Green Living October 2017 by Green Living AZ magazine

October 2017

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our

SPA Issue!

COX CONSERVES

SUSTAINABILITY HERO ERIC SOPHIEA

VILLAFANE

SAND SCULPTURES AT THE CAREFREE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

HONEY BEE

REHAB US $5.95

ADHD Awareness month

PARADIGM SHIFT

GLAMPING around in Arizona

$100,000 up for grabs help us choose a winner The competition is in full swing and we need your votes to help find a winner. Vote at SustainableHomeDesignCompetition.com

CALL FOR VOTES

$100,000 AWARD

Sustainable House

Urban House Project (Bhujon Kang Architects)

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Vote at SustainableHomeDesignCompetition.com

Corehouse

Phx Architecture

entry

< HOMEnz Studio Atherton | Marlene Imirzian & Associates Architects

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Vote at SustainableHomeDesignCompetition.com

entry

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Parasol

Sonoran Habitat

HKS Architects

Architectural Resource Team

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departments

October 2017 features

ADHD Awareness Month Q&A

A Simple Breath Can Change Your Perspective

live green

Glamping: Wild Luxury for Modern-Day Campers

The Air Quality Flag Program

Building a Culture of Health for Children

Adventures in Consciousness: Healthy Ways to Bliss Out

My Sustainable Decisions

4 Words You Never Want to Hear: “You Have Breast Cancer”

Ahhh, the Spaaa…

Wild Arizona Series: The Arizona Wilderness Coalition

VALLEYLIFE: Celebrating 70 Years of Sustainable Living

Amazing Astaxanthin: The Antioxidant

Did You Know? Fun Green Facts

Rigging the System: The Hidden Truth Behind Energy Dominance

work green

on the cover

Spa bath, photographed by Shannon Finn. shannonfinnphotography.com

Dealing with Stress in the Workplace

Phoenix Green Business Program Recognizes Business Sustainability

Corporate Sustainability in Action: Eric Sophiea is the 2017 Cox Conserves Hero

play green

CORRECTION: In the September 2017 Issue, Green Champions: Janel WIlcox's name was misspelled; Green Home, Dream Home: the correct name of the house is Casona.

Recipes

Appreciating Animals in Africa Ethically

September Launch Party

Glamping: Wild Luxury for Modern-Day Campers

Green Scenes Calendar of Events

Ajo: A Little-Known Corner of the Sonoran Desert

Green Champions

How Arizona Backyard Beekeepers are Rehabilitating Africanized Hives

He’s Green, She’s Green

The Amazing World of Villafane

Cool Outrageous Stuff

Dig in at the Master Gardeners’ Annual Fall Festival and Plant Sale

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October 2017 | greenliving

October 2017 Publisher’s Note

e are so excited Fall is here! It is wonderful to switch into our warmer fall color wardrobe and to slip on boots. We hope you are excited and geared up for the buzzingly busy fall season in Arizona. It is important to carve out family, friend, and “you” time this season to have a somewhat balanced life. October is our Spa and Relaxation issue. Please enjoy some pampering so that you can attend some of the great events that are happening in Arizona. In this issue, we feature a Q and A on ADHD awareness month in our LIVE section. How to make a paradigm shift through breath consciousness is in WORK, and where to go glamping in Arizona is in our PLAY section. Enjoy a chuckle when you read He’s Green, She’s Green, become more knowledgeable about breast cancer and the first steps to take when you or a loved one is diagnosed, learn about the Air Quality Flag program and check out our new Wild Arizona series. Relax and enjoy articles on astaxanthin, spa retreats and the some healthy ways to bliss out. We are excited to share voting information about the Sustainable Home Design Challenge winners featured on the inside front cover through page 4. The City of Phoenix partnered with AIA (American Institute of Architects) — Arizona to organize this remarkable contest. This is one of the ways that the City of Phoenix will achieve its 2050 Sustainability Goals, which include becoming a carbonneutral and zero-waste city. The Sustainable Home Design Challenge will award a $100,000 prize to the architecture plan winner of the nearly “net zero energy” single family home, that has the greatest potential for wide spread adoption in the region. The intent is to activate a desire in the public to build at least 10 homes from the winning design.

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing and scattering abroad" — Edwin Way Teale

Paradigm Shift

PAGE 20

Glamping for modern day campers

PAGE 30-31

ADHD Awareness Month

PAGE 13

Please vote — and encourage your friends and family to vote — on your favorite home design and share on your facebook page so that home can be built!

To educate, empower and inspire,

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FESTIVAL AND EVENT?

Please send your answer to dorie@greenlivingaz.com or share it on our Facebook page or instagram to win tickets to a fall event.

Dorie Morales Publisher and Editor in Chief I LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR READERS! Email me at dorie@greenlivingaz.com

6 greenliving | October 2017

Follow @greenlivingaz and stay in touch with the newest topics on sustainability! greenlivingaz.com

Yours in practicing a greener lifestyle PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Dorie Morales

ART DIRECTOR: ASSISTANT EDITOR: COPY EDITOR: BOOKKEEPER:

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October 2017 | greenliving

ENVIRONMENT

THE AIR QUALITY FLAG PROGRAM BY JILL BERNSTEIN

he Children’s Environmental Health Department (a program of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality or ADEQ) has a unique program to help communities recognize and understand air pollution and the potential health impacts. The Air Quality Flag Program teaches people about local outdoor air quality conditions, including how air pollution impacts health, actions that citizens can take to protect themselves, and ways to reduce polluting activities. The Air Quality Flag program is available to schools, community health centers, fire departments, parks and recreation centers, environmental education centers, and after-school/early-child care facilities in Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yuma and Santa Cruz counties. The nautical-style flags used in the program visually communicate local air quality conditions based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI). The program focuses on parts of the state that have experienced non-attainment of the EPA’s National Air Quality Standards. In other words, these are areas that experience air pollution events that exceed these safety standards. The flag colors help administrators, teachers and students understand the level of pollution on any given day and determine the safest levels of outdoor activity.

WHAT DO THE FLAG COLORS MEAN? Flags are posted at participating schools, community organizations or both, in areas visible to the public. The flags match AQI’s warning levels, which indicate the amount of pollution in the air and any possible associated health effects which may be experienced within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. ADEQ and some local districts calculate the AQI for four major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, PM10, PM2.5 and carbon monoxide. For each of these pollutants, the EPA has established National Air Quality Standards to protect public health. If a warning is issued, posting the flag is an easy way to help protect the at-risk populations. • Green — Air quality is good. • Yellow — Air quality is acceptable, but there might be health concerns for some of the population. • Orange — Air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people with lung or cardiac disease, children, outdoor athletes and older adults. • Red — Air quality is unhealthy. Everybody may begin to feel some health effects. Outdoor activity should be limited for all children, and sensitive individuals should stay indoors. When the Flag Program is used in a school, the colors help administrators, teachers, and students understand the level of pollution on any given day and determine the safest levels of outdoor activity.

8 greenliving | October 2017

Of course, not all air pollution is the same or will have the same effect. Ozone pollution is often worse on hot sunny days, especially during the afternoon and early evening. If it’s a high ozone day, people should plan outdoor activities in the morning when air quality is better and it is not as hot. If students and others stay inside and windows are closed, the amount of ozone indoors should be much lower, so it’s much safer to be up and moving. Particulate pollution is a little different. If you are in a building that has a forced air heating or cooling system that filters out particles, then the amount of particle pollution should be lower indoors and it is okay to keep moving. It is important that the particulate filtration system is properly installed and maintained. We have all heard about the rise in cases of asthma. If you or your child has asthma, it is important to have an asthma action plan for high pollution days. When asthma is well-managed and well-controlled, students should be able to participate fully in all activities. Visit www. cdc.gov/asthma/actionplan.html to see sample asthma action plans.

JOIN THE FLAG PROGRAM Step 1: Request flags from ADEQ. Contact Julie Finke, the Flag Program Coordinator at ADEQ at Finke. Julie@azdeq.gov or 602-771-2231 to start a flag program at your school, community health center, environmental education center, parks and recreation center, fire department or after-school/early-childcare facility. You will receive four flags: green, yellow, orange and red. ADEQ also provides educational materials and training at no cost. Step 2: Check the daily air quality forecast and raise the corresponding colored flag in a visible spot. The daily air quality forecast (https://www.airnow.gov/index. cfm?action=topics.about_airnow) predicts the AQI color for both ozone and particle pollution. Step 3: Educate and inform the school and the community about how to understand the flags. Choose a date to begin flying your flags, then begin to educate and inform your school and the surrounding community. Train school personnel about the Air Quality Index and the Flag Program so they can help administer the program and teach the students. Use the online resources that ADEQ provides on the website. You can request help with this training from ADEQ’s Air Quality Flag Program Coordinator. Learn more about the Air Quality Flag program, including lesson plans, at www. azdeq.gov/OCEH. Jill Bernstein is the Executive Director of Keep Arizona Beautiful, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities to take care of their environment through litter abatement, recycling and beautification. Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment

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CONSCIOUSNESS

ADVENTURES IN CONSCIOUSNESS

HEALTHY WAYS TO BLISS OUT BY KRISTI HALL

ou know that feeling you have after you have been on a nice, long vacation? Perhaps you are a little sun-kissed, have enjoyed long walks on the beach with sand in your toes and cool waves lapping at your feet, have soaked and floated in the soothing rhythm of the waves, consumed delicious fresh seafood and other local treats and spent quality time connecting with your KRISTI HALL loved ones. Total relaxation and bliss. And then, as it is time to return to your daily routine, you wonder, why can’t I keep that vacation feeling? I have incredible news. It only takes a little effort to remember, or discover, the things that relax you and make your heart sing on a daily basis. I encourage you to consider activities and experiences where you feel the most peace and joy. Then, schedule regular times to do these things. It is a simple way to invest in your health, happiness and well-being that will pay off in spades. To get you started, I am sharing my top five ways to bliss out. These are all easily accessible and inexpensive ways to improve your state. Music: Music is a powerful way to alter your state. I’m still a little old school and keep all my favorite CDs in my car so I can select just the right artist and song to either change or enhance my mood. Right now I’m often listening to Lucinda Drayton, an artist from Great Britain. I’m also in the process of creating a women’s empowerment playlist to pump it up on the Loop 101 while driving to business meetings. Meditation: For years, I set my timer for 25 minutes of daily meditation. I would vary my schedule, sometimes following a recorded guided practice and other times sitting in silence with myself and the Universe. greenlivingaz.com

I felt more refreshed after that 25 minutes than after a two-hour nap. My creativity soared, I felt calm and grounded, my anxieties were softened. Lately, I’ve been more focused on my breath throughout the day and doing mini breathing exercises intermittently. But as I write this, it is reminding me how delicious my meditation time was. Time to get back on the mat! There are many free meditation apps to help get you started. Live Gong Yoga with Chanting: I have a vision of becoming a great yogi, but for now I visit Yoga Phoenix for their monthly Double Gong Yoga. It’s Kundalini Yoga – the yoga of happiness – which includes breathing and simple body movements, then we lie down and meditate and chant as the vibrations of the gongs wash over us. I literally feel like I could levitate after these sessions. Friend Time: When’s the last time you spent a quality hour or so having a heart-to-heart catch up with a friend? For me, this is the very best stuff in life. It’s cooling down outside and almost patio season. Meet at a beautiful venue for a glass of wine or cup of tea and relish in the love and support of a good chat. Laughter: I am getting divorced, and the grieving process has been tough. When I am feeling gloomy and need to give myself a break, I go to Netflix and search for funny movies and comedy shows. A good hour or two laughing is an easy and healthy escape from stress and the daily routine. What about you? What are your favorite ways to bliss out? Kristi Hall is an author, speaker, and creator of Conscious Connections, a local community of 6,000 purpose-based businesswomen. Join her community at consciousconnectionsglobal.com.

October 2017 | greenliving

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

WORDS YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR:

“YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER” BY MARJORIE VAN DER WAGEN

knew I was fine; there was nothing wrong. Never has been. Never will be. In fact, I was planning on skipping my annual mammogram. Nothing had ever shown up, so why bother? But, a little voice said otherwise. So, I got the mammogram. When my primary care physician MARJORIE VAN DER WAGEN called in tears, I knew something was very wrong. It was breast cancer. I needed surgery immediately — before it spread. I was in utter, complete denial. Breast cancer? Not me. I was the captain of the Titanic, sailing along without a care in the world. That bump — a minor issue. I can handle it. Then, it caught up with me. Cancer. Not only dread — but abject fear. I was suddenly lost. Fear. Confusion. Numbness. My world upside down. Where do I start? I immediately called a friend who was dealing with lung cancer. After tears, she referred me to her medical oncologist. Admitting out loud that I had cancer was a terrible feeling. Then, the receptionist said, “Why are you calling here?” “Who am I supposed to be calling?” I asked. The process of navigating the “system” had begun. “You need to see a breast surgeon first,” she said. It didn’t make any sense to me that I would see a surgeon before an oncologist. I was confused. I thought the medical oncologist would provide the big picture, be the quarterback of the process. I quickly located a surgeon after several calls and insurance hurdles. Along the way, my thoughts went to alternative care options. I wanted choices. I did some online research and spoke with others. No other viable option appeared. That’s not to say there are none; I just needed decide quickly. Plus, I didn’t want to take chances on untested alternatives. The system is not aligned with my thinking. You go to the surgeon first, then on to the radiation oncologist, and ending with the medical oncologist. What happened to the whole person? I am seemingly standing still, confused. The medical system is up and running – and I didn’t know how it worked or how to get started. I was quickly introduced to their pre-determined sequence. But no one seemed to be guiding the entire process. It was trial and error, at first. I found a surgeon; then referrals kicked in for the rest of the team. The overall treatment is sequential, however. Expect the diagnostic process to be more than the mammogram. In

10 greenliving | October 2017

addition to ultrasounds, I experienced some challenging biopsies to pinpoint the location and extent of the cancer. Also, radiation can be severe. I did not have chemotherapy, but I understand there can be major side-effects. Get advice and guidance from those who have experienced the process. Your journey will be different. But, you can survive and thrive, as I did. Marjorie is cancer-free for three years and is dedicated to helping people live green in their homes and bodies. For information, contact Marjorie at (602) 5414664 or info@solidgreenlife.com. Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

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ENVIRONMENT

WILD ARIZONA SERIES:

THE ARIZONA WILDERNESS COALITION BY DAVID A. SCHALLER

t only takes one act of neglect, one oversight, one bad actor, and a piece of Arizona’s wilderness can be permanently damaged. Like most environmental victories, our hard-fought-for wilderness areas can be lost in an instant if we let down our collective guard. When protections give way to intrusions such as a dam, a mine, or any number of other DAVID A. SCHALLER wholesale land disturbances, what it means to be “wild” is forever compromised. Had we thought harder about it in the 1960s, a landscape as majestic as Glen Canyon in far northern Arizona might have won better protection. Instead, other interests prevailed, and the resulting dam and reservoir essentially surrendered what was once a national treasure for 50 years of cheap electricity. Flash forward to the 21st century, and we still face the same challenge: How to protect Arizona’s special wild places in the face of competing short-term economic development pressures. Here’s where the Arizona Wilderness Coalition has stepped forward. Founded in 1979, the Coalition advocates for the preservation of wilderness as well as the restoration of public lands scarred by human misuse. The Coalition does this through a number of programs designed to achieve practical, tangible conservation gains in the near-term while building a constituency for the longer-term protection of public lands. The Coalition's Wilderness Stewardship program engages a network of new and returning volunteers who complete as many as 20 natural resource maintenance and restoration projects a year on public lands within the state. “We go out into wilderness areas (and potential wilderness) to report on what we see, maintain trails, and preserve wilderness. Exploration, monitoring, and maintenance are key to the integrity and sustainability of our remaining wild places,” said Coalition Executive Director Barbara Hawke. Hawke added, “There is a depth of understanding across generations on the value of Arizona’s wilderness. Millennials tell us that wild areas are important not only to Arizona’s character as a state but to their own personal character. On the other hand, older generations, those who fought the hard battles to establish wilderness areas beginning 50 years ago, still live here and remain dedicated advocates for our work.” Two recent efforts highlight the group’s commitment to restoration of wilderness features on Arizona’s public lands. After months of greenlivingaz.com

The Pusch Ridge Wilderness in the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. Photo by David Schaller.

planning, Coalition staff and volunteers converged with partners and students for a three-week-long intensive eradication effort where teams cut and roughly treated 70 percent of the tamarisk and oleander plaguing the ecologically sensitive Arnett Creek riparian system west of Superior. In the rugged Hassayampa River Canyon outside Wickenburg, a restoration crew of staff and volunteers worked with Prescott College, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Phoenix College Conservation Corps to plant more than 350 native trees in remote areas of the Canyon. The Coalition also works with public land management agencies like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to advocate for improved conservation management and preservation of wilderness areas, especially as they revise their far-reaching land management plans. These agencies are making decisions that affect the future of wilderness on public lands and their planning processes are where gains in wilderness protection are often won and lost. “There is no substitute for active public engagement in these processes. Attending meetings, talking with agency staff, writing letters, taking friends out into potential wilderness areas – all can make a difference,” said Hawke. Arizona’s 90 wilderness areas total some 4.5 million acres, a bare six percent of the State’s total area; however, important niches of potential wilderness area remain unprotected. Keeping Arizona’s wild places wild is a responsibility that never ends. The Arizona Wilderness Coalition invites you to join them. More information on how to get involved and make a difference in protecting Arizona’s wild places is available on their website: http://azwild.org/action/management-plans.php. David A. Schaller is a retired environmental scientist living in Tucson, where he writes on climate, water and energy security. Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment

October 2017 | greenliving

HEALTH & WELLNESS

AMAZING

ASTAXANTHIN THE ANTIOXIDANT BY DEBBIE DAVIS

e all care about our health and rate of aging. Astaxanthin (pronounced Asta-zan-thin) is a warrior against oxidative stress brought on by too many free radical attacks on a cellular level. Antioxidants protect your cells while the body and skin do the repair work. Possibly the strongest antioxidant in the DEBBIE DAVIS world, astaxanthin is part of the carotenoid family of nutrients which includes betacarotene. Astaxanthin may be the best antioxidant for DNA protection, it is more than 6,000 times more effective than vitamin C, 800 times more effective than COQ10, and 550 times more effective than vitamin E and green tea. According to Dr. Gerald Cysewski, an authority on microalgae research, more than 200 studies demonstrate the many supercharged antioxidant health benefits of astaxanthin. First and most importantly, from our anti-aging vantage point, is skin health. By now, thanks to much media exposure, we know that free radicals are highly reactive molecules that cause premature cellular death when left unchecked. This can damage our internal organs and lead to aging of the skin. Natural astaxanthin is unique due to the shape of its molecule. It protects the entire cell from damage because it is both water and fat-soluble. Astaxanthin benefits our skin by improving the moisture content, promoting better elasticity, reducing wrinkles and the appearance of age spots. It may even help prevent skin cancer with its UV protective qualities. Taking a natural astaxanthin supplement of four to six milligrams has been noted to be anti-inflammatory and to act as an «edible sunscreen,» working from the inside out to soothe skin during harsh sun exposure and heal sunburn. Supplementation may also benefit

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the skin by protecting and supporting the nerves that carry blood and nutrients to the cells. People usually notice a respectable improvement within two to six weeks of astaxanthin supplementation. It is best to take it with food, preferably with an oil to get the best benefits. As with any supplement recommendation, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women, always check with your doctor. More health benefits of astaxanthin include eye and brain health. Again, due to the unique shape of the astaxanthin molecule, it can cross the blood-brain barrier and abates neurodegenerative conditions like macular degeneration, Alzheimer›s and Parkinson›s Disease. It can also cross the blood-retinal barrier and it a terrific supplement for eye health. Want to improve joint and tendon health? Yes, astaxanthin will help in a quicker post-exercise recovery, making it perfect for all of us, especially athletes. In nature, you can find astaxanthin in its highest concentration in wild salmon, which contains 450 percent more astaxanthin than farm-raised salmon. You can also find it in some wild berries, lobster, shrimp, crab and salmon roe. Astaxanthin is what gives these marine creatures their reddish-pink color. Here's a fun fact: Did you know that Flamingos are born white or gray and develop their pink color from eating fish that contain astaxanthin? Flamingos and some other red-colored birds are unable to digest the astaxanthin, so it accumulates in their feathers and feet. Thankfully, humans don't have this side effect. Debbie Davis is the owner of Sleekskin Aesthetics in Scottsdale. She is a Licensed Aesthetician and has a certification in Holistic Nutrition. Contact Debbie at 480315-1364 or sleekskinaz.com. “Remember, how old you are is your business, how old you LOOK is mine!” Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

ADHD AWARENESS MONTH Q&A

A healthy diet centered on fruits and vegetables is frequently recommended.. BY DORIE MORALES

ttention deficit hyperactivity disorder is, a syndrome of disordered behavior, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and sometimes hyperactivity that interferes with academic, occupational, or social performance.

Questions & Answers: What are some symptoms of ADHD? Symptoms include a limited ability to focus and pay attention, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Does ADHD occur more in females or males? Males â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ADHD is three times more common in males than females. What age can ADHD be diagnosed? Sometimes as early as 3 or 4 years of age; however, caution should be taken as the condition often can be misdiagnosed. How many children have been diagnosed with ADHD? An estimate over 6 million have been diagnosed with ADHD between ages 4-17. What foods should you eat? Eating a healthy diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (for example, beans, peas, and lentils), lean protein sources, and nuts and seeds is frequently recommended, although opinions on dietary interventions vary widely. What daily activities should you limit? Limit distractions such as TV, computers and cell phones. What impact does ADHD have on your career? What % of people with ADHD start their own company? Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Airlines, net worth 4.2 billion; a report from Psychology Today said people with ADHD are three times more likely to start their own business than the general population. Resources: ADHDawarenessmonth.org, Dosomething.org, CDC.gov, CHADD.org, Parenting magazine, Psychology Today Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

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October 2017 | greenliving

ENERGY SECTOR

RIGGING THE SYSTEM: THE HIDDEN TRUTH BEHIND ENERGY DOMINANCE BY BHARAT VENKATESH • PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BOSWELL

A device used for oil exploration in North Dakota.

“A

merican energy dominance will be declared a strategic, economic, and foreign policy goal of the United States,” President Donald Trump said, during a speech in North Dakota last May. His cabinet members picked up his words soon enough, with Energy Secretary Rick Perry declaring in April that Trump “made it very clear […] that he doesn’t just want America to be energy-independent; he wants America to be energy-dominant.” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke echoed these words at an offshore technology conference in May. Energy dominance, essentially being a net exporter of energy, is a perfectly fine goal — if not for the fact that the direction taken by the federal government to achieve it is so detrimental to the environment. Zinke is already taking steps to increase production of oil and gas, and former President Barack Obama’s climate policy is being rapidly diminished with deep cuts aimed at the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. With President Trump’s announcement of his intention to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, it became apparent that the U.S. could no longer be the global leader on climate change action. Parties or signatories to the Paris Climate Accord agreed to prevent the global temperature from rising above 2 degrees of warming, while striving to limit it to 1.5 degrees. If the temperature rises past that point, coral reefs will perish, devastating 25% of the world’s marine life and half a billion people that depend on them. A recent paper published in Nature, entitled “The geographical distribution of fossil fuels unused when limiting global warming to 2 °C,” warns that the continuous burning of fossil fuels will not allow us to keep to the 2-degree limit. The report states that “globally, a third of oil reserves, half of gas reserves and over 80 per cent of current coal reserves should remain unused from 2010 to 2050 in order to meet the target of 2 °C.” The current administration’s mandate directly contradicts this effort.

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Carbon emissions are not the only problem with oil and gas exploration and drilling. According to the Washington Post, Zinke has already recommended that the President alter ten national monuments, including shrinking the boundaries of four western sites, opening them to commercial energy exploration. Severe ecological disruptions occur with increased human activity, and the noise pollution and physical obstructions resulting from oil and gas drilling negatively affect breeding and mating seasons, prey and predator dynamics, and migratory activity. Well and road construction, accompanied by the use of bulldozers, road graders and gravel trucks, not only disrupts wildlife habitats, it erodes the land surrounding the rig and strips it of vegetation. Small-scale oil spills on land happen frequently and their cumulative effect can have a long-term environmental impact as well as chronic health problems. Offshore oil spills are harder to control, and they drastically affect all marine life in the region. Nevertheless, the current administration is already laying the groundwork for oil and gas drilling projects in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. On a positive note, many automakers are stepping up to the plate and are increasing production of electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The Atlantic Monthly recently reported that “starting in 2019, [Volvo] will only make fully electric or hybrid cars.” Environmentally conscious citizens should continue to lobby for clean fuel alternatives and the protection of the environment. Bharat Venkatesh is a Tempe journalist who believes spreading awareness about the importance of sustainability should be part of every journalist’s ethical goal to seek the truth and report it. Read more articles about energy at greenlivingaz.com/energy

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GREEN KIDS

BUILDING A CULTURE OF HEALTH FOR CHILDREN BY JYL STEINBECK

ealthy students get better grades, miss fewer days of school, and behave better in class. But childhood obesity and correlating health issues are running rampant in America, and niche programs focused only on physical education or nutrition have not worked. So, how do we turn this around? By building JYL STEINBECK a culture of health with an integrated, wholechild approach that focuses on physical, mental, financial and social well-being. That’s the mission of the Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program, an integrated, sustainable curriculum that helps create healthier students, as well as healthier families. This holistic curriculum integrates information about exercise, plant-based nutrition and sustainability with techniques like stress reduction, creativity building, positive group dynamics, critical thinking, character development and community involvement. Here’s a look at one of the Hip Hop Program modules, illustrating how this approach works: The “PLANT POWER! Plant-Based Nutrition for Healthy Kids” module includes six units and bonus projects collected in a supplementary Plant Power! Workshop. • Unit 1: Let’s Eat! introduces a whole-food, plant-based approach to nutrition. • Unit 2: Fruits! focuses on fruits, giving students an easy way to experience one aspect of plant-based nutrition. • Unit 3: At the Root of It All! introduces complex carbohydrates in starchy vegetables and their role in plant-based nutrition. • Unit 4: Growlin’ for Grains! expands on the value of complex carbohydrates in a healthy diet and explores the difference between minimally processed and refined grains. • Unit 5: Make Room for Legumes! focuses on legumes and beans, nuts and seeds and the nutrients they provide. • Unit 6: Let’s Hear It for Veggies! focuses on the wide variety of vegetables that are found above ground, such as leafy greens, stems and cruciferous plants. What will each unit include? • A Plant Power! Workshop is included at the end of the module. The Workshop will feature recipes and project options students can integrate with units or work with after completing the module. • The Shop Well! Appendix provides information about USDA certification regulations for labeling meat, poultry and eggs. Why focus on a plant-based diet? A full-fledged vegan diet provides solid health benefits, and it is sustainable. Studies show that plant-based diets can help improve blood pressure, reduce the chance of heart disease, lower cholesterol, greenlivingaz.com

and even help prevent Type 2 diabetes. A plant-based diet also can contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight. In fact, a study from Loma Linda University found that, on average, people on a plant-based diet had a lower body mass index than meat eaters. Some other benefits of a plant-based diet include: • A decreased risk of cancer, even slowing the progression of certain cancer types. • The prevention or halted progression of some autoimmune diseases. • Enhanced longevity. • Increased energy. • Improved mood and mental clarity. Additionally, a United Nations study determined that animal agriculture produces 18 percent of the world’s greenhouse emissions, compared to 13.5 percent for all forms of transportation combined. Never mind the amount of water necessary to raise animals to maturity. The Hip Hop Healthy Heart curriculum also teaches sustainability through the Healthy Planet module, which includes units Think Green!, Respect and Protect!, Air Aware, Water-Wise, Power Up!, Green Thumb Gardening, and Green Health Care. This module shows students how to respect and protect our natural resources, ranging from air and water to energy-producing resources. For example, in Unit 1 the focus is on ecosystems. Students compare the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem; they observe an ecosystem and develop and observe a classroom ecosystem. This module also incorporates rhymes and movement into the curriculum, and it promotes team activities to reinforce the message that the elements of the ecosystem work in concert to remain healthy. There is a clear correlation between physical, social, and financial well-being and academic performance. The Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program’s innovative, multi-pronged approach helps solve many of the greatest problems that face today’s youth, all of which affect academic performance. Education shapes the world, and educators are in the best position to lead this revolution in the necessary lifestyle and behavioral changes of our young people. They just need the right tools. Jyl Steinbeck is the executive director of Shape Up US, creator of The Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children™ and Clap4HealthSM. She is also the author of over 15 healthy lifestyle cookbooks that have sold over 2 million copies, national spokesperson and 2011 Community Leadership Award winner for the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. Read more abour nutrition greenlivingaz.com/greenkids

October 2017 | greenliving

GREEN LIFE

MY SUSTAINABLE DECISIONS BY CIE ALLMAN-SCOTT, PH.D.

t some point as we mature, we can see that our lives are the sum of our decisions. We can play the victim or play the blame card, but eventually, we need to discern that making decisions powerfully can help us in all aspects of life. Sustainability on this planet can be achieved with better decisions. If I make a decision to aid CIE ALLMAN-SCOTT PH.D. myself today, the outcome may not serve well in the future. By focusing on outcomes, I have created a “wizard” for making decisions that will perform for any individual or organization. Personal decisions are not the same for everyone. Therefore it’s important to include all details to customize decisions. I would like to share some of my own well-performing, sustainable decisions, and some of the processes I use to decide to implement those changes. One of the best planet-friendly, money-saving, sustainable decisions I have ever made was sparked by hearing a special government-sponsored offer. I was building my home with my husband, and we heard about a discounted way to acquire photovoltaic solar electricity for our home. Living in the Phoenix area where we have more than enough sun, it was no stretch to believe we could benefit from this energy source. I know the payback for this investment is may not be as fast in other climates; but in Phoenix, if you own the home and if you can set up the panels in an advantageous position, it is more than worth it. Our system paid itself back in four years, and we have had very minimal issues with it for about ten years. We are saving many hundreds of dollars per month and only paying taxes for our electricity many months during the year. Even without the government incentive, it would have paid for itself long ago. While we were assessing solar electric, we were made aware of the benefits of solar water heating. Needless to say, with a different government subsidy, we purchased that system as well, and we now

16 greenliving | October 2017

save money every month on both. We don’t tend to use electricity to heat our water at all, so sometimes on a day that isn’t sunny, we must remember to switch on the backup electric heater, but this system was also a beneficial investment. I always consider green products, but it took me a little while to convince my husband that we needed a Toyota Prius. There is a good reason that it appears that 25 percent of the cars on the Los Angeles freeways are Priuses; I believe you might have enjoyed the joke in the movie La La Land during the freeway scene where every car was a Prius. Getting 40-50 miles per gallon of regular gasoline is an actual, realized advantage that we enjoy, and now we enjoy it twice as much, having purchased a second Prius! We were always fighting over who got to drive that car, as silly as it may sound. For us, owning is believing. When it comes to decisions, we need to be passionate, have a foundation of solid information, use some intuition, and take a stand. Indeed, we humans are creating garbage and taking up space. However, by leaving places as good or better than we find them, we can maintain or support an activity or a process over the long term. Giving our best will indeed make life worth living. In a follow-up, I will give you my keys to making individualized decisions, perfect for you; whether it’s love, money, or your health — your life is the sum of your decisions. Life is what you make it. Cie Scott, Ph.D. is the author of “Seven Rules for Decision Making, a ‘decisionmaking wizard’” in paperback. She lectures around the world to aid people in many continents to ‘keep their brains sustainable,’ as well as critical thinking and longevity. You may visit Dr. Cie at www.CieScott.com or www.JetSetPHD.com or www.TheGoddessCodePodcast.com Read more green life articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenlife

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Ahhh, the

SPAAA… BY JOJO CARAMELLO

ctober is the perfect month for indulging in a spa treatment. With the intense heat of summer behind us and fond memories of vacations that made it manageable, we are now approaching that time of year we’ve all been waiting for. The holidays are peeking out from around the corner, and it’s time to treat yourself, and maybe someone you love, to a day — or just a treatment or two — of rejuvenating spa experiences! This time of year, the refreshing scents of orange blossom, lemongrass and lavender essential oils switch to the earthy, grounding scents of clove, cinnamon, clary sage and frankincense in the treatment room. The effects of these woodsy oils uplift the spirit, heighten the senses and promote a sense of well-being in mind, body, skin and spirit. When you treat yourself to spa services such as facials, massage, acupuncture, reiki and other modalities, what you receive goes far deeper than the blissful side effects of mere relaxation. During Arizona's Spa Week from October 16-22, spas all over the Valley are offering great deals making this the perfect time to experience something different or new to you. A great facial goes far beyond hydration and “ironing out the wrinkles.” The first step in a facial is the exfoliating process. Exfoliating with enzymes, facial brushing or fruit acids gently and efficiently removes dead skin cells, improves circulation, increases cellular metabolism and brightens greenlivingaz.com

the complexion. As we age, our skin loses its ability to renew itself. Professional exfoliating treatments aid in this process and allow for greater penetration of essential oils and healing serums to repair delicate tissues. The facial massage (everyone’s favorite part in a facial!) is much more than a feelgood path to glowing skin. Facial massage encourages lymphatic drainage, which rids the body of stagnant lymph and produces fresh lymph to oxygenate the cells and flush toxins from your system. This very light manual manipulation of the skin is key to regenerating tissue, reducing puffiness around the eyes and supporting the clean, healthy function of pores. Subtle pressure on points in the face can be massaged, as in Chinese Acupuncture, to increase circulation, strengthen connective tissues, enhance muscle tone and minimize under eye circles. Other side effects of a facial may include total relaxation, a quieted mind, renewed spirit, a sense of escapism from an overly scheduled life, homeostasis and a good night’s sleep. If any of this sounds good, indulge yourself by putting your best face forward! JoJo Caramello is a Licensed Esthetician with over 20 years of experience. She works at The Tea Tree House in Old Town Scottsdale. You can reach her at (480) 421-8363 for more info. Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

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October 2017 | greenliving

GIVING BACK

VALLEYLIFE

Celebrating 70 years of sustainable living

BY BENNELL LAPORTE

ince its inception in 1947, VALLEYLIFE has sought to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities while providing an eco-conscious environment that supports living, loving and learning. Founded in the home of Mrs. Bernice Kussell as a way to address the need for the appropriate care necessary for children with developmental BENNELL LAPORTE disabilities while in Arizona state hospitals, VALLEYLIFE was birthed out of the unwavering belief that more could and should be done for this population within our community. Throughout the years, the organization has undergone a few iterations of its name, but its purpose has remained the same: work toward further integration of individuals with disabilities within our community while providing care and support services for them. As part of the organization’s commitment to its values of innovation and impact, VALLEYLIFE does its part by employing various ecoconscious initiatives. “VALLEYLIFE strives to be a good community member and neighbor by being eco-friendly,” stated Cletus Thiebeau, president and CEO of VALLEYLIFE. “Not only is being eco-friendly good for the community, it makes economic sense to VALLEYLIFE as many of the initiatives reduce our current and future expenses.” To this end, VALLEYLIFE installed solar water heaters in 16 of their group homes. They also installed solar panels on their main campus, which is estimated to save approximately $21,000.00 each year, nearly 60 percent of their primary campus electrical costs. According to Ann Polunsky, grant writer for VALLEYLIFE, “Solar panels have been installed on one of our group homes, thanks to a grant from Salt River Project. Our goal is to place solar panels on the 25 remaining homes.” With the entirety of their community utilizing recycled printers and electronics, VALLEYLIFE ensures that second-hand equipment is repurposed for a great cause. They have also created a “mini Costco” at VALLEYLIFE to deliver all medical and non-medical supplies for its community members, saving a staggering $67,000.00 in delivery costs in the inaugural year by using computers to track supplies and maintain inventories delivered to residential homes. Lastly, in an effort to bring the concept of “farm to table” to its residents, VALLEYLIFE contracts with Betsy Durkin, a nutritional coach, to work with residents on gardening and healthy eating. These therapeutic gardens – as they are affectionately called — not

18 greenliving | October 2017

Resident working in a therapeutic garden.

only provide fresh and organic produce to residents, they also aid in behaviors as well as increasing happiness and joy for those that engage in gardening activities. VALLEYLIFE is having a Legacy of Love Gala to celebrate their 70th year and to honor Debbie Gaby for her 20 years of local philanthropic support. Debbie Gaby is a successful entrepreneur, author and philanthropist, and will receive VALLEYLIFE’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The Legacy of Love Gala will be held October 7 at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel. According to Margaret Stephens-Reed, director of fund development for VALLEYLIFE, “Funds raised at the Gala will go to support the programs and individual needs of the members that are not being met by our current funding sources.” For details about the event or for more information on VALLEYLIFE and how you can get involved, visit www.valleylifeaz.org. Bennell LaPorte serves as the Manager of Corporate & Foundation Relations on the Phoenix team of Teach For America. A native New Yorker and with over ten years’ experience working with nonprofit organizations, she enjoys using her platform to write about issues pertaining to education, politics and social change. Read more giving back articles at greenlivingaz.com/givingback

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GREEN LIFE For more green fun facts, visit greenlivingaz.com/ greenfunfacts

DID YOU KNOW?

FUN GREEN FACTS Make this fall season greener with these fun green facts!

ORGANIC PRODUCTS PROMOTE GREEN LIVING

Using organic products is an excellent way to support the environment as well as healthy lifestyles; however, it is important to assure that these natural green products are ethically produced and sustainable. Often many organic products sold are not actually organic, and the ingredients in the product do not comply with the eco-friendly certification standards. Be on the lookout for the farming practices as well as the use of pesticides, synthesis, animal testing and make sure all the ingredients in their product line are natural, clean and in compliance with green living.

BENEFITS OF HONEY

A natural miracle worker when it comes to skin is honey. Honey, generally used as a sweetener has numerous health benefits for the body and the skin. One can combat aging and bacteria with the use of honey. Use raw honey that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been pasteurized or heat treated because it contains enzymes and active phytonutrient antioxidants that aid with acne, unclogging pores, aging, boosting complexion, and healing.

HEALTHY GREEN SPAS

Green spas are the way to go because they protect the environment as well as promote health benefits for you. These spas are naturally healthy because they eliminate toxins from skincare products and are also environmentally friendly, thus ensuring long-term health without the damage. These spas are aligned with the rhythms of nature and the human body creating the perfect balance of health and revitalization.

SLEEPING ORGANICALLY IS HEALTHIER

The number one thing to change when detoxifying your home is replacing your mattress. It is estimated that adults spend about 25% of their lives sleeping on a mattress. Ordinary mattresses are made of petrochemicals, plastics, vinyl, flame retardant chemicals and styrene. The concoction of these chemicals has been linked to numerous health problems such as respiratory irritation and cancer. Look for untreated organic wool that is naturally resistant to flame, mildew, and dust mite. Your mattress should also be 100% natural latex or organic cotton which is untreated without pesticides.

greenlivingaz.com

OUTSIDE AIR VERSUS INDOOR AIR

Recent scientific evidence provides that indoor air could be more polluted than the outdoor air quality. The effects of indoor air pollution could be cause for great concern as research indicates that people spend 90% of their time indoors and the longer the exposure, the greater the susceptibility to health risks related to respiratory and cardiovascular systems in the young and elderly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a booklet that can help you reduce the levels of indoor air pollution in your home.

GLASS REDUCES CLIMATE CHANGE

Choose glass over plastic not only for aesthetic purposes but also for health and sustainability. Glass reduces climate change, saves energy, and preserves natural resources. It is fully recyclable, and glass uses less energy to recycle in comparison to plastic and other materials. Construction companies also rely on glass for architecture because glass provides natural lighting for buildings and enhances living conditions.

October 2017 | greenliving

LEADERSHIP

A SIMPLE BREATH CAN CHANGE

YOUR PERSPECTIVE BY DR. ILYNE KOBRIN URBANOVICH, D.C.

n times of crisis, people band together. Our inherent goodness rises to the surface. As we join with one purpose and help one another, our community strengthens and our burdens lighten. Growing up in the inner city of New York, I remember sweltering summer blackouts and vicious winter snow storms. I remember strangers sharing DR. ILYNE KOBRIN candles and shovels, loving and caring for URBANOVICH, D.C. one another. Amid every hardship I have witnessed, the community has been the hero of the story. Are we changed in times of crises? Does something “click” within us, carrying us to a different and better place? Some events change you forever, creating a paradigm shift in how you see the world around you. It creates a change in how you live your life, replacing the old with something new. It doesn’t always take a crisis to make that change; sometimes it’s something so subtle you don’t even recognize it. Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Nothing changes until something changes. As a motivational speaker and educator teaching self-awareness for personal and professional growth and development, I teach people how to look inward for change and use mindfulness as the vehicle for that change. Mindfulness is the state of being present where you are and with what you are doing. It is listening to yourself and others, without judgment. It is avoiding overreacting to what is happening around you as well as abstaining from re-living the past and preliving the future. Mindfulness is the vehicle you can use to begin living a less stressful, happier and more abundant existence. This is the way to live a life of grace and gratitude. With a subtle shift, you can begin living consciously, moving from the habitual toward the purposeful. You can start to live and act with conviction, attracting people who are following the same path. You form your tribe, your village, your community. Together you grow, fostering new ideas and visions, lightening each other’s burdens and pulling each other’s creativity to the surface. You dig below the noise to see the potential in yourself and those around you. Mindfulness starts with recognizing your abundance of gifts, beginning with the gift of breath — a truly remarkable gift you are given from the moment of your birth. It is a simple gift for which

20 greenliving | October 2017

you likely give no gratitude and whose power you fail to recognize. Each second of each day you breathe unconsciously, without giving it a thought. But breath is truly fascinating. It is the only function your body can perform both unconsciously and consciously. Conscious, intentional breath is your first lesson on your journey of mindfulness. This simple formula will guide you through: 1. Find a comfortable place to sit. 2. With your eyes lightly closed, breathe normally, listening to your unconscious breath. 3. Begin to intentionally deepen your breath as you inhale deeply through the nose, filling your chest, your ribs, your belly. Hold the breath inside for just a second before fully exhaling, also through the nose if it’s available to you 4. If nose breathing is not attainable, begin by breathing with your mouth slightly open. This is your conscious breath. 5. Attempt to repeat your conscious breath sequence five or more times as you clear your mind and listen to your breath. 6. Thoughts will come. Let them pass through your consciousness without judging them as good or bad. Accepting them as they are and release them as you focus on the breath. (It sounds simple, but we are so used to constant stimulation that silencing our mind can be challenging.) Mindfulness through breath-consciousness leads you to look inward, creating a paradigm shift that alters your focus. Practice gratitude for the little things. Open your mind and your heart to attract goodness and creativity. Form your tribe, your village, and your community. Live a life of greater abundance, one of happiness and joy. Live the life on which you focus. Dr. Ilyne Kobrin Urbanovich, D.C. (Dr. Kobrin) is a motivational speaker, educator and creator of Body Messaging (www.bodymessaging.com). A doctor of chiropractic for more than 25 years, she is certified in clinical neurology and acupuncture. Dr. Kobrin is the CEO of Posture Docs LLC, the patented inventor of a posture support, Back Bean (www.backbean.com) and a certified yoga instructor. She welcomes comments and questions at DrKobrin@ bodymessaging.com. Read more leadership articles at greenlivingaz.com/leadership

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October 2017 | greenliving

BUSINESS

STRESS WORKPLACE

DEALING WITH IN THE BY PETER GOLD

f Monday morning is your least favorite time of the week, you are not alone. More often than not, we find that our workplace is a site of stress and anxiety. We are in search of the “perfect” job where we’ll feel appreciated and love what we do. We’ve heard about those mythical places, seen the pictures, read about the awards. What is their secret, and how can PETER GOLD you be a part of that magical place? There are three things you can start doing today to impact the amount of stress you experience in the workplace. Moreover, when applied actively, it will reduce the amount of stress you feel in all aspects of your life. The first and foremost thing is MINDSET. Ever wonder why this word appears in every article about business, sports and wellness? It is the key to all behavioral outcomes. Mindset is what determines how you will perceive a situation, respond to it, and the impact you will have on those around you. If you want to enjoy your workplace, be successful and thrive, you must commit to a mindset of success and enjoyment. Top athletes will tell you that they spend hours imagining taking the winning shot, racing the fastest marathon, or hitting a hole-in-one thousands of times in their head before they do it live. They know the sounds, the feel, the taste of the air. In their minds, they have already won the game, the medal, the tournament. In business, you must believe you are part of the best company. You need to love what you do, whom you work with, and the purpose of your firm every day before you get there for that vision to come to life.

22 greenliving | October 2017

Next is GRATITUDE. You can’t feel appreciated by others until you start giving back. When was the last time you said, “Please,” and, “Thank you,” looking someone in the eyes and with genuine intention? How often are you doing something for someone on your team or another team? Practicing gratitude will create a culture of kindness and caring that will pay you back in dividends. Before you know it, you will feel that level of appreciation that you have been craving in your work. Remarkably, this will translate outside of work as well. Finally, READ. Learn something new each day so that you feel you are growing and developing. Then share something new with someone else. We get stressed when we feel stifled and stale. It is up to you to take control and fix this. You are now empowering yourself to do new things and help others to do the same. Before you know it, you will have contributed to create a dynamic, thriving and engaging workplace that others will want to join. And guess what? You’ll look forward to Monday mornings so that you can contribute even more. Peter Gold is an innovative pioneer dedicated in his relentless drive to teach those around him how to empower themselves to exceed their goals and dreams. After more than a decade as a professional basketball player, Peter left the sport to begin his second career as a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Future Stars, a company he founded and sold, and as the CEO at PowerVision. He spends most of his time focused on taking clients through intensive PowerSessions, leading Executive Coaching Sessions, and inspiring audiences with his motivational Keynote and Team Building sessions. Read more business articles at greenlivingaz.com/business

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October 2017 | greenliving

LEADERSHIP

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

PHOENIX GREEN BUSINESS LEADER PROGRAM RECOGNIZES

BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY F BY SUZANNE PICKETT MARTINSON • PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANNON FINN

or the City of Phoenix, sustainability is more than a buzzword. It is an integral part of the city’s goal to address waste diversion and management in the public and private sectors through its Reimagine Phoenix Initiative. Under the direction of the Public Works Department, the Reimagine Phoenix Initiative calls for a 40 percent waste diversion SUZANNE PICKETT rate by the year 2020. From that initiative, MARTINSON the Phoenix Green Business Leader Program was formed to recognize the business community for its voluntary environmental commitment and to provide awareness, education and support to participating businesses. “There’s great value in working hand-in-hand with our local businesses,” said Ginger Spencer, City of Phoenix Public Works Director. “Educating businesses and their employees to recycle right and join the movement to reach our sustainability goals will help the entire community.” Membership in the Phoenix Green Business Leader Program is open to any Phoenix-based business, whether it has an established recycling program or is at the threshold of inception. After completing an online application, the City of Phoenix Public Works’ Zero Waste Team will conduct a site visit to review the company’s existing recycling program or provide tools to implement effective sustainability practices. Once approved, follow-up evaluations are scheduled at three-, six- and twelve-month intervals, and the Zero Waste Team will provide ongoing education, resources, marketing and social media support. Although participating in the program is free of charge, businesses are required to contract hauling or landfill recycling services through a third party. In less than a year since its inception, the Phoenix Green Business Leader Program includes 33 Phoenix businesses that voluntarily recycle and manage waste. “There are so many businesses that go out of their way to show they care and do the right thing for the environment, even though they don’t have to,” said Alexis Yaple, Zero Waste specialist. “The types of participating businesses are broad, from small individually owned studios to law firms to restaurants and grocery stores to trucking companies and everything in between. They all inspire other businesses; they lead by example.” The first business to join the Phoenix Green Business Leader

24 greenliving | October 2017

Program was Local First AZ, a nonprofit organization that supports 3,000 independent locally owned businesses throughout the state. Helene Tack, program development director for Local First AZ, wholeheartedly embraces the efforts that the City of Phoenix has championed through the Phoenix Green Business Leader Program, noting that the program provides recognition to businesses that “do good for their company, clients and community. It’s a point of pride knowing that everyday efforts are recognized and appreciated.” Lori Harlig, co-owner of Amici Catering, agrees that the program offers a positive environment for all businesses seeking to embrace sustainability as a natural part of their operations. “There is no shame. Do what you can and grow from there. It’s not hard; it just needs to become a habit.” As part of its sustainability efforts, Amici provides clients with a “trash ambassador” at events to help guests appropriately dispose of their compostable plates, napkins, utensils and cups. Amici also works with another program participant, Recycled City, a commercial and residential composter, which donates its composted soil to community gardens. Harlig believes that if individuals and businesses “just make sustainability a part of their culture, our kids and future generations won’t know any different. It will just be what we do.” Join Green Living AZ magazine and the City of Phoenix Green Business Leader Program for the magazine’s October Issue launch party at The Farm at South Mountain, a Phoenix Green Business Leader, on Thursday, October 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to recognize the sustainable efforts of participating Phoenix Green Business Leaders. For more information, visit www.greenlivingaz.com or call (480) 840-1589. Arizona native Suzanne Pickett Martinson is an author, freelance writer and educator. Suzanne, her husband John and their two children are living green in Paradise Valley. Phoenix Green Business Leader Program www.phoenix.gov/greenbusiness Green Living AZ Magazine www.greenlivingaz.com Local First AZ www.localfirstaz.com

Amici Catering www.amici.catering Recycled City www.recycledcity.com The Farm at South Mountain www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com

Read more leadership articles at greenlivingaz.com/leadership

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26 greenliving | October 2017

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION

ERIC SOPHIEA

IS THE 2017 COX CONSERVES HERO BY BECCA BOBER

hat do a communications company, a public land trust, a desert aquarium and an outdoor enthusiast have in common? It turns out, more than you’d think. The four unlikely partners came together recently at the 2017 Cox Conserves Heroes awards ceremony held at the Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art in Tucson, Arizona. Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. Although the Cox conglomerate has a wide variety of operations around the country, the company takes corporate responsibility seriously. Cox Enterprises has seven zero waste to landfill locations, including Cox Communications in Phoenix. The Cox Conserves program partners locally at its locations to create eco-friendly initiatives that are good for the environment, businesses and community. “Through Cox Conserves, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment,” Cox Enterprises Senior Vice President Lacey Lewis said in a statement. “This means finding every possible way to recycle, reuse and repurpose materials at our locations.” One of these local partnerships is the Cox Conserves Heroes program, which is a joint effort between Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land. The program has donated nearly $800,000.00 to environmental nonprofits and has honored nearly 200 volunteers over the last ten years. OdySea Aquarium, the country’s newest aquarium based in Scottsdale, Arizona, was the local sponsor for the 2017 awards ceremony. "OdySea is proud to partner with Cox Communications and their Cox Conserves Heroes program," said Ran Knishinsky, managing member of OdySea. "This partnership is a natural fit for both our organizations as it promotes conservation and community stewardship, a pillar here at OdySea." So how did Eric Sophiea, the founder of the Climbing Association of Southern Arizona (CASA), manage to win a $10,000.00 donation to his nonprofit of choice? Cox Conserves chose three finalists from the list of nominees and used a public voting process to select the winner. All three finalists stood out in their exceptional community efforts, but Sophiea rose above the others by creatively engaging his supporters at a voting kiosk strategically placed within a Tucson climbing gym. “We’re grateful to Rocks and Ropes [climbing gym] for letting us put an iPad voting station in the gym to make easier for climbers to look at the Cox Conserves nominees and cast a vote for one,” said Sophiea about his success. He pointed out that the gym is not just a place to practice climbing — it is a way for the community to connect and share information. Sophiea founded CASA in January 2015 to provide support for climbers who wanted to give back to the community and the places they use. CASA has several initiatives, but it also helps other climbers bring their own projects to life. The organization exists to empower and support climbers in their efforts to give back. greenlivingaz.com

Above far left: CASA volunteers headed out to make the trail more beautiful. Below far left: Before and after clean up. Left: CASA volunteers hauling rocks. Above: Winner Eric Sophiea (center) displaying his donation to CASA.

Out of the many things that CASA does, Sophiea says there are three that he is most proud of. “Our stewardship program is out of its league! We get 40-50 people at every single volunteer event. It’s a testament that climbers really want to take care of the places they use. Our Youth Stewardship Day engages youths who are non-climbers and gives them a chance to get out to Mt. Lemmon, do some stewardship, and then earn a pass to climb at Rocks and Ropes,” Sophiea said about two of his favorites. Another of Sophiea’s favorite programs is the anthology of local climbers, which is a collection of stories from climbers of all ages and skill levels. The second anthology is scheduled for publication on December 7. In February 2018, CASA is hosting the No Man’s Land film festival that features female outdoor adventure athletes. Those interested in attending a volunteer event with CASA can find more information about upcoming events and programs on the organization’s website. Becca Bober has an MBA with an emphasis on sustainability leadership. She has directed a number of corporate sustainability projects and currently produces educational content for online learning systems. She lives in Carefree, Arizona. Read more about corporate social responsibility at greenlivingaz.com/csr

October 2017 | greenliving

WILDLIFE

APPRECIATING ANIMALS IN AFRICA

ETHICALLY H

BY MELISSA FOLEY

aving built a business advocating for socially and environmentally responsible travel practices for African Safari Operators and tourists, I’ve always struggled with the mass commercialization of the industry and the impact it has on the animals. Crowded national parks are filled with endless safari MELISSA FOLEY vehicles hoping for that iconic moment of a curious cheetah poking its head in the canvas roof of a safari vehicle. Even more damaging is the multitude of companies who have created enticing animal encounter experiences, exploiting already vulnerable species for human entertainment. Most people possess a natural wonder and fascination of wild animals. Tourists with the best of intentions and passion for interacting with wild animals have widely been exploited on a global level. Well-meaning tourists and even volunteers inadvertently do far more harm than good on a very scalable impact. Visitors and volunteers looking for a day, week or even month to do good and support so-called “sanctuaries” think they are helping these “orphaned” animals by playing and bottle feeding as part of their alleged rehabilitation process. Clever marketing — and a good story that people want to believe to justify the thrill of cuddling with a lion cub — once again overshadows common sense. This is not natural, and it is actually supporting a horrific industry, not unlike those of Tiger Temples in Thailand or elephant riding anywhere in the world. With that being said, having been actively involved with various non-governmental organizations and social enterprise projects, I have seen the viable and necessary economic benefits of tourism, supporting hundreds of thousands of families throughout safari destination countries across Africa. Recently, I traveled to a fantastic Game Reserve just four hours outside of Cape Town with Elela Africa. They truly go above and beyond to create one of the most unique and intimate custom safari packages, specifically for those looking for a more adventurous and responsible experience. Elela Africa focuses on boutique Eco Safari offerings throughout South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, with a primary focus of engaging guests on a deeper level and connecting to nature. These incredible journeys give special insight into the logistical and fascinating moving pieces of how these game reserves are managed.

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Elela Africa properly cooperates with universally recognized standards and a regulated industry, including animal auctions for relocation strategies and species-specific DNA management, ensuring long-term sustainability. The Eco Camp is the “little sister” of their larger luxury upmarket lodge which generates the necessary revenues to support the project. The Eco Camp’s luxury glamping experience will give you all the creature comforts you need to feel relaxed and pampered, without losing a rustic and authentic bush perspective. The journeys vary dependent on research data. Most mornings begin with the radio, and GPS tracking of the lion prides to verify all is well and monitor migratory patterns. You track the elephants and buffalo and have the most awe-inspiring encounters with the white rhinos and the dedicated rangers who protect them. You check motion cameras to review herd and predator activity and visit the marshland for species analysis. You will also learn about the incredible technologies and creative resources they utilize to address the needs of the animals with the least intrusive approach, such as using paintball guns to administer topical medicine. Mainstream commercial safaris understandably focus on the excitement of the Big Five animals (African elephants, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lions and African leopards). However, Elela Africa allows you to truly understand the symbiotic connection of an entire ecosystem and the important role each of us holds to contribute to its sustainability. The team at Elela Africa is one example of the businesses within the safari industry that can responsibly satisfy the curiosity of nature. You can easily become an advocate by using the power of your wallet to support only African holiday safaris that have the least impact on the natural resources and wildlife. For more information, please visit www.elelaafrica.com. Melissa Foley has lived abroad for several years consulting for various NGO’s in Greece, India, Cambodia, Thailand and Tanzania. Primarily focused on women’s health, education, advocacy and wildlife conservation she has developed and implemented sustainable outreach programs integrating responsible tourism and voluntourism with local community development. For more articles about wildlife visit greenlivingaz.com/wildlife

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October 2017 | greenliving

TRAVEL

GLAMPING

WILD LUXURY FOR MODERN-DAY CAMPERS BY LISA RACZ

Grand Canyon Under Canvas interior. (inset exterior). Photo by The Nomadic People.

rizona provides desirable weather nearly year round. The beautiful colored desert landscapes and the northern forest foliage make being outdoors and taking “staycations” a happening thing for those who want to step away from the hustle and bustle of city life and commune with nature. “Glamping” (glamorous camping) takes camping to a new level. The enthusiastic camper can enjoy the outdoors with a bit more style, packing resort-style amenities within a wooden Yurt or canvas safaristyle tent. Glampers experience the best of the remote wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Arizona provides several “glamp” sites to choose from, depending on where you want to go for the weekend. Some offer clear sky ceilings for star gazing, electricity, compost toilets and running water, along with a comfy bed to fall into after a long hike or a day of fishing — after a luxurious heated shower, of course. If the outdoors have been calling your name, but you’re not ready to “rough it” in the wilderness, then give glamping a try at one of Arizona’s top-rated “glamp grounds” for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Here are just six glamping retreats around Arizona.

Glamping in the Jaguar Camp Tent at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary offers an outdoor adventure with resort-style comforts and gourmet outdoor dining. Raven’s Nest is located in southeastern Arizona in Patagonia, Arizona, by Patagonia lake. For more information call (520) 519-9966 or visit www.patagoniaaz.com/safari-eco-lodge. For driving directions, visit www.patagoniaaz.com/how-to-get-here.

Check into a canvas tent filled with luxurious amenities but surrounded by wilderness at Grand Canyon Under Canvas. Located along historic Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, and sitting at the base of Bill Williams Mountain, you’ll be just a stone’s throw from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. For more information on Grand Canyon Under Canvas, call (928) 248-8808 or visit www. undercanvas.com.

Cochise Stronghold Retreat is located in Cochise Stronghold Canyon along the Dragoon Mountains just outside of Pearce, Arizona. Enjoy the sounds and sights of nature in a Yurt nestled among the oak and juniper trees, with amenities that include an outdoor shower and hot tub along with outdoor cooking for that campfire experience. For more information, call (520) 826-4141 or visit www. cochisestrongholdretreat.com/woodlands-yurt.

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Dining under the stars at Raven's Nest Catclaw Lounge. Photos by Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary.

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Above: Outdoor secluded solar shower made from bottles. Photo by Cochise Stronghold Retreat. Top right: Boat-style glamping at Shady Dell. Photo by The Shady Dell. Middle right: Interior cooking area and bunk beds at Jump Up Cabin. Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest. Bottom right: Restored sheepherder covered wagon. Photo courtesy Sash Dine’ Eco-Retreat.

Glamping was originally achieved by parking a camper in the wilderness with some or all of the amenities you would find at home. At Shady Dell, all the trailers — and even a 1947 yacht with sleeping quarters — are all vintage, like stepping back in time while enjoying the outdoors in a campground setting. If you don’t want to cook in your private kitchen, Dot’s Diner is located right on site. The Shady Dell is located on 1 Old Douglas Road in Bisbee, Arizona. For more information, call (520) 432-3567 or visit www.theshadydell.com. The peaceful Shash Dine’ Eco-Retreat is located on Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. The Bed & Breakfast has been built to accommodate guests year-round, providing a unique Navajo cultural experience. Traditional Navajo hogans, bell tents, restored sheepherder covered wagons, or cabins are all equipped with comfortable bedding, drinking and bathing water, and lanterns. Sit around the large fire pit for cooking storytelling at night. While there, visit the Shash Dine’ ranch to experience traditional Navajo ranching. For more information, call (928) 640-3701 or visit www.shashdine.com If you’re interested in outdoor luxury but not quite ready to give up the traditions of camping, then try out Historical Jump Up Cabin located in the northwestern part of Arizona at the trailhead of Ranger Trail #41. You will enjoy comfortable bunk-style bedding, a kitchen area with a wood-burning stove, the indoor eating area along with outdoor picnic tables, and a fire pit to cook your campfire meals and roast marshmallows. The mornings are active with wildlife, a perfect time for a fun, casual hiking right out the cabin door through the Kanab Creek Wilderness. There is no running water and no firewood provided, so you will need to bring your own. For more information and directions, visit www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab or visit www. azbackcountryadventures.com/jump. For reservations, call (877) 444-6777. For more information on where to go glamping in all of North America, visit www.glamping.com/destinations/north-america. For Arizona glamping, visit www.glampinggetaway.com/region/arizona-az. For global glamping, visit www. glampinghub.com.. Lisa Racz is an award-winning journalist who has lived in Arizona since 1972. She hopes to inspire the public with her writings and strives to illuminate the minds of her readers. She is also fascinated with writing children’s books. Find more travel destinations at greenlivingaz.com/travel

greenlivingaz.com

October 2017 | greenliving

TRAVEL

AJO: A LITTLE-KNOWN CORNER OF THE SONORAN DESERT BY ROSEMARY PRAWDZIK

Cactus Plants and Wildflowers at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Photo by Jeff Hollett Creative Commons.

hen planning a weekend escape, it is doubtful many consider the small town of Ajo in southwestern Arizona. Once a copper-mining boomtown, Ajo is situated among lava outcrops and saguaros in an isolated portion of the Sonoran Desert, just 40 miles north of the Mexican border. What makes Ajo unique and worth considering for a weekend escape, not just as a pass-through on the way to Mexico’s beaches, are the three nature preserves located nearby: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve in Sonora, Mexico. Two of these reserves, Organ Pipe and El Pinacate, have the additional cache of having been granted UNESCO World Heritage designations, regions recognized internationally for their cultural, historical or scientific significance. Each reserve represents its own ecological niche and is well worth visiting. The Cabeza Prieta visitor’s center sits on the northern edge of Ajo where visitors gain a glimpse of the refuge’s vast expanses. The Cabeza Prieta Wilderness spans over 800,000 acres of remote, spartan Sonoran Desert landscape. Rugged mountains and broad desert valleys, dotted with sand dunes and lava flows, dominate the region.

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It is the primary captive breeding facility for the Sonoran Pronghorn, a unique subspecies native only to this region. Through the collaborative efforts of 22 organizations, the population has made a strong recovery — from its low point of 21 animals in 2002 to a population that now stands at about 1,350 animals. Pronghorn are shy and unlikely to be seen along roadways, contrary to their counterparts inhabiting North America’s prairie grasslands. There are no paved roads in the refuge. Therefore the best way to experience Cabeza Prieta’s stark majesty is on foot via hiking trails. Registration and an entrance permit are required. Organ Pipe is just 20 minutes from Ajo and the only place in the United States where Organ Pipe cactus grow in the wild. Second in height only to saguaros, these cacti can reach a height of 23 feet. Several gravel roads make touring the reserve’s bounty possible. The shortest and most popular route is the 21-mile Ajo Mountain Road which does not require high-vehicle clearance. The Sonoran Desert is known as the “lushest desert on earth” because of the rich complexity of its varied ecosystems, especially its flora. This region represents the furthest point north in which the greenlivingaz.com

Cabeza Prieta Refuge . Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters.

El Pinacate. Photo by Kyle Magnuson Creative Commons

tropical plant and animal species of the southern Sonoran Desert grow. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument seeks to preserve an entirely intact Sonoran Desert Ecosystem. Organ Pipe is the only place within the U.S. where many of the tropical desert species can be seen. When visiting, be sure to check out the displays of native tropical plants, amphibians, and fish located at the visitor center. About 45 minutes south of Ajo, across the border into Mexico, is El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, an arid landscape distinctly different from the desert country surrounding it. Within its boundaries, the reserve incorporates two distinctive and unique regions. The landscape of the eastern portion is striking, composed of hardened black and red lava flows of the Pinacate Shield and ten deep and almost perfectly circular Maar craters, created by explosive blasts of steam. In fact, the area was utilized by astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, in the 1960s to prepare for their moon landing. The western portion of the reserve showcases the ever-shifting giant sand dunes of the Gran Altar Desert. The region represents North America’s largest sand dune field and the only area of active erg dunes, some reaching heights of more than 650 feet. There are two entrances into the reserve, both off Hwy 8, about about midway between Sonoyta and Rocky Point. The southern entrance traverses four miles west to the Schuk Toak (sacred mountain) visitor’s center passing by the 300-million-year-old Sierra Blanca granite mountains. Entry fees are collected here for access to both areas of the reserve. The northern entrance accesses the gravel vehicle route, which winds its way through the volcano field’s desert flora and lava flows, past cinder cones and on to the reserve’s towering craters, including El Elegante, which is 820 feet deep and almost a mile across. Four-wheel greenlivingaz.com

drive is not necessary, but vehicles do need to register before entering the reserve. While the town of Ajo cannot boast of any four- or five-star resorts, it does offer a selection of modest motels, RV and camping facilities. Most are family owned. The same can be said for the local eateries offering burgers and sandwiches and Mexican specialties. Before visiting any of these preserves, be prepared. Trip planning advice and safety regulations are available on these websites: • https://www.fws.gov/refuge/cabeza_prieta/ • https://www.nps.gov/orpi/index.htm • http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1410 • http://www.ajochamber.com/ Rosemary Jane Prawdzik is a marketing and public relations consultant and freelance writer and editor living in Tucson. She has a degree in Communications from Miami University and has been published in several regional publications. She is currently working on her first book. Find more travel destinations at greenlivingaz.com/travel

October 2017 | greenliving

ANIMALS

HOW ARIZONA BACKYARD BEEKEEPERS ARE

REHABILITATING AFRICANIZED HIVES BY CRICKET ALDRIDGE

fricanized Honeybees (AHB) have not always been in Arizona. It has only been since the 1990s that they entered the scene in the southern United States. Since 1957, when scientists in Brazil brought African bees over to help their honey production, these highly aggressive bees have traveled north at a rate of 200 miles per year, mating with European Honeybees. It is estimated that 100 percent of the feral honeybees in Arizona are now Africanized. Compared with European bees, Africanized bees are: • More defensive around their hives. • Faster at responding to perceived enemies. • More likely to respond in group attacks. • Likely to pursue a source of disturbance for up to a kilometer. No wonder people call exterminators when they see bees on their property -- it’s hard to blame them when you see these facts. But there is a better choice that actually benefits bees and our neighbors. Most people don’t know that backyard beekeepers can rehabilitate an entire colony of Africanized bees. Surprisingly, the cost of removing versus exterminating is about the same, as well. Beekeepers can be called out to remove hives from inside walls, floors, and anything bees have called home. The comb, which contains brood (eggs and larvae), pollen and honey, is removed and placed in frames that fit into a hive. Then the bees are vacuumed carefully and placed in the hive, or the queen is placed in the hive so that her pheromone attracts the rest of the colony. Beekeepers want these colonies. They are healthy and have already established comb, which has a very high value for a hive since it takes an enormous amount energy and food for bees to produce wax. Once the bees are removed to the beekeeper’s property, the next step is to begin rehabilitation by requeening the hive. This means replacing the old queen with a newly-mated European queen. This single act changes everything in a honeybee colony because the queen is the

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only source of new bees. European bees look identical to Africanized bees but are much more docile. Queens mated by feral bees in Arizona will likely produce an Africanized colony. That is why Arizona backyard beekeepers order their queens from places that do not have Africanized bees. A queen bee mates only one time in her life. She takes a mating flight once she hatches and will mate with several drones on that flight. Once back in her hive, she will remain there for the rest of her life, laying approximately 1,500 eggs every single day. The average lifespan of a worker bee is about six weeks. Add to that the 21 days it takes for the already laid eggs to emerge as adults, and that is how long it will take for a hive to be completely reformed into a docile European Honeybee colony once the new queen arrives and begins laying eggs. What this means to the beekeeper is that he can manage his hive more easily. What it means to the neighbors, is that the bees flying around their gardens and drinking from their pools are not likely to attack. It also means that the gene pool of drones entering the mating sphere is going to be less Africanized. The cost of requeening a hive is about $35.00 and must be done at least every year to maintain a docile hive. Every hive that a beekeeper is called to rescue must also be requeened, which can become quite a limiting factor for beekeepers. The Arizona Honeybee Festival is donating a portion of their proceeds to help backyard beekeepers with this cost. We feel it is a worthwhile effort that impacts everyone in our community. Beekeepers can positively change the course of Africanized Honeybee colonies in Arizona through rehabilitation and responsible hive maintenance. Cricket Aldridge is a Master Gardener and Backyard Beekeeper in Phoenix, AZ. She writes a blog called GardenVariety.Life where she shares homesteading skills from a suburban desert perspective. She is also the organizer of the first annual Arizona Honeybee Festival, taking place November 18 in downtown Phoenix.

greenlivingaz.com

ARTS AND EDUCATION Far right: Sand sclupture by Ray Villafane in March 2017 in Carefree. Below: Carved pumpkin. Photos www.facebook.com/VillafaneStudios

The Amazing World of

VILLAFANE BY KAMILLA GRAHAM

all is in the air, even here in Arizona! We may not have leaves to rake in the yard, but we do have perfect weather. There are plenty of things to do to get outside to enjoy the changing of the seasons, and one of the most interesting is the Carefree Enchanted Pumpkin Garden. The garden is filled with pumpkin sculptures; some are whimsical and funny, others are spooky, all are fantastic. The artist behind this project is master pumpkin carver and local sculpture artist Ray Villafane. Villafane an internationally acclaimed sculptor. His studio, Villafane Studios, creates elaborate sculptures from gourds in addition to toys and sand sculptures. I got a chance to catch up with Villafane to talk about the garden, his influences, his projects and the process. Villafane graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 1991. After graduation, he taught art to grade school students in Michigan and remembers watching his first class of kindergarteners graduate. He enjoys sharing his passion for creating art with children even now by teaching classes, including a Pumpkin Carving class through the YMCA. In 2004, he began sculpting collectible and action figures for both Marvel and DC comics. Villafane carved pumpkins as a hobby for years and was invited to participate in the Food Network’s Outrageous Pumpkin competition in 2007. He won the grand prize that year as well as in 2009 and 2010. Shortly after that, he was invited to Italy to participate in a sand sculpting exhibit. Soon, he was creating sand sculptures all over the world. greenlivingaz.com

He moved to Arizona with his family, opened his studio, and began the Carefree Enchanted Pumpkin Garden. This year he will be live, carving a pumpkin while surrounded by guests. “I like a live performance,” said Villafane. “It has high energy.” The art and the carvings are fun for all ages, and he is proud that this is the best pumpkin display in the world. There is planning, but he does admit to allowing for the pumpkins, the lean or shape, to influence what is carved. Since pumpkins are natural and living things, the variety of shapes and colors is part of the magic of the process. When asked how the pumpkins fare during the nine days of the event, he informed me that they have ten pumpkins that are “pickled” for preservation — the studio has created life-like cactus sculptures in which they have displayed several of the pumpkin carvings preserved in vinegar. Villafane is no stranger to art with a short lifespan. His sand sculptures constitute another such transient medium. He recounted a time in Italy where it began to storm after a project was finished. There was no cover or tent over the sculpture, so they watched it get washed away by the wind and rain. Villafane is not phased by this kind of natural destruction. “Creation is fun,” he explained. “Because it is temporary, it enhances the experience. Taking photos is the end of the process for me.” Kamilla Graham is an Arizona native and avid NPR listener who enjoys rediscovering the world with her kids and husband. Read more arts and entertainment articles at greenlivingaz.com/artsentertainment

October 2017 | greenliving

GREEN THUMB

Dig In at the 2017 Master Gardeners' ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & PLANT SALE BY JANET SCHWAPPACH

sk any gardener what’s growing in their garden and you’re bound to learn something new, whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced Master Gardener. Gardeners universally share a passion for lifelong learning. Who else but a gardener would lovingly plant and care for a tiny seed, then nurture it into a full-grown plant...before agonizing over its untimely death? Who else but a gardener would plant that same seed again and change it up ever so slightly to see if they could succeed this time? This dedication is why the annual Fall Festival & Plant Sale is a gardener’s delight. Co-sponsored by the Maricopa County Master Gardeners and Metro Tech High School’s horticulture students, the event brings together lifelong learners with plants and plant-related education and goods. It’s also an excellent way to join a community of gardeners to celebrate summer’s end and the beginning of our prime planting season. The event takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, at Metro Tech High School. The high school is located at 1900 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix. The Fall Festival & Plant Sale features a variety of low desert plants. Some of their plants are then donated and sold to the public at very reasonable prices. All proceeds of the plant sales go the Master Gardener Program and Metro Tech High School. As trained and certified volunteer representatives of the University of Arizona, Maricopa County Master Gardeners have a singular mission: to educate the public on the best gardening and landscaping practices for the low desert. To that end, Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide free advice and expertise on plant problems and diagnoses. They will also present free mini-classes on a variety of plant-related topics.

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Other activities include the crowd-favorite rummage sale featuring used home goods at giveaway prices, as well as garden-related vendors, prize drawings, and other activities run by the school’s student clubs. As always, if you cannot make it to the Fall Festival & Plant Sale, Maricopa County Master Gardeners staff a free help desk that provides the public with answers to their plant and gardening questions. You can reach the Help Desk at MaricopaCountyPlantHotline@gmail.com or (602) 827-8201. They also host free plant clinics each month where extension agents and staff present a topic and help diagnose plant issues, as well as monthly classes offered through the Master Gardener’s Desert Institute of Gardening (DIG) program for a small fee. Free public seminars at the Maricopa County Home & Garden shows also take place throughout the year. For more information, drop by the Maricopa County Master Gardener office anytime at Maricopa County Cooperative Extension (MCCE) at 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix, to learn of events and training classes available or to get free publications. Or visit their website at www.extension.arizona.edu/maricopamg. A certified Maricopa County Master Gardener since 2012, Janet Schwappach enjoys helping people with questions about plants and gardening. Janet also volunteers at the Ask a Gardener station at the Desert Botanical Garden. A recovering Minnesotan, Janet has finally learned how to appreciate and tame the desert we live in. She now counts native plants among her favorites, and delights in growing veggies in straw bales. Find more green thumb articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

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RECIPES

STUFFED ARTICHOKES,

ITALIAN STYLE

WITH FRAGRANT olive oil, crumbly parmesan and breadcrumbs adding texture, this traditional Italian appetizer is not one you will likely forget! Recipe courtesy Cathy Bua

INGREDIENTS: • 2 medium-sized artichokes • 1 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 3 medium garlic cloves, minced • Juice of 1/2 lemon • Olive oil • Garlic salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut stems from artichoke and discard. 2. With artichoke upside-down pound it on cutting board to spread leaves. 3. Mix crumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, salt and pepper together. 4. Push leaves open and drizzle breadcrumb mixture between leaves. 5. Squeeze 1/2 lemon juice and drizzle over stuffed artichoke followed by a drizzle of olive oil. 6. Add water for steaming (approx. 1 cup) in pot and place artichokes standing up. 7. Place on medium to low hot burner and let steam for approximately 1 hour until tender, checking the water level and adding water as needed.

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For more recipes, visit greenlivingaz.com/ recipes

THESE ARE TWO of our favorite Autumn dishes. The flavors are bold and warm. The Honey and Bacon Chutney provides a wonderful Umami balance to tender yet rich duck meat. The Spiced Honey and Sherry Glazed Dates are an amazing vegetarian option that even hardcore carnivores will find irresistible! Both dishes are served in CODY HELLER & CHEF BRETT VIBBER the Autumn and early Winter at Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine as we celebrate the Fall Harvest and the blessings of local wild and farmed foods alike. Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine is more than a restaurant; it is a true Arizona dining experience. It is also a means for honoring the legacy of the American West. Not only do we take great pride in our food, drinks and service, we also aim to preserve Arizona’s heritage by sharing in the traditions of generations past. We fuse top quality beef, game, and seafood with locally grown produce and foraged ingredients from our own surrounding deserts and forests, and present them in a warm, welcoming atmosphere rich in Arizona History.

SPICED HONEY AND SHERRY

GLAZED DATES Yield: 12 – 18 servings INGREDIENTS: • 18 Medjool dates (pitted)

• 1/4 cup sherry vinegar

• 1/2 lb. gorgonzola

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 cup local honey DIRECTIONS: 1. Whip Gorgonzola until light and fluffy. 2. Place into a piping bag. 3. Set aside. 4. Place honey, vinegar, and cayenne into a small pot, bring to boil, reduce to simmer. 5. Continue simmer until glaze has reduced by 1/3. 6. Set aside to cool.

7. Pipe Gorgonzola into each date. 8. Place dates on a baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until hot. 9. Drizzle honey reduction generously over dates and serve them on your favorite platter. 10. Garnish with chopped cilantro and marigold flower

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ROASTED ARIZONA DUCK WITH LOCAL HONEY AND BACON CHUTNEY, FINGERLING POTATOES, MORTIMER FARMS SWISS CHARD Yield: 4-8 servings (4 for entrees and 8 for party appetizer) INGREDIENTS: • 4 duck breasts (skin on and scored) • 2 cups cooked diced bacon • 4 cups fingerling potatoes • 1 roasted jalapeno (peeled and seeded) • 1 roasted Fresno chili (peeled and seeded) • 1/4 red onion • 1 cup local honey • 1/4 cup cider vinegar • Salt and pepper • Preferred cooking oil (we use 100% rice oil) THE CHUTNEY 1. Mince chilies and onions. 2. Set medium sauté pan over high heat. 3. Add bacon. (As the pan heats the bacon will release residual oils.) 4. Add chilies and onion, stirring constantly. 5. Add vinegar, when onions become translucent and begin to cook. 6. Reduce heat to low simmer and add honey. 7. Continue cooking on low for 10 minutes. 8. Set to the side to cool at room temperature. greenlivingaz.com

THE DUCK 1. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Leave at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. 3. Heat large sauté pan over medium heat. 4. Add 2 tablespoons of oil. 5. Place breasts skin side down in the pan. 6. The idea is to let the skin slowly render as the pan heats up. (This should take 9-11 minutes.) 7. With tongs lift one corner to ensure skin is caramelized before turning to meat side. 8. Cook on meat side 2-3 minutes. 9. Remove from pan and allow to rest at least 5 minutes before serving. THE POTATOES AND SWISS CHARD 1. Soften potatoes in boiling water for 10 minutes then slice into halves. (This can be done ahead of time.) 2. Pan roast on high with oil, salt, and pepper until potatoes begin to color. 3. Toss in Swiss chard and remove from heat. 4. The hot potatoes will wilt the chard. (Toss in some fresh garlic or your favorite herbs!) THE DISH 1. This dish works well to serve plated for dinner and also as a platter for a family style meal. 2. It is also an excellent holiday party appetizer. 3. Slice each breast into 1/2-inch pieces. 4. Place potatoes and chard on a plate, followed by the sliced breast. 5. Spoon honey bacon chutney on top and enjoy! October 2017 | greenliving

SEPTEMBER

LAUNCH PARTY Thank you to everyone who attended our September issue launch party at the Ferguson Showroom in Mesa.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our upcoming launch parties! Wednesday, September 11 at Hacienda Cocinero in Phoenix, and Thursday, September 12 at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix. Find more information and RSVP at greenlivingaz.com/party.

A big shout-out to our sponsors from the party: HOST SPONSOR: Ferguson TITLE SPONSOR: Thermador NONPROFIT BENEFICIARY: Winged Hope

Lee Stewart, Owner of Veg Up Get Dirty.

SPONSORS: AFC Physical Medicine and Chiropractic Centers, Andersen Windows, Garden Goddess, Pomegranate Cafe, Recycled City LLC, Restored Health, Better Days Tower Garden, Veg Up Get Dirty, Veronica Bahn Essential Oils, Witnessing Nature in Everything

City of Phoenix Chief Sustainability Officer, Mark Hartman.

Ric Coggins (Thermador), Suzette Coggins, Mark Morales (Wells Fargo).

Carol Nelson (Restored Health), Suzette Smith (Garden Goddess).

40 greenliving | October 2017

April Prothero, Green House Cleaning.

Jessica Nicely, Winged Hope.

Kristi Hall (Conscious Connections), Dorie Morales, Andrea Evans and Mike Saucier (Front Doors Magazine).

greenlivingaz.com

Party with Purpose! Each month we host a launch party to celebrate the newest issue. We love bringing together like-minded individuals to network as a sustainable community. Join us for a night of eco-consciousness, good conversation, and fun!

This month’s launch party: October 11th 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Hacienda Cocinero 5725 n 20th Place, Phoenix az 85016 More info and RSVP at greenlivingaz.com/party

• • •

Meet and mingle with like-minded people in the green industry Enter to win eco-friendly door prizes Enjoy appetizers and drinks from local vendors

Your conscious life

M a g a z i n e

Each month we host a launch party to celebrate the newest issue. We love bringing together like-minded individuals to network as a sustainable community. Join us for a night of eco-consciousness, good conversation, and fun!

This month’s launch party: October 12th 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The Farm at South Mountain 6106 South 32nd St, Phoenix az 85042 More info and RSVP at greenlivingaz.com/party • Meet the City of Phoenix’s Green Business Leaders as they are recognized for their work in sustainability. • Mingle with like-minded people in the green industry. • Enjoy appetizers and drinks from local vendors. • Donate to raffle benefiting United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) nonprofit and win a prize! Raffle tickets cost $10.

Your conscious life

M a g a z i n e

greenlivingaz.com

October 2017 | greenliving

GREEN PAGES

THANK YOU to our partners!

WE APPRECIATE OUR READERS SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS! Allstate Appliances...................................……BC

Courtesy Volvo of Scottsdale.................... 41

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Arizona Fall Fest....................................……………13

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Solid Green Life.................................................43

Bauman’s XTreme Training..............................7

The Hippie Hobby............................................ 21

Sun Basket........................................................... 42

BBQ Grill Cleaners....................................……..23

Keep Arizona Beautiful.................................. 29

Candice Drake Cosmetics............................ 42

KFNX........................................................................ 17

Sustainable Home Design Competition . ...............................IFC-5

Carefree Pumpkin Garden............................ 21

Modern Love...................................................... 29

Century21 Toma Partners France Amoroso-Chang.................................43

My Sister’s Closet........................................... IBC

Charles Forker Auto Group..........................43

Phoenix Fashion Week.............................……25 PurMaid..................................................................23

Taylor H Plumbing............................................. 21 Unified Brand......................................................43 Veg Up Get Dirty..............................................43 Witnessing Nature in Everything............. 29

Connecting Women / JoAnn Holland.....7

For more information about our advertisers, go to greenlivingaz.com/resources

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“bringing health to beauty...” 42 greenliving | October 2017

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Visit us at the Fall Student Open House Saturday, October 14

Those who recognize there’s more to medicine than drugs and surgery thrive in SCNM’s accredited naturopathic doctorate program. 2140 E. Broadway Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282 480.858.9100 :: www.scnm.edu

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602-575-0572 Maintenance • Clean-Ups Lay Sod/Gravel Commercial and Residential REGISTERED & INSURED

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October 2017 | greenliving

EVENTS

GREEN SCENES By Lisa Racz

OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

10/8 Growing Herbs

10/6-29 Arizona State Fair

10/20-29 Enchanted Pumpkin

CENTRAL ARIZONA October 6 & 7

October 13 - 15

TOURS OF THE URBAN FARM IN PHOENIX

FOUR PEAKS OKTOBERFEST

6750 N. 13th Place, Phoenix Friday, 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. A FREE tour with a $10 suggested donation. Take a tour with Greg Peterson through Phoenix’s first environmental showcase urban farm designed to for you to experience many ways on how to live a more environmentally- friendly life. So, wear comfortable shoes for your walk through this beautiful edible landscape. urbanfarm.org

80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Grab your appetite and head out to this threeday German festival at Tempe Beach Park located on with entrance at the northwest corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado. Indulge in a variety of German and local beers to fill your stein, authentic German foods to try and plenty of music to dance to. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com. For other such events, visit funtober.com/oktoberfest/arizona

October 6 - 29

ARIZONA STATE FAIR

1826 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix It’s that time again when the Arizona State Fair comes to town. The Fair brings back memories for some and creates memories for others. Come on out and ride your favorite rides, snack on some fried foods or scare yourself in one of the fun houses. azstatefair.com

October 8

GROWING HERBS IN THE DESERT 4300 N. Central Avenue Phoenix 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Spend the morning with Emily Heller at Agave Farms to learn about the different species of herbs and how to grow and care for them so that they will thrive in our Arizona’s desert environment. agave-farms.com

OCTOBER 2

World Habitat Day

44 greenliving | October 2017

October 20 - 22

LOST LAKE FESTIVAL

Steele Indian School Park 300 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix Friday, 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sunday, 12:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Get out your comfortable walking/dancing shoes and enjoy a day of concert music, art booths to browse through and a variety of tasty culinary foods to pick from with your favorite beverage to wet your whistle. lostlakefestival.com/festival-info

October 20 - 29

ENCHANTED PUMPKIN GARDEN Carefree Desert Gardens - Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion 101 Easy Street, Carefree 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Join the fun at this pumpkin event and meet Ray Villafane, world-famous pumpkin carver. You can take on the pie eating contest, carve a pumpkin, take part in the costume contest, get creative with some crafts, have your face painted or grab some of the delectable foods. Don’t forget to take that family photo with a 400-pound pumpkin and check

out the new harvest market and corn maze this year. carefreepumpkingarden.com

October 21

FOOD FORAGING - NATIVE PLANTS Environmental Education Center 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Take a relaxing guided tour through Veterans Oasis Park to learn all that our local plant life can offer. Enjoy a tour outdoors in beautiful weather. Humans have always had a connection with foraging for food, plant, animal and insects for survival, but over the years, we have lost that knowledge of what can be edible or used as medicine among our local native plants. chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=682

November 2

ALLURE MEDSPA GRAND OPENING PARTY 3850 E. Baseline Rd., Ste 101, Mesa 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. After a successful three years in Scottsdale, Allure has a new location in Mesa. They offer natural and full medical aesthetic services, vitamin B 12 Shots along with the all-natural Eminence Skincare line. Join the fun at this grand opening with complimentary appetizers and refreshments, spa demonstrations, gifts, a chance to win at a raffle and the Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. RSVP Required: Elizabeth@creatingbuzzpr.com alluremedspa.net

OCTOBER 24

International Day of Climate Action

greenlivingaz.com

EVENTS

10/1-29 Mortimer Farms

10/6 & 7 Glow Fantasy Night

10/11 & 12 Green Living Launch Parties

NORTHERN ARIZONA

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

BUSINESS

October Fall brings a pallet of color in Northern Arizona among the canopies of Aspen and Oak trees. This calls to those who enjoy a day trip of hiking through colorful trails blanketed with fall leaves. Hiking is one of the best ways to soak in the vibrancy of fall leaves and brings many photo opportunities. So, get your hiking shoes on and try one of these hiking trails in the northern part of Arizona. For Northern Arizona hiking trails, visit azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/ hiking/2016/09/26/best-fall-colors-hikesflagstaff/90863726/

October 1 - 29

MORTIMER FAMILY FARMS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The month of October kicks in Fall and Fall brings pumpkin season and pumpkin festivals. Take in a day at the festival to pick out that special pumpkin, find your way through the corn maze, fill your plate with tasty foods, jump on a hayride or kick up your shoes in the barn dance. There are fun activities for all ages to enjoy. mortimerfarmsaz.com/mortimer-farms-pumpkinfestival.htm. For other pumpkin festivals, visit northphoenix.citymomsblog.com/pumpkinpatches-in-arizona

October 12 - 15

THE BIG STING COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

3101 Watson Lake Rd, Prescott This country fest is held at Watson Lake located just north of downtown Prescott, Arizona. This three-day weekend event presents local Arizona and national country music artists for your listening pleasure. Tickets are available $25 for Friday pass and $25 for Saturday pass and $50 for a weekend pass. Campsites are available. thebigsting.com

greenlivingaz.com

October 6 & 7

GLOW FANTASY NIGHT AND SPIRITED AWAY NIGHT

Triangle L Ranch 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Road, Oracle 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Spend an evening as if in a scene from Alice in Wonderland with lantern lite paths, glowing strands, illuminated trees and more lights as you go all while enjoying live music. If you want to know the future, you can have your cards read. Food is available for purchase. tucson.com/ lifestyles/glow-lights-up-fall-nights-in-oracle/ article_74572e34-c35a-5d70-b050-023ef9042a95. html

October 7 & 8

EARTH HARMONY FESTIVAL

Tumacácori, Arizona A two-day festival held at an eco-village south of Tucson. Celebrate the ways of living environmentally and spiritually with music and harmony. Enjoy a day of music, dancing, yoga, activities at the “Kids Village,” tours and more. You can also make reservations for an overnight stay. earthharmonyfestival.org/schedule

October 21

COTTON FESTIVAL

Marana Heritage River Park 12375 N. Heritage Park Drive in Marana 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Listen to music while enjoying delicious dishes, play in the cotton field, ride your favorite carnival ride, have a bowl of chili to support Marana community food bank or play with the animals in the petting zoo. maranaaz.gov/towncalendar/2017/10/21/marana-cotton-festival

OCTOBER 11

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction

October 4

SOCENT SUMMIT

3419 E. University Dr., Phoenix 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The SOCENT (Social Entrepreneurship) Summit showcases examples of corporate social responsibility in Arizona, with local entrepreneurs explaining how and why they decided to create change. Hear from local business owners about how operating in a socially responsible matter makes them stand out in their industry. Full price tickets are now $60. localfirstaz.24fundraiser.com/e/site/ store/252/event_tickets/597

October 11 & 12

GREEN LIVING OCTOBER LAUNCH PARTIES October 11: Hacienda Cocinero 5725 N. 20th Pl., Phoenix October 12: The Farm at South Mountain 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Our parties aren’t just to promote the latest issue of Green Living — they exist to promote community. From advertisers to readers, we love bringing together like-minded individuals to network as a sustainable community. Join us for a night of eco-consciousness, good conversation, and fun! Meet and mingle with like-minded people in the green industry, enter to win eco-friendly door prizes and enjoy appetizers and drinks from local vendors. greenlivingaz.com/party

November 4

THE ARIZONA FALL FEST

Hance Park, Phoenix 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Arizona Fall Festival is a free and family-friendly celebration of everything local to Arizona. The festival features food from many of Arizona’s finest restaurants, a beer and wine garden, booths for local merchants to showcase their wares and live musical entertainment. With 200+ local venders, live entertainment, sports and kids zones, local beverages and the chance to sample local restaurants, you don’t want to miss it!

October 2017 | greenliving

CHAMPIONS

GREEN C HAM PIO N S Each month in our Green Champions section, we feature three people – one each in northern, central, and southern Arizona – who are making strides in the green community. In our August issue, we’re celebrating three individuals who educate their students on sustainability in various fields. NORTHERN: JOLANTA JENSEN Owner, Flagstaff Holistic Spa and Wellness Center

Jolanta Jensen was born and raised in Poland, and in her early 20s, immigrated to the United States. Jensen has her degrees in massage therapy and natural esthetics. Her education led her to specialize in reflexology, cranial sacral, therapeutic massages and holistic aesthetics. She owns the Flagstaff Holistic Spa and Wellness Center that also offers facials, yoga, and meditation techniques in addition to the services listed above. All products used for facials and massages are in line with Jensen’s holistic approach and come from a natural and fruit-based skincare line. Jensen’s clients view her as the guru of natural pain relief with her wholesome mind, body, and soul approach. FLAGSTAFFHOLISTICSPA.COM

CENTRAL: PAUL SCHMIDT Director of Sustainability and New Partnerships, Arizona Spa & Wellness Association

Paul Schmidt joined the Arizona Spa & Wellness Association to create and expand spa sustainability, program development and wellness construction. Schmidt earned a degree in environmental studies from the University of Vermont and studied at Wesleyan University’s Science in Society Program. Before this venture, Schmidt worked with the Green Spa Network, a non-profit trade association. Through his career, he has worked towards creating solutions that enhance personal and environmental strength proactively for health and wellness without depleting natural resources. Also, Schmidt has operated two wellness centers and created a curriculum for the Utah College of Massage as well as Eagle Gate College. His directorial skills have taken him across the world from North America to Bermuda. He has not only served for wellness committees such as the International Spa Association and the Jackson Hole Destination Wellness Committee but also served as the director of reporting for the International Academy of the Environment’s pilot program for Global Environmental Management in Geneva; thus, demonstrating Schmidt’s diverse and vast experience with environmental sustainability. ARIZONASPAANDWELLNESS.COM

SOUTHERN: LAURA KEY Founder, Lotus Massage and Wellness Center

Laura Key’s Lotus Massage and Wellness Center received a certified Business Seal of Approval from Green America as well as Green Business Certification from the City of Tucson Office of Sustainable Development, a testament to her professional experience in the field of environmental education spanning over 20 years. Key considers this past experience, her work as a certified massage therapist and the founding of the Lotus Center a way to simultaneously live in a manner synchronized with her values and contribute toward healing the world. The Lotus Center is carbon-neutral and employs a number of energy conservation measures. The Center’s landscape is based on permaculture principles and is composed of native plants to conserve water. LOTUSTUCSON.COM

Want to nominate someone as a Green Champion? Email your candidate to editor@greenlivingaz.com! 46 greenliving | October 2017

greenlivingaz.com

HE’S GREEN JOHN BURKHART

SHE’S GREEN

SPA PRODUCTS

Product reviews by our eco-conscious couple John and Jennifer Burkhart

JENNIFER BURKHART

Who loves paying a cool chunk of change for an organic facial? Ok, maybe on your birthday. But for those times in-between, save some dough and treat yourself at home! There are plenty of vegan, toxin-free, organic or eco-friendly choices for do-ityourself pampered skin. Read on to see which products are worthy of your mug. ANDALOU NATURALS | HYDRO SERUM FACIAL MASK: COCONUT WATER HE SAID: Now this was good fun! Jen and I put these paper-like masks on and looked like a couple of horror movie bad guys. Worked great at scaring our kids. The masks, with their pre-cut eye, nose and mouth holes, are not one-size-fits-all by any stretch. Mine hung down over my eyes and dripped from the chin constantly. Didn’t seem to hydrate any better than regular lotion, but it’s great for a cheap Halloween costume. He gave it: SHE SAID: The too-small holes for my eyes and mouth made for some anxiety once I laid this on my face (I’m claustrophobic!). I calmed down, and laughed at the wrinkly, cloudy-white mask while catching a glimpse of future 80-year-old Jen — Eek! Even with some slight stinging 10 minutes in, this mask is totally worth it. My skin felt dewy, soft and cool for a good chunk of the day!

ALBA BOTANICA | HAWAIIAN DETOX TOWELETTES HE SAID: I really don’t get these spa products. This is essentially a baby wipe with some fruit and flower extracts and some magic clay that’s supposed to be better at removing dirt and pollutants than soap and water. Really? My face felt clean and supple after using this cleansing towelette, but it felt the same way after using a plain old baby wipe. Maybe these extra ingredients do something, but I couldn’t tell the difference. He gave it:

She gave it:

HE SAID: Okay, I gotta give it to this one. The skin under my eyes seemed well hydrated and looked firmer than usual after using eye treatment. It probably had a greater effect on my skin since I never use products like this. Was the effect worth the price tag and would I use it in the future? Nope and nope.

SHE SAID: I love the convenience of face wipes, and these are biodegradable, too! They smelled like a tropical fruit stand — yum — and left my face refreshed and clean. My skin was a bit sticky afterward, but in the morning it just felt soft. So nice! As for the detoxifying effect, I guess we’ll have to take Alba’s word for it.

He gave it:

She gave it:

SHE SAID: I really wanted the bags under my eyes to disappear, but I think only a miracle will do for this sleep-deprived mama of two. I hope the greasy, sticky patches are doing something at least. The tube (with the neat metal cooling applicator) is full of organic skinnourishing ingredients, so you can’t go wrong.

ECO LIPS | LIPSCRUB: MINT USDA ORGANIC

NOURISH ORGANIC | EYE TREATMENT: AVOCADO + ARGAN OIL (USDA ORGANIC)

She gave it:

EVERYDAY COCONUT | FACE CREAM: NIGHT TIME COCONUT HE SAID: I’m the wrong person for this review. It’s... uhh... lotion, and it does lotion-y stuff. My skin felt good after using it, and it smelled nice. Did it work better than most other lotions? I don’t know, maybe? I never use lotion. Getting lotion advice from me is like getting tax advice from a giraffe. Jen, help me out here.

HE SAID: Okay, ladies, help me out here. I’m still fairly new to the whole spa treatment thing, but this didn’t seem right. Does rubbing candy all over my face really give me softer lips? This lip scrub is basically granulated sugar smashed with mint lip balm. It was definitely the tastiest of the products we tried, but it didn’t seem to make my lips any softer than regular chapstick. He gave it:

SHE SAID: I got you, John! The yummy coconut-lavender aroma was definitely one I enjoyed falling asleep to. The thin consistency absorbed quickly but felt luxurious and ultra-hydrating on my face. Read: It’s a night cream. Don’t attempt to apply this during the day in 100-degree heat unless you like the feel of wearing a melting sweater on your face.

SHE SAID: This sugary goop gave me soft, hydrated minty-cool lips. It almost removed all the dry skin, in the tastiest way possible (ew?). Only use the teeniest dab though, or you’ll risk a looking like you chowed a bag of sugar cookies. Not to mention the sweet paradise for ants on your sink.

She gave it:

He gave it:

See more product reviews at greenlivingaz.com/hgsg greenlivingaz.com

October 2017 | greenliving

COOL OUTRAGEOUS

STUFF 3

GREEN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

This lush and hydrating micro-polishing scrub will let you have a decadent spa experience right at home. Tata Harper's Smoothing Body Scrub is made from five biodegradable ingredients that will thoroughly exfoliate your skin and remove buildup, making it feel soft and smooth and emanate a healthy glow. At the same time, its nourishing properties will make your skin feel hydrated even without a moisturizer! $75 TATAHARPERSKINCARE.COM

IMMORTAL HEALTH ELIXIR

The high-quality organic tea, dried herbs and fruits that make up Dr. Brew Kombucha can be clearly tasted with every sip of the wonderfully fizzy probiotic drink. Each 14-ounce bottle contains a balanced flavor that is neither too sweet nor too sour. Not to mention that it is 100 percent raw, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Comes in 12 varied flavors, ensuring you will find the right one for you! $3 BREWDRKOMBUCHA.COM

Conquer the boardroom in full sustainable style. Asheville Apparel’s organic Terry Tab Jacket from is made with 100% Spiritex organic cotton that is grown and manufactured in the United States. This comfortable and contemporary blazer is a must-have for any eco-conscious professional. Available in seven colors. $78 WWW.ASHEVILLEAPPAREL.NET

ALOE WATER

A ready-to-drink beverage made with vitamins, electrolytes and the best aloe vera, detoxwater is committed to promoting wellness from the inside out. At only 30 calories per bottle, detoxwater delivers the clinically proven benefits of pure aloe juice — an ingredient known to support immune function, healthy digestion, nutrient absorption and improved skin elasticity. Additionally, detoxwater is available in five delicious flavors that you’re sure to love! $2.99 DETOXWATER.COM

ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE AND LUXURIOUS

FRESHEN ON THE GO

These coconut and argan oil cleansing towelettes from Acure Organics are a must have for travel, working out the gym, running errands, nights drinking out, having fun at the seaside — just about anything! The all-natural and biodegradable face and body towelettes refresh, cleanse and soothe your skin all at once! $6.99 ACUREORGANICS.COM

Find more cool outrageous stuff at greenlivingaz.com/cos

48 greenliving | October 2017

greenlivingaz.com

Ban the Bottle

In 2017, the My Sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Closet family of brands took the pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic water bottles and bags from our stores. We continue our commitment to preserving wildlife, a healthier planet and you since 1991.

mysisterscloset.com