Solstice Green Fall 2015 Edition

Free

Fall 2015

Bringing People Together... to Make a Sustainable Difference!

Growing Food in a Drought...page 16 Gluten Free: Here are Some Facts...page 18 Foods: Can They Make You Happy?...page 47

The Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

the missing

Connection...

It seems that the more virtually connected we get, the more disconnected we become, both from each other, but also from our communities. Technology, we believe, remains the solution.

But is it really? Do we use social media to connect with the world, seeking to soothe a misplaced sense of belonging? None of the new communication technologies involve human touch, and they all tend to place us one step removed from direct human experience.

Can you remember how immensely rich we were once in our childhood, when we were more connected to nature? We as humans are tuned for relationship. Our eyes, skin, ears and nose, all our senses receive the nourishment from each other and our environment.

Of all the world's creatures, perhaps those in greatest need of this connection are our children. The collapse of children's engagement with nature has been happening even faster than the collapse of the natural world. Is a large-scale reconnection with nature on the rise? Let's hope so. Nature is waiting patiently for us to come home.

Photo by Jenny Malott

Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

Gary Elem, Claire Kulda, Diane Parnell, Margaret Hennessy, Madeline Palaszewski, Monte Allen, John Karp

Solstice Green Directory Mission: To provide information on environmental issues and ways to address concerns of residents on the Central Coast. To help educate consumers so that they can make better choices locally by providing visibility of green and healthy products and services. To develop and provide business networking opportunities to encourage relationships that will support a more sustainable community.

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

Founder/Publisher Margaret Hennessy

Marketing and Community Relations Madeline Palaszewski

Distribution Monte Allen

Graphic Designer John Karp

Advertising Sales Madeline Palaszewski and Alicia Belmonte

Tech Support and Graphic Design

Jenny Malott and Chris Maloney

Bookkeeping Diane Parnell

Reuse and Recycle Special Contributor Monte Allen

Special Events M.C. Gary Elem

Solstice Publishing, LLC

4251 South Higuera Street, Suite 800 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 473-5064 www.slosolstice.com info@slosolstice.com twitter.com/slosolstice facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

This publication is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

Solstice Green Directory provides an advertising service. We cannot warrant or guarantee any of the products or services advertised. All feedback is most welcome and will help us provide a better service for you. Solstice Green Directory reserves the right to accept or reject advertisers.

Contents The Solstice Green Directory Fall 2015

DIRECTORY 4 FEATURES Autumn Leaves Go Green?

14

Growing Food in a Drought

16

Gluten Free: Here are Some Facts

18

Healthier Pumpkin Pie

20

7 Food Cures Grown at Home

22

Chew on This

24

Wait... What? New Uses for Everyday Foods

26

Avoid GMOs When Eating Out

28

Scallions for the Season of the Sniffles

30

Beets: Some Health Benefits

32

Bring Back the Rake and Broom

34

How to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Paw Print

38

8 Tips to Get Kids to Listen

40

Words: Choose Them Carefully

43

The Not-So-Sweet Truth About Aspartame

44

Foods... Can They Make You Happy?

47

Frugal & Green Living Tips

48

Foods to Fight Fatigue

50

9 Secrets to Being Lucky

52

Directory ACCESSORIES & GIFTS Bambu Batu • (805) 788-0806

The House of Bamboo 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo 93401 www.bambubatu.com Organic natural products for your conscious lifestyle

ANIMAL WELFARE Santa Maria Valley Humane Society (805) 349-3435

No-kill adoption center and low-cost spay/ neuter clinic 1687 W. Stowell Rd., Santa Maria SMVHS.org Please see display ad on page 41

ACUPUNCTURE Janet Leach, L.Ac., Kay Andersson, D.C. (805) 773-3301

815 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach Age Well • Stay Healthy • Move Better Live Life with a Clearer & Brighter Outlook We support your body’s natural ability to heal

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Gila M. Zak, C.Ht. • (805) 704-3599 Changing lives, one unconscious thought at a time.

Contact me today for your FREE initial consultation 2280 Sunset Drive Unit D. Los Osos QuantumWavesHypnotherapy.com 4

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

ANTI-AGING THERAPIES Kohana Pharmacy & Center for Regenerative Medicine

(805) 542-0864 • www.kohanarx.com 181 Tank Farm Rd. Suite 120 San Luis Obispo Please see display ad on page 37

AROMATHERAPY Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage Aromatherapy, too • (805) 546-8660 Serving San Luis Obispo for 26 years 1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo Please see display ad on page 51

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205

Please see display ad on page 41

Please see display ad on page 41

Handcrafted products made with certified organic herbs/essential oils for healing and relief www.ruthsherbalremedies.com

Super hydrating/anti-aging facial & massage creams Made with certified organic ingredients www.ruthsherbalremedies.com

ASTROLOGY SLO Astrologers

BOTANICALS Kandarian Organic Farms

Contact at SLOAstrologers@aol.com On-going classes at the Gala Center, Palm St., SLO

The freshest Central Coast grown certified organic botanicals for the best value.

(805) 528 -4007 www.kandarianorganicfarms.com

Please see display ad on page 41

ATTRACTIONS Hearst Castle • (800) 444-4445

Please see display ad on page 27

Visitor Center Opens at 8 am Daily.

First Tour Begins at 9 am Advanced Reservations Strongly Recommended 750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon, CA 93452 www.hearstcastle.org

BUILDING – ENERGY CONSULTANTS Carstairs Energy • (805) 904-9048 Residential & Commercial Title 24 Energy Compliance title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com

Please see display ad on inside front cover

Please see display ad on page 19

BABY BOOMER HEALTH SLO Hep C Project • (805) 781-3660

GET TESTED. GET TREATED. GET CURED. Quick, easy and FREE, Hep C testing is now available throughout SLO County www.asn.org www.slohepc.org Please see display ad on page 51

BARTER BUSINESS GROUP Cal Coast Trade Call Gregg • (805) 975-5334

DIRECTORY

Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205

BUILDING MATERIALS & RESOURCES Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600

181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 15

A sustainable way to do business!

Save your cash and increase your business! www.calcoasttrade.com

SLO Green Build • (805) 286-0072

Non-profit green bldg education & support www.slogreenbuild.org

Please see display ad on page 10

BUSINESS TRADING

BATH & BODY Norwex – Vanessa Pronge (805) 268-3674

Cal Coast Trade Call Gregg • (805) 975-5334

Please see display ad on page 41

Please see display ad on page 10

Improving Quality of Life zvp805@gmail.com www.vanessapronge.norwex.biz

A sustainable way to do business!

Save your cash and increase your business! www.calcoasttrade.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

BUS SERVICE Regional Transit Authority (RTA) (805) 541-2228 RTA buses get you around the county 7 days a week!

Talk Green. Live Green. Hop Aboard. www.SLORTA.org Please see display ad on page 46

CAFÉ SunShine Health Foods/Shine Café Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay (805) 772-7873 Please see display ad on page 29

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS Hearst Castle • (800) 444-4445 Visitor Center Opens at 8 am Daily.

First Tour Begins at 9 am Advanced Reservations Strongly Recommended 750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon, CA 93452 www.hearstcastle.org Please see display ad on inside front cover

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT R. Barkley & Associates (800) 211-5677 Professional Business Services Taxes, Bookkeeping, Home Loans, Investment Planning www.rbarkley.com Please see display ad on page 37

CHIROPRACTIC Kay Andersson, D.C. Janet Leach, L.Ac., (805) 773-3301

815 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach Age Well • Stay Healthy • Move Better Live Life with a Clearer & Brighter Outlook We support your body’s natural ability to heal 6

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

CLEANING Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433

Commercial • Residential • Rental Properties • RCFE’s Always Eco-friendly coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St., #140 San Luis Obispo www.coastlinecleaningslo.com Please see display ad on page 25

CLOTHING & BAMBOO Bambu Batu • (805) 788-0806

The House of Bamboo 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo 93401 www.bambubatu.com Organic natural products for your conscious lifestyle

COMPUTER CONSULTING/TRAINING KCBX.net • (805) 781-2580 Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Quickbooks and more.

4100 Vachell Lane San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.kcbx.net

COMMUNITY HEALTH SLO Hep C Project • (805) 781-3660

GET TESTED. GET TREATED. GET CURED. Quick, easy and FREE, Hep C testing is now available throughout SLO County www.asn.org www.slohepc.org Please see display ad on page 51

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICE Go! Computer Services www.go-cc.com

More Than a Tech. More Than a Tutor.

On-Site Help for Your Computer!

(805) 704-0833 Repair, Refurbish, Recycle, and More!

Please see display ad on page 8

$109 for a 3 month Directory Listing. Call today!

805.473.5064

A not-for-profit, depositor owned, financial institution serving all who live, work, worship or attend school in San Luis Obispo County.

3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 13th & Spring Streets in Paso Robles www.sesloc.org Please see display ad on back cover

CUISINE www.CasaFestiva.com

“Exploring the culture of cuisine!”

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 19

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES Mia Simmons, Cert. 1, ADV, Level 3 (805) 528-7586

Certified, Advanced, Level 3 EFT Practitioner Meridian tapping technique • www. miasimmons.com Please see display ad on page 25

ENERGY WORK / ENERGY MEDICINE Darcy Cleome • (805) 927-1700

DIRECTORY

CREDIT UNIONS SESLOC Federal Credit Union (805) 543-1816

Soul Level Multidimensional Healer, Clairvoyant Channel, Spiritual Teacher & Author of “The Way of the Awakened” Intuitive Reading, Energy Healing, Channeling, Karma, Aura and Chakra Clearing, Soul Retrieval, Classes & Events darcy@darcycleome.com darcycleome.com Please see display ad on page 29

DENTAL Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814

Mia Simmons, Cert. 1, ADV, Level 3 (805) 528-7586

Certified, Advanced, Level 3 EFT Practitioner Meridian tapping technique www.miasimmons.com

Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com

Please see display ad on page 25

Please see display ad on page 35

DIGESTIVE HEALTH O & A Wellness • (805) 266-2149 Yoga & Movement Center 197 So. 8th Street, Grover Beach, CA www.drabiola.com Please see display ad on page 21

The Healing Works • Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Shaman, Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org Please see display ad on page 21

EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Norwex – Vanessa Pronge (805) 268-3674

Debra Windsong • (805) 471-4093

Trauma release and energetic healing with Rapid Eye Technology, The Infinity Connection Reconnective Healing & Massage Therapy www.debrawindsong.com

Improving Quality of Life zvp805@gmail.com www.vanessapronge.norwex.biz Please see display ad on page 41

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

Follow Us On Twitter!

http://twitter.com/slosolstice

www.slosolstice.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Carstairs Energy • (805) 904-9048 Whole House Energy Ratings title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 19

ENERGY - SOLAR Ben Harbour - SolarCity (805) 245-7994

It Doesn’t Cost to go Solar, it only Saves!

Contact me for a free consultation today. bharbour@solarcity.com Please see display ad on page 15

ENTERTAINMENT David Orr Music • (805) 801-7725 Singer - Songwriter - Performer Musically Enhancing Any Event deorre53@yahoo.com

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

FLOORING MATERIALS & INSTALLATION ProSource Flooring • (805) 781-2657

The Largest Wholesale Flooring Source in North America www.prosourcefloors.com Please see display ad on page 29

GRAINS Kandarian Organic Farms

The freshest Central Coast grown certified organic Ancient, Heirloom & Specialty grains.

(805) 528-4007 www.kandarianorganicfarms.com Please see display ad on page 27

GREEN FLOORING Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600

181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 15

ProSource Flooring • (805) 781-2657 The Largest Wholesale Flooring Source in North America www.prosourcefloors.com Please see display ad on page 29

GREEN GARDENING Los Osos Green Gardeners

Sustainable gardening and landscaping grass roots group; a community forum where neighbors share knowledge and resources.

Contact: David Hunter • (805) 400-9937 1539 10th St., Los Osos, CA greengardeners@greenerlivinghomes.com www.facebook.com/greengardeners

$109 for a 3 month Directory Listing. Call today!

805.473.5064 8

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

GREEN-REALTOR C. Green Real Estate Co.

Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay (805) 772-7873 Please see display ad on page 29

Please see display ad on page 29

David Hunter, Realtor-Associate (805) 400-9937

Keller Williams Realty Central Coast 815 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, CA 93442 david@greenerlivinghomes.com www.greenerlivinghomes.com Please see display ad on page 15

HERBALISTS/HERBAL REMEDIES Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205

Made with all certified organic herbs & oils; locally handcrafted healing tinctures & salves for ailments & pain relief www.ruthsherbalremedies.com Please see display ad on page 41

HEALTH / DETOX David Orr - Relaxationist (805) 801-7725

HERBS & SPICES Kandarian Organic Farms

Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814

Please see display ad on page 27

The freshest most unique Central Coast grown certified organic gourmet herbs & spices.

(805) 528-4007 www.kandarianorganicfarms.com

Restoring Relaxation & Enhancing Personal Effectiveness deorre53@yahoo.com

Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com

HYPNOTHERAPY Gila M. Zak, C.Ht. • (805) 704-3599

Please see display ad on page 35

HEALTH / FITNESS Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa (805) 595-7600

Tropical paradise, tennis, ozone pools, classes incl. yoga, cafe & catering, conf. rooms, special events avilabayclub.com Please see display ad on page 29

Benefit Foods

High quality, tasty food bars made from “real” ingredients VBAR – NO fillers, additives, or any of that “other stuff” – unwrap goodness!

Available Online and in Stores GF & Vegan www.benefitfoods.com Please see display ad on page 19

DIRECTORY

171 N. 13th St. Suite A Grover Beach 93433 O: 481-7700 F: 481-9338 P: 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com

HEALTH FOOD STORES Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café

Changing lives, one unconscious thought at a time.

Contact me today for your FREE initial consultation 2280 Sunset Drive Unit D. Los Osos QuantumWavesHypnotherapy.com

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Salus Integrative Medicine (805) 226-5190

1020 Pine Street, Paso Robles CA 93446 Darya R. Boland, ND W. Jamey Kirkpatrick, ND Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine www.salusintegrativemedicine.com Please see display ad on page 31

Follow Us On Twitter!

http://twitter.com/slosolstice

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

9

DIRECTORY

INVESTMENT SERVICES Virginia Perry Souza (805) 347-4544

Wealth Advisor • Senior Vice-President Morgan Stanley 800-659-4311 virginia.souza@ morganstanley.com www.morganstanley.com/fa/virginia.souza Please see display ad on page 37

JANITORIAL Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433

Commercial • Residential • Rental Properties • RCFE’s Always Eco-friendly coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St., #140 San Luis Obispo www.coastlinecleaningslo.com Please see display ad on page 25

JUICE BAR Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay (805) 772-7873 Please see display ad on page 29

Follow Us On Twitter!

http://twitter.com/slosolstice $109 for a 3 month Directory Listing. Call today!

805.473.5064

LOANS SESLOC Federal Credit Union (805) 543-1816

A not-for-profit, depositor owned, financial institution serving all who live, work, worship or attend school in San Luis Obispo County.

3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 13th & Spring Streets in Paso Robles www.sesloc.org Please see display ad on back cover

MASSAGE Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage Aromatherapy, too • (805) 546-8660 Serving San Luis Obispo for 26 years 1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Please see display ad on page 51

Debra Windsong • (805) 471-4093

Trauma release and energetic healing with Rapid Eye Technology, The Infinity Connection Reconnective Healing & Massage Therapy www.debrawindsong.com

MUSEUMS The Natural History Museum (805) 614-0806

412 S. McClelland St. Santa Maria Where natural history comes to life. www.naturalhistorysantamaria.com

Save Your Cash, Increase Business An innovative way to do business sustainably

Call Gregg now (805) 975-5334 10

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

www.calcoasttrade.com

Sierra Club-Santa Lucia Chapter

MUSIC Songwriters At Play – Live Music Events

547-B Marsh St • San Luis Obispo (805) 543-8717 • santalucia.sierraclub.org

Please see display ad on page 19

David Orr Music • (805) 801-7725 Singer - Songwriter - Performer Musically Enhancing Any Event deorre53@yahoo.com

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Salus Integrative Medicine (805) 226-5190

1020 Pine Street, Paso Robles CA 93446 Darya R. Boland, ND W. Jamey Kirkpatrick, ND Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine www.salusintegrativemedicine.com Please see display ad on page 31

SLO Green Build • (805) 286-0072 Non-profit green bldg education & support www.slogreenbuild.org

NUTRITION The Healing Works • Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Holistic Nutritionist, Shaman, Medical Intuitive

DIRECTORY

Please see display ad on page 51

Discover Your New Favorite!

Touring troubadours and local tunesmiths www.songwritersatplay.com

405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org Please see display ad on page 21

OFFICE SPACE San Luis Business Center (805) 540-5100

Shared resources - sustainable options/ office space 4251 South Higuera San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

NETWORKING Solstice Green Directory (805) 473-5064

Solstice Green Mixers • Mix & meet local green businesses that make a difference!

See NEW Website for venues, times and other events. www.slosolstice.com

NON-PROFIT Santa Maria Valley Humane Society (805) 349-3435 No-kill adoption center and low-cost spay/neuter clinic 1687 W. Stowell Rd., Santa Maria SMVHS.org

Please see display ad on page 42

ORGANIC CAFE SunShine Health Foods/Shine Café Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay (805) 772-7873 Please see display ad on page 29

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490

Please see display ad on page 41

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

777 Pismo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428 Please see display ad on page 21

www.slosolstice.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

PHARMACY Kohana Pharmacy & Center for Regenerative Medicine

RADIO SHOW Songwriters At Play on The Krush 92.5

Please see display ad on page 37

Please see display ad on page 19

PHYSICIAN Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490

REALTOR - GREEN C. Green Real Estate Co.

(805) 542-0864 • www.kohanarx.com 181 Tank Farm Rd. Suite 120 San Luis Obispo

777 Pismo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428 Please see display ad on page 21

POLLENS Kandarian Organic Farms

The only Central Coast grown certified organic gourmet edible pollens in the world.

(805) 528-4007 www.kandarianorganicfarms.com Please see display ad on page 27

RADIO BROADCASTING AGM California, Inc • (805) 781-2750 The Central Coast’s leading radio group: 98.1 KJUG, 93.3 KZOZ, Q104.5, The KRUSH 92.5 Locally owned and operated for over 30 years serving this community with pride.

Please see display ad on inside back cover

KCBX FM Public Radio (805) 549-8855

Highlights from our live music events Tuesdays 5-6pm, Thursdays 9-10am www.songwritersatplay.com

171 N. 13th St. Suite A Grover Beach 93433 O: 481-7700 F: 481-9338 P: 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com Please see display ad on page 29

David Hunter, Realtor-Associate (805) 400-9937

Keller Williams Realty Central Coast 815 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, CA 93442 david@greenerlivinghomes.com www.greenerlivinghomes.com Please see display ad on page 15

REFLEXOLOGY Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage Aromatherapy, too • (805) 546-8660 Serving San Luis Obispo for 26 years 1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Please see display ad on page 51

SHAMANISM The Healing Works • Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223

Symphonies, jazz, daily news & transforming stories Streaming live on the Internet at www.KCBX.org

Shaman, Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org

Please see display ad on page 45

Please see display ad on page 21

Follow Us On Twitter!

http://twitter.com/slosolstice

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

www.slosolstice.com 12

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

It Doesn’t Cost to go Solar, it only Saves!

Contact me for a free consultation today. bharbour@solarcity.com Please see display ad on page 15

TILE Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600

181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www. mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 15

SPA SERVICES Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa (805) 595-7600 ex.0

DIRECTORY

SOLAR ENERGY Ben Harbour - SolarCity (805) 245-7994

TOURS Hearst Castle • (800) 444-4445

Use of club included on day of service! Full service spa including massage, mani & pedi, organic facials, and more!

6699 Bay Laurel Plc, Avila Beach avilabayclub.com Please see display ad on page 29

Visitor Center Opens at 8 am Daily. First Tour Begins at 9 am Advanced Reservations Strongly Recommended 750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon, CA 93452 www.hearstcastle.org Please see display ad on inside front cover

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING Darcy Cleome • (805) 927-1700

Soul Level Multidimensional Healer, Clairvoyant Channel, Spiritual Teacher & Author of “The Way of the Awakened” Intuitive Reading, Energy Healing, Channeling, Karma, Aura and Chakra Clearing, Soul Retrieval, Classes & Events darcy@darcycleome.com darcycleome.com Please see display ad on page 29

SUSTAINABLE FOOD & WINE Benefit Foods

TRANSPORTATION Regional Transit Authority (RTA) (805) 541-2228

RTA buses get you around the county 7 days a week!

Talk Green. Live Green. Hop Aboard. www.SLORTA.org Please see display ad on page 46

YOGA O & A Wellness • (805) 266-2149 Yoga & Movement Center 197 So. 8th Street, Grover Beach, CA www.drabiola.com

High quality, tasty food bars made from “real” ingredients VBAR – NO fillers, additives, or any of that “other stuff” – unwrap goodness!

Available Online and in Stores GF & Vegan www.benefitfoods.com

Please see display ad on page 21

Please see display ad on page 19

www.CasaFestiva.com

“Exploring the culture of cuisine!”

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page xx

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

13

Autumn Leaves go green?

Autumn leaves are beautiful, but not when they are covering your yard! Here are a couple of ways to be "green" with the fall colors...

1) Skip the leaf blower and use a rake: While it's a little more labor intensive, raking leaves is better for the environment than the leaf blower. Leaf blowers create a lot of noise pollution, and, if they're diesel powered, create a fair amount of air pollution as well (unless you're running on biodiesel). Not a good thing.

2) Don't burn your leaves: Once you've got the leaves raked in nice piles, go ahead and jump on them, but don't burn them.

Burning creates lots of smoke, especially when leaves are damp. The open burning of leaves produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons, which contain a number of 14

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

toxic, irritant, and carcinogenic (cancercausing) compounds. Leaf smoke also contains carbon monoxide.

3) Do compost or mulch: Some areas offer yard waste pick up in addition to garbage collection and curbside recycling.

However, if you don't have yard waste, picking up mulch or composting are much better options. It is fine to compost only leaves, but other materials such as grass clippings,coffee grounds, and vegetable and fruit peelings may be composted as well.

Meat, grease, and dairy products should not be composted, however, because they can cause odors and attract pests.

fall Planting Compost the leaves. Instead of bagging the leaves and leaving them out with the trash, consider collecting them and composting them to create nutrient-rich, organic soil that will be ready for use by the spring.

Fertilize organically. When preparing your soil for next year, add organic, slowrelease fertilizers that will help enhance your soil over time. Plant trees. Rainfall is usually more plentiful in the fall, and new trees, bushes and flowers have a greater chance of surviving than they would if they were planted during a hotter season. Other ideas. If you have a vegetable or fruit garden that you want to maintain throughout the winter, consider planting root bulbs and leaf crops that will continue to produce despite the colder weather.

181 Tank Farm Rd. Suite 140 mattclarktile.com 805.543.7600

It doesn't cost to go Solar.

It only Saves!

Schedule your free consultation today.

Contact Me: Ben Harbour 805.245.7994 • bharbour@solarcity.com

Greener Living Starts at Home DAVID HUNTER Realtor Associate

CalBRE# 01970040

815 Morro Bay Blvd.

Morro Bay, CA 93442 805-400-9937 david@greenerlivinghomes.com greenerlivinghomes.com Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated.

Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

15

Growing Food As California braces for a parched, dry season ahead, many people may be reconsidering the idea of planting a fall vegetable garden at all. However, there are a number of tips to consider that may still allow you to harvest fresh veggies from your backyard garden: Peas, greens, beets, and radishes will do just fine in the fall. Even plants that like full sun will appreciate just a little bit of afternoon shade if they're struggling with heat and limited water. Situate your garden so that they'll catch a little shade from trees you have on site. No trees? A patio umbrella or strategically placed shade cloth can help.

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

Consider experimenting with a method of deep watering. Submerge a porous vessel (terra cotta) in the ground near the base of your plants, leaving the top accessible. Fill with water, and it will slowly seep into the ground and be available as the plants need it. Consider deep watering with a drainage pipe or even a nursery pot buried upright next to plants. Instead of watering at the surface, water into the pipe or pot so the water goes straight to the roots. Keyhole gardens are being used in dry climates as well, and have an active compost pile at their center. The central compost helps nourish the plants growing around it and acts as a source of moisture. Supplemental water goes right into the compost “well.�

A soaker hose

In a Drought... or drip irrigation system allows you to put water right where you want it. Invest in a simple timer and set it so that it goes off at night. That will give your plants a chance to drink up before the sun heats the ground, causing evaporation. Dry farming tomatoes is a method well-suited to drought. You do need good soil. Essentially, you'll water your tomato plants to get them established, then water sparingly as fruit matures. If you have access to logs, branches, and other natural debris, consider stacking natural material into a mound and planting on top of it. The decomposing matter turns into healthy soil that will hold moisture, requiring little or no irrigation by the second year. Choose vegetables that produce a lot of food per plant. While a broccoli plant provides just a single head, tomatoes,

peppers, and eggplants, for example, will produce enough for many meals. Choose vegetables that have a short growing season. Beans, for instance, can produce a full crop in a relatively short amount of time, using less water than a crop that takes longer to mature. Corn is shallow rooted and not a great choice for growing during a drought. Make sure your soil incorporates lots of compost and will be able to hold onto what little moisture there is. Adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch will help prevent the soil surface from drying out. Try straw, leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips. Consider burying your organic kitchen waste alongside your plants, so, you're nourishing your plants and also adding a bit more moisture to the soil.

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17

Here Are Some Facts...

by Katy Budge So, what’s all the fuss about “GlutenFree” labels? For anyone with celiac disease, it’s a very important piece of information. An estimated one in 133 Americans have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten. To most people, gluten is a harmless protein combination that acts to bind foods together and gives bread its elasticity. To those with celiac disease, ingesting gluten leads to a host of very unpleasant symptoms, from bloating, to chronic fatigue, to arthritis.

Most people know gluten is found in wheat, but it’s also in other cereal grains – rye, barley, triticale – and in variations of wheat such as durum, semolina, spelt, farro, graham, wheatberries, emmer, farino, and einkorn. At first glance, it might seem one could just avoid breads and cereals, but it’s 18

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not that easy. People with severe sensitivity to gluten can get a reaction from even slight contact, such as the cross contamination that occurs when a restaurant uses the same fryer for both French fries and breaded chicken strips, or when a pizza place doesn’t have a dedicated area to make their gluten-free crusts. Beyond that, here’s just a partial list of where gluten might be lurking in everyday items... Soy Sauce: which rules out a lot of Asian food and marinades. Anything Thickened with Flour: from cream soups, to apple pie filling, to Thanksgiving gravy. Malt: which means no malted milkshakes, or that malt vinegar for your fish and chips, and... make sure you’re sitting down... almost all beers.

Play-Doh: yes, this iconic children’s toy is made with wheat. Admittedly, gluten-free has become a bit of a fad lately, but for anyone who really has celiac disease, it’s a very real concern.

Discover Your New Favorite!

Raisins

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good for gums?

You might think that because raisins are sweet and sticky, they're not good for your oral health. According to recent research from the Illinois College of Dentistry, antioxidants in raisins fight the growth of a type of bacteria that can cause inflammation and gum disease.

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healthier Pumpkin Pie According to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should all be eating 2 cups of orange veggies each week. Pumpkin pie can help meet these recommendations plus it provides the antioxidants vitamin A and lutein. Fatty ingredients like traditional pastry crust, butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, or shortening can sabotage the nutritional value. Mountains of sugar from canned pumpkin pie filling and spoonfuls of sugary toppings can also send calories through the roof. Topped with whipped cream or a la mode, a slice can weigh in at close to 500 calories. Use gingersnap cookies for a lighter crust made without partially hydrogenated oils. No need for mounds of sugar. Let the sweetness of the pumpkin take over. Steer clear of sugary or heavilysweetened pumpkin pie filling. The canned pumpkin puree should have one ingredient; add your own spices from there. Serve

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with one heaping spoon of freshly made whipped cream and fresh fruit like apples, oranges and pears. Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe: 2 cups cooked pumpkin which has been drained (or canned) / 1 cup almond milk / ½ cup brown sugar (or other sweetener) / ¼ cup cornstarch / 1 tbs. blackstrap molasses / 1 tsp. ground cinnamon / 1 tsp. vanilla / ½ tsp. ground ginger, nutmeg and sea salt / ¼ tsp. ground allspice. Blend all ingredients in a blender.

Pour into a vegan graham cracker crust (or your choice) and bake at 350° for 60 minutes. Cool on a rack, then refrigerate overnight before serving. Top with non dairy whipped cream (optional).

Zucchini Potato Pancakes Recipe: 2 cups peeled and grated potatoes (or lightly boiled and chopped) / 2 cups of grated zucchini / ¼ cup onion, diced / 3 cloves garlic, chopped / 2 tablespoons olive oil / 2 eggs (optional egg replacer) / ½ teaspoon baking powder / ⅓ cup flour (optional gluten free) / ½ teaspoon sea salt / ¼ teaspoon pepper /coconut oil for frying.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.

Mix well. In a skillet, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Drop by tablespoonfuls into oil. Cook about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

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21

7 Food Cures...

Grown

Growing herbs in your home can help you with more than just adding flavor to your meals. There are lots of herbs that can help with common health problems and ailments. Just look for seedlings at any garden store and get started with any of these food cures: 1) Aloe Vera: Plant this stuff in a pot placed in an area that gets full sunshine.

Water it well and you’ll soon have a great skin-soothing solution growing in your home. Just break open the thick leaves and apply the gel within to sooth sunburns.

2) Basil: Grow basil in a pot and pull off white flowers as soon as they appear to 22

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keep your herbs from tasting bitter. And as a remedy for headaches, just rub crushed leaves on your temples. You can even pour boiling water over basil and let cool a bit for a pain-relieving foot bath. 3) Lemon Balm: Grow this fast-growing herb in a pot in your home. Then you can rub leaves directly on cold sores (or spots where cold

at Home! sores may form). You can rub it directly into your skin to repel insects or soothe insect bites as well. 4) Mint: You can grow this in a sunken pot because it grows vigorously.

Then boil it in tea to soothe stomach cramps, nausea, and flatulence. Also, for a natural decongestant, place a fistful of mint leaves in a shallow bowl and cover with boiling water. Lean over it, drape a towel over your head, and breathe the steam.

5) Parsley: Put this in a pot that gets a lot of sunlight and be sure the soil is kept moist. This stuff is an immune-system booster. Just eat about a tablespoon of chopped flatleaf or parsley everyday.

Doing this also neutralizes mouth odors.

6) Lavender: Plant lavender in a small pot filled with gravel and a light soil. You’ll want to put this plant in a place that gets great sun exposure and makes sure the plant has good drainage. When it grows, use lavender as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Use the oil from the flowers on blemishes or crush a handful of heads and add to boiling water. Use this as a steam bath for your face. 7) Rosemary: Make sure this herb gets plenty of sunshine when you plant it.

To soothe winter colds and to help people suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), infuse warm red wine with rosemary, cinnamon, and cloves and use as a remedy.

It's a great way to relax.

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23

Chew on This!

Millions of people use gum daily to freshen their breath. But many conventional chewing gums are so riddled with toxins that, if you knew what was really in them, you might think twice before ever purchasing another pack.

Historically, chewing gum was used in a medicinal form rather than as a treat in that the gum base was derived from natural tree resins and the flavors extracted from natural herbs and spices. Today, it's a completely different story as many popular chewing gum brands are loaded with plastics, rubbers and synthetic sweetening components. Several years ago, the Discovery Channel aired a segment on modern chewing gums that tells at least part of the story. Here's what the narrator had to say about the pink-slimy goo being processed into bubble gum for children: "Traditionally, the [gum] base came from tree resin. Today, synthetic, made of plastics and rubbers." Plastics, as many of our readers know, are derived from petroleum (oil). Many of them are linked to causing hormone disruption and cancer. It's the last thing children or adults should be chewing on, and yet this is what nearly all of the big gum manufacturers use today. The Health Wyze Report

24

explains,"Chewing gum is easily one of the most toxic products available, and it is difficult to ever know exactly what it contains due to vague terms such as 'gum base' and 'artificial flavors'... These reflect trade secrets, and the ingredients probably are made of hundreds of other ingredients that they are unwilling to disclose.

Manufacturers maintain that customers have no right to know." Read the package.

Stick with natural chewing gums like those which use natural gum bases and no synthetic sweetening agents.

Water and your Weight?

A study, conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, showed that overweight and obese people who swapped out their caloric drinks for calorie-free options including water, were able to lose four to five pounds over a six-month period. The research will be published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Harvard University researchers found that people who swapped out sugar-sweetened drinks for water led to weight loss and a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.

That research was presented at the Sustaining the Blue Planet: Global Water Education Conference.

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25

wait... What?

You may be surprised that EVERYDAY FOODS sometimes have unusual and unexpected uses. Here are six that can double as cleaning products that you may not be aware of: 1) Ketchup: Use it to clean copper or brass.

The acid from the tomatoes helps fade discoloration. 2) Banana: Blend banana peel with water as a polishing agent for silverware. 3) Walnuts: The natural oils in walnuts can lift scratches in wood furniture.

4) Coffee: If your fridge still smells like last week's fish dinner, place a dish of dry coffee grounds to act as a natural deodorizer.

5) Cucumber: Cucumber is good in a salad, and great as an eraser for scuff marks on walls. 6) Corn starch: Corn starch thickens soups and lifts up stains too. Cover a fresh carpet stain with corn starch, then vacuum up 30 minutes later.

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Farro Pilaf with Fresh Thyme Recipe Submitted by Kandarian Organic Farms This simple, healthy low-prep recipe is equally at home as a side or entrée, lunch or dinner. Flavors continue blending over time, so it makes a smashing leftover, too! Don’t feel like farro? Sub out Sonora white wheat berries, triticale, or black barley.

Out of fresh thyme? Try it with fresh cilantro or oregano. Top with herbed goat cheese for even richer flavor. Optional: add roasted chicken or seared tuna.

Total Time: 40 min. Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 35 minutes. Yield: 4 servings.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. oil / ¼ cup broken linguine or orzo / ¾ cup emmer farro (dry) / 1 shallot, finely chopped / 1½ cups chicken or vegetable stock / ¼ tsp. sea salt / ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley / 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring frequently, just until it turns golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the farro and shallots and continue to cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Stir in the chicken stock and salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the farro is tender, about 35 minutes. (Check the farro towards the end of cooking and add 1 to 2 tbsp. water if the pan dries out before the farro is tender.) Top with the parsley and thyme, fluff with a fork and serve.

805.528.4007 www.kandarianorganicfarms.com (formerly Coastal Gourmet Pollen, Etc.)

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27

Avoid GMOs

when eating out...

When we eat packaged and processed foods, most of the time they contain ingredients we didn't count on including pesticides, herbicides and genetically modified organisms (commonly known as GMOs).

According to The Institute for Responsible Technology, large manufacturers of these packaged and processed foods are playing “genetic roulette� with your body, and they document at least 65 serious health risks from genetically modified foods.

It's easy to avoid GMOs while cooking at home, but it is increasingly difficult when eating out. Here's how to avoid GMOS when eating out:

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

1) Consult the list of at-risk ingredients on the Non-GMO shopping guide (http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com) and avoid them. These foods include derivatives of soy, corn, cottonseed oil, canola oil, sugar beets, zucchini and yellow squash 2) Always choose pure cane sugar over other varieties of packaged or processed sugar. Ask what kind of sugar the kitchen uses in their desserts. 3) Ask what type of oil the kitchen uses. Canola, cottonseed, and corn oils, are often genetically modified. Ask if your meal can be made with olive oil. 4) Choose restaurants that cook from scratch, rather than those serving processed foods that contain GMOs.

Seaweed seriously?

An article in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reports that many scientists have identified seaweed as a rich, potential source of heart-healthy food ingredients.

A review of nearly 100 studies shows that seaweed could rival milk products as a source of important bioactive peptides.

Varieties of seaweed are known as nori in Japan, dulse in coastal parts of Europe and limu palahalaha in native Hawaiian cuisine.

Seaweed... have you tried it yet?

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29

Scallions... for the season of the

Though it's never been scientifically confirmed, conventional wisdom has it that fall and winter are the seasons of sniffles. Now, new research seems to back up that idea. It suggests that as internal body temperatures fall after exposure to cold air, so too does the immune system's ability to beat back the rhinovirus that causes the common cold. It has been long known that the rhinovirus replicates better at the cooler temperature, 91 degrees compared to the core body temperature of 99 degrees according to a study at Yale University School of Medicine. So, it seems that cooler temperatures favor the virus. The reason for this cold temperature preference for virus replication is unknown.

Here's a natural home brew, if you think you may have a cold or the flu.

It is an easy to make scallion broth. This

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Sniffles simple broth will help you sweat lightly, and is an excellent remedy for preventing and getting rid of colds: Take one scallion, and chop it up. You can also add a slice of fresh ginger (optional). Boil in water for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep the lid on the pot to prevent vapor from escaping. Flavor with tamari (optional) and sip it slowly.

Cocoa anyone?

Science indicates that cocoa possesses impressive disease fighting properties. It appears to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even cancer. Cocoa consumption is also associated with reduced cognitive decline in old age. The Kuna Indians of Panama experience less heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. One outstanding feature in their diet is a very high intake of cocoa. Try high cocoa content chocolate bars, use organic cocoa powder, or take high flavanol cocoa supplements.

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31

Beets

by Courtney Coleman

Purple beet root is a rich source of the phytochemical compound, glycine betaine. Betaine has the property of lowering homocysteine levels within the blood. Homocysteine, one of highly toxic metabolite, promotes platelet clot as well as atherosclerotic-plaque formation, which, otherwise, can be harmful to blood vessels. High levels of homocysteine in the blood result in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and peripheral vascular diseases. There are red, orange-yellow and white varieties. The unique crimson-red color of red beet is due to betalain pigments, such as betanin and betacyanin. Yellow varieties are rich in Ă&#x;-xanthin pigment. Choggia beet or candy cane variety has alternative red and white concentric whorls. Raw beets are an excellent source of folates. Fresh 32

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tubers contain small amounts of vitamin-C; however, its top greens are rather excellent sources of this vitamin. Vitamin C is one of the powerful natural antioxidants, which helps the human body scavenge deleterious free radicals one of the reasons for cancer development. The root is also rich source of B-complex vitamins such as niacin (B-3), pantothenic acid (B-5), pyridoxine (B-6) and minerals such as iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Further, the root compose of moderate levels of potassium.

100g fresh root hold 325mg or 7% of daily requirements. Potassium lowers heart rate and regulates metabolism inside the cells by countering detrimental effects of sodium.

Honey-Vinegar Beet Salad Recipe: 4–5 medium beets (purple or golden) / 2 tbsp good quality virgin olive oil / 2 tbsp

Some Health Benefits... raw apple cider vinegar and 1tsp raw honey (mixed) / ½ tsp fine ground sea salt / 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill) OR ½ bunch fresh chopped arugula. To cook beets, simply scrub and simmer whole beets (minus the tops) beneath 2–3 inches filtered water in a medium saucepan for 10–15 minutes until a fork goes into them easily. Carefully strain off the hot water, and let them cool, right in the saucepan, for about 20 minutes. Refrigerate these whole, cooked beets covered, for up to 2 days, so they're nice and chilled. When ready to prepare, cut them (on your least-favorite cutting board!) into 1 inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Simply drizzle the beets with the liquid ingredients, toss, and then sprinkle on the sea salt and herbs and toss once more. When ready to serve this wonderful salad, just transfer this mixture into a pretty bowl, and enjoy!

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33

bring back the Rake and Broom!

We all know how the roar of a leaf blower can shatter the tranquility of a morning, but the noise pollution they create (particularly the gas-powered, two-stroke engine models), is only one of their many environmental hazards.

According to the California EPA Air Resources Board: 1) In one hour, one leaf blower produces as much smog as 17 cars. 2) One half-hour of one leaf-blower’s use is equivalent to one car driving 440 miles. 3) Leaf blowers emit large quantities of: carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons. 4) Their 200-mph air output blasts away topsoil, microbial life forms, animal waste, allergic fungi, spores, herbicides, pesticides, and heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

and lead. 5) The combination of engine emissions and dust particulates can exacerbate allergies and asthma, and aggravate acute pulmonary disorders such as COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis. 6) About 5 lbs. of particulate matter per leaf blower per hour are swept into the air and can drift for days before settling. 7) One resident's leaf blower can affect 8 to 14 neighbors.

What you can do: Ask your landscaper to stop using leaf blowers on your property and talk to neighbors about the hazards of leaf blowers. Make leaf raking fun. Let the kids play in a pile of leaves before sweeping them up. Take advantage of the exercise that raking and sweeping offer. Don't forget to compost your lawn debris. Finally, enjoy the peace and quiet!

Refillable?

yes!

Nearly 90% of plastic water bottles are not recycled, instead taking thousands of years to decompose. Buy a reusable container, a great choice for the environment, your wallet, and possibly your health. It is estimated that Americans will drink more than 30 billion singleserving bottles of water this year. Since these bottles are non-returnable, two million tons worth of that everlasting plastic will end up in landfills, and roads, and beaches, and streams. Get yourself an eco-friendly, safe, reusable water bottle. Look for one made from aluminum or stainless steel, inert materials that have 0.0 percent leaching. Fill it up with filtered water from your tap, and you're good to go.

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Corn, Avocado, and Tomato salad Recipe: 4 ears of organic corn / 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil / 1 pint grape tomatoes / 2 medium avocados / ½ cup chopped yellow or red pepper / ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed / ½ cup extra virgin olive oil / ½ cup packed chopped fresh cilantro / zest of 1 lime / 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice / Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cut grape tomatoes in half and cut the avocado into ½ inch pieces. Dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, lime zest and lime juice. Add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. To the large bowl with the corn, add the halved tomatoes, diced avocado, red onion, and beans. Pour in the dressing and toss gently.

Lunch Idea: Layer all ingredients in a jar and enjoy a healthy lunch at the office!

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2015

Green

Virginia Perry Souza

Smoothie!

In your blender put: 2 ripe bananas, peeled (yellow, not green) / ½ cup of another fruit (pineapple, kiwi, blueberry, apple, peach, mango) / 1½ cup fresh greens (3 kale or 3 chard leaves, or 1 handful spinach) / 16 oz coconut water. If you like it sweeter add 2 or more fresh dates (with pit removed). Blend it up, just enough to make it smooth (makes 32 ounces).

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37

How to Reduce

Your Pet's

With an increasing number of people becoming environmentally conscious, there is little wonder that several measures are being taken to bring down the global pollution levels. Even your cute little pooch is contributing to environmental degradation in his own special way. Scientists in New Zealand have claimed that pets have a carbon footprint that is about twice the size of the gas guzzling vehicles.

Here are some changes that you, as a responsible pet owner can make to reduce your pet’s carbon paw print: Adopt a Pet: Consider adopting a pet instead of buying one from a pet store or approaching breeders. By doing so, you not only save a life and avoid questionable breeding, but also dodge the environmental effects of bringing another life into the world.

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Use Biodegradable Doggie Bags: Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and hence cause a lot of harm to the environment.

They do not decompose easily, and even if they do, they release harmful substances into the environment. Many pet stores now sell biodegradable doggie bags, which can be chosen over plastic ones. Consider Feeding Organic Food: Organic food is free of chemicals and added hormones, which is better for your pet as well as the environment. Apart from that, you can feed him chicken or rabbit-based kibble instead of beef, as the former have a lower environmental impact compared to the latter. Use Stainless Steel Bowls: Bid adieu to those cheap plastic bowls and

Carbon

Paw Print... dishes, shell out a few extra bucks and buy stainless steel or ceramic bowls for a more long-term solution. This way you reduce plastic pollution as well as provide your dog with a healthier alternative, as unlike plastic, stainless steel and ceramic do not leak harmful chemicals into your pet's food or water. Buy Recycled Toys: Pick pet toys and accessories made from recycled materials. You could also re-purpose another intact item at home or put your DIY skills to use to make your pet a few eco-friendly toys. Clean With Natural Shampoo: Instead of choosing chemicalbased soaps and shampoos for your pet, it is better to go for those manufactured using natural, eco-friendly ingredients. Make sure the products that you use are cruelty-free.

Use Non-toxic Flea and Tick Treatments: Most tick and flea treatments are chemical-based. Say no to those and look for non-toxic and pesticide-free repellents for your pet. Make it a point to read the product label before purchasing the repellent. Make Your Own Litter: It may be a good idea to use old newspapers and other useless papers in place of purchased litter. This will help you recycle as well as save money. Alternatively, you can also buy recycled, biodegradable litter instead of the conventional type. Spay or Neuter Your Pet: Animal overpopulation has major environmental implications and it is, therefore, best to spay or neuter him or her. There are several programs that offer services at a lower cost.

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39

8 tips to get

Kids to Listen...

Instead of trying to force your child to listen, focus on yourself first. Change the way you make your requests, and then watch as your child changes their behavior. Here are some tips: 1) Connect: Kids who feel a strong connection to their parents have a stronger desire to respond to their requests. If your child isn't listening, focus on building the relationship first: play together, read, snuggle, laugh. 2) Limit your commands: Pay attention to how many corrections, requests or redirections you give your child during the day. Chances are, they have tuned you out! Focus on the big things so your child knows what’s important. 3) Whisper: If you have a loud voice or tend to yell your requests, change things up by using a softer tone. Your kids may be caught off guard and focus better. For young kids, whispering a request can be a fun game. 4) Eye contact: Instead of yelling a request from across the room, walk over and be present with your child. Make sure you have their attention before you give the request. Politely interrupt their activity, asking for eye contact, if necessary.

5) Repeat back: Once you've given the request, ask your child to paraphrase what you just said. Even better, ask your child what is expected instead of telling them.

For example, ask, “What else do you need to do before you get on the bus?” 6) Be respectful: Nothing shuts down communication like negativity, blaming and finger-pointing. Instead of, “This is the third time I’ve asked you to take out the trash; you're so lazy!” try, “The trash needs to be out by 5 pm, please. Thanks for your help!” 7) Make it short: Encourage compliance by making your requests simple. “Shoes!” or “Plates in the sink, please.” Most children have difficulty processing a long list of requests. Focus on one or two at a time. 8) Give warnings: No one likes to be interrupted or surprised by a request. Give your child time to obey by giving advanced notice, when possible. Use a timer or a concrete deadline to convey urgency for smaller children.

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try eating less

Meat!

Eating less meat and dairy is good for your health, your budget, and the planet. Raising livestock is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gases. Cutting back even a little bit helps. Here are 2 easy tips to start: Limit the amount of meat on your plate and enjoy more grains, fruits, and veggies. Make one day a week meatless!

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IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE

BY RADICALLY REDUCING THE USE OF CHEMICALS IN OUR HOMES

Vanessa Pronge

NORWEX Independent Sales Consultant

805-268-3674 zvp805@gmail.com www.vanessapronge.norwex.biz

Learn Astrology...

Meeting Every 1st Wednesday of the Month 6:00-7:30pm GALA Center, located at 1060 Palm St., San Luis Obispo

Newcomers Welcomed!

sloastrologers@aol.com • sloastrologers.blogspot.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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Words

choose them carefully...

Words. How often do we use them and not pay attention to their possible consequences? Words have the power to destroy and crush a dream, diminish self-worth, betray trust or bring into existence the magic that warms people's hearts and unites opposing forces. When you talk about all that doesn't work in your life and elaborate on what you dislike, you feed and bring into your life more of what you despise. What you focus on expands.

Think about how you use words. If you feel that you would like to use them in a more positive way then here are positive ways to change the way you communicate. They may change your reality. 1) Speak with positive words. Express what you desire instead of what you don't like, for example: "Would you be willing to help me with..." instead of "I always have to do everything

and no one ever helps me." 2) Watch your "self talk." Some times negative thoughts creep into our mind. Be aware of this behavior and when you find yourself caught in this cycle, break it! Replace it with a positive statement. 3) Only "complain" about things when you want to discover your own answer or are actively seeking advice from another to find a positive solution. Confirm your intent before you complain. Think before you speak. Words are powerful, choose them wisely.

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the not-so-sweet truth about

Aspartame Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in many of the foods we consume every day, including soft drinks, chewing gum, breakfast cereals and jams.

Even though it is FDA approved, many dietitians and nutritionists warn against its use, wary of the claim that it can deliver the taste of sugar without any of the health drawbacks. Official complaints to the FDA about aspartame use include headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of "Sweet Deception," says that aspartame consumption can actually contribute to weight gain and even cause neurological side effects such as migraines and brain tumors, due to a disturbance of the dopamine and serotonin balance.

Dieters have long believed that the best way to reduce their waistlines was to eat "light" or artificially sweetened foods 44

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instead of those containing sugar. Although it seems counterintuitive, it may actually be more beneficial for weight loss to eat a small amount of real ice cream than the lower-calorie stuff. They can also increase sweet cravings and alter our taste buds in terms of our threshold for sweetness.

Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar, and Splenda is 600 times sweeter. An aspartame producer has recently changed the name of the product to AminoSweet, which sounds healthy (amino acids are the building blocks of protein). Don't be fooled.

Read ingredient labels.

Detox

your fruits and veggies Unwashed produce may be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, insecticides, and pesticides that can cause food-borne illness when ingested.

They can also pick up all types of nasty things in transport. All fruits (and veggies too) need to be washed thoroughly before eating. Organic is always a wiser choice, since non-synthetic sprayed pesticides are not an issue. Even organic, however, needs a thorough cleaning.

Here's an easy, eco friendly, and cost effective way to do it: Fill the sink with water, and add 1 cup white vinegar. Mix thoroughly. Add all fruit and soak for about 10 minutes. Water will be dirty and fruit will sparkle with no wax or dirty film. Rinse. It's a great way to wash berries. It keeps them from molding.

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Life

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Foods... can they make you Happy?

Research in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology discovered that just the taste of beer alone was enough to trigger the release of dopamine, a “feel good” neurotransmitter, in the brains of study participants. Foods are chemicals. Because these chemicals resemble the ones found in our brains, they have a powerful impact on our mind-set. That’s also why we can become addicted to food just like we can be addicted to drugs. Here are five foods to eat, and feel good about: 1) Coffee: Drinking four or more cups of coffee a day was associated with a 20% lower risk of depression in women, according to research in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The power lies in caffeine, which may also activate serotonin and dopamine release in the brain. 2) Nuts: Protein-rich foods like nuts are high in tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in serotonin production. Try cashews, dry roasted pistachios and almonds.

3) Salad: Per a study in Psychosomatic Medicine, optimistic people had 13% higher carotenoid levels in their blood (an antioxidant particularly abundant in sweet potatoes and carrots) than those with a more negative outlook. 4) Lentils: Eating more than 240 mcg of folate a day leads to a 78% lower likelihood of developing depression, according to a study from Japanese researchers. Find 358 mcg of this B vitamin in one cup of cooked lentils, 134 mcg in a half-cup of cooked asparagus, or 161 mcg in a cup of canned chickpeas. 5) Chocolate: A UK study found that people who consumed a dark chocolate drink daily for a month reported feeling more calm and content than a placebo group, thanks to the antioxidant polyphenols in cocoa. Dark chocolate still packs calories, so stick to a one-ounce 150-calorie serving a day.

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Frugal & Green You can adopt a greener lifestyle without spending a dime and save cash.

Consider these small eco-friendly strategies that can positively impact the planet and your wallet: Try composting: Creating compost from food scraps and kitchen waste is easy. Your soil will absorb the nutrients, plus you'll save money on fertilizer and reduce the amount of waste you put to the curb, which could potentially save you money if you pay for trash disposal. Swear off the sponge: You can use those quick-dry cloths instead of sponges and you can throw them in the washer and dryer. You can typically find these at hardware stores and select grocery stores.

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Fill the freezer: Don't let your freezer run half-empty. It’s more expensive to run it while empty. Fill an old milk container with water if you have to, making your machine a little more efficient. While you're at it, clean the coils behind the appliance. This will make it more efficient. The machine doesn't have to work so hard to cool itself.

Control the temperature: During warmer months, create drafts by opening strategic windows to create a cross breeze. In the winter, seal window seams with tape. You can forgo the shrinking plastic kits. They produce quite a bit of waste and tape works just as well. Grow it: One of the best ways to save money is to grow your own herbs.

It’s really easy and you don't need a big yard to do it. Select herbs that you'll use more frequently, and those that are prolific, or will yield the best results over time, like lettuce and arugula.

Living Tips...

Meat-free Mondays: Meatless Monday is an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change worldwide. Not only that, an estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into making a single pound of beef.

Park it: Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Save up errands and shopping trips so you need to drive fewer times. If you commute to work, ask if you can work from home on occasion. You'll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, and save money. Bulb swap: If every American home replaced just one conventional light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes a year, says the EPA. Do dishes right: Run your dishwasher only when it’s full. Tests show pre-rinsing doesn't improve dishwasher cleaning, and you'll save as much as 20 gallons of water per load, according to the EPA. Laundry tip: The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. If you buy a new washer, shop for a high-efficiency washer that needs less than 28 gallons of water per load. Make sure to use cold water to conserve energy and wash only full loads. Give the dryer a rest: During the warm weather months you can save a significant amount of cash if you hand-dry clothing, sheets and towels.

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Foods to fight Fatigue When fatigue sets in, who doesn't reach mindlessly for a quick pickme-up? Here are six healthy energy boosters that will give you an energy boost, and have you feeling less drained throughout the day.

1) Oats: Just a half cup of cooked oats provides a whopping four grams of dietary fiber, which takes a long time to digest and therefore slows the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. The result? High, steady energy and a curbed appetite.

2) Bananas: Easy-to-digest, potassiumrich bananas make a great snack before a big meeting or lunchtime power walk.

3) Bell peppers: Mixing these veggies in an omelet or salad does much more than add a colorful crunch: Bell peppers are a stellar source of vitamin C, which plays a key role in helping the body burn fat for energy. 4) Nuts: Research shows that eating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, popularly known as "good fats," instead of saturated and trans fats, slows the digestion of food, which

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keeps your metabolism firing and helps you feel full for longer periods of time.

5) Green tea: Swap your afternoon coffee with a cup of green tea. Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (the part responsible for our "fight or flight" response to danger) and can quickly boost alertness and performance. Green tea also contains another natural stimulant, theophylline, that has caffeine-like effects. The result? A boost that's similar to what you get from coffee, minus the energy-sapping withdrawal.

6) Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are loaded with important antioxidants, the body's best defense against free radicals.

They contain fewer than 100 calories each, yet provide 28 grams of carbohydrates, and more than 100 percent of your daily requirement of beta-carotene.

Ginger more than a cooking spice!

Among its many cooking wonders, ginger can be used for health benefits too. It can help with morning and motion sickness. The bulb is rich in Vitamin B6, which may curb feelings of dizziness.

Drinking a cup of boiled ginger may help manage the pain of menstrual cramps and headache associated with it. Ginger has a warming and soothing effect on the stomach. Whether it’s gas, indigestion or the flu, ginger may help. Put a couple of slices of fresh ginger in one and one-half cups of water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Add a little honey and lemon. Sip slowly.

working for Smart Energy Solutions...

Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club P.O. Box 15755 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (805)543-8717 sierraclub8@gmail.com www.sierraclub.santalucia.org

Carol Dawn RN, CMT.

Nat Cert. Reflexologist 26 yrs in business locally specializing in aromatherapy

(805) 546-8660 Enlivening & rebalancing our community, one foot at a time! www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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9 secrets to

Being Lucky!

Why do some people seem to have all the luck? Are they born under a lucky star or other charm which enables them to have whatever they desire?

They're always in the right place at the right time. Their businesses succeed.

They get the promotions. In short, they enjoy phenomenal success in whatever they do. Are they doing something special or is good fortune just selecting them at random? The answer may just be in these nine secrets for deliberately bringing success into your life, and here they are: 1) Have a positive attitude. We attract what we think about the most. Concentrate on success and maintain a confident outlook. People who get the breaks believe in themselves and their abilities. 2) Be proactive. Lucky people continually take action in pursuit of their goals.

They put themselves in a position to win. 3) Have a burning desire. Lucky people are passionate about achieving their goals.

This attitude is inspiring to others.

4) Be prepared. Lucky people are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to perform at their maximum. Whatever

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activity they are engaged in, you'll find them reading, practicing and picking the brains of other successful people in that field.

5) Have incredible persistence. Those who refuse to quit when success is nowhere on the horizon are the ones who eventually achieve the impossible.

6) Be flexible. Lucky people monitor their progress. They make adjustments and modify their plan when necessary.

7) Have clear objectives. Clarity is important. Lucky people know what they want to accomplish. They can visualize the end result in vivid detail. 8) Pay your dues. Lucky individuals are willing to start small and work their way up. 9) Be a risk taker. Incredible success is usually reserved for those willing to venture into an unknown area. George Bernard Shaw may have said it best."The people who get on in this world are those who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."

So, are you ready to be lucky?

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