Solstice Green Directory Winter 2021 Issue

Free

Winter 2021-2022

Greeting Bears...pg 8 Monarchs Numbers Soar...pg 16 Avoid Greenwashing...pg 26

Your Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

Feeding our community

by Diane Parnell

The SLO Food Bank is working harder (805) 238-4664. • If you are than ever to deliver on their caring challenged but keeping your head mission to serve our hungry neighbors above water, they are rooting for your in need during the global health crisis. success and are ready to help if you The grim reality we face in the wake need them. • If you are in a position of the pandemic is to help others, please There are currently donate to SLO Food the rising number of people struggling with more than twice as Bank. With every dollar, food insecurity in our many SLO County seven rumbling tummies community. will find relief in a healthy residents facing and nutritious meal. For food insecurity During these the price of one large as before the challenging times, SLO pizza, you can feed over pandemic.

Food Bank hopes to 100 hungry neighbors in be a lifeline for people need. who find themselves struggling with hunger. Their message to you is as Please consider helping SLO Food Bank simple as it is genuine: in their efforts to alleviate hunger for our families, our children, our seniors, • If you need help, they are here for and our neighbors in need. you. Visit slofoodbank.org or call

Once

destroyed,

nature's beauty cannot be repurchased at

any price. ~ Ansel Adams

no more

Denial...

It's unanimous. The last two years is causing us to rethink our lives. Some people might call it “biblical.” Fires raging across Australia and California, the unprecedented ferocity and frequency of hurricanes, and a locust plague in East Africa, just to mention a few. The pandemic has also dramatically changed our way of living. It has made us aware of our vulnerability.

This time, it's a virus. Next time, perhaps another extreme weather event like the tornado that ravaged Kentucky and several other states. So, despite the ongoing coronavirus situation, businesses and political leaders are taking sustainability more seriously. It's almost like we've gotten a preview of what it will be like to face a global crisis.

Consequently more and more customers are demanding business practices that are both ethical and sustainable. If better options do not exist, they may gradually disengage and eventually look for or create alternatives. People are now seeking information about company values before applying for a job. Becoming more sustainable will test us all, and for many it will mean changing established norms.

So here we are. It looks like we are having a dress rehearsal of what's to come if we don't listen to warnings of the consequences we may all face. The planet is sending us an SOS. It's an awakening moment. Like this pandemic, we are now realizing that we are truly ALL in it together!

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.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

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 Winter 2021- 2022

DIRECTORY 4 FEATURES Greeting Bears 8 Honey... Tell Me is it Real? 10 Small but Mighty Brussels Sprouts 11 Try These Home Energy Options 12 Roasted Butter Nut Squash Soup 14 Western Monarchs Numbers Soar 16 Shopping Sustainably 18 Working Remotely? Here are Some Tips 20 Boost Your Mental Health 21 Easy Tips on Living More Sustainably 22 New Year's Resolution You Can Keep 24 How to Avoid Greenwashing 26 Vegan Pumpkin Bread 32

Directory ANIMAL RESCUE Pacific Wildlife Care (805) 543-WILD (9453) On Call 365 Days per Year PacificWildlifeCare.org ASTROLOGY SLO Astrologers Contact at SLOAstrologers@aol.com On-going classes at the Gala Center, Palm St., SLO Please see display ad on page 29

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 13

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

ECO-FRIENDLY PEST CONTROL The Pest Posse Too (805) 550-2959 Eco-friendly chemicals used to control pests. thepestpossetoo.com Please see display ad on page 13

@solsticegreen

Like Us On Facebook!

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

Please see display ad on page 13

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 page 13

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

Please see display ad on page 19

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 13

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

DIRECTORY

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 17

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 – 10:00pm californiafreshmarket.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 13

Like Us On Facebook!

facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

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

805.473.5064

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DIRECTORY

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 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 & Thursday - 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 13

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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

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, SLO centralcoastparks.org PEST CONTROL The Pest Posse Too (805) 550-2959 Eco-friendly chemicals used to control pests. thepestpossetoo.com

Please see display ad on page 13

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

Please see display ad on page 31

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

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 – 10:00pm californiafreshmarket.com

DIRECTORY

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

Please see display ad on inside back cover

Please see display ad on page 30

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

Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine

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 11

Please see display ad on page 19

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 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

Looking to Volunteer in the New Year?

Help Us Help the Homeless!

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 - 3p) T/Th: UUSLO by Meadow Park (10a - 1p) W: Grover Beach People's Kitchen (11a - 1p) Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: ccgrether@gmail.com Visit website for more info: www.showerthepeopleslo.org

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Greeting Bears

standing sentry for 30 years!

by Diane Parnell

Where did they come from and why are they there? Out-oftowners ask this question, but even many locals don’t know the history of the bear statues at either end of Los Osos.

The idea came from Sylvia Smith, a long-time Los Osos resident and community activist who was inspired by similar bear statues she saw along the Klamath River in Northern California. Smith, now deceased, thought that a town known as The Valley of the Bears should have grizzlies as their mascot. She commissioned then-local artist Paula Zima for the project and rallied locals to donate to the cause. Zima created a fiberglass

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

full-size mockup and presented it on the lawn of a restraurant in Baywood Park on November 24th, 1991 to the excitement of the gathered donors.

The bears were then cast in concrete and installed in 1992. “Originally they were to be simple cast concrete, but the casting, done in another state and out of my hands, turned out quite badly,” Zima recalls. “I had to do a great deal of patching and then painted both bears to conceal the patches.”

The bears are easy to spot because of the paint and their formidable 42” height. One is located on the bridge on South Bay Boulevard, the other on Los Osos Valley Road. The pair has even found their way into the listings in Roadsideamerica.com attractions, drawing visitors who post fun photos of themselves with The Grizzly Greeters. If you haven't seen them for yourself, go take a look!

nominate your favorite south SLO county

Business of the Month!

Who would you nominate as a Business of the Month for South San Luis Obispo County? Think about local businesses that contribute to the economy, provide jobs, and demonstrate leadership. Many of these local leaders also invest time and money by giving back to our community.

Because this deserves recognition and celebration, South County Chambers of Commerce (SCCC) honors a Business of the Month. The Business of the Month is recognized in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter “South County Business News,” on social media, and at the Chamber’s monthly breakfast. The SCCC Businesses of the Month are automatic nominees for the SCCC Business of the Year Award. The SCCC Business of the Year is celebrated at the Annual Dinner and Recognition Awards in the fall. Please help us choose by nominating a local company. Visit southcountychambers.com and click on the Resources tab at the top of the page to nominate a business.

Reach over

30,000 Readers for only $ 109

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9

Honey...

tell me, is it real?

by Margaret DeStefano

You've seen them. Those jars and honey bears full of golden liquid. They're mostly not honey at all. It’s syrup that tastes something like the real thing.

Commercially processed honey has been heated to high temperatures, which destroys the wealth of nutrients it had when fresh out of the hive. It’s often diluted with water and highfructose corn syrup to make it more manageable, and to stretch the product out. Its valuable pollen is taken out by forcing it through tiny filters. The result is a liquid that’s pretty to look at but is pretty much dead. Here is what to look for: 1) Check the label. If the label

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states the name and contact details of an apiary close to home, you’re likely to have the real thing in your hands.

Also, labels that reveal the presence of additives reveal fake honey. 2) Real honey crystallizes over time, while honey diluted with high-fructose corn syrup stays pour-able forever. 3) Drop a little honey into a small bowl of tap water. If it dissolves right away, it’s fake. Real honey takes a good amount of stirring to melt. 4) Taste it. Can you taste more than one flavor, like different flowers or herbs? That’s real honey.

Fake honey only tastes sweet, with a little honey-like flavor.

behold the

Small but Mighty

Brussels Sprouts!

by Katy Budge

These members of the cabbage family pack a lot of nutrition into their tiny packages. While being low in calories, they’re high in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and Vitamins C and K. Sadly, according to a 2008 survey, Brussels sprouts are among the most hated vegetable in America. If you’re someone who feels that way, chances are you haven’t had them properly prepared. If they’re overcooked, they’re mushy and smell like sulfur.

Undercooked, and they’re fibrous and tough.

Here are some tips to unlock the best from your Brussels. Buying: Look for small, compact sprouts. These will be sweeter and tenderer than larger sprouts. If you can buy them on the stalk (yes, they grow on long, tall stalks!), they’ll last longer. Preparing: Trim the tougher ends off, and peel off any outer leaves that look brown or yellow. Cut the sprouts according to

how you’ll be eating them – i.e., whole or half for roasting, quarters for stirfrying, finely chopped or even shaved for raw salads. If you are roasting your Brussels, consider a quick parboil – that will get the insides moving towards tender before the outside is submitted to the high heat that results in the tasty, crispy outside leaves. Roasted sprouts also take well to various seasonings, especially balsamic vinegar and/or blue cheese crumbles! Brussels sprouts can also ably sub for their cabbage family members. Think about them when making cole slaw, braised sausage dishes, and even colcannon – the traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage.

And finally … yes, they are called Brussels– capital B and plural – sprouts. They’re named for the Belgian capital due to their extensive cultivation there as early as the 13th century.

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try these

Home Energy options!

As climate change takes center stage, it's time to take a look around our house to see what small changes can help reduce our carbon footprint. Here are a few tips to help the planet and cut costs on energy bills: 1) Swap a gas range for an electric option. Gas cooking can waste 34% more energy than cooking with electricity. 2) Opt for an energy starcertified fridge that cuts the energy use down by nearly 50%. 3) Change out old incandescent light bulbs in favor of LED bulbs that cost less and use 90% less energy. 4) Water heaters can make up 30% of a household's total energy cost, more than all other major appliances like the fridge, dryer and dishwasher combined. Check out a new energy-efficient model made with new technology. 5) Add weather stripping around windows to keep the draft out and heat inside the house. Especially with older windows, weather stripping can help with energy savings as a whole.

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by Margaret DeStefano

healthy and easy

D.I.Y. Facial Masks!

Face masks are an easy personalcare product you can make yourself, saving you money and packaging waste, and maybe even using good leftover food you have in your kitchen. Dry Skin Mask: If you have half an old avocado hanging around, mash it up and combine it with a

teaspoon of honey. Spread the mix over your face and wait for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm (not hot) water. Oily Skin Mask: Mash up half a banana with a tablespoon of yogurt (yes, it can be a vegan yogurt or animal-milk version). Apply to your face and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

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

We use eco-friendly materials that are family and pet friendly.

Alternate monthly maintenance Spiders • Mosquitoes • Ants Wasps • Fleas • Ticks

Culley Christensen Owner/Operator

805-550-2959 • thepestposse2.com

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

415 Morro Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay

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.

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13

Butternut Squash soup

roasted

Recipe: 2 medium sized butternut squash / 2 sweet potatoes / 1 sweet red onion / fresh thyme / 3 apples / 4 cubes of vegetable, chicken, or beef bouillon / ¼ tsp cinnamon / ¼ tsp nutmeg / ¼ tsp clove / 4 cups water / 4 tbsp olive oil. Preheat oven at 375°F. Peel butternut squash, remove seeds, and cut into chunky pieces.

Repeat for sweet potatoes. Place chunky butternut and sweet potatoes pieces on a tray with parchment paper, drizzle olive oil and toss. Roast in oven for 20-25 minutes at 375°F until squash is tender. Peel onion and

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

cut into small cubes. Peel and cut apples into chunks. Remove squash and sweet potatoes from oven once roasted. In a stock pot, drizzle olive oil and place your onion, apples, and red chili pepper on medium-high heat until browned. Lower heat of your pot and add nutmeg, thyme, water, and bouillon cubes. Transfer cut apples and roasted butternut squash to the pot and add cinnamon. Cover for 5-10 minutes and reduce heat to medium-low. Use hand blender until completely smooth.

green

Gift

The Pacific Wildlife Care Team enjoy a vegan pumpkin ice cream recipe from the pages of Solstice!

◀

ideas!

Plants or Garden

Accessories Out of gift ideas? Nothing is more sustainable than a plant which you can take care of and watch grow for many years to come. If you’re buying a gift for someone with a green thumb, it’s a good idea to get them a house plant or some accessories they can use around the garden such as tools, watering cans or similar. You could also get your friends who want to go into gardening a planting kit for their garden which they can use to grow their own vegetables, flowers, or plants.

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

western

Monarchs numbers Soar!

by Madeline Palaszewski

The number of western monarch butterflies counted in Pismo Beach and Pacific Grove sites is soaring this year. These increased numbers are more than welcome after the population reached an all-time low of 1,914 butterflies last year.

The official count of the migratory western monarchs took place during the 25th annual Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count. According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the final count won’t be out until January but its scientists estimate that over 50,000 individual monarchs returned to their overwintering sites in coastal California.

The low count of fewer than 2,000 monarchs in 2020 followed two years of

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record lows of under 30,000 butterflies each year. The number counted last year represents a 99.9% decline from the millions of western monarchs that overwintered in California in the 1980’s.

“We are overjoyed that migratory monarch butterflies have not disappeared from the western U.S.,” said Emma Pelton, a senior conservation biologist and western monarch lead for the Xerces Society.

“These early counts give us hope that, if we all work together, we can still bring western monarchs back.”

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats.

Eat

slowly!

You may be surprised to know that 2,500 people die from choking each year! One of the ways to avoid choking is to slow down while you're eating, and you may lose weight too! Remember, it takes up to 20 minutes for the stomach to process what you’ve eaten. Take deliberate bites. Honor the meal and the effort it took to make it.

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 17

Shopping

sustainably!

by Margaret DeStefano

Birthdays, holidays, and just in general, we all buy gifts for friends and loved ones throughout the year. It's important to think about the person we're buying for and what they would like to receive.

Would they buy it for themselves?

As much as possible buy from local merchants. Here are some tips: 1) Think about the gifts and products you buy through a sustainable lens.

What material is it made from?

Where was it manufactured and how far has it traveled? 2) Research the brand you’re buying. Are they doing anything towards being sustainable?

3) If buying locally, it’s always more sustainable to walk or travel there rather than get the item delivered.

4) If you’re shopping online, try to shop from as few retailers as possible, instead of getting individual items from many different retailers so there is less packing. 5) Plan your shopping and don’t rely on next day delivery. 6) Use sustainable alternatives to wrapping paper or recyclable wrapping paper. Reusable bags are a great idea!

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

A Membership Makes A Great Gift!

Club use included w/spa service

Relax by one of our pools

Or take a fitness class!

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

◀

DIY seasonal candle wrapped in cinnamon sticks!

RECYCLE & REUSE!

Carmen Green

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

cgreenrealestate.com • 805.441.7370

◀

DIY festive pomander made with an orange and cloves!

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

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Working Remotely? here are some tips!

by Margaret DeStefano Working from home is the new reality.

To help remain productive and reduce stress while working from home, here are some helpful tips: Designated Work Space: This can be an office, living room, or desk in a bedroom.

Having an area that is set up with all the tools you need to be productive and that limits distractions will help keep you focused. Your Schedule: Without a routine, it can be difficult to separate home-life from work-life. Set up a schedule you can follow. When to wake up, get ready, check e-mails, take your regular breaks and lunch, and be sure 20

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

to disconnect when your workday is over. Automate Calls: In case you step away from your workstation, having a system to have calls answered.

Explore flexible and reliable automated programs that can ensure every incoming call will be received and redirected if needed. Sun and Fresh Air: If you can, take a break and step outside for a breath of fresh air. Isolation can be tough, but a bit of sunlight goes a long way. Stay Connected: From phone calls, emails or texts, a bit of human connection is certainly essential for business and personal health.

3 easy ways to Boost your

Mental Health!

by Margaret DeStefano

Taking care of your mental and emotional health is a crucial part of wellness. Here are some helpful tips: 1) An Australian study proved that looking at cute photos improves your mental health. Turn on a nature documentary, follow some new animal accounts on social media, or if you can, take a trip to your local SPCA and pet some puppies. You might even decide to adopt one. 2) Studies have also shown that exposure to nature, going outside in general, and getting exercise are sure-fire ways to boost your mental health. And in addition to improving your well-being, it improves your cognition and memory, so chances are, the quality of your work might benefit from a trip from your desk every once in a while. Take a walk, go for a jog, or simply sit in the park, you'll definitely feel better afterwards, and if you have a dog, they'll thank you, too. 3) Reading is another great way to take some time for yourself, learn something new, and reset your mind.

You can find a list of incredible books about going zero waste or becoming more sustainable, if you're looking to improve your life on the planet too.

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easy tips on

Living More Sustainably!

by Margaret DeStefano

The average American’s personal carbon footprint is 16 tons.

That’s four times greater than most other individuals across the globe. To align with the goals of the Paris Agreement, each of us needs to reduce our carbon footprint to four tons by 2030, and two tons by 2050. By pulling a few key levers in our lives, we can easily meet those goals.

Three impact categories make up between 70 and 75 percent of our personal carbon emissions today. Those include travel and transportation (what mode we use to complete our daily activities), what type of energy we source, and what kind and how much food we eat. By focusing on these three categories and making meaningful changes within them, we can reduce our carbon footprints to four tons annually, significantly earlier than 2030. Here are a few easy energy saving tips: Walk. If you have errands to do that are possible within walking distance, try ditching your 22

Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

car completely. Walk (or take public transportation) whenever possible to reduce carbon emissions, and get healthier. You have the added benefit of saving money as well.

Weatherize. 25 to 30 percent of household heating and cooling is lost through your windows. By air sealing your home doors and windows, you will reduce carbon emissions, stay more comfortable and save money on your heating and cooling bills. Transition. Greenhouse gas emissions of plant-based meals are, on average, 63 percent lower than the emissions of animal-based meals. The most carbon-intensive foods are beef, lamb and dairy. Try a non-dairy alternative and reduce meat consumption to shrink your carbon footprint, lessen land and water resources and pollution, and gain health benefits. Limit Food waste. Don’t be an average American who throws-away $1500 in uneaten food annually. Be the exception and become an exceptional leftover lover! Learn how to best store your food to keep it fresh longer

and make sure it is visible in your refrigerator. Buy Local. Community supported agriculture is a tangible way for individuals to see the value rural communities provide to urban dwellers.

Without our farmers, city residents would suffer pretty quickly in the event of an extreme weather event that disrupts their food supply chains. Eating what is grown locally, supporting farmers is a way to nourish the soil, the earth, and the humans that eat the food that is grown.

Countries, industries, and companies are increasingly declaring commitments to reduce their carbon emissions in-line with the goals of the Paris Climate Accord – zero carbon by 2050 and halving emissions by 2030. As individuals, we too can work toward these same goals with small actions we take in our everyday lives.

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23

New Year's Resolution

you can keep!

by Dr. Hepsharat Amadi

It's a yearly ritual for a lot of people. They make a New Year's resolution and they may carry it out for 2 – 4 weeks before reverting to their previous behavior. One of the most common resolutions is to lose weight. But the way a lot of people go about it, by making sudden extreme changes in their diet or food intake, is unsustainable over time. It is more realistic to make one change at a time until you become used to your new habit before making additional changes.

One of the reasons some people have been reluctant to change their diet is because they are afraid that if they do things like eliminate sugar or gluten, or cut down on meat consumption, they will feel deprived for the rest of their life.

Fortunately, that is not the case because over time their tastes change so that they actually don't want the foods they used to be attracted to before and instead prefer the food that they have gotten used to eating now.

What foods we like are largely a matter of habit. So focus on eating nutrientdense, organic, non-processed foods, drink plenty of water, and get a little bit of cardiovascular exercise daily, and you will see that your weight gradually trends towards what would be optimal for you in a way that is both sustainable and enjoyable. www.dramadi.com

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

vegan Eggplant parmesan Recipe: 1 eggplant, peeled, and sliced / 2 cups marinara sauce / 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese / 1 cup bread crumbs (seasoned or plain) / ½ cup almond milk (or egg replacer) / ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil / 1 tbsp chopped teaspoon basil / ¼ cup parmasan cheese (or vegan parmesan cheese) Preheat oven to 350°F. Layer a skillet with olive oil and heat on medium-high.

Dip eggplant slices in almond milk (or egg replacer), coat in bread crumbs and place in pan. Saute for a minute or so.

Remove when both sides are golden brown and crispy. Coat the bottom of a baking pan with marinara sauce.

Place a layer of eggplant and cover each with sauce, mozzarella cheese (or vegan) and sprinkle with the basil and parmesan (or vegan). Bake for about 35 minutes.

EASY Cinnamon baked apple chips

Recipe: 2 large apples, cored /1 tsp cinnamon. Preheat oven to 200°F. Thinly slice apples crosswise about ⅛ inch thick with a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.

Arrange apple slices in a single layer on baking sheets, that have been wiped with coconut oil.

Combine apples in a small bowl and mix with cinnamon. Bake until apples are dry and crisp, about 2 hours. Remove from oven and let chips cool completely before transferring to a sealed container.

Makes about 2 cups.

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25

How to Avoid "Greenwashing" is a common marketing ploy designed to make products seem more sustainable than they are. It's essentially a way to convince customers that a company is making positive environmental choices, often through eco-conscious terms designed to convince shoppers that the product is more natural, wholesome, or free of toxins than competitors.The term was first coined in the 1980s in an essay by environmentalist Jay Westerveld.

In this essay, he criticized the hotel industry's "save your towel" movement for preying on guests' environmental sensibilities. While this movement was disguised as a way for guests to help hotels conserve water and save the planet, it essentially only cut down on laundry

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

labor expenses for the hotel and made a minimal difference in water usage.

"Going green" sells. Companies are capitalizing on the movement by advertising as many eco-benefits for their products as possible, even when these claims get stretched beyond the point of believability. A 2015 Nielson poll found that two-thirds of shoppers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly goods and that half consider a product's sustainability before deciding whether to purchase.

By understanding greenwashing and learning to identify its signs, we can hold companies accountable and ensure those doing right by the planet stand out for their choices.

This will bring the entire marketplace

Greenwashing

by Margaret DeStefano

to a higher standard and help us all make better buying choices.

There are a few signs to watch for when learning how you can avoid greenwashing. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, some of the best ways to identify green marketing over greenwashing include the following: 1) Look for packaging that explains a product's positive environmental impact in plain language without using hype phrases.

2) The marketing claims should be clear on whether they refer to the packaging, the product itself, or a portion of either. 3) The marketing language doesn't overstate or imply a more significant environmental benefit than it could deliver.

4) When the product compares itself to another brand, it shows

evidence to substantiate it. 5) Seek out products with trusted third-party certifications, such as USDA certified organic, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Carbon Trust Standard for verified CO2 emissions.

Greenwashing may sound harmless, but it's not. It confuses consumers and distracts from actual eco-friendly products. Additionally, it spreads false information about what it takes to be sustainable and may convince well-meaning customers to make bad choices. The goal should be to enact marketing regulations that ban common greenwashing practices, thereby requiring companies to better substantiate any eco-friendly claims.

"Green" should be a way of life, not a fad to sell products.

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27

SLO Veg...

fresh healthy gifts Show you truly care by giving the gift of fresh local produce from SLO Veg! It’s a gift full of love and fresh farm goodness. As a family owned and operated produce delivery service on the Central Coast, it is SLO Veg’s mission to both serve the community as well as support local farmers.

Delight yourself or a loved one with a harvest box full of seasonal 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. SLO Veg's customizable harvest boxes are the perfect gift and 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.

Give a gift of farm fresh produce and seasonal fruits packed with vitamins and nutrients 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

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

every

Drop

in the

Bucket counts!

by Margaret DeStefano

When you think about climate change on a global scale, it’s easy to feel like your personal habits are insignificant. But every small step counts!

Water is a far more valuable resource than most people realize. Although water covers approximately 70% of our planet, only 1.2% of it is drinkable. Being smart with water usage is essential to keeping water pure and readily available while also protecting the planet. Here are a few tips to help curb water usage: 1) Install low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets. 2) Turn off the faucet while washing your face or brushing your teeth. 3) Fix leaks as soon as possible. 4) Consider alternatives to grass lawns. 5) Keep tabs on your water usage and consider a home water audit. 6) Put a bucket in the shower to catch grey-water and reuse it for other purposes. Collectively, our actions can and do make a difference!

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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29

Winter Treat no sugar crock pot

applesauce

Recipe: 10 apples, cored and sliced (without peels) / 1 tbsp cinnamon / ¾ cup apple juice, / ½ tsp sea salt (organic ingredients recommended).

Pour apples and apple juice into the base of a slow cooker. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt over apples.

Stir. Set slow cooker on high, and cook for about four-five hours. Stir occasionally.

Mashing may be required and can be done with a fork or potato masher.

 This American  Bioneers  Morning Cup

Life

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

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

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

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

31

vegan

Pumpkin Bread Recipe: 3½ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or gluten free) / 1 cup old-fashioned oats / 1 tbsp baking powder / 2 tsp each: ground ginger and cinnamon / 1 tsp each: baking soda and salt / ½ tsp ground cloves / 1 cup coconut milk / 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin (or fresh cooked) / ½ cup coconut oil / ½ cup applesauce / ½ cup brown sugar. Grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans with coconut oil and preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, oats, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and cloves in a large bowl. Meanwhile, whisk the coconut milk, pumpkin, coconut oil, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Gently beat wet ingredients into dry ingredients until smooth; divide evenly between prepared pans and bake until golden brown and a cake taster comes out clean, about 45 minutes (if after 45 minutes, bread is still not cooked through, turn heat down to 325°F and continue to check ever 5-7 minutes). Remove from oven, let cool for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife around the pan to loosen the bread and then turn onto a wire rack to cool. Slice and serve warm at room temperature.

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Solstice Green Directory - Winter 2021-2022

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

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