Solstice Green Directory Spring 2022

Free

Spring 2022

Green as Your Grandparents?...pg 12 Central Coast Marine Sanctuary...pg 22 A Little Secret about Stress...pg 29

Your Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

SLO Veg...

bursting with spring goodness!

As the Earth shakes off the chill of winter, SLO Veg is bursting with fresh and vibrant fruits and vegetables! It’s a time of rebirth and a time to enjoy your favorite spring vegetables like tender asparagus, colorful salad greens and nutritious kale and spinach. Don’t forget the fruit with luscious strawberries and tangy citrus.

As a family owned and operated produce delivery service on the Central Coast, it is SLO Veg’s mission to serve the community as well as support local farmers. Delight your family with a harvest box full of spring fruits and vegetables harvested daily by our local farmer friends and delivered to your doorstep within 24 hours of harvesting! In addition to home delivery, SLO Veg offers pick-up locations from Paso Robles to Nipomo. Each week, SLO Veg curates fresh, local fruits & veggies that are packed up and delivered to your doorstep or pick-up location. Our customizable harvest boxes come in a variety of sizes and options. Plus, everything SLO Veg delivers is sourced from local growers in the greater Central Coast region. When it comes to taste there’s no comparison. SLO Veg’s produce tastes better because it is picked at peak ripeness.

And it’s better for you, packed with essential nutrients. The Earth will thank you, too.

Buying from local farmers produces a much smaller carbon footprint.

Celebrate spring with farm fresh produce and seasonal fruits picked by local farmers and delivered directly to your doorstep.

Sign up today and save $10 off your first box with promo code: solstice For more info, go to www.sloveg.com Bartimaeus Alan, Co-Owner of SLO Veg

The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth... All things are connected like the blood which unites one family.

All things are connected.

Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it.

Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. ~ Chief Seattle

Sustainability is

Compassion...

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change delivered its latest report on climate impacts, and documents once again that climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable.

This includes humans in poor countries, and poor residents of rich ones. The vulnerable also include the other living creatures that share our planet, especially animals, and even plants.

Natural resources of food and water also relate to environmental and economic sustainability. We see fear and anger threatening our society, and it's mostly driven by unsustainable economic inequality. In March, Russia invaded Ukraine, evoking compassion for the suffering of this free nation. The latest casualty of this thinking. What motivates such aggression? Power, including economic expansion.

As theologian Matthew Fox said, "Sustainability is compassion." It comes from a compassionate concern for people and for other living creatures afflicted by humankind’s growing desire for the dominance of our planetary environment.

It's becoming painfully apparent and easy to understand that a world that met everyone’s needs would indeed be a more peaceful one.

Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

The Green Team: (L to R) Endre Vargha, John Karp, Jenny Malott, Cheryl Lowman, Jacki Turner, Madeline Palaszewski, Margaret Hennessy, Diane Parnell, Vera Vargha, and Monte Allen Solstice Green Directory Mission: To provide information on environmental issues and ways to address concerns of residents on the Central Coast. To help educate consumers so that they can make better choices locally by providing visibility of green and healthy products and services. To develop and provide business networking opportunities to encourage relationships that will support a more sustainable community.

2

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

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

Tech Support Jenny Malott

Bookkeeping/Copy Editor Diane Parnell

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

Solstice Green Directory is an officially Certified California Green Business.

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 Spring 2022

DIRECTORY

4

FEATURES Emergency Food Pantry in Downtown SLO Sweet Potato Pancakes

8 10

Eat Local, While Away!

11

Living as Green as Your Grandparents?

12

Reusing Those Coat Hangers

14

Dandelions: More Than Just a Weed!

16

What is Ocean Acidification?

17

Manage Your Microbiome

18

Indigenous Wisdom, Let's Include It!

20

Central Coast Marine Sanctuary

22

Eco-Kids Corner

23

5 Tips to Successful Thrift Shopping

24

Earth-Friendly Picnic

26

Stability Initiative in SLO

27

A Little Secret About Stress

29

Health and Wellness Glossary

30

Grilled Garlic Artichokes

32

Directory ANIMAL RESCUE Pacific Wildlife Care (805) 543-WILD (9453) On Call 365 Days per Year PacificWildlifeCare.org 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 19

CBD OIL 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 19

CLEANING Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St., #140 SLO Please see display ad on page 17

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 19

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

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 11

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 13

@solsticegreen

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

www.slosolstice.com 4

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

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

Please see display ad on page 13

Please see display ad on page 17

GREEN-REALTOR C. Green Real Estate Co. (805) 481-7700 226 Front Street Grover Beach 93433 Fax: (805) 481-9338 Cell: (805) 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com

JUICE BAR California Fresh Coffee, Organics Juice Bar, Deli, Bakery, Fresh Seafood and Meat Department San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 250-1425 71 E. Foothill Blvd.

Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm Pismo Beach, CA (805) 295-7162 555 Five Cities Dr. Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm Solvang, CA (805) 688-4300 El Ranch Marketplace 2886 Mission Dr. Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pmc californiafreshmarket.com

Please see display ad on page 13

HARVEST BOX DELIVERY SLO Veg Local Harvest Delivery (805) 709 -2780 Fresh and local produce boxes delivered to your home or business. www.sloveg.com Please see display ad on back cover

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 19

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 19

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

DIRECTORY

ENERGY WORK/ENERGY MEDICINE 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 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 19

NON-PROFIT 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

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

805.473.5064

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

5

DIRECTORY

NON-PROFIT (CONT.) 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, Wed & Thurs - 1-3pm Sunnyside School 800 Manzanita Dr. Room 18 in Los Osos losososcares.com Pacific Wildlife Care (805) 543-WILD (9453) On Call 365 Days per Year PacificWildlifeCare.org Sierra Club-Santa Lucia Chapter (805) 543-8717 547-B Marsh St • San Luis Obispo santalucia.sierraclub.org 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 19

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490 1495 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428

Please see display ad on page 15 6

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

PHYSICIAN Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490 1495 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428

Please see display ad on page 15

PRODUCE BOXES SLO Veg Local Harvest Delivery (805) 709 -2780 Fresh and local produce boxes delivered to your home or business. www.sloveg.com Please see display ad on back cover

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 29

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 25

REALTOR C. Green Real Estate Co. (805) 481-7700 226 Front Street Grover Beach 93433 Fax: (805) 481-9338 Cell: (805) 441-7370 www.cgreenrealestate.com

Please see display ad on page 13

Please see display ad on page 13

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

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 11

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

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

DIRECTORY

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 13

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 19

SUPERMARKET/ORGANIC FOODS California Fresh Coffee, Organics Juice Bar, Deli, Bakery, Fresh Seafood and Meat Department San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 250-1425 71 E. Foothill Blvd.

Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm Pismo Beach, CA (805) 295-7162 555 Five Cities Dr. Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm Solvang, CA (805) 688-4300 El Ranch Marketplace 2886 Mission Dr. Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pmc californiafreshmarket.com Please see display ad on inside back cover

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Join the team of volunteers that provide portable showers to SLO's homeless population. All it takes is a 3-hour commitment to make a difference in others' lives.

Shower Locations: Sun: SLO Library (12:30a - 3:30p) T/Th: UUSLO by Meadow Park (10a - 1p) W: Grover Beach People's Kitchen (10:30a - 1:30p) Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: ccgrether@gmail.com Visit website for more info: www.showerthepeopleslo.org

@solsticegreen

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

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

7

Emergency Food Pantry in downtown slo

by Diane Parnell

8

Furthering their mission of feeding the hungry, SLO Grass Roots II, Inc. has opened an emergency food pantry at 1022 Mill Street in San Luis Obispo. A large variety of canned and dry goods are available at the pantry for those in immediate need, as well as clothing and household items.

Hours are: M-F: 11AM-2PM or by appointment.

with Lewis for years and took over running the organization when Lewis passed in 1988.

Grass Roots is a non-profit founded in 1973 by legendary SLO resident Maxine Lewis who, inspired by President Johnson’s ‘War on Poverty,’ began her crusade of helping the needy. “Maxine was determined to solve the problem of poverty, not to say it’s not my problem,” says current Director Peggy Fowler, who worked

“We are 100% donation-based and count on monetary donations to help cover the rent,” Fowler said. “Donations of sleeping bags and blankets are much needed as well.”

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

That philosophy has held for over 50 years as Grass Roots hosts annual Thanksgiving dinners for 2000 people, as well as providing Christmas breakfast and dinner for 100 disadvantaged families including toys and stockings for the kids.

You can learn more about how to help by visiting: info@grassroots.org or call: 805-544-2333

message from the south county

Chambers of Commerce South County Chambers of Commerce is opening a new cowork space in April 2022 in Grover Beach in partnership with the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the City of Grover Beach, and the County of San Luis Obispo. Currently the space has a commitment to house an aerospace and aeronautics incubator program from its location at 391 Front St.—just a short walk from the “West End” of Grand Avenue with its shopping and restaurants, the beach boardwalk, and the monarch butterfly grove. The cowork space will feature private offices, open desk seating, high-speed fiber optic internet service, and a conference room with audio/visual capabilities. Free business workshops and programs will be offered at this location. There will be flexible month-to-month membership rates ranging from $175-$900 per month. For questions and interest, please email cowork@ southcountychambers.com, or call (805) 489-1488.

Reach over

30,000 Readers for only $ 109

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

9

Sweet Potato Pancakes with onions and apples

Recipe: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and grated (equals about 4 cups) / 1 green apple, peeled cored and grated / 1 small onion, grated / ½ cup whole wheat flour (or gluten free) / 1 egg, beaten (or egg substitute) Coconut oil for frying. In a bowl, stir together potatoes, onion, apple and egg. Gradually add wheat flour and stir to combine. Heat oil in a deep skillet over moderate high heat until hot but 10

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

not smoking. Working in batches of 4 or 5, spoon a large spoonful of the mixture into the oil and lightly flatten.

Reduce heat slightly and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer pancakes with spatula to a plate layered with paper towels.

Let sit for a moment or two to drain.

Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Eat Local,

while away!

by Katy Budge

Supporting local businesses – especially restaurants – is as important when you’re traveling as when you’re at home.

And it’s really pretty easy to do with a bit of planning and a willingness to think outside the big box chains. Gone are the days when you needed a raft of maps and guide books to find out about your destinations. All that research power now resides on your computer and/or in the palm of your hand. Just pull up your preferred search engine, type the name of a city to which you’ll be travelling, and click on the map. On most search engines, you’ll see a “nearby” feature which allows you to browse for your favorite types of businesses.

For me, that’s all things food-related: not just restaurants, but also coffee shops, bakeries, breweries, etc. (Online review platforms, such as Yelp, can also be helpful, but just remember to take the five-star and one-star reviews with a grain of salt.) Sure it’s easier to duck into a ubiquitous chain for coffee, to grab a quick sandwich, or order off the same old-same-old menu for dinner. You know exactly what you’re going to get, and those establishments are usually located along the main corridors of traffic. But, these corporate businesses typically aren’t the places that donate to the neighborhood little leagues, and most of the dollars you spend there will leave the area. Local businesses, especially restaurants, are the lifeblood of many communities, and they’ve been hit hard by the pandemic. It’s impossible for most of us to imagine what even a few $20 sales can mean to a mom-npop joint on a quiet Tuesday night, so make a little extra effort to seek out local on the road!

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

11

green as your Grandparents? living as

by Margaret DeStefano

It seems unrelated and it's hard to imagine our grandparents having much in common with today’s youthful environmental activists. Yet many common practices popular in our grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ day were highly eco-conscious, even if they didn’t conscientiously think of them as such. They simply considered their daily actions sensible and money-saving. Here are just three examples: Grow our own: Gardens are not a new idea, and they became very popular during World War I with “victory gardens” that helped prevent food shortages. Today, homegrown fruits and veggies can be a small victory for the earth, especially if sustainable techniques, like limiting chemical pesticides and fertilizers, are used. Can it: What to do with extra fruits and veggies? Preserve it just like granny did with her pickles and jams. Home canning is a process that takes a dedicated afternoon or more, and may not easily fit today’s hectic schedules. However, many types of produce can be easily frozen or dried, retaining nutrients and flavor. Pack lunch: Our elders likely brought their food to their job.

Ideally by using up leftovers, so not a morsel is wasted. And while BYOL may have been called “brown bagging” back in the day, we can go even greener with a reusable containers, and cloth napkins.

12

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

use outdoor

Solar Lights!

There are many ways to achieve a more sustainable home, starting with your backyard. To enjoy your outdoor haven this spring well into the night, improve your exterior lighting with solar lights. Even on a cloudy day, solar output is abundant, making solar lights an eco-friendly option that uses a renewable power source.

Standard light-bulbs can increase energy consumption and carbon emissions in your home. Be sure to replace the old, worn-out incandescent bulbs with LED lights that use less energy and glow brighter.

Eco Club Five Cities will “Zero Waste” your event!

Appropriate items recycled.

Food stuff collected and taken to compost facility.

Contact us for more information:

805.489.9696

Carmen Green

Broker, Lic#00981917 226 Front Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433

cgreenrealestate.com • 805.441.7370

EFT consists of fingertip tapping on meridian end-points. Research shows EFT influences positive Neuroplasticity and supports the healing of PTSD, anxiety, stress, fear, phobias and depression, Emotional Freedom Techniques and reduces cortisol levels. EFT balances Mia Simmons the activity of the parasympathetic and Cert-1, ADV, Level 3 • Certified EFT Practitioner sympathetic regions of the brain, making Practice Established 2006 • mia@miasimmons.com 805.528.7586 • www.miasimmons.com EFT a powerful healing tool.

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

13

reusing those

Coat Hangers

by The “Green” Franciscan Sister, Janet Corcoran, OSF There are many ways to be environmentally friendly. A simple way, for example, is the reuse or recycling of wire coat hangers.

They are generally made of steel with approximately 26% of them made from recycled metal. In the year 1903, a man named Albert J. Parkhouse returned after lunch to his place of employment in Jackson, Michigan and found there were no more hooks upon which to hang his heavy coat. Albert grabbed some wire, twisted and bent it so that it would fit inside the shoulders of his coat!

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

Each year billions of wire hangers end up in landfills and take many years to decompose. Here are some ideas to reuse them: • Bend up the ends of the hanger and use as a shoe hanger.

• Check with the local dry cleaner regarding their acceptance of hangers for reuse. • Contact the local thrift stores and shelters regarding their acceptance of hangers for reuse. • Make a mobile of the hanger and paint the wire in bright colors. • Utilize the hanger for holding keys. • Check with the local waste collection service to see if they recycle hangers. • Contact freecycle.com regarding someone who may be interested in hangers.

swap out salt for

Quick Facts:

Lemon!

One of the most common diet directives you get in a hospital is to "cut out salt," but that can leave your food tasting bland, especially if you’re used to a high-sodium diet. Here's a healthy option. Add some flavor without endangering your health by sprinkling lemon juice on your meals. Bonus: Lemon rinds ground in the disposal will deodorize your sink’s drain. Just slice a lemon into chubby quarters, slip them into the sink’s disposal, turn on the hot water and flip the power switch.

Run the disposal until you hear the “gurgle-gurgle-grind-grind” sound and turn off.

There is no known significant damage to air, water, land, soil, forests, etc. in lemon production, as long as pesticides have not been used.

Kathryn A. Perry, DO

Traditional Osteopathy Rational integration of conventional and alternative healthcare approaches.

1495 Palm St.

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.

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

15

it’s spring...

Dandelions they’re more than

just a weed!

Spring is the season to welcome new growth, longer days, and lots and lots of sprouting green stuff. But wouldn’t it be great to actually be able to identify all of that new plant life in your neighborhood? And wouldn’t it be even better to be able to pick out those plants that are actually edible?

Indeed, there are many wild edibles to be had in your own backyard, but it helps to know what they are and what they’re good for.

Wild edibles are often the source of very valuable nutrients and can make a lovely, delicious, and unique addition to your diet. For instance, dandelion, which you might think of as little more than a garden-variety weed is actually an incredibly nutritious wild edible plant.

In a single hundred gram amount of cooked dandelion greens, there are 11,000 mg of potassium, 18 mg of vitamin C, and 42 mg of calcium. To enhance your knowledge of edibles, you may want to visit your local library or search a variety of popular websites. You can also take a wild edibles walk to learn even more about the power of wild plants!

16

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

what is

Ocean

Acidification?

by Margaret DeStefano

With global CO2 emissions at an alltime high, our oceans are absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and at faster rates than ever before, creating greater ocean acidity. This removes carbonate from the water. Carbonate is an essential building block for calcifying organisms such as corals, mollusks, sea urchins and many other important creatures that live on reefs or help to build them.

Too much carbonic acid lowers the natural pH balance of the oceans, causing acidification, which wreaks havoc on marine habitats and species.

Acidification is reducing the ability of

shellfish, coral and fish to form shells, corals and bones, threatening the collapse of marine life. Some of the solutions proposed by leading climate change experts, top marine scientists, and prominent coral reef managers from around the globe include reducing global emissions, protecting reefs that are less vulnerable to ocean acidification, restricting access to more fragile coral communities, and farming local corals that prove more resistant to acidification, then “planting” them in place of those that weaken and break apart.

Commercial Professional Office Post Construction Residential COASTLINE CLEANING CO.

HIPAA Compliant

Always Eco-Conscious

Deanna M. Onozuka 805.400.5433 PO Box 13508,

SLO 93406

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

17

Manage your

Microbiome

by Hepsharat Amadi, MD

It's springtime and many people's thoughts are turning outward towards nature and gardening. But what about our internal environment of microbes that live in our gut? These microbes help determine the health of our digestive system and in turn, our digestion is intimately related to both our immune function and our brains. It is a little known fact that of all the DNA that is in us and on us, only one tenth of it is ours. The rest is all the bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that live in us and on us. In fact, without the proper gut flora we cannot even absorb critical nutrients, even if we ingest them, like vitamin B12. So how do we help make sure that we have a benign mix of organisms in our gut that are helping us and not hurting us? The best ways to ensure that are to consume mainly organic produce so that we are feeding our organisms non-toxic prebiotic material that serves as food and shelter for the probiotic organisms in our gut. Eating fermented foods, like sauerkraut and kimchi, can also help support a healthy mix of organisms. It is also recommended to take good probiotic supplements. Unless you are doing this, you will not be getting sufficient quantities of them the way that primitive peoples did by consuming a lot of their produce raw and unprocessed. www.dramadi.com

18

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

roasted

A Membership Makes A Great Gift!

Garlic

Club use included w/spa service

Recipe: Heat oven to 400° and position a rack in the center. Peel off most of the paper from the garlic, leaving the head intact with the cloves attached. Trim the top off the head of garlic by ¼ inch. Drizzle 2 tsp. of olive oil over the exposed surface, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Wrap in foil and bake for 40 minutes. Garlic is done when the center clove is completely soft when pierced with a paring knife. Continue roasting for an additional 5–10 minutes to help deepen the golden color and caramelize further. Exact roasting time may vary due to size. Garlic can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks and frozen for up to 3 months.

Relax by one of our pools

Or take a fitness class!

(805) 595-7600 • www.AvilaBayClub.com 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, CA

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

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

19

Indigenous Climate change, carbon emission, zero waste, circular economy, and sustainability. If you are anywhere on the internet (62% of the world’s population!) chances are you must be familiar, or at least have heard some of these 21st century buzzwords. If you Google the word ‘sustainable,’ it would give you more results than if you search for ‘Titanic!’ Clearly, more and more attention is being given towards sustainability, whose concepts were built on the foundation of protecting the resources of the Earth and the wellbeing of humankind which are negatively impacted by

20

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

our abusive patterns of production and consumption. In short: development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need.

The concept really gained its momentum when in 2015 the United Nations set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be adopted and achieved through global partnership by its Members in 2030. Balancing wealth, society, and the environment has actually been a part of traditional belief systems, religious teachings, medieval philosophies, and communal ways of living for centuries. Indigenous people

Wisdom... let's include it!

by Margaret DeStefano

all over the world referred to as the local wisdom. Long before the "natural and organic" buzzwords arrived, they would make use of clams’ shells or rice grain mixed with herbs like turmeric to make powder that would protect their skin from the scorching sun.

Local wisdom also included activities to manage their natural resources. For example, many indigenous coastal communities in Eastern Indonesia implement Sasi Laut that allows fishing in certain areas for about two weeks to three months and then closes for one to two years. This practice embodies the concept of marine conservation

and has been passed down from generation to generation. Globally, indigenous people constitute less than 5% of the world’s population. They should be included in finding solutions.

The integration of local wisdom would expand the existing varied concepts, and innovations on sustainability to be positively perceived, better understood, and well implemented. It would be wise to include indigenous communities to be part of climate and sustainability conversations.

They have solutions that have in some cases endured for centuries!

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

21

central coast

Marine Sanctuary

closer to reality

by Madeline Palaszewski

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is steps closer to becoming a reality, according to recent actions by officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At the end of 2021, NOAA advanced the proposed sanctuary to the “designation” phase, making it the first tribally nominated sanctuary in the nation. After forty years of region-wide advocacy, the sanctuary moved out of the nomination phase and public input was solicited. More than 30,000 expressed support for the sanctuary during an 83-day public comment period that ended on January 31, 2022. “The incredible outpouring of support for the Chumash Heritage sanctuary shows just how much people care about this incredible part of the world,” said Violet Sage Walker, Northern Chumash Tribal Council Chairwoman and the daughter of original

22

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

nominator Fred Collins. According to NOAA, the designation of a Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would protect the region’s important marine ecosystem, maritime heritage resources and cultural values of Indigenous communities, while allowing NOAA to manage compatible uses within its boundaries. The sanctuary would cover a 7,000 square mile area along 176 miles of the central California coast, adjacent to San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. It would sit in between the Monterey Bay and the Channel Islands marine sanctuaries.

After the public comments are analyzed, the sanctuary may move into the proposal stage and then NOAA makes a final decision and it is reviewed by California’s governor and Congress.

It will likely take about two to three years before any final decision is made, according to NOAA.

Eco-Kids corner

by Madeline Palaszewski

Taking care of our Earth is not child’s play, but children have an innate sense when it comes to caring for her. Spring and the celebration of Earth Day are perfect times to get the whole family involved. Here are some easy tips for making your family green this spring!

Try to increase how much you recycle each week. Teach your kids what is recyclable and make a game out of how little can be put in the trash bin. Plant a tree in your yard or participate in a tree planting at a local park. Kids love digging in the dirt and trees help reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. Have some fun saving energy! Teach your kids to turn out lights in rooms not being used. See who can turn out the most lights and the winner gets a special treat. Make sure to bring reusable bags to the grocery store. Have your child be in charge of reminding you to bring your bags. These are just a few of the ways you can lead your kids down the green path of life.

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

23

5 tips to successful

Thrift

Shopping Recycling is good, but reusing is even better. Here are 5 tips that will help you get started living a greener life by helping you get thrifty: 1. Know where to look: If you’re looking for specialty sports or other items, you might want to check out a used sports equipment store instead of the local thrift store. 2. Know what you’re looking for: Buying secondhand can save you a lot of money, but it can also waste time if you don’t know what you’re looking to find. Your search will be more successful if you’ve got a mission in mind. 3. Be open to new finds: Even 24

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

though your hunt will be best if you’ve got some direction, you never know when you might happen upon a vintage sewing machine that just needs a few screws and a new spool of thread.

4. Look for the diamond in the rough: Just because that retro toaster that’s on display is tarnished and has a ding or two, doesn’t mean it won’t work. Polish it up and tap out that ding and have some toast! 5. Keep coming back: Turnaround at such stores, mean that each week you’ll find a new array of used goods. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away. Instead, try again and be willing to wait it out.

yes, you can

Can! Try canning your favorite local fruits and veggies.

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.” Living on the Central Coast makes it easy!

Live Oak Music Festival @ El Chorro Regional Park, SLO June 17 - June 19, 2022 • Tickets @ LiveOakFest.org

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

25

how to have an

Earth-Friendly

Picnic...

by Margaret DeStefano

Having a picnic? Be sure to enjoy all the greenery... but don’t forget the “greening.” Here are tips to help you make sure your picnic is friendly to the earth.

Stick around: Choose a picnic site you can get to without a car — by walking, biking, hiking, or taking public transportation. Eat locally: For your menu, choose fresh, local foods, ideally ones grown organically or with minimal processing. Reuse it: Use washable and reusable utensils, tablecloths, napkins, thermoses, and

26

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

food containers Recycle it: Make it a waste-free event by recycling bottles, cans, and other materials. Be a savvy weather-watcher: Watch the clouds and learn about what they say about weather. Stay on trails: Don’t disturb plants and animals by going off trails.

Make sure kids play in designated areas. Bug off, naturally: Use lesstoxic insecticides, such as a citrus candle or incense, to keep bugs away.

Stop and look around: Take time to enjoy and explore the scenery. Bring field guides, binoculars, or a nature journal.

first of its kind!

Stability Initiative in SLO by Margaret DeStefano San Luis Obispo is the first U.S. destination to launch an urban reforestation sustainability initiative funded by local hotels. Through the new Keys for Trees program, part of the City's Climate Action Plan, the San Luis Obispo Tourism Business Improvement District will dedicate 1% of annual revenue to planting 10,000 trees throughout the community by 2035. The program is part of a partnership with the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (EcoSLO), a nonprofit dedicated

to protecting SLO's natural assets. With this new program, a portion of their hotel fees will go toward replanting trees, ultimately offsetting carbon emissions. Once planted, the 10,000 trees will offset more than 40 cars' worth of carbon produced during one year. This isn't SLO's first sustainability initiative. In 1990, it was the first city worldwide to ban smoking in public buildings, bars and restaurants. It also boasts the Palm Theater, America's first solar-powered movie theater.

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

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

27

28

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

a little

Secret about

Stress...

A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers that people called out ranged from 3 to 16 ounces. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And, that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work, or any other stressful situation down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow."

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

29

Glossary

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

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

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

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

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic science from India. Said to be more than 5,000 years old, "Ayur" means life and "Ved" means knowledge. Ayurveda is the study of longevity that offers healing, rejuvenation, and selfactualizing therapies utilizing diet, exercise, yoga, herbs, massage, aromas, meditation, mantras and tantras. Ayurveda tradition 30

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

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

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

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

CBD Oil is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain and inflammation. CBD oil has shown promise as a more natural way to alleviate depression and anxiety. It may help reduce symptoms related to side effects related to cancer treatment and recent research has linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meditation can be a state of focused or mindful attention, which can include the use of sitting posture, imagery, mantras, control of breath, and observation – all to allow thoughts

to emerge and pass without becoming engaged with them.

Organically Grown food is processed and grown without using pesticides, such as herbicides and insecticides, preservatives, colorings or radiation. Certified Organic Food is grown on land where no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides have been used for three years; where there has been an inspection by an independent third party; and the producer has provided documentation such as soil tests, a statement of intent, and an affidavit.

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

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

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

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

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

805.473.5064

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

31

grilled garlic

Artichokes Recipe: 2 large artichokes / 1 lemon, quartered / ¾ cup olive oil / 4 cloves garlic, chopped / 1 tsp salt / ½ tsp ground black pepper. Fill a large bowl with cold water.

Squeeze the juice from one lemon wedge into the water. Trim tops then cut in half lengthwise. Place into bowl of lemon water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add artichokes to boiling water, and cook for about 15 minutes. Drain. Squeeze the remaining lemon wedges into a medium bowl. Stir in the olive oil and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Brush the artichokes with a coating of the garlic dip, and place them on the preheated grill. Grill for 5 to 10 minutes, basting and turning frequently, until the tips are a little charred. Enjoy!

32

Solstice Green Directory - Spring 2022

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 variety of fresh local produce. Like fresh

by Kathleen Stout, M.A.

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 any one of their store locations in Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, or El Rancho Marketplace in Solvang 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 2886 Mission Dr • Solvang, CA • (805) 688- 4300 Open Daily 6am –10pm • www.CaliforniaFreshMarket.com

&

~ Marketplace ~

Fresh & Local Produce Boxes • Delivered to Your Home or Business •

,

Plus artisan items from our hand selected local partners

Organic Olive Oils • Signature Coffee Quick Pickling Kits & Spices • Culinary Salts & Spices Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice • Vegan Cream Sauces Gourmet Vinegars • Fresh Local Fish Ancient Grains • Nutritious Super Foods. or Weekly liveries kly De Bi-Wee equired R t c a r t No Con rst Box i F f f o 10 Save $ romo Code: with P

e

solstic

SIGN UP TODAY!

SLOVEG.COM • SERVICE@SLOVEG.COM

805•704•8230