Green Living April 2017

Candice Drake-Hopkin, with son Kade Powell, empower cancer patients and bring health to beauty

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Earth Month Issue!

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DO YOU KNOW THAT WHEN RAINWATER FALLS TO THE EARTH, SOME OF IT SOAKS INTO THE SOIL AND SOME FLOWS OVER THE GROUND’S SURFACE? THIS IS CALLED STORMWATER RUNOFF. LET’S TAKE A LOOK...

Stormwater that flows over impermeable surfaces – such as roofs, driveways, and roads – picks up pollutants along the way.And this polluted stormwater travels to the storm drain system, which goes untreated to the nearest river, wash, or stormwater retention basin.The things we do around our homes, such as walking the dog, yardwork, gardening, fertilizing, using pesticides or herbicides, or caring for our pools can affect the quality of our stormwater. Do you think your activities impact the natural environment? Do you think you can affect the quality of urban living? If you believe so, what can you do to help minimize impacts to the environment and water quality?

Around the home is where you can make the biggest impact. Did you know a manufacturer’s label is actually a law? Using pesticides and herbicides per the directions will offset danger to you, your family, pets, and the environment.

For example, most pesticides are not to be used before forecasted rain. On the contrary, most fertilizers are recommended for use prior to a forecasted rain.Why? Water activates some chemicals and weakens others. Be certain you know what you are applying, why, where, and how to maximize effectiveness while minimizing harm.

Perhaps your household does not rely on chemicals to manage pests or weeds; maybe you use mechanical methods to remove the culprits. Be sure to bag and tie the debris that you pull out or rake up. Sweep dirt and limit the use of leaf blowers, which contribute to airborne particulates. If your lawn mower or weed eater casts blades of grass into the gutter along the street, sweep it up and dispose in the trash.

Sediment and vegetative debris can clog the storm sewer system.These interconnected below ground pipes discharge downstream to the Salt and Gila rivers, the Agua Fria, Skunk Creek, countless unnamed ephemeral washes, and some canals. Stabilizing soil on your property, whether seeding with turf or covering with rock, will assist in keeping urban runoff clean.

Pet waste contains bacteria and pathogens. Did you know that a very common pollutant in stormwater runoff is Escherichia coli (e. coli)? Would you want to swim in a lake or river that has excess e. coli? Even wading through local basins within

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parks is not a great idea. Not only because of the bacteria – there could also be hidden objects that pose a significant safety risk. Pick up pet waste with a bag and throw it away.

Non-stormwater – such as irrigation, pool backwash, and washing your car in the driveway – can release pollutants and also cause nuisance conditions.

Besides, conservation of precious water should be considered at all times.

You may dispose of pool backwash water in the property’s sanitary clean out.

Chlorine, algae, mosquito larvae, and possibly chemicals added to control these, do not belong in the storm sewer system.Taking your vehicle to a car wash not only recycles the water, it keeps soaps, metals, oils, fluids, and dirt out of the street side gutter and storm drain system.

I’m Stormwater’s new Mascot, Hopper!

Watch my video at phoenix.gov/ stormwater Home: Salt River Bed

ALL OF THESE ITEMS TAKE JUST SECONDS TO MANAGE – WHETHER IT’S PLANNING OR APPLYING AN EXTRA STEP. • Check out the forecast.

• Do big landscape projects outside of the summer monsoon season (June 15-September 15).

• Sweep up, rather than blow around, fine sediments, grass blades, and mesquite leaves.

• Pick up the dog poo. Bag it. Put it in a receptacle (not the recycle or compost bin, okay?)

• Drain your pool into the sanitary sewer.

• Take your expired or unneeded chemicals to your community’s household hazardous waste event.

And, if you really want to have fun with pollution prevention, minimize your runoff by implementing some green infrastructure: build a rain garden, use permeable pavers, perform site grading to create low spots that will filter and infiltrate water. Use that stormwater to help maintain some shade – trees soak up water, right? Did you know certain plants and trees can affect the chemical composition and presence of pollutants, like oil and nitrogen?

For more information, go to phoenix.gov/stormwater.

TAKE THE LEAP… PHOENIX CLEAN WATER STARTS WITH YOU!

Favorite Vacation Spots: Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area and Tres Rios Wetlands Lifetime Goals: Prevent pollution from affecting aquatic habitats Email me at

ask.water@phoenix.gov

Where to find the best coffee in town?

In your app.

Simply craft your favorite coffee, espresso, or tea from the convenience of your couch. Thanks to the smart Bosch Coffee Machine, you can effortlessly order your perfect cup with the free Home Connect app. Browse available Bosch connected products at www.bosch-home.com/us. #MyPerfectCup

Allstate Appliance in Scottsdale 15250 N. Hayden Road 480-948-9896 Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

GREEN UP YOUR HOUSEHOLD ENERGY.

There are many easy actions you can take to benefit the environment, like recycling, using LEDs and bringing your own bags when shopping. Well, here’s a new one to add to the list: SRP EarthWise Energy.™ Sign up and you can match up to 100% of your electricity needs with power from a mix of SRP solar, wind, geothermal and/or biomass. Make a difference by greening up your household energy today. Get started now by calling 602-236-4448 or visiting SRPearthwise.com.

Spot Someone Tossing Litter From Their Car? Call the Statewide Arizona Litter Hotline at 1-877-3LITTER (877-354-8837) or Report online at kazb.org

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

Dorie Morales Amanda Harvey Misty Voitovski Rachel Luman

ADVISORY BOARD Veronica Bahn Ken Edwins Jon Kitchell Eric Olsen

Valerie Crosby William Janhonen Mary McCormick Thomas Williams

CONTRIBUTORS Jamey Anderson Jill Bernstein Margo Brown Jennifer Burkhart JoJo Caramello Donna DiFrancesco Kamilla Graham Kelly Murray Young Michelle Talsma Everson

A joint program of: &

MEDIA CONSULTANTS Susan Breakstone

FREE

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the Chandler City Council

EARTH DAY&

Y DA R BO AR Cel ebrati on

SATURDAY, 2522 APRIL RDAY,APRIL SATU

Great for all ages!

from

9 a.m.-noon

at the Environmental Education Center & Veterans Oasis Park | 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Experience hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and discover ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle from on-site vendors and exhibitors!

Also, be sure to stop

by Veterans Oasis Park’s Demonstration Garden for additional activities during its Grand Opening!

Outdoor program may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

Call the EEC Program Hotline at 480-782-2889 for updates.

For more information please call 480-782-2890

www.chandleraz.gov/eec

4 greenliving | February 2017

Alexandra Arboleda David Brown Juliana Brutsche John Burkhart Aaron Fernando Jennifer Gartner Kimber Lanning David Schaller

Joel Dawkins

EDITORIAL/SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS Amanda Gardley Riley Hoffman Emily Powell Bharat Venkatesh Niki Vetter GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN Veronica Wierer

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CONTACT US AT: Main: info@greenlivingaz.com Advertising: sales@greenlivingaz.com Editorial: editor@greenlivingaz.com 480.840.1589 7575 E. Redfield Road #219, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Please recycle this magazine 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 Š 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

April 2017

on the cover

38

16

Candice Drake-Hopkin and her son Kade Powell grace our cover this month! Learn more about their passion to improve the lives of cancer patients through Tuscan Soul Skincare, HUGS Foundation, Inc. nonprofit and the new line Candice Drake Cosmetics, in our article on page 8.

Photo by Aaron Blackburn.

5 Ideas for Eco-Minded Entrepreneurs

Earth Month Issue!

US $5.95

play green

28 10 Ways to Save the Planet

Candice Drake-Hopkin, with son Kade Powell, empower cancer patients and bring health to beauty

37 40

Valley Bike Month

Launch Party Photo Collage Master Gardener Monthly: Get Your Garden Summer-Ready

live green 8 10 11 12 13 14 18 20

43

Book Review: “Tango with Cancer: My Perilous Dance with Healthcare

From the Outside, In: Candice Drake-Hopkin Brings Health to Beauty

& Healing”

Advancing Sustainable Ranching With Organic Hay

44

Hidden Cove Petroglyph Park: Holbrook’s Secret Gem

Experience an Earth Day Getaway in Cottonwood

Did You Know? Fun Green Facts What Are Arizona Cities Doing to Reduce Water Consumption?

Convert Your Water-Thirsty Yard into a Water-Wise Escape Climate Change Series: Navajo County Stardust Building Supplies Celebrates 20 Years

46

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL SECTION: 32–34

work green

46

22 24 29

48

Impression with Etazin

Prescott’s Palsolaral House Shines Keep Your Money Where Your Home Is

22

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Recipes from Devour Culinary Classic Winners

50 54 55

New Fellowship Innovates to Solve Global Challenges

30

Artist Kathleen Werner Leaves Lasting

5 Tips to Increase Workplace Time Management

Green Scenes Calendar of Events Green Champions He’s Green,

48

She’s Green

36

56

Cool Outrageous Stuff April 2017 | greenliving

5

Editor’s Note

A

pril is Earth Month! My boyfriend and I recently visited the Grand Canyon to celebrate our five-year anniversary. Each year we choose a different place in Arizona to explore together and make memories. Both of us being Arizona transplants from California, we had yet to experience the Grand Canyon in all its glory. Being connected with such a large part of nature was awe inspiring and one of the best ways to get in the Earth Day spirit.

We took the train from Williams and experienced the cool mountain breeze flowing in through the open windows. We saw groundhogs, mule deer, coyotes and other wildlife as we made our way north to the Grand Canyon National Park. Did you know that the park has 2,500 year-long residents? In the peak summer vacation season they have upwards of 5,000 employees living in the park! The Grand Canyon is also the second most visited national park in the nation, with over six million visitors in 2016.

If you live in Arizona and you have yet to visit our state’s grandest treasure, do yourself a favor and book your trip. In addition to the stunning beauty of northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon itself, Xanterra Parks and Resorts does their part to keep that beauty sustained. I really appreciated the eco-friendly initiatives throughout the park, like water refill stations (no water bottles are sold at all), the use of refillable

10 Ways to Save the Planet

PG. 16

Valley Bike Month

PG. 38

5 Ideas for Eco-Minded Entrepreneurs

PG. 28

Being connected with such a large part of nature was awe inspiring and one of the best ways to get in the Earth Day spirit. toiletries in the hotel bathroom in lieu of disposable packets, sustainable dining options, an abundance of compost and recycling receptacles, and more.

Get involved this month by attending the amazing Earth Day events listed on our Green Scenes calendar and in ads and editorial throughout this issue. No matter which city you live in, there will be an Earth Day celebration near you!

Also featured in this issue: Stardust Building Supplies celebrates 20 years and 80 million pounds diverted from landfills; the importance of organic hay for healthy horses; tips to transform your waterthirsty yard into a water-wise escape; 10 ways to save the planet; details on Valley Bike Month; the stunning Falcon Nest energy-efficient Prescott home; a spotlight on the benefits of local banking; and much more! Don’t forget about our cover story on Candice Drake-Hopkin and her son Kade Powell and their journey to improve the lives of cancer patients. Learn more about their inspirational story on page 8 and experience the unveiling of her new eco skincare line, Candice Drake Cosmetics, at our April launch party on Wednesday, April 12, from 5:30-7:30 at SCNM Visit our Facebook in Tempe. Find out more at page and tell us your favorite place in greenlivingaz.com/party.

Arizona to experience Take time to be at one nature and be entered to win a prize! with nature this spring, before the Phoenix heat has us all hiding indoors.

Amanda Harvey Associate Editor

♥

I LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR READERS!

Email me at editor@greenlivingaz.com

Photo by Vince Alfaro

April 2017

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

6 greenliving | April 2017

greenlivingaz.com

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greenlivingaz.com

April 2017 | greenliving

7

BEAUTY

FROM THE OUTSIDE, IN

CANDICE DRAKE-HOPKIN BRINGS HEALTH TO BEAUTY

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

C

andice “Candy” Drake-Hopkin wears many, many hats.

She’s a master esthetician, makeup artist, nail technician, and wig specialist who specializes in oncology skincare (skincare for those MICHELLE TALSMA who are receiving cancer treatments) EVERSON and corrective medical makeup. She’s the owner of Tuscan Soul Skincare; the executive director and co-founder of the nonprofit HUGS Foundation, Inc.; and this month she is launching Candice Drake Cosmetics.

“I’m originally from Idaho, and I had just opened my own skincare spa (Terre Blanc Wellness and Med Spa) when I had the ‘ah-ha’ moment that oncology skincare is what I’m supposed to do,” Drake-Hopkin said. She had just traveled to Seattle, Washington where she had taken an oncology skincare class with Becky Kuehn of Oncology Spa Solutions.

“I told my husband, ‘I’m on the wrong path. I feel that I need to be in the oncology realm helping give back where I have been given so much,’” she continued.

8 greenliving | April 2017

With the support of her loved ones, Drake-Hopkin – who has more than 20 years experience in the beauty industry – closed Terre Blanc and set the wheels in motion to set up Tuscan Soul Skincare, which has locations in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tuscan Soul Skincare focuses in oncology skincare alongside other traditional offerings like facials and body treatments.

Drake-Hopkin’s passion for helping those with cancer has two roots. In 2003, her son Kade Powell, then a child, was diagnosed with a bone tumor and successfully went through treatment and surgery. Then, in 2012, her best friend, Judy, passed away from breast cancer.

In 2014, Drake-Hopkin received her Arizona aesthetics license and the education and credentials she needed. Her oncology skincare work began to gain ground as she started sharing awareness all over the Valley. She now provides educational classes to help women and men adjust to the physical changes from cancer treatment. She has taught corrective makeup workshops across the country, and currently works with local cancer centers and hospitals by offering presentations on skincare and cancer.

greenlivingaz.com

BEAUTY

“I’ve seen outstanding results from my clients and have been told that my knowledge, skincare and makeup classes, along with spa treatments change lives on a regular basis,” said Drake-Hopkin. “My ultimate goal is to become an established fixture in local and national hospitals where I am readily available to help those in need.”

With her son Kade Powell, she founded the nonprofit HUGS (Help Us Grow Strong) Foundation, Inc. “HUGS was founded in hopes to support those suffering with cancer with services such as toxic ingredient education, spa treatments, skincare products, wigs, micro-pigmentation procedures, makeup products and application technique in those areas affected by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and medications,” Drake-Hopkin explained.

Powell is at the head of the foundation, handling the organization’s public relations, meetings, and getting the foundation off the ground. “The journey with my mom has been great,” Powell noted. “I’m very proud of her. She’s amazing and helps us to keep pushing everything forward.”

This month, Drake-Hopkin is launching her new cosmetics line, Candice Drake Cosmetics. The mineral makeup is custom formulated with healthy ingredients from natural sources and USDA organic botanicals and extracts free from harmful chemicals, toxins and fragrance, and is suitable for every skin type.

The process took about 10 months, from conception to launch, she said. “What began as finding the perfect eyebrow kit has expanded into a full, beautiful, clean and healthy makeup line. Giving back in an area that gave to me, this process has been the most challenging yet the most rewarding project I have ever done,” she continued.

With a passion for continuing to help others, a portion of the proceeds from every Candice Drake Cosmetics sale benefits the HUGS Foundation, Inc. To learn more, visit tuscansoulskincare.com, facebook.com/ hugsfoundation and candicedrake.com. Please attend the Green Living launch party on April 12 at SCNM in Tempe to experience the launch of Candice’s new line.

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.

Photos by Aaron Blackburn.

For more articles about beauty visit greenlivingaz.com/beauty

“I told my husband, ‘I’m on the wrong path.

I feel that I need to be in the oncology realm helping give back where I have been given so much.’”

With her son Kade Powell, she founded the nonprofit HUGS (Help Us Grow Strong) Foundation, Inc. greenlivingaz.com

April 2017 | greenliving

9

ANIMALS

ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE RANCHING

WITH ORGANIC HAY

BY EMILY POWELL

W

hat do horses and grocery replenish micronutrients and avoid using store milk have in common? preservatives. Organic matter engages Both horses and dairy cows natural decomposition processes, making are usually fed similar diets of grass hay it more ecologically logical, and reduces or alfalfa hay, which, when grown on free the cost of horse care. rangeland, boast robust levels of naturally“If you use great quality organic occurring, valuable micronutrients that hay [grown using organic matter], support animal and ecosystem health. your horses won’t need supplements,” But commercialized hay agriculture Heshion said. This argument is has developed bad habits in nutrient supported by the hair analysis service Tom Heshion, co-owner of management, producing and distributing they provide to their customers.

Organic Hays Co-Op hay brimming with artificial compounds that Using a small sample of horsehair provide little benefit to and even harm horses, their owners, from an animal on an established diet of traditional hay, and the environment. It’s a trend that Tom Heshion, co-owner the veterinarian experts at Organic Hays determine which of Organic Hays Co-Op based in Kansas City, Missouri, is nutrients are most desperately deficient in a particular determined to reverse. owner’s barn. This information is used to hand-pick the most nutritionally appropriate organic hay from across the WHAT’S WRONG WITH TRADITIONAL HAY? Organic Hays network.

“I grew up on a farm that my father sold when I was six years “We’re much more than a hay company,” he points out, old. That farm has been growing hay for over 50 years non“because I’ve been a horse owner my whole life and I actually organically and without rotation, completely stripping the care.” Heshion emphasizes that the personalized experience land of nutrients horses need,” said Heshion. allows horse owners to provide the best possible care for their Heshion explained that traditional farming methods, using animals at the best possible price. pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, do a wonderful job of As their distribution expands out of Kansas City and producing picture-perfect bales of hay for cheap, but they into California and Arizona, more agricultural land is being don’t provide adequate levels of zinc, copper and magnesium converted to organic – a process which takes at least 36 that maintain strong joints, strength, good vision and digestive months to complete – and is fighting artificial compounds regularity. Without these micronutrients, horse owners are that negatively impact land and biodiversity, pollute local forced to turn to additional, costly supplements. Artificial waterways, and may be contributing to the demise of preservatives are also sprayed on the bales of hay to “maintain honeybees. freshness” and could be causing unknown harm to the animals.

“The only guy arguing that preservatives are not bad for For more information and for inquiries about transitioning your barn from horses is the one manufacturing them,” he said. Because of traditional to organic feed supply and contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture, visit organichays.com or call (816) 728-2933. this, traditional hay achieves perfect appearance and low wholesale price at the expense of the ecological integrity of the Emily Powell is Arizona native pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Sustainability area and the health of the animal. and Geography at Arizona State University. A self-described “wilderness WHY GO ORGANIC? Instead of using anything artificial, the certified-organic hay farmers operating with Heshion purchase organic matter to 10 greenliving | April 2017

junkie,” Emily aims to develop sustainable solutions for wilderness preservation and management by promoting human-to-nature connection through creative storytelling.

Read more about animals at greenlivingaz.com/animals

greenlivingaz.com

ENVIRONMENT

HIDDEN COVE PETROGLYPH PARK:

HOLBROOK’S SECRET GEM

BY JILL BERNSTEIN

A

rizona is home to a diverse array of distinct landscapes filled with natural beauty and the echoes of past civilizations. These hidden gems in and around small towns are the heart and soul of our state. Many of these small towns are finding ways to showcase their uniqueness in ways that enable both residents and visitors alike to deepen their connection to these places. The city of Holbrook is no exception.

Over the last few years, Hidden Cove Petroglyph Park in Holbrook has been getting the polish it needed to show off its assets and sustainably accommodate visitors. Surrounded by flattopped mesas, the park invites visitors to walk through beautiful desert landscapes, discover ancient petroglyphs, explore the ruins of an old ranch, and even take in a round of golf.

The area that surrounds and includes Hidden Cove Petroglyph Park was obtained by the city of Holbrook a couple of decades ago to utilize reclaimed wastewater. The water is used at the Hidden Cove Golf Course, as well as feeds a large pond that provides sustenance to an abundance of wildlife. The pond in Hidden Cove Park is one of the top areas in Navajo County for birdwatching.

The city of Holbrook worked with the National Park Service (NPS) to complete an environmental assessment of the area. In October 2015, the city council awarded a contract to Flagstaffbased American Conservation Experience to design and construct sustainable trails, retaining walls, water bars and switchback details. The work was completed in November of 2015 and has made the features of the park easier to access.

The new trails and improvements allow visitors to safely explore the beautiful but extremely fragile environment.

For some slightly more recent history, the park contains remnants of an old ranch. Over a century ago, the Zuck family raised cattle and farmed in this area, channeling the water that

greenlivingaz.com

flowed from the nearby cliffs. The remaining ruins include old cabins, fences and a windmill.

A truly special treat for visitors to the area is the abundant rock art. Hidden Cove is home to hundreds of ancient petroglyphs, as well as some more modern carvings. Mike O’Dell, a longtime city employee who leads tours through the park, has been involved in the area since the 80s. “There’s a lot that’s special about this place,” said O’Dell. “The more time we learn about these carvings, the more we realize just how old they are. Some may be from the Archaic period, which goes back to B.C.” The carvings are extremely fragile and irreplaceable, so visitors are asked not to touch the rock art.

But O’Dell points out that there is something about the place that visitors just seem to sense when they come. “I’m out there all the time and I almost never see any litter,” he added. “It’s almost as if people just know how special this place is and they take special care.”

If you plan to explore Hidden Cove Petroglyph Park, be sure to carry some water, wear sturdy shoes, and protect yourself from the sun. Binoculars will help you spot petroglyphs high up on rocks, as well as the variety of birds and other wildlife in the park.

For more on Hidden Cove Petroglyph Park, visit goholbrook.com. For tour information, contact Mike O’Dell directly at 928-241-0293.

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.

Photo by Mike O’Dell.

Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment

April 2017 | greenliving

11

GREEN LIFE

DID YOU KNOW ?

FUN GREEN FACTS Green Living magazine has a new section! Check here every month for some fun facts and stay green! This month we focused on tips to help you spruce up naturally.

1

The average family of four does 480 loads of laundry per year! That amounts to about 480 chemically-laden dryer sheets being used and thrown out. If you’re tired of creating that waste, aluminum foil can be rolled into a ball and tossed into your dryer to fight static and soften clothes. A single ball of foil will last about 100 loads. To use less foil while making the ball, use a tennis ball as the base. You can also add vinegar to the rinse cycle in the washing machine in place of fabric softener.

3

BOIL CINNAMON AND HERBS TO FRESHEN YOUR HOME

Instead of spraying chemicals in your home to create a temporary fresh smell, try boiling cinnamon sticks, cloves or any herbs you enjoy. Plants can also help naturally filter indoor air. Any green-leaf plant will do.

5

GET YOUR WINDOWS SPARKLING NATURALLY

Keep your windows and glass tables smudge-free this spring without spraying chemicals onto the surface of things your family touches every day.

Three ingredients are all it takes to avoid chemicals hanging in the air. Mix together water, vinegar and Isopropyl alcohol and wipe with a reusable rag!

12 greenliving | April 2017

2

FOIL BALLS CAN REPLACE DRYER SHEETS

FREEZE YOUR JEANS, DON’T WASH THEM

Wasting a lot of water by washing your jeans all the time? Try freezing them! It kills the bacteria that makes them smelly and not feel fresh. Leave them in a gallon-sized freezer bag in the freezer for a week and they’ll be good as new! If there are stains, try removing them with a toothbrush or sponge and warm water before freezing.

This method is even recommended by Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh.

4

MAKE YOUR OWN DISH SOAP AND DITCH THE TOXINS

Essentially, all of the soap and chemicals you use to wash your dishes will eventually end up on your food. Make your own toxin-free dish soap with just four simple ingredients: warm water, a finely grated castile bar of soap (made with olive oil and sodium hydroxide), washing soda and liquid castile soap. For desired smell, add essential oils of your choice.

6

CLEAN YOUR STOVETOP WITH A LEMON

Cooking can leave a mess and a dirty stove that seems like it’ll take ages to clean. With the simple trick of baking soda and half a lemon, your stove will be sparkling like new. Let the baking soda soak on the grime for 10-15 minutes and then use the lemon as you would a sponge. Use the same method with salt and half a lemon to clean your wooden cutting boards.

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

greenlivingaz.com

WATER

BY ALEXANDRA ARBOLEDA

W

ater use in Arizona peaked in 1980 and has been declining since, even as population has more than doubled,” according to John Fleck, author of “Water is for Fighting Over and Other Myths about Water in the West.” Fleck ALEXANDRA ARBOLEDA points to Phoenix, where “total water use (not per capita, total) peaked in 2002. Since then, water use has declined by 15 percent, while population has gone up by 14 percent.”

TEMPE The city of Tempe also has a tiered rate structure to encourage water conservation, whereby residents who consume less water have lower bills while those who consume more water have higher bills. While there is some debate in the community about these pricing policies, Tempe is committed to promoting water conservation in other ways. Residents can expect rebates for drought-resistant landscaping, low-flow toilets and harvesting graywater, as well as free water use audits, a website, workshops and school outreach about wise water use for its residents. tempe.gov/city-hall/public-works/water/water-conservation

PHOENIX According to city of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, “Phoenix has grown 30 percent over the last 20 years, but we use less water than we did 10 years ago.” Phoenix has enacted seasonal water pricing policies that promote conservation during the hot summer months, and the city offers a website, workshops and school outreach to promote wise water use. phoenix.gov/waterservices/resourcesconservation

FLAGSTAFF Through water conservation measures, the city of Flagstaff has reduced water consumption by 50 percent since 1988. Flagstaff has enacted watering rules with restrictions limiting the time of day and day of the week that residents can irrigate. In addition, Flagstaff offers rebate programs for water harvesting, low-flow toilets and turf reduction, as well as educational resources and a website that encourages wise water use including tips for water harvesting and conservation regarding freezing pipes and leaks. flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=31

“

TUCSON The city of Tucson’s “beat the peak” initiative promotes water conservation by encouraging residents to avoid watering grass or other plants during the hottest parts of the day. Tucson was also one of the first cities to enact a tiered water pricing structure, which charges residents a base amount for essential water needs and increases the price of water for non-essential landscaping choices. This provides an economic disincentive for residents to consume large quantities of water. Tucson also offers a Water Harvesting Guidance Manual for collecting water from rainstorms and using that water for landscaping. tucsonaz.gov/tdot/stormwater-management

Cities throughout Arizona are leaders in water conservation and have used creative solutions – including market-based policies, regulations and educational initiatives – to reduce water consumption and promote an ethic of conservation.

Fortunately, the data shows that cities’ water conservation strategies are working.

Alexandra Arboleda is an attorney with The Storey Lawyers (storeylawyers.com), where she specializes in water and natural resources law, and an elected member of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors, which manages the Central Arizona Project canal and Arizona’s Colorado River supplies. She received her B.A. in political science from Stanford University and her J.D. from University of Arizona.

For more articles about water visit greenlivingaz.com/water

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April 2017 | greenliving

13

CONVERT YOUR WATER-THIRSTY YARD

INTO A WATER-WISE ESCAPE

BY DONNA DIFRANCESCO

D

id you know that over half of household water – even up to 70 percent – goes into our landscapes? That’s why a low-water-use landscape, or xeriscape, is one of the best and easiest ways to save water, save money on your water bill, and DONNA DIFRANCESCO create a landscape that is much easier to maintain. Xeriscape (pronounced zeer-ah-scape) is a term that defines a creative approach to landscaping that includes simple principles to ensure that landscapes are water efficient, yet creative and colorful.

So, what specific steps can you take to help your yard drink responsibly? Whether you’re landscaping a brand-new yard from the soil up or planning to overhaul an existing one, creating a landscape in the desert can be an exciting but challenging venture. Follow these three simple ideas to keep your landscape water-wise and fabulous!

forget to consider placement of trees for a cool retreat or to shade your home to save energy. You also want to think about grading for rainwater harvesting to channel water from your rooftop or other surfaces to your plants.

1

Start with Arizonafriendly plants that are right at home in our climate by needing less water, tolerating our soils and handling our temperature extremes. There are hundreds of native or desert-adapted plants available that can provide screening, shade or even a sculptural focal point (think our bold, armored agaves).

Would you like to attract birds or butterflies to your yard?

Perhaps you are looking for year-round color? There’s a plant

A GREAT YARD BEGINS WITH A GREAT PLAN

When designing your landscape, take into account your preferences or style and the function or purpose you want your yard to have. Your landscape can create an extension of your indoor space: you may want to bring the indoors out (entertainment, cooking patios) or even the outdoors in (beautiful views through windows and doors). Creating a plan is the first important step, especially if you need to install your landscape in phases to keep it within your budget. Other functions may include gardening and play areas, but don’t

14 greenliving | April 2017

LOOK FOR: “Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert” booklet and/or consider hiring a landscape architect or designer.

2

CHOOSE PLANTS THAT THRIVE

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for that! When choosing plants, look up the mature size to be sure it won’t outgrow the planting area.

LOOK FOR: “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” booklet and visit botanical gardens or xeriscape demonstration gardens for ideas and inspiration.

3

PROPER IRRIGATION TO KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPE FROM SOAKING YOU

Almost all new plants should be watered regularly to get them established; and most plants, low water use or not, need some kind of irrigation even after they become mature. Irrigation isn’t rocket science, but it can get technical when talking trajectories, operating pressures and control valves. That’s how setting up or reconfiguring your irrigation with the proper design will ensure that you’re watering efficiently while keeping your landscape healthy and beautiful. See the basic components of a drip irrigation system for how much and how often to water in the xeriscape booklet mentioned.

LOOK FOR: “Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert” booklet and get professional help if you need it from an Arizona landscape contractor or from an irrigation supply store.

Donna DiFrancesco is a Conservation Coordinator at the City of Mesa (a Water – Use It Wisely partner) where she educates Mesa residents about Xeriscape, water conservation, living green and sustainability. She dreams of someday taking on a superhero persona as Xeriscape Woman, wearing a large “X” on her chest, and carrying an ironwood branch magic wand that will turn dull, grassy lawns into beautiful xeriscapes.

ENTER TO WIN

A FABULOUS LANDSCAPE

MAKEOVER THE WATER – USE IT WISELY conservation campaign is all about making smart water use fun, easy and practical, and provides a great deal of online landscape information. The campaign is supported and promoted by 17 valleywide partners. Last April, the campaign embarked on a spring promotion and contest for a landscape installation package valued at $8,000!

The contest was an incredible success with 10,901 entries and one lucky winner in Avondale, and will be repeated this year starting in mid-April. Find out how to enter and find the video series that followed last year’s makeover at wateruseitwisely.com. The website also provides links to all three online booklets mentioned, or call your water conservation office or visit a local nursery for hard copies.

For more articles about water visit greenlivingaz.com/water

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April 2017 | greenliving

15

GREEN LIFE

WAYS TO SAVE THE PLANET

BY JOJO CARAMELLO

A

JOJO CARAMELLO

pril 22 is Earth Day! This is a perfect time to raise awareness of what everyone can do as individuals and as a community to improve the health and wellbeing of the planet and all its inhabitants.

Here are some planet-saving solutions to celebrate the Earth every day:

1

BRING YOUR OWN BAGS WHEN YOU GO SHOPPING. The manufacturing of plastic bags requires millions of barrels of oil every year, and only a small fraction of plastic bags are recycled into useful new products. Plastic bags add to the trillions of pieces of toxic plastic waste in our oceans and waterways, proving fatal for birds and marine life. To keep your reusable shopping bags germ free, wipe them down with a solution of white vinegar and water or place them in the sun for an effective natural germ killer.

2

BRING YOUR WATER BOTTLE EVERYWHERE YOU GO. Last year, Americans used approximately 50 billion disposable water bottles, the majority of which ended up in landfills and waterways. More and more businesses like Sky Harbor Airport, the Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, fitness centers and more now offer refillable water bottle stations.

16 greenliving | April 2017

3

MAKE YOUR OWN “TO GO” MORNING BEVERAGE. In addition to the millions of plastic cups used daily in the U.S., we also throw away tens of billions of Styrofoam cups every year. Like plastic, Styrofoam is made from petroleum. It also has little to no recyclability and can take up to 500 years to decompose. Whip up your breakfast smoothie at home, and be sure to take your reusable cup with you to the local coffee shop.

4

BUY CONSCIOUSLY. When shopping, consider the environmental impact of product packaging. For example: buy powdered laundry detergent instead of liquid detergents in plastic containers. Reuse hand soap containers by refilling them with your own soap solution. Consider making allnatural, antibacterial household cleaners using white vinegar, lemon juice and essential oils.

5

USE IT UP. WEAR IT OUT. MAKE IT DO, OR DO WITHOUT! And, shop less. You’ll be surprised how resourceful you’ll become when digging a little deeper in your pantry, closets and garage.

6

RECYCLE OLD JEANS AND SNEAKERS – DON’T TRASH THEM. Old denim can be recycled into home and automobile insulation and old sneaker soles can be transformed into sport courts.

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GREEN LIFE

7

ALWAYS RECYCLE ELECTRONICS. Do not throw any electronics or batteries in the trash. Check your local municipality for community electronic recycling events. Most Target and Best Buy stores offer electronic recycling bins so you can drop off old electronics any time.

Old cell phones can be deposited into a designated bin at the Phoenix Zoo entrance to help save gorilla habitats in the Congo.

8

ALWAYS DONATE. What you no longer need may be exactly what someone else is looking for. Donate your discards to a local charity-supporting thrift store. Support them further by shopping them for clothes, furniture, home decor and more. When you shop secondhand stores, charities, the planet, and your wallet all benefit.

9

FOLLOW CURBSIDE RECYCLING GUIDELINES. What is accepted for recycling can vary from city to city. Get an up-to-date list of recyclables for your community. Recycling guidelines are simple and very specific. When these guidelines are not followed, recyclables can be contaminated and result in all those good intentions going to waste. Effective recycling is everybody’s business.

10

SAVE THE PLANET AND HELP OUR SCHOOLS! Organize an end of school year donate-a-thon. At the end of the school year arrange for donations of usable binders, backpacks, pencils, books and other supplies to a local organization or charity like Treasures4Teachers.

JoJo Caramello is a Life Transforming Professional Organizer, speaker, and founder of 2Sistaz Organizing. Originally from Boston, JoJo has been a small business owner in Arizona since 2004. 2Sistaz Organizing is committed to environmental sustainability and strives for zero landfill with every organizing job by repurposing, recycling and donating excess to local charities. You can reach JoJo at 480-421-8363 or 2sistazorganizing@gmail.com.

Read more green life articles at greenlivingaz.com/greenlife

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April 2017 | greenliving

17

ENVIRONMENT

CLIMATE CHANGE SERIES:

NAVAJO COUNTY

PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEY TO WILDFIRE PROTECTION

BY DAVID A. SCHALLER

N

avajo County is a land of at the greatest risk as climate warms and rainfall becomes contrast stretching more than unpredictable. The county’s population growth alone has half the length of the state, increased the potential for human-caused fires while drought from Monument Valley along the Utahconditions have increased fire intensities in timber and Arizona border south to the Mogollon shrubs. Since the onset of the state’s drought, wildland fires Rim at the latitude of Phoenix. In in Navajo County have become so commonplace that some the north, the county’s high plateau newcomers recall when they arrived in the county by the DAVID A. SCHALLER grasslands and open spaces dominate. name of the forest fire from that year.

Moving south, the landscape changes dramatically as the Last year’s Cedar Fire reached within 10 miles of Show Low, forests, streams and meadows of the White quickly growing from a low-threat fire to Mountains take over. Nearly two-thirds of a major blaze in a matter of days. County Navajo County is comprised of sovereign officials issued an evacuation notice for tribal lands, home to Navajo, Hopi and the threatened town of Forestdale as well Apache who lived and thrived here as pre-evacuation orders for Show Low, centuries before the railroads and eastern Pinetop-Lakeside and their immediate settlers moved in. The county is also home surrounding areas. Smoke from Cedar Fire to popular year-round communities like caused State Highway 60, the main route Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, as well as into (and out of) the Show Low area to be “that corner” in Winslow, Arizona, from closed for days, potentially complicating the popular Eagles song. any evacuations to the south. Fire crews Today, Navajo County’s principal from around the country were needed industries are tourism, coal mining, to keep what became the state’s largest manufacturing, timber production and fire last year from spreading into heavily ranching. Perhaps the county’s most populated areas. treasured assets – the juniper and pine Even as the Cedar Fire was serving as Navajo County is highlighted in red forests of the White Mountains – are now last year’s climate change wake-up call,

18 greenliving | April 2017

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ENVIRONMENT

Navajo County authorities were working to update their Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Their goal is to use enhanced fire behavior modeling and analysis to update fire threats to infrastructure within the planning areas, including Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Whiteriver and Heber-Overgaard. The plans will analyze communities at risk for wildland fires and provide recommendations to reduce vegetative fuel, structural ignitability, enhance public outreach and educate high risk areas of the wildland-urban interface.

In a public notice announcing the plan update process, Navajo County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Jason Whiting said, “We never want to experience another Rodeo-Chediski or Wallow Fire, and preparation is the key to avoiding those catastrophic conditions. Updating the Protection Plans is a big step in the right direction, but we need the local communities to be more ‘firewise’ and involved in the process as well.”

More than half of the region’s public wildland fires are human-caused, with the remainder ignited by lightning.

But no matter how a fire begins, the ongoing dryness of the forests insures trouble. Local leaders in the rural mountain areas of Navajo County know that for fire prevention efforts to succeed they will need the help of residents and visitors alike.

They also know that fire “seasons” are getting longer – starting earlier and running later – as precipitation patterns change.

It will take a permanent community-wide vigilance to keep major wildland fires from becoming annual events in Arizona’s forests. Navajo County has been burned enough in the past, and residents want to keep it from happening again.

NINTH ANNUAL MESA ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

FREE TO THE PUBLIC 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

October 2016 - April 2017 Every 1st & 3rd Saturday Main & N Macdonald Street Downtown Mesa, Arizona

For Green Living’s climate change series, each month we will focus on one of Arizona’s 15 counties and how climate change is affecting it specifically.

Next month’s installment will focus on Pima County.

David A. Schaller is a retired environmental scientist living in Tucson where he writes on climate, water and energy security.

Main photo by Aaron Rayburn Photography.

Read more environment articles at greenlivingaz.com/environment

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April 2017 | greenliving

19

REDUCING WASTE

STARDUST BUILDING SUPPLIES CELEBRATES

20 YEARS AND 80 MILLION POUNDS

DIVERTED FROM LANDFILLS

BY AMANDA HARVEY

S

tardust Building Supplies has grown from humble beginnings since its inception two decades ago. For thousands of locals, Stardust’s three Valley home improvement thrift stores are an affordable resource for their home remodels and fun DIY projects. Countless others have used Stardust’s free deconstruction services during their own remodels or have donated items to their stores.

Founded by local philanthropist Jerry Bisgrove in 1997, Stardust’s impact on the Phoenix Metropolitan area has been astronomical. In 20 years they have diverted nearly 80 million pounds of usable building materials from the landfill, served over one million customers, and through their Gifts In Kind program have provided nearly $21 million of household items to hundreds of nonprofit organizations.

“There is great power in reuse to improve our neighborhoods and our community, and I’m proud to lead an organization that has had such a tremendous impact on metro Phoenix over the past 20 years,” said Karen Jayne, CEO of Stardust Building Supplies.

In the beginning, Bisgrove worked with a local businessman named Tom Fraker who had previous experience on Wall Street. The two hashed out business details on the back of a napkin in a Phoenix restaurant in the late 90s. “It was based on the premise that Arizona has one of the lowest landfill costs in the country,” Fraker explained.

20 greenliving | April 2017

“People would literally tear something down, put it at the curb, or haul it out in a truck to the landfill. There was no thought about doing that because the cost of putting that stuff into the landfill was small.” Fraker and Bisgrove’s goal was to create a way for items that were not being used to be recycled into homes where they would be used, thereby keeping them out of the landfill.

To celebrate this growing list of achievements, Stardust will host Salvage This! on Friday, April 28, at their Mesa warehouse. Guests will enjoy beer and wine tastings, appetizers from Titina’s Catering and others, hands-on upcycling projects and a silent auction. Guests will also receive a commemorative book with favorite DIY projects and Stardust’s reuse impact over the years.

“For every person who knows about us, there’s a person that’s never heard of us. Salvage This! provides another opportunity for us to educate the public about what we do, the resources we provide, the benefit we have on the community, and the impact we’re making,” said Jayne. “It’s also a lot of fun – bring a friend, grab a drink, explore the reuse warehouse and create!”

Jerry Bisgrove will also be honored for his dedication to the organization’s mission and is “looking forward to announcing the establishment of an endowment that will help ensure the stability of Stardust Building Supplies and the legacy created by my wife, Debi, and I 20 years ago,” he said.

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REDUCING WASTE

STARDUST

TIMELINE 1997: Stardust Building Supplies is incorporated as a nonprofit reuse organization.

1998: First Stardust Building Supplies warehouse opens south of Indian School on 28th Ave. 2001: Stardust receives Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant and begins deconstruction services.

2009: Stardust receives Nina Mason Pulliam grant to add third reuse center.

2012: Stardust begins Gifts In Kind program in partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way. Stardust CEO Karen Jayne (far right) with staff.

There is still a very big need for this type of outlet to keep reusable building materials out of the landfill. According to the EPA, in 2014, 534 million tons of construction and demolition debris were generated in the U.S., more than twice the amount of generated municipal waste. Demolition also represents more than 90 percent of the total debris generation, while construction represents less than 10.

Through their free deconstruction service and by providing customers with affordable used building supplies, Stardust is keeping these usable items out of the landfill.

Jayne also has plans to work with Arizona’s cities and large demolition projects to make an even bigger impact in the coming years. “I would like to see Stardust become the convener for reuse in our community,” she said. “We need to strengthen relationships now so when city, state and county municipalities start to think about large-scale projects we can be at the table as a partner helping to reduce project costs, and ultimately reducing the cost to the taxpayer by putting reusable material to good use,” she continued.

2013: Stardust receives the Environmental Achievement Award from the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region in recognition of its commitment to zero waste and reuse.

2015: Gifts In Kind program distributes $4.7 million worth of goods to 120,000 individuals served by 275 nonprofit organizations.

2017: CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY AND HIT MILESTONE OF NEARLY 80 MILLION POUNDS OF USABLE BUILDING MATERIALS SAVED FROM THE LANDFILL.

For more on Stardust Building Supplies and to attend the Salvage This! event on April 28, visit stardustbuilding.org.

Main photo by Vince Alfaro.

Read more about reducing waste at greenlivingaz.com/reducewaste

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April 2017 | greenliving

21

ARCHITECTURE

BY DAVID M. BROWN

T

his home soars.

At 124 feet, Falcon Nest is the country’s tallest singlefamily house. It was designed by Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal, AIA, and built beside 6,514-foot Thumb DAVID M. BROWN Butte in Prescott, Arizona.

Completed in 1994, the 4,362-square-foot mid-rise home, also known as the Palsolaral House, exemplified passive solar design almost a quartercentury ago. The lessons of this mountainside home resonate today, as 21st Century technology vigorously promotes passive solar as well as other alternative power sources. The awardwinning Prescott home was featured on HGTV’s Extreme Homes in 1994 and has often appeared on local television and in Arizona and national publications.

The 10-story home rests on 1.08 undulating acres of unseamed granite about seven miles north of downtown’s famous Whiskey Row. When Pal began the process of design approval, he vigorously negotiated with the city for zoning Falcon Nest as three stories in a community where neighboring homes top out at 35 feet.

“We called it ‘Falcon Nest’ because falcons generally nest just below the eagles, which need the top branches to spread their large wings,” Pal explained. “For us, the top of Thumb

22 greenliving | April 2017

Butte is the eagle’s nest, and we are just below that on the next tier of branches. We are the falcons.” In fact, the summit of Thumb Butte is often unofficially closed to help protect falcons during winter mating season.

Because of the height of the tower, the home uses solar energy and air currents through the chimney effect of convection. This creates warmth on cold Prescott winter nights and cools the home in summer when daytime temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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ARCHITECTURE

“Falcon Nest is the only building on Earth with its own ventilating, airconditioning and heating system, which is unique in all respects,” said Pal, who designed the multi-use home as a getaway, work studio and art gallery. Pal explains that Falcon Nest does not have a manmade cooling and heating system and traditional ductwork. “The house is designed like a standard system, but the tower itself is the supply duct, and the stairwell is the return. The building works as a ductwork system, with louvers at each level delivering currents of air.” Pal plans to install an energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning system to increase year-round comfort as well as fan circulators at each level to disperse the cooled air.

Beginning at the ground level, the home has 135 stairs, including four sets of circular staircases to the two levels and the tower pinnacle. A hydraulic elevator provides a less strenuous ascent from the garage level to the sixth floor.

That central level is the 2,000-square-foot solarium, the everyday living area, designed around two matching bedrooms: one looking up through a glass roof to the granite outcrops of Thumb Butte and the other out to northern Arizona, including the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff. On a cloudless day, the views from Falcon Nest exceed 120 miles, and, as you ascend to the top, they are even more impressive.

YOUR GOALS MATTER. That’s why we listen and bring customized, flexible solutions to help you get there.

Right Place, Right Time Pal visited 200 lots in Arizona before choosing this one. Of course, the view toward Thumb Butte and out 100-plus miles across northern Arizona was compelling, allowing him to create his own hill adjacent to the natural one.

So, too, was the granite foundation. The home rests on a small 24x24-foot concrete base, unanchored to it, standing by gravity only. “In the event of an earthquake – although Prescott is in a very seismically secure area – the more tied to the ground a building is, the more damage,” Pal said. “This building will stay as it is and absorb the shock.”

In addition, although it encompasses more than 5,000 square feet, the home is taxed on just the small footprint. And, by keeping this small, he was able to separate this home from his neighbors’ homes, while ensuring he could obtain the maximum height for the best chimney effect. “Height is the magic; the higher you go, the better it is for convection to work,” Pal said.

Falcon Nest immediately excited people’s imaginations and continues to do so. “Anybody can really apply the same principles,” he explained. “If the cities relax some code restrictions, then people can build more passive solar, energy-efficient homes and use ambient air, when available, for economy and improved lifestyle.”

Watch an interview with the architect and site video on Vimeo: vimeo.com/208771980.

Your business matters.

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David Brown is an Arizona-based writer at azwriter.com.

Author photo by Rick Carter. Prescott home photos by Tour Factory Read more architecture articles at greenlivingaz.com/architecture

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Alliance Bank of Arizona, a division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.

April 2017 | greenliving

23

FINANCIAL

WHERE YOUR HOME IS

BY KIMBER LANNING

T

he federal government recently issued a state-by-state analysis of economic recovery showing states that recovered the most quickly and that reached pre-recession levels of economic strength. Arizona finished last, meaning we were the last state to KIMBER LANNING recover from the great recession.

There are many reasons for this lackluster state economy recovery, but one likely contributor that receives little attention is our collective banking habits. Arizonans have deposited 93 percent of our money into out of state banks. Of that money, about 70 percent of it ($80 billion) is in three big banks that have almost no local decision-making regarding lending.

Recent national reports show that big banks are at 23.7 percent loan approval for small businesses from a low point of just 13 percent in 2012. There are many reasons that number is still low, not the least of which is that big banks don’t offer any local decision making. All loan decisions at these big banks are made in the bank’s home state by people who don’t necessarily understand our local market and who have little personal relationships with the local business owners here in Arizona.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need to have access to capital in order to sustain themselves to grow their companies, hire more people and buy and sell more goods and services. When their access to capital is limited or even stifled, they are unable to grow their companies, hire new people, or increase their spending. This limit doesn’t just impact businesses; it impacts everyone in the community when we have lost opportunities, smaller tax revenues, and fewer jobs. While our economy looks strong today, we need to work hard to build the infrastructure to withstand any future recession. In order to stimulate our continued on page 26

This chart shows the percentage of money distributed in bank type for each county in Arizona. Information from the 2015 Summary of Deposits (SOD) survey.

24 greenliving | April 2017

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April 2017 | greenliving

25

FINANCIAL

This economic recovery graph shows states that recovered the most quickly (in blue) and that reached pre-recession levels of economic strength. Arizona finished last, meaning we were the last state to recover from the great recession.

2014 COUNTY ECONOMIC TRACKER RECOVERED ON # INDICATORS

*county data is unavailable if the county is colored grey continued from page 24

economy, we need ample access to small business loans from bankers that care about the long-term health of the businesses and community.

Arizona’s Community Banks have remained committed and supportive through the tough times. When a community bank receives more local deposits, it has more local money to lend right here in Arizona where they are chartered. In addition, when we have locals making the decisions about lending, more money gets out into the community because loans don’t have to fit in a box – community banks can be creative and come up with catered solutions for each business. This kind of relationship between business owner and local banker is the difference between thriving communities and those that are stifled and slow to grow.

An estimated seven million people have moved their money out of big banks in the past few years, and municipal leaders are shifting their financial decision-making in major ways with cities like Seattle and Davis divesting from Wells Fargo.

Banking locally is a growing strategy to keep your money where your home is.

Use these steps as a guideline when you’re ready to move your money to a community bank or credit union.

banking, business banking, investing, loans) and do your research to find a few options that might be the best fit for you.

STEP 2: CONTACT & MEET WITH A REPRESENTATIVE Once you’ve honed in on the banks or credit unions you think will be the best fit for your needs, contact them to set up a meeting with a representative. A face-to-face conversation is really the best way to determine what will ultimately be the right decision for you.

STEP 3: MAKE A DECISION AND MOVE YOUR MONEY! After meeting with the potential banks or credit unions, now it’s time to make a decision on where to put your money. They’ll let you know the next steps to completing the switch.

Local First Arizona’s directory has a great selection of local banks and credit unions to choose from. Visit localfirstaz.com/banking for more.

Kimber Lanning is a small business owner and the founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization working to strengthen Arizona’s economy.

Recovery Map courtesy of National Association of Counties (NACo).

STEP 1: DEFINE YOUR NEEDS & DO YOUR RESEARCH There is a diverse array of local banks and credit unions in Arizona. Determine what your banking needs are (personal 26 greenliving | April 2017

Are You Banking Locally? chart designed by Veronica Wierer.

See more financial articles at greenlivingaz.com/financial

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BUSINESS

5 IDEAS FOR

ECO-MINDED ENTREPRENEURS

BY AARON FERNANDO

M

any times, the best business ideas have a “Why-didn’tI-think-of-that?” factor to them. This quality may seem elusive, but there are patterns of thinking that can be used to discover these sustainable, elegant, market-based AARON FERNANDO solutions. Here are a few trends and ways of thinking about problems to spark some ideas for the eco-minded entrepreneur.

USE WASTE AS A PRODUCTIVE RESOURCE Taking a sustainability lesson from nature, we see that the concept of waste is a particularly human idea. In any ecosystem, the byproducts of one organism will always get used productively by another organism somewhere else.

When businesses do this, it’s called upcycling – converting discarded items and waste into something of higher value.

From furniture companies using discarded cardboard to startups creating fertilizer from coffee grounds, waste never has to go to waste. Often times these resources are free or businesses may even pay to get rid of them.

MATCH UNUSED RESOURCES WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS Most privately-owned goods are not used to their full potential. When someone buys a vacation home, they don’t use it all the time. Enabling that space to be used while owners are away can benefit both the owner and other users.

This is precisely what a company like Airbnb does: matches an unused (or underused) resource with a virtual community by creating a marketplace.

There are still plenty of these market gaps that have not been filled. Cities around the world – including Phoenix – have lending libraries for tools and other items, which directly results in less consumption and waste. Yet, as in any industry, there are likely to be other under-used resources that can be utilized by creating a community and marketplace.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ABUNDANT RESOURCES Sustainable solutions are not one-size-fits-all, and what works best will change depending on location. In Arizona, we have a particular set of abundant resources, one of which really stands out: sunlight.

28 greenliving | April 2017

There are less obvious abundant materials that can be found with a little digging. Local incubator SEED SPOT provides support for social ventures, and one of these ventures, EcoBlock, takes advantage of the quality of Arizona earth to create materials for energy-efficient housing.

LISTEN TO THE MARKET According to Lauren McDanell, director of entrepreneur initiatives at SEED SPOT, a critical quality for social entrepreneurs is the ability to tweak and refine ideas as they move forward.

“One thing that I always see as a positive attribute is the ability to be agile and respond to the market and their customers as they receive feedback,” McDanell said.

“Sometimes the solution that they build ends up solving the problem in a very different way than what they first thought of.” As with anything, creating successful sustainable solutions requires ample adaptability.

USE GAMES AS INCENTIVES Regardless of age, people love games. If something requires additional effort for the customer, making the effort into a game can turn it into something enjoyable.

Certain grocery stores offer a small discount for bringing in a reusable bag. This lowers costs for the grocery store and reduces waste, but isn’t always a powerful enough incentive to get customers to change behavior. But some companies, like Trader Joe’s, use a lottery system to motivate customers instead of a guaranteed discount, which changes the psychology of sustainable behavior.

This same idea could be applied to other disposable goods – like coffee cups – and other games can be applied across industries. After all, no one ever said sustainability couldn’t be fun or exciting.

Aaron Fernando is a freelance writer with a passion for working on projects that strengthen communities and regions in innovative ways. He writes about local movements, new economy initiatives, and behavioral economics. Aaron grew up in the Valley, lives in Gilbert, and can be reached at aarondfernando@gmail.com.

Find more business articles at greenlivingaz.com/business

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LEADERSHIP

NEW FELLOWSHIP INNOVATES TO

SOLVE GLOBAL CHALLENGES

BY JAMEY ANDERSON

R

educing carbon pollution. Protecting vulnerable species. Ensuring food supplies.

The world’s most difficult challenges require its most brilliant minds. That is the belief behind a new multimillion-dollar fellowship launched by the global nonprofit Conservation International (CI) in February in Menlo Park, California.

The Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship, named for founders Dr. Yvonne L.K. Lui and Melani and Rob Walton, brings together world leaders with some of the most innovative minds in conservation. The inaugural class of fellows recognizes 15 experts from 11 countries with diverse backgrounds – from world leaders to first-in-class scientists and conservationists – all dedicated to saving nature and building a healthier, more productive planet.

“Thirty years ago, CI was founded with a commitment to bring new ideas to the world of international conservation,” said CI Chairman and CEO Peter Seligmann. “The Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship honors that tradition by linking rising stars in science and technology with seasoned leaders from government and civil society. We are grateful to the leadership of Dr. Yvonne Lui and Melani and Rob Walton for establishing this visionary program.”

The inaugural Fellows class includes Distinguished Fellows Christiana Figueres, former executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change; Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, former president of Iceland and chairman of the Arctic Circle; and Anote Tong, former president of Kiribati and head of Pacific Rising, an organization dedicated to helping the people of the low-lying Pacific island adapt and thrive in the face of rising sea levels caused by climate change.

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Other fellows are recognized experts in building sustainable economies, leveraging finance to preserve nature, supporting environmentally friendly agriculture and stopping wildlife trafficking. Additional candidates are currently being recruited who have expertise in environmental conservation in Hong Kong and China and on protecting tropical forests to combat climate change.

“The environmental challenges that we face in our home countries require both local and global sustainable solutions,” said Lui, founder of the Yvonne L.K. Lui Foundation. “I’m inspired by and proud to support this exceptional group of international Fellows in their efforts to safeguard the future of our planet and look forward to seeing the impact of the Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship in China, and throughout the world.”

“I am very impressed with the depth of leadership and fresh thinking represented in this diverse and talented inaugural class of Fellows,” said Rob Walton, chairman of the board (retired) for Walmart Stores. “I believe unleashing human ingenuity is key to protecting our natural resources and helping create sustainable solutions for our future. Our Fellows Initiative is off to a great start, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship, visit conservation.org.

Jamey Anderson is a senior writer at the global nonprofit Conservation International. He has spent his career working to protect some of the most spectacular places in the western United States and around the world.

Read more leadership articles at greenlivingaz.com/leadership

April 2017 | greenliving

29

BUSINESS

5WORKPLACE TIPS TO INCREASE TIME MANAGEMENT

BY MARGO BROWN

W

e all get 24 hours in a day.

Making those 24 hours work for us in terms of productivity is an ever-elusive Holy Grail. The problem is, you’re not really managing time. What you are managing is you. Once you realize the MARGO BROWN power is in your hands to manage your hours, it becomes easier to manage your workload. Below are five tips to help you to take control of your day and maximize your productivity so you can have a better time at work.

1

DECREASE INTERRUPTIONS. When we toggle between screens, actions and devices, we’re constantly interrupted by notifications, emails, phone calls or texts. This makes it difficult to dive deep into projects. Just when we think we’re getting somewhere, a new screen pops up and stalls our action. These interruptions increase stress and dissolve productivity by making us feel busy without achieving much.

To gain more focus, turn off devices and shut off all pop-up windows and notifications.

2

GET CLARITY. Many times, we are unsure of what the next step should be. By not prioritizing tasks and defining the next action, productivity stalls. To get clarity, you may need to meet with your supervisor or boss and simply ask. If you are the boss, determining the next action on a project, getting clarity, and moving on to the next step will get you the results you want.

3

GET PRODUCTIVE, NOT BUSY. It’s tempting to start with the easiest items on your to-do list just to check off boxes.

However, to get out of busy mode and be truly productive, think quality over quantity. Ask yourself which actions will help accomplish your revenue goal? What actions will bring more peace, money, or whatever it is you’re working towards?

4

STAY AWARE OF TIME AND ITS PASSAGE. It’s difficult to manage time when you aren’t sure what time it is. I once worked with a client who was continually late for meetings, so we got him a watch, a desk clock and a large wall clock. These simple changes provided the reminders he needed to shift his attention and be on time. If time is stalling your productivity, make sure you have several clocks, large and small, throughout your workspace, and set alarms if you need to.

5

BATCH TASKS. You can group similar tasks or actions together. Often, those similar tasks require the same resources and the same set up. Rather than racing back and forth between separate errands, strategize your productivity so you go through similar items on your list in one block of time.

You can run your day or your day can run you. These techniques can help you better manage the way you work.

Margo Brown is a Productivity Coach with Wave Productivity. She works with entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals to help them get more focused, organized and productive in their workplace.

Learn more by visiting waveproductivity.com. Contact Margo at 602-6778275 or email margo@waveproductivity.com.

Find more business articles at greenlivingaz.com/business

30 greenliving | April 2017

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Every year the USGBC Arizona community comes together to celebrate the leadership of Arizona building owners, designers and construction professionals who achieve LEED certification at the Heavy Medals Awards Luncheon.

Achievement of LEED certification demonstrates a commitment to greater energy, water and waste savings, and improves the health and wellbeing of building occupants and the surrounding environment.

On April 19, the community is privileged to host Mark Hartman, chief sustainability officer for the City of Phoenix, as the keynote speaker at the luncheon. After Mark’s presentation, the community will honor the winners of the 2017 Arizona Leader Awards, recognizing buildings in the state that raised the bar for sustainable design in the past year.

Join USGBC in congratulating the 2017 Arizona Leader Award Winners!

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32 greenliving | April 2017

CLIMATE CHAMPION: Northern Arizona University International Pavilion For a LEED certified project that demonstrates unique design solutions to address the particular concerns of building in the Arizona climate.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: ASU Sun Devil Fitness Complex - Downtown Phoenix Campus For a LEED certified project that addresses the needs of an underserved community, meeting USGBC’s vision of healthy and sustainable buildings for all.

BUILDING PERFORMANCE: University of Arizona Old Main Renovation For a LEED certified Existing Buildings project that demonstrates a significant increase in building performance through the implementation of sustainable design solutions.

GREEN SCHOOLS: Arizona Coding Academy For a K-12 school that demonstrates sustainable leadership in facility operations and student/ community engagement.

JUDGE’S CHOICE AWARD: Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona For their commitment to LEED certification and bringing healthier, more energy efficient homes to all.

Currently, there are more than 550 LEED commercial projects in the state of Arizona totaling 60,809,310 square feet. LEED construction projects in the state of Arizona will contribute 78,000 jobs, $4.56 billion in labor earnings and $6.8 billion to the GDP between 2015 and 2018.

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March launch party Thank you to everyone who attended our March issue launch party at Benedictine University in Mesa! We had a great group of like-minded attendees and loved partnering with downtown Mesa local businesses.

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April 2017 | greenliving

37

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

MAKE BIKE MONTH EVERY MONTH

BY THE MARICOPA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS IN COOPERATION WITH VALLEY METRO

E

very day, Mesa resident Greg Davies gears up for his morning commute. He takes a sip of his coffee, buckles his helmet, zips up his jersey, fills his backpack and rides his bike to work – something he’s been doing for more than 15 years. “I live by a simple motto: live to bike, work to live and bike to work. It’s never failed me, so I just keep doing it,” Davies said.

Davies is one of hundreds of people in Maricopa County who commute to work on a bicycle. In fact, four percent of Valley residents walk or bike to work or school one or more days a week.

With April being Valley Bike Month, expect even more people to share in Davies’ daily experience. The month provides residents and visitors with numerous community bicycle rides, festivals and other bike-friendly events. Davies takes part in several of these events and leads the Scottsdale Bike to Work Day. In addition to Scottsdale, “bike to work” days take place all over the Valley from the west side to the east side and, of course, the central city of Phoenix.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), is a strong proponent of biking to work and for recreation. MAG develops bicycle plans for the region to design safer bicycling opportunities. It also produces the region’s Bikeways map, which is available online at azmag.gov/bike.

“When you get on your bicycle, you experience the great weather and beauty the Valley has to offer, you stop at local small businesses you might never have encountered driving

38 greenliving | April 2017

by in a car, and you make an investment in your health,” said Mayor Stanton. Every April, Stanton leads hundreds of participants on a bike to work ride beginning at Park Central Mall and ending at CityScape in downtown Phoenix to celebrate Phoenix Bike to Work Day. Mayor Stanton says using bicycles as an alternative form of transportation improves health, saves money, reduces stress, and helps residents discover new places and meet new people in their community. Bikes also create zero emissions, which is important for the environment.

“Phoenix and the region are committed to creating transportation facilities that ease congestion and clean up the air. We know that human-powered ways of getting around, such as bicycling, lead to a better quality of life,” Stanton said.

Valley Bike Month is sponsored by the region’s public transit authority, Valley Metro. Events include dozens of rides, races, parties and contests. The month is also used to promote programs such as finding a bicycling partner, how to rent a public bike, and more.

For more information on Valley Bike Month and events happening in your city or town, visit sharetheride.com. For more information on bicycle planning in the region, visit azmag.gov and valleymetro.org.

Find more active lifestyle articles at greenlivingaz.com/activelifestyle

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April 2017 | greenliving

39

GREEN THUMB

MASTER GARDENER MONTHLY

GET YOUR GARDEN SUMMER-READY

BY KELLY MURRAY YOUNG

A

pril is a bittersweet month for those of us who live in the Sonoran Desert. We try to live in the moment, savoring April’s warm days and cool nights and pushing thoughts of the coming summer out of our heads.

The heat is coming, like it or not, but we can use this Earth Day to spring into action in the garden. Here are a few things you can do in your yard this month to have a better summer: PLANT A NATIVE SHADE TREE Given ample room and minimal care, Sonoran Desert natives like velvet mesquite, desert willow, ironwood and canyon hackberry will provide cool shade for hot exposures. Dig the hole as wide as you can (at least twice the diameter of the container), but no deeper than the root ball. Only use native soil to backfill and be careful to not compact the soil. The warm, sunny, and windy days of April have a strong drying effect, so make sure the roots don’t dry out.

REGENERATE GARDEN SOIL BY PLANTING COVER CROPS If you are a home gardener, you might consider using the hot season to boost soil health by planting cowpeas or Sudangrass.

Cowpeas add 100-150 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre, the equivalent of 2,500-3,750 pounds of chicken manure! Chop up cowpeas and work them into the soil before they set seed.

Sudangrass thrives in extreme summer heat and will produce large amounts of beneficial organic matter. When using any cover crop, kill and work them into the soil at least 30 days before planting your fall garden for maximum benefit.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT There are several nutritious options available to gardeners these days that thrive in the heat and add interest to the garden and table. Malabar spinach is an underutilized

40 greenliving | April 2017

green vine with delicious, succulent leaves that don’t shrink significantly when cooked like many of the more well-known greens. Train it up a trellis to maximize space and shade crops sensitive to sunburn. Purslane, although considered a weed by some, is regarded as a valuable food crop to many others.

Packed with vitamins A and C and omega-3 fatty acids, this heat-loving groundcover has a slightly salty flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.

MULCH. MULCH. MULCH Adding at least four inches of mulch on top of soil is one of the best practices we can use to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds and prevent soil compaction. Although decomposed granite is considered mulch, organic mulches offer additional benefits to landscapes. As wood chips, pine needles and other organic mulches decompose, they release nutrients into the soil. You can buy bagged organic mulches in stores or you can ask a tree care company to deliver a load to your home. Many companies will deliver freshly chipped mulch for free, thereby bypassing the landfill.

Don’t mix mulches into garden soil, as this will cause a temporary shortage of nitrogen, which can stunt or kill young garden plants.

For more information and for what to plant in April, ask a Master Gardener! Call the “Plant Help Desk” at 602-827-8201 or email maricopacountyplanthotline@gmail.com.

Kelly Murray Young is an Agroecology Extension Agent for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and a member of the Maricopa County Food System Coalition. Kelly works with Master Gardeners, commercial landscapers and urban farmers.

Read more about gardening at greenlivingaz.com/greenthumb

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41

42 greenliving | April 2017

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BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW:

“TANGO WITH CANCER:

MY PERILOUS DANCE WITH

HEALTHCARE & HEALING” BOOK BY APRYL ALLEN REVIEW BY KAMILLA GRAHAM

A

passion for life is tangible in Apryl Allen – you see it in her work and you hear it in her voice. A former Ms. Arizona and award-winning musical talent, Apryl is a powerful voice in her community. Apryl’s music tells the stories and the history of a culture that is stunning in its depth.

Recently, she added “author” to her list of talents with the publication of her book “Tango With Cancer: My Perilous Dance with Healthcare & Healing.”

While composing a musical to bring the stories she tells in her music to the stage, Apryl received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Never a person to allow a health misfortune shade her dreams, Apryl switched her focus to her treatment. In her mind, she chose to approach cancer as a business: treat it and move on. She never had any intentions to share her story. However, her experiences became a tale of a journey through the healthcare system. Loved ones would call to see how she was feeling, and she found herself repeating the same thing over and over again; soon she looked for another way to share her updates.

“I didn’t want to keep repeating myself, so I started to send an email updating people,” Apryl said. “It started out with a list of about 15 people, but by the time I went through the whole process the list was close to 200.” She began sharing her frustrations, finding an outlet and release in an unexpected place. They varied in length, but Apryl’s emails became a place to connect and find information for many people. The rumblings of “author” started to shine, and the emails became less of a journal and more of a story.

Apryl laughed when she shared that, at the advice of a medicine man, she gave her cancer a name. It was dubbed “Jorge,” and her oncologist became the “mad scientist,” and slowly her journey became an engaging tale that so many people found they could relate to.

“Tango With Cancer” isn’t about surviving breast cancer, it is the less-told story about surviving and navigating the way the healthcare world treats people; a world that so many people don’t know unless they find themselves in the alternate world of a health misfortune. Her journey is not an autobiography, but a relatable story about navigating a situation with many unforeseen challenges. Apryl was told over and over again that every person’s cancer is different, yet she felt that everyone was treated with the same protocol. She discovered that other patients were faced with the same frustrations.

Apryl is now free of cancer, but she understands that so many people are facing the disease and the frustrating world of healthcare. Her hope is that this book falls into the hands of not only those who are on this health journey, but also into the hands of those who provide treatment so that it begins a dialogue for the future of healthcare.

For more on Apryl Allen and her book, visit aprylallen.com.

Kamilla Graham is an Arizona native and avid NPR listener who enjoys rediscovering the world with her kids and husband.

For more book reviews visit greenlivingaz.com/bookreviews

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April 2017 | greenliving

43

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

EXPERIENCE AN EARTH DAY

GETAWAY IN COTTONWOOD

BY JULIANA BRUTSCHE

L

ooking for a staycation and a great way to celebrate Earth Day this year? Head to the Verde Valley for a weekend of wine, art and earthy fun! The Verde Valley Arts Council will host its inaugural Old Town Arts Festival on Saturday, April 22 from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

The event will feature fine arts, selected fine crafts from Arizona artists, as well as live entertainment, wine tasting by local wineries, and farm to table demonstrations. The Manheim Gallery and ARC Contemporary Fine Art will be open to the public, with additional exhibits and interactive experiences outside the building. Old Town Center for the Arts (OTCA) will also be hosting the world-class Japanese Taiko drummer Ken Koshio & Kenzoo’s Celebration of the Earth as the headliner concert at 7:00 p.m.

Other activities include a Trash to Treasure fashion show that will feature recycled, repurposed, and reclaimed clothing and fabrics to delight festivalgoers; a “Trash-o-saurus” art exhibit; “Color Me Cottonwood” community mural; family kayaking excursions; and more. To put some spice and taste into the festival offerings, local chef Chris Dobrowolski will host a “Chopped” competition with locally grown produce and micro-greens to kick off his newly-opened restaurant, The Muse Bistro, located in the front cottage of the OTCA complex.

There is no better way to quench your appetite for local food, arts, and entertainment than a weekend getaway to the hidden gem of Cottonwood. Located just 100 miles north of Phoenix in the beautiful Verde Valley, Cottonwood is the “heart of Arizona’s wine country,” boasting multiple vineyards and tasting rooms. Local award winning wineries include Winery 101, Pillsbury Wine Company, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Fire Mountain Wines, Burning Tree Cellars, Caduceus Cellars, and Alcantara Winery. Don’t worry, beer lovers – Cottonwood has got you covered, too! Walk to

44 greenliving | April 2017

Bootlegger’s Saloon and RIOT in Old Town or cruise a short distance to THAT Brewery.

If that is not enough to whet your appetite, check out all the great local restaurants located within walking distance of the festival: Tavern Grill, Crema Café, Red Rooster Cafe, Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House, Pizzeria Bocce, Bing’s Burgers, Thai Palace, Merkin Vineyards Osteria, Abbie’s Fine Foods & Catering, Hog Wild BBQ, Kactus Kate’s Saloon, Old Town Café, Paradise Point Café, RIOT in Old Town, 3 Kings Kasbar & Epiphany on Pima, Wild Rose Tea House, or Colt 804 Grill.

All this action comes with a small-town Main Street vibe that is relaxed but pleasantly sophisticated. After you get your fill of food and spirits, take a stroll and enjoy all the great local shops and galleries – you won’t be disappointed!

Settle in for your Old Town Cottonwood adventure at one of the many local boutique hotels or vacation rentals right on Main Street, such as The Tavern Hotel, The Historic Cottonwood Hotel, The Iron Horse Inn, or The Bottle Tree Inn. For more on the Old Town Arts Festival, visit oldtownartsfest.com.

Juliana Brutsche is certified in Creative Placemaking. She is a successful arts and culture grant writer and fundraiser for non-profits and municipalities, specializing in community building and economic development. Her focus is on grass roots initiatives that emphasize diversity, social justice and service to rural and under served communities or groups throughout the state of Arizona. She is an active member of Arizona Association for Economic Development and AZ Town Hall. She is a Founding Member and Director of the Verde Valley Arts Council.

Find more arts and entertainment articles at greenlivingaz.com/ artsentertainment

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April 2017 | greenliving

45

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ARTIST KATHLEEN WERNER

LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION WITH ETAZIN

BY JENNIFER GARTNER

K

athleen Werner is the creator of Etazin, a spectacular piece of art that remains housed on the Taliesin West campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in Scottsdale. Etazin serves both as a functional chair and a stunning visual JENNIFER GARTNER display that spans a massive eightand-a-half feet tall and eight feet wide.

The chair consists of several steel rings, which are mobile and able to turn. The piece resembles an elegant gyroscope that stands against a lush desert backdrop. Werner states that, “After designing and fabricating this chair, the school decided to have it as a permanent installation on the grounds. They do tours daily of the student shelters out in the desert, and the Etazin chair is a wonderful part of the tour. Adults and children alike love sitting in the chair and spinning around and taking pictures. It is a big hit!”

Werner recounts her earliest experience as an artist to back when she was a child. She recalls summers spent with her uncle – a master bookbinder. “I used to help him out in his little shop at the old Mission Mill in Salem, Oregon,” she explained. “One of the things he taught me was how to marble paper. I loved how we were able to move the dyes around, creating these beautiful organic patterns. The style of artwork I do, although much grander, has a hint of that ageold technique.”

Later in life, she began her career as an interior designer.

She says that when she couldn’t find the right piece of artwork for a wall she would often just create one herself. “It wasn’t until I came to NYC that I decided to get a studio space and focus on a collection,” she said.

Werner attended an immersion program in Scottsdale at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in 2014. The program lasts two months, but Werner stayed four months to complete the Etazin project. “It was hard to leave at all; I really fell in love with the school and the people…if I had the intention of being an architect, I would have been thrilled to stay another three years,” Werner said.

Currently, Werner is working on a series of large Geotic paintings for a show in Manhattan at the end of April. “I transitioned to doing paintings when I moved to NYC after my stint at Taliesin. I make almost all of my canvases by hand, but I believe they come out feeling much more substantial,” she said.

She speaks fondly of times spent flying with her father, a pilot. “Flying with my father gave me a different perspective, and I doubt my style of artwork would exist without these experiences. For me, it was staring down at these beautiful, natural landscapes…it was that intense awe and peace I felt that I hope to impart on my viewers.” Furthermore, she emphasizes that her paintings “are to highlight the beauty of the earth, and it is very important to me to do what I can to help to preserve that.”

In addition to the installation at Taliesin West, Werner has left her mark on Arizona with another sculpture, a square-shaped lounge chair called Etazin Square, which is on permanent art collection at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa in Gainey Village. A third Etazin design and location will be announced in 2017.

For more on Kathleen Werner, visit kathleenwerner.com.

Jennifer Gartner is a high school English teacher in her daily life. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, camping, and anything that relates to preserving and maintaining natural resources. She likes to freelance write and sometimes indulges in fiction for fun. She lives in Phoenix.

Find more arts and entertainment articles at greenlivingaz.com/ artsentertainment

Pictured top: Kathleen Werner’s canvas paintings.

Pictured below: Kathleen Werner and the Etazin sculpture at the Taliesin West campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

46 greenliving | April 2017

greenlivingaz.com

RECIPES

CAULI-POPS RECIPE AND IMAGE COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS

THESE STUNNING CAULIFLOWER POPS are the perfect party snack! Winner of the “Excellence in Presentation” award at the Devour Culinary Classic.

INGREDIENTS: 1 head cauliflower, your choice of color 1 clove garlic, mashed or finely minced 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 egg yolk 1 whole egg 1 cup EVOO Salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS: 1. Take one head of cauliflower and cut down into bite-size pieces with small stalks.

2. Blanch florets by boiling in salted water for 5-7 minutes or until tender and then plunge into an ice bath.

3. Thread cauliflower stems onto wooden skewers so each resembles a lollipop.

4. Roast or sauté in olive oil to get caramelized and brown.

5. Let cool, then dip each cauli-pop into lemon aioli (directions below).

6. Finish with your favorite garnish, such as crispy onions, thinly sliced cilantro and chili powder.

Directions for lemon aioli: 1. Mix together garlic, Dijon mustard, egg yolk and egg.

While whisking ingredients, slowly drizzle in EVOO to make mayonnaise-type dressing.

2. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Chill for 30 minutes to let set.

WHITE SOY MARINATED

SEA BASS WITH PICKLED FENNEL AND PINE NUT PESTO

RECIPE COURTESY OF MEAGHAN MCNULTY, T. COOK’S SOUS CHEF

IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS AT dinner parties this spring with a tangy yet sophisticated white soy marinated sea bass. This dish won runner-up for “Excellence in Taste” at the Devour Culinary Classic.

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups rice wine 2 cups white soy 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. garlic, chopped 1/2 cup jalapenos, sliced 1 cup distilled vinegar 1 cup lime juice 1 cup rice vinegar 6 oz. sea bass

For Pesto: 2 cups apple cider vinegar 2 cups champagne vinegar 2 cups sugar 2 cups toasted pine nuts 2 cups fennel

DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut seabass into very thin slices.

2. Mix together ingredients for marinade.

3. Pour mixture over sea bass and let marinate in refrigerator for at least four hours.

4. Combine apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar and sugar in a pot on the stove and bring to a boil.

5. Remove from heat, cool and add fennel. Allow to pickle in refrigerator for at least four hours.

6. Strain fennel from pickling liquid. Place the pickled fennel in a food processor with the toasted pine nuts and pulse until it reaches a firm but moist consistency.

7. Remove sliced marinated fish* from the refrigerator and plate with pesto. Serve alongside your favorite seasonal veggies! *Note: The seabass is served ceviche style, where the citric acid from the marinade cooks the fish.

48 greenliving | April 2017

greenlivingaz.com

RECIPES

BANANA SPLIT ON A STICK RECIPE COURTESY OF CHURN, IMAGE COURTESY OF UPWARD PROJECTS. PU

BLISHER IT’S ALMOST SUMMER, AND that means it’s time for FAVORIT ’S E ice cream! Indulge in this layered “banana split on a stick” treat from local ice creamery Churn, winner of the “Excellence in Innovation” award at the Devour Culinary Classic.

INGREDIENTS: 1 sheet of pineapple cake (recipe below) 1/2 cup maraschino cherry syrup 5 cups of your favorite banana ice cream 5 cups of your favorite vanilla ice cream Dipping chocolate (recipe below) Freeze dried strawberry powder (instructions below) 1 cup toasted chopped pecans Pineapple Cake INGREDIENTS: 2 cups all purpose flour 2 cups granulated sugar 2 tsp baking soda 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 20 oz. can of crushed pineapple DIRECTIONS: 1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar and baking soda.

2. In a small bowl, mix together eggs, vanilla and crushed pineapple.

3. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

4. Spread batter onto a greased and parchment-lined half sheet pan.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until just cooked through.

6. Cool in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the next steps.

Dipping Chocolate INGREDIENTS: 3 cups high quality dark chocolate 2 cups vegetable oil

DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS RESULTS: SATURDAY Excellence in Presentation: Jared Porter, Clever Koi, Chilled Scallop Sno Cone Excellence in Innovation: Taylor Domet, True Food, Torched Avocado Cucumber Noodles, Asian Mushroom, Turmeric Ponzu, Albacore Tataki Pickled Ramp, Fava Bean, Smoked Garlic, Chimichurri

DIRECTIONS: 1. Place oil and chocolate into a double boiler and melt together.

2. Cool completely before dipping the ice cream.

Excellence in Taste: Tamara Stagner, Helio Basin Brewing Company, Smoked Bison Taquito with Squash, Corn and Bean, Corn Tortilla with Epazote Cream

Strawberry Powder and Pecans INGREDIENTS: 1 1.2 oz. bag freeze-dried strawberries 1 cup pecans

Runners Up, Excellence in Taste: Todd Allison, T. Cooks at Royal Palms, Glacier 51 Seabass Atsade Desta, Cafe Lalibela, Spicy Beef Stew

DIRECTIONS: 1. Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

2. Toast and chop pecans.

3. Spread out strawberry powder and pecans onto separate plates.

DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS RESULTS: SUNDAY

DIRECTIONS FOR PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: 1. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment so it goes across the bottom and over the two longest sides of the pan. This will help you pull out the finished product before cutting.

2. Cut the pineapple cake to fit inside the bottom of the pan.

3. Evenly drizzle maraschino cherry syrup over the cake until it is coated, but not soaked.

4. Evenly spread five cups of your favorite banana ice cream (softened) over the cherry drizzled pineapple cake.

5. Place in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours.

6. Evenly spread 5 cups of your favorite vanilla ice cream (softened) over the banana ice cream.

Excellence in Presentation: Aaron Chamberlin, St. Francis, “Caulipops” Excellence in Innovation: Jada Shiya, Churn, Banana Split on a Stick Excellence in Taste: Jason Atford, Roka Akor, Pork Short Rib, Black Garlic Miso, Pickled Grapes, Radish Fresno Chili Goat Cheese Macaron Runner Up, Excellence in Taste: Bernie Kantak, The Gladly, Brown Butter Tuna Crudo with Caper Relish Excellence in Distinction (Overall): Bison Taquito from Tamara Stagner For more of Helio Basin recipes, visit Brewing Company.

greenlivingaz.com/ recipes

For the rest of the instructions for Banana Split on a Stick, and more from the Devour Culinary Classic winners, visit greenlivingaz.com/devour2017recipes greenlivingaz.com

April 2017 | greenliving

49

EVENTS

APRIL 22 IS EARTH DAY! Don’t miss the great events listed here and in advertisements and editorial throughout this issue.

GREEN SCENES APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

4/15 PLANeT Celebration

4/22 4th Annual Recycle Arts and Youth Festival

4/22 Earth Day Celebration at Agave Farms

CENTRAL ARIZONA

April 12 GREEN LIVING LAUNCH PARTY 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) 2140 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe Our parties exist to promote community. From advertisers to readers, we love bringing together like-minded individuals to network as a sustainable group. Join us for a night of eco-consciousness, good conversation and fun! Enjoy local vendors, food, wine and beer. Tickets cost $12.00 online and $15.00 at the door, or 2-for-$20. greenlivingaz.com/party

April 15 PLANET CELEBRATION 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix Enjoy all the fun and beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden, while discovering ways you can help care for our Sonoran Desert. Explore the garden’s five unique trails, meet leaders in sustainability and conservation, participate in plant-themed activities, and enjoy inspiring entertainment at the third annual PLANeT Celebration. The event is free with Garden admission. dbg.org/events/planet-celebration 50 greenliving | April 2017

April 22 4TH ANNUAL RECYCLE ARTS AND YOUTH FESTIVAL 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

WHAM Community Art Center 16560 N. Dysart Rd., Surprise This year’s Recycle Arts Festival includes a Recycle Arts Exhibit and the Eco Styles Fashion Show, a creative art display that underscores the possibilities of working with reusable post-consumer materials. Artists of all ages and talents may participate – where creative expression goes green!

Featuring food, music, and activities for kids. The event is free. wham-art.org/recycle-arts.html

April 22 CELEBRATE MESA 2017 Noon-4:00 p.m.

Hohokam Stadium 1235 N. Center St., Mesa Celebrate Mesa is a free family event that brings the community together to enjoy games, carnival rides, entertainment and more. Planned by the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities, the event will also include a new Living Green Village with local vendors and hands-on activities. mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/ celebrate-mesa

April 22 EARTH DAY PHOENIX 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Steele Indian School Park 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix Eco classes, exhibitors, music, food and more! Also, enjoy workshops such as Composting 101, kids’ activities and live music. This is a zero-waste event with free admission. Be extra green and take the light rail or public transit to the event. earthdayphoenix.org

April 22 EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT AGAVE FARMS 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Agave Farms 4300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Omnitribe is teaming up with Agave Farms to host an Earth Day celebration.

The event will focus on community building, encouraging sustainability and establishing healthy eating habits.

Celebrate abundance, respect and appreciation for our planet earth.

There will be live music, workshops, drum circles, and a family area with arts and crafts. The event is free, donations welcome. facebook.com/phxtribalnights

greenlivingaz.com

EVENTS

4/22 Flagstaff Earth Day

4/22 Earth Day Celebration at Red Rock State Park

4/22 Earth Day Prescott

NORTHERN ARIZONA

April 22 FLAGSTAFF EARTH DAY 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Heritage Square 111 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff Join neighbors and friends for a morning of fun activities, music, food, community service and workshops, including informational classes on backyard organic bee, goat and chicken keeping! Community volunteers will also meet at Heritage Square to conduct a community cleanup at 9:00 a.m. and return to Heritage Square by 10:30 a.m. The event is free. flagstaff.az.gov/earthday

April 22 EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT RED ROCK STATE PARK 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Red Rock State Park 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd., Sedona You’re invited to celebrate Earth Day at Red Rock State Park! Enjoy a variety of activities, including nature hikes, H2Olympics, art showcases, informational exhibits and crafts.

Gather to reflect on our planet and demonstrate support for environmental education and low-impact recreation.

Admission costs $7.00 for ages 14+ and $2.00 for children age 7-14. azstateparks.com/red-rock

April 22 EARTH DAY PRESCOTT 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Cortez St. between Gurley St. and Goodwin St., Prescott Join this free event that represents the wonders of our environment through many nonprofits and other organizations. Good food will be available through local shopkeepers and there will be demonstrations by the firewise group and other groups such as the Forestry, Game and Fish Dept. and outdoor recreation groups. prescott.org/event/earth-day-2017

BUSINESS EVENTS

April 18

April 18

April 26

GREEN CHAMBER LUNCH AND LEARN

LFA FOR(U)M: COMMERCIAL TENANT SELECTION

SUSTAINABLE LIVING FORUM: RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

SkySong 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd., Building 3, first floor, Synergy II, Scottsdale Join the Green Chamber as Peter Byck discusses his current and next sustainability documentary film projects. Byck is a world famous documentary filmmaker whose credits include “Garbage” (a film that won the South By Southwest film festival) and “Carbon Nation.” Tickets cost $22.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members.

Lunch is included in the ticket price. thegreenchamber.org

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Roland’s Market 1505 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix LFA For(u)m gathers in an in-progress adaptive reuse project in a transitional neighborhood to discuss how developers select the right tenants for the right projects, and build new anchors to their neighborhoods. localfirstaz.com/events/lfa-forumtenant-selection

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

Laura Tanzer’s Atelier 410 N. Toole Ave. #110, Tucson Join Delectables Restaurant, Green Living Magazine, Laura Tanzer, Local First Arizona, and Mrs. Green’s World for a free monthly sustainability series where experts in the community share their thoughts and encourage discussions about a different topic each month. The goal of the series is to inform and empower guests on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Refreshments provided. greenlivingaz.com/ sustainablelivingforumapril

greenlivingaz.com

APRIL 18

is Arizona’s Arbor Day

April 2017 | greenliving

51

EVENTS

4/1-30 Bike Fest 2017

4/22 Tucson Earth Day Festival

4/22 & 23 Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

April 1-30

April 22

BIKE FEST 2017

TUCSON EARTH DAY FESTIVAL

Various times and locations Tucson’s Living Street Alliance presents Bike Fest 2017, featuring bike-related events and group rides happening throughout town during the entire month of April, with dozens of events scheduled throughout the month and covering every corner of the Tucson region. bikefesttucson.com

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Children’s Museum Tucson 200 S. 6th Ave., Tucson As a community celebration of the environment, the 23rd Annual Earth Day festival is free for the public and will feature activities and exhibitors relating to themes like air quality, energy, water management, wildlife conservation and climate change. tucsonearthday.org

APRIL 29 is Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

April 22 & 23 SOUTHEAST ARIZONA WINE GROWERS FESTIVAL 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Kief-Joshua Vineyards 370 Elgin Rd., Elgin The sixth Annual Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival will feature 20 Arizona wineries in one location for two days at Kief-Joshua Vineyards.

The event will be filled with new wine releases, fabulous winemakers, great wine, food vendors, a professional two-day chili cook-off and live music.

Tickets cost $25.00 for one day or $40.00 for both days. kj-vineyards.com

For more events, visit greenlivingaz.com/events

Ocean Forest Organic Soil On Sale thru 4/30/2017 MSRP $22.99 Mention Green Living Magazine and Purchase for only $14.00

Hurry!

supplies will not last long!

52 greenliving | April 2017

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GREEN PAGES

thank you to our partners!

WE APPRECIATE OUR READERS SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS! ADM Group.........................................................33

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Century 21/Toma Partners ......................... 36

Salt River Project (SRP)..................................... 3

Bauman’s Xtreme Training ........................... 45

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Gateway Bank.....................................................25

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Candice Drake Cosmetics/

Glos Wellness Solutions.............................. 36

Medicine (SCNM)............................................. 14

Tuscan Soul Skincare .....Inside Back Cover

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April 2017 | greenliving

53

G R E E N CHAMPIONS Each month in our Green Champions section we feature three people – one each in northern, central and southern Arizona – who are making strides in the green community. Since April is Earth Month we focused on people who are passionate about nature restoration.

NORTHERN – JEFF MEILANDER, FOUNDER, FLAGSTAFF ECORANCH Jeff, an Ohio native, moved to Flagstaff to pursue a Master’s degree in Science Teaching at NAU in 2007. Throughout his academic and teaching careers at Mingus Union High School and Northland Preparatory Academy, he emphasized experiential learning and outdoor education through field trips to locations like Zion National Park, Oak Creek, and Lowell Observatory. Through the Flagstaff EcoRanch, an ongoing experiment in sustainable living and gardening which offers educational materials to schools and organizations using the volunteer efforts of community members, Jeff inspires learners of all ages to find excitement in the natural world, reduce their impact on the environment and discover themselves through educational experiences.

CENTRAL – DENNIS MCCLUNG, FOUNDER, GARDEN POOL In 2009, Dennis and his wife bought a foreclosed home in Mesa that featured an empty backyard swimming pool. Instead of refilling it with water, Dennis and his family transformed the hollow pool into a living, breathing closed-loop garden system, growing fruits and vegetables under a greenhouse covering. His experiment garnered attention from media outlets such as National Geographic and engaged organizations such as Cornell and Arizona State University. Dennis has since founded Garden Pool nonprofit, dedicated to researching and implementing sustainable backyard solutions to food insecurity on an international scale, and continues to coordinate and motivate advancement towards localized, “green” food systems. He was also a recent finalist for the Cox Conserves Heroes award.

SOUTHERN – JOAQUIN MURRIETA-SALDIVAR, CULTURAL ECOLOGIST, WATERSHED MANAGEMENT GROUP Through his position at Watershed Management Group, Joaquin specializes in building resilience in diverse communities, such as the region between the U.S. and Mexico, by enhancing the connections between people, culture, and natural resources. Joaquin has implemented community-based approaches to watershed management, river restoration, geo-tourism, conservation of native peoples, and sustainable practices for the ranching community. He has worked with the Sonoran Institute, the National Geographic Society and other organizations. Joaquin has a Master’s degree from the University of Arizona in Natural Resources and Agricultural Economics and a PhD in Renewable Natural Resources Studies with an emphasis on management, policy and economics of natural resources.

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

54 greenliving | April 2017

greenlivingaz.com

HE’S GREEN

SHE’S GREEN

GREENING YOUR MEDICINE CABINET Product reviews by our eco-conscious couple John and Jennifer Burkhart Now that Spring is in full swing and (we hope) all the winter germs are gone, it’s time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Anything expired? Anything with icky ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates or aluminum? Toss ‘em out and “green” your medicine cabinet with earth-friendly, animal-friendly and human-friendly products. Check out our reviews for some inspiration.

RADIUS | ORGANIC GINGER CITRUS COCONUT TOOTHPASTE HE SAID: Okay, this one freaked me out a bit the first time I tried it because I was pretty sure I was attempting to clean my teeth with foot lotion. Fortunately, this toothpaste just has an unusual balm-like consistency. It had a pleasant fruit taste, but it didn’t seem to have much in the way of grit. I wish I had more time to review this product so that I could report the long-term effects of brushing with coconut oil.

SHE SAID: Well, that was quite an unusual toothpaste! First of all, the coconut oil was very firm, which made squeezing the tube similar to a wrestling match – one that I was clearly losing.

I wish I had lost, because brushing the bland, oily-pasty substance on my teeth was not pleasant. I hope it really does detoxify and support gum health, because it sure didn’t freshen anything. I needed to brush 10 minutes later with something minty.

He gave it:

She gave it:

SCHMIDT’S | YLANG-YLANG AND CALENDULA NATURAL DEODORANT HE SAID: I get the old song “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons stuck in my head every time I see something with ylang-ylang fragrance in it. I put this deodorant to the ultimate test...manual labor. I applied it in the morning on a day of running around and moving heavy boxes, and by the end of the day I still smelled “so fine.” I smelled fine enough to make any girl wish she were mine, “do-lang, do-lang, do-lang...”

SHE SAID: We’ve been making our own deodorant for years, but we always have to scoop it out of a little jar. An actual stick is much more convenient, so I was excited to try this. Other than the ylang-ylang smelling like a cross between a jasmine flower and commercial bathroom cleaner, this worked great! It kept the funk away well into the next day.

Beware of residue, though – no wearing a little black dress with this.

He gave it:

She gave it:

ESSENTIAL OXYGEN | PEPPERMINT BRUSHING RINSE HE SAID: The primary ingredient in this mouthwash is hydrogen peroxide, which did a wonderful job at deep cleaning every corner of my mouth, and had a surprising foamy effect when I spit it out. The rest of the ingredients read like a recipe for stove-top potpourri: lemon, peppermint, clove, cinnamon, rosemary and eucalyptus. But don’t worry, the flavor is extremely mild.

SHE SAID: When you find a product that can nearly erase the fact that you just had garlicky Chinese food for dinner, buy it immediately! My mouth definitely felt fresh, clean and minty after a quick 30-second rinse. It’s perfect for battling the dreaded morning “dragon” breath too!

He gave it:

She gave it:

EO EVERYONE | EXFOLIATE HE SAID: Everyone...needs to exfoliate more. This Everyone face scrub is a convenient way to help get rid of those pesky blackheads and blemishes. It had a pleasant fruit and floral fragrance and an adequate grit, and my face felt smooth and hydrated after. But, can I tell you a secret? Plain old baking soda is just as good at exfoliating and costs a fraction of what this does. Shhh, don’t tell anyone I told you that.

SHE SAID: Microbead-free is key when it comes to exfoliants – those plastic beads are polluting our lakes and wildlife.

Instead, Candelilla wax provides the scrub action here. I loved how super creamy and luxurious this felt on my face. It was moisturizing and gentle enough for daily use. My skin felt smooth and refreshed.

He gave it:

She gave it:

ECODENT | CINNAMON VEGANFLOSS HE SAID: Nothing quite as exciting as writing a review for dental floss.

I mean, if I had to review one item for the rest of my life, I’d pick dental floss. I hope you’re picking up my sarcasm, because I’m laying it down pretty thick. All jokes aside, this tooth cleaning rope was great. It was thin enough to get between teeth easily, and strong enough to hold up through a full flossing session, which is better than most other flosses.

SHE SAID: Why worry about “greening” your floss? Over 700 million plastic containers end up in landfills every year! This vegan floss is beefriendly (bees need all the help they can get right now) and came in a recyclable paper box. Although the floss seemed thin, it worked just as well as any other brand I’ve tried. The only negative is that I couldn’t taste any cinnamon flavor.

He gave it:

She gave it:

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

April 2017 | greenliving

55

COOL OUTRAGEOUS

1

LOCAL!

STUFF 2

SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY GARDEN, ONE CUP AT A TIME

Support Mesa Urban Garden (MUG) with your own MUG mug! Downtown Mesa coffee houses and businesses are showing their community spirit by selling these beautiful indigo ceramic mugs with proceeds going towards the garden. Mesa Urban Garden opened in the downtown area in January 2013 and offers nearly 100 garden beds for lease to individuals, groups or sponsors, including a handicap-accessible raised garden. Communal beds are tended to by volunteers, and vegetable yields are made available to local food banks. MUG is located at 212 E. 1st Avenue in Mesa. $10.00 FACEBOOK.COM/MESAURBANGARDEN

3

SUSTAINABLE COOKING METHODS

Learn how to reduce food waste with quick tips and simple solutions in the new book “My Zero-Waste Kitchen” from DK. With 15 nutritious and versatile recipes in which nothing goes to waste, this guide shares the secrets to smart shopping, meal planning, and the nutritional value of often-discarded food products. Plus, find creative ways to eliminate trash, save money, and give leftovers a new life. $9.99 DK.COM

5

HERBAL ALLERGY REMEDIES

Spring is in the air...and so is the pollen! Keep allergies in check with Olbas Oil. Formulated in Switzerland, Olbas oil remedies are intended to soothe discomfort from colds and allergies, as well as minor aches and pains. The essential oils in Olbas have a rich history of aromatherapy usage dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. $9.50 for a .32-ounce bottle OLBAS.COM

TREE-FREE TISSUES

In Florida, a sugarcane by-product called bagasse is being burned and thrown away after the sugarcane plant is extracted.

This is causing catastrophic problems for American farmers and local communities who are breathing in toxic air pollution.

Emerald Brand is utilizing the bagasse and transforming it into paper products, like tissues. By purchasing these tissues, you support forest preservation and the quest to keep paper products tree-free and sustainable. $20.63 for 12 boxes EMERALDBRAND.COM

4

RECLAIMED RUBBER RUGS

Freshen up your home this spring with a new rug while also helping the environment. These upcycled rugs from Fab Habitat are hand woven from materials like sustainable wool, recycled soda bottles, earth-friendly jute (made from vegetable fiber) and more. All rugs are made using eco-friendly practices and organic dyes.

Starting at $29.00 FABHABITAT.COM

6

“GREEN” YOUR BLACKOUT CURTAINS

EDITOR’S PICK

As the sun rises earlier, keep your bedroom cooler and darker with the Lorcan Repreve Thermaweave sustainable curtains from Eclipse.

These curtains are constructed from fibers made with recycled materials including used plastic bottles. These fibers are collected and put through a unique conversion process where they are reformulated and woven into each curtain. The Repreve process emits fewer greenhouse gasses, providing a sustainable final product. With four levels of opacity available, there’s a curtain to fit each room’s particular needs. Now available at Target stores. $19.99-$29.99 ECLIPSECURTAINS.COM Find more cool outrageous stuff at greenlivingaz.com/cos

56 greenliving | April 2017

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L o c a l : ( 4 8 0 ) 2 1 4 - 3 5 3 3 / To l l - f r e e : ( 8 4 4 ) 3 6 4 - 9 7 7 3 / Info@candicedrake.com / candicedrake.com

M o d e l : S t e p h a n i e M a r q u e s . P h o t o b y : Ko l e P o w e l l

Empowering Educator for Cancer Pa t i e n t s Po r t i o n o f p r o c e e d s benefit nonprofits that support cancer patients.

Using only products w i t h h e a l t h y, c l e a n ingredients.

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Scottsdale, Arizona

Candice Drake-Hopkin, MLE, NT M a s t e r E s t h e t i c i a n , M a k e u p A r t i s t , N a i l Te c h n i c i a n a n d W i g S p e c i a l i s t Tr a i n e d a n d S p e c i a l i z i n g i n O n c o l o g y S k i n c a r e & C o r r e c t i v e M a k e u p

tuscansoulskincare.com / facebook.com/hugsfoundation

ALLSTATE APPLIANCES

CARRIES BRANDS THAT ARE COMMITTED TO GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Largest distributor of the greenest appliances (Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau) on the West Coast!

SCOTTSDALE: 15250 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale / 480-948-9896 NEW STORE OPEN!

PHOENIX: 1817 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix / 602-252-6507 LAS VEGAS: 4995 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas / 702-891-9112