February 2013 Green Fire Times Edition

News & Views

from the

S u s t ai n ab l e S o u t h w e s t

H ealthy L iving and the H ealing A rts February 2013

New Mexico’s Fifth Largest Circulation Newspaper

Vol. 5, No. 2

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Green Fire Times • February 2013

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Vol. 5, No. 2 • February 2013 Issue No. 46 Publisher Green Fire Publishing, LLC

Skip Whitson

Managing Editor Seth Roffman Art Director Anna C. Hansen Dakini Design Copy Editor Stephen Klinger Contributing Writers

Camille Adair, Janet Bridgers, Jaima Chevalier, Douglas Cohen, Nomi Gallo, Susan Guyette, Jan and Jack Kerr, Dr. Japa K. Khalsa, Beverly Kune, Celestia Loeffler, Basia Miller, Quita Ortiz, Ray Powell, Vicki Pozzebon, Seth Roffman, Delores E. Roybal, Dr. Audrey Shannon, Gary Vaughn, Dr. Stephen Weiss

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Camille Adair, Michael French, Dorie Hagler, Anna C. Hansen, Dr. Japa K. Khalsa, Quita Ortiz, Seth Roffman, Joe Sehee

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c/o The Sun Companies PO Box 5588 Santa Fe, NM 87502-5588 Ph: 505.471.5177 Fax: 505.473.4458 info@sunbooks.com www.GreenFireTimes.com © 2013 Green Fire Publishing, LLC Green Fire Times provides useful information for anyone—community members, business people, students, visitors—interested in discovering the wealth of opportunities and resources available in our region. Knowledgeable writers provide articles on subjects ranging from green businesses, products, services, entrepreneurship, jobs, design, building, energy and investing—to sustainable agriculture, arts & culture, ecotourism, education, regional food, water, the healing arts, local heroes, native perspectives, natural resources, recycling and more. Sun Companies publications seek to provide our readers with informative articles that support a more sustainable planet. To our publisher this means maximizing personal as well as environmental health by minimizing consumption of meat and alcohol.

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Contents

Healthcare in New Mexico – Con Alma Foundation Forums . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 5 Health Equity in New Mexico . . . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..5 FairCare: A New Paradigm of Healing in Healthcare . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 8 Green Hospice . . .. . .. . .. . ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..9 Towards Authentic Healing . . ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 11 Five Simple Ways to Live Healthy in 2013 . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 13 Health and Wellness: Snuggle In and Chow Down . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 15 Skin Care and Aging in New Mexico. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 16 Self-Care Revolution . . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 16 BODY of Santa Fe . . .. . .. . ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 17 Ayurveda: Health, Wellness Healing and Medicine. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 18 Confessions of a Seimei Practitioner . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 19 Keeping Animals Healthy with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine . . .. . .. . .. . 20 Everyday Green: Native American Integrative Healing. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 22 Healing Arts at Golden Acorns Summer Camp . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 23 The New Mexico Solar Energy Association’s 40th Anniversary. . .. . .. . .. . .. 24 One Health: A New Vision for New Mexico’s State Trust Lands . . .. . .. . .. . .. 27 Ongoing Research Illustrates Benefits of Acequias . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 27 OP-ED: Río Grande Restoration and Recreation Project Appeal . . .. . .. . .. . 31 The Local Voice: Investing in Local Food = Celebrating Entrepreneurship. . .. . 35 Newsbites . . .. . .. . .. . .. . ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 37 What’s Going On. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 38

Towards Collective Well-Being

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o navigate the health and wellness marketplace for our families and our selves is an exercise in nearly endless choice making. Among the many challenges accompanying us is reconciling the conventional assumptions and external messages about healthcare in our culture with the natural, inner guidance system operating deep within us.

I believe that when we can get quiet enough and listen within, we know what is good for us and what is not. Unfortunately, there are many barriers in our society to cultivating that inner quietude and access to self-derived knowing.

Staying alert and increasing consciousness in our personal and family path-making is an ongoing responsibility if we value true well-being in ourselves and our community.

Having lived in several regions in North America before settling in New Mexico, I appreciate the diversity of the traditional health and mind-body based resources within arm’s reach in several of the more populous areas. This includes the ready access for poor and otherwise challenged

families available through programs such as the Community Healthcare Assistance Programs and the Indigent Funds (Sandovalcountynm.gov) as well as the array of complementary and alternative medical approaches.

Many of the articles in this edition of Green Fire Times are about bridging inner and outer ways of knowing when it comes to healthcare. These are personal and informative essays from practitioners of long-standing approaches to healing illness and preventive, wellness and longevitybased medicine. Relationship-based wellness complements the dominance of impersonal and Western sciencedriven treatment. Remember: It’s your choice.

Douglas Cohen - Corrales, NM Douglas Cohen serves as the membership manager of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (AyurvedaNama.org), co-leads the NM Outdoor Coalition (ActivateNewMexico.org) and is chair of the National Youth Initiatives for the Inspired Futures Campaign (USPartnership.org). Email: dacohen77@gmail.com

COVER: Celestia Loeffler Lives Healthy (page 13) • Photo by Michael French Green Fire Times is not to be confused with the Green Fire Report, an in-house quarterly publication of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center. The NMELC can be accessed online at: www.nmelc.org.

February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

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Green Fire Times • February 2013

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Healthcare in New Mexico

Con Alma Health Foundation Convenes Forums Around the State

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s New Mexico’s largest foundation dedicated solely to health, Con Alma Health Foundation brings people together to gather information, discuss issues and develop solutions that address the state’s health needs. This includes bringing people together to learn more about federal healthcare reform and what it means for New Mexico.

The statewide foundation recently held meetings in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, where speakers provided information about components of the federal Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act such as Medicaid expansion, American Indian eligibility and the health-insurance exchange, as well as proposed bills for this year’s legislative session. About 100 people, representing local and state government, nonprofits, educational institutions and other organizations, attended each meeting.

“One of our roles in New Mexico is to serve as a convener and as a catalyst for positive, systemic change,” said Dolores E. Roybal, Con Alma’s executive director. “We think it’s important for people to have the opportunity to network and share information about critical issues, such as healthcare reform and proposed state legislation.”

Zeuner attended Con Alma’s meeting before the Wellness Coalition hosted its own seminars on the Affordable Care Act for the general public and small employers. “It was good to connect with people who have been active in the state on healthcare reform,” Zeuner said. “I especially appreciated the advocacy piece from the NM Center on Law and Poverty and Southwest Women’s Law Center. Now we know who our allies are, and we haven’t been connected to that before.”

At the Albuquerque meeting, Pamelya Herndon, executive director of the Southwest Women’s Law Center, explained how people can be eligible for health insurance through the health-insurance exchange that NM is supposed to have running by October 2014. Dolores E. Roybal In a detailed chart, she showed that families who earn 133 percent of poverty level ($30,657 for family of four) or less would qualify for insurance under the Medicaid expansion, while families earning up to three times that amount could receive a federal tax credit to help pay for health insurance through the exchange. That means a family of four could earn up to $92,200 and receive a tax credit for getting insurance through the exchange.

She also reviewed the possible penalties that employers and families could face if they aren’t insured by 2014. For example, small businesses that employ fewer than 50 people wouldn’t be penalized for not offering insurance. Businesses that have fewer than 25 people with an average wage of $50,000 or higher may be able to get a tax credit for providing insurance to their employees. continued on page 6

Health Equity in New Mexico Con Alma’s Roadmap — Key Findings

1. I mproved conditions and policies that address Social Determinants of

Economist Kelly O’Donnell, Ph.D. at Con Alma convening

Presenters included health policy consultants, NM Voices for Children, Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Department, NM Alliance for Health Councils, NM Health Connections, NM Legislative Council Services and Bernalillo County Community Health Council.

Sandra Gonzales, director of eligibility and benefits for Families, Youth Inc., attended the Las Cruces meeting. Her nonprofit organization helps individuals access healthcare programs and other resources such as food stamps, disability insurance or heating assistance. “Healthcare reform is going to have a direct impact on people we serve, so we need to make sure we know what’s going to happen so we can prepare,” she said.

Gonzales was happy to hear people talk about online registering of people into Medicaid and the health insurance exchange. Already, Families, Youth Inc.’s community health workers go directly to people to enroll them electronically into programs that can help them. “I feel there are a lot of vested partners in this, and they are seriously looking at ways to improve their systems,” she said.

Nikki Zeuner, program director of the Wellness Coalition in Silver City said she gained a better understanding of some of the state’s strategies in implementing healthcare reform, including how patient navigators can help people sign-up for Medicaid or insurance through the soon-to-be -established health insurance exchange. “We see ourselves as a curator of information and resources for the nonprofit sector,” she said. “Primarily we want to educate ourselves and make connections with others who are active in promoting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.”

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Health and advance health equity, especially among racially and ethnically diverse and underserved populations, can significantly improve health in New Mexico.

The correlation between poverty, educational attainment and good health is evident when comparing health outcomes for NM’s children and others in the United States. NM ranks 48 and 49 respectively in teen death and teen birth rates.

• Racial and ethnic minorities suffer higher rates of mortality and illness compared with other Americans and receive a lower quality of healthcare.

• New Mexico has the second-highest poverty rate in the nation.

• The number of households receiving food stamps has almost doubled during the recession, from 6 to 11 percent.

• Children ages 0–5 are more likely to die: NM experienced a 20-percent increase in youth death rates since 2000.

2. Access to quality and affordable health-care services continues to be a barrier to good health, especially in rural NM, communities of color and underserved populations (e.g. elderly, immigrants, border communities and veterans).

• New Mexico has the second highest rate of uninsured in the nation (21.6 percent).

• Hispanic and American Indian adults were over twice as likely to be without health insurance coverage as whites.

• Native Americans lack a consistent health benefits package.

• The health workforce is neither diverse nor culturally competent. Minorities make up 59 percent of the population, but only 11 percent of the nursing workforce.

continued on page 6

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Healthcare in NM continued from page 5

A representative from the NM Center on Law and Poverty described specifically how Medicaid expansion for adults who earn low incomes could benefit NM. Since then, Gov. Susana Martinez announced the state will expand the federalstate health insurance program. About 170,000 New Mexicans may qualify for insurance under the expansion.

That decision will have widespread benefits throughout NM, according to economist Kelly O’Donnell, Ph.D. O’Donnell shared information at the meetings about the economic impact of the Affordable Care Act, including federal grants for primary care, small-business tax credits, Medicaid expansion to adults who earn low incomes, and increased productivity and reduced absenteeism due to better health.

“We will see hundreds of millions in new federal funding for health insurance,” she said. “What that essentially means is a great amount of new funds will flow into NM, and that money will stimulate the economy, creating jobs and rippling out through other areas and creating jobs there. Each sector is linked. A newly hired nurse is going to spend her new income on the local economy.”

O’Donnell added that healthcare is one of the only growing segments of NM’s economy, and it will be an engine of economic force, especially in rural areas.

“Right now, the job-creation opportunities are in healthcare,” she said. “As a state we need to take all the resources we’ve been throwing at attracting call centers and manufacturers and direct them toward making NM as good a place to grow a healthcare business as possible.”

Health Equity continued from page 5

• Thirty-two of the state’s 33 counties are defined as Health Professional Shortage areas.

• Substance abuse/dependence and/or mental disorders affect more than half a million people in NM: 24.3 percent will need help from the publicly funded care system.

• Returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are expected to increase the number of veterans in NM. Veterans, especially in rural areas, lack access to essential healthcare and behavioral services.

3. Prevention, nutrition, health promotion and holistic health are critical to improving health in NM. • Nationally, there has been a shift in the conversation about healthcare in the last decade to focus on prevention, access and alleviating equity boundaries.

• The percentage of obesity among the state’s population doubled from 1990– 2009. Obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

• Preventative oral health is limited, especially in rural areas, which can result in impaired general health, particularly impacting the mortality rate due to heart disease at younger ages.

• Healthcare reform provides opportunities to implement prevention and wellness programs.

4. Our rapidly changing environment, including demographic shifts, will have major implications in health for the people and communities of NM. • People of color in NM comprise 58.7 percent of the population in the 2010 Census and fare far worse than their white counterparts across a range of health indicators.

• The Hispanic population in NM increased by 25 percent, compared to a 13 percent increase in total population.

• New Mexico residents 18 and under account for almost one in five of the population (18 percent in 2010), and the Hispanic population under 18 years of age was 58 percent, the largest percentage in the US. • The largest percent increase from 2000 to 2010 was among those 60 to 64 years, at 5.8 percent. By 2030, the state will rank fourth in the nation in percentage of population age 65 and older; currently NM is 39th.

• Almost half of NM’s grandparents provide a home for their grandchildren.

• Minority child populations show the most dramatic shift: almost three in four children under five are African American (2 percent), Hispanic (59 percent) or Native American (12 percent).

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Healthcare for American Indians

Roxane Spruce Bly, who runs a small consulting company that specializes in health-policy and American Indian issues, spoke of how the Affordable Care Act treats American Indians differently. “For non-Indians, it’s critical they understand the federal government has a legal obligation to provide healthcare to Indians because of the millions of acres of land that our ancestors ceded,” said Bly, who is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna.

The federal healthcare reform law specifies that American Indians don’t have to pay penalties for being uninsured or any co-pays or deductibles if they buy insurance on the healthRoxane Spruce Bly insurance exchange and earn less than 300 percent of poverty level ($69,150 for a family of four). American Indians will be able to enroll in the health insurance exchange every month. Everyone else can enroll once a year or during special enrollment periods or life-changing events. “The law is designed to encourage American Indian consumers to acquire insurance through the exchange,” Bly said.

She added that it will be important that the health-insurance exchange is designed in a way that American Indians can access it. She said she and other members of the Native American Work Group assisting the State’s Health Insurance Exchange Advisory Task Force have requested that the exchange include a Native American Service Center or other smaller centers where people can enroll in person. She also thinks it’s important to have a dedicated advocate or ombudsman who can resolve people’s concerns and obstacles.

Currently, American Indians who don’t have health insurance can only get healthcare through charity care programs or the Indian Health Services, which is woefully underfunded, according to Bly. Access to care is especially hard for American Indians who live off the reservation or far from an Indian Health Service clinic or hospital.

“It’s really important for Indian people to look at whether they are eligible for Medicaid or the insurance exchange, even though they are not required to have coverage,” Bly said.

Bly is in the process of updating a “Native American Health Care Reform Guide,” commissioned by Con Alma Health Foundation, which provides information on the implications of healthcare reform on Native Americans in NM. In addition to discussing healthcare reform, presenters gave information about proposed health legislation for the 60-day NM legislative session that started mid-January.

Among the proposed bills are a few that aim to increase access to healthcare in NM, including a proposal that would allow anesthesiologist assistants to practice statewide and one that would allow dental therapists to practice basic dentistry. There is also funding proposed to add more medical students to the University of New Mexico’s program.

Other funding requests would support anti-domestic violence programs, schoolbased health centers, sexual-assault prevention and training, teen-pregnancy prevention, adult day care, ambulatory surgical center inspections and telehealth programs.

Some bills would expand insurance coverage, including mandatory autism coverage for state employees.

The presenters distributed information at both meetings. Those documents, including some in Spanish, are now available on Con Alma’s website, www.conalma.org With its initiatives and grants, Con Alma Health Foundation places an emphasis on supporting culturally diverse, rural and tribal communities, as well as the uninsured and underserved. With a focus on achieving health equity, Con Alma defines health broadly: physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, social, oral, environmental, economic and spiritual health and well-being.

As healthcare reform begins to be implemented across NM, Con Alma will continue to support nonprofits as they try to meet the needs of the people they serve. “We will continue to look for opportunities to bring people together so they can share information and resources,” Roybal said. “Our goal is to support efforts in NM that will improve health for all.”

Con Alma is scheduling two more meetings in other areas of the state so more people can learn about how health-care reform might affect them. For more information, visit the foundation’s website and become a Facebook friend: www.conalma.org i

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FAIRCARE: A New Paradigm of Healing in Healthcare

Seth Roffman

Camille Adair

Unfortunately, by that time, if current trends continue, more than half of the nurses in this country will have retired and may need care themselves. Meanwhile, low retention rates and decreased employee satisfaction resulting from workplace stress and overload has many people avoiding the healthcare profession or leaving the industry altogether.

The projected numbers of new nurses will fall far short of the demand. The healthcare industry is clearly ripe for and in need of transformation.

Fortunately, there are people with a practical vision of how to create a sustainable healthcare system.

Santa Fean Camille Adair conceived of FairCare™ in collaboration with her colleagues and other healthcare experts.

Adair, a nurse and documentarian, has been a thought leader and visionary in the fields of conscious aging, end-of-life care and healthcare reform. In 2008 she developed the Green Hospice Philosophy and the Shades of Green Program, with the intention of applying the tri-

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FairCare is offering a certification program to healthcare organizations that could be likened to the healthcare version of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Along with guidelines and standards for sustainable practices, it provides support and resources to achieve these goals. The certification process begins with an assessment for how to move forward with a customized plan for each business or organization.

FairCare is introduced in three phases, beginning with Planet, where the focus is on the carbon footprint, carbon offset, recycling and eco-friendly working conditions. This is an opportunity for branding, building positive community perception and increased workplace morale.

The second phase, People, addresses staff retention, recruitment, employee satisfaction and education. The development of Emotional Intelligence and Resilience Training is a big part of this.

It is an approach backed by studies at institutions such as the Harvard School of Business. “Unlike most certifying entities within healthcare,” says Adair, FairCare is designed to provide support and solutions, rather than imposing weighty restrictions and regulations that often choke a healthcare provider’s ability to empathize and tap into the true resource of people’s humanity. And people-oriented skills can make a positive impact on the financial bottom line.”

The third phase, Prosperity, focuses on achieving sustainability through succession planning, leadership development, cooperative community relationships and transparency.

In addition to taking care of people, FairCare addresses environmental con-

Green Fire Times • February 2013

© Camille Adair

ple-bottom-line, where the relationship of the people, the environment and the prosperity (profit) are interconnected, measure organizational success and drive the bottom line. This has the potential to provide a new paradigm for an industry that has been excessively driven by fiscal compliance and productivity, and less by a human context.

Advantage Home Care and Hospice team (l-r) Tamara Rodriguez, RN; Elis Wilson, SW; Paulina Jones, RN; Kathryne Lim, SW; Denys Cope, RN.

Elis Wilson, who works for Advantage.

“For Norteños, it is a reminder of our communal, subsistence- and land-based past. For the families of the mercedes (land grants), the ejido provided land for everyone to graze their livestock and cut their firewood. The acequia systems have also sustained the land, people and communities in this way. Stewardship, as the FairCare model recognizes, is not just of the land, but also of the community and culture. This model appeals not only to my social work values; it also speaks to my roots in the mountains, streams and communities of northern New Mexico.”

cerns through recycling and carbon-offset strategies. In partnership with Tree New Mexico, FairCare organizations will donate $1/patient in support of treeplanting efforts in NM. FairCare’s 2013 goal is to plant more than 1,000 trees.

The pilot of the FairCare model in New Mexico is being integrated into a family-owned and operated healthcare agency, Advantage Home Care and Hospice.

Adair is also taking the model to hospitals, cancer centers, long-term care facilities, home-care and hospice organizations. A group of national healthcare experts is working together to develop a plan for national expansion.

If you are a part of a healthcare business, a sector of government, a healthcare professional, private caregiver or someone in need of services, and would like to learn more about the movement to shift the healthcare paradigm through FairCare™ Certification, contact Adair at 505.470.3838 or Camille@ CamilleAdair.com i

City of Eugene, Oregon

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he first baby boomers turned 65 in 2011 and became eligible for Medicare. By 2020 those same people will be 74 years old. Over the next 20plus years the United States will experience what has been referred to as the Silver Tsunami. This represents an epic demographic shift, with more elders needing care than has ever been experienced in human history.

“For some, sustainability in healthcare is a new way of thinking,”says social worker

Seth Roffman, editor of Green Fire Times, is a writer and photojournalist. His work has appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, Native Peoples, Native Americas Magazine, Weekly Reader, New Mexico Magazine and many other publications.

FairCare Trainings A group of hospice and healthcare professionals interested in FairCare™ meets in Albuquerque and Santa Fe each month. Many of these people intend to train as FairCare facilitators. There will be three Emotional Intelligence and Resilience trainings as part of a certification process that is a prerequisite for caregivers who want to work with the model as well as be part of the certification process. Those trainings are May 23-25 and Oct. 3-5 for Level 1, and Oct. 17-19 for Level 2. Camille Adair, RN, and UNM professor Dr. Amy McConnell Franklin, an international expert in Emotional Intelligence, are developing the training.

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Green Hospice

Camille Adair

© Dorie Hagler

Camille Adair and Gertrude Padilla

In the presence of a dying person, quality matters. Quality of relationships, quality of intent and quality of presence trump busywork, small talk and superficiality. It no longer matters what kind of car you drive or what your title was at work. Life is close to the bone. Meaning-making, resolution and kindness are what nourish us as we prepare to leave the physical body.

It was the contrast I experienced between mainstream media’s shallow and unrealistic portrayal of death as entertainment, and the rich world of humanity that filled my days in hospice, and inspired me to create a documentary on death and dying. In 2008, after eight years of filming and editing, Solace: Wisdom of the Dying screened in Santa Fe. Since then, I have directed and produced eleven related documentaries called the Solace Teachings to deepen the under-

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standing of healthcare professionals, individuals and community groups.

When we think of dying people we think of illness and are expected to adhere to medical terminology like failure and decline. The lack of training for healthcare professionals in how to think, feel and work with people at the end of life translates to over-treatment and avoidance of a person’s humanity. This often increases suffering and confusion for dying people and their families.

It is possible to be well and dying, just as it is possible to be “unwell” and physically healthy. We have equated wellness with physical stamina and youth. Palliative care expert and author Ira Byock, MD once shared with me a question he routinely asks people facing a life-limiting illness, “How are you within yourself?”

Through processes of inquiry we are able to address the whole person, not just an illness with symptoms to be treated.

The second phase of my work in hospice was in education and management. In my career as a nurse, I experienced hospice managers generally as unhappy, unsupported and therefore unable to be effective in their role as a leader. I learned that 83 percent of all nurses are first-born children of alcoholics. I was able to identify bullying, vertical or organizational violence and horizontal or peer-to-peer hostility that comes from many wounded people working together under stressful conditions. As one of the 83 percent, I began a deep investigation into the Greek myth of Chiron, the wounded healer.

In the middle of what I saw as an industry of wounded healthcare professionals and often even more wounded (and wounding) organizations, I saw the need for a new model that addresses sustainability. Green Hospice is the result of that investigation that is now part of the FairCare™ model of sustainable health-

© Joe Sehee

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orking in hospice has been one of the great joys and challenges of my life. I started out at the bedside working as a hospice nurse case manager. I was impacted by the sacredness and raw intimacy that is present at the end of life. It is from the dying that I have learned more about living than anything else I have been exposed to. I began to see how the youth- and beauty-driven culture of mainstream America avoids the elderly, the sick and the dying. These people have become our version of untouchables. By removing them from our lives, we have robbed ourselves of something profound. We no longer have a sense of the cycles that inform the nature of our lives and our connection to the natural world.

care, available to hospice organizations (see article, page 8).

A movement to reclaim death and dying as a normal and sacred part of the life cycle rather than as a medical failure backs the philosophy of Green Hospice. Like birth, death is a rite of passage to be held by the individual, family and community, as it deepens and informs how we live and reminds us —like nothing else can—of the preciousness of time and the importance of making conscious choices about how we live and how we die.

A Green Hospice is required to provide all patients with information on Green Burial. Green Hospice has partnered with the Green Burial Council, who will supply the education, support and resources on Green Burial options. Green Hospice also requires organizations to incorporate a “saging” program, where seasoned and elder nurses are able to pass their skills and knowledge along to incoming nurses.

Physicians are integrated as staff members rather than contractors with minimal impact on the team and organization. Staffing ratios comply with national standards and groups of interdisciplinary staff form teams to support communication and lateral accountability.

Hospices that become green adopt the philosophy that the people are the product. Without them, the organization would be unable to provide services.

Many hospices, contrary to the spirit of the services provided, disregard the needs of the clinical staff and are closed to the valuable insights and feedback of hospice professionals, even though basic business motivation strategies teach about the relationship between weighing in and buying in.

An alarming number of hospice professionals express their feelings of futility and frustration with their organization.

Here the disconnect between the ad-

ministration and the field staff breeds discontent, which impacts the quality of patient care, retention rates and in turn the fiscal bottom line. Green Hospice holds to measurable standards for satisfaction and retention within hospice organizations as it speaks of concrete outcomes in business practices and culture that impact the staff, having a ripple effect on the overall industry.

Green Hospice applies the standard of Do No Harm, an ethic held by physicians, to be extended to organizations.

Businesses whose bottom line comes from serving dying people are faced with high moral and ethical stakes. There are no “do-overs” in hospice, as my friend and colleague, Kim Mooney of Boulder hospice says. Therefore, a large part of sustainability in hospice lies in raising awareness and committing to ethical practices, which includes careful selection and treatment of staff so that the hospice workers are able to provide responsible and appropriate care of the dying.

Sustainability, like mindfulness is a practice that calls us to wake up and bring ourselves to the present moment in support of positive change. This requires humility, patience, persistence, humor and creativity. It is here that I combine my nursing practice with a daily practice of sustainability. The FairCare™ and Green Hospice models provide the framework. The people provide the change.

Advantage Home Care & Hospice of New Mexico will be the first certified Green Hospice as part of the FairCare™ Certification in sustainable healthcare. i Camille Adair, CEO of Sacredigm Alliances, LLC, is a healthcare consultant, speaker, educator and filmmaker. Camille is available to provide presentations and in-services on FairCare, Green Hospice, Leadership Development Training for Healthcare Sustainability and film screenings.

505.470.3838, Camille@CamilleAdair.com

February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

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Health & Healing

Towards Authentic Healing

Dr. Stephen Weiss

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oday while driving home after adding an acutely ill patient to my schedule at the end of a busy day, I happened to eye a bumper sticker on the back of a car which my whole being emphatically embraced: “When the Power of Love Overcomes the Love of Power, the World Will Know Peace” (William Gladstone). This ranks up there with some of the best quotes I’ve ever seen. Profound. Simple. True.

With this kind of wisdom so freely available, why is it that our nation is reeling from yet another mass shooting, this time involving precious young children at an elementary school? The causes of such tragedies are obviously multifactorial, but they point to a deep imbalance in our society as a whole and in many individuals. The primary goal of all authentic healing is to reestablish inner homeostasis or balance. The bodymind-spirit is exquisite in its capacity to self-regulate. How often do we stop and marvel at its complexity and the undeniable intelligence that governs it?

Classical Homeopathy, one of the primary modalities I use in my Integrative Medical Practice, has a name for that intelligent healing force within us—the Vital Force.

This Force can get deranged by a number of factors or insults, rendering it incapable of performing its supreme function—maintaining vibrant health.

Examples of such insults include improper diet and pesticides in non-organic foods, emotional stress and trauma, environmental toxins, and the Western (“allopathic”) medical emphasis on suppressing symptoms rather than uncover-

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ing and addressing the root cause of a person’s dis-ease.

Back in 1980, George Vithoulkas, the father of modern-day homeopathy and a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize, predicted a surge in violence in our society from allopathic medical practice. According to homeopathic theory, suppressing a symptom rather than treating the whole person drives the disease deeper within, resulting in more serious imbalances and diseases. Did you know that many of the mass murderers of recent times, including the Newtown killer, the Aurora, Colo. theater murderer, the shooters at Columbine High School and the Unabomber, among many others, were on psychiatric medications when they committed their crimes? Many of these drugs have been linked to violent behavior, including suicide and homicide. All but one of the medications in a recently published “Top 10 Legal Drugs Linked to Violence” list are psychiatric medications: seven antidepressants (mostly SSRIs), two stimulants used to treat ADD/ ADHD, and one sleeping pill no longer available in the US. Of course, all these killers were mentally deranged before they started their psychiatric meds. How many would have committed atrocities if they had been treated holistically is, of course, not known, but it seems likely that their meds did directly contribute to the blood spilled.

Homeopaths around the globe, including myself, witness the validity of this theory of suppression regularly in our

practices. When the correct constitutional homeopathic remedy is given that most closely matches the totality of an individual’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state, the patient’s psyche and spirit are the first to improve, while certain physical symptoms that they used to have, which were suppressed by drugs, particularly skin eruptions, may temporarily reappear as part of the healing process. This is known as Hering’s Law of Cure : the body-mind-spirit literally extrudes or “spits out” the disease from its deepest recesses to the surface, exactly the opposite of suppression.

I do have a healthy respect for pharmaceuticals when used judiciously. Steroids, the most suppressive of drugs, and even antidepressants, have saved countless lives. Except in emergencies, suppressive therapies should be used as a last resort and only after more holistic therapies such as Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda have been tried. The breadth and scope of homeopathy is vast.

I have seen it positively impact patients with a very wide range of both acute and chronic diseases. In the last week alone I have had the pleasure of seeing several patients with chronic ailments turn their health around using homeopathy. Please see articles I have written about patients on my website.

In Ayurveda, which is derived from the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, spirituality plays a central role. The great Rishis, seers who received the sacred knowledge that forms the basis of Ayurveda, understood that a human birth is a very precious and rare

phenomenon. They taught that the purpose of our human life, and of the healing of our bodies and minds, is to grow spiritually and to know God intimately, indeed to become one with God. In order to do this, we must all make the pilgrimage from our egos to the infinite, unconditionally loving Land of the Soul and Conscious Awareness. i Dr. Stephen P. Weiss is a boardcertified family physician with a private practice in Holistic Integrative Medicine and over 25 years of experience.

Voted one of Albuquerque’s Top Docs in 2006, he is known for seamlessly combining high-tech medicine with numerous safe and effective alternative healing modalities.

505.872.2611, www.holisticmedicineheals.com

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Five Simple Ways to Live Healthy in 2013

© Michael French

Celestia Loeffler

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mile, breathe, relax. There. Feel better? Surely it can’t be that easy to lead a happy and healthy life. But there are a few simple changes we can make in our daily routine to vastly improve our health and well-being, and in turn, the health and well-being of our communities. By taking better care of ourselves, we become better parents, spouses, co-workers and stewards of our communities. So what follows is a list of five ways to keep healthy, happy and well balanced in the new year.

1. Breathe: “When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace,” says an anonymous sage. Learning how to breathe properly is vital for our well-being. Respiration delivers oxygen needed to nourish and purify the body.

Our breath also has a major influence on our mind. Calm breath, calm mind.

By lengthening our breaths we engage the parasympathetic nervous system, taking ourselves out of “fight or flight” mode and easing into “rest and digest” mode. So see how conscious you can be about your breathing patterns throughout the day. And if you find yourself getting overwhelmed, angry or unsettled, try deepening your breath by filling your lungs slowly and deeply from the bottom all the way up, then exhale from the bottom of the lungs to the top again. Repeat this a few times and notice the difference.

2. Eat Well: We, quite literally, are what we eat. If we consume processed and synthetic foods, our body has to work harder to assimilate what we consume—and often can’t accomplish it—which results in our ailing health.

But if we favor local, seasonal, organic,

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Sandia Mountain as viewed from Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico

non-GMO (non-genetically modified organisms), whole—or at least minimally processed—foods, then not only do we nourish ourselves, but we also pay respect to the Earth and the resources necessary to get the food to our plate.

Buy whole foods. If something has a label, read it. If it contains words that you don’t recognize or can’t pronounce, chances are it doesn’t belong in your belly. Shop at your local farmers’ market.

And if you can’t, then at least stay on the perimeter of the grocery store, where the food is fresh (not packaged), and there are often local and organic options. And eat less. We Americans have a penchant for doing everything BIG. That includes portion sizes. A simple way to cut our food budget, and a couple inches off our waistline, is to only eat as much as your body really needs. Aim for 1,200-2,000 calories a day. Eat slowly. Taste your food. Savor and enjoy it. New Mexicans are blessed with an abundant local food supply. By supporting your local growers, you support and nourish yourself and your community.

3. Sleep Well: Quality sleep is essential for a person’s optimal health and well-being. Each person has his or her own individual sleep needs, but any less than an average of six hours per night and you deprive your body and mind of the much-needed reprieve from the day’s events. Seven to eight hours of nightly sleep is ideal for most. If you have difficulty sleeping, avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages in the afternoon and evening. Also unplug electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed. If you can, take a few minutes to wind down before getting ready

for sleep. Meditating and sitting quietly with a cup of hot herbal tea are simple yet profound ways to promote optimal rest. If you can, go to sleep and wake up around the same times every day to tune in with your natural circadian rhythms.

Research indicates that getting ample sleep can reduce inflammation in the body, sharpen your attention, aid in healthy weight loss and significantly lower stress levels. Not only will you feel good, you’ll be a pleasure to be around.

Spending time outdoors is a natural immunity and energy-booster.

4. Be Kind. Being kind to others and to ourselves provides a steady flow of endorphins, the body’s natural pain inhibitors, which can help contribute to our sense of physical and emotional well-being. When we give of ourselves we foster a strong sense of confidence and optimism. Our kindness also inspires others to be kind, which helps contribute to a stronger sense of family and community. What’s more, we are much more likely to receive the same kindness in return during our own times of need. It might feel counterintuitive at first to smile at or open a door for a stranger. But if you follow the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” you just might find that it benefits you as much, if not more, than those to whom you are expressing kindness.

5. Spend Time in Nature: The Southwest abounds with wild spaces and nature to explore, and studies show

that spending even 20 minutes outside every day can have a vast impact on our vitality. “Nature is fuel for the soul,” says Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester. “Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature,” he says. Spending time outdoors is a natural immunity- and energy-booster. Spending time outdoors contributes to our sense of interconnectedness with all beings, which is vital in this age of rapidly evolving technology. Most folks these days are subsumed with computers and smartphones and would rather Google a ladder-backed woodpecker than actually find one in the wild. But by taking even a few minutes each day to commune with nature, we are more apt to remember that we are all—from the tiny caterpillar and cholla cactus to the human being—in this life and this consciousness together.

Vast life improvements often begin with small, incremental changes in your daily routine. So even if you can’t log 10 hours of shuteye every night or eat only local, organic meals, don’t give up. If all you have each day are a few 30-second bursts to focus on your health and well-being, then try the “smile, breathe and relax” method.

You just might find that those brief, blissful moments have the capability to bring a bit of peace and happiness to yourself and those around you, the effects of which can really add up during the course of the year. i Celestia Loeffler is a wordsmith and yoga instructor from Santa Fe. celestia@loreoftheland. org, www.loreoftheland.org

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Health

and

Wellness

Snuggle In and Chow Down Article and photos by Dr. Japa K. Khalsa

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ibernating is a human thing: We are designed to shift into low gear in winter.

Like a farmer tinkering with his tools while snow covers the ground, downshifting gives your body time to repair itself. This is your body’s natural agenda.

Given extra downtime and deep nutrition, your body can refill the disks in your back with fluid, rebuild immune system cells and recondition your stressed-out nervous system (among other things). That can mean less back pain, better overall health and an increased ability to handle hectic lives.

Just like night gives us time to recharge our batteries after a busy day, winter gives us time to restore ourselves after the wear-and-tear of summer.

But if we want any of these benefits, we have to lift our foot off life’s accelerator.

CULTIVATE LAZINESS

Mainstream culture rewards “doing”; it judges “being” as unproductive and lazy—which makes it extra hard for us to slow down. We think we are relaxing by watching television or drinking and eating with friends—but in reality we need more hibernating: sleep and actual “quiet time.” When we stop doing, our bodies can start repairing. Give yourself permission to slow down.

If you find yourself getting sleepy much earlier in the evening, this is your body’s natural clock giving you extra time to nourish yourself with deep sleep. Stop your activities as early as possible, ideally by 8 pm. Unwind and relax and go to bed by 9 or 10 at the very latest.

To get the deepest sleep possible, have an herbal sleep tea or grate some nutmeg into warm milk, as nutmeg helps maintain a deeper sleep cycle. Give yourself a foot massage with oil and do some long deep breathing before going to sleep to calm your mind.

How to Give Yourself an Evening Foot Rub

How can you go to bed earlier and fall asleep easily? Let your body know that you are serious with a foot rub. This stimulates special nerve endings in your feet that help calm your mind and shift your nervous system for sleep.

Foraging for Yummy Winter Foods

In order for your body to carry out quality repairs, you need to eat nourishing foods. Most of us add a few pounds during the holidays, which feature an abundance of sweets, carbs and fats. Now is an excellent time to choose nutrientdense, seasonally available foods that will satisfy without adding weight.

Winter greens such as kale, chard and seasonal lettuce are packed with nutrients like iron, potassium and calcium, which build blood and can help people (especially women) feel more relaxed. Root vegetables make an easy meal, are gently cleansing, and satisfy that urge to chow down. Beets, turnips, parsnips, radishes, yams and carrots have a blood-building effect because of all their minerals and are known for a cleansing effect on the liver. Root vegetables that have been harvested in the fall save their energy and potency for the winter and are especially beneficial. Make a root vegetable bake for a simple seasonal meal that is satisfying and chock full Winter Root bake with parsnips, onions, of nutrients. yams, potatoes

Roasted Roots Recipe

Take any combination of root vegetables (beets, parsnips, radishes, carrots, onions, potatoes and yams), chop them into evenly sized pieces and put them in a Dutch oven or covered casserole dish. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and perhaps some basil or oregano and let the roots bake at 375° until tender (45 minutes to an hour).

How to Hide Winter Greens in a Smoothie

A favorite way to disguise winter greens is in a nut-and-fruit smoothie. The trick is to add a “sweet” item (like dates, berries, oranges or fruit juices) for every additional “healthy” item (like spinach, sprouts or spirulina) to balance the flavor.

Start with frozen berries and toss in a few cashews, almonds or hemp seeds to help it keep that creamy flavor and add some healthy fats and protein. There are an infinite number of fruits, nuts and veggies to combine.

In Eastern medicine, raw fruits and vegetables are considered hard to digest and are better for the summertime. However, because you are blending them, it breaks through the cell walls and allows all of the dense energy of winter greens to penetrate your body. Try this as a breakfast and you will be surprised how energized your day can be. One word of caution: drinking this in the evening might be too energizing. Experiment and see what works for your individual body type.

Begin by rinsing your feet in cool water and drying them. Pull one foot towards you and rub a bit of oil on it. Start by massaging around the ankle and down to the heel on both sides of the foot. This area carries the reflexology connection to the sexual organs, so massaging it relaxes this tension.

Next, rub the underside of your foot with several long thumb strokes. If you find any bumpy spots or calcifications, rub harder on those areas until you feel a gentle softening of the tension. Press hard on the ball of your foot and dig deep between the first and second toe in the natural hollow of your foot. This soft spot on the underside of your foot is soothing to stimulate because it is an entry point for energy in Chinese medicine. Stay with it for a minute. Now grab your toes with both hands and stretch and bend them in both directions, towards the sole of your foot and away. You get extra credit if your toes “pop.”

Squeeze your foot with both hands, caressing and massaging it and then switch to the opposite foot. If you have children, this is a wonderful way to unwind them from their day. In reflexology, massaging a child’s heel every night helps them develop a photographic memory.

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Recipe (Serves 2)

raspberry and raw cacao “green” smoothie

2 cups frozen raspberries Cover raspberries with your favorite juice, then add: 1 handful of any winter green (kale, chard, lettuce, spinach) 1 tsp spirulina 1 “splash” of tart cherry concentrate 3 Tbsp hemp seeds 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder Blend in a good blender until creamy, adding more juice if needed. continued on page 33

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Skin Care and Aging in New Mexico

Jan and Jack Kerr

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h, Fair New Mexico, we love you so. We love to garden, walk, hike, bike, ski, swim, play tennis, ride horses and fish.

However, New Mexico doesn’t love our skin. As much as we love it here, we live in a very harsh climate, and skin care is not a luxury–it is a necessity. When you evaluate the inevitable age-related changes in the skin, you have to take into consideration both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Individuals age at different rates. Intrinsic aging is the chronological aging determined by the DNA of your skin type, inherited from your parents and ancestors.

Intrinsic aging is a function of the body’s metabolic processes naturally slowing down, which decreases the rate of new cell production. Extrinsic aging is biological aging determined by your lifestyle and environment.

Understanding skin types and skin color is essential for corrective treatment of the skin because individual characteristics determine tolerance for skin rejuvenation. Other factors that can affect skin are sun exposure, air pollution, nutrient deficiencies, extreme weight loss, prescription medications, physical activity and emotional health. In New Mexico, wind, cold, low humidity, sun and Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation exposure are the major causes of skin damage and aging.

For every 1000 ft. of elevation, UV radiation increases 10 percent. So in Santa Fe we are at 7,000 ft. and receive 70 percent more UV compared to sea level, or say, Carlsbad, at 3,300 ft., with approximately 30 percent more UV-radiation exposure than sea level. Historically, NM and Arizona have led the US in skin cancer rates because of our elevation, exposure to the sun and lack of humidity.

Our major defense against aging in a climate such as this is to wear sunscreen, preferably a 30 SPF, 365 days a year.

As of December 2012, there are new sunscreen regulations: A. Manufacturers can claim Broad Spectrum for products covering UVB and UVA at 370 nanometers or more.

B. Products can no longer be labeled “waterproof.” “Water resistant” may be used

if the product can be immersed for 80 minutes and retain its stated SPF. C. No claims can be made for SPF above 50 SPF. SPF 30 filters 95 percent of UVB. Any SPF higher than 30 only protects in small increments up to 99 percent.

If you are using sunscreen and are concerned about not getting enough Vitamin D from the sun, make sure you are eating a healthy diet of red and orange veggies and dark leafy greens. Sit outside three days a week mid-day with your palms up for 15 minutes, and keep the rest of you protected. Your palms will absorb enough Vitamin D, and you won’t be damaging your skin.

Antioxidants

Many studies have shown the health-protecting benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants are vitamins or nutrients that protect the body and skin from oxidative stress by fighting off free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to the body, especially the skin. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and a necessary contributor to collagen synthesis and wound healing.

For healthier skin, eat a balanced diet that includes dark leafy greens, red and orange veggies, berries, apples, healthy fats such as avocados and nuts, and lots of water. In the suggested 64 ounces of water intake a day, only 2 ounces actually make it to the skin. The rest is directed to the internal organs. Keep your intake of sugar low, and try to eliminate fructose, high-fructose corn sugar and carbohydrates that cause inflammation and cell injury, and you can improve the aging appearance and quality of your skin.

We believe that products that use organic ingredients that come from whole foods and other natural sources can be even more effective because the ratio of vitamins and other nutrients in them is more likely to work in harmony with our skin. As an added environmental perk, the botanicals in organic skin-care products must be cultivated in ways that minimize pollution from air, soil and water.

Jan and Jack Kerr own Seventh Ray Skin Care in Santa Fe. They create their own organic skinand body-care products for their clients’ specific needs. 505.982.9865, www.seventhrayskincare.com

Self-Care Revolution™ – A 12-Month Series

D

iabetes. Alzheimer’s. Obesity.

Cancer. With disease and depression running rampant, it’s not surprising to learn that we run the risk of exposing ourselves to over 80,000 toxins in our modern day-to-day lives. Enter the Self-Care Revolution™, an inspiring, educational 12-month series of weekly 60-minute teleseminars, Q&A calls, selfcare journals and self-assessment tools.

The series is designed to promote more holistic, patient-centered solutions to the current disease-management model of healthcare. Inspired by Dr. Robyn Benson, DOM, a specialist in pain management, women’s health and family medicine, and sponsored by Santa Fe Soul Health & Healing Center, the Self-Care Revolution is bringing together worldrenowned leaders in the field of complementary and alternative medicine with those who wish to actively attempt to prevent or reverse disease.

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“Be your own best health-care advocate” is the first of five pathways that Dr. Benson speaks about regularly in order to prevent illness and stay well.

The compound effects of self-care choices made daily, which include food, exercise and stress management, have a profound effect on personal health throughout life. “Daily choices that aren’t in alignment with your well-being can ultimately lead to disease which can take years to be expressed,” says Dr. Benson. “Self-care is the true healthcare and now is the time to commit to sustainable self-care strategies.”

The Self-Care Revolution connects members with coaches who provide mentoring and guidance. The potential transformation includes such things as fat- and weight loss while learning about foods, reducing the need for medication, improving mental clarity and focus, increasing energy and stamina, reducing

Green Fire Times • February 2013

aches and pains, and lots of other important information intended to help people empower themselves to make wise choices for themselves and their families.

Subscribers to the series receive access to weekly 60-minute teleseminars, Q&A calls, self-care journals and self-assessment tools on the following topics:

January Thoughts and Food as Medicine February Heart and Breath Matters March Transmute and Release Trauma April Unleash Your Brain Power May Restore Your Health by “Earthing” June Power of Relationships July Exercise As Medicine

August Empowerment through the Balance of Your Feminine and Masculine September Power of You = Power of Community October Be Fabulous At Any Age November Power of Gratitude December Celebrate Life and Pay It Forward Series participants also receive a ticket to a live Self-Care Revolution event scheduled for June 21–23 in Santa Fe. As part of February’s topic, “Heart and Breath Matters,” the Self-Care Revolution is presenting author Stig Severinsen and Roy Heilbron, MD. Some of the other presenters throughout the year include Bioneers’ Kenny Ausubel and Nina Simons, The Secret’s Bob Doyle, Lynn Rose, Larry and Barbara Dossey.

For more information, visit www.JoinTheSelfCareRevolution.com

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BODY of Santa Fe

Eco-Friendly, Multidimensional Facility Inspires Wellness

B

ODY of Santa Fe is a center for yoga, tai chi and dance, a spa and a childcare center. It is also a clothing store, boutique and café. Located in the heart of the City Different (333 Cordova Rd.), BODY is known for its ethos of chemical-free living. Lorin Parrish founded BODY in 2004 on the premise of establishing a new paradigm of business: a community center that inspires and facilitates wellness. BODY Yoga School, a Vinyasa teacher-training program, began in 2012.

Pesticides commonly used in cotton production end up in air, water, soil and people. BODY sells organic cotton clothing. “The world is starting to realize that people can wear beautiful designs without subjecting our bodies and environments to the documented dangers of pesticides,” says Parrish. BODY Boutique carries products from companies that engage in fair-trade business practices, including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories.

glesage@firstaffirmative.com

www.firstaffirmative.com

The BODY café, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is known for its commitment to sustainable, organic selections of raw and vegan food as well as wheat-, dairy- and sugar-free meals. The café also offers fish and locally raised chicken and lamb, as well as organic wine, beer and sake, veggie cocktails and elixirs.

BODY has been voted by Santa Feans as the best yoga studio, restaurant for vegetarians and best place for a facial and massage. For more information, call 505.986.0362 or visit www.bodyofsantafe.com.

Top left: Chef Matthew Fox; Center: Owner Lorin Parrish with Chefs Reuben Guerra and Angel Reyes

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February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

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Ayurveda: Health, Wellness, Healing and Medicine

Nomi Gallo

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e have many words to express concepts of health and wellness. Marketers use key phrases to engage and attract a broad audience.

Researchers test products and sometimes express their findings within the frame of desired results. Western medical research is often based on the premise that there is little discernable difference between people.

This leaves us with unanswered questions about why a product will work well for some people but not others.

There is no philosophic underpinning to gain insight on why this is.

going to enhance wellness based on the qualities present in that choice.

One part of Ayurveda that can be easily adopted is using Ayurveda’s 20 Qualities to balance one’s diet (see table). A particular group may advocate the benefits of raw foods such as salad.

For a person who is very thin, has dry skin, a mobile mind that is spacey and ungrounded, and if the person tends to be constipated and unable to sleep, this may be a poor choice. According to the Ayurvedic understanding, the dry, light, mobile and clear qualities of the salad are increasing her body/ mind’s dry, light, The Twenty Gunas or Qualities of Existence mobile and clear qualities.

These qualities are causing the lightness of the body, dryness of the skin, mobile-ness of the mind, and the clear quality that leads to spaceyness. Even though this diet may have many beneficial qualities in terms of nutrient content, Ayurveda is a philosophic platform the symptoms are telling us that it that gives us a sound understanding is not properly digested and causing of how, when and with whom a diet, “dis-ease.” So, this diet is not right for yoga practice or herbal remedy will that person, although it may be right yield results. The Ayurvedic practifor a person exhibiting the opposite tioner provides a platform for balqualities: oily, heavy, static and cloudy. ance and wellness of body, mind and My clients generally realize that they spirit. One role of the practitioner is feel much better when they begin to to help the client understand his or apply this concept of opposites in her unique make-up, so the individtheir life. Because people have difual can determine for him- or herself ferent needs, the conventional idea whether an activity or food choice is

of there being a single great choice—of food, herb, drug, exercise— for everyone is instantly disproved when we see how the choices themselves are in conflict.

The Journey of Ayurveda to the West

Ayurveda is an ancient medicine. Ayurvedic texts say that Ayurveda is eternal because it provides understanding of truth in Nature, which itself is eternal.

The systemization of Ayurveda was writ- Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc, teaching informally at the ten down nearly 5,000 National Ayurvedic Medical Association conference in years ago, and it has 2012. Lad’s academic training includes Western medibeen in practice in In- cine and surgery as well as traditional Ayurveda. dia ever since. It is only mentary and alternative medicine like in the last 50 years that it has moved Ayurveda is legal in our state. This west. Ayurveda is relatively new in law, New Mexico “Unlicensed Health the United States, so the professionCare Practice Act,” HB 664, was al structure is still growing, as is the passed in 2009. New Mexico is one awareness of the medicine itself. of the very few states that have such In the year 2000, a group of people legislation. Organizers of the legislacommitted to the professionalism of tion created a website that details this Ayurveda in the US incorporated the initiative: www.nmcaamp.org National Ayurvedic Medical AssociaTo live in a state of wellness, to protion (NAMA). NAMA was the first vide a platform for healing, we must national, professional association dedremember that health is not limited icated to preserve, protect, improve to symptoms. Symptoms that are reand promote the philosophy, knowloccurring are deep. The cause of illedge, science and practice of Ayurveda ness is in the mind as well as the body. for the benefit of humanity.

Ayurveda shows us the inability to NAMA has worked to create stanseparate the body, mind and spirit. dards of competency, relationships I watch my clients. I watch my stuwith other associations, and a profesdents. I watch all those I meet and sional network through committees, revel in their moments of understandconferences and communication. This ing about their health and the role year’s NAMA conference, “Longevthey can take in transforming their ity Through Ayurveda,” will be held personal well-being. i in Albuquerque (April 18-21). It’s Nomi Gallo, a great way to gain firsthand underan A yur vedic standing of Ayurveda. Many of the p r a c t i t i o n e r, premier teachers and practitioners serves as in the United States will attend and instructor, events speak. Visiting the exhibition hall coordinator and seminars will be free. For more information, coordinator for visit the “Conference” page at www. the Ayur vedic AyurvedaNAMA.org Those who live in New Mexico are fortunate that the practice of comple-

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Green Fire Times • February 2013

Institute in Albuquerque (www.ayurveda.com). Email: ngallo@ayurveda.com

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Alternative Healing

Confessions

Beverly Kune

I

have a confession to make... I can’t stop using Seimei. I use it on everything and everyone, never ceasing to be astounded at the results. But more about that later.

First, some background. I’m a MindBody Integrative Therapist with dual licensure in Clinical Counseling and Bodywork, in private practice for 26 years. I’m also a Naturopathic Doctor.

Over the years, I’ve acquired a huge toolbox of specialized modalities that address issues ranging from emotional and psychological distress to trauma and physical pain. These tools have proven quite effective in meeting my clients’ needs.

I reluctantly agreed to study Seimei, a Japanese natural healing method, two years ago, at the continual urging of a friend. I felt I already had adequate tools to take away pain and so on...

Why not just deepen the tools I already had? Quite frankly, I was more intrigued by the idea of going to Japan to experience living and studying in a Buddhist temple than anything else.

Well, the rest, as they say, is history. I was immediately struck by the depth of Seimei. It was not just another healing modality, although it certainly did the trick in that department. It turns out Seimei is a form of applied contemporary Buddhism, and can be used in virtually any situation to good result. Seimei means life-force or Buddha Nature, and in order to use it, we first undergo a Buddhist ceremony to “unbind” our Seimei and give it the power to move. For me, life has never been the same since.

Immediately afterwards, one can change the taste of physical substances like juice or wine, and take away pain from others. All this without touch, I might add. Seimei is a hands-off modality. No previous experience or special gifts are required–anybody can do it. Continued study allows us to clear viruses, toxicity and other forms of stagnation, work directly with organ systems, and work long distance–all with verifiable results. Seimei is immediate, with deeper-acting results

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of a Seimei Practitioner

doesn’t just work on physical issues or mental-emotional well-being; my experience has shown me that Seimei actually changes the nature of physical reality. Remember what I said about the ability to change the taste or nature of a beverage... pretty amazing. More amazing still is the virtually unlimited nature of applications. I’ve used Seimei Fountain outside the Lower Temple in Saga Japan for just about everything from computer and eleceasily transcending the laws, as we tronics problems to broken commuknow them, of time, space and mass. nication links between a phone and a Did I mention that results achieved car’s Bluetooth; I’ve even used Seimei are often almost instantaneous? Quite on a clogged toilet (why call a plumbfrequently, someone gets relief from er?!). My dogs got skunked one unpain, even chronic pain, within a few fortunate night, the horrendous smell minutes. I regularly hear the words, permeating every corner of the house.

“That’s amazing! The pain is gone!”

Seimei to the rescue–dogs and house People always feel lighter and more free from odor. I use it to find things balanced, with results continuing to that are lost (including kitties); and integrate and develop overnight. And even cured severe separation-anxiety results are not limited to the physiand other behavior issues in my rescal. Seimei is equally effective for the cue dog. The possibilities are endless, mental-emotional realm as well, adranging from the tangible to the indressing states such as anxiety, overtangible. whelm and depression.

Seimei has a cumulative effect: Repeated sessions go deeper, ultimately helping to shift and resolve chronic conditions. And it is not just the client who benefits. While lots of modalities have a “kickback” effect to the practitioners, Seimei’s kickback is instant.

The more I practice using Seimei, the better I feel; pain and problems dissolve as I work. Wow! But next comes the reason I am seemingly addicted to Seimei. Seimei

in powerful healing baths and explore Seimei’s power and potential through practice, ceremonies and unique applications researched and practiced by thousands of Japanese over the years.

Many allopathic and alternative healthcare practitioners have now incorporated it into their work. Santa Fe is one of two centers in the US for the study and practice of Seimei.

(Hawthorne, New Jersey is the other.)

Classes continue in Santa Fe for 10 weeks, where you can learn how to use your awakened Seimei. The Center also sponsors a public clinic, Thursday evenings at Santa Fe Budokan,1360 Vegas Verde Drive. Individualized sessions are available by donation starting at 6:55 pm. It is requested that people arrive between 6:30 and 6:45. i For more information, call Beverly Kune: 505.690.5524 or visit www. seimeifoundation.org

The results transcend the laws of time, space and mass.

The Center for the Practice and Study of Seimei is hosting a unique opportunity to live and study inside a Buddhist Temple in Saga, Japan, October 23-29, 2013. You can undergo a special Awarding of Power Ceremony facilitated by Seimei’s Founder, Toshihisa Hiraki. Once your “Awakened Buddha Nature” is unbound, you’ll partake

February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

19

Keeping Animals Healthy with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

W

hat does health or healing mean to most of us? Is it just the absence of disease, or dealing with problems? Or, can we expand health to mean a sense of well-being and vitality, as seen in an active, robust animal who is engaged with its environment and with human companions?

Many people who turn to acupuncture, herbs and supplements for their animal companions are seeking to not only improve a certain condition or state of disease; they are also concerned with their animal’s quality of life.

In acupuncture and Chinese medicine, the practitioner looks at the whole body system and considers any external symptoms as manifestations of that system being out of balance.

Acupuncture is a tool by which that system can be rebalanced. Much of the time, animals who have been treated with acupuncture have increased vitality and energy.

Western medicine doesn’t tend to acknowledge things like the vitality and energy of a patient. These things are difficult, if not impossible, to measure objectively. Given the variables of different observers’ impressions or understanding of how much better a dog is feeling without being able to ask the dog, subjective observation can’t be quantified very well.

After more than 12 years of using acupuncture to treat animals, I can say that my subjective observations have been that animals benefit in many ways. In addition to increased vitality and energy, benefits often include some degree of resolution of the symptoms or disease process.

The reason for these improvements is the way the body responds to this form of treatment. Acupuncture improves circulation to target areas, as when treating arthritis, as well as to internal organs such as the kidneys or the liver. Increased circulation is accompanied by increased energy flow, lymphatic circulation and a more balanced hormonal and endorphin release, and allows localized areas and the organ systems to function better.

Improved tissue and organ function results in the increase in vitality and energy we see. It usually results in comments from the human companions about how their dog or cat seems to feel better and is happier.

There are some instances when improved health can be measured by Western medicine testing. This may be shown in improved kidney or liver values on a chemistry panel. More often, however, the results are measured subjectively by an improvement in the symptoms of arthritis or a decreased reoccurrence of infections, or an improved appetite. People notice how much more the animals are engaged and interested in their environment and with their human companions. Their animals are playing with toys, wanting to go on walks, or go on longer walks, have more stamina, and they don’t just sleep all day. The conclusion is generally that the animals are feeling better and that they are happier, healthier and enjoying their life. These are all qualities that humans value and find it difficult to measure in their own lives.

Nutrition

Acupuncture can be a truly amazing and useful modality for improving conditions and quality of life for an animal. However, probably of equal

importance is nutrition.

Food is the cornerstone of health. Chinese medicine has determined that food quality and source, and the nature of the food, is very important to each patient.

In the Western world we are becoming more accustomed to the importance and source of Dr. Shannon treating Zena, a 16-year-old New Mexico cattle the food we dog mix, with acupuncture eat and feed to our animals. We look disease and increase the state of the for fresh and natural or organic foods. patient’s health.

But this awareness, along with considUsing acupuncture and Chinese eration of the type of food the patient Medicine in animals can have many would most benefit from is really a beneficial and rewarding results. It much newer concept that is common can be used for health maintenance in Eastern medical systems. A youngand preventative medicine, or in coner animal may benefit from a raw food junction with Western medicine to diet, but an older or chronically ill patreat chronic or acute conditions, usutient may benefit more from cooked ally resulting in quicker resolution of foods. a problem. Most animal patients, with Other considerations in Chinese long-term acupuncture treatment and medicine are the nature and healmaintenance, have an increased quality ing properties of foods that will most of life, vitality and longevity. Although benefit a specific condition or organ the sense of improved well-being and system. For example, pears are used to general state of health and happiness improve lung function, and are fed to of an animal is purely subjective, their patients with breathing problems and human companions notice it, and that asthma. Seaweed is used to improve is what matters most. i the kidney and urinary tract system, Dr. Audrey Shannon is a Santa Fe and is included in the diet to prevent veterinarian who practices acupuncture urinary tract infections and stones and Chinese medicine on dogs and cats. Dr. forming. Supplements and herbs are Shannon makes house calls. 505.820.2616, drshannon@animalacupuncturevet.com, also given to improve symptoms of www.animalacupuncturevet.com

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February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

21

Prayer Wheel by Ralph Davis

EVERYDA Y GREEN

NATIVE AMERICAN INTEGRATIVE HEALING

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hen the Center for Native American Integrative Healing opened in Santa Fe in July, I knew that this, for me, was home. The Centers, in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, offer a unique blend of healing assistance, a combination of Native American healing with Western modalities and Vipassana Buddhism. I asked the director, Karen Waconda-Lewis (Isleta/Laguna) to explain this innovative approach.

SG: How do Western therapies, Native American traditional counseling, healing ceremonies and Vipassana Buddhism work together?

KWL: Frequently, healing is blocked by stress, deep emotions, re-invoked trauma or environmental toxins. Medications or drugs ingested over a period of years and stored in the fat cells can also block healing. By combining Western massage modalities with Native American sacred ways and healing practices we can open up the body and call on guided spirit for assistance. Traditional medicine plants, such as cedar, sweetgrass, sage and different minerals are used as well. Sometimes vibration energy, with humming, drumming, rattling and crystals is useful—to get back to our Earth vibration or plant vibration, or the vibration of one’s true being.

The center offers a holistic, mind-and-body approach to healing through massage, bodywork, meditation and traditional Native American healing. Our massage incorporates many therapeutic modalities, including Swedish Massage, Polarity Therapy, Core Synchronism and Myofascial Release, as well as other specialties specific to each therapist. Our emphasis is working on the cellular level, opening up the channels for self-healing—starting with the mind. We often co-partner with Western practitioners if the patient desires that form of integrative healing.

The center in Albuquerque will soon have a weekly women’s sweat lodge. It is a purification ceremony to rebirth the spirit, the body and the mind. Through prayers, there can be a transformation inside the lodge for healing. We also offer talking circles—when you actually put out your intentions they become real and can go directly to Spirit. With this natural focus there is reduced burden in the heart, physically in the shoulders, and in the mind there is less pressure—so this assists in the release of illness.

We offer healing ceremonies for individuals, couples or groups that address imbalances. The healer is setting up the channels and gateways, so then the Spirit and minerals can come in and work in a good way. There are usually the four elements to serve as the medicine base—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—because the medicine is connected with all our relations in nature. Healing sessions are confidential; nothing is shared once the ceremony closes.

SG: How did you come into this work?

KWL: I grew up learning the Native American use of flowers and plants for healing. In the Western modality, I started with sports massage, working two times with the Olympic Games, in Spain and Atlanta. My first background is in nutrition, and the athletes wanted someone to teach them to read food labels.

Eating well and massage go together for good health, so I ended up working with the athletes in those two combinations. After that, I worked with people with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and other disabilities. So, I was able to look at the body in a different way, and then focus on Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Release, Polarity Therapy and acupressure for rehabilitation—working closely with physicians in rehabilitative massages.

Knowing nutrition, anatomy and physiology is useful for tailoring special diets and healing massage treatments. The organs, tissues and blood respond to different modalities. Additionally, flower essences, homeopathics and gem essences are useful for healing various types of trauma.

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Green Fire Times • February 2013

As a child, I learned the Pueblo foundation that you are given to be in ceremony in silence—to observe yourself, your space, to have compassion for others, to be respectful and to honor by observing. Observing not only the outside, but also observing the inside, sustains a person during difficult transitions and transformations. In 1997, I began studying Vipassana with Joseph Goldstein, and discovered the benefits of deep breathing and a sense of connectedness gained through meditation—also very beneficial for healing. In 2009, I finished Native American Integrated Healing staff the Community Dharma Leader (l-r) Camille Waconda-Smith, Karen Wacondastudies and co-founded the Al- Lewis, Nara Shed buquerque People of Color, Allies Sangha, and the Native Healers Silent Retreat.

I’ve been teaching in meditation retreats here in New Mexico and at the Oakland Vipassana Center. Meditation fosters healing through stress reduction and compassion. The two traditions blend together well.

SG: You are also sponsoring meditation retreats. How do you integrate Buddhism and Native American healing there?

KWL: Our centers are open for weekly meditation sits in Santa Fe on Sunday afternoons at 2:30 and in Albuquerque on Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. The Dharma talks are a blend of Native American and Buddhist teachings.

Our meditation retreats are offered four times a year, on the Equinox and Solstice. We open with a traditional sweat lodge for cleansing and ceremony to emphasize opening the participant for healing. The following two days incorporate blessings, silent sitting and walking meditation—with a Dharma (teaching) talk on the second and third days. On the fourth day, a talking circle enables participants to speak about their experiences and have closure.

SG: Who are the practitioners at the Center?

KWL: There are two practitioners. I was raised in Native American healing traditions, have a BS in Nutrition and a MS degree in Community Health. Nara Shedd is a licensed massage therapist, a Certified Laban-Bartenieff Movement Analyst and a Certified Core Synchronism Practitioner and has worked with us for five years in this blended tradition. We both are licensed massage therapists, and I am a traditional medicine healer. My daughter, Camille Waconda-Smith, assists with administration. All are welcome! i Center for Native American Integrated Healing 227 E. Palace Ave., Suite B (Kruger Building) Santa Fe 201 Dartmouth SE, Albuquerque 505.503.5093, www.nativeintegrativehealing.com Susan Guyette, Ph.D. is Métis (Micmac Indian and Acadian French) and a planner specializing in cultural tourism, cultural centers, museums and native foods. She is the author of Planning for Balanced Development, co-author of Zen Birding: Connect in Nature, and the author of several texts for American Indian Studies. www.santafeplanning.com

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Susan Guyette

Healing Arts in a Nutshell at Golden Acorns Summer Camp

Jaima Chevalier

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athering inspiration for her life’s work took a circuitous route for Helen Wildman Meehan, drawing on travels as far flung as Guinea, Spain, Australia and England, and drawing upon diverse talents in music, massage and theatre. Born in San Francisco, Wildman Meehan moved to New England at age 12, where dealing with her mentally challenged mother gave the young girl the gift of compassion for others and a profound understanding of the need for healing as an integral part of childhood education.

Captivated by sight of children singing on the hilltops of Austria in the film Helen W. Meehan The Sound of Music, Wildman Meehan began a lifelong passion for promoting the healing arts and, in the process, erasing divisions between subject matters. At the tender age of nine, she imagined a landscape dotted with communities centered around teaching children to draw on their intuitive abilities to become healers.

As an adult, Wildman Meehan studied healing arts in England for 15 years; learned Afro-Haitian dance; became fluent in Spanish while working two jobs as an English teacher and as an au pair in Spain; practiced massage for 32 years, and sang with the Santa Fe Symphony Chorus for more than eight years. All of these diverse professional experiences made for a potent blend of talents that ultimately came to fruition in the es-

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tablishment of Golden Acorns Summer Camp, based in Santa Fe, where Wildman Meehan’s dream of establishing a kind of New World curriculum might strive to supply what was missing in public education.

Golden Acorns Summer Camp, Inc. was officially started in 2009, and became a 501(c) (3) in 2011. The organization is designed to promote living arts and culture for area children age 5 to 11, but the tantalizing course descriptions appeal to all: the village rhythms of Nigeria (including batiking); Balkan song and dance; dream weaving, meridians and essential oils; the culture and healing of India; Asian healing practices of shiatsu and qi gong; permaculture and herbalism; and urban culture, including break dancing, body percussion, spoken word and graffiti art; the art of clowning; the art of storytelling and listening. The one-week sessions presented at area campuses employ a broad range of instructors. The camps utilize student counselors who assist the adult instructors, providing a mentoring experience across the generations. At its core, the curriculum integrates a broad range of instructional areas in healing arts and cultural experiences, including yoga, t’ai chi, meditation, intuitive development, sustainability and so forth, all presented alongside dance, music and story. World culture is a key component of Wildman Meehan’s vision. This year, week-long coursework based on the cultures of Nigeria, Ethiopia, Korea, Urban and New Mexico (including Native American, Spanish, and Sephardic components) are featured for the purpose of teaching how cultural similarities outweigh differences, and that the beauty of differences is to be cherished, not feared. Wildman Meehan’s childhood imaginings envision a world without borders, both geographical and cultural.

The cornerstone of Golden Acorns’ instructional approach is integrating healing arts into all subject matters, based on Wildman Meehan’s belief that the student’s internal environment is the linchpin for creating change in the outer environments—so much so that Wildman Meehan furnishes scholarships for deserving students. If the child learns methods of calming, curing and controlling behaviors, that positive energy leads to greater sensitivity and understanding of others, which in turn reduces the aggression and conflict. Golden Acorns’ holistic approach takes the healing arts to an additional level; that is, of raising consciousness about global concerns in sustainability.

“Seemingly disconnected things—everything from the tiniest worm to world poverty to understanding interlinked riparian systems—is rolled into the lesson plans,” Wildman Meehan says. “The critical juncture in world history makes these lessons the key to peaceful solutions of the problems we face today.” While the experiences that brought Wildman Meehan to Santa Fe have extremely different origins, she believes that Santa Fe is ideally suited for this movement, and that the proliferation of organizations with similar objectives makes an environment ripe for collaboration and formation of partnerships that will bring strength to the overall design.

For more information, visit www. goldenacornscamp.com or contact Assistant Director Caren Gala at 505.795.9079. i Jaima Chevalier’s work has appeared in New Mexico Magazine, New Mexico Journey, Santa Fe New Mexican’s Bienvenidos and many other publications. She has authored three books on subjects related to her native state of New Mexico.

February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

23

Thoughts on the NM Solar Energy Association’s 40th Anniversary

Janet Bridgers

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n a cold and windy Dec. 9 in Albuquerque, the New Mexico Solar Energy Association (NMSEA) celebrated its 40th anniversary at the South Broadway Cultural Center. Seventy-five people reconnected with people who have been involved with the organization for decades. What a milestone! Forty years, and the NMSEA is still promoting clean, renewable energy—especially solar energy—through education, empowerment, colla­bora­tion and advocacy.

Sharon Gross, wife of the late solar advocate and UNM Dean Bill Gross, wrote, “I found the celebration energizing. It was wonderful hearing about new NMSEA directions, and learning so much about so many people involved in solar.”

Outgoing PRC Commissioner Jason Marks attended and lauded New Mexico’s accomplishments in solar and renewable energy in recent years. We received formal congratulations from American Solar Energy Society President Susan Greene via a YouTube video, as well as a congratulatory letter from former US House Rep. and now Sen. Martin Heinrich, who wrote: Congratulations… Your dedication to promoting solar energy businesses has been an asset in building our nation’s clean energy economy… Thank you also for your work in solar energy education. The future of these technologies is only as strong as the education we deliver to students today in and out of the classroom…

Following the organization’s annual meeting, a light brunch and toast to both the past and future of the organization, four fully edited episodes of Renewable New Mexico (RNM), NMSEA’s new high-quality TV series, were shown on a big screen. The series features interviews with a who’s-who of NM solar energy pioneers, entrepreneurs and educators.

Directed by Toby Younis and produced at the new UPublic community service television facilities in Albuquerque, RNM marks a new direction for our venerable organization that began in the early ‘70s with conferences devoted to passive solar energy (see accompanying article). The series is concluding its first run on Channels 26 and 27 in Albuquerque, will soon begin playing on public access channels throughout the state, and will also soon be uploaded to the Internet. For more information about dates and times, “friend” NMSEA on Facebook or consult the website: www.nmsea.org In fulfilling its mission, the NMSEA will continue to produce Solar Fiestas, offer Sun Chaser programs to schools and collaborate with other organizations on renewable energy advocacy.

A Movement for This Time

All of this, of course, couldn’t come at a more important time, with the accelerating need for renewable energy to avert the worst-case scenarios of changes to the climate that are already stressing the planet’s human and nonhuman inhabitants.

I challenge the idea that the early ‘70s (i.e. 40 years ago) will be regarded historically as the high-water mark in terms of federal environmental legislation and national

Mark Chalom addresses NMSEA party

environmental consciousness. I say we cannot let that be. Though we have already seen unprecedented efforts in Congress to reverse federal legislation to protect land, sky, water and endangered spe- Renewable energy producers (l-r) Toby Younis, Janet Bridgers, cies, this erosion of our Monte Ogdahl and NMSEA President Gary Vaughn country’s commitment to its environment will only continue if we’re not willing to fight it.

Those of us who were in our teens and 20s in the ‘70s remember the period’s intensity.

We were in the streets. And there were many political victories in the same timeframe as the disastrous loss of over 60,000 American soldiers and millions of Vietnamese who died in a war that proved to be one of our nation’s greatest mistakes. The environmental movement of that time was fueled by the same intensity. Does it still exist? No. But a new intensity may be emerging.

Though the progressive forces in the US failed to regain the House of Representatives in the November 2012 election, we did see the re-election of President Obama by a successful coalition of labor, young people, women and minorities. Despite dissatisfaction with the Administration’s lackluster environmental record, the environmentally concerned joined that coalition and overcame the fossil-fuel industries’ unprecedented political spending.

I think that the people who were smart enough to re-elect Obama are also smart enough to understand that private profit at public cost is no way to fuel economic growth. They are smart enough to understand that we cannot sacrifice precious groundwater or otherwise grant fossil fuel and nuclear power companies a free hand that leaves communities and individuals at risk of the consequences of the poor planning and carelessness that the BP oil disaster and the Fukushima nuclear nightmare so clearly demonstrate.

Those of us involved with renewable energy as advocates, professionals and homeowners are part of a movement with few household names but millions of people.

Whether or not we have children of our own, we care about future generations. And now, if those of us who have grey hair (if we have hair at all) will just learn to do social media to stay connected with younger people, if we’ll continue to be active politically despite the maddening frustration of the political system, if we’ll continue to find personal ways to reduce our carbon footprint while advocating for large-scale change in that direction and by supporting companies that are moving the ball, we will eventually succeed in re-popularizing an ethos of care for the planet. Because we must. i Janet Bridgers is vice president of the NM Solar Energy Association. www.nmsea.org

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Green Fire Times • February 2013

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The NMSEA — Perspectives on a 40-year History

Gary Vaughn

I

n 1972, just before the Arab oil embargo triggered the first US “energy crisis,” Peter van Dresser, Steve Baer and Keith Haggard founded the New Mexico Solar Energy Association (NMSEA) and hosted the first “Life Technic” Conference, the “proceedings” from which became NMSEA’s first publication.

Soon thereafter, the Sun-dwellings Project was born when the Four Corners Regional Commission (a federally funded agency administered by the governors of the Four Corners states) asked van Dresser to consider a project to design solar heating units for retrofit to mobile homes. Van Dresser suggested, “Rather than try to solarize house trailers, why not develop inexpensive, owner-built solar homes?”

adobe brick walls, flagstone floors and peeled pine roof beams. Whatever kind(s) of solar heating equipment the team decided on would have to be— above all—simple and reliable.

Construction of the four 20’x40’ test units (one featuring a lean-to greenhouse, a second utilizing a Trombe wall collector, a third unit employing the “direct gain” concept and a fourth to serve as a control) began early in 1976.

Mark Chalom, Aubrey Owen and Quentin Wilson served as on-site construction foremen for the project and trained workers on solar energy fundamentals and basic building techniques.

The 16 trainee-workers who participated in the project—all men from the surrounding pueblos and villages—did their own millwork, quarried flagstones, cut timber and made adobe bricks for each “Sun-dwelling” with materials from the immediate area.

In the early 70s, Doug Balcomb, a nuclear-engineering Ph.D. from MIT, accepted a job at Los Alamos National Lab to work on nuclear-powered Solar pioneer and NMSEA co-founder Peter van Dresser spacecraft. When the program lost funding, The commission approved van Dresshe followed his growing interest in soer’s project. He then led a team of lar energy. Dr. Balcomb pioneered early architects, engineers and solar exresearch in quantifying passive solar perimenters to design and supervise design performance, including analyzconstruction of low-technology, soing data from the Ghost Ranch Sunlar-heated dwellings made of indigdwellings. He is considered the “father” enous materials. The Sun-dwellings of the Energy-10 modeling software design team, initially including archithat revolutionized passive and active tects William Lumpkins and David solar-architecture design methods. AfWright, engineers Francis Wessling ter serving as president of NMSEA, Dr. and B.T. Rogers, and NMSEA ExecBalcomb became the first director of the utive Director Keith Haggard, asked US National Renewable Energy Lab. local people what their needs and desires were in a dwelling. They found From 1977 to 1982, NMSEA had that individuals who live in the pueban executive director and paid staff los and villages of northern NM tend engaged in cutting-edge “alternative to prefer their traditional way of life. architecture,” sustainable community This meant two things: First, the design team would have to work with classically beautiful Southwestern

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building and passive solar research, applications and education. NMSEA’s annual “Life Technic” Conferences at Ghost Ranch were well attended and

Ghost Ranch Sun-dwellings in the 1970s

resulted in publication of thick volumes of conference proceedings. One of the regular attendees was a young scientist named Amory Lovins.

Federal support for solar-energy research ended in 1983 with Ronald Reagan’s election. 1983 also saw the loss of Peter van Dresser. NMSEA’s paid staff plummeted to zero, and the organization soon lacked funds to publish even a modest newsletter. Dr. Bill Gross, then Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of New Mexico, hosted NMSEA board meetings in his living room. However, the annual NMSEA Life Technic Conference continued and even expanded to include a co-conference— the Peter van Dresser Workshop on Village Development.

Slowly the organization rebuilt itself.

In 1994, NMSEA published the first edition of “The New SunPaper.” In the late ‘90s, Karlis Viceps launched the NMSEA “SunChaser” Program, named after a solar-energy demonstration trailer that he built. The SunChaser trailer roamed the roads of NM for years, delivering hands-on solar energy education to thousands of students.

In 2000, Rose Kern organized the first NMSEA Solar Fiesta, held at the Bernalillo High School campus. A combination of a “solar trade show” and an educational forum, the Solar Fiesta became an annual event, one which has introduced thousands of New Mexicans to a wide variety of solar energy products, ideas and possibilities.

In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, LANL

physicist Ben Luce expanded NMSEA’s educational reach with an expansive web site, including hundreds of pages of high quality educational documents and informative handouts.

He also encouraged NMSEA to become more involved in renewable energy policy advocacy.

In the past 10 years, NMSEA has conducted numerous “professional quality” educational workshops devoted to photovoltaic design and installation, solar hot water system design and installation, biofuels, electric vehicle conversions and home energyefficiency upgrades.

NMSEA’s SunChaser Program is still alive today. In 2011, SunChaser instructors made 56 full-day school visits, and delivered high quality, handson educational content to almost 6,000 students. In addition, NMSEA volunteers manned info tables and waved the solar flag at 28 community events such as energy fairs and Earth Day Celebrations.

In the past few years, NMSEA members have become more active in “advocacy” and “empowerment.”

NMSEA has participated in public hearings on energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives, written opeds, and authored articles specifically focused on topics related to renewable energy generation and regulated utility initiatives.

The beat goes on… i Gary Vaughn, a licensed professional engineer and renewable energy advocate, is president of the New Mexico Solar Energy Association. www.nmsea.org

February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

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Ecosystem Health

One Health: A New Vision for New Mexico’s State Trust Lands New Mexico State Land Commissioner Ray Powell ne Health is a collaborative decision-making approach that helps ensure the long-term health of plants, animals, people and local communities. This effort will help the State Land Office optimize revenues and create good jobs for New Mexicans while caring for State Trust Lands in a sustainable manner.

It has been proven that states and local communities that take the best care of their natural world have the strongest economies, the best jobs, and enjoy the highest quality of life. Using the One Health approach helps ensure that landmanagement decisions look at the big picture over a long period of time and thus create long-term economic prosperity while maintaining healthy lands.

In 2012, the State Land Office generated a record $650 million for our 22 beneficiaries, including our pub-

lic schools, universities and hospitals, which significantly reduced the tax burden on New Mexico’s families.

I am asking the State Legislature to approve $200,000, from money earned from State Trust Lands, to support our One Health initiative. These funds will help us inventory State Trust Lands and implement a decision-making system that facilitates science-based landmanagement decisions.

Here

are three examples of how

we are applying One Health.

We are working with other state and federal agencies to remove invasive feral hogs from our state. Seventeen of New Mexico’s 33 counties and nearly one million acres of State Trust Land now have feral hogs, which were brought to the state illegally for hunting purposes. These animals can carry 27 infectious diseases that can be passed to

native wildlife, domestic animals and people. In addition, they cause severe habitat destruction and eat native grounddwelling wildlife.

I have signed a conservation agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and the Dunes Sagebrush The village of Valdez, in Taos County, has an acequia Lizard on 250,000 acres system along the Río Hondo (a Río Grande tributary) of State Trust Lands, that is part of an extensive research effort. provide food and shelter for wildlife. while allowing appropriate commercial The land was also re-contoured to uses of this Trust Land. facilitate natural flooding and forest The State Land Office’s Restoration of thinning and brush clearing to reduce the Río Grande Bosque has enhanced fire threats to homes and the Bosque the natural world while improving loecosystem. cal water quality and availability. NonThe bottom line is: When we take care native invasive species were removed of our lands, our lands take care of us. i and replaced with native species that

© Quita Ortiz

O

Ongoing Research Illustrates Benefits of Acequias

F

or the past decade, Dr. Sam Fernald, a watershed management professor in the Range Sciences Department at New Mexico State University, has led an effort to research acequias, NM’s centuries-old irrigation and water governance system, in the community of Alcalde in Río Arriba County—specifically the hydrology characteristics of acequias and how they interact with shallow groundwater. In recent years a land-use-change analysis was incorporated into Dr. Fernald’s research to gain a better understanding of how land-use change can impact water management, riparian ecosystems and acequia culture.

Acequias are at particular risk due to increasing urbanization pressures and the potential impacts on actual water use, water quality and vegetation along irrigation ditches and streams.

Dr. Fernald’s early hydrology studies were promising for acequias, indicating a reciprocal relationship between flood irrigating and groundwater recharge as well as benefits to riparian vegetation and diversification of wildlife habitat.

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Fernald has obtained funds to expand his research from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a four-year multidisciplinary effort to model the sustainability of acequias. This study views acequias as holistic systems that link water,

Acequia researcher Dr. Sam Fernald

environment and cultural livelihood.

Fernald aims to understand how and why acequias have remained resilient in the face of urbanization, ever-increasing water demands and climate change. Project partners include NMSU, UNM, New Mexico Tech, Sandia Laboratories and the NM Acequia Association (NMAA).

The human aspect of acequias has become an important part of this study, as researchers view acequias as sustainable water management systems. They’re being researched on a larger geographic scale by establishing the link between the valleys that acequias irrigate and their upland watershed; not only as the source of water, but also taking into account the land base from which acequia users harvest timber and graze livestock.

The current research effort, now in its third year, expanded the study site from Alcalde to also include acequias along the El Rito (Río Chama tributary) and Río Hondo (Río Grande tributary) stream systems in north-central NM. All three sites support acequia-related activities but differ in their physical geography, water availability and spatial patterns, such as proximity to urban centers.

Threats to acequia communities that have been identified include population growth, climate change and policies that regulate land and water resources. Acequias have a good track record for their

© Seth Roffman (2)

Quita Ortiz

An acequia in northern New Mexico

ability to adapt to changes that have been induced, largely by urbanization and modified economic structures. But they are now facing increasingly intensive and complex challenges, including prolonged drought and determined water markets aimed at transferring water out of rural communities for other uses.

Initial Findings

Using different modeling approaches, the hydrology results show that seepage from earthen ditches and field percolation recharge the shallow aquifer. This, in turn, becomes groundwater flow for future use as it holds the water upstream for a longer period. Floodplain models indicate continued on page

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© Seth Roffman

Acequias continued from page 27

New Mexico State Engineer Scott Verhines (seated, front) was the keynote speaker at the 2012 Congreso de las Acequias, presented by the NM Acequia Association.

that groundwater recharge would be affected if earthen canals and their related activities were eliminated, reducing overall aquifer recharge. So even though there are technologies that are intended to conserve water, they don’t address the fact that there’s a key connection between surface and groundwater supplies. Drip irrigation, for example, might conserve upfront water use, but it’s also allowing more water to run downstream sooner.

Dr. José Rivera, a UNM professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, has led the socio-cultural research surrounding this study, assisted by retired UNM professor, Dr. Sylvia Rodríguez and the NM Acequia Association staff. Focus groups were conducted in summer 2012 at the study sites. They gleaned a wealth of data surrounding acequia water-sharing and distribution customs; water governance; food, seed and agriculture traditions; landuse and land-ownership trends; livestock and ranching trends; and mutualism, which involves community cohesion such as shared cultural values and participation in other community endeavors (for example, livestock associations and mutual domestic water associations). In other words, this facet of the research attempts to understand why acequias maintain their traditions despite the many external forces working against rural livelihoods.

Other data that were incorporated into this study include economics and land use. Future steps include integrating all of the quantifiable data into a model, which can then simulate different scenarios that may impact the sustainability of acequias. The two major stressors, population growth and climate change, will determine the amount of stress that would impose irreversible impacts to the entire system. Hopefully, this data will provide acequias with a framework that assists them in recognizing steps to help

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evade potential negative scenarios, as well as to identify strategies for adaptation to ongoing changes in the areas of economics, resource policy and climate change.

From an academic perspective, we’re beginning to understand the relationship between acequia irrigation ditches and the natural environment at the regional watershed scale. Most acequia research endeavors to date have been segregated into different fields—policy, local water governance, water rights adjudication, water transfers, land-use change, agricultural economics, etc. However, Fernald’s study is the first in NM that views acequias as the complex system that they are. An acequia is not simply an irrigation ditch; rather, it represents a multifaceted system characterized by humans who have historically worked with the environment in a sustainable manner by combining water governance, agriculture, resource management and cultural identity.

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Global Acequia Symposium

As part of this NSF-funded research effort, on March 2 and 3, the group will host a symposium, coordinated by Dr. Sylvia Rodríguez, on “Acequias and the Future of Resilience in Global Perspective.” It will bring together scholars from around the world to share research on similar humanenvironment systems. The symposium will be followed by a workshop featuring panelists who are working on acequia issues in NM to discuss the future steps that are necessary regarding research and policy to ensure ongoing acequia resiliency.

It will be held at the Las Cruces Convention Center. To register, visit http:// globalperspectives2013.wrri.nmsu.edu/ If you have questions about this event or the research project, contact the NMAA: 505.995.9644, www.lasacequias.org Quita Ortiz is the NM Acequia Association’s Communications & Project Specialist. quita@ lasacequias.org

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OP-ED: C ommunity Members Appeal the Río Grande Restoration and Recreation Project

A

riverside trail through trees and a boat launch on the Río Grande?

An idyllic picture to be sure, but it gives no hint that, as documented by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)1, plutonium, cesium, strontium, uranium, americium and trace and heavy metals—a veritable cocktail of contaminants from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)—have been found in the soil in this area. Nearby are intake pipes for the Buckman Direct Diversion Project (BDD), from which Santa Fe gets up to 60 percent of its drinking water.

be used repeatedly for years as regular maintenance.” She says, “Even herbicides registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency and used according to label instructions are hazardous materials for which no claim of safety can legally be made.” Dr. McCampbell alleges that the EA “arbitrarily and capriciously” neglects scientific information on exposure to herbicides “through breathing herbicide-contaminated air, swimming in or drinking herbicide-contaminated water, or through skin contact with herbicidecontaminated vegetation…”

A proposal to restore riparian areas and enhance recreation facilities in the Río Grande Corridor at Buckman is moving through an approval process. In November 2012, the Forest Service released a Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact under the National Environmental Policy Act. Based on its Environmental Assessment (EA), the federal agency found “there will be no significant impacts to public health or safety.”

“What is needed is an in-depth analysis of herbicide use on wildlife,” she says, citing the opinion of the Regional Forester who is involved in an Invasive Plant Control Project for the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests. Dr. McCampbell continues, “The Buckman EA falls far short of such an in-depth analysis.” Although the plan is to use “typical” rather than “maximum” herbicide application rates, this proposed mitigation measure “is completely inadequate” to protect, for instance, the Southwestern willow flycatcher habitat, Dr. McCampbell says. From her point of view, either a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be completed, or the project should wait for the approval of the draft EIS for the Invasive Species Management project mentioned above.

However, Dr. Ann McCampbell, chair of the Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Task Force, Elana Sue St. Pierre, spokeswoman of Healthy Waters NOW ASAP, Joni Arends, executive director of Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety (CCNS) and I, among others, have weighed in with appeals to the decision. We protest that the EA dismissed serious issues that have potentially severe health impacts on wildlife, workers, schoolchildren and other members of the public who would use the recreational facilities.

In her appeal, Dr. McCampbell focuses on the proposed use of herbicides, which are “integral to the project and…[to]

Joni Arends, of CCNS, is concerned about the health effects of LANL legacy contaminants on “the Río Grande, the people who visit the Río Grande Corridor at Buckman, the animals and biota that inhabit the watershed, and the people who drink the water from the Río Grande through the BDD Project.”

Editor’s Note: Río Grande Corridor at Buckman project manager Alan

Hamilton says that the aim of the project is to help the local community re-establish its connection to the river. Hamilton says that project planners conducted additional testing and made changes to their plan to accommodate questions that were raised during the early planning stages about radioactive contaminants.

The review from federal officials found the project will “benefit the environment and local communities without putting anyone working or recreating in the areas at risk.” A number of conservation groups, including Audubon New Mexico, Los Alamos Study Group, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Santa Fe Conservation Trust, The Trust for Public Land, and WildEarth Guardians have asked Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety to withdraw its appeal. A letter signed by those groups reads, “This [environmental assessment] represents more than six years of careful planning, public outreach and coordination and we would like to see this project move forward toward implementation as soon as possible.”

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© Anna C. Hansen

Basia Miller

Río Grande Restoration and Recreation Area near the Buckman Direct Diversion

In the CCNS appeal, Arends reviews the ways the area has been impacted since 1943. Between 1998 and 2004, the NMED conducted a study to identify LANL pollutants in the Río Grande watershed. They found plutonium buried in a clay layer about four feet below the surface in the area of the proposed recreation site. Also, during the Cerro Grande fire in 2000 and the Las Conchas fire in 2011, new pathways for LANL pollutants to migrate through the canyons to the Río Grande in stormwater were created. Arends says, “With climate change and reduced flows in the Río Grande, the LANL pollutants will become more concentrated.”

Arends notes in the appeal, “Plutonium is 100 percent carcinogenic if a particle of a millionth of a gram is inhaled or ingested.” She points out that LANL’s own research shows that burrowing animals—pocket gophers, mice and harvester ants—may bring legacy wastes to the surface. One of their reports states, “…local burrowing animals can excavate as deep as 10 feet.” This is acknowledged to be a problem at Area G. The clay layer at Buckman where plutonium was found is equally vulnerable to disturbance by burrowing animals. Disappointingly, part of the Forest Service plan is to excavate holes six feet deep to plant new trees in an area along the Río Grande where sampling has not even been done. Arends says, “The danger posed by burrowing animals bringing legacy waste to the surface has been documented throughout the Department of Energy complex—it’s not something new.” Her appeal concludes that the EA “has not provided the nec-

essary technical justification for leaving the LANL legacy in place.”

For Elana Sue St. Pierre, the issue includes communication. She points out that safety standards have not been revised in decades, in spite of new scientific information. A level of contamination that “meets safety standards” at the present time, may not meet them 20 years from now. The precise measurements must be maintained and easily accessed by people entering the park. St. Pierre says, “Signs must be posted in the area so that parents and grandparents know what the situation is and will keep their children from playing or digging where it is unsafe.” She considers monitoring of the area to be essential, to assure that people don’t walk in contaminated areas.

St. Pierre also says that if restoration work is planned where radioactive elements are present in the soils at elevated levels, the workers need to be informed.

Specifically, the level measured for one heavy metal, manganese, exceeds current limits for construction workers. Workers need to have appropriate training when they come in to contaminated areas.

The next meeting of the Buckman Direct Diversion Board is scheduled for 4 pm, Feb. 7, at Santa Fe City Hall, where some of these issues are expected to be discussed.

Time will be provided for public comment. The agenda is posted that day at www.bddproject.org. The Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service, sponsors of the Río Grande Corridor at Buckman Restoration and Recreation Enhancement Project, will issue their decision on the appeals by February 14. continued on page

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Footnote and References:

1 See: www.nmenv.state.nm.us/DOE_Oversight/pubs.htm and scroll down to the 2008 LANL Legacy

Contaminant Study at the Buckman Direct Diversion.

See: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/6/e1757.abstract for a recently published policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics warning of dangers of pesticides to children.

See www.pesticide.org for fact sheets on glyphosate and triclopyr.

Basia Miller is an appellant to the Forest Service decision. She is a member of the Board of CCNS and a retired faculty member of St. John’s College-Santa Fe.

Comments on these issues may be addressed to:

1) Sanford Hurlocker, District Ranger, Forest Service Española Ranger District, P.O. Box 3307, Española, NM 87533 2) The Buckman Direct Diversion Project Board. Email addresses can be found at bddproject.org. Click “governance” then click “BDD Board.”

3) Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety requests copies of comments be sent to ccns@nuclearactive.org (www.nuclearactive.org).

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Health and Wellness

continued from page 15

Deeper Nutrition: Healing Core Digestion Issues

These are easy, inspiring recipes, but what if you have more serious issues? Digestion plays a critical role in helping the body resolve health challenges. Most people have some digestive complaint like gas, bloating, constipation or acid reflux that indicates poor digestion. Cleaning up your diet, eliminating processed foods and adding whole foods is very important for digestion (and healing) in the long run.

Quick tips for dietary changes

People really struggle with changing their diet and improving their health through eating. It is very hard to eliminate something from your diet, because if you are what you eat, it feels like you are taking away a part of yourself.

This is why it’s important to keep the focus on adding healthier foods to your diet.

Instead of removing dessert, for example, add smoothies (see recipe above) or baked apples with butter and cinnamon. Tame your sweet tooth by filling up on fruits.

Fruit is the ultimate fast food; it tastes amazing, has zero fat and tons of vitamin C and antioxidants. Fill your cupboards with good quality fruits and prepare them in interesting ways. Focus on adding them to your daily foods and see if you can satisfy your sweet tooth in a way that heals your body instead of sabotaging it.

It is common to slip off the wagon and go back to old eating habits. It takes time to create a change in the body and for the body to accept the new food regimen.

One great way to keep yourself on track is through herbal teas. In addiction circles, people talk about alcohol as a “gateway” to other drugs. In terms of food and your body’s addiction to fattening, fast and salty foods, herbal teas are a “gateway” to health food. They encourage your taste buds to adapt and open your palate to real food and better habits.

If you find yourself slipping off the healthy food wagon and veering into processed foods, grab a hot herbal tea on your way down to cushion the fall. The hot water in the wintertime is beneficial for all body types, and the plant medicine available in the tea keeps your body oriented towards real food. Ginger tea is the most obvious, inexpensive and tasty tea that supports digestion and nerves. You can chop up the ginger root and boil it for 10 minutes or just buy the prepackaged tea.

Cultivate Your Inner Farmer

Ginger root

If you keep your foot on the accelerator, despite the cold and the snow, your inner farmers will never have a chance to repair summer’s damage. So in these busy times with an overload of food choices, bring it back to the simple pleasures of life: sleeping in, cooking good food and practicing self-care.

Like a bear in need of a good nap, listen to your body this winter and indulge in the sweet escape of sleep. And if you find yourself craving rich foods in this brisk cold weather, pamper yourself with truly nourishing foods that deeply build the cells in your body. Value yourself enough to allow for the natural hibernation cycle to occur, so that in the summer, you may reap your rewards. i Dr. Japa K. Khalsa received a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University and completed her Master of Oriental Medicine at Midwest College of Medicine. She is a Board certified and licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine, and practices in Española, NM. 505.747.3368, drjapa@gmail.com, http://www.drjapa.com

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The Local Voice

Investing in Local Food Means Celebrating Entrepreneurship

I

Vicki Pozzebon

n a struggling economy, I believe (call me crazy) that starting with the lowest-hanging fruit is how you rebuild.

Our local food movement is booming with more farmers’ markets, more new products on the shelves and restaurants committed to sourcing as local as possible. It’s happening fast and could grow even faster, creating more products and jobs. This could be exactly what we need to rebuild our economy.

The Río Grande Community Development Corporation (RGCDC) is asking the New Mexico Legislature for $1.4 million over four years (HB56) to build a food-related economic development infrastructure across rural NM, using the proven Mixing Bowl model. The Mixing Bowl, a kitchen incubator in the heart of Albuquerque’s culturally rich South Valley, works with 250 potential entrepreneurs every year. It has 120 businesses currently in the development phase, 60 businesses currently selling products, and another 40 that have graduated from the process over the last six years. With an annualized cost per job of $3,200, the Mixing Bowl has proven to be one of the most cost-effective jobcreation programs in the country, and a crown jewel of RGCDC’s programs.

After consulting with startup incubation programs around the country, it was presented to standing-room-only audiences at the National Conference on Business Incubation.

U s i n g the Mixing Bowl model and providing greater access to markets through Delicious New Mexico (a statewide network for food entrepreneurs, with over 50 members already in its first year), this funding will generate 120 new companies, 298 new jobs and $5.485 million in gross business impacts across multiple rural NM communities over the next four years.

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“Studies have shown that for every dollar that goes to local agricultural producers, $1.80 is circulated in the local economy,” said Tim Nisly, chief operating officer at RGCDC. “The jobs created by local food and agricultural economic development should be supported by all levels of government.” This is a local food system in action. It’s about celebrating the best of NM’s food businesses and investing in them now so they may become the state’s employers and training grounds for future generations of foodies.

mitment from our state that says we are the creators of good jobs, keeping NM’s traditional and most innovative food ideas alive.

For information on The Mixing Bowl, visit www.mixingbowlnm.org and Delicious New Mexico at www.deliciousnm. org i

V icki Pozzebon is the owner of Prospera Partners, a consulting f irm practicing bold localism. Visit www. prosperapartners. org. Follow her o n Tw i t t e r : @VickiPozzebon

Through HB56 we can connect these NM foodies to each other and give them better access to business skills and markets. We can celebrate local on a level that it has yet to be celebrated. This is about connecting all corners of the state, and every square mile in between, to the food system. Delicious New Mexico has made great strides in its efforts to reach out statewide in an effort to elevate the NM food economy but cannot do it alone. Partners, kitchens, business groups, local leaders and dollars are all necessary to keep a network going. HB 56 stands for a food economy like no other we’ve ever seen in NM. It supports a networked group of underutilized commercial kitchens statewide that will help build local food producers—those who are turning family recipes into business enterprises, or taking a great idea to pair local goat cheese with local herbs in a product you might not have seen on your store shelf yet. These are the food entrepreneurs of NM who will benefit from an appropriation to support commercial kitchens, the scaling of locally owned businesses and access to markets.

The food movement is a grassroots movement, but until it is supported by the leaders at the top of our state government, it will continue to be “your-favorite-products-available-only-for-a-limitedtime-at-a-Farmers’-Market-near-you” movement. Investing in our local food entrepreneurs all across the state means supporting the very entrepreneurial spirit that makes NM great, and investing in the recipes that we love to share and enjoy with our friends and family. An appropriation of this size means a com-

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JAIN STUDY CIRCULAR THE JAIN STUDY CIRCULAR HAS BEEN POSTED AT WWW.JAINSTUDY.ORG.

Please go our website and study the articles presented in the new issue.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

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Green Fire Times • February 2013

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NEWSBITEs

Healthcare Industry Pay in New Mexico

Despite New Mexico’s significant job losses in recent years, the growth of the state’s healthcare services has made it “recession-proof,” according to UNM’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

The latest available (2010) Census Bureau statistics on county business patterns rank Santa Fe 92nd out of 695 metro and micropolitan areas on average pay ($44,300) per healthcare employee in private-sector companies. Santa Fe’s annual payroll was $367.9 million for 8,297 employees at 516 healthcare and social assistance facilities.

Albuquerque ranked 174th on the list, with average pay per employee at $42,100 for the city’s 43,338 employees at 2,116 facilities. Albuquerque’s annual payroll for healthcare and social assistance workers was $2 billion. Hobbs, ranked 644th, making it the NM town with the lowest average pay per healthcare employee, at $29,200 for its 2,494 employees in 114 establishments. Hobbs’ annual healthcare payroll was $72.9 million. San Jose, Calif. had the highest pay per employee in the nation at $61,600.

Healthcare and social assistance are lumped together because they are both delivered by trained professionals, and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the boundaries of the two activities.

Native Health Initiative

The Native Health Initiative (NHI) was created in 2004 when health professionals and tribal leaders sat together to design a partnership to address inequities in health services.

NHI currently has projects in four states focused primarily on community building and youth empowerment in Indigenous communities. Volunteers and donations make all of NHI’s work possible.

According to Anthony Fleg, one of NHI-NM’s coordinators, the initiative is always looking for students, community members and organizations that want to get involved.

One of the unique features of the partnership has been NHI’s Health Justice Internships during the school year and in the summer. The internships bring students in health professions to Indigenous communities to work with tribal leaders on health projects.

The deadline for submission of applications for the summer internships is March 1st.

For more information, call 505.340.5656, email shannon@lovingservice.us or visit www.lovingservice.us and http://nativehealthinitiative.blogspot.com/

Aldo Leopold Writing Contest

The Aldo Leopold Centennial Celebration, in partnership with Bosque School, has launched the third annual writing contest for youth in the state of New Mexico. Students in grades 6-12 are asked to reflect on the need to understand the source of our food and energy. The contest requires students to be creative and thoughtful while revealing their understanding of Leopold’s land ethic.

Prizes of $500 will be awarded to the first-place winner in each of three categories: grades 6-7, grades 8-9, grades 10-12, and a total of $500 will be given to honorable mention(s).

In addition, $500 will be awarded to the school where the overall winner is enrolled. The winning authors will be honored at an event at Bosque School in Albuquerque in April.

All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 22. For details and an entry form, visit www. bosqueschool.org Aldo Leopold is most widely known as the author of A Sand County Almanac. Leopold believed “community” should be enlarged to include non-human elements such as soils, waters, plants, animals, “or collectively: the land.” He called this “the land ethic” and asserted our economic well-being could not be separated from the well-being of our environment. Leopold also stated clearly that an ethic is not something that evolves in isolation but is a “product of social evolution.” “Nothing so important as an ethic is ever ‘written,’” Leopold explained; “it evolves in the minds of a thinking community.”

Energy Conference Heralds NM Oil Boom

The Mancos Shale deposit was laid down 100 million years ago, when the Cretaceous seaway inundated the general area now known as the Rocky Mountains when they were below sea level. Oil in the region, embedded in a hard rock layer between 5,000 and 12,000 feet below ground, had been largely unrecoverable because vertical wells couldn’t develop the shale economically. Now, however, thanks to new technologies using horizontal wells and hydraulic fracturing, the oil reserve in the Four Corners region is projected to produce more than $400 billion worth of oil over the next 50 years.

“This is the Renaissance of the San Juan Basin,” said Dr. Daniel Fine, organizer of a conference that will bring together oil companies and investors to present initial findings, discuss the new technologies, as well as the potential for shale gas, geology research and more. BP America, Chevron, Continental Resources, Canada’s Encana Corporation, PNM and the US Department of Energy are expected to make presentations. The theme

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of the San Juan Basin Energy Conference (March 18-19 at San Juan College in Farmington, NM) is “Recognition of the Mancos Shale as the next chapter in the American revolution of unconventional natural gas and oil technology leading to national energy independence in 2020.”

The main sponsors of the conference are New Mexico Tech, the School of Energy at San Juan College, the Farmington Chamber of Commerce and San Juan County. For more information or to register, visit www.sanjuanbasinenergy.org

Wind Energy Tax Credits Extended

As part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the tax package passed at the end of 2012 to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” Congress gave a one-year extension to a wind energy tax credit that was set to expire in January. That means that some wind energy projects being built or already operating can still get 2 cents for every kilowatt-hour of electricity they produce.

Many production tax credits have an annual cap to reduce the fiscal impact on government revenues. The production tax credit in New Mexico was initiated in 2003. The NM Wind Energy Center near Fort Sumner was the first project of its kind to use the state credits.

State credits are capped at 2 million megawatt-hours per year for wind, solar and biomass combined. Solar energy credits can only constitute 500,000 megawatts of the total. New Mexico currently has 700 megawatts of wind energy capacity, with another 316 megawatts ready to be built.

Renewable Energy Tax Credits in New Mexico

Last year, officials from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department awarded nine certificates for solar generators and one for a wind farm during a 12-month period through October 2012. Twenty-eight applications, mostly from Doña Ana County, were processed for geothermal credits.

According to its annual report, the Department processed more than 2,200 tax-credit applications intended to make residential solar systems more affordable and to support sustainable building practices. The tax-credit allotment has been maxed-out, but credits issued to older generators will start to be retired in this year, meaning that those funds will be available for new projects.

The Department also managed more than 150 clean-energy projects made possible by federal stimulus funds. These included projects at schools, municipal and tribal buildings, resulting in an estimated $2 million savings in annual utility costs.

Fifty megawatts of new wind power have been created, and four times the amount of solar-generated power is in place since 2011. One-hundred-fifty-two megawatts of solar power are now operating in NM, making the state sixth in the nation for installed solar electric capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

NMED in Favor of Allowing Copper Mining Companies to Pollute Groundwater

The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) has filed a Joint Motion to Dismiss with the NM Water Quality Control Commission in response to the NM Environment Department’s proposed Copper Rule petition. The Motion was filed for NMELC’s clients: Gila Resources Information Project, Turner Ranch Properties, Inc. and Amigos Bravos.

According to NMELC staff attorney Bruce Frederick, the proposed rule would create groundwater “sacrifice zones” at all copper mines, laying to waste thousands of acre-feet of good water. “The sources of pollution at copper mines last forever, and reclamation is virtually impossible,” says Frederick. “In effect, the Department wants to not only allow but to encourage copper mining companies to use free public groundwater supplies as part of their processing and waste disposal systems.” He added, “this not only violates the Water Quality Act, which is the basic state law protecting water quality in NM; it also violates NM water law. If the commissioners deny the Motion and vote to adopt the Department’s proposed rule, they will be the first commissioners in 35 years to adopt a rule that expressly allows water pollution rather than prevents it.”

The NM Mining Association has announced its support of the proposed rule. Copper mining in NM reportedly generates an estimated $326 million of economic impact and supports 4,328 jobs. A decision from the Commission is expected on Feb. 12. There are 14 commissioners, all appointed by or under the control of Gov. Martinez.

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What's Going On! Events / Announcements

Feb. 28-March 1 Land Ethic Leaders Workshop Bachechi Environmental Education Center, 9521 Río Grande Blvd. NW

ALBUQUERQUE

February-March Retrofitting Buildings for Energy and Water Efficiency

Certificate course offered by the Assoc. of General Contractors, UNM’s Div. of Continuing Education and Global Energy. Designed for building and facility managers, building owners, contractors, engineers, architects and the trades that support them.

Learn how to analyze a building and its systems, how to identify the best savings opportunities, how to write a retrofit plan. Free to most trainees. For eligibility and enrollment, contact Margo Maher: 505.842.1462 or mmaher@agc-nm

Through February 100 Years of State & Federal Policy: Its Impact on Pueblo Nations Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 2401 12th St. NW

Exhibition reflects on the human experience behind enacted policies and laws, adding to a well-documented history of Pueblo resilience since the time of Emergence.

Indianpueblo.org/100years

Through March 14, Every Th. from 3:30-5 pm La Montañita Co-op Veteran Farmer Project 2013 NMSU ABQ Campus 4501 Indian School Rd. NE, Rm. G106

These courses provide technical and business planning resources to new and experienced farmers growing diverse produce at a small scale. All veterans, active service and National Guard are welcome to come to these free farming and gardening classes.

Rides available. Contact Robin Seydel at 505.217.2027, toll free: 877.775.2667 or email robins@lamontanita.coop or contact John Shields at the VA at 505.256.6499, ext.

5638 or email John.Shields2@va.gov

Feb. 7-8, 7 am-4:45 pm Think Trees Conference Crowne Plaza, 1901 University Blvd. NE

Urban tree conference promoting education, training and appreciation of arboriculture and horticulture throughout NM and across the Southwest. Nationally recognized speakers and local experts. $170/$70. Registration: 505.243.1386, Info: 505.476.3332, kelly.washburn@ state.nm.us, www.thinktreesnm.org/

February 15-16 NM Organic Farming Conf.

Mariott Albquerque Pyramid North

A gathering of organic producers, researchers and those who help move food from farm to fork. Presented by Farm-to-Table (www. farmtotablenm.org), NM Dept. of Agriculture (www.nmda.nmsu.edu), NMSU Cooperative Extension Service (www.aces.nmsu. edu). Registration: $100 (2-days) or $65 (one-day). Info: 505.473.1004, ext. 10 (Santa Fe); 505.889.9921 (Albuquerque)

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Building leaders, connecting to nature and each other, recognizing common values across divides. Presented by the Aldo Leopold Foundation and the McCune Foundation. Registration: $200. Info/Registration: www.aldoleopold.org/Programs/lel.shtml or 608.355.0279, ext. 28, anna@aldoleopold.org

Feb. 28-March 1 Our Water, Our Future Conf: ABQ Marriott Pyramid North

18th annual water conservation conference presented by the Xeriscape Council of NM and Arid LID. More than 250 land and water use professionals will attend. Nationally recognized speakers, networking opportunities. Info/Registration: 800.262.2043 or 505.821.3333, www.xeriscapenm.com

March 2-3 Water Conservation Expo NM State Fairgrounds March 11-15, 9 am-3 pm Spring Break Farm Camp Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center 4920 Rio Grande Blvd. NW

K-5th grade campers will cook food, make crafts, play games, learn about farm animals, work in the greenhouse and fields to learn how food is grown. Visitors from ABQ Open Space, Bernalillo County Master Composters and Valley Flowers Farm. $250 (reduced price for families who qualify). Email: education@riograndefarm.org or visit www. riograndecommunityfarm.org

March 16 Water in New Mexico Conf: An Intercultural Dialogue Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 2401 12th St. NW

Hear water stories and a dialogue with people from Hispano and tribal communities, as well as other stakeholders. Free. Registration: www.nmwatercollaborative.org

Wednesday Evenings and Saturday Mornings in March Master Composter Program Bernalillo County Extension Office, 1510 Menaul Blvd. NW

Become a master composter who will teach others how to compost. $80. Course info and application: www.nmcomposters.org

Southwest Barter Club

Healthcare using Barter Bucks instead of cash or insurance. Access to acupuncture, chiropractic, eye care, fitness and more.

505.715.2889, www.southwestbarterclub. com

SANTA FE

Feb. 1 Registration Opens Foundation of Herbal Medicine Course

Milagro School of Herbal Medicine. 250 hours of professional training in SW botanical medicine. Includes field trips, botany, pharmacy and clinical applications. Info: 505.820.6321, info@milagroherbs.com

Feb. 2, 10 am-12 pm Citizens Climate Lobby

Green Fire Times • February 2013

SF Public Library, 145 Washington Ave.

Monthly meeting, first Saturday of every month. Help create the political will for a stable climate. 10-11 am: discussion of local actions; 11-12 pm: national conference call with guest speaker Dr. Mark Tresguerres on ocean acidification. Info: 505.570.7586 or maria@myearthprints.com

Feb. 2, 10 am-12 pm Piñon and Juniper Ecosystem ½-mile N. of Cerrillos on Cty. Road 59

What at first glance may appear to be barren hillsides and washed-out gullies is actually home to a surprising diversity of plant and animal life. Join Park Manager Sarah Wood for a look. Free. Parking: $5 per vehicle. Info: 505.474.0196, www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ SPD/cerrilloshillsstatepark.html

Feb. 5, 3-5 pm Eldorado/285 Recycles

Area recycling advocacy group monthly meeting. Info: 505.570.0583, joseigner@gmail.com

Feb. 6 School Nutrition Day NM Legislature – State Capitol

Join the NM School Nutrition Association and others for a celebration of school meal programs and nutritional education programs in our schools.

Feb. 6, 6 pm Santa Fe Green Drinks Sweetwater Kitchen

Informal networking event for people interested in local business, clean energy and other green issues. A mixture of people from businesses, NGOs, academia and government. Find employment, make friends, hear presentations, develop new ideas. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at different locations. Hosted by the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce. Info: 505.428.9123 or Glenn@nmgreenchamber.com

Feb. 6, 7 pm Mountainfilm on Tour The Lensic

Screen films, from mountain sports to amazing wild places with festival director David Holbrooke. Tickets $15: 505.988.1234, REI or wildearthguardians.org; Info: 505.988.9126, ext. 0

Feb. 7-8, 9 am-4 pm Grantwriting Workshop SFCC Fitness Center, Rm. 2008

Securing Resources for Nonprofit Organizations with Richard Marchese. $135 plus textbook. Info/Registration: 505.428.1270, www.sfcc.edu

Feb. 7, 5:30 pm Camino de Paz School Info Night Downtown Library, Marcy St.

Montessori middle school program. Powerpoint presentation and Q&A. RSVP: patricia@caminodepaz.net, Info: 505.231.2819, www.caminodepaz.net

Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, 5:30-7:15 pm SFPS Adelante Program Ortiz Middle School Cafeteria, 4164 S. Meadows Juntos los Jueves, a weekly program and free dinner for your family, including groceries, clothing and books. Art class and childcare for children and self-empowerment classes for parents. Reservations: 505.467.2524

Feb. 7, 5:30-6:30 pm The Historic Ties between the Jicarilla Apache and Santa Fe Railyard Park Community Room

A presentation by Dr. Veronica Tiller. Free.

Info: 505.316.3596 or info@railyardpark. org, www.railyardpark.org/events-calendar

Feb. 8, 5-7 pm Opening Community Gallery Fundraiser SF Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy

“Silver: 25 Years of Arts in the Community” auction/exhibit to support continued exhibits and programming at the Community Gallery.

A celebration of the SF Arts Commission’s 25 years. All pieces priced at $25. Through 2/22.

Artists are asked to donate two original pieces. rdlambert@santafenm.gov

Feb. 8, 5:45-9 pm WorldQuest 2013 SF Community College Jemez Room

A college Bowl-style game of international trivia, played in teams of eight. Test your knowledge of world affairs. Presented by the Santa Fe Council on International Relations. $40 general admission includes dinner.

505.982.4931, https://www.sfcir.org/events/ featured-events/worldquest-2013

Feb. 8, 7 pm COAL, A Musical The Lensic

A staged reading, inviting wisdom, heart and courage into the story of climate change. Presented by Littleglobe Center for Community Engagement. Tickets: $10. 505.988.1234, www.coalmusical.com/COAL.html

Feb. 9, 10 am-12 pm Animal Superpowers ½-mile N. of Cerrillos on Cty. Road 59

Explore the link between superheroes and wildlife. Learn about animal adaptations and how they are the basis for comic book superpowers. Free. Parking: $5 per vehicle. Info: 505.474.0196, www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ SPD/cerrilloshillsstatepark.html

Feb. 8-10 Astronomy Weekend Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu

Connect to the night sky. All-ages course using the Ghost Ranch telescope and other astronomy tools, as well as Native American spirituality and reflection. $125/person plus lodging & meals. Info: http://ghostranch.org/expansiveskies-an-astronomy-weekend-2/

Starts Feb. 12 (Six Tues.), 4-6 pm Write Out Loud Teatro Paraguas, 3205 Calle María

A creative writing workshop led by Shebana Coelho to “mine” the creative silences within and transform them into short fiction/memoir pieces presented at a group reading. All writing levels welcome. $150. Info/Registration: 609.651.5840, writeoutloud13@gmail. com, www.shebanacoelho.com

Through Feb. 13, 5:30-8 pm Business Development Workshop Series WESST Enterprise Center 3900 Paseo del Sol #361

Eight 2 ½ hour session offering start-ups and existing businesses expert guidance in starting smart and planning for growth. Info: 505.474.6556, rperea@wesst.org

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Feb. 16 “Ride-A-Thon” Fundraiser SpinDoc Bicycle Shop, Hwy. 285/ Old Las Vegas Hwy. Intersection

Grand opening and benefit for World Bicycle Relief Fund, which distributes bikes in 3rd World countries.

Info: 505.466.4181, 505.603.6112, chandler@ spindoc.com, www.spindoc.com

Feb. 16, 10 am-12 pm Love Your River Day

Santa Fe River cleanup. RSVP to 505.820.1696 or robin@santafewatershed.org.

Feb. 16, 6:30 pm Farmers’ Market Project Party Market Pavillion, 1607 Paseo de Peralta

Fundraiser for the market’s new café. Dinner and dancing with music by Brian Wingard and the Haiku Cowboys. Food & drinks by local restaurants. Adults: $25 advance, $30 at the door. Kids under 10: $10. Tickets: www. santafefarmersmarket.com

Feb. 19, 6 pm New Mexico AgFest SF Convention Center

An opportunity for legislators to learn about NM agriculture. AgFest was created over 20 years ago by the NM Farm and Livestock Bureau for producers and agricultural groups to mix and mingle with legislators in a relaxed atmosphere. Approximately 800 people attend annually. There will be 45 agri-producer and educational organization booths. Tickets limited. For info, contact Benjamin Segovia: benjiesegovia@nmfarmbureau.org

Feb. 20, 12-1 pm DWI March of Sorrow State Capitol

Adults and youth march in remembrance and in hope of a brighter future. Info: 505.231.2252, LgGiuffra@gmail.com

Feb. 20, 12-1:30 pm Westward Ho! Lives and Diaries of Women Going West NM History Museum, 113 Lincoln Ave.

Brainpower & Brownbags lecture. VanAnn Moore recreates historical characters.

Enter through Washington Ave. doors. You can bring a lunch. Free. 505.476.5100

Feb. 20 James Hansen with Subhankar Banerjee The Lensic

Climate scientist Hansen will present the latest climate information and the movement for the revenue-neutral carbon tax.

505.988.1234, www.ticketssantafe.org

Feb. 20, 7-9 pm Gary Liss Zero-Waste Lecture SFCC Jemez Room

$10. Info: 505.819.3828, 505.913.2877 or www.carboneconomyseries.com

Feb. 21-22, 9:30 am-4:30 pm No More Garbage: Zero Waste SF Community College

Review global zero waste principles and learn how communities have adopted zero waste plans. Presenter Gary Liss has designed and implemented zero waste programs in L.A., Austin, Telluride, England, New Zealand and Canada. $250./discount available. Info: 505.819.3828, 505.913.2877 or www.carboneconomyseries.com

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Feb. 21, 6:30-8:30 pm Beyond “Normal”: Why “School Smarts” Isn’t the Only Way to Measure Intelligence The May Center for Learning 460 St. Michael’s Dr., Ste. 603

Come discuss your interpretation of “normal” when talking about student achievement. Community members invited.

505.423.2384, www.maycenter.org

Feb. 22-24 ARTSmart Various Locations

Weekend of fine art, food, fashion and home tours benefiting SF school art programs brings together educators, schoolchildren, galleries, artists, restaurants and businesses. Info: 505.982.9404, artfeast.com or 505.699.9144, factsantafe.org

Feb. 26, 6:30 pm Community Homesteading Potluck WholeFoods(St.Francis)CommunityRoom

Cool season seed exchange. Bring seeds and envelopes. Community Farm update. Presented by Home Grown NM. 505.473.1403, homegrownnewmexico@gmail.com

Feb. 26, 6:30-9 pm Finding the Hidden Gift of Disorientation Academy for the Love of Learning, 133 Seton Village Rd., Seton Village An evening of exploration with Aaron Stern, Patty Nagle and Lisa Faithorn. An introduction to the Academy’s learning model.

Free. Space limited. Info/registration: 505.995.1860

March 1, 9 am-3 pm Renewable Energy Day at the Roundhouse West Hall, State Capitol Building

A variety of organizations, from nonprofits to colleges to industry groups will share information and activities on solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies in NM. There will be a press conference at 1 pm. Info: Eileen@santafewatershed.org or 505.820.1696

March 7, 5:30-6:30 pm Immigrants and the Railroad Railyard Park Community Room

Dr. Lois Rudnick and Marcela Díaz explore the historical and cultural foundations of immigration in northern NM. Info: 505.316.3596, info@railyardpark.org, www. railyardpark.org

March 8, 17, 30, 9 am-2 pm Trail Workdays Dead Dog Trail, off Old Buckman Rd. in the Caja del Río

Enjoy nature while volunteering to help with projects including switchback, retaining wall and new trail construction. 505.753.7332, jasublett@fs.fed.us

March 15-17 Permaculture Boot Camp SF Community College

Learn the basics of permaculture design, its core values, application of natural patterns and the indicators of sustainability. Leave the workshop with an initial permaculture plan for your own site. Presenter Iginia Boccalandro is the founder of the Carbon Economy Series. Info: 505.819.3828, 505.913.2877 or www.carboneconomyseries.com

March 16, 9 am-3:30 pm Gardening 101: Basics of Gardening in SF Center for Spiritual Living 505 Cam. de los Marquez

Taught by Tracy Neal and Jannine Cabossel.

Presented by the SF Master Gardener Assoc. $45. Info/registration: 505.471.6251, www. sfmga.org

March 16 Green Café Eldorado

The first in a series of conversations. “Engaging Change as a Community” facilitated by Don McAvinchey, founder, Sustainable Eldorado Residents Alliance. seragreeneldo@gmail.com

April 27-28 Solar Fiesta SF Community College

eolson@desertgate.com, www.nmsea.org/ Chapters/Las_Vegas.phpwww.synergyfest.com

Feb. 17, Noon Climate Crisis Rally Washington, D.C.

Free bus ride to D.C. from ABQ and Santa Fe. Organizers will also provide temporary housing. Volunteers and donations of food and funds are welcome. Info: jrivermartin@ gmail.com, http://www.350.org

Feb. 18, 10 am-12 pm Guided Hike of Cerro la Jara Meet at Valle Grande Staging Area

Join Los Amigos de Valles Caldera on a 2-mile snowshoe hike. $20/$25. RSVP: 575.829.3885, jcounce1111@gmail.com

Feb. 22 Deadline Aldo Leopold Writing Contest

Exhibits and workshops on renewable energy topics for children, homeowners and job seekers. Free. Sponsored by SFCC and the NM Solar Energy Association. Info: 505.246.0400, solpwr@plateautel.net, www.nmseaevents.org

Saturdays, Approx. 2 pm Meet Your Farmer Joe’s Dining, Rodeo & Zia

A lunch experience. An opportunity to ask questions about farming, enjoy a local meal and meet farmers who grow NM foods. Vendors from the farmers’ market have an aftermarket lunch and meet the community. Info: Sheila@joesdining.com

Santa Fe Creative Tourism Workshops, Classes and Experiences http://santafecreativetourism.org/

Designing Your Well-Lived Future Workshops

Are you a single, working parent or retiring Boomer looking for community and a simpler,walkable lifestyle?

Join a series of planning/design sessions aimed at developing floor plans,shared amenities and cluster possibilities where residents get more from sustainable designs.

Touracohousingcommunityanddevelopideasofalternatives to current suburban choices.Info:505.310.1797, brianvida@nm.netorvisitwww.sustainablesantafe.com

HERE & THERE

Through October Diabetes Prevention Course Río Arriba Health Commons, 2010 Industrial Park Rd., Española, NM

Lose 5 to 7 percent of your body weight and maintain at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Classes limited to 15 participants. Sponsored by the NM Department of Health. Free.

Info: 505.662.3100 or mchapman@laymca.org

Feb. 4-5 NM Chile Conference Hotel Encanto, Las Cruces

Information for growers, processors and producers. Topics include biotechnology, fungicides, food biosecurity, marketing and laws governing food safety and labeling. $110.

Presented by NMSU. Info/registration: www. chilepepperinstitute.org or 575.646.3028

Feb. 9, 10 am-4 pm Sustainable Homes Tour Las Vegas, NM

Self-guided tour starting at the Arts Council (140 Bridge St.) sponsored by Sustainable Las Vegas highlights a passive solar residence, photovoltaic arrays, a geothermal heating and cooling system, domestic water heating, energy efficiency measures including LED lighting, and financing options. Experts will be on hand to explain systems.

For info, contact Emelie Olson: 505.454.3920,

See newsbite on page 37.

Feb. 22-24 Got Pain? Yoga Therapy Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu

Yoga practices offer opportunities to work with physical challenges. $195 plus lodging & meals 877.804.4678, GhostRanch.org

Feb. 26 Riparian Restoration Techniques Workshop Las Cruces

Southwestern riparian tree & shrub planting methods that require minimal or no irrigation. Presented by the NRCS Los Lunas Plant Materials Center and Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Free. Info: 505.575.835.1710, ext. 109 or 575.525.4350.

Feb. 26 Early Registration Deadline Global New Energy and Manufacturing Summit The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO.

Former Sen. Jeff Bingaman is honorary chair of this April 14-16 summit, which will empasize what role the energy sector can have in sustainable job creation. Info: 505.412.8537, dblivin@ earthlink.net, www.gnemsummit.org

March 1-3 Organic Beekeepers Meeting Oracle, Arizona

Topics to be covered: breeding, field management, microbial conditions in the hive, top-bar beekeeping, warre hives, apitherapy, mead-making and more. Contact Dee Lusby: 520.398.2474

March 2-3 Global Acequia Symposium Convention Center, Las Cruces, NM

“Acequias and the Future of Resilience in Global Perspective” Project partners include NMSU, UNM, Sandia Laboratories and the NM Acequia Association. Info: 505.995.9644

March 6-7 Sustainability Summit & Expo Delta Center, Milwaukee

“An Economic & Ecologic Imperative” Keynote speakers include James E. Hansen, Will Allen, Ed Begley and Michael Mann. www. sustainabilitysummit.us

March 8-10 Taos Pueblo Artist Winter Showcase Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos

Opening reception March 8 (ticketed event) Presented by the Millicent Rogers Museum and Taos Pueblo Tourism. Info: 575.758.2462, www.millicentrogers.org

February 2013 • GreenFireTimes

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Green Fire Times • February 2013

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