April 2016

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

FREE

Tiny Homes Plan For Success Before Building

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Everyday Sustainability Practical Ways to Help the Planet

Vegfest

Food Festival Returns April 9–10

April 2016 | Seattle Edition | SeattleAwakenings.com

ortho TMJ and sleep centers Jessica Saepoff, DDS 7513-B SE 27th Street Mercer Island, WA 98040 P. (425) 757-2736

240 NW Gilman Blvd., Suite 114 Issaquah, WA 98027 P. (425) 427-8899

ORTHODONTICS IMPROVES NOSE BREATHING AND TONGUE POSITION Children who struggle with behavior, or difficulty in school despite average or above average intelligence are often MISDIAGNOSED as having ADHD or ADD. Kids are treated for ADHD before sleep apnea is ever even considered as a possible cause. Unfortunately, parents are often accused of having poor or inadequate parenting skills, or are encouraged to discipline their children more strictly. Questionnaires get filled out, prescriptions for stimulants are often written. Children are checked for enlarged tonsils and adenoids and referrals are made to surgeons. Many children are sent to have tonsils and adenoids removed by surgery because practitioners believe this is necessary.

EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT CAN IMPROVE THE AIRWAY IN YOUNG CHILDREN Research has shown that children DO behave better when sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea are treated early and ORTHODONTIC ARCH EXPANSION can help.

Narrow arches and airflow restriction during sleep leads to OXYGEN DEPRIVATION for the growing brain! Good nutrition is essential, because sugar and wheat, as well as many food additives have been shown to contribute to many behavior and mood disorders. Nutrition improvement cannot fix narrow arches and crowded teeth that may have been caused by generations of refined food!

FUNCTIONAL ORTHOPEDICS BEFORE BRACES FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN At our clinic, we use fixed and removable nickel-free orthodontic appliances (biocompatible materials) in children as young as 3 years old. Gentle, gradual expansion and alignment is our preferred method. Expanding correctly allows opening of the nasal passages, development of the maxilla and proper positioning of the tongue for speech and muscle balance for proper development of the bones of the face and the airway. We expand in three dimensions, shaping the arches to make room for permanent teeth, correcting jaw alignment and opening the airway for quiet and easy breathing when awake and during sleep.

WE ALL NEED SLEEP STAGES 1, 2, AND 3, AND REM SLEEP Sleep apnea can prevent you from spending time in stage 3 sleep and interrupt your dreams during REM stage. If you snore or have apnea you will be yanked repeatedly out of your deep restorative and REM sleep all the way back up to stage 1 or 2 so that you can breath…gasp…snore…clench... You won’t usually wake up, but you might feel pretty sleepy the next day.

Stage three is when you have your own supply of growth hormone circulating for your body to restore and repair. If you don’t spend enough time in stage 3 you will not get cellular repair!

REM stage is where you have your dream time. Some people suffer psychological problems if they are deprived of REM sleep. Dreaming might be important for progress toward spiritual awakening. Some medications and sleeping pills can prevent or shorten your time in stage 3 and REM. If you are seeking spiritual progress, optimal health and personal growth, then you’ve probably tried many varieties of RELAXATION, MEDITATION, YOGA, DIETING AND NUTRITION, GROWTH HORMONE, OTHER HORMONES, SPIRITUAL RETREATS, AND THE LAW OF ATTRACTION! Consider the possibility that you might just need a good night’s sleep.

Come see us for a consult and find out about simple comfortable solutions for quiet and restful health restoring sleep.

appointments@orthotmjsleep.com | www.orthoTMJsleep.com |

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Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

facebook.com/naturaldentist

twitter.com/DentalMD

letterfrompublisher

W

elcome to the April issue of Seattle Natural Awakenings and our fifth anniversary issue, themed “Everyday Sustainability.” Since I began publishing Seattle Natural Awakenings in 2011, I’ve learned more and met more amazing people than I ever thought possible. The exceptional individuals I have encountered include our clients and advertisers, passionate about making the world a better place; new friends aligned with our mission of healthy living, healthy planet; and many others.

This magazine represents my dream job and I am blessed to be able to express my creativity and passion for sustainable, holistic lifestyles through our editorial coverage. In this issue, you’ll find more locally written articles on buying a green home in this hot real estate market (page 18), planning your tiny house (page 20), sustainable lending (page 17) and much more.

On our fifth anniversary, I want to extend my thanks to the many readers, clients, and friends of Natural Awakenings throughout the Seattle area who have sustained this magazine by supporting our advertisers and sustained my spirit with your commitment to a beautiful future. Special thanks goes to Dena Marie for her guidance and support during these past five years. Here’s to the next five years and beyond!

To your health and happiness,

contact us Publisher Ann Dorn 206-788-7313 Ann@SeattleAwakenings.com Director of Operations Dena Marie 425-350-5448 Dena@SeattleAwakenings.com National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Franchise Sales 239-530-1377 To Advertise: 425-350-5448

Cover Art: Skagit Valley Tulip Fields John Ebner

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Northwest native, John Ebner, born in 1943, grew up on the family farm in Sublimity, Oregon.

Ebner has been painting watercolors since 1973 when his wife Paula signed him up for a watercolor course as the start of a new hobby.

Considered the area’s most collected artist, John has painted and studied the area for the past 35 years.

He has become intimate with the many moods of the Puget Sound area with its mist, fog, rain and four distinct seasons.

“My paintings are a contrast of soft and hard edges, warm and cool colors, light and dark values.” “ My goal is to capture the mood and essence of the scene.”

Ebner’s passion for serenity

is reflected in his passion for the world he paints. Water, in its many forms, is one of the most predominant elements in his work. Water in the Pacific Northwest after all becomes waterfalls, mud flats, rivers, seascapes, beaches and mist.

These recurring elements and the impressionistic colors that define the Northwest have endeared his paintings to anyone who loves this special place.

Johns soothing impressionistic style is a favorite of designers working with homes, corperate offices, doctors offices and banks.

For more information: JohnEbner. com.

SeattleAwakenings.com 3815 S Othello St. 100-186 Seattle, WA 98118 Phone: 206-788-7313 Fax: 877-531-7691 © 2015 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 $30 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

contents 10 5 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 12 globalbriefs 17 greenliving

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22 healingways

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.

SUSTAINABILITY

24 consciouseating

Practical Ways We Can Help Out the Planet

26 inspiration

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

29 calendar 30 classifieds 31 resourceguide

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14 EVERYDAY

17 SUSTAINABLE LENDING

Green Loans Empower Individuals and Communities

20

by Ann Dorn

18

BUYING A GREEN HOME

Five Smart Tips for Buying Green In a Red Hot Market

17

by Kim Mulligan

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 425-350-5448 or email Dena@ SeattleAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Submissions@SeattleAwakenings.com Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@SeattleAwakenings.com or submit online at SeattleAwakenings.com. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locallyowned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

SeattleAwakenings.com 4

Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

20 PLANNING A TINY HOUSE

Advance Preparation Before You Build

by Laura Elfline

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22 SAFER SCENTS

Identifying and Avoiding Harmful Chemical Fragrance

by Gea Bassett

24 EDIBLE HEIRLOOMS Old-Fashioned Fruits and Veggies Return to the Table

by Avery Mack

26 EARTH SONG

Mother Nature’s Rhythms Restore the Soul

by Susan Andra Lion

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newsbriefs Author and Radio Host Brenda Michaels to Speak About The Gift of Cancer

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adio show host, author and speaker Brenda Michaels will give an inspirational talk about her journey surviving cancer and living a fulfilling life at the Unity Church of Kent on Sunday, May 8 from 3–5 p.m.

The Gift of Cancer: A Miraculous Journey to Healing was published in 2014. The book gives the real life story about Michaels, who faced a death sentence when she was given a year to live. In desperation, Michaels looked for answers and help to save her life, and what she discovered was that her healing began within, starting with changing her beliefs and her story.

“This story teaches that any illness or difficulty in life is a physical manifestation that comes from deep seated core beliefs,” Michaels explains. “We live or die by our beliefs and the ensuing story we tell ourselves and others. This is a book that will assist everyone on their personal self-discovery journey towards happiness and peace,” she finishes.

Michaels is the co-producer and co-host of Conscious Talk radio on KKNW 1150 AM in Seattle, and has appeared on the Today show and others.

Michael’s talk takes place at the Unity Church of Kent, 218 State Ave S., Kent on Sunday, May 8 from 3–5 p.m. For more information: 503-678-1356 or IntentionalShift.com.

Mighty Energy Solutions Announces Infrared Heating Panel Success

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he owners of local green heating company, Mighty Energy Solutions have announced their sales of infrared heating panels tripled last year. Laura and Doug Elfline say they are thrilled that the green, cost-saving heating method is becoming increasingly popular.

“We created Mighty Energy Solutions as a sister company to our remodeling business, Mighty House Construction, after falling in love with this easy to install, healthy and sustainable heating option,” Laura Elfline says. “It’s exciting to see the demand increase as more homeowners and contractors become aware of infrared radiant ceiling panels.”

The panels are mounted to ceilings and work by emitting infrared rays that heat objects directly, which then release heat back into the room. With no moving parts, they eliminate the circulation of allergens and dust, save space, and heat more effectively and quickly as compared to other heating systems.

Healthy Vending Machine Options Coming Soon to a Business Near You

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new company has recently launched with a mission to provide healthy vending machine choices.

Healthier Vending NW provides, stocks and services healthy vending machines to qualifying businesses and community organizations from Seattle to Bellingham, all at no charge to the business.

“The machines come stocked with healthy snacks and beverages, delicious alternatives to what the majority of traditional vending machines offer and exactly what health-conscious consumers are looking for,” says founder Laurie Albrecht. “Healthier Vending NW also donates a portion of the sales from each machine to local non-profits that assist with food security, such as your neighborhood food bank, or improving childhood nutrition.”

Albrecht says the mission of the business is “creating healthier communities one snack at a time, and notes there is no other company providing the same sort of healthy vending service in the Puget Sound area.

The vending machines are provided at no cost to qualifying businesses, although there are a limited number of machines available. The company is currently reviewing requests for machines in King, Snohomish and Skagit counties.

“Together we can improve the nutrition and health of our local communities by providing better access to healthier choices,” Albrecht finishes.

For more information: 206-355-6359 or HealthierVendingNW.com

For more information: MightyEnergy.net or 206-715-0893. natural awakenings

April 2016

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Second Use Hosts Annual Hand- Skalitude Spring and Summer made & Homegrown Market Events and Retreats Announced

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econd Use Building Materials is hosting their second annual Handmade & Homegrown Market on Saturday, April 16 from 10–4 p.m.

This free, all ages indoor-outdoor market features the work of over 50 local artists, craftsmen, and plant vendors of all varieties, providing artists an opportunity to sell their work and the public a chance to interact with their community and shop small. There will be a food truck and coffee on site, as well as a storewide sale.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to get your garden growing, snag a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift, or finally make it down to our expansive, treasure-filled store,” says Mary Anne Carter, outreach coordinator for Second Use. “It has been an incredible experience to watch the markets grow, and our SODO store become a hub for community engagement and cultural exchange,” Carter continues. “This event is ideal for a wide range of people – families looking for a free activity in a unique location, shoppers dedicated to supporting local artists, creatives interested in the work of fellow makers, homeowners who have heard about Second Use but have yet to make it down to the store, and more.”

The event is curated by a team to ensure variety, quality, and opportunity for artists. No two markets are the same, so even if attendees have been to previous events, there will be something new to see every time, Carter explains.

Second Use diverts waste from the landfill through salvaging reusable materials from homes and commercial spaces slated for remodel or demolition and selling it to the public at our SODO retail outlet.

Previous markets have included three Handmade Holiday Markets, the Handmade & Homegrown Spring Market, and the Handmade & Reclaimed Fall Market. Each market has been attended by over one thousand guests and continue to grow.

The Handmade & Homegrown Market takes place at Second Use Building Materials, 3223 6th Ave S, Seattle on Saturday, April 16th from 10–4 p.m. Free. For more information: 206763-6929 or SecondUse.com.

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Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

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kalitude Retreat Center has announced a series of events taking place this spring and summer at their facilities in the Methow Valley.

An event titled “Yoga and Ayurveda Spring Cleanse,” led by Joanna Dunn and Adrian Nowland, will take place April 1–3, and will support attendees with a combination of yoga, ayurvedic cleansing and a nourishing diet.

A Mothers Day Yoga Retreat with Roy Holman will take place May 6–8. According to Holman, this event is not only for mothers, but anyone (woman or man) who has mothered or cared for others, or has worked too hard. Attendees will learn to care for themselves by balancing yang, or masculine “doing” with yin, or feminine “being.”

An Open Floor Dance Retreat with Jenny Macke takes place May 20–22. “On a full moon night,let a starry sky and a wild mountain valley lure you home,” Macke says. “We will dance, explore, and re-wild by feeling our feet upon the earth, hands connected to cosmos and hearts to each other. “

The PeerSpirit Cascadia Vision Quest takes place June 6–12. The event combines an immersion into the natural world with the support of community and time for solitude, according to organizers, who note a wilderness quest is a powerful way to take the next step in life.

The 16th Annual Fairy and Human Relations Congress will take place June 24–26 featuring special guest Robert Moss.

The Mystical Passage: Yoga and Ceremony with Jeni Dahn and Donte Quinine will take place July 15–17. A weekend of self-discovery and personal transformation, attendees will be guided to explore wholehearted living through yoga, meditation, and indigenous ceremonies.

Creative Renewal with Elizabeth Dennis, Janet McGillivray and Lindsey Swope takes place September 22–25.

Attendees will explore several paths for both inspiration and expression, including intuitively led creative writing, playful artistry using color and light, immersion in nature, inner guidance through shamanic journey, and spontaneous movement through yoga and dance.

Skalitude Retreat Center is located in the Methow Valley at 302 Smith Canyon Road, Carlton. For more information or to register for events: Skalitude.com.

Vegfest to Showcase Vegetarian Food, Takes Place April 9–10 The largest vegetarian food festival in the nation, Vegfest, takes place April 9 and 10 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on Mercer Street and will feature hundreds of food samples, talks from health experts, cooking demonstrations, family fun and more.

“With the plantbased food market growing rapidly, this year’s Vegfest includes all kinds of new food products to sample,” says Amanda Strombom, president of Vegetarians of Washington. “Some of the ones that caught my eye are a new super stick-to-the-ribs veggie burger called the Beast Burger from Beyond Meat, an almond mousse from Almetta, and a new dairy-free ice cream from NadaMoo.”

Stewart Rose, vice president of Vegetarians of Washington, agrees and says he is also looking forward to sampling new vegetarian foods.

“Exciting new food items from Tofurky and Field Roast

are debuting at Seattle’s Vegfest for the first time,” Rose says.

“And for those who like the exotic, give Sophie’s vegetarian seafood a try.”

Throughout the weekend, chefs and cookbook authors from around the country will be demonstrating gourmet vegetarian cooking, and doctors-specialists such as cardiologists, oncologist and others will be talking about the health benefits of a vegetarian diet.

“More doctors than ever before will also be on hand to do health checks, with free blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose tests, bone scans and artery scans, giving people the opportunity to discover just how much a vegetarian diet can help improve their health,” Rose notes.

Free dental checks will even be available in the new dental bus. A huge selection of cookbooks are available at the Vegfest bookstore, and the kids will enjoy the new vegetarian puppet show from Be Ready Puppets, as well as interacting with clown duo, Zero and Somebuddy.

“There are so many reasons people go to Vegfest,” Strombom notes. “You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy Vegfest–every year thousands of ‘veg-curious’ just want to nibble around the event and see what it’s all about.”

Vegfest takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 9–10 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 299 Mercer St., Seattle.

Admission/$9, children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door. For more information: SeattleVegfest. org or 206-706-2635.

Mighty House can tackle everything from your bathroom remodel to backyard cottage. We focus on sustainability and how small shifts can make a big difference in how you live, play, and grow in your home.

Call today to schedule a meeting for your next project. mightyhouseconstruction.com | 206.715.0893 | info@mightyhouseconstruction.com natural awakenings

April 2016

7

Come See The Largest Selection Of Nontoxic & Organic Mattresses In The Northwest!

Northwest Green Home Tour to Feature Floating Home, Other Sustainable Dwellings

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he sixth annual Northwest Green Home Tour will be held April 30–May 1 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m each day. Presented by Choose from dozens of options and find the mattress that fits the Northwest EcoBuilding your lifestyle and budget. Family Guild, with generous supowned, non-commissioned sales. port from Greenhome Solutions, the self-guided tour showcases local, sustainable, and green new homes, remodels, and energy retrofits in the Seattle area, the Eastside, and beyond.

This year’s event features over 25 residential sites, as well as several sustainability stops, offering healthy refreshments, additional educational experiences, product demos, and discounts to tour goers.

Among the many sustainable building features on display are solar panels, rainwater collection systems, advanced insulation and framing techniques, geothermal heat pumps, storm water management, reclaimed and recycled materials, and much more. Visitors can tour cutting-edge, high-design homes built to LEED and Passive House standards, as well as historic homes renovated to modern standards of sustainability and comfort.

Homes on this year’s tour include a floating home, DADUs (detached acLife Is Better When You Have cessory dwelling units), a home built from shipping containers and Built Green Life Is Better When You Have townhomes. Several homes generate enough clean solar electricity to power themThe Right Bed selves, and produce enough surplus power to charge the owners’ electric cars.

The Right Bedof nontoxic The Eastside’s LARGEST selection

“Our goal is to educate consumers about all ‘shades’ of green building,” says The LARGEST selection nontoxic andEastside’s organic mattresses - find theofone that Wayne Apostolik, president of the NW EcoBuilding Guild, Seattle Chapter. “We and organic mattresses - findbudget! the one that fits your lifestyle and want guests attending the tour to see what’s possible in all price ranges, home fits your lifestyle and budget!

Adult & Child Natural & Organic Mattresses styles, and lifestyles.” e Eastside’s selection of nontoxic The NW EcoBuilding Guild is a community of construction-related profesAdultLARGEST & Child Natural & Organic Mattresses Adjustable Beds • Organic & Natural Pillows, Adjustable Beds • Organic Natural Comforters, Toppers • And&So Much Pillows, nd organic mattresses - find theMore! one that sionals and homeowners concerned with ecological building in the Pacific NorthComforters, Toppers • And So Much More! west, who empower people through education to transform the built environment The Sleep Store fits your lifestyle and budget! for long-term sustainability.

The Sleep Store 10623 NE 8th St • Bellevue

fe Is Better When You Have The Right Bed

NE 8th StMattresses • Bellevue Adult & Child Natural &10623 Organic 425.454.8727 425.454.8727 TheSleepStoreUSA.com Adjustable Beds • Organic & Natural Pillows, Site details and the official tour map are available online at NWGreenHomeTour.

TheSleepStoreUSA.com org. Those interested in volunteering on the day of the tour are encouraged to Comforters, Toppers • And So Much More! contact Volunteer@NWGreenHomeTour.org.

The Sleep Store 10623 NE 8th St • Bellevue

425.454.8727Never any chemicals or preservatives.

TheSleepStoreUSA.com

Relax and enjoy the Spa.

A clean, clear, natural treatment to help you breathe easier.

www.pharmedllc.com

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Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

Natural Sea Salt Nasal Spray | Made in Germany

US Health Market Welcomes All Natural Nasal Spa Spray

You Are Unique.

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asal Spa® Spray has been trusted by healthcare providers in Europe for over a decade and is now available in the U.S. thanks to Bellevue, Washington-based, Pharmed, LLC.

Nasal Spa Spray is an effective, cleansing, soothing and refreshing nasal care product that is safe for every member of the family, even babies and pregnant women. Unlike other nasal sprays, it does not contain any drugs or preservatives.

The gentle isotonic natural sea salt solution moistens and protects the lining of your nose without causing any harm to the nasal mucous membrane.

The process is microbiologically controlled without unhealthy additives to help relieve dry nose, loosen nasal congestion, rinse allergens, cleanse pollutants and remove excess mucus. Nasal Spa can be used as needed to relieve severe congestion or blocked noses without risk of side effects, withdrawal or rebounds.

The unique one-way valve prevents any bacterial contamination of the solution. Additionally, it contains a filter coil made from silver as antibacterial protection. No preservatives are needed in the solution due to this patented bottle design. The non-pressurized 20ml bottle is safe for travel and approved for airline carry-on.

Developed in Germany and trusted by health professionals in Europe for more than 10 years, Nasal Spa is now available. Find it online and coming soon to a natural market near you.

That’s why the wrong vitamin is a waste of time and money. The right one can change your life.

My goal is to find the root cause of your health problem and solve it using nutritional healing and the high-quality, carefully selected supplements that your body needs - that way you get well and stay well. Then, we work with you to develop a customized supplement plan for helping your body run like a well-tuned engine, so you can keep feeling your best.

Dr. Steve Polenz

Schedule NOW! Call (206) 523-0121 Green Lake Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing 9750 3rd Ave NE, Suite 103 Seattle, WA 98115

and PLANT SALE

For more information, visit PharmedLLC.com, select personal care products or call 425-746-0237.

New Seed Lending Library Location in West Seattle Organizers of the King County Seed Lending Library have announced a new West Seattle location that opened last month at The Healing Tree, 3225 California Ave. SW. The lending library offers gardeners the chance to “check out” seeds at the beginning of the season, plant them, and then save and “check in” seeds from the resulting harvest at the end of the season. The seed library is free to all, and does not require a membership. A number of local and regional businesses, including West Seattle Nursery, donated seeds to help the West Seattle location get started.

The West Seattle location of the King County Seed Lending Library is at The Healing Tree, 3225 California Ave SW., Seattle and is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. For more information: Krista@TerraganicsLiving.com or Katie@SeattleFarmSchool.com.

A N D H OM EG RO W N

sp r i n g m ar k e t

Saturday, April 16th over 50 local vendors • free • all ages from 10-4 at second use building materials 3223 6th ave s. seattle, wa 98134 | www. seconduse.com

natural awakenings

April 2016

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healthbriefs

The ‘Dirty Dozen’ of Cancer-Causing Chemicals

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cientists at the Environmental Working Group published a list of the 12 chemicals that have been most prevalently linked to cancer in numerous research studies. The list encompasses bisphenol A, atrazine, organophosphate pesticides, dibutyl phthalate, lead, mercury, per- or polyfluorochemicals (PFC), phthalates, diethlyhexyl phthalate, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, triclosan and nonylphenol.

The scientists suggest that consumers can reduce their exposure to each of these chemicals by avoiding plastics marked with “PC” (polycarbonates) or the recycling number 7 mark, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics in food packaging, PFC-treated wrappers on food and other products, lead paints, mercury-laden seafoods, phthalates-containing fragrances and plastics, foam products made before 2005, foreign antibacterial soaps, and detergents and paints with nonylphenol.

Other proactive measures include drinking only filtered water when in agricultural areas and purchasing organic foods.

The researchers contend, “Given that we live in a sea of chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposures to ones we know are bad actors.”

Tai Chi Eases Effects of Chronic Disease

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review of research from the University of British Columbia tested the effects of tai chi exercise upon people with four chronic diseases: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, osteoarthritis and cancer. Dr. Yi-Wen Chen and his team analyzed 33 studies of more than 1,500 people that participated in tai chi.

The research also tested the effects of the practice on general health, including walking speed, muscle strength, speed in standing up from a sitting position, quality of life, symptoms of depression and knee strength.

The heart disease patients among the subjects showed a reduction in depression symptoms, and all shared a reduction of muscle stiffness and pain, increased speeds in both walking and standing from a sitting position and improved well-being.

“Given the fact that many middle-aged and older persons have more than one chronic condition, it’s important to examine the benefits of treatment/exercise interventions across several co-existing conditions,” says Chen.

Nature’s Colors Aid Focus and Accuracy

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esearchers from the University of Melbourne determined that taking a quick break and looking at natural colors can significantly increase attention, focus and job performance.

The researchers tested 150 university students that were randomly selected to view one of two city scenes consisting of a building with and without a flowering meadow green roof.

The two views were experienced as micro-breaks, a 30-second period that can be taken every 40 minutes.

Both groups were tested before and after viewing the scene for sustained attention spans, along with a performance test upon completing a task.

Subjects that looked at the scene with the verdant roof had significantly longer attention spans and fewer errors in doing their tasks.

Skalitude Retreat in the Methow Valley

Yoga/Ayurveda April 1–3 Sacred Feminine Yoga May 6–8 Open floor Dance May 20–22 Vision Quest June 6–12 Fairy Human Relations Congress June 24–26 Yoga And Ceremony July 17–19

More information at Skalitude.com 10

Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

Creative Renewal September 22–25

Kiwis Boost Heart Health Mercury Use Linked to Dentists’ Tremors A multi-center study from the University of Salamanca, in Spain, has found that consuming even one kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) per week will significantly boost cardiovascular health. The researchers tested 1,469 healthy people throughout Spain. The volunteers were given dietary questionnaires and underwent testing for cholesterol lipids and inflammatory markers for heart disease.

The researchers determined that those that ate at least one kiwi fruit per week had significantly lower triglycerides and fibrinogen (a marker for inflammation), and higher HDL-cholesterol levels. Higher levels of HDLcholesterol are associated with reduced incidence of atherosclerosis.

The researchers concluded: “Consumption of at least one kiwi a week is associated with lower plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and improved plasma lipid profile in the context of a normal diet and regular exercise.”

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study of thousands of dentists found that the absorption of mercury is associated with an increased risk of tremors. Published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, the study followed 13,906 dentists for a 24-year period.

The research tested the dentists’ urinary mercury levels to estimate their individual exposure. The incidence of tremors—the involuntary shaking of hands, arms and other parts of the body—among the dentists was then compared with their exposure to mercury.

Higher exposures to mercury increased the risk of tremors among the entire population of dentists studied by 10 percent; the increased risk among the young dentists was 13 percent.

FirstTime HomeBuyers MoveUp Sellers & Buyers Downsizing Sellers & Buyers

porter and Proud Sup n NW Gree Ally of the 10 0 2 Since Home Tour

Buyers ­ Don't miss out on your perfect home by not being ready for your offer to be taken seriously.

Contact me for a free Seattle area buyer preparedness consultation, the short time invested can make all the difference in our most competitive market in history.

Buyers@kim­mulligan.com Sellers ­ Don't leave money at the closing table. Ensure your Green Home appraises for top dollar and maximize your sales price.

" I would recommend Kim wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a highly knowledgeable, passionate, professional and friendly Realtor who will truly have your best interests at heart." Ann Dorn

Sellers@kim­mulligan.com

Direct 206.579.9066 Blog www.kim­mulligan.com

Real Estate Associates

National Evergreen Award Winner

natural awakenings

April 2016

11

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

Grading Grocers

Greenpeace Issues Report on Seafood As a link between the oceans and consumers, supermarkets play a pivotal role in the destruction of our oceans and have big opportunities to help protect them. Greenpeace evaluates major U.S. retailers for seafood sustainability in four key areas.

Policies examine the systems in place that govern a company’s purchasing decisions and how it avoids supporting destructive practices. They encourage retailers to enforce strong standards for both the wild-caught and farm-raised seafood in their stores. They also evaluate retailers’ participation in coalitions and initiatives that promote seafood sustainability and ocean conservation such as supporting sustainable fishing, calling for protection of vital marine habitat and working to stop human rights abuses in the seafood industry. Finally, the need for labeling and transparency takes into account retailers’ levels of truthfulness about where and how they source their seafood and how clearly this is communicated to customers. The group’s Red List Inventory, a scientifically compiled list of 22 marine species that don’t belong in supermarkets, is at Tinyurl. com/GreenpeaceRedList.

View the store ratings at Seafood.GreenpeaceUSA.org/grocery-store-scorecard.

Working Worms

They Can Safely Biodegrade Plastic Waste Mealworms can safely and effectively biodegrade certain types of plastic waste, according to groundbreaking new research from Stanford University and China’s Beihang University. In two newly released companion studies, researchers reveal that microorganisms living in the mealworm’s gut effectively break down Styrofoam and plastic into biodegraded fragments that look similar to tiny rabbit droppings.

Worms that dined regularly on plastic appeared to be as healthy as their non-plastic-eating companions, and researchers believe that the waste they produce could be safely repurposed in agriculture. Further research is needed before the worms can be widely deployed. It’s possible that worms could also biodegrade polypropylene, used in textiles, bioplastics and microbeads.

Source: Discovery.com

GMO-Free Germany

Five Dozen Countries Now Ban or Label GMO Crops New rules implemented by the European Union now allow individual member states to block farmers from using genetically modified organisms (GMO), even if the variety has been approved on an EU-wide basis. Scotland was the first to opt out and Germany is next, according to German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt.

Controversy concerning the safety and/or necessity of GMOs persists, but countries like these have decided not to idly sit by while the effects posed by long-term consumption of GMO foods are revealed. This move makes Germany one of between 64 and 74 countries that have instituted some type of ban or mandatory labeling requirements.

Source: CollectivelyConscious.net

liftyourspirits

Lifts Your Spirits with Dena Marie this Spring!

J

oin Dena Marie for a three day Re-Treat at the DungeNest vacation home May 13–15 on Camano Island. The vacation home overlooks Elger Bay with a beautiful view of Whidbey Island and the Olympics. Step off the treadmill and get in touch with yourself and mother nature.

Enjoy the hot tub, fire pit, walks on the beach, a zip-lining experience at Canopy Tours NW and sunsets that will Lift Your Spirits!

For more information: LiftYourSpiritsWithDenaMarie.com or 425-350-5448.

Tune in Every Friday from 8–9 am on KKNW 1150 AM!

Lift Your Spirits with Dena Marie – 8-9am. Discover fascinating people, inspiring activities and places that will lift one’s spirits in this radio show. Tune in to 1150 AM KKNW Alternative Talk Radio every Friday at 8am. 425-350-5448.

To listen to archived shows, go to 1150KKNW.com.

Our Energy Matters Certification With Dena Marie Local author, radio show host and speaker Dena Marie has announced a new certification course based on her book, Our Energy Matters. Course participants will learn how to perform chakra readings for themselves and others.

Participants will learn how to give readings and experience the world of energy. The book “Our Energy Matters” also comes with a beginner set of 21 stones.

The course will be offered April 9, 12–4 p.m. at Stargazers, 12727 Northup Way #10, Bellevue; at Tea with Your Dragon in downtown Stanwood on April 10 from 12–4 p.m.; and Saturday, May 21, 12–4 p.m. at Heartwood Inspired Living, 70 Langell Lane, Eastsound, Orcas Island. $80. Registration required, space is limited. For more information: 425-350-5448 or Dena@Dena-Marie.com. For more events, visit LiftYourSpiritswithDenaMarie.com. natural awakenings

April 2016

13

EVERYDAY SUSTAINABILITY Practical Ways We Can Help Out the Planet

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

F

or many Americans, living more sustainably has become a natural part of their daily routine as they consistently recycle, eat healthy and use energy more efficiently. It’s just what they normally do every day.

Every one of them had to start somewhere, growing their efforts over time to the point that nearly every activity yields better results for themselves, their family, their community and the planet. It might begin with the way we eat and eventually expand to encompass the way we work.

New American Way

“The sustainability movement is large and growing in the U.S.,” says Todd Larsen, with Green America, a grassroots nonprofit organization harnessing economic forces to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. “Half a million people turned out in New York City to march for action on climate change. People also are working in their local communities to oppose fracking and pollution, 14

Seattle

and to support green building and clean energy. Many businesses now include sustainability as a core business practice, including the 3,000 certified members of Green America’s Green Business Network.”

This month, Natural Awakenings profiles the experiences of representative individuals from around the country that are helping to both make the world more sustainable and their own lives richer and more meaningful. From growing and cooking family food and line-drying laundry to powering their business with renewable energy, their approaches are as varied as the places they call home.

First Steps

“Many people start with something small at home, particularly if they’re concerned about the impacts on their family’s health,” says Larsen. “More Americans are approaching sustainability first through food. It’s relatively easy to change spending habits to incorporate more organic, fair trade

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and non-GMO [genetically modified] foods, and with the growth of farmers’ markets nationwide, people are able to buy local more easily.”

A focus on food quality is how Wendy Brown and her husband and five children launched their eco-journey just outside of Portland, Maine.

“We started thinking about where our food came from, how it was grown and raised and what we could do to ensure that it was better,” says Brown. “What we don’t grow or forage ourselves, we try to purchase from local farmers.” Living more simply during the past decade has helped the family cut debt and become more financially stable.

“Our entry point to sustainable living was to grow tomatoes on the steps of an apartment that Kelly and I once called home years ago,” echoes Erik Knutzen, who, with his wife Kelly Coyne, have transformed their 960-square-foot Los Angeles bungalow into an oasis where they grow food, keep chickens and bees, brew, bake and house their bikes.

Gabriele Marewski’s journey also started with what she ate. “I became a vegetarian at 14, after reading Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Moore Lappé,” says Marewski, who in 1999 turned an avocado orchard in Homestead, Florida, into Paradise Farms.

“Forty-seven years later, I’m still a strict vegetarian. I believe it’s the single most important statement we can make about saving the planet.”

Marewski’s five-acre farm showcases certified organic micro greens, edible flowers, oyster mushrooms and a variety of tropical fruits marketed to Miami-area chefs. Her farm also offers Dinner in Paradise farm-to-table experiences to raise funds for local nonprofits providing food for underprivileged city residents, and bed-andbreakfast lodging.

Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology offers a free online course, Sustainability in Everyday Life, based on five themes: energy, climate change, food, chemicals and globalization.

“People can make a difference by making responsible choices in their everyday life,” says Anna Nyström Claesson, one of the three original teachers.

Consume Less

“Every step toward sustainability is

important and in the right direction,” explains Gina Miresse, with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), which will again host the world’s largest energy fair in June in Custer, Wisconsin. “It’s easy to start at home by adopting one new practice and sticking with it until it becomes a habit; then add a second practice and so on. This keeps people from getting overwhelmed.”

We might, for example, switch to non-toxic home cleaning products when current products are used up.

“There’s no need to throw everything in the trash and replace it all immediately—that would partially defeat the purpose of sustainability,” says Miresse.

Green America, which suggests green alternatives to many products in online publications at GreenAmerica. org, recommends a congruent strategy.

“We see people first change the way they purchase their food, move to reduce their purchases overall and green those they make, and then make their home more energy-efficient,” remarks Larsen. “Next, they consider walking and biking more.”

Pamela Dixon explains, “On a day-to-day basis, it’s really about the products we use, like transferring to eco-friendly cleaners and yard maintenance, recycling electronic devices, paying bills electronically and receiving statements via email.” She and her husband, David Anderson, own Dave’s BrewFarm, in rural Wilson, Wisconsin, where they grow herbs, hops, raspberries and apples on 35 acres.

“A 20-kilowatt wind generator supplies our electricity, and we use geothermal for heating and cooling,” adds Dixon. Due to career opportunities involving teaching principles of sustainability, the Wisconsin couple is in the process of selling the BrewFarm to move to La Crosse. “At our new home, we’re replacing the windows and appliances with more energy-efficient ones.

We also chose our neighborhood so we can walk or bike to local grocery co-ops. We prefer to repair things when they break rather than buying something new, recycle everything the city will accept, compost food scraps and buy clothes at secondhand stores.”

When the MREA Energy Fair began

27 years ago, the majority of attendees were interested in learning about first steps, such as recycling, relates Miresse.

Today, sustainability basics ranging from fuel savings to water conservation are familiar, and they’re focused on revitalizing local economies. “Folks are now considering more ambitious practices such as sourcing food directly from local farmers, producing their own solar energy and incorporating energy storage, driving an electric vehicle or switching to more socially responsible investing.”

The fair’s 250 workshops provide tools to help in taking their next steps on the journey to sustainability.

Knutzen and Coyne’s passion has evolved from growing food into a larger DIY mode. “Cooking from scratch is something I prefer to do,” comments Knutzen. “I even grind my own flour.”

Library books provide his primary source of inspiration.

The Brown family likely echoes the thoughts of many American families.

“We have many dreams, but the stark reality is that we live in a world that requires money,” says Wendy Brown.

An electric car or solar electric system, for example, is a large investment.

“The biggest barriers were mental blocks because we ‘gave up’ previous lifestyle norms,” she says. “Most people we know have a clothes dryer and can’t imagine living without one. Line-drying is just part of the bigger issue of time management for us, because living sustainably and doing things by hand takes longer.”

Each Day Counts

“The biggest and most positive impact I have comes from my general nonwaste philosophy,” advises Brown.

“I try to reuse something rather than throwing it away. I’ve made underwear out of old camisoles and pajama pants from old flannel sheets. I reuse elastic from worn-out clothing. My travel beverage cup is a sauce jar with a reusable canning lid drilled with a hole for a reusable straw. Such examples show how we live every day.”

Marewski’s love of travel doesn’t interfere with her sustainability quest.

“When I travel, I like to walk or bicycle across countries,” she says. “It gives me a closer connection to the land and spontaneous contact with interesting people. I’m building a tiny home on

Next Steps to Sustainability Green America GreenAmerica.org Midwest Renewable Energy Association MidwestRenew.org Browsing Nature’s Aisles

by Eric and Wendy Brown ECOpreneuring

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko Surviving the Apocalypse in the Suburbs

by Wendy Brown The Urban Homestead and Making It

by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen

wheels that’ll be completely self-sufficient, with solar, composting toilet and water catchment to reduce my footprint even further.”

“Last August, I started a tenuretrack position in the school of business at Viterbo University,” says Dixon, who emphasizes how students can pursue sustainability in business and life. “I teach systems thinking, complex systems change and globally responsible leadership, all of which have a sustainability component.”

She’s also faculty advisor to Enactus, a student organization focused on social entrepreneurship and making a positive impact on the community.

“The best part of how we live is when my daughters make everyday ecominded choices without even realizing it,” observes Brown. “I can see how remarkable it is, because I have the perspective of having lived differently. But for them, it’s just the way things are done.

I think in that way, I’ve succeeded.”

Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko’s ecojourney is captured in their books, ECOpreneuring, Farmstead Chef, Homemade for Sale, Rural Renaissance and Soil Sisters. Every day, they eat from their organic gardens surrounding their farm powered by the wind and sun.

natural awakenings

April 2016

15

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greenliving

Sustainable Lending Green Loans Empower Homeowners & Communities to Install Solar & More

By Ann Dorn

T

he popularity of green loans is on the rise, according to Shannon EllisBrock, chief operating officer of Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU). The credit union offers a number of loans designed to empower healthy lifestyles, from Energy-Smart Loans for energy efficient upgrades such as home weatherization, solar installations, heating and cooling systems, new windows, gas conversions, hot water tank installations, and other efforts, and GreenUp loans for energy efficient vehicles and bikes. However, Ellis-Brock has noticed a significant increase in lending focused on one particular area: renewable energy.

“We’ve really seen a huge uptick in solar,” Ellis-Brock says, explaining that PSCCU started financing solar installations in 2012. “We’ve funded nearly 2000 solar projects, which will offset over 33 metric tons of carbon dioxide.”

Ellis-Brock notes that installations financed through PSCCU Energy-Smart

“Green lending is very important, because if we can get someone on that bike this month instead of years from now, we’re working together to provide healthy, sustainable transportation and huge savings.”

Loans have channeled over $53 million dollars into the local economy and will generate five megawatts of clean energy over their lifetimes, making the solar installations not only environmentally friendly, but often also saving homeowner’s money on energy bills.

PSCCU works with several partners, including the Washington State Department of Commerce, Community Power Works, and the U.S. Department

of Energy’s Repower program to offer Energy-Smart Loans. In some cases, such as the Clean Energy Fund administered by the Department of Commerce, PSCCU’s funding is backed by a grant, helping ensure fixed, affordable interest rates.

In addition to loans, applicants are encouraged to search for rebates and additional grants for their projects, and PSCCU provides links to more information about both on their website.

Because PSCCU has a strong commitment to green lending, they leverage their funding at a ratio of over 10:1, meaning they maintain a high amount of liquid capital instead of pursuing maximum profits.

“The difference is all the partnerships and relationships are not just to make loans, but because we believe in healthy environment and building strong communities,” Ellis-Brock says.

“We empower our members to do more than they thought they could do with a banking relationship.”

“Some people are surprised what green lending can encompass, but when we work with great programs and partners, there’s a lot of ways to live more sustainably while saving money,” Ellis-Brock notes. “For example, in addition to Energy-Smart Loans, PSCCU offers an affordable fixed rate for financing bikes,” she says.

“To me, this really shows how green lending is very important, because if we can get someone on that bike this month instead of years from now, we’re working together to provide healthy, sustainable transportation and huge savings over the next few years to our customer,” Ellis-Brock finishes.

“Ultimately, we have a deep respect and strong commitment to building our financial cooperative around the social, economic and environmental convictions we share with our members and clients.”

Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union has locations in Bellevue, Vashon Island, Renton and Tacoma, with additional shared branches at participating credit unions nationwide. For more information: PSCCU.org or 425-2835151.

natural awakenings

April 2016

17

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FIVE SMART TIPS FOR BUYING A GREEN HOME Buying Eco-Friendly, High Performance Houses in a Red Hot Real Estate Market

by Kim Mulligan

I YOU’RE THE

ARTIST

18

Seattle

n March, the price of King County real estate hit an all time high, with Pierce, Snohomish and other counties close behind, amid record-low numbers of listings. In addition, 30 percent of all winning offers in the Seattle area are cash, a powerful enticement for a seller. These conditions put pressure on would-be home buyers to select from fewer houses available for sale, often leading to intensified bidding wars.

However, with interest rates currently low, many would-be buyers are still eager to purchase. By following a few helpful guidelines, sustainably-minded home buyers can still successfully evaluate and close on the green home

SeattleAwakenings.com

of their dreams, even in a challenging market.

1. Think About Purchasing Priorities and Expert Guidance. Is a certification important? Built Green, Passive House US and LEED offer their seal of approval on homes meeting energy and material requirements, but this may not be a top priority if the buyer is willing to remodel and retrofit an older home.

Is the buyer working with a real estate agent or Realtor who is knowledgable about green homes and can understand and help guide him or her toward their goals? Buyers should ask whether their agent holds an NAR Green Designation

or similar certifications. Many home features that were considered green 20 years ago, such as water saving toilets, are now standard in new conventional homes. An experienced Realtor Green will be able to advise their clients about current sustainable features as well as tax incentives and rebates for energy efficiency upgrades and more.

2. Determine Top Green Home Features. Home buyers interested in green homes often look for a walkable neighborhood to reduce carbon emissions from driving, easy transit options, good solar exposure for gardening or installing solar panels, and the availability of tax incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, rain gardens and other green additions in that city and neighborhood. For buyers who do not wish to remodel, green certifications, water catchment systems, storm water mitigation features, an efficient building envelope, nontoxic interior finishes, and even the presence of native landscaping can be among the desirable features of a home.

3. Be Ready to Evaluate Homes for Sale Quickly With Your Team. Nearly all real estate agents will have an initial meeting with clients to go over budget, location and desired home features.

However, in a fast moving market, buyers must be ready to make smart compromises and work closely with an experienced real estate agent to land an eco-friendly or future high performance house. Home buyers may need to take time off work to view homes and be prepared to schedule a viewing as soon as possible, as homes that are listed

quickly receive offers.

While some buyers enter their real estate search seeking a turn-key, perfectly finished green home, these sales are typically the most competitive, so smart buyers may decide to purchase a home that needs additional updates.

For these buyers, having an existing relationship with a contractor can be extremely helpful. Similar to the standard home inspection, a skilled contractor can assess the home and give the buyers a better idea of the opportunities and potential for updating the structure, as well as a rough estimate for how much that will cost, valuable information to have before closing the transaction.

submit realistic offers, and more.

4. Prepare to Win Your Home. Stressful and emotional for all hopeful home buyers, bidding wars can be similarly intense for would-be buyers of green homes. Rather than waiting until they spot a home on which they want to place an offer, buyers should meet with a Realtor early in the search process so they can prepare to present themselves to sellers in the most positive way. A skilled Realtor can help buyers navigate local market conditions, which may differ from national trends on important points largely unknown to those outside the real estate industry. Every home sale will be slightly different, and realtors are required to keep your best interests at the forefront as they help assess the situation and advise buyers on what it will take to win the home.

Realtors can help their clients prepare by reviewing their loan approval status and making recommendations, helping them understand the hyperlocal market,

5. Upgrade a Conventional Home.

Savvy buyers are turning to the conventional housing market with an eye on remodeling their new dwelling. The most sustainable approach always involves miminizing waste, which makes conventional homes a promising alternative when certified new green homes are not desirable or an option. Conventional homes can often be updated for energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality and aesthetics, and additional green features like low-VOC paint, LED lighting, native landscaping and more.

Many green would-be home buyers shy away from oil furnaces, but these can often be decommissioned, with ducting removed to provide additional headroom and the opportunity to finish the basement into another living space.

Every transaction is different, and your Realtor has a fiduciary responsibility to keep your best interest at heart. With advance planning and an understanding of current conditions, buyers are finding that getting their offer accepted for a green home is possible.

Kim Mulligan is a former building contractor, Realtor® Green and Certified Negotiation Expert, practicing with HomeSmart RE Associates. Look for her in April on TLC’s “My First Home” as she guides her clients through a purchase of a recently updated Ballard home. For a free homebuyer preparedness consultation or a seller’s market analysis, contact Kim at 206-579-9066 or Kim-Mulligan.com.

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April 2016

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PLANNING YOUR TINY HOUSE Advance Preparation Helps Ensure Success

by Laura Elfline

Tiny homes have never been more popular. Whether they are built to be mobile or as permanent accessory dwelling units, individuals are increasingly interested in building their own small structures as a way to provide affordable housing, guest quarters, rental income, or simply a lifestyle unencumbered by the caretaking required by a larger home and the objects that fill it. Considering a few key issues before setting out to build a tiny house can help support a successful outcome and increase satisfaction with the finished dwelling.

Begin With The End

Tiny homes are fun to plan and tour, but before committing to build one, consider the site and neighborhood where your tiny home will be placed.

If you want the home to become your primary residence, addressing issues such as zoning and permits, water, waste and energy, and other factors in advance will offer invaluable insights to start off the planning process. Think about what kind of exit strategy, if any, 20

Seattle

is needed: will you resell your mobile tiny home at some point, perhaps when life circumstances change? If so, maximize future value by following all applicable building codes, as well as constructing the house to withstand the stress of being moved.

Site Planning Factors

If you are planning to put your tiny home on an existing lot, start by learning about your local zoning laws and

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permit requirements. While you can legally park a tiny home on your property in Seattle, King County does not permit full time occupation of recreational vehicles or travel trailers, making it illegal to live full time in unpermitted tiny homes even if they are on wheels.

Tiny homes are also subject to the same laws as RVs when it comes to how long they can be left on the street and prohibiting full time residence, factors that make it impractical to simply plan to park a tiny house by the curb.

Tiny homes built on a foundation are considered detached accessory dwelling units, and must meet requirements to receive permits in all local municipalities. Some cities, such as Bellevue, require such units to be a minimum of 300 square feet or receive special approval from the Department of Planning and Community Development. In Seattle, homeowners in a neighborhood zoned for single family housing must have a lot of at least 4000 square feet, and the structures must meet all current residential building codes.

If you will be towing your tiny home to another destination permanently or periodically, learn about zoning and permit requirements for that site, as well as the availability of water, energy and waste management. Make sure your finished home will meet roadway height and width restrictions in order to avoid oversized load requirements. Finally, research and make sure you have access to the kind of vehicle necessary to tow a tiny house of the size and weight you are considering building, in order to avoid surprises or difficulties later. If you will need to tow your tiny home fairly frequently to an RV dumping facility to empty your wastewater, then it may be a good idea to purchase a vehicle that can do this.

Backyard Cottages

Some homeowners interested in expanding living or guest space eventually opt to build a fully permitted accessory dwelling unit on a foundation.

While these structures can still be considered tiny homes, they add additional value to the property, make sewer and electrical installation much simpler and as a result are easier to legally rent

With awareness and advance planning, building your tiny home can be a great experience and can result in enjoyment of your home for years to come. to tenants, and will also survive future zoning law changes like other permanent structures.

Utility Choices

Tiny home owners have a variety of options for electricity, sewer and waste, and should take into consideration their intended use of the tiny home and site features when planning for utilities.

Some tiny home dwellers actually bring in water in jugs for bathing and washing dishes, and must carry the resulting gray water back out to the nearest drain. Other residents of mobile tiny homes can capture gray or blackwater in holding tanks and periodically tow the home to RV dumping facilities to empty the tanks. For these tiny house owners, composting or incinerating toilets are often a good option for the bathroom. Both permanent and mobile tiny home owners can consider solar panels for electrical needs, depending on their total electrical load and energy

requirements.

Use Healthy, Sustainable Building Materials

Because tiny homes have fewer cubic square feet of air inside than a larger dwelling, using nontoxic building materials and finishes is even more essential to the health of the residents.

Tiny homes must be very well insulated to avoid mold in the walls while still keeping adequate air flow. Heat recovery ventilators or a simple trickle vent are a good choice for tiny homes, keeping air fresh while minimizing heat loss and saving energy. Infrared raiding ceiling panels offer an energysaving heating option and don’t use up valuable wall space, making them great for tiny homes. Salvaged materials can be used in construction, but ensure all paints and stains used for the interior are nontoxic or low-VOC for safe indoor air quality.

Design & Getting Started

Space usage and layout are extremely important in a tiny home, where efficiency is critical. Observe how you use your current space and use this to determine priorities in your tiny home, and view plans and photos online for ideas and inspiration. People moving into tiny homes find themselves getting rid of many possessions; make sure your layout accommodates space

and storage for items you need to keep. Some contractors will offer their services to help with planning or building a tiny home. Contractors can be hired to help with zoning requirements, choosing the best type of tiny home for your local laws, and reviewing plans to determine if your home has a enough structural integirty to withstand travel, and more.

Tiny Homes, Big Future

With the continued increase in popularity of tiny homes comes an increase in the need for awareness of zoning and permitting requirements, utilities management, and efficient and healthy design and materials in tiny home construction. With awareness and advance planning, building your tiny home can be a great experience and can result in enjoyment of your home for years to come.

Laura Elfline is the owner of Mighty House Construction, a construction company offering sustainable, green building and remodeling, including a range of tiny house construction and consulting services. For more information: 206-715-0893 or MightyHouse Construction.com.

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April 2016

21

healingways

five known allergens and can trigger asthma attacks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, which names fragrance as the number one cause of cosmetics-induced dermatitis.

A report by the Committee on Science & Technology noted that 95 percent of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, which are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.

Phthalates, a common ingredient in fragrance, are used to make fragrances last longer. The phthalate commonly used in products that contain fragrance is diethyl phthalate, or DEP. Research has shown that DEP is confirmed to be harmful to aquatic life. And when tested on rats in a laboratory setting, it has been shown to cause musculoskeletal and neurologic problems. Phthalates are also associated damage to the male reproductive system.

Safer

SCENTS Fragrance Alternatives

by Gea Bassett

Chemical fragrance ingredients can be harmful – fortunately, safer alternatives are available. Learn why and how to avoid these chemical Fragrances in Products Fragrance irritates individuals with additives, plus how to choose healthier products.

Full Disclosure: Not Required

Fragrance is a catchall term for a complex mix of different natural and synthetic ingredients, most of which do not need to be disclosed to the consumer.

While the word “fragrance” seems like a singular-sounding ingredient when it appears on a product, in actuality, it often signifies the presence of multiple ingredients. Because it’s considered a trade secret, the FDA does not require the ingredients that fall under the designation of fragrance to be individually listed. This means that when you

see the word “fragrance” mentioned as a product ingredient, it is likely a variety of undisclosed chemicals. Many consumers find this secrecy problematic enough, but in addition, many of the ingredients most commonly used to scent cleaning and personal care products are known to be dangerous.

Serious Health Consequences

The innocuous-looking ingredient fragrance often contains hazardous chemicals linked to negative health effects.

It is considered to be among the top

chemical sensitivities as well as contains hazardous chemicals that can harm individuals and the environment. However, it is slipped into many products that are labeled “natural” or “eco-safe.” Fragrance chemicals are commonly found in your average cleaning products, scented candles, and air fresheners; as well as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and many more products. Even some products labeled unscented may contain fragrance ingredients! This is because the manufacturer may add just enough fragrance to mask the unpleasant smell of other hazardous chemical ingredi-

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ents. Many popular and well known brands contain these unsafe chemical and synthetic fragrances.

Safer, Healthier Alternatives

Once we realize the importance of finding products that do not contain fragrance, the mission then becomes where, and how, to find better products. Choosing healthier products also requires an awareness of not only ingredients but also brand knowledge: unfortunately, not all brands that claim to be “safe” or “green” really are. Some of the brands that I have come to love and trust for cleaning are BioKleen and Ecover. These are the brands that we use at my cleaning company. For personal care products, the brands EO, Aura Cacia, Alaffia and Earthpaste are my personal favorites.

When choosing your own products, consider shopping at a local natural foods store, such as Whole Food or a local natural food cooperative.

Other rules of thumb when shopping for and choosing healthier products are to look for products that clearly declare all of the following statements on the container: plant based, contains no fragrance, non-toxic and biodegradable. Finally, another tool for checking a product’s heath rating is this website: EWG.org/guides/cleaners.

Gea Bassett is the founder and owner of Green Cleaning Seattle - Otium-Maid Services™, an eco-safe home cleaning company in Seattle. Her mission is to continually expand and improve on what it means to be a green business by injecting a sustainable mission into every element, including using natural products, reducing carbon footprint, growing local, providing continuing education for her employees, and more. For more information: GreenCleaningSeattle.com.

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www.SeattleVegfest.org natural awakenings

April 2016

23

consciouseating

Edible Heirlooms Old-Fashioned Fruits and Veggies Return to the Table

by Avery Mack

O

f the 7,500 varieties of apples in the world, 2,500 are grown in the U.S., but only 100 commercially. As of the 1990s, 70 percent were Red Delicious; more recently they’re being replaced with Gala, Granny Smith and Fuji types from taller, thinner trees that can be planted more compactly for easier harvesting, yet are more sensitive to disease and require trellis supports.

Mass-produced fruits and vegetables have been modified over the years to make them look appealing and ship well, while sacrificing taste. Consumers in search of health-enhancing nutrients and robust flavor can find them by instead connecting with the past through food and flowers.

“Heirloom seeds have remained intact and unexposed to commercial pesticides,” says Jere Gettle, owner of Baker Creek Seed Company, in Mansfield, Missouri. “They’re reliable—plants grown now will be the same next year; not so with hybrids.” This cleaner, tastier alternative to the status quo 24

Seattle

is typically packed with more good vitamins than good looks. Heirloom produce often also delivers a unique regional flavor, such as Vidalia onions or Hatch chile peppers.

Exemplary Fruits

Fine restaurants like to feature Yellow Wonder wild strawberries because they taste like cream. The fragrant Baron von Solemacher strawberry, an antique German Alpine variety, is small and sweet, red and full of flavor; it’s been around since the Stone Age. For pies and preserves, pair them with Victorian rhubarb, which dates back to 1856.

Eat only the rhubarb stalks; the leaves contain poisonous oxalic acid.

Aunt Molly’s ground cherry (husk tomato) hails from Poland. “It’s sweet, with a hint of tart, like pineapple-apricot,” says Gettle. “The Amish and Germans use them in pies. Their high pectin content makes them good for preserves.

Heirlooms send people in search of old recipes and they end up creating their own variations. It’s food as history.”

SeattleAwakenings.com

Valuable Vegetables

Trending this year are purple veggies like the brilliantly colored Pusa Jamuni radish. Pair it with bright pink Pusa Gulabi radishes, high in carotenoids and anthocyanins, atop a stunning salad with Amsterdam prickly-seeded spinach’s arrow-shaped leaves, a variety once grown by Thomas Jefferson. Add a fennel-like flavor with Pink Plume celery.

Brighten salsas using the Buena Mulata hot pepper, a deep violet that ripens to a sweet red. Serve with pink pleated Mushroom Basket tomatoes or Lucid Gems, with their black/orange peel and striking yellow/orange flesh.

Purple tomatillos are sweeter than green varieties and can be eaten right off the plant.

“Purple sweet potatoes are found in Hawaii, but aren’t common on the mainland,” explains Gettle. “Molokai Purple sweet potatoes keep their deep purple color even when cooked, and are much higher in antioxidants than the orange variety.” To be novel, serve the Albino beet. Baker Creek’s customers use it raw in salads, roasted or fried and don’t let the greens go to waste.

Monique Prince, a clinical social worker in Chester, New Hampshire, grows heirloom organic radishes, greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and pumpkins in eight raised beds.

She received Ganisisikuk pole beans (seventh-generation seeds) and Abnaki cranberry runner beans from a Native American client. Rather than eat the bounty, she’s accumulating the seeds to save the varieties.

Herbs

Thai basil loves summer heat. Make batches of pesto, then freeze it in ice cube trays for later. Christina Major, a nutritionist in Trevorton, Pennsylvania, grows heirloom herbs that include borage, with its edible flowers, and marshmallow, which is a decongestant when added to tea. Her 300-squarefoot garden supplies summer veggies such as scarlet runner beans, more than 50 kinds of perennial herbs for year-round use and heirloom raspberries, gooseberries and blackberries “that are eaten as fast as they’re

picked,” she says.

Heirloom enthusiasts like to exchange seeds to try new varieties. “From December to March, traders swap seeds and plot their gardens,” says Major. “I got 20 kinds of tomatoes by connecting with other traders on Facebook.”

Flowers

Of 400,000 flowering plants in the world, 20 percent are in danger of extinction. “Instead of marigolds and petunias, consider old-fashioned annuals. Trying new things is fun,” says Gettle. Four O’clocks, familiar to many Midwesterners, come in a several colors and are easily cultivated from their abundant seeds. The succulent Ice plant, with its white-pink flowers, looks like it was dipped in sugar; its edible leaves taste like spinach. Black Swan’s burgundy poppies have a frill-like edge, while Mother of Pearl poppies offer subtle watercolors.

“Save seeds, share with neighbors and pass them on to the kids,” advises Gettle. “They’re evidence of our culture.”

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

of the Non-GMO Project. “Similarly, smaller farms and home gardeners are choosing to plant more organic and non-GMO varieties.”

High Mowing Organic Seeds, in Wolcott, Vermont, is the current leader, with 700 Non-GMO Project-verified seeds. Company President Tom Stearns explains, “We continue to hear about GMO concerns from our customers and while we are certified organic, that doesn’t say anything about GMO contamination.” His team helped develop a verification program for seeds because they wanted third-party verification of their claims. “We’d spent a huge amount of time implementing preventative measures and did GMO testing, but felt this wasn’t enough,” he notes.

The Non-GMO Project label on U.S.

Stearns reports that there are many food products assures consumers they more genetically engineered plants have no genetically modified ingredithan most people realize. “Some 40 ents. Now a few seed companies are GMO plant species include petunia and starting to display the butterfly label, endive,” he says. Plus, “Contamination as well. risks exist even when a GMO crop isn’t

“As demand for non-GMO commercially approved, like when GMO choices continues to rise, farmers are wheat escapes field trials.” seeking more non-GMO seed,” says Megan Westgate, executive director Source: EcoWatch.com

Look for Non-GMOs

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natural awakenings

3/9/16 April 2016

8:42 AM

25

WHY ARE THESE WOMEN SMILING?

inspiration

Earth Song

Mother Nature’s Rhythms Restore the Soul

by Susan Andra Lion

M

They just learned how to put pep in their mojos by reading Natural Awakenings.

other Earth’s gentle hand is the secure cushion that warms us on long nights and sings comforting messages through endless days, protecting us even when things seem amiss. Take in her lovely presence.

Embrace her consistent wisdom. Know that her dreams are ours and ours hers, connected by timely, comforting songs.

It’s time to step away from the manicured lawns, concrete walks and well-planned gardens. An open door beckons us to the sparkling air out there to listen to the grasses breathe and murmur. Prairie grasses roll on and on through curvaceous hills and flat-edged fields, undeterred by human attempts to control their rippling arpeggios. We are asked to just listen. Be alone with the music of the grasses and be in harmony with the hum of the universe.

Mother Earth’s apron is laden with

flowers; simple, ever-present reminders that we are loved. She tempts us to take some time off, shed our shoes and settle into the lyrical realms of her strong body.

The trees reach to the depths of the earth, deep into the mystery of lavender waters, and simultaneously throw their arms to the heavens, connecting all things living. The wind hears the prevailing songs that weave in and out of these lovely courtiers of the forest. In listening to their unerring stories, we let their siren songs sigh into our soul.

It’s time to play in Earth’s garden and see her for who she is—today.

Don’t hesitate. Go, play, linger, breathe and be one with the present moment.

Adapted from Just Imagine Trees, a coloring book for all ages, by Susan Andra Lion.

Advertise in our

May Women’s Wellness Issue We treat the whole you.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

425-350-5448 26

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Our Energy Matters Certification– 12–4pm. Participants will learn how to perform chakra readings for themselves and others, give readings and experience the world of energy. Cost includes the book Our Energy Matters and a beginner set of 21 stones. $80. Registration required. Stargazers, 12727 Northup Way #10, Bellevue. 425-350-5448. LiftYourSpiritsWithDenaMarie.com.

calendarofevents NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@SeattleAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

Alternatively, visit SeattleAwakenings.com to submit online.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

“Healthy Eaters—With Cancer?” – 6:30pm.

Dr. Tel-Oren discusses lifestyle and diagnosis, and evaluating positive tests. $12/advance, $15/at the door. Bellevue Crossroads Mall in the Community Room (next to Old Navy) at 15600 NE 8th St, Bellevue. DrTEvents.com or 425-753-0634.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – Sundays through May 29. In this 9-week training learn non-religious meditation practices for managing a stressful lifestyle. Easy to learn. Three practice CD/ MP3 and large PDF manual included. $275 with friend, $295 as individual. Way of Life Wellness Center, 355 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah. Registration required. 206-328-3572. Grow-aware.com.

Yoga and Ayurveda Spring Cleanse – April 1-3 Led by Joanna Dunn and Adrian Nowland, this retreat will take place at Skalitude Retreat Center in the Methow Valley and will support attendees with a combination of yoga, ayurvedic cleansing and a nourishing diet. Cost includes morning and evening yoga classes, three cleansing meals each day, dorm lodging, use of wood fired sauna, a copy of Recipes for Cleansing, and a primer class on Ayurvedic medicine and cooking. $500. Skalitude Retreat Center, Smith Canyon Rd, Carlton. Registration required. JoannaDunn.com.

Donna Eden and David Feinstein – 7-10pm Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday. The world renowned authors of Energy Medicine introduce a powerful approach that works with energy as a vital, living, moving force that is at the foundation of our wellbeing. Learn to work with meridians, accupressure points, and exercises that are easy to learn, fun to do, and bring results you can feel right away. $159.

Registration required. Center For Spiritual Living, 5801 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. EastWestBookshop.com.

Duwamish Teachings with NW Native Storyteller Johnny Moses – 1-2:30pm. All are invited to share in a deeper understanding of the language and culture of the First People of Seattle, Chief Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe through traditional local songs and stories. Bring your drums. Children and friends will be invited to join in song and dance. Doors open 114pm. Come early to enjoy Art Gallery and exhibits.

Free. Duwamish Longhouse, 4705 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle. 206-431-1582. Dts@QwestOffice.net or DuwamishTribe.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 Annual Spring Garden Tour: Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden – 1-3pm. See some of the best plants for creating a lovely early season display. At the Miller Garden, you will learn how the gardener weaves spring flowering bulbs and perennials into the landscape. Join curator as he shares his knowledge and expertise in this delightful garden. $25.

Registration required. The Highlands, Shoreline. http://bit.ly/1T3HYJU.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

Beyond Labels: The HANDLE Approach to Behavioral and Learning Challenges – 1:30-3pm.

Vegfest – 10am–6pm, Saturday and Sunday. Taste over 500 kinds of free food samples, see cooking demonstrations by chefs from all over the country, hear the latest information on nutrition from our medical doctors, receive free health screenings, visit the bookstore and more. $9/adults, children 12 and under free.. Stargazers, Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, 299 Mercer St., Seattle. VegOfWa.org/Vegfest.

We’ll look at the sensory-motor systems, stress, neuroplasticity, and how HANDLE can be an effective part of the plan to restore better functioning and make life more enjoyable for all. Free. Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St., Shoreline. Registration required. Peg.Simon@HANDLE.org.

Natural Choice Directory

Global Day of Humanity: Peace -a- Pizza – 5-7pm.

Join us for an organizational meeting to discuss the creation of a new Holiday Celebrating Humanity by sharing a meal of our favorite food. Free. Aditi Yoga Studio, 4206 Stone Way N, Seattle. 206-948-4675.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1O Our Energy Matters Certification– 12–4pm. Participants will learn how to perform chakra readings for themselves and others, give readings and experience the world of energy. Cost includes the book Our Energy Matters and a beginner set of 21 stones. $80. Registration required. Stargazers, 12727 Northup Way #10, Bellevue. 425-350-5448. LiftYourSpiritsWithDenaMarie.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14 Bring Life Into Your Business in 2016 – 6-7:30pm.

New monthly networking event for sustainable and holistic business owners. Enjoy networking and building relationships along with a short, interactive talk on opportunities and challenges facing natural business owners. Includes a family-style healthy Chinese dinner. Registration not required. $20.

Located at the Alta Healthy Cafe inside the Totem Lake Hotel, 12333 Totem Lake Blvd., Kirkland.

425-350-5448.

Hormone Balancing with Food – 6-7:30pm. Want a remedy that is not only natural but also delicious?

Learn how adding nutritious whole foods to your diet can help you feel better. Cooking demonstration included. Free. Bastyr Center For Natural Health, 3670 Stone Way N.,Seattle. 425-602-3107.

BastyrCenter.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 Medicinal Herb Growing and Marketing Conference – Friday-Sunday. A gathering for Pacific Northwest farmers, wildcrafters and herb companies; open to the public and consumers. Workshops, panels, round table discussions, trade show, keynotes, plenary, herbal beverage tasting, networking and more. $90/day pass-$349/weekend, partial work trade and student discounts available. Meals available for advance purchase. Fort Worden State Park, 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend. FriendsOfTheTrees.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 Handmade & Homegrown Market – 10am–4pm.

This all ages indoor-outdoor market features the work of over 50 local artists, craftsmen, and plant vendors of all varieties. It’s the perfect opportunity to get your garden growing, snag a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift, or finally make it down to our expansive, treasure-filled store. Food, coffee, and a storewide sale will accompany the event. Free.

of Puget Sound Green Resources • Natural Health Food & Supplements • Mind & Spirit

Second Use Building Materials, 3223 6th Ave S., Seattle. 206-763-6929. Seattle@SecondUse.com.

Your Choice for a Sustainable Future 425.373.1987 www.NaturalChoice.net NCD11_NaturalAwakenings.indd 1

natural awakenings

4/29/11 5:29 PM

April 2016

29

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1.00 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@SeattleAwakenings.com.

Deadline is the 12th of the month.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

HolmanHealthConnections.com.

Sound Healing Concert with Tibetan Singing Bowls – 7-8:15pm. Join certified singing bowl practitioner Melissa Yaden for an hour of singing bowls played with the intention of relaxation and rejuvenation. Tibetan seven metal bowls played in harmony create an atmosphere of peace and healing that will leave you feeling joyful and uplifted.

Please bring a blanket or mat to lie on.$15. East West Bookshop, 6407 12th Ave NE, Seattle. 206523-3726. EastWestBookshop.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 15

SATURDAY, APRIL 3O GLOBAL RETREATS Acupuncture Special at Seattle Healing Arts!

Andrea Beckwith, MS EAMP specializes in the treatment of pain, anxiety and women’s health.

Insurance accepted and cash packages available.

Receive special price of $100 for your first session (Value $160). (206) 777-5397.

Release Emotions that are Holding you Back from living a fulfilled and joyful life with muscle testing.

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner specializes in clearing anxiety, heartache, depression, money blocks and inherited emotions. Call Pam Holland 360-825-5018.

QIGONG Five Mountains Institute of Qigong and Taijiquan – Live Healthier. Sustain Vitality. Classes in Embracing the Taoist Tradition. Dennis Sharp, Certified Instructor. 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle.

206-605-8907. FMI-Qigong.com.

REAL ESTATE Buying or selling a green, high performance home? Be prepared for our changing, red hot market. Schedule your free, no obligation homebuyer preparedness consultation or a seller’s market analysis from Realtor® Kim Mulligan: 206-579-9066.

Northwest Green Home Tour– 11am–5pm, Saturday and Sunday. This self-guided tour features more than 30 healthy and green new homes and remodels in the Seattle area and beyond. Get inspired by projects in all shades of green, from kitchen remodels to cutting-edge new homes. Learn how to go solar, conserve water, lower energy bills and create a healthy home environment. Free. Download the tour map at NWGreenHomeTour.org.

Creating Sacred Space: Design & Ceremony – 10am-4pm. This full-day workshop will teach you how to transform an ordinary space into a sacred place. The process of design will have us both inside doing collaborative group work and outside, observing in the space being designed. The workshop will also include ceremony and creating a group art project. $95-175. Registration required.

Songaia Co-Housing Community, 22401 39th Ave SE, Bothell. 425-485-7396.

save the date FRIDAY, MAY 6 Mothers Day Yoga Retreat with Roy Holman – May 6–8. An event for mothers and anyone (woman or man) who has mothered or cared for others, or has worked too hard. Attendees will learn to care for themselves by balancing yang, or masculine “doing” with yin, or feminine “being.” Price includes organic meals, shared accommodations, sauna, hike, all yoga and meditation classes. $325. Registration required.

Skalitude Retreat Center, Smith Canyon Rd, Carlton.

Celebration and Dedication For Ananda Yoga Hall – 11:30am-2pm. Light lunch at 11:30, dedication program from 12-1pm, and tours from 1-2pm.

Free. Ananda Institute of Living Yoga, 23305 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell. 425-806-3700.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 Our Energy Matters Certification– 12–4pm. Participants will learn how to perform chakra readings for themselves and others, give readings and experience the world of energy. Cost includes the book Our Energy Matters and a beginner set of 21 stones. $80. Registration required. Heartwood Inspired Living, 70 Langell Lane, Eastsound, Orcas Island.

425-350-5448. LiftYourSpiritsWithDenaMarie.com.

ongoing FRIDAYS Lift Your Spirits with Dena Marie – 8-9am.

Discover fascinating people, inspiring activities and places that will lift one’s spirits in this radio show. Tune in to 1150 AM KKNW Alternative Talk Radio every Friday at 8am. 425-350-5448.

Dena-Marie.com.

SATURDAYS SewUpSeattle Free Sewing Session – 11am-1pm.

On the 4th Saturday of the month, bring your own project and machine or create with our donated fabrics and machines. Men, women and children of all ages and skills are welcome. Free. Sewing Room in Denny Park Lutheran Church, 766 John St, Seattle. Registration required. 206-547-7557.

SewUpSeattle@yahoo.com.

SUNDAYS Sunday Meditation – 11am-12pm. Rejuvenate yourself at our Sunday Meditations. Join us as we meditate as a group, focus within, and communicate directly with God. Potluck brunch and healing time to follow. Open donation. CDM Spiritual Center, 2402 Summit Ave, Everett. 425-258-1449. C-DM.org.

Bring Life to Your Business in 2016!

Network with holistic, sustainable business owners

April 14 from 6-7:30 Alta Healthy Cafe (inside Totem Lake Hotel) in Kirkland $20 includes fresh and natural family-style Chinese dinner 30

Seattle

SeattleAwakenings.com

For more information: 425-350-5448

naturaldirectory ENERGY SOLUTIONS

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@SeattleAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

ACCOMODATIONS JENN’S RENTALS JennsRentals.com

Jenn’s Rentals is proud to feature the DungeNest vacation rental. A beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home on Camano Island - overlooking Elger Bay and across to Whidbey Island and the Olympics.

Please come and enjoy the hot tub, fire pit, walks on the beach and so much more.

BEAUTY BAMBU ORGANIC SALON 3919 Stone Way N Seattle, WA 98103 206-781-6501 BambuOrganicSalon.com

Organic hair salon specializing in Organic Color Systems Ammonia-Free hair color and highlights.

We use and sell John Masters Organics hair and skin care products and also offer facials, waxing, haircuts, massage therapy and craniosacral therapy. We care about your health!

BEDDING SEATTLE NATURAL MATTRESS 206-419-9550 SeattleNaturalMattress.com

Manufacturer and retailer of natural, chemical-free latex mattresses designed to provide a comfortable and supportive alternative to traditional spring mattresses.

SOARING HEART NATURAL BED COMPANY 101 Nickerson St #400, Seattle 206-282-1717 SoaringHeart.com

For over 30 years we’ve been handcrafting all-organic mattresses and bedding in our Seattle workshop using the very finest organic cotton, wool, and latex.

THE SLEEP STORE

10623 NE 8th St Bellevue, WA 98004 425-454-8727 TheSleepStoreUSA.com The Eastside’s largest selection of nontoxic and organic mattresses. Find the one that fits your lifestyle and budget! Featuring adult and child natural and organic mattresses, adjustable beds, organic and

ARTISAN ELECTRIC Tom Looms 206-557-4215 ArtisanElectricInc.com

Intelligent energy solutions for the way you live. Artisan Electric is a full-service electrical contractor helping shape a clean energy future.

natural pillows, comforters, toppers and more.

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DENTISTS

ECOLOGIC DENTISTRY 8412 Myers Rd E, Ste 301 Bonney Lake, WA 98391 253-863-7005 EcologicDentistry.com

REAL ESTATE KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE

Our dental practice integrates ancient wisdom with leading edge science. We use advanced technology and materials that are least toxic to your body and to the environment. Dr. Yamashiro values patient connection and trust and strives to make you feel comfortable with your dental care options.

April Howard 425-530-5998 1027 State Ave. Ste 102, Marysville, Wash.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? You deserve an agent who will be at your side from beginning to end! Contact April Howard for all your home purchasing needs.

RESTAURANTS ORTHO TMJ AND SLEEP CENTERS 7513-B SE 27th Street Mercer Island, WA 98040 425-757-2736 240 NW Gilman Blvd #114 Issaquah, WA 98027 425-427-8899 OrthoTMJsleep.com

Sleep apnea can prevent you from spending time in stage 3 sleep. If you snore or have apnea, you will be yanked repeatedly out of your deep restorative and REM sleep into stage 1 or 2. If you are seeking spiritual progress, optimal health and personal growth, then you’ve probably tried many varieties of relaxation, meditation, yoga, dieting and nutrition, and more. Consider the possibility you might just need a good night’s sleep.

Alta Healthy Cafe Totem Lake Hotel 425-823-3771 12233 NE Totem Lake Way Kirkland, Wash.

A delicious meal is the starting point for nurturing the soul. We provide a full menu of fresh and healthy Chinese style cooking.

PERSONAL GROWTH LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH DENA MARIE!

425-350-5448 Dena@Dena-Marie.com LiftYourSpiritswithDenaMarie.com

ENERGY EFFICIENCY MIGHTY ENERGY SOLUTIONS

206-715-0893 MightyEnergy.net

Dena Marie is a speaker, author of Our Energy Matters and host of Lift Your Spirits With Dena Marie, a radio show airing Fridays from 8–9 a.m. on 1150 AM KKNW.For upcoming classes and events: LiftYourSpiritswithDenaMarie. com.

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Providing the very best in energy efficient heating solutions to complement the sustainable goals in your home or for your business. Contact us to learn more about our innovative systems.

KANJIN YOGA

206-722-2665 Info@TheKanjinYogaCenter.com KanjinYoga.com Kanjin Yoga is a path to abundant health and wellness helping people live better inside their bodies. Specializing in Yoga Nidra, Gentle Hatha Yoga, we offer classes and workshops for groups and organizations.

natural awakenings

April 2016

31

You are invited to celebrate and dedicate the opening of the new

Ananda Yoga Hall

See the full schedule of drop-in yoga classes, Yogasana Intensive workshops and Yoga Teacher Training at www.AnandaWA.org/yoga

East West Bookshop One of Seattle's most-loved independent bookstores, serving the community's mind, body & spirit since 1989.

Ananda Institute of Living Yoga 23305 Bothell-Everett Hwy Bothell, WA 425-806-3700

Know Thyself

EAST WEST BOOKSHOP

Crystal Show at East West!

May 7-8, 2016.

Come and enjoy our annual Spring Crystal Show with gempath Deidre Berg!

Great deals on crystals, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind specimens.

Dougall Fraser at East West!

Sunday, May 15 Light Lunch - 11:30 am Dedication Program - 12 - 1 pm Tours -1 - 2 pm All free - join us!

New Location, Free Parking,

Same Great Store!

Mon-Thurs & Saturday 10-9 Friday 10-10 Sunday 12-7

The Grand Convergence:

Science Meets Shamanism July 15, 2016 $49. July 16, 2016 $149.

Cell biologist Bruce Lipton and shaman Nicki Scully offer a powerful weekend of transformation in consciousness & energy at Center For Spiritual Living.

May 13-14, 2016.

Psychic, Author, Cosmic Coach

“Cosmic Manifesting - Making Your Dreams Come True!�

6407 12th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98115 | Call 206-523-3726 for tickets. eastwestbookshop.com