stop. In mid-2013, WAVE, Inc., the university’s offshoot company behind the project, will launch a commercial on-campus demonstration in partnership with the Utah Transit Authority, via a 40-foot-long transit bus and 50 kilowatts of wireless power transfer. Such wireless technology could also revolutionize electric-car recharging. “EV owners and operators will now be able to simply drive over a pad in the ground to recharge their batteries, the benefits of which reach far beyond convenience,” says Robert T. Behunin, Ph.D., USU vice president of commercialization and regional development. Regarding greening travel by train, Europe is leagues ahead of America; half its trains are now electric. A new regenerative braking system being developed by Deutsche Bahn and Tognum could turn all trains into hybrids. Its innovative drive system converts the kinetic energy produced during braking into usable electrical energy, reducing emissions and saving up to 25 percent in fuel consumption. The first such converted hybrid train testing the technology began carrying passengers in Germany in January 2013. The International Energy Agency’s 2012 EV City Casebook reports that, “Electric vehicles represent one of the most promising technology pathways for cutting oil use and CO2 on a per-kilometer basis. The experiences of urban drivers and the pioneering policies of local governments can help accelerate the transition to clean and sustainable mobility.” Freelance writer Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine. Connect at BritaBelli.com.
Riding Green in Central Ohio COTA Debuts New Natural Gas-Run Buses by Deena Kloss
T
he Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has made significant progress in its preparation for the scheduled transition from ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel to compressed natural gas (CNG). A CNG fueling station is under construction at the authority’s McKinley Avenue facility and is slated to begin operations this spring. In July 2011, COTA conducted a study to look at the potential benefits of switching to CNG to power its fixed-route bus fleet. The study compared costs of CNG versus diesel fuel, operational and maintenance expenses, market forces and infrastructure costs. In keeping with COTA’s robust Going Green program, environmental impacts (particularly
emissions) were also evaluated. COTA officials visited existing programs in Ohio and Fort Worth, Texas. They studied data from other public transit systems currently operating CNG fleets in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and also gathered results from trials held at the Transportation Testing Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Engine manufacturers Cummins and Gillig weighed in as well. In the end, the choice to shift towards natural gas and away from the ultra low sulfur diesel that had been used since 2007 (even in hybrid bus operations) came down to prices and the desire to use a domestically produced fuel source. The estimated payback in fuel savings from switching to natural gas will be achieved in just over four years. When the decision to switch was made, COTA was already in the midst of a $76 million renovation
of its McKinley Avenue maintenance facility. The 400,000-square-foot facility was built in 1974 and in need of an upgrade. In mid-February, COTA took delivery of the first two CNG buses, with another 28 buses scheduled to arrive at the end of April. The new buses will be integrated into the fleet’s rotation once the necessary vehicle maintenance training and certifications are complete. “COTA’s historic direction with CNG is part of a growing consensus across the United States to reduce fuel costs and improve the environment,” says COTA Project Manager Jon Hancock. The transition to an all-CNG fleet will be a 12-year process, occurring as coaches are retired and replaced and additional coaches are purchased as part of COTA’s ongoing service expansion program. “Think of it like replacing lightbulbs in your home,” says Media Relations Manager Brian Hoyt. “You don’t phase out your incandescents with CFLs all at once. You replace them as the older bulbs wear out.” The transition will also require upgrades at several COTA locations, including a second CNG fueling station at its Fields Avenue bus facility, which also has a program for repurposing captured rainwater that is used to wash buses in the fleet. COTA had already embraced green technology with its acquisition of six hybrid-electric passenger buses that were put into service in 2010. With a 48 percent increase in fuel efficiency, these buses continue to deliver passengers throughout Central Ohio. COTA currently operates 67 routes, shuttling 18.7 million riders per year, and covers 562 square miles (1,883 contiguous miles) in the process. “We are excited about the transition to CNG,” says President and CEO Curtis Stitt. “The investment in our capital infrastructure, coupled with the significant savings we will realize by using CNG, demonstrates COTA’s commitment to our customers, the taxpayers and all of our stakeholders in Central Ohio.” For more information, visit cota.com/ COTA-Going-Green.aspx
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calendarofevents MONDAY, APRIL 1 “No Fooling” First Monday – Members get an additional 5% discount. The knife-sharpening van will be here all afternoon. As always, there will be products to sample. Clintonville Community Market, 200 Crestview Rd, Columbus. Community Market.org.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 Doc Talk – 6pm. Can vitamin D replace your daily dose of sunshine? Active Edge Chiropractic, 1156 Dublin Rd, Ste 102, Columbus. 614-407-5335. ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7 MichFest Fundraising Party – 12-5pm. Lots of music, fun, art and silent auction to raise money for transportation scholarships to the fabulous 2013 Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival in August. Woodlands Tavern, 1200 W Third Ave, Columbus 43212. 614-299-4987. MichFest.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 8 Divination Using Tea Leaves – 6-8pm. Empowering your intuition (Divination Series). $10. The Reiki Center, 1540 W 5th Ave, Columbus. 614486-8323. TheReikiCenter.net. Five Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss – 7:308:30pm. Free; space limited. Offered by Integra Acupuncture & Wellness Associates, 1110 Beecher Crossing N, Ste B, Gahanna. To register & for class location: 614-855-8828. More info: IntegraAcupuncture.com/#!workshopsclasses/c1ku8.
TUESDAY, APRIL 9 Transpersonal Chakras Meditation & Activation – 6-8pm. 3 wks. $50/series, $20/class. The Reiki Center, 1540 W 5th Ave, Columbus. 614486-8323. TheReikiCenter.net.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 Doc Talk – 6pm. Beating your desk job: Learn ways to help decrease the side effects of sitting all day. Active Edge Chiropractic, 1156 Dublin Rd, Ste 102, Columbus. 614-407-5335. ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 11 Young Living Essential Oils and Autism Spectrum Disorders – 7-9pm. Learn how to promote the body’s power to heal by strengthening immunity and reducing toxins using therapeutic-grade essential oils as part of your wellness plan in addressing issues such as sensory, cognition, speech, sleep, the brain/gut connection, meltdowns and impulsivity. Journeys of Wisdom, 6161 Busch Blvd, Ste 316, Columbus. For more info, Susan Richardson: 614-381-6324 or Bobbi Decker: 614-586-5465.
SATURDAY, APRIL 13 Friends 5K “Run for the Health of it!” – 8am. Proceeds from the race help eliminate childhood obesity. RiverLink Plaza, 144 Riverside Dr, Columbus. 828-772-8704. Register: EarthFare. com/Friends5K. Usui Reiki I – Apr 13 & 14. 9am-5pm. Learn
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wellness techniques in the traditional method. $200. The Reiki Center, 1540 W 5th Ave, Columbus. 614-486-8323. TheReikiCenter.net. Midwest Fair Trade Fest – 10am-5pm. Join Global Gallery and OSU Students for Fair Trade for the 11th Annual event in preparation for World Fair Trade Day, and in celebration of cultures around the world. Enjoy a wonderful event with performers from around Columbus and around the world, food from Global Gallery’s Global Kitchen, workshops led by Simply Living, art from Latino Arts for Humanity, Fair Trade and green vendors. $5, free/kids 12 & under. Ohio 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus. Tickets available at both Global Gallery locations (3535 & 682 N High St) or MidwestFairTradeFest.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 15 Easy Tips to Help Reduce Stress – 7:30-8:30pm. Free; space limited. Offered by Integra Acupuncture & Wellness Associates, 1110 Beecher Crossing N, Ste B, Gahanna. To register & for class location: 614-855-8828. More info: IntegraAcupuncture.com/#!workshopsclasses/c1ku8.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16 Edible Landscaping – 4:30-6pm. Classes are small to keep it personal, so space is limited. Payment is required when registering so we can plan ahead. We will reschedule if weather conditions turn treacherous. 20% of the $15 fee will be donated to local charities working on food, water or health issues. The Going Green Store, 909 River Road, Grandville 43023. 740-963-9644. TheGoingGreenStore.com.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 Doc Talk – 6pm. Fibromyalgia; It’s not all in your head, but it may be in your gut. Active Edge Chiropractic, 1156 Dublin Rd, Ste 102, Columbus. 614-407-5335. ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19 Farmageddon – 7:30pm. The movie tells the story of small, family farmers providing safe, healthy foods to their communities that were forced to stop, often through violent action, by agents of misguided government bureaucracies. The movie succinctly poses and answers the question, “Why is this happening in 21st-century America?” Movie viewing at CrossFit Polaris, 8692 Olde Worthington Rd, Westerville. Registration requested: 614-781-8808.
MONDAY, APRIL 22 Natural Solution to Improve Fertility – 7:308:30pm. Free; space limited. Offered by Integra Acupuncture & Wellness Associates, 1110 Beecher Crossing N, Ste B, Gahanna. To register & for class location: 614-855-8828. More info: IntegraAcupuncture.com/#!workshopsclasses/c1ku8.
TUESDAY, APRIL 23 Birding in Columbus – 7-8pm. Join Grange Insurance Audubon Center’s Anne Balogh for a fascinating slide show about the many birds you can see in Columbus. Learn how to see a variety of birds, attract them to your backyard and find great
NACentralOhio.com
birding spots like Green Lawn Cemetery, Metro Parks and the Audubon Center. Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W First Ave, Columbus. 614486-2951. Ghpl.org.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 Doc Talk – 6pm. Learn how to weed through the grocery market propaganda to find the foods that are really healthy for you. Meet at AEC, then field trip from there. Active Edge Chiropractic, 1156 Dublin Rd, Ste 102, Columbus. 614-407-5335. ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com. Clintonville Community Market Board of Trustees Meeting – 7-9pm. Open to all CCM members. Clintonville Community Resource Center, 14 W Lakeview Ave, Columbus. 614-261-3663.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26 Yoga Lounge – 8pm. Celebrate pure energy with an inspired yoga flow to the sounds of live drumming, wine and mingling to follow. $20. Replenish: the spa co-op, 382 E Town St, Columbus. 614-429-3165. Facebook.com/BeReplenish.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 CCM Plant Stand Arrival – The fabulous, longawaited plant stand will grace the CCM front yard featuring herb, fruit and veggie seedlings from Clintonville’s organic Swainway Urban Farm (Swainway.com). Clintonville Community Market, 200 Crestview Rd, Columbus. CommunityMarket.org. Women’s Expo – Apr 27-28. Featuring 150 vendors from the health, beauty, food and home decor industries. These vendors will be on-site selling, sampling and demonstrating thousands of products and services. A fun-filled shopping extravaganza with an emphasis on education and information. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus. 614-644-3247. WomensExpo.org.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28 Reiki Class for Children – 1-4pm. Techniques to increase confidence, empowerment and focus. Includes one attunement. $60. The Reiki Center, 1540 W 5 Ave, Columbus. 614-486-8323. TheReikiCenter.net. Animal Communication Class – 1-5pm. Bring 3-4 photos of your animals, living or deceased for class exercises. $125. The Reiki Center, 1540 W 5 Ave, Columbus. 614-486-8323. TheReikiCenter.net.
MONDAY, APRIL 29 Trigger Point Therapy – 7:30-8:30pm. Free; space limited. Offered by Integra Acupuncture & Wellness Associates, 1110 Beecher Crossing N, Ste B, Gahanna. To register & for class location: 614-855-8828. More info: Integra-Acupuncture. com/#!workshopsclasses/c1ku8.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30 Reiki Internship – 6:30-9pm. 6 wks. Open only to Advance or Master Practitioners. $200. The Reiki Center, 1540 W 5 Ave, Columbus. 614-486-8323. TheReikiCenter.net. Meet the Co-op – 7-8pm. Learn about the co-op history, our role in the local community/economy and our volunteer program. Take a tour and enjoy a snack. Free to all members and nonmembers. Clintonville Community Market, 200 Crestview Rd, Columbus. RSVP requested, Elisabeth/ Gwen: 614-261-3663. CommunityMarket.org.
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CLINTONVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET
NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Publisher@NACentralOhio.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NACentralOhio.com to submit online.
Your source for local, organic, and natural foods.
monday
saturday
YOga-ta get Movin’ – 7:30-8:30am. Join Rachel to get energized for your day. Active Edge Chiropractic, 1156 Dublin Rd, Ste 102, Columbus. 614-407-5335. ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com.
Walk With a Doc – Thru April. 8:30am. Free and open to anyone interested in taking steps for their health. Board-certified cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir, other specialists and additional healthcare professionals can provide support and answer questions. Polaris Mall, 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus. 614-459-7676. WalkWithADoc.org.
Free Yoga – 9-10am. Free community yoga classes are available every Monday morning in the Salud. Whole Foods, 1555 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington. 614-481-3400. Beginner’s Series – 12-12:45pm. Foundations of yoga, no yoga experience. On The Square Yoga, 65 E State St, Ste R103, Columbus. 614-374-9369. OnTheSquareYoga.com.
tuesday Gentle/Level I Yoga – 11-11:45am. Gentle/ Level I yoga class. On The Square Yoga, 65 E State St, Ste R103, Columbus. 614-374-9369. OnTheSquareYoga.com. Mellow Yoga – 6:15-7pm. Gentle/Level I yoga class. On The Square Yoga, 65 E State St, Ste R103, Columbus. 614-374-9369. OnTheSquare Yoga.com.
wednesday YOga-ta get Movin’ – 7:30-8:30am. Join Rachel to get energized for your day. Active Edge Chiropractic, 1156 Dublin Rd, Ste 102, Columbus. 614-407-5335. ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com. Beginner’s Series – 5:15-6pm. Foundations of yoga, no yoga experience. On The Square Yoga, 65 E State St, Ste R103, Columbus. 614-374-9369. OnTheSquareYoga.com.
thursday Mixed Levels Yoga – 5:15-6pm. Levels II/III. On The Square Yoga, 65 E State St, Ste R103, Columbus. 614-374-9369. OnTheSquareYoga.com.
friday Free Yoga – 9:30-10:30am. Free community yoga classes are available every Friday morning in the Salud. Whole Foods, 3670 W Dublin-Granville Rd, Columbus. 614-760-5556. Yoga Play – 4-5pm. For ages 6-12. This structured, yet playful, course includes kid-friendly yoga poses, sequences, movement and creative yoga games. Led by certified yoga instructor Courtney Denning. $6/drop-in. Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus. 614-715-8000. FPConservatory.org.
Worthington Farmers’ Market – 10am-1pm. Market includes locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally produced cheeses, jams, jellies, honey and maple syrup, high-quality cuts of meat from carefully raised farm animals, eggs from pastured chickens, flowers, herbs, plants, homemade soaps, from 50 vendors from Central Ohio region. The Shops at Worthington Place, 7227 N High St, Worthington. 614-285-5341. Worthington.org.
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200 Crestview Rd (614) 261.3663 communitymarket.org
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Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@NACentralOhio.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.
The Earth is what we all have in common. ~Wendell Berry
help wanted CLEANING CREWS NEEDED – EcoMaids is always looking for dependable, energetic people who have a passion for cleaning! 614-429-6330. Apply online at Columbus.Ecomaids.com. LICENSED MANICURIST AND ESTHETICIAN – Looking for a clean and inviting atmosphere to work in? Beautiful new spa in the Polaris area. Experience preferred. Excellent customer service, communication skills, positive attitude, good time management/flexibility, clean professional attire and hygiene required. Apply today. Send resume/contact to Info@TheNaturalNailSpa.com. SEEKING LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST – Great opportunity for motivated individual to build a practice in a growing facility. Pay is 100% commission, with a 50/50 split. We supply treatment table, sheets, on-site laundry service. For more info, call Dr. Jasmine Craner or Dr. Erik Hensel at Active Edge Chiropractic: 614-407-5335.
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Coming in May
naturaldirectory Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory email Publisher@NACentralOhio.com to request our media kit.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS/ SERVICES SALON LOFTS
Jessica Russo 480 Polaris Pkwy, Westerville 614-397-5052 Jessica.Russo@SalonLofts.com SalonLofts.com
Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wellness Practical ways to achieve radiant well-being. Redefining your best years yet.
Jessica Russo is a Hairstylist, Wellness Coach and Pilates instructor. She works with women, offering a full range of services focusing on diet, exercise and using more natural beauty products to help create a healthy, beautiful you from the inside out.
THE NATURAL NAIL SPA Kahla Bernacchi 8487 Sancus Blvd, Columbus 614-985-3205 BernacchiK@gmail.com TheNaturalNailSpa.com
Incorporating the most natural products and processes for manicure, pedicure and waxing, while maintaining the highest level of cleanliness and sterilization available.
VIRTUE SALON
Melanie Guzzo 3333 N High St, Columbus 614-725-2329 VirtueVeganSalon.com Committed to helping men and women enjoy the luxuries of the modern beauty industry without harming animals, the environ-ment or our health. We are dedicated to working in an organized, stress-free environment while enjoying a holistic lifestyle within true community. See ad page 6.
For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
THINK BEFORE YOU BUY:
614-374-6018 30
Central Ohio
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make the green choice.
chiropractic ACTIVE EDGE CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Jasmine Craner, DC, CSCS & Dr. Erik Hensel, DC 1156 Dublin Rd, Ste 102, Columbus 614-407-5335 Jasmine@ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com ActiveEdgeChiropractic.com Active Edge takes a comprehensive approach to health care combining chiropractic, massage, physical therapy and nutritional counseling as needed to help you achieve and maintain optimal health through optimal function. We offer weekly educational Doc Talks, elective wellness programs, fitness classes and personal training services that empower you to get your edge on a healthy, active and vibrant life. See ad page 13.
cleaning services ECOMAIDS
Tom & Amy Keating 305 E 5th Ave, Columbus 614-429-6330 EcoMaids.com Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier green cleaning company, providing eco-friendly cleaning services to homes and businesses throughout the Greater Columbus area. We use Green Seal-certified cleaning solutions, and methods, multi-level HEPA-filtered vacuums, and microfiber tools and cloths. Our employees are screened, bonded and insured, and trained in the most progressive green cleaning techniques. See ad page 22.
CORPORATE WELLNESS & TRAINING WELLNESS COLLECTIVE
Katy Henn, Owner PO Box 3056, Westerville 614-523-3213 Katy@Wellness-Collective.com Wellness-Collective.com Specializes in creating and delivering customized corporate fitness and wellness solutions. These programs result in creating a healthy, happy and physically active workplace where employees feel appreciated and perform at their personal best. See ad page 23.
Essential Oils Young Living Essential Oils Bobbi Decker & Susan Richardson 614-586-5465 BDecker23@msn.com or LadySusan@sbcglobal.net
All essential oils are not created equal. Ours are cold-steam distilled to maintain the therapeutic qualities within the oils, as nature intended. Uses include helping with: Autism, ADHD, boosting the immune system, and weight loss.
florist ECOFLORA
Eva Provenzale 3030 N High St, Columbus 614-266-1618 EcoFloraDesign@gmail.com EcoFloraDesign.com EcoFlora is a flower shop that offers an Earth-friendly alternative to the traditional florist. We create unique bouquets using organic and sustainably grown flowers.
health foods CLINTONVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET 200 Crestview Rd, Columbus 614-261-3663 Info@CommunityMarket.org CommunityMarket.org
The Clintonville Community Market is a unique member-owned grocery store providing a full selection of organic, local and natural products. We offer great everyday prices, fantastic monthly sales and a knowledgeable, caring and friendly staff. See ad page 29.
reiki THE REIKI CENTER
Linda Haley, RMT Director 1540 W 5th Ave, Columbus 614-486-8323 TheReikiCenter.net The Reiki Center is a comprehensive natural wellness center which understands the relationship between your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. Practitioners work closely with you to bring each aspect of your life into greater harmony. See ad page 17.
veterinary HEALTH & HARMONY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Dr. Kimberly West & Dr. Evelyn Tannhof 1117 W 1st Ave, Columbus 614-360-3941 HealthAndHarmonyAnimalHospital@ gmail.com HealthAndHarmonyAnimalHospital.com To honor our patients, Health & Harmony Animal Hospital ensures that each client is confident in the care they are receiving for their animal companion, comfortable with all aspects of the hospital and staff, as well as engaged in all areas of their pet’s health and well-being. We focus on the pet as a whole: mind, body and soul. See ad page 21.
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wellness center WORTHINGTON OPTIMAL WELLNESS
Dr. Julia Keiser 6180 Linworth Rd, Worthington 614-848-5211 Keiser@WorthingtonOptimalWellness.com WorthingtonOptimalWellness.com Worthington Optimal Wellness has been helping people reach their optimal health for over 25 years through; Master Level Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Expert Massage, Natural Weight Loss. Nutritional Cleansing, Allergy Cessation and other holistic treatments. Visit central Ohio’s most experienced and comprehensive wellness center at Worthington OptimalWellness.com. See ad page 15.
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614-374-6018
yoga ON THE SQUARE YOGA
Mary E. Coleman, Owner 65 E State St, Ste R103, Columbus 614-374-9369 OnTheSquareYoga@gmail.com OnTheSquareYoga.com On The Square Yoga, Making Yoga Accessible to Every Body, in the heart of Capital Square. See ad page 29.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead natural awakenings
April 2013
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Sun Apr day il 21 12 4 p. st m.
EARTH DAY EMPOWERMENT “Transform Your Body, Your Home, Your Environment.”
Worthington Optimal Wellness - 6180 Linworth Road
Discover eco-products and green space services in the areas of: health & beauty, grocery, outdoor home (lawn care, pest control), indoor home (plumbing, realty), and more TBA. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hear speakers on these topics: 1 p.m. - CLEANSING: A powerful organic program to release weight and toxicity. 2 p.m. - COMPOSTING: How to easily create healthy fertilizer and minimize waste. 3 p.m. - GMOs: Learn about what they are and their adverse effects. 1- 3 p.m. - The Franklin Park Conservatory will provide info on organic gardens. Proceeds go to Goodwill Columbus’ Health & Wellness programs.
Organized By:
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Big Green Head BigGreenHead.com
For more info, please visit: www.nacentralohio.com/earthday
Central Ohio
NACentralOhio.com