Solstice Spring 2017

Free

Spring 2017

The Women’s March...page 13 Simple Facts About Global Warming...page 14 Turn a T-Shirt Into a Reusable Bag...page 36

The Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day. ~ W. Earl Hall

...who is WE? In December of 2013, the U.S. government released the National Climate Assessment Report which concluded that climate change is unequivocal. With this in mind, 365 major US companies and investors recently issued a public appeal to the new incoming administration not to abandon the sustainability efforts that began during the last 8 years. It must be made clear to them that combined economic and environmental interests will certainly continue in the sustainability agenda. Making our voice known is important and will help make a difference. But, acting to organize consumers locally, nationally, regionally and globally is vital to insure it. So, who is this “WE� that must now take action? WE are US state governments and legislatures, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and corporations. WE are the international community: the almost 200 members of the UN that in 2015 adopted the sustainable development goals and the Paris climate agreement. The message needs to be: "WE will give preference to quality products and brands that respect and promote sustainability, and, will not buy products and services that violate it." The stronger WE organize to stay this course and reinforce action to halt global warming and promote sustainability, the more likely it will be that members of the new majority can minimize the damage at home and abroad. Together WE can make a difference!

Photo by Jenny Malott

Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

John Karp, Diane Parnell, Margaret Hennessy, Madeline Palaszewski, Monte Allen

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 - Spring 2017

Founder/Publisher Margaret Hennessy

Marketing and Community Relations Madeline Palaszewski

Distribution

Monte Allen and Anthony Calandra

Graphic Designer Jenny Malott

Advertising Sales Madeline Palaszewski

Tech Support and Graphic Design Chris Maloney

Bookkeeping Diane Parnell

Reuse and Recycle Special Contributor Monte Allen

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 Spring 2017

DIRECTORY 4 FEATURES The Women's March

13

Simple Facts About Global Warming

14

Lavender, Can It Help You Sleep?

17

Sip Some Hibiscus

19

Small Lifestyle Changes Make a Difference

20

How to Make Fresh Almond Milk

23

Time For Spring Greening

24

Building Sustainably

25

What is Cholesterol?

28

Locals Stand With Standing Rock

30

Renewable Energy

32

You Say Tomahto... I Say Herbs

34

Turn a T-Shirt Into a Reusable Bag!

36

Gardening... The Best Therapy For Depression

38

Toxin Alert!... Keep Your Home Safe

40

Mushroom Mulch

42

Carrots... Good For Your Eyes?

44

9 Ways to Green Your Pets

46

GLOSSARY 50

Directory ACCESSORIES & GIFTS Bambu Batu • (805) 316-1233 The House of Bamboo 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo 93401 www.bambubatu.com Organic natural products for your conscious lifestyle

ALTERATIONS

ASTROLOGY SLO Astrologers Contact at SLOAstrologers@aol.com On-going classes at the Gala Center, Palm St., SLO Please see display ad on page 10

BARTER BUSINESS GROUP

Grateful Threads • (805) 709-6861 Fashion Exchange & Alterations 957 W. Grand Ave. Grover Beach Check us out on Facebook!

Cal Coast Trade • Call Gregg (805) 975-5334 A sustainable way to do business!

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

Please see display ad on page 37

Please see display ad on page 9

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Sweet Green Apothecary (805) 619-7535 Medicines are formulated by our pharmacist and provided with continued patient care Call Sweet Green and experience the difference Please see display ad on page 43

BOTANICALS Kandarian Organic Farms (805) 528 -4007 The freshest Central Coast grown certified organic botanicals for the best value. www.kandarianorganicfarms.com Please see display ad on page 25

www.slosolstice.com 4

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

BUILDING – ENERGY CONSULTANTS

Please see display ad on page 24

CAFÉ SunShine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 17

CAREGIVERS

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

Julie Belmonte • (805) 215-3153 Caring for seniors at home or in a home.

Compassionate • Dependable • Affordable References Available

DIRECTORY

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

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

805.473.5064

Please see display ad on page 30

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

BUSINESS TRADING Cal Coast Trade • Call Gregg (805) 975-5334 A sustainable way to do business!

Save your cash and increase your business! www.calcoasttrade.com Please see display ad on page 9

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 21

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

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 inside back cover

Please see display ad on page 26

CLOTHING & BAMBOO Bambu Batu • (805) 316-1233 The House of Bamboo 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo 93401 www.bambubatu.com Organic natural products for your conscious lifestyle Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICE

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES

Go! Computer Services www.go-cc.com (805) 704-0833 More Than a Tech. More Than a Tutor.

On-Site Help for Your Computer!

Repair, Refurbish, Recycle, and More!

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 8

CREDIT UNIONS SESLOC Federal Credit Union (805) 543-1816 A not-for-profit, depositor owned, financial institution serving all who live, work, worship or attend school on the Central Coast.

3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 705 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles; 2506 South Broadway, Santa Maria 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 34

DENTAL

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Carstairs Energy • (805) 904-9048 Residential & Commercial Title 24 Energy Compliance title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 24

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

ENERGY WORK / ENERGY MEDICINE 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 35

Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com

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 39

Please see display ad on page 22

DRY CLEANERS Paul’s Dry Cleaners & Laundry (805) 543-2250 State-Of-The-Art Dry Cleaning • Full Laundry Drapery & Down Specialists • Beat Competitor’s Coupons 214 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.paulsdrycleaner.com Please see display ad on page 27 6

Please see display ad on page 22

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

GRAINS Kandarian Organic Farms (805) 528-4007 The freshest Central Coast grown certified organic Ancient, Heirloom & Specialty grains. www.kandarianorganicfarms.com Please see display ad on page 25

GREEN FLOORING

HEALTH / DETOX

Please see display ad on page 39

Please see display ad on page 30

GREEN GARDENING Los Osos Green Gardeners David Hunter • (805) 400-9937 Sustainable gardening and landscaping grass roots group; a community forum where neighbors share knowledge and resources.

1539 10th St., Los Osos, CA greengardeners@greenerlivinghomes.com www.facebook.com/greengardeners

GREEN-REALTOR C. Green Real Estate Co. (805) 481-7700 171 N. 13th St. Suite A Grover Beach 93433 Fax: (805) 481-9338 Cell: (805) 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com Please see display ad on page 34

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 33

David Orr - Relaxationist (805) 801-7725 Restoring Relaxation & Enhancing Personal Effectiveness deorre53@yahoo.com

DIRECTORY

Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com

Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600 181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products

Relished Food – Holistic Nutrition Laureen Wallravin, CNT, FDN Detox your diet and unlock your body’s powerful healing potential! www.relishedfood.com • 805.242.3677

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 37

Coach Chris Cucchiara (805) 202-2077 Call for Your Complimentary Breakthrough Strategy Session www.ChrisCucchiara.com Please see display ad on page 32

HEALTH FOOD STORES Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 17

HERBS & SPICES Kandarian Organic Farms (805) 528-4007 The freshest most unique Central Coast grown certified organic gourmet herbs & spices. www.kandarianorganicfarms.com Please see display ad on page 25 Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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DIRECTORY

HOME ENERGY RATING SYSTEM TESTING Carstairs Energy • (805) 904-9048 HERS I & II Ratings title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 24

Follow Us On Twitter!

http://twitter.com/slosolstice HOLISTIC HEALING Debra Windsong - Wellness (805) 471-4093 Trauma Release with Rapid Eye Technology Energetic Clearing with The Infinity Connection Massage Therapy Offices in San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach, CA www.debrawindsong.com

HOTELS Sycamore Mineral Springs (805) 595-7302 Local Specials – Hotel • Spa • Restaurant 1215 Avila Beach Drive San Luis Obispo, CA www.sycamoresprings.com Please see display ad on page 15

INTEGRATIVE CANCER CARE Salus Integrative Medicine (805) 226-5190 Treatment for the Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation Dr. Darya R. Boland, ND & Dr. Kalyan Gaddam, ND 1020 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.salusintegrativemedicine.com Please see display ad on page 20

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 26

JUICE BAR Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 17

LANDSCAPING Carmichael Environmental (805) 801-6956 Landscape Design & Build Sustainable Outdoor Living Solutions www.carmichaelenvironmental.com Please see display ad on page 42 8

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

LANDSCAPING

MASSAGE THERAPY

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 on the Central Coast.

3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 705 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles; 2506 South Broadway, Santa Maria www.sesloc.org Please see display ad on back cover

Debra Windsong - Wellness (805) 471-4093 Trauma Release with Rapid Eye Technology Energetic Clearing with The Infinity Connection Massage Therapy Offices in San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach, CA www.debrawindsong.com

DIRECTORY

Elationscapes (805) 400-4999 Ecological landscaping and permaculture design elationscapes.com

MEDICAL CANNABIS Sweet Green Apothecary (805) 619-7535 Medicines are formulated by our pharmacist and provided with continued patient care Call Sweet Green and experience the difference Please see display ad on page 43

METABOLIC DIET

LIFESTYLE COACH Coach Chris Cucchiara (805) 202-2077 Call for Your Complimentary Breakthrough Strategy Session www.ChrisCucchiara.com Please see display ad on page 32

MASTECTOMY CARE

Relished Food – Holistic Nutrition Laureen Wallravin, NTP, FDN Find out what foods work for your unique body chemistry with non-invasive metabolic testing. www.relishedfood.com • 805.242.3677

MINERAL SPRINGS

Salus Integrative Medicine (805) 226-5190 Post Mastectomy and Post Remission Care Dr. Darya R. Boland, ND & Dr. Kalyan Gaddam, ND 1020 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.salusintegrativemedicine.com

Sycamore Mineral Springs (805) 595-7302 Local Specials – Hotel • Spa • Restaurant 1215 Avila Beach Drive San Luis Obispo, CA www.sycamoresprings.com

Please see display ad on page 20

Please see display ad on page 15

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

Call Gregg now (805) 975-5334

www.calcoasttrade.com

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

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DIRECTORY

MUSIC

ORGANIC CAFE

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

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Salus Integrative Medicine (805) 226-5190 Dr. Darya R. Boland, ND & Dr. Kalyan Gaddam, ND 1020 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.salusintegrativemedicine.com Please see display ad on page 31

NON-PROFIT

SunShine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 17

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490 777 Pismo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428 Please see display ad on page 23

Sierra Club-Santa Lucia Chapter (805) 543-8717 547-B Marsh St • San Luis Obispo santalucia.sierraclub.org Please see display ad on page 44

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 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org Please see display ad on page 35

PAIN MANAGEMENT Salus Integrative Medicine (805) 226-5190 Many Conditions Treated with Prolotherapy & PRP Dr. Darya R. Boland, ND & Dr. Kalyan Gaddam, ND 1020 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.salusintegrativemedicine.com Please see display ad on page 31

PERMACULTURE Elationscapes (805) 400-4999 Ecological landscaping and permaculture design elationscapes.com

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 10

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

PHYSICIAN

REALTOR-GREEN

Please see display ad on page 34

Please see display ad on page 23

POLLENS Kandarian Organic Farms (805) 528-4007 The only Central Coast grown certified organic gourmet edible pollens in the world. www.kandarianorganicfarms.com

DIRECTORY

C. Green Real Estate Co. (805) 481-7700 171 N. 13th St. Suite A Grover Beach 93433 Fax: (805) 481-9338 Cell: (805) 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com

Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490 777 Pismo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428

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 33

RESALE/CONSIGNMENT

Please see display ad on page 25

Grateful Threads • (805) 709-6861 Fashion Exchange & Alterations 957 W. Grand Ave. Grover Beach Check us out on Facebook!

Please see display ad on page 37

SENIOR CARE Julie Belmonte • (805) 215-3153 Caring for seniors at home or in a home.

Compassionate • Dependable • Affordable References Available

PRODUCE BOXES – DELIVERED SLO VEG • (805) 709-2780 Fresh Local Produce Boxes Organic/Pesticide Free/No Contracts www.sloveg.com Please see display ad on page 35

SHAMANISM 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 35

RADIO BROADCASTING AGM California, Inc • (805) 781-2750 The Central Coast’s leading radio group: 98.1 KJUG, 93.3 KZOZ, COAST 104.5, The KRUSH 92.5 & 920 AM KVEC Locally owned and operated for over 30 years serving this community with pride.

Please see display ad on inside front cover

SHOES The Shoe Tree • (805) 773-5571 Personalized shoe fitters featuring the most popular brands.

801 Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 www.shoetreeinc.com Please see display ad on page 27

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

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DIRECTORY

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

VEGETABLE/FRUIT BOXES – DELIVERED SLO VEG • (805) 709-2780 Fresh Local Produce Boxes Organic/Pesticide Free/No Contracts www.sloveg.com Please see display ad on page 35

Please see display ad on page 37

Sycamore Mineral Springs (805) 595-7302 Local Specials – Hotel • Spa • Restaurant 1215 Avila Beach Drive San Luis Obispo, CA www.sycamoresprings.com Please see display ad on page 15

SUSTAINABLE FOOD & WINE www.CasaFestiva.com “Exploring the culture of cuisine!”

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 34

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 30

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 inside back cover

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

805.473.5064 12

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

WATER CONSERVATION Carmichael Environmental (805) 801-6956 Landscape Design & Build Sustainable Outdoor Living Solutions www.carmichaelenvironmental.com Please see display ad on page 42

the women's

March

by Diane Parnell

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too heavy a burden to bear.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. This quote ran through my head as I flew from SLO to D.C. for the Women’s March. Like so many, I was stunned by the hateful rhetoric of the campaign, saddened at how divided our nation was, particularly on immigration.

I thought about my own ancestors, wondering what would have happened had they not been welcome here: because they were Irish, because they were Catholic. Forced back to their homeland and onto their knees to eat grass just to stay alive. Would they have perished with the other million during that famine?

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in D.C. with women and men of all races, genders, and religions, I felt that we were holding one another: in love, in acceptance, in respect and in protection. This, I thought, is America.

We should all explore our heritage. Not just where our ancestors came from, but why they came here. Immigrants flocked to America to escape persecution or to pursue a better life for their families. Todays’ immigrants come for the same reasons.

Hillary Clinton said: “America is great because America is good.” This is our opportunity to rise up and prove it, and to show the world that the Lady with the torch is still a sign of welcome for the oppressed, and a beacon of light for those who seek shelter.

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

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Some Simple Facts about

Global Warming...

Global warming. It can be defined as the increase in surface temperature of the earth due to greenhouse gas and, its effects are real and immeasurable.

Here are some related facts: 1. Increase in allergies: More and more people are suffering from seasonal allergies, due to increase in carbon dioxide level and high temperature associated with global warming. Due to global warming, plants bloom earlier and produce more pollen. 2.

Not enough water to drink: The mountain snow-packs provide nearly 75% of the water in many countries. The existing snow gets melted due to global warming, resulting in reduced snowfall. There are numerous countries that depend totally on the snow. 3. Food supply impacted: Global warming is potentially damaging the food supply, resulting in expensive crops.

The society’s agriculture is damaged, as the freeze dates occur much before or later than they did years ago. 4. Heating up the forest fires: With glaciers and mountains melting down, global warming seems to cause forest fires in different countries.

More wildfires have blazed across the earth, burning a number of forests.

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Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

Scientists and researchers have correlated this problem with global warming. 5. More storms and floods: In order to forecast the increasing effect of temperature on precipitation, scientists make use of climate model. Hurricanes, which were once in category 4, are occurring twice often than they used to.

Super Sprouts According to a study from the International Journal of Applied Science, sprouts have the highest concentration of phytonutrients per calorie of any food. Phytonutrients play an active role in fighting disease.

Sprouts are another superfood that can contain up to 30 times more vital nutrients than even raw organic vegetables. When seeds are sprouted, the protein and fiber content increases, as does the content of vitamins and essential fatty acids. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium also become more bioavailable. Sprouts are incredibly easy and inexpensive to grow at home, making them a nutritional powerhouse that virtually everyone can enjoy. Add sprouts to salads, smoothies, sandwiches and stir fry.

Ask about our Locals Only Hotel and Spa Specials

Offering Transformative Experiences for Everyone New Spa Menu Featuring A Wide Range of Massages and Facials Amazing Day Spa Packages

Gardens of Avila Restaurant Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Intimate Dining Room, Beautiful Patio Seating, and Lively Lounge Weekday Happy Hours, Wednesday Open Mike Night, and Sunday Brunch

Unique Gift Shop and Hillside Hot Tub Rentals

805.595.7302 • www.sycamoresprings.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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Laundry: on the line...

The most energy efficient way to do laundry is to line dry your clothes and bedding outdoors in the sun Given the seriousness of the climate crisis, it’s time for Americans to get serious about cutting out “luxury” energy use. Each watt of electricity our homes are using that isn't necessary wastes money and drives the expansion of dirty coal-fired power plants. “Firing” your clothes dryer would likely achieve that first year’s ten percent reduction all by itself, because in many households, the dryer is the third-most energy-hungry appliance, after the refrigerator and washer. Air-drying your clothes can reduce the average household’s carbon footprint by a whopping 2,400 pounds a year. Springtime is a great time for doing this. But for people with allergies, line drying also means bringing in pollen and other allergens into the home and on the clothes you wear and sheets you sleep on. That's a problem. The best solution? Line dry clothes for energy efficiency and then, tumble them dry in the dryer for just a few minutes to get rid of the allergens. The benefit? You reap the environmental rewards and won't be sniffling or sneezing.

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Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

Lavender... can it help you

Sleep?

Lavender has a history of use in folk medicine. Used by traditional healers as a cure for sleeplessness, lavender has been the subject of clinical research.

According to the Associated Sleep Society, lavender oil may be effective in relieving mild insomnia, especially in women and young people. Results published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, indicate that lavender oil might treat insomnia when used as an aromatherapy treatment. It's worth a try!

In western climates, it is considered a hardy perennial that lives for around 10 years and grows into a small shrub, although it is grown as an annual in hot, dry climates. Lavender prefers well-drained, poor or moderately fertile soil, preferably chalky and with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, so add some gravel and organic matter if your soil is heavy and lime if it is acidic. It needs full sun to grow at its best but too much humidity can still cause disease so give the plants room for the air to circulate freely and plant them on a raised mound in humid areas. Propagation by cuttings is the most common and reliable method either from softwood in early summer or hardwood cuttings in late fall.

Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 Sun 10-4

Fresh local produce, bulk foods, vegetarian cafĂŠ, natural remedies

415 Morro Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

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Swap party Want to freshen up your closet, book collection, kids toys box or craft supplies? Host a swap party.

Invite friends to bring their gently used items for trade. Within a few short hours you can amass a wealth of new-to-you items! If all of your friends are vastly different in shape and size, try hosting an “accessories only� swap, since stuff like scarves, shoes, necklaces, and shades are easier to fit a wider range of women.

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Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

Sip Some

Hibiscus Cultures across the world have used hibiscus to naturally manage blood pressure, but it wasn't until the past decade that studies were actually conducted that showed there was more to the remedy than just folklore.

First, hibiscus acts as a diuretic, which draws sodium from the bloodstream, thus decreasing the pressure on the arterial walls. Even more interesting is how it can mimic angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are a common group of pharmaceutical drugs used to treat high blood pressure. They work by hampering the angiotensinconverting enzyme, which plays a crucial role in the reninangiotensin system- a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. As a result of this inhibition, blood vessels relax and blood volume is lowered, decreasing blood pressure. While certainly not as potent as those ACE drugs prescribed, it can still be surprisingly effective. You will need: 1-2 teaspoon of dried hibiscus /1 cup of fresh / piping hot water/honey, lemon, or 1-2 cinnamon sticks (optional)Directions: Bring water to a boil and add the hibiscus and cinnamon sticks (if using them) and allow it to steep for 5 minutes.

Add honey or lemon to taste, and drink 2-3 times daily.

This also makes a lovely iced tea for those sticky hot summer days.

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Small Lifestyle Changes...

Doing your part doesn't have to be hard. Small steps add up to a big difference, you just have to know which ones to take. Here are some ways that may help: Use Less Water. Saving water is all about small steps, here are a few that will help save this precious resource. Shut off the water while you brush your teeth. Take showers that are a minute or two shorter.

Only flush the toilet when you need to.

Only run full loads of laundry and dishes.

Buy from sustainable producers. These are farmers, ranchers, and other producers that use techniques that pollute less and use less water. You can do some research online or ask at your local organic market to find these products.

Reduce Your Energy Consumption. If you don't have the money to buy a hybrid car or convert your house to solar power, you can make a big difference with small

changes. Buy energy efficient appliances.

They may be more expensive, but make up for the increased cost in lower energy bills.

Unplug chargers when you’re not using them. Cell phone and other chargers use power even if there’s nothing attached to them. Put devices with remotes, like TV’s, VCRs, and stereos, on a power strip and turn it off when you're not using them.

These devices use a lot of power to run the remote receiver even when the device is off. Walk or ride your bike for short trips.

Buy local products. It takes energy to transport food and other products across the country. Buying local not only supports your local economy, it helps use less energy. When it comes to saving energy and water, it’s a great idea to get the kids involved. Challenge them and make a game of it. Have them track how much water and electricity everyone is using. You can compete to see who uses the least water.

You can often count on your kids to help keep you on track when given the task.

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Your answer to better health

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Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

Make a Big Difference!

Reuse as Many Things as You Can. Most of us know the three R’s: reducereuse-recycle, but when we work on conserving, we often leave reuse out of the picture. While you can often find tips on how to reuse common products from other people, what you need most is creativity.

With a little thought there are many items around your home that can be reused. Toilet paper holders can be used to sow seeds for the vegetable patch. Old yogurt containers can be cut into strips to make plant labels.

If you can't find a use for something, list it on Freecycle and maybe others can.

Use Environmentally Friendly Products.

Just about every time you go to the grocery store you see more and more “natural” or “eco-friendly” products. There are generally two big problems with these products. First,

R. Barkley & Associates

just because they say they're more natural than regular products, doesn't mean they are. Secondly they're often overpriced. If you want inexpensive, natural and safe products, why not just make them yourself?

Vinegar is a great way to clean and disinfect glass and other surfaces. Need to remove stubborn stains? Just add some baking soda to your vinegar cleaner. A quick search online will find hundreds of other naturally safe home-made cleaning products.

We all know that going green is better for the environment, but it’s also better for you.

Conserving resources also helps save you money, which is something most of us are happy to live with.

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

21

emotional

Freedom techniques

by Mia Simmons

Emotional Freedom Techniques, known as Tapping, consists of fingertip tapping on specific meridian end-points while talking through emotional upsets.

EFT helps reduce or eliminate the feelings of stress, overwhelm, fear and depression, among other negative emotions. Tapping sends signals directly to the stress centers of the mid-brain.

It accesses the amygdala, an almond shaped part of the brain that initiates the body’s negative reaction to fear, known as the “fight or flight” response. Clinical psychologists Dr. David Feinstein and Dr. Dawson Church, award winning author of The Genie in Your Genes, have confirmed through their landmark study that tapping on specific meridian points has a positive effect on cortisol levels, known as the “stress hormone.” EFT may be your answer to a more joyful and fulfilling life!

Free yourself from Anxiety…Fear…Phobias

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Mia Simmons

805.528.7586 • www.miasimmons.com 22

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

EFT consists of fingertip tapping on meridian points. EFT alleviates negative emotions and experiences.

Research suggests EFT is effective because it helps to balance the activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic regions of the brain, making it a powerful healing tool.

how to make fresh

Almond Milk

Almonds are incredibly healthy and provide numerous health benefits, as they are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, flavonoids, antioxidants, and beneficial phenols. Storebought almond milk includes more water, sweeteners, and additives, than almonds.

The average carton of this milk has only a handful of almonds.

You can make fresh, real and very tasty almond milk. Making homemade almond milk is actually really simple, and produces a deliciously creamy beverage with minimal effort .

This recipe for homemade almond milk starts with soaking almonds in water over night or for up to two days. Use your homemade almond milk in shakes soups or smoothies and other raw food dishes.

Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds/water for soaking nuts /2 dates (optional) /1/2 tsp vanilla (optional) /3 cups water. Place the almonds in a bowl and cover with about an

inch of water. Soak the almonds overnight or for at least 10 hours (the longer you soak the almonds, the creamier the milk will be).

Drain and rinse. Blend at highest speed for 2 minutes or until the nuts are completely broken down. The 3 cups of water, almonds and dates should be well blended and almost smooth. Strain the mixture through several layers of cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. Stir in the vanilla extract, if desired. You can refrigerate the almond milk. Stays fresh for about 3 days.

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23

time for

Spring Greening!

Here are some ways to create a greener spring: De-clutter: You don't have to get rid of everything, but think how often you use it. If it has been more than a year you may want to fix it up, donate or recycle it.

Clean naturally: 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of white vinegar, ¼ tsp. of tea tree oil and ¼ teaspoon of lavender oil makes a great natural disinfectant. A lemon cut in half and baking soda poured on the fruit makes a great natural scrubber for dishes and stains.

Use commercial car washes: This is actually a more efficient way to preserve our water. Hand washing at home uses 80–140 gallons of water yet, at your local

car wash only an average of 45 gallons are used. Shade your windows: Simple and much more effective and cost effective than blasting your heater or air-conditioner.

Compost: Not only will your garden appreciate it but you will be contributing less to landfills. Grass clippings, fruit and veggie scraps, even cardboard and newspaper can all be thrown into your compost. Grow your own: Not only will you save money on fresh veggies and fruit but you will also know exactly what went into the soil and on your plants since you grew them yourself. If you don't have a garden look into a community plot.

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perfect for spring...curried

Farro Salad

by Kandarian Organic Farms

Recipe: 2 cups of Kandarian Organic Farms Ethiopian Blue Tinge Farro / 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil / 2 teaspoons of curry powder / ¾ teaspoon of ground coriander / 2 teaspoons of yellow mustard seeds / 2 large / shredded carrots (or diced depending on your preference) / ¼ cup of black pepper (better when freshly ground) / ½ onion (red for a sweeter bite) finely diced / ½ lemon cut up and you can save the other half to squeeze over your salad / ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar / 2 cups of wild arugula / 2 cups of chopped spinach / 2 cups of chopped cilantro (parsley is a nice alternative if you do not like cilantro) / ½ cup walnuts toasted to golden brown.

Kandarian Organic Farms Farro not only tastes better when soaked overnight, but it also boosts the nutritional value and is recommended for this recipe. Add 3 cups of water for every cup of Farro; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes if you soaked your Farro and 30-40 minutes if you did not.

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan and add in the curry powder, ground coriander and mustard seeds. Add in diced or shredded carrots and cook to your preferred texture. Next stir in the vinegar until it has completely dissolved and finally add in the lemon and onion. Stir this all together on very low heat and mix it into a bowl with cooked Farro.

You can place this in your fridge to cool for at least an hour or until it is just below room temperature. Once it has cooled down, mix it with the arugula, spinach, cilantro (or parsley) and additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir in your toasted walnuts, add pepper and drizzle a little of the leftover lemon juice to finish it off!

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

25

Resale

is the ultimate in

Recycling!

The resale market is in full bloom and getting stronger every day. Value and eco-conscious consumers are putting resale on their regular shopping list. With an increasing awareness of the importance of reducing waste, we are progressing from a disposable society to a recycling society. According to America’s Research Group, a consumer research firm, about 16–18% of Americans will shop at a thrift or consignment store during a given year. No one is immune to the excitement of finding a treasure and saving money. Resale – a win for the consumer and a win for the environment.

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27

what is

Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your body: lowdensity lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Having healthy levels of both types of lipoproteins is important. LDL cholesterol sometimes is called “bad” cholesterol. A high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. (Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your body.) HDL cholesterol sometimes is called “good” cholesterol. This is because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver removes the cholesterol from your body.

Oranges contain pectin which forms a gooey mass in your stomach that traps cholesterol and carries it out of your body before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream (where it contributes to clogged arteries). One medium orange provides about 2 to 3 g of soluble fiber, as well as other beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Oatmeal is a winner. Oat flour is another versatile option. If you can't find it in the places you typically shop, you can make your own by pulverizing rolled oats in a food processor. Oat flour can be substituted for up to half the all-purpose flour in most pancake and muffin recipes.

Pistachio Nuts. A recent study showed that eating one or two handfuls (1.5 to 3 ounces) per day for four weeks significantly reduced LDL cholesterol in people with elevated blood levels. They are great source of phytosterols, the natural plant compounds that block absorption of dietary cholesterol. Beans and lentils are sky-high in fiber, a good portion of which is the heart-healthy soluble type.

They're also a great low-fat replacement for animal protein, which is often full of saturated fat.

28

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

building

Sustainably... here's some benefits

Houses built today, shape the energy, water and resource demands for decades to come. Making them efficient now will reduce the cost-of-living for homeowners and benefit society over the full life of the building. High performance homes and units have many benefits.

There are a few Lower operating costs: One of the biggest and most obvious benefits to reducing energy, water and resource consumption in buildings is that utility bills go down significantly. From a community perspective, less water and power consumption results in less demand for power stations and dams, freeing up public money for more useful investments.

improved indoor air quality and thermal performance, which benefits the health and well being of homeowners.

Reduced investment in energy infrastructure: If a building is built to be very energy efficient it is possible that future upgrades to switchboards and other electrical infrastructure can be avoided, saving both money and time.

Improved resale value and marketability: Measures that improve energy and water efficiency are seriously considered by home buyers. For every $1 decrease in annual energy costs, the market value of a home should increase by $20 (Source: Appraisal Journal)

A lower environmental footprint and reduced greenhouse gas emissions: A building that uses less energy is responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofits also present the opportunity to improve waste management, use more sustainable construction materials and improve water efficiency.

Improved indoor environment quality: Indoor environment quality has become an important issue in modern buildings.

A high performance home has greatly

29

central coast activists stand with

Standing Rock

by Madeline Palaszewski

Maybe it was the time of year – days before Thanksgiving - or maybe it was the pictures of thousands of peaceful “water protectors” standing firm that compelled Los Osos residents Matthias Clark and Katie Franklin to join the front line of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota.

world. Mornings were celebrated with a sunrise ceremony at the river with a gift to water and ceremonial prayer. The rest of the days were spent helping out in a variety of ways. Katie worked in the women’s tent organizing donations and Matthias shuttled people in his van and observed the actions taken place around him.

Before they left, to return home to the Central Coast, they participated in a giant prayer circle and a half hour of silence.

Matthias and Katie said it was empowering to see what people can do and believe we need to continue promoting alternative energy for future generations.

They packed up their van and left the balmy November temperatures of California for the chilly days and downright cold nights of Rosebud camp on the Cannonball River.

“We wanted to help in any way we could; there were people from all walks of life, all ages and all ethnicities,” said Franklin.

In July, Native American tribes, led by the Standing Rock Sioux began protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline Project which they fear will pollute the Missouri River and harm sacred cultural lands and tribal burial grounds. Long time environmentalists, Clark and Franklin felt the need to travel to the camps in North Dakota.

What they found were thousands of people from all walks of life and from all over the 30

In February, the Trump Administration granted an easement allowing the pipeline to be constructed under the Missouri River.

According to Dave Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Tribe filed a major legal brief challenging the administration’s approval of the pipeline.

The Tribe is seeking an expedited schedule that would have the issues resolved before the pipeline can go into operation.

181 Tank Farm Rd. Suite 140 mattclarktile.com 805.543.7600

Cherry Juice...

Pain Relief?

Scientific studies show that drinking tart cherry juice may help support and maintain healthy joint functions. These studies scientifically confirm what has been believed by thousands of farmers and fruit growers, the juice of sour cherries may prove to be a remarkable elixir of health. The primary study, published by Michigan State University, concluded that the natural chemicals found in tart, or sour cherries are effective in maintaining healthy levels of inflammation. While not a "cure", it may provide pain relief and increased mobility.

A study conducted by the national opinion firm Wirthlin Worldwide showed that cherry growers, who on average ate six pounds of tart cherries per year, enjoy good health and healthy joint function compared to the general population, who on average consume only one pound of these sour cherries per year. Unfortunately, current commercial food preparation practices, the rampant use of chemical preservatives, and limited seasonal availability combine to deprive many Americans of the health benefits afforded by consuming tart cherries.

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1020 Pine St., Paso Robles, CA 93446•(805) 226-5190 •www.salusintegrativemedicine.com 31

Renewable Energy Over the past decade, world wind power capacity grew more than 20 percent a year. The global transition to clean, renewable energy and away from nuclear and fossil fuels is well under way with remarkable developments happening every day.

Here are six that may surprise you: 1) Solar is now affordable. The price of solar photovoltaic panels has declined 99 percent over the last four decades, from $74 a watt in 1972 to less than 70 cents a watt in 2014. Between 2009 and 2014, solar panel prices dropped by three fourths, helping global PV installations grow 50 percent per year. 2) Wind power adoption is rapidly altering energy portfolios. Over the past decade, world wind power capacity grew more than 20 percent a year, its increase driven by its many attractive features, public policies supporting its expansion and falling costs.

By the end of 2014, global wind generating

capacity totaled 369,000 megawatts, enough to power more than 90 million U.S. homes. Wind currently has a big lead on solar PV, which has enough worldwide capacity to power roughly 30 million U.S. homes. 3) National energy policies are promoting renewables. Unfortunately, governments worldwide still subsidize the fossil fuel industry with over $600 billion, giving this aging industry five times the subsidy that went to renewables. But by the start of 2014, some 70 countries, including many in Europe, were using feed-in tariffs to encourage investment in renewables.

4) The financial sector is embracing renewables. The financial services firm Barclays downgraded the entire U.S. electricity sector in 2014, in part because in its view U.S. utilities are generally unprepared for the challenges posed by distributed solar power and battery storage.

In January 2013, Warren Buffett gave solar energy a huge financial boost when his MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company

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Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

has the

Revolution

arrived?

announced an investment of up to $2.5 billion in California in what is now known as the Solar Star project. At 580 megawatts, it has become the world’s largest PV project.

MidAmerican had earlier bought the Topaz solar farm in California, now tied with Desert Sunlight, another California project, as the world’s largest at 550 megawatts.

Topaz can generate enough electricity to power 180,000 California homes. 5. Coal use is in decline in the United States.

U.S. coal use is dropping and fell 21 percent between 2007 and 2014. More than onethird of the nation’s coal plants have already closed or announced plans for future

closure in the last five years. Major U.S. coal producers, such as Peabody Energy and Arch Coal, have seen their market values drop by 61 and 94 percent, respectively, as of September 2014.

6. Nuclear is on the decline thanks to rising costs and widespread safety concerns. For the world as a whole, nuclear power generation peaked in 2006 and dropped by nearly 14 percent by 2014.

In the U.S., the country with the most reactors, nuclear generation peaked in 2010 and is now also on the decline.

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

33

you say tomahto

I Say Herbs

by Katy Budge

The allure of homegrown tomatoes is sublime. But … planting them may not always be the best option. If you live in a place where Early Girls don’t ripen until November, or if you’re trying to wheedle a summer’s worth of tomatoes out of a single plant, is it cost effective – or water wise – to grow your own?

Maybe it’s time to consider herbs. Most are easy to grow, need little space, and don’t require a lot of water. Fresh herbs are always a treat, or dry them for later use. Herbs are also willing and supportive players in your culinary productions. They don’t need to be the star of the show. Here are just a few examples …

Basil – though it needs a fair share of water, with some of this in your garden, fresh pesto is always a quick option. Or tear some fresh leaves and sprinkle over the top of some fresh, sliced heirloom tomatoes from the farmers’ market; drizzle with local extra-virgin olive oil, break into a crusty baguette, and open the wine.

Carmen Green Broker

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cgreenrealestate.com • 805.481.7700

34

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

Dill – ain’t just for pickles! Use it in tzatziti, a refreshing yoghurt dip, or in homemade salad dressings.

Mint – chop some leaves and mix with vinegar and a bit of sugar to accompany roast lamb. Or up your mixology game by muddling fresh mint for mojitos, juleps, or a potent potable you make up yourself. Like basil, mint does want its water, however. It’s also a very invasive plant, so it’s probably best to keep it to container gardening.

Rosemary – a little goes a long way in dishes such as roast chicken. Depending on the variety, this perennial can also be planted as a good-sized edible ornamental, and deer don’t like it!

Sage – also a perennial, this lends an earthy, but minty note to Thanksgiving dressing. Or combine it with other herbs and seasonings to ground pork and make homemade, nitrate-free breakfast sausage.

Happy planting!

Asparagus

a spring powerhouse!

An excellent source of vitamins K, C, A, folate, B1, B2, niacin, B6, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and selenium, asparagus is a spring nutritional powerhouse. Thanks to the amino acid asparagine and high potassium content, it helps to cleanse the kidneys. By doing so, it helps reduce water retention in the body and balance blood pressure. It also contains rutin which helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Choose thin stalks. Flex the stalk with both hands and it will naturally break off the woody portion of the plant. Use the top portion. Roasted asparagus recipe: 1 bunch asparagus / extra virgin olive oil / sea salt / garlic, crushed.

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Mix the olive oil, salt and garlic, if using. Coat the asparagus with the oil mixture. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the asparagus are just beginning to soften.

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35

turn a t-shirt into a

Re-Usable Bag!

Sarah Crosby, owner at Grateful Threads, a resale shop in Grover Beach, shows us how easy it is to turn a t-shirt into a reusable bag! Turn the t-shirt inside out and pin the bottom along the hem. Using a sewing machine, sew bottom of T-shirt closed. Flip shirt right side out and lay flat on a table. Using scissors cut a moon shape hole along the neck of the t-shirt. Be sure to go through the front and back sides of the shirt. This will create an opening for the bag. Line up the hems on the front and back side of the sleeves and cut. Sarah likes to tie the top of the sleeve area in knots to make an easy grip on the bag. Voila! .

36

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

the

Carb advantage...

Move over fiber! We can celebrate whole grains for their cancer-fighting antioxidant levels, too, according to research from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Pastas made with whole wheat have the most antioxidants in the grain group, and popcorn tops the snack list.

The Institute of Medicine advises that 45 to 65 percent of the calories you take in each day come from carbohydrate sources. Carbohydrates give you energy and help with weight control. They also benefit your heart and promote a healthy digestive system. Whole-grain carbohydrates are especially nutritious because they provide dietary fiber, which can help to keep your cholesterol in check

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37

Gardening...

the best therapy for

Depression?

There is a small bacteria called mycobacterium that people who are suffering from depression, anxiety, or other similar issues, should know all about.

Scientists claim that this, and maybe other microorganisms have a comparable positive effect on humans as pharmaceuticals have. Start getting your hands dirty in the compost or topsoil while gardening. The only thing you need is to get into direct contact with the soil or even just breathe the air around it. The microbes found in the soil have similar effects on the brain as antidepressant medicines have, but without creating a potential chemical dependence.

Mice experiments indicate that the natural effects of the soil bacteria can be noticed for up to 3 weeks. People have been using natural remedies for centuries as cures for physical pain and even mental and emotional afflictions. Even if historically people couldn't explain why a natural remedy worked, they still observed the changes it brought and used it as often as necessary. There is a proven link between soil microbes and an improvement in human health. The substance’s name is mycobacterium vaccae and it generates serotonin production, which influences you to be relaxed and happier. All research was conducted on people who suffered 38

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

from cancer and they reported that they were less stressed and generally had a better quality of life. Serotonin is important because the lack of it can trigger anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior and bipolar problems.

People interested in gardening will often tell you that they find happiness while doing that, but now there is also scientific evidence behind their claims.

freshen your

Breath naturally

Bad breath is a universal problem and usually avoidable. Instead of store-bought rinses and gargles, simply brush your tongue when you brush your teeth, and drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated.

Here's an interesting tip. Chew on a few sprigs of parsley or mint. Studies have shown that these freshen breath instantly. You may want to keep a small, plastic bag filled with the sprigs in your purse at all times.

It's an easy and natural solution to this problem!

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39

Toxin Alert...

There are more than 80,000 chemicals used in consumer products and manufacturing in the United States. In addition, more than 2,000 new chemicals are introduced every year. Only about 200 of these have been tested for safety.

The government does not require testing or health studies for chemicals found in household cleaners, pesticides, paints and stains, skin and hair care products and hormones used in the meat and dairy industry. Here are 3 steps to reduce dangerous toxins in your home: 1) Get rid of conventional cleaners. Most contain ingredients including volatile organic compounds (VOCs)such as formaldehyde, harsh acids and hormone disruptors linked to cancer reproductive toxicity. They also contain chemicals that can cause eye and respiratory irritation. What can you do? Use nontoxic biodegradable cleaners that are free of synthetic fragrances. Most cleaning can be done with baking soda and vinegar.

40

Keep Your Home Safe!

2) Filter your water. The public water supply in 19 of America's largest cities delivered drinking water that contained contaminant levels exceeding EPA limits, including rocket fuel, arsenic, lead, fecal waste, and chemical by-products created during water treatment. The solution? Get a water filter and ask your water utility for its "Consumer Confidence Report."

Avoid bottled water since most brands are not much better than tap water. Plastic bottles also contribute to the mountains of waste. Carry and refill your own reusable water bottle instead.

3) Use care when buying paints and stains for your home. Conventional paints contain three dangerous chemicals. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fungicides and biocides. The answer? Use super low or even zero VOC paints and stains. Look for "biocide-free" paints and those that use natural pigments. If your home was built before 1970, consider having both your home and your children's blood lead level tested. Paint over lead based paint to minimize both dust and chipping to be safe.

41

Mushroom mulch

by Blaze Elation

As deciduous trees wake up from a leaf-less winter slumber they are hungry and suck nutrients and water up through their trunks and into their branches. They reach, they search, find roots through the soil, catching and absorbing the vital nutrients they need to create thousands of flowers and leaves.

When trees are hungry, feed them Mushroom mulch. Also known as Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS), this composted mix of organic materials, minerals, manure, and mushroom mycelium is plant super food! Commercial mushroom growers make their own blends for growing edible mushrooms such as portabellas. Once they have grown their crop, the mix is made available to gardeners and landscapers. By adding a 3-inch layer of mushroom mulch to the soil surface around fruit trees, ornamentals, and perennial shrubs, the slow release compost provides long-term nourishment, holds in soil moisture, and improves soil health.

An added perk is that a bonus crop of portabella mushrooms can be found shooting up through the mushroom mulch from left over mycelium. Just make sure you confirm the identification as there may be other mushrooms that pop up as well. So feed the trees with long-term nutrients, conserve water, improve soil health, and hopefully harvest some tasty portabellas!

42

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

cut down on

Water waste

Americans are some of the biggest consumers of water worldwide, according to the EPA. We use 100 gallons on average per day, while Europeans of equal lifestyle use only about 50. Since we are living at a time when half the world's population will face water scarcity issues within two decades, reducing your water use makes sense. Here are a few water-saving tips: 1) Try not to take baths, and cut down your shower time. A bath requires about 70 gallons of water, while a 5 minute shower uses only 10 to 25 gallons. 2) Flushing a toilet is the biggest water waste in your home. Don't flush tissues and q-tips down the toilet just because the trash can is slightly less convenient. 3) Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.

The average faucet flow is 2 gallons per minute, meaning you can save literally gallons of water by just turning off the tap when you aren't using it.

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Carrots: good for your eyes?

The radiating lines of a sliced carrot look just like the human eye!

Science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to the eyes. Carrots get their orange color from a plant chemical called betacarotene, which reduces the risk of developing cataracts. It also protects against macular degeneration, an agerelated sight problem that affects one in four people over age 65. But popping a betacarotene pill doesn't have the same effect, say scientists at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. It is definitely some combination of this chemical with constituents of carrot that make it uniquely

beneficial for your eyes. The purple carrot is a lot less widely known than its orange relation, yet it offers just as many, if not more, benefits than the orange variety. Purple carrots are even higher in antioxidants than orange carrots, and they also possess anti-inflammatory properties. This could make them very useful in the treatment of arthritis. They have been found to be antiviral, antiseptic and antimicrobial, and they also contain anticarcinogens and betacarotenes. They also contain phytochemicals, which have antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and other disease preventative and health enhancing properties.

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Lemon water?

A great way to support your liver in releasing toxins is to add lemon to your drinking water. Lemon water also hydrates your lymph system. Just a slice or two of lemon in your glass also balances your pH and assists the overall function of your digestion.

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Lemon juice removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation. It provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. A lot of research has been done in recent years on the link between acidity in the body and the development of chronic diseases, including not only heart disease but diabetes, joint problems and even some forms of cancer. Lemons can help to lower the body’s pH and make it more alkaline: even though they are acidic themselves, their high mineral content helps them to counter-act acidity in the body itself.

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9 ways to

Green

Here are nine fairly easy steps that pet owners can help their reduce their carbon paw print:

1) Clean up after your pet. Don't let the waste be flushed down drains and waterways. 2) Use biodegradable bags to dispose of waste. Which will eventually go back to nature. Do not leave bags of dog waste outside of bins. Wildlife may think it is food, and we know what plastic bags do! 3) Use eco-friendly cat litter and biodegradable pan liners. Clay litters are not good for the environment because the clay is strip-mined and does not break down. Natural alternatives are made from wheat, corn or recycled

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Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

your pets

newspaper. 4) Feed your pet a diet that is as natural as possible. Try to feed your pet food that has been grown and processed locally without chemicals, because this represents significant savings on fuel and transportation and without chemicals to protect our waterways and wildlife. 5) Brush your pet regularly to reduce the load on the vacuum cleaner. Use eco-friendly grooming products. Avoid any products that contain sulphate's, phosphates and other chem's that leave a 'toxic trail. 6) Buy your pet eco-friendly non-toxic toys. You can buy a range of natural toys and accessories for pets, including hemp collars and leads, cardboard scratching posts and bedding, or better still, make your own from material found from around the home. 7) Looking for a new pet? Adopt from an animal shelter.

Why buy when you can rescue or adopt one of the 70,000 puppies and kittens born every day in the U.S.? 8) Spaying or neutering domesticated animals helps cut down on the overpopulation of homeless animals. It has also been proven to help animals to live longer, healthier lives with less chances of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer. 9) Microchip and tag your mate!

Spicy JalapeĂąo hummus

One of the healthier options for dips is hummus, a Middle Eastern dip made with chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and tahini, which is a sesame seed paste. It provides you with protein and a number of essential vitamin and minerals, and while it can be high in fat, it is mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Spicy JalapeĂąo Hummus Recipe: 16 oz chickpeas, (can or fresh cooked) drained and rinsed/ 1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil/1 teaspoon chopped jalapeno pepper/3 tablespoons water/3 tablespoons minced cilantro. Blend together chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, jalapeno, olive oil and cilantro. Add the water and cilantro to the mixture, and blend until combined. Season with sea salt and black pepper.

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get a fresh

Perspective

Once a day for a week try changing your routine.

Examples of this could be taking a different route to work, trying one new food, watch a film that’s would normally appeal to you, do your chores out of order etc.

This is a wonderful way to open yourself up to sights, scenes and sensations you wouldn’t otherwise have experienced. The benefits: increased creativity, new ideas, expanded topics to talk about.

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Oatmeal... an oldie but goodie!

Oatmeal has been a favorite for a long time and has been grown and harvested for more than two millennia. It is also one of the healthiest foods. It has 13grams of protein in one half-cup serving and a Âź cup serving provides 100% of the recommended daily manganese intake.

It's rich in antioxidants like selenium, phytic acid, Vitamin E, phenolic acids, and tocotrienols, as well as other essential nutrients such as biotin, Vitamin B1, Molybdenum, copper, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. Oatmeal for breakfast may help control weight gain and keeps you full for a long time.

Its high fiber content provides energy needed for the day.

Oatmeal helps prevent dramatic blood sugar spikes, due to the low-glycemic impact (GI) to balance blood sugar levels. The low GI of oatmeal may prevent food cravings and may help you lower the daily intake of calories by approximately 20%. Two weeks of regular consumption may produce some healthy results.

Here are some important facts about oat products: Old-fashioned oats: They have been steamed and rolled, so as a result, they have a flattering shape. Steel-cut oats: They are made by running the grain through steel blades that slice the oats, in order to obtain a dense texture. Oat bran: It is the outer layer of the oat grain that is left under the hull. Oat groats: Excellent as a breakfast cereal or for stuffing. Instant oatmeal: It is made from cooked, and thinlyrolled grains. Quick-cooking oats: they have been finely cut before being rolled.

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Glossary

descriptions of integrative health/wellness and green/healthy living practices...

Acupuncture is a form of health maintenance, which stimulates the body’s ability to correct and balance itself. Based on the ancient Chinese practice of using "punctures" to cure the body of disease and relieve pain. This process is used to channel the chi life force throughout the body by a network of meridians in a continuous flow.

Disease is considered to be an imbalanced meridian system, and "needles" are inserted at various points along the meridians to stimulate or disperse the life-force flow to correct the imbalance.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses liquid plant materials, known as essential oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person’s mood or health. Essential oils differ in chemical composition from other herbal products because the distillation process only recovers the lighter phytomolecules. Aromatherapy is a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of essential oils sometimes in combination with other alternative medical practices and beliefs.

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic science from India. Said to be more than 5,000 years old, "Ayur" means life and "Ved" means knowledge. Ayurveda is the study of longevity that offers healing, rejuvenation, and selfactualizing therapies utilizing diet, exercise, yoga, herbs, massage, aromas, meditation, 50

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2017

mantras and tantras. Ayurveda tradition teaches that health is the balance of elements fire, air, water and earth – and illness is an excess of an element.

Biofeedback involves noninvasive, simple electronic monitoring to observe the body’s functions and provide information useful to the healing processes, especially with stress. Using biofeedback information, guided relaxation techniques allow awareness and methods to control particular body reactions.

Treatments may address anxiety, pain, migraines, insomnia, muscle spasms, asthma and other stress-related disorders.

Chiropractic Care consists of Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) who are spinal specialists and have completed a four-year course of graduate-level study; a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom and laboratory, and clinical training at an accredited chiropractic college, and passed national and state exams.

Chiropractic care specializes in chiropractic adjusting and manipulation, diagnosis, radiology, physical medicine, nutrition and natural therapies with an emphasis on prevention, and drug-free care.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a system of evaluation and treatment which views the client as an integrated totality and uses gentle, noninvasive techniques to the craniosacral system surrounding the brain and the spinal cord.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) consists of fingertip tapping on meridian points. EFT alleviates negative emotions and experiences. Clinical psychologists David Feinstein and Dawson Church, award winning author, The Genie in Your Genes, confirmed through their landmark study tapping on specific meridian points has a positive effect on cortisol levels, the “stress hormone.” Research suggests EFT is effective because it helps to balance the activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic regions of the brain, making it a powerful healing tool.

Herbalists practice ancient healing procedures by using plants, and their derivatives, as preventative and curative medicine. Whole herbs retain their subtle ingredients needed to balance the body to catalyst the healing process, without harmful side effects of synthetic drugs. Herbs are used for internal and external treatments using teas, ointments, oils, compresses, tinctures, and extracts.

Homeopathy is a holistic therapy developed in Germany over 200 years ago by physician, Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathy is based upon the belief that “like cures like,” and uses small doses of natural remedies created from herbal, mineral and animal substances.

Meditation is the deep relaxation of the body to heal the body, quiet the mind, and provide the client with a sense of inner balance.

Meditation can be a state of focused or mindful attention, which can include the use of sitting posture, imagery, mantras, control of breath, and observation – all to allow thoughts to emerge and pass without becoming engaged with them.

Organically Grown food is processed and grown without using pesticides, such as herbicides and insecticides, preservatives,

colorings or radiation. Certified Organic Food is grown on land where no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides have been used for three years; where there has been an inspection by an independent third party; and the producer has provided documentation such as soil tests, a statement of intent, and an affidavit.

Osteopathy is a form of drug-free noninvasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Permaculture is a system of environmental land-use and sustainable living techniques, utilizing principles from ecology, technology, and the wisdom of indigenous peoples.

Developed in Austria in the 1970’s, permaculture emphasizes ethics: caring for people and the earth, and giving away surplus.

Reiki means universal life-force energy, and is a scientific way to activate and balance the life-force energy (chi, prana, qi) present in all living things. One method used is light handplacement therapy that is used to channel energy to organs and glands.

Reflexology or zone therapy, is the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.

Sound Vibration Therapy is based on the fact that the universe is in a constant state of vibration; therefore, the body’s cells are constantly vibrating. Sound vibration therapy employs the direct application of the voice, music, and other sounds.

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51

how to shift a

FeeBad Mood...

In a way, we create our world through our thoughts; our external reality becomes a reflection of our internal landscape. These thoughts draw to the surface of our minds more and more memories that have the same "feel" to them, and they prime us to pay more attention to the events happening around us that also match. When we start finding ourselves feeling down or pessimistic about things, or when something we've come across in the media upsets us, it's really important to head the snowball off and look for ways to shift our focus.

Fortunately, there are ways of making just that kind of shift, and they don't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Here are a few: 1) Focus on the present moment. When we feel bad, it's usually because our attention is focused in the past or on the future. Grounding yourself in the present moment allows you to experience your life in the only moment over which you have any control: right now.

2) Have fun doing something you enjoy. Tell your inner critic to take a hike, and let yourself have a moment of pure playfulness and joy. 3) Take a walk. Getting outside and enjoying the sunshine and some exercise helps to settle things down and can turn your mood around. 4) Lend a hand. Not only does it feel good when something we can do helps others, it actually has an impact on both our mental and physical health, too. Studies have shown that older adults who regularly volunteer, for instance, enjoy higher levels of well-being. 5) Laugh more. Even when situations are particularly bleak, if we can still find a way to laugh, things never seem quite as bad.

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