FOOD
With brand new lunch, dinner and happy-hour menus just in time for Fall, spend an evening under the stars at ZuZu, OH Pool or the fire pit between the two. Enjoy leisurely laps and poolside lounging under the palms at OHasis pool. This retro chic icon will make your Fall in Scottsdale unforgettable.
From the beginning of time for all forms of life, there was water. It is the very essence of life itself. Its constant movement throughout the world provides life and balance to both nature and man.
Just as the blood flows through our veins, water flows through nature. Water provides nourishment and serenity as it works its way down colossal mountain ranges and through some of the most beautiful untouched wilderness. As it rages through rivers and streams the sound of water roars out as if it’s commanding respect from all forms of life. Its movement is a display of power, elegance, beauty, energy, and care all at once. This everpowerful natural wonder carries the nutrients for all life as it selflessly leaves behind each and every time it touches something. There is nothing else in the world that can show these attributes all at once. As one of our greatest blessings, this selfless element keeps on providing without expecting anything in return.
Balanced water is one of the most important aspects that needs to be understood in order for one to be successful in caring for it. Just as people need specific nutrients and balance to stay healthy, so does water. It’s amazing that one of the most important elements in our lives that carries the most mysteries above all other elements we know, is the one we know the least about.
Exceptional Water Systems (EWS) continuously strives to better understand the different characteristics of water every day. We seek to provide that clean, safe and healthy water environment for all that pursue it. We utilize nature’s natural elements to provide the most enjoyable swimming and soaking environment possible. We dissolve oxygen, ozone, and CO2 into the water with our patented Nano Technology. These systems create millions upon millions of tiny bubbles that are invisible to the naked eye. These tiny bubbles provide another level of natural residual sanitizer in the water to help keep the water healthy and safe for our family and loved ones.
By utilizing these natural elements, we create an environment not only great for people, but for animals and vegetation as well. From beginning to end, EWS thrives to provide the greatest swimming experience for all.
If you would like to learn more about our systems and how they can help you, please feel free to contact us at www.exwsystems.com or call us at 480-694-4709. Exceptional Water Systems… continuously striving to provide Healthy Water for Humanity!
In the November issue of this page, in the 3rd paragraph, there was an error: - 3rd sentence: should have a pH of around 7.4 - 7.6.
- TDS below 1000ppm
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December is a great time to reflect on memories of the past year, both by consciously absorbing the details of our life’s journey during this time and by inspiring and recharging ourselves in the hope of the coming year. It’s an opportunity to trust ourselves and to be joyful as we count our blessings, and express gratitude for the large and small details of our lives. It’s a time to share gratefulness and appreciation of the natural world and the waters, open spaces, forests and the Earth that we share with all others that live here, too.
This month in Green Living magazine, we offer a bevy of ways in which to honor and celebrate this season of light and joy. For starters, in our cover story Activism and Artistry, we chat with actress, activist, producer and self-described “eco-momma,” Alysia Reiner who is an inspiration for change and betterment. A Sustainable Holiday provides eco-solutions from gift wrap to decorations made from recycled/natural materials which All That’s Green and Glitters explains why sustainable diamonds make for a brillant gift. In Feasts & Festivities for an Eco-Holiday, we feature several luxury resorts with eco-friendly celebrations for the holiday season— locals and guests of these hotels can feel good about protecting the environment by celebrating in “Green” style. Closer to home, we’ve included celebratory holiday themed events in our Green Scenes
On behalf of everyone at Green Living magazine, I wish you a peaceful December season filled with laughter, warmth, hope, love, gratitude and all things that bring you joy. As always, I encourage you to step outside each day, get some exercise and fresh air while taking in the beauty of the ever-changing season. Here’s to a safe, healthy and eco- friendly and low waste happy holiday season and an inspiring new year!
Angela Fairhurst is a non-fiction television producer and travel journalist whose work has been featured in Matador Network, Southern California Life Magazine, Gio Journal, and on her own site, Jaunt TV — which includes a bevy of exciting videos, too! She has a knack for writing about luxury hotels and luxury hotel bathrooms, but is well-versed in living green, from the jungles of Costa Rica to wine tasting in the Land Down Under. Follow her on Instagram @jaunttv.
Dorie Morales PublisherMichelle Talsma Everson is a freelance journalist who believes that communication is an art, where the right messaging can tell impactful, vivid stories. Using that art, she has built a career as a journalism and public relations professional in the Valley. Her work has been seen in magazines, newspapers, and online outlets across Arizona and nationally for over a decade. Learn more about her writing at www.mteverson.com.
National Recycling Day, which occurred on November 15th, reminds us of the importance of reducing waste, in order to do our part to save the planet.
The Scottsdale Electric Vehicle Association, together with the Tesla Drivers Club, enjoyed an ecosustainable day trip to Mount Lemmon. Drivers reached the highest point in the Santa Catalina mountains with their EVs, getting to see some of the most stunning landscapes in Arizona, in perfect harmony with nature.
We often overlook the pivotal role that soil plays in our lives. But, the quality of most of the food we eat depends on soil quality. For this reason, we should not underestimate the importance of soil conservation. Avoiding soil-degrading practices can be a huge step towards improving the caliber of the food we eat.
Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, honors technology leaders and innovators from across the state with the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards
Happy Vegan Month: A rewarding choice, both for us and for the environment!
Take your workout to new heights with Body Politik—a first-of-its kind boutique fitness studio featuring strength-based, corefocused Lagree classes on the Megaformer machine and cardio pumping Versa Climber, where you vertically climb under a state-of-the-art light show. The brainchild of Elia Covino, a certified coach and instructor who has been teaching Lagree for more than seven years, these full body workouts are like no other. “I love these workouts so much, they complement each other so well. They are both low impact, high intensity. Nothing like this existed in Scottsdale, and I felt it was a void that needed to be filled. Scottsdale being the outdoor city that it is and with hiking so popular, the Versa Climber is the perfect companion—during the workout you can see how many feet you’ve climbed, which allows for easy measurement comparisons to our favorite mountain peaks. In the Versa Climber room you’ll be able to hike the equivalent of Camelback Mountain and be able to do it indoors, which is especially great for when weather or schedules do not allow for an outdoor hike,” she explains. Grateful to bring the dual workout experience to the Valley, Covino shared that she is especially “excited to share my passion for helping all people, at all levels on their fitness journey. We’re bringing forth a powerful new and inviting community for everyone to come and feel safe, have fun, and experience an unmatched workout experience for mind, body, and soul.” Lagree classes are currently available seven days a week, with Versa Climber classes launching January 2023. 8870 N 90th St #106 Scottsdale. For more information, class schedules, pricing, and more visit www.body-politik.com.
Just a quick flight or reasonable drive away, AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village recently introduced a variety of new wellness retreats taking place at the property and its on-site Center for Health & Wellbeing. Recently named among top Southern California hotels in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022, the freshly renovated hotel seamlessly melds together luxury, wellness, and mindfulness. As a leader in the space within the Four Seasons brand, The Center for Health and Wellbeing is home to accredited experts who provide consultations, skill-based workshops, and wellness and cooking classes with a focus on guests achieving sustained optimum health. Following a philosophy that wellbeing is rooted in nutrition, life balance, medically sound data, fitness, and healing spa therapies, health goals are customized for each guest. Ideal for those seeking to relax, recharge, reconnect, and renew, four day/three night retreats are now on offer, occurring once every month throughout 2023. Guests can select from three curated retreats: Sustainable Weight Loss, Optimum Performance, and Spa & Beauty. In addition to the retreats, guests can book flexible stays, day passes, à la carte experiences, memberships, or as a corporate retreat. For retreat dates, what’s included, rates, and more, visit www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/landingpages/property/center-for-health-and-wellbeing/
Zero emission go-karting is here! Scottsdale’s Octane Raceway prides itself on keeping up with the latest and greatest go-kart racing technology, and as such is introducing a new fleet of 32 electric Sodi RSX2 racing karts from Europe. Known as the most advanced indoor gokart, the Sodi RSX2 offers the latest technologies featuring a synchronous motor with integrated power control,10,000 RPM for max torque, top speeds of 45 MPH, adjustable pedals for distance and height, and F1 steering. With impressive electronic advances and a sleek modern design, RSX2 is sure to provide top performance. $24 per race, for more information visit www.octaneraceway.com/
Do you strive to be eco-conscious with digital tablets but miss the simplicity and satisfaction of a paper notebook? reMarkable 2 may be the answer with its next-generation paper tablet, which offers a revolutionary way to take notes, read, and review documents all with a paper-like feel. This low-latency tablet provides everything to love about paper without the environmental cost. By cultivating a distraction-free experience without any notification popups, this product allows you to focus and think freely. With reMarkable 2, you can take handwritten notes and convert them into text, take notes on PDFs, read and organize documents, and sync with your computer, smartphone, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Try the Marker and Marker Plus stylus to elevate your note taking with exceptionally precise detail. reMarkable 2 $299/ Marker $79/ Marker Plus $129 www.remarkable.com/
Gardening isn’t just for those with a yard! Rise Gardens offers the perfect gift this season for the garden lover in your life. Indoor gardening is made easy and convenient with Rise Garden’s self-watering, hydroponic garden, which uses 95% less water than traditional gardening methods. Fresh, delicious, nutrient-packed foods can be grown year round, such as microgreens, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, eggplants, bok choy, herbs, and more! Guided by a mobile app, which provides step-by-step instructions, gardeners are alerted when to add water and nutrients, and even when to harvest their plants. Choose up to 80 individual seed varieties or pre-packaged bundles that can be used to grow pizza toppings, ingredients for smoothies, homemade tea, and more. The Personal Garden grows up to 12 plants at once, while the Family Garden allows for up to three levels of growth, additional trellises, and stands for vining plants to grow up to 108 plants at once. $349 for Personal Garden. Starting at $679 for Family Garden. www.risegardens.com
On November 2nd, Green Living presented its first ‘How to Do Sustainable Design Everyday’ event. Brand owners, designers, architects, suppliers, sustainability experts and consumers were invited to learn, discuss, and network. With a focus on ecofriendly and sustainable solutions to design in both commercial and residential, the event facilitated attendees sharing insights and ideas for better building practices.
DLR Group, an award-winning design firm focused on architecture, engineering, interiors, and planning, hosted the event in the Phoenix office. Founded in 1966 and a leading firm in the sector, the firm places significant emphasis on sustainability: It activated the tenets of the Architecture 2030 Challenge, the AIA 2030 Commitment, and the China Accord to be a leading voice for sustainable design and preservation. In addition to the opportunity network, guests enjoyed delicious organic bites from Witnessing Nature in Food, an array of wine from Page Springs, beer from North Mountain Brewery, raffle ticket drawings and two panel discussions—one focused on sustainable commercial design and the other residential. Speakers on the commercial sustainability panel included Joe Zazerra, Plant Solutions; Premnath Sundharam, DLR Group; Jason Boyer, Boyer Vertical; Andrew Caron, Courtesy Polestar; with Jan Green of HomeSmart participating as moderator. Speakers on the residential sustainable panel included Marlene Imirzian, Imirzian Architects; Marie Roviello, Marie Roviello, Inc.; Tiffany Halperin, The Urban Culture Design Project; Alana Taylor, Sabali Pure Face & Body; and Brion Crum of Caliber Companies, as moderator.
We would like to thank all the sponsors of the event: DLR group, Page Springs Cellars, Caliber Companies, Boyer Vertical, Plant Solutions, Jan Green HomeSmart, Witnessing the Nature, Events by Danielle, Marie Roviello, Marlene Imerzian and Associates, and North Mountain Brewery. A special thank you to those who donated in support of NKBA Arizona, the world's leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry providing tools, research, certification, and events to thousands of professionals. ‘Till the next time!
The Doubletree Paradise Valley set the stage for the extraordinary Celebrate Your Life event put on by Mishka Productions over the October 28th weekend. Guests from around the globe looking to support and nourish their mind, body, and soul gathered together for this sacred journey among the 22-sprawling acres of the popular Valley resort.
Whether looking to experience the power of knowing their individual purpose; reconnecting with their spiritual self; gaining new momentum in life; or searching for an incredible like-minded community in which to connect, all came together with hope in their hearts. The brain child of founder Liz Dawn, CEO Mishka Productions (named after her late dog) and her late mother Ariel Wolfe, the event attracted notable speakers who held talks, workshops, and book signings, including spiritual teacher and founder of Agape International, Michael Bernard Beckwith.
“Headlines in the newspaper are prayer requests from a society that has lost itself! Humanity is suffering from Intention Deficit Disorder. Humanity is just rushing out the door waiting to see what happens. There must be intention,” shared Beckwith.
Among the other unforgettable speakers were #1 New York Times best selling author, international speaker, and Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday “next-generation
thought leader,” Gabby Bernstein; best selling author, spiritual teacher, and speaker, Neale Donald Walsch; world-renowned medium, clairvoyant, and author Lisa Williams; internationally recognized psychic, author, and coach Dougall Fraser; and internationally known holistic and spiritual teacher Koya Webb.
“With over 28 years of creating powerful life-changing events, it just keeps getting better and better. Stepping into a Celebrate Your Life event is coming home to your heart, being with your soul-tribe, feeling boundless joy, and immersing yourself in a bubble of magic and miracles. It’s an honor creating these extraordinary journeys where people find answers to life’s important questions and walk away feeling renewed, part of a gentle and kind community, and with a stronger sense of self and life purpose,” explains Dawn.
Rounding out the event was early morning yoga with KC Miller, nutritious meals (included with Gold registration and a la carte for others), toe readings by SWIHA, and shopping with event vendors featuring books, distinctive jewelry, crystals, yoga clothing, and more. Green Living magazine was proud to partner with this event. Hierophant Publishing, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center, and Guidely were sponsors. Visit www.celebrateyourlife.com for more information.
Twelve years ago I had an awareness. I felt whole. My five bodies (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic) were together, breathing as one. I had healed my childhood trauma.
I share my experience, strength, hope, education, and healing through highly developed personal intensives. These intensives are personalized treatment plans that will help you gain clarity of thoughts, behaviors, and triggers. Bring your five bodies together and change your life by experiencing true freedom.
(480) 594-0949
info@journeybeyondahc.com 10309 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale. AZ 85253
habitatcaz.org
Together we can build, repair, renovate and revitalize homes for those in Arizona who need an affordable place to call home.
If you’re looking to make longlasting, sustainable community impact, you can shop, donate or volunteer at habitatcaz.org
Let’s give Arizona a hand up!
BY ANGELA FAIRHURST
Each year, The Langham and Cordis Hotels around the world do their part by recycling and creating sustainable trees for the holiday season.
The hotels get extremely creative and competitive with one another in their contest to create the most memorable, innovative, and beautiful sustainable Christmas tree. These trees are displayed in public areas for guests to see and enjoy, with signage explaining that everything the tree is made from represents the sustainable goals of the hotel and its parent company, Langham Hospitality Group.
Last year, The Langham, Hong Kong made its tree out of plastic water bottles that had been discarded. (Langham no longer uses any single-use plastics at all.) The bottles were crafted into flower shapes using the “pink” Langham label on each bottle. Chelsea Hotel, Toronto made its tree from recycled paper with old branding that couldn’t be re-used for guest correspondence. The Langham, New York’s tree also used the same material. These papers were cut into origami swans and snowflakes. A wine bottle tree came from the Cordis, Hong Kong.
Over the years, creative sustainable trees have also used wine corks, oyster shells, recycled light bulbs, key pockets, repurposed wool, old guest room furniture, soda cans, damaged wood pallets, and recycled hangers. It’ll be interesting to see what creativity this year brings.
Hotels get creative with beautiful, sustainable Christmas trees
Harness the power of song, dance, and community through vibrations.
BY ALLYSON CONWAYDDoes spiritual healing as a mechanism for bringing people together sound inspiring to you? If so, join Joya Sosnowski as she leads Vibe Raiser, a spiritually awakening event experience in the heart of the desert.
Event founder Sosnowski is an established spiritual teacher, sound healer, and science enthusiast. The vision for this special event came to her through a dream she experienced three nights in a row back in 2020. “I saw myself on a stage with other people, and when I looked out there were thousands of others singing together. I could see the cymatics,’' says Sosnowski. With that, she felt a strong calling to transform her dream into a reality.
Through her extensive training and experiences, Sosnowski understands the power of sound and its healing and inspirational qualities. “Our brain is really a neuro-chemical pharmacy that constantly delivers drugs in response to our own emotional states, and emotional states are vibrational states'' says Sosnowski. With a mission to lift the voices of those
around us, creating vibrations that ripple around the world, Joya hopes for “people to create community together and meet like-minded souls. The time is here for groups of people to come together—there’s real power in that.”
This event is just the beginning for Sosnowski, as she hopes to expand into a weekend-long highvibe festival, as well as bring the experience to other cities. Vibe Raiser will be held at the Sunkist Warehouse in Mesa, on January 22, 2023 from 1 - 4 p.m. This is a conscious event with no alcohol or substances, allowing for unadulterated group vibrations and sonic resonance. General admission ($65) and Lifestream ($11) tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com. For more information on the event, visit www.viberaiser.com.
Sound healing allows soothing vibrations to transfix all sensations of being and provides an opportunity for human existence to realign into perfect function.
Kim Balzan SOUND produces endless vibrational frequencies using various instruments and high-quality Crystal Sound Bowls. Kim carries the finest Alchemy Crystal Bowls on the planet, each infused with pure quartz crystals, gemstones, or precious metals.
Her Crystal Singing Bowls send healing vibrations to expand health; introduce peace; provide relaxation; reduce anxiety; increase concentration; assist through grief; bring love; reduce pain; balance the nervous system; and so much more. From playing on television to selling out sound events, you can count on Kim to provide an extraordinary experience with each mallet stroke.
Explore her Crystal Bowl Showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona, and purchase your favorite vibrational frequency. Because she believes in her healing practice through Crystal Sound Bowls, she sells only the best to the public.
By appointment only. 602 577 9408 kimbalzansound@gmail.com www.KimBalzan.com
*Please mention this ad when contacting
Kim creates experiences with SOUND for all occasions on location or in her extraordinary private space.
AAn herbalism company with a mission for sharing the healing powers of Chinese medicine and full spectrum hemp products, Radical Roots offers a wide range of formulas designed with holistic health in mind. “I believe that businesses are an opportunity to create the change we wish to see in the world,” explains Dr. Chloe Weber, DACM, L.Ac.
Illuminating the potential of our Earth’s natural remedies, Radical Roots is truly Weber’s passion project as an individual, mother, doctor, and business owner. In her teens, she was diagnosed with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, an exceedingly rare disease that causes skin lesions. Her navigation of this diagnosis sparked her curiosity about going into the medical field.
At CU Boulder, Weber delved into Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. After discovering the impact of Chinese medicine and how it could massively shift
the conversation on public health, she studied at Boulder’s Southwest Acupuncture College, earning a Masters in Oriental Medicine. During her studies, her dedication to natural healing led her to Harbin, China, where she furthered her hands-on education and experience at Heilongjiang University Hospital. She later opened a nonprofit practice, Urban Herbs, focusing on the benefits that Chinese herbs could offer patients. It was Urban Herbs where she hit her stride as a practitioner, as her work with the community gave her even more insight into how these herbs could serve as true remedies.
Her personal journey continued as well. As Weber’s young son, Remy, grew, he experienced complex health issues including persistent seizures and missed developmental milestones. Years of testing and doctors’ appointments led the family to return to Weber’s home in New York, where she now has a private clinic. While both of their medical challenges improved after taking several different hemp extracts, Remy’s seizures required more intervention. He was ultimately diagnosed with STXBP1, an incredibly rare and challenging genetic disorder that invokes seizures and delays, including intellectual and motor disabilities.
With an intense pursuit to find a remedy for Remy, following years of research and hard work, Weber co-founded Radical Roots alongside Bart Beckermann, L.Ac. and with that, their journey of furthering healing and wellness through the powers of herbalism began. The first priority was the development of Remy’s Revenge, a 500 milligram extract of full spectrum hemp. The formula contains all of hemp’s naturally occurring terpenes, cannabinoids, vitamins, and minerals. According to Weber, thanks to Remy’s Revenge, Remy’s seizures and tremors have been significantly dialed back, and his sleep has improved. “As a doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine and an expert herbalist, I knew that hemp has tremendous healing qualities, but that it would be more effective if used in well balanced formulas designed to address targeted issues,” said Weber.
Facilitating a field-to-bottle sustainable approach to production, the hemp utilized in Radical Roots products can be traced back to Pachamama Farm in Longmont, Colorado. Relying on organic processes, the farm achieves pest control naturally without any herbicides, pesticides, or even fertilizers. Its Chinese herbs come from Spring Wind Herbs of California, which Radical Roots calls “the cleanest herbs available.” Spagyric extraction, a time-honored
technique, is used to develop the company’s topical and tincture formulas. Utilizing heat and water to capture the herbal and hemp essences, the process harnesses the Earth’s elements to create their powerful concoctions. These techniques culminate in what Radical Roots calls “Whole Plant Medicine.” Weber explains, “Chinese medicine is a medical tradition that honors the ecology of the body, and as a company, we support farmers that honor the ecology of the earth. All of our herbs are tested for toxins and heavy metals, and we get our hemp from farms that use regenerative farming techniques and focus on no-till farming.”
The formulas available at Radical Roots combine the powers of hemp extract and Chinese herbs delivered through compact vessels (including tinctures, capsules, powdered herbs, and salves) to help facilitate whole healing. In addition to Remy’s Revenge, available products include the Flow State, Wind Shield, Middle Management, and Golden Ticket formulas. The most popular product is Rest and Relax, available in both tincture and capsule form. “I often describe it as a big hug for your heart,” Weber said. “In Chinese medicine we refer to the ‘shen,’ which loosely equates to the spirit. This formula calms the shen and is great day or night!” Even animals can benefit from this incredible plant power, thanks to the Zen Zoo Tincture that was designed with furry friends in mind. Radical Roots is a company with heart, alongside an evident deep passion for herbalist healing. “As a business,” Weber said, “I am so proud that we have been able to stick to our impeccable standards and create products that help people build health day by day.” Now six years old, Remy’s life has truly changed as a result of Weber’s persistence. His adaptive technology aids in his growing communication, and he is beginning to walk by himself. Radical Roots’ website, radicalrootsherbs.com, describes Remy as “incredibly happy [and] the most inspirational and magical little boy… He loves water, music, pets, animals, airplanes, bubbles, and sushi.” www.radicalroots.com
The indigenous tribes in America have developed astounding ways of healing for their people, focusing on four key constructs: spirituality, community, environment, and oneself
BY DEEPAK CHHABRA, PHDFFor millions of years, Native Americans (commonly referred to as American Indians, First Nations, aboriginal, and Indigenous peoples) have used holistic traditional healing techniques rooted in ancient times that have been orally passed down through generations.
The National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recognize traditional Native American healing as a holistic medical system that encompasses a variety of treatments.
Indigenous healers target various chronic conditions for the promotion of overall wellbeing and health (Kothan & Farrell, Indigenous Native American Healing Traditions, Journal of Nursing Practice, 2010). Indigenous healing practice systems are embedded in the cultural and social fabric and the natural environment of the native communities.
The American Cancer Society (2005) writes: Most
Native American treatment is a slow process, spread over a period of days or weeks. It may involve taking time out from the usual daily activities for reflection, emotional awareness, and meditation. The healer may spend a great deal of time with the person seeking help (Portman & Garrett, Native American Healing Traditions, 2005).
Documented literature contends that American healing practices are based on relationships between four key constructs: spirituality (Creator, Mother Earth, Great father), community (family, tribe), environment (daily life, nature, harmony), and self (inner desires, thoughts and values).
The indigenous tribes in America have developed astounding ways of healing for their people. The medicines and healing rituals may differ, but they share the same underlying tenets—embracing a holistic approach towards understanding of life, nature, and inter-connectedness between all living beings and nature. Animalistic images are the focal point of most of the Native American medicine.
Struthers and Eschiti, in their paper on indigenous traditional healers (Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2005), narrate stories of several indigenous people being healed by a medicine man or a native healer. The authors reveal that the oral tradition of storytelling is still used to convey tribal wisdom, by narrating medicine stories based on specific healing rituals.
The Sun Dance is one example. It is a ceremony performed by several indigenous communities in the United States and Canada. It involves the community to congregate to offer healing prayers. The key purpose of practicing this ceremony is to offer personal sacrifice for the good of the family and the community and feel a sense of harmony and rejuvenation which can offer reassurance and strengthen the bond between the tribesmen and nature.
Preparations for this dance span several days and involve a broad spectrum of activities such as selection of a sacred tree, cutting it in a ritualized manner, carrying it, and placing it ceremoniously at the ritualized site. The key features of the Sun Dance ritual include fasting, cleansing, and dancing in front of the sacred tree. Physical endurance is also part of some of these ceremonies; skin of some dancers is
pierced as they dance around the poles.
This sacred dance is regularly held by Lakota (Native American) communities. Yuwipi is another Lakota ceremony that is held by request if someone needs to heal from an illness or is searching for a loved one who is missing. The medicine man leads the ritual and performs the role of a mediator between the living people and the spirits of the dead in search of their guidance. Several scholars note that this ceremony is one of the most powerful ceremonies performed by Lakota men.
The healing ceremonies are intense and overwhelming and are enveloped by spiritual intensity. According to Struthers, Eschiti, and Patchell, ‘the specific techniques of healing, sacred songs, and healing rituals are received ,’ from senior healers and their use of metaphysical elements (Traditional indigenous healing: Part I, Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery, 2004).
These authors also write that there is an element of reluctance to share these traditional healing practices with people who do not belong to the Native American community. Reasons for this cautious attitude include fear of mockery, misuse, ceremonies may be considered private, and lack of documentation.
Health care disparities encountered by Native Americans have been a subject of ongoing scrutiny. The World Health Organization has been aiming to eliminate health disparities among marginalized communities and to facilitate the usage of traditional healing practices. In the recent decades, numerous efforts can be noted that are focused on recognizing these practices and offering them a dignified status.
BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
TThe holiday season—in particular the month of December—is one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged, according to a recent survey by Wedding Wire. Add this to the fact that many people give diamonds and fine jewelry as gifts over the holidays, and it’s a great time of year to get up to date on sustainable diamonds and the most popular brands that offer them.
A sustainable diamond can fall under one of three categories: a lab grown diamond made using ecofriendly practices, a diamond that has been ethically sourced, or a recycled diamond that is being re-used in some way (for example, reset or re-sized), per industry experts.
Sustainable diamonds are important for a variety of reasons, including helping to reduce the impact the diamond industry has on the environment. For
example, research from Diamond Foundry, a popular diamond creator, shows that for every carat of natural diamond mined, companies use up to 127 gallons of water, release up to 143 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air, and move up to 250 tons of earth.
If a sustainable diamond is in your gift giving plans— or on your holiday wish list—here are some brands to keep in mind.
www.aetherdiamonds.com
With the tagline, “Diamonds made from air,” Aether diamonds are said to be the world’s first carbonnegative, positive-impact diamonds, according to the company. “Each carat is expertly crafted from carbon extracted from the atmosphere using 100% renewable energy, directly benefiting our environment and providing unparalleled transparency and traceability,” cites Aether. Customers can visit the Aether website to purchase a variety of jewelry pieces or build custom jewelry.
BRILLIANT
www.brilliantearth. com
Since 2005, Brilliant Earth has been known for quality ethically-sourced jewelry with the goal to “create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry,” according to the company. This holiday season, Brilliant Earth launched an exclusive, limited edition cocktail ring collection. “The collection of 21 rings is made with one-of-akind, limited-edition, natural and lab grown gemstones in striking colors set in recycled precious metals,” cites the company’s announcement. The collection includes bicolored gemstones in exclusive settings.
CLEAN ORIGIN www.cleanorigin.com
On “a mission to improve the diamond shopping experience,” Clean Origin has been creating
sustainable diamonds and jewelry since 2017. “With an environmentally conscious approach, we can say that 100% of our diamonds are 100% ethical—giving our customers peace of mind and a diamond with a beautiful, pure beginning,” according to the company. The popular sustainable brand offers everything from engagement rings to daily wear pieces.
MIADONNA www.miadonna.com
MiaDonna is a long-time sustainable jewelry retailer that exclusively sells American-grown, lab-made diamonds, according to the company. Perhaps more impactful than their sustainable diamonds is the story behind the brand—its founder, Anna-Mieke Anderson, started the company to help disrupt the diamond mining industry and transform communities impacted by diamond mining. This includes helping and providing for children caught in the middle of the unethical harvesting of diamonds, according to MiaDonna.
VRAI www.vrai.com
Described as “accessible sustainable luxury,” VRAI diamonds are created in the brand’s zeroemission foundry in the Pacific Northwest via 100% hydropower from the Columbia River. Featured in multiple media outlets and eco-friendly guides across the globe, VRAI offers fine jewelry and engagement rings created with sustainable diamonds and recycled gold.
BY BARBARA KAPLAN
WWhen you begin planning your holiday décor holistically, you bring joy and wellbeing to everyone who comes into the space. Although it may typically be the least utilized room in the house, the dining room can become the most important room for the holidays—and the most fun to decorate!
Dining room design and celebrations require much thought, as they are occupied by diverse groups of family, friends, and acquaintances. The needs and function of the dining room are uniquely universal. Here, some thoughts to consider:
Everything's better when we love and are happy with our surroundings, so choose the style of the dining table and chairs from your heart.
Dining chairs can be the voice of the dining room. They set the tone as they invite you into the room to be seated. The dining table is the anchor for your chairs.
Shopping in antique stores and/or consignment shops supports sustainability while giving you the
opportunity to find something special. Keep in mind that fabric on chairs can be recovered, and wood or iron frames refinished. Mix up several colors to really give the set personality.
When shopping for a dining table, keep in mind it doesn’t have to be the same style or color as your chairs. It can stand alone. Your home is your personal space, and each piece of furniture you bring in reflects you and your choices.
Begin with your walls as your canvas. Choose pleasing colors to complement your room's décor and create the mood you want. After all, if you are happy in your home, your guests will be happy in your home, too.
Do you prefer neutral tones or something more interesting, like non-toxic paint faux-finish or recycled wallpaper? The effect of the color and design can either generate stimulating conversation for your guests or create a calm and serene environment. For versatility and amusement, possibly paint each wall a different color, and your guests can pick their seat facing their preferred color.
3The dining room is a perfect gallery in which to display your art. For greater enjoyment, hang the art a little lower than in other rooms, since it will also be seen and enjoyed while sitting down.
4To create a biophilic and luxurious feeling while dining, add native Arizona plants. Use similar plants as you have outside your window to give the appearance of bringing the outside in.
Once the basic design is established you can be innovative and more outrageous—expressing your personal style.
Changing design elements and themes by the season or occasion is an opportunity for the room to have a new look and make a distinct statement each time you use it. Be daring and don’t be afraid to mix color, patterns, and textures for tablecloths, napkins, placemats, or runners. Purchase recycled paper place cards, little paper hearts, stars, and holiday- or special-occasion theme shapes to sprinkle all over the tabletop.
Your dishes don’t have to match and can all be different. For added interest, look around your home for little meaningful knick knacks to place on the table with your centerpiece. The uniqueness of each can be a great catalyst for conversation. Small changes can often make the biggest differences without spending too much money. Don’t miss going to craft or thrift stores to help embellish your look.
Nothing establishes a mood more than lighting. Keep these points in mind:
• The bottom of the chandelier should be approximately 30-35 inches above the table or 6065 inches off the floor.
• All lights should be on dimmers for energy efficiency. You can adjust the intensity for atmosphere, as well as temperature.
• Lighting around the perimeter of the room directed at the artwork provides sufficient light for dining if you have candles on the table. It’s romantic, too.
• Pendant lights can be hung in the shape of the table instead of a single chandelier in the center.
• If you have a coffered ceiling over your table, recessed lights can be installed, and the center ceiling painted an accent color for ambience.
• Be sure to use LED bulbs wherever possible.
Lastly, sound is a large part of the holistic experience, too. Dinner isn’t complete without the pleasure of background music complementing the dining theme. Sit in each dining chair to experience the entirety of what each person will be seeing and feeling.
Designing your dining room to engage all your senses is the ultimate holistic experience, so always remember: rooms have no feelings, but YOU do!
Actress Alysia Reiner is familiar to new and long-time fans for multiple roles—including portraying antagonists DODC Agent Sadie Deever in the new television miniseries “Ms. Marvel” on Disney + and Natalie “Fig” Figuroa on “Orange is the New Black.”
But in real life, Reiner is more of a superhero than villain and uses her powers for good as an activist for multiple causes, producer of impactful films, and selfdescribed “eco-momma.”
One of Reiner’s latest eco-friendly endeavors is her role as the Zero Waste Eco Emissary for Izzy, a new beauty line created by Shannon Goldberg, that promises to be the world’s first zero waste beauty line. “Izzy is taking big steps to reduce plastic waste with clean and cruelty-free products that are 100% reusable, 100% recyclable, 100% certified CarbonNeutral®, and 100% gorgeous,” according to the company.
There are approximately 51 trillion (yes, with a “t”) microscopic pieces of plastic in the world’s oceans, according to recent statistics. And globally, the personal care and beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of plastic packaging, most of which is not truly recyclable.
“I found out about Izzy through Shannon [Goldberg], who is a friend of mine, and I fell madly in love with their products,” Reiner says. “There are so many statistics that support the importance of going green, especially in the beauty industry, and I believe that Izzy has the potential to disrupt how we see beauty products, and how we package them.”
Reiner explains that Izzy’s cosmetic line (which features mascara and lip gloss) features a patented product cycle that focuses on zero waste from start to finish. From the reusable packaging, to using less plastic, to even the water they use, everything is designed to be truly zero waste.
"Once you learn the information, you can't unlearn it,” Izzy founder Shannon Goldberg says in a recent blog post. “That’s when I realized I was in a position to drive meaningful change in the business I love.”
Together with Goldberg, Reiner shares that she helped to create an Izzy zero waste lip gloss in two colors—a stand out one being Damage Control, a homage to Alysia’s Agent Deever, the head of the Department of Damage Control in “Ms. Marvel”, and the company’s efforts to end the industry’s damage to the environment.
“I’m deeply invested in how we can make changes in the beauty industry and, in turn, make a positive impact and inspire others to think of the environment when it comes to the products they use,” Reiner says.
As her acting career evolved and she became a household name, Reiner decided to be involved in multiple causes. “I am passionate about so many things, I can’t pick just one,” she shares.
For example, Reiner explains that she loves working as an advocate for women's rights and climate change initiatives. To her, the issues are linked.
“Every issue I advocate for is all about evolving humanity; having a deep level of love and respect for everyone,” she says. “I want to educate people and show what’s possible—inspire them with joy and delight, and not fear.”
To do this, Reiner says she believes in small, sustainable steps to live an eco-friendly and healthy life. For example, she advocates for lessening food waste (“Did you know that we throw away up to 40 percent of the food we purchase?” she says.) She also composts, does her best to eat healthy, and uses reusable products when possible.
“One of my favorite small steps that anyone can do to reduce their personal waste and impact is to take a reusable coffee mug with me anywhere—and if I don’t remember it, no coffee!” she says. “I eat 90% vegan/vegetarian, compost at home and brought it to my daughter’s school, and do little things like bring reusable items on set when I’m working. I want to inspire others to do what they can—it doesn’t need to be scary or huge to make a difference.”
Added to her role with Izzy, Reiner has worked on the board of and as an ambassador for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media; on the board of Earth Day Initiative; on the advisory board for Air Protein; and started an eco-fashion zero waste initiative called Livari. She also sings with Resistance Revival Chorus, which uses songs to advocate for change.
As a champion of all things eco-friendly, she and her husband use their home to share information about building green. Their brownstone eco-renovation in Harlem was featured on television's "World's Greenest Homes'' and "Renovation Nation,” and in various magazines. They also allowed the environmentally friendly construction process to be chronicled on websites such as www.dwell.com and www.kohler.com.
In addition to her work in eco-friendly causes and women’s issues, Reiner works regularly with Second U Foundation, Bard Prison Association, Sanctuary Neighborhood, This is About Humanity, Vote plus 10, The Cancer Support Community, Actors for Autism, The Young Women's Leadership Network, SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young, Bent on Learning, and many more. Through this work she has earned seemingly countless awards and honors and has spoken at multiple high-profile venues and events,
including the White House, the United Nations, Google, Cannes Lion, and countless film festivals and events about breaking barriers for women in all fields, specifically the entertainment industry.
“I chose acting as a profession because I love new adventures, and working on multiple projects speaks to that,” Reiner says. “I was told that when I reached a certain point in my career to pick just one cause, but I just can’t do that. Working on so many causes helps me to avoid burnout and always have new adventures.”
While known as an actress and advocate, she also is a producer of many impactful films, including EQUITY - the first ever female driven wall street film (Sundance Film Festival), EGG - about choices in motherhood (Tribeca film festival, 100% fresh on Rotten tomatoes) and the short film “Speed Grieving,” that is now being utilized as a grief counseling tool at cancer support community centers.
Always one to advocate for change wherever she can, Reiner shares that she models impactful jewelry, as well, including the Dissent II necklace by Gaby Moss, that gives back 20 percent of its proceeds to the National Network of Abortion Funds.
Reiner’s fans can continue to catch her in multiple roles. They can find her in Ms. Marvel on Disney + and find her feature film Equity on Amazon or iTunes. She also just finished her fifth season as Sunny on Peabody Award-winning Better Things on F/X HULU and is about to start her second season playing Katharyn in STARZ's Shining Vale with Courteney Cox and Greg Kinnear, after finishing two seasons as Kiki on HBO's The Deuce.
She also alludes to the fact that she has shot three movies this year that will be out soon (details are currently mum). Of course, her advocacy work for all her favorite causes—eco-friendly initiatives included— will continue as well.
“I am so lucky and love what I do—as an actress and an advocate,” Reiner says. “It all makes an impact—everything from daily eco-friendly habits to advocating to disrupt an entire industry. I hope to inspire others to make their own choices and see how their actions make a positive difference in the world.”
For a full list of all her projects—including entertainment roles and organizations she supports— visit www.alysiareiner.com. You can also find her on social media @alysiareiner.
TThe holiday season is upon us and, according to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25% more trash between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holiday period than at any other time of the year. That equals about 25 million tons of garbage!
Whether it is decorating your house, finding eco-friendly gifts, or eco gift wrapping, there are several small ways we can all make a difference this holiday season.
When the ornaments and ribbon on your faux wreath start looking tired, you can add new items to give it a refresh or a completely new look entirely!
According to Josi Tank with Berridge Nurseries, there are great ways to bring a sense of Christmas with items you already have. “Most Christmas tree lots have fresh cut branches from trimming trees and will let you have them for free. This is a great way to bring your already existing wreath
back to life and - bonus! - you will have a fantastic Christmas aroma.” You can also cut branches from your wreath and turn them into a centerpiece or candle ring.
When holiday garland starts to look drab or worn, you can turn it into a new wreath. Simply pick up some wire framing at a hobby shop, tie on your old garland with wire or zip ties until you have the fullness you are looking for. Tank suggests, “consider making several smaller wreaths for hanging on doorknobs, cabinets, or onto smaller windows.”
It isn’t just a drab tree or garland that can leave your home looking dreary this time of year. What about those festive plants and greenery that
can brighten up any room? Jackie Wright, designer, and owner of Macy Lane Designs, says the desert is a treasure trove for holiday plants and décor. “Just about everyone has an orange or lemon tree in their yard, which can be used in centerpieces. Trim some leaves from these trees and use citrus to line a tablescape. Citrus can also be dried out and used as ornaments. I also love using sage, rosemary, and pinecones, which can all be found in the Phoenix area.”
intermixed with small votive candle holders. This is one the whole family can get involved with making, and it creates a very inviting centerpiece.
Fresh greens are always a great way to brighten up a plain tablecloth and table setting. Visit a Christmas tree farm, as they will often have branches that have fallen off trees, tree trimmings, and more than you can recycle and reuse for any table setting you may be working on. Great for indoor and outdoor use this time of year, and even the simplest of green settings can boost the holiday mood.
Entertaining guests is a great way to celebrate the holidays. A green solution for serving your guests is compostable plates, bowls, and utensils. While still disposable, there are several biodegradable options available from EcoProducts (www.ecoproducts.com), which offers plates, cups, silverware, and more. Their products are made from recycled and compostable or renewable materials. Another great solution is Bambu compostable dishes and utensils. This eco-friendly solution is made from renewable bamboo, and some of their products can give off a more fancy vibe, great for any holiday tablescape. Plus, with compostable dishes and utensils, you are also saving water resources by having less cleaning following a meal.
A beautiful way to create a conversation starter for the centerpiece is to use something that already exists in nature. Grab a log that you would use for the fireplace, and cut out part of the middle, creating a boat or tub for holding items. Then, collect pinecones from a nearby park or outdoor space and scatter them
The good news for sustainable tablecloths and linens is that they last longer and typically don’t wear out after just a few washes. Ecofriendly tablecloths and placemats are typically made with natural or recycled materials, especially good if they are certified Fairtrade or organic. If you are unsure what to look for in a sustainable table linen or placemat, be sure to look for natural or biodegradable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, palm fiber, or different types of grass. Labels may also state whether products are made from recycled plastic or other materials. There are some great companies that produce sustainable linens and tablecloths including Coyuchi (www. coyuchi.com), MadeTrade (www.madetrade.com), Mayamam Weavers (www.mayamamweavers.com), and MINNA (www.minna-goods.com). Best advice, do your research and find a company and product that works for you.
While the gift wrap you can purchase is cute and seasonal, there are really great ways to be a bit more ecologically effective with your presents this holiday season.
First, you can take old packaging and recycle something you’ve already got on hand. We’ve all gathered items throughout the year, from the Amazon delivery boxes to tissue paper from previous gifts. You can use these items to create something new and fresh, that not only won’t break the bank but will help create.
Another great way to recycle and reuse is to wrap gifts in newspapers or magazines you have on hand.
Most households have newspapers or magazines they’ve collected over time, simply lying around taking up space. Why not use those materials to create something new and fun? One of our favorites is to use the comic section for a light-hearted gift filled with love and a little laughter.
If you don’t want to deal with newspaper print or magazine pages, then look around your home for any of those smaller “decorative baskets” you might have sitting around. Baskets are a very personal and beautiful way to deliver a gift to a friend. Add in some home baked treats, a book that you love, and a candle for a touching gift that will leave a lasting memory with a friend or loved one.
Resealable and reusable produce bags are being used in households everyday but what about reusable gift bags? Not only are many of these reusable gift bags beautiful to look at, you can reuse them for years to come, re-gifting or using them for storage for other items such as jewelry, make-up, personal items, and more. There are a ton of different options found online websites such as Etsy (www.etsy.com), VZwraps (vzwraps.com), or even Amazon. You are likely to find just about any pattern or style you may be looking for.
Looking for a great gift for bird lovers on your list? Birds of Arizona is a comprehensive field guide of the state’s birds, written by well-known author Richard Cachor Taylor. The book features more than 500 species, with over 900 color photographs showing the key field marks of each species and detailed color range maps based on
ebird data. The book can be purchased online at www.rwmorse.com.
Why not give the gift of experiences? Not everything we give during the holiday season has to be a tangible gift you can hold and use right away. Why not give the gift of a concert in the future, a museum membership, an upcoming game with their favorite team & sport? Experiences are a very thoughtful way to let those on your holiday gift list know that you really do know who they are and what sort of things they like to do.
Wright says be sure to take stock of what you have before you do any additional shopping. “Take stock in what you already have, what you can find outside, and what you might be able to get second-hand. Chances are you already have everything you need, which will help you save money and, hopefully, Mother Earth.”
But at the end of the day, whether you are looking for a way to lessen the trash you have, looking for more recyclable materials, or simply cutting back on waste overall, planning a sustainable and eco-friendly holiday doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Enjoy the season, knowing that your efforts can make a difference for the future of the planet.
FFor the holidays, locals and guests of these hotels can feel good about protecting the environment by celebrating in “green” style.
Leaders in the hotel sustainability field are members of Beyond Green (https://staybeyondgreen.com), a global portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainability leadership. Beyond Green proposes a new way to travel that connects personal well-being with the well-being of our planet. Among the criteria to be considered for Beyond Green, a property must meet more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards.
The following three Beyond Green properties are prime examples of luxury resorts with eco-friendly celebrations during the holiday season.
NAPA, CA | WWW.CARNEROSRESORT.COM
Nestled on 28 acres surrounded by lush vineyards, farmland, and the natural beauty of the Napa Valley is the Carneros Resort and Spa. The resort was designed to be an integral fit into the Carneros winegrowing district landscape and is committed to helping preserve its pristine setting.
As a proud member of Beyond Green, Carneros Resort and Spa promotes recycling and composting: it donates discarded soap to Clean the World, where the soap is sanitized and repurposed in needed areas across the globe; uses boxed water and 100% compostable coffee packs; EVs, wagons and bicycles are employed for transportation within the property; native, drought-tolerant plants and naturalized plant materials are used in the landscaping; porch rocking chairs are made from recycled milk cartons; cleaning
products are biodegradable; natural ventilation was built into the architectural style of the resort; and the food and beverage program focuses on locally grown, organic produce, farm-to-table sourced from the property’s own culinary garden or small regional farms that are sustainably maintained.
Accommodations include 100 cottages, suites, residences, and luxurious private homes. The cottages offer 420 square feet of indoor space and up to 800 square feet of outdoor living space with al fresco showers, heated slate bathroom floors, and fireplaces with Enviro-Logs. Each cottage has a private front porch and backyard garden with a sundeck, firepit, and an indoor-outdoor shower. There are plenty of warm throws and heaters for Napa's evening
Photo courtesy of Carneros Resort and Spachill. Additionally, cottages have soaking tubs both in the bathroom and in the yard.
This year, Caneros will offer an array of holiday activities, including Nightly Cookies & Hot Cider from 5-6pm; Create your-own Hot Cocoa Fridays from 5-6pm; Cookie Decorating Saturdays from 4-5pm; and neighborhood Caroling on December 17th and 24th at 5pm.
Carneros Resort and Spa’s fine dining restaurant, FARM at Carneros, will be open Christmas Eve for a 4-course tasting menu from 5:30 to 10 p.m. ($145 per person), and a Christmas brunch from 11-3 p.m. ($125 per person) and dinner ($145 per person) will also be offered. Additionally, the resort will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. ($250 per person) inclusive of a countdown, champagne, chef stations, open bar, and live music by famed DJ Nicole Leone.
Located on the pristine white sand beaches and the serene private atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia is The Brando, a luxury resort built with Marlon Brando’s vision to create a sustainable development
where both people and place find harmony with one another. Tetiaroa boasts rare biodiversity, a natural sanctuary for birds and marine life, and several programs to preserve, restore, and help them flourish.
The Beyond Green resort considers itself a steward of Tetiaroa with the responsibility to treat it with the utmost level of care and respect. All building materials used are of local origin, renewable, or incorporate recycled components. The Brando has implemented Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) by using the temperature of the deep ocean to cool an AC loop, releasing the sea water back into the ocean with no impact. In tropical environments, where air-conditioning is in high demand year-round, it can represent 40% of total energy consumption and is the largest single usage of energy. This system saves 42% of energy in comparison. The resort relies entirely on renewable energy, including solar power and biofuel whenever it can be procured, and is close to reaching its goal of being carbon neutral and self-sustainable. The Brando gifted an Ecostation to the Tetiaroa Society, a nonprofit established to lead the scientific and cultural mission to protect the atoll, strengthen its resilience to global change by restoring ecosystems, and be interdependent while inspiring others around the world to do so as well. The Society leads a Blue Climate Initiative, a major global initiative to harness ocean-based strategies to combat the climate crisis and other environmental issues. Tours by the Tetiaroa Society are offered year-round to encourage guests to support these efforts.
Photo courtesy of Carneros Resort and SpaThere are 30 one-bedroom villas, four two-bedroom villas, a three-bedroom villa, and the Teremoana 3-bedroom private residence. Each villa is designed to blend into the serene indoor and outdoor surroundings in a cozy setting with private terraces, pools, outdoor al-fresco bathtubs, and the beach just steps away. Dressing areas adjoin the bedrooms,
while large windows allow for gazing at the lagoon through a screen of native plants.
This holiday season, The Brando invites guests to engage in an array of unique, sustainable activities like traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe racing; Tahitian drumming on the to'ere and pahu with local musicians; the Polynesian art of coconut palm weaving with cultural experts who teach guests the calming and meditative therapeutic process; and a sandcastle building contest using items like seaweed and shells found in nature.
The Brando’s New Year’s Eve White Party will ring in 2023 with a four-course dining experience of traditional Polynesian dishes mixed with classic French festive foods, such as lobster and caviar, all paired with Rhône Valley wines introduced by renowned winemaker Stéphane Ogier; live music blending timeless saxophone tunes with edgy DJ mixes; and a special Polynesian New Year’s show and fire dance. Festive island hoppers can take advantage of a limitedtime one-hour flight from Bora-Bora to Tetiaroa that is respectful of nature and time, allowing guests to minimize their carbon footprint while maximizing their time in French Polynesia
CA | WWW.THERANCHLB.COM
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a founding member of Beyond Green. The boutique, 87-acre ranch-style property carved in the Aliso and Wood Canyons is minutes from Laguna Beach on the Southern California coast and offers 360-degree views in what feels like a nature retreat. Their laid back 9-hole GEO Certified® sustainable golf course blends into the peaceful canyon surroundings.
A sustainable pioneer, the property features several planet-forward programs, from recycling glass bottles into sand for its golf course bunkers to saving 20 million gallons of water annually by irrigating with reclaimed water. Harvest, the resort’s signature restaurant, is a farm-to-table delight. Here you’ll find ever-changing menus, seasonal specials, and fresh herbs and produce sourced from its own on-property,
Photo courtesy of The Brandohalf-acre, biodynamic, and organic Harvest Garden. Its outdoor saline pool and hot tub are perfect spots to unwind pre- or post meal.
Scattered among the acreage of the resort are wellappointed, 410 square foot Canyon Rooms with patios or upstairs balconies, nine Creekside Studio Suites, three 715 square foot Creekside One Bedroom Suites, 20 two-level 1,125 square foot Cottage Two Bedroom Suites, and the coveted 1600 square foot The Treehouse perched high above the grounds surrounded by windows offering a bird’s-eye view.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach invites guests and locals to celebrate the holiday season and the New Year with a plethora of memorable and exclusive experiences from decadent meals, seasonal spa treatments, special activities, and specialty items at their Base Camp and Sycamore Spa retail stores. Harvest is offering special Christmas and New Year’s Eve dining experiences, including slow roasted prime rib, fresh local seafood, special seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from Harvest Garden, and sticky toffee pudding for dessert at Christmas dinner. The Ranch will celebrate New Year’s Eve with caviar, fresh local lobsters, homemade truffle pasta, warm butter cakes for dessert, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight to ring in the New Year.
Outside of Beyond Green is Beach Plum Farm, which we highlight for it's sustainability, regenerative farming and overall eco-minded operations.
WEST CAPE MAY, NJ |
WWW.BEACHPLUMFARMCAPEMAY.COM
For a different kind of family vacation, how about experiencing the holidays on a working farm? The 62acre Beach Plum Farm - located near the beaches and historic downtown of Cape May, NJ - is a unique idea with its multi-bedroom cottage accommodations.
Rooted in a sense of community and regenerative agricultural practices, Beach Plum Farm champions the farming heritage of the Garden State. Regenerative agriculture focuses on topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing ecosystem services, supporting bio-sequestration (storage and removal of carbon from the atmosphere), increasing resilience to climate change, and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.
The farm is home to 100+ different types of produce, flowers, and herbs, and raises Berkshire pigs, chickens, ducks, and turkeys—all of which have been serving Cape May’s restaurants since 2008, as well as the cuisine of the farm. The homegrown herbs are used in personal care products like shampoos and lotions that can be found at
Photo courtesy of The Ranch at Laguna BeachCape Resorts’ properties, a regional hospitality company in NY and NJ with eight distinctive classic American resort properties known for their expertise in adaptive reuse and historic preservation.
The farm has six historic cottages and barns that sleep 6-8 guests with private bathrooms. There are shared amenities such as dining rooms, living rooms, and full kitchens with refrigerators stocked with farm fresh eggs, bacon, toast, milk, OJ, butter, and jam. Cottages come with private fire pits, bicycles, and a golf cart for travel around the property. The only alarm clocks are the sounds of the rooster crowing. For the holidays, all the cottages throughout the property and in the Hoop House are adorned with festive décor.
The Farm Market features two floors of produce and products from the farm as well as local jams, honeys, mixers, spreads, pastas, and wines. Curated housewares, toys, books, gifts, and holiday products are available for purchase. The Farm Kitchen in the main Amish barn features a menu based on what’s fresh in the fields that morning, serving breakfast and lunch.
Every weekend, including Christmas and NYE, there are farm-to-table meals in the climate-controlled Hoop House. Served family style, these dinners feature high pastureraised turkeys, heritage pork, winter vegetables, and fresh herbs from the farm. The evening begins with a hayride tour of the farm fields, followed by a candlelit stroll through the Woodland Trail for fellowship and cocktail hour.
Photo courtesy of Beach Plum Farm Photos courtesy of Beach Plum Farm
Journey Beyond - A Holistic Center | Scottsdale, Arizona. You, your loved ones and those looking to experience their many holistic healing and recovery offerings have much to choose from Intensives, Polarity, Craniosacral, Events, Workshops, Hynotherapy, Massage, Inner Child Healing, Sound baths, Breathwork, Energy work, Coaching, Reiki, Auriculotherapy, Reflexology, Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Private groups, Rental space and much more. Mention Green Living magazine and receive one complimentary weekly group. www.journeybeyondahc.com
Celebrate this holiday season with a thoughtful gift of a handsome Buffalo Leather Journal, available in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs. Hand crafted with hand stitched detail, made locally in Arizona. Please check out Buffalo Boutique in person or online for other authentic, unique gifts. 7032 E 5th Avenue Scottsdale www.buffaloboutique.com/leather/lifestyle/journals
The Sedona Yoga Festival celebrates 10 years of transformation in the undisputed spiritual center of the American West, on April 27–30th, 2023. Enjoy yoga, meditation, workshops, lectures, and more for all experience levels and interests. Emerge to imagine a more mindful world. Get 5% off tickets with code SYF-GREENLIVING.
Give the gift this season of awakening hearts and elevating consciousness through the power of community, intention, song & dance. Featuring Ma Muse and DJ TAZ RASHID with Rev. Joya Founder of Vibology. A rhythm-filled, audience-participation concert that will get everyone into the groove. It's a can't-miss event that will change the world. 1-22-23 1-4 PM // Sunkist Warehouse, Mesa AZ www.viberaiser.eventbrite.com/?aff=GreenLiving
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Fair Trade Cafe is the longest standing Latina owned coffee house. Specializing in fair trade certified coffees, teas, and sustainable composting initiatives. Visit us this holiday season to experience the true meaning of Fair Trade. Website: www.azfairtradecafe.com | Socials: @fairtradecafeaz
Just 1-2 ounces a day can help survive the hangovers of the holidays whether it's an over indulgence of sweets or too much of Mama's stuffing. A shot of beet juice will get your gut back on track. www.gardengoddessferments.com
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts, generously season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add wine and cook until evaporated, about 2 more minutes. Add cranberry balsamic and toss to coat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
(as enjoyed in Wildflower’s on popular Turkey Cranberry Walnut Stuffing Sandwich)
BY WILDFLOWER | WWW.WILDFLOWERBREAD.COM MULTIPLE ARIZONA LOCATIONS
Serves 10-12 Or Stuffs One 12-14 Lb. Turkey
Ingredients
1 loaf of Wildflower Cranberry Walnut bread, cut into 1/4"-1/2" cubes*
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups celery, chopped with the leaves
2 cups yellow onion, chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup chicken stock, cooled
1 cup Port wine, reduced by half and cooled
Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté celery and onion over low heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat and place contents into a large bowl. Add bread cubes and toss gently. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and dried cranberries. Add chicken stock and reduced Port wine and toss until well blended. Stuff your turkey and cook according to size and weight. If you prefer, you may bake stuffing in a pan, loosely covered for 45 minutes at 350° F.
*This recipe is best if the bread cubes are stale. To stale the bread, cut as directed and leave on a cookie sheet overnight. If you would like to stale the bread more quickly, cut as directed and bake at 350° F for approximately 20 minutes or until hard.
BY Z’TEJAS | WWW.ZTEJAS.COM 7221 W RAY RD, CHANDLER & 8300 N HAYDEN RD SUITE D-101, SCOTTSDALE
Pie dough
½ lb. unsalted butter
2 oz. pecan halves, chopped
2 oz. walnuts, chopped
2 eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon plus 2 tsp brown sugar
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon Ancho Chile paste or chile powder
1 egg white, mixed
Pie dough – use a store bought or favorite pie crust recipe. Line a 9” pie plate with dough. Fill with pie weights and bake at 425º on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until the crust is starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and cool.
Place butter in a medium saucepan and melt over medium-low heat. While the butter is melting, place nuts on a sheet tray and toast in a 350º oven for 5 minutes. Once golden and toasted, remove from the oven. Reduce oven temperature to 300º.
Place eggs in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, add flour and sugar. Continue to mix until all ingredients are well blended and smooth. Add chocolate chips, Ancho paste or chile powder, and hot nuts right out of the oven (this will help to melt the chocolate). With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the hot butter to the chocolate mixture. This will melt the chocolate completely. Once all the butter has been added, continue to mix until completely blended.
Brush egg white on the edge of the cooked pie crust. Place the pie plate on a sheet pan. Pour the chocolate nut mixture into the prepared pie crust. Place in a 300º oven for 30 minutes until the center is slightly firm. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Serve with whipped cream.
The secret to a holiday charcuterie board is to include imported, nonprocessed meats and cheeses.
2 1/2 oz. Vermont white sharp cheddar (slice or cubes)
2 oz. Grana Padano (american parmigiano broken rustic)
3 oz. ricotta with chili honey (place the honey in the middle)
2 1/2 oz. Spanish chorizo, sliced thin)
2 1/2 oz. spicy capicola, sliced thin
2 1/2 grande pepperoni, sliced thin
1 1/2 oz. wild mushrooms (olive oil poach)
2 oz tahini cauliflower (roasted and tossed in tahini dressing)
1 cup brussel sprout leaves (quickly cooked in the pan olive oil and salt, then add pecorino romano and balsamic glaze)
1 cup arugula with olive oil and lemon
4 oz. charred jalapeño hummus with olive oil and heirloom cherry tomatoes (or your favorite hummus)
4 ea. artichoke hearts marinated in oil with breadcrumbs and lemon zest
Local First Arizona shares why prioritizing and protecting farmland is critical for the health of our communities
BY LYNITA JOHNSONTThe statistics are staggering.
Over the last 25 years, diet-related chronic disease rates have risen and remain high with nearly half of all American adults having one or more preventable chronic diseases. Only one in 10 adults eats the recommended fruits or vegetables. The economic burden of chronic diseases has climbed to $3.8 trillion in direct and indirect costs, or nearly one-fifth of the U.S. GDP.
While we all hear that we need to consume more fruits and vegetables to promote health and prevent chronic diseases, we are not hearing that our country doesn’t have enough of the vegetables we are supposed to eat. While it is recommended that adults consume two to three cups of vegetables a day, only 1.7 cups are available per person. The vegetable supply would need to increase by 70% for Americans to meet the recommended daily amounts.
Prioritizing and protecting farmland is of utmost importance.
Currently, more than half of all cropland ever created in Maricopa County has been converted to urban or suburban development. Meanwhile, the county’s household food insecurity rates reached 13.7% in 2019 (pre-pandemic). Arizona is one of the most agriculturally productive states, yet much of that food is exported out of state and not available to local communities.
Building and supporting a localized food system and preserving local farmland are the foundation to creating healthy Arizona communities.
Sun City Farmers Market - Seasonal Thursdays, Oct 6 - May 25, 9am - 1 pm
16820 N. 99th Ave., Sun City 85351
Carefree Farmers Market - Year round Fridays, Oct - May 9am-1pm; Jun - Sep 8am-11am
1 Sundial Circle, Carefree 85377
Downtown Chandler Farmers Market - Seasonal Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27, 9am-1pm
3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler 85225
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market - Seasonal Saturdays, Oct 1 - May 27, 8am - 1pm; Jun 3 - Jun 24, 7am - 10am
3806 N. Brown Av, Scottsdale 85251
Roadrunner Park Farmers Market - Year round Saturdays, 8am - noon Oct 1 - May 27 Jun - Sep 7am - 10am
3502 E. Cactus Rd, Phoenix 85032
Ahwatukee Farmers Market - Year round Sundays, Oct 2 - May 28, 9am - 1pm Jun 4 - Sep 24, 8am - 11am 4700 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix 85044
Farmers Market on High Street - Seasonal Sundays, Oct 2 - May 14, 10am - 1pm 5415 E. High Street, Phoenix 85054
Ocotillo Farmers Market - New Sundays, Oct 30 - May 28, 9am - 1:30pm
*Call for Summer Schedule 2577 W Queen Creek rd, Chandler 85248
Verrado Farmers Market - Seasonal Sundays, Nov 6 - June 25, 9am to 1pm N. Market Place & W. Main St., Buckeye 85396
Our Farmers’ Market organization has been active in the Phoenix metro area and across the valley for over 33 years creating and coordinating community farmers markets. One of our markets, the Roadrunner Park Farmers Market, has been an active neighborhood hub in the northeast Phoenix area for over 3 decades. Others of our valley markets have similar relationships within their communities - a place where neighbors can shop and meet up on a weekly basis.
Our mission has always been to support local farmers, growers and other agricultural producers with stable venues that offer them the opportunity to grow their businesses and to have direct contact with their customers.
Additionally we have supported micro-business enterprises that are local value-added food producers and their products, and in some markets local artisans and crafters.
Farmers markets traditionally are the places where folks come to enjoy what neighborhood gathering places are about.. slowing down, enjoying and discovering all kinds of tasty fresh foods and the folks who bring them.
How does access to food-producing spaces and farmland affect the health of a community?
• Access to green spaces and nature improves mental health.
• Food growing spaces positively influence food choices and healthy eating patterns.
• Food self-sufficiency supports healthy eating.
• Agriculture shapes the physical environment that influences overall health.
• Community gardens provide safe spaces and ways to teach children where healthy food comes from.
Here are a few practical ways to protect Arizona farmland:
• Find and buy directly from farmers at a local farmers market.
• Buy Arizona Grown in grocery & retail stores.
• Frequent businesses and restaurants that source and use local food and produce.
• Sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership.
• Contact your local Mayor, Council, and/or Maricopa County Supervisors to voice your concerns about farmland loss.
• Apply pressure to local governments to develop strategies that preserve farmland and maintain agricultural use.
• Demand that policymakers address social and environmental problems with transformative – NOT incremental – change that bolsters community-based food systems, improves nutrition security, preserves farmland, and directly supports Arizona’s local producers.
• Partner with the Coalition for Farmland Preservation.
• Learn more about our local food system by watching the FREE Good Food Film Series.
• Visit www.goodfoodfinderaz.com/arizona-foodfarm-forum to find and attend upcoming local food events.
• Get the latest food news. Follow Good Food Finder on social media:
Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. Local First’s areas of focus include environmental action, food access, developing entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, and racial equity. Local First Arizona is the largest local business coalition in the U.S. and advocates for independently owned businesses of all sizes by providing local owners with technical assistance designed to help them compete and collaborate, which ultimately strengthens Arizona's economy and builds hometown pride. Visit localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally-owned businesses.
Instagram: @goodfoodfinderaz and Good Food Finder on Facebook
Headquartered in Tucson, World View offers guests a unique view of the planet through innovative astro-tourism and remote sensing technology.
BY DYLAN NAUGLEIIn 2014, computer scientist Alan Eustace, a senior vice president of engineering at Google at the time, broke the world record for the highest skydive and the longest free fall—falling for almost four and a half minutes and a distance of more than twenty-five miles. Donning a pressure suit, Eustace was tethered to a helium balloon for his ascent into the stratosphere. Seeing our planet from such a vantage point can instill what is known as an “overview effect” - seeing the planet as a whole.
It was World View and its team of experts that led Eustace to his record setting jump almost a decade ago. Founded in 2012, World View will soon offer individuals the opportunity to experience the overview effect and see our planet from a vantage point of 100,000 feet above Earth. World View’s stratospheric flights are powered by balloons similar to those used by Eustace, albeit with a much more comfortable capsule.
Witnessing the planet from a vantage point not achievable from walking its surface can bring about a new sense of understanding, empathy, and comprehension. “[It’s] something bigger than yourself…you see the earth without borders, without race, and ultimately it triggers a different kind of respect for the earth as a planet,” explains Ryan Hartman, CEO of World View. Astro-tourism is
fairly new and outside of the field of awareness for many. A big part of this stems from its unaffordability. However, World View is hoping to broaden accessibility by offering flights for $50,000—still a sizable amount, but within reach of many. Beyond the cost, Hartman explains that World View’s capsules offer a much gentler way to experience such a voyage. “It’s a way to experience space tourism where you're not strapping yourself to a rocket and succumbing to 6 Gs to be able to experience a few minutes of viewing the earth, but rather a very gentle way to ascend and spend many hours [of] viewing our earth.”
The company is planning to build seven spaceports located around the world— the “Seven Wonders of the World—stratospheric edition,” Hartman likes to call them. The U.S. Grand Canyon and the Australian Great Barrier Reef locations will be the first to launch
public flights in 2024, with Serengeti, Kenya following in 2025; Aurora Borealis, Norway; Amazonia, Brazil; and the Giza Pyramids, Egypt in 2026; and finally the Great Wall of China, Mongolia in 2027.
Participants are asked to spend five days at or near the spaceport so launch can take place when the weather and time are most optimal. “Space tourism is about place, and it's about time,” explains Hartman, referring to locations of its spaceports as well as the time invested in the endeavors surrounding them.
Participants will tour, hike, and have meals in the area around the spaceport, getting to know the place from the ground before being suspended above it. “Creating an opportunity for people to connect to the earth and to have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the beauty and the fragility of our planet,” explains Hartman.
As for the space trip itself, participants board an explorer capsule amid early morning darkness and ascend while the sun is rising, which is seen through capsule windows. Each pressurized, climate controlled capsule is suspended beneath high altitude helium balloons and will offer occupancy for eight passengers and two crew members. The balloons are made of polyethylene plastic that are filled with helium that is non-flammable and non-explosive, along with backup parachutes as a redundancy to ensure passenger safety.
Passengers have their own seat within the capsule, along with an individual viewing screen. Windows on every side of the capsule allow passengers to peer out in every direction for a thousand plus miles. Approximately six to eight hours are spent exploring space before a gentle descent back to Earth.
The trip into the stratosphere will be carbon neutral, and the company is looking to do more for sustainability in the future.
“One of the things that we’re working on is upcycling the balloons into a greenhouse. So if we can build a greenhouse or many greenhouses, we can be doing things like contributing to the growth of tree sapping in areas where there has been deforestation as a result of wildfires or overuse of forests, or potentially contributing to the growth of food in a more sustainable way,” says Hartman.
The company aims to have a net positive impact on the environment and our planet's future, and this is just one example of the way in which they hope to do so in the coming years. “We exist to inspire, create, and explore new perspectives for a radically improved future,” says Hartman.
Attempting to reach as many people as possible, World View’s journeys are offered to a wide range of ages and physical abilities, and with pricing as affordable as possible. “Essentially our thought process is that you use space tourism to create earth advocates, and by creating a critical mass of earth advocates you shift people's behaviors,” explains Hartman.
In addition to astro-tourism offerings, World View also facilitates stratospheric remote sensing via helium powered balloons. The company has completed 115 remote sensing flights to date. “It's one thing to deliver an experience to a person, but you can also use the same technology to gather information, to gather data and create insights that are just as impactful. And for us, the idea that we can use our technology to ultimately contribute to a healing planet is what inspires us more than anything,” explains Hartman. In March, 2018, two Z-Class flights were launched out of the Tucson spaceport for NASA’s radiation detection experiments, Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety (ARMAS) and a chip-based radiation sensor.
The company expects to have several flights a day throughout the year. Reservations require a $500 deposit and offer their customers flexible financing options to pay. Visit www.worldview.space for more information.
YYou’ve probably seen the doomsday news headlines about water in Arizona: the state is just about to run out of water, and we need to start thinking about curbing the number of individuals and companies relocating here. But, those headlines don’t tell the whole story.
Arizonans know we have some big challenges with respect to securing our water supply for the future, but our taps are far from running dry. That’s because we’ve benefited from smart water policy and planning undertaken by Arizona’s leaders throughout our state’s history that have enabled the state to grow from a small dusty stop on the way to California to the roaring powerhouse economy it is today.
Our population is growing, and our economy is booming. We have become a hub for high-tech manufacturing, including electric vehicles, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors, among others. We also have figured out how to support robust economic growth while simultaneously reducing our water use.
When stakeholders and policymakers from across Arizona came together in 1980 to craft and pass the Groundwater Management Act, the water situation was dire. Arizonans were pumping too much water out of the ground and, in the words of former Gov.
Bruce Babbitt, “the whole structure was ready to collapse.” But the ingenuity, spirit of cooperation, and forethought that went into the Act has carried us for 40 years, ensuring the pumping of groundwater in central Arizona has been managed appropriately, and the precious nonrenewable resource has been conserved or stored.
The results show the actions have worked. Since 1957, Arizona’s population has grown from 1.1 million residents to 7.2 million while our actual water use has decreased, and we use less water today than we did in 1957.
Despite our efforts, though, environmental conditions now require us to reimagine what Arizona’s water policies should look like. In addition to groundwater, which makes up about 40% of our water supply, the state historically has relied on water drawn from the Colorado River to supply our cities, industry, and agricultural communities in central Arizona. But
We recently sold our Ahwatukee home and used Jan Green as our realtor. The whole process, from listing to selling, was smooth as silk thanks to Jan’s expertise and endless patience with our many questions. My husband and I had worked hard to make our home environmentally friendly, from adding solar panels to water saving measures, and Jan was instrumental in making sure we got recognition for that through Pearl certification. The house sold one week after we listed for well over asking price. We highly recommend Jan for either your selling or buying needs. We had two friends use her for buying houses and she worked tirelessly till she found them the right house. I think it is rare for a realtor to shine at both buying and selling, but Jan Green most assuredly does!
Jan Green has been an agent in Phoenix since 2003 and has earned the Master Certification for High Performance Homes, is a NAR GREEN designee and an EcoBroker since 2008; instructor for the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS®, and a volunteer for the US Green Building Council.
The Bayer Marana Greenhouse is not only a valued employer, winning SHRM of Greater Tucson’s 2022 Community Impact Award, it is here as a resource to support community development. As part of Bayer’s broader vision, Health for All, Hunger for None, grants provided by Bayer Fund support nonprofits addressing some of the biggest challenges facing Southern Arizona, including food insecurity, STEM (Science, technology, Engineering and Math) and environmental education.
To learn more about the Bayer Fund and this year’s recipients, visit www.greenlivingmag.com/bayer-fund
Health for all, hunger for none
after 22 years of drought, we can no longer rely on those water resources that once seemed abundant — in particular, the Colorado River — or count on old policies to carry us into the future.
For example, while the Groundwater Management Act put into place a framework for and restrictions around groundwater pumping, those regulations only apply in central Arizona, or about 30% of the state. In rural Arizona, groundwater pumping is entirely unregulated. As Colorado River resources become scarcer, groundwater will be an increasingly important supply of water, and we must take steps to ensure we do not deplete our aquifers.
Similarly, the Colorado River can no longer supply the volume of water to which Arizona was at one time legally entitled, and the entire river basin is under significant strain. Due to drought conditions, the levels of Lake Mead and Lake Powell continue to fall to dangerously low levels despite initial action from several basin states, including Arizona, to voluntarily conserve water to prop up lake levels.
As a result of this stress on the river system, the federal government directed the seven Colorado River basin states to come up with a plan to curtail their water use, but they were unable to reach an agreement. That led to the U.S. Department of Interior announcing in late October that it will launch an “expedited” process to change water-flow operations on the river.
Whatever the outcome, Arizona can expect less water from the Colorado River and potentially other consequences. We need solutions now to deal with these challenges.
To come up with new, modern solutions that will work for everyone and ensure Arizona has a secure and sustainable water supply for generations to come, we need everyone at the table. That includes rural and urban cities and towns, economic developers, business and industry community leaders, builders, agriculture, and, yes, the technology community. Everyone in Arizona has a stake in our future, everyone has a role to play, and everyone should have a voice in crafting the solutions we need.
Fortunately, we aren’t starting from scratch. In Arizona, we already have experience building coalitions and using smart policy combined with innovation to ensure we have a lasting and sustainable
water supply to serve our cities, industries, and agricultural communities. We already know solving our challenges is going to require a combination of policies related to conservation, augmentation, and reuse, and we’ve already identified a number of possible solutions.
For example, Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation in July that will make an unprecedented $1 billion investment in water by funding Arizona’s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority. The money will support augmentation and conservation efforts, efficiency, reuse and new technologies, which could include innovations in desalination among other things.
There are additional opportunities we should be exploring. They include incentives for reducing consumptive use, both on the municipal side by encouraging residents and builders to swap real grass out for artificial turf and installing in-home technologies. On the agricultural side, we should support farmers in transitioning their crops to less water-intensive varieties and upgrading irrigation systems to incorporate drip irrigation and other low-water-use irrigation technologies. This is already happening on a voluntary basis, but we can be doing more from a policy standpoint to encourage it.
Ultimately, the answer will not lie in any one approach or solution. Each one of these is but a single piece of a larger puzzle. Whether we’re talking about conservation, augmentation, or reuse, technology will be critical.
Just as was done in 1980, stakeholders must come to the table in good faith, committed to the process and prepared to stick it out until we can agree on the right set of solutions. We’ve done it before, and we know we can do it again.
We love the holidays in our house. The decorations, warm cocoa by the fire, gatherings with loved ones, that “magic” in the air —even hearing “Jingle Bells” for the 100th time. Well, ok, maybe not that last part so much. We even like shopping – but not the stress of crowds, lines, Grinches, or angry Elves. Maybe we can make shopping a little easier with some ideas below!
He Said: You should avoid these if you only like chocolate a little. They had an earthy, almost coffee taste and were definitely on the darker side of the chocolate spectrum. Now, if you love chocolate, you should also avoid these because you'll probably want to eat the whole box in one sitting. They had an absolutely heavenly texture that was light and fluffy, but melted away almost instantly.
She Said: Chocolate is one of my favorite things on the planet. I'm not too picky, but I certainly have some favorite brands and types. Truffles are usually too fancy, but these were, dare I say, boring! Sure, they were very creamy and rich, but other than the dusted cocoa and crunch of the teeny sugar crystals, there wasn't much going on. Toss some hazelnuts in there, and I'd be a happy camper.
He said: Well it’s official, I just got my business license. I'm going to open a store that just sells this brand of candles, key chains, and dog treats. I'm going to call it “Knick Knacks, Paddywax, Give a Dog a Bone.” I'm predicting the store to do really well because this candle smells great. It had a velvety, sweet scent that reminded me of pears and flowers. The scent didn't travel too far though.
She Said: The green upcycled wine glass and simple label of this candle are very modern and cute. It even has a wooden lid to boot. Artificial scents are not healthy and irritate my sinuses, so thank you to Paddywax for using essential oils, pure soy wax, and a cotton wick, ahh! I would pick a different scent next time, because the smoky/earthy/sour fruit combo is just not for me.
He Said: I must be getting old, because champagne tastes worse and worse every year that goes by. Pretty sure I'm going to be that guy yelling at people on New Year’s Eve, “Hey! Get that champagne off my lawn!” This brut champagne smelled of roses and had a super dry, tart flavor that translated to an almost astringent taste to me. Don't get me wrong, I still finished the glass, but I can think of a million other things I'd rather drink.
She Said: I can't get enough of the beautiful blush color of this wine! It's so pretty in the bottle (hello, fun gift!) and even more gorgeous in a delicate glass. It's easy to drink, so make sure someone else has got your keys. The flavor is right in the middle in all aspects – not too fruity, bubbly, or dry, so an all-around people pleaser.
He Said: I totally read this as Hygiene the Game and immediately thought of a few people I wanted to gift this to. But no, this Scandinavian game called Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), is a bit of a random question game. The questions are sometimes light and sometimes heavy, but they are designed to provoke meaningful conversations. We've played it a few times at the dinner table, and I'd say it does just that.
She Said: I grew up playing board games at every family gathering, so finding a new one to try and review was fun! I love that this is more of a conversation starter than a game. It's great for a group of friends or family of teens and adults. Sure, there are a few boring cards like, “When was the last time you visited a library?” But the thought-provoking ones are great for getting to know people better.
Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall with this holiday classic performance. Celebrate the joy of the season by following Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your 10th, this tradition never fails to enchant and draw smiles from all. Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.balletaz.org/performance/ the-nutcracker-2022.
It is that time of the year again, when visitors to one of the most popular farms in the Valley get a chance to celebrate with a very special kind of holiday magic. The fun-filled evenings feature the Illumination Express train ride, cookie decorating with Mrs. Clause, snow globe mini golf, pictures with Santa, a Christmas Carousel, a beer & wine garden, holiday shopping, and more! The event runs Thursday – Sunday evenings throughout the month. Information and advance tickets can be found online at www.schnepfchristmas.com.
Justice Brothers Ranch is hosting the inaugural Desert Farm Lights celebration for families looking for a bright winter wonderland. More than one million lights will twinkle in surprise at the ranch, and visitors will have the opportunity to sip on hot cocoa while strolling through the half-acre colorful Christmas maze, take a ride on a giant gingerbread slide, meet Santa, and more. Inflatable bounce houses and supersized yard games round out the excitement. Tickets for a single day visit as well as season passes are available online at www.tickettailor.com/ events/desertfarmlights/766450.
Enchant is the world’s largest holiday-themed light event, and it’s headed to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale. The event, which kicked off on Black Friday, is a sprawling 10-acre event produced annually on the playing fields of major league sports stadiums and iconic outdoor spaces. It features an immersive walk-thru light maze created from more than 4-million sparkling lights. There is also a 100-foot-tall holiday tree, an ice skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a village marketplace with crafts, gifts, festive culinary treats, and cocktails. Hours vary by date, so check out ticket prices and availability online at www.enchantmagic.com.
One of the Valley’s most cherished holiday traditions is back this year. Phoenix Zoo Lights offers guests a look at millions of twinkling lights, spectacular animal sculptures, and much more. This is certainly one of the most celebrated and favorite holiday traditions, and they are promising this year will be bigger and brighter than ever before. Santa will also be welcoming folks into his village for photos to commemorate the holiday experience. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at www.phoenixzoo.org/events.
Photo by Alexander Iziliaev
Photo courtesy of Salt River Fields
All aboard! The Verde Canyon Railroad is now boarding magical journey passenger trains to Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, Naughty Kids Coal Mine, the Antler Inn, Ice Fishing Hut, Reindeer Flight School, and much more! Upon arrival at the depot, Luminarias light the roofline and giant ornaments adorn the outdoor pergolas. Tickets are limited. For more information and availability visit www.verdecanyonrr.com/events/christmas-train.
This two day, annual festival is held in Oro Valley, promoting arts in the Southern Arizona community. This has become one of the largest fine art and craft festivals in the region, engaging a diverse demographic with programming suited for all age groups. There will be student performances, Tuba Christmas, free kids activities, jazz bands, cultural cuisine, and more. On Saturday December 3rd, there will be cookie decorating and free photos with Santa, among other activities. On Sunday December 4th, a bevy of arts activities including coloring for kids; grab and go kits will be available. For more information on the event, location, and more, visit www.saaca.org/ovholidayfestival.html.
The beloved group is bringing their special holiday show, “A Gift Within the Song,” to the Elks’ elegant Crystal Hall on East Gurley Street in Prescott for two shows, 3pm and 7 pm. Both shows will feature very eclectic and original interpretations of holiday classics, leaving guests singing gloriously the joyous sounds of the season. These award-winning, acoustic soul artists have been performing for more than 30 years and are set to deliver their soulful songs celebrating the holiday season. Tickets are available www.fslgypsysoulholiday12-17.eventbrite.com.
Don’t miss out on the premiere women’s networking event in Queen Creek. The event will be held at the Queen Creek Library from 8:30-10am and will feature Art of the Cowgirl. The Art of the Cowgirl provides a showcase through an annual gathering that celebrates cowgirls and their artistic contributions. The cost of the event is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Register online at www.queencreekchamber.com/events/decemberwomen-in-business-2/.
The Tucson Run Run Rudolph Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5K, and Reindeer Dash will be held at 8 am on Saturday, December 17th at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park in Marana. There is also a special challenge with the Run Run Rudolph Half Marathon and the Here Comes Santa 5K— complete the Frosty Double and receive a unique medal to show off. Online registration is open for all races at www.raceroster.com/ events/2022/60832/tucson-run-run-rudolph-half-marathonquarter-marathon-5k-reindeer-dash.
Job seekers have the opportunity to meet face to face with recruiters and HR managers from local and Fortune 500 companies to learn about open career opportunities. Prospective employees are encouraged to dress to impress and to bring several copies of their updated resume. The event will feature open positions in retail, sales, customer service, education, admissions, financial services, banking, healthcare, project management, and more. The event will be held from 9:30 am –1:00 pm. Visit www.nationwidecareerfairs.com/employers/ to learn more or register for the event.
Marriage and domestic partnerships bring many changes to your life – and your finances. In addition, LGBTQ couples and families may have different priorities and challenges that require careful planning. Whether your family includes one or two parents with kids, individuals or a couple, or grandparents wanting to provide for and assist future generations, you’ll want to review your state’s laws and how to best plan for your needs.
Mark Morales
First Vice President - Investment Officer 20551 N. Pima Rd. #200 Scottsdale , AZ 85255 Direct: (480) 419-2016 mark.morales@wellsfargoadvisors.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/mark.morales
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