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3
July 2016
Editor’s Note
I
t’s July, and though the official summer season has only recently begun, we Phoenicians have been feeling the heat for two months now. We often complain about the Arizona sun beating down on us day after day (and you can’t really blame us when it’s 120 degrees outside), but it’s vital to remember the importance of the sun and all it provides. Without the sun, we would not be able to survive. Although the desert heat can be quite brutal, a recent trip to humid Washington D.C. made me thankful for Arizona’s dry heat. What disturbed me more than the oppressive humidity, however, was the lack of solar panels in the D.C. area compared to Arizona. Flying over North Carolina and Virginia, I saw a lot of beautiful greenery and trees, but few – if any – rooftop solar panels. While there are quite a few LEED buildings in downtown D.C., the lack of solar in the area surprised me. Flying back into Phoenix, I was inspired by all the glittering rooftop panels. According to Martha Maeda, author of “How to Solar Power Your Home,” enough sunlight touches the Earth every 24 hours to provide energy for the entire planet for 24 years. It’s no wonder why Arizona is soaking up the sun and has been taking advantage of solar energy for decades. Arizona currently ranks
Arizona currently ranks second out of all 50 states for the most solar installed, from a 2016 study by the Solar Energy Industries Association. second out of all 50 states for the most solar installed, from a 2016 study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Although Arizona is definitely doing its part to harness the sun’s energy, we are still far behind the leader in the race: California. According to the SEIA study, as of March 2016, Arizona had 2,303 megawatts of solar installed on 327,000 homes, and California had a whopping 6.5 times that: 13,241 megawatts installed on over three million homes. It’s clear that Arizona is a big contender in the solar market, and luckily many of Arizona’s solar providers are working with customers to get around recent solar restrictions. Green Living’s July issue is dedicated to solar and energy. Check out our special section on page 28 and read about a local company that created an innovative solar pool cleaner. Also included in this issue: tips for traveling with pets this summer; green building practices; Sarcoma Awareness Month; juicing for summer; an Arizona staycation with heart; turning chaos into positive change; the first installment in our new climate change series; solar oven recipes; and more! This summer, let your solar panels soak up the sun while you stay cool in the shade.
Amanda Harvey Associate Editor
♥
I LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR READERS!
Email me at editor@greenlivingaz.com
Follow @greenlivingaz and stay in touch with the newest topics on sustainability! 4 greenliving | July 2016
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on the cover Our July issue is all about Solar and Energy! Our cover shot features the 37.5 acre, 5-megawatt photovoltaic Rio Rico Solar Array, located off I-19 in southern Arizona. Photo taken by David Sanders, photographer/ videographer for Tucson Electric Power (TEP). Learn more about Solar and Energy in our Special Section starting on page 28.
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play green
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32 Book Review: “The Mechanical Horse: How the Bicycle Reshaped American Life”
live green
34 Staycation with Heart:
6
36 Pet & Eco Friendly Hotels In Prescott 38 Surviving the Summer Heat 39 Launch Party Photo Collage
Double D Guest Ranch
Riding the Wave of Chaos to Encourage Positive Change
8 Summer Detox with Juicing 10 Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month 12 Homegrown: Cultivating a Political Career in a Community Garden 14 Plants: The Ultimate Role Models 16 Climate Change Series: Apache County 18 Plastic Pollution: Tempe Councilwoman Hopes to Make a Difference
work green 20 “House of Good Fortune” in Prescott is Home to Green
22 Adams Craig: Salvaging the Old, Reimagining the New
24 The Secret Sustainability Story of China Mist Tea
26 3 Local SEO Stats Every Small
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Business Owner Should Know
34 40 Summer Drinks and Solar Recipes 42 Green Scenes Calendar of Events 46 Green Champions 47 He’s Green, She’s Green
48 Cool Outrageous Stuff
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31 Using the Sun’s Power to Clean Your Pool Special Advertising Section: Page 1 July 2016 | greenliving
5
GREEN LIFE
RIDING THE
TO ENCOURAGE POSITIVE CHANGE BY SARA REGESTER
A
s a stress management expert, I encounter many clients who are impacted negatively by the chaos they are facing and the energy they spend trying to navigate through it. A busy life or a big transition may SARA REGESTER inherently feel chaotic, but the truth about chaos is that it can actually be a sign of coming changes and progress. Chaos is part of any change. The key to handling it is learning how to ride the wave of chaos to conserve energy instead of resisting it and spending precious energy reserves. If you have ever gone body surfing or boogie boarding at
the beach, you may remember the energy boost you gain when you “catch the wave” as you glide into shore. You know how it feels to float on top of the water with minimal effort. Alternatively, when you miss the wave, you are tossed around, thrown off your board and likely left with a mouth full of sand. This is how energy loss feels. The same can be said for the chaos in your life. There is a way to ride the chaos to arrive at a new place (such as a habit, mindset, behavior pattern or project) with focus and intent to stay present, connected to your gut and out of your head so you can respond and problem solve. Chaos is an essential step any time you are creating change, moving through a transition or creating something new
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for yourself. You may feel it more as you get out of your comfort zone. Somewhere between leaving the old way and settling into the new way, you will meet chaos. The key is to ride the wave and conserve your energy to reach the other side of change. If you resist chaos and push against it, you will feel stuck and you will waste a lot of your precious energy. It will take you longer to move through the process of change. When chaos is imminent, pause to catch a mindful moment. Take a breath to connect to your core, located two to three finger breadths below your navel. Be present and respond to the situation so you can effectively problem solve and contain your energy. When you miss the mindful moment, it’s like missing the curl of the wave. You will spin into reaction, become rooted in your head and emotions, and not be able to problem solve effectively. It’s exhausting to resist the chaos of change.
WHEN CHAOS IS IMMINENT, PAUSE TO CATCH A MINDFUL MOMENT.
When we avoid chaos, we miss the opportunity to grow into our new potential. When we resist chaos, we waste a lot of energy to finally get to where we want to go. It’s like going to the beach, standing on the shore and watching the waves come instead of getting in the water. When people complain about the chaos they experience as they re-wire their lifestyles, I affirm to them that chaos is a strong sign for the progress they are making and to use stress resilience techniques to respond, ride the wave, and gain energy. Sara Regester is a stress management expert, creator of the “Turn Your Stress into Success” programs, and founder of directions4wellness.com.
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7
HEALTH & WELLNESS
SUMMER DETOX
WITH JUICING BY PARUL AGRAWAL
S
ummer is a great time to detox! When it’s warmer outside, the body doesn’t crave fatty, comforting foods such as oils and nuts like it does in the winter PARUL AGRAWAL months, making it easier to purge toxins that have built up. Cleansing or detoxification is a normal process performed by the body to prevent and fight disease and to keep the body as healthy as possible. The lymphatic system, skin, colon, liver and kidneys are the body’s main cleansing organs. If these systems are working properly, the body will cleanse and detoxify itself.
Ridding the Body of Toxins Unfortunately, we live in an environment that has made it difficult for our bodies to detoxify efficiently. The body is constantly bombarded with toxins in the form of chemicals, pesticides, hormones and other pollutants found in the processed foods we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Under the heavy influence of toxins, cells become sick and the human body eventually reaches a point where it is no longer capable of flushing toxins and acid waste on its own. If not excreted naturally, these toxins remain circulating in the blood, the lymph system and in the surrounding tissues. Headaches, fatigue, allergies, joint pain, digestive discomfort and a host of
8 greenliving | July 2016
other symptoms occur when the body is so clogged with toxins that it is not able to perform other necessary functions. We then need to help our bodies eliminate the accumulated harmful substances by following a detoxification or cleansing protocol. During summer months the body naturally craves fresh, juicy hydrating and detoxifying fruits and vegetables. Hence, summer is a great time to go on a detox and juicing is a great way to do so.
Why Juicing? Juicing is an easy, delicious, nutritious and quick way to give the body high amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals in a form that is immediately absorbed and utilized for nourishment. Juicing also makes it much easier to consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Many people eat the same vegetable salads every day. But with juicing, you can consume a wide variety of vegetables that you may not normally enjoy eating. Juicing a variety of vegetables keeps you from becoming bored with the same old foods. Various phytonutrients, enzymes, probiotics and vitamins also do not survive cooking and processing. Juicing raw fruits and vegetables preserves all the nutrition. Always be sure to use organic fruits and vegetables, as pesticides found on non-organic produce can leech into the foods and come out into the juice. During a juice fast or cleanse, a person limits their diet to only fresh vegetable and fruit juices, water, and herbal or green teas. A juice cleanse puts
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
the digestive system on hold and gives the body a muchneeded break from the laborious work of digestion. On average, 30 percent of our overall energy is used for digestion. During a juice cleanse, the body is not working on chewing, liquefying, swallowing and digesting the carbohydrates, fats, protein and fiber from food. This frees up 30 percent more energy to be used in healing, repairing and revitalizing the immune system. The idea behind fasting or cleansing is to eliminate waste or toxins accumulated in the body while nourishing it at the same time. A juice fast is the perfect way to ensure both of these happen in harmony, and summer is a great time to embark on your juicing journey.
TURN TO PAGE 41
for a Summer Detox Juice recipe!
If you would like to experience a detox this summer to reclaim your health and vitality, visit bit.ly/2016summerdetox. Parul Agrawal is an International Bestselling Author, Huffington Post Blogger, Bestselling Book Publisher & Coach, the host of a soon-to-be launched Mama Podcast and Publishing Director of Transformational CEO LLC. She is also a leading online female entrepreneur with a mission to educate families and professionals alike about simple but extremely effective ways to live healthier, happier and successful lives. You can find more about her at parulagrawal.com. Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health
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9
HEALTH & WELLNESS
CANCER AWARENESS BY DR. MARK GIMBEL
I
t’s possible that you or someone you know has had a lipoma, a fatty lump between the skin and layer of muscle which moves with slight finger pressure. This is the most common form of benign tumor. But not all masses are lipomas – some DR. MARK GIMBEL are cancerous sarcomas, which many people have never heard about. July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, so it’s an especially fitting time to increase awareness about this type of cancer.
What are sarcomas? Sarcomas are a group of diverse and rare cancers arising from the connective tissue of the body. These tissues include muscle, fat, bone, cartilage, blood vessels and skin. Sarcomas are most commonly found in the extremities, but can also be seen in the abdomen, heart, gastrointestinal and other organs. The number of sarcoma diagnoses in the United States has steadily increased over the past 35 years. The National Institutes of Health reported approximately 12,000 cases of soft tissue sarcomas in 2014, and 3,000 cases of bone sarcomas. Of those cases, nearly half of them were expected to be fatal.
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Sara Regester RN, BSN Certified Integrative Health Coach & Speaker Stress Mastery Expert
Am I at risk of developing a sarcoma? Unfortunately, the risk factors for sarcomas are relatively unknown. Some causative associations have been identified, such as trauma and radiation. There have also been links to sarcomas with chemical exposures such as vinyl chloride (found in plastic goods like PVC pipes, car upholstery and plastic utensils), dioxin (which forms during the burning of household and industrial waste) and chlorophenol (found in pesticides). However, recent studies have dispelled chlorophenol as a causative factor. It is not clear if smoking can cause sarcomas, but given the number of toxins in cigarettes, this cannot be ruled out. There are familial syndromes that can increase lifetime risk of sarcoma significantly. These include: Li-Fraumeni, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), neurofibromatosis, retinoblastoma, tuberous sclerosis and Werner syndrome. Individuals with these syndromes should be screened early and often.
What are the signs/symptoms of sarcomas? The location of the tumor will dictate how it presents. For extremity sarcomas, the most common presentation is a swelling or a mass. These are typically not tender. If the tumor is deep in the muscle, nerves or blood vessels might be involved, causing either pain or swelling. If the tumor is in the abdomen, then problems with the bowels or swelling of the lower legs can occur. If it is a bone sarcoma, deformity or fractures can occur.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
DID YOU KNOW? July is Sarcoma Awareness Month!
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If I am diagnosed with a sarcoma, what are my treatment options? There are roughly 50 different types of sarcomas, which can be found within multiple tissues and organs throughout the body. Given this diversity, there is great variability in both management and treatment options for sarcomas. These will depend on the cell type, the stage, the grade (how mutated the cells are) and location of the tumor. Surgery is the primary method of treatment, with radiation and chemotherapy used additionally in more complex cases to improve surgical outcomes.
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Mark Gimbel, MD, is a surgical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona. For more information on sarcomas, ask your doctor or contact Dr. Gimbel at 480-256-6444. Soft tissue sarcoma photos courtesy of Mayo Clinic and Terese Winslow LLC, respectively. Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health
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July 2016 | greenliving
11
GIVING BACK
HOMEGROWN: CULTIVATING A POLITICAL CAREER IN A COMMUNITY GARDEN BY TERRY BENELLI
T
renchers roared in the middle of a small dirt lot in Mesa, Arizona. The summer of 2012 was not any less sweltering than any before. Some gardeners drank water in the shelter of a pop-up tent, while others struggled to push heavy TERRY BENELLI machinery in long straight lines through the hard Arizona caliche. A small but determined team spent the months prior site-planning, negotiating with city departments, seeking donations and finding volunteers to “dig in” and help build the Mesa Urban Garden located at 212 E. 1st Avenue in downtown Mesa. Hundreds of volunteers and thousands of pounds of vegetables later, the landscape for the garden and many of its founders have changed. The Mesa Urban Garden, affectionately called MUG, is now one of the most well-known urban gardens in the Valley. The walls are adorned with murals by Arizona artists; regional musicians perform at seasonal art shows; local business owners provide free salsa dancing, yoga and crossfit activities; solar cooking events and kids’ gardening events draw large crowds; and at its core grows a garden managed by an allvolunteer board of directors. Mesa Mayor John Giles has said, “The Mesa Urban Garden is a lightning rod of community activity.” The garden has thrown out roots connecting every corner of the community, leading to a growing sense of shared identity and responsibility. One MUG founder followed the garden path directly to civic engagement on a level that can bring the same sense of shared responsibility to the whole city.
12 greenliving | July 2016
Ryan Winkle was among those determined team members battling the heat in 2012 to launch MUG. Now he is launching a campaign for City Council in Mesa – a campaign he says was inspired by his experiences with the garden. “In the beginning it was about getting out there and doing something for the community, something that would be a catalyst for change in Mesa’s downtown,” Winkle said. As an ASU graduate with a dual degree in Urban Planning and Sustainability and an MBA from Wilkes University Mesa, he had learned that city planners frequently use urban gardens to transform community spaces. “I wanted to be a part of something that would create a positive local image of the area and the people who live there.” The urban garden was not the only creative community project that bloomed that year. Through an initiative called iMesa, the city actively sought and supported local projects that were helping to shape more vibrant neighborhoods. One of these visions included organizing the business community in preparation for light rail construction.
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For info on how to purchase and use these unique blends: Winkle, along with residents, business owners and stakeholder organizations, began the hard work of engaging 460 businesses near the proposed light rail line. RAILmesa: Retail, Arts, Innovation & Livability was formed soon after. Seeds of connection that were planted in the garden led to increased citizen participation, responsible development of housing, transit options, and the creation of quality jobs along Mesa’s Light Rail Corridor. In the summer of 2015, light rail construction came to a close and Mesa’s downtown maintained a net zero loss of business throughout. This is an incredible success when compared to other communities where light rail was constructed. The humble plan for a place to grow vegetables blossomed into a community catalyst that connected people and improved a whole city. “This is the model I want to take to City Hall. A model of connecting the community so that we can do great things together,” said Winkle. “The Mesa Urban Garden is just the beginning.”
Contact Veronica Bahn at 602-692-8060 or email veebahn@gmail.com or visit veronicabahn.nuskinops.com
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For more information on the Mesa Urban Garden, visit mesaurbangarden.org. Appointed to fill the vacancy on the Mesa City Council, Terry Benelli served as the councilmember for District 2. A Mesa resident for almost 30 years, Benelli has been an active member of the Mesa community, serving on numerous boards and committees for many years. As a Flinn-Brown Fellow and graduate of the Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program, her passion for Civic leadership and community development lend itself to her position as Executive Director of LISC Phoenix. Read more giving back articles at greenlivingaz.com/givingback
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July 2016 | greenliving
13
NUTRITION
PLANTS: THE ULTIMATE
ROLE MODELS BY KELLY MURRAY YOUNG
W
hen we talk about “going green,” what do we mean? We assume there is an environmental sustainability component to “being green,” but why the color green? Do we mean green with envy? Green with money? Green because we’re new and don’t know what we’re doing? We say “green” because plants are green. Green, because most photosynthetic organisms look green to our human eyes. When we are trying to “be green,” we are trying to be more like plants. Why on this green Earth would we want to be like plants? Here are eight reasons:
1 2
Plants don’t need rebates to go solar. Collecting solar energy and converting it into food is literally in their DNA.
Plants are quiet. Sure, on occasion plants make noise, but nothing as loud as your neighbor’s motorcycle. Think about it – plants transport water to their highest leaves silently. If you needed to get 10 gallons 60 feet into the air, you’d probably make some noise.
3
Plants feed us. All of our food ultimately comes from plants and other photosynthetic organisms. Even if you only eat meat (good luck with that), the animals you’re eating ate plants, or they ate other animals that ate plants.
reproduce sexually. Pollen grains carry a plant’s sperm from one flower to another and hitch rides on the wind, bat snouts, bee legs, bird beaks…the list goes on.
6
Many plants can reproduce without sex. Cloves of garlic are clones of their mother. How many of us would clone ourselves if we could?
7 8
Plants release oxygen into the atmosphere. Oxygen is good!
Plants sequester carbon. Yes, they produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other carbon-containing molecules that enter the atmosphere, but they lock up the greenhouse gas in their tissues, too. For more on the importance of trees and plants, read the Phoenix area Community Forest Assessment at greenlivingaz.com/phxcommunityforest. Kelly Murray Young is an Agroecology Extension Agent for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and a member of the Maricopa County Food System Coalition. Kelly works with Master Gardeners, commercial landscapers, and urban farmers. For more articles about nutrition visit greenlivingaz.com/nutrition
4
Plants make things beautiful without expecting compliments. Since they don’t have a nervous system, plants don’t have any expectations. Wouldn’t we all be so much happier if we could ditch our expectations?
5
Plants have complicated sex lives. We call it “the birds and the bees” because plants often need a third party to
14 greenliving | July 2016
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July 2016 | greenliving
15
ENVIRONMENT
CLIMATE CHANGE SERIES:
APACHE COUNTY BY DAVID A. SCHALLER
A
pache County residents, water sources for the largely unincorporated county. located in the Northeast corner Apache County’s natural and human resources are among of Arizona, have a secret its greatest assets. Stunning vistas, rugged mountain ranges, weapon for when the climate-change solitude, and the solidarity of a shared indigenous heritage for push goes to shove. Living as they many, all make the challenges worth enduring. The test is going do in an extra-arid environment, the to come when these challenges intensify in the years ahead. county and its 71,000 residents may The most authoritative projections for the region present DAVID A. SCHALLER be in better shape than most to face a somber picture of expected changes in climate for Apache the rigors of a warmer, drier climate. County and across the southwest. “The Assessment of Climate They’ve had a lot of practice living in one already. Change in the Southwest United States” (2013) reports a From Red Mesa through and beyond the heartland of the warmer future with substantially lower spring snowpack, and Navajo Nation, Apache County extends south over half the drier summers. More ominously, the science underscores that length of the state. Its climate defies generalization; rainfall is past hydrological observations will “no longer sufficiently elusive across the sun-baked mesas and sandstone cliffs of the frame the risks of unfavorable future outcomes.” In lay terms, north, while cooler forests of Blue Spruce past patterns of rain and temperature, and Aspen to the south enjoy up to 20 seasons, streamflow, soil moisture, and inches of annual precipitation. other variables no longer hold as we enter The county’s one common identifier is a new era of climate uncertainty. its rural nature, as none of its towns claim The encouraging news is that Apache more than 5,000 residents. Population County leaders have a preparedness density registers at just over six persons program to help residents understand the per square mile. Such remoteness, together realities of rural life in an often unforgiving with dryness, heat, high winds, blowing land. In the “Rural Living” space on its dust and flash floods, are already part of website, the county cautions newcomers the Apache County landscape. In forested – and reminds locals – of the realities areas, wildland fires and subsequent floods and risks of isolation, poor or nonare a constant threat. Conveniences such existent potable water supplies, extreme as municipal water systems are impossibly temperatures, wind and dust, heavy rains pricey across such far-removed lands, and flash floods. leaving water haulage services or deep, The refreshingly honest advisory uncertain aquifers to compete as potable concludes with these cautionary words: APACHE COUNTY IS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED
16 greenliving | July 2016
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ENVIRONMENT
“THE ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE SOUTHWEST UNITED STATES” REPORTS A WARMER FUTURE WITH SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER SPRING SNOWPACK, AND DRIER SUMMERS.
“Since the rural west will not change immediately to accommodate your lifestyle or expectations, you should be prepared to adapt accordingly. You are encouraged to be vigilant in exploring and thoroughly examining any issues related to a rural existence that could affect your decision to relocate to this area.” Elsewhere, the lessons from recent catastrophic fires in the forested south have been seared into a new protocol for living in drier times. Past experiences with wildland fires have ushered in new efforts at forest thinning, prescribed burns, and fire fighter training – all essential assets as the threat of wildland blazes continues to grow. The people of Apache County know better than anyone the price of not being prepared when climate threats suddenly appear. Other positive steps being taken to anticipate the threats of climate change include the recent approval of dozens of new water and sanitation projects by the Navajo Nation. The expense of these projects is seen as an insurance policy for the Tribe as rainfall and surface waters become increasingly less dependable. The county’s advantage going forward is clearly its preexisting resiliency to the suite of stresses expected in a warming world. There is a recognition of adaptation already built into everyday life in Apache County. This ethic of preparedness will make responding to even more disruptive climate change a more hopeful endeavor. For Green Living’s climate change series, each month we will focus on one of Arizona’s 15 counties and how climate change is affecting it specifically. Next month’s installment will focus on Cochise County. 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
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July 2016 | greenliving
17
ENVIRONMENT
PLASTIC POLLUTION
TEMPE COUNCILWOMAN HOPES
TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY STEPHANIE BRAY
F
or years, plastic bags and the long-term effects these products have on the environment have been a highly discussed topic. Statistics show that the average American goes through 500 plastic bags per year, and each bag is used for an average of only 20 seconds. Concerned with plastic pollution in Tempe, Councilwoman Lauren Kuby and fellow council members started a workstudy group in spring 2015 to explore the idea of a plastic bag ban for the city. However, before she could make a recommendation to the council, Arizona passed Senate Bill 1241, which blocked cities from banning plastic bags. But there was a problem. In addition to plastic bags, the bill also addressed energy benchmarking. The Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest filed a lawsuit in September 2015, on behalf of Kuby, stating that the bill was unconstitutional according to the Arizona Constitution, which prohibits double subject bills. Furthermore, Kuby believed local democracy was at stake. The community and its residents would suffer because the state government was creating local policy. “Local control is a long-held value in Arizona, and this ban on plastic bag bans hurts the ability of cities and towns to make thoughtful choices that best represent the values and ideals of their residents,” Kuby said. “Shouldn’t cities be able to manage waste without the state stepping in to override local decision making?” she continued. In January, the state separated Senate Bill 1241 into two separate bills, but the lawsuit remains in the hands of the Maricopa Superior Court. Tempe isn’t the first city to bring up this issue. On Earth Day 2014, Bisbee was the first Arizona city to enact a plastic
18 greenliving | July 2016
bag ban. Washington D.C. passed a five-cent bag fee in 2010 for disposable paper and plastic bags. Three years later, San Francisco passed a 10-cent bag fee. Even back in 2008, Ireland passed a plastic bag tax, and within weeks, there was a 94 percent drop in plastic bag use. Kuby believes plastic bags are a gateway issue. Her reasoning: At first, people might not understand the issue, or they may believe the government is interfering with their freedom to use specific products. But most people come to embrace it, and they want to know other things they can do to lead a sustainable life. “Banning plastic bags has a definite, direct effect on the amount of single-use plastic in the waste stream,” Kuby said. “It saves money for consumers; it saves money for cities.” Since filing the lawsuit, Kuby has focused on community outreach by teaching people how to properly recycle. She also encourages people to refuse single-use plastic products like straws, bags or bottles. “The very least a business can do is not give a straw [or bag] but wait for someone to ask for one,” Kuby said. “It’s very rare that you need a straw to drink water in a restaurant. It’s really more the to-go cups that require that. So we just encourage people to reduce, reuse, recycle, and to refuse single-use plastic.” In the future, Kuby hopes more restaurants and supermarkets voluntarily give up single-use plastic bags and become “champions” of reusable bags. Take Whole Foods, for example. When customers bring in their own bags, the company will rebate up to 10 cents each at the register. Similarly, Sprouts gives a 5-cent rebate for every bag its customers bring in. Dozens of other businesses
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ENVIRONMENT
“BANNING PLASTIC BAGS HAS A DEFINITE, DIRECT EFFECT ON THE AMOUNT OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC IN THE WASTE STREAM. IT SAVES MONEY FOR CONSUMERS; IT SAVES MONEY FOR CITIES.” – LAUREN KUBY
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Stephanie Bray is an aspiring magazine writer. In May 2015, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism. Multiple bags image by Amber Strocel. Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment
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July 2016 | greenliving
19
ARCHITECTURE
IN PRESCOTT IS
HOME TO GREEN BY DAVID M. BROWN
T
his Prescott home is very high on sustainability. On a cul-desac acre-plus lot in the milehigh Arizona city, the Tuscan-style two story incorporates sustainable design, recycled materials and superior energyDAVID M. BROWN efficient technology. Completed in 2015 on Mystic Heights in the Ranch at Prescott, the LEED Gold-certified “Casa di Buona Fortuna” (House of Good Fortune) comprises three bedrooms and six bathrooms in 11,072 livable square feet, with wrap-around decks and patios, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and two elevators. A six-plus car garage has four garage doors for easy access. ONE OF THE HOME’S SOLAR ARRAYS, FACING WEST
On the upper main living level is a family room with bar area, a theater, kitchen, butler’s pantry, outdoor BBQ, two guest suites and master suite with a steam shower and oversize tub, double vanities and toilets, double walk-in closets, laundry room and separate offices. The lower level includes a 300-bottle wine room, game room, indoor pool/ spa/sauna, exercise room and a shower. “The House of Good Fortune proves that building green can also be beautiful, spacious and elegant as well as functional and healthy,” the owner said. “Sustainability, and how well the home performs its green functions, was the major issue throughout design and construction.”
20 greenliving | July 2016 greenlivingaz.com
ARCHITECTURE Ethical Beauty
The Good Earth For the home’s Ground Source Heating (GSH) system, 13 wells were drilled 350 feet into the bedrock where the temperature is a constant 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Tubes carry fluid from the surface that is warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Year round, the home is naturally conditioned to 72 degrees. In addition, warm water is heated in two gas-fired water heaters, heating floors and rooms through radiant tubes, melting snow from driveways, walkways and decks in response to outdoor moisture sensors as well as keeping the pool temperature at 82 degrees or higher. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says geothermal is the most Earth-friendly and cost-effective way to condition a home. And the system is proving that year round it can save about 50 percent of the utility cost of conventional heat pump systems.
Green Outside and In For the home’s superlative insulation, the walls are built up from hollow Styrofoam forms, 12 inches deep and filled with eight inches of reinforced concrete, and attic ceilings have 12 inches of rigid sprayed-in foam. The house is thereby more durable, fire, termite and moisture resistant, and air-tight. The home also has energy-saving and human-comfort components such as 30-zone radiant heat flooring, lowvoltage LED lighting, natural daylighting features, automatic shades, and rainwater capture and recycle. The electronic controls can be managed from anywhere by cell phone or computer on the internet.
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Est Est, Inc., the distinguished Scottsdale design firm, completed the interior design and other architectural details that helped toward LEED certification, including tile work, flooring, countertops and paint. Most of these materials contain recycled or renewable content and low to no-VOCs and were acquired within short distance from the home to reduce transportation costs, explains project designer Bianca Olsson, Allied ASID, Est Est, Scottsdale, who coordinated with company principal Tony Sutton, ASID. “This home is not only aesthetically appealing in its intricate design details, it is also a stunning display of sustainable building materials, from the high-efficiency appliances and plumbing fixtures, to the recycled/renewable finishes and the low-VOC elements,” said Olsson. “It’s truly a harmonious blend of beauty and function.” THE HOME’S SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS INCLUDE RECLAIMED FRENCH TERRA COTTA PAVERS, RECYCLED GLASS, RECYCLED STONE AGGREGATE AND BRICK VENEER TRIM
These materials include reclaimed French terra cotta pavers, recycled glass, recycled stone aggregate and brick veneer trim. Many products were acquired through Syzygy Tileworks in Silver City, New Mexico, who are committed to environmental responsibility. “There are differences between custom homes built for those individuals that have to have the features and amenities they want (without a compromise) than homes built for a sole purpose to resell. This premier green home was built to last, and efficiency and ultra-precision mattered,” said Frank Aazami, principal of the Private Client Group at Russ Lyons|Sotheby’s, Scottsdale. For more on acquiring this home, see LEEDcertifiedresidence.com. For more on its energy efficiency, visit energyefficienthome.info. Contact Frank Aazami, a long-time supporter of energy-efficient homes, at 480-266-0240, faazami@gmail.com, and frankaazami.com. David Brown is a Valley-based freelancer at azwriter.com. Author photo by Rick Carter. Solar array and snow melt photos by Jay Fagelman. Read more architecture articles at greenlivingaz.com/architecture
July 2016 | greenliving
21
ARCHITECTURE
ADAMS CRAIG
SALVAGING THE OLD,
REIMAGINING THE NEW W BY AMANDA HARVEY
hen you think of green architecture, you may imagine shiny LEED-certified buildings in a downtown setting, or a massive solar array, or the newest eco-friendly technology. What you probably don’t think of are Scottsdale and Paradise Valley area homes built in the 60s and 70s. Steve Adams, owner of Adams Craig Acquisitions, is looking to change that. “I started out like a Beverly Hillbilly moving from North Carolina to Hollywood and worked for three years in the entertainment business before I went back to Atlanta, Georgia, and started working for a homebuilder,” said Adams. “I just fell in love with the processes, the construction, and basically the
end product we are providing. It’s somebody’s home. It’s the biggest investment that people make for their personal lives.” In 2010, Steve Adams started Adams Craig Acquisitions (Craig is his middle name). Adams and his team purchase older homes and renovate them to embody the Adams Craig mission, which is “Sustainable.Value.Investments.” From start to finish, each home takes about 18 months to complete, so it’s much more in-depth than a traditional “flip” like popular shows on HGTV. When starting a new project, Adams says to himself and his team: “‘How can I take the existing footprint and reuse it? How can I take existing materials and reuse it and integrate it into the current house?’” Adams is passionate about reusing as much material from each old house as possible. He also enjoys shopping around other demolition sites, like when he salvaged beams from an old restaurant and integrated them into a home design. Some of his favorite reuse projects have been using old railroad ties to cleverly hide pool equipment in the backyard, and “dumpster diving” to rescue a large piece of sheet metal he later incorporated into a unique design feature. “I really enjoy being at a house [we’ve built] and seeing a product that was a throw away for somebody else that was sitting in a salvage yard and has now been turned into the most amazing feature,” he said.
ABOVE: FROM THIS VIEW, YOU SEE WATER, FIRE AND EARTH ALL CONCEIVED WITH SUSTAINABILITY FOREFRONT: 500 GALLONS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING; A FIREPIT BUILT FROM THE RECYCLED LAVA ROCK. LEFT: ACCENT WALLS SALVAGED WITH SLUMP BLOCK FROM PREVIOUS HOME, REPURPOSED FOR ECO-LUXURY.
22 greenliving | July 2016
greenlivingaz.com
ARCHITECTURE
Adams also works extensively with Stardust Building Supplies to ensure all materials are reused and not sent to the landfill. Not only does he salvage and reuse as much of the previous home’s materials as possible, he also takes pride in not disturbing the surrounding land and being courteous to neighbors, which is part of the “Value” in the Adams Craig mission. With traditional demolitions and renovations, “It’s like an urban assault vehicle comes into a nice little Paradise Valley or Arcadia lot and just starts mowing things over and taking things to the dump,” Adams said. “We are the opposite of that.” Additionally, all of the homes are designed by the Adams Craig team, with Adams’ wife and sister-in-law managing the layout and interior design. Sustainability is the main inspiration for each design. “You can’t just add solar to a house and call yourself a green company,” said Adams. “You can’t just add insulation to a house and call it a green design. What I talk about a lot is the interconnectedness. The interconnectedness of all the things we put into the house to offer what we call a superior energy system,” he continued. THE KITCHEN COUNTERS SIT ON A COMPOSITE MADE OF 96% RECYCLED MATERIALS.
RAMADA BBQ BUILT PRIMARILY OUT OF MATERIAL SALVAGED FROM THE PREVIOUS HOME: BRICKS, BLOCK, AND LINTELS.
Adams also implements smart home features such as battery backup technology and installs rainwater harvesting systems in each home. Further, each house strives for Emerald certification, which is a 700-page outline for green building. The next project for Adams Craig is located on 3.2 acres in the heart of Scottsdale. There are currently three houses on the property, and Adams is working with the municipality and surrounding neighbors to plan a sustainable new community. “We’re working on the design phase of this new project and increasing the awareness, the scale, and the scope of green building,” said Adams. Steve Adams embodies the sustainability mantra of “reuse, reduce, recycle.” He takes it to the next level by incorporating top-of-the-line sustainability features into the original home design, seamlessly blending them together to create something new out of the old. “At the end of the day you get a new home, but a lot of existing resources are used,” he said. For more information, visit adamscraigacq.com. Read more architecture articles at greenlivingaz.com/architecture
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July 2016 | greenliving
23
BUSINESS PROFILE
THE SECRET SUSTAINABILITY
STORY OF CHINA MIST TEA BY STEPHANIE FUNK
N
o one knows better than John Martinson that a good cup of tea starts with hot water. Before co-founding China Mist Iced Tea Company in 1983, he had dropped out of college twice, and both he and cofounder Dan Schweiker had separately STEPHANIE FUNK gone broke in the coffee business. The two tinkered with tea combinations in Martinson’s kitchen until they came up with a blend they later dubbed “China Mist” – a high-quality iced tea meant to be brewed fresh in restaurants and hotels. Within a few years, the company outgrew the kitchen, then the garage. The small China Mist team began to foster an eclectic bunch of entrepreneurs and set them up as independent distributors of China Mist products. Today, China Mist teas are sold by more than 60 distributors worldwide, including many who have been with the company for over 25 years. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN MARTINSON AND DAN SCHWEIKER TINKERED WITH TEA COMBINATIONS IN MARTINSON’S KITCHEN UNTIL THEY CAME UP WITH A BLEND THEY LATER DUBBED “CHINA MIST.”
24 greenliving | July 2016
Martinson’s particular “cup of tea,” his passion for sustainability, took longer to steep. His environmental sensitivity can be traced to his childhood growing up in a small town in New York’s Hudson River Valley, where the river near his hometown park was too polluted for swimming. While China Mist grew in financial moxie, Martinson’s personal values evolved (resulting in his becoming a vegetarian in 1988, for example). By the mid-1990s, with China Mist bringing in steady revenue, Martinson began to input those values to business. China Mist was first to market with herbal iced teas for foodservice in 1993, then green iced teas in 1998, and finally, in 2003, the first USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified iced tea, a blend they called Estate Black. At the time, Martinson regularly attended Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) conferences, where he learned about the market for sustainable products. One major hitch: “Our business was foodservice, not retail. Consumers were asking for organic products, and were willing to pay more for them, but restaurants were less interested,” said Martinson. For most foodservice buyers, the cost of the certifications made a tea like Estate Black essentially D.O.A. Most restaurant owners insisted their customers simply didn’t care. Martinson knew that the sustainable foodservice market also needed more time to steep. “It took some time for that market to emerge. Millennials, as a generation, care more about the products they buy and the companies they do business with,” he said. Within the last five years, says Martinson, Millennials have started to become the decision makers – emerging chefs, foodservice buyers, etc. – and are heavily influencing how restaurants buy products. While the market made its slow evolution, Martinson returned to Arizona State University in 2009 to finish the undergraduate degree he started in the 1970s. His interest was immediately piqued by a course called “History and Philosophy of Sustainability.” At the time, ASU’s School of Sustainability was only three years old. “I was really excited that there was a course of study that I could really sink my teeth into,” he said.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
“I WANTED TO UNDERSTAND SUSTAINABILITY AS A PRACTITIONER – NOT SIMPLY AS A MARKETER. I WANTED TO REALLY UNDERSTAND [HOW TO DO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS] AND I WANTED TO DO THE HARD WORK, NOT JUST BUY THE CERTIFICATIONS.” – JOHN MARTINSON
Martinson received permission from his dean and the School of Sustainability’s dean to substitute core sustainability courses for his degree’s Urban Studies requirement, and he graduated in 2012 Summa Cum Laude. Post-grad, he found that none of the Sustainability Master’s programs were a good fit, but was told that an Executive Master’s of Sustainability Leadership Program (EMSL) was in the works. “I’ll wait,” he told his advisor. Two years later, Martinson entered the EMSL Program, an intensive 13-month course of study geared towards giving working professionals the knowledge and tools they need to advance sustainability in their respective fields. Martinson tackled the program with a single goal in mind: “To put my values into practice with my business and my life. I wanted to understand sustainability as a practitioner – not simply as a marketer. I wanted to really understand [how to do sustainable business] and I wanted to do the hard work, not just buy the certifications.” In January 2016, Martinson graduated. With his education earned and a foodservice market that has evolved to demand sustainable products, what “hard work” is ahead for Martinson now? He plans to create a new iced tea brand with a social purpose and launch it as a Certified B Corporation in the next two years. “I want to do some really good work. I want to really apply my values to business. I’ve learned how to do that in the Executive Master’s Program. It’s a matter now of putting those values to work,” Martinson said.
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China Mist is also now a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, a notfor-profit that works to improve the sustainability of the tea sector, the lives of tea workers and farmers, and the environment in which tea is produced. Visit chinamist.com and follow China Mist on social media to stay updated on their sustainability news. Stephanie Funk is a Storyteller for China Mist Iced Tea Company. She has a degree in Creative Writing from Arizona State University and is a former Green Living intern. For more business profiles, go to greenlivingaz.com/bizprofile
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A joint program of: & July 2016 | greenliving
25
TECHNOLOGY
3 LOCAL SEO STATS EVERY SMALL BUSINESS OWNER SHOULD KNOW BY ERIC OLSEN
I
n a world that continues to make strides with technology, business owners know the importance of utilizing ERIC OLSEN websites and social media to gain customers. In order to develop the best social media strategy, it is important to understand the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) statistics that may apply to your business. SEO doesn’t only assist in the success of large multinational companies – every small business owner should be aware of how SEO can impact their customer base. Here are three tips that will help you develop the best social media strategy for your small business.
1
Local searches lead 50 percent of mobile visitors to visit stores within one day.
When people are looking for a business locally, it is often because they want to visit it. If someone searches for your company on their mobile device, they may be just around the corner trying to find your physical location, checking hours of operation, or ensuring the product they want is in stock. Optimizing your website for local visitors and residents can turn those searches into sales.
2
Eighty eight percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Want to bring in more customers? Include a space for online reviews on your website. By enabling easy access to online reviews from past customers, potential clients can understand what types of services you offer, and see whether or not they are a good fit.
3
Fifty percent of mobile users prefer a mobile browser to a mobile app. It makes sense that people using a mobile platform would want the ease of a mobile platform. Luckily, with web design features like responsive design, you do not have to create an entirely new mobile site. It is easy to have your site optimized for mobile, including keywords for SEO in Phoenix. The best social media strategy, and the best web design, is one that incorporates local SEO stats leveraged to your advantage. If you handle your SEO correctly, you should see business success with your local clients and bring in new customers. Eric Olsen is the founder and CEO of Fasturtle, a Ranking AZ Top 10 website design and Internet marketing firm, established in 2000 to provide business owners strategic digital marketing solutions. Mr. Olsen has successfully started, acquired or partnered with multiple marketing firms in the digital marketing space in Scottsdale and across the country. For more information, call Fasturtle at 480-348-0467 or visit them on Facebook. Read more technology articles at greenlivingaz.com/technology
26 greenliving | July 2016
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July 2016 | greenliving
27
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SOLAR AND ENERGY W
elcome to our Solar and Energy section! Here are some facts you may not know about the solar industry in Arizona, courtesy of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). There are currently more than 452 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Arizona, employing 6,922 people.
Over the next five years, Arizona is expected to install 2,486 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking the state fifth over that time span. This amount is more than two times the amount of solar installed over the last five years. Installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system prices in the U.S. have dropped steadily, by 12 percent from last year and 66 percent from 2010.
In 2015, Arizona installed 258 megawatts (MW) of solar electric capacity, ranking it fifth nationally. Installed solar capacity in Arizona has grown by 4 percent over the last year. In 2015, $582 million was invested on solar installations in Arizona. The 2,303 MW of solar energy currently installed in Arizona ranks the state second in the country in installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 327,000 homes.
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The SunPower industry-leading warranty will ensure that your investment in rooftop solar is protected for years to come. It’s not surprising that more homeowners choose Arizona Solar Concepts than any other solar solution.
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For your free in-home solar evaluation 28 greenliving | July 2016
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT
SRP CUSTOMER WINNING WITH SOLAR
EVEN UNDER NEW E27 RATE PLAN
C
onserving electricity is second nature for SRP customer Jenn Holtzman. Since moving into her 2-story, 2600 square foot home 10 years ago, she has been — as she describes it — “obsessive compulsive” about managing her energy usage. But in spite of her continuous efforts, her SRP bills would often exceed $300 in the summer.
With an eye on reducing future electric bills, Jenn began researching solar. She was weighing the options when SRP implemented its E27 demand-based rate structure for new residential solar customers. While most consumers, and solar providers, decided these new demand fees rendered solar systems no longer financially feasible, Jenn was more determined than ever to find a solution. She contacted Sun Valley Solar Solutions (SVSS) after hearing about the company’s innovative Solar with Demand Management Technology. “While some companies didn’t bother calling me back at all, Sun Valley Solar called me back the same day,” explains Jenn. “They spent hours exploring my long-term financial goals, whether I planned to expand my electric usage in the future with things like a pool, and then spec’d a number of solar systems, each with a payback schedule, for me to consider.”
Since going online in January 2016, Jenn has already seen her monthly SRP bill drop by as much as 60%!
Aside from treating her “like family,” Jenn was impressed by the SVSS demand management solution, which makes the ROI of a new solar system work even under the new SRP rate plan. In short, through sophisticated software, the demand manager cycles her largest electric appliances on and off to keep demand peaks to a minimum. Since going online in January 2016, Jenn has already seen her monthly SRP bill drop by as much as 60% in spite of a warmer and cloudier winter (which drove more A/C use, and lower solar output, than normal). And contrary to her obsessive power saving instincts, she’s actually spending less time worrying about big electric appliances and leaving that task to the demand manager. Perhaps even more noticeable is that she’s using MORE energy at times she wouldn’t have prior. “I now keep the A/C at 73 degrees all day and even put on a sweater at times!” Jenn views her SVSS system as an investment that is already paying dividends in the form of lower monthly bills. And with electric rates continuing to increase, she knows the value of her investment will continue to rise. “When I retire, I want as few bills as possible, and by installing solar now while I’m still relatively young, I will have an asset that removes expenses when I’m older. Plus, I feel good knowing that I’m reducing my impact on the environment.”
If you’re an SRP customer and want to see how solar once again can make financial sense to you, contact SVSS today for a free, customized, solar energy consultation.
480-689-5000
Watch our reimagined solar with demand management technology informational video by visiting
www.svssolutions.com/livegreen
30 greenliving | July 2016
greenlivingaz.com
ENERGY SECTOR
USE THE SUN’S POWER TO CLEAN YOUR POOL BY JENNIFER GARTNER
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f you live in Arizona, chances are you also live in your pool. But the cost to maintain that summer oasis can often make the trade-off less than refreshing. Instead of laboring under the hot sun to skim your pool before diving in, why not put summer’s JENNIFER GARTNER natural energy to work for you? Meet the Solar-Breeze NX, a robotic pool cleaner that helps reduce the cost and electricity of pool maintenance using solar energy. The Solar-Breeze NX from the local Solar Pool Technologies, Inc. keeps your pool clean by skimming the water’s surface before debris has a chance to sink to the bottom and decay. During the day, the sun powers the device through two rectangular-shaped solar panels on the top. Energy remains stored in the device’s lithium ion battery, which is recharged each morning. This allows the device to work once the sun sets. Even on a cloudy day, the Solar-Breeze NX continues to run using indirect sunlight. It requires no cords, hoses or electrical connections and even has a compartment for chlorine tablets. Best of all, it reduces the carbon footprint that comes with a typical pool cleaner. Co-inventor and creator Denis Ruzsa is the chief operating officer at Solar Pool Technologies in Tempe, Arizona. Ruzsa and co-inventor Terry Maaske created the Solar-Breeze in 2008 to solve typical pool-cleaning problems and also utilize one of their top interests: solar energy. “I’ve been an engineer all my life and have been interested and working with solar for over 40 years,” said Ruzsa. “We thought, why not invent something small that fits into a niche? By creating Solar-Breeze we created a whole new category of pool cleaner – something that never existed.”
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The idea for Solar-Breeze seemed obvious to Ruzsa, who always looks to a problem’s source to find the solution. “When you look at swimming pool cleaners of all types, they’re responding to the symptom and not the cause. Maybe the bottom is clean after running a pool cleaner, but the top is still filthy. Why not get all debris from the surface before it sinks? That was the whole genesis. Most of the time swimming pools are in the sun, so why not take advantage of solar opportunities?” Hence, the Solar-Breeze was born. But developing a great product takes a great team. Solar Pool Technologies is now owned by Ruzsa and Paul Sim, CEO, along with a group of investors. Sim’s wife, Karen, along with Ruzsa’s daughter, Hana, are also involved in the company and care deeply about its mission. “I think everyone has a role to play in sustainability,” said Sim. “Even if we can each find a small way to make a contribution, it’s important. If you look at this issue globally, we’re trying to find a way to sustain the planet as the world grows to nine billion people. If we’re going to be successful and not destroy the planet in the process, we all have to start thinking about making everything we do more sustainable.” Since Solar Pool Technologies’ recent successful Kickstarter campaign, the company has sold 1600 devices in 42 states and 18 countries, and continues to generate high demand. For more information and to order Solar-Breeze, visit solar-breeze.com. Jennifer Gartner is a high school English teacher in her daily life, who enjoys the outdoors, hiking, camping, and anything that relates to preserving and maintaining natural resources. She likes to freelance write and sometimes indulges in fiction for fun. She lives in Phoenix. See more energy sector articles at greenlivingaz.com/energysector ABOVE LEFT: DENIS RUZSA, SOLAR-BREEZE NX CO-INVENTOR AND CREATOR, AND COO AT SOLAR POOL TECHNOLOGIES; AND PAUL SIM, CO-OWNER AND CEO AT SOLAR POOL TECHNOLOGIES
July 2016 | greenliving
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW:
“THE MECHANICAL HORSE: HOW THE BICYCLE RESHAPED AMERICAN LIFE” BOOK BY MARGARET GUROFF REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
B
ack when you were a child, the Bad Guys never won. No matter how many of them, no matter which imagined danger they came from, you were always able to get away. All you had to do was pedal AUTHOR, faster; they didn’t stand a chance of MARGARET GUROFF catching you on your bike. And in the new book “The Mechanical Horse” by Margaret Guroff, you’ll see how that mode of transportation changed more than just your world. It was well after bedtime for most people on that evening in May 1819, when a small crowd stood in Washington Square in Philadelphia, waiting to see if rumors were true. When they saw “the beast,” they couldn’t believe their eyes: it was a man straddling a wheeled machine, moving nearly as fast as a horse could trot. He was aboard a draisine, a precursor to the bicycle, and Americans went wild. People lined up to take lessons and try the contraption themselves but the danger was that draisines were uncontrollable: they didn’t have brakes. “Within months,” says Guroff, “draisine riding was against the law on most American city sidewalks.” As for riding on early American roads, well, that was often easier said than done. Even by 1865, when the velocipede came to Brooklyn via France, country lanes were all but impassable. It didn’t take long for new riders – some four million of them – to embrace the pedaled vehicle and riding clubs sprung up everywhere, but rutted, muddy roads often kept them riding indoors. By the end of the 1800s, though, much had changed: railroads arrived, roads improved, automobiles were imminent, the end of slavery altered the way goods entered homes… and women eschewed confining corsets in order to partake of the new “safety bicycle,” which closely resembled the basic bike we know. Bikes, says Guroff, paved the way for automobiles and
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airplanes. Bicycles were transportation for kid and adult alike, on and off through history. And if their popularity wanes again, don’t worry. “If the bike goes away again, it will be back.” Tis the rare Baby Boomer who can’t recollect after-school or summertime bike rides and the imagination they demanded. Tis the rare reader who won’t think of those things while enjoying “The Mechanical Horse.” Indeed, author Margaret Guroff shows how the bicycle is buried spokes-deep in our childhoods and in the timeline of American culture – a story that’s sometimes quaint, humorous, and always lighthearted. We see not just the bike’s history, but that of fashion, equality between the sexes, the waging of war, the American economy, and the burgeoning of print advertising. That all makes this book as fun as a spin around the block on a warm summer evening. Reading it is as easy as, well, riding a bike. And if that was (or is!) one of your favorite things to do, then “The Mechanical Horse” is a winner. Terri Schlichenmeyer, also known as “The Bookworm,” is a professional book reviewer. Terri has been reading since she was three years old, and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with her two dogs and 14,000 books. For more book reviews visit greenlivingaz.com/bookreviews
greenlivingaz.com
Party with Purpose! This month’s launch party: July 14th, 5:30-7:30
Verde Dimora, 2217 N. Power Road, Mesa, 85207 Our launch 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 group. Join us for a night of eco-conciousness, good conversation, and fun! • • •
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
5719 W Glendale Ave, Glendale AZ 85301 | (480) 415-2462
www.facebook.com/CresentMoonJewelryGifts
M A G A Z I N E
For more information visit greenlivingaz.com/party
Your conscious life
M A G A Z I N E
Your conscious life
M A G A Z I N E Your conscious life
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS SUMMIT M A G A Z I N E
Your conscious life
M A G A Z I N E
November 5, 2016 | 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Your conscious life
LIVE ON CENTRAL, 702 N. CENTRAL AVENUE, PHOENIX M A G A Z I N E
TICKETS: $60 VIP; $45 ALL-DAY; $25 NETWORKING
Based on 6 Pillars of Sustainability:
Air, Education, Food, Water, Energy, Waste SURPRISE
GIVEAWAYS
BOOTH ACTIVITIES LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT CHILDREN’S GREEN WINE PLANT BASEDINSPIRING ACTIVITIES EXPERTS BEER FOODSPEAKERS Sponsorship Opportunities & Expo Booths Available!
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&
For more information: greenlivingaz.com/summit Register at: greenlivingaz.com/register
July 2016 | greenliving
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TRAVEL
BY ROSEMARY PRAWDZIK
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f you ever feel like work is closing in and life is becoming too frantic, you might find yourself wanting to unplug and re-energize in natural surroundings. In dreaming about your escape, your criteria may read something like this: Must be within a few hours’ drive, affordable, and surrounded by a natural landscape that wipes away any thoughts even resembling work or day-today responsibilities. If you have children, your criteria may also include a place where they are welcomed and where they can run and play without being considered a nuisance. And you might even want to take the family dog along. One getaway that meets all these
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specifications is nestled on the eastern slope of the rugged and dramatic Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. This is Apache country, where Cochise and Geronimo fought to protect their ancestral lands. And at the Double D Guest Ranch, you’ll begin to understand why. Turning off the highway, you may be surprised how quickly civilization recedes. As you travel the mile to the ranch, you’ll feel yourself slipping back in time. It becomes rather clear why the Apaches loved this landscape. Even more amazing to our contemporary sensibilities: not much has changed. Modern development hasn’t really touched this region, and it looks much the same as it did 150 years ago. Clear skies, stunning sunrises, fiery sunsets, and the moon rising in a sky painted white by the Milky Way. One recent guest, Carol Schlim, a resident of North Carolina, commented, “What I liked best was the peaceful isolation. The silence and the stars were worth the trip.” Accommodations at the lodge are rustic, but the rooms are clean and comfortable. There’s a gathering A HIGHLIGHT FOR MANY IS THE CHANCE TO place for reading, working on puzzles, HITCH A CART TO THE MINIATURE HORSES playing cards or board games, or just relaxing AND TAKE THEM OUT FOR A SPIN. and chatting with the ranch’s hosts, Tom and Alicia Davidson. The duo share cooking and clean-up duties, and all meals are included in the overnight accommodation fees. Historic hiking trails, Old West forts, the Chiricahua Desert Museum and some of the best birdwatching in the state are located nearby. A highlight for many is the chance to hitch a cart to the miniature horses and take them out for a spin. Good-natured ranch hands actually do the hitching and then provide driving and safety instruction. The “mini experience” can provide quite an adrenaline rush, depending on your need for
greenlivingaz.com
TRAVEL
AN ASPECT OF THE RANCH THAT MAKES IT MORE UNIQUE IS THAT IT IS HOME TO DMD HEARTS & HOOVES EQUINE THERAPY PROGRAM
speed, as the horses are capable of moving up to 35 miles per hour! Children are encouraged to give driving the horse-drawn cart a try as long as they are enthusiastic, willing to follow instructions, and their parents ride along. For those who prefer horseback riding, well-trained livery horses can be saddled up to hit the trail. An aspect of the ranch that makes it more unique is that it is home to DMD Hearts & Hooves equine therapy program, a non-profit 501c3 that harnesses the healing power of animal assisted therapy. One of the only programs of its kind in the nation, the minis provide therapeutic healing to those affected by traumatic injury. “The therapy program is really an outgrowth of a visit in 2009 by Alicia’s mother,” relates Tom. Confined to a wheelchair, she would spend the day grooming and talking with the horses. This prompted Alicia to take classes on training and care of therapy horses. The minis now make “house calls” to VA hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and classrooms as far away as Tucson and El Paso. “About three or four times a year, the Arizona branches of the Association of the United States Army sponsor wounded soldiers and their families to visit the ranch to ride and relax,” continued Tom. “In addition, a number of agencies bring at-risk children as well as mentally and physically disabled children and adults to the ranch to experience the horses.” Research has shown that these warm little creatures aid in physical and emotional healing through lowering blood pressure, heart rates, and stress levels.
Located two blocks from the
Courthouse Square and Historic Whiskey Row!
Donations and volunteers are welcome. For more information, contact alicia@minidreamsLLC.com. For guest ranch reservations, call 520-5581088 or visit ddgambleguestlodge.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
• • •
Spacious studio suites with kitchenettes and sitting area Heated indoor pool with adjacent outdoor patio area Dual port electric vehicle charging station with Tesla adapter
www.marriott.com/PRCSH www.facebook.com/springhillprescott
200 East Sheldon in Downtown Prescott | 928-776-0998
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July 2016 | greenliving
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ANIMALS
PET & ECO FRIENDLY HOTELS IN PRESCOTT BY MARY HAMEL
A
s you plan your summer vacations, don’t forget that your furry loved ones need a break from the heat, too! If you’re looking for a quick summer getaway but don’t want to leave the pups at home, visit the quaint city of Prescott. Known as “Everybody’s Hometown,” Prescott’s cool weather, friendly community and countess outdoor adventures make it a popular summer destination for the whole family, Fido included. While in Prescott, sniff around the Willow Creek Dog Park, one of the top dog parks in the world. It features ample spaces to run, firetruck-themed tunnels, ramps, a misting region, and more. After the park, visit local business Whiskers Barkery for dog-training classes, yoga with your dog (doga), pet photography, and a full grooming center. In the evening, take a walk to The Barley Hound, a fun and casual “gastropub” restaurant featuring a large dogfriendly patio. When it’s time to sit and stay, make yourself at home at one of these ecofriendly Prescott hotels, and enjoy the change of scenery.
RESIDENCE INN
3599 Lee Circle, Prescott Located on the outskirts of downtown Prescott, Residence Inn is an affordable option for you and your four-legged canine. Feel at ease knowing the hotel is Green Certified by the Arizona Lodging Tourism Association (AzLTA). This means they have made great achievements in going green by continuously implementing greener products and ideals. Eco-friendly amenities include LED lighting, trash service provided by a company that separates recyclables, a styrofoam-free commitment, and the use of environmentally safe cleaning products. Book your choice of studio or one- or two-bedroom suites, each with a fully-equipped kitchen and full size refrigerator and dishwasher. The pet fee is $50.00 per stay and dogs are given treats upon arrival. marriott.com/PRCRI
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ANIMALS
MARRIOTT SPRINGHILL SUITES
200 E. Sheldon St., Prescott Marriott Springhill Suites is also a great place to stay with your pet since it’s located just blocks from the beautiful Courthouse Square and is a five-minute walk to the recreational Granite Creek Park – perfect for families and pups. Springhill Suites promotes their Electric Vehicle Charging Station with a Tesla adapter, the only publicly accessible station in Prescott. Not only do they have an electric car charger that is free for overnight guests to use, they also post recycle bins and LED bulbs in all public spaces. They use environmentally safe cleaning products and have reduced their use of styrofoam products. This hotel is making strides to become more eco-friendly to receive the Green Certification by AzLTA. The pet fee is $50.00 per stay. marriott.com/PRCSH
QUALITY INN
1105 E. Sheldon St., Prescott Stay just minutes from dense pine forests as well as Prescott’s famous Whiskey Row district. The Quality Inn has been open for one year and is in the process of transitioning to environmentally safe products and amenities after a large renovation. They aim to be Green Certified by AzLTA in the near future. Some benefits of bringing your dog along to this hotel include a fenced in dog area adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool. Pups are also given a mint tooth cleaner and treats from the local Whiskers Barkery upon arrival. choicehotels.com/arizona/prescott/quality-inn-hotels/az371 Mary Hamel is a student at Southern New Hampshire University studying Creative Writing and English with a minor in Professional Writing. She hopes to one day publish a novel and enjoys hiking, reading and exploring new areas. Marriott Springhill Suites front exterior photo by Marchetti Photos Read more animal articles at greenlivingaz.com/animals
greenlivingaz.com
July 2016 | greenliving
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WILDLIFE
BY JIM MILLER
A
s Arizonans, we’ve all survived days that seemed so hot even our shadows were sweating, but we can do more than simply mop our brows and wait for the thermometer to pop. We can look to nature’s most experienced JIM MILLER desert-dwellers. Taking cues from our surroundings can make summer’s triple-digits more tolerable. First, remember the two keys to desert life: conserve water and avoid heat. Unfortunately, the two are somewhat at odds with each other. Our natural cooling system, sweating, isn’t particularly water efficient, which points up the first and most important lesson for desert-dwellers: Stay hydrated. Rule of thumb at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is that if you’re not making regular bathroom stops, you’re not drinking enough water. When it comes to conserving water, the lowly kangaroo rat has all of us mammals beat. This long-tailed nocturnal critter manages to survive without drinking standing water, instead getting most of its H2O from its food – but not simply by eating it. The tiny rodent collects seeds in its cheek-pouches, runs back to its burrow, seals off the entrance and dumps the seeds. There it sleeps through the day, breathing in the moist air created by the drying seeds. Unfortunately, short of sleeping in our refrigerators humans can take this lesson only so far, but putting off outdoor activities until after dark is a good start. Creative heat avoidance is another way for us to survive in the desert. Javelina, for instance, often spend days in dry washes, and not merely for the shade of nearby trees. Dry stream beds channel cooler air as well as water, so moving along washes makes sense. But when it comes to desert living, reptiles are the absolute masters. Humans are pretty smug about being warm-blooded, or endothermic, but ectotherms like snakes and 38 greenliving | July 2016
lizards are far better adapted to desert temperatures. While we can’t change our metabolism, we can certainly mimic their behaviors. The use of shade is a start, as is avoiding reflective surfaces (including hot sand) and sticking to cooler locations – preferably those that supply cold drinks with silly umbrellas. (But avoid alcohol, which can actually cause dehydration.) We can also get important lessons in heat avoidance from an unlikely source: plants. Plants require chlorophyll to maintain their metabolism, which gives them their green color. But desert plants generally tend toward light-green or gray-green tones, which reflect more light than they absorb. In addition, larger cacti such as saguaros and barrels have the densest concentration of spines at the top, and those spines provide critical shade when the sun is directly overhead. Given these clues, think light-colored clothes and a hat – and be thankful we can move indoors. And this time of year, when the temperatures make us dream of cooler climates, we can all take comfort in the fact that our Sonoran summers offer one big advantage over the snowbound winters of the North: We don’t have to shovel heat. Jim Miller has been a professional writer for more than 40 years and has been published in dozens of magazines in both the U.S. and Europe. He has been a docent at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum since 2005. For more articles about wildlife visit greenlivingaz.com/wildlife
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Hans Schatz and Christopher Marsitto of Cult Coffee Roaster showing off the Brow Lifter Nitro Coffee cart.
Kyle Ritland of Sun Valley Solar Solutions and Jessica Cheng, scholarship recipient winner at Arizona State University School of Sustainability.
The Chapman BMW i3 electric car looking sharp!
Willie Jackson and family. Our launch parties are fun for all ages!
June launch party Thank you to everyone who attended our June issue launch party at Sun Valley Solar Solutions and helped us celebrate their 10-year anniversary! Ono Jackson and Susan Ezzell of Sun Valley Solar Solutions sharing a laugh.
Guests enjoying local food, beer, wine and coffee!
Don’t miss our upcoming party: July 14 at the new eco-friendly Verde Dimora Apartments in Mesa. Find more information and RSVP at greenlivingaz.com/party
WE RAISED $236 FOR THE PRESCOTT AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY!
A big shout-out to our sponsors from the party: Host & Title Sponsor:
Sponsors: Allstate Appliances/BSH Home Appliances, Better Days Tower Garden, Chapman BMW, Cult Coffee Roaster, Cyprus Grill, Dektown Cellars, Pillsbury Wine Company, Sonoran Brewing Company, Recycled City, Veronica Bahn Essential Oils, Wennlund Wealth Management of Raymond James, Zoes Kitchen
Russ Patzer, CEO of Sun Valley Solar Solutions with employees TJ Eplin and Brad Schlesak, and their significant others. greenlivingaz.com
Nonprofit Sponsor: Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity Photography by Rick Carter
July 2016 | greenliving
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SOLAR RECIPES
RECIPE COURTESY OF BRUCE JOSEPH, CITIZENS FOR SOLAR MEMBER
TRY THIS SOLAR VEGETARIAN chili recipe from Citizens for Solar, an allvolunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Tucson. Citizens for Solar’s goal is to encourage the use of solar power through education and solar cooking. Their Annual Solar Potluck event is the longest continuously running annual solar event in the world! Bruce Joseph, member of Citizens for Solar, recommends using an American Sun Oven or other box cooker for this recipe. INGREDIENTS: 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup onion, diced 1 cup bell pepper (red or green) diced 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, diced (optional) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 16 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 16 oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained 1 6 oz. can tomato paste 1 cup water 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper DIRECTIONS: 1. Set up solar box cooker and heat oil in a covered 2-quart black speckleware pot. 2. When oil is hot, add onion, bell pepper and hot peppers, if desired, and allow to cook for 5-10 minutes. 3. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. 4. Add remaining ingredients and stir to blend tomato paste and water. 5. Heat until vegetables and beans are cooked through, about 1/2 hour to 1 hour.
SOLAR DATE NUT BREAD RECIPE COURTESY OF CAROLINE WILSON, OWNER OF PACA DE PAJA B&B IN TUCSON
THIS DELECTABLE DATE NUT bread is cooked in a solar oven using Arizona’s natural heat and sunlight. If it’s hot enough to bake cookies on your car dash and fry an egg on the sidewalk, how hard could it be to master solar cooking? Pick up a solar oven for as low as $70.00 and put the summer heat to good use! INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 2 lbs. dates, pitted and chopped, divided
1 cup boiling water 4 Tbsp vanilla extract 4 eggs 4 cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 2 cups pecans, slightly chopped DIRECTIONS: 1. Cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer. 2. From your chopped dates, separate 2 1/4 cups and place into a separate bowl. 3. Add approximately 1 cup boiling water to the bowl of dates and stir vigorously, making a paste. You can also use a hand mixer.
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4. Add the date paste, vanilla and eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. 5. Slowly add the flour, baking soda and salt to the mixture, being careful not to overmix the batter. 6. Add the rest of the chopped dates and pecans to the batter and stir to combine. 7. Bake in six miniature baking pans, three at a time, at 350 degrees for about one hour. TIP: Solar cooking takes a bit longer than a conventional oven. It takes about 20-25 minutes for the solar oven to reach 350 degrees.
greenlivingaz.com
COOL SUMMER DRINKS DID YOU KNOW? All drinks at Modern Margarita are now gluten-free!
RECIPE COURTESY OF JT TILLMAN, MODERN MARGARITA PHOTO COURTESY OF HANNA LEEKE
A PLAY ON THE traditional margarita, Modern Margarita in Phoenix adds grapefruit juice and Aperol to a classic recipe for a refreshing and surprising flavor kick. Aperol is a traditional Italian aperitif with hints of orange and rhubarb. This drink – and all drinks at Modern Margarita – are now gluten-free! Visit their new location in Chandler coming soon. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 oz. Tequila Herradura Blanco 1 1/2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice 1/2 oz. Aperol 1/2 oz. simple syrup Orange peel for garnish
DIRECTIONS: 1. Shake and pour all ingredients into a salted margarita glass over ice. 2. Express orange peel over glass, then add as a garnish.
SUMMER DETOX JUICE RECIPE AND IMAGE COURTESY OF PARUL AGRAWAL
THIS TANGY AND FRESH summer juice recipe comes from Parul Agrawal, best-selling author of “Juicing for Healthier Families.” Read more about juice cleanses and detoxing on page 8! INGREDIENTS: 2 cups pineapple 1 orange Handful of mint leaves Handful of coriander leaves
DIRECTIONS: 1. Peel and cut pineapple and orange. 2. Wash mint and coriander leaves. 3. Juice, alternating the greens with fruit. 4. Enjoy a glass of freshly prepared juice!
For more recipes, visit greenlivingaz.com/recipes greenlivingaz.com
July 2016 | greenliving
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EVENTS
GREEN SCENES JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7/1-31 Astonishing Sand Sculpting
7/15 Science with a Twist
7/16 Farm-to-Table Cooking Demo
CENTRAL ARIZONA
July 1-31 ASTONISHING SAND SCULPTING 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Carefree Desert Gardens 101 Easy St., Carefree Take a stroll around Carefree Desert Gardens and discover the art of sand sculpting from world-renowned artist Ray Villafane. Villafane creates awardwinning, larger-than-life sand sculptures for various events all over the world. Admission is free. carefree.org
July 9-10 POW WOW WOMEN’S RETREAT July 9, 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. July 10, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Carefree Resort 37220 N. Mule Train Rd., Carefree From inspirational speakers to fresh nutritious meals, the Pow Wow Women’s Retreat is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some “you” time. Connect with like-minded women as you sit by the pool, then sign up for a spa service to fully rejuvenate your body. You’ll leave feeling inspired and energized. The cost to attend is $299.00. thepowwowretreat.wordpress.com
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July 14 PARTY WITH A PURPOSE! 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Verde Dimora Apartment Homes 2217 N. Power Rd., Mesa Come join us for an evening of celebration of the July issue of Green Living magazine! Make conscious connections as you enjoy food and drinks from local vendors and explore the new Verde Dimora eco-friendly apartment community. We are creating a network of people pursuing a sustainable community. Tickets are $12.00 online or $15.00 at the door. greenlivingaz.com/party
July 15 SCIENCE WITH A TWIST 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Arizona Science Center 600 E. Washington St, Phoenix Leave the kids at home, grab a friend and head downtown for lectures, music and scientific fun at the Science With a Twist adult program at the Arizona Science Center. You’ll experience a mechanical surfboard ride; Four Peaks demo on the chemistry of beer brewing; Sea Star/ Squid dissections; Central Arizona Project presentation; discounted tickets to the IMAX: Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean; discounted admission into the newest featured exhibition:
The World of Giant Insects; and much more! Non-members: $12.00 per person/ Members: $10.00 per person. azscience.org
July 16 FARM-TO-TABLE COOKING DEMO 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain 5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley Renowned culinary experts Curtis Cameron and Russell LaCasce present an interactive cooking demonstration featuring farm-to-table dining. A threecourse meal will be presented as well as take-home recipes. The cost is $75.00 per person. sanctuaryaz.com
July 23 SCNM WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. SCNM Medical Center 2164 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe Stay healthy and up-to-date on your breast exam, Pap smear, cholesterol check, thyroid check and more. The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Medical Center will offer discounted prices for women’s health services on July 23. Call 480-428-3232 to schedule an appointment. medcenter.scnm.edu greenlivingaz.com
EVENTS
7/9-10 Flagstaff Mineral and Jewelry Expo
7/12 Earth Speaking
7/23 Meditation & Mindfulness Class
NORTHERN ARIZONA
July 9-10 FLAGSTAFF MINERAL AND JEWELRY EXPO Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Flagstaff High School 400 W. Elm Ave., Flagstaff Vendors from across the region will offer unique and interesting mineral specimens, crystals, gemstones, jewelry, beads, fossils, slabs and cutting material. Original jewelry will be featured as well as gems and minerals in both the rough and cut-and-polished states. This event features hourly raffle prizes and food for purchase. Admission is $3.00 for adults. Children 12-and-under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
July 12 EARTH SPEAKING 7:00 p.m. Museum of Northern Arizona 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff Linda Hogan, internationally recognized author of poetry, fiction and essays, presents “Earth Speaking,” the last of the free public talks from Philosophy in the Public Interest in partnership with The National Endowment for the Humanities “Extending the Land Ethic: Current Humanities Voices and Sustainability” through Northern Arizona University. events.nau.edu
July 23 MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS CLASS 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Agave Center 1146 W. SR 89A, Sedona Learn how to meditate! Joy Nanda, a certified meditation teacher, teaches beneficial techniques so that even the most stressful person can become focused and calm throughout the day. Through this class, discover mindfulness, practice self-inquiry, and learn mantra meditations. Cost is $225.00 per person. mcleanmeditation.com
BUSINESS EVENTS
July 13 LUNCH AND LEARN WITH GRADY GAMMAGE, JR. 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Monroe Tower 111 W. Monroe St., Phoenix This month’s Green Chamber Lunch and Learn focuses on urban growth and development, quality of life, and local economic issues from Grady Gammage, Jr. Learn about his new book “The Future of the Suburban City: Lessons from Sustaining Phoenix.” Cost is $30.00 for non-members, $20.00 for members. azgreenchamber.org
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July 13 EMERGING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Culinary Dropout 5632 N. 7th St., Phoenix Passionate about sustainability and green design? Looking for a way to engage and serve your community while learning about LEED? Interested in networking with industry professionals to enhance your career? Attend the USGBC Arizona chapter’s Emerging Young Professionals happy hour. Free registration to attend and appetizers and drinks will be provided. usgbcaz.org
July 28 DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR? 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ASBA Education Center 4600 E. Washington St. #341, Phoenix Interested in starting your own business but don’t know where to start? Attend this seminar, presented by Arizona Small Business Association, to see if you have what it takes. Speaker Susan F. Moody will discuss how to make a living doing what you love in a competitive market. Attendance is free. asba.com/events
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EVENTS
7/9 Steam Pump Ranch Second Saturday
7/ 16-17, 23-24, 30-31 Peach Mania
7/30 HarvestFest
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
July 9
July 16-17, 23-24, 30-31
STEAM PUMP RANCH SECOND SATURDAY 9:00 a.m.-Noon Steam Pump Ranch 10901 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley Walk around the Heirloom Farmer’s Market and explore Hands-On Archeology with Archeology Southwest as part of Steam Pump Ranch’s Second Saturdays. Garden demonstrations and crafts for children will also be featured. The event is free. orovalleyaz.gov
PEACH MANIA 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Apple Annie’s Orchard 2081 W. Hardy Rd., Willcox Enjoy sweet and juicy tree-ripened peaches, starting with a delicious “All You Can Eat” peaches and pancakes breakfast served from 7:30-10:30 each Saturday and Sunday morning. Also enjoy lunch and hot-roasted sweet corn and other bites. Then, pick your peaches! Peach Mania is a perfect way to spend a summer day with friends and family. There is no fee for admission. Pay for what you pick, meals and products. appleannies.com
July 30 HARVESTFEST 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sonoita Vineyards 290 Elgin-Canelo Rd., Elgin Interested in grape stomping? Join the fun at Sonoita Vineyards for the annual HarvestFest. Tours of the vineyard and winery will be offered as well as six wine tastings and four food-andwine pairings. VIP tickets are available offering private tours, massages, lunch voucher, private wine bar and more. General admission is $20.00, VIP is $75.00. sonoitavineyards.com For more events, visit greenlivingaz.com/events
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thank you to our partners! WE APPRECIATE OUR READERS SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS! Adams Craig Acquisitions..........Back Cover
Dektown Cellars Wine....................................33
Rock’N’Earth Landscaping.............................35
All Natural Cosmetics..................................... 19
Directions 4 Wellness.....................................10
SOUL........................................................................ 11
Allstate Appliances......................................... 44
Eco Dog Care..........................................................1
Southern Arizona Arts
Arizona Beds/America’s Mattress.................1
EcoGlen.....................................................................1
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.................2
Glendale, City Of........... Inside Front Cover
Southwest College of
Arizona Solar Concepts................................ 28
Green Organics Pest Control..........................1
Naturopathic Medicine.....................................1
Arbonne................................................................. 15
Jay’s Bird Barn..........................................................1
Sun Valley Solar Solutions........................... 30
Backs by Popular Demand, PLLC...................1
Keep Arizona Beautiful..............................2, 25
The Hippie Hobby............................................. 19
Bauman’s Xtreme Training.............................25
KFNX........................................................................ 17
The Melting Pot................Inside Back Cover
Bead & Reel.......................................................... 19
Marriott Springhill Suites..............................35
Unified Brands.................................................... 45
Copenhagen Imports.........................................7
Pillsbury Wine Company................................13
Verde Dimora Apartments..............................6
Crescent Moon..................................................33
PurMaid....................................................................9
Veronica Bahn Essential Oils.........................13
Cult Coffee Roaster............................................1
Purple Lotus Productions..............................27
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G R E E N CHAMPIONS Green Living magazine has a new section called the Green Champions of the Month! Each month we will feature three people – one each in northern, southern and central Arizona – who are making strides in the green community. This month we are featuring three solar and energy champions!
NORTHERN – RICK NICOSIA, ENERGY DELIVERY MANAGER, ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE
Rick Nicosia is the Energy Delivery Manager for Arizona Public Service (APS) in Flagstaff. He started with the company in 2000 and has taken on various roles prior to his current position. Nicosia is responsible for energy delivery, which includes service restoration and new construction and planning, in Flagstaff and Winslow. Before working at APS, Nicosia worked at Nevada Power Company for 11 years. Nicosia is currently on the Board of Directors for the Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI). He is also a member of the Flagstaff Forty organization. Five years ago, Arizona Public Service launched its APS AZ Sun Program to meet Arizona’s long-term energy goals. The nine solar power plants have produced 170 megawatts of energy for Arizona.
CENTRAL – BART COPS, CEO OF CASA COPS
Bart Cops is the Chief Executive Officer and Lead Innovator from Casa Cops, a multi-faceted green energy, solar, and lifestyle platform. He has been a leading force in renewable energy since 2008 in both Europe and the U.S. He moved to Boulder City, NV in 2012, and is now focusing on opening multiple offices in AZ, NM, UT, CA, and Hawaii, with Arizona being the location for the concept office. His goal is to build a beautiful renewable energy platform, and to be the number one company in the southern states. He is responsible for acquiring top-tier products and partnerships for Casa Cops customers, such as Sol-Up Solar, Sonnen batteries, and wind energy. His extensive knowledge and highly-trained staff are the keys to success. He organizes informational events regarding green energy in order to show people the difference between regular systems and top systems that perform.
SOUTHERN – DAVID G. HUTCHENS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER
David Hutchens joined Tucson Electric Power (TEP) in July 1995 and was named President in December 2011 and CEO in August 2013. Prior to joining TEP, Hutchens served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear submarine officer, and he worked as an engineer. Hutchens earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1988 from Arizona State University and earned an MBA in Finance in 1999. In 2000, TEP established itself as a solar power pioneer when it installed a Springerville Generating Station Solar System. Now a 6.4-megawatt system, the solar system can meet the annual electric needs of more than 1,000 Tucson homes. TEP also provides many residential solar options for Tucson residents.
Want to nominate someone as a Green Champion? Email your candidate to editor@greenlivingaz.com!
46 greenliving | July 2016
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HE’S GREEN SHE’S GREEN FLAVORED WATER Product reviews by our eco-conscious couple John and Jennifer Burkhart Whew! One month of summer down, and only three (or four) more to go! The heat seems to drag on longer every year. Living in the desert, we understand the importance of hydration. But after the 15th gallon of water, H2O tends to get pretty boring. The solution? Infused flavored and “plant” waters! Never heard of the stuff? Read on, thirsty friend. TRUE NOPAL | CACTUS WATER HE SAID: When I first heard “cactus water,” I immediately thought of a reality show where contestants drink a vicious slime that comes from barrel cactus. So, I was not excited to try this. Thankfully, this is just normal water infused with prickly pear fruit, which tastes like an earthy cross between a cherry and a watermelon. I would audition for a desert survival show if True Nopal came out of barrel cactus.
SHE SAID: It doesn’t get any more classic than cactus water in the desert. When you’re thirsting for something other than H2O, definitely give this a try. I found it very refreshing, with a light fruit-punch flavor.
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CORE ORGANIC | WATERMELON LEMONADE HE SAID: This watermelon lemonade was good…a little too good. At first, the drink had a very sweet watermelon flavor – sweet enough that I decided to research “erythritol,” its primary sweetener. Turns out it’s a sugar alcohol that has all the sweet of sugar and none of downsides. Oh, and it may cause nausea and diarrhea. Personally, I’m a “simple is better” kinda guy, and there’s a little too much science going on in this bottle for me.
SHE SAID: I was already sold when I opened the bottle – it smelled like a watermelon Jolly Rancher. The watermelon flavor was not as intense as its fragrance, but also not as weak as some flavored water can be. I enjoyed the sweetness, but beware: if you aren’t a fan of non-sugar sweeteners, this might not be your drink.
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ELMHURST NATURALS | BANANA WATER, ORIGINAL HE SAID: There’s not a whole lot to write about this banana water. It is water with 17 percent banana juice added to it and it tastes exactly how you would imagine banana water to taste. On a side note – I feel really sorry for the guy who has to juice all the bananas for this drink. Just…how?!
SHE SAID: Ok, not everything needs to be transformed into a water beverage. This water smelled funny, and tasted like sour bananas. It also left a sour aftertaste and wasn’t refreshing enough for an Arizona summer. Another flavor may be better, but I highly recommend just eating a banana for potassium and fiber, with a glass of water on the side.
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TU ME | TURMERIC WITH MANGO HE SAID: This one may take some getting used to, but the health benefits of turmeric make it worth it. The mango juice is sweet, refreshing, and a perfect flavor to mask turmeric’s bitter aftertaste. I thought it was very drinkable, but I’ve had turmeric quite often. Others may find it an acquired taste.
SHE SAID: Turmeric is gaining some popularity due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If you’ve never tried it, this would be a good place to start. The mango flavor is delicious and blends nicely with the strong turmeric. Shake it up well, and enjoy it chilled after a workout. (Or after going to the grocery store, because in 110-degree heat, it’s pretty much the same thing!)
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ALOE GLOE | CRISP ALOE, USDA ORGANIC HE SAID: This was the most succulent of the selection we tried. It had a nice, sweet apple-like flavor, with an earthy aftertaste from the Stevia. The best part of this drink was its consistency. Most aloe drinks have a terrible slimy consistency, but this one was that of crisp, clean water. Great for a hot summer day.
SHE SAID: With all the vitamins, minerals and other healthy stuff, I can see why aloe is a popular beverage choice. This one had a sour “green” flavor that later tasted like Granny Smith apple, so that’s a plus. However, I thought the added Stevia made it a bit too sweet and added an unusual taste.
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See more product reviews at greenlivingaz.com/hgsg greenlivingaz.com
July 2016 | greenliving
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COOL OUTRAGEOUS
1
SUNNY CITRUS CLEANSER
Looking for an anti-inflammatory, foaming cleanser that gently purifies and leaves your skin’s natural moisture balance intact? Grapefruit, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and bergamot are just a few of the purifiers, while echinacea, nettle, plantain, burdock, and honeysuckle calm skin irritation. Suds up with Sunny Citrus Cleanser from Sleekskin on face or body to heal your skin and keep it happy! The organic formula is made for normal, oily or combination skin. $40.00 for an 8 oz. bottle SLEEKSKINAZ.COM
STUFF 2
INSPIRATIONAL GEMS
Made locally in Tempe, Zenned Out jewelry is perfect for any fashionista – and it’s good for the soul. Each piece celebrates and promotes mindfulness and good karma. Handcrafted from locally sourced and sustainable materials, the company offers everything from bracelets and earrings to custom-made pieces. Prices vary. ZENNEDOUT.COM
3
ED
MOBILE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
According to the New York Times, recent studies have found an increase in bacteria and viruses in water sources worldwide. These pollutants can lead to health problems such as organ and cell damage, cancer and even birth defects. Make sure you’re drinking nothing but pure, clean water with Puritii’s triple filter system. Choose between a 16 oz. insulated steel bottle and a 20 oz. squeezable plastic bottle. $109.86 for 20 oz. plastic bottle. $125.57 for 16 oz. stainless steel bottle. PURITII.COM
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COLLAPSIBLE SOLAR LANTERN
For this summer’s camping trips leave the batteries at home and check out this multi-use, solar powered, water proof and lightweight lantern. The Suaoki Solar Camping Collapsible Lantern provides different brightness levels and an SOS flashing mode for emergencies. Battery running low on your phone? Use the USB cable to charge it! Available in a variety of colors. $19.99 SUAOKI.COM
SPONSOR
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LOCAL
EDITOR ’S PICK
5
SALT WATER FUEL CELL CAR KIT
Teach your kids about new forms of clean energy through OWI’s saltwater car. The company features renewable energy to power toy robots while teaching children green technologies through engaging toys. This specific toy uses a magnesium metal sheet and saltwater to drive around the track. It’s environmentally safe, non-toxic and clean. Kids will be amazed at the power behind this toy. $17.95 OWIROBOT.COM
SOLAR SMART LOCK
Perfect for any biker, this solar-powered bike lock from Skylock is designed with a keyless and capacitive touchpad entry. Each lock also comes with a built-in anti-theft system that sends alerts directly to your smartphone. The built-in solar panel recharges the battery, and 12 hours of sunlight will provide enough power for six months. Pre-orders will start shipping this month on a first-come, first-served basis. $179.00 SKYLOCK.CC Find more cool outrageous stuff at greenlivingaz.com/cos
48 greenliving | July 2016
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