Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

Free

Fall 2018

What to Do With Autumn Leaves page 17 CASA Advocating For Our Most Vulnerable page 20 Cal Poly Wins Three Sustainability Awards page 39

The Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

Harvest Dinner & Grape Stomp 2018 Join the best Harvest Party in Paso Robles

Friday, October 19th & Saturday, October 20th 5:30 - 9:30pm Roll up your pants and get ready to stomp! In between grape stomping, folk dancing, and of course, fabulous Opolo wine, we will be treating you to some of Opolo’s finest food. The menu will include whole roasted lamb, Sarma, chicken and all the extras. $100 Members | $120 Non-members Ticket sales are final as of October 1st, 2018 *No pets, infants or other guests under the age of 21

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” ~ Ralph Marston

Are You a Contrarian?

Woodrow Wilson once said, "If you want to make enemies, try to change something." Sustainability solutions most often need a new way and approach. It’s ironic that while it takes a lot of courage, conviction, cleverness and contrariness to battle to make sustainable change, some people know how to do so, and still attract others to the mission or cause.

Because sustainability means a change from the status quo, being a contrarian is a positive attribute. So, a cheerful and contrary personality seems to be what it takes.

Let's not leave out a passion to do what is good for people and the planet. Optimism has always been a magnet to build support. Accept and relish the fact that being an active participant in sustainability means changing something and, that you will be met with resistance, and will need strength to face the resistance that follows.

Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

Diane Parnell, Margaret Hennessy, Madeline Palaszewski, Monte Allen

Stacy Morse

Nathan Doherty

Judes Kingsbury

Kathleen Stout

Nicky Bailey

Jackie Turner

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

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

Founder/Publisher Margaret Hennessy

Marketing and Community Relations Madeline Palaszewski

Distribution

Monte Allen and Anthony Calandra

Graphic Designer Jenny Malott

Advertising Sales Madeline Palaszewski Stacy Morse Nathan Doherty Jackie Turner Nicky Bailey Kathleen Stout Carol Rains

Tech Support and Graphic Design Chris Maloney

Bookkeeping/Copy Editor Diane Parnell

Community Outreach Carolyn Biedinger Judes Kingsbury

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 Fall 2018

DIRECTORY 4 FEATURES The Beet Goes on

14

Tree Huggers... Did You Know?

16

What To Do With Autumn Leaves

17

Think Self Love and Stay Healthy

18

CASA Advocating For Our Most Vulnerable 20 Volunteering: The Gift That Gives Back

22

Why Juice?

26

Chinese Medicine in Autumn

28

12 Easy Eco Friendly Work Space Ideas

34

Harvest 36 Himalayan Salt Lamps

38

Cal Poly Wins Three Sustainability Awards 39 Canning 101

40

Grocery Shopping Helpful Tips

42

Medical Marijuana Update

44

Giving Thanks

46

Are You A Wishful Recycler?

48

Grow Your Own Catnip

49

Upcoming Events

51

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 Please see display ad on page 35

ACUPUNCTURE Branches of Wellness (805) 481-1035 South County Office 113 North Mason St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 North County Office 8575 Morro Rd. Ste. B and C Atascadero, CA 93422 www.branchesofwellnessacupuncture.com

Please see display ad on page 29

ALTERATIONS 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 31

Follow Us On Twitter!

http://twitter.com/slosolstice

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

BATH & BODY NORWEX – Vanessa Pronge (805) 268-3674 Improving Quality of Life zvp805@gmail.com www.vanessapronge.norwex.biz Please see display ad on page 19

BUILDING – ENERGY CONSULTANTS Carstairs Energy • (805) 904-9048 Residential & Commercial Title 24 Energy Compliance title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 25

www.slosolstice.com 4

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

DIRECTORY

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 35

SLO Green Build • (805) 286-0072 Non-profit green building 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

Protects Our Water Prevents Fracking Gas $$ NOT Impacted No Oil Jobs Taken No Tax Revenue Loss Renewable Path

Don’t let BiG OiL

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 52

Tell YOU how to VOTE! YESonMeasureG.org CLEANING Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com

3765 S. Higuera St., #140 San Luis Obispo

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 40

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 39

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 Please see display ad on page 35

e le. se. r cyc u e r ce. redu

Please see display ad on page 11

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

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DIRECTORY

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 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

COOKING CLASSES CookWell with Courtney (805) 528-8837 Classes • Nutritional Therapy Personal Chef www.cookwell.org courtney@cookwell.org Please see display ad on page 23

CO-OP GROCERY STORES SLO Natural Foods Co-Op (805) 544-7928

We buy from local suppliers and farmers and promote organic and non-GMO standards

2494 Victoria Ave., San Luis Obispo www.SLONaturalFoods.coop Please see display ad on page 17

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 6

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

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

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 14

DENTAL Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com Please see display ad on page 33

DISTILLERIES Autry Cellars (805) 546-8669 Artisan winemaker, Steve Autry, uses art, science, patience, and determination to create award winning wines.

5450 Edna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA autrycellars.com Please see display ad on page 37

DOG WASH Squeaks, Chirps & Bubbles Pet Store & Self-Serve Doggy Wash (805) 528-5611 – Katy Long Cold/Warm-Blooded Pets, Pet Supplies Galore. Dogs, Cats, Reptiles, Snakes, Birds 1010 L.O.V.R. , Los Osos sbcpetstore@gmail.com

EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS NORWEX – Vanessa Pronge (805) 268-3674 Improving Quality of Life zvp805@gmail.com www.vanessapronge.norwex.biz Please see display ad on page 19

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES Mia Simmons, Cert. 1, ADV, Level 3 (805) 528-7586 Certified, Advanced, Level 3 EFT Practitioner, Meridian tapping technique www.miasimmons.com Please see display ad on page 25

Please see display ad on page 25

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 18

Mia Simmons, Cert. 1, ADV, Level 3 (805) 528-7586 Certified, Advanced, Level 3 EFT Practitioner, Meridian tapping technique www.miasimmons.com Please see display ad on page 25

EVENTS California Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 15, 9am to noon 30 locations to choose from in SLO County! For More Information visit ecoslo.org/coastal-cleanup-day Morro Bay Wild Support Pacific Wildlife Care Exclusive Tours – Saturday, October 13 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – 1387 Main Street, Morro Bay Tours are at 10am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm - $45 Tickets. More info at

DIRECTORY

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

pacificwildlifecare.org/morro-bay-wild

Rendezvous – CASA of San Luis Obispo County Saturday, September 15, 2018 Celebrate 25 years of CASA in San Luis Obispo County! San Luis Obispo Country Club – 5:00 – 9:00pm Support abused and neglected children in your community Soupabration!

Benefits Pacific Wildlife Care Sunday, November 4 – 12:00 – 3:00pm (Doors open at 11:30) 8th Annual – Silent Auction • Soup and Wine Tasting Morro Bay Community Center – 1001 Kennedy Way, More info at pacificwildlifecare.org/soupabration/

ESSENTIAL OILS Linda McCormick R.N. (805) 305-7139 doTerra Wellness Advocate Heal Naturally with Essential Oils Call for Free Consultation integrityinabottle@gmail.com

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

EVENTS (CONTINUED) Wild & Scenic Film Festival September 27 – 29, 2018

Grover Beach • Los Osos • San Luis Obispo

A Celebration of Our Environment!

For More Information: CentralCoastParks.org/FilmFest

FILM FESTIVALS Wild & Scenic Film Festival September 27 – 29, 2018

Grover Beach • Los Osos • San Luis Obispo

A Celebration of Our Environment!

For More Information: CentralCoastParks.org/FilmFest

Please see display ad on iniside back cover

FRACKING INITIATIVE Yes on Measure G Protect Our Water/Ban Fracking in SLO County! For More Information: YesonMeasureG.org Please see display ad on page 5

FURNITURE Cedar and Cloth Furniture and Clothing (805) 668 –7177 Quality Solid Wood Furniture Antiques and Custom Made Pieces 866 W. Grand Ave. Grover Beach Please see display ad on page 31

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 35

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 18 8

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

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

HEALING OILS Linda McCormick R.N. (805) 305-7139 doTerra Wellness Advocate Heal Naturally with Essential Oils Call for Free Consultation integrityinabottle@gmail.com HEALTH / DETOX Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com Please see display ad on page 33

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in Cambria (805) 801-2547 Host -Vegan Chef Annie Keohane Lodging Available Please see display ad on page 24

Relished Food – Holistic Nutrition 805.242.3677 Laureen Wallravin, NTP, FDN “Feed Your Fertile Body” - An Eight Week Pre-Conception Preparation and Fertility Optimization Program www.relishedfood.com

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

805.473.5064

Please see display ad on page 19

INN/WINERY Inn at Opolo – Opolo Vineyards (805) 238-9593 Winery • Vineyard • Hotel SIP Certified operation with 32 organic varietals Open Daily 11am – 5pm 7110 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, CA

Please see display ad on inside front cover

HEALTH FOOD STORES SLO Natural Foods Co-Op (805) 544-7928 We buy from local suppliers and farmers and promote organic and non-GMO standards 2494 Victoria Ave., San Luis Obispo www.SLONaturalFoods.coop Please see display ad on page 17

DIRECTORY

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

JANITORIAL 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 39

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

r e u s e , r e i n v e n t , re s t e or

Please see display ad on page 40

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 25

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Branches of Wellness (805) 481-1035 South County Office 113 North Mason St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 North County Office 8575 Morro Rd. Ste. B and C Atascadero, CA 93422 www.branchesofwellnessacupuncture.com

Please see display ad on page 29

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 page 27

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 40

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

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 49

METABOLIC DIET Relished Food – Holistic Nutrition 805.242.3677 Laureen Wallravin, NTP, FDN “Feed Your Fertile Body” - An Eight Week Pre-Conception Preparation and Fertility Optimization Program www.relishedfood.com NON-PROFIT California Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 15, 9am to noon 30 locations to choose from in SLO County! For More Information visit ecoslo.org/coastal-cleanup-day 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

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 - Fall 2018

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

Pacific Wildlife Care (805) 543-WILD (9453) SLO County resource for injured, orphaned, sick and oiled wildlife (birds, small mammals and reptiles) Volunteer opportunities! pacificwildlifecare.org

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

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 NUTRITION CookWell with Courtney (805) 528-8837

Classes • Nutritional Therapy • Personal Chef

www.cookwell.org courtney@cookwell.org

Please see display ad on page 18

DIRECTORY

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

Please see display ad on page 24

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 40

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 41

Please see display ad on page 23

R. Barkley & Associates

Business Back Office Accounting & Taxes IRS & Government Representation Financial Services Home Mortgages

Robert C. Barkley Certified Public Accountant

Bring More Green into Your Life Ph: 800.211.5677 / 805.929.0070 eM: rbarkley@rbarkley.com www.rbarkley.com P.O. Box 1590, Nipomo, CA 93444-1590

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

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DIRECTORY

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

PERMACULTURE Elationscapes (805) 400-4999 Ecological landscaping and permaculture design elationscapes.com PETS/PET SUPPLIES Squeaks, Chirps & Bubbles Pet Store & Self-Serve Doggy Wash (805) 528-5611 – Katy Long Cold/Warm-Blooded Pets, Pet Supplies Galore, Dogs, Cats, Reptiles, Snakes, Birds 1010 L.O.V.R. , Los Osos sbcpetstore@gmail.com

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

Please see display ad on page 41

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 45

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 50 12

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

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 18

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 40

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 49

RESALE/CONSIGNMENT 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 31

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 18

Please see display ad on page 19

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 page 27

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

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 14

WATER INITIATIVE Yes on Measure G Protect Our Water/Ban Fracking in SLO County!For More Information: YesonMeasureG.org Please see display ad on page 5

WILDLIFE RESOURCE Pacific Wildlife Care (805) 543-WILD (9453) SLO County resource for injured, orphaned, sick and oiled wildlife (birds, small mammals and reptiles) Volunteer opportunities! pacificwildlifecare.org WINERIES Autry Cellars (805) 546-8669 Artisan winemaker, Steve Autry, uses art, science, patience, and determination to create award winning wines.

5450 Edna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA autrycellars.com Please see display ad on page 37

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

Opolo Vineyards (805) 238-9593 Winery • Vineyard • Hotel SIP Certified operation with 32 organic varietals Open Daily 11am – 5pm 7110 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, CA

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

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 35

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

Please see display ad on inside front cover

Please see display ad on page 40

Please see display ad on page 52

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

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Beet Goes on (your plate)

by Katy Budge If your way to better health involves eating a rainbow of produce, beets have all the other vegetables … well … beat! Most people are familiar with red beets, but this versatile veggie also sports yellow, purple, pink, and white varieties, plus the striking red-and-white striped Chioggia – also known as the Candy Cane beet. In terms of health, beets purportedly offer an equally bright array of benefits. Low in calories, they’re chock full of fiber, folate (a B vitamin), and manganese, which promotes bone and thyroid health.

The high nitrate levels in beets can lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and possibly even dementia.

Athletes also turn to the nitrates in beets as an aid in maximizing oxygen usage. Flavor wise, beets will be a little sweeter than other root vegetables, but you can cook them just the same way. Roast them for a side dish, dice and add to hash for additional flavor and color, boil the golden variety for a changeup to mashed potatoes. Beets can also be pickled, very thinly shaved into a salad, or juiced along with carrots, apples, and other fruits and veggies. Beets even have the color green covered, as anyone who’s a fan of braised greens knows. Just throw some well-washed and roughly-cut beet tops into a medium hot sauté pan with some oil, keep gently tossing until wilted, and then add salt and garlic until the tops are tender. You can add other leafy greens into the mix as well, such as chard, mustard, collard, or kale. As will become evident after chopping up some of these colorful veggies, they’re one of the many things you can use as a natural dye for Easter eggs.

Also fabrics, so be very careful handling beets around that new white shirt and that vintage tablecloth!

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Opolo

more than fine wine

by Nathan Doherty

“SIP” Certification is an environmental standard for winemakers today which assures that growers and winemakers are preserving and protecting the natural environment and fostering their local communities. Opolo Vineyards, located in Paso Robles, is a “SIP” Certified operation. Water is recycled at Opolo through a 'two-tank wetlands’ system, which uses marine plants to filter the water so it can be reused in the vineyard. The wetlands also provide a habitat for beneficial microorganisms, insects, and birds. Along with their sustainable vision, Opolo produces high quality wine by starting with high quality grapes. The coastal landscape of the west side vineyards provides for an intense and unique flavor profile and the dryness of the east side vineyard make it an ideal micro climate for growing Bordeaux varietals. From taking leaf, petiole, and soil samples, to monitoring water uptake in the vines, all aspects of viticulture are carefully notated and examined with the intent of producing only high quality fruit for the winery. Come by and visit their tasting room or stay a night at the Opolo Inn that includes 24-hour access to a Mediterranean Kitchen. It is the ideal place to make your perfect morning coffee before enjoying the sunrise over the oak trees.

HARVEST DINNER & GRAPE STOMP Join the best Harvest Party in Paso Robles

TWO NIGHTS! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19TH OR SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH

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

15

Tree Huggers... did you know?

We have all heard the term "tree hugger" but, have you ever wondered how it came about? The first tree huggers were 294 men and 69 women belonging to the Bishnois branch of Hinduism, who, in 1730, died while trying to protect the trees in their village from being turned into the raw material for building a palace. They literally clung to the trees, while being slaughtered by the foresters.

But their action led to a royal decree prohibiting the cutting of trees in any Bishnoi village. And now those villages are virtual wooded oases amidst an otherwise desert landscape. Not only that, the Bishnois inspired the Chipko movement (chipko means “to cling” in Hindi) that started in the 1970s, when a group of peasant women in the Himalayan hills of northern India threw their arms around trees designated to be cut down. Within a few years, this tactic, also known as tree satyagraha, had spread across India, ultimately forcing reforms in forestry and a moratorium on tree felling in Himalayan regions. Despite this powerful history of nonviolent resistance, we still consider tree hugger a derogatory term. Meanwhile, a current example of forest protection in Brazil, where the country’s environmental agency has a special ops team that hunts down illegal loggers, gets all kinds of glory. Not that it shouldn’t, considering Brazil has cut deforestation by nearly 80 percent since 2004. Not surprisingly, people want to protect the land they live on.

And like the Bisnhois and people of the Chipko movement, they are often willing to lay down their lives for it, armed only with their own two arms.

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what to do with

Autumn Leaves 1) Make a garden path: Mix whole leaves with gravel or wood chips to create a dry, weed-blocking path through garden spaces. 2) Make mulch: Shredded leaves are a perfect organic mulch. The leaves can limit weeds and help retain winter moisture. In mild climates, a bed of leaves can insulate some tender plants from winter’s chills. 3) Mix leaves into the soil: If you don't plan to maintain the vegetable garden or annual flower beds through winter, till shredded leaves into the garden. The decomposing leaves will add nutrients, boost the organic content, improve the soil structure, and encourage earthworms and other beneficial creatures 4) Add to compost heap: If you are already composting, you can make an even more valuable soil amendment by adding shredded leaves to the compost bin or pile. 5) Save for spring compost: If you are composting your autumn leaves, you may also consider saving a couple of

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bags of leaves. “Brown” carbon-rich materials can be tough to find in the spring and summer. 6) Feed the lawn (judiciously): Once the leaves have decomposed, the compost is great for the lawn. By the same token, a thin layer of shredded leaves can break down over the winter and provide some nutrients to the grass. 7) Entertain the kids: Most young children would have listed “jump into them” at the top of this list of uses for fall leaves. To make leaf ghosts, glue googly eyes, sequins and other decorations to large, colorful leaves.

Kids can also make beautiful place mats by simply pressing leaves between two books, arranging them on a board and holding them in place with contact paper.

8) Make fall decorations: Fall leaves are a great addition to Halloween displays.

There are also plenty of other ways to incorporate the beautiful colors of fall into decorations such as wreaths, window boxes and imitation stained glass.

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think

Self Love and

by Margaret DeStefano

Here's a surprise. New research is finding that self-compassion plays a role in physical health. A 2017 study published in Health Psychology Open found that people who have higher levels of self-compassion tend to handle stress better. They have less of a physical stress response when they are stuck in traffic, have an argument with their spouse or don’t get that job offer. And they spend less time reactivating stressful events by dwelling on them. That’s important, because not only does chronic stress directly harm health, the physical responses to stress include spikes in blood pressure and blood sugar, along with suppression of the immune system.

If you also react strongly to stress, you’re more likely to use unhealthy short-term coping mechanisms such as smoking or numbing your feelings with food or

alcohol. The study also found that selfcompassionate people are more likely to adopt health-promoting behaviors and maintain them even if they don’t appear to be paying off in the short term.

This may be especially important in the face of a health-related setback, such as injury, illness or a disappointing lab result, because self-compassion takes the edge off negative emotions like fear, frustration and disappointment that might arise. Research shows that selfcompassion can increase motivation to change, possibly because it allows us to objectively evaluate areas for improvement and make changes without the threat of self-criticism. Self-criticism can paralyze you, leaving you unable to change, and possibly ashamed to return to your doctor, leading to bigger health problems. So, how do you

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

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Stay Healthy! cultivate self-compassion? Start with mindfulness. Practice observing your thoughts.

Are they compassionate or critical? Be curious and non-judgmental. Criticizing yourself for being self-critical adds insult to injury. Remind yourself often that to err is human. Don't forget to show yourself kindness in ways that nurture mind, body and spirit. Take time to go for a walk, do some yoga or prepare a nutritious meal. Incorporate activities that bring you joy, such as reading a novel, spending time in the garden or listening to your favorite music. Strengthen connections with people important to you. Think love.

And don't forget to include a little more self-love and kindness.

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CASA... advocating for our most Vulnerable

by Kathleen Stout, M.A. Foster children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Many have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of SLO county

given time. You can make a difference in a child’s life by dedicating a few hours each week. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and are paired with a CASA Supervisor who guides them throughout the case. Advocates become sworn officers of the court after training.

CASA holds five training sessions each year; two are held in Atascadero and three are held in San Luis Obispo. For more information on how you can get started, please call CASA at (805) 5416542 or email staff@slocasa.org. Visit slocasa.org for more information.

advocates for the best interests of foster children within the court system.

Our organization recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer advocates. The goal of CASA advocates is to ensure that each and every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, permanent home. At any given time, there are approximately 500 foster children in our local court system in San Luis Obispo County, with approximately 300 of those children on the waitlist for a CASA advocate at any

20

Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

Does CASA sound like a volunteer opportunity you’ve been looking for? A child is waiting for you!

a healthier

Carrot Cake Recipe: 4 carrots/1 cup fresh ripe pineapple/1 teaspoon fresh chopped ginger/1 cup coconut milk/3 eggs (or egg substitute) /1 ripe banana/1 teaspoon vanilla/1/4 cup shredded coconut/1 cup almond flour/1/4 cup chopped walnuts/2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda/pinch of sea salt/3/4 teaspoon cinnamon/3/4 teaspoon all spice/3/4 teaspoon cloves/1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. For the frosting: 1pkt. creamed coconut/ 1/2 cup raw cashew nuts. Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Blend carrots and pineapple in the food processor until pulp is formed. Add remaining liquid ingredients in the food processor and blend. Add dry ingredients except walnuts and blend. Add chopped walnuts and give a last mix with the food processor. Divide the batter between two round cake tins and bake for 1 hour 20 minutes. Test if cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean then the cake is done. Put the cakes on a cooling rack and allow to cool before storing in refrigerator. Best if you refrigerate overnight before covering with frosting. For the frosting: Roast the cashews for 9 minutes (make sure not to burn) and mix in a bowl containing the creamed coconut. Blend the two together with a hand blender until no chunky cashew nuts remain. Place one cake at the bottom of a plate and cover with a thin layer of frosting. Place the other cake on top and cover the surface with frosting spreading it also on the sides.

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

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Volunteering the gift that gives back

by Diane Parnell

“Without volunteers, we’d be a nation without a soul.” ~ Rosalynn Carter People say they wish they had more money to donate to this or that favorite cause. That if they could write a big check, they would feel that they were really helping to make a difference. And while it’s true that monetary donations are critical to keeping many noble organizations afloat, I believe we all have a more precious resource to offer; and that is the gift of our time.

Time is something we all have, and studies have shown that there are health benefits to volunteering it to others. These benefits include: lowered stress, boosted self-confidence, and a decrease in the risk of depression.

If you are one of those people who want to do something but feel that you can’t because of money, think again. Here are five ways you can ‘donate’ to a cause dear to your heart without spending a dime.

1) The Environment: Pick a stretch of shoreline for your own personal beach clean-up.

2) Children: Sign up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister.

3) The Elderly: Spend a few hours at a nursing home playing cards with the residents.

4) Politics: Canvas neighborhoods on behalf of your candidate. And be sure to vote!

5) Animals: Volunteer to work at a local shelter. And maybe adopt a pet.

Sure, it is nice to have enough money to send off to these causes but donating your time adds a personal touch that might bring more satisfaction. Volunteer - it’s good for the soul!

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roasted

tomato and

garlic soup

This versatile fruit, yes it’s a fruit, is high in vitamins A and C, and is one of the best sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease. Tomato products such as spaghetti sauce or tomato paste can deliver up to ten times more lycopene than vine ripe fruits. The canning process breaks down tomato cell walls, making it easier for the body to absorb lycopene. Recipe: 3 lbs tomatoes, cut in half/1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated with skins removed/1 onion, quartered/2 carrots, cut into chunks/2 tbsp olive oil, for drizzling/2 cups vegetable broth/1 cup water/pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)/ 1 tsp dried basil. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place tomatoes, garlic, onion, and carrots on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Stir to coat.

Roast vegetables on middle rack for 20 minutes, stir vegetables and continue roasting another 2030 minutes. Place vegetables in a large pot. Add the broth, water and basil and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes. Next, puree soup (careful it’s hot!). Pour soup back into pot and add sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh thyme.

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5 ways to

Bump up

your daily nutrient intake

by Annie Keohane A smoothie every day: include ground flax, chia, nut milk, banana or dates, handful of greens (kale, romaine, spinach, etc.), 1/2 cup ea. 2 kinds of berries, cinnamon (Ceylon best), and cocoa (nice that chocolate is loaded with antioxida nts!) A handful of chopped raw greens under anything cooked: soups, stir-fries, casseroles, omelets, etc. The greens will wilt under the hot food. Kale, spinach, collard, chard, any greens you like. A big salad every day or try this version: place a few large romaine leaves on a plate and fill each with your choice of sliced red bell peppers, onions, cucumber, celery, avocado, tomatoes, and carrots. (Place a kale or collard leaf under the romaine for added nutrients.) Top with hummus, bean dip or a healthy dressing and eat with your hands. Always add some kind of fat (nuts, avocado) to enhance absorption of fat-soluble nutrients in the greens. Keep organic frozen fruits and veggies handy to save time: they're picked and frozen at peak ripeness, so much of their nutrients are preserved.

Shop for your fruits and veggies twice a week: fresh equals way more nutrients! If you stock up on staples once a month (pastas, rice, vinegars, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, canned beans, etc.) it won't take long to run into the store or farmer's market to pick up the fresh stuff.

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how do you prepare

Artichokes?

Artichokes, which are actually the immature flower of the thistle plant, are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, folic acid, and a burst of vitamin C. How do you prepare artichokes? Try this: 1) Rinse artichokes thoroughly. 2) Pull off the tough outer, lower petals, and slice off the stems so that they're level with the bottoms of the artichokes. 3) Stand artichokes in a large saucepan. Cover halfway with water and simmer, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Or, place them on a steaming rack and steam for the same amount of time. 4) To test to see if they are done, pull on a center petal. If it comes out easily, it is.

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Why Juice?

by Margaret DeStefano Juicing offers many life-enhancing health benefits including a faster, more efficient way to absorb immune boosting nutrients naturally found in fruits and vegetables. It provides a way to access digestive enzymes typically locked away in the fiber matrix of whole fruits and vegetables. Most commercial juices are processed and lacking in nutrition while freshly juiced fruits and vegetables are loaded with an abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. For those of us who do not traditionally consume many fruits and vegetables, incorporating fresh juice can be a fun and different approach to increasing consumption of these important plant foods for improved health and wellness and reaching your weight loss goals. Juicing removes the insoluble fiber from vegetables and fruits. While fiber is an established, important part of an overall healthy diet, removing the insoluble fiber allows for increased absorption of specific health promoting phytonutrients including enzymes, while the soluble fiber persists into the juice. By removing the fibers and consuming fruits and vegetables in liquid form, we are providing a nutrient delivery system to our bodies that allows individuals who would otherwise have difficulty consuming whole vegetables, the opportunity to reap the numerous benefits vegetables have to offer.

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Hyper Fresh Hyper Local!

by Kathleen Stout, M.A. California Fresh Market in SLO has designed the store for maximum shopper efficiency, wellness, and savings. Their mission to serve up “hyperfresh and hyperlocal” products has thrilled a new wave of shoppers to their San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach locations. In addition to a sushi bar, deli, and full service butcher shop featuring USDA prime and choice meats as well as fresh, wild caught seafood, the store incorporated an organic juice bar to accommodate customers in need of quick nutrition during their shopping trips. Featuring freshly squeezed organic juices, wheatgrass shots and smoothies,

the bar provides a hearty supplement for the hungry shopper. With a streamlined design the store negates the annoyance of searching aisle after aisle for products, and with a fresh smoothie in hand, grocery shopping becomes something to look forward to. With eight aisles packed with affordable nutritious products, an overflowing produce section and bulk bins, California Fresh has seen a surge in business that is proving the store’s model a success. In addition to these features, the store accepts the AppleApp which makes your shopping experience even more streamlined.

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 27

celebrating autumn with traditional

Chinese Medicine

by Jenny Dull-Frost L.Ac.

Autumn is an important change of season from Summer (Fire extroverted energy), to Harvest (Harvest nourishing energy), to Fall (Metal yang to yin energy).

Sunlit days become shorter, and the climate colder and dry. We may be less active; our mood can swing inward toward grief and/or “stopped up” emotions; and cold/flu season kicks in.

Autumn is a great opportunity to recover energy from Summer and work on our emotional/ physical health to prepare for Winter.

Autumn is a time to support our immunity by cleaning (detox), protecting (immunity), and reflecting (inward work). Moderate exercise, good sleep and digestion, breath-work and meditation, and a cleanse are an excellent way to enter Autumn with clarity and clean yin energy. By doing so, our immune system is strong and will protect against the current “bugs.” We use herbs, acupuncture, breathwork, seasonal foods, to support immunity and prevent illness.

If you are interested in doing a cleanse and/or want to learn how to use acupuncture and herbs as your medicine, please call us at 805-481-1035

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Autumn Detox Program with Branches of Wellness Acupuncture Program Dates: October 6 - 26, 2018 What is included in your 21 day cleanse?

• Cleanse Tool Kit: Cleansing products, detox questionnaire, journal, online guidance • 1 Acupuncture session specifically targeting your individual health

Please contact Jenny Dull-Frost, L.Ac. for more details if you are interested in cleansing your body and mind, inside and out! 805-481-1035

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enjoy a

“Staycation”

by Margaret DeStefano Take a vacation where you live! A “staycation” is not only kind to your finances and the planet, but also less stressful than going abroad. Support your local economy while enjoying all the things in your city that you’re usually too busy to appreciate.

Visit parks, museums, festivals and neighborhoods you’ve never explored. Find a green event. If possible, ditch the car and walk, take public transit or ride a bike.

Use your "staycation" to (literally) get a taste of where you live. Try local cuisine, visit a farmers’ market or tour a farm. Learn more about your region’s specialties and embark on culinary adventures, such as wine tour. Slow down and spend time with nature. Visit one of California’s abundant national parks, provincial parks or green spaces. Take your family to the beach or lake. No matter where you go, tread lightly.

Leave No Trace. Every action helps. With almost a billion tourists on the move each year, it’s more important than ever for travelers to minimize their environmental impact. Protect the places you visit and live in, not only for yourself, but for future generations of explorers.

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Fennel

beet, and arugula salad recipe from Jenny Dull-Frost L.Ac.

Ingredients: Beets, 4 with 1 inch of stem intact / Olive Oil, 2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons / Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 tablespoons / Baby Arugula (rocket)/ 4 cups Fennel Bulb, cored, trimmed and cut into 8 wedges / Shallot, thinly sliced / Squeeze of lemon. 1) Roast the beets: preheat oven to 400 degrees F and rub the beets with the 2 teaspoons oil. Wrap the beets individually in aluminum foil and bake until they are easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let cool to the touch in the foil. Peel and slice the beets. 2) Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar and the 2 tablespoons of oil and a squeeze of lemon. 3) Assemble Salad: Toss the arugula in the dressing until lightly coated. Toss the fennel in the dressing and place on greens. Then toss the beets and the shallots in the dressing and then place on greens. Serve!

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Cauliflower... healthy and delicious fall treat!

When you are trying to lose weight, non-starchy vegetables such as cauliflower are one of the few foods that can be eaten in unlimited quantities. Cauliflower contains the cancer-fighting phytonutrient sulforaphane, as well as a good amount of folate and vitamin C, which may be helpful for weight loss. In fact, a review from Purdue University pointed to vitamin C status as a key factor in how much fat is burned during physical activity. All that and it's pretty tasty, too. (If you're not a cauliflower fan, try spinach or broccoli.) TIP: Love the creamy consistency of mashed potatoes?

Steam a head of cauliflower and mash it with garlic salt, a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy free) and a touch of butter (optional). 10 Minute Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets /3 tbs olive oil / 1 tsp garlic powder / 1 tsp chili powder / ½ tsp sea salt / ¼ tsp black pepper / ½ tsp paprika / pinch of cayenne. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper then coat with a little olive oil. Wash cauliflower florets and drain excess water. Transfer dry florets to a large bowl then drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat each. Sprinkle garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper and paprika over the florets, tossing frequently. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake anywhere from 15–25 minutes. Serve warm.

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Mouth Body

a healthy equals a healthy

by Madeline Palaszewski A healthier mouth means a healthier you. Your mouth is the window to your overall health. If you have poor oral health, it can affect your entire body’s wellbeing. At Pacific Dental Excellence, they take the time to evaluate your dental health history and provide dental care that promotes overall health and wellbeing. Ignoring your dental health can lead to infection and inflammation in your mouth and your entire body. In fact, up to 40 illnesses can be attributed to poor dental health, including heart disease and diabetes. Dr. Shapiro at Pacific Dental Excellence uses the latest technology and materials in dental care. He takes pride in providing state of the art dentistry and focuses on his patient’s overall health. Dr. Shapiro will put you at ease. One of his patient’s said it best, “Awesome dentist! I’m not afraid to go to the dentist anymore because of Dr. Shapiro!” Whether you need a cleaning, filling, bridge, crown, implant or Fastbraces, Pacific Dental Excellence will provide quality care in a comfortable relaxed environment.

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33

12 easy eco friendly

Work Space The United States Energy Information Administration estimates that office buildings spend $15.8 billion per year on energy. To help everyone reduce their environmental footprint in easy-to-implement ways, NSF International (a product testing organization) suggests these 12 tips for a greener office: 1) Green Your Air: Plants do more than just pretty up your work space. They can also absorb indoor air pollution and increase the flow of oxygen and can help prevent "Sick Building Syndrome" a condition where office decor, carpeting and furniture can release odors or fumes into the air that can cause illnesses such as upper-respiratory colds, allergies and eye infections. 2) Use Green Cleaning Supplies: When cleaning your desk, choose products that are certified for “green cleaning.” These products will still be hard on germs but easy on the environment. 3) Drink Smart: Look for coffee that is organic, shade grown and fair traded. Use stainless steel filters rather than paper filters, unplug the

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pot when not in use, and bring reusable mugs and glasses to work to cut down on waste. 4) Bring Your Lunch: Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is more sustainable for the environment and for your wallet and, it also encourages healthier eating. If you do choose to order food, tell the vendor to forgo the plastic utensils and paper plates. 5) Don’t Be a Paper Pusher: The Sierra Club estimates that the average U.S. office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year. Instead of printing out copies of important documents or agendas for meetings, save those documents on a shared drive and pull them up for everyone to view collectively. 6) Revamp Your To-Do List: If you prefer to write out daily lists and cross items off as completed, you can make this method more sustainable by writing them on a smartphone, computer or even a dry erase board, which allows you to organize your tasks without harming trees. 7) Reduce over Reuse: Recycling office paper is good, but reducing the amount of paper waste altogether is an even better move because it

Ideas... cuts down on the amount of material that needs to be collected, transported and processed. If you’re not ready to ditch the printouts completely, use recycled paper. Producing recycled paper uses 55 percent less water compared to virgin paper and it uses 60-70 percent less energy to produce than paper from virgin pulp. 8) Adjust Your Print Settings: Color printing generally uses more ink, so print in black and white when you can or in draft mode to conserve even more ink. Reducing your margin and font settings to fit more text on a single page will help save paper. Also, change your default print settings to duplex or doublesided. 9) Use Paperclips Instead of Staples: Paper clips are sustainable by design. Many today are produced from recycled materials or materials such as traditional plain aluminum that are readily recyclable. Make sure to recycle your paper clips when you have exhausted their use and reuse

them if people leave them in meetings.

10) Forget the Screen Saver: Screen savers use excess energy when you are away from your desk so removing them is a simple way to save energy. Change your screen settings to “hibernate” or “sleep” when you’re away from your computer for more than 10 minutes.

11) Avoid Hidden Power Usage: Many devices have "standby" settings that draw power, sometimes as much as 15 or 20 watts, even when they're turned off. To make sure that your computer, monitor, printer, photocopy machine and other office equipment are completely off, pull the plug rather than flipping the switch before heading out the door.

12) Turn Out the Lights: When you leave your office for meetings, shut all lights off, including task lighting or overhead lights.

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35

Harvest

by Kathleen Stout, M.A.

Whether it’s the smell of pumpkin bread in the oven, colorful fall centerpieces on the mantle, or just the changing seasons, Fall is a time of celebration. For centuries, cultures around the world have celebrated changing season and the bountiful harvests of the summer crops. Many European cultures have traditionally celebrated the Autumn Equinox September 21 and 22.

Two days a year, the northern and southern hemisphere receive the same amount of daylight, as well as night. In Latin the term is known as ‘equinox’, meaning ‘equal night’. For centuries, Gaelic and European cultures have celebrated what is known as ‘Mabon,’ or, ‘The Second Harvest.’

Giving thanks for the ‘fat’ of the land, ‘baskets’ were stored with seeds, nuts, and apples for the coming winter. Many ‘Thanksgiving’ decorations still feature these items today. The Jack O’ Lantern tradition began in Ireland and they used to be carved out of turnips or potatoes.

When the Irish immigrated to America, the tradition changed to pumpkins. In Scotland after Hallowmas, there was an ‘Old Woman’ designated to cut the last sheath of corn. She represented the Great Mother. She has been symbolized

36

for thousands of years in Gaelic myth as ‘Corn Mother,’ and is represented today in a ‘corn doll’ upon one’s table. In preChristian times, the Phrygians beat out corn stalks in symbols of the Goddess, creating ‘corn doilies’ that traveled over continents and throughout cultures as a way to revere the spirit of the harvest.

Similarly, the Native Americans created corn dolls out of corn silk for thousands of years in honor of these cycles.

Modern Druids still celebrate Alban Elfed, a day when there is a balance between light and dark. Whether it’s a family gathering, or a simple ceremony of thanks, take a moment this autumn season to ponder the history of these ‘holy’ days. Fusing the past into the present makes for engaging, lively rituals that take one into a place of gratitude, while enriching our awareness of how symbols can have meaning in our modern lives.

Autry Cellars:

where aerospace, winemaking, and sustainability intersect

by Nathan Doherty Big problems need creative solutions. With 250 wineries in San Luis Obispo County, there is a range between the powerhouse empires that produce 500,000 + cases a year and the artisan who carefully shapes his small collection of specialty wines. For small business owner Steve Autry, attempting to compete with these colossal wine establishments has forced him to design innovative technology. After spending most of his career in the aerospace industry designing space components, Steve decided to essentially transform these aerospace technologies into custom distilling and wine processing equipment. Not only did these prototypes save him money, but they also proved to save water and push Autry Cellars closer to its mission of being a sustainable winery. As a sole proprietorship, Autry Cellars offers a wine tasting experience that contrasts most in the area. Good wine becomes better when you can develop a personal connection with the artisan himself as he tells you the story of how his background in physics and space technology earned his Grappa a Gold Medal and Best of Class at the California Craft Spirits Competition against some of the biggest companies in the state. Perhaps continuing to blend different disciplines together will answer questions on how we can make better products more sustainably.

Artisan winemaker, Steve Autry, begins with carefully selected Edna Valley and Paso Robles grapes.

Using art, science, patience, and determination, he creates wine masterpieces year after year. Producing 800 cases and 11 varietals total per year of high quality handcrafted wines.

Limited exclusively to a small number of fine restaurants and tasting rooms.

Stop by for a taste!

5450 Edna Rd. • San Luis Obispo, CA • 805-546-8669 • autrycellars.com Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

37

Himalayan salt lamps

by Kathleen Stout, M.A. Himalayan Pink Salt Lamps, those raw, pink chunks of salt that are embedded with a soft light to give your room a warm glow, are all the rage with the wellness community. There are conflicting reports about the health benefits of these glowing chunks of one of nature’s most prevalent elements. Nevertheless, placing one inside your home is sure to bring a relaxed, calming influence to your environment. It is believed that the ionizing effects of the salt lamps produce biochemical reactions that increase the mood chemical serotonin, responsible for that feeling of well being. The pink salt do emit small amounts of negative ions, which we are exposed to when we spend time in nature. Negative ions occur naturally in abundance near large bodies of water: oceans, rivers, waterfalls; as well as mountains and forests. By balancing the positive and negative ions in one’s environs (ionizing), it is possible to attain benefits like stress reduction, reduced effects to ‘electrosmog’, and air purification. Pink salt is hygroscopic, that is, it attracts water molecules that can contain indoor air pollutants that cling to the water itself. The salt lamp works by collecting the water vapors from the air and as a result, it is said to trap the pollutants in the salt.

When heated, the lamp dries out, absorbing the pollutants, and continues to attract more water vapor, repeating the cycle. Whether its placed next to your bed for relaxation, upon your desk for the beauty, or used as a tool for ‘ionizing’ your space, the rewards of investing in a Himalayan Salt Lamp are many, though perhaps the simplest reason may be the rosy feeling of joy they seem to bring to any room.

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Cal Poly

wins three sustainability

Awards

by Madeline Palaszewski

Cal Poly was honored at the 2018 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Best Practice Awards at the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference at UC Santa Barbara in July. The university’s Honors Program received a Best Practice Award in the Sustainability in Academics category. Students investigated environmental, social, economic and political facets of sustainability using both a historical and contemporary lens. Cal Poly’s Climate Change Action Research Group was honored with a Best Practice Award in the Student Sustainability Leadership category. The Cal Poly Zero Waste Ambassadors Program received a Best Practice Award in the Waste Reduction category.

The program has diverted 90 percent of waste from going to landfill at 25 events over seven months. With nearly 150 volunteers, the ambassadors program has reached more than 14,200 event attendees and diverted nearly two tons of waste from the landfill. The California Higher Education Sustainability Conference honors private and public California colleges and universities that demonstrate effective energy efficiency projects and innovative sustainability practices in operations and academics.

Commercial Professional Office Post Construction Residential COASTLINE CLEANING CO.

HIPAA Compliant

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SLO 93406

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

39

Canning 101

by Kathleen Stout, M.A.

Along with the resurgence in popularity of the multi-functional Ball/Mason jar, so has returned the age-old custom of canning.

The benefits of canning one’s own food are many. In addition to organic options and improved quality and taste, preserved foods are more cost efficient, bypass packaged food purchases, and are BPA-free. We can thank John Mason for the invention of the first reusable Mason jar complete with screw-on lid, but it was Alexander H. Kerr’s ingenuity that brought us the two-part canning lid that we so rely upon today. Canning is not without it’s complications, and careful measures need to be taken to maintain a sterile environment and proper food temperatures.

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However, with careful planning and a passion for self-reliance, you’ll find results are worth the investment.

Simple Materials: Canning requires the use of a few very specific tools that are an absolute necessity if you want success.

Ideally, an enameled Dutch oven works best, but a deep stock pot with a rack will also work.

You’ll need good tongs with rubber handles, a set of jars, a wide-mouth funnel, a variety of measuring cups and a jar lifter.

Get Started: Find a recipe for a food you would like to preserve. Ball’s/Kerr website has recipes, accessories, ‘coaching’ on preservation and everything else the beginner needs.

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

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

415 Morro Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay

make your own

Preserves

1) Place jars on the rack and fill pot with water. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer lids in a small saucepan. 2) While the jars are boiling, prepare your food product.

When water comes to a boil, remove jars (with tongs) and place on a clean towel. 3) After preparing your preserve recipe, wipe the edge of the jars with a clean paper towel and pour in product, leaving about a ¼ to a ½ inch of space below the lid. Secure lids. 4) Lower jars into water pot and remove water with a Pyrex measuring cup if needed. Bring to a boil. 5) Processing time will vary depending on recipe. Set your timer when the water begins to boil. When finished, remove jars promptly (with jar lifter) and place them back on the towel to let them cool. 6) You should hear the lids ‘ping’ shortly after removal. This is the sound of the vacuum seal forming.

The lids become concave, and your food has been successfully preserved.

The family might notice when you offer them an organic peanut butter and homemade strawberry jelly sandwich, but their eyes are sure to widen when you reach in the cupboard and pull out your own applesauce preserves.

The true reward for your time spent simmering and stirring, standing and sniffing for what might seem like all afternoon? That feeling you get when you set out the pan of your homemade tomatillo verde enchiladas for dinner, and remember you have five more cans in the cupboard.

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777 Pismo Street, Suite B Enjoy the freshest-tasting food, preserved at the peak of its season.

Save money over store-bought canned goods. Support local family farmers, expand the market for organics, and decrease your household greenhouse gas emissions by reducing your “food miles."

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428

(805) 548-8490 Traditional Osteopathic Practice

Preventative holistic healthcare taking into account the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit.

41

Grocery

shopping?

National Geographic notes that supermarkets study the psychology of shoppers. High-end supermarkets know how to carefully frame their fruits and vegetables in the perfect amount of light to attract interest; they understand that when customers walk through the produce section first, they’re more likely to make impulse purchases later. Here are a few tips to follow when shopping: Use a grocery list. Have you ever noticed that you always fill up your shopping cart?

Well, supermarkets have noticed. The Consumerist reports that shopping cart sizes have grown dramatically over the past few decades, and for good reason: According to reports, when carts doubled in size, consumers purchased

42

40 percent more. Well, that's easy.

Grab a basket. Right? According to the Journal of Marketing Research, you’ll be more impulsive if you use a basket. Why? Well, the journal suggests that you’ll feel healthier, since you’ll be flexing your arm muscles, and you’ll be more likely to buy unhealthy items as a result. A 2015 study found that people who make shopping lists are much more likely to make healthy choices, because they’re thinking through their purchases at home, without the temptation of supermarket staging, end caps, flexed arm muscles, and all of that other stuff. Choose locally grown when possible. Some fruits are six months old by the time they hit the shelves. Many produce items are

here are some

Helpful Tips! stored in climate controlled rooms, where the oxygen is sucked out to stop the spoiling process. Misting with water gives the produce a nice shine, and helps to build the case that the food is fresh, even when it’s not. By the time you choose your fruits and vegetables, a bunch of other people have walked by the same display, and some of them probably picked up those apples and oranges. That means that produce is pretty filthy, so remember to wash it before eating. Look for the expiration date on food. The FDA writes on its website: “With the exception of infant formula, the laws that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administer do not preclude the sale of food that is past the expiration date indicated on the

label. FDA does not require food firms to place ‘expired by,’ ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ dates on food products. This information is entirely at the discretion of the manufacturer.” Yes, that means that the FDA is powerless to stop stores from selling food past its “best by” date. Some supermarkets simply change the listed dates, and in many cases, that’s completely safe, since those original “best by” dates weren’t so accurate to begin with. However, the store does need to remove a food item if it’s potentially dangerous, so spoiled products shouldn’t make their way into your cart. If they do, you can always get a refund. Alternatively, you can simply avoid many of these products by checking for overlapping labels.

43

Medical marijuana update

by Hepsharat Amadi MD Lots has happened in this country in terms of the status of legal marijuana since last year. So far, 29 states have adopted laws legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. West Virginia joined the states that legalized medical marijuana and New Hampshire became the last state in New England to decriminalize marijuana possession to a civil violation. About 20 percent of Americans now live in states where marijuana is legal for adult use and an about 200 million live in places where medicinal marijuana is legal. The number of companies that are retailing through dispensaries is increasing, as are the number of branches each dispensary chain might have. Politicians who were once dead set against medical marijuana are changing their minds and now support it. Two of the most notable examples of this trend are Former House Speaker John Boehner, and conservative Sen. Cory Gardner (from Colorado).

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As the ranks increase of those who are obtaining relief from pain, stress, persistent muscle spasms, insomnia, seizures, etc. from medical marijuana, word is spreading to their family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances that are also helping to change their mind about the safety and efficacy of cannabis, as well. Studies done by the American Medical Association show states with legalized medical marijuana have a lower amount of opioids prescribed for Medicare and Medicaid patients, thus reducing opioid overdoses and saving money in those programs. In fact, prescription drug use overall, as well as alcohol and tobacco use drops in states where at least medical marijuana is legal. So, although Attorney General Jeff Sessions is still not persuaded yet, a "sea change" is taking place in the U.S. at large when it comes to attitudes towards, and usage of marijuana.

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

45

Giving Thanks

by Kathleen Stout, M.A. That season is upon us again when we gather with family and friends around the table and give thanks for the abundant harvest, the spirit of sharing, and all the things in our lives we are grateful for. It’s a rushed season already, with costume invention and preparation, meal scheduling and family travel/guest plans, and stockpiling gifts for the coming winter celebrations, it’s a wonder anyone’s in a holiday mood.

It’s a great time to simplify, perhaps by delegating dishes to other family members, or taking a year off from cooking, or taking a road trip instead.

Whatever kind of holiday you choose,

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

be creative, and remember there are options for expressing gratefulness in both traditional and non-traditional ways. There are so many ways to give thanks that will leave lasting memories on our friends and families, to make this holiday one that will truly share the meaning of appreciation.

Call an old friend: express your gratitude for the relationship. Send a card: just to say ‘thanks’ to someone that needs to hear it. Gather fruit/ flowers/vegetables: for a widow/ widower in the neighborhood and drop them off as a gift of the harvest.

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little." ~Guatama Buddha

Partner: When is the last time you genuinely thanked your partner? Maybe they’ll do the dishes! Neighbors: There’s something about a gift/card/ food/ from a neighbor, it restores our faith in something nostalgic and important. Parents: There’s never a bad time to thank a parent. A grateful child is like an emotional salve to most parents out there, try it.

How ever you decide to gather this season to share thanks around the table, remember it is not only once a year we need to reach out and show others we are grateful for them, for giving thanks

is a continuous circle. It can be as simple as a phone call, a handwritten note, or a simple drop-off on the porch, and the meaning is the same. There’s a magic in this giving of thanks to others, it is much like an instant reward in that the gratitude will be returned almost instantly. Once we’ve entered this circle of gratefulness, it’s easy to prepare for the upcoming festivities as our hearts will remember what we’ve gathered for. While everyone’s rushing around picking, plucking, shopping, ordering, and preparing, remember to take time to remember, and enjoy, what you are truly grateful for.

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

47

are you a

Wishful

by Madeline Palaszewski Admit it. It feels good to recycle. When you place items in that bright blue container less waste goes into landfills. But if you are trying to recycle the wrong items, you may be mucking up the process. The problem is recycling contamination. When you toss the wrong items in the recycle bin, they contaminate the recyclable items and the whole bin could end up in the landfill. The goal of recycling is to sell items like aluminum and glass to manufacturers who re-use them. If these items are contaminated they can’t be sold. According to the SLO County Integrated Waste Management Authority, the worst offenders are plastic bags, food scraps and scrap metal. Also, frozen food boxes and paper cups - just think of all the Starbucks cups that can’t be recycled! Plus, diapers, garden hoses and broken glass are big no no’s, too. You should never try to recycle batteries.

Most supermarkets and hardware stores have recycle buckets for used batteries. Clothing is not recyclable but welcomed at thrift stores and you may be surprised to find out that shredded paper can’t be recycled. The paper is too small to sort and it sticks to belts.

One of the worst offenders is Styrofoam.

It’s light, bulky and difficult to separate from paper and food, making it too expensive to recycle. But don’t let these tips discourage you from recycling. Just make sure you are putting the right items in the blue bin and your effort will be rewarded with less waste in our communities.

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

Growing your own Catnip... purrfect!

Growing your own cat grass (more commonly known as Catnip) is cost-effective, easy to do and will encourage your cat to eat what you've grown and not other plants around the home that could be hazardous to cats if ingested. Catnip can grow to a height of 18-36" long and spread widely if undisturbed, so it’s recommended you transplant the seedlings once they are off to a good start. This will ensure maximum use for your cat.

Carol Dawn RN, CMT.

Nat Cert. Reflexologist Achievement House is a nonprofit agency providing vocational training and community living services and programs for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Visit our Thrift Store at 1446 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, California 93420 achievementhouse.org • (805) 202-3066

26 yrs in business locally specializing in aromatherapy

(805) 546-8660 Enlivening & rebalancing our community, one foot at a time! www.caroldawnsreflexology.com

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

49

4 things you can do with a

Bar of Soap

A bar of soap can be just as effective and more environmentally friendly than many alternatives you might find. Here are 3 uses for a simple bar of soap. Freshen Your Luggage: Pack a bar of your favorite scented soap when you store luggage. It will deodorize the insides of your bags and keep them smelling fresh. Keep Garden Pests Away: You can keep garden bugs from eating away at your plant leaves by mixing soap with water and spraying the solution on the underside of each leaf. Deodorize Your Car: If you're looking for a cheap, green way to deodorize and freshen your car, hang soap from your rear-view mirror. You can wrap it in mesh or cheesecloth first. Fix a Zipper: You can lubricate a sticking zipper by rubbing soap on the zipper.

 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 - Fall 2018

Upcoming Events Thursday, September 6: 6:30pm

Central Coast Hour Exchange Meet & Greet

Trinity United Methodist Church 490 Los Osos Valley Rd., Baywood Learn about time banking exchange while sharing a meal and discussing what services/needs are available for this community strengthening and financially strategic way of giving and receiving. $20/Earn an hour for showing up.

Saturday, September 15: 11am-4pm

Taste of Downtown

Downtown Paso Robles Sample food from the downtown restaurants of Paso Robles. $25 per Pass

Templeton Park, 550 Crocker St., Templeton. Celebrate Oktoberfest with contests, games, music and unlimited beer tastings from over a dozen local breweries in this first-time event. $30 for mini mug, $40 for one-liter stein. templetonoktoberfest.com October 1-31

Cambria Scarecrow Festival

Where whimsy runs rampant all throughout the month of October in the coastal community of Cambria.

October 20-22

Harvest Wine Weekend

Sunday, September 16: 10am-4pm

Apples & Honey Festival

Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos St., San Luis Obispo In celebration of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah, enjoy familyfriendly attractions like animals from Atascadero’s Charles Paddock Zoo and storytelling by local children’s book author Bonnie Lee. FREE Sunday, September 23: 2pm-6pm (Gates open at 1:30pm)

Heirloom Tomato Festival and Dinner

Sunday, September 30: 1pm-5pm

Templeton Oktoberfest

Sample more than 40 varieties of vine ripe tomatoes by local chefs, or sit down for a farm-to-table dinner featuring seasonal produce of the Central Coast. $25 per person

Create your own wine-filled adventure from more than a hundred events over three days at wineries throughout Paso Robles celebrating the annual grape harvest. Offerings include grape stomping, vineyard tours, winemaker dinners and barrel tastings. pasowine.com Sunday, November 4: Noon

Soupabration

Morro Bay Community Center 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay

A soup competition, wine tasting event featuring 10-12 local restaurants/ Chefs, 4-6 local wineries, beer tasting, food tasting, homemade desserts wildlife ambassadors.

Email your next community event to info@slosolstice.com

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

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Solstice Green Directory - Fall 2018

CENTRAL COAST STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION Presents

2 nd ANNUA L

WHERE ACTIVISM GETS INSPIRED

2018 Sept 27 | Grover beach Grover Beach community Center

Sept 28 | San luis obispo king david's masonic hall

Sept 29 | Los Osos south bay community center 7pm Screening Doors open @ 6:30pm different films at each location

Tickets $10 youth (under 18) $15 adult in advance ; $20 at the door $40 full festival pass

2 5 FILMS • rafFLe • Re f r e sh m e n ts • silent auction

FOR tickets, film line-ups, and MORE INFO: centralcoastparks.org/filmfest

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