Green Living Magazine June/July 2021 by Green Living AZ magazine

your conscious life

GREEN LIVING June-July 2021

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Why you need to go to CIVANA For the first time, 25 years of Deepak Chopra’s teachings are brought to a wellness resort Where to Find Meatless Meals in the Valley The Latest in Home Tech Innovations 10 Ways to Travel Sustainably

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Count Your Blessings I believe we’re told to count our blessings each day of our lives to help us realize how well we have it in today’s world. If you were to think of a single blessing we rely on every day, what would it be? It’s easy for me to think the one blessing at the top of my list would be water. Water to me is undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts to mankind. Of course, without it we as humans would cease to exist. As a matter of fact, not only human life but, all life would cease to exist. Since water by itself is only

part of the formula that provides our DNA the lifeblood for our very existence, we have yet one more very important element to add. As the Lord breathed life into us as humans, I believe he also breathed life into water as well. You cannot have one without the other to sustain life. Therefore, once again, mankind as well as all life forms would also cease to exist without water and oxygen.

At Pure Vision Technologies we study water down to the quantum physics level. Our goal is to be able to provide the highest level of water quality possible to all that thrive for it. We have found that by increasing the dissolved oxygen level in just about any body of water provides truly remarkable benefits to the environment it serves. In our case we are able to treat pools and spas for both residential and commercial facilities and create a much greater level of water quality. Those that utilize these waters are in for a pleasant experience. Water so silky and healthy it will leave you feeling like you just stepped out of the shower except… better! Say goodbye to that chlorine smell while in or out of the water. Say goodbye to that dry itchy scratchy feel after spending the day in your pool trying to stay cool on a warm summer day. No more stench of that strong chlorine odor all over your body and clothes after a day at the pool. Sounds too good to be true? Yes, that is what most people say before they’ve tried our systems. For more information on how we can help you improve your water quality call us at 480-694-4709 or check us out at www.pureVtech.com. Exceptional Water Systems, providing Healthy Water for Humanity!

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SanTan Brewing Company Set To Reduce CO2 Emissions By 50% SanTan Brewing Company is on a mission to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for a cleaner Earth and better beer. It invested in an Earthly Labs System, which recaptures the carbon dioxide that is naturally produced by the fermentation of its beers. The CO2 is then stored as a liquid and repurposed to carbonate the company’s beers. It also installed a nitrogen generator, which will purify the ambient air and eliminate the use of CO2 for purging aluminum cans, kegs, and tanks at its production facility. The combined use of these two new pieces of equipment will reduce SanTan Brewing’s CO2 emissions by over 50% per year. www.santanbrewing.com

Plant Solutions Brings Wellness to the Workplace Through Greenery Installations Plant Solutions, a Scottsdale-based leader in interior landscape design, installation, and maintenance, is encouraging people to rethink how plants can play a role in the design of traditional office spaces. “This is a critical time for asset managers, asset owners, and the design + build community,” says Joe Zazzera, founding principal of Plant Solutions. “There is an opportunity to prepare for post-pandemic life, today. We want employees to feel as safe and comfortable working in-office as they do at home, and plants can help out with that.” Studies have shown that plants nearby helps impress clients, attract talent, increase energy, enhance productivity, reduce fatigue, and improve mental health. www.plantsolutions.com

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Dual Solar Co-ops Launch for Phoenix and Scottsdale Residents Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) recently launched two new solar co-ops to help residents go solar together: the Phoenix Solar Co-op and the Scottsdale Solar Co-op. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive group price. Co-op members will select one company for each co-op to complete the installations in an open bidding process. The co-ops are free to join and members are not obligated to buy solar. www.solarunitedneighbors.org

Novus Innovation Corridor Receives LEED-ND Gold Certification In a first for Arizona, the Novus Innovation Corridor recently earned LEED-ND Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The 355-acre mixed-use, public-private partnership between Arizona State University and Catellus Development Corporation is adjacent to the Arizona State University Tempe campus. Novus is the first LEED-ND community certified at any level in Arizona. The Gold certification is the second-highest certification awarded by USGBC on its scale of Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum designations. The 62 points awarded to Novus qualifies it nationally among the top 10 best-scoring LEED-ND projects of all time. www.novusasu.com

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STUFF Outrageous

COOL

From cleaning formulas to chairs, check out this month’s fun, eco-friendly finds BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

2 3

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Super Clean Get clean with environmentally friendly all-purpose cleaner, window and glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and hand soap from DAZZ Cleaner. Plus, the tablet-based, nontoxic cleaning systems are packaged with eco-friendly packaging. Starter kit: $14 at www.dazzcleaner.com

Cactus Stye Keva Style’s Cactus Collection of Apple Watch bands, wrap bracelets, cuff bracelets, earrings, and key rings is made of nopal cactus (also known as prickly pear), which is grown on an organic farm. Mature leaves are cut and dried for three days in the sun to make the cactus leather. Prices range by item at www.kevastyle.com

3 A Chair For Good Meet Smart Ocean, the first chair made with recycled fishing nets (almost 2 lbs. per chair!). Designed by Humanscale in partnership with Bureo, a Patagonia-backed venture, it's a certified Living Product by the International Living Future Institute. Smart Ocean moves with every unique user thanks to its dynamic weight-sensitive recline. Starting at $1,099 at www.humanscale.com

4 Get Active The new activewear collection from Tenere features 100% organic tees, printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks for an extra soft finish. Color options include marshmallow white with brown lettering and black licorice with white lettering. And, 20% of the profit on each shirt benefits Operation Smile. $30 at www.theperfectprovenance.com

5 Eat Neat Bunglo’s organic cotton napkins are available in sets of four, measure 18”x18”, and feature the brand’s signature artfully zen prints that are designed by founder Shay Spaniola. $68/set of 4 at www.bunglo.co

6 Face Forward This two-minute, heavy-duty resurfacing mask can be used weekly to address texture, pores, dark spots, and more. The Versed Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask jar is made with 50% PCR and is designed to be recycled—Versed is a company dedicated to sustainability. $17.99 at www.versedskin.com

JUNE-JULY 2021

GREEN LI V I NG

GOOD

Finances

Why Sustainable Investing is Smart Investing

BY JESSICA ROBINSON

First things first … The COVID pandemic has taught us how interconnected we are. But at the same time, it has reminded us of the glaring inequalities that we face. As we look beyond the pandemic, it is clear that there are global challenges, such as climate change, that we must solve together.

To build a better and brighter future, we need to utilize all levers of change. This is where money comes in. Money—or rather, how we invest our money—is a hugely powerful tool at our disposal. Through sustainable investing, we can use our money and our investment decisions to bring about positive change in the world. But sustainable investing isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing.

THE LOWDOWN—WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE INVESTING? As we know, investing is allocating money to something in the expectation of some benefit in the future. Historically financial returns have been the end game. You invest money in the hope that you will reap higher financial returns in the future. However, our thinking on investing has started to dramatically shift. Over the last decade or so, more and more people have begun to look beyond financial returns. Today we see an increasing number of investors wanting to achieve positive change in an area they are passionate about, and invariably this has a social and/or environmental dimension.

LET’S GET SPECIFIC In its purest form, sustainable investing is an investment discipline that considers environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive societal impact. To be clear, sustainable investing is not philanthropy or charity. Sustainable investors are still looking for financial returns, but they seek other impacts at the same time. For the environment, an investor may look at what impact a company has on the resources that sustain it. They may

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look at the company’s contribution to climate change—say, GHG emissions. Or, the investor may seek out companies looking to solve the climate challenge, such as clean energy or climate tech companies. On the social aspect, investors are increasingly thinking about how companies translate their role in society—for example, how a company treats its suppliers or the local communities it operates in. A sustainable investor would be concerned about labor standards and illegal child labor. A sustainable investor would also care about issues like diversity and gender equality within the companies that they invest in.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER NOW? The harsh reality is that the world faces some pretty big and challenging issues. Our air is polluted, so is our water, our natural resources are rapidly depleting, biodiversity is under threat. At the same time, about one in five people in the developing world live below the extreme poverty line. And yet our throwaway consumer culture means that every year if we put all that waste on trucks, they could go around the world 24 times. We need to do something about it, and we need to take action soon. The good news is, when we think about our future direction of travel, investing to address the societal and environmental challenges we face is also a smart investment choice. Take, for example, the Sustainable Development Goals, a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all." The SDGs represent the closest thing we have to a global strategy; it’s our action plan for the future. It seems unlikely that companies not aligned with the SDGs will

be the successful companies of the future. Rather, seeking out companies and sectors that support the achievement of the SDGs makes good sense.

SO HOW DO YOU GET STARTED? Sustainable investing is growing—which means that it is becoming easier for us. First of all, prioritize what you care about. Ask yourself, “What kind of issues are important to me?” Then translate your priorities into sustainable investment beliefs. These are the guiding principles that spell out who you are and what you want to achieve with your investments. Next, do some goal setting. What do you want your investments to accomplish? The more specific you are, the easier it will be to identify how and where you want to invest. There is a wealth of information and analysis out there, so use it to your advantage. Being a sustainable investor is about making well-informed, well-considered decisions.

Learn to Love Yourself! ZenLife Center for Healing in Queen Creek, Arizona has one mission in mind and that’s to promote healing from the inside out. With a wide variety of yoga classes, from heated flow classes and Ashtanga yoga for the more advanced practitioner, to Yin, Hatha and Restorative for those looking to focus more on their inner healing; we have something for Every Body. Weekly Meditation Classes open to the public along with private Tibetan Bowl Sessions, Hypnotherapy and Rapid Eye Session available for deeper inner trauma healing.

LOOKING FORWARD— WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? With demand for sustainable and green products on the rise, certain themes within the sustainable investing universe will gain more attention. For example, climate change will remain a top priority for many investors. With COP26 scheduled for the end of this year, the summit is expected to see new and improved climate commitments, with companies and investors following suit. There are still challenges to overcome to embed sustainable investing as the “new norm.” But most big investors now believe sustainable investing is good risk management, leveraging the practice to help manage risk in uncertain times. The last year or so has demonstrated that companies doing a good job on managing sustainability risks tend to also manage other risks better. These companies are more resilient and likely to be more future-fit. The writing is on the wall—sustainable investing isn’t just about doing good, it’s also the smart thing to do. For more information, read Robinson’s book Financial Feminism: A Woman’s Guide to Investing for a Sustainable Future, published by Unbound. Or, find out more at www.moxiefuture.com.

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GREEN LI V I NG

HEALTH &

Wellness

Beat the Heat With Acupuncture

BY KLINT NOEL, LAC, MSAC, CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF MODERN ACUPUNCTURE AT DANA PARK & SANTAN PAVILIONS

Arizona summer heat can be brutal, something Valley residents know all too well. To stay cool, many people partake in common strategies such as simply staying inside, drinking plenty of water, and enjoying water activities. While these activities help to prevent overheating, they don’t address the concern of heat affecting one’s overall health; therefore, it’s important people seek out alternatives to help. One that many are unaware of the benefits when it comes to the summer heat is acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient practice that is used today for the modern individual. It’s commonly known to assist a variety of ailments such as chronic pain, high stress, lack of sleep, and much more, but as Arizona temperatures continue to climb, many are seeking benefits that involve beating the

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summer heat. These include improving skin health and wellness, alleviating allergy symptoms, increasing hydration, and promoting a natural glow from the inside out.

GENERAL ACUPUNCTURE Naturally, the heat can injure specific organs, one of them being the largest organ of the human body: the skin. It’s vital for regulating body temperature and protecting muscles, bones, and other internal organs from outside infection and disease, something the sun is known for causing. According

to Cancer.org, the most common cancer is skin cancer, and with Arizona averaging over 250 days of sunshine every year, it’s imperative people take the proper proactive steps to protect their skin. Summer also typically means more activities, and this increased movement can leave the body’s muscles and joints sore. Acupuncture helps alleviate the pain, while reducing any inflammation and promoting re-oxygenation of the tissues. The tiny needles inserted simultaneously heals surrounding tissues including fascia, nerves, and connective tissue. They also help increase the blood supply to the area and release the feel-good endorphins. In addition, acupuncture is a highly effective treatment when it comes to cooling off the body during the summer months. Oftentimes, heat causes people to experience symptoms such as irritability, increased mental stress, dream-disturbed sleep, increased thirst, dizziness, headaches, heart palpatations, and profuse sweating, to name a few, and acupuncture can help regulate body temperature and alleviate these ailments. And finally, the summer months can also conjure up allergies. While the beautiful greenery and botanical flowers the warmer weather creates, it also causes people to experience allergic reactions. It’s common for the pollen and other irritants to cause headaches; itchy, watery eyes; sneezing and wheezing; however, this season can be different with some help from acupuncture. The alternative treatment helps increase the body’s immune response and, in turn, reduces the allergic reaction so all the symptoms aren’t so intense. Many studies have found that acupuncture is a drug-free alternative for allergy relief and has even found it to be more effective than popular antihistamines when it comes to reducing nasal issues associated with allergies. People typically get relief after one session, but follow-up appointments tend to enhance the benefits.

FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE Along with the extreme temperatures, Arizonans experience an extremely dry climate compared to other states. The combination of the dry atmosphere and high temperatures can irritate the skin, causing people to experience acne, heat rashes, and other skin conditions. Facial acupuncture is known for hydrating and restoring dry, dull skin—helping the various problems at hand. The hair-thin needles help improve the skin’s blood circulation and hydration from the inside and in tandem, it regulates the body’s immune response and kickstarts the natural healing process. It also wakes up the body’s natural collagen production, which naturally aids one’s complexion and promotes the youthful glow everyone is in search of. Facial control points, where the acupuncture needles are placed, are typically the ears and areas around the face including the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Within these areas of application, people can also experience natural cosmetic benefits such as facial tightening, a reduction of fine lines, and a balance of muscle tones. These benefits are often experienced after multiple facial acupuncture sessions.

MODERN ACUPUNCTURE Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and founded in 2016, Modern Acupuncture™ is revitalizing the ancient practice of acupuncture for the modern individual by making allnatural health and beauty benefits available to the public in Zen-inspired clinics across the country. Arizona has a total of five locations including North Scottsdale, Village At Arrowhead, Dana Park, SanTan Pavilions, and 16th & Camelback. In total, there are 43 clinics in the U.S., with plans to open more in 2021. Visit www.modernacupuncture.com for more information.

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HEALTH &

Wellness

‘We Go After the Why’ Offering a new approach to living your best life pain-free, Dr. Sean Drake offers a whole body, comprehensive approach to wellness BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

Sometimes, explains Dr. Sean Drake, D.C., owner of Athlete Chiropractic, the part of the body where a person is experiencing pain isn’t always the location of the actual problem.

“Unless it’s a specific trauma, you have to look at the whole person,” he explains. This whole-body approach is what drives Dr. Drake’s reputation as a healer, drawing everyone from children to grandparents to a long roster of well-known professional athletes to his Scottsdale practice to fix a variety of aches, pains, limitations, and even to increase athletic abilities. “We look at it from the cellular approach, as well as a physical approach,” he explains. “There are so many pieces of the puzzle, ranging from the joints to the brain. Those three things need to work together, and a lot of times, people

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look at just one thing—a joint, or a muscle, for example. A lot of times, you have to look at the pain from a different perspective—where the pain is often isn’t where the problem is. It’s the result of stress and strain on the systems, which breaks down parts of the body. At Athlete Chiropractic, we go after the ‘why.’ “I look to put all the pieces together to see if it’s a joint problem, muscle problem, a brain problem, or something else, and from there, we can come up with a plan to tackle it.” Dr. Drake speaks from personal experience. A seven-sport athlete in high school, he later headed to college set to

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specialize in track and field, with dreams of eventually joining the Air Force as a pilot.

Our cold laser attacks inflammation and accelerates healing at the cellular level, as well. We also teach our clients how to take care of their body when they aren't in our clinic so that they don't need to be on a plan for the rest of their lives, seeking treatment.”

That all changed when he was in a horrible car accident. In pain and told he’d never run again, he began searching for answers.

Dr. Drake, who spent years traveling with professional sports teams and teaching at places such as Titleist Performance Institute, believes that no matter a person’s age or athletic ability, everyone is an athlete.

Then he found a chiropractor who changed his life—and who had him jogging again within three visits. Encouraged, he delved into the naturopathic world, using what he learned to wean off all his pain medications. Today, he brings his experiences and understanding to those he works with, offering customized treatments for each person who walks through his door.

“‘If you have a body, you are an athlete,’” he says. “This quote is from Bill Bowerman, someone who I look up to and who challenged the way we competed in sport. Most people have forgotten the athlete inside themselves.

“Our approach starts with the concept that not everyone is the same. Each individual has their own strengths, and their own physical, environmental, mental, or technical limitations in their lives. We strive to assess each person for their goals in life, and create a plan that accomplishes those. We typically don’t treat the area where pain signals are firing—we look at all aspects of the body in front of us, including each joint, and how its function, or non-function, impacts the rest of the body. We also delve into any prior injuries, scars, traumas, and environmental effects on the body,” he explains. Beyond Dr. Drake’s assessment and sport specific screenings, he has a variety of technologies in his clinic that can enhance performance and recovery. “This complements our philosophy that training/ living outside our office is the real treatment; however, we can guide in the journey to performance. Some of the tools we use are P.E.M.F., which is cellular exercise— imagine your cells being a battery. This device speeds charging, which speeds up recovery, healing, and performance. Hyperbaric treatments enhance the body's ability to heal and function by creating an oxygen-rich environment.

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“Here, we aren't a clinic; we are a community. You will find [a range of types of people]. We want each individual to improve their potential. My goal with this clinic was to take what I learned from working with professional athletes over the years and bring that to my community. I want each person who walks through the door to feel like a professional athlete. I want them to know I am on their team and will do whatever is in my power to help them reach their goals.”

Dalice Sleva and Dr. Sean Drake

greenlivingmag.com

Visit www.althetechiropractic.com for more information.

From left: Dr. Greg Rose, Steven Kupcho, Rylee Reinertson, Dr. Sean Drake, Lance Gill

HEALTH &

Wellness

Plug in to Mother Earth for Better Health BY KAREN LANGSTON

I was recently on a hike in Jacksonville, Florida, and saw this couple lying on the damp ground on the trail. My first thought was, “Are they okay?” A foot and hand moved; they were. Were they too tired to go on? Nah, they were earthing.

When you go to the beach and step on to the soft warm sand, do your feet tingle? When you are in the forest, do you just feel good? There is a good reason for this. Simply connecting your body with the Earth results in better health and vitality.

electrons, essentially grounding us. Originally known as grounding, today this is referred to as earthing.

The Earth, and everything on it including us, has a flow of electrons. This natural electron current flow pulsates at about 10Hz. Think of the Earth as an electrical socket circulating negative ions.

According to Dr. Dickson Thom of Scottsdale’s The American Center for Biological Medicine and co-author of Bioregulatory Medicine, “The human body is largely a reflection of the Earth. Both are approximately 70% water, require energy to sustain life, and both have our own set of bioregulatory cycles designed to keep us alive.”

We, on the other hand, are a positive electron like a plug. When we “plug” into the Earth, we suffuse with free

When we become overcharged, it leads to health ailments, diseases, and cancer.

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According to Jerry L. Tennant M.D., author of Healing is Voltage; The Handbook, the human body is controlled primarily by electronics (physics), not chemistry. For this reason, we must plug in. Today, we wear shoes and walk on floors, keeping us unplugged. Things like a poor diet low in antioxidants; stress; inflammation; and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from cell phones, WiFi, wireless devices (including 5G), power lines along with appliances, and electronics contribute to an unhealthy charge. According to numerous studies, our environment is typically over the 50-60 Hz electromagnetic field, which leads to the concentration of free radicals enhancing damage to our body. Is there any science to this? You bet. A 1995 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the U.S. Department of Energy study found that common exposure to EMFs from household electrical wires produce unnatural weak electric currents between human cells. According to Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, and Martin Zucker, the authors of Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever! (Second Edition), more than a decade of observation and research has shown that the more time people spend in conductive contact with the Earth, the better they feel. Studies have shown the simple act of earthing can reduce blood viscosity associated with cardiovascular disease, improve the immune system, reduce cortisol levels, inflammation, pain, stress, induce a better night of sleep and lead to general well-being. How can we stay grounded? Upgrade your diet to include Grounded sheets plug into a grounded electrical socket to complete a grounded curcuit during sleep.

antioxidant and mineral-rich organic vegetables which keep your cells properly charged. Spend at least 15-30 minutes a day grounded to the Earth. Swim in water with movement; walk barefoot on wet or damp sand, dirt, or grass; and sunbathe naked laying on the ground. Okay, so, maybe you are not quite ready for naked bathing. However, getting out in nature, walking, biking, or hiking also works. You need to actually connect with the ground. Bring a picnic, turn your phone off, kick your shoes off, connect with Mother Nature’s floor and enjoy your lunch. Of course, we also have technology that can help, especially if we spend long hours in front of a computer surrounded by dirty electricity. There are devices known as grounding mats for under your desk or while sitting and watching television. You can also find grounding sheets for your bedroom. These are helpful especially if you are not getting a restful night of sleep. It lies at the bottom of your bed, like the grounding mat, with your bare feet or legs in contact. For your home, you can install wall plug shields to help counter the effects of EMF exposure. There is also an EMF shielding paint made with graphite. You can add a timer to your WiFi programming it to turn off at night when it is not in use. Keep your phone on airplane mode while sleeping, replace fluorescent or CFL lightbulbs with LEDs. If this seems daunting, there is help. Check out Scottsdale’s Healthy House Doctors—a team of professionals, uniquely credentialed to help you create the safest, and healthy home (and office) environment. If you are constantly ill, have headaches/migraines, have trouble sleeping, experience mood changes, feel zapped of energy, and no matter what you do, just can’t quite find the reason why, let me write you the perfect prescription. Fix the EMFs leaking in your home, get outside, and connect skin-to-Earth with Mother Nature.

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HOME

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Smart House

4 green tech products to make your home more sustainable BY KYLEY WARREN

Sounding Off Summer is the prime season for outdoor hangs, neighborhood barbecues, and finding just about any excuse to soak up the extended hours of daylight. Now, thanks to the Reveal Bamboo Solar Speaker, you can enjoy your favorite playlist to its fullest extent, without fear of the power running out. The speaker relies on a 15-hour, built-in battery life, and even allows users to charge their smartphone or tablet directly with the device. $80 at www.revealshop.com

Tech-Driven Temps Smart thermostats are not only the way of the future, they’re also the perfect tech to tap into if you’d rather avoid having your air conditioner or furnace run erratically. While there are a number of innovative smart thermostats on the market, the Nest Learning Thermostat is the practical option for those homes that are already optimized within the ecosystem of Google’s home technologies. If you don't want your air conditioner or furnace running erratically, you'll want a smart thermostat. The thermostat allows users to schedule when their systems are on and running, which can ultimately help to save some money on your electricity bill. $249 at www.store.google.com

Eco-Powered Both older and more modern homes are often cluttered with wall outlets that take up a significant (and often unnecessary) amount of wall space and energy. The Currant Smart Plug Wifi Outlet works to address the problem—each purchase comes with two plugs that, when paired with the Currant app, allows users to assess their energy usage charts and understand how they can better minimize any excessive energy usage. The smart plug also offers users the opportunity to create more customized rules and times for energy uses. $40 at www.currant.com

Counter Composting Pela recently debuted Lomi—the world’s first kitchen appliance that can turn food scraps, boxes, cloth, and other bioplastics into dirt within 24 hours. Lomi breaks down food waste into fragmented biomass, and the final product is a natural soil amendment that’s a source of soil macronutrients and micronutrients. Plus, the product’s practical size makes it ideal for sitting on the kitchen counter. $299 at www.meetlomi.com

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A Playground for

Wellness

CIVANA’s Chopra Whole Health Retreat brings the mindful mission of Deepak Chopra and Chopra Global to life, with a first-of-its-kind wellness immersion experience unlike anything ever before seen BY KYLEY WARREN

Deepak Chopra is on a mission to make consciousness accessible to the masses—one billion people, to be more precise.

Through Chopra Global, the iconic meditation mogul is doing just that, with one of the brand’s latest (and arguably most impressive feats) involving the launch of the Chopra Whole Health Retreat—an all-encompassing wellness program that’s hosted at CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa. Pulling inspiration from Chopra’s best-selling book, Perfect Health, the Carefree-based resort partnered with Chopra Global on this program, with the hopes of helping people to address their personal struggles through a more emotional and spiritual-based approach.

“Chopra Global had been operating [wellness] programming at our own physical center for almost 25 years. And about two years ago, we realized it was time to move from the property where we were at—which at the time, was a little bittersweet. But we knew that we wanted to move into a more expansive opportunity where we could bring our unique perspective... to various amounts of properties and create an exponential influence,” says Jaime Rabin, vice president of partnerships at Chopra Global. CIVANA has long boasted a notable reputation for curating world-renowned personalized wellness experiences through its four identity pillars of movement, spa, nourishment, and discovery. So, when the opportunity arose to translate

Chopra Global’s work to a more concrete environment, the resort—and its aligning values—seemed to be the perfect fit. “We basically took everything that we had been doing and learned and experienced, and then brought that programming to CIVANA, coupled with their amazing hospitality, associates, property, and wellness experience— and together, it's just been an amazing synergy,” says Rabin. Hosted twice each month at the resort, the Chopra Whole Health Retreat taps into the calming properties of the surrounding Sonoran Desert, all while teaching the centuries-old healing method of Ayurveda. “Everything we do at Chopra Global is based on these foundational teachings from meditation and Ayurveda— which is a traditional healing system first described in India, but it's a very complete system for healing that incorporates mind, body, spirit, systems biology and it's personalized,” says Sheila Patel, MD, chief medical officer at Chopra Global. “Prior to my work with Chopra Global, I came from Western medical training, where you have this vision of what saving a life looks like. But we see people at CIVANA, who, after a week of really experiencing this form of healing, will often say to us, 'Thank you for saving my life.' It's just this wake-up call to [understanding that] it's not just about the

Photos courtesy Chopra Global

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physical body and treating disease, it's about really helping people to thrive. And it's amazing what can happen here after only a few days.” The program includes a five-night stay at CIVANA; 14 locally sourced, vegan meals; four days of customized spa experiences; twice daily meditation and yoga, along with access to a number of other spa amenities; a personal Primordial Sound Meditation Mantra; daily Whole Health educational classes; a personalized health consultation and lifestyle recommendations; and free access to the Primordial Sound Meditation Master class. Additionally, resort guests can choose additional Chopra Global spa and restaurant offerings, including the 60-minute Revive to Thrive Spa Treatment that uses a combination of Ayurvedic techniques to reinvigorate the body through everything from dry-glove exfoliation to marma point therapy; the 60-minute Pure Radiance Facial, which features a customized aromatherapy blend and face mask; and also, the chance to indulge in the Vadouvan Kitchari Bowl—a cleansing meal composed of ingredients like

slow-cooked brown rice, white lentils, and dairy-free coconut yogurt raita, among others, that’s designed to “warm clients from the inside out.” While the Chopra Whole Health Retreat takes place over the course of only a few days, the practices and teachings within the program are taught through a longevityfocused approach, with the hope that attendees will be able to carry their mindfulness education beyond the space at CIVANA. “One of the intentions is that people would come and learn these [wellness] practices so that they could do them in their day-to-day lives to continue the healing process on a daily basis,” says Rabin. “Guests come in on the first day and kind of immediately dive into this immersion which involves meditation, yoga, cleansing food, daily massages, journaling, and emotional release practices. A lot of people go through the program, and by the last day, they're moving easier, they're experiencing less pain, they're learning to be flexible in their mind. And suddenly, they start to have a very different perspective on a lot of the experiences in their lives.” The program showcases the beginning of an especially unique partnership, and for the first time, 25 years of Deepak Chopra’s teachings are brought to a wellness resort through the Chopra Whole Health Retreat. “This will always be a very unique and special partnership with CIVANA, and I don't know that we will do this exact signature programming elsewhere. We are actively looking for new partnerships with aligned wellness properties,” says Rabin. “With Deepak's mission to reach a billion people with a message of consciousness, we can't just stay at one place. We want to bring in different types of people to different locations and make it [the experience] accessible. So, we definitely see that element propagating and hope to bring his messages to so many more people.” For more information on the Chopra Global Health Retreat and partnership, visit www.chopra.com/wholehealth.

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A Conversation with BY DORIE MORALES

Deepak Chopra

Tell me, how did you come up with the mission to expand the consciousness of at least a billion people, and why is this important to you? I believe that there is no social transformation in the absence of personal transformation. So, I go with Mohandas Gandhi's big statement, that we have to “Be the change that we want to see in the world.”

you definitely can’t have competition. Social scientists are saying that if you want to create a new story—meaning new relationships, new context, new reality—then you need maximum diversity. You need everybody complementing everyone’s strengths and you need emotional and spiritual bonding you need transparency openness you need cooperation not competition.

Peace can only be created by those who are peaceful, not by peace nobaloritcs or even peace activists. Love can only be shared by those who have loved, and have received love. Unless we have qualities in ourselves of empathy, compassion, joy, equanimity and love, and love in action, we can’t ask other people to do it. What I drew inspiration from the three jewels of the buddha who said in times of crisis and even otherwise, that when you want to create a new reality, you take refuge in the dharma which is higher cause, you take refuge in the buddha which is higher consciousness; and you take refuge in the sungha, which is community. In other Eastern wisdom traditions, that is also expressed as Seva, which is also known as service; Sangha, which is community; and Sadhana, which is spiritual practice.

How does the partnership with CIVANA align with this goal of bringing consciousness to a billion people? Our Chopra Global company is a modern-day company combining cutting-edge science and spirituality to bring well-being and higher consciousness to as many people in the world. As of this moment, the Chopra app is doing a 21-day meditation with Alicia Keys—which is also reaching millions of people—and the CIVANA Whole Health program is geared to helping people achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being with emphasis on sleep—restful sleep—nutrition, breathwork, yoga, mindbody techniques, vocalization also known as chanting, music, and sound therapy as a means to amplify the healing response through vagal stimulation, emotional intelligence, restoration of biological rhythms, and self-awareness.

I have been engaging in this in the last 40 years now, because we have the convergence of information technologies. It is actually quite possible to create a global community of self-awareness and compassion, of awakening and of transformation, for a more peaceful, just, sustainable, healthier and joy-filled world. So, that has been the goal for 40 years. It is slowly coming to fruition. Where are you in obtaining that goal? In the tens of millions, and it is moving fast. It is happening. Today, we had a livestream function with various media partners. The livestream function reached over a million people, and it is happening with other organizations like Unite. There are many, many organizations right now that are coming together and bringing their creativity and cooperation for bringing the world together, and so one has to work with all of these. Whether it is a The Call to Unite or whether it is global mediations, or our own Chopra Global app, or the Chopra Foundation which does research or peace consciousness, but there are many other organizations including evolutionary leaders, organizations at the United Nations. I think if you want to change the human story from violence to peace, then you need everyone. You can’t, in this case,

These are programs that people come to for renewing body, mind, and spirit, so it is part of the transformational process which begins with the person and ends with society. The CIVANA program is part of that. I love that you can take a dosha quiz on the Chopra website. Does a person have one main dosha, but also have other doshas at different times? Or, is it possible to have dual doshas, and all three on certain days? There are nine possible sub categories. One usually dominates. Soon, people figure out pretty easily what their mind-body type is that helps them out with their nutrition and every aspect of well-being, including exercise, breathing, and nutrition. What are the main teachings of this Whole Health program at CIVANA? What is one large takeaway that you would like that to be? We now know most things are associated with chronic inflammation, depression and anxiety, and sometimes lowgrade depression, chronic inflammation, and anxiety. This precedes illness by decades sometimes, so if we can prevent JUNE-JULY 2021

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inflammation, anxiety, and depression, then we go a long way in preventing chronic illness, whether it is diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune illness, or risk for cancer. Less than 5% of disease-related gene mutations are fully penetrant. The rest of the genetic predispositions are epigenetically modified, so if you pay attention to our daily activities—eating, breathing, digestion, metabolism, how we experience the world through our senses—and mental activities and thoughts, and go a little deeper into what we call the domain of our consciousness and awareness of spirit, then that becomes a total program for selfregulation, self-healing, and what we call homeostasis, which is the technical term for self-regulation and healing. Have you followed a plant-based diet your whole life? I have not my whole life, but for the last several decades. Why do you feel it is so important to eat a plantbased diet, and use food as medicine? Plant-based diets offer the maximum diversity of nutrients that are needed for optimal health. Plant-based diets restore the integrity of the microbiome in our gut, which is 2 million genes. We only have 25,000 genes that are human. How and when did you come up with your 4 intentions that you use in your everyday life? I just made them up. They feel good. Body, mind, emotions, and spirits. Those are the intentions: Joyful energetic body, loving compassionate heart, reflective clear mind, lightness of being. If you have that, you have everything. Everyone is concerned about the aging process. Tell me about how the Chopra practices correlate to CIVANA’s mission, and how they can help you age healthier. We know that biological age does not have to correspond to chronological age. There are many factors that influence how we age, including our perception of aging and including our perception of our body, and whether we think of it as matter or energy or inflammation. Also, how we actually think of aging itself and what it means—perception of the body, perception of aging and what it means, and perception also of how we think of the aging process itself.

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If you think that aging has to be associated with infirmity, then actually our expectation gives rights to that outcome, but if you think that you can actually increase your mental and physical capacity in one way or another, then you can naturally slow down the aging process. And, with your diet as well as mind-body practices such as vocalization, pranayama, yoga asanas, emotions, and relationships all influence the aging process, as does plant-based diets, and maximum of plant-based foods and historic biological rhythms which constantly retract with nature or connect directly with the Earth. We actually go beyond our ego identity to a bigger identity, where we move from “me” to “we” and oneness. All of these practices influence how we age, and levels of an enzyme called telomerase, which influences aging at a genetic level, or the cellular level. Then, there are ayurvedic herbs that we call adaptogenic, which modulate stress on the cellular level. Regarding the aging process, this is the holistic approach— there is not one thing that does it. You are going to be at the August 15-20 Whole Health Retreat at Civana. What can the attendees expect if they sign up for this week? I will be teaching a keynote session and guiding an evening meditation. Will the partnership with CIVANA remain exclusive? CIVANA is an exclusive program, but no, the Chopra Global is in the process of licensing with other properties with similar programs both nationally and internationally. We are looking forward to CIVANA being a very important aspect of the Chopra Global programs, and we are very enthusiastic regarding our Whole Health Retreats at CIVANA. I am very grateful for this partnership. This is the first time ever that my teachings have been available at a wellness resort. It is the first of many future partnerships. For more information on the Chopra Whole Health Retreat and partnership visit www.chopra.com/wholehealth

2021 Fresh Food Collaboration Volunteer Appreciation On May 3rd, local organizations and volunteers gathered with Urban Farming Education, Green Living magazine, Amici Catering, and Witnessing Nature in Food at Agave Farms to recognize the work that the organization’s volunteers have contributed. By joining the Fresh Food Collaboration to host food drives, cook and deliver hot meals, create educational videos, and build gardens, the organization has been able to serve fresh and nutritionally balanced meals to over 64,600 Phoenix residents and donated over 750,000 pounds of food to those in need. To all the volunteers—thank you! Visit www.weareufe.org/fresh-food-collab-about-ffc to learn more about the Fresh Food Collaboration.

Janelle Wood speaks at the event

Cesar Chavez High School’s drumline performs Pastor Phil Bichoff watches and listens to speakers

Senator Rebecca Rios and Mike McMehon on stage The sun sets over Agave Farms in the heart of Downtown Phoenix

Speakers Mike McMahon Supervisor Steve Gallardo Senator Rebecca Rios Councilman Michael Nowakowski Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari Superintendent Dr. Jeff Sprout

Dr. Joe Roselle Dorie Morales Cristobal Andres Janelle Wood Mr. Matt Georgia

Laveen Community Action Committee Award Winners

Lara Ceri and Elsa Perez are picking out their succlents for voluteering

Shayla Cole Mike McMahon Janelle Wood Senator Rebecca Rios

Councilman Michael Nowakowski Shannon Richmond Supervisor Steve Gallardo

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Cybersecurity:

Protect Yourself, Your Business, Your Family Today we consider not answering when our phones ring, chime and chirp BY DAVID M. BROWN

The device Alexander Graham Bell intended to connect us almost a century and a half ago is frequently the instrument of 21st-century disconnection: from our identity, serenity, security, and funds. Is this call friend or phishing? Another robocall? Scam? Computers, too, which have connected the world, have made us cozily familiar to thieves whose livelihood is predicated on hacking and hurt.

“As the world becomes more digital and everything in our lives becomes connected to the Internet—our cars, our houses and medical devices—it is expected that criminals would like to take advantage of any vulnerabilities they might notice,” says Anton Petrov, who leads the blog team at Lewes, Delaware-based Atlas VPN, a division of Peakstar Technologies. And, this isn’t coming for the most part from Russia or Nigeria. Atlas VPN says that 85% of cyberattacks in the United States are homegrown. On May 9, a total of 204,410,383 attacks were recorded, and 174,528,081 originated right here. A major threat is phishing, in which you are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution. The originator wants vital information that could lead to identity theft, explains Petrov. Last year, online criminals recorded infamous numbers while the rest of us struggled with the pandemic. A recent FBI report noted that the take was $4.2 billion from almost 800,000 reported crimes involving seniors to millennials

and Gen-Zers. Every day, we are increasingly threatened by scams and snoops, and new threats are down the highway, including cyber-intrusions from the sophisticated telematics systems in new cars. Not surprisingly, last year’s biggest risk was online purchase scams, as brick-and-mortar locations closed or reduced shopping hours, pushing buyers to the net, says Samantha Knecht, director of IT for the BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest, based in Phoenix, referencing the group’s 2020 Scam Tracker Risk Report. Cybercriminals are viruses: They attack vulnerabilities. Social media on smartphones and computers is a too well trusted tool, and scammers enjoy chatting with you. Recent data shows that of the victims who said they were exposed to a social media scam, 91% connected with the scammers who beat the odds, reaping ill-gotten gains 53% of the time. Consult the BBB Scam Tracker to avoid fraud, she suggests. The BBB also notes that those handy smart home devices such as doorbells, heating/air conditioner controls, child monitors, and window blinds may also be vulnerable, JUNE-JULY 2021

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providing an open door into your home for the bad guys and girls.

was obvious to both of us that big tech was not doing its due diligence to protect children, and we committed to finding a modern solution for parents and children.”

“Scammers are great actors, too, often impersonating your trusted connections through fake email accounts," Knecht says. Software is even available to disguise phone numbers. That’s my office calling? Actually, it’s someone who has easily found out where you work and replaced their number with your boss’s.

The free web application is accessible on all digital devices and connects with Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, Google, YouTube, and VSCO. Your child’s data is organized into a Parent Dashboard, where you can see their activity and respond accordingly.

And, cryptocurrency scams are popular, as this net-based payment protocol becomes more widely used. She advises to check in at www.bbb.org/crypto before making any investment decisions.

Jackson compares their cyberactivity to learning to drive correctly.

OF KIDS AND CARS Your children, at home and away from home, are more and more vulnerable. And your new cars, your second-largest lifetime purchase, can be threatened, too. Scottsdale’s Derek Jackson has co-founded Cyber Drive, a software that presents a child’s online data to their parents in a simple and unbiased manner.

“The severe consequences that come with the irresponsible use of social media can be as detrimental as a car crash, yet there are no requirements in place to teach children these online social skills,” he says.

Today’s cars today are equipped with a high level of technology, some of this telematics, which transfers information from your vehicle via wireless networks. Data includes location, speed, idling time, harsh A Phoenix native and Arizona State University alumnus, acceleration or braking, fuel consumption, vehicle faults, Jackson served with the U.S. Army and more. These systems can for nearly five years as a military Derek Jackson, co-founder of Cyber Drive. connect variously through smart Photo courtesy Cyber Drive intelligence officer in Kuwait, phones, Bluetooth devices, ports, 12Jordan, and Syria, analyzing the volt connectors, onboard systems, social media activity of radical cellular networks/SIM cards, and insurgents. WiFi.

“We encourage the development of healthy online habits while bridging the digital gap between parents and children,” he says.

Samantha Knecht, director of IT for the BBB Photo courtesy BBB Pacific Southwest

“The malicious content I spent my days combing through created an all-consuming concern for the reality we live in. This fueled my passion for protecting children, including my own, from the potential dangers of social media,” he explains. In Mesa, after his service, he partnered with Mount Everest summiter, Jeff Gottfurcht, to create the company in 2019.

First-generation auto-sensing technology 30-plus years ago was designed to improve road safety and the environment. Today’s telematics, which focuses on connectivity, was introduced 10–15 years ago, explains Nathaniel Meron, chief product and marketing officer at Israelbased C2A Security, an automotive cybersecurity solutions provider dedicated to protecting today’s and tomorrow’s connected vehicles.

“Jeff was inspired by the story of a young girl who had been sexually assaulted, exploited online and bullied as a result. It

The information provided to car makers and insurance companies can reduce rates and improve our roads, and drivers can learn

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about bad driving habits, connect to helpful apps, and even locate stolen vehicles. But this connectivity can create problems. “Cyber-attacks that exploit the increasing digitization of vehicles present a significant risk to manufacturers, vehicle owners, other drivers and pedestrians,” he explains. When vehicle control is completely computerized, as it will be with autonomous vehicles, attackers will attempt to use telematics to propagate into the vehicle ECUs or try to attack them remotely, controlling the steering wheel, brakes, gas, and breach privacy information stored in the vehicle. And, what if this vehicle information becomes available through internet browsing as easily as you would search for quality paper towels? It’s the new dark-net gaming sensation: Amy Smith’s 2030 SUV telematics data in real time? Here you go . . .

“Change passwords often, and keep them long and strong. Passphrases are more complex and may be more secure,” she says. For your new car, petition the OEMs to cybersecure their vehicles across the lifecycle, Meron suggests. And, “Apply safe behavior as for any connected device such as avoiding unknown networks and consuming content [only] from trusted sources.” Petrov recommends that you don’t provide any personal information to untrusted sites. And, regularly check your credit card reports to ensure that only what you’ve bought has been posted. Nathaniel Meron, C2A Security. Photo courtesy C2A Security

Consider ransomware, which last month threatened much of the East Coast’s energy supply, causing panic buying. Text: “Amy’s car is now under our control, with your two beautiful children, Jason and Elise, inside. Please transfer these funds within one hour to save them.” C2A has approached this as a company with a multi-layered technology suite fitting into any automotive ECU. In addition, the industry is moving to enact regulations to protect automobiles from potential dangerous cyberattacks through the ISO 21434 standard and United Nations Economic Commission For Europe WP.29. “One of the most important aspects of these new standards is the post-production and dynamic approach to cybersecurity threats which requires the manufacturer to be able to react to new and unknown attacks across the vehicle lifecycle,” Meron says.

And, “Let’s not forget to mention all of the great cybersecurity software such as VPNs, antivirus products and 2FA, twofactor authentication, which requires more than one piece of evidence for a hacker to access your accounts, email or other apps you use.”

To protect your treasured children, direct parental involvement is essential in today’s super-connected world. “Setting restrictions and screen time limitations is not a realistic solution.” Jackson says. “By getting involved in your child’s social media activity early on and having constant conversations about their online experiences, you can be the one who teaches them these healthy internet habits.” Many resources are available at www.bbb.org including its always updated Scam Tracker.

WHAT TO DO? Be vigilant regarding all activity that connects you electronically with others. “On social media, don’t be too quick to click,” BBB’s Knecht notes. If it sounds too good, it’s bad. Don’t download everything you’re offered. Your security could be up for grabs.” And, secure your smart devices, install anti-malware on your smartphone, and encrypt your devices and secure your logins. JUNE-JULY 2021

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R G

W O

G IN

SHEBA, in partnership with actress Kate Walsh, has unveiled Hope Reef—the world’s largest coral reef restoration program, located just off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia BY KYLEY WARREN

These days, we could all use a little more hope—and in the case of the world’s coral reef population, the species is in dire need of it. While coral reefs are integral parts of the Earth’s ecosystem— often serving as habitats for underwater species, protecting shorelines from the effects of hurricanes, and even supporting the very livelihood of nearly 500 million people through fishing stocks and tourism opportunities—they’re also facing the destructive consequences of climate change head-on.

According to data from Secore International, over 50% of the world’s coral reefs have died in the last 30 years, and an estimated 90% may die within the next century. But the famed cat food brand, SHEBA, is joining the fight to preserve and restore the coral reef population through the

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launch of Hope Reef—the largest-ever coral reef restoration program, which aims to ensure the future is full of both “coral reefs and fish.” The company also recruited actress, environmentalist activist, and proud cat owner Kate Walsh (of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice fame) to serve as a spokesperson for the initiative. “I have always been a longtime ocean advocate and conservationist and cat lover—and so I was like, 'Wait a second—we can marry two of my favorite things and work together?' It was a no-brainer for me when I was approached about the project,” says Walsh. “SHEBA, as a brand, has a real love for the ocean—the beauty of it, the sustainability of it—and they're taking what's happening with our planet

SHEBA Hope Reef story, The Film That Grows Coral, which can be viewed on YouTube, anyone from anywhere in the world can admire the beauty of this project, too. seriously. The fact that scientists say that 90% of coral reefs will be obliterated by 2049 if we don't do something about it is scary, and people might think it's just hopeless—but it actually is possible [to save them], and they [SHEBA] are doing it.”

“If you can, go on to the SHEBA YouTube channel, and watch the videos—they're so cool and they showcase the process of how the reef technology works. Plus, anytime you watch, a donation is made to the NGO partner of the Nature Conservancy.”

While Hope Reef was only recently announced, the restoration efforts actually began nearly two years ago. Through the use of “Reef Star” technology—90cm-wide, starshaped, steel structures handmade by community members in Indonesia—each of the stars are joined to create a sturdy web which drapes over the seabed and provides a stable base for coral fragments to grow.

According to Walsh, this is also the first time ever that 100% of the funds from a YouTube channel have been monetized for sustainability efforts.

Since then, coral cover has reportedly increased from 5% to 55% in the area, and the abundance of underwater species has also increased, with everything from fish, sharks, and turtles becoming integral creatures in the underwater habitat. The reef can be seen on Google Earth, and has purposely been regrown to spell the word HOPE. Thanks to the

SHEBA’s goals with coral reef restoration are long-term and expand far beyond that of Hope Reef. By the end of 2029, the brand hopes to restore more than 185,000 square meters of coral reef at sites around the world. And since 2008, SHEBA’s parent company, Mars, Incorporated, has invested more than $10 million in research, community engagement, and restoration as part of its coral reef program. For more information on Hope Reef and SHEBA’s environmental efforts, visit www.shebahopegrows.com.

JUNE-JULY 2021

GREEN L IV I NG

Father's Day Gift Guide

Queen Creek Olive Mill The Martini Essentials Gift Set is what every father needs this Father's Day. Encourage celebration with all three of the company’s Spanish Fly Martini Mixes, two of its favorite Stuffed Olives, olive picks, and a Perfect Martini Recipe card! Go to www.queencreekolivemill.com and use promo code GREENLIVING at checkout for 10% off this gift set.

Sustainable Travel & Living Show love to deserving dads and the planet with the latest carefully vetted gear from Sustainable Travel & Living. From gift boxes to e-gift cards or unique items he can wear, pack, and (re)use, gift-giving is made easy and extra-thoughtful. www.sustainabletravelandliving.com

Mika Naturals Nourish, hydrate, and replenish dry, parched skin with the natural and organic Hemp Seed Hand & Body Lotion. This non-greasy, conditioning formula absorbs quickly, and contains moisture-intensive hemp seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil, along with nutrient-rich oat, camu camu, bilberry, ginseng, and blood orange extracts. Restorative antioxidant vitamins A & E help repair and protect skin. The moisturizing and conditioning lotions help soothe dry itchy skin, and are available in six amazing fragrances, in addition to a fragrance-free option, as well. Visit www.mikaconcepts.com for this and other gift-giving ideas.

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1001 Energy Tips by WH Clark “Save energy at work, at home, in the yard, driving, and in your whole lifestyle” with this book by WH Clark. It literally features a thousand no-cost and low-cost DIY projects for the man of the house. Dorrance Books, 340 pages, 80 illustrations, $22 at www.whclark.com

Coyuchi Coyuchi's Organic Cotton Waffle Robe makes a great gift for Father's Day. It’s the classic spa robe, reinvented. Made from organic cotton in an airy waffle weave, it's pre-tumbled to be soft from day one—and gets more so with every wash. It features unisex styling, with a streamlined fit that keeps it comfy and flattering with double belt-loops. Available in colors Fog, Shadow, or Alpine White. $98 at www.organiclivingaz.com

Men's Day Spa Gift Certificates Let the man in your life de-stress and unplug for an hour, or pamper yourself for an hour, with Body Beautiful Spa’s Just for Men Day Spa Package. The package includes the choice of a one-hour Deep Tissue or Sports massage to improve circulation and range of motion, followed by the Gentleman’s Facial, which includes exfoliation and a deep cleanse. Other spa services available include massages, manscaping (facials, waxing, and laser hair removal), medical aesthetics, and Skin Rejuvenation. Gift certificates are available for all occasions, including Father’s Day, graduations, and birthdays. www.bodybeautifulspa.net

JUNE-JULY 2021

GREEN L IV I NG

SAVOR

Lifestyle

Vegetarian and Meat-Free Dining Options Grow Around The Valley BY ANGEL FUCHS

Not long ago, meat-free dining was limited to unimaginative salads or ordering off of the side dish menu. Nowadays, vegan eateries have become more commonplace, and even mainstream restaurants are adding chef-driven main dishes to their menus. Meat alternatives have come a long way, using beans, nuts, grains, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables in lieu of flesh proteins. Here is a list of some tasty meat-free dishes.

PIBIL JACKFRUIT TACOS Taco Guild Taco Guild is well known for creating innovative tacos, including a couple of vegan options like the one made with pibil roasted jackfruit, hibiscus, pickled onion, cilantro, and jalapeño hot sauce. The bold contrast of flavors and textures in this taco will please vegans and meat-lovers alike. $6.50 each at www.tacoguild.com

CARBON BOARD Ofrenda This upscale Cave Creek eatery is serving south-of-theborder fare with flair. The carbon board is a vegetal delight featuring creamy hominy hummus, al carbon grilled vegetables, and freshly made guacamole. It is a shareable board served with warm tortillas, so diners can build their own veggie-filled tacos. $16 at www.theofrenda.com

VEGGIE BURGER Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers This behemoth burger requires two hands to hold it. The patty is made with brown rice, black beans, and oats. Once cooked, the burger is bathed in a sweet soy glaze and stacked with Swiss cheese (optional), lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions on a soft toasted bun. $14.50. Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers also has a Beyond Burger, featuring a 6-oz. vegan patty with baby greens, caramelized onions, tomatoes, avocado, and garlic oil on a vegan bun. $15.50 at www.coldbeers.com

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SINALOA CEVICHE GuacStar This plant-based eatery features dishes made with meat alternatives such as seitan, Impossible Meat, beans, and mushrooms. The Sinaloa is a standout made with heart of palm, young coconut, avocado, lotus root, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro, and served with house-made corn tortilla chips. $11 at www.guacstar.com

BLACK FORBIDDEN RICE AND TOMATO STUFFED SWISS CHARD Tarbell’s Tarbell’s well-sourced, ingredient-driven menu features rotating vegetarian dishes based on the season. This summer, a Black Forbidden Rice and Tomato Stuffed Swiss Chard is on the menu, made with grilled artichoke, avocado and beet purées, and topped with local Hypha Farms miner’s lettuce and Crow’s Dairy feta. $24 at www.tarbells.com VEGAN ENCHILADAS Los Sombreros These vegan enchiladas are also gluten-free, making them a menu favorite. Vegan tortillas are stuffed with spinach, julienned zucchini, carrots, and broccoli, then blanketed in fresh salsa verde and topped with cucumber and specialty vegan cheese. The enchiladas are served with a choice of two sides, including rice, refried beans, black beans or vegetables. A portion of proceeds from this dish goes to Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Center, to support the free music, art, and dance classes available to Valley teens. $16 at www.lossombreros.com

BRUSSELS SPROUTS BOWL AND TACOS Diego Pops Roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed with black beans, pickled onions, pepitas, chipotle aioli, and queso fresco to create a filling to be tucked into a warm corn tortilla for a tasty taco, or served atop rice and beans for a hearty bowl. Al la carte taco, $4.50; bowl, $11 at www.diegopops.com

VEGAN PAELLA T. Cook's Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish typically packed with seafood, sausage, and chicken—but the chefs at T. Cook's have created a version free of meat and full of flavor. The vegan paella is made with tofu “chicken,” black bean chorizo, mushrooms, tomatoes, red peppers, and English peas. $28 at www.royalpalmshotel.com

EGGPLANT PARM BALLS The Sicilian Butcher The Sicilian Butcher is famous for its innovative variety of tasty meatballs made with everything from chicken and turkey to veal and sausage, but there is also a vegetarianfriendly option. The Eggplant Parm Balls are made with roasted eggplant, basil, parmigiano cheese, fresh mozzarella, and herbed bread crumbs, and served with a choice of sauce and paired with pasta, creamy polenta, or risotto. $19 at www.thesicilianbutcher.com

SAVOR

Recipes

Healthy Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF VERVANA, WWW.VERVANA.COM SERVES 4

2 eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups bread crumbs (Panko, Italian-style, gluten-free or homemade) 1 jar Vervana Organic Marinara sauce 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning & Dipping Blend 1- 4 Tbs. Vervana Organic EVOO (or cold-pressed basil, or garlic olive oils) 10 oz. organic mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded Optional: handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley 1 bag of organic red lentil or chickpea pasta, prepared according to directions Savory salt and pepper & juniper blends Preheat oven to 350º. Wash and slice the eggplant. Grind sea salt onto both sides of each eggplant slice and lay the slices on a plate to reduce moisture. Let eggplant sit for 30-60 minutes, then blot with a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture. Dip each slice into the eggs, then into the bread crumbs (or flour mixture) and place onto a greased baking sheet. Bake each side for 8 to 15 minutes until crispy. While the eggplant is baking, warm the olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Add sliced peppers and Italian Seasoning & Dipping Blend, and sauté until soft. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish followed by a layer of eggplant, then peppers, more sauce, and evenly spread some of the mozzarella out over the top of the layer. Repeat until all the eggplant and cheese is used. Bake for 40-60 minutes until bubbly and browned on top. Place 1/4 of the prepared pasta onto a serving plate or in a bowl and top with a spoonful of marinara sauce or a drizzle of cold-pressed olive oil if desired. Top with a serving of eggplant Parmesan, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin or flavored olive oil. Garnish with fresh, chopped herbs.

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Beyond Meatballs & Spaghetti Squash RECIPE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF BEYOND MEAT, WWW.BEYONDMEAT.COM

1 package Beyond Meatballs ¼ cup Tbsp. olive oil 1 28 oz. can whole San Marzano tomatoes ½ yellow onion, diced 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms 5-6 garlic cloves, slivered ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. salt 2 sprigs basil 2 small/medium spaghetti squashes Preheat the oven to 400º. While the oven preheats, use a fork to poke holes into the spaghetti squash and microwave for 4 minutes. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle ½ Tbsp. olive oil on each half, and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and cook for 30 minutes. For the sauce, pulse 1 can of tomatoes in a blender or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency, recommend smooth. Alternatively, you may crush by hand. Dice the onions into ¼-inch pieces. Thinly slice the garlic and mushrooms. Place a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Once the olive oil is hot add the Beyond Meatballs to the pan. Allow them to cook for two minutes, flip, and cook for an additional two minutes or until they have formed a golden crust. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside. Using the same pan, reduce to medium heat. Add the onions to the pan, let cook, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes or until the onions have turned translucent. Add the mushrooms, garlic, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes stirring throughout. Reduce the heat to low and add the tomato sauce and ½ tsp. salt. Let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Then add the meatballs back to the sauce and cook for an additional 15 minutes stirring occasionally. To serve, use a fork to separate the spaghetti squash “noodles.” Pour the sauce and the meatballs directly into the spaghetti squash boat. Top with torn fresh basil.

For more recipes and food-related articles, visit www.greenlivingmag.com/savor

JUNE-JULY 2021

GREEN L I V I NG

TRAVEL

Sustainably

Wheels Up Eco-Warriors! 10 ways to travel sustainably BY LAUREN SMITH, FOUNDER SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL & LIVING

You’re here because you’re environmentally conscious… and, if you’re anything like us, after a year of lockdown, ready to hit the road. When the bags are packed, tanks filled, and tray tables in their upright positions, here’s how to take those green-minded practices wherever you go.

OK, I’M READY TO GET ON BOARD… BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL? “Sustainable” accounts for economic, social, and environmental impact together. For travel, this means visiting in a way that not only promotes lasting tourism (a major industry for most economies, supporting 1 in 10 jobs worldwide) but also preserves the sites, environments, wildlife, people, cultures, and heritage we’ve come to experience. And with (pre-COVID!) 1.4 billion of us traveling each year, your small choices can make a big impact. THE JOURNEY STARTS BEFORE YOU EVEN LEAVE All things sustainable typically take a little planning and prep. For travel, it’s being mindful about where and when

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you go, what you do there and what you bring as the first step: 1. Pack light. Bring only the best-case essentials and what you need to feel comfortable, but don’t overdo it. You can always pick up items along the way, and of course, you have to leave room for mementos and souvenirs! Take tags off new clothes and packaging off any new items so you’re not bringing or leaving extra waste. Choose made-from-recycled products that take less energy to produce and reuse resources. 2. Do your research. Planning? Consider non-peak travel times and off-the-beaten-path places. Book hotels with green practices and airlines who already carbon offset. Going with a travel company?

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Awesome! There are incredible experiences to be had, and just a little extra legwork can ensure your choice has clear responsible travel and business practices. 3. Choose to reuse. When shopping for travel gear, aim for BYO, reusable low-waste items from quality water bottles and bamboo silverware to eco-friendly containers for toiletries (egads, skip those mini bottles!) and collapsible shopping bags. Why not try plastic-free, liquid-free options to breeze through TSA like shampoo bars, toothpaste tabs and lotion sticks that save budget and skip plastic waste. 4. Plan to cut your carbon. Flying? Book direct, as the highest emissions are from take-off/landing. Driving? Map the most efficient routes and times and don’t leave your car idling. Go even greener when you travel slow by train, shared motor coach or bike. Choosing how to get around the city? Walk or jump on a bike where you can. Grab a tuk tuk or a black cab, or support another local provider.

SHOP, EAT, AND EXPERIENCE LOCAL. Though you’re only visiting, those who call the destination home rely on tourism for their livelihood—but sadly, often as little as $5 of every $100 spent stays in the local economy. You play an important role in protecting what makes each destination so special: 5. Find the local favorites. Skip the chain restaurants you can find back home and opt for neighborhood eateries, coffee shops, and cafés. Nix the generic souvenirs which are likely not even made in the destination and choose crafts from local artisans. Go beyond the sites and get to know the story behind the people and places you visit. 6. Respect the local culture. Do some research ahead of time to learn a bit about your destination. Practice a handful of phrases in the local language (it will be appreciated!). Dress respectfully in consideration of religious and cultural norms. Immersing yourself in the culture will make your experience more authentic—trust us, you’ll be glad you did. 7. Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance. We all love wildlife, and while it is tempting to join activities that get you up-close and personal, many of these will sadly have you inadvertently supporting harmful and unethical practices. Steer clear of things like the close-up selfies, elephant rides, or souvenirs with animal parts. 8. Donate or volunteer the right way. Sometimes our best intentions

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can do more harm than good. Do your research and ensure your actions are not actually taking jobs from locals, spurring the institutionalization of children at orphanages, or perpetuating begging schemes that only keep the impoverished trapped in the same cycles. 9. Keep cutting your carbon footprint— save energy and resources. Turn off your lights and lower cooling/heating when you leave your accommodations. Watch your water usage, especially in drought-prone areas. Pack travel-friendly cleaners and fresheners for clothes so you’re not using wasteful hotel laundry services. Choose electronic tickets, documents, and keys, where available. Find fun solar-powered gear to stay charged. 10. Spread the word and keep on [sustainably] traveling. Unlike your vacation suntan, the effects of sustainable travel can last long after you’re home! After you’ve unpacked your incredible local keepsakes, lead by example and share your stories of sustainable travel: the meaningful impact you and the people and places you visited had on each other.

PLAN, PACK AND REPEAT! Just remember, simple and rewarding actions will see you leaving a more positive impact on the people and places you visit—and deliver a more meaningful experience in the process. And in a time when a break in visitors has shown us just how much overtourism threatens to change our best-loved destinations forever, your choices have never been more important when we get back out there. For more, visit www.sustainabletravelandliving.com, offering over 400 low-waste, non-toxic, recycled, and other ecofriendly gear items great for every day, every journey.

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TECHNOLOGY

Transportation

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A Sweet Ride

An innovative Tesla car share program offers corridor travel service to Tucson and Flagstaff from Phoenix

Need a ride? When traveling to Tucson or Flagstaff from Metro Phoenix, Arizonans are often faced with a challenge because it’s too close to fly, but too far to use a traditional rideshare company like Uber or Lyft.

To address this challenge, a new service unlike anything else in the U.S. recently launched. Now, Arizonans will be able to travel seamlessly from Phoenix to Tucson or Phoenix to Flagstaff thanks to an innovative new premium corridor travel solution called Falcon Line. Unlike typical rideshare companies that focus on short distances in metropolitan areas, Falcon Line is helping travelers move further distances—customarily between 75 and 200 miles—in Tesla-style, minimizing costs, stress, and inconvenience. This type of travel is coining a term called “corridor travel.” “Flying between Phoenix and Flagstaff is expensive and inconvenient; using a bus or shuttle service is less expensive, but the experience is pretty undesirable, and driving yourself on the I-17 for two or more hours is unproductive and frankly stressful. That’s where Falcon Line comes into play,” explains Michael Puhala, Falcon Line CEO and founder. “We recently rolled out the premium corridor travel service from Phoenix to Tucson with great customer feedback, and now we are adding Phoenix to Flagstaff to our offerings.” Falcon Line offers fully electric, premium, business-class service from point A to point B with professional drivers in a fleet of Tesla Model X vehicles. Passengers can book a single seat or reserve the entire car for their journey. To make sure there is no lapse in productivity, cars are equipped with retractable desks in the back seats, 5G Wi-Fi, and more amenities to make personal and business travel smooth. “Today’s travelers want a consistent experience that is safe, convenient and mindful,” says Puhala. “Falcon Line was born with this consumer in mind. Plus, not only does Tesla provide a gold standard luxury travel experience, it is an electric car that’s better for the environment, and as an added benefit, can use the HOV lane during high-traffic times.”

Booking a ride is simple. Travelers can schedule one-way or roundtrip travel online at www.ridefalcon.com. Fares range from $100 for a single seat to $250 for the whole car. Reservations are arranged in advance to ensure accommodations can be met. Subscription services will be available for frequent passengers who travel often between Falcon Line metropolitan areas. Phoenix to Flagstaff trips will run limited options Thursday to Sunday initially, with an option to expand later in the year. There are two pickup and drop-off locations in Phoenix, including one in North Scottsdale and a second near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. There is one pickup and drop-off location in Tucson at La Encantada Shopping Center. In Flagstaff, there are two pickup and drop-off locations: Forest Highlands and the Marriott Courtyard. When travelers book a seat, it's a point-to-point drop off. If travelers book the entire car, they will get an added benefit of door-to-door service. Travelers can also breathe easy as they travel in style, knowing the Tesla Model X vehicles have an advanced air purifying system, and the vehicles are sanitized after each trip, allowing travelers to feel safer than flying or sitting in a passenger van in the COVID-19 era. Falcon Line’s program provides users a premium travel service in parts of the U.S. where there are no premium corridor travel options. The company has identified 32 additional corridors across the U.S. for potential expansion in 2021 including Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, Texas. The company’s goals include expanding to 10 corridors by the end of next year, and 25 corridors in the next five years. For more information or to book your travel with Falcon Line, visit www.ridefalcon.com JUNE-JULY 2021

GREEN L IV I NG

EXPERT

Tips

This Month’s Expert: Going GreenHouse

April Prothero shares her non-toxic cleaning tips

Do non-toxic cleaning products work as well as other products? Short answer? Absolutely!

On top of having a sparkling clean home, you’ll have the benefit of knowing that your home isn’t teeming with toxic fumes! At Going GreenHouse, we have been in the nontoxic cleaning business for over 10 years. We have procured a green cleaning kit that we arm all of our team members with that allows them to clean any surface thoroughly, without harm to the surface or the indoor environment—and, leaves it fresher and cleaner than before. One objection that I hear from people is that they just can’t understand a clean home without it smelling “clean.” Some say that it’s not clean unless you are blasted with the scent of pine trees and bleach upon entering the home. The smell of clean has evolved, and if it smells strongly, that’s a good indication that it is also toxic to your environment. Not just in the air that you, your children, pets, and guests breathe, but also waiting on those countertops and floors

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to absorb into your skin when you touch it. If you are one of those who grew up with this philosophy but want to give non-toxic products a shot, we have a couple of tricks up our sleeve. We use peppermint castile soap to clean the shower, as well as mop the floor. It leaves a lovely, gentle mint essence that can only be described as a clean scent. One product—which also took us a while to perfect—was our stainless-steel cleaner. You can’t really skimp or substitute here, and if you do, the streaks left behind on your fridge door will show that the product isn’t perfect. A lot of stainless-steel cleaning products are wipes, which we find wasteful, or aerosol cans, which were only acceptable back in the ’80s AquaNet hairspray days. We finally found a soy-based cleaner made by the good people at Ecos that cleans and

shines stainless-steel surfaces so they look like they’re brand-new! In a pinch, olive oil can be used to clean stainless steel surfaces—but keep in mind a little goes a long way! Finally, our secret weapon. We use a pumice stone for a couple of different things when we deep clean. That funky ring in your toilet that you can’t seem to get rid of? Pumice stone, baby! We like the one with the handle for this purpose especially. Our other favorite use for a pumice stone? To remove all of those baked-on food remnants from the interior of your oven. No more need for abrasive aerosol spray oven cleaner— just pre-soak the door and floor of your oven with your favorite all-purpose spray, moisten the pumice stone, and go to town!

breakfast ‘n lunch online ordering

gluten-free and kosher available

At Going GreenHouse, we are passionate about making the world a greener place, one step at a time. If you have any questions about the products you are using or would like suggestions on alternatives, please feel free to reach out to me, the founder and CEO, at april@goinggreenhouse.com, and I would be happy to help. Visit www.goinggreenhouse.com for more information about our services.

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She’s GREEN He’s GREEN BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART

Adult Beverages Sometimes fun in the sun includes bringing along a tasty adult beverage, with cleaner ingredients. Organic or gluten-free? Yes, please! Or, maybe a special guy would love a tasty brew in his Father's Day gift basket. Whatever you're celebrating, we say “cheers” to living in the moment!

Epic Brewing Company Glutenator, gluten – free beer

Ground Breaker Brewing Co.

Samuel Smith's

Olallie Blackberry & Rosehip Ale

Organic Apricot Fruit Ale

He Said: Drink this one out of a glass. It has an awesome red amber color, and the can it comes in is ugly, haha. I found the flavor of this one very flat. It was sweet dry berries up front with a floral almost soapy hops finish. If I had to sum this one up in one word, that word would be meh.

He Said: Okay, big asterisk on this beer. This is not beer that is brewed with apricots, it is a light lager that is mixed with apricot juice poured into the bottle. It had a very sweet fruit apricot juice taste, and only the slightest beer aftertaste. This is the perfect beer for someone who doesn't like beer.

She Said: A great one for those tired of the same 'ol, but don't want to go “full fruity.” Just a slight sour berry flavor and smoothness made this one unremarkable, but easy to drink. Hey, at least it's gluten-free!

She Said: Hmmm, this is way more juice than ale, and that's dangerous! It was delicious, like carbonated apricot juice with just a bit of ale flair. I love that it's organic, and from Yorkshire's oldest brewery.

He Said: Is it really beer if it's not made with barley? This frankenstein beer is made from sweet potatoes and molasses, and you can definitely taste both. Earthy and sweet, with a molasses and hops aftertaste. It's interesting but not really something I would drink again. Oh, and I can't say the name without doing my Arnold voice, “Get to da choppa!”

She Said: Mmm, surprisingly smooth! An easy-to-drink, light beer I'd recommend even if you aren't avoiding gluten. It's so awesome that nowadays even folks with dietary restrictions can readily find tasty products. This one even has a fun name, the “Glutenatorrrrr,” (said in a deep grumbly voice while flexing those pecs).

Hopworks Golden Hammer Organic Lager He Said: It's that time again when I'm forced to drink beer and tell you guys about it. Hopworks has a nice light lager here. It has a citrusy flavor up-front, with a nice hoppy finish. It reminded me a lot of zee German lagers—think Heineken und Becks but with a bit more hops. It was a gut bier, yah.

She Said: The perfect accessories with this lager: can koozie, sunglasses, a beach chair, and toes in the water. I loved how crisp and refreshing it was when it was ice-cold, and so smooth! No face-distorting bitterness or hoppiness. An ideal summer brew!

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GREEN

Scenes

June-July Events Throughout Arizona GREEN LIVING MAGAZINE & WANDER HOME June 24 Virtual 1-Day Wellness Event Green Living magazine, in partnership with Wander Home, hosts its virtual 1-Day Wellness Event from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. PST (Los Angeles time) via Zoom. The 1-Day Wellness Event is an expertly designed, 1-day event that includes meditation, yoga, breath work, a sound bath, live Q&As, and interactive talks around mental well-being and resilience in times of crisis. Tickets start at $28 for replay access to the virtual event (which is available for two weeks), and increase depending on the desired ticket. Those wishing to attend can also purchase a live access ticket ($48), a live and replay access ticket ($58), or a live and replay access ticket, plus a virtual gift bag, for $78. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.greenlivingmag.com/events/1-day-wellness-event/.

CENTRAL PHOENIX June 1, July 6 Lake Pleasant Clean Up Event Volunteer to help keep Lake Pleasant’s shoreline beautiful and safe for wildlife. Running both June 1 and July 6 from 6-10 a.m. to avoid the heat, Lake Pleasant Regional Park needs help picking up litter and trash. In exchange for your generous service, all volunteers will receive free admission to Lake Pleasant for the entire day. For more information, visit https://signup.com/client/ invitation2/secure/806996359112608060/false#/invitation.

June 6 Dig Online: Basics of Seed Saving—Do’s, Don’ts, and Shortcuts Learn how to save seeds from past successful vegetable and flower gardens to save money and grow better adapted plants. Running from 2-4:45 p.m., this workshop guides attendees through reasons for saving seeds; basic botany for gardeners; what types of seeds are recommended for saving; and how to ensure healthy, true-to-type saved seeds. Tickets are $12, with sales ending on June 4. Visit https://extension.arizona.edu/ maricopamg for more information.

June 3, 4, 8 Maricopa County Parks-Native Seed Collection Spend a morning collecting native seeds with Maricopa County

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Parks to be used to restore parks that have been impacted by wildfires. Maricopa County Parks is hosting several native seed collection events from 8-11 a.m. at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, and White Tank Mountain Regional Park. For more information, visit www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/.

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and July 7, 14, 21, 28 Phoenix Poetry Slam Come grab a cup of coffee and spend the night listening to local Phoenix poets spill their heart out at this charming bookstore. Beginning at 7 p.m., Lawn Gnome Publishing chooses five randomly selected audience members to score performances on a 0.0-10.0 scale, giving poets a welcoming space to hone their craft. Tickets start at $7 every week before Wednesday and increase to $15 the day of the event. For more information, visit www.lawngnomepublishing.com/phoenix-poetry-slam.

NORTHERN ARIZONA

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

June 19-20

June 1

Summer Solstice Soul Reset

Imagine the Possibilities: Book-building with Repurposed Materials

Reset, rejuvenate, and celebrate the solstice with yoga, meditation, and nature. This outdoor weekend experience at Grand Canyon Eco Retreat takes place over two days, and includes three yoga and meditation sessions, a visit to a special viewpoint at the Grand Canyon, and time to relax and make s'mores at the campfire. Three vegetarian meals are provided. Tickets begin at $250 for the full nature retreat experience, and $150 for a 1-day mini-retreat. For more information, visit www. biggerlifeadventures.com/events/summer-solstice-soul-reset.

Ever thought of a book made of plastic bags? Packaging material? Tickets are just $40, and this class will teach you the building blocks of the artistic and creative books you see all around you. You will learn how to transform everyday common objects into simple handmade books. Join Julia Jai Miller from 1:30-3 p.m. to get crafty. Visit www.visittucson.org/event/ imagine-possibilities-book-building-repurposed-materials for more information.

July 10

June 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29

Highway Cleanups with Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival

San Pedro River Walk

Join volunteers from 7-11:30 a.m. to clean up a section of Mingus Avenue. The section of road in question is a beautiful river area that provides a habitat to many bird species. All supplies— including bags, grabbers, and safety vests—are provided. For more information, visit www.beoutdoorsarizona.org/event/ highway-cleanups-with-verde-valley-birding-and-naturefestival/2021-09-11/.

Explore the narrow green oasis rippling through desert grassland, known as the San Pedro River, one of the last wild rivers in the Southwest and one of the most endangered. These three-hour guided walks from 6:30-9:30 a.m. among towering cottonwood trees will introduce you to the birds and other wildlife that make their homes in the sanctuary of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Visit www.beoutdoorsarizona.org/event/ river-walk/2021-06-29/ for more information.

June 6, 13, 20, 27 Movies on the Square Bring the family for a free nostalgic drive-in movie. Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance will be presenting Frozen 2 on June 6; The Secret Life of Pets on June 13, The Incredibles 2 on June 20; and The Princess Bride on June 27. For more information, visit www.downtownflagstaff.org/events/movies-on-the-square.

BUSINESS June 17 Sustainability Committee Meeting Join this Zoom meeting from 8-9 a.m. to recognize sustainable businesses in Tempe while providing education and resources to all Tempe Chamber Members who would like to adopt or enhance sustainable methods and practices. For more information, visit https://tempechamber.glueup.com/event/sustainabilitycommittee-meeting-31916/

June 26, July 24 Movies on the Lawn Bring the kids, your picnic blanket, and some popcorn to join in on watching Frozen 2 on June 26 and Sonic the Hedgehog on July 24. Set against scenic Arizona dusk at 7:30 p.m. at Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, this event gives everyone a chance to beat the heat and get outdoors this summer. For more information, visit www.visittucson.org/event/movies-lawn-orovalley-community-recreation-center.

JUNE-JULY 2021

GREEN L I V I NG

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Green Living Magazine June/July 2021

Articles inside

Going GreenHouse

‘We Go After the Why’

Beat the Heat

Wheels Up Eco-Warriors! 10 ways to travel sustainably

A Sweet Ride

Sustainable Investing Why it’s a smart decision

Recipes

Plug in to Mother Earth for Better Health

Meat-Free Dining Options Where to find amazing options