CONTENTS
PG 12. GO SOLAR
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2020 HERE WE COME Don’t wait until April to be environmentally conscious. Start today.
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IN THE NEWS—CHARGED UP! Catch up on the latest innovations in recycling, including news on e-waste.
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YOU & YOUR ORGANICS Farm fresh and more. We give you the lowdown on why organic foods are more popular—and vital—now then ever before.
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KNOCK ON WOOD Three ways to turn discarded wood into beautiful home decor.
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HOME UPGRADE Having an environmentally sustainable home is important, especially here in the valley. We share the latest innovations.
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HERE COMES THE SUN Solar energy has always been an important option in Coachella Valley. Take note of its history, where things are headed and the latest cost-effective measures being taken.
PG 22. BLOW BY BLOW
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SUNSCREEN MUCH? Hold that thought. Check the ingredients of your sunscreen to be sure they are environmentally safe.
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CREATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE Architect Narendra Patel unites art, architecture and eco design.
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BLOW BY BLOW Why there has been a crackdown on gas-operated leaf blowers.
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RIDE WITH IT! How one local man set out to inspire the masses about the environment —one cycle ride at a time.
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DROUGHT RESISTANT? The lowdown on the area’s drought-resistant plants. What do you need to know?
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RED ALERT! The lowdown on chocolate consumption and the environment.
PG 24. RIDE OF HIS LIFE
SEPTEMBER 2017
IN THE NEWS
INITIAL MILESTONES HAVE BEEN MET TO PLANT 7.8 BILLION TREES
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arth Day Network (EDN) turned heads last year with their Earth Day 2016 theme “Trees For The Earth.” Those efforts will continue in the coming years as the group aspires to meet an ambitious goal of planting 7.8 billion trees—that’s one for every person on the planet— by Earth Day 2020. That also happens to be EDN’s 50th anniversary. Success at reaching that goal would take a tremendous amount of work, a great deal of funding, and many partners worldwide who see the value and importance in getting trees in the ground. A great deal of help will arrive via the Paris Climate Agreement, and individual nations now have binding agreements to plant trees as part of significant pledges. Those agreements are bound to make a big difference. For instance, a commitment of nearly 460 million trees coming from the State of Telangana in India, EDN that it has reached a pivotal 1 billion-mark and all is headed in the right direction toward 7.8 billion trees. EDN had previously collected a massive commitment from World Boy Scouts to plant more than 500 million trees by 2020. All that, in conjunction with dozens of other smaller pledges, are impressive. “We knew going into it that reaching 7.8 billion trees by 2020 was going to be a long hard slog. But more importantly we knew it was not impossible,” says Kathleen Rogers, President of the Earth Day Network. “Nations are now beginning to realize the critical, central roles that trees and soil will play in greenhouse gas reduction. We will reach 7.8 billion trees planted by Earth Day 2020.”
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It was also noted how striking it was that more than 60 countries mentioned reforestation in their climate commitments last year in Paris. “The tremendous potential and affordability of the land sector is becoming much more widely understood,” says Orion Cruz, Earth Day Network’s Deputy Director of Forest and Climate Policy. “The big question is, can we act cooperatively and quickly enough to reap the benefits of this knowledge by 2020? We believe so.” Trees for the Earth focuses on those regions of the world most affected by deforestation. In order to achieve our goal of 7.8 billion trees, we will work with partners from all levels of society, integrate trees into all of our existing campaigns, and create coalitions with national and subnational governments, mayors, faith leaders, businesses, and civil society from all across the globe. The goals for planting these trees are as simple as they are important: 1. Fight climate change and pollution; 2. Support communities, their local economies, and their way of life; 3. Protect biodiversity; and 4. Inspire millions of people to join EDN in environmental citizenship and stewardship. Courtesy Earth Day Network
GOING GREEN LIFESTYLE
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IN THE NEWS
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mericans generate about 254 million tons of trash annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most recent figures, and only about one-third of that waste is recycled. For many, one of the main barriers to recycling is not knowing how or where to recycle certain items. For instance, many household cordless products we use every day are powered by rechargeable batteries. These batteries are not only recyclable, but contain materials that are potentially harmful to the environment if thrown in the trash. In fact, at least 20 percent of people are holding on to their used batteries because they know they shouldn’t be tossed out—but they don’t know where to dispose of them. You can be part of the solution to reduce waste by learning how to properly recycle the products you use every day. Here are five tips to help you along the way. 5. Check Household ‘Recyclable’ Items Aluminum cans and plastic bottles are the most commonly recycled items, but lots of other items found around the house can be recycled, as well. Start recycling plastic bags and paper towels right in your curbside bin. Pin a sign in the kitchen to remind kids they can throw napkins and sandwich baggies in, too. Designate a separate container for rechargeable batteries from old cordless products and look up the nearest participating collection site so you know exactly where to go when the container is full. 4. Dump Your Stash Are you a battery hoarder? Do you have a drawer in the house filled with dead batteries? You aren’t alone. Establish a monthly routine when you sort through the junk drawer and gather up old electronics and used batteries to drop off while running other errands. A study commissioned by Call2Recycle, Inc. found that an estimated 6.7 billion batteries were sold into U.S. markets in 2014. Of that number, 30 percent were rechargeable batteries available to be recycled. The Call2Recycle program makes it easy to be a responsible battery user with its network of more than 30,000 drop-off locations including retail stores in your own community that you may already visit regularly, like Best
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Buy, Lowe’s, Sears, Staples, The Home Depot and more. Find a battery collection site near you by visiting call2recycle.org/locator. 3. Buy Recycled Products Recycling gives new life to old products by turning them into new ones. By using recycled materials in their products, manufacturers conserve energy and natural resources and reduce waste in landfills. Checking the labels for products that are recycled and eco-friendly when making a purchase is the easiest way to be a responsible consumer. 2. Participate in a Local Community Recycling Event Or Create Your Own Thousands of events are organized nationwide on America Recycles Day to raise awareness about the benefits of recycling and buying products made from recycled materials. Get involved. Or … host your own battery-specific recycling drive and invite your community to contribute their battery “hoards.” Your neighbors will thank you. 1. Take the #BeRecycled Pledge Take the “I Will Recycle” pledge and commit to incorporating more green activities into your everyday routine. Start by selecting a specific item you use frequently and pledge to recycle more of that item in the future. By starting small, there is a greater chance you’ll continue throughout the year. Your efforts can inspire your family and friends to take the pledge and join you in incorporating environmentally-friendly behavior into their everyday lives. These eco-friendly activities are simple and easy to incorporate and can help you lead a greener lifestyle, not just on America Recycles Day, but all year. By including one new item into your recycling routine such as batteries - you can make a positive impact. Not only does this keep batteries out of landfills, but when recycled, valuable materials can be recovered and used in new stainless steel products, such as golf clubs, batteries and other products. Courtesy Brand Point Content
SEPTEMBER 2017
IN THE NEWS
RECYCLE SHRED RENEW FREE ELECTRONIC WASTE AND SHREDDING EVENT
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free valley event that revolves around recycling, shredding documents and eliminated E-waste, unfolds from 8 a.m. to Noon, Oct. 21. This may be the most ideal time this year to chuck all the items that no longer serve you—and do it in a way that is environmentally sound. Things to know: Locals are limited to three normal size file containers of shredding per vehicle, per day. The size of container should be no larger than 9” x 13” x 17.” Recycling is available on a first come, first served basis or until trucks are full. Protecting yourself and destroying unneeded documents containing confidential information is also encouraged at the City’s free document shredding event. As for electronic equipment, all items received at the event is dismantled and recycled. Any information stored on hard drives or cell phones is destroyed during the processing.
Keyboards, Printers and Televisions Cell Phones and Fax Machines Batteries sizes AAA, AA, C, D Button cell, 9 Volt Any rechargeable batteries
What Do You Bring? Computers and Monitors Microwaves and Small Appliances
The event takes place 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 21, at Palm Springs City Hall Parking Lot, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, in Palm Springs. For more information, call 760-323-8248..
SEPTEMBER 2017
Items Not Accepted Tires Household Hazardous Waste Large Household Appliances Trash Car Batteries Air Conditioning or Heating Units
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IN THE NEWS
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ost of us try to eat and live healthy to varying degrees. What used to be considered alternative or fringe is now viewed as much more mainstream in terms of how we treat our bodies and the environment. With that enlightenment has come some basic realizations about the relationship between what we ingest and how we look, feel and score on our lab tests after visiting the doctor’s office as well as heightened awareness about conserving our planetary resources and protecting our animal friends and neighbors. The organic food movement is not new, but it is certainly more popular than it was even a few decades ago. The term “organic” can be broadly described as food grown without the assistance of man-made chemicals, pesticides or toxic herbicides. Currently, there are more than 600 active chemicals registered for agricultural use in America, many of which have not been tested long term upon human (or animal) health. Organic also means that foods do not contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms), whose long-term health impact is unclear. A genetically modified food is one that has had lab-replicated genes from other plants, animals, and even viruses to make it more resistant to insects or extreme heat and drought, giving it an advantage in the growing and preserving processes, especially with foods such as soy, corn and cottonseed. “Certified Organic” also refers to foods produced without the use of synthetic antibiotics, drugs and growth hormones in the cultivation of crops and animal products. Some scientific studies, as noted in a 2011 Prevention.com article, have shown that these additives can lead to contamination of meat and dairy products, possibly causing tumors and cancer and thwarting proper developmental growth during puberty.
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Recent research suggests that organic food contains more nutrients and antioxidants and leads to reduced exposure to heavy metals. In addition, fans of organic point to enhanced flavor, especially with fruits and vegetables. In recent years, environmental awareness has driven demand and conversion to organic farming. Some governments, including the European Union, have begun to support organic farming through agricultural subsidy reform. Organic production and marketing have grown at a fast pace. Today, organic foods stores have captured a significant share of the grocery shopping market, specifically, Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, Trader Joe’s, Clark’s and others. What, then, is natural food? That’s a good question with an elusive answer. It’s generally accepted to mean that the food (often processed) has no artificial ingredients, pesticides or GMOs, but, in fact, the FDA has not developed a strict definition of the term for food labels. “Natural” can be used as a label as long as there are no synthetic ingredients in a particular product. Often, products that are full of sugar and calories sometimes carry the label “natural” without being especially healthy. And, as we know, high percentages of sugar in our foods are known to trigger allergies and inflammation inside the body, leading to weight and insulin issues (also true in some cases with gluten, but that’s for another article). Unfortunately, “natural” on a food label does not refer to the methods or materials used to produce the food ingredients, and there is no consistent means of labelling or regulating “natural” foods. If our personal health reasons aren’t enough motivation to switch to
SEPTEMBER 2017
IN THE NEWS
IF YOU GROW IT … LOCALS CAN EXPLORE A BOUNTY OF FARM-FRESH PRODUCE AT CLARK’S NUTRITION AND NATURAL FOODS MARKETS (LEFT) AND WHOLE FOODS MARKET (RIGHT).
organic, it’s important to know that organic farming is kindler and gentler to the environment and to our planet. Here are some of the ways that your food choices can (literally) help the entire world and lead to a more sustainable future: Preserve Our Ecosystems Organic farming supports eco-sustenance, or farming in harmony with nature. That means preservation of soil and crop rotation keeps farmland healthy, and absence of chemicals preserves the ecosystem. Wildlife, insects, frogs, birds, and soil organisms are able to play their roles without harmful interference.
keep in mind, progresses up the food chain into our hominid systems). According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, organic foods can be a bit more expensive for the consumer due to increased labor, higher cost for alternative fertilizers, crop rotation methods, handling and transport costs once harvested to prevent cross-contamination, better living conditions for livestock, slower rates of crop growth and USDA certification fees. But, given everything we now know, aren’t we worth it?
Reduce Pollution and Protect Water and Soil Agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers contaminate the environment, poisoning water supplies and destroying the value of fertile farmland. Certified organic standards do not permit the use of toxic chemicals in farming and require responsible management of healthy soil and biodiversity. Preserve Agricultural Diversity The rampant loss of species occurring today is a major environmental concern. It is estimated that 75 percent of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost in the last century. Relying on one or two varieties of a given food is a formula for devastation. Crop rotation is a simple and effective technique used in organic agriculture to reduce the need for pesticides and improve soil fertility. Many organic farms grow an assortment of food, taking natural elements and traditional methods into account. Diversity is critical to survival. Support Farming Directly Buying organic food is an investment in a cost-effective future. Commercial and conventional farming is heavily subsidized through taxes, what with hidden costs of federal programs, pesticide regulation and testing and hazardous waste and cleanup. Other associated costs, harder to quantify but just as real, include illness, environmental damage, and the loss and extinction of wildlife and ecology. Show Sensitivity to Animals and Livestock Animal abuse is rampant in the farming industry, so much so that it’s inspired this writer to forsake beef and pork. Supporting organic farming ensures that cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, goats and other sentient farm critters are, for the most part, treated with kindness by not being artificially injected with painful substances and are allowed to roam without being cruelly caged to restrict muscle movement which tenderizes the meat. Natural livestock behavior is encouraged, with healthy living conditions, pasture feeding, access to outdoors and organic feed (which,
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TIPS & TIDBITS
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here’s a reason why there is a welcome mat out in front of your door. So, why not make your home feel welcome when it comes to energy efficiency and environmentally friendly design. When someone builds a home for you, you have the opportunity to make it as sustainable, eco-friendly and energy-efficient as possible. Let’s face it: not only are sustainable homes more cost-effective over the long term, they have a smaller environmental impact, and can be more appealing to homebuyers when you’re ready to sell and move. In fact, more than half of realtors report consumers are interested in sustainability, according to the National Association of Realtors’ REALTORS and Sustainability report. What’s more, 70 percent say a home’s efficient use of energy is important to potential buyers. If you’re having a home built for you, it’s the perfect time to think about sustainability and energy efficiency. The experts at Coleman Heating and Cooling offer some points to consider as you’re planning your sustainable home: Choose a builder who specializes in sustainable homes. While virtually all home builders today will offer eco-friendly or energy-efficient features, sustainable home builders take a whole-house approach. Their plans should include more than just high-efficiency windows and appliances, and lots of insulation. Sustainability planning should also incorporate elements like the position of the home on its lot, number and position of windows in the home, and shade and ventilation, among other considerations. Heating and cooling typically represent the largest portion of a home’s energy consumption. When choosing an HVAC system for your sustainable home, choose an option like Coleman(R) Echelon(TM) Variable Capacity Residential Systems, which use leading-edge technology to tune the system’s temperature settings and performance for optimum function give exterior conditions. The systems also self-monitor to ensure they operate at the highest level of efficiency while providing maximum
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heating and cooling comfort. Visit colemanac.com/comfort to learn more. The orientation of your home can enhance heating and cooling efficiency. For example, if you live in a colder region, placing your home with the maximum number of windows facing south can allow natural light to help heat your home in the winter. If you live in a warm climate, minimizing the number of windows on the west side of the home and planting shade trees on that side can help with cooling. Plant a tree that loses its leaves in the winter, and you can allow light to reach that side of the house when the weather is colder. The more compact a home is, the more energy efficient it will be. You don’t have to build a tiny home to achieve a more efficient design. A two-story home can be more compact and energy efficient than a sprawling single-story design. Insulation and air sealing can greatly improve a home’s energy efficiency. Talk to your builder about the best kind of insulation for your needs, and learn about R value and how it affects the efficiency of insulation. Discuss how the builder seals potential air leaks in the home, paying close attention to windows, doors and spots where pipes or wires enter the home. Finally, a truly sustainable home is one that makes maximum use of recycled and recyclable materials. Talk to your builder about the construction materials they will use. Are they sustainably sourced? Will they be able to be recycled someday down the road when they are no longer usable in your home? Demand for sustainable homes is likely to continue growing, according to the NAR report. Choosing to build your new home with sustainable materials, systems and practices can ensure you reap the rewards of a more environmentally friendly home now and in the future.
SEPTEMBER 2017
TIPS & TIDBITS
KNOCK ON WOOD THREE WAYS TO TURN DISCARDED WOOD INTO BEAUTIFUL HOME DECOR
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he saying, “what’s old is new again” has been around for years, but most recently represents a popular trend in interior design— upcycling old items with a new purpose. Everyone from high-end designers to DIYers are enjoying and incorporating this trend into their everyday life. People are seeking out weathered pieces of wood, discarded metal and unlikely antiques to create a unique, down to earth, and comfortable design aesthetic in their living spaces. With some creativity and know how, these inexpensive items can be repurposed to create a personalized statement in your home that you’ll love. RE-IMAGINE YOUR WALL Today, walls are for paint and pictures, but even if you’ve fallen in love with a certain color for your living room, don’t you think your walls can have more personality? If you are looking for bright and bold colors or subtle cottage inspired tones, check out Minwax(R) Water Based Wood Stains. For traditional, rich wood tones, try Minwax(R) Wood Finish(TM). It’s a deep penetrating stain that offers an array of colors, so
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you can create a display of contrast and patterns on your walls that can be truly stunning. CREATE A FUN AND FUNCTIONAL PIECE For this project, all you need to do is add hooks to a few of the wood slats for the mugs to hang from. Get creative with this pallet by painting a design or phrase such as “But First, Coffee” on the top wooden slat. You can add some dimension to wood by staining it with wood finishing cloths. UPDATE YOUR HEADBOARD Start by gathering your wood pallets and applying pre-stain wood conditioner to prepare the bare wood surface for staining. Once the wood has been prepared, apply your favorite stain color. Using different lengths and widths, arrange the boards so they span the width of your bed. Attach a few long pieces across the back to serve as crossbeams that hold it together. Courtesy of Brand Point Content.
GOING GREEN LIFESTYLE
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SEPTEMBER 2017
COVER FEATURE BY ALISON ELSNER
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ometimes the world can be a bit scary, but we can all feel better knowing where we are headed as far as energy production and consumption. Solar energy has swooped in like a knight in shining yellow armor to give us hope and reassurance that there will be sustainable energy in our progeny’s futures, and harnessing it won’t necessarily destroy the globe or lead to scarcity scenarios. The current understanding is that after our stores of oil and coal are exhausted, the human race can receive unlimited power from the rays of the sun. Beginning with the surge in coal use, which accompanied the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, energy consumption has steadily transitioned from wood and biomass to fossil fuels. Early development of solar technologies started in the 1860s but stagnated in the early 20th century in the face of the increasing availability and utility of coal and petroleum. Oil crises in the 1970s brought renewed attention to solar technologies, which really started to expand in 2006 with implementation of tax credits and other incentives. National Geographic Magazine notes that in addition to being renewable, solar energy doesn’t contribute to harmful greenhouse gas emissions, which are given off primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars and airplanes in addition to agricultural and industrial processes. The chemical changes that result from these gasses cause the environment to trap more heat, which, in turn, warms the Earth. That’s when we see things like rising sea levels, melting of polar ice caps and glaciers,
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Solar power is anticipated to become the world’s largest source of electricity by 2050, contributing around 27 percent to the global overall consumption. floods and droughts, less availability of fresh water, spread of disease and the decline of and or shift in animal species and habitats, which further damages—irreparably—our ecosystems. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaics (PV), which convert light into electric current using the photoelectric effect, which involves the emission of electrons. (Got all that?) Basically it’s the process of transforming light into energy. It is plentiful and renewable (at least until the sun burns out in about five billion years). Solar power is anticipated to become the world’s largest source of electricity by 2050, contributing around 27 percent to the global overall consumption. According to the SEIA (Solar Energy Industries AssociaCONTINUED ON PAGE 16 >>>
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The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) has doubled its incentive to convert grass areas to desert-friendly landscaping in an attempt to grow the program, which has already resulted in more than 13 million square feet of grass removed. The rebate for replacing spray-irrigated living or dead grass with desertfriendly and water-efficient landscape has increased from $1 to $2 per square foot. Homeowner projects are now eligible up to a maximum of 10,000 square feet, an increase from 2,000 square feet per year. For businesses, the maximum remains at 25,000 square feet per project. “Conservation is the easiest, most efficient and cost-effective way to reduce water demand and extend our precious water resources,” said Conservation Manager Katie Evans. “These changes will enhance the incentives for domestic water customers to remove the turf and save water.” Research shows that converting from spray-irrigated turf to desert-friendly, drip irrigated landscapes reduces outdoor water use by 70 percent to 80 percent. Applications for the turf rebate program will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Conversion projects must be pre-approved to be eligible for a rebate.
Applicants Must: • Be a CVWD domestic water customer in good standing • Submit a landscape plan and plant list of trees, shrubs, ground covers • Submit color photos of existing turf areas listed in the application • Have a fully functioning irrigation system Among other program requirements and conditions: • Overhead irrigation systems in the project area must be capped off or converted to drip, rotating stream, rotating spray or bubblers. • Desert-friendly plants must cover a minimum of 25 percent of the new landscaped area at maturity. • Turf cannot be replaced with all rock, decomposed granite or non-permeable hardscape. • Artificial turf projects qualify for a rebate. Other landscape-related rebates currently available for residential customers are sprinkler nozzle rebates and smart irrigation controller installation.
Applications for these rebate programs are available online at www.cvwd.org/rebates or they may be picked up at CVWD’s Water Management Office, 75-525 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert.
COVER FEATURE BY ALISON ELSNER
The average American homeowner pays off their solar panel system in seven to eight years. <<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
tion), solar use is booming, with an average annual growth rate of 68 percent in the U.S. By 2020, solar should surpass 3 percent of total generation and is expected to hit 5 percent by 2022. For the consumer, it’s a prime time to go solar. Costs have been going down, down, down each year. Since 2010, residential installation costs have dropped 45 percent. Experts believe that the cost of solar power installations will continue to fall as solar power becomes more prevalent and installations become more efficient.
Going Solar There are two ways to go solar. The first is to sign up for a solar lease where a solar company funds the installation of panels on a roof (no up-front costs to the resident) and charges a monthly fee for the use of these panels for the lease term, usually between 15-20 years. Monthly payments are around $85 per month, clearly a savings over the $250$300 average bill in summer months in the steamy Coachella Valley. The savings is due to the relatively low monthly lease payments combined with the electric bill being less than current monthly power bills. In the long run, though, purchasing is probably the better way to go.
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The price is usually between $10,000 to $25,000 after rebates, promotions and tax credits (including a 30 percent federal tax credit if installed before the end of 2019). Owning a system not only keeps the homeowner in control of the rooftop aesthetics, but also it can reduce an electricity bill by 70 to 100 percent, depending on the size and orientation of the roof and local regulations. Again, this is especially true in the desert where hot summer months really spike those electric bills. There is no monthly fee, but instead it’s just a matter of amortizing the installation and panel costs over the number of years spent owning the home. Either way, battery storage for electric vehicles or protecting against blackouts is also often part of the package. Purchasing is often preferable because if a home is put up on the market before the solar lease is up (usually 20 years), the homeowner will either have to buy out the lease or the person purchasing your home will have to assume it, and that can scare off or disincentive purchasers. The average American homeowner pays off their solar panel system in seven to eight years. Home equity loans or lines of credit are readily available to facilitate the purchase of solar up front, since a home serves as collateral. What about “selling power back to the grid?” According to Renova Solar, on the Coachella Valley region, there is no “feed in tariff” which is when a homeowner can sell power back to the grid at a retail rate, but at the end of 12 months, if more energy has been produced than used, local utility company will pay the consumer at a wholesale rate of about 4 cents
SEPTEMBER 2017
COVER FEATURE BY ALISON ELSNER
per watt. However, most homeowners do better by just claiming that savings in credits for monthly payments through net metering programs.
The Perks Solar also has reaps huge rewards for property values. Multiple studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes. And there’s a lot to be said to hedging against unpredictable rate structure adjustments by utility companies. Other solar advantages include bolstering the local economy, demonstrating a commitment to green (important for businesses), insulating our country from price fluctuations in global energy markets and reducing our carbon footprint. A typical residential solar panel system will eliminate three to four tons of carbon emissions each year—the equivalent of planting more than 100 trees annually. Solar is also good for the job market. According to The Solar Foundation, the solar industry added jobs at a rate nearly 12 times faster than the overall U.S. economy in 2015, representing 1.2 percent of all jobs in the country. This growth is expected to continue. Whether your motivations for going solar are economic, environmental, or personal, the benefits are clear for consumer, businesses and the planet. For now, an existence like those depicted in “The Hunger Games” and “Mad Max” movies are still fantasy. Thanks to develop-
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ment of solar energy, those visions can remain where they belong, on the big screen, for a while longer.
local solar companies Renova Solar – Founded in 2006 75181 Mediterranean Ave., Palm Desert 760-568-3413, renovasolar.com Planet Solar — Founded in 2007 73820 Dinah Shore Dr., Palm Desert 760-341-1413, planetsolar.com Hot Purple Energy — Founded in 2009 810 N. Farrell Dr., Palm Springs 760-322-4433, hotpurpleenergy.com Vivint Solar — Founded in 2001 1111 E Citrus St. #1, Riverside 951-916-8129, vivintsolar.com
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TIPS & TIDBITS
Sunscreen Much?
You better. But know which sunscreen ingredients are environmentally risky
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our skin is one of the most precious organs your body has. Treat it well. While we all know that it’s important to protect your skin from UV damage by wearing sunscreen daily, some sunscreen ingredients are risky to our health and the environment. Here’s what those ingredients are doing, and how you can make better choices when shopping for protection.
Sunscreen’s Impact on Coral Reefs Coral reefs, the “rainforests of the oceans,” nurture millions of unusual animal and plant species (along with important medicines we have yet to discover), protect coastlines from storms and erosion, and even remove and recycle excess carbon. But, these amazing ecosystems are increasingly threatened. The Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives found that by promoting viral infection, sunscreens potentially play an important role in coral bleaching. It is estimated that up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen is released annually by tourists in reef areas, and because sunscreens are often petroleum based, they don’t biodegrade. When chemicals in sunscreen come in contact with reefs, the coral becomes stressed, pushing out the algae living inside and leaving behind a vulnerable skeletal structure. As coral reefs lose their biological inhabitants due to toxins, pollution and increased temperatures due to global warming, they also lose their pigments, becoming “bleached.”
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SEPTEMBER 2017
TIPS & TIDBITS
Health Impacts EarthShare member groups like Friends of the Earth and the Natural Resources Defense Council have found that common chemicals like Oxybenzane and nanoparticles in sunscreens also pose health risks. Because technology often outpaces regulation, the FDA has not yet been able to fully evaluate the possible health impacts of these chemicals. A 2008 study from the Center for Disease Control found that 97percent of Americans had traces of oxybenzane, which has been linked to babies with low birth weight, hormone disruption, cellular damage and even allergies. Oxybenzane is used in many cosmetics to encourage absorption, but it is most commonly found in sunscreen. Nanoparticles are harmful to the environment because they “are highly chemically reactive, are long-lasting, and have the capacity to linger in the environment.” They also damage potentially beneficial natural microbes in the environment, according to an article by Scientific American.
How to Protect Your Skin, the Healthy Way So, what can a health conscious individual do if they still want to protect themselves from sun damage? First, make sure to always bring along other sun protection like sunglasses, hats and umbrellas when you know you’re going to be outside during the midday hours. Second, read about the risks of toxic chemicals in sunscreen and other personal care products, and buy (and advocate) for better alternatives using these guides from Environmental Working Group and Friends of the Earth.
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ECO DESIGN
Creative and Sustainable Architect Narendra Patel Unites Art, Architecture, and Eco Design BY ALISON ELSNER
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rchitect Narendra Patel’s decision to establish his home base in the Coachella Valley is a match made in modernism heaven— and a boon for the environment, for sure. Born in India, Patel, an AIA architect and interior designer, received his degree in architecture from The University of Toronto, Canada. Out of the numerous job offers he received upon graduation, he selected Palm Springs as his destination because of his fascination with modernism. After working for renowned architect Donald Wexler for many years, Patel launched his own firm, Patel Architecture, Inc., based in Rancho Mirage, and considers the desert his true home. Below is an interview with the talented and visionary creator: Going Green Lifestyle: How have you incorporated environmental/green elements into your projects? Narendra Patel: Green, as applied to architecture and buildings, is defined as “environmentally responsible and resource–efficient buildings.” I am strongly against airtight buildings built with toxic materials, minimal daylight and just a few cubic feet of fresh air per minute per
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person. No matter how energy-and resource-efficient a building is, its staying power is determined by how deeply it appeals to the senses, how well it fits into the community and how comfortable it is to use. In my view, sustainability and aesthetics are entirely compatible goals. Intelligent green building can result in spare, aesthetically appealing structures that can resonate with those who work and live in them. Such buildings can also be highly valued over time because they outperform traditional buildings in forms of energy savings as wells as intangibles such as work productivity and morale. GGL: What is your favorite project you’ve done both locally and globally and how were “green” elements an important part of these? NP: My projects are like my children; they are all equally important. However, some of the known projects are the Henderson Community Center, which is the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce building, which achieved a silver level LEED certification, numerous custom homes at Bighorn in Palm Desert and the residential community, ALTA, in Palm Springs.
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ECO DESIGN
My favorite global project is a residential community in Chengdu, China. The design was inspired from Palm Springs Modern and I call it “Eco Modernism.” My own office building in Rancho Mirage, and my wife Valerie Mahabir’s ballet studio and performing arts building next to it, will always be inspiring. I wanted to create an Earth-friendly work place to showcase environmental building ideas and to test energy, water and material efficiency. These structures are intended to enhance public awareness about energy efficient, sustainable architecture, art and culture. This is a grand step towards our ongoing effort to show our concern and response to our great nation’s energy dependence on foreign countries. This is also an effort to call the attention of the building industry towards green architecture and also to propose solutions and alternatives that could be ecologically acceptable as well as economically viable. This project will actually be used as a base for research into the construction applications of natural and energy saving materials and for future designs under development. GGL: What future projects do you have planned? NP: I am currently working on a $30 million-plus family compound of three homes in Rancho Mirage for local entrepreneur Nachhattar Chandi. I’m also working on several hospitality projects in the Coachella Valley that will be announced in a near future, and I’m designing another “Eco Residential Community” at Luxe Lakes in China. GGL: With whom do you like to collaborate? NP: I continuously collaborate with many artists, engineers, landscape architects and specialized consultants for a variety of projects through my office in Rancho Mirage and also in Beijing and Milan.
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ARCHITECT NARENDRA PATEL
GGL: What is your perspective on the importance of green elements for our future? NP: Every project we design is infused with eco design and art. We believe that combining these elements is not just a matter of placing sculptures and art objects surrounding the building, but the building itself should be a sculpture for people to enjoy, experience and explore. Eco design is not, by any means, something new. A designer must know the outcome and lifespan of an object or building and the ramifications it has on the environment. We must use new materials, new technologies and better design to edit the marketplace and make a more cyclic, more seamless, more beautiful and more techno-organic world. For more information, please visit patelarchitecture.com.
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IN THE NEWS
PALM SPRINGS ACTS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION BY BANNING GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS BY DORI SMITH
T
he use of one gas-powered leaf blower in a day is the same as driving your car to New York, in the emissions it gives off,” said Geoff Kors, Palm Spring City Council member. “And people are breathing this pollution every day.” That is why Kors supports the recently approved Palm Springs ban on gas-powered leaf blowers used to clear yard debris. The ban becomes effective Jan. 1, 2019. “The city’s Sustainability Commission did an extensive study and unanimously recommended we ban them for several reasons,” Kors adds. “First, they are unhealthy—breathing in the emissions for gardeners all day. It’s really harmful to them. They are noisier than electric and battery models, and exceed our noise ordinance. Gas-powered leaf blowers are one of the most polluting devices we have.” Emissions aren’t the only concern. Another is that blowers stir up “particulates,” or minute particles that remain suspended in the atmosphere for long periods. Particulates are a major component of air pollution. According to “Almanac News,” blasting air at up to 185 mph, leaf blowers “can whip up hazardous particles and contaminants from the ground at speeds greater than a Category 5 hurricane, sending them
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long distances.” It goes on to note that “studies have long recognized the harm these particles—including hydrocarbons from gasoline, animal droppings, spores, fungi, pollens, pesticides and herbicides, fertilizers, brake-lining dust and tire residue, and heavy metals—cause to people’s respiratory systems.” The ban does not include other tools used by landscapers, such as gaspowered chainsaws, Kors said, because they are not used for sustained periods and do not stir up particulates. The use of gas blowers is banned in several cities in southern California, including Los Angeles, South Pasadena and Santa Barbara. Locally, Indian Wells was first, starting its ban in 1990. Two other large cities, Palm Desert and Indio, do not have a ban nor is one in the works. The Palm Desert Citizens Sustainability Committee recently discussed the issue and directed staff to create an educational flier for landscapers detailing “leaf-blower best practices.” THE IMPACT ON RESIDENTS A positive result should be cleaner air. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) supports reducing pollution in this way.
SEPTEMBER 2017
IN THE NEWS
“The children in the north part of Palm Springs have higher rates of asthma,” Kors says. “We really want to reduce the dust because it is harmful to seniors, people with respiratory problems, and children.” There may be some downsides. First, any residents who perform yard work will need to get rid of gas-powered blowers and buy “electric” ones (battery or corded). Second, residents who hire individual landscapers and homeowners associations that oversee lawn maintenance could face higher bills as new equipment and labor costs are passed on. THE IMPACT ON LANDSCAPERS This type of ban could increase costs in two ways: commercial battery-operated leaf blowers and their batteries are more expensive than comparable gas-powered devices; labor costs may rise because landscapers say the electric blowers are inefficient. More time blowing or raking debris could lead to adding staff. “I understand the issue of emissions,” says John Azzurro, Gothic Landscape branch manager. “The bottom line is that the additional cost to do the work is going to have to go down
SEPTEMBER 2017
the line—through the company or the HOA.” He predicts a considerable impact on Gothic, which employs around 40 workers and has contracts in many cities. “It takes more time to rake up everything,” Azzurro says. “We have used electric blowers, which are very expensive and the batteries are $500 each. The battery life is very limited, so you have to buy extra batteries. They are not as fast and a charge only lasts about 20 minutes.” Kors notes that a commercial, battery-operated model could cost as much as $1,400. SCAQMD offers a program designed to help. (See sidebar.) Alberto Camacho, owner of ACG Landscape Service, shares Azzurro’s concerns. He has been a landscaper 20 years and runs his business with one other worker. He works in five cities, none of which have the ban to-date. “The electric blowers I am familiar with do not blow as strongly as the gas units,” Camacho says. “More work time would be required with electric leaf blowers; and the batteries of the blowers I would be using have a short life.” Both men say that using corded blowers is not realistic.
Leaf Blower Exchange Program
K
ors explains that, in addition to attending future Palm Springs-provided training, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCQAMD) sponsors an annual Leaf Blower Exchange Program. Commercial landscapers/gardeners operating within the South Coast Air Basin can exchange gas backpack blowers for new low-emission/low-noise backpack blowers at a discounted price. SCAQMD reveals that, since the program began in 2006, 12,000 leaf blowers have been replaced, resulting in a reduction of 138,729 pounds of hydrocarbon and nitrogen-oxide emissions annually. Smog-forming pollutants have dropped by 88,282 pounds per year. All old blowers are scrapped and recycled. Landscapers can obtain information by calling 909-396-2000 or visiting aqmd.gov.
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SPOTLIGHT
Ride With It
In Climate Ride, environmentalism may have just found its most creative savior BY GREG ARCHER
I
n a world filled with so many endeavors that revolve around cyclingfor-a-cause, how do you choose the right one? How about cycling for a healthier planet? That’s the idea behind Climate Ride, an ambitious nonprofit which, since its inception nine years ago, has evolved into a bona fide seachanging enterprise. It uses cycling as a way to generate attention—and funds—for green energy, combating climate change and promoting sustainability. “We took this concept of bringing the charitable model that many health-related organizations have had extraordinary success with, and brought that to the sustainability and bicycle advocacy sector,” says Blake Holiday, a Palm Springs resident and the national events director for Climate Ride. Holiday and the titans behind the organization may be some of the more fierce advocates for environmental sustainability. And it’s refresh-
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ing to see, actually, especially now, during one of the most contentious and heated political climates the country has faced—and environmentalism for that matter—in decades. The good news is that over the last decade or so, the environmental movement leapt beyond a “movement” to become something more akin to ongoing advocacy. With solid momentum in place, environmentalism is certainly here to stay, however, the work Holiday and and Climate Ride do remain downright unique. What particularly stands out is the series of events Climate Ride produces annually to raise awareness on environmental issues while also enhancing team-building and community. And Holiday’s influence is noteworthy. The local, who has lived in Palm Springs for more than a decade, researches locales around the country in which the “ride” events can roll out. His job is integral because he crafts the various cycling and hiking trips that actually occur.
SEPTEMBER 2017
SPOTLIGHT
SHIFTING GEARS CLIMATE RIDERS (LEFT) HIT THE ROAD IN CYCLE RIDES DESIGNED BY VALLEY RESIDENT BLAKE HOLIDAY (RIGHT).
“Each event is a unique journey,” Holiday says. “I love logistics, but I always try to find what the soul is of a region where I’m designing an event, and I hope to bring that area’s personality to the events we create.” Some of the most impressive among those events are a series of 300-mile bike rides through the world’s most stunning and historic regions—a California North Coast ride and a Climate Ride Northeast and Midwest were hits several years ago. A Central Coast ride (June 9-13), a Glacier Ride at Glacier National Park (July 18-23), and a San Juan Islands Climate Ride (Aug. 3-7) stood out this year. Perhaps the biggest and more attention-grabbing ride will be something dubbed Climate Ride Red, White and Blue Ridge, which takes participants and the environmental message from the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains all the way to that nation’s capitol in Washington D.C. Climate Hikes are also on the annual roster. How it unravels: After a day of pedaling or hiking, participants pause, regroup and can listen to motivational speakers (on site) clued in on environment issues. But long before the ride, participants can select organizations for which they want to fundraise. More than 120 beneficiary organizations are on a list in a number of arenas—clean energy, conservation and climate education among them. By year’s end, Climate Ride, a 501(c)(3) with Board President Tim Frick at the helm, distributes the proceeds from the events to the organizations. “Climate Rides and Hikes are designed to be journeys with purpose,” Holiday notes. “With 150-200 participants per event, a really great community forms during the four or five days of the events. It’s just the right size to have the feel of a large trip, while being intimate enough so that you don’t feel lost in the crowd. It’s a great balance.” Still, it’s evident that Climate Ride also occupies a truly unique position in the overall environmental movement. “We’ve always worked to highlight the idea that bicycling is part of the overall solution to the climate change challenge, but as our beneficiary program has expanded, we’ve become a nexus of connection be-
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Climate Ride distributed $725,000 in grants to 109 organizations and for many of them, Climate Ride was the largest 2016 donor. tween so many organizations,” Holiday says. “It’s exciting to see how our beneficiaries and their supporters come together to learn, network and be inspired. I like to think of Climate Ride as the ‘golf course’ of the environmental movement.” Last year, Climate Ride distributed $725,000 in grants to 109 organizations and for many of them, Climate Ride was the largest 2016 donor. The organizations use the funds for critical projects that promote solutions to issues ranging from sustainability to active transportation. “Except for the government, we are the largest private grantor to bicycle advocacy efforts in the country, which I find amazing,” Holiday points out. “We’re making a measurable impact, and that’s the most rewarding part of all.” As for the actual riders and hikers who train and raise money, they, themselves are true agents of change. Talk about an eclectic bunch— leaders of NGOs, bicycle advocates, eco-heroes, thought leaders, families, and everyday people who have a deep value for the future. “There’s nothing like spending a week on the road with them and learning about what they’re doing to make the world a better place,” Holiday says. “I couldn’t be in better company.” Get involved. Learn more about Climate Ride at climateride.org.
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SPOTLIGHT
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT.
LUSH, COLORFUL AND ... DROUGHT RESISTANT? PLANTS FOR A GORGEOUS 21ST CENTURY LANDSCAPE BY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY
T
he Green Green Grass of Home” is a better song title than a landscape directive. Although the most irrigated crop in the United States, according to NASA scientists, grass has little practical use beyond cooling an outdoor space or being pleasant to the eye. You can’t eat it, weave it, mulch it, feed livestock with it or use it as fuel. It does, however, require weeding, mowing, feeding, edging, hauling away and watering. A ton of watering. In the most comprehensive study ever, the Southern Nevada Water Authority demonstrated that water efficient plantings in and around Las Vegas needed 56 less gallons per square foot per year than grass. The Coachella Valley’s much higher temps would greatly increase this savings. In addition, the study showed that converted water friendly landscapes realized a 20-40 percent reduction in maintenance costs.
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Maybe it’s time to rethink the concept of “a beautiful landscape?” Desert Scape is much more than a cactus and gravel—although these elements can be dramatic. Indeed, dry scape can be colorful, lush and fragrant. Some of my favorite CV- appropriate water wise plants include: Pink Powder Puff—a show stopper with bright red-pink blooms that come fall into spring; Lavender Trumpet Vine—lavender to violet trumpet-shaped flowers in spring and summer, great for a trellis; Pink Fairy Duster—graceful and airy, its pinkish-red flowers bloom throughout spring; Apache Plume—resembling a chief’s war bonnet, blooms MayDecember; any of the Sages (Scarlet, Russian, Chaparral, etc.)—hardy, easy to trim, wonderful scent and prolific blooming. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 >>>
SEPTEMBER 2017
SPOTLIGHT
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT.
<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
Few desert area big box stores specialize in water friendly plants; you may have better luck with local nurseries. Be sure to call ahead or visit the store’s website to check on water wise availability. I can also personally recommend purchasing via the web from High Country Gardens (highcountrygardens.com). These folks have been online for years and their newsletter and digital catalog showcase high-quality products, updated plant information and expert horticultural advice for all USDA zones (we’re zone 9). Since replacing grass with water efficient shrubs and bushes saves so much time, money and H2O, water agencies are happy to help. So whether you’re a DIY type or just curious about sustainable gardening, local water districts have tons of information. Coachella Water District ................................................................... 75525 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, 760-398-2651 cvwd.org. For residential customers, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) grass conversion rebates are available at $2 per square foot, 10,000 square foot maximum. Online applications are reviewed on a first-come, firstserved basis. Projects must be pre-approved to be rebate eligible. The CVWD also offers rebates for “smart” irrigation timers, HOA and commercial rebates, golf course turf buy-backs and irrigation upgrades. Need a pro? Their website lists landscapers who have completed the Water District’s Water Management for Landscape Profes-
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sionals seminar. You can also browse/download “Lush and Efficient,” a comprehensive guide to desert friendly landscaping (available in digital or glossy-magazine editions). Desert Water Agency .......................................................................... 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs 760-323-4971, dwa.org. Desert Water Agency offers $1 per square foot grass conversion. Single-family residences can also apply to SaveOurWaterRebates.com for funding of front yard conversions only. Large-scale projects are scored for approval based on public visibility and project readiness. Retroactive turf removal projects are ineligible and applicants must provide before and after photos. The DWA also offers a comprehensive water-wise plant guide for the Coachella Valley. Check out specific categories or get inspired by all 400 plants and more than 900 photos to create your own inviting water-conserving landscape. They too offer Lush and Efficient. Mission Springs Water District ........................................................ 66575 Second St., Desert Hot Springs 760-329-6448 mswd.org. Although MSWD Turf Rebate Program funding is currently unavailable, financial assistance for turf conversions of up to $2,000 may be available directly from the State. MSWD also provides access to a list of hundreds of drought resistant plants complete with hundreds of photos and detailed how-tos for successful placement, soil and nutrition.
SEPTEMBER 2017
IN THE NEWS
A
nd you thought the end of last season’s “Game of Thrones” was devastating. Things just got real. As in … now we’re supposed to be mindful of our chocolate consumption because it affects the environment? Well, sort of. Sorry to break it to you darling chocoholics, but it’s best to be in the know. Because global demand for cocoa is fast rising, producers are struggling to keep pace. We discovered that it could take an entire year for a cocoa tree to produce the cocoa in just half a pound of chocolate. You read that correctly. Also, older trees yield less cocoa, and the majority of the globe’s cocoa plantations are past their peak production years. “Americans are more aware than ever of where the products they consume come from and how they’re made,” notes Kerry Cavanaugh, brand director for DOVE Chocolate, which is produced by Mars Chocolate North America. “They want to know products have been sustainably produced in a manner that has the least possible impact on the environment and a positive effect on people at the source. Chocolate producers like Mars are paying attention to consumer sentiment.” So, if chocolate is high on your list of favorite treats, make sure the brand you choose is one that combines pleasure with purpose by asking if it is doing something that will benefit others around the world. Here are three things to consider the next time you reach for chocolate at the store: HELP FIGHT POVERTY Cocoa is an industry that affects 6.5 million farmers around the world the majority of cocoa is grown on small farms operated by independent farmers in developing countries in West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas. DOVE Chocolate supports initiatives like the CARE Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) program, a micro-finance program
SEPTEMBER 2017
that allows participants, such as cocoa farmers in developing countries, to support each other with low-interest loans. The loans help cocoa farmers improve their farming practices, expand their businesses and support their families. DOVE has partnered with CARE to sponsor the VSLA program in Cote d’Ivoire, the world’s top producer of cocoa beans, which has already benefited nearly 3,000 farmers since the program began in 2016. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT According to the Rainforest Alliance, cocoa can be grown in forest settings, under the shade of native trees, rather than in deforested fields. Organizations like the Rainforest Alliance help farmers learn and implement sustainable farming and harvesting practices that protect the wildlife and environment in the region as well as improve their livelihoods and the well being of their families and communities. Mars is the first company to pledge to use 100 percent certified cocoa by 2020, and as part of this pledge, sources 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa for DOVE Dark Chocolate products. FEMALE EMPOWERMENT Although they contribute to 50 percent of farming activities, women rarely benefit from cocoa-related income. Programs like CARE’s VSLA initiative take on this challenge by providing women with ways to save money and access small loans. With VSLAs, women in farming communities can increase production on their cocoa farms, recover from natural disasters that threaten their livelihoods and achieve greater equality with male farmers. Since July 7, DOVE Chocolate will donate $1 to CARE for every purchase of specially marked DOVE Dark PROMISES at all CVS Pharmacy locations.
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