The Mill Magazine Edition 7 No. 1 Green-ology by Steelecroft Media Group

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E D I T I O N 7 N O . 1

Green-ology PUBLISHER MarketStyleMedia EDITOR IN CHIEF TraceyRoman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS KenLashway B.H.Merritt LisaMcTigue DeaconSuaiden PHOTOGRAPHERS MeganCampbell StevenMills PUBLICATION & WEB DESIGN MarketStyleMedia ADVERTISING themillmagazine.com/advertise

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features

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BEGINNERS GUIDE TO

GOING GREEN

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TINY GIANTS THE GREAT BEE COLLAPSE

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WILD BEAUTY

PRESERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

GREEN p.58MIXOLOGY

RETOXING DRINKS

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Ola Martin Broker/Realtor NC/SC 803-370-2665 martinadvantagerealty.com

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The Beginner's Guide to Going GREEN Te x t

by B.H.

Merritt

HOW TO INCORPORATE GREEN PRINCIPLES INTO YOUR LIFE Going green is all the rage, and for many very good reasons. Once the knowledge of just how many chemicals make up the ingredients of common household items, people began to seek out natural solutions. Indeed, many of our cleaning products, cosmetics, body-care, and even foods contain high levels of virtually untested chemicals. A lack of conclusive research does not indicate safety, and though most chemicals used in cleaning products or lotions might not harm you outright, the absence of long term studies on their effects leaves much to be desired. There is a lot of information out there about living ecofriendly lifestyles, much of which is designed to simply advertise products. Rather than suggest the latest fad products for those who are interested in eco-friendly living just because it’s trendy, this guide is designed to help even those who know very little about going eco-friendly to make healthier, more impactful choices.

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eco-friendly LIVING ECO-FRIENDLY ISN’T JUST ABOUT BUYING ORGANIC PRODUCTS Before you rush off to the store, take a moment to ask yourself if you’re truly aware of what going eco-friendly means. Contrary to popular belief, simply buying the latest gluten free washing powder or the cardboard colored toilet paper isn’t enough to really live an eco-friendly lifestyle. In fact, due to the popularity of eco-friendly and natural products, many unsavory companies are using questionable yet legal language to make their chemical laden products seem like a healthier option. Going eco-friendly is, at its core, about living a lifestyle that is more harmonious with the world around you. It entails doing the very best you can to limit the amount of waste your household produces and reducing the amount of artificial ingredients you ingest or place on your skin. By reducing the amount of waste and chemical pollution you produce within the environment, you are not only helping your family to live better, but also helping to improve the environment.

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The idea of living in harmony with nature is not a new one, but in recent years more people have thankfully become aware of this approach to living. Even those with no prior knowledge of living eco-friendly can adapt certain aspects of this holistic principle into their daily lives. HOLISTIC PRINCIPLE? The holistic principle is essentially what people refer to as going eco-friendly. Living in a holistic manner entails taking charge of the impact you and your family have on your environment. Everyone is in some way responsible for the state of the only planet we all call home. Living a holistic life means that you are aware of your impact, and that you do your best to make sure that any negative influence you have on the environment is countered by something positive. Living a holistic life doesn’t have to mean moving the entire family off to live on some commune with crystal gazing types. Rather, you can incorporate holistic principles into living in your town, utilizing the resources available in your community.

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certifiied organic

START SMALL So you’re interested in going eco-friendly, but don’t know where to start. Even making minor changes can visibly improve the lives of you and your family. Begin by cutting out the artificial ingredients in your food. Because food is the fuel on which our bodies run, changes to the diet are the easiest to recognize as having either a positive or negative impact on your wellbeing. Keep in mind that food packaged with words like “natural ingredients,” “low fat,” and “low sugar” might seem like they are advertising healthier options, but because such words are not regulated, companies often use them erroneously simply to trick health minded individuals into buying processed junk. Get acquainted with the ingredients list of your favorite foods, and do a little research on any words you don’t recognize. I bet you’ll be surprised to learn what’s actually in the things you feed to your family every day. Processed food in general should be avoided, because fresh food is always more nutritious. However, for those who are simply too busy to make fresh meals every day, stick to products whose ingredients you recognize or that have a certified organic label.

Cleaning products and other products for sanitation are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to hazardous chemical ingredients. Everyone wants to have a clean home, but sacrificing the safety of your family and the quality of your environment is a high price to pay. Choose brands that omit harsh surfactants and unidentifiable chemicals. There are many eco-friendly cleaning product lines available, and the one which will work best for your home might involve a process of trial and error. Nevertheless, most people find a line of products that suits them well and never want to go back to ammonia and bleach. Though concepts like recycling and energy efficiency don’t usually enter into the more recent conversations about ecofriendly living, they are now and have always been an integral part of living a holistic lifestyle. Part of reducing the amount of waste produced by your household is recognizing what can and cannot be reused and recycled. Even if you are not currently recycling glass, plastic, and paper, as an experiment begin placing all of these items in a separate container for a period of one week. At the end of that week, take a look and see how many items you ordinarily throw away which might have otherwise

GREEN-OLOGY•EDITION 7 NO. 1•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

Reduce.Recycle.Reuse. been recycled. Once you have a clear image of the amount of items you regularly contribute to landfills that could be utilized elsewhere, you will have a better idea of your family’s impact on the environment. Some areas of the country are more proactive than others when it comes to making recycling easy and efficient for its citizens. However, even areas where environmental protections are low have some type of recycling facility. Many recycling plants even pay for recycled items, which can save your family money in the long run. Using energy efficient lighting and other environmentally friendly electrical devices is one easy way the average family can commit to eco-friendly living. Just twenty years ago energy efficient bulbs and appliances were treated as luxury items, and therefore too expensive for most families to consider buying. However, due to the rising concerns about climate change and public demand, most energy efficient versions of common appliances and lightbulbs are relatively similar in price to their energy hogging counterparts. Additionally, energy efficient bulbs tend to last twice as long as traditional bulbs. Though the one-time cost might be slightly higher, the benefits and savings

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of energy efficient items are worth it. ASPECTS OF LIFE THAT BENEFIT FROM GOING ECO-FRIENDLY More than just contributing to a cleaner environment, and a healthier lifestyle for your family, going eco-friendly comes with many excellent benefits to several aspects of day to day life. In addition to improving your family’s wellbeing, your position as a member of a community might become elevated. When anyone makes positive changes to their home and lifestyle, it is difficult for others not to notice. Once the positive effects from making healthier choices begin to become obvious, people you know and even a few you don’t won’t be able to stop themselves from asking “What’s your secret?” Family cooperation is key when it comes to making any major changes in lifestyle. Going eco-friendly can be a way for your family to learn to communicate better and to work together towards a common goal of living healthier lives. Turn mundane activities like sorting the recycling into a game. Hold family contests to see who can produce the least amount of trash in one week. In deciding to live a lifestyle that is friendlier to the environment, you may find that your family members in turn learn to be friendlier to each other.

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create harmony Positive Benefits of Going Eco-friendly Include . . . • Reducing your carbon footprint – Your environmental impact matters, reducing your footprint helps the planet. • Saving Money – Reusable items last longer and are more cost effective. Recycling can help to save money over time. • Safety – Eco-friendly products are less likely to poison children and pets because they do not contain dangerous chemicals. • Improved Health – Skin irritations from chemicals in laundry detergent are common, as are allergies to artificial colorings and flavors used in processed food. • Community Standing – Your neighbors will all want to plant their own gardens once they taste salsa made from a fresh-picked, never refrigerated tomato. Your DIY cleaning products will be the envy of every homemaker who is tired of having to open all of the windows just to air out chemical odors. Going Eco-friendly is about connecting to the planet and to communities invested in living better. • Improve your Immediate Environment – Air and water quality are both dramatically improved by reducing the amount of waste produced in a given area. By going ecofriendly and encouraging others to do the same, you can impact not only the global environment, but also that of your town. MAKE YOUR OWN So you’re sold on going eco-friendly, but still aren’t too keen on spending a ton of money on products marketed as environmentally friendly or organic. Many people living an eco-friendly lifestyle forego the corporate healthy living based markets altogether and instead opt for a more DIY approach. There are several ways you can go eco-friendly without having to

go green break the bank. Consider growing a small garden to save money on herbs and vegetables. Plants produce oxygen, which helps to offset your carbon footprint. You can also make household cleaning products from simple ingredients that you can be sure won’t harm your pets or little ones. DIY Household Cleaners Include . . . • Laundry detergent - 3 simple ingredients are all you need to create a chemical free, allergy safe washing powder: a bar of Castile Soap, borax, and washing soda. This powerful combination cleans, deodorizes, and softens fabric. It brightens colors, and whitens whites without the use of bleach. • All Purpose Cleaner - Use a cup of water, 2 teaspoons of liquid castile soap, and 20 drops of lemon essential oil to create a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner that smells fresher than Pledge and works just as well. • Shampoo – Ditch the chemicals and instead try using ¼ cup of coconut oil combined with ¼ cup of castile soap and 10-20 drops of a combination of orange and lavender essential oil. This mixture works for all hair types and is an ultra-moisturizing treat for locks that have been damaged by chemical residue leftover from commercial shampoos. Going green is about making more natural choices for the health of your family. By incorporating positive changes in your day to day routine, you will not only be helping the environment, you’ll also be taking steps to reacquaint your family with nature and create a more harmonious existence overall.

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Tennis Challenge Sunday, April 24 Springfield Tennis Courts Golf Challenge

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TINY GIANTS The Great Bee Collapse Te x t b y K e n L a s h w a y

At the beginning of the winter of 2015-2016, beekeeper David Hackenberg owned a colony of 1,700 beehives, which he annually rented out to west coast almond farmers for the critical pollination phase of almond development. This will be the first year that Hackenberg is unable to provide the necessary bees for that almond pollination, because over the past winter his bee population has declined precipitously by 82%, to a paltry 300 beehives at present. This drastic phenomenon is indicative of a growing global problem called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and the fact that there's a name for it should tell you that it's effects are widespread and grave. The fact that Hackenberg's bees, and so many others around the world are dying off in droves, should be of major concern to all of us, since without bees to pollinate seeds, nuts, berries, fruits and vegetables we all eat, world supply of those goods would quickly disappear.

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Many people have a vague notion that bees are valuable because they produce honey, but honey production is actually one of the lesser boons provided to mankind by bees. Without bees, there would be no flowering plants whatsoever in the world, and the overall biodiversity on the planet would be far less diverse, since many other species of plants depend on bees for their reproductive processes. Scientists investigating the CCD disaster have determined that there are several probable causes, chief among them a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, as well as a slow disappearance of traditional bee habitat that is making the general environment much less favorable for bees. With this kind of global decline occurring, and the impact of the bees' disappearance having such profound implications for all earthdwellers, it seems prudent and urgent that we all do our part to reverse this calamity before it's too late. Something that everyone can do who owns a home and has garden space, is to plant bee-friendly garden plants. GENERAL STRATEGY So what exactly constitutes a 'bee-friendly garden'? First of all, plants in your bee-friendly garden should be all native species which appeal to our domestic honeybees, wasps, bumblebees, and other pollinating bees. It is also important that no pesticides

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are used in your garden, because at least some pesticides on the market will cause your garden to have an effect opposite to the intended one, which is to encourage the growth and health of the bees in your locale. Another good general principle to observe is to populate your garden with plants that flower throughout the year, so as to maintain bee interest all year long, rather than seasonally. Providing a fresh supply of water, for instance in a garden bowl, is also a strong enticement for pollinating bees. PROVIDE BEE FOOD The plants you choose should have plenty of pollen and nectar in them, because those are the components which are really vital to keeping bees healthy. Plant nectar supplies an important variety of sugars, which comprise the major source of energy for pollinating bees to cover all the territory they do in a single day. Pollen on the other hand, provides necessary fats and proteins to bees, and keeps them operating at maximum efficiency. Some examples of plants that provide high quantities of these two essential bee foods are sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, zinnias, lavender, thyme, rosemary, blueberries, raspberries, lilacs, mint, chives, and sage. The list is much longer than the few examples included here, so you'll have no

GREEN-OLOGY•EDITION 7 NO. 1•THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM

THEMILLMAGAZINE.COM•EDITION 7 NO. 1•GREEN-OLOGY

trouble finding some plants that appeal to both yourself and our winged friends. Springtime flowering plants are lilac, hyacinth, and crocus; summertime plants include bee balm, echinacea, and snapdragons; fall species are zinnias, asters, hazel, and goldenrod. When you're considering the variety of plants for selection, try to include a diverse range of colors which would appeal to bees, for instance blue, violet, yellow, and green. Bees do not see color the same way humans do, and their vision is shifted more toward the ultraviolet spectrum, so they see some colors well and others not at all. For instance, red is thought to appear as black to bees, so any red flowering plants you choose will have little appeal to most bees. INCLUDE SHELTER FOR BEES Bees typically have trouble finding suitable nesting sites, so you would be doing them a big favor if you can help fill this important gap. Contrary to popular belief, about 70% of all native bees in this country are ground nesters, which means they are not part of a beehive (beehive bees prefer to nest in tall trees). That being the case, an ideal patch of ground for a bee mother to raise her young would be a bare spot of ground situated in a sunny location. It needn't be very large, but if you happen to have a plot which you can leave idle, a good use for it

would be as bee lodging. Those bees which do not nest on the ground prefer holes made in nearby trees by insects, or in manmade nesting blocks. You can make a simple, but very appealing nesting block for bees yourself, with just an untreated piece of lumber, at least four inches wide by eight inches long. Make sure the wood is untreated, because treated lumber is toxic to the bees and they will avoid it like the plague. To build your nesting block, drill deep holes in the block of wood which are approximately 3/8" in diameter and 3/4" apart from each other. After drilling, attach the block to a backing board, and nail the whole assembly to a fence or tree which only receives the milder rays of morning sunshine, which bees prefer. Ideally, an overhang should also be included so that the wood block is sheltered from the elements, and the bees are likewise protected. If you aren't much of a handyman, this kind of bee block shelter can also be purchased at various outlets. BEE GARDEN - CONCORD, NC Cora from Concord, NC shares with us the layout she has used for the past three years to provide a small haven for bees in her neighborhood. "Basically, I included plants that I either knew bees loved, or that I learned from a little bit of research are

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appealing to them, and then I made sure that I have something flowering pretty much all the time. On the northern edge of my plot, I put in some sunflowers which have really thrived and towered over everything, and below them I planted verbena, asters, witch hazel, crocus and lavender. There's a break after those plants where I just tilled the ground and left it open for nesting, and I know that some bees have taken up that area. I have a little garden walkway that goes around it, so I don't have to disturb them. On the near side of the open area, I planted some raspberries and strawberries, which are wonderful fresh fruit for my family, and then for cooking and baking, I planted some small plots of dill, garlic, thyme, basil, and sage. The great thing about this garden is that it's a nice benefit to myself as well as providing a safe haven for the bees. They just love it - almost any time that I walk outside, I can see them hovering over the garden, doing their thing. It's something I can really feel good about." BEE GARDEN - MOUNT HOLLY, NC "I decided to create a bee garden about a year ago, after I saw a documentary on TV about bees dying off, and how that would affect our food supply. I know that my little plot isn't going to stop that all by itself, but I wanted to do something at least,"

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says Jean from Mount Holly, NC. "So I put in some columbine, milkweed, coneflower, Joe Pye weed, goldenrod, and yellow giant hyssop. I didn't know any of those plants myself before planting, but I contacted the nature conservancy and they recommended these. I've also added some herbs and blueberries since then, and I think I'm going to put in some sunflowers next, because I read that they are also ideal for bees. It isn't much, but I push it to all my friends, and two of them have also started up their own plots. You never know about word of mouth." WE AND THE BEE We can all learn a lesson from the amazing, industrious pollinating bees of the world. Though tiny and seldom even considered by humans, their contribution to our general wellbeing is nothing short of astounding. If such diminutive little creatures can have such a gigantic effect on the lives of humans, it seems only fair that we much larger creatures should make whatever small contribution we can to return the favor.

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WILD BEAUTY

CULTIVATING PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Te x t b y L i s a M c T i g u e

Making our final approach into Podgorica, Montenegro, we flew over snow-capped rugged mountains and rounded a large lake. Knowing next to nothing about this tiny country, roughly the size of the greater Charlotte area, I stepped off the plane with an attempt to take in the flatlands met by the mountains that I now know are the Dinaric Alps. My eyes wanted to soak in the beauty, but as they watered from the cold and the wind pierced my jacket, my feet moved faster seeking the warmth of the main airport building. Greeted by my driver on the other side of customs, I commented, “it’s so pretty, but it’s freezing.” He assured me that the weather today was out of the ordinary and that my trip would soon find warmer weather and sunshine. As we blazed down the mountain roads towards the little town that would be my home for the next three months, I sat silently and stared out the window at the amazing wild beauty of this little country.

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Fortress walls inKotor 46

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Before I arrived, I knew very little about Montenegro. After spending nearly three months in Spain, my Schengen Area visa was expiring and I began my search for my next adventure. The Schengen Area covers most of Europe except for a few countries in the Balkans and the UK. After several days of searching the Balkans, the UK, and Morocco for the perfect place, I found that I kept going back to the same apartment in a little town called Kotor. Hidden at the end of a bay sits the ancient city of Kotor. Surrounded by a fortress and filled with a maze of cobbled stone pathways, my driver escorted me up to my apartment. He led me out to the balcony and when I looked up, I fell madly in love. The mountain juts straight up out the backside of the town. At the top, the fortress is perfectly highlighted by the setting sun. Montenegro separated from Serbia in 2006 and acted swiftly to welcome the uber-wealthy and their mega yachts. Nuzzled between the Adriatic Sea and the Dinaric Alps, Montenegro announced itself to be the new Monaco. From the beginning, the government and its people were concerned about how to balance new developments, while preserving their history, environment, and natural beauty as tourism boomed. GOVERNMENT’S ROLE Located a stone’s throw from Croatia’s southern border, Montenegro is tucked between Serbia and Bosnia/Herzegovina in the north and Albania to the south. Montenegro survived the turbulent regional wars of the 1990s, refugee inundation

from the neighboring countries, and hyperinflation. Their accomplishments in achieving tourism as an anchor for sustainable development in less than a decade is remarkable. As a newly formed country, the Montenegrin government set out to simultaneously protect its culture and environment, while creating a world-renowned eco-tourism industry to provide a much needed economic boost. They formed overseeing agencies to work in tandem with nonprofits and international programs to ensure the country rose to modern environmental standards and then exceeded them. Over one third of Montenegro’s GDP and half of its infrastructure comes from the tourism sector. The increase in cruise ships, ferries, cars, accommodations, and transport for goods directly and indirectly increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Early in the country’s formation, a study was done by the Institute for Strategic Studies and Prognoses (ISSP) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) which laid the groundwork and strategy for Montenegro to capitalize, protect, and invest in eco-tourism. The summation of The Economic Value of Protection Areas in Montenegro study found that protecting and investing in ecofriendly tourism provided tangible economic returns. If they treated their land like a sustainable commodity, the economic yield benefited the people and the country.

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CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The Centre for Sustainable Development’s (CSD) mandate is to ensure Montenegro becomes carbon neutral in all facets of industry and society. The five-year project began in September 2014 by mobilizing stakeholders from all sectors including academia and media. Working from the ground up, the CSD is charged with writing regulatory framework, developing tourism infrastructure, providing financial mechanisms, and galvanizing the public to ensure the world knows Montenegro as the place for ecotourism. Regulatory Framework As a new country, legislation had yet to exist for regulating the growth of the country or protecting it. The CSD cooperates with legislators to draft documents and certifications to set the country’s standards, which includes ecological guidelines. The new regulations call for low energy and water consumption, waste and environmental impact reduction, and mandated low carbon measures on all new development projects. Tourism Infrastructure The CSD facilitates connections, methods, and investment monies for roads, green urban transportation, walkways, and bicycle lanes. They are also promoting and providing access to a variety of low-carbon or no-carbon alternatives like solarelectric ferries and biodiesel buses.

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Finance Mechanisms The CSD assists with partnerships and access to financing for businesses seeking to join the carbon offset programs. Public Awareness Through a large scale public awareness campaign, CSD is calling for the people to slightly change their daily habits, start choosing more sustainable alternatives, and buy local goods. Their #lovemontenegro social media campaign encourages people to take photos, share memories, and only leave footprints behind. ADVENTURE AWAITS Sparkling blue water placidly dances along the shorelines of rocky mountains. Water rushes through the second largest grand canyon in the world. In Montenegro, you can ski in the morning and enjoy the sunset at the beach in the evening. There is something for every type of traveler looking for untouched natural beauty and an affordable vacation. Montenegro delivers memories. History: Old Kotor, Kotor Voted the Best in Travel 2016 by LonelyPlanet, the UNESCO World Heritage Site lays on the end of the Bay of Kotor. The fortress walls, built over three centuries, cover 2.5 miles of mountainous terrain to Sveti Ivan’s Fortress, which towers over the town. The maze of pathways were built to disorient the enemy, today they disorient the tourist, but it’s the perfect way to discover

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the nooks and crannies of this little town. Along the way, you’ll discover former palaces, churches, shops, bars, restaurants, and hidden plazas. You never known what might be around the next corner. The town comes alive after dark...the church bells ring and the clubs open their doors. Luxury: Porto Montenegro, Tivat One of the first developments for the uber-wealthy, Porto Montenegro is reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills without the rude Pretty Woman moments. After browsing the shops and galleries of the world’s most famous designers and artists and a stroll along the docks dreaming of what life must be like on the mega yachts, you can settle in for an affordable dinner. For me that dinner was at the restaurant One, overlooking the marina at sunset. Dining with a friend, I had peas and calamari risotto, she had foie gras, we had two beers, two coffees, and shared a cheesecake dessert for 35 Euro. Pilgrimage: Ostrog Monastery, Dabojevići Built into a steep mountain overlooking the Bjelopavlicka plain near the center of the country, this cave-like monastery was founded in the 17th century. Over 100,000 people trek up the mountain every year to the Ostrog Monastery. Pilgrims say that it is a meeting place to receive confessions for followers of all faiths.

Rafting: Tara Canyon, Durmitor National Park Running through nearly 58 miles of the UNESCO-protected Durmitor National Park, Tara Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. The banks of the river vary in thick vegetation: black pine to spruce trees. The black pine trees grow to over 160 feet tall and are 450 years old. River rafting is the main attraction in Tara Canyon. The ecofriendly companies offer day and multi-day adventures in rubber and wood rafting boats. The wood rafts are made of logs and were traditionally used to transport wood down the river. Bird-Watching: Skadar Lake, National Park Skadar Lake The largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar Lake wetlands cover more than 150 square miles on the border of Montenegro and Albania. Home to more than 280 species of bird and a top five site for Europe’s migratory birds. Also home to the world’s second largest colony of Pygmy Cormorant, the rare Dalmatian Pelican, floating vegetation, mud flats, marshlands, and rocky shores. Beaches: Ada Bojana, Ulcinj A triangular artificially created island hosts sandy beaches, clear sea water, and a nudist resort. The Big Beach, Ulcinj Over 8 miles of beach along the Adriatic sea with sand as fine as flour.

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Crvena Plaza, Between Bar and Sutomore Located in a small cove between cliffs, this small-grained gravel and reddish sand beach is also known as Red Beach. Queen's Beach, Budva Surrounded by olive and cypress trees, formerly owned by Queen Marija Karadjordjevic, and currently a part of the luxury Aman Sveti Stefan Resort complex. This beach often charges an entrance fee. Becici Beach, Budva Selected as one the most beautiful beaches in Europe and stretching 1.2 miles along the Adriatic Sea, Becici Beach is a popular tourist destination with sporting fields and other amenities. Spelunking: Canyon Nevidio, Savnik Nevidio means “Never Seen.” If you’re an avid caver looking for deep adventure, you have found your life’s challenge. It wasn’t until 1965 that a person had seen Canyon Nevidio in its entirety. A large waterfall welcomes you at the entrance. It is recommended to carry full climbing gear and diving suits. You will be rewarded with waterfalls, cascades, whitewater, narrow channels, and nature-made sculptures. The greatest challenge, a section known as Gate of Kamikazes, 26 feet long and only 9.8 inches wide in some parts. Hiking: Whether you want to hike a few miles or 50, Montenegro has

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a trail for all levels of hikers. If you are an avid hiker looking for an Appalachian Trail type hike, Montenegro delivers with the Montenegro Coastal Transversal. Hike through the rugged limestone peaks of the Dinaric Alps, abandoned villages, high grassy meadows, and past glacial lakes. SMALL COUNTRY, BIG DREAMS As the sun shines down on me, I can’t help but think about the effort it has taken to galvanize the Montenegrin people to move together towards one goal. Ten years ago, the country started from scratch, actually less than that. They had to build up the pieces that had fallen apart and then go further than nearly all other countries in the world. I am impressed with the accomplishments of this little country. Montenegro is not the perfect specimen of ecotourism, but it is well on its way. In researching my adventures, nearly every travel outfit talks about their commitment to the environment, what they are doing to protect it, and how you can be a responsible tourist. This country is well-deserving of its recognition. I look forward to watching its growth. The peak tourism months are July and August. The summer adventure programs start opening in April and run into the early fall. The summer is also filled with festivals like Sea Rock Festival, a free event in Kotor headlined by WILCO on June 24th.

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GREEN MIXOLOGY CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THE DRINK Te x t b y D e a c o n S u a i d e n

It was bound to happen. After years of detoxing and cleansing being a part of the new normal, a new trend has emerged dubbed retoxing. And now, green mixology is part of the drinking scene. Before we start dismissing the idea of retoxing as a fad, or envision the protagonist of Mr. Robot incorporating withdrawal medications into his drug use, it's a good idea to recall that retoxing is really a culmination of trends which have been taking place in the drinking scene in more subtle ways for a few years now.

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RETOXING AND GREEN DRINKING: WHY PEOPLE ARE DOING IT Healthier drinking is nothing new, relatively speaking. Light beers have existed for decades, and some of the newest light beers on the market have as little as 60-90 calories per beer. Healthier liquors have found their way to mass-market shelves, some infused with vitamins and minerals. Probably the most (in)famous example is Devotion Vodka, endorsed by Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino. That particular vodka was infused with casein, a milk protein, and was designed around making vodka appealing to bodybuilders.

making sure that the next morning poorer health is not on their list of regrets.

The newest trend is a move away from simply making healthier versions of generally unhealthy beverages, but rather making drinking itself healthier or in some cases, making light of the trends towards cleanses altogether. This means that some of the beverages that have made it into our common parlance are now being used in mixes, creating new variations on our drinks as well as new libations altogether that are healthier on the mean than the way we used to drink before. Out with alcohol as a match for wings and fatty foods. Today’s drunks are focused on

FROM CLEANSE TO COCKTAIL: NEW DRINKS FOR RETOXING The biggest influence that cleansing and detox juicing has had on culture in general is probably the most subtle -- our palates are open to new beverages and flavors we’ve never had. Putting kale into a blended smoothie is something that would have only interested a small fitness-minded subset of the populace 30 years ago, but today new fruits and vegetables are on our plates and in our glasses. That is reflected more today than ever, and it’s

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So let’s take a look at some of the trends forming the basis for drinking in the future. Tomorrow’s drinks are about having the fun of drinking, while mitigating the negative effects of drinking in today’s mass market culture, retooling old recipes to be healthier, and making new recipes out of things we use to cleanse our system. Retoxing is about a whole new way of looking at drinking, and perhaps one that will change how we see drinking forever.

finally made its way into the alcoholic sphere. This is probably a good thing, as the amount of damage that alcohol can do on its own has generally been mitigated by eating, which of course leads to weight gain. But this new class of beverages is different -- very different. Perhaps the most popular example of retoxing this year is taking the Master Cleanse System and adding bourbon. While one could argue that this ultimately undermines the point of the cleanse, the flip side is that the health benefits of the ingredients are still effective when mixed with alcohol, making a uniquely flavored new beverage which is both intoxicating and healthy. It won't exactly cleanse your system of alcohol -- after all, you've added alcohol -- but it will still help to detoxify your system and make you feel better while enjoying yourself. Another example is the use of detox juicing staples to produce healthy and tasty new beverages. Barley grass juice is a wellknown superfood and forms the base of a juice cleanse used by Dr. Oz. Barley grass juice is loaded with vitamins and minerals and is known to energize you minutes after drinking. But, did you know it also goes well with gin? The natural taste of barley grass juice is one that is slightly reminiscent of carrot juice, with a mild bitter taste, complimenting gin’s unique flavor and going just as well with a touch of mint. Who said you can’t get healthy and get drunk at the same time? Dr. Axe’s Apple Cider Vinegar cleanse makes a great shandy, a combination of a beer with a soft drink; the list goes on and on. Well-known cleanses can make great mixers. Some of the staples of the bar take greater focus in the age of retoxing, such as the humble lemon. Lemon and its derivative juice are well known for their cleansing capabilities as well as their great flavor. So, it's a given that lemon figures big in new retoxing cocktails: it's natural, healthy, and packs a flavorful punch overall. Not only do many cleanse-based cocktails feature lemon, but remixes of old bar favorites feature just a little more lemon. GREEN REMIXES OF PUB CLASSICS Of course, this doesn’t change the fact that many people are going to prefer their classic drinks and cocktails, but that doesn’t mean that the way those standards are being made isn’t changing also. A classic Bloody Mary seems healthy on the surface, but in fact is the worst of both worlds -- most Bloody Mary mixes are loaded up with sodium. This is also changing, as there are healthy ways to enjoy the same drink. With a Bloody Mary, this means the use of fresh or low-sodium tomato juice, which knocks out most of the massive sodium content. Some of the earliest classic bar drinks to feature health benefits are making a comeback. Examples include Sea Breezes and Cape Codders. The Cape Codder has long been known for its effectiveness in improving health -- part vodka, part cranberry juice, the drink is designed to improve kidney and liver function,

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which are two things that can be affected by heavy drinking. Sea Breezes add to the health benefit that naturally comes with a Cape Codder and loads on grapefruit juice, loading an already health-oriented cocktail with additional Vitamin C with a minimum of added sugar. These were healthy cocktails people were drinking before the benefits of juicing were more than just a niche aspect of dieting and health. Using fresher ingredients in cocktails may not sound like a great leap forward in how we drink, but it makes a huge difference in how healthy our beverages actually are. And, health benefits that some drinks naturally contain can even be augmented by using healthier ingredients. Some things are barely noticeable: replacing seltzer for soda can reduce both the amount of calories and sugar you're taking in while drinking. In fact, this is a large part of why craft beers are often considered healthier as well: being fresher means that the nutrients that can be found in a freshly crafted beer are at their highest potential. Centuries ago, beer was considered a useful carb drink for getting

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through tough work days, and in many ways was considered the first "energy drink". As people move away from mass market beer to independent local breweries, the health benefits of beer are once again meriting examination. THE ULTIMATE QUESTION: DOES IT WORK? The biggest question on everyone's mind when retoxing is of course: Does it work? Does choosing healthier cocktails offset the negatives that come with drinking? If you're going to just get drunk, why not just get drunk and be done with it? To be fair, we're still talking about alcohol, which is primarily a leisure drink which adds calories and puts stress on the digestive system. But, even alcohol itself in its various forms has a number of health benefits, which can be leveraged against the negatives. Most forms of alcohol will help lower blood pressure. Beer has a benefit of adding energy, making it more of a daytime beverage. The health benefits of wine have been extolled over and over. So, when we start talking about harder liquors where the health benefits become less apparent, there's really no downside to

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changing what you mix your drink with to improve how you feel about it. If you regularly partake superfoods and juicing cleanses, modifying your cocktails accordingly will help your body's signaling so that even though you are drinking, you are still getting the nutritive advantage of your regular health regimen. Of course, alcohol does affect digestion, so your mileage may vary. HERE TO STAY, CHANGING THE WAY WE DRINK The 21st century has massively changed the way we deal with our health. With added focus on improved health and vitality in our lifestyle choices, our diets, daily habits, and the way we drink would eventually have to be re-examined. Life is meant for living to the fullest, and retoxing after detoxing and cleanses is a way of controlling what was once uncontrollable: getting all of the buzz

without all of the health negatives. Green mixology helps with everything from keeping a routine to reducing the effects of a hangover. So, changing the focus from what you drink to how you drink is a trend which will have long-term consequences for individuals and maybe even the bar scene overall. After all, like so many other things that have become outdated in the information era, wouldn't it be nice to remember 2016 as the year hangovers became something for the history books? If retoxing continues to gain momentum -- and there's nothing that says it won't -- the way we see alcohol overall may never be the same.

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