Issuu

Free

Summer 2018

Like to Eat? Then be Nice to Bees page 20 Why GMO Foods are Not Healthy page 38 8 Tips for Traveling This Summer page 25

The Central Coast Guide to Green and Healthy Living!

Bursts of gold on lavender melting into saffron. It's the time of day when the sky looks like it has been spray-painted by a graffiti artist. ~ Mia Kirshner

We WILL Persist... Anyway Climate change is likely humanityâ€™s greatest threat, and weâ€™re already experiencing its destructive and expensive impacts. Unfortunately the White House continues to reject what the scientific community readily accepts. There is a proposed 30% tariff on imported solar panels, proposed 72% cut to renewable energy research, and withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. The list goes on. By contrast, large tech companies and other enterprises are not only ramping up renewable energy purchasing, but are also setting timelines for 100% renewable-powered operations. In 2017, Google fulfilled its 100 percent renewable goal. Apple powers all its facilities with clean power and a notable number of its suppliers do too. Microsoft recently announced the largest purchase of solar power ever. According to an April 2017 report from the World Wildlife Fund, 63% of Fortune 100 companies have concrete renewable benchmarks in place. We thank them, and must conclude one simple fact: The signs are clear: Nearly 9,700 companies have committed to the United Nations Global Compact, more than 90% of the world's largest companies issue sustainability reports, and survey after survey shows businesses want to play a leading role in dealing and helping with climate change. While White House environmental policies carry real implications for our planet, they canâ€™t restrain sustainable corporate practices. Margaret Hennessy Founder/Publisher

Judes Kingsbury

Kathleen Stout

Nicky Bailey

Carolyn Biedinger

Diane Parnell, Margaret Hennessy, Madeline Palaszewski, Monte Allen

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

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

Founder/Publisher Margaret Hennessy

Marketing and Community Relations Madeline Palaszewski

Distribution

Monte Allen and Anthony Calandra

Graphic Designer Jenny Malott

Advertising Sales Madeline Palaszewski Nickey Bailey Kathleen Stout

Tech Support and Graphic Design Chris Maloney

Bookkeeping/Copy Editor Diane Parnell

Community Outreach Carolyn Biedinger

Reuse and Recycle Special Contributor Monte Allen

Solstice Publishing, LLC

4251 South Higuera Street, Suite 800 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 473-5064 www.slosolstice.com info@slosolstice.com twitter.com/slosolstice facebook.com/solsticegreendirectory

This publication is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

Solstice Green Directory provides an advertising service. We cannot warrant or guarantee any of the products or services advertised. All feedback is most welcome and will help us provide a better service for you. Solstice Green Directory reserves the right to accept or reject advertisers.

Contents The Solstice Green Directory Summer 2018

DIRECTORY 4 FEATURES Recycling Nicaragua-Style

Start Your Summer Garden

Oceans on the Brink

Like to Eat? Then be Nice to Bees

SLO County Bans Styrofoam

8 Tips for Greener Traveling

What is Acupuncture?

Gluten Sensitivity Vs. Celiac Disease

Forest Bathing: Tree Tours for Kids

G-Bombs! Foods to Eat Every Day

If You Want It...Give It Away

The Magnificent Spirit of the Horse

Why GMO Foods are Not Healthy

Save Eagle Rock!

Kids and Summer Safety

Get Your Grin On!

Cuesta College Goes Smoke Free

Why Acai?

Feeling Your Feelings

Upcoming Events

DIRECTORY

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

Please see display ad on page 11

Please see display ad on page 7

BUS SERVICE Regional Transit Authority (RTA) (805) 541-2228 RTA buses get you around the county 7 days a week! Talk Green. Live Green. Hop Aboard. www.SLORTA.org Please see display ad on page 52

Join The Green Team Looking to increase sales staff! Part-time. Generous commission. Sales experience preferred. Offices in San Luis Obispo.

Immediate availability. Sales Support & training. solstice222@aol.com 805.473.5064

CLEANING Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St., #140 San Luis Obispo Please see display ad on page 21

Olivia’s House Cleaning (805) 459-3699 Residential & Commercial Eco-Friendly Products Available sloolivia@sbcglobal.net CLOTHING & BAMBOO Bambu Batu • (805) 316-1233 The House of Bamboo 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo 93401 www.bambubatu.com Organic natural products for your conscious lifestyle Please see display ad on page 33

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

DIRECTORY

COMPUTER CONSULTING/TRAINING KCBX.net • (805) 781-2580 Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Quickbooks and more. 4100 Vachell Lane San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.kcbx.net COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICE Go! Computer Services www.go-cc.com (805) 704-0833 More Than a Tech. More Than a Tutor. On-Site Help for Your Computer! Repair, Refurbish, Recycle, and More! Please see display ad on page 9

CREDIT UNIONS SESLOC Federal Credit Union (805) 543-1816 A not-for-profit, depositor owned, financial institution serving all who live, work, worship or attend school on the Central Coast. 3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 705 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles; 2506 South Broadway, Santa Maria www.sesloc.org Please see display ad on back page

CUISINE www.CasaFestiva.com “Exploring the culture of cuisine!” Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 20

DENTAL Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com Please see display ad on page 31 6

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

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

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 28

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Carstairs Energy • (805) 904-9048 Residential & Commercial Title 24 Energy Compliance title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 28

ENERGY WORK / ENERGY MEDICINE The Healing Works • Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Shaman, Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org Please see display ad on page 29

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 28

DIRECTORY

EVENTS California Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 15, 9am to noon 30 locations to choose from in SLO County! For More Information visit ecoslo.org/coastal-cleanup-day Please see display ad on page 17

GLUTEN-FREE DINING Lolo’s Mexican Restaurant (805) 772-5686 Food to Go • Catering • Gluten Free/ Vegan Available 2848 N. Main St., Morro Bay, CA Please see display ad on page 30

GREEN FLOORING Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600 181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 29

HEALTH / DETOX Pacific Dental Excellence (805) 929-6814 Dentistry dedicated to protecting your total health. www.pacificdentalexcellence.com Please see display ad on page 31

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in Cambria (805) 801-2547 Host -Vegan Chef Annie Keohane Lodging Available Please see display ad on page 34

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

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 33

Please see display ad on page 23

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

Call Gregg now (805) 975-5334

www.calcoasttrade.com

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

DIRECTORY

working for Smart Energy Solutions...

Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club P.O. Box 15755 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (805)543-8717 sierraclub8@gmail.com www.sierraclub.santalucia.org

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 23

HOME ENERGY RATING SYSTEM TESTING Carstairs Energy • (805) 904-9048 HERS I & II Ratings title24@yahoo.com www.carstairsenergy.com Please see display ad on page 28

INSURANCE BROKER Yvonne Fisher Insurance Services, Inc. • (805) 586-2556 Go to YvonneFisherInsure.com for Insurance Quotes Please see display ad on page 25

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Branches of Wellness (805) 481-1035 South County Office 113 North Mason St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 North County Office 8575 Morro Rd. Ste. B and C Atascadero, CA 93422 www.branchesofwellnessacupuncture.com Please see display ad on page 27 8

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

JANITORIAL Coastline Cleaning Company (805) 400-5433 Commercial • General Office • Post Construction • Residential coastlinecleaning@ymail.com 3765 S. Higuera St., #140 San Luis Obispo Please see display ad on page 21

Olivia’s House Cleaning (805) 459-3699 Residential & Commercial Eco-Friendly Products Available sloolivia@sbcglobal.net JUICE BAR Sunshine Health Foods/Shine Café (805) 772-7873 Whole Food Market & Organic Cafe 415 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay Please see display ad on page 23

LAND CONSERVATION Morro Bay Open Space Alliance Preserving and enjoying the special places around Morro Bay PO Box 1029 Morro Bay, CA 93443 mbopenspace.org Please see display ad on page 39

LANDSCAPING Carmichael Environmental (805) 801-6956 Landscape Design & Build Sustainable Outdoor Living Solutions www.carmichaelenvironmental.com Please see display ad on page 15

Elationscapes (805) 400-4999 Ecological landscaping and permaculture design elationscapes.com Please see display ad on page 19

Please see display ad on back page

MASSAGE Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage (805) 546-8660 Aromatherapy, too! 1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com

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 Morro Bay Open Space Alliance Preserving and enjoying the special places around Morro Bay PO Box 1029 Morro Bay, CA 93443 mbopenspace.org

DIRECTORY

LOANS SESLOC Federal Credit Union (805) 543-1816 A not-for-profit, depositor owned, financial institution serving all who live, work, worship or attend school on the Central Coast. 3807 Broad St., SLO; 1399 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande; 8380 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 705 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles; 2506 South Broadway, Santa Maria www.sesloc.org

Please see display ad on page 39

Sierra Club-Santa Lucia Chapter (805) 543-8717 547-B Marsh St • San Luis Obispo santalucia.sierraclub.org Please see display ad on page 8

Please see display ad on page 46

MEXICAN FOOD Lolo’s Mexican Restaurant (805) 772-5686 Food to Go • Catering • Gluten Free/ Vegan Available 2848 N. Main St., Morro Bay, CA Please see display ad on page 30

NON-PROFIT California Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 15, 9am to noon 30 locations to choose from in SLO County! For More Information visit ecoslo.org/coastal-cleanup-day Please see display ad on page 17

Central Coast State Parks Association • (805) 548-0390 CCSPA supports interpretation, education, and volunteer efforts in local state parks. 1124 Nipomo Street, Suite B, San Luis Obispo centralcoastparks.org Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

DIRECTORY

NON-PROFIT CONTINUED SLO Green Build • (805) 286-0072 Non-profit green bldg education & support • www.slogreenbuild.org NOTARY PUBLIC/MOBILE NOTARY Yvonne Fisher Insurance Services, Inc. • (805) 586-2556 Go to YvonneFisherInsure.com for Insurance Quotes Please see display ad on page 25

NUTRITION The Healing Works • Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Holistic Nutritionist, Shaman, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org Please see display ad on page 29

Plant-Based Culinary Retreats in Cambria (805) 801-2547 Host -Vegan Chef Annie Keohane Lodging Available Please see display ad on page 34

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 23

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Kathryn A. Perry, D.O. (805) 548-8490 777 Pismo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 816 Main Street, Suite D Cambria, CA 93428 Please see display ad on page 43

PARKS & RECREATION Central Coast State Parks Association (805) 548-0390 CCSPA supports interpretation, education, and volunteer efforts in local state parks. 1124 Nipomo Street, Suite B, San Luis Obispo centralcoastparks.org

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

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

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

Please see display ad on page 19

Please see display ad on page 23

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

DIRECTORY

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

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 43

Please see display ad on page 20

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

REFLEXOLOGY Carol Dawn’s Reflexology & Massage (805) 546-8660 Aromatherapy, too! 1171 Toro St., Suite B, San Luis Obispo www.caroldawnsreflexology.com Please see display ad on page 46

KCBX FM Public Radio (805) 549-8855 Symphonies, jazz, daily news & transforming stories Streaming live on the Internet at www.KCBX.org Please see display ad on page 50

R. Barkley & Associates

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

Robert C. Barkley Certified Public Accountant

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

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

DIRECTORY

SHAMANISM The Healing Works • Brenda Keeney (805) 478-1223 Holistic Nutritionist, Shaman, Medical Intuitive 405 E. Branch St. #107 Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.thehealingworks.org Please see display ad on page 29

SHOES The Shoe Tree • (805) 773-5571 Personalized shoe fitters featuring the most popular brands. 801 Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 www.shoetreeinc.com Please see display ad on inside back cover

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

TRANSPORTATION Regional Transit Authority (RTA) (805) 541-2228 RTA buses get you around the county 7 days a week! Talk Green. Live Green. Hop Aboard. www.SLORTA.org Please see display ad on page 52

WATER CONSERVATION Carmichael Environmental (805) 801-6956 Landscape Design & Build Sustainable Outdoor Living Solutions www.carmichaelenvironmental.com Please see display ad on page 15

ZERO WASTE Eco Club Five Cities (805) 489-9696 Find out how to “zero waste” your event! Items recycled • Food stuff composted anita@missetiquette.com Please see display ad on page 20

Please see display ad on page 33

SUSTAINABLE FOOD & WINE www.CasaFestiva.com “Exploring the culture of cuisine!” Sustainability • Fun • Food & Wine Please see display ad on page 20

Reach over

30,000 Readers for only $ 109

TILE Matt Clark Tile & Stone (805) 543-7600 181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140, SLO www.mattclarktile.com We carry beautiful environmentally friendly products Please see display ad on page 29

www.slosolstice.com 12

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

Recycling Nicaragua-Style

By Diane Parnell

“Recycling turns things into other things. Which is like Magic.” ~ Anonymous Pine needles. They prick our feet when we walk in the woods, and get caught in the teeth of our rakes in the fall. Here in the U.S., they are a fire hazard and a nuisance. In the mountains of northern Nicaragua, the attitude toward pine needles is very different. There, a women’s co-op recycles pine needles to earn money to support their families. They forage on the forest floor, selecting the longest, thinnest needles, then sit at long tables in the open, cinder-block co-op building, laughing and chatting as they weave colorful threads together with the pine needles to create unique and functional baskets. I had the good fortune of visiting the co-op while in Nicaragua helping to build a school house recently. I found the harsh living conditions of the mountain people humbling. Houses constructed from bits of wood, crumbling adobe, and sheets of black plastic. Rusted tin roofs and dirt floors. No plumbing or electricity. And yet, it wasn’t what they didn’t have that struck me most. It was what they did have. These women had the awareness to recognize the beauty in a single pine needle, and the talent to turn that beauty into a work of art. And in the process, they are feeding their families from the proceeds of their basket sales. Now, that’s recycling at its finest! Tell them you found them in Solstice! • www.slosolstice.com

Carmichael Environmental...

it's only natural

Carmichael Environmental was started in 2001 by Joshua Carmichael as an outlet for his passion of art, science, and love of the natural world. The firm specializes in creating sustainable land use strategies for residential and commercial property development, as well as small farms, vineyards, wild lands, and community parks. They create custom outdoor living spaces and beautiful gardens on the Central Coast...and do it all naturally. Carmichael has many years of experience in environmental consulting, green building, and community outreach projects. He is a local community organizer and leader, environmental steward, and longtime resident of San Luis Obispo County. His team is made up of Cal Poly horticulture and landscape architecture graduates and others focused on improving our environment with a hands-on approach. Together they have created several ecologically friendly landscape projects statewide and are also available to conduct workshops, lectures, nature hikes, and other educational events. Services Provided include: Construction Drawings, Organic Orchards, Outdoor Dining Venues, Vegetable Production, 3D Rendering, Custom Fire Pits, Custom Water Features, Drafting, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Garden Design, Gazebo Design & Construction, Hardscaping, Shed Design & Construction, Site Planning, Deck Design, Landscape Design, Landscape Plans, Patio Design, Pool Landscaping, Edible Gardens, Organic Gardens, Pond Construction. Areas Served: Atascadero, Cayucos, Harmony, Los Osos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Edna, Pismo Beach, Santa Margarita, Paso Robles. Carmichael Environmental provides sustainable outdoor living solutions to residential, commercial, and municipal clientele with an ecologically conscious and creative approach to inspire harmony with our surroundings while conserving valuable economic, social, and environmental resource. Call Josh: (805) 544. 3214 www.carmichaelenvironmental.com

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

Start Your Summer Garden! By Josh Carmichael Summer is here and it is a great time to plant your summer vegetable garden. We use mostly "starts" to create a diverse and delicious assortment of herbs, flowers, and veggies to use in your kitchen from summer into fall. Summer crops include cucumbers, eggplants, hard and soft squash, hot and sweet peppers, melons, potatoes, and tomatoes along with any herbs and flowers you enjoy having around. We enjoy including edible and medicinal flowers like calendula, marigold, pansies, and nasturtium. Sunflowers make great poles for polebeans, while

tomatoes and basil benefit being planted closely together. After you have planted your veggie starts, water them in well. We suggest using drip irrigation to minimize water waste and to get the water straight to your planted areas. Most of the plants will be harvestable until November in our climate. One of the few problems you will face with a summer garden is overabundance, so be prepared to share your food with friends and neighbors. Get creative with recipes and keep in mind that pickling and jarring will be great for keeping your foods longer.

Tell them you found them in Solstice! â€˘ www.slosolstice.com

Achievement House expanding it's services

by Kelly Riddle Achievement House, Inc. is an original Central Coast non-profit organization that has served adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1957. We have several locations around the area that employ the individuals we serve, including thrift stores,

by the talented individuals we serve (and 100% of sales go directly to the artist!) The back half of our AG location is a beautiful open art studio full of a wide range of art materials. We create original work with paint, clay, beads, fabric, mosaic tile, paper, and found objects, and we repurpose furniture and clothing donated to the store. At Achievement House, you will find friendly spirits, beautiful home dĂŠcor, unique clothing and jewelry, and most importantly, the opportunity to provide positive support to the individuals we serve. Achievement House, Inc. Boutique & Art Studio 1446 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 202-3066

e-waste facilities, mailing services, shredding, a huge nursery, and a cafe! Our new Arroyo Grande-based bargain boutique and art studio is a facility dedicated to supporting our mission by offering employment and artist opportunities. Our boutique is a quaint and cozy shop filled with pre-loved carefully curated designer clothes and high-end items at affordable prices. You will also find one-of-a-kind artwork for purchase

Oceans

on the

Brink by Madeline Palaszewski

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ~Jacques Cousteau Our oceans are in deep trouble. This is not a new issue but has become dire as the earth warms to levels never seen before. Covering more than 70 percent of our planet, oceans are arguably our most valuable natural resource. Most of life on earth, from the smallest algae to the largest blue whale lives in the oceans. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, our oceans are being bombarded with pollution from dangerous carbon emissions to choking plastic to leaking oil to constant noise. The Trump administration has made it clear that protecting our oceans is not on its agenda. In fact, the administration has rolled back many

regulations designed to protect our oceans. What can you do? As citizens of our communities and of the world, we need to support organizations and do our part in protecting our oceans. Globally, organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and Ocean Conservancy are at the forefront of fighting for our oceans and environment. Locally, Surfrider Foundation, ECOSLO, Environmental Defense Center and Coalition to Protect San Luis Obispo County are working toward cleaner oceans and communities. Check out their programs and see how you can be part of the solution this summer.

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

Vermicompost By Blaze Elation Vermicompost. Do you want to compost but feel like it is too messy and too much work for your little house or apartment? A vermicompost bin may be the solution to your dilemma. Vermicompost, also known as worm compost, is a simple, low maintenance form of composting that can be done in a plastic, ordorless bin under your kitchen sink. Red wigglers are a special kind of worm that, unlike your typical garden earthworm, live in high density and do not burrow. These worms are perfectly suited for compost bins as they can eat half their weight each day and turn it into dark, wonderful castings that do wonders for the garden. To make the bin, all you need is a plastic tub with holes punched in the bottom, a lid, and a tray to sit it on. Shredded paper can be added on the bottom as a base, then about one pound of worms. Each day, or once a week, add your kitchen waste. The only things that the worms should not be fed are citrus, onions, meat, and dairy. They love coffee grounds, paper products, and vegetable scraps. The bin should be kept slightly moist, but not soaked. As you add material to the top of the bin, the worms will come to the surface to eat. Eventually the top layer (full of worms) can be removed to harvest the finished compost on the bottom. Then repeat. It is simple, clean, effective, and so much fun! Give it a try!

My name is Blaze Elation... a Central Coast

native with a passion for all things botanical that contribute to the complex beauty of our ecosystem. My company is Elationscapes. Permaculture and sustainable land management are one side of what we do. We design and install livingscapes, food forests, and gardens for homeowners or businesses. On some days you may find us tending to bee boxes, installing owl boxes, or restoring riparian areas, and on other days creating designs that provide a comfortable place to consider and admire the beauty of our surroundings. We do not accept the notion that we are separate from the environment; rather, we embrace the fact that we are a very important part with huge potential to either degrade or improve. At Elationscapes, we choose to improve! We work with local property owners, vineyards and businesses to create a symbiotic relationship with their ecosystem. We strive to build soils, increase water retention and infiltration, create habitat for beneficial insects, and generally boost the health of the ecosystem. We support local business and strive toward a sustainable future for SLO County. This is all made possible by my talented and artistic co-designer Kelsey Day Karol and my wonderful crew of masons, master gardeners, and landscapers. And of course, my clients that want to have a relationship with their land or want to create that experience for their customers. Contact us at www.elationscapes.com.

build a relationship with your land specializing in

ecological landscaping + permaculture design

Tell them you found them in Solstice! â€˘ www.slosolstice.com

Like to Eat?

then be nice to

by Katy Budge Bees pollinate an estimated 30 percent of the plants that produce our food and beverages, so here are three easy ways you can give them a boost. 1. Avoid using insecticides and pesticides containing neonicotinoids. These compounds are present in most insect-killing products for agricultural applications, backyard gardens, and pet products. (Check the list at centerforfoodsafety. org.) While neonicotinoids have (so far) proven safe for larger vertebrates such as people and pets, they are fatal to invertebrates, as in insects – and not just those that are the “target” of the insecticides, but

Bees!

also pollinators such as bees. Even limited use of these products can be harmful. Neonicotinoids are persistent travelers, hitching rides on wind, dust, ground water, and via plant pollen, nectar, sap, and dead leaves. Even aphids can transmit neonicotinoids via their “honey dew” (excrement), which bees often collect. 2. Plant for the bees. Choose flowers that attract bees and give them pollen sources. (Some such as lavender and rosemary are even drought-tolerant.) You’ll not only be helping the bees, but their pollination efforts will likely boost your own gardening efforts. However, check to make sure the plants haven’t already been treated with neonicotinoids, especially if

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 20

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

you buy from big-box stores. Most corporations are phasing out the sale of such seedlings, and labelling efforts are underway. But if in doubt – ask, or source from a nursery you know doesn’t sell treated starter plants. 3. Provide water sources. Busy bees need water to produce honey and to cool their hives. Any container of fresh water will do as long as it provides some sort of easy access so the bees won’t drown – edges that gently slope to the water, for example, or toss in some marbles or wine corks that can be used as landing areas. Given all that bees do for us, it’s really not asking a lot that we get buzzy helping them too!

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

hey, what will you do

This Summer?

It's summer and the kids are out of school, maybe bouncing off the walls or shrieking "I'm bored." If summer camp isn't an option, you may be looking for new ideas. Here are 11 ideas for your summer "to do" bucket list which will create memories that they'll have for a lifetime, or at least for that first day of school when they're asked "what did you do this summer?" 1) Visit a farmer's market and try a new fruit or veggie (easy on the Central Coast!) 2) Have a picnic at a state park, and enjoy a lunch you prepare yourself with healthy snacks. 3) Visit a nature center and make a collage from nature objects you find along the way. 4) Plant a garden of herbs and veggies (you can do it in containers, and be sure to mark them!) 5) Collect all kinds of rocks and paint them to use as paperweights or pet rocks. 6) Set up a tent in the backyard to use as a summer playhouse, picnic spot or a special place to do some stargazing at night. Identify as many constellations as possible and see if there are any local astronomy groups for kids. 7) Make bird feeders by covering pine cones (go searching for them) with peanut butter and rolling in birdseed. 8) Visit a retirement home and read stories to the residents. They will love it. 9) Print out a list of award winning (Caldecott Medals) children's books. Visit the local library throughout the summer and try to read as many as you can. 10) Stage an A to Z scavenger hunt, where you have to find something that starts with every letter. 11) Last but not least, bake cookies for your own ice cream sandwiches. The combinations are endless! We hope this list has been an inspiration (grandma and grandpa too) in finding ways to enjoy time with the kids this summer. Keep cool and enjoy the summer!

8 tips

For Traveling greener this summer Going green while traveling doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all your favorite things or your comfort. Even the smallest amounts of action matter. Some small essentials that everyone could be better about during their travels include unplugging the chargers, re-using your towels, avoid using straws, throwing your trash away and recycling what you can. Of course, there are much larger steps to take in going green. Here are eight vital tips to go green while traveling: 1) Bring a reusable water bottle: That's a no brainer. No more throw away plastic bottles. 2) Save paper by using e-tickets: Go online and use your phone when you can to scan your airline or other entry tickets. 3) Turn everything off at home: Unplug all chargers and computers. 4) Eat local: Wherever you travel, eat local, you’ll be supporting farmers by eating their freshly grown food. 5) Choose reusable containers: This will save creating lots of unnecessary trash on your trip. 6) Use public transportation: when using public transportation, you get the feeling of living like a local. This will lower the number of people riding around in cars. 7) Buy sustainable accessories: You can go that extra mile to help save the Earth by choosing reusable containers and sustainable accessories made from recycled goods. 8) Get out and explore: Take walks to explore the new area and enjoy the people. Do it in an environmentally friendly way!

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Branching out... After 13 years of private practice, local acupunturist, Jenny Dull-Frost, L.Ac., is expanding to accommodate her patients and bring more specialty options at Branches of Wellness in Arroyo Grande and Atascadero. Jenny is dedicated to her patientâ€™s mind and body healing. Integrating her knowledge, experience, and intuition through acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbs and natural supplements, Jenny creates a personalized treatment to help each patient achieve improved whole body wellness, balance and vibrant health. Jenny has experience in digestive disorders, dermatological issues, womenâ€™s health (fertility, menstrual cycle balance, PCOS, endometriosis, perimenopause/ menopause), sports injury, candida cleansing, acute/chronic illness, acute/ chronic pain, lifestyle programs for detox and weight loss, and skin rejuvenation. Jenny is a California Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, as well as a Nationally Certified Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. She completed graduate training in China, with specialization in the areas of Gynecology and Orthopedics, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Wellness from Western State College (Colorado 1995) and her Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute (California 2005).

Introducing Naomi Brebes, L.Ac., a licensed Acupuncturist from San Luis Obispo practicing since 2006. She is board certified nationally by the NCCAOM and licensed by the state of California. She earned her Masterâ€™s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, CA. Naomi has been studying health, nutrition, and the healing arts for over twenty years and guides her patients to empower themselves to improve their health and increase their longevity. Naomi has experience in pediatrics, pain, insomnia, etc. Her love for helping women and their partners through their birthing process encouraged Naomi to become a DONA certified Birth Doula. She stays active with her love of dance, yoga, and ocean sports and enjoys the adventures of life with her four children and family. 26

what is

Acupuncture? by Jenny Dull-Frost L.Ac Every person has a complex energy channel system, called meridians, throughout the body, interconnecting our internal and external organs and body tissue. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is our vital force and flows through the meridians. The Qi leads the blood and creates circulation. Any blockage, excess, deficiency, imbalance, or derangement of the Qi flow may result in pain, dysfunction, and disease. An acupuncturist uses hair-thin needles or acupressure to stimulate acu-points along these meridians to unblock stagnation, improve Qi and blood flow, and to restore balance to harmonize our body systems. Ultimately, acupuncture sets the stage for our bodies’ innate ability to heal and repair itself. Who can receive Acupuncture? People of all ages from infancy to elderly. What syndromes does acupuncture treat? Musculoskeletal, neurological, gynecological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and many others like supporting detox, heart disorders, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, insomnia. Acupuncture supports preventative medicine as well. Acupuncture Objectives: Relieve pain and other symptoms, strengthen immune system, balance hormones, calm the mind, release stress. Balance, harmonize, and integrate the whole body and mind.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Combining energetic nutrition & functional medicine to achieve wellness

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805-481-1035 www.branchesofwellnessacupuncture.com Our Team: Naomi Brebes, L.Ac., Jenny Dull-Frost, L.Ac., Marisa Daniels-Frank (Office Manager) 27

how to make a

Green Smoothie In your blender put: 2 ripe bananas, peeled (yellow, not green) /1/2 cup of another fruit (pineapple, blueberry, apple, peach, mango) 1 1/2 cup fresh greens (3 kale or 3 chard leaves, or 1 handful spinach) 16 oz coconut water. If you like it sweeter add 2 or more fresh dates (with pit removed) Blend it up, just enough to make it smooth. (makes 32 ounces)

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Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: no flour or sugar!

Want a no guilt, healthy breakfast treat that tastes great? Here it is. Mix 3 mashed bananas (ripe) /1/3 cup apple sauce / 2 cups oats /1/4 cup almond milk /1/2 cup raisins /1 tsp vanilla /1 tsp cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Easy!

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SLO county moves to

Ban Styrofoam by Madeline Palaszewski Following in the carbon light footsteps of five of its cities, San Luis Obispo County will proceed with an ordinance that bans Styrofoam. In May, the Integrated Waste Management

skip the

Straws

Each year one million sea birds and 100,000 marine animals die from eating plastic. And most straws are used for only 20 minutes, but every day, 500 million straws are used in the U.S.! That's enough to circle the earth 2 times. Think about it: The plastic straw you use for 20 minutes will last forever in the environment. Each year, volunteers spend hundreds of hours 24

Authority Board voted 11 - 2 for its staff to draft an ordinance banning the sale and use of polystyrene. Polystyrene is commonly known as Styrofoam and is another type of plastic. According to the National Research Center, styrene is classified as a carcinogen. It is nonbiodegradable and is one of the main sources of pollution along coastlines and waterways. It is commonly used for take-out containers in restaurants. The five cities in SLO County that already have bans are San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Morro Bay and Grover Beach. The first draft of the ordinance will return to the board in September for review.

and pick up thousands of pounds of trash along our seacoast. Included in the mess are plastic straws. Can we shift to a more sustainable practice than single use plastic straws? Yes! We can each refuse a straw when asked at a restaurant, and opt to get a reusable one, and we can also start to practice "skip the straw" with our kids.

Say No

to non-organic potatoes! Just about everyone loves potatoes, right? But potatoes, the nation’s most popular vegetable are treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. If that's not enough, they are treated yet again, after they’re dug up to prevent them from sprouting. That's a lot of extra toxins you don't want. Test it for yourself. If you buy conventional potatoes, they won’t sprout. Buying organic potatoes is healthier and, only about $1 to $2 a pound more expensive than conventional spuds, that have been sprayed with chemicals, which are absorbed into the potato skin, and simply doesn't wash off.

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Gluten Sensitivity vs. Celiac Disease what's the difference...

by Kathleen Stout, M.A. Globally, the incidences of both Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity (GS) are increasing. GS is a less severe sensitivity to wheat, barley and rye and can cause symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, brain fog, lethargy, headaches, skin problems, and weight loss. Determining whether you have GS or CD requires antibody/ immune allergy testing to check for a wheat allergy or the actual autoimmune disorder, CD. Many individuals first practice the ‘elimination’ diet, however, and find their symptoms improve. Interestingly enough, more people are living with GS than CD. In a study by researchers at Columbia University wheat was found to trigger

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Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

a ‘systemic immune reaction and accompanying intestinal damage’ by individuals who did not have CD. It was hypothesized that the population of GS sufferers is much larger than those with Celiac, with the majority of sufferers being undiagnosed. The causes of Celiac disease are unknown, however, a peer-reviewed research paper by Dr. Anthony Samsel and Dr. Stephanie Seneff, found many of these gut disorders come from the chemical glyphosate, a derivative of the herbicide Roundup. Currently, Monsanto, the producer of Roundup, is embroiled in class action lawsuits claiming they were in possession of internal company memos highlighting the chemical’s toxic effects as a known carcinogen. With the increased use of Roundup on our crops and the resultant long lasting prevalence of this chemical in our environment, researchers noted, the incidences of Celiac disease and GS have increased. Many with hypersensitivity to wheat products follow a gluten free diet and find their many symptoms improve.

Small Bites... Unlike dry goods, which are suited to bulk purchase, perishables should be bought in small quantities for optimal freshness and flavor, and to avoid food waste. Americans send a shocking 30% of our food to the landfill, where it is packed in too tightly to biodegrade. About 32 million metric tons of it end up in municipal landfills, at a cost of about $1.5 billion a year to local governments. The problem is not limited to the United States. The report estimates that a third of all the food produced in the world is never consumed, and the total cost of that food waste could be as high as $400 billion a year. Reducing food waste from 20 to 50 percent globally could save $120 billion to $300 billion a year by 2030.

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Forest Bathing: a central coast tree tour for kids

by Kathleen Stout, M.A.

It's the first day of summer and parents are in search of engaging activities for the littles. A refreshing family outlet is 'Forest Bathing' or 'Shinrin-Yoku' in Japanese. The 'bathers' are advised to leave their goals, cellphones, and cameras behind and instead instructed to 'wander' among the groves. The practice of forest bathing has been shown to have immediate powerful effects: stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, and the achievement of a quiet and restful state. Forest Bathing with children not only teaches them the importance of preserving the natural environment, the children themselves experience the many health benefits. By spending some still 'quiet time' in nature the tree tour can be an experience in mindfulness, one that will have lasting

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

benefits for both parents and kids. The family can gather and share after the activity to talk about whether the 'benefits' outweighed the 'efforts.'

Tree Tour: 1) Los Osos Valley Oak Preserve 2) Fairy Tree/Dead end of Santa Ysabel Road/West 3) Montana De Oro 4) Black Hill Hiking Trail/Vista Point 5) Sweet Springs Preserve 6) San Simeon Cove/Penninsula By 'forest bathing,' you just might find, this summer you see things, in the words of Father Wordsworth, â€œWith the eyes of a child.â€?

healthy and

FUN to Eat!

If your little ones don't dig into their Swiss chard, lima beans or spinach, all great sources of potassium, consider offering them a serving of watermelon instead. It is a great source of potassium, which helps muscle and nerve function, helps maintain the body's proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure. Some foods are fun to eat, and watermelon is definitely one of them. It is packed full of nutrition, hydrates and is low-fat.

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G-BOMBS!

foods to eat every day by Annie Keohane Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of best-selling Eat to Live, coined this acronym to make it easy to remember the nutrient dense, plant-based foods that we should all include in our diets every day: Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries and Seeds (including nuts.) G-BOMBS! His recommendations are based on peer-reviewed studies and have helped thousands of patients heal through a high-nutrient diet. GREENS: low in calories, loaded with nutrients, greens are the most nutrientdense of all foods. BEANS: great for diabetics, beans also contain resistant starch which aid weight loss. ONIONS: a lot of the cancer fighting compounds are located close to the root end, so be sure not to toss that away! MUSHROOMS: have major healthpromoting and anti-cancer properties, a truly miraculous food.

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BERRIES: loaded with antioxidants, low in sugar - eat at least a half-cup per serving. SEEDS: (including NUTS): contain many minerals we often lack in our diets and are a nutritional powerhouse, eat raw and in small amounts. What makes this different from many other vegan diets is the focus on nutrient-dense foods. Processed vegan muffins, non-dairy cheeses and foods that are manufactured to look and taste like animal products are occasional treats, while soups, huge salads, steelcut oats with coconut yogurt, ground flax and berries, lots of veggies, and delicious nutrient-dense smoothies and desserts are the mainstays.

if you want it...

Give it away! by Margaret DeStefano Zig Ziglar says that if we will "help others get what they want, we will in turn get what we want." The medieval Jewish mystic, Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534-1572) one of the most influential, and remarkable Kabbalists of all time is said to have recited these words before praying each day. So, what do you want the most in life? Many people think that to get what you want you have to take it. There is a universal truth though that the true path to get what you want is to give. When you give, you get. Is it love? Is it respect? Is it joy? Is it money? Give it to others. You will be amazed at how it all comes back to you. The return may not come to you in the same day or even the same month, but watch for it. It WILL come back to you. For example, if I value encouragement, then I could write a note to someone who I appreciate. If I value forgiveness, then I could be understanding if someone is having a bad day and not on their best behavior. If I value respect, then I could show tolerance for someone else's opinion. And if I value love, then I could use every opportunity to display it for others, regardless of their response.This giving could also be material. If I value a warm coat, I could provide one to someone in need. If I value a delicious meal, I could cook for someone (or buy someone dinner). Be creative. Write down the things you value and proceed to give them away. You may be surprised at the result. Rather than resulting in deficits, the "return on investment" may leave you breathless!

the

Magnificent

by Judes Kingsbury

As a little girl growing up, my bedroom was a shrine to horses. The walls were filled with shelves holding horse statues of all colors and types. I had a subscription or two to horse magazines, and owned many books on horses. I created horse-focused collages. I drew horses all the time and had my horse art up on the walls. I was disciplined in school for drawing and writing about horses when I should have been listening to the instruction. I begged my parents to take me down the hill and around the corner from our house to the pony ride business where I could ride a pony three times around the corral for a set fee. I was completely horse crazy! Can you relate? I was fortunate enough to get my first pony at age 9, which lead to a long and fulfilling relationship with these majestic beasts. Horses are a quintessential representation of beauty, power,

tenderness, strength, grace, acceptance, and love. Horses have an inner nature that is wild, free, adventurous, and independent, yet they enjoy the company of family and friends, both equine and human. The horse has a spirit that is calm, loving, sensitive, peaceful, and willing to connect, cooperate, and surrender to a compassionate leader. Our attraction to these magnificent animals makes sense. Horses help to facilitate spiritual awakening and growth by teaching us about

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

Spirit of

the horse

the symmetry of rest and activity, the desire for sovereignty with a longing for community, and the harmony between eagerness for freedom and the need to be responsible. Horses in the wild represent boundless exuberance, balanced with real-time practicality, always alert to their own vulnerability. Safety and security are essential for the horse and for the human, and once fulfilled, allow inner freedom to express and share joy in the world. Horses respond brilliantly to kind, benevolent, gentle yet solid leadership they can trust. The way a horse interacts with a human has much to teach the human about their interpersonal skills and abilities. The willingness of the horse to connect with and acquiesce to a self-assured, confident, balanced leader is a prime example of the importance of proper communication. Mastering leadership is a fulfilling, rewarding effort worth

undertaking. Tuning in first to ourselves and then to each other with compassion, understanding, kindness, acceptance, and love will create a world in which we all want to live and contribute. Horses teach us life lessons in the behavior they exhibit in response to our temperament as we relate with them. I am eternally grateful for my relationship with the noble horse and wish everyone the magic and delight of being with these magnificent beasts.

Tell them you found them in Solstice! â€˘ www.slosolstice.com

Why GMO Foods are not healthy...

by Hepsharat Amadi, M.D.

Sometimes people who choose to avoid GMO foods are accused of being "unscientific" or of trying to hold back technological advances. However, they can be understood to be even more "scientific" than average, since they are demanding a higher level of safety and health for their food. The reason why GMO produce was invented was to allow produce plants to withstand higher amounts of pesticide application during the cultivation of the crops. These pesticides may no longer kill the plants, but there are no long term studies documenting the safety of these pesticides, that are concentrated in our livers. The plants genomes may have been modified to protect them from the effects of the pesticides but human beings genomes have not been! The theory by which Monsanto introduced genetically modified crops, was that it would ultimately lead to less pesticide use overall. However, as is usual in the natural world, pests underwent environmental selection for those that could withstand the pesticides, and thereby developed pesticide resistant bugs, which still require large 38

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

amounts of pesticide application to kill them. Glyphosate, the generic name for the Monsanto-invented chemical whose trade name is RoundUp, and which has been incorporated into the genome of the plant is a toxin that can be measured in lab testing of the blood. How interesting it would be if instead of rountinely testing for cholesterol, doctors routinely tested their patients for glyphosate levels?

Save Eagle Rock! by Kathleen Stout, M.A. The “Save Eagle Rock/ Cerrito Peak” campaign kicks off with Morro Bay Open Space Alliance. Morro Bay Open Space Alliance has begun a campaign to preserve ‘Eagle Rock,’ a sacred site to our native Salinian tribe and also one of the volcanic domes (Cerrito Peak) that make up the Seven Sisters Mountain Range in San Luis Obispo. The tribe has registered the site with the California Native American Heritage Commission’s Sacred Lands Inventory, therefore, Eagle Rock (Cerrito Peak) is considered a ‘recorded sacred site’ and is spiritually significant to the Salinian people. Patti Dunton, Salinian Tribal Office Administrator, put on a presentation to a receptive crowd, May 20th at the Vet’s Hall in Morro Bay to discuss the expansive history of the Salinian tribe along the California coast. She discussed the importance of preserving sacred sites. Because the property was almost sold to developers, the City of Morro Bay purchased it to prevent it being sold for a housing development. The newly formed nonprofit Morro Bay Open Space Alliance has begun a campaign to raise the funds to purchase the space from the city in order to preserve the peak from

any future development. By supporting the MBOSA community members can contribute to the preservation of this valuable environmental and cultural area and ensure the Salinian tribe’s sacred spaces along the central coast are protected. For more information, contact Glenn Silloway at the Morro Bay Open Space Alliance’s website: www.mbopenspace.org. To contact the Salinian Tribe, visit their website: www.salinantribe.com Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of current and future residents and visitors through the conservation of open space in and around MorroBay

www.mbopenspace.org

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

Kids and Summer by Margaret DeStefano

Most of us are getting ready for a sizzling summer. There's nothing more fun than playing with summer toys on a hot summer day. Here are some helpful tips: Trampolines: According to Parents Magazine, trampoline use is involved in about 92,000 injuries every year. If you decide to have one at home, choose one with an enclosure and make a rule that only one child may use it at a time. Playhouses: Inspect playhouses

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

and tree houses. If your tree house or play house is in poor shape, take some time to repair it. Pay special attention to structural integrity, nails or screws that may be sticking out, and mold or mildew that may have grown while it wasn't in use. Toy Recalls: Check for toy recalls that may affect outdoor items. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps a list of all current recalls, so check it regularly to see if any of your summer toys are affected. Water Slides: For water slides and other similar toys, it's a good idea to perform a beginning-ofsummer inspection for sharp edges. Sometimes, wear and tear can expose sharp places that can scrape people as they enjoy the water toy.

Safety...

here are some tips!

Water Safety: Water is another source of summer fun and another hazard. According to the CDC, more than 3,500 people die annually from drowning. As you're addressing summer safety topics, be sure to include water safety games and coloring books, and other activities to help children and adults understand how to handle this hazard. Before heading to the beach, check for contamination with harmful bacteria like E. coli. Most public beaches will post a sign to close the beach in the event of contamination, but you can also find closure updates on local news sites. Use caution near flowing waterways, as well as pools and lakes. Rivers and creeks can experience a sudden rise

in water levels in early summer, and this can take people by surprise. Keep this in mind when fishing or playing near moving water. When camping, don't drink lake or river water unless you use a water purifier or are in a place known for clean waterways. A variety of micro-organisms live in contaminated water and can make you ill.

Chilled Cucumber Lemon Soup... cool! Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot summer day can help you stay hydrated. However, there's reason to eat cucumbers all year long. With vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating a typical American diet. Plus, cucumbers contain unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce your risk of chronic diseases and much, much more. Chilled Cucumber Lemon Soup Recipe: 5 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and cut into chunk / 1/2 cup fresh mint, (or cilantro) chopped / 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped / 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (or lime)/ 2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest / 1 tsp agave syrup (optional) / 1 cup crushed ice / sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Combine the cucumbers, mint, scallions, lemon juice, zest and agave syrup in a blender; blend until smooth. Add the ice and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately in chilled bowls.

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

get your According to science, smiling is good for you! Everyone has seen how an infant responds to a smile. The response is instinctive. Dr. David Chamberlain studied babies beginning at conception, and studied brain activity in infants. Smile centers in the brain are active from a very early prenatal stage of development, and they are now considered to be an important part of learning how to cope with the world, even before we see our first glimpse of daylight. Many of us have even seen photos of babies inutero smiling, and it melts our heart. Universally understood even by infants, the movement of upturning your lips can create happy feelingsâ€”even when you are not feeling happy. The smile may be more useful in defusing a negative situation than any persuasion. It is the easiest way to uplift someoneâ€™s day, especially a stranger who may be experiencing tough times. In his New York Times best seller, Anatomy of an Illness, famed author Dr. Norman Cousins claimed to have reversed his own degenerative disease that kept him in severe pain, with laughter. His theory is that the body has its own biochemical system of responses, and that even a fake smile can lead to real happiness. Studies of brain waves have revealed that faking a real

smile was sufficient to activate the pleasure centers in the brain. Go ahead, smile. What have you got to lose? The response may change your day!

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cuesta college to become

Smoke-Free

by Madeline Palaszewski Cuesta College will soon be a smoke and tobacco free zone. Beginning January 1, 2019, the community college campuses in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles will implement the smoke free policy. The process began in 2016 when Cuesta College was awarded a $7,500 Tobacco-Free Campus Grant funded by Truth Initiative®, America’s largest non-profit health organization dedicated to eliminating the use of tobacco. Cuesta College launched a task force comprised of faculty, staff, and students and began researching and discussing best practices and potential policies. Currently, smoking is permitted in designated areas of the San Luis Obispo and North

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

County campuses. “After talking to our students, staff and faculty, we developed a policy that will restrict smoking any sort of tobacco product on all District property and locations where the District provides services,” said Cherie Moore, Nutrition Instructor and task force member. “The official policy was approved by the college’s Board of Trustees in December of 2017, allowing us to transform the college into a healthier learning and working environment for all who step foot onto campus.” The task force is planning events to help educate both campuses on the new policy and provide smoking cessation resources leading up to the January 1, 2019, launch date.

SUMMER Grilled Corn! Here's a must-try recipe: Soak corn on the cob in a bowl of water (with husks on) for at least 15-20 minutes. Preheat the grill on medium heat. Remove corn from water. Place the soaked corn in the husk on the grill. Cook for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Use a fork to determine if the kernels are soft. Then corn is done. Remove from grill with tongs. Peel away husk and silk. Use pot holders to hold corn. It will be very hot! Don't forget to include fresh veggies on the grill for your summer bar-b-que too! One last tip. Make sure corn is non-GMO.

Daily Grinds!

the

Don't throw away your coffee grounds. They are organic matter, so they can be composted with the apple peels and eggshells. Here are some other helpful ways to use them: Plant pick-me-up: Most houseplants respond well to a light sprinkling of coffee grounds on top of the soil. Be careful not to overdo it since the acid in the grounds can harm the plants. Odor eater: Coffee grounds absorb odors. They can be used to freshen up smelly places. Dry the grounds by spreading them on a cookie sheet and leaving them in a warm oven. They can be used in the refrigerator or sprinkled in the cat box. Dye your clothes: Used grounds will produce a warm brown dye for paper or fabric. Soak the grounds in water for an hour to get the best color, and then filter carefully through a strainer lined with a cloth. Try using a coffee tint on homemade stationery or use it to dye dingy lingerie a sexy shade of beige.

Carol Dawn RN, CMT.

Nat Cert. Reflexologist 26 yrs in business locally specializing in aromatherapy

(805) 546-8660 Enlivening & rebalancing our community, one foot at a time! www.caroldawnsreflexology.com 46

Why Acai?

a south american wonder by Kathleen Stout, M.A. The acai berry (Euterpe Oleracea) has long been known as a healing food by indigenous South American cultures for its many beneficial effects on the body. Today it is often consumed in smoothies and over granola bowls and can be found in the frozen section of your local grocery store. The fruitâ€™s popularity has grown recently due to a higher demand for â€˜superfoodsâ€™ from consumers. Loaded with powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanidins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, Acai is known to balance cholesterol and regulate blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health. It is rich in essential fatty acids like omega 3, 6, & 9, which have been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, without having an impact upon HDL (good cholesterols). In addition, the berry is high in vitamins and fiber, which has a preventative effect in reducing disease. Because it is filled with plant antioxidants, it stimulates digestive regularity. It repairs cells from free radical damage, and works as an anti-aging supplement. Research has shown it also boosts mental cognition, energy, and metabolism. Acai is high in sugar, so it is not advised for diabetics. People with allergies to pollen are advised to see their doctor for an update on their allergy test.

why we need to

Feel

by Judes Kingsbury Feeling sad, tired, depressed? You’re not alone. The use of antidepressants has skyrocketed in recent years, with more people on them than ever in our US history, including children and our household pets. Currently, one out of every 6 people take antidepressants or another psychiatric drug. These drugs are being prescribed for homesickness, for eating disorders, for PMS, for pets that have issues with scratching too much. “We are only at the dawn of pharmacological exuberance,” Randolph Nesse says. “New medications that are being developed may likely make it quick, easy, cheap, and safe to block many unwanted emotions. We should be there within the next generation. And I predict we’ll go for it, because if people can make themselves feel better, they usually do. I could imagine the world in a few decades being a pharmacological utopia with people so mellowed out that they neglect all their social and personal responsibilities.” Like Zombies, we’d all walk around not feeling much of anything. It’d be like having nothing but sunshine every day for eternity. No rain, no clouds, no snow, just sunshine every day. No contrast, no alternatives. The sun seems brighter and more clear after days of dark, inclement weather. What a tragedy it would be to not allow 48

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

ourselves to feel our full spectrum of grief, depression, sadness, frustration, and struggles, along with love, joy, bliss, and ecstasy. For just beyond the negative emotions that we often wish to push away are the highest, happiest, most fulfilling emotions of life. Arising from the ashes is the phoenix, ready to take on the world anew. The light at the end of the tunnel shines brightly, we just have to hang in there until we arrive. Depression, once it lifts, is followed by enhanced joy and appreciation. Despair, upon recovery, builds trust and self confidence. During our darkest times we often become more spiritual, more tuned in to our inner selves. In an effort to understand ourselves better we often become more introspective and more closely connected to our soul. Our feelings help us grow, expand, learn and heal. It is in knowing the lowest emotions that we are able to fully appreciate the lightest, highest emotions and have compassion for others suffering with what we have undergone. Encountering difficult feelings, and coming out the other side transformed, breeds understanding, acceptance, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, appreciation, joy. The person emerging from the worst cancer feels joie de vivre at a level he or she could not have experienced had they never gone

Our Feelings through the struggle. If you or loved ones are suffering from the blues, take heart, be gentle with yourself. Reach out and ask for help if you need it. Research natural ways you can help yourself feel better, there are many natural alternative therapies for treating the blues and other ailments that are safe and effective; exercise, herbs, light, and rest, to name a few. If it is a loved one suffering, be that lifeline they may desperately need. Cook and deliver a meal, be the companion that pierces through the isolation (in silence if necessary). Offer to run errands they havenâ€™t gotten to, bring some humor or lightness to lift their spirits. And if you find yourself depressed by the news every day, take a break from your radio, newspaper, FaceBook, or other sources of information. A news fast can be the remedy that gets you back to your cheerful self in no time. Then perhaps take in the negativity at a pace you can handle, in increments, having learned a little more about how you are affected. No one is immune to feeling despair when hearing reports of horrific acts, adversity, suffering, calamity, desperation, death. The world needs all of us to be at our best, feeling what we feel so we

can bring our finest selves to the table when we are called. Take good care of yourself. Eat well, rest, strive for balance. Because YOU deserve it.

print it again

Ben!

At the age of twelve, Ben Franklin first began to learn the business of printing the truth. By the time Ben was seventeen, he was a fully skilled printer able to work in any print shop. He wanted to use his printing press to help people understand the world around them. Today, we have a whole new set of standards for printing. RECYCLED PAPER & SOY INK are the expectations of informed readers. We are happy to say that WE DO meet your printing expectations! You can also read it online at: http://www.slosolstice.com/ebook

 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

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

Upcoming Events Friday, June 8: 7pm-10pm

Kent Nagano Concert/Benefit for Morro Bay Open Space Alliance St. Timothy Church 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay CA $80-$120 • Kent Nagano, Grammy Award-winning conductor and Morro Bay native, will present a concert of classical music to benefit the “Save Cerrito Peak” campaign of the Morro Bay Open Space Alliance.events@ mbopenspace.org Saturday, June 9: 5pm-7pm

Surfrider Event

SIP to SAVE the SEA at The Garden Shed, Cambria Wine, Artisian Cheese & Gourmet Fudge, Live Music by Bobby Malone, Silent Auction, Taste at Your Leisure $25 in advance, $35 at door Sat, June 9: 9am-noon

Waddell Ranch Loop Hike With ECOSLO

Thursday, June 21: 6pm-7pm

Rare Plant Rescue at SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden 3450 Dairy Creek Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 This presentation will highlight the importance of rare plants, why rare plant conservation matters, and what environmentally conscious citizens can do to help save rare plants. Saturday, July 7: 10am-5pm

10th Annual Lavender Festival

Everything lavender is celebrated with vendors, seminars and education on lavender. www.pasoroblesdowntown.org Saturday, July 14: 5:30-8:30 pm

ICE CREAM ZOOFARI

At Charles Paddock Zoo (805)461-5080 Sunday, July 15

Irish Hills Natural Reserve Madonna Road & DeVaul Ranch Dr San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 Come and join our docent, Seth, on a hike at Irish Hills - Waddell Ranch Loop to explore the wonderful open spaces of SLO!

Brian Waterbury ROCK-To-PIER RUN

Morro Bay, CA US 93442 Run/Walk Saturday, September 15: 9am-noon

California Coastal Cleanup Day 30 locations to choose from in SLO County! For More Information visit ecoslo.org/coastal-cleanup-day

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

Solstice Green Directory - Summer 2018

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on any purchase from The Shoe Tree and Paul’s Dry Cleaners with this coupon Expires 8/31/18

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