Solstice Green Directory Winter, 2019

Free

Winter 2019 / 2020

Surviving Sugary Winter Months...pg 15 Cold or Flu... Why You?...pg 41 Vegan Holiday Desserts...pg 43

Your Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

1314 Madonna Rd. (805) 594-1314 7am - 11pm Every Day!

San Luis Obispo Who We Are • We are the fastest growing extreme value grocery retailer.

• We save customers 40-70% on name brand, high-quality products compared to traditional grocery stores.

• We offer a wide selection of fresh produce, fresh meat, deli, dairy, packaged groceries, beer and wine, frozen, health and beauty care, and general merchandise products.

How We Do It • We source products opportunistically.

• Our suppliers offer us great prices on surplus inventory and we pass the savings along to you!

• Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

We Are Local • We are your neighbors!

• Each store is run by independent owner-operators.

• We live locally, hire locally, and give back to local organizations.

Shopping Tips 1. Shop us first, save more!

2. Stock up! Many of our bargains are one-time deals.

3. Stop by often to see what’s new.

I am the heat of your hearth on the cold winter nights, the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun, and my fruits are refreshing draughts quenching your thirst as you journey on.

I am the beam that holds your house, the board of your table, the bed on which you lie. and the timber that builds your boat.

I am the handle of your hoe, the door of your homestead, the wood of your cradle, and the shell of your coffin.

I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty.

Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer.

Harm me not. ~ Prayer of the Woods

One Day...

With the population of our planet expected to grow to over 9 billion by 2050, there is going to be a lot less to go around and natural resources will become harder to obtain. Sustainable living means looking at how we consume the Earth's natural resources and finding solutions to avoid depleting them, as well as ways of replenishing the things we consume, like trees, food and minerals. Many sustainability initiatives over the past 20 years have targeted lowhanging fruit, so-called "simple and painless."

One day however, we will no longer differentiate between living green and living the way we normally do today. Between "living sustainably" and "living smartly and resourcefully." One day, sustainable living will become the "usual way." The future lifestyle will be consistent with living in a natural balance and symbiotic relationship with the Earth's ecology and cycles. From the types of buildings we live in, the food we grow and eat, how we dress, how we travel, how we make, and buy and sell things.

When we plan the future... sustainability will, surely, one day be our priority. One day.

Please. Let it come soon.

Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

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

Vera Vargha

Kathleen Stout

Gaea Powell

Cheryl Lowman

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 - Winter 2019 / 2020

Founder/Publisher Margaret Hennessy

Marketing and Community Relations Madeline Palaszewski

Distribution

Monte Allen and Anthony Calandra

Graphic Designer John Karp

Advertising Sales Madeline Palaszewski Vera Vargha Cheryl Lowman Kathleen Stout

Editorial Content Development Gaea Powell

Tech Support Jenny Malott

Bookkeeping/Copy Editor Diane Parnell

Community Outreach Carolyn Biedinger

Community Research Rob Alexander

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 Winter 2019 / 2020

DIRECTORY 4 FEATURES Who Says Nothing is Free? 14 Surviving Sugary Winter Months 15 Are You a Locavore?

16 Keep Children in Touch with Nature 18 Why Eat Local Food?

19 Give a Zero Waste Holiday Party 20 Easy Way to Save Gas 22 Mapping Your Road to Joy 24 SLO County Bans Styrofoam 26 Apple Cider Vinegar 29 The Planet and Your Health 30 Dogs, and Cats, and Birds... Oh My! 32 Salt... What's the Difference?

34 Microbe Managing 36 Your Gut and Dementia 38 Good Health Equals Good Dental Care 39 Almonds... Helping You Sleep?

40 Cold or Flu... Why You? 41 Wintering Your Vehicle 42 Vegan Holiday Desserts!

43 The Seasonal Cranberry 44 Tips for Winter Relaxation!

45 Winter Tips for Parents!

46 French Fries... Bake Your Own! 47 Pomegranates... Nutritious Winter Treat! 48 Turmeric... Good for Your Brain?

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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

BATH & BODY Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205 Super hydrating/anti-aging facial & massage crèmes Made with all certified organic ingredients

ALTERATIONS & MENDING The Fitting Image 805-541-2685 We can sew, alter, tailor, restyle, resize, and repair and/or mend!

3000 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, next to Staples www.TFIslo.com

BRIDAL CONSULTANT To Have & To Hold 805-459-8323 All you need to have a hassle free wedding day!

Hair, make-up, skin care. Rehearsals before big day!

1075 Court St., #204, San Luis Obispo

Please see display ad on page 28

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 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 7 4

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

www.ToHaveAndToHoldBridalSalon.com Please see display ad on page 37

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 31

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

Please see display ad on page 25

Please see display ad on page 7

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 50

CAFÉ Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay

Well Belly – Sandy Dunn, PhD (949) 338-1274 Functional Medicine, Nutrition, Digestive & Breast Health, & Medicinal CBD www.wellbelly.net

DIRECTORY

Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay

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 15

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

Please see display ad on page 25

CBD SKIN & BODY CARE Life Elements (805) 460 – 4102 Natural products designed to bring incredible results to your body and skin.

8778 Plata Lane, Ste. A, Atascadero www.lifeelements.com Please see display ad on page 25

Reach over

30,000 Readers for only $ 109

CBD OIL Life Elements (805) 460 – 4102 Handcrafted CBD Topicals 8778 Plata Lane, Ste. A, Atascadero www.lifeelements.com Please see display ad on page 25

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

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DIRECTORY

CLEANING Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St., #140 San Luis Obispo Please see display ad on page 31

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 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 CULINARY Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205 Local, organic sauces that add a healthy, spicy zest to pastas, grains, soups, & more; marinara, tomatillo, & marmalade. Plus, tea blends COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICE 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!

Please see display ad on page 9

CUISINE www.CasaFestiva.com “Exploring the culture of cuisine!”

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

DENTAL Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com Please see display ad on page 27

DENTAL HYGIENE / MOBILE Mobile Dental Hygiene Service Annette S. Meszaros, RDHAP (805) 602-7718 Serving the homebound, medically compromised, residential homes and skilled nursing facilities. www.ashannig.vpweb.com Please see display ad on page 39

EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS CLEANO 1-855-962-7562 Environmentally safe cleaning/No VOC’s www.CLEANO.net Please see display ad on page 35

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 26

@slosolstice

www.slosolstice.com 6

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

Please see display ad on page 21

Inspired Health & Fitness Expo March 21st & 22nd, 2020 10am - 4pm Both days (805) 772-4600 Booth & Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! jessica@simplyclearmarketing.com www.inspiredexpos.com

Mia Simmons, Cert. 1, ADV, Level 3 (805) 528-7586 Certified, Advanced, Level 3 EFT Practitioner Meridian tapping technique www.miasimmons.com

Morro Bay Bird Festival Jan. 17 – Jan. 20 Annual event promoting an understanding and appreciation of birds and other wildlife Festival Headquarters: Morro Bay Community Center – 1001 Kennedy Way www.morrobaybirdfestival.org

EVENTS Giving Tuesday – Dinner for a Cause Tuesday, Dec. 3rd Fin’s Seafood Restaurant $30 Special Menu Dinner: 100% Donation to 5 Cities Homeless Coalition 105-1 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach Tickets: 5CHC.org or 805-574-1638

WinterMezzo II Concert Sunday, Feb. 23rd, 3:00PM Cellist Jonah Kim is joined by professional dancers from the SLO Movement Arts Center for a collaborative performance of three of J. S. Bach's famous suites for solo cello.

Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College Highway 1 at Hollister Road

Please see display ad on page 26

Elegant Christmas in the Village Sunday, Dec. 8th 4:00PM – 8:00PM Dress in your elegant, festive attire and stroll through the Village of Arroyo Grande.

Enjoy live music and entertainment. www.southcountychambers.com

DIRECTORY

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

FACIALS The Beauty Poet 805-439-4114 Green Beauty Boutique & Holistic Spa Clean Beauty, Holistic Facials & Massage 1920 Broad St., San Luis Obispo www.thebeautypoet.com Please see display ad on page 25

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

FULL SERVICE BEAUTICIAN To Have & To Hold 805-459-8323 Full service beauty operator: color, cuts and facials.

1075 Court St., #204, San Luis Obispo www.ToHaveAndToHoldBridalSalon.com Please see display ad on page 37

FURNITURE The Green Room 226 Front Street, Grover Beach Unique restored and refurbished furniture and home decor Open by appointment only Email: Lcebulla@gmail.com 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 31

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 31

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 8

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

GREEN CLEANING CLEANO 1-855-962-7562 Environmentally safe cleaning/No VOC’s www.CLEANO.net Please see display ad on page 35

HEALTH / BEAUTY Grocery Outlet – San Luis Obispo 805-594-1314 Local Family Operated Store Save big on brand name and organic hair and skin products, vitamins and supplements Open every day: 7am -10pm 1314 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo

Please see display ad on inside front cover

HEALTH / DETOX Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com Please see display ad on page 27

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in Cambria • (805) 801-2547 Host -Vegan Chef Annie Keohane Lodging Available Please see display ad on page 25

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 25

@solsticegreen

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 25

HEALTH / PREVENTATIVE Mobile Dental Hygiene Service Annette S. Meszaros, RDHAP (805) 602-7718 Providing teeth cleaning, oral assessment and decay management www.ashannig.vpweb.com

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Well Belly – Sandy Dunn, PhD (949) 338-1274 Functional Medicine, Nutrition, Digestive & Breast Health, & Medicinal CBD www.wellbelly.net Please see display ad on page 15

JANITORIAL Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St., #140 San Luis Obispo

DIRECTORY

Rob Alexander Health and Wellness Blog (805) 203-6542 Guidance through the maze of natural health and wellness RobAlexanderHealth.com Opportunity Alliance LLC

Please see display ad on page 31

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

805.473.5064

Please see display ad on page 39

HERBALISTS / HERBAL REMEDIES Ruth’s Herbal Remedies (805) 481-9205 Made w/all certified organic herbs & oils; locally handcrafted healing tinctures & salves for ailments & pain relief www.ruthsherbalremedies.com HONEY BODY CARE Life Elements (805) 460 – 4102 Natural products designed to bring incredible results to your body and skin.

8778 Plata Lane, Ste. A, Atascadero www.lifeelements.com Please see display ad on page 25

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

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DIRECTORY

JUICE BAR California Fresh Coffee, Organic Juice Bar, Deli, Bakery, Fresh Seafood and Meat Department 71 E. Foothill Blvd.

San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 250-1425 Hours: 6:00am – 12:00am 555 Five Cities Dr. Pismo Beach, CA (805) 295-7162 Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm

Please see display ad on inside back cover

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 25

MASSAGE Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage (805) 546-8660 Aromatherapy, too!

1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Please see display ad on page 25

NON-PROFIT Central Coast State Parks Association • (805) 548-0390 CCSPA supports interpretation, education, and volunteer efforts in local state parks.

1124 Nipomo Street, Suite B, San Luis Obispo centralcoastparks.org

ECOSLO: Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo Protecting & preserving SLO County's natural beauty through education, advocacy, and action since 1971!

Contact us to get involved!

805-544-1777 @ecoslo on Facebook & Instagram www.ECOSLO.org Gay and Lesbian Alliance (805) 541-4252 1060 Palm Street, SLO Through education, support, recreation, advocacy, and partnerships, we promote the well-being of our LGBT community. www.GALACC.org Los Osos Cares • (805) 592-2701 We partner with other groups to help community members find resources and services.

Open Tues – Friday, 12 -4pm Sunnyside School 800 Manzanita Dr. Room 18 in Los Osos losososcares.com Sierra Club-Santa Lucia Chapter (805) 543-8717 547-B Marsh St • San Luis Obispo santalucia.sierraclub.org Please see display ad on page 8

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

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

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

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

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in Cambria • (805) 801-2547 Host -Vegan Chef Annie Keohane Lodging Available

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 page 23

Please see display ad on page 21

Please see display ad on page 25

ORGANIC CAFE 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 25

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

DIRECTORY

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 back cover

KCBX FM Public Radio (805) 549-8855 Symphonies, jazz, daily news & transforming stories Streaming live on the Internet at www.KCBX.org Please see display ad on page 49

Please see display ad on page 23

PARKS & RECREATION Central Coast State Parks Association • (805) 548-0390 CCSPA supports interpretation, education, and volunteer efforts in local state parks.

1124 Nipomo Street, Suite B, San Luis Obispo centralcoastparks.org

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

805.473.5064

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 31

RECYCLING Eco Club Five Cities (805) 489-9696 Find out how to “zero waste” your event!

Items recycled • Food stuff composted anita@missetiquette.com Please see display ad on page 21

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

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DIRECTORY

REFLEXOLOGY Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage (805) 546-8660 Aromatherapy, too!

1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Please see display ad on page 25

RE-SALE The Green Room 226 Front Street, Grover Beach Unique restored and refurbished furniture and home decor Open by appointment only Email: Lcebulla@gmail.com

@solsticegreen

Reach over

30,000 Readers for only $ 109

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 21

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 Please see display ad on page 25

The Beauty Poet 805-439-4114 Green Beauty Boutique & Holistic Spa Clean Beauty, Holistic Facials & Massage 1920 Broad St., San Luis Obispo www.thebeautypoet.com Please see display ad on page 25

SUPERMARKET/ORGANIC FOODS California Fresh Coffee, Organic Juice Bar, Deli, Bakery, Fresh Seafood and Meat Department 71 E. Foothill Blvd.

San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 250-1425 Hours: 6:00am – 12:00am 555 Five Cities Dr. Pismo Beach, CA/ (805) 295-7162 Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm

Please see display ad on inside back cover

@slosolstice

www.slosolstice.com 12

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

Please see display ad on inside front cover

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

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

TAILORS The Fitting Image • 805-541-2685 We can sew, alter, tailor, restyle, resize, repair and/or mend!

3000 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, next to Staples www.TFIslo.com Please see display ad on page 28

THERMOGRAPHY Central Coast Thermography (805) 441-5557 Breast Thermography/Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging No radiation/FDA Approved/Non Invasive/No Compression 880 Oak Park Blvd., Ste. 202, Arroyo Grande www.CentralCoastThermography Please see display ad on page 23

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 50

DIRECTORY

Grocery Outlet – San Luis Obispo 805-594-1314 Local Family Operated Store Save 40 -70% on Your Favorite Brand Products Open every day: 7am -10pm 1314 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo

WELLNESS Rob Alexander Health and Wellness Blog (805) 203-6542 Guidance through the maze of natural health and wellness RobAlexanderHealth.com Opportunity Alliance LLC WOMEN’S HEALTH Central Coast Thermography (805) 441-5557 Breast Thermography/Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging No radiation/FDA Approved/Non Invasive/No Compression 880 Oak Park Blvd., Ste. 202, Arroyo Grande www.CentralCoastThermography Please see display ad on page 23

ZERO WASTE Eco Club Five Cities (805) 489-9696 Find out how to “zero waste” your event!

Items recycled • Food stuff composted anita@missetiquette.com Please see display ad on page 21

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 31

“It's a matter of discipline. When you've finished washing and dressing each morning, you must tend to your planet.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery in "The Little Prince"

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

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who says

Nothing is Free?

by Diane Parnell

Are you seeking knowledge or inspiration? Or do you just want to be entertained? You can get all of this for free, in the numerous books offered by the Little Free Libraries scattered around SLO County.

The Little Free Library was created in 2009 by Todd Bol of Wisconsin as a tribute to his mother who was a teacher and an avid reader. Bol built and painted a little wooden box, put a door on it, filled it with books, and hung it on a post in his front yard. The concept was simple: take a book, leave a book. The idea spread rapidly over the decade, with 91 countries currently participating and an astonishing 90,000 registered locations worldwide.

In this season of giving, you don’t have to spend a dime to give one of the most precious gifts there is – the gift of a book. Just go online to: littlefreelibraries.org to find a location near you. What is more gratifying than sharing your beloved books with others? Go ahead, drop a few off, and don’t be surprised if someone left a gift for you behind that little wooden door!

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

surviving

Sugary winter months

by Sandy Dunn, PhD, Nutritionist

Winter brings us together for many celebrations and special occasions to enjoy. Most of us associate these joyful times with holiday foods with celebration memories. As adults, we now realize the temptation of eating foods we don’t routinely indulge in may not serve our optimal whole health. Here are some simple tips to keep you healthier during this joyous and celebratory season. Satisfy yourself and the hostess offering you her favorite goodies by utilizing the three-bite rule. Enjoy three bites and put down the fork. You don’t need the whole thing, just enough. Your taste buds and the hostess will be satisfied.

Take something you can enjoy without guilt. Your hostess will appreciate your contribution and so will the other health-minded guests. Deviled eggs, spiced nuts, dairy, sugar and gluten-free pumpkin pie, and black bean brownies are yummy options.

Monk fruit is a natural, perfect, no

insulin response substitute for sugar, including as a syrup for Keto friendly cocktails with clear alcohols such as vodka and tequila. When you do overindulge, thankfully there is a simple kitchen remedy for your bloated belly and acid reflux. Aid your digestion with 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 2 ounces of water and drink. It will settle your tummy. And, oh, yes, put down the fork and take a nice, long walk. www.WellBelly.net/recipes-for-health

Well Body Functional Medicine, Nutrition, Digestive & Breast Health, & Medicinal CBD Call for a free consultation Sandy Dunn, PhD 949-338-1274 www.wellbelly.net

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

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Are You A No, it's not a prehistoric creature. Locavores are people who try to choose locally grown or locally produced food that is in season. There are many definitions of "local food," but the concept is based primarily on distance. Many people like to purchase food locally by starting within their own community, then moving out to the region, state, country and so on. This type of food consumption is the basis for Canada's popular 100-mile diet, which promotes buying and eating food that's grown, manufactured or produced within a 100-mile radius of the consumer’s home. Here are some reasons to eat local.

1) It’s good for the environment. Local food doesn’t have to travel as far to arrive on your plate, so it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to improving our carbon footprint. 2) It benefits the local economy, including supporting local farmers and other producers. 3) It encourages sustainable agriculture, and facilitates tracking the supply chain back to the point of origin to evaluate ecological practices. 4) It mostly ensures that food is safe for consumption. According to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

Locavore?

by Margaret De Stefano

(CDPR), the vast majority of plants and vegetables grown in California have little to no residual pesticides. 5) It may have a higher nutrient value, as food that is grown and harvested locally is usually given more time to ripen. This does not, however, automatically mean that local food is necessarily more nutritious, as other factors come into play (see below). 6) We might be biased, but we think eating local just tastes better. Have you ever tried any strawberry as good as a Central Coast strawberry?

There are several factors that influence the nutritive value of produce including crop variety, how it's grown, ripeness at harvest, storage, processing and packaging. Its vitamin and mineral content depends on the practices of people all along the line, from the seed to the table, whether or not produce is local or transported from a distance. Produce such as broccoli, green beans, kale, red peppers, tomatoes, apricots and peaches are susceptible to nutrient loss when harvested and transported from longer distances, while those that are heartier such as apples, oranges, grapefruit and carrots keep their nutrients even if they travel long distances.

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

keep

Children in touch with

Nature

After-school time used to involve catching fireflies, exploring the neighborhood woods, making mud pies, and just having a good time running around outside. This has changed dramatically in the digital age and children are less connected to nature which can cause them to care less about its condition. Instead of plopping down in front of the TV or computer after school,

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encourage your kids to go outside for an hour or two each day. Not much daylight left after the homework’s done? Take a family walk after dinner, devote your weekends to outdoor-only activities like biking and hiking, or start a nature club for your family. Studies have shown children who spend more time outside are less likely to be obese, have Attention Deficit Disorder, or be depressed.

why eat

Local Food?

by Katy Budge

There are certainly a lot of challenges to eating local food.

Affordability, accessibility, and just the fact that we want what we want when we want it. Another issue is the sheer immensity of our food industry. Its consolidation and efficiency is aimed at providing cheaper food, and we’ve become a society that often values cost over quality.

However, local food is proving to be more and more important to support, in part because of its resiliency. Big Food is actually a pretty fragile construct.

Just consider how much disruption is happening because of global market unrest, extreme weather conditions, and whatever the food recall of the week is. Also, because it’s based largely upon profit, Big Food is failing a lot of communities. Grocery stores are pulling out of rural locations due to falling sales, leaving it to dollar stores and even pharmacy chains to be the source of “food.”

Here on the Central Coast, we’re lucky to have a healthy local food system comprised of farmers markets, independent groceries, artisan bakers, family-owned restaurants, multigenerational ranchers, award-winning cheesemakers, and skilled butchers, just to name a very few.

Yes, it is indeed a challenge to eat only local food, to be a strict “locavore,” but every time you do, you’re supporting not only these local food producers and purveyors directly, you’re supporting the systems that support them. You’re also keeping your consumer dollars in your community, giving them to people you know and trust.

And, if you doubt your power as one tiny consumer to affect change in the world, here’s a quote from the Dalai Lama. “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

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

19

give a

Zero Waste

holiday party!

by Margaret De Stefano

This holiday season, surprise your guests with an eco-conscious celebration that will not leave additional waste for the planet.

Here are some ways to make the season really GREEN...

1) Use cloth napkins instead of paper.

2) If you have a tree, decorate it with edible and compostable ornaments. Things like popcorn or cranberry garlands.

Hardened gingerbread cookies are great too. 3) Use edible and compostable centerpieces for the table as well as home decor.

4) Use only reusable glass and tableware as well as compostable

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

products made of corn, potato, or other eco-friendly substances.

5) Compost all food scraps and send leftovers home with guests to enjoy in sustainable or reusable containers.

6) Serve local, organic wine. Recycle the glass and compost cork stopper.

7) Give consumables, live green plants, tickets to events, or donations to a cause as gifts. 8) Use e-invitations or plantable invitations with seeds.

9) Save party hats and favors, if you must have them, for next year's party!

Got Nature?

The next time you buy a gift for a child, try something that gets him or her outside and excited about nature. For example, a guidebook to rocks, birds, plants, or flowers on the Central Coast.

A membership to the local science or nature center. How about a plant or animal to care for and experience.

Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (book or film) is another fun way to learn about the importance of conserving nature.

Quick Fact: On average, each one of us produces 4.4 pounds of solid waste each day. This adds up to almost a ton of trash per person, per year.

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

21

easy ways to

Save Gas!

by The “Green” Franciscan Sister, Janet Corcoran, OSF

In our day-to-day life, there are ways that we can reduce, reuse, recycle, and conserve the goods of Mother Earth. One such way is to reduce and conserve the usage of gasoline. The average U.S. household expenditure on gasoline in 2017 was projected to total $1,977, or approximately 2.4% of mean incomes of households, according to the EIA’s ShortTerm Energy Outlook (STEO). The following are ways to save or reduce gas usage in one’s vehicle: Maintain your car and keep it tuned up. Poorly running vehicles use more gas. Regular car maintenance will lengthen the life of your vehicle and will minimize emissions and enhance fuel economy. Use the air conditioner sparingly because it lowers your gas mileage by up to 20 percent. On local roads, keep cool by opening the windows, but at speeds 40 miles per hour or faster, roll them up to prevent extra wind resistance, which also uses more gas. Check the air pressure of your tires regularly. Over and under inflated tires can dramatically reduce your fuel efficiency, so always maintain the proper air pressure, according to the guidelines listed in your car manual.

In addition, maintain the alignment of the tires. Carpool or vanpool with others to share the cost of commuting 22

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

if you can. Another suggestion, if you are able, is to bike, walk or take the bus. Lower your speed. Gas usage increases about 10 percent between 55 and 65 miles per hour (MPH), and 17 percent between 55 and 70 MPH. The higher the speed the vehicle travels, the more gas guzzling takes place.

Using the cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and in most cases will save gas.

However, speeding, rapid acceleration, and rapid braking can decrease your mileage potential. Avoid having heavy items in your cargo or storage areas. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPH by up to 2%. Therefore, the more weight the less gas efficiency for the auto.

Someone once said, “Take care of the earth and it will take care of you.”

May we continue to work at taking care of the earth by reducing, reusing, recycling, and conserving the goods of our sister, Mother Earth.

“To the artist, there is never anything ugly in nature.” ~ Auguste Rodin

• • • • • •

Quick Facts: Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours, or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline!

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23

mapping your

Road to Joy!

by Mary Kate Smith, BS Nutrition, HRV Biofeedback

Joy can be elusive for some during the Winter months as some experience many anxieties while navigating the holiday season and trying to keep our New Year resolutions. One strategy is to practice mindfulness and various forms of biofeedback therapies.

Brain mapping, also known as a QEEG provides a look into an individual’s electrical brain activity.

This is important because it provides insight to deficits.

Biofeedback is the act of electrically monitoring a specific bodily function to teach an individual to acquire voluntary control over this function.

Many biofeedback therapies are helpful in tackling anxiety. Neurofeedback

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

allows for retraining these frequencies while meditation and mindfulness quiet these areas increasing a calmer sense of being. Repetition of these therapies overtime creates sustainable change and you begin to experience positive lifestyle changes. You become more relaxed and conscious of certain behaviors, less reactive and more joyful.

You'll be the best version of yourself, no matter what the season. http://pathwaystohealth.net/neurology

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25

slo county bans

Styrofoam

by Madeline Palaszewski

The County of San Luis Obispo is following in the footsteps of many of its cities in banning products made of polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam. The ban will go into effect in April of 2020. The new law prohibits businesses and vendors from selling or providing products made of Styrofoam. Local restaurants will no longer be able to serve food and beverages in Styrofoam containers such as clamshells, cups and plates.

The sale of other common products like ice chests and packing peanuts are also banned with the new law.

coastlines and waterways. It takes about 500 years for polystyrene to decompose and as it breaks down, the pieces can be consumed by land and marine animals, causing damage and even death.

There are a few exceptions to the new law: Products such as surfboards and life preservers that are fully encased by a durable material and packaged products which have been received from outside the county are exempt from the ban.

The Integrated Waste Management Authority or IWMA passed the ordinance in October. IWMA is a governmental board made up of elected officials in San Luis Obispo County. Local environmental groups have been pushing the ban citing that Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and is one of the main sources of pollution along

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

decorating with

House Plants Even if you don’t naturally have a green thumb, decorating your home with some house plants can ultimately be worth your time. Scientists have found that the soil in potted plants can help clean the air of harmful substances such as benzene. Plants like the Boston fern and the golden pothos are especially good for air cleansing, and can help reduce the overall CO2 emissions of your home.

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27

sustainable

Fashion Sense

by Madeline Palaszewski

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

~ Arthur Ashe When it comes to living more sustainably, there are many choices we can make in our lives that affect our environment. One of those choices is our wardrobe and being conscious of the harmful effects of cheap, fast fashion. Many of the fabrics used in fast fashion are made up of microfibers with particles so small they pollute our oceans. They also wear out quickly and add to our already burdened landfills. When putting together a wardrobe, select items that are made of high quality fabrics, like recycled cotton, organic hemp and linen that will last for years. When your favorite fashion pieces begin to wear or need a style upgrade, getting them altered or repaired is a great way to keep a wardrobe chic and eco-friendly. It just takes a little focus to design a sustainable wardrobe that will be enjoyed for decades.

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We sew, alter, tailor, restyle, resize, repair, and/or mend most any soft goods, such as: • Formalwear • Purses • Shoes • Suits • Jeans • Casual Wear • • Uniforms • Leather • Outdoor Gear • And More! • M-F 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM • Wed.‘til 7:00 PM

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

lo.com

Apple

Cider Vinegar

by Margaret De Stefano

Apple cider vinegar’s medicinal qualities have been applied since 400 BC, when Hippocrates advised it’s use as an agent for cleansing and healing.

Modern medical research has found that apple cider vinegar helps to keep blood sugars balanced in people with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering the glycemic index of any food it’s consumed with.

The glycemic index is a measurement of how quickly a food causes blood sugars to rise, and a high glycemic index is linked to overweight, obesity and diabetes. This is good news for the millions of Americans who wish to find easier solutions for weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar may help restore homeostasis to the body, and balance the inner ecosystem, making the internal pH more alkaline, as disease prefers an acid environment, provided by processed food, among other choices. It may also help with weight loss, by breaking down fat.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic Recipe: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (organic) / 1½ cups warm water / 1 tbsp natural honey or vegan sweetener. Mix all ingredients and drink.

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

29

the Planet and Your Health what can you do?

by Hepsharat Amadi, MD

We're hearing a lot about climate change these days, and it can be enough to make a person feel helpless. Although the "heavy lifting" in this endeavor needs to be done by governments and industries, we all need to do our part for best results. Doing these things will make the earth, and our bodies healthier: 1) Eat ORGANIC! This reduces the amount of pesticides and herbicides in the environment, which in turn, allows bees and birds to survive and pollinate plants. It is also better for our health.

2) Eat a plant-based diet. By reducing meat consumption, we reduce amount of methane gas produced by animals.

The amount of sewage runoff into our rivers and oceans from factory farms would be greatly reduced. 3) Buy organic clothes. This also reduces the amount of pesticides and herbicides that we absorb through our skin.

4) Don't buy any personal care products that contain microbeads.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

These wind up in our oceans.

5) Reduce the consumption of things that are not needed and recycle plastics and metals. 6) Use reusable bags and avoid unnecessary items like plastic straws. 7) Buy fewer clothes and recycle the ones you no longer want by giving them to thrift stores.

8) If you have yard space, consider growing some of your own veggies and fruits in it. 9) Plant trees! Don't cut them down. 10) Think about how you travel. If you can afford to, buy a hybrid car or an electric vehicle. Do you really need to fly or can you accomplish business by meeting online? www.dramadi.com

Quick Facts: Every month, we throw out enough glass bottles and jars to fill up a giant skyscraper. All of these jars are recyclable!

Recycle

holiday wrap and ribbon Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s day, Americans throw away a million extra tons of garbage each week, including holiday wrapping and packaging, So why not recycle holiday gift wrap? If every family reused just 2 feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet! Not all gifts need wrapping. By giving gifts that can be experienced, like tickets to a concert or sports event, a homemade dinner or your own creative gift idea, you can save on wrapping and surprise your friends and family too!

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cgreenrealestate.com • 805.481.7700

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

31

Dogs and Cats

observations from an animal lover!

Pets. What is it about them? We look at their dark round eyes and button-sized noses and delightful baby-like faces. Their purring and panting, their colorful furry coats and their sprightly gaits, and we wonder how we could ever live without them. True, they are a huge responsibility, and expense too. Just like with babies, we fuss and worry and mollycoddle them too much. But ah, the joy they bring into our lives each day is remarkable.

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Just the other afternoon, I was feeling slightly downhearted and I decided to take a nap. I do that occasionally.

Suddenly, my four year old Yorkie Poo, Charlie, nuzzled next to me. His head on my heart and submerged under the cover too. I must tell you that my heart sang. I cried. One of the greatest pleasures in my life is that little boy resting next to me with his love and his compassion. Yes. I would say that animals have compassion.

And soulful too. Their only job is to be unconditionally loving, funny and sweet. And our job is to feed them, and make them feel safe and nurtured.

With children we can sometimes make mistakes, but with our pets ‌ we can only be perfect. The love and acceptance in their eyes tells the whole story. You are

and Birds...

Oh My!

by Jacki Turner

loved. You are adored. And, you have a buddy for life. There is almost nothing that having a loving pet cannot cure.

It’s hard to be sad when your pet is making you laugh or hugging you, or just there keeping you company. It truly is a wonderful miracle that keeps on giving and giving.

I’ve had other pets. Joey, my cat soulmate, Pretty, who made sure I catered to her princess-like needs for eighteen years. I've also had birds and turtles too. I think that the secret to pet ownership/friendship is to select the animal that blends with your lifestyle.

Active people need energetic dogs that can run on the beach or take long walks. Those with a quiet lifestyle, and abundant love to give, do better with lap pets, like my sweet Charlie.

Middle-of-the-roaders can do it all. Your wish is their command.

Sit on your lap, or going for long ride in your car, can still provide you

with warmth and friendship. I know that people cannot always keep pets in their apartments or in their lives. That is sad, but it doesn’t mean you can't enjoy being with a furry friend. Locally, Woods Humane Society always needs volunteers, as well as the ASPCA. For cats, the Feline Network provides shelter for cats, and they also need warmhearted people to help. Walking dogs can even earn you a little extra money. Additionally, pet-sitting in other peoples’ homes also can provide some income as well as allow for spending time with an otherwise lonely pet.

So, enjoy your furry friends. Keep them safe from harm. Feed them. Shelter them. Supply them with loving warmth, kindness and attention. If you do, they will certainly reward you in so many ways. And, that’s a promise from an Animal Lover!

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

33

Salt... what's the difference?

Is salt by any other name just as salty? There are so many different types of salt to choose from, kosher, sea salt, flavored versions and of course regular table salt.

But there are other reasons you may want to choose one salt over the others: 1) Iodized Salt: Many people keep this on their table as common table salt. Iodized salt has iodine added, which is an essential nutrient to the body that is naturally found in seafood.

When seafood was less accessible, it was very important for people in landlocked areas to get their iodine in other forms (namely iodized salt).

2) Kosher Salt: Kosher salt has a very fine texture. Use it when you need salt to dissolve evenly and quickly, like for homemade salad dressings, meat rubs and in sauces. 3) Sea Salt: Sea salt

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

adds more than just saltiness to foods.

Depending on where it is from, it can add a hint of flavor, from bitter to sweet (in addition to salty). Ounce for ounce it has virtually the same sodium content as any other salt, but because it is so flavorful, many people find they use less. When you want to add flavor to foods just before serving them, reach for a little sea salt. 4) Flavored Salts: These are usually salts combined with spices or herbs. They add both saltiness and a distinctive flavor to food, so they are great to use to flavor popcorn, roasted potatoes or corn on the cob. Plus, if you use colorful spices like curry powder or paprika, they are a fun colorful garnish for your plate. You can make your own flavored salt by combining one part of your favorite dried herbs or spices with one and a half parts of salt. Remember, whatever type of salt you use, a little goes a long way!

Clean and Green

by Diane Parnell

"I started CLEANO to save water washing my stainless steel microbrewery equipment," says Steve Lach, cofounder of CLEANO Inc., which he started in 2013. Lach wanted a cleaning product that was free of the harmful chemicals that cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and cancers.

He had serviced airplanes and helicopters prior to owning the Mariposa Brewing Company, and remembered how the pilots and aircraft crews had to wear protective gear when washing the crafts. Through the collaboration of his partner, retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Lyle Smith, and his brother who is a microbiologist, Lach developed the revolutionary and truly green cleaning alternative, CLEANO. "We manufacture the finest VOC free industrial strength Green Cleaner concentrate on the planet, and service homes, industry, and aviation clients worldwide," Lach says with pride. "Quit using poisons to clean your part of Mother Earth. CLEANO makes a real difference!"

Find us at: www.cleano.net or call: (855) 962-7562

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

35

Microbe managing!

by Gary E. Foresman, MD

Our modern world’s obsessive fear of all things microbial is unwarranted and may be harmful.

For example, if you think hand sanitizer helps your immunity, you’ve been misled. They can create great harm to you and all those around you, primarily due to their overuse.

Routine use of hand sanitizers breaks down the normal protective skin barriers, part of your innate immunity, while seriously disrupting the normal commensal flora, part of your acquired immunity. This habit is one of the great causes of infectious disease and susceptibility to toxin exposure that you can create for yourself. The occasional use in hospital settings and known contaminated environments remains

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

appropriate. Viruses are little bundles of RNA or DNA that can’t live without you. Meaning, they represent pockets of energy and information meant to educate you and inform you! It is understood that a healthy person can still acquire infections but be the better for it as it is reflected in the history of Western medicine. Lessons from infections can be tough and uncomfortable but are needed at times as a wake-up call to be mindful of utilizing healthy lifestyle strategies to rebuild and maintain our immunity as well as protect our terrain. Microbes are a critical component of our terrain!

In lieu of utilizing sanitizers that can harm our bodyies, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and be proactive in building your immune system naturally by living a healthy lifestyle. www.MiddlePathMedicine.com

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What is it that makes chocolate so irresistible? A large part of chocolate's allure, of course, lies in the taste. It is a deliciously rich concoction that satisfies the most intense craving.

But several chemical reactions are also at work. For one thing, chocolate stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the "runner's high" a jogger feels after running several miles. The question arises: Why is chocolate such a powerful food? It also contains a chemical which our bodies convert into phenylethylamine (PEA). This is the same chemical that is produced when we fall in love. About 40% of women and 15% of men report that they have chocolate cravings.

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37

Gut and Dementia... your

is there a connection?

by David M. Marquis, DC, DACBN

It is critical EVERYONE truly understands what the term “gut/brain connection” means. With diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Inflammatory Bowel all increasing in frequency we are all either going to experience one of these diseases personally or be a caregiver for someone suffering from the disease. It's literally not a matter of if, but when.

The action of intestinal bacteria is such that in response to environmental stressors and toxicity they can produce amyloid which gets into the general circulation leading to the brain. A key component of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of amyloid. In addition, GI bacteria release Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which strongly activate systemic inflammatory processes. Most people who deal with heartburn, alternating bowels, or have been on antibiotics tend to harbor unfriendly GI bacteria. When these bacteria release LPS which is a natural by-product of their simply cohabiting in our body, a systemic inflammatory process ensues. This inflammation combined with amyloid leads to neural degeneration.

Symptoms that indicate this process is under-way are common and often ignored. Things like diminished sense of smell, slowing of the bowels, or constipation, disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia, brain fog, depression and anxiety.

These are all things that indicate a state of inflammation is affecting our nervous system and should be addressed and corrected as soon as possible. Gut issues are brain issues.

Take the time to find the cause and SAVE YOUR BRAIN!!

DrDavidMarquis.com 38

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

good Health equals good

Dental care

by Annette Meszaros, RDHAP Normally the body natural defense and good oral healthcare, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Inflammation and bacteria can lead to general health complications such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimers disease, and other serious health conditions. Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection.

Systemic diseases, those that affect the entire body, may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems. Whether you are 80 or 8, your

oral health is important. Most Americans today enjoy excellent oral health and are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives. You can practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, replacing your toothbrush every three or four months and by eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks. *Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice

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

39

Almonds

...helping you

Sleep?

by Margaret De Stefano

Almonds are the ideal nut to help you sleep, and you can still get the same benefit from almond butter. They are rich in B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium. These are nutrients that help regulate brain activity, relax the muscles and increase the secretion of sleep-inducing compounds such as melatonin. In addition, almonds are rich in 14 amino acids including tryptophan which is used to synthesize serotonin and melatonin.

They can also help regulate your blood sugar levels. By preventing wild fluctuations in blood glucose levels, this nut allows the body to relax and enjoy a restful night's sleep.

Almond Turmeric Tea: Blend together 2 cups almond milk / 2 dates, pitted / 1 tablespoon raw honey / ½ teaspoon turmeric / Ÿ teaspoon cinnamon / pinch of clove powder.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

Cold or Flu...

why you?

by Amber Runnerstrum, DC, Cert. NET, Q.N.C.P

It is not random or bad luck that some of us are more susceptible to colds and flus.

Those who avoid colds and flus are proactive in building a healthy immune system with intention. Great strategies, particularly during winter months are to keep your sugar intake low, get plenty of sleep, supplement vitamin D, utilize healing arts, and be mindful of your stress management. Sugar and lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your immune system. Limiting your sugar intake is essential, with almost zero refined sugars. Our body restores itself at night, so set a goal for 8 to 9 hours of sleep to ensure optimal rejuvenation. These two strategies significantly decrease your susceptibility of contracting viruses.

Is your vitamin D level adequate? A simple blood test can determine the levels. Optimum is 75ng/ml or above. If needed, a high-quality vitamin D supplement is recommended. The healing arts such as regular Chiropractic care and Acupuncture are also effective ways to maintain excellent health. Chiropractic to empower your nervous system and to help maintain a balanced “Rest and Heal” state also known as parasympathetic state, and Acupuncture to restore balance.

Stress management and proper self-care is key. Make time for yourself every day. An Epsom salt bath with essential oils to “de-stress” at the end of your day is just one of many ways for selfnurturing. Echinacea, Astragalus, and Goldenseal are also excellent immune system builders. www.RunnerstrumChiro.com

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

41

Winterizing your

Vehicle

by Margaret De Stefano

Although the Central Coast doesn't experience extreme winter weather, here are some helpful safety tips to follow this season: Check the pressure: Having the correct tire pressure improves traction on cold wet conditions. A properly inflated tire also will help protect against wheel damage when driving over potholes. Check the battery: Cold temperatures can cut a battery power in half. If your vehicle’s battery is more than three years old, have it tested to ensure it will carry a charge, and that the posts and connections are free of corrosion. Replace worn pads and shoes: Have a professional check the brakes. Maximum stopping power is essential on wet or slippery roads.

Keeping your car in tip-top shape for winter will improve fuel economy and vehicle performance while reducing polluting emissions. It will also ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

Tune it up: Check all hoses, belts, spark plugs, and electrical wires to make sure they are in good working order. Check the tread: Tires are critical during the winter season. Worn tires perform poorly on slippery roads, making them a potentially severe safety hazard.

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vegan holiday

Desserts!

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 crust and bake at 350°F for 60 min. Cool on a rack, then refrigerate overnight before serving. Top with nondairy whipped cream (optional).

Dark

Chocolate

Cake

Recipe: 3 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free optional) / 5 tbsp dark chocolate cocoa powder / 2 tsp baking powder / 2 tsp baking soda / ½ tsp kosher salt / ¼ cup olive oil / 1 ripe avocado, mashed until smooth / 2 cups of water / 2 tbsp white vinegar / 2 tsp vanilla extract / 2 cups raw sugar.

Frosting: 2 ripe avocados, mashed until smooth / 1 cup raw sugar / 5 tbsp dark chocolate cocoa powder. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9” round cake pans. Whisk first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk olive oil and next four ingredients, then add sugar. Pour wet avocado mixture into flour mixture and mix well. Bake cakes in two 9” round cake pans, checking for doneness after 30 min. To frost, allow cakes to cool.

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the seasonal

Cranberry...

According to the USDA, cranberries offer one of the highest levels of antioxidants compared to other fruits. Studies have also found they reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, maintain urinary tract health, and possibly even positively affect teeth and gums. Fresh cranberries are available September through December. Whole cranberries are prized for their medicinal value.

Research suggests that cranberry sauce is just as healing. In fact, it may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 14 percent and boost HDL (good) cholesterol by 10 percent. Another reason to enjoy cranberry sauce: Its malic acid flushes energy sapping toxins out of the body. Select cranberries that are plump, shiny and intensely colored. Before using, discard any berries that are shriveled, soft or brown. Cranberries will keep for up to two months in the refrigerator if they're tightly covered or in their original packaging. Frozen berries can last up to a year.

Fresh Cranberry Relish: 2 cups cranberries / 1 cup fresh, chopped pineapple / 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into wedges / 1 cut up orange, seeds and skin removed.

In a food processor, combine cranberries, pineapple, apples and oranges. Blend into small chunks and add sugar if needed. Chill and serve.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

Winter Relaxation! tips for

by Ruth Madocks

Winter season is a time when our bodies and minds need rejuvenation and lots of rest to reboot our inner souls. It’s a time to slow down yet during the holidays, people feel the need to gear up to shop, decorate, wrap, bake, and more! These are contradictory to what we really need to ease into the Winter Solstice-the shortest day of the year.

All of us need adequate sleep to balance stress and anxiety. Too much caffeine during the day can translate as shallow sleep at night meaning we may not reach REM levels that let our minds and bodies truly rest and rejuvenate.

We often reach for artificial methods to promote sleep like Ambien and all the PM formulas out there. These only mask sleep, but have lots of negative effects on the liver and don’t promote REM sleep. Alternatives to strong coffee and energy drinks that have more

mild boosts of caffeine include green and white tea, yerba matte, and stevia as well as herbal infusions for water.

Tinctures with CBD for energy help, but with so many medicinal marijuana products out there, one needs to be careful as the market is, currently, not well regulated.

Taking a warm bath with soothing herbs and essential oils goes a long way. Most importantly, turning all electronic devices off two hours before bed is key. Yin yoga, meditation, mellow music and burning a candle with a relaxing scent like Frankincense are all ways to promote rest and lead to deeper sleep patterns. Sleepy-time tea and tinctures can be a huge aid. Some people love a simple glass of warm milk a half an hour before hitting the hay. If all fails, counting sheep works like a charm. Zzzzzz…………. www.RuthsHerbalRemedies.com

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Winter Tips for parents!

These simple eco-remedies will help you save money, be less harmful to the environment, and keep your family healthy and happy this winter: Humidifiers: Many home environments become very dry once the heat system is turned on and often causes little ones to have nasal conditions and dry, chapped skin.

Eco-friendly humidifiers with very low power consumption are sold by a number of manufacturers. Bath Salts: Children experiencing colds and flu symptoms find great relief when immersed in a warm bath with natural, organic bath salts which encourage the

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

by Margaret De Stefano

body to release toxins. Baths should be well supervised because saltwater can irritate the eyes and nose. Herbal Teas: A mug of soothing hot tea made with natural herbs like ginger, chamomile, mint and cinnamon can help warm little ones from the inside out while relaxing their muscles after being out in the cold. A mug with a tight-fitting lid with a small sip outlet reduces the risk of spills and burns Snacks: Good options are fruit dried versions like raisins, banana chips, fruit leather and trail mix. High protein foods can help little bodies handle the cold, so nuts and peanut butter are natural for winter months and are easy to put into warm muffins, cookies and homemade breads.

Blankets: Children love snuggling in warm, cozy blankets on cold days and plenty of brands are made of organic materials that are non-toxic.

French Fries

...bake your own!

Heart disease has become the No. 1 killer in America. One main culprit: Trans fats, aka hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, vegetable oils that have been "reconfigured" to extend their shelf life (but that ultimately harm your cholesterol levels).

Although fast-food french fries are a main culprit, read your food labels and avoid this toxic preservative wherever and whenever possible. Let's face it, they are hard to

resist. Bake your french fries at home using this simple recipe: Pre-heat your oven to 450°F. Cut 1 large potato into sticks (peeled potato optional). Soak potato to reduce harmful acrylamide levels. Mix together one tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder. Coat the potato sticks with the oil/spice mixture and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes in preheated oven. Ketchup, anyone?

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47

Pomegranates

...nutritious winter treat!

The pomegranate has achieved "superfood" status in recent years.

It offers a wide array of nutritional benefits and adds a delicious, colorful element to any meal.

It was originally native to Iran and Northern India; however, it has been cultivated in the northern hemisphere for centuries. Pomegranates are rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B5 and antioxidants called polyphenols. Pomegranates have also been found to possibly have health benefits including: reducing cholesterol,

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reducing blood pressure, reducing inflammation, improving response to cancer treatment and helping to protect against environmental damage and aging. The seeds and juice are a great addition to any menu: sprinkle the seeds on a salad for a dash of color, flavor, and nutrition; add pomegranate juice to a smoothie for a delicious antioxidant boost; blend pomegranate seeds or juice into a homemade salad dressing; sprinkle pomegranate seeds into oatmeal for a hearty, nutritious breakfast; stir pomegranate seeds into yogurt for an added boost and use their seeds to decorate desserts in place of sugary sprinkles.

save a

Tree... or two or three!

More than 25 million Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. each year. Come New Year’s Day, it may be tempting to pack up the bulbs and the ornaments, sweep up the pine needles and drop the tree on the curb or dump. But natural Christmas trees are 100 percent biodegradable as long as they aren’t buried in landfills.

Instead, they can be recycled into mulch and hiking-trail chippings. Some cities have even recycled Christmas trees into barriers for shoreline stabilization and beachfront erosion prevention. Even better, buy a tree that you can replant in your backyard or garden or keep in a decorative planter outdoors!

 This American  Bioneers  Morning Cup

Life

 TED Radio Hour  Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me!  Fresh Air

90.1 SLO, Santa Maria  89.5 Santa Barbara  91.7 Paso Robles to Salinas 95.1 Lompoc  91.1 Cayucos  90.9 Santa Ynez, Avila Beach, Cambria KCBX Public Radio  4100 Vachell Lane, SLO 93401  (805) 549-8855  kcbx.org

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

Turmeric...

good for your brain?

by Margaret De Stefano

The chemical curcumin that makes turmeric yellow appears to activate a key anti-oxidizing enzyme that reduces plaque buildup in the brain. It also is an anti-inflammatory that may fight some cancers and multiple sclerosis.

Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric Recipe: 4 tbsp olive oil / 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger / 1½ tsp turmeric / 1 head cauliflower, cut into extra small florets, (save all

parts of the stems for something else like pureed soup) / ½ tsp crushed red pepper / ½ teaspoon sea salt/ black pepper to taste / chopped fresh cilantro. Preheat oven to 400°F. In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, ginger, and turmeric. Add cauliflower and toss until florets are evenly coated. Place cauliflower in a single layer on lightly oiled baking sheet. Roast until brown at edges and tender, about 20 minutes.

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Upcoming Events Arroyo Grande Christmas Parade

Morro Bay Bird Festival

Holiday music, Christmas parade, and tree lighting/live Nativity. Festivities start at the Rotary Bandstand.

Parade on E. Branch Ave. @ 5 PM

Annual event promoting an understanding and appreciation of birds and other wildlife Festival Headquarters: Morro Bay Community Center 1001 Kennedy Way www.morrobaybirdfestival.org

Sunday, Dec. 1st, 3:00 PM

Giving Tuesday – Dinner for a Cause

Tuesday, Dec. 3rd

Fin’s Seafood Restaurant $30 Special Menu Dinner: 100% Donation to 5 Cities Homeless Coalition 105-1 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach Tickets: 5CHC.org or 805-574-1638 Annual Downtown Holiday Parade

Friday, Dec. 6th, 7:00 PM

Downtown San Luis Obispo "Holidays Around the World."

75+ floats and dozens of volunteers gather for an evening of holiday cheer!

WinterMezzo II Concert

Sunday, Feb. 23rd, 3:00 PM

Cellist Jonah Kim is joined by professional dancers from the SLO Movement Arts Center for a collaborative performance of three of J. S. Bach's famous suites for solo cello.

Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College Highway 1 at Hollister Road

SLO Craft Beer Fest

Feb. 21st & 22nd, 2020

Holiday Barn Fest

Alex Madonnna Expo Center Celebrate the brewers of craft beer.

Tickets @ www.slocraftbeer.com

Historic Octagon Barn 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo Wine Tasting, Food Vendors, Live Music, Local Artisans, and Crafts for Kids!

Inspired Health & Fitness Expo

Saturday, Dec. 7th, 7:00 PM 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Elegant Christmas in the Village

Sunday, Dec. 8th 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Dress in your elegant, festive attire and stroll through the Village of Arroyo Grande. Enjoy live music and entertainment. www.southcountychambers.com First Day Beach Walk

Jan. 1st, 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Meet at the Morro Rock parking. Take a walk along the beach at low tide to celebrate the New Year!

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Jan. 17th to 20th, 2020

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2019 / 2020

March 21st & 22nd, 2020 10am to 4pm (both days)

Save the Date!

Booth & Sponsorship Opportunities are Available!

(805) 772-4600 jessica@simplyclearmarketing.com www.inspiredexpos.com

Email your next community event to info@slosolstice.com @solsticegreen

an award winning

Shopping experience!

Take a trip to the California Fresh grocery store in Pismo Beach and you’ll see why so many Grocer awards line the walls. As you begin your tour, you’ll notice a wide selection of freshly prepared hot or cold deli offerings, a sushi bar, bakery department, full service butcher shop, full selection of health and fitness products (including an in-house consultant to help answer any questions), fresh wild caught seafood, bulk bins and a lot more. While there, you can also choose from a wide

by Kathleen Stout, M.A.

variety of fresh local produce. Like fresh roasted coffee? Select your favorite at the in-house coffee bar. If you’re in the mood for a freshly squeezed organic juice, the juice bar has just what you need. Enjoy lunch at one of their restaurant-style booths, offering a comfortable spot to indulge in the many hot or cold choices available at the deli. Stop by their Pismo Beach or San Luis Obispo store and enjoy an award winning shopping experience.

Coffee and Organic Juice Bar, Deli and Bakery Department, and Full Service Butcher Shop plus Fresh Wild Caught Seafood

555 Five Cities Dr • Pismo Beach, CA • (805) 295-7162 771 E. Foothill Blvd • San Luis Obispo, CA • (805) 250-1425