Green Living October 2016

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Yours in practicing a greener lifestyle PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS COPY EDITOR

Dorie Morales Amanda Harvey Misty Voitovski Jeffrey E. Stein Rachel Luman

ADVISORY BOARD Veronica Bahn Valerie Crosby William Janhonen Derrick Mains Eric Olsen

Paul Cocuzza Ken Edwins Jon Kitchell Mary McCormick Thomas Williams

CONTRIBUTORS Nicole V. Bennett Jill Bernstein Jennifer Burkhart John Burkhart Ric Coggins Michelle Talsma Everson Sarah Gill CJ Eisenbarth Hager Trisha Haws Karen Langston Brynn Martin Jane McNamara Voncelle Mull Emily Phillips Rosemary Prawdzik Dr. Andrea Purcell David Schaller Ashley Schimke Terri Taylor MEDIA CONSULTANTS Rebecca Craig Michelle White CREATIVE INTERN Joshua Parris

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September 17 - November 27

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Green Living magazine is a monthly publication by Traditional Media Group, LLC. Periodical rate postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. Entire contents © 2016 Traditional Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged to do so in writing. One print subscription is $39 per year or digital subscription is $12 per year. Canadian orders please add $13 per year for shipping and handling. International orders add $22 per year for shipping and handling. Bulk and/or corporate rates available. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions. Green Living magazine is printed on recycled paper.

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departments features

October 2016

on the cover Ann and Jenny Siner, sisters who started My Sister’s Closet upscale consignment store, are celebrating 25 years of business! Read more about their journey on page 28.

Photo courtesy of Greggo Photography.

12 The Reason You’re Suffering with Seasonal Allergies

25 What Green Activism Means to Me

34 Arizona Organic Gardening 101

play green 33 Launch Party Photo Collage 36 Tips for a Scary Green Halloween 38 Celebrate National Farm to School Month

40 Recipes: Fall Favorites & Healthy

live green

Halloween Treats

6 Body Recovery Tips 8 Need An Escape? Treat Yourself with These Green Spa Options 10 Beauty in the Fight: Valley Cancer Patients Receive a Day of Natural Pampering

13 Reiki: A Natural Stress Reliever 14 Growing Up Green 16 Six Lifesaving Reasons to Eat Pomegranates 18 Be a Lean, Green, Cancer-Fighting Machine 20 Raise Awareness by Reporting Litterers 21 Climate Change Series: Gila County 22 Green Tips for Your White Wedding

10

38 42 Green Scenes Calendar

work green 24 Healthy Eating: What’s Transportation

of Events

46 Green Champions 47 He’s Green, She’s Green

Got to Do with It?

26 Small Business Makes Large Contribution to

48 Cool Outrageous Stuff

Natural Skin Care Market

30 greenlivingaz.com

28 Siner Sisters Celebrate 25 Years of My Sister’s Closet

30 Tiny Lab: A Forensic Examination of Healthy Housing

41

5 October 2016 | greenliving

3

October 2016

Editor’s Note

F

all is in the air again! I’m looking forward to the cooler weather and devouring my favorite fall trifecta: pumpkin-, chai-, and applespiced food, beer and coffee.

For our October spa and relaxation issue, we featured an inspirational story on two local women who are battling breast cancer. We scheduled a pampering session for them at Citrine Natural Beauty Bar at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix and gave them eco makeovers using all-natural products! Read more about their stories and experience on page 10.

Ann and Jenny Siner, founders of the upscale consignment store My Sister’s Closet, grace our cover this issue. This month marks their 25th year in business. Read more about how far they’ve come and what they have planned for the future in my article on page 28.

Fall is in the air again!

I’m looking forward to the cooler weather and devouring my favorite fall trifecta: pumpkin-, chai-, and applespiced food, beer and coffee.

Get some fab tips on greening your Halloween on page 36, and make this year’s Halloween the best ever (even though it falls on a Monday). Also, become inspired by our Healthy Halloween Treats recipes on page 41. Other stories in this issue include an article on the Proof is Possible tiny house tour coming to Arizona; eco wedding tips; organic gardening 101; holistic allergy treatments; body recovery tips; National Farm to School Month; and more!

Enjoy the cooler temperatures and upcoming holiday festivities as we round out the rest of 2016.

Get the scoop on fall events in our Green Scenes Calendar of Events on page 42.

What are you most excited for this fall season?

Share with us on social media! Whether it be football, fall fashion, pumpkin patches, haunted houses, the new American Horror Story season, or all of the above, enjoy yourselves this October!

♥

I LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR READERS!

Email me at editor@greenlivingaz.com

Photo by Vince Alfaro

Amanda Harvey Associate Editor

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

4 greenliving | October 2016

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October 2016 | greenliving

5

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BY TRISHA HAWS AND BRYNN MARTIN

W

ith the weather improving across Arizona, you may be noticing the effects of added activity on BRYNN MARTIN AND TRISHA HAWS your body. Whether it’s running, hiking, swimming, cycling, football, soccer, or others, we must do what we can to ensure we are taking care of our bodies before and after activity.

“Recovery is just as important as training,” according to Rio 2016 Olympic 100m sprinter Hafsatu Kamara. Many elite athletes, no matter their discipline, will endorse these concepts as they know the importance of treating the body with proper recovery, treatment plans, and rest on the back end of activity.

You may already be implementing these techniques, or it may be something that you have never heard of. Either way, there are natural ways to promote recovery in the body as you train for sports and activity. Self Myofascial release techniques are easy, affordable and very accessible. The hardest part is just doing it.

Like building any habit, it will take effort and time.

Self Myofascial release includes the following applications: • Foam rolling and the use of compression balls.

• Stretching.

• Utilizing recovery applications such as NormaTEC compression and hydrotherapy or professional massage.

SELF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE Through stretching and self trigger-point work, you can focus on the areas of the body where you are feeling soreness and fatigue. Depending on the activity, there are specific muscles that will tighten and have more overuse; as a result, they need more attention when it comes to recovery.

Sports massage improves quality and quantity of training.

In training for any activity, repetitive overuse without proper treatment and recovery can lead to injury. Sports massage manually flushes large amounts of blood flow and nutrients through the tissue, assists in the process of recovery and regeneration, preserves the quality of the tissue, and can help prevent injury.

ABOVE: Movement Restoration is located in Scottsdale.

LEFT: Self Myofascial release techniques includes stretching and promote recovery in the body.

6 greenliving | October 2016

greenlivingaz.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Here are some examples of tension and overuse patterns that often accumulate in these specific sports. You can use it as a model in trying to decide which muscles to focus on! Utilize stretching and Self Myofascial release in the specific muscle groups for optimal recovery.

RUNNING:

(outdoor/treadmill)

Hip flexors/quads Glutes

Calves & feet

HIKING:

Hip flexors/quads Hamstrings Glutes

Calves & feet Shins

BIKING: Glutes Hamstrings Quads

Back & shoulders Calves

SWIMMING: Shoulders

& back Lats Core

FOOTBALL: Glutes Hamstrings

Calves & feet

Hip flexors/quads Lats Back

SOCCER: Glutes Hamstrings

Calves & feet

Hip flexors/quads

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“Recovery is just as important as training,” according to Rio 2016 Olympic 100m sprinter Hafsatu Kamara.

Whatever your training includes, it is also important to rest and hydrate. Stay in tune with your body. It will communicate what it needs; pay attention and take care of it. And do not forget to have fun with the recovery. It truly is a treat for your body, and it will be happier and perform better as a result.

Trisha Haws and Brynn Martin are the owners of Movement Restoration, located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Movement Restoration is a massage therapy concept that focuses on restoring natural movement back to the body through individualized massage treatments. Movement Restoration caters to anyone with restricted movement, compression of joints, tight muscles, or discomfort as a result of repetitive motions and positions from daily activities or jobs.

Above photo of Hafsatu Kamara courtesy of CornerYai. Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

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October 2016 | greenliving

7

HEALTH & WELLNESS

NEED AN ESCAPE? TREAT YOURSELF WITH THESE

GREEN SPA OPTIONS

BY STEPHANIE BRAY

I

n the age of 24-hour television, work emails and smart phones, life can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you have 20 minutes or an entire day, it’s important to set aside some time for you. From resort luxury to at-home treatments, here are some ways to indulge yourself this fall.

SONORAN SPA AT WESTWARD LOOK WYNDHAM GRAND RESORT | TUCSON If you are looking to relax in the lap of luxury or just want to have a girls’ weekend or romantic getaway, you don’t have to travel far. The Sonoran Spa at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort in Tucson is perfect for any occasion.

SONORAN SPA AT WESTWARD LOOK WYNDHAM GRAND RESORT, TUCSON

8 greenliving | October 2016

Surrounded by 80 acres of beautiful, natural desert landscape and gardens, the Sonoran Spa is unique because guests pick the herbs used in their treatment from the resort’s Spa Wellness Garden. The garden includes mint, thyme and lavender, as well as unusual aromatics such as lemongrass and Mexican tarragon.

“Tucson has a long tradition of using medicinal herbs within our rich local Mexican and Native American culture, so it made sense to plant indigenous herbs and flowers for use in the spa,” said spa director Susan Phillips.

The Spa Wellness Garden opened in February 2015 with a scrub called “Will You Rosemary Me.” The treatment combined fresh, homegrown rosemary, lavender and lemongrass to quiet the mind and stimulate the senses.

20 LOUNGE | SCOTTSDALE For those who have only an hour or two to spare, 20 Lounge in Scottsdale offers guests a wide range of treatments for nails, lashes and skin.

The multi-service bar combines exceptional beauty services with elements of a boutique. 20 Lounge not only wants guests to feel beautiful but healthy, too. The skin treatments use organic lotions and scrubs.

When it comes to nail care, 20 Lounge avoids formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which are known carcinogens. The lounge offers hard gels instead of acrylics to provide guests with healthy, long-lasting nail extensions.

greenlivingaz.com

20 LOUNGE, SCOTTSDALE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

TAKING TIME OUT EACH DAY

TO RELAX AND RENEW IS ESSENTIAL TO LIVING WELL. JUDITH HANSON LASATER

TESTIMONIAL

GREEN SOUL BOTANICALS | COTTONWOOD If you are always on-the-go, an at-home skin treatment can feel like a great escape. Green Soul Botanicals, founded by Robin Harrington in Cottonwood, offers a range of herbal skin care therapies that can be purchased online.

The balms, serums, massage oils and other products are handcrafted holistically using whole-plant extracts and focus on keeping the formula as natural as possible. Harrington grows many of the herbs, distills native hydrosols, and purchases the rest of the natural ingredients from ethical sources. She founded Green Soul Botanicals in 2008 while working as a supervisor at the Spa at Sedona Rouge in Sedona.

GREEN SOUL BOTANICALS, COTTONWOOD

“This carrier oil is the best I have used in my treatments! It doesn’t stain my sheets and allows me to work with it without having to reapply as much. My two favorite oils are Burst and Peppermint.

Burst simply makes you feel great and so aware and Peppermint is my must-have for clients who require deep tissue massage work. It penetrates deeply and soothes and invigorates at the same time.

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“Each therapy is based on traditional herbal lore from cultures worldwide as well as backed by my training in modern Herbal Medicine, Cultural Anthropology and as a professional in the spa industry,” wrote Harrington on her website.

The next time you need to relax and recharge, be mindful about the ingredients in the products used. Your body will thank you.

To learn more about Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort, visit westwardlook.com. For more on 20 Lounge, see 20lounge.com.

Information on Green Soul Botanicals can be found at thespaherbalist.com.

Stephanie Bray is an aspiring magazine writer. In May 2015, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism.

Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

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October 2016 | greenliving

9

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BEAUTY IN THE FIGHT

VALLEY CANCER PATIENTS RECEIVE

A DAY OF NATURAL PAMPERING

BY VONCELLE MULL

O

ctober is the time of year when everything from football jerseys to your favorite item at the grocery store turns various shades of pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts VONCELLE MULL & Figures 2016, Arizona is expected to have an estimated 4,900 new breast cancer patients this year. The focus on cancer prevention has become mainstream by using multiple commercial resources to assist with funding towards finding a cure. In recent years, the spa and wellness industry has responded by developing treatments and natural, non-toxic beauty products that are safe for cancer patients and survivors.

Citrine Natural Beauty Bar owner Melissa Lenberg believes in providing the highest quality in all-natural beauty products.

Melissa recently provided a day of pampering for two deserving women who are battling breast cancer.

Marilyn Berkhof is a 66-year-old retiree who worked for Century Link for 40 years. She is the mother of three girls and 10 greenliving | October 2016

was first diagnosed with cancer in February of this year. Marilyn is currently at stage 4 and is fighting as hard as she can to survive.

Karen Huffman is a 49-year-old mother of two teenagers and works as an accounting manager for a municipality in the Valley. She has been battling cancer since 2003. After being cancer free for nine years, she had a recurrence four years ago.

She is presently receiving chemotherapy at Ironwood Cancer Center in Chandler.

As the women arrived at the Citrine storefront at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix, their vibrant personalities brightened the room. They were welcomed by Melissa and Citrine makeup artist Crystal Maynes. Both guests were treated to express facials using natural beauty brands TaTa Harper and Kypris. After the facial services, the ladies enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Seasons 52.

The lunch was delivered by Seasons 52 manager Brittany Taylor, who is a 29-year-old mother of two and also a breast cancer survivor. Brittany explained, “It was so important for me to be able to provide lunch for these women. I know exactly what they are going through.� Brittany is expected to receive her last radiation treatment this month. greenlivingaz.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Lunch was followed with Melissa and Crystal providing the guests with product education and a makeup application using brands Vapour, Jane Iredale and RMS. The radiant glow from their makeovers highlighted their natural beauty.

Melissa was kind enough to provide the guests and Brittany with $100.00 gift certificates to Citrine, and Kelly Adams from Kypris also gave the guests products to take home.

The ladies used the gift cards to purchase the products they loved most from the makeover event. “I’m glad Melissa took the time to show me a new technique for my brows. I always used a pencil (and not very well), now I can use natural powders,” said Marilyn. Karen was also just as pleased with her makeover, saying, “I felt so pampered today, and I feel it is important as a cancer patient to know more about natural products that are available.” The experience brought three women together in different seasons of their lives to support each other’s cancer journey.

If you have health-challenged skin and are considering a spa visit, check out these Valley spots: SPA AVANIA, located at the Hyatt Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, offers the Sacred Nature Ritual using the Italian brand Comfort Zone, which has formulated natural skincare for the face and body. The Sacred Heart Ritual includes a 90-minute organic full-body exfoliant, wrap and hydrating moisturizer, as well as a facial treatment. For more, visit scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com.

THE REMEDIE MEDICAL SPA located in Mesa is owned

by Dr. Emese Kalnoki, an aesthetician certified in oncology esthetics who uses the biodynamic skin care line Eminence.

The medical spa offers customized oncology facial treatments and micro blading, an advanced eyebrow embroidery technique used to create hair-like marks on the skin that last up to 18 months. Patients are encouraged to use this to prepare for hair loss prior to chemotherapy. For more, visit kalnokiplastics.com/the-remedie.

TUSCAN SOUL SKINCARE located in Scottsdale is owned by certified oncology aesthetician Candice Drake Hopkin. Her spa has a full oncology skincare menu. Utilizing Hush Hydrate Gel from sensitive skin brand Hale & Hush, guests can choose from the Hydrate & Hug Facial or the Heart of the Caregiver Facial. For more, visit tuscansoulskincare.com.

Voncelle Mull, LE, is a licensed aesthetician and spa industry expert.

She is the owner of Well Served Media LLC and co-founder of the Southwest Spa Alliance. She hosts annual community wellness events that create rewarding experiences which provide useful health and lifestyle information to financially disadvantaged families and communities.

Photos by Cliff Gaines, A1 STUDIOS. Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

From left to right, Melissa Lenberg, Marilyn Berkhof, Karen Huffman, Crystal Maynes. greenlivingaz.com

October 2016 | greenliving

11

HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE REASON YOU’RE SUFFERING

WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES

BY ANDREA PURCELL, NMD

A

s a doctor, I quite regularly find myself in contact with someone who is sniffling and sneezing. When I ask them if they are sick, they reply with, “It’s my allergies.”

When I first moved to Arizona, it surprised me how many people ANDREA PURCELL, NMD suffer from seasonal allergies. Wasn’t the desert a place people initially relocated to if they had asthma or allergies? Well it turns out that Phoenix is quite well-known for its high pollen counts. In 2011, the Huffington Post reported Phoenix to be the worst city in the whole United States for allergies. Yikes! After an entire week of patients presenting with seasonal allergies, I was determined to find out what it was about this state that caused such an eye-watering problem.

What I came to find is that there are four interconnecting parts to the allergy problem here in the Valley of the Sun: climate, non-native plant introduction, enhanced weed growth and dust.

Phoenix has a very special type of climate that causes both grasses and trees to bloom and flower at the same time. This causes the pollen count to exceed what would be considered normal. In most areas, trees and grasses bloom at different times, which keeps the pollen count lower. The growing population has introduced more grasses and non-native trees which require enhanced watering schedules and promotes weed growth. It is estimated that Arizona has more than 17 different species of ragweed, which is particularly troublesome for asthma and allergy sufferers.

Dry air can be good for allergies, but blowing dust isn’t.

Dust will irritate almost everyone, but it especially exacerbates allergy conditions. These factors combine to cause the perfectstorm known as allergy season.

If you struggle with seasonal allergies for a short time each year, here are some things to try at home. If you have more severe and longer lasting symptoms or suffer from asthma or breathing problems, I recommend seeking out the care of a professional. These home remedies are surprisingly effective at eliminating allergy symptoms. By supporting the body’s ability to process pollens, one can treat the underlying predisposition naturally without medications.

6 NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES First: Avoid the source of irritation. Keep windows closed in your home and car, get a good air filter for your home, keep your house clean of dust, change your AC filters regularly, eliminate carpet from the home and consider hypoallergenic bedding. Once you’ve done this, try the following DIY allergy remedies:

1

Local Arizona honey. 1 teaspoon once daily. Local honey helps develop immunity to local pollen. Shop your local farmer’s market and start talking to the beekeepers.

2

Pineapple juice. 12 oz. of fresh-pressed juice daily.

Pineapples are rich in bromelain which reduces sinus swelling.

3

Freeze-dried stinging nettles. 2 capsules 2-3 times daily.

This plant works great for stabilizing mast cells and bringing down inflammation in the ear, nose and sinus area.

Capsules are available at health food stores.

4

Nasal rinsing. Use a Neti pot or a nasal flush bottle daily in the shower to keep pollens and dust out of your nasal passages.

5

Quercetin. 500-2500 mg. daily. This is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory found in most fruits and vegetables and also found at health food stores in concentrated form.

6

Support your liver by eating cleanly. Any time you are exposed to greater amounts of pollen and dust, your liver has to work harder to process all the incoming debris. You can help it along by eating well and juicing fresh fruits and vegetables during the peak times of year.

Andrea Purcell, NMD, graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2002. She is the founder of Portal to Healing Naturopathic Clinic with locations in Costa Mesa, CA and Phoenix, AZ. She has a women’s specialty practice focusing on hormones, digestion and mystery illness. She is the author of “Feed Your Cells-7 Ways to Make Health Food Fast, Easy, and Gluten Free.”

Find more health & wellness articles at greenlivingaz.com/health

12 greenliving | October 2016

greenlivingaz.com

GREEN LIFE

REIKI: A NATURAL STRESS RELIEVER

BY SARAH GILL

H

ow would you like to try a new way of destressing?

Managing stress is an essential life skill that tackles a feeling with which we are all too familiar. The demands of daily life from our careers, finances, business, family, school and SARAH GILL general upkeep of life can leave us feeling drained, crabby, and as if there just isn’t enough time in the day.

Reiki, pronounced “ray-kee,” is a natural energy-based relaxation technique used by thousands throughout the world.

It is a natural system of energy that works with the chi, or life force energy, within us. Stress, whether physical or emotional, causes our body to become depleted and out of balance.

These imbalances show up not only through physical illness, but emotions such as anxiety and depression. This is the body’s way of communicating that something isn’t right, and it is trying to get our attention.

In a typical reiki session, the recipient lies down on a massage table fully clothed. The practitioner begins by connecting with energy frequencies known as reiki symbols. The practitioner uses a set of hand positions to clear the body’s energy fields; for the recipient, this can feel like taking a deeply relaxing nap with a side of one-of-a-kind personal enlightenment.

Each person’s experience is completely unique to the individual, but results can include: • Deep calmness and relaxation.

• Decrease in emotional stress.

• Deep insight and mental clarity.

• Aid in the healing process while recovering from surgery or illness.

• Help with anxiety or depression.

• Feeling spiritually balanced and centered.

Energy work can help repair and restore the depleted energy levels in the body, which are essential to maintaining good health and experiencing greater self connection. Caring for the body, mind and spirit are all equally important, and reiki addresses all of these areas gently and naturally.

REIKI FOR PETS Animals can benefit from reiki in the same manner humans do. In fact, animals have a natural understanding of how it greenlivingaz.com

works because they are energy-sensitive, spiritual beings. They sense and instantly interpret subtle energy fields and people in their environment without the filter that human beings, more often than not, live behind.

Domesticated animals like cats, dogs, rabbits and horses also experience negative and stressful situations that inhibit their present happiness and inner peace (as do all animals).

Humans have other people to discuss their problems with for support – animals also deserve to be supported so they can heal and cope with experiences that may be contributing to behavioral problems or health issues.

Similar stresses that people and animals have in common include: • Emotional stress.

• Physical stress.

• Fear.

• Anxiety.

• Depression.

• Trauma recovery.

• PTSD. • Abandonment issues.

• Separation anxiety.

• Behavioral patterns.

Reiki is a practice of complete heart-centered compassion and gentle nurturing for the soul. It helps us to be more grounded and aids us in finding the way back to feeling secure and safe in our bodies and environments. Both people and animals could use a little more gentleness, a little less stress and a lot more healing and relaxation in their lives.

Exercise: Take a few minutes to do a personal inventory of your stress levels mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Make a list for each. Do you feel balanced, secure and grounded in each area? What feels off? Do you love yourself enough to honor those needs and take action to support them?

Sarah Gill is a spiritual guide, energy healer and owner of Purple Unicorn. For more information and to follow her on social media, visit purpleunicorntherapy.com or contact her at sarah@purpleunicorntherapy.com Photos by Araya Photography.

See more green life articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenlife

October 2016 | greenliving

13

GREEN LIFE

GROWING UP GREEN

BY JANE MCNAMARA

I

t was a different world growing up in the Meyer/Snell household. As kids, Sophie and Clay hauled gray water to citrus trees in the yard, hung up clothes to dry, collected eggs in the morning, and adjusted the thermometer up in the summer and way down in the winter.

The children didn’t mind. “They took it as a matter of course.

It wasn’t work or a chore, just the right way to do the things that needed to be done,” said their father, Dr. Eric Meyer.

Dr. Meyer, House Minority Leader and candidate for the State Senate, said his own experiences as a young boy growing up in Arizona first helped him appreciate nature and the outdoors.

There were always chickens in the yard, vegetable gardens to tend and mountains to climb. A field biology class at Chaparral High School honed his love of science. Later, as a medical student at the University of Arizona, he began to read the developing scientific research about climate change and became

Dr. Meyer knows and appreciates that all of these life experiences give him an important perspective on environmental and sustainability issues. In the past legislative session alone, there were bills impacting water use, solar regulations and even educational gardens in our schools.

Their upbringing made a lasting impression. Currently, they are both engineering students at Stanford, with Clay studying environmental engineering and Sophie in a Master’s program for materials engineering. As an undergraduate student in physics engineering, Sophie worked on lithium battery research that could impact the future of electric cars. Now, she’s the editor of the Stanford Energy Journal and pursuing cancer research.

Yes, there’s no doubt – the Meyer/Snell family embraces green living – and wouldn’t have it any other way.

14 greenliving | October 2016

convinced that managing water and energy use was critical to sustaining life for future generations.

After working in the Providence Emergency Department in Portland, Oregon, and serving as its director, Dr. Meyer and his wife, Dr. Sarah Snell, made the decision to move back to Arizona to raise their young children. They wanted to be near their families and near the desert, the hiking trails, the rivers and the Grand Canyon. Whenever they had a chance to get away, they camped, hiked, climbed and kayaked. They still

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GREEN LIFE

do. Rescue dogs became part of the family. There were always chickens. Vegetable and herb gardens were, as they always had been to him as a child, matters of course. They eat what’s in season. Solar panels cover their rooftop and their laundry is quite content to be dried by the Arizona sun.

And now, as a legislator, Dr. Meyer knows and appreciates that all of these life experiences give him an important perspective on environmental and sustainability issues. In the past legislative session alone, there were bills impacting water use, solar regulations and even educational gardens in our schools. He is convinced – and tries to convince others – that making small differences in our daily lives, and making incremental, reasonable changes through legislation will have a much-needed, long-lasting impact on our future and on the Arizona we leave to our children.

Jane McNamara is a retired English/ESL teacher. She has taught English in three states and worked in two American schools overseas. Most recently, she taught at North High in Phoenix Union. She is interested in education and environmental issues and is a campaign volunteer.

See more green life articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenlife

From left to right: Sophie Meyer, Eric Meyer, Sarah Snell, Clay Meyer

greenlivingaz.com

October 2016 | greenliving

15

NUTRITION

SIX LIFESAVING REASONS

TO EAT POMEGRANATES

BY KAREN LANGSTON

H

idden inside a strangelooking fruit are lifesaving properties. The pomegranate is the oldest known fruit on the planet. It has been suggested that the forbidden fruit Eve shared with Adam in the garden of Eden was, in KAREN LANGSTON fact, a pomegranate and not an apple.

From biblical times to Chaucer, Shakespeare and Homer, historical greats have extolled the virtues of the pomegranate in literature.

The pomegranate is known as the fruit of the underworld, the fruit of paradise, and the fruit of fertility. It has also been savored for its medicinal properties for centuries. Ancient Egyptian physicians had more than 700 remedies for treating disease, and the most popular ingredient in their formulas was pomegranate. Physicians in Greece prescribed pomegranate juice as a treatment for arthritis, circulation disorders, viruses and digestive problems.

The pomegranate’s healing properties aren’t just for our ancestors. Find modern-day remedies below.

WORRIED ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER? Polyphenols in pomegranate juice can not only inhibit the growth of cancer cells but actually kill cancer cells. According to a study published in the Journal of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, drinking a mere eight ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable.

WATCHING YOUR FIGURE? Pomegranates are low in calories and high in health-benefiting nutrients including antioxidants, polyphenols and numerous phytochemicals. Inside there are about 700 to 800 tightly packed ruby-red arils rich in fiber, potassium, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus, all of which play a role in healthy metabolism.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EAT A POMEGRANATE? Wash the outside of the pomegranate with soap and water; then, with a sharp knife, cut it into quarters. Place the entire fruit in a bowl of water and pop the seeds out; the seeds will sink to the bottom. Scoop out the floating pulp and membrane, drain off the water, and enjoy! You can also juice a pomegranate: just cut it in half and squeeze using a citrus juicer. Pomegranates are in season from early September until January.

Our ancestors have been using pomegranates in healing and prevention for centuries. Eat up, drink up, and cheers to your health!

WORRIED ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? Pomegranates are high in potassium and niacin, which aid in lowering blood pressure. Studies show that pomegranate juice can actually reduce systolic blood pressure. One study concluded drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day can lower systolic blood pressure by as much as five percent.

WORRIED ABOUT HEART DISEASE? Drink to your cardiovascular health! There is no shortage of polyphenols when it comes to pomegranates. Polyphenols are a natural anti-inflammatory and can reduce the inflammatory process associated with heart disease, improve circulation to the heart, and reduce arterial wall thickness. The little red super wonders can also lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol), aiding in the fight against heart disease.

16 greenliving | October 2016

WORRIED ABOUT GERMS? Scientists discovered antimicrobial properties within pomegranates that have the ability to kill seven different types of bacteria. This is good news, especially with cold and flu season coming swiftly upon us.

WORRIED ABOUT BONE LOSS? A study conducted in Saitama Prefectural University in Japan found that bone volume was significantly increased by administration of the pomegranate extract.

Need more reasons to add pomegranates to your nutrition regimen? Studies indicate eating pomegranates can aid in the prevention of breast cancer, lung cancer, anemia, aging, morning sickness, sore throat and Alzheimer’s.

Karen Langston is a certified Holistic Nutritionist training health care practitioners and health advocates the keys to preventing and reversing symptoms by having a good poop. healthygutadvisor.com For more articles about nutrition visit greenlivingaz.com/nutrition

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NUTRITION

BE A LEAN, GREEN,

CANCER-FIGHTING MACHINE

BY TERRI TAYLOR

W

hat factors do you think increase the average person’s risk of developing cancer? If you answered chemicals, pollution and genetics, you are consistent with the majority of respondents in the American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Risk Awareness Survey. These outside factors are certainly a concern, however the biggest risks are found inside the body. Body weight, exercise and eating habits play a role in cancer prevention and survivorship.

Historically, cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Now, investigators are learning that the environment surrounding the tumor, known as the microenvironment, may have the most influence on the development, growth and spread of cancer cells. Hormones, growth factors and blood vessels make up the tumor microenvironment. Each can create chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system defects to potentially feed cancer cell growth.

What does this have to do with you? Your lifestyle choices help modulate the microenvironment to reduce your cancer risk.

These guidelines are recommended to optimize your health:

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT. Research links obesity to a higher risk of 13 cancers, as well as heart disease and diabetes. Body fat, especially belly fat, produces hormones to promote chronic inflammation and increase cancer risk.

ABOVE: Fruits provide phytochemicals which are natural plant substances that exert anti-cancer effects.

RIGHT: By maintaining a healthy body weight, you lessen your risk of 13 cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

18 greenliving | October 2016

greenlivingaz.com

NUTRITION EAT A VARIETY OF PLANT FOODS DAILY. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and spices provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are natural plant substances that exert anti-cancer effects.

They act to reduce inflammation and oxidation, cut off blood flow and nourishment to cancer cells, and support normal immune function. Fiber binds cancer-promoting hormones including estrogen, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor and eliminates them from your body. Eating fiber fills you up, not out, to help control weight. At every meal, cover half of your plate with vegetables and fruits and the remainder with whole grains and lean protein.

CUT DOWN ON RED AND PROCESSED MEATS. Eating beef, veal, lamb and pork in excess of 18 ounces cooked per week poses a cancer risk. Their saturated fat and heme iron are thought to be the culprits. Nitrates, nitrites and the smoking and curing processes used in cold cuts, bacon, sausage and hot dogs seem to foster cancer growth. Uncured products without chemicals are available. Cancer-causing chemicals can also be formed when grilling or charring meat, poultry and fish.

Marinade or use a dry rub of herbs and cook meat, poultry and fish slowly at low temperatures to counteract the damage.

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE. Moving your body lowers body fat and reduces hormone production. This in turn decreases inflammation. Whatever activity you enjoy, be it walking,

Being physically active, which can be any activity you enjoy, decreases inflammation. Aim for 30 minutes daily at least five days a week.

biking, swimming, dancing or something else, aim for a total of 30 minutes daily at least five days a week.

Sustaining these healthy living guidelines requires a supportive community. Take advantage of local farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture (CSA), cooking classes, gyms, pools, and walking and biking paths to keep your body lean, green and cancer unfriendly!

Visit honorhealth.com for information on community events and classes.

Terri Taylor, RD, CSO is a registered dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition. She is the nutrition educator for the HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center. Her practice includes individual nutritional counseling, group classes and community speaking.

For more articles about nutrition visit greenlivingaz.com/nutrition

WE OFFER HEALTH CARE THAT AIMS TO HEAL THE CAUSE. “The journey to good health begins with a single step.”

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October 2016 | greenliving

19

ENVIRONMENT

RAISE AWARENESS BY REPORTING LITTERERS

BY JILL BERNSTEIN

D

id you know that there is a statewide litter hotline that you can call if you see someone toss trash from a car? Just call 1-877-3LITTER (1-877-354-8837) or fill out the litter report form on the Keep Arizona Beautiful website.

We all share the streets and highways across our state. We all have a responsibility to keep these shared byways clean and safe. The litter hotline public awareness program is a joint effort of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and Keep Arizona Beautiful and is an easy way to help hold ourselves and our fellow citizens accountable.

HOW DO I REPORT A LITTERER? If you spot someone tossing trash from a car, simply capture their license plate number. That is the most basic information needed. Additionally, you can report the make/model of the car, where you were when you saw the litter being tossed, and what kind of litter it was. You can call the number and report the info, or you can go online and fill out a short, easy form.

You remain anonymous.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I REPORT THE LITTERER? The calls that come in during the month are compiled, and info is gathered from the Don’t Trash AZ campaign in Maricopa County. The license plate numbers are matched to the current car registration information. A letter is then sent letting the registered car owner know that someone spotted trash being tossed from that car, along with a polite reminder that littering is unsightly, expensive to clean up, and damaging to the beauty of our state. They will also be reminded that littering is illegal, and had they been spotted by law enforcement they could have received a $500.00 fine. A small trash bag is also included that can be used in their car to keep litter off our streets and highways.

Each month, between 150 and 200 letters are sent to people throughout the state. While the majority of calls come in from larger metropolitan areas, the hotline is not limited to big

cities. Anyone, anywhere in the state, can use the hotline to report seeing trash tossed from vehicles.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON LITTER REPORTED ON THE HOTLINE? Cigarette butts are by far the most common litter reported, followed by fast food detritus (napkins, cups, paper bags, etc.). Other types of trash that get reported include bottles and cans, dirty diapers (yech!), old tires, toys, etc.

Some people do not recognize that cigarette butts are litter, but indeed they are. In fact, there are millions of cigarette butts littering our roads and highways. They are unsightly, non-biodegradable, filled with toxic materials, and dangerous for wildlife and waterways.

HOW CAN I HELP? • Be mindful of keeping trash inside your vehicle and disposing of it in appropriate receptacles.

• Call the hotline or fill out the form online and report littering whenever you spot it.

• Remind your family and friends to keep their trash off the road.

• Spread the word about the Arizona Litter Hotline! Save the phone number in your phone. Keep a scratchpad handy to jot down the offending license plate number. Tell everyone you know about the litter hotline.

We’re all proud of our beautiful state, and keeping litter off of our streets and highways is a simple, impactful way that we can share the responsibility of keeping Arizona beautiful.

For more, visit kazb.org/resources/programs/litter-hotline.

Jill Bernstein is the Executive Director of Keep Arizona Beautiful, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities to take care of their environment through litter abatement, recycling and beautification.

Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment

20 greenliving | October 2016

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ENVIRONMENT

BY DAVID A. SCHALLER

W

hat will the world look like the fire/flood double whammy. It created Wildfire Protection when the things which Plans for both the northern and southern reaches of the make a place unique county. These plans aim to maximize public safety and are no longer there? Imagine Glacier establish best practices, including communication protocols National Park without glaciers. The among those with emergency response roles. The county is park’s famed snow and ice fields have also establishing a state-of-the-art community-wide emergency been disappearing for decades and new notification system for events such as flash floods, which are DAVID A. SCHALLER glaciers are no longer forming. Closer to difficult to predict on short notice. home, how about a Saguaro National Park without as many of The University of Arizona’s (UA) Cooperative Extension its signature desert cacti? Prolonged drought and higher summer Service is collaborating with others in Gila County through temperatures are affecting regeneration rates for the saguaro, just programs like Firewise, the White Mountain Stewardship as warmer winters with less snow are affecting glaciers.

Group, Waterwise, and similar initiatives. As in many rural Climate change is now more a reality than a question, and lightly populated areas across the state, the words and it poses deep concern for many of our special places. “climate change” do not get overused in Gila County. Yet In Arizona’s Gila County, climate change is responsible for people continue to be inconvenienced by fires and flooding, devastating wildfires, floods, and the loss of precious wildlife. and everyone recognizes what a 40 percent water level in The federally protected Gila monster is one of only two Roosevelt Lake looks like. Extension Service programs are venomous lizards in the world and the largest lizard native to not purposely designed to highlight climate change, rather the United States. However, no law can safeguard the reptile they meet people’s interest in learning how to reduce their against a threat like changing climate. Scientists caution that vulnerabilities to the extremes of drought, fire and floods. variable spring rains and delayed monsoons mean less of The Gila County Cooperative Extension has recently the rainfall that the endangered Gila monsters count on for joined UA’s Water Resources Research Center in sponsoring drinking water, breeding, and other life-support activities at community conversations on water issues. Residents have the onset of summer. As a consequence, their numbers are expressed concern over groundwater extraction (how much shrinking, making it crucial that a wetter habitat be set aside and by whom), regulatory incentives to use less water, and in upland areas of the county. ideas on affecting change when water problems become more Throughout sparsely populated Gila regional in scope.

County, the effects of climate change are Together, the people of Gila County are not atypical for Arizona. Wildland fires are asking the right questions at the right time, followed by flash flooding across steep, and in doing so are finding common ground burn-scarred terrain. Earlier this summer, to prepare for an uncertain climate future. the Cedar Fire raged across the northern reaches of the county, followed soon after For Green Living’s climate change series, by flash debris flows through Cedar Creek. each month we will focus on one of Arizona’s 15 counties and how climate change is affecting it In 2014, flash floods in the county turned specifically. Next month’s installment will focus deadly, tragically taking lives and property on Graham County. and injuring many. With wildland fires David Schaller is a retired environmental scientist projected to increase in number and size living in Tucson where he writes on climate, water across the state’s forested lands, these fire and energy security. and flood patterns will repeat.

Because of these ongoing challenges, the Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment county has taken some aggressive strides to GILA COUNTY IS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED prepare for and limit the consequences of greenlivingaz.com

October 2016 | greenliving

21

WEDDINGS

GREEN TIPS FOR

YOUR WHITE WEDDING

BY NICOLE V. BENNETT

T

he feel of cooler weather also brings the sound of wedding bells. If you’re planning to walk down the aisle or know someone who’s tying the knot, here are some ideas that will help you do your part to take care of the Earth as you celebrate new love.

1

USE SEED PAPER INVITATIONS. Wedding invitations give guests insight into the theme, look and feel of your wedding. They will know right away that the planet is important to you when they receive an invitation made of seeds. Also, instead of gifts, ask that your guests donate to nonprofits that are actively working to improve our world, like the Organic Seed Alliance. Don’t forget to include a note on the invitation to tell your guests to plant their invitation so your love can take root!

2

THINK LOCAL FIRST. Food is an important part of your special day, but remember to source locally grown ingredients for the wedding feast. If you’re in a land-locked state, don’t select seafood that has to be flown in or fruits and vegetables that are out of season and have to be artificially harvested. Showcase the culinary uniqueness of your wedding location with local ingredients presented naturally.

3

BOXED WATER. Instead of bottled water, offer Boxed Water to your guests. The containers are more sustainable and the production process is more eco-friendly than plastic or glass bottled water containers from start to finish. To top it off, 10 percent of proceeds from Boxed Water goes back to world water relief foundations, and another 10 percent goes to reforestation foundations.

4

THOUGHTFUL FAVORS. While bubbles and magnets may be cute, they don’t really do the environment any favors.

Instead, give a useful gift like mini potted herbs which are functional and won’t add to landfills like most wedding favors that guests simply throw away.

Reuse as much as possible! Here, books and a photo frame are used as wedding decorations.

ECO-FRIENDLY WEDDING CATERING TIPS

BY EMILY PHILLIPS

A

s we round out the 2016 calendar year and prepare to dive into a new season of catering business, we are keeping our eyes and ears to the ground for new and innovative ways to increase our sustainable awareness. It is a critical initiative in all industries to ensure we as individuals and as organizations are doing all that we can to sustain our planet and make conscious choices to participate in eco-friendly practices. Here are some tips on keeping your wedding catering as green as possible.

22 greenliving | October 2016

LOCAL PURVEYORS Wedding trends today dictate fresh, locally grown, organic items.

Buzz words such as “Farm-to-Table” and “Community supported agriculture” are continuing to have an enormous presence in the catering world. Whenever possible, Fabulous Food seeks to use organizations and farms here in Arizona when sourcing food product for various menus.

ELIMINATING WASTE When providing food for hundreds, sometimes thousands of guests, significant and thoughtful planning is required to ensure there is enough food without having overwhelming amounts of waste. It is greenlivingaz.com

WEDDINGS

Simple Elegance Tree stumps being used as display platters create a beautiful touch while also connecting to the earth.

5

HIRE LIKE-MINDED VENDORS. If it’s important to you and your soon-to-be spouse to do your part for the environment, then it should be equally important to partner with vendors who are doing the same. During the initial meeting, ask questions about how they can contribute to your green wedding, but also what they do on a regular basis to reduce their carbon footprint. All of your effort will be in vain if your vendors arrive in huge delivery trucks drinking coffee out of Styrofoam cups.

BONUS TIPS: • Use Growfetti instead of sparklers, rice or confetti.

• Get married during the daylight to save energy and borrow (reuse) as much as you can, including table settings and accessories.

• Brides: Buy your dress secondhand and donate it for future use. Grooms: Rent your tuxedo.

Your love will be the showstopper, but it’s likely your most important impact will be on the guests who remember the creative ways you cared for the environment on your special day and will find ways to do the same.

Nicole V. Bennett is the principal event/meeting planner for Perry Consulting LLC (PCLLC). PCLLC is a full service event and meeting planning company specializing in social and nonprofit events.

Emily Phillips is the Catering Sales Manager at Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events.

Read more wedding articles at greenlivingaz.com/weddings

a balance, and a difficult chord to strike. Caterers who study trends and make a point to evaluate the amount of food coming back are most successful in preparing adequate amounts of food while still eliminating waste. Often caterers seek out local nonprofits such as Waste Not, an organization that accepts donated perishable food to fulfill their mission: alleviate local hunger.

In addition to using local vendors and being cognizant of waste, it’s always important to continually find ways to reuse items.

Whenever possible, look to use real china and flatware that can be washed and reused versus disposable items that will eventually end up in a landfill. When obligated to use disposable items, always look for biodegradable or compostable service items. greenlivingaz.com

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23

TRANSPORTATION

WHAT’S TRANSPORTATION GOT TO DO WITH IT?

BY C.J. EISENBARTH HAGER

W

hat’s transportation got to do with healthy eating? Quite a bit. So much so that some say that food access is a transportation issue. If you don’t own a car – or one that’s reliable – making healthy eating choices can get complicated.

C.J. EISENBARTH HAGER We heard about these issues firsthand when Vitalyst Health Foundation partnered with the City of Phoenix as part of Reinvent PHX. We talked to residents who live in the neighborhoods along the Light Rail. We heard all too frequently that one of the biggest barriers to eating healthfully is access to supermarkets.

One issue behind that challenge is transportation. Families, especially those of modest means, may not own a car.

Sometimes a family may have a car, but it isn’t very reliable.

Others depend on families or friends for a ride to the supermarket, and are at the mercy of someone else’s schedule.

Areas with few supermarkets that are difficult to get to are known as “food deserts” or low-supermarket-access areas, and they are found throughout the Valley, state and nation. They are most commonly found in low-income neighborhoods and rural areas.

Public transportation as well as walking to the supermarket are both partial solutions, but they aren’t yet a panacea in Maricopa County. The City of Phoenix’s Proposition 104 promises to expand the Light Rail as well as improve the bus system. Until that measure is fully implemented, some bus routes run only once an hour, making the wait long, especially when you are carrying milk or frozen vegetables (and it’s 108 degrees). Walking would be a great choice, but often distances are far and our sidewalk network incomplete or in poor repair – a regular occurrence in older, more affordable neighborhoods. Both options are complicated if you have small children in tow, more than two grocery bags, physical limitations or a long walk home.

Is the answer to healthy food choices a car for every household? Far from it. Innovations and investments are happening here and throughout the country to repair the broken healthy food-transportation link.

BRINGING FOOD TO NEIGHBORHOODS What about bringing healthy food to neighborhoods that lack access? This is already being done in the Valley through efforts like Fresh Express, a revamped Valley Metro bus that serves as a mobile farmer’s market; and Gregory’s Fresh Market, a similar service targeted to facilities serving senior citizens.

SUPERMARKET-SUPPORTED RIDE Supermarkets have been known to sponsor their own shuttle service. With the purchase of items from its store, supermarkets can provide a free scheduled shuttle or ondemand shuttle. As with any transportation-based solution to food access, circulators need to be reliable and have a consistent schedule.

PROVIDE INCENTIVES Some cities provide incentives for locating supermarkets near public transportation hubs, like Light Rail stops.

These incentives could be reduced fees or a loosening of development requirements, such as reducing the number of parking spaces.

SAFE ROUTES TO HEALTHY FOOD Modeled after a successful effort to get children to walk to school, we can reassess the existing walking and biking infrastructure that connects where people live to supermarkets. Upgrades such as installing and repairing sidewalks, improve crossing walks, lighting and signage, or improve the cycling environment, will make a walk or bike ride to the supermarket safer and more appealing to everyone – including those who have a transportation choice.

C.J. Eisenbarth Hager is Director of Healthy Community Policies at Vitalyst Health Foundation, which supports efforts to improve the health of individuals and communities in Arizona. C.J. is a member of the Maricopa County Food System Coalition and is on the City of Phoenix Complete Streets Advisory Board.

Read more articles about transportation at greenlivingaz.com/transportation

NEIGHBORHOOD CIRCULATORS Neighborhood circulators are smaller buses or vans that drive a shorter route, connecting residents to destinations within their community. Valley Metro offers several neighborhood circulators, including in Ahwatukee, Avondale, Glendale and Tempe.

24 greenliving | October 2016

greenlivingaz.com

LEADERSHIP

WHAT GREEN ACTIVISM

MEANS TO ME

BY RIC COGGINS

F

or reasons of faith, I do not eat pork or shellfish. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you may choose from even fewer foods groups than me. Or you might choose to eat everything that I, the vegetarian, and the vegan don’t eat, as long as it RIC COGGINS is certified organic or free range. As different as we all seem to be in our daily dietary habits, there is an area of commonality where all four of our “circles” overlap. We are all very passionate in the practice of our beliefs, however we got them and however we practice them.

I see the green movement much like this. We all share a “Big Green Tent” with many entrances. Into these different doorways, many people enter with many diverse perspectives of what green means and how it should be pursued. Some enter the tent from the “Left” and some from the “Right.”

Never was there a more politicized movement, and never has there been a movement with more diverse roots.

We all share a “Big Green Tent” with many entrances. Into these different doorways, many people enter with many diverse perspectives of what green means and how it should be pursued.

HERE ARE SOME GOALS TO THINK OF WHEN WORKING ON THE POWER OF OUR COMMON GROUND: ATTRACT CHANGE. Our ideas and practices are truly valid.

They do not need to be invoked or impressed upon others, but rather they are desirable enough to be willingly adopted when well modeled. Let’s get modeling!

1

2

AVOID SHAMING. If you were to dine with me you would likely never know what I do and do not eat. I would simply choose a dish without need to announce to you and the wait staff what I was doing. Likewise, out of respect for you, I would neither comment on your choices.

In time, once we built a relationship, I could share what “attracts” me to this diet. No value would ever come of “shaming” yours or others’ choices.

3

AVOID ARGUMENTS. Especially about things you cannot personally prove. I am not a scientist, so I try to avoid arguments about science. Converse in areas you are personally involved and knowledgeable in.

4

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. Learn how to win friends and influence people. Read it from Carnegie himself or from some other mentor you value and trust.

5

NO CANNIBALISM! I have personally been involved in green symposiums at a national level which got so out of hand that they had to be shut down and security called as “tent dwellers” lobbed verbal rocks at each other regarding the “greenness” of their products or philosophies.

Still others enter the tent through doors marked “Sustainability” while others enter doors labeled “$$$.” Even more come in through the gate denoted as “Fashionable” and others through “Science” or “Future.” I came in through a small obscure flap on the east side of the tent marked “Stewardship.” Stewardship is a kind of sustainability but with accountability to a higher power.

As tent-dwellers, we are only valid to the world we wish to influence, when we are drawing power from the place where our circles overlap. Unfortunately, we tend not to spend as much time there as we should, being more comfortable retreating to our extreme tent corners. greenlivingaz.com

6

CHANGE COMES IN INCREMENTS. Remember, the Grand Canyon was made by removing one grain of sand at a time.

Ric Coggins is a District Sales Manager for Bosch Home Appliances.

He grew up on a one-acre organic garden tended to by his father, who was also a regular contributor to organic gardening and farming magazines.

Ric continues his father’s “green” traditions, living on one-acre in Mesa with his own organic garden.

Read more articles on leadership at greenlivingaz.com/leadership

October 2016 | greenliving

25

BUSINESS PROFILE

TO NATURAL SKIN CARE MARKET

BY BLAKE HEMMEL

F

rom an early age, DeeAnn Tracy Brown was exposed to the power of natural healing and the importance of promoting health. Essentially growing up in the back of her mom’s herb shop in Flagstaff, DeeAnn learned a lot about herbs and botany at a young age. She later attended the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, working under master herbalist Michael Moore.

Having a diverse background in herbal medicine, DeeAnn decided in 1993 to start Peak Scents, a company dedicated to providing potent, pure and all-natural skin care products to its clients. She worked closely with her sister, Denise Tracy, developing natural products in a time where there were no truly natural skin care products on the market.

“We first started selling at my mom’s store, and now we work with about 500 stores all over the country. Our goal was to create products that were healthy and good for people,” said DeeAnn. It was difficult at first, as their natural products omitted toxic preservatives, shortening their shelf-life. But that didn’t stop Peak Scents from catching on and achieving success.

“There was so much education going on, and once people were catching on to what they were putting on their bodies, they just really ate up our products, and we created a very strong, loyal following, and then they would educate their friends, so it kind of became a cascade of learning,” continued DeeAnn.

DeeAnn says organic skin care is important because everything that we put onto our skin is absorbed into the body, affecting the liver, kidney, brain, hormones, the endocrine system and thyroid. “The skin is our largest organ.

We absorb most everything that comes in contact with our skin, and most skincare products, even to this day, are just filled with toxic ingredients.”

In order to avoid harmful chemicals, DeeAnn consults with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which provides a database of harmful ingredients that should be avoided in the production of skin care products. Many companies, however, still use these chemicals, according to DeeAnn. “We’re just very conscious of what goes into our products, and basically we always say ‘if you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.’”

Peak Scents’ newest product line is called Rose Phyto3, which harnesses the power of Rose and Acai stem cells, peptides, super fruit and herbal extracts.

Continuing a tradition of collaboration, DeeAnn consulted heavily with her sister Denise in the development of the new line. Denise, founder of The Super Salve Company, has a lab in New Mexico where most of the products are produced naturally. Together, the sisters have created the skin care lines Power Repair by Sister Creations and Body Nurish.

Based in Flagstaff, Peak Scents also sells products in many health food stores around the country. This month, the company will partner with the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, which handpicked Peak Scents products to be sold at its medicinary.

DeeAnn is also excited to start working on a new line of organic hair products.

To learn more about DeeAnn Tracy and Peak Scents, visit peakscents.com Blake Hemmel is a journalism student at the Walter Cronkite School. He enjoys writing about climate, sustainability and the outdoors.

For more business profiles, go to greenlivingaz.com/bizprofile

26 greenliving | October 2016

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October 2016 | greenliving

27

SINER SISTERS CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF MY SISTER’S CLOSET

BY AMANDA HARVEY

I

n 1991, sisters Ann and Jenny Siner opened their first 1,200-square-foot shop in Phoenix, an upscale consignment store called My Sister’s Closet. Flash forward 25 years, and the pair now run Eco-Chic Consignments, the umbrella company of their three successful stores My Sister’s Closet, My Sister’s Attic and Well Suited, spanning 15 locations in both Arizona and California.

Prior to starting the business with her younger sister, Ann worked in marketing for Petsmart corporate. “I had my dream job,” she said. “I feel like I’m the luckiest person or the dumbest person to leave it,” she said, laughing. “I love animals, I love marketing, but deep down I thought, ‘If I’m going to work this hard, I want to do my own thing.’” Ann explained that while on a business trip she happened to pop into a consignment store and found some great items. When she returned home she said to Jenny, who had just graduated from college, “Maybe we should do this!” Jenny recalls, “I was up for anything.”

At first, the sisters did everything by hand: pricing, processing, calculating. “It was just us for a long time,” said Ann. They recounted the hurdles of figuring out payroll, taxes and filing for a business credit card. It was also very difficult to get a lease, they explained, due to their lack of experience and funding. Many of the shopping plazas they approached were concerned a secondhand store would bring down the value of the neighborhood. “We learned a lot about owning a business by the seat of our pants,” said Ann. She joked, “We should have called the store The Seat of Our Pants!”

At the beginning, Ann and Jenny were concerned they wouldn’t have enough quality product to fill the small store, but pretty soon they were bursting at the seams with it.

They soon opened a location at Lincoln Village in Scottsdale, where they still reside. The sisters also opened a children’s store named Small Change. It was open for 10 years and was successful in its own right, but the prices were much lower and it took twice as much labor. A few years later the sisters tried again and opened My Sister’s Attic, a consignment store for furniture and home accessories.

28 greenliving | October 2016

Customers appreciated the sisters’ business model and frequently made requests for menswear. When another vacant spot opened in the Lincoln Village plaza, they jumped on it, and Well Suited was born.

“It was all based on demand,” said Ann. “People said to us, ‘I really like the way you do business. I don’t need an appointment, I can come in and get paid when I want.’” Other consignment stores will make customers wait 90 days after their item has sold to receive a check. “We’ll pay you right on the spot,” said Ann. Their next foray was creating My Sister’s Charities, a 501(c)3 nonprofit thrift store, out of concern of where items end up after the consignment period is over. Since the beginning, they have always donated unsold items to thrift stores. However, after realizing only half of the six thrift stores they donated to

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SURPRISE

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were successful, they decided to use their extensive retail experience and take matters into their own hands.

“Last year, which was our first full year, we netted $136,000 in 3,000 square feet. Our gross sales were $300,000,” said Ann. All of this money was donated to causes the sisters care about: the environment, homeless animals, and women. The largest recipients were the Humane Society and The Nature Conservancy, among many others. It makes people feel good about consigning: they can earn some money if their item sells, or if it doesn’t, they can rest easy knowing it will help those in need. If an item is damaged or doesn’t sell at the thrift store level, it then gets purchased by a recycler who repurposes the items or ships it to developing countries for further use. “It’s this big circle,” said Ann. “We will find a use for it. Nothing gets sent to the landfill.”

The sisters’ next goal is to expand their e-commerce options. Currently, customers are able to view items online but must call the store to purchase the item and have it shipped. “We have everything lined up, we just need to flip the switch to make it available,” explained Ann. One concern is figuring out how to manage it, “since we’re not a warehouse and we can’t just pull it off the shelf,” she continued. “It could already be in someone’s shopping cart at the store!” As with the other obstacles the sisters have overcome, they’re sure to figure this one out.

Another focus will be on further educating their 240 employees on being more eco-friendly, specifically on reducing the amount of plastic water bottles used. “We’re going to have pins made that say ‘I Took the Pledge’ [against single-use plastic bottles],” said Ann, to encourage the staff to bring reusable water bottles instead and fill them at water stations in the store.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have success, and it’s amazing how when we give back how much of it comes back to us,” said Ann. “I’m always impressed with the number of people who say they shop with us because we give back to the community and charities and send nothing to the landfill.”

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My Sister’s Closet will host a 25th anniversary soiree on Thursday, October 20 from 5:30 p.m.8:00 p.m. at their location at Lincoln Village in Scottsdale. RSVP to 25years@mysisterscloset. com. For more on the Siner sisters and My Sister’s Closet, visit mysisterscloset.com.

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From left to right: The three Siner siblings. Jenny, the baby of the family; Ann, the oldest; and Tess, the middle sister. Tess has also helped build the business over the years, assisting with displays, photoshoots and more.

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October 2016 | greenliving

29

INNOVATION

TINY LAB: A FORENSIC EXAMINATION

OF HEALTHY HOUSING W

BY BHARAT VENKATESH

hen thinking about purchasing a house, most people’s concerns are their finances and finding the right mortgage, followed by the house’s interior and exterior design, and the safety of the surrounding neighborhood. After all, a house is a big investment and you want to live in one that makes you happy.

However, Corbett and Grace Lunsford felt this was a mistake that far too many people make. They decided to conduct a nationwide “Proof is Possible” tour in their mobile tiny house called the Tiny Lab to make more people aware of the problems with conventional housing. The Tiny Lab is the archetype of a high performance house concept the couple wish people to begin adopting, named as such due to its integration of the tiny house concept with the scientific techniques and strategy utilized in its modeling and construction. This is tied in with the name of the tour – essentially showcasing the house as proof that it is possible to build it. It has also stood the test of time, having been towed more than 7,000 miles, able to endure both earthquakes and hurricanes, and the Lunsfords say they “have tortured this house more than any house has been tortured in history.”

Although the Tiny Lab is a part of the Tiny House movement, the Lunsfords say they are truly part of the Home Performance 30 greenliving | October 2016

movement. They run a company called Building Performance Workshop. The Tiny House is both literally and metaphorically a vehicle to “attract people who come out and actually learn about how this home can be like their home.” The Tiny Lab, built with high-quality nontoxic materials and the best components from preeminent brands, demonstrates how airtightness and insulation acts as the “skin” of a house that allows absolute control over the interior and can be tuned to internal mechanical systems such as temperature and humidity controls, ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems.

“We are monitoring the volatile organic compounds in the house continuously, every minute of every day, as well as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulates and radon,” said Corbett. “We have actual proof that every single minute our house is performing the way that we want it to. In addition, our floor is made of cork […] because it’s good at sound dampening,” he continued.

As a “lab,” the completely airtight house consists of several monitoring systems that collect statistics on the atmosphere and various aspects of the house that act as an early warning system in case anything is wrong or if any component is working out of order. The Lunsfords take this very seriously, often relating their house to the human body, which can get

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INNOVATION

sick. After all, prevention is better than a cure. Their new TV show is also called Home Diagnostics for the same reason, because people relate better to such terms.

“We’re using the medical references because that’s what really connects with the public, and really that’s who we’re trying to reach,” said Grace.

Everyone knows a car can kill, you but may not realize that a house can be just as dangerous – to your entire family.

Your health is related to that of your house. Toxic gasses and contaminants like carbon monoxide are commonly produced, and the ones at risk are those that ordinary warning systems that you can buy at home improvement superstores do not standardize for – children, pregnant women, elderly and sick people. Quite ironically, these are also the people who stay at home the most.

“There’s a bunch of invisible stuff happening around us all the time in our houses, which is where we think, ‘Oh, I know everything about this place.’ If you can open your minds to how much you don’t know about your own house, then it becomes much more interesting to be a homeowner, and also allows you to solve problems in a much more effective way,” said Corbett.

The Tiny Lab is not only the “highest performance tiny house on wheels in the world” but also extremely energy efficient, including solar panels for off-grid operation, energy recovery ventilators, and a heat pump that targets the hottest parts of the room with infrared tracking. Arizona will be home to the Tiny Lab this October as it makes multiple stops in the Phoenix Metropolitan area October 16-22. This leg of the 29city tour is made possible by Efficiency First Arizona.

Whether you are a potential homeowner, building or real estate professional, or if you just want to learn more about how to build highperformance, safe, green, sustainable and energy-efficient homes and see the proof it can be done, take a look at the schedule and register for the programs and workshops at proofispossible.com. For more on Efficiency First Arizona, visit efficiencyfirstaz.org.

Bharat Venkatesh is a journalist living in Tempe, Arizona, who feels spreading awareness about the importance of sustainability should be a part of every journalist’s ethical goal to seek the truth and report it.

Read more innovation articles at greenlivingaz.com/innovation

Party with Purpose!

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

This month’s launch party: October 6th 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

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October 2016 | greenliving

31

We at Witnessing Nature provide whole organic food through personal chef services. Don’t have time to cook but still want to provide guests with healthy, delicious options at your next party? Want to learn how to cook amazing new meals? I cook in your home or cater, and provide wonderful cooking classes for everyone looking for a nice healthy meal.

Chef Services Cooking Classes Environmental Consciousness

Jennifer Johnson | Office 480.813.9065 | Cell 602.625.5828 Jennifer@witnessingnature.net | witnessingnature.net 32 greenliving | October 2016

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WE RAISED NEARLY $200.00 FOR SOUTHWEST KIDS’ CANCER FOUNDATION AND ARIZONA CAMP SUNRISE AND SIDEKICKS!

September launch parties

The Bell Lexus team , Braxton Johnson, Kristina Tangolics and Amy Weaver, poses with gift bag winner David Katz.

Thank you to everyone who attended our September issue launch parties at Bell Lexus North Scottsdale and Buffalo Collection!

Don’t miss our upcoming party: Thursday, October 6 at Kitchens Southwest in Scottsdale.

Find more information and RSVP at greenlivingaz.com/designparty

Marshall Norris of Borderlands Brewing graciously donated back the nearly $200.00 we raised through the 50/50 raffle for Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation and Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks.

Bell Lexus employee, Alaina Bressoud, poses with the delicious spread of food.

BELL LEXUS BUFFALO COLLECTION

Christine Rhodes shows off her raffle prize, a coffee table book from Tanya Shively of Sesshu Designs.

Owners of Buffalo Collection, Laura and Michael Levenberg.

Delicious French-inspired food from Celine Cerruti-Fabre of Cuisine by Celine.

A big shout-out to our sponsors from the parties: NORTH SCOTTSDALE

Host & Title Sponsor:

SCOTTSDALE

Host & Title Sponsor: WE RAISED $200.00 FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL!

Sponsors: Allstate Appliances, Arizona Stronghold, Astara Skincare, Better Days Tower Garden, Borderlands Brewing Company, Garden of Health, Green Organics Pest Control, Lifetime Tea, Pomegrante Cafe, Queen Creek Olive Mill, Recycled City, Veronica Bahn Essential Oils Nonprofit Beneficiary: Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation and Arizona Camp Sunrise

Sponsors: ArtHaus, Borderlands Brewing Company, Boss Properties, Cuisine by Celine, Sesshu Design Associates Nonprofit Beneficiary: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Photography by Vince Alfaro

Photography by Rick Carter

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October 2016 | greenliving

33

GREEN THUMB

ARIZONA ORGANIC

GARDENING 101

BY ROSEMARY PRAWDZIK

A

nyone who has attempted gardening in Arizona may have realized it’s not easy. Since many Arizonans are transplants (forgive the pun) from geographic regions where summertime gardening is customary, learning what will grow in Arizona – along with when and where – can be quite surprising.

However, the rewards may be well worth the effort.

Take tomatoes, for instance. The flavor difference between a homegrown tomato and the bland taste and pulpy texture of those found in supermarkets…well, there just is no comparison.

Arizona gardening is not for the faint-hearted, and organic gardening can be even more challenging. Here are a few tips which might prove helpful.

First, the best growing seasons in Arizona are winter and spring, and the ideal time for planting is October. However, before you begin, it’s important to select an appropriate location with soil that has been properly prepared. The best location for an Arizona winter garden bed is in full sun, but not a western exposure and not too close to a western wall.

According to the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the area should receive at least six hours of full sun each day. To ensure even water distribution, select an area that is level – you may need to level the area yourself as part of your garden’s soil preparation.

In Arizona, unlike climes where the “soil” is actually soil and not something resembling concrete, soil preparation is more than just a matter of turning it with a spade or rototiller.

Experts suggest removing the top 12 inches of soil from the area you plan to garden. Once this step is complete, it’s recommended to fill the area with water and let it filter 34 greenliving | October 2016

slowly through the ground. Repeat this two more times. This allows any remaining fertilizer salts to be pushed deep into the ground. If this seems like a lot of work, you could opt for using containers or raised beds.

The next step is to replace the soil with compost; if you want an organic garden, this means using organic compost.

Compost is comprised of three main ingredients: green waste (leaves and kitchen scraps), carbon (wood, paper, cardboard), and manure (cow or horse preferred). While this combination may not sound particularly appetizing, keep in mind compost should be a place where earthworms will thrive. These squirmy little helpers loosen the soil and help plant roots grow. As earthworms feed, organic matter passes through their bodies, producing a wonderful natural fertilizer.

“If you’re just getting started in organic gardening, don’t be too concerned about using 100 percent organic compost,” offers TaliSeen JahRing, farm manager at the 220-acre Avalon Gardens & EcoVillage located in Tumacacori, Arizona, just south of Tucson. “Simply use the resources you have, and be sure to turn the pile frequently to aerate it. If you can’t supply 100 percent organic ingredients, do the best you can.

As long as you do not apply any new chemicals, any residual chemicals will break down in the soil over time and become less harmful.”

Once your garden beds are ready, it’s important to use only organic seeds or seedlings. These are often referred to as “open-pollinated” and non-GMO seeds and plants. There are a number of local organizations from which to purchase organic seeds, like Native Seeds/S.E.A.R.C.H., Aravaipa Heirlooms and Terroir Seeds, LLC. So, which crops grow when? According to TaliSeen, many greenlivingaz.com

GREEN THUMB

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crops grown in other areas of the country during the warmer seasons do well in Arizona all through winter. Fall is the best time to plant root crops like beets, carrots, radishes and turnips. Others that do well in fall are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale and collard greens. To grow tomatoes, chiles, melons, peppers, and herbs like dill, mint, oregano and rosemary, the best time to plant is early spring.

Plants are then harvested before temperatures begin to soar in the summer.

In order to have a harvest to show for all your hard work, keeping plants pest-free is critical. There are several options to discourage insects without the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. Using high-spray water or soapy water is one option. Or utilize pest-eating insects or natural herbicides and pesticides purchased at local organic gardening centers. You can also make your own organic pesticides.

For those who learn best by the “show me” method, consider taking a tour, seminar or workshop at Avalon Gardens & EcoVillage. An annual Earth Harmony Festival is hosted each October where families are invited to explore an off-the-grid sustainable lifestyle by growing good quality produce.

For more on the Earth Harmony Festival, visit earthharmonyfestival.org.

For more local gardening resources, visit gardenguy.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 green thumb articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

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VXAZ conference targets CEO’s and leaders of all disciplines, from state to global interests.

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www.vxaz.com (480) 419-0393 October 2016 | greenliving

35

GREEN KIDS

SO GREEN, IT’S SCARY! ECO-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN TIPS

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

H

alloween season is officially here, which means that it’s time to bring out the scary decorations, plan costumes, and maybe even host your own spooktacular get together. Before you finalize all of your scary plans MICHELLE TALSMA though, be sure to consider your EVERSON impact on Mother Earth. To help, we’ve rounded up some tips to help you make Halloween festivities a bit more eco-friendly. After all, isn’t it awesome to add a little green to the orange and black?

THINK THRIFT FOR SEASONAL GOODIES While it’s tempting to buy every new Halloween decoration or costume that you see on store shelves, more than likely your local thrift store has something similar in stock.

“The best part [about shopping at a thrift store for Halloween] is you can feel good about purchasing items that may have otherwise ended up in a landfill,” said Courtney

36 greenliving | October 2016

Nelson, vice president of marketing and communications at Goodwill of Central Arizona. “And, if you still have last year’s costume hanging around, bring it to Goodwill to donate. You’ll be clearing out space and helping support Goodwill’s efforts to fight unemployment in our community.”

Thrift shops are great places to go not only for costumes but decorations as well. “With more than 70 stores in Phoenix, Prescott and Yuma, we can help with all your eco-friendly Halloween needs,” Nelson added. “Whether you are planning a party or trying to find the perfect costume, we have a huge selection.”

In addition to having readymade Halloween costumes, Goodwill is also a great place to shop for a DIY costume, especially if you’re dressing up as a movie star or TV character and need those types of clothes (imagine 90’s-inspired gear or a cowboy hat and boots) for cheap.

greenlivingaz.com

GREEN KIDS ECO-FRIENDLY DECORATIONS One of kids’ (okay, and adults’) favorite parts of Halloween is creating fun and spooky crafts. So, why not use materials that most of us have around the house?

“Shamrock Farms has a lot of crafts on Pinterest that showcase repurposing milk jugs and single-serve bottles into Halloween crafts,” said Shamrock Farms spokesperson Christina Calio. “We’ve tried them ourselves, and they turn out super cute!”

Included in the craft suggestions are light-up ghost milk jugs, mummy and ghost decorations made out of single-serve bottles, and even milk jug masks. Get creative and see what you can come up with!

GREEN YOUR PARTY PLANS Now that you have your eco-minded decorations and costumes, why stop there? Party planning experts note that there are many ways to keep the environment in mind when planning your Halloween bash.

For starters, consider utilizing a digital invitation instead of paper ones. Halloween get-togethers are usually casual affairs, so an e-mail invitation or one over social media is appropriate.

Once people are invited, serve up your favorite organic treats.

In fact, popular organic candy brands like YummyEarth, Annie’s Naturals, Unreal Candy Bars, Surf Sweets and more all have special Halloween-themed treats. Serve food and drinks in non-disposable tableware or compostable items to reduce waste, and you’re set!

GREEN TRICKOR-TREATING In addition to handing out organic treats and wearing your new-to-you costume or creating your own, there are other ways that you and your favorite ghouls and goblins can be eco-friendly while trick-or-treating. One way is to use a goodie bag that you already have instead of buying a new one. Experts also recommend walking the neighborhood instead of driving; using LED lights for safety; and to donate costumes and accessories to a local thrift store or community center once Halloween is over if you don’t intend to reuse them.

We hope these tips help you to have a scary good time this Halloween!

Michelle Talsma Everson is a freelance writer, editor, public relations consultant and mom based in Phoenix. With degrees in both journalism and PR from Northern Arizona University, she writes for several Valley publications. Find out more at mteverson.com.

Top photo courtesy of Shamrock Farms. Other photos courtesy of Goodwill of Central Arizona.

Find more green kids articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenkids

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37

GREEN KIDS

BY ASHLEY SCHIMKE

I ASHLEY SCHIMKE

n 2010, Congress designated October as National Farm to School Month. This demonstrates the importance that farm to school programs have on improving child nutrition, supporting local economies, and educating children on where their food comes from.

WHAT IS FARM TO SCHOOL? Farm visits, taste education, serving locally grown items during school meals or planting a school garden are farm to school activities that help students connect with fresh food.

Research shows that students exposed to farm to school activities are more likely to consume fresh and whole foods compared to students without access to these programs. Of the 57 percent of Arizona school districts that responded to the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census, nearly 50 percent reported that they currently participate in or are planning to start farm to school activities. During the 2013-2014 school year, school food service spent more than seven million dollars on local products, which in turn stayed in Arizona for economic development.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ARIZONA? For many Arizona schools, celebrating National Farm to School Month is an opportunity to launch their fall garden, taste fall treats like winter squash and apples, visit a farm, pen pal with an Arizona producer, and more. However schools choose to participate, the goal of this month is to celebrate agriculture, good food and the connections students make to health and habit.

Let’s encourage parents, teachers, food-service professionals, administrators, producers and other community members to get involved in the celebration.

Here are three simple ways to help bring awareness to Arizona Farm to School Programs: 38 greenliving | October 2016

1

Find something Arizona-grown to highlight at a snack, meal or taste test during the month of October. Visit azed.gov for resources on seasonal produce items and where to purchase local products.

2

Utilize Arizona’s teacher resources for agriculture and nutrition education. These resources can be found at azed.gov.

3

Spread the word about National Farm to School Month by sharing stories on social media using the hashtags #F2SMonth #farm2school and #AZF2S. The Arizona Department of Education’s Health and Nutrition Services Division has been working to connect students to agriculture in the cafeteria and in the classroom since 2011.

Arizona Farm to School programs could not exist without the support and dedication of partner organizations that have been working on agriculture and nutrition education, and from those that support key stakeholders in this movement: producers, teachers and food-service professionals.

Partners of Arizona Farm to School include: Arizona Department of Agriculture; Arizona Department of Health Services; University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Science Cooperative Extension; Arizona Farm Bureau; Local First Arizona; and FoodCorps AZ. For more information on Arizona Farm to School or for resources mentioned above, visit azed.gov or follow Arizona Farm to School on Facebook.

Ashley Schimke is a program specialist for the Arizona Department of Education working to bring Arizona-grown foods into school meal programs. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Dietetics at Arizona State University and is an active member of the Maricopa County Food System Coalition.

Photo courtesy of Amy Garza, Tempe Elementary School District.

Find more green kids articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenkids

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October 2016 | greenliving

39

FALL RECIPES

GOLDEN TURMERIC

LATTE

RECIPE COURTESY OF CONSCIOUS DINING. IMAGE BY ZOA PHOTO.

THIS GOLDEN, ULTRA HEALING, silky smooth turmeric latte is your new go-to when it comes to reducing inflammation and naturally combating inflammatory responses in the body.

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup water 1 piece of raw turmeric (about 3 inches long) 1 piece of raw ginger (about 3 inches long) 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp maca powder 1 tsp coconut oil 1 tsp local raw honey

DIRECTIONS: 1. Bring cup of water to a boil in a pot or tea kettle. Chop the turmeric and ginger into small pieces and steep in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain out any pieces and set aside.

2. Combine the almond milk, cinnamon, maca powder, coconut oil, and raw honey in a blender on high for at least 30 seconds until the milk is nice and frothy.

3. Add the hot turmeric and ginger tea to the milk and blend for another 30 seconds.

4. Top with a sprinkle of dried turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, or cacao powder, and enjoy in your favorite mug!

BLACKENED SALMON, QUINOA AND FRESH VEGETABLES RECIPE AND IMAGE COURTESY OF VILLAGE HEALTH CLUBS & SPAS

THIS HEART-HEALTHY SALMON, quinoa and vegetables recipe is a perfect easy meal to make during the workweek. This recipe, along with others featured in the café, is reviewed by Village Health Clubs & Spas’ registered dietician Brittney Clarizio. She reviewed the core menu to identify calories, proteins and the healthy choices for customers. This salmon recipe is marked as a healthy choice and has carbohydrates suggested for cardio recovery.

INGREDIENTS: 6 oz. salmon 1 Tbsp blackening spice 5 oz. quinoa, prepared 2 oz. diced tomatoes 1 half grilled lemon 1 oz. lemon juice 1 oz. scallions 5 oz. fresh vegetables, your choice (recipe pictured with roasted asparagus) For more recipes, visit greenlivingaz.com/recipes

40 greenliving | October 2016

DIRECTIONS: 1. Saute, grill or bake salmon with blackening spice.

2. Cook quinoa per package instructions, then place quinoa in a sauté pan with lemon juice until heated through.

3. Grill lemon and cook vegetables to your liking.

4. Place quinoa on center of the plate.

Add vegetables.

5. Top with cooked salmon.

6. Sprinkle tomatoes and scallions on top of the salmon.

7. Garnish with grilled lemon half.

Yields 1 serving. Multiply as needed. greenlivingaz.com

HALLOWEEN RECIPES

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

TREATS RECIPE AND IMAGES COURTESY OF ANGEL FUCHS, YAYBABYBLOG.COM

DIG INTO HALLOWEEN the healthy way with these yummy, kid- and parent-approved treats, perfect for a spooktacular get-together.

BUG DIP

INGREDIENTS: 1 8 oz. container sour cream or Greek yogurt 1 packet ranch dressing mix 1 cup baby spinach, washed Black olives to make the spiders/bugs DIRECTIONS: 1. Blend the first three ingredients together in a food processor, until thoroughly mixed.

Transfer to a covered bowl and allow to chill and thicken in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

2. Halve black olives lengthwise. Save one half for the body of the bug and make small slices from the other half for the legs.

Repeat.

3. When ready to serve, transfer ranch dip to a serving bowl.

4. Arrange the olive “bug body” with sliced olive “legs” atop the ranch dip.

5. Serve with Creepy Crudite for dipping.

CREEPY CRUDITE

INGREDIENTS: Any variety of fresh, raw veggies, such as baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, black olives and asparagus.

DIRECTIONS: 1. Arrange your choice of veggies on a long platter, alternate each variety of veggie to make “stripes.”

2. Use longer veggies, such as asparagus or celery sticks for the legs and place them around the platter, jutting out from the “body.”

3. Use celery sticks topped with whole black olives to create the antennae and place at one end of the platter.

4. Serve with Bug Dip for dipping. greenlivingaz.com

PUMPKIN “NICE CREAM” INGREDIENTS: 4 bananas, peeled, cut and frozen for at least 4 hours 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) 3 Tbs. agave nectar 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice mix Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS: 1. Put all ingredients (except pepitas) in the food processor and blend until well combined and smooth.

2. Transfer to an air-tight, freezer-safe container with a lid. Freeze for at least an hour.

3. Top with pepitas and a dash of pumpkin pie spice, serve and enjoy!

Note: Add a little water during the blending process for a wonderful smoothie you can enjoy right away!

BONUS: Monster Fruit Face Platter made with seasonal cut fruit!

October 2016 | greenliving

41

EVENTS OCTOBER 4

World Animal Day

GREEN SCENES

OCTOBER 3

World Habitat Day

Photo courtesy of Phoenix Fashion Week

OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

10/10-13 Soul Radiance Satori Retreat

10/12 STORM Eindhoven: First Electric Touring Motorcycle

10/13-15 Phoenix Fashion Week

CENTRAL ARIZONA

October 6

October 12

GREEN LIVING OCTOBER LAUNCH PARTY

STORM EINDHOVEN: FIRST ELECTRIC TOURING MOTORCYCLE

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Kitchens Southwest 15685 North Greenway Hayden Loop, Scottsdale Come celebrate with us at our October launch party! Enjoy local food, drinks and vendor booths, meet and mingle with green-minded people in Kitchens Southwest’s beautiful showroom, and donate to our 50/50 raffle benefiting Kiwanis Eliminate Program nonprofit.

Tickets are $12.00 online and $15.00 at the door. greenlivingaz.com/party

Meet, Greet and Eat: 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

Presentation: 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Parking lot next to Wrigley Hall, ASU Tempe Campus STORM Eindhoven, a group from the Netherlands, has developed the world’s first electric touring motorcycle. Enjoy food at the meet and greet, then witness a presentation of their stateof-the-art vehicle at Wrigley Hall on ASU’s Tempe Campus. The STORM team plans to travel the world in 80 days to showcase the true potential of electric transportation. The event is free. schoolofsustainability.asu.edu/events

October 10-13 SOUL RADIANCE SATORI RETREAT Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain 5700 E McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley Join master meditation instructor Sarah Mclean for four days of rejuvenation and healing! The retreat will incorporate candlelight yoga, chakra toning, nourishing meals and luxurious accommodations with pampering at Sanctuary Spa. The retreat is limited to 12 participants and starts at $2,261.00 per person all-inclusive. sanctuaryoncamelback.com

42 greenliving | October 2016

October 13-15 PHOENIX FASHION WEEK Various events and times Talking Stick Resort 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale Experience eight fashion shows per night during Phoenix Fashion Week, featuring both local designers and those from all over the country and the world.

Vote for your favorite designer and see who wins Designer of the Year, as well as Model of the Year (male and female).

Shop the style villa before the show and take home a designer piece. Ticket prices range from $50.00-$500.00. phoenixfashionweek.com

October 15-16 ARIZONA TACO FESTIVAL 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale With more than 50 teams creating their own unique tacos, the Arizona Taco Festival is filled with music, food, and fun. Enjoy $2.00 tacos and other entertainment, including margarita wars, rock the guac challenge, chihuahua beauty pageant, live music, eating contests and more. Tickets range from $12.00-$100.00. aztacofestival.com

October 29 FIFTH ANNUAL PHOENIX FOOD DAY 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Eastlake Park and Pilgrim Rest Church, located between 15 and Jefferson Streets.

Enjoy of a day of culinary exploration at Phoenix Food Day! This free event will feature exhibitors, cooking demonstrations and fun activities for the whole family. Also taking place is a farmers market, featuring 30 local vendors promoting healthy, nutritional and sustainable food. The event is co-hosted by the City of Phoenix, the Maricopa County Food System Coalition and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. phoenix.gov greenlivingaz.com

EVENTS

10/8 Trees: Choosing, Using and Planting Techniques

10/20 Free Film Showing: Symphony of the Soil

10/29 Haunted History

NORTHERN ARIZONA

October 8 TREES: CHOOSING, USING AND PLANTING TECHNIQUES 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Watters Garden Center 1815 Iron Springs Rd., Prescott Come learn everything trees at Watters Garden Center! Whether it’s privacy, shade, color, evergreen or blooms, the class will cover it all. Planting guides will be provided afterward. The event is free. wattersgardencenter.com

OCTOBER 24

International Day of Climate Action

October 20 FREE FILM SHOWING: SYMPHONY OF THE SOIL 6:30 p.m.

Natural History Institute 220 Grove Ave., Prescott October is Non-GMO Month! To celebrate, come to a free film showing of Symphony of the Soil. This film highlights the complex and dynamic relationship between soil, water, the atmosphere, plants and animals.

There will be free organic popcorn and GMO-free door prizes. There is a $5.00 suggested donation. Presented

by Natural History Institute and GMO-Free Prescott. calendar.prescott.edu

October 29 HAUNTED HISTORY 3:00 p.m.

Sedona Heritage Museum 735 Jordan Rd., Sedona Spend the afternoon at Sedona Heritage Museum and hear local ghost tales. Award winning actor and playwright Mike Peach combines historical narrative and cowboy poetry for a fun-filled evening. Tricks and treats will be provided by the Museum docents. Tickets cost $6.00 for adults; kids 12 and under are free. sedonamuseum.org

BUSINESS EVENTS

October 12

October 12

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH PAUL HIRT, ASU SCHOOL OF SUSTAINABILITY PROFESSOR

THE ABCS OF THE ACC: A FULL RUN-DOWN OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISION

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tuck Shop 2245 N 12th St., Phoenix Attend the October Lunch and Learn, with guest speaker Paul Hirt, a professor of history and Senior Sustainability Scholar at Arizona State University, specializing in water, energy, and natural resources. He will be speaking about the opportunities and challenges of solar energy in Arizona. The cost to attend is $20.00 for members and $30.00 for nonmembers. Lunch will be provided. thegreenchamber.org

5:30 p.m.

St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church 3809 E. 3rd St., Tucson Do you know what the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) does?

Join Sustainable Tucson and learn all about the ACC. The meeting will highlight their work as well as help attendees be educated voters for the upcoming November election, where three ACC seats will be filled. sustainabletucson.org

greenlivingaz.com

October 25 LEVERAGE YOUR LOCALNESS WITH KIMBER LANNING 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino Arizona 87, Payson The buy local message is sweeping the nation, but are you doing all you can to stay in front of the curve? Learn from Local First Arizona founder Kimber Lanning. The informational session will cover useful strategies to win new customers; finding new ways to collaborate; developing language to talk more effectively about your business; and more. localfirstaz.com/events

October 2016 | greenliving

43

EVENTS OCTOBER 26

Sustainability Day

10/8 Lung Force Walk

10/15 PCC STEM Innovation Challenge

10/16 Envision Tucson Sustainable Festival

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

October 15

October 8 LUNG FORCE WALK 8:00 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. walk University of Arizona Mall 1200 E. University Blvd., Tucson Did you know that lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer in America? Join the Lung Force Walk and support those battling lung cancer. Help raise funds for research, advocacy, education and awareness. There is no cost to register, but a $33.00 donation (representing the more than 33 million people with lung disease) toward the overall fundraising goal of $100.00 or more is suggested. lungforce.org/events

PCC STEM INNOVATION CHALLENGE 1:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.

Pima Community College West Campus 2202 W. Anklam Rd., Tucson Attend this free STEM event and witness a competition between five teams developing STEM solutions; enjoy food trucks and DJ; vote for community projects; and more. Also hear from keynote speaker Nagin Cox, NASA/ JPL Engineer and U.S. State Department citizen ambassador! pima.edu

October 16 ENVISION TUCSON SUSTAINABLE FESTIVAL 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

YWCA 525. N. Bonita Ave., Tucson Join us for the 6th annual Tucson Sustainable Festival! Enjoy activities for all ages, including local exhibitor booths, food demonstrations, DIY projects, green school recognition, garden for the future, delicious local food, music, and more!

Admission is free. envisiontucsonsustainable.weebly.com

For more events, visit greenlivingaz.com/events

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GREEN PAGES

thank you to our partners!

WE APPRECIATE OUR READERS SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS! Allnaturalcosmetics...........................................5

Expressions Home

PurMaid..................................................................37

Allstate Appliances/ArtHaus/

Gallery................................. Inside Front Cover

Southern Arizona Arts and

Bosch Home Appliances.............Back Cover

Glos Wellness Solutions..................................5

Cultural Alliance.................................................31

America’s Mattress........................................... 45

Gluten Free & Allergen

Sleekskin Aesthetics..........................................5

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.................2

Friendly Expo.........................................................7

SNIFF..........................................................................7

AZ Good Health Center................................. 19

Goddess Fit..........................................................32

Rock’N’Earth Landscaping...............................5

Bard Peripheral

Keep Arizona Beautiful...................................27

The Hippie Hobby.............................................39

Vascular.................................Inside Back Cover

KFNX........................................................................ 15

The Melting Pot ................................................ 17

Bauman’s Xtreme Training.............................23

Lifetime Tea...........................................................5

Tuscan Soul Skincare.........................................5

Beautycounter .....................................................5

Local First Arizona..............................................9

Unified Brands.....................................................32

Central Phoenix Women, East Valley

Marriott Springhill Suites..............................39

Verde Dimora Apartments............................39

Women & Women of Scottsdale..............27

Oakcraft Elegant Cabinetry..........................23

VerdeXchange Arizona....................................35

Cushman & Wakefield.................................... 29

Peak Scents.............................................................5

Veronica Bahn Essential Oils..........................9

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Wave Therapy .......................................................1

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Witnessing Nature in Food...........................32

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45

G R E E N CHAMPIONS Each month we will feature three people – one each in northern, central and southern Arizona – who are making strides in the green community.

For our October Spa and Relaxation issue, we focus on trailblazing spa owners and holistic massage therapists.

NORTHERN — HEATHER BOSTIAN OWNER, HOLISTIC BODYWORK DESIGN

Heather Bostian is a nationally board certified and licensed massage therapist in Flagstaff. She offers clients innovative therapeutic treatments that have resulted in her being named the Best Massage Therapist by the Arizona Daily Sun. Through using herbs, stimulating energy flow and manipulating body tissue into alignment, Bostian quiets the mind to physically heal the body and reduce clients’ stress.

CENTRAL — SHALLANA EDWARDS FOUNDER, MINT NAILS SPA & STUDIO

For more than 20 years, Shallana Edwards worked in the hospitality industry before she decided to start Mint Nails Spa & Studio in Phoenix. A conscious salon, Mint Nails promotes an environment with beauty standards that are safe, natural and socially conscious. The products used at the studio are organic, mostly vegan, and never tested on animals. Edwards has personally researched and used every product sold at Mint Nails to ensure it meets these criteria.

SOUTHERN — VICTOR THOMPSON OWNER, GREENTOES DAY SPA

Greentoes Day Spa was created under the vision of Victor Thompson’s wife, Christina, in 2012. Since then, Greentoes in Tucson has established itself as an eco-chic mani pedi studio and day spa that uses only vegan and organic products.

Greentoes does not use traditional nail polish; SpaRitual is Greentoes’ polish of choice. The vegan nail lacquer is free of DBP, toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and synthetic dyes used for color. Greentoes recently completed a small expansion, adding more space to occupy massage, facials and a new private mani pedi suite for individuals or couples. In the future, Thompson hopes to expand with a second location that includes expanded amenities while maintaining the studio’s style, ambiance and services.

Want to nominate someone as a Green Champion? Email your candidate to editor@greenlivingaz.com!

46 greenliving | October 2016

greenlivingaz.com

HE’S GREEN

SHE’S GREEN

INSTANT OATMEAL

Product reviews by our eco-conscious couple John and Jennifer Burkhart Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but cooler temperatures are coming (it would be a stretch to call it “winter” as much as we would like to make that Game of Thrones reference). Along with the fun fall activities and cozy clothes, we get to dish up all the yummy food that seemed a ridiculous notion when it was 112 degrees outside. Get ready to restock your pantry with quick, simple and portable instant oatmeal.

It was easy to find a variety of flavors that were organic or non-GMO, and even certified gluten-free.

NATURE’S PATH ORGANIC | OPTIMUM POWER BLUEBERRY CINNAMON FLAX HE SAID: This is a BYOB oatmeal, as in Bring Your Own Blueberries, because there were hardly any in the packet.

I thought it was just bad luck at first, but now I think it’s by design because blueberries are the last solid ingredient on the list. If there’s one thing I don’t like, it’s false advertising.

SHE SAID: If you’re going to include “blueberry” in the name, you may want to include it in the product. I maybe tasted two tiny hints of blueberry in this oatmeal. That was disappointing. It did have a creamy texture, aside from the flax seeds, and could’ve used some sweetener.

He gave it:

She gave it:

365 ORGANIC | APPLE CINNAMON HE SAID: There are food combinations in this world, like peanut butter and jelly or peas and carrots, that just seem like they were designed to go together. This oatmeal has one of my favorite of those combos – tart green apples and cinnamon spice. They could make anything taste good.

SHE SAID: This classic flavor did not disappoint. I loved the tart apples and strong cinnamon flavor. Plus, no microwave is needed – just add boiling water for a perfectly sweet and creamy breakfast.

He gave it:

She gave it:

GLUTENFREEDA | BANANA MAPLE WITH FLAX, NON-GMO VERIFIED, CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE HE SAID: Looking for certified gluten-free products? Miss “Freeda” is your girl! Although these oats were a bit of a one-note song, the banana maple flavor was good. I’d suggest adding some nuts to vary the taste and texture.

SHE SAID: This is great if you don’t like sugary oatmeal. The soft banana bits were plentiful and sweet. The boiling water method was ok and still produced a creamy cereal, but it left a few raw pieces. The microwave would work better – along with combining 2-3 packets, if you have an appetite like mine!

He gave it:

She gave it:

BAKERY ON MAIN | STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, NON-GMO VERIFIED, CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE HE SAID: Definitely the sweetest of the bunch. This one was almost a dessert. It had a nice mellow strawberry shortcake flavor with an occasional sour zip of a freeze-dried strawberry. It was a little too sweet for my taste buds; I didn’t make it through the whole bowl. Might be a good one for the kiddos, though.

SHE SAID: Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits, so I was excited (well, as excited as one can get about oatmeal) to try this variety pack with “strawberry shortcake.” It was tasty! Tons of dried strawberry pieces and enough multi-grains to up the fiber and protein more than the other brands.

He gave it:

She gave it:

PURELY ELIZABETH | CRANBERRY PUMPKIN SEED, USDA ORGANIC, CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE HE SAID: This Purely Elizabeth oatmeal was filling and tasty. It was a bit bland straight out of the cup, but once I added a little maple syrup everything brightened up. It had crunchy pumpkin seeds and the occasional cranberry zing. The packaging needs a serious rework though. The water amount is a guess at best because the fill line is on the outside of the cup.

SHE SAID: At two ounces, this was the largest serving of all the packets and a closer portion to what a normal person eats. I enjoyed the sweet-tart cranberries and the soft crunch of the pumpkin seeds, which made it more of a hearty meal. I recommend adding a sweetener and more than the indicated amount of boiling water.

He gave it:

She gave it:

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

October 2016 | greenliving

47

COOL OUTRAGEOUS

1

LOCAL!

3

CHEMICAL-FREE NAIL LACQUER

STUFF

Dazzle Dry’s vegan nail polish formulas include nail prep, base coat, lacquers and top coats. Dazzle Dry is the only lacquer free of nitrocellulose, toluene, formaldehyde and camphor. Fortified with proVitamin B5 and Calcium, Dazzle Dry strengthens the natural nail, as it offers exceptional non-yellowing performance and wear. The nail polish dries in five minutes without UV light, wears like gel and removes like polish. Available in a variety of colors and styles. $13.00 DAZZLEDRY.COM

2

E

DITOR No spa atmosphere is ’S PICK complete without a traditional Himalayan salt lamp. Mix it up from the original shape with this crafted “bowl of fire” salt lamp from Himalayan Salt Shop, made entirely from salt with additional loose chunks that can be arranged in any manner you like. Feng Shui practitioners are especially fond of this lamp. This bowl serves as a work of art that will surely attract attention and create conversation. $49.99 HIMALAYANSALTSHOP.COM

ALOE INFUSED SOCKS

Take the spa day home with you! Perfect for extending your pedicure – or making you feel as if you’ve just gotten one – these super-plush Aloe Moisture Aloe Socks from Earth Therapeutics are infused with natural Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to continually moisturize and pamper feet. $11.99 for a two-pack EARTHTHERAPEUTICS.NET

5

BOWL OF FIRE SALT LAMP

4

RECYCLED RAZOR

This BPA-free triple blade razor from Preserve Products comes with two replacement blades and has an ergonomic handle that is 100 percent recycled #5 plastic (made out of yogurt cups) and completely recyclable after use. Titanium-covered blades feature a Vitamin E and aloe lubrication strip for added comfort, and are easy to remove and replace. The package is reusable as a travel case and is made from renewable wood sources. Available in assorted colors and created for men and women. $8.50 PRESERVEPRODUCTS.COM

PURE LUXURY FACIAL OIL

This Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil from Drunk Elephant is like rehab for your skin! Straight from the “pip” of the Marula Fruit, the oil is virtually untouched by any chemical or fragrance and remains in its purest form, which is the way it is used by the African women. The Marula facial oil is high in critical antioxidants (tocopherol (vitamin E), tochotrienol, phenolic compounds and flavinoids) and Omegas 6 and 9, which hydrates, preserves and heals skin, while restoring its youthful glow. It is anti-microbial and appropriate for all skin types. $72.00 DRUNKELEPHANT.COM

Find more cool outrageous stuff at greenlivingaz.com/cos

48 greenliving | October 2016

6

CARRY YOUR SUPPORT FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Angela Roi has introduced the Sunday Mini Pink Limited Edition handbag. 50 percent of every sale will be donated to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer partner charity organization. All Angela Roi products are designed in New York, ethically crafted by artisans, and created with premium animal-friendly materials. $165.00 ANGELAROI.COM greenlivingaz.com

Walk together.

And we’ll

never walk alone.

October 22 is only the beginning.

The walk is one day in October. The fight is every day before and after.

With every dollar you raise, you make a bigger impact by helping us conduct innovative research, promote early detection, and simply provide a hand to hold.

We need your help today.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Phoenix Tempe Beach Park | 8 a.m.

MakingStridesWalk.org/PhoenixAZ | 602.952.7521

JOIN US MakingStridesWalk.org/BardBiopsy Bard Biopsy is a Flagship sponsor of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Phoenix. Join team Bard Biopsy or donate today.

BPV/BPGE/0516/0004 Š2016 American Cancer Society, Inc.

LIVE. WORK. PLAY. GREEN. Mention you saw us in Green Living AZ when visiting the sales center to receive special sales incentives in October!

artHAUS is an intimate collection of twenty-five smartly designed urban condominiums located among the midtown Phoenix Arts District. Walk, bike, or ride light rail to all that Midtown and Downtown have to offer. Construction NOW COMPLETE with just 15 units remaining.

Contact Greg Kilroy at Keller Williams Sonoran Living to arrange a tour now. 480.235.4312

arthausphx.com / bosch-home.com/us / allstateappliances.com / greenlivingaz.com Photography by Bill Timmerman