natural awakenings magazine april 2012

1natural awakenings April 2012

April 2012 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com

ECO-HOMECHECKLIST

Doable Changes for Every Room

Mobilize for Earth Pledge a Green Act for Earth Day

Waste Not Want Not

10 Ways to Reduce Food Waste

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H E A L T H Y L I V I N G H E A L T H Y P L A N E T

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Go GreenEco-Solutions for Everyday Living

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9 healthbriefs

1 1 globalbriefs

17 inspiration

18 healthykids

20 naturalpet

22 fitbody

28 greenliving

30 wisewords

34 healingways

38 consciouseating

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contents

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18 GROWING UP GREEN Lessons to Help Lighten Future Footprints by Hilary Ferrand

20 SHELTERS GO GREEN LEED-Certified Facilities Care for Animals and the Earth by Sandra Murphy

24 GREEN HOME CHECKLIST Room-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now by Crissy Trask

28 EVERY DROP COUNTS Reusing Rainwater Saves Money and is Better for Plants by Brita Belli

30 PUTUMAYO WORLD Music without Borders by April Thompson

34 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES by Dr. Lauri Grossman

38 WASTE NOT, WANT NOT 10 Ways to Reduce Costly Food Waste by Amber Lanier Nagle

41 MOBILIZE FOR EARTH Pledge a Green Act for Earth Day 2012

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

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Spring brings Earth Day and loads of reasons to get out and enjoy Mother

Nature at her finest. I’m psyched! I wish I’d been part of the first annual Earth Day on April 22, 1970 to experience this landmark event so filled with promise. Earth Day Network makes the history come alive with a video posted at earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement. Watching it, I found myself tearing up at the thought that so many concerned citizens were eager to rally behind solutions to environmental issues and are still rallying today, despite great odds. What an awe inspiring opportunity.

Earth Week is a highlight of West Michigan’s current expo season, now in full swing. Kyle and I are taking advantage of the wealth of educational

fun and opportunities to meet you. Please stop by and visit us at the Harvest Health and Gazelle Sports 6K Run (April 19) West Michigan Environmental Action Committee (WMEAC) Earth Day Celebration (April 20), John Ball Zoo (April 21) and Muskegon Earth Fair (April 28). You’ll find us passing out copies of our new Annual Directory along with our latest magazine plus some past issues in case you missed any of interest. To celebrate the availability of Natural Awakenings Network (NAN) cards at a special event discount price, we also will be giving away one free NAN Membership Card at each event; stop by our booth to sign up. See our news brief and calendar sections for event details.

I also look forward to realizing my dream of listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak in person during his Public Talk on Non-Violence on April 26, in Chicago. I sense that this will be a life changing event for me.

Like me, I bet you’re ready to visit local farmers’ markets again. Life doesn’t get much better than eating just-picked homegrown food and grilling outside on sunshiny evenings that feather into star-studded nights. Isn’t spring grand?

Whether you are happily participating in Earth-friendly events, renewing an outdoor exercise regimen or prepping the garden to yield glorious seasonal treats, let’s all acknowledge what Mother Nature does for us and vow to do better by her.

Celebrating Planet Earth,

Amy & Kyle Hass, Publishers

PublishersKyle & Amy Hass

Assistant PublisherAmanda Merritt

EditorsS. Alison Chabonais

Scott GillisLinda Sechrist

Design & ProductionInteractive Media Design

Scott Carvey

PrinterStafford Media Solutions

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newbriefs Party for The Planet

A celebration of conservation, recycling and our natural world! This is a national

event, taking place at Zoos around the country in an initiative spear-headed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Assoc. (AZA). Party for The Planet takes place on April 21st at John Ball Zoo from 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Festivities will include booths, stations, and demonstrations from the area’s top conservation-minded organizations as well as a convenient drive-up recycling center for just about any item. Animals that are threatened or endangered will be showcased with ideas on what you can do to help save these valuable species right here in Grand Rapids. Admission to the event is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 3-13 and children 2 and under are always free. The Zoo is open daily 10:00 am-4:00 pm, but the Party for The Planet activities will take place until 3:00pm.

For more information and detail, call Krys at 616-336-4374 or email [email protected].

Feng Shui ~ The Art of Placement

Friday evening, April 27th, join Minnie Kansman at

Expressions of Grace Yoga Studio, where she will be teaching the introductory class, Feng Shui: A Beginners Mind. Come to learn the basic principles of feng shui to create spaces that look and feel good to be in. Minnie, a Feng Shui Master, has been helping others create sacred space in their homes, offices and gardens for over 15 years. She is also the

author of the feng shui book, Spirit Gardens: Rekindling our Nature Connection. For a more in-depth look at your home room-by-room, join Minnie again on Saturday, May 12th, for Feng Shui Interiors. Then on Saturday, June 16th, Feng Shui in the Garden will teach you how to apply these same

Journey Home Yoga and Health Opening in Downtown Ada

Owner, instructor, and wellness provider, Chitradevi/Charlotte

Caradedios, is pleased to announce the opening of Journey Home Yoga and Health’s new location at 583 Ada Dr, Ada, MI 49301. Although providing services to the community at offsite locations and residences since 2006, on April 16, JHYH will open a dedicated space allowing students and clients to take advantage of all JHYH has to offer at one local location.

JHYH offers yoga, healing services, workshops, and trainings. All offerings are based in yogic and holistic health philosophies that offer solutions to health and wellness issues using a “whole being” approach. When discussing the philosophy behind JHYH, Chitradevi/Charlotte shared: “The “Yoga” in JHYH is not solely about the physical practice of yoga. While Kripalu yoga classes are one of our offerings, the purpose behind all of our services is ultimately to empower/enable individuals to recognize, explore, and understand their own multi-dimensional and True nature. Increased awareness provides more balance and integration of all aspects of this nature (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual) allowing in-depth healing on multiple levels. Although each of JHYH’s services are certainly effective and provide healing on a standalone basis, JHYH’s intention with this unique approach is to provide opportunities for individuals to develop an integrated, “whole being” healing plan tailored specifically for them.” Besides Kripalu yoga, JHYH offers WholeLife Yoga Therapy, WholeLife Awareness Counseling & Classes, Positional Release Therapy, Reiki and more.

For more information visit our website at www.urhomeyoga.com, or contact Chitradevi/Charlotte at [email protected] or 616-780-3604. See ad page 17.

Minnie Kansman


principles to your outdoor landscape to create environments that feed your Soul. Event details include: April 27th 6:30-7:30 pm Feng Shui Beginners $18, May 12th 1:30-3:30 pm Feng Shui Interiors $39 and June 16th 1:30-3:30 pm Garden Feng Shui $39. Register for these classes at www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com.

Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580. See ad page 16.

Muskegon Area Earth Week

After a few seasons on hiatus, Muskegon Sustainability Coalition has brought back a week’s worth of family

fun, festivities and facts to celebrate our planet. Muskegon Area Earth Week begins April 22nd with Creation Care Day, includes the Chris Bedford Arts Festival midweek and concludes on April 28th with Earth Fair. The entire week of events can be found at muskegonasc.org or on the Muskegon Area Earth Week Facebook page. All events are free and open to the public. The Chris Bedford Arts Festival and Earth Fair are the feature events during Muskegon Area Earth Week. During the Chris Bedford Arts Festival the community will be able to view the collaborative projects which combined poets with children’s artwork. People will also see the late Chris Bedford’s final film, take a guided tour of the Kasey Hartz Nature Area and meet residents who have paved the way of sustainability. “There is a lot going on here and it’s time people are recognized for what they have been doing,” said Doug Wood, festival planner. Joel Darling agrees. “This area has so much in terms of green jobs, eco products, natural resources, and environmental initiatives within schools, organizations and businesses. Unfortunately, our own community is unaware of most of it.” That is why Darling is helping to organize Earth Fair, an event where citizens can play games, win prizes, hear demonstrations and see cool technology. “You can even drop off all those old electronics that are stored in your basement, like tape decks and VCRs.”

For Muskegon Area Earth Week event locations and details, view the Calendar of Events section on page 41 and see ad page 39.

Intensive Physical & Emotional Cleanse

Set aside May 6-11th for Panchakarma Spring Cleanse. Ayurveda, Yoga’s Sister Science, is an ancient healing

modality based upon knowledge and awareness of the qualities of nature. Winter is the Kapha season, also known as the “season of the Sleepy Bear.” Kapha out of balance can manifest as allergies, colds, excess weight, congestion, sluggishness & depression. Cleansing and rejuvenation help us to enter the upcoming summer season from a place of lightness & ease. Experience an intensive physical and emotional cleanse that includes: Three Lectures, Individual Ayurvedic Assessment, Ayurvedic treatment (massage), unlimited yoga classes, individual counseling sessions, sauna, and more. The facilitators of this event include: Maria Kali Ma, RN, MS, E-RYT 500, an International speaker, Ayurvedic practitioner, and Structural and Integrative Yoga therapist. Kali Ma has an extensive background as a registered nurse in rehabilitation and women’s health in Tucson Arizona, and has taught yoga for over 20 years. She maintains a private yoga therapy and Ayurvedic consultation practice, and holds faculty positions with several national and international training sites. Sue Dilsworth, PhD, RYT-500, LFYP-2, IYT is a Clinical Psychologist emphasizing holistic health. She is a LifeForce Yoga Practitioner Level II, and a certified International Yoga Therapist utilizing the Ayurvedic principles in therapy sessions and yoga classes. Pre-register through April 15th for only $378 ($635 value). After April 15th it is $528. Space will be limited to 20 people.

F o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t w w w.HeartsJourneyWellness.com.

Mary A. DeLange C.C.T. C.M.T.

616-456-5033

[email protected] www.HarmonynHealth.net

Harmony ‘n Health Colon Hydrotherapy

Some Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy:~ Remove Toxic Waste from ones body

~ Eradicate Constipation ~ Removes Stomach Bloat

~ Increase ones EnergyTherapeutic Massage also available


Free 6k Run & Health Fair

Join Harvest Health Foods and Gazelle Sports on April 19th for

the 3rd annual Green Day 6k fun run! Each year thousands of people celebrate Earth Day to acknowledge and appreciate the amazing resources we have in our world. Gazelle Sports and Harvest Health Foods recognize the lifestyle choices we make have a

significant impact on our health and the environment. The Green Day 6k Fun Run is our way to say thank you for your support and to encourage those lifestyle choices that move us toward a healthier, greener community. This event is FREE to the public. Strollers and bikes are welcome, however roads are not closed. Come on out from 5:30-8:00pm for the health fair that includes plenty of raffle items and giveaways from our vendors.

Sign up at www.GazelleSports.com/gdfr

Natural Awakenings Opens New Online Store

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. (NAPC), a national leader in green and healthy living, has opened a new web

store that features items supporting sustainability and natural health for men, women, children and pets. Visitors can shop by product categories that include beauty and skin care, home and office, books and music, fitness, clothing and jewelry, kids and pets.

NAPC publishes Natural Awakenings magazine in more than 80 markets across the country, serving more than 3 million readers. Each month, these print and online publications take a practical look at the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth and sustainable living. NAPC founder Sharon Bruckman says the new web store continues the tradition of empowering healthy living and a healthy planet. “Since 1994, Natural Awakenings magazine has provided our readers with inspirational guidance on health, fitness, personal growth and green living. Our new store offers the very best products we can find that support living and growing in balance with our community, the natural world and ourselves. We intend for this web store to be a shopping guide to ‘conscious consumption’ that supports the ideals of sustainability, natural health and the interconnectedness of all things.” The online store will regularly feature new additions and specials, and visitors can subscribe to a free digital newsletter for exclusive email offers.

For more information, visit NAWebStore.com. See ad on page 34.

Laughter Yoga Leader Training

Become certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader during a one-weekend training at Expressions of Grace Yoga in

Grand Rapids. Lea rn t he s imp le s t technique that will transform your life. Experience the stress releasing and happiness boosting power of laughter. Come for a fun-filled retreat and expand your professional skills by earning a certificate as a Laughter Yoga Leader.


Expressions of Grace Yoga presents Gita (Jill Fendelman), Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and Kripalu Yoga Teacher with 30 years of experience. The opening session takes place Friday, April 20 from 7:00-8:00 pm. Anyone can come on Friday night, it is $10 for the general public and free to anyone taking the training. The training itself is Saturday and Sunday, April 21st and 22nd, from 10:00 am-5:30 pm.

For more information contact Expressions of Grace Yoga in Grand Rapids at 616-361-8580. See ad page 16.

WMEAC Earth Day Celebration

Su p p o r t t h e W e s t M i c h i g a n

Environmental Action Counci l a t the 2012 Earth Day Celebration

at Fountain Street Church on Friday, April 20. Presented by Founders Brewing Co., the fourth annual event will help further WMEAC’s mission of building sustainable communities and protecting West Michigan’s water resources. Presented in partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Library and WYCE-FM, the 2012 Earth Day Celebration will feature a cash bar with beer provided by Founders, food from What The Truck and live entertainment by Jim Shaneberger, the Karisa Wilson String Ensemble and Lansing-based quartet Steppin’ In It. Doors open at 6:00 pm with performances from 7:00-11:00 pm. Educational programming will be delivered during intermissions. Tickets are $15, or $10 to anyone that shows a GRPL library card.

Visit www.wmeac.org for more information. See ad page 14.

Habitat Deconstruction Services

Did you know Habitat for Human i t y Ken t Coun ty

has a team of deconstruction professionals in their ReStore who

are ready to come to your site and deconstruct your kitchen, bath, strip mall, etc. at no charge? They will remove all those salable materials at no charge. Habitat for Humanity will also provide your clients with a receipt so they can claim a tax deduction for their contribution. Those materials will be sold at one of their two ReStore locations at 5701 S. Division and 5920 Alpine NW. The proceeds help build and sell more Habitat homes to qualified, hard-working families. Since opening in 2007 Habitat Kent’s ReStores have diverted 7.5 million pounds of materials from landfills.

If you’d like to take advantage of this service, all you have to do is call 616-531-4591 or email [email protected].

KudosCongratulations to Cathy Caldwell-ryt-200, Lisa Ham ryt-200 and Judy Kuiper, PhD who recently completed the LifeForce

Yoga® Practitioner-Level 1 training with Amy Weintraub in Tucson, Arizona. Amy is the author of Yoga for Depression and recently released Yoga Skills for

Therapists. LifeForce Yoga is an evidence-based yoga protocol intentionally designed to work with and manage the various moods we encounter on a daily basis. For more information regarding Amy Weintraub and the LifeForce Practices visit yogafordepression.com.


National Start! Walking DayImproving overall health can be as

simple as putting one foot in front of the other—and April 6, National Start! Walking Day, is the ideal opportunity to begin a regular walking routine. Ameri-can Heart Association (AHA) research shows that individuals can gain about two hours of life for every hour engaged in regular, vigorous exercise—a two-for-one deal that’s hard to beat. Walking just 30 minutes per day, five days a week, can also help reduce the risk of cardio-

vascular disease and stroke, promote better sleep and assist in maintaining healthy body weight. Visit StartWalkingNow.org for resources to kick-start a heart-friendly regimen. The site offers links to local walking paths, heart-healthy recipes, an online prog-ress tracker and an app that helps walkers find and create paths while traveling. To find walking buddies or start a walking club, visit AHA’s MyWalkingClub.org.

healthbriefs

Unplug During Screen-Free WeekThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for children

under 2 and less than two hours per day for older children. Yet, the Kaiser Fam-ily Foundation reports that 40 percent of 3-month-old infants are regular viewers of television and DVDs, and school-age kids spend nearly twice as many hours with screen media such as television, video games, computers and handheld devices as they spend attending school. To help kids, families, schools and communities turn off screens and turn on healthier activities, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) urges everyone to participate in Screen-Free Week, April 30 through May 6. CCFC is a national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups, parents and individuals, with a mission to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers. “The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious prob-lems facing children and society today,” advises CCFC Director Susan Linn. “Childhood obesity, eating dis-orders, youth violence, sexualization, family stress, underage alcohol and tobacco use, rampant ma-terialism and the erosion of children’s creative play are all exacerbated by advertising and marketing.” Learn more about the week-long event, efforts to restrict mar-keters’ access to children and how to help, at CommercialFreeChildhood.org.

GREEN VEGGIES BOOST IMMUNITYResearchers reporting in the journal

Cell have found another good reason to fill our plates with plenty of green vegetables like bok choy and broc-coli: Tiny chemical compounds found in these healthful greens interact with the immune cells of the gut, known as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), by ef-fectively protecting them and boosting their numbers. IELs, white blood cells that in-habit the lining of many body cavities and structures, are concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract, where their primary purpose is to destroy target cells that are infected by pathogens. Because pathogens frequently enter the body via the gastroin-testinal tract, a high IEL count benefits overall health.

Source: Babra-ham Institute, Cambridge, UK

DIABETES LINKED TO DIRTY AIRHealth wise, the air we breathe is

just as important as the foods we eat, according to a recent report pub-lished in the journal Diabetes Care. The report is based on one of the first large-scale, population-based studies linking diabetes prevalence with air pollu-tion. According to researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston, a strong, consistent correlation exists between adult diabetes and particulate air pol-lution, an association that persists after adjustment for other risk factors such as obesity and ethnicity. The relationship was seen even at exposure levels below the current U.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency safety limit.


QIGONG: A BOON FOR CANCER PATIENTSCancer patients that

regularly practiced qigong, a 5,000-year-old combination of gentle exercise and meditation, for al-most three months experienced signifi-cantly higher levels of well-being, improved cognitive functioning and less inflammation, compared to a control group. Dr. Byeong-sang Oh, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney Medical School, in Australia, who led the study, says the reduced inflamma-tion in patients that practiced medical qigong, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was particularly significant. The project involved 162 patients, aged 31 to 86; those assigned to the medical qigong group undertook a 10-week program of two supervised, 90-minute sessions per week. They were also asked to practice an addi-tional 30 minutes at home each day. When the study began, there were no significant differences in measurements of quality of life, fatigue, mood status and inflamma-tion between the intervention and control groups. However, “Patients that practiced medical qigong expe-rienced significant improvements in quality of life, including greater physi-cal, functional, social and emotional well-being, while the control group deteriorated in all of these areas,” reports Oh. He remarks that the study is the first such trial to measure the impact of medical qigong in patients with cancer. “Several studies have indi-cated that chronic inflammation is associated with cancer incidence, progression and even survival,” Oh explains. He presented the findings at a recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference.

Sweet Stuff Combats InfectionsHoney’s use as a medicine was described on Sumerian clay tablets dating back

4,000 years, and ancient Egyptians made ointments of the sticky substance to treat wounds. Now, contemporary scientists have shown that manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand, could be an efficient way to clear chronically infected wounds and help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Professor Rose Cooper, of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, in the UK, has investigated how manuka honey interacts with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group A Streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). She discovered that the honey interfered with their growth, blocking the formation of biofilms that can wall off such bacte-ria from antibiotic remedies.

Are Cell Phones Safe?Questions about how cell phones

might impact our health have sparked significant controversy. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now classi-fied radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malig-nant type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use. Caution was also urged in an article

about cell phone safety published this past October in the journal Electromag-netic Biology and Medicine. It reported that cell phones that are switched on and carried in shirt or pants pockets can exceed U.S. Federal Communications Com-mission exposure guidelines, and also that adults and children absorb high levels of microwave radiation from the phones. According to the paper, children are at greater risk than adults, absorbing up to triple the amount of microwave radiation in their brain’s hypothalamus (which links the nervous and endocrine systems) and hippocampus (vital for memory and spatial navigation) compared to adults. Absorption into their eyes was also greater, and as much as 10 times higher in their bone marrow than adults’. The IARC concludes that these findings call for cell phone certification consistent with the “as low as reasonably achievable” approach taken in setting standards for using radiological devices. “It is important that additional research be conducted into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones,” says IARC Director Christopher Wild. “Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure [directly to the head], such as hands-free devices or texting.”

Additional resource: Epidemiologist Devra Davis, Ph.D., reports on this topic in Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation.


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a

healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

globalbriefs

Egg-ceptional FunNatural Easter Colors to Dye ForFrom toddlers to tweens, many children eagerly anticipate one of spring’s most pleasurable rituals: coloring Easter eggs. This shared family activity allows kids to be hands-on artists, as they choose from a palette of cheerful hues to fashion little edible treasures. But youngsters that dip their hands into synthetic dyes can absorb chemicals through the skin that have been linked with allergic reactions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and with ADHD and hyperactivity, per a 2011 report by Science News. Keep their creations healthy and chemical-free by avoiding commercial food color-ing and using easy-to-make, fruit- and veggie-based dyes instead. The simplest way to use Earth-friendly shades is to add natural materials when boiling the eggs. Some suggestions: purple grape juice or crushed blueberries, for blue; liquid chlorophyll or spinach, for green; organic orange peels or ground tur-meric, for yellow; cranberries, pickled beets, cherries or pomegranate juice, for pink and red; and yellow onion skins, cooked carrots, chili powder or paprika, for orange. Then, follow these directions: Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan and add water to cover. Add one teaspoon of white vinegar (this helps the eggshells absorb color) and the natural dye material; use more material for more eggs or a more intense color. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for 15 minutes. Remove the eggs and refrigerate them. These naturally colored treats, more beautiful than their artificially enhanced cousins, will mimic Mother Nature’s softer, gentler tints. For a shiny appearance, rub some cooking oil onto the eggs when they are dry. Also remember that hard-cooked eggs are more perishable than raw ones, and should remain outside the refrigerator no more than two hours (so the one possibly found the day after Easter needs to hit the compost pile) and be consumed within one week.

Whale WatchingOne Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Whales

Greenpeace Executive Director Philip Rad-ford reports that the discredited practice of vote buying at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has been ended. “Coun-tries like Japan can no longer bribe poorer countries to support their pro-whaling stance. This means that whale conservation finally has a fighting chance.”

The U.S. delegation supported a measure intended to increase transparency in member-ship fees after hearing from millions of whale

lovers. Initiated by the United Kingdom and backed by a number of countries, the proposal passed via a rare consensus among the 89 participating countries. It is believed that payment of membership dues in cash allowed wealthy countries to purchase the votes of other nations. Dues for the commission must now be paid via bank transfer from government accounts.


globalbriefs

Global GardensNew Global Warming Planting MapThe color-coded map of planting zones on the back of seed packets is being updated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reflect climate changes brought on by global warming. The new guide, last updated in 1990, reflects, for instance, that the coldest day of the year isn’t as frigid as it used to be, so some plants and trees can now survive farther north. Nearly entire states, such as Ohio, Nebraska and Texas, are now classified in warmer zones. The new guide uses better weather data and offers more interactive technology. Gardeners using the online version can enter their Zip code and get the exact average coldest temperature. For the first time, calculations include more detailed factors, such as prevailing winds, the presence of nearby bodies of water and other local topography. Boston University Biology Professor Richard Primack observes, “There are a lot of things you can grow now that you couldn’t grow before. People don’t think of figs as a crop you can grow in the Boston area. You can do it now.” The changes come too late to make this year’s seed packets, but they will be on next year’s, says George Ball, chairman and CEO of the W. Atlee Burpee seed company.

View the planting zones map at Tinyurl.com/7r5u267.

Better ThreadsRug Industry Tackles Child Labor InjusticeThe nonprofit GoodWeave organization works to end child labor in the rug industry and provides educational opportunities for kids in weaving communities worldwide. The GoodWeave label is given solely to rug companies that only hire employees of legal working age. GoodWeave, offering the world’s only independent child labor-free certification for rugs, makes unannounced inspections of looms overseas to ensure that standards are upheld. Programs funded by GoodWeave-certified rug sales have helped nearly 10,000 children in Nepal and India to attend school instead of working on looms. An estimated 250,000 children are still weav-ing today. “It’s widely documented that children are exploited to make all sorts

of products in our global economy,” says Nina Smith, GoodWeave USA executive director. “But in the case of carpets, consumers can do some-thing to put a stop to these inhumane practices. By buying a certified rug, you can change a child’s life.”

Find participating local retailers by Zip code at GoodWeave.org.

Within 10 years it will be impossible to travel

to the North Pole by dog team. There will be too

much open water.

~Will Steger


Book BattleReading Going DigitalThe number of Americans that pre-fer to read a book via an electronic reading device tripled in less than 12 months last year, but most still prefer to read a traditional, physical book. A survey of 1,000 American adults nationwide shows that 27 percent have now used a Kindle or similar product.

Find OutHallmarks of a Smart Green DevelopmentAnyone that has ever wondered whether a new com-munity development is environmentally friendly and should be supported will appreciate the hands-on intro-duction in A Citizen’s Guide to LEED for Neighborhood Development, published by the National Resources Defense Council. NRDC experts developed the guide to help promote more widespread adoption of sustainable practices and create more inclusive, healthy and environmentally sound places.

Download the guide at Tinyurl.com/4xuuxsz.

National library week is April 8-14

Boxing DayGreening-Up a Move Can Be Easy ZippGo has launched a California concept poised to be picked up elsewhere as an alternative to traditional-style moving boxes. No one enjoys scrounging or purchasing and then assembling and taping cardboard boxes, only to discard them in a landfill afterward. A better solution is to rent task-designed plas-tic boxes made from recycled plastic that do the job more conveniently, efficiently and sustainably. Their service even delivers and picks them up. It’s a valuable green business opportunity in any economy.

Watch the movie at Vimeo.com/25114486.

Pocket CalculatorNew Gadget Measures a Family’s Eco-Footprints

A brand-new online environmental tool from Low Impact Living, the Impact Calculator, measures the many footprints of a household’s

lifestyle. With it, families can assess their specific carbon, energy, water, trash, wastewater and stormwater-runoff amounts. Then, by entering

the Zip code and home size, it encapsulates in one number the overall environmental footprint compared with a typical home in the region, suggests green home and lifestyle projects and saves a profile, along with project notes, for future reference.

To use the calculator, visit Tinyurl.com/59ksp3.


Honk HonkDriving Less and Enjoying it MoreOnly 31 percent of American 16-year-olds had a driver’s license in 2008, down from 46 percent in 1983, according to a University of Michigan study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention. Eighteen-year-old legal drivers decreased from 80 to 65 percent over the same period, as did adults in their 20s and 30s, although by not as much. A new survey by the car-sharing company Zipcar confirmed that those with licenses are trying to drive less, as well. Altogether, more than half of drivers under the age of 44 are making efforts to reduce the time they spend in traffic. Factors supporting this trend include the high cost of gas and insurance, tighter restrictions on teen drivers in many states and congested roads. In addition, Michael Sivak, a research professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, cites the importance of the Internet. “It is possible that the availability of virtual contact through electronic means reduces the need for actual contact among young people.” He also points out that, “Some young people feel that driving interferes with texting and other electronic communication.” Public transit is filling part of the vacuum. The United States, which has long trailed other countries in mass transit usage, is catching on among younger generations.

Source: Grist.org

Bug MuscleBiomimicry Presents a Solution for Drought

With global temperatures continu-ing to rise and droughts expected to become more severe, Australian Ed-ward Linacre has designed a beetle-inspired device called Airdrop that is capable of extracting water from even the driest desert air. His invention recently won the prestigious global James Dyson award. “Biomimicry is a powerful weapon in an engineer’s armory,” comments Dyson. Linacre, a graduate of Swin-

burne University of Technology, in Melbourne, wanted to solve the drought prob-lem afflicting parts of his country. The lack of rain has brought dry, damaged soil, dead crops and mounting debt for farmers. Rather than using complex, energy-intensive methods such as desalination or tapping into underground water sources, Airdrop’s source of water, the air, can be used anywhere in the world. The device delivers water to the roots of crops in dry areas by pushing air through a network of underground pipes and cooling it to the degree at which moisture condenses; then the water is pumped to the roots. Linacre was inspired by the Namib beetle, which survives in areas that receive just half an inch of rain per year by consuming the dew it collects on the hydrophilic skin of its back.

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Oliver’s Story

by Kim Racette

Oliver Thurston was born with a few spots on his face, and when his

mother Alyssa questioned his doctor, she was told it was newborn rash and it would go away on its own. It wasn’t until he was three months old, and his entire body was covered with spots, that he was diagnosed by a pediatric dermatologist

with a rare condition called Mastocytosis. It was with shock and dismay that Alyssa and her husband Dan, who live in Ham-ilton, Michigan, heard the prognosis. “When we heard that it would probably last until he was 5-7, in my mind I immediately thought months and thought we could deal with this for a while longer,” remembered Alyssa. “But then the doctor explained he would be 5-7 years old before he outgrew this condition.” According to the American Family Physicians, a peer re-viewed journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Mastocytosis is a rare disease of the skin (most commonly but it can also affect other parts of the body like the stomach, the intestines, and the bone marrow) caused by having too many mast cells, a kind of blood cell. It can occur at any age and is usually more serious in adults than children, but there is no known cause for the illness. It is confirmed with a skin biopsy, but it’s patterning of pigmentation on the skin is also usually a visible confirmation. As the Thurstons were told, children usu-ally outgrow it, but that didn’t help with the symptoms Oliver was dealing with each day. “He didn’t seem very happy, and he also seemed to be uncomfortable,” said Alyssa. “As time went on his spots became red and he became very itchy. We couldn’t even give him a bath with out him scratching until he bled.” He also developed a severe, persistent cough. “We were referred to all different kinds of doctors to try to get him relief,” she explained. “There were many different prescriptions, and none of them worked for him.” There were also side affects, including drowsiness, with Oliver often sleeping 17 out of 24 hours. Over the course of seeing 11 doctors, 3 suggested taking Oliver to the Mayo Clinic, because blood tests had indicated Oliver’s levels were pointing to a more serious form that might become more internal. “Tryptase is an enzyme that is released, along with histamine and other chemicals, from mast cells when they are activated, often as part of an allergic immune response,” said Alyssa. “His blood level for tryptase at that time was 26, with 11 being the normal level.” Histamines cause swelling, itching and redness when they are released in response to an allergy, like the venom in a bee sting. “His cells would release all at once in overwhelm-ing amounts, it seemed that he was allergic to everything,” she explained. “The day after Oliver’s first birthday we packed up the car and drove 8 hours to the Mayo Clinic, hoping for help.” A twenty minute visit with a doctor at the Mayo Clinic was disappointing, and after another cream was prescribed the

Thurstons spent another 8 hours returning home. “The Doctor told us there was nothing else that could be done, that there weren’t any other tests he would suggest,” said Alyssa. “We returned home with heavy hearts, a cream that seemed to make Oliver even itchier, and we didn’t know where else to turn with our sick boy.” With the medical community unable to help, and insur-ance companies that were balking at the relentless expenses, Alyssa realized that if Oliver were to be helped, she would have to manage his health care. She admits that she has always been a take charge kind of gal, but that not until she realized they had exhausted their options did she decide to take it on herself. “I left my job, so I could be home with him and monitor him like only a Mama could,” she said. “I sat down at my computer, put my head down, and prayed for guidance and direction.” She knew that Oliver was sensitive to histamines, so she began researching a low histamine diet. The very first site she found suggested that diet was crucial in managing his illness. “We had always made an effort to really eat good foods, but I learned that even foods I thought were healthy for Oliver were not appropriate,” she explained. “Many foods are naturally high in histamines.” She also connected with owner of Healthy for Life Naturopath Dale Tamminga N.D., at a seminar held in a health food store, who was an important partner in Oliver’s recovery. According to the American Association of Naturo-pathic Physicians, Naturopathic Doctors combine traditional healing methods with modern science practices, focusing on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. “He helped boost up Oliver’s liver function, which was so bogged down trying to fight the bad guys,” she explained. “For three months Oliver took supplements, while at the same time we totally revamped our diet as an entire family, eating mainly vegetables, meat, apples, blueberries, and a few grains.” After six months Oliver’s tryptase level was down to 18, and Alyssa knew that they were on the right track. “We were so excited,” she exclaimed. “His diet stopped the disease from progressing, turned it around and his tryptase levels came down.” Now three years old, she said Oliver is completely healthy and symptom free. “I could not believe it. I took him in just to see how his blood levels looked, and we got a card in the mail that said his levels were normal. Everything we had worked so hard on had paid off, it was definitely answered prayer.” Oliver’s story is one child’s struggle with a serious illness, and his family’s fight to return him to health. This story speaks to their quest to become educated about their options when faced with a specific illness. It is not meant to suggest any course of treatment for another child or person who may be struggling with Mastocytosis, and extreme caution is suggested when contemplating discontinuing traditional medical care or medications without supervision.

For more information about Mastocytosis visit www.aafp.org (American Academy of Family Physicians). For more information about Naturopathic Medicine visit www.naturopathic.org (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians). To Connect with Dale Tamminga, N.D. at Healthy For Life call 616-301-1833 or visit www.healthyforlife.com.


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For the past dozen years, Amlas McLeod has been leading wild dol-phin encounters in Bimini, Bahamas,

enabling swimmers to experience trans-formative changes through encounters with this extraordinary marine mammal. “Wild dolphins often enjoy in-teracting with boats, but most are not interested in being close to humans. As soon as you get into the water, they dis-appear,” McLeod explains. “The Atlan-tic spotted dolphin species near Bimini is unusual in that they are comfortable connecting with people, and seem to enjoy it as much as we do. Amazingly, they actually include us in their pod activities during these encounters.” These spotted dolphins often swim very close to the boat, jumping up or turning to get a better view of folks on McLeod’s catamaran. Once overboard, swimmers revel in how the animals playfully move and twirl amongst them and often come within inches as they glide by slowly enough to make pro-longed eye contact. “You cannot help but get the sense that you are interacting with a highly sentient being; the feeling of direct con-nection is remarkable,” says McLeod. “I am most affected by my quiet connec-

tions with the elders that will just hang in the water with me. Sometimes, they will close their eyes and simply rest at my side. Their presence is one of total, unqualified acceptance.” People who swim so intimately with these dolphins depart feeling they have “met the master,” as McLeod puts it. Comments from guests returned via TripAdvisor.com (Tinyurl.com/7n8khqf) report how the experience puts them back in touch with who they really are and empowers them to make changes in their lives. “Connecting with these special dolphins somehow brings us into the ‘here and now’ in a profound way,” says McLeod. “We drop out of the mind and into the heart. There is this feeling of expansion, connection and being one with everything. When people return home, they often report that they have started to let go of things in their lives that no longer serve them, allowing them to become more true to themselves.”

For more information, visit WildQuest.com.

Bill Van Arsdale is a contributing writer who recently swam with the dolphins near Bimini.

DEEP BLUE CONNECTIONSExtraordinary Encounters with Dolphins

by Bill Van Arsdale


Parents schooled in environmen-tal principles strive to guide their children in like-minded directions.

How can we inspire them to join in addressing larger challenges without coming across as a lecturer about yet

another obligation? Thankfully, there are many ways to make green living a feel-good, even easy and fun habit.

Cutting ConsumerismThe most important factor is to live as an example. Parents best teach children

to buy less by buying less themselves. Discuss various considerations and ask for their opinions. According to a recent study by Empower MediaMarketing, kids see 12 to 14 minutes of commercials for every hour of television screen time. Talk about ads that target kids and how some retailers manipulate young audi-ences. Compare the advertised benefits of a new toy with their own experi-ences with it; does it measure up? Give kids attractive options and practice in making choices. “I tell them what a product contains and if it’s proven to cause health problems,” says Mary Marsh, a mother of three in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. “I also will tell them about a natural alterna-tive. I really want them to make these important decisions themselves. I can’t decide for them later on.”

Taming TrashChallenge children to find reusable alternatives to disposable household items. Turn it into a game; conduct ex-periments to see how well the alterna-tives work and try their ideas. Put a spin on recycling. Instead of rinsing milk jugs and putting them out for recycling, save some to create an igloo indoors. Unwind that old sweater and use it in artwork. Cut apart old jeans and turn them into skirts. Decorate glass jars and repurpose them as storage for pantry foods and miscellany. Take children to the local dump to identify items that could be recycled or reused. University of Utah research at-tests that half of all U.S. garbage could be recycled. In practice, we settle for about 2 percent.

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GROWING UP GREENLessons to Help Lighten Future Footprints

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Encourage youngsters to make their opinions known. When a toy’s package is much larger than it needs to be, help them write the maker a letter asking the manufacturer to green their business.

Creating ConcernHelp children become experts. “Kids can inspire their friends and parents to be more environmentally conscious,” advises Dr. Moshe Lewis, chief of physi-cal medicine and rehab at the California Pacific Medical Center, in San Fran-cisco. Surround the family with nature. “Kids are naturally curious. As they learn about the natural habitat of animals, their importance in the eco-system and how beautiful they are, they develop an appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna species on Earth,” says Lewis. Barbara Smith started the Bow Wow Meow Kids Club at the Almost Home humane shelter, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, so that more children could visit the animals. “Volunteering at the shelter has more benefits for kids than just playing with cats and dogs,” says Smith. “It teaches how to be kind, how to earn trust and try to heal. It teaches them to be humane.” Involve kids in choosing good food. “I like to produce some food at home so we can lessen our footprints a bit more,” says Marsh. Two of her children help care for the family’s quails and collect eggs. The third creates cartoons about the downside of factory farms.

Tough TalkingEnvironmental challenges can appear daunting, and may make children feel fearful or even guilty that they can’t help. A parent can help calm their nerves, offer constructive perspective and help them feel like part of the solution. “Keep the tone of conversation on possibilities, rather than impending doom,” counsels Licensed Mental Health Counselor Brooke Randolph, of India-napolis, Indiana. “Focus on what could happen, instead of what will.” Look for the positives. “A single choice is not causing global warming or the extinction of a species; rather, it is a

build-up of several choices, made by many people, over and over again.” Talk about current incremental changes that are helping. Make doable, Earth-friendly goals and act together to make a difference. “No matter how small it is,” says Randolph, “if children feel they are doing something positive, they can feel more in control.” Finally, encourage self-expression. “For kids, being able to verbalize or ex-press their feelings is critical,” says Lewis. “Sometimes, this requires more than just talk therapy. I have found that art and other creative expressions are a way to work through various emotions.”

Hilary Ferrand is a freelance writer in Fort Dodge, Iowa.


Good for the Environment“Our goal was to reduce our carbon paw print,” says Dave Dickinson, interim director of Sacramento County Animal Care, regarding the California capital’s LEED Gold-certified shelter. “The Silicon Valley architect incorporat-ed natural light, a beneficial air circula-tion system and numerous energy- and resource-saving elements to create an extraordinary environment for both the animals and employees.”

sHelters Go GreeN

The LEED rating system, developed by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), signifies levels of silver, gold or platinum status, based on eco-business practices. Swatt | Miers Architects chose polished concrete for the Sacramento shelter floors. “Tile is nice, but grout harbors bacteria,” says George Miers, a principal of the firm. “Concrete is a sustainable material and when sealed, can withstand a lot of mopping. We used a local quarry for

materials.” At least 10 percent of the building materials were sourced within 500 miles of the site and the project contains more than 10 percent pre- and post-consumer recycled content.

Good for the Animals“Use of natural light reduces the cost of electricity,” explains Dr. Amber Ander-sen, a Los Angeles-based veterinarian. “Lights can be programmed to dim gradually and provide the animals with a regular sleep cycle. It’s stressful for them to be in bright light all the time.” In addition, strategic placement of the dog runs and decorative potted plants to block their view of one an-other tends to reduce canine stress and barking. “Calmer dogs are more likely to be adopted,” Andersen notes. The facility operates a similar homey setup for cats with room to run around, climb carpeted furnishings and play. In Denver, Colorado, a new LEED Platinum-certified, 36,000-square-foot shelter is twice the size of the former facility. Particular attention was paid to air circulation to help prevent the spread of canine flu, kennel cough and staph infections, and to maintain a healthy operating room while regulating temperatures throughout the facility. “The city of Denver consistently chose the best options for the animals and the environment, while being mindful of the budget,” remarks Scott Jones, of Denver’s Air Purification Com-pany. “This is the benchmark for future designs; on a larger scale, this model can be used for hospitals.”

Good for BusinessThe Plano, Texas, animal shelter, which was due for a comprehensive remodel-ing, is now LEED Silver certified. “We learned that the addition of a new wing could be done according to LEED standards, but we also had to make im-provements to the existing structure, so that the entire building was improved,” says Melinda Haggerty, the city’s sus-tainability and communications coordi-nator. “This was a learning experience on all levels. We saw firsthand that you don’t need to sacrifice aesthetics for function. You can have a comfortable place to work while saving money.” The USGBC reports that build-

naturalpet

City managers are realizing that going green is the right thing to do. In many areas, new municipal construction is required to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified to reduce operating costs, conserve resources and pro-vide a healthier work environment. Older municipal buildings slated for remodeling also can be transformed. Buildings may even quality for incentives from local utilities in some states. As a result, animal shelters are now joining the move to green.

LEED-Certified Facilities Care for Animals and the Earthby Sandra Murphy


ings of all types consume an average of 72 percent of the electricity generated worldwide. That can be reduced by 24 to 50 percent with green building prac-tices. “It’s always important to empha-size the return on investment. It might cost a bit more on the front end, but the benefits far outweigh the costs,” Hagger-ty advises. “Reduced energy costs, better water usage and healthy air quality contribute to a comfortable work space. Employees have pride in the facility, and that makes them more productive.” In Middletown, Rhode Island, Christie Smith, executive director of the Potter League for Animals, remarks that after their old building was demolished, 75 per cent of the materials were re-cycled, repurposed or reused. Their new, LEED Gold-certified animal shelter was the first in the nation to be certified.

Bringing Benefits to Life“There’s a conceptual moment when the dream comes together as a de-sign idea. From that moment on, the question is: How much of the dream can you keep?” queries Myers. “These cities made LEED a priority, even when animal control projects may be at the bottom of the list. They recognize the synergy between caring for animals and caring about the planet; green design underscores the caring.”

Sandra Murphy writes about pets and more for Natural Awakenings.

LEED certification criteria include site selection, pollution prevention during demolition and building, protection and restoration of habitat, water use reduction indoors and out, green power, and use of regional ma-terials to cut transportation fuel, road wear and air pollution.


“Nature doesn’t bang any drums when she bursts forth into flowers, nor

play any dirges when the trees let go of their leaves in the fall. But when we approach her in the right spirit, she has many secrets to share. If you haven’t heard nature whispering to you lately, now is a good time to give her the opportunity.”~ Osho, in Osho Zen Tarot: the Transcendental Game of Zen

As we all innately know, spend-ing time in nature is good for our body, mind and spirit. It’s why we’re attracted to green places, flowers, lakes, fresh air and sunshine. Taking a nature walk—af-fording plenty of fresh air and exercise in a quiet setting—has traditionally been prescribed for good health. That raises a question: How much natural healing are we sacrificing when we spend most of our days indoors? In Japan, a group of medical re-searchers and government-affiliated for-est organizations support the creation of

forest therapy centers, where people en-joy the trails and guided walks and also receive free medical checkups under the trees. Since 1984, they have been study-ing the health benefits of walking in the woods, termed shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. There are now more than 30 such officially designated sites. In related studies, scientists from Japan’s Nippon Medical School and Chiba University tracked positive physiological changes in individuals walking in the woods compared with city walkers. Early results were pub-lished in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, European Journal of Applied Physiol-ogy and Journal of Biological Regula-tors and Homeostatic Agents. Forest walkers showed:

n Lower concentrations of salivary cortisol, known as the stress hormone

n Lower blood pressure and heart rate n Reduction of adrenaline and

noradrenalin, also stress-related hormones

n Increase in immunity-boosting natu-ral killer (NK) cell activity, and the

forest BAtHiNGThe Healing Power of a Walk in the Woods

by Maggie Spilner

fitbody


numbers of NK cells and anti-cancer proteins known to combat cancer

Newest FindingsThe researchers theorized that organic compounds called phytoncides, pro-duced by trees and other plants as a pro-tection from disease, insects and fungus, were also producing beneficial natural killer cells in people in the forests. In a study that exposed participants to phyt-oncides via aromatic oils fed through a humidifier in a hotel room, the research-ers found similar increases in NK levels. A 2011 study by Nippon Medi-cal School’s department of hygiene and public health showed that the resulting increase in NK cells lasted for 30 days. They concluded that a monthly walk in the woods could help people maintain a higher level of protective NK activity and perhaps even have a preventive effect on cancer generation and progression. Qing Li, Ph.D., the assistant profes-sor leading several of these studies, sug-gests that dense forest areas are more effective at boosting immunity than city parks and gardens. He also reports that phytoncide concentrations increase during summer growing seasons and decrease during the winter, although they are still present in tree trunks even when the trees are deciduous. Li further suggests that walks in the woods should be conducted at a leisurely pace. For stress reduction, he suggests four hours of walking, cov-ering a generous 3 miles, or 2 hours walking about 1.5 miles. For cancer-

protecting effects, he suggests regularly spending three days and two nights in a forested area. “Carry water and drink when you’re thirsty,” says Li. “Find a place that pleases you and sit and enjoy the scenery.” He adds that relaxing in a hot tub or spa counts as a perfect end to a day of forest bathing. Li foresees a future in which patients diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension may receive a forest bathing prescription, but counsels that shinrin-yoku is consid-ered preventive, rather than therapeu-tic, medicine.

Enhancing Nature’s PowerEcopsychologist Michael Cohen, Ph.D., executive director of Project NatureConnect, adds, “If you want to increase the healing effect of being in nature, it helps to change the way you think and feel about connecting with it.” He has students repeat the word ‘unity’ as they encounter natural attractions—be it a tree, bird, brook or breeze—until they feel that they are part of nature, not separate… part of the healing wisdom of the planet. More, he states, “Sharing helps so-lidify the experience and opens you to greater personal healing.”

Maggie Spilner, author of Prevention’s Complete Book of Walking and Walk Your Way Through Menopause, leads walking vacations for her company, Walk For All Seasons.

Go PreparedProtect and comfort your feet when traversing for-est paths and trails by switching to an off-road shoe, hiking shoe or boot, because the sole will grip uneven surfaces better. If weak ankles are a problem or if uneven trails or rocky climb-ing are on tap, select high-top models. Wear them around town before heading into the woods, and always take along moleskin or specialty blister band-aids and thicker or thinner socks to aid any hot spots or blisters. Note: A moisture-wicking synthetic sock prevents blisters better than an organic cotton or cotton blend sock.

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Green living is being embraced by more folks than ever, in ways both large and small,

giving the Earth some much-needed kindness. If you’re interested in some good ideas that fall between a total home solar installation and basic recycling—with many delivering big impacts—check out Natural Awaken-ings’ room-by-room green checklist. You’ll find inspired, practical changes that are doable starting right now.

KitchenThe kitchen can be a hot spot for waste. Eileen Green, with EcoEvaluator.

com, says that reducing waste, conserving water and increas-ing energy efficiency are all

important considerations within an environmentally friendly kitchen.

4 Eat up food. Each year, a typical household discards an estimated 474 pounds of food waste, according to University of Arizona research—at large economic and environmental cost. Buying more fresh food than we can eat before the expiration date is up and allowing leftovers to expire in the fridge are culprits. “Drawing up menus and avoiding buying on impulse can help,” advises Green. Compost food scraps at home or sign up for curbside composting, if it’s offered locally. Disposing of food in garbage disposals or landfills is not environmentally sound.

4 Dispense with disposables. Replace disposable paper and plas-

tic products with durable, lasting alternatives: cloth napkins instead of paper;

dishwasher-safe serving ware instead of single-use paper or plastic; glass or re-cycled food storage containers in place of throwaway plastic bags and wrap; and natural fiber dishcloths to replace paper towels and plastic sponges.

4 Clean naturally. Chemical pow-erhouses have become the norm in household cleaning products, but they are not essential. Non-toxic cleaners are up to the task, from cleaning a sink to an oven.

4 Shop for the Energy Star logo. Ap-pliances bearing the Energy Star logo are up to 50 percent more energy effi-cient than standard ones. This translates to significant savings in annual operat-ing costs.

4 Filter water with less waste. Bottled water is expensive and wasteful. In-stead, purchase a home-filtering system that uses recycled or reusable filters. On the road, carry tasty filtered water in a reusable glass bottle.

4 Conserve water. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded and fill the sink with water, rather than running it down the drain, when washing by hand. Use water only to wet and rinse; otherwise turn it off.

4 Phase out non-stick skillets. Teflon coatings can leach toxins when dam-aged or overheated. Play it safe and begin assembling a set of cookware that includes properly seasoned cast iron, which is naturally non-stick.

4 Avoid cheap reusable shopping bags. Flimsy reusable bags end up as trash within a few months under normal use. Buy a set of high quality reusable bags that will give years of use.

Bedrooms“Most people spend more time in the bedroom than in any other room of the house,” remarks Huffington Post Eco

GreeN Home cHecKlistRoom-by-Room Steps We Can Take, Starting Right Now

by Crissy Trask


Etiquette columnist Jennifer Grayson. “So it’s important to focus on mak-ing bedrooms as green and healthy as possible.” She advocates paying special attention to sleepwear, bedding and furniture people sleep on.

4 Start with a good foundation. Box springs can be constructed of plywood or particleboard, which commonly contain formaldehyde, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a toxic air contaminant by the state of California. Choose those that have been certified as formalde-hyde-free or with low emissions. A platform bed made of Forest Steward-ship Council-certified wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, is a healthy alternative.

4 Don’t sleep on a cloud of chemicals. “If your face is pressed up against a conventional mattress for seven hours a night, then you’re going to be breathing in whatever chemicals are off-gassing from that mattress for seven hours a night,” warns Grayson. Mattresses are commonly treated with fire-retardant chemicals to com-ply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. To avoid toxic chemicals like the hydrocar-bon toluene, emitted from mattresses stuffed with polyurethane foam, instead look for untreated, wool-covered mat-tresses (wool is a natural fire retardant) filled with natural latex or containing a spring system wrapped with organic cotton batting. Non-organic cotton production relies on lots of hazardous synthetic chemicals in its production. Organic cotton, linen and wool bedding are safer bets, especially when certified to meet strict environmental standards.

4 Block the afternoon sun. During the day, shut off air-conditioning vents inside bedrooms and block the after-noon sun with interior or exterior solar shades. By day’s end, even in warm climates, bedrooms should be cool

enough for sleeping with the addition of a slight breeze from an open window or a slow-running floor or ceiling fan.

4 Go wireless. It’s impossible to com-pletely avoid electromagnetic radiation from today’s technologies, so lower exposure in the bedroom by removing electronic devices and placing electrical items at least five feet away from the bed.

4 Forget fabric softeners. Most fabric softeners contain highly toxic chemicals that latch onto sheets and can be inhaled or absorbed directly into the bloodstream through skin. Instead, add a quarter-cup of bak-ing soda to the wash cycle to soften sheets and other laundry.

4 Leave the lights off. Motion-detect-ing nightlights save energy while allow-ing safe passage in the wee hours.

Laundry RoomIn a typical U.S. home, the washing machine accounts for 21 percent of home water use and combined, the washer and dryer comprise 5 to 8 per-cent of home energy demands. Diane MacEachern, founder of BigGreen-Purse.com and author of Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World, ex-plains that a good way to conserve key resources is to use these appliances less—reducing the number of loads and drying items on outdoor clothes-lines or indoor racks. MacEachern says, “You can prob-ably wash things like sweatshirts and blue jeans less frequently without much consequence, and a clothesline requires no energy other than the sun.” Also, make sure that whatever goes into the washer or dryer with clothes is non-toxic, or else you’ll be wearing toxic

Find more big ideas in Natural Awakenings’ article,

“Spring Green Rehab,” at Tinyurl.com/3nhan6s.

chemical residues next to your skin all day, cautions MacEachern.

4 Select cold water. On average, only 10 percent of the energy used by a clothes washer runs the machine; the other 90 percent goes to heat the water. The typical American household does about 400 loads of laundry each year, resulting in much energy squandered on hot water. With the exception of laundering greasy spots or stubborn stains, routinely wash in cold water, using a cold-water eco-detergent.

4 Install a clothesline. Running a dryer for just 40 minutes can use the energy equivalent of a 15-watt, compact fluo-rescent bulb lit for a week. Stretch out a line and hang clothes outside to dry in the fresh air to save about $100 a year on electric bills. The sun imparts a disinfectant benefit as a bonus.

4 Replace an old machine. A washer or dryer that is older than 10 years has hidden costs. EnergyStar.gov notes that an older machine uses more energy and can cost from 10 to 75 percent more to oper-ate than a new, high-efficiency appliance.

4 Choose eco-friendly laundry products. Conventional laundry soaps contain chemicals that can be problem-atic for us and wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Look for cold-water brands that are fragrance- and phosphate-free.

4 Switch to concentrates. Concentrated detergents translate to less energy used in shipping, less waste and more value.

4 Stop static cling without dryer sheets. Never over-dry clothes and al-ways dry natural fibers separately from synthetics to prevent static cling.

BathroomThe smallest room in the house is a disproportionately large contributor to household environmental impacts. In an average non-conservation-minded American home, 38,000 gallons of water annually go down the drains and toilet. “Along with that water,” says


MacEachern, “You’ll be washing lots of personal care and cleaning products down the drain, as well, where they could get into local natural water sup-plies and make life difficult for birds, frogs and fish.” Sara Snow, television host and author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: The Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home, cautions against personal skin care products with questionable chemical ingredients. “A good percentage of them are being absorbed right into our bloodstream, so focus on ingredients that do no harm; ones that help our bodies instead, such as nourishing and healing botanicals.”

4 Slow the flow. Ultra-efficient show-erheads use as little as 1 gallon per minute (gpm); aerated types that mix air into the water stream to enhance pressure provide a good soak and rinse using less than half the water than some other low-flow showerheads. At the sink, aerators should flow between 0.5 and 1 gpm—plenty of pressure for brushing teeth and washing hands.

4 Flush responsibly. According to the EPA, the toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Replace older toilets (pre-1994) with new, higher ef-ficiency models for savings of two to six gallons per flush.

4 Heat water wisely. A tankless water heater supplies instantaneous hot water only as needed. Or, install a timer on a traditional water heater to cut warming time to a few hours a day at most.

4 Shun a plastic shower curtain. Poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) has been called “the poison plastic” for its highly toxic lifecycle, which includes the release of dioxins into the air and water. These toxic chemicals persist in ecosystems and can cause cancer. PVC shower curtains are also a short-life product that cannot be re-cycled, so switch to a PVC-free alterna-tive. Organic hemp is the eco-shower curtain gold standard.

4 Ban antibacterial products. Triclo-san is a popular antibacterial agent found in many household cleaners, hand soaps, cosmetics and even toothpaste. It’s also a registered pesti-cide and probable human carcinogen that’s showing up in the environment and children’s urine. The Mayo Clinic suggests that triclosan may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant germs and harm the immune system, making us more susceptible to bacteria.

4 Install a shower filter that removes chlorine. Chlorine, which is increas-ingly being linked to some cancers, is used by many municipalities to disinfect water supplies. People absorb more chlorine through the skin and by inhaling chlorine vapors when bathing and showering than from drinking it.

4 Use recycled and unbleached paper products. Using recycled bath tissue helps close the recycling loop on all the paper we dutifully recycle at the curb. Unbleached varieties keep chlorine byproducts like dioxins out of the environment.

4 Remove bad odors instead of cover-ing them up. In a University of Califor-nia study, chemical air fresheners were found to have higher concentrations of polluting volatile organic compounds (VOC) than any other household cleaning product. Long-term exposure to some VOCs have been linked with adverse health effects.

This Natural Awakenings checklist sug-gests steps that are possible in making any home healthier, safer and more enjoyable. Start checking off items today and begin shrinking the family’s ecological footprint right away.

Crissy Trask is the founder of Green Matters.com and author of the bestsell-ing, It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Follow her at Twitter.com/greenmatters.

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Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms earn the most attention in greening up our homes, but what about the miscel-laneous spaces? Attics, garages, closets and entry halls can get overlooked, although they also yield benefits from some green-minded attention. Here are tips for the most common “un-rooms” to get the ball rolling. Garage4 Empty the car of extra weight and optimally inflate tires to improve gas mileage by up to 5 percent.

4 Replace poisonous windshield wiper fluid with a make-it-yourself solution that combines seven cups of distilled water, one-half-cup isopropyl alcohol and one-half-teaspoon eco-dishwashing liquid. Properly dispose of old wiper fluid in a boldly labeled container at a hazardous waste center.

4 Clean with a broom instead of a hose to save water.

Attic4 Install a whole-house fan to pull warm air out of the attic, keeping rooms below cooler.

4 Blanket the attic with a reflective heat barrier to reflect heat before it has a chance to enter.

4 If the tops of floor joists above the insulation are visible, EnergyStar.gov recommends adding more insulation

until they are no longer visible when viewed at eye level.

Entry Hall4 Leave shoes, along with allergens and dirt, at the door for a healthier home.

4 Reduce unwanted mail by opt-ing out of catalogs, credit card and insurance offers and Direct Marketing Association-member mailings at CatalogChoice.org, OptOutPrescreen.com and DMAChoice.org, respectively.

4 Doormats made from recycled plastic soda bottles keep millions of them from entering landfills.

Closets4 Get organized with bins and shelves made from recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, salvaged and repurposed items, formaldehyde-free plant-based boards or Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood.

4 Shop for local, previously owned clothes and accessories from consign-ment boutiques, thrift stores or a local clothing swap.

4 Slip into some vegan or Earth-friendly shoes; there’s a lot more to choose from than hemp sandals.

Sources: U.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency, Sierra Club, Mayo Clinic, chej.org, DrClaudiaMiller.com, DrWeil.com, ftc.gov, EnergyStar.gov

GreeN uN-room cHecKlistby Crissy Trask

Urban composting solution BokashiComposting.com

Toxins in consumer products Toxipedia.org

Eco-water filters Brita.com/your-brita/recycle-your-filter BritishBerkefeld.com TerraFlo.com/recycle.htm

Textile certifications Tinyurl.com/7wd9vlr

Go-to resourcesPVC fact sheet MyHouseIsYourHouse.org/pvcfacts.html

Radiation exposure facts epa.gov/radtown/index.html

Safe cosmetics and personal care products ewg.org/skindeep


greenliving

Doug Pushard, an expert in rainwater catchment sys-tems who shares his know-how at HarvestH2O.com, believes that homeowners capture rainfall for two rea-

sons—either to make the most of a precious water resource in states with low seasonal precipitation or to control storm-water runoff in states with high precipitation. It’s also an easy way to make a dent in household water and sewer bills. Capturing and managing rainwater provides an environmentally sound alternative to wasting precious tap water pulled from diminishing underground reservoirs, and can replace some or all of a home’s water needs, depending on the system. Rainwater is also better for nourishing lawns, plants and gardens. “People want to use rainwater instead of city water in their yards because they understand that city water carries chlorine, which is not great for plants,” Pushard explains. The amount of water used by residential irrigation is significant. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Sense Program, an American family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day, including 30 percent of it outside. More than half of that outdoor water is used for lawns and gardens, with the rest sprayed on cars, in swimming pools and on sidewalks and driveways. Collectively, nationwide landscape irrigation totals more than 7 billion gallons per day.

Water CalculationsIn its simplest form, rainwater harvesting involves little more than placing rain barrels—with capacities from 55 gallons to several hundred gallons—under a home’s downspouts.

Popular models can be purchased from home improvement stores, or county extension classes teach how to make one from inexpensive parts. Online research shows the various styles available; most have a spigot at the base for attaching a hose or filling a watering can. The larger capacity, more sophisticated systems use storage cisterns than can hold thousands of gallons of water below ground. These employ pumps that move the water to sprinkler systems or other points of use. For these more complicated setups, Pushard recom-mends engaging professional help, adding that below-ground systems will capture excess water year-round, even in cli-mates where temperatures drop. “In northern New Mexico, where I live, we get almost one-third of our precipitation in the winter,” he says. “If you have a below-ground system, you can capture that; with an above-ground one, you can’t, because the tank or fittings would freeze and burst.” The formula for determining the maximum amount of water available to capture is related to roof size. Multiply the square footage of the roof times the local annual rainfall (found at Tinyurl.com/73enzjx), and then multiply the result by .623 gallons. That .623 factor is “how many gallons are in an area of one square foot by one inch deep of rainwater,” according to one of Pushard’s online tutorials. Not all roof materials are created equal. On the high end, tile, metal, concrete or asphalt roofs have a 95 percent runoff efficiency; gravel roofs, 70 percent; and grass roofs, 17 percent, so factor that in, too. Pushard recommends always going with a bigger tank, if possible, to avoid having to add more water storage later.

Think BigRainwater harvesting works as an effective irrigation device, but it needn’t be limited to outdoor use. One of the easi-est—and most useful—places to direct captured rainwater is toilets. Citing bathrooms as a home’s biggest water user, the EPA notes that a single toilet can use 27 percent of house-hold water. “It’s ludicrous that we use drinking water to flush toilets,” says Pushard. To use stored rainwater instead, run a new plumbing line to the rainwater storage tank and install a pump that activates when the toilet flushes. Rainwater can supply sink faucets, as well, but counting on rainwater to be the sole source of all household water requires a substantial investment and a filtration, purification and UV light system to make the water drinkable. When capturing rain for potable uses, roofing material becomes more important: Unpainted metal and tile are preferred, because these will not leach chemicals into the water that are difficult to remove. In terms of overall cost, the simplest rainwater collec-tion systems will cost a few hundred dollars (less than $100 per barrel), while a whole-house system will cost tens of thousands. However, Pushard points out, rainwater harvest-ing can be a lifesaver with water shortages becoming a new norm in many states.

Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine and the author of The Autism Puzzle: Connecting the Dots Between Environmental Toxins and Rising Autism Rates.

EVERY DROP COUNTSReusing Rainwater Saves Money and is Better for Plants

by Brita Belli


Garden Feng shui: It’s all about Chiby Minnie Kansman

Feng shui is about tuning into all that surrounds us, knowing that what we are surrounded by affects us deeply. Our

mood, energy level, and even our health are influenced more than we realize by the spaces we occupy. True feng shui is the study of how we, as humans, interact with everything in our environments, and how to optimize these interactions.

A dark and dingy hotel room can leave us feeling sad and lonely. One filled with fresh flowers, blooming plants, and sunshine gives us a feeling of safety and comfort. In the garden, a dark shady corner can feel stagnant and cold. Planting a woodland garden there with delicate green ferns and sweet smelling wildflowers will transform that same area into something beautiful and inviting.

Learning how to make these transformations becomes easy when you understand the basic principles of feng shui. The first step to understanding these principles is to get a firm grasp on the concept of how energy flows.

Chi FlowIn feng shui, energy is referred to Chi, the universal life force that surrounds us all. It is in the atmosphere of our planet, and cycles down to the earth’s surface, embracing us with a blanket of energy. This is the Chi force that affects our immediate environments and enters our homes and gardens to breathe life into them. The sacred feeling of being in a pine forest at daybreak, or watching the perfect ease of a sunset as it sinks into the ocean; these are positive ways in which Chi moves within Nature. When this movement of Chi is unhurried, gentle, and welcoming, our personal Chi—the life force within each one of us - is also nourished.

Wind Water Chi Flow The Chinese translation of feng shui is literally wind and water. If we can imagine Chi as moving like wind or water over the landscape, we can begin to get a sense of what it may also look like. Wind can be felt on the skin, our highly tuned sensory organ that helps us to decipher easily between a gentle breeze and a gale force. Sand or snow carried by the wind gives us a visual aid into imagining what Chi looks like. Chi encircles us like the wind, maneuvering easily around anything in its path. Natural wind blocks, like trees or buildings, help to slow fast moving Chi down to a healthier and meandering pace.

Wind is also a great teacher of where the Chi may be too Yin, or too stuck. A dark, secluded corner may feel like a protected area, yet with nothing growing there it easily becomes neglected and forgotten. It may become a catchall for discarded

items and debris, which naturally starts to gather there. Before long it can become a junk pile.

The flow of water is another visual which can help us “see” Chi. Flooding a garden, in your mind’s eye or literally, is a great way to see the Chi present there. The initial flow is strongest from the main entrance to the yard, usually the driveway. This flow meanders from area to area depending on the grade and slope of the land, and also by what is planted there. A bank of shrubs or large trees can redirect Chi to other areas. A steep slope off the back of the yard could have an energetic waterfall raging downward. Likewise, a low area will collect water and stop its movement. Paths that curve and flow direct Chi to curve and slow down, as well. This gentle meandering flow of energy, is ultimately best for a garden or yard.

Chi generally m ove s o n e o f t h r e e way s i n garden spaces: m e a n d e r i n g , fast, or not at all. This flow can be redi rec ted and m a n i p u l a t e d easily by man-made placements. Roads are fantastic examples of how we manipulate Chi. Straight and fast, or curving and slow, our streets set up their own patterns of energy movement. This can be done in the garden with the paths we build and the garden shapes we design. Garden pathways become the roads that move Chi from one area to another. For dark or gloomy areas of a yard where more energy and growth are desired, create some type of path to direct Chi there and observe the difference this makes.

Minnie Kansman is the author of the feng shui garden book Spirit Gardens: Rekindling our Nature Connection. A certified Interior Alignment Practitioner and Inspired Spirit Coach, she has been helping others discover the energy of place through feng shui and space clearing since 1994. As owner of the consultation and training business, Eco~Balance Humanity in Harmony with Nature, she walks lightly on the land, honoring all of Nature’s creations. Connect at [email protected].


What are you trying to achieve in your Putumayo Presents compilations?Putumayo looks for universally ap-pealing music that everyone can relate to. I refer to it as, “the spirit of Bob Marley”—I don’t know of anyone who can listen to his songs and not enjoy them. Every album attempts to encapsu-late the best elements of a culture and music of an area or region. We care-fully curate each thematic album so that, rather than a collection of random tracks, it is a musical journey that will uplift listeners and interest them not only in the music, but also in the cul-ture and the region.

Since the 1970s, Putumayo World Music founder Dan Storper has ap-plied his entrepreneurial acumen

to the business of bridging cultures. Starting with a small shop selling crafts and clothes that he discovered while traveling throughout Latin America, Storper’s business evolved into an eth-nically inspired line of apparel sold in his seven U.S. Putumayo stores and 600 other boutiques around the country. The music mixes that Storper compiled and played in his stores led in 1993 to the creation of the Putumayo World Music record label, intended to introduce people to other cultures around the world through music. In 1997, he sold the clothing business to focus full time on music. Putumayo’s upbeat and wide-ranging compilations are distinctive—exemplified by their hallmark folk art CD covers by British illustrator Nicola Heindl and comprehensive liner notes. Putumayo’s releases, including songs for its children’s label, Putumayo Kids, are now available in 7,000 stores in more than 80 countries. A longtime member of the Social Venture Net-work, Putumayo has donated more than $1 million of the proceeds from its CD sales to nonprofit organizations that support communities where the music originates.

What common threads char-acterize the widely divergent genres that comprise interna-tional music?Thinking about my own experience growing up listening to crossover artists like Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Sergio Mendes, I see a universal connection to melody-driven music with interesting rhythms and beau-tiful voices, even if it’s in other languages or uses unfamiliar instrumentation.

Every year, I receive emails and letters from people that have been in-spired by the music to travel to a place they’ve discovered through our albums. We hope that more and more people will dig deeper by traveling to these countries, buying the works of individu-al artists and creating real connections.

How does Putumayo give back to the cultures whose music it shares with the world?For example, do you try to pre-serve “endangered species” of music?We don’t set out to save dying genres of music, but one of the byproducts of our work is a greater awareness of other cultures and musical traditions. We’re particularly interested in finding musical gems that may not be known to people inside or outside of their country. In the process, we help people recognize and value the strong musi-cal heritage they have. Sometimes we discover artists that become featured on movie soundtracks or are signed by a major label as a result of their collabo-ration with Putumayo. While we focus on presenting great music rather than countering ste-reotypes and cultural misperceptions, that often ends up being a healthy side effect. Much of the music we promote comes from parts of the world strug-gling with poverty, war and other issues; some are commonly associated with negative connotations in the West-ern media. Yet many of these places have rich traditions that are mostly accessible to outsiders through music, art and food. New Orleans, the city I now call home, is a great example of a place that is trying to rise above various challenges and misperceptions.

Putumayo World Dan Storper’s Music without Borders

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What are some of the trends you see in world music today?For centuries, trading caravans would bring new instruments and songs to dif-ferent regions, in turn, influencing the music of an area. Today, with the explo-sion of digital music, there is more mu-sic cross-fertilization than ever. African, Asian and Australian musicians can now hear each other’s music through tour concerts, the Internet and other media. Almost everyone can now similarly access music from around the world; at the same time, this means there is that much more for people to sift through. The music of the world is an ocean of millions of songs. Putumayo employs several people to do just that—search the world to identify little-known music that people all over will love.

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at April Writes.com.


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Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies by Dr. Lauri Grossman

For many, spring brings joy via outdoor activities amid blossom-ing flowers and blooming trees, as

they visit parks, hike through meadows and jog along roads in the warming air. For millions of allergy sufferers, however, the attendant airborne pollen brings bedeviling sneezes, congestion, teary eyes and runny noses. Hay fever alone, which affects 35 million Ameri-cans, shuts many of us indoors. Before resorting to such an extreme measure, try controlling allergic reactions using some of these simple suggestions. The Mayo Clinic recommends that we begin by reducing exposure to al-lergy triggers:n Stay indoors on dry, windy days and

early mornings, when pollen counts are high. The best time to be outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.

n Remove clothes previously worn out-side. Immediately after coming inside, shower thoroughly to rinse off pollen.

n Don’t hang laundry outside, because

pollen may stick to it, especially sheets and towels.

n Keep indoor air as clean as possible by turning on the air conditioner in both the house and car, and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, especially in the bedroom; most cost less than $100. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, too. Keep indoor air comfortably dry with a dehumidifier.

For those that love being out-doors, several natural remedies can help. Dr. Roger Morrison, a holistic physician in Point Richmond, California, likes targeted, widely available, over-the-counter homeopathic medicines. Carefully read labels to match specific symptoms with those noted on indi-vidual remedies. For example, for a badly dripping nose, Allium cepa may be the most helpful remedy. It helps lessen nasal discharge, plus reduce sneezing and congestive headaches that can accom-pany allergies.

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If allergy symptoms center around the eyes, causing itching, burning, redness and tears, then homeopathic Euphrasia is a better choice. If night-time post-nasal drainage leads to coughing upon waking, Euphrasia can help, as well. Pulsatilla helps people whose aller-gies are worse when they enter a warm room or feel congested when they lie down at night. Homeopathic remedies generally are available for less than $10. If symp-toms don’t improve in three days, stop and try a different homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic practitioner Dr. Greg Meyer, in Phoenix, Arizona, says that many of his patients benefit from taking herbs and other natural supplements, and one of the most effective for hay fever is Urtica dioica (stinging nettles). Studies reported in Planta Medica: Journal of Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research, showed that after one week, nearly two-thirds of the par-ticipants taking two 300 milligram (mg) capsules of freeze-dried nettles experi-enced decreased sneezing and itching.

Dr. Andrew Weil, of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, in Tucson, rec-ommends taking 250 mg of freeze-dried nettles extract every two to four hours until symptoms subside. Quercitin is another useful herb. By preventing release of histamine, it also works to lessen the sneezing and itching that accompany allergies. Take 400 mg twice a day before meals. Diana Danna, an integrative nurse practitioner in Staten Island, New York, suggests the age-old remedy of a neti pot to relieve congested nasal passage-ways. It may take a bit of practice, but she’s seen how rinsing the sinuses with a warm saltwater solution can reduce congestion and make breathing easier. An over-the-counter squeeze bottle can substitute for a neti pot, as can NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Danna suggests rinsing twice a day for best results. Simple dietary modifications often yield promising results, as well. Stick to non-mucous-producing foods and eat more foods that give a boost to the body’s natural immune system. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables and raw

nuts and seeds fit both categories, as do lean proteins like fresh fish and organic meats. Drinking plenty of clean water flushes the system and thins secretions. Foods that tend to cause the most prob-lems for allergy sufferers include dairy products, fried and processed foods and refined sugars and flours. Adding essential fatty acids to a diet has benefits beyond allergy relief. In my own practice, I’ve seen how pa-tients that take one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or three grams of fish oil during the spring months breathe more easily when outdoors. They also delight in healthier looking skin, shinier hair and harder nails. Trying these approaches may well turn spring into a favorite time of year for everyone.

Lauri Grossman, a doctor of chiropractic and certified classical homeopath, practices in Manhattan, NY. She also chairs the American Medical College of Homeopathy’s department of humanism, in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at amcofh.org and HomeopathyCafe.com.


Most of us are oblivious to our breathing habits. It’s sim-ply something that we do

thousands of times every day without thinking about it, breathing in life-giving oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, most of us do not breathe correctly. We tend to take 10 to 12 shallow, staccato breaths per minute, instead of the slower, deeper, oxygen-rich breaths that our bodies crave. For centuries, specific breathing techniques have played an integral, healthful role in Eastern mind-body practices, including many forms of yoga and martial arts. Today, the element of disciplined breathing associated with those arts are drawing the attention of Western medical research. Studies are showing that while poor breathing has a negative effect on an individual’s health, deep, optimal breathing can measurably improve body functions. Dr. David Anderson, a senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging, says that slower, deeper breathing may even help some people with hypertension lower their blood pressure, although he’s not yet sure exactly how it works. “We know that slow, deep breathing relaxes and dilates blood vessels temporarily,” he states, “but we think that it also helps

our kidneys eliminate salt more effi-ciently, which would explain the drop in blood pressure.” In his ongoing study, participants are asked to breathe in sync with tones generated by a special device. “The device trains them to breath slower

and pace breaths until they reach six to eight breaths per minute,” explains Anderson. Other studies are also showing that varying our breathing techniques can be an effective tool in handling and managing depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders. Medical doc-tors Richard Brown and Patricia Ger-barg have studied the effects of various breathing practices on the stress levels of tsunami victims, Australian Vietnam veterans, emergency responders and other groups that suffer from post trau-matic stress syndrome. “We started out by looking at specific yogic deep breathing tech-niques, such as Sudarshan Kriya yoga, qigong and others, but soon realized that combining elements of several of these techniques yielded optimal results,” remarks Gerbarg. She adds that professional breathing instruction is necessary to achieve their results, yet, “skillful control of breath patterns can be used to calm emotions, eliminate anxiety, stop obsessive worry, reduce stress over-reactivity and induce greater mental clarity and focus.” The road to better health may well be just a few breaths away.

Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer based in Adairsville, Georgia. Connect at AmberNagle.com.

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Because breathing is something we can all control and regulate, it makes a useful tool for achieving a relaxed and clear state of mind. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends these three breathing ex-ercises to help relax and reduce stress. Try each one to see how it affects your stress and anxiety levels.

The Stimulating Breath(or Bellows Breath)The Stimulating Breath is adapted from a yogic breathing technique. Its aim is to raise vital energy and increase alertness.

nInhale and exhale rapidly through your nose, keeping your mouth closed, but relaxed. Breaths in and out should be equal in duration, but as short as possible.nTry for three in-and-out breath cycles per second. This produces a quick movement of the diaphragm, suggesting a bellows. Breathe normally after each cycle.nBegin with a maximum of 15 seconds. Increase subsequent practice sessions by five seconds or so, until reaching a full minute. Done properly, this exercise brings a feeling of invigoration comparable to the heightened awareness achieved after a good workout.

The 4-7-8 Exercise (or Relaxing Breath)This exercise is simple, takes little time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere, in any position. Learn it first by sitting with your back straight. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there. You will be ex-haling through your mouth; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

nExhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.nClose your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.nHold your breath for a count of seven.nExhale completely through your

mouth, making a whoosh sound, to a count of eight.

nNow, inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times, for a total of four breaths.

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inha-lation. The time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is im-portant. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up, but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice, you can slow it down. This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Practice it at least twice a day. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded, do not be concerned; it will pass. Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a useful tool to use when anything upset-ting happens—before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. Everyone can benefit from it.

Breath CountingBreath counting is a simple, yet challeng-ing, technique used in Zen meditation.Sit in a comfortable position with the spine straight and head inclined slightly forward. Gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, let the breath come naturally, without trying to influence it. Ideally, it will be quiet and slow, while depth and rhythm may vary.

nTo begin the exercise, count one to yourself as you exhale.nThe next time you exhale, count two, and so on, up to five.nBegin a new cycle, counting one on the next exhalation.

Never count higher than five, and count only when you exhale. You will know your attention has wandered when you find yourself counting up to eight or higher. Work up to 10 minutes at a time.

Source: DrWeil.com.

3 BREATHING EXERCISES

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Most of us regularly discard food items—week-old cooked pasta, stale cereal, half a loaf

of moldy bread, suspicious leftovers and other foods we fail to eat before they perish. But consider that the Natu-ral Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that 40 percent of all edible food products in the United States—comprising 34 million tons—is wasted each year. Food waste occurs at all levels of the supply chain. Farm fresh fruits and vegetables are often left unharvested because their appearance does not meet aesthetic standards imposed by grocery stores, and pieces bruised or marred during shipping and handling are routinely discarded. Many restau-rants serve supersized portions of food, even though much of it is left on plates when customers leave, and thrown into dumpsters. Plus, many shoppers buy more than they need. With a little care and a more en-lightened system, we could help prevent much of the waste and better address hunger in the United States. Research-

ers estimate that Americans could feed 25 million people if we collectively reduced our commercial and consumer food waste by just 20 percent. From an environmental standpoint, wasted food equals wasted water, en-ergy and chemicals. Producing, packag-ing and transporting these food items generate pollution—all for nothing: a zero percent return on our dollars. Food waste represents the single largest component of all municipal solid waste now going into landfills. Although it is biodegradable when properly exposed to sunlight, air and moisture, decompos-ing food releases significant amounts of methane, a heat-trapping greenhouse gas that is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2). Ten tips make it possible to reduce our “food print”. Shop smarter. Preplan meals for the week, including non-cooking days and leftover days. Make a shopping list and stick to it after inventorying the pantry, fridge and freezer. Buy produce in smaller quantities to use within a few days. Because we tend to overbuy

consciouseating when we’re hungry, don’t walk the aisles with a growling stomach. Organize the refrigerator. Place leftovers at eye level in the fridge, so they are front-and-center anytime someone opens it. When stowing groceries, slide older items to the front. Pay attention to use-by dates and under-stand that food is good for several days beyond a sell-by date. Freeze foods. Many food items will last for months in the freezer in appro-priate storage bags and containers. Share surplus food. For larger dishes such as casseroles and crockpot meals, invite a friend over for supper, deliver a plate to an elderly neighbor or pack leftovers to share with co-workers. Donate extra nonperishable or unspoiled food items to a local soup kitchen, food bank or pantry or home-less shelter. Store food properly. To maximize food’s edible life, set the fridge between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and ar-range containers so that air circulates around items; the coldest areas are near the back and bottom of the unit. For fruits and vegetables stored in plastic bags or designated bins or containers, squeeze out air and close tightly to re-duce the damaging effects of exposure to oxygen. Buy ugly fruits and veggies. Grocery stores and markets throw out a substantial volume of vegetables and fruits because their size, shape or color is deemed less than ideal. Purchase produce with cosmetic blemishes to save perfectly good, overlooked food from being discarded as waste. Use soft fruits and wilted vegeta-bles. Soft, overripe fruits can be con-verted to jellies, jams, pies, cobblers, milkshakes and smoothies. Wilted carrots, limp celery, soft tomatoes and droopy broccoli can be chopped up and blended into soups, stews, juices and vegetable stocks. Dish up smaller portions. Smaller portions are healthier and allow left-overs for another meal. Take home a doggie bag. Only about half of restaurant diners take leftovers home. Ask to have unfinished food boxed in a recyclable container, and then enjoy it for lunch or dinner within two days.

waste Not, want Not10 Ways to Reduce Costly Food Waste

by Amber Lanier Nagle


Compost routinely. If, despite daily best efforts, food waste still oc-curs, recycle it with meal preparation scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amend-ment. Create an outdoor compost heap, or compost cooked and un-cooked meats, food scraps and small bones quickly and without odor in an indoor bokashi bin. “Earth Day—April 22nd—serves as a reminder that each of us must exercise personal responsibility to think globally and act locally as environmen-tal stewards of Earth,” says Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Net-work. “Reducing food waste is another way of being part of the solution.”

Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer specializing in how-to articles pertain-ing to Southern culture, healthy living and the environment.

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Large or small, each green action we take—from workplace com-mitments to reduce, reuse and

recycle to individual initiatives like riding a bike to work—helps to protect the integrity of our irreplaceable planet. We have come a long way from the first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, that acti-vated 20 million Americans. Today, the Earth Day Network (EDN) collaborates with 22,000 partners in 192 countries, and 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the world’s largest annual civic observance. More progress is needed, however. “This Earth Day, we are mobilizing people on the planet simply to say one thing: The Earth won’t wait,” advises EDN Director of Earth Day, Franklin Russell, noting that environmental issues are frequently put on the back burner in the face of global economic challenges. “All too often, we hear of another oil spill or pipeline break, or another moun-tain leveled to mine for dirty coal. It’s time that we mobilize the Earth and speak with one voice, one message,” he asserts. “It’s time that our leaders put us on the path to sustainability.” EDN invites us to help build the momentum by continuing to participate in the Billion Acts of Green campaign launched for Earth Day 2011. Its goal is to record a billion acts of environ-mental service and advocacy before Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, taking place this June, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To date, more than 499 million acts have been pledged—a powerful cause for hope. “I’m resolutely optimistic,” says Denis Hayes, organizer of the origi-nal Earth Day. “I think it’s really valuable for everyone in the world, even for a day, to do something for the environ-ment and think about the Earth.”

MOBILIZE FOR

EARTHPledge a Green Act for Earth Day 2012

Take Part NowPledge your own green act today at EarthDay.org and help mobilize the Earth by attending and supporting one or more of these local Earth Day 2012 events.

Wednesday, April 4Muskegon Area Earth Week: Family Movie Event- 1:00-4:15 pm. Children and their guardians get to explore their natural world through a guided tour of MCC’s Kasey Hartz Natural Area, watch a movie, create poetic nature art, and munch on popcorn. Free event. Muskegon Community College’s Stevenson Center. For more info please call 231-288-0999.

Thursday, April 19 Green Day 6K Fun Run- 5:30-8:00 pm. Run begins at 6:30 pm. In celebration of Earth Day lace up your running shoes and run a fun 6K fun run. More info on our web site or Facebook. Free. Harvest Health Foods. Grand Rapids. 616-299-6868.

Friday, April 202012 WMEAC Earth Day Celebration Presented by Founders Brewing- 6:00pm-11:00pm. Annual Earth Day concert featuring Steppin’ In It, Karissa Wilson and Jim Shaneberger. Food from What the Truck and brews from Founders. $15 or $10 with a Grand Rapids Public Library card. Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids. www.wmeac.org

Earth Rock Concert- 7:00-10:00 pm. Celebrate Earth Day listening to local bands, soloists, and poets. 2012 Lakeshore Earth Day Planning Taskforce. Free. Grand Haven Community Center. Grand Haven. 616-844-4497. www.wetland-watch.org

Saturday, April 21Grand River GreenUp- 9:00am-12:00pm. Come help clean up the Grand River. Free t-shir ts, snacks and refreshments will be provided. Free. Riverside County Park in Coopersville. www.grandrivergreenup.com

Party for the Planet- 10:00am-3:00pm. Party free with regular zoo admission ($4-5). Enjoy a family friendly atmosphere with activities, crafts and of course all your favorite animals! John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids. www.johnballzoosociety.org

Grand Rapids Public Library Earth Day Events- 10:00am-4:00pm. Seminars on helpful environmental tips, a green market and an organization expo. Free. GRPL downtown Grand Rapids. www.grpl.org

Green Earth March- 12:00-1:00pm. Come join with us on anything that doesn’t use fossil fuels: your feet, your bike, your roller blades, etc. Meet at Franklin Street parking lot south of the Ottawa County Courthouse. Free. Grand Haven Community Center. Grand Haven. 616-844-4497. www.wetland-watch.com

Earth Day Fair- 1:00-4:00 pm. Visit booths of environmental organizations and businesses, community and educational groups. Food, games, information, music from Prevailing Winds and others. Environmentally friendly things to buy. Some displays and games may be outside in Central Park. Free. Grand Haven Community Center. Grand Haven. 616-844-4497. www.wetland-watch.org

Sunday, April 22Earth Day Spirit Faire- 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Psychic Readers, Palmistry, Angel Messages, Massage, Jewelry, Aura Photos, Vendors, Door Prizes, $3 entry fee. Plainwell Comfort Inn event rooms, exit 49A off US-131, between Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo. 269-948-1990.

“Up Close” Seminar- 1:00pm-6:30pm. This is the classic “Up Close” seminar where Lee Carroll presents his entertaining lecture with entirely new information about current events and the state of evolutionary affairs on planet Earth. $95. Hilton Hotel, 4747 28th Street SE., Grand Rapids. Contact The Healing Center to pre-register at 970-389-4200 or [email protected].

Wednesday, April 25Muskegon Area Earth Week: Chris Bedford Arts Festival & Awards- 6:30 pm. View the late Chris Bedford’s latest film, “Getting Real about Food and the Future” and learn more about his impact on West Michigan. Free. Muskegon Community College’s Overbrook Theater. Muskegon. For more info please call 231-288-0999. muskegonasc.org.

Saturday, April 28Earth & Sky Days- 11:00am-4:00pm. Learn about the connection between the earth and outer space with activities, planetarium shows and games. Free with general admission. Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids. www.grmuseum.org

Muskegon Area Earth Week: Earth Fair- 1:00-4:00 pm. Bring the family to play games, win prizes, hear demonstrations, and see cool technology. Organizations and businesses will be showing what our area has to offer in terms of natural resources, eco products and services, green jobs, recreation and sustainable practices. MAREC. Muskegon. 231-288-0999. www.muskegonasc.org


suNdAy, APril 1Free Community Yoga Class- 10:00-11:15 am. Appropriate for all levels of ability, mats and props provided--just bring yourself and a friend. On the Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028.

Yoga Zoo Zen (for kids ages 6-9)- 2:00-3:30 pm. A kid-friendly yoga class that focuses on animal asanas! A fun April Fool’s Day snack will follow and a worksheet to take home will be provided. $10. On the Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028.

tuesdAy, APril 38 Week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction w/ Carol Hendershot- 6:30 pm. Get more information on how you can better understand and work with stress through mindfulness practice. Expressions of Grace Yoga/GR Center for Mindfulness. Grand Rapids. 616-745-1864.

wedNesdAy, APril 48 Week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction w/ Carol Hendershot- 9:30 am. Get more information on how you can better understand and work with stress through mindfulness practice. Expressions of Grace Yoga/GR Center for Mindfulness. Grand Rapids. 616-745-1864.

Breastfeeding Herbs- 6:00 pm. Breastfeeding is a normal, natural process, but problems sometimes arise. Kellie Green of OM Bellies will discuss common problems encountered during breastfeeding and herbal remedies. $3. Elder & Sage. Grand Rapids. 616-242-1355.

Family Yoga- 6:00-7:00 pm. We will explore asanas, meditative practices and breathing techniques. The environment is playful with accessibility to all levels. Bring your yoga mat and any props you may need (yoga block, strap/tie/belt). Children age 6 and up please. Free. Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386.

Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation, and energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 E. Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids. 269-929-6796.

Journey Dance Workshop for Women- 7:15-8:45 pm. Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, JourneyDance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well-being. $15. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

tHursdAy, APril 58 Week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction w/ Carol Hendershot- 7:15 pm. Get more information on how you can better understand and work with stress through mindfulness practice. Expressions of Grace Yoga/GR Center for Mindfulness. Grand Rapids. 616-745-1864.

fridAy, APril 6Hula Hoop Workshop w/ Rebecca Urick- 6:30-7:30 pm. Burn up to 600 calories and have fun doing it! Quiets

the mind, restores the mind-body-spirit connection, and promotes well being. Experienced and Beginning Hoopers Welcome! Hoops provided! $15. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

suNdAy, APril 8Love Each Other as Soul- 10:00-11:00 am. Join the monthly Eckankar worship service where people of all faiths are warmly invited to experience the Light and Sound of God. Services are the second Sunday of each month. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood. Grand Rapids. 616-245-7003. eck-mi.org.

tuesdAy, APril 10What can I do with spring vegetables?- 6:30 pm. Guests are invited to join us tonight to taste some delicious recipes for spring veggies. Free. Wellness Forum. Grand Rapids. Reservations please call 616-942-7907.

wedNesdAy, APril 11Get Out The Knots- 1:00-2:30pm. Therapeutic Massage Techniques to Relieve Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS Pain. Presented by Larry Urban, CMT. Free-will donation accepted. For info contact CFS Solutions of West Michigan, Lori Kroger at 231-360-6830 or [email protected]. Held in Rm #14 at Peter M. Wege Health & Learning Center, 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. Community Spiritual Drum Circle- 7:00-8:00 pm. Enter into our circle of friends with meditative, centering and celebratory drumming. Bring your own drum or shaker or borrow one of ours. A love offering is accepted. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids. Ada. 616-682-7812.

tHursdAy, APril 12Relaxation Response Workshop- 6:00-7:30 pm. Learn simple breath and mental awareness techniques to de-stress your nerve system, improve immune system function, calm your mind & emotions; support your body’s ability to heal naturally from within. Space is ltd. FREE. Must pre-register. Dr. Ragini Pierce. Muskegon. 231-670-0179. angeltouchfamilychiropractic.com.

Do you smile as you exercise?- 7:00 pm. You will if you join us tonight with Kate as we do ZUMBA! Have fun--feel the beat-you don’t have to be a dancer--just move! Space is limited. $5. The Wellness Forum. Grand Rapids. Call 616-942-7907 for a spot!

fridAy, APril 13Bamboo-fusion® (on the table)- 9:00 am-6:00 pm. This massage treatment is an innovative way to provide relaxation. Therapist will use “warmed” bamboo tools that are different shapes and sizes. NCBTMB approved 16CE’s. $399 includes Bamboo and DVD. Institute of Sanative Arts. 616-791-0472. Sign up at sanativetranquility.com/ceclasses.html.

Fire of Transformation Yoga Practice w/ Mimi Ray- 6:30-8:30 pm. Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher. An invitation for experienced students to light the inner fire of the heart; transform and refine your

calendarofeventsNote: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

practice. $18. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. Call for prerequisites. 616-361-8580.

sAturdAy, APril 14Bamboo-fusion® (on the table)- 9:00 am-6:00 pm. This massage treatment is an innovative way to provide relaxation. Therapist will use “warmed” bamboo tools that are different shapes and sizes. NCBTMB approved 16CE’s. $399 includes Bamboo and DVD. Institute of Sanative Arts. 616-791-0472. Sign up at sanativetranquility.com/ceclasses.html.

DIY and Homeowner American Clay Workshop- 9:00-11:00 am. Participants will learn about the entire application process and have hands on troweling and compression steps. Limited to 18. Please, no small children. Attendees will receive 10% off their American Clay order the day of class. $39. HWC Homeworks Corp. Wyoming. 269-967-7773.

Visit our Booth- 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Come visit our booth at the Hudsonville Showcase at Hudsonville High School and find out who we are and what God is doing through us. Free. Jehovah Jireh Ministries. Jamestown. 616-896-1570.

How to Improve Soil- 12:00 pm. Dig deep into the soil amendment known as compost. Learn how to create balanced nutrition for any plant. We’ll learn about the soil food web and the types of microbes that are present in compost piles. Free event. Grand Rapids Public Library. 616-988-5400.

Yoga of Eating: A Divine Reconnection with Food and Body- 1:30-3:00 pm. This session focuses on Mood, Food and the Body... exploring the influence of food, life cycles, detoxification, and environment on mood and energy. $28. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

suNdAy, APril 15Bamboo-Visage ® (facial massage class)- 9:00 am-1:00 pm. A wonderful treatment alone or a perfect finishing touch to complete a full body massage facial treatment. This therapeutic “French facial massage” leaves the client’s skin soft and supple. $199 includes bamboo and DVD. Sign up at sanativetranquility.com/ceclasses.html.

tuesdAy, APril 17Dinner Talk- 6:30 pm. Please join us for a complimentary Dinner Talk sponsored by Get Healthy Michigan. Your evening of educational entertainment includes a dinner and vital information presented by Dr. Michael Kwast, DC, and CSCS that will help you live a healthier life. Free. Please register at gethealthytalk.com. 616-447-9888.

Nourishing Ways Spring Presentation- 7:00-8:30 pm. Everything you wanted to know about raw milk but were afraid to ask Karen Lubbers of LubbersFamilyFarm.com. Nourishing Ways of West Michigan. Grand Rapids. 616 682-8339.

wedNesdAy, APril 18Reiki Share Group- 5:30-7:30 pm. Join other Reiki practitioners and students to share ideas, questions, experiences and Reiki. Jan Atwood, Reiki Master / Teacher. Free. Jan Atwood, LLC. Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144.


Easy Detoxification- 6:00 pm. We are pleased to be able to bring you these fascinating natural health topics from some of the best speakers around Grand Rapids! $3. Elder & Sage. 944 Fulton Street E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 616-242-1355.

Journey Dance Workshop for Women- 7:15-8:45 pm. Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, JourneyDance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well-being. $15. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

tHursdAy, APril 19Wege Foundation Speaker Series- 4:00-5:00 pm. Dr. Daniel H. Janzen, world-renowned conservation biologist and advisor to international political leaders will be speaking. Guests are invited to stay for a reception and book signing. Aquinas College’s Performing Arts Center. To RSVP call 616-632-2805 by April 6, 2012. Limited seating is available.

fridAy, APril 20Laughter Yoga Leader training- 7:00-8:00 pm. Opening Session. Become certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader. Experience the stress releasing and happiness boosting power of laughter. $10 or $295 for whole weekend. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

sAturdAy, APril 21Laughter Yoga Leader training- 10:00 am-5:30 pm. Training Course. Become certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader. Experience the stress releasing and happiness boosting power of laughter. $10 or $295 for whole weekend. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

Low Back Self Care w/ Sarah Weber- 12:00-2:00 pm. Use yoga to help protect and strengthen your lower back. Bring heightened awareness and better alignment to this region of the body, enabling you to move with greater freedom. $25 in advance $30 at door. Yoga Studio. Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836.

How to Create Your Own Cleaning Products- 12:30 pm. Making your own cleaning products makes good economic, environmental and health sense. Learn how to make homemade cleaning agents that are much safer and healthier than harsh store-bought cleaners. Free Event. Grand Rapids Public Library. 616-988-5400.

Roses: the Herb of 2012- 1:00-3:00 pm. A class about the long history and lore of the rose will be presented, along with growing & harvesting info. $20, $10 deposit due when registering (before 4/18). Nature’s Spiritual Connections. Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

suNdAy, APril 22Laughter Yoga Leader training- 10:00 am-5:30 pm. Training Course. Become certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader. Experience the stress releasing and happiness boosting power of laughter. $10 or $295 for whole weekend. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

Goin’ to the Y: A Pelvic Floor Workshop for Women- 1:00-3:00 pm. Many women suffer from pelvic floor disorders. Learn how to keep this vital part of your body healthy! $20. On The Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028.

Yin Yoga- 3:00-5:00 pm. Experience total relaxation in a yoga class where poses are designed to open joints and passively stretch muscles. $20. On The Path Yoga. Spring Lake. 616-935-7028.

moNdAy, APril 23Sanity Saver- 6:30 pm. You can be a Sanity Saver! If you enjoy helping moms during the transition after having a baby, this volunteer opportunity is for you! Free volunteer training to become a MomsBloom volunteer. Grand Rapids. For more information contact [email protected] or 616-828-1021.

Self-Health Treatment Method- 6:30-8:00 pm. Utilize your hands as micro-meridian acupuncture system. You can use this to self-treat or practice on friends and family. Very helpful in pain management and well-being. Kits included. $49 if pre-registered, $59 at the door. Spring Lake. 616-634-2714.

wedNesdAy, APril 25Pregnancy: Keeping it Healthy and Low Risk- 5:30-7:30 pm. Learn important factors in having a low risk pregnancy, labor and birth. Practice exercises to strengthen & prepare your body for the marathon of birth. Come in comfortable clothes to learn the exercises hands-on. $5. Hop Scotch Children’s Store. Grand Rapids. 616-233-4008.

Intro to Brain Gym- 6:00-7:00 pm. Take your brain out to play in this fun, experiential intro to Brain Gym. Easy movements synchronize body, mind and spirit, optimizing how we learn, think and act in all areas of our lives. Free. Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids. 616-459-8386.

Intro to GAPS- 6:00 pm. The Gut & Psychology/Physiology Syndrome describes the connection between how our physical and mental health is dependent on the health of our digestive tract and the micro-organisms contained within it. $3. Elder & Sage. Grand Rapids. 616-242-1355.

tHursdAy, APril 26Relaxation Response Workshop- 6:00-7:30 pm. Learn simple breath and mental awareness techniques to de-stress your nerve system, improve immune system function, calm your mind & emotions; support your body’s ability to heal naturally from within. Space is ltd. FREE. Must pre-register. Dr. Ragini Pierce. Muskegon. 231-670-0179. angeltouchfamilychiropractic.com.

Breastfeeding Support Group- 6:00-7:00 pm. Led by certified Lactation Counselor, Laurie Vance. Each month we will have a mini-topic discussion to get things started. Your questions are welcomed and encouraged! Free. Hop Scotch Children’s Store. Grand Rapids. 616-233-4008.

fridAy, APril 27Feng Shui: A Beginners Mind- 6:30-7:30 pm. Learn the basic principles of feng shui to start creating spaces that look and feel good to be in. Expressions of Grace Yoga Studio, Grand Rapids. $18. Register at 616-361-8580. expressionsofgraceyoga.com.

sAturdAy, APril 28Professional American Clay Workshop- 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Attendees will have hands on through all phases of application. Wall prep and substrate questions are addressed, mixing of product is

demonstrated. Discussion on all four clays and available colors, as well as repairing. $59. HWC Homeworks. Wyoming. 269-967-7773.

Miracle of Numbers Workshop- 10:00am-5:00pm & 10am-4pm on 4/29. With director & numerologist John Davis. Learn how to do Numerology Personality Profiles & Planetary Numerology for the New Millennium. Basic Numerology I, $75 Saturday. Advanced Numerology & Mystical Numerology, $75 Sunday, Entire weekend $140. Pre-register: [email protected]. Visit www.thecopticcenter.org or call 616-531-1339 for more info. The Coptic Center, 0-381 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids.Journey Dance Workshop for Women- 1:00-3:00 pm. Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, JourneyDance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well-being. $20. Expressions of Grace Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580.

suNdAy, APril 29Introduction to Cupping Massage- 9:00 am-6:00 pm. You will learn how to use different types of cups and how to effectively and safely work them into a treatment as a modality. Cups not included, cups will be provided to use in training. $250. Enroll at sanativetranquility.com/ceclasses.html

moNdAy, APril 30Introduction to Cupping Massage- 9:00 am-6:00 pm. You will learn how to use different types of cups and how to effectively and safely work them into a treatment as a modality. Cups not included, cups will be provided to use in training. $250. Enroll at sanativetranquility.com/ceclasses.html

tHursdAy, mAy 3Essential Oils Class- 7:00-9:00 pm. Introduction to Essential Oils by Dr. Dana Young, owner of Be Young Essential Oils. Free. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148.

fridAy, mAy 4Holistic Health and your body- 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Learn how to help your 10 body systems naturally! Dr. Dana Young will provide you with the tools you need to help your body heal naturally. $15. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148.

sAturdAy, mAy 5Emotional Aromatic Touch Program- 9:00 am-5:00 pm. You can deal with and learn how to have Emotional Release as Dr. Dana Young guides you through the Emotional Aromatic Touch Program. $15. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148.

save the dates: mAy 6-11

Panchakarma Spring Cleanse- Experience a physical & emotional cleanse that includes: Three Lectures, Individual Ayurvedic Assessment, Ayurvedic treatment (massage) & much more. Facilitators include: Maria KaliMa, RN, MS, E-RYT 500 & Sue Dilsworth, PhD, RYT-500, LFYP-2, IYT Pre-register through April 15th for only $378. After April 15th = $528. Space limited to 20. www.HeartsJourneyWellness.com.


ongoingevents

SundayCenter of Self-directed Teens now forming- 9:45-10:45 am. A progressive alternative for teens and for existing homeschoolers who seek a progres-sive, democratic, challenging learning community. Meeting monthly on 3rd Sundays. Fountain Street Church. Grand Rapids. 616-550-0371.

Unity of Greater Grand Rapids- 10:00 am. Cel-ebrating God’s presence in human nature. Offering uplifting messages that are spiritual without being religious. Youth programs & Nursery. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada. 616-682-7812. www.unity-churchofpeace.org.

Worship Service- 10:00 am. The last Sunday of each month we host this time of self-reflection and sharing. This month’s Love Offering will be new or used winter clothing. Rev. Barb Huttinga and associate Coptic Ministers speaking. The Healing Center 332 S. Lincoln, Lakeview. 989-352-6500.

Miracle of Numbers Workshop- 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Advanced Numerology & Mystical Numerol-ogy. $75. Entire weekend $140. The Coptic Center. Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339 for more information.

Unity of Muskegon “A Church of Light, Love & Laughter”- 10:30 am weekly. Sunday Services & Youth Education. Minister: Rev. John W. Williams. 2052 Bourdon St., Muskegon. 231-759-7356. Unitymuskegon.org.

Unity of Grand Rapids-10:30 am. A spiritual com-munity that is warm and welcoming, inclusive and accepting of all, honoring diversity, for those who are seeking spiritual truth. 1711 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids. 616-453-9909. unityofgrandrapids.org.

Rockin Vinyasa Yoga- 4:00-5:15 pm. Energetic flow class builds stamina, strength and flexibility. Walk-ins welcome. $10. Sparta. theclubyoga.net. 616-481-6610.

Women’s Meditation Group- 4:30 pm. This group will explore different forms of meditation for ap-proximately one hour. Free. The Infinite Feminine. Grand Rapids. Space is limited. register at thein-finitefeminine.com. 616-648-7011.

The Coptic Center Sunday Series- 6:00 pm. An ongoing series of inspirational speakers, centering and music. Youth Ministry class one Sunday of each month during service, check schedule. The Coptic Center. Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

HOT COMMunity Yoga- 6:00 pm. Join us for this flowing vinyasa style class done in a heated room. $5 donation. Net proceeds go to a different charity each month. Core Pilates & Yoga. Grand Rapids. 616-361-2555.

Monday$30 Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-the-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home computer generated results to

assess progress. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. For more info visit Integrativenutritionaltherapies.com.

Yoga Intro to Flow- 5:30-6:30 pm. Learn the basics of Vinyasa Yoga while developing strength, flexibil-ity and balance. Beginner’s welcome. Walk-ins wel-come. $10. Sparta. theclubyoga.net. 616-481-6610.

Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 6:15-7:30 pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiv-erYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Posture Class- 7:30 pm. Mon & Wed. A flow of pos-tures with emphasis on body awareness, alignment and coordination of breath & movement. $10-16 per class. Seva Yoga. East Grand Rapids. sevayoga.net. 616-458-2541.

TuesdayGentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 7:45- 9:00 am & 9:15-10:30 am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classesmeet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Yoga for Everyone- 10:00-11:00 am. With Ruth Sutherland. $3.00. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500.

Self-Help Education Meeting- 1:00-2:30 pm. The Peter M. Wege Health & Learning Center (Wege North Building at St. Mary’s Hospital), 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Room & topics subject to change). 231-360-6830.

Change Your Coffee, Change Your Life!- 6:00pm. Organo Gold Coffee mixer- try a cup, feel the difference & find out why. Cedar Rock Mall. Grand Rapids. Call for details Judy 616-340-2820 or Tina 231-250-4808.

Gentle Yoga- 6:00 pm. Tues & Thurs. Breath, Meditation Yin, Slower flow Vinyasa. Come enjoy ongoing classes at Seva Yoga. $10-$16 per class. East Grand Rapids. sevayoga.net. 616-458-2541.

On Being a Spirit having a Physical Experience- 6:30 pm. 2nd & 4th Tuesday. From the Shamanic Teachings of the Sweet Medicine Sundance Path w/ Marie Moon Star Seeker. $10. Owl Hawk Clan.Open Mind in Rockford. 616-447-0128.

Restorative Yoga- 6:30-7:30 pm. Enjoy a gentle and relaxing beginner yoga class. Focus on stretching, breathing and meditation. Walk-ins welcome. $10. Sparta. theclubyoga.net. 616-481-6610.

Aromatherapy Class- 6:30-8:30pm. Every 2nd Tuesday with Linda Bayer RA. Basics and different topics each month. Bayer Essence. Jenison. 616- 457-7426. [email protected].

A Course In Miracles (A.C.I.M.)- 7:00-8:30 p.m. This self-study system teaches forgiveness as the road to inner peace and the remembrance of the unconditional love of God. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids. Ada. 616-682-7812.

Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events sub-ject to change, please call ahead.

Adults OCD support group- 7:00-8:30 pm. Open to any adults who have or think they may have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Friends and family members welcome. Free. Anxiety Resource Center. Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614.

Mystic Angel Classes- 7:00-8:30 pm. With Denise Iwanwi. $15.00. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500.

Adopt a Healthier, More Active Lifestyle- 7:30pm. Perfect nutritional support for optimal fitness. Ask for Reliv’s Personal Training. Open Presentations Spring Hill Suites, 450 Center NW, Grand Rapids. Deb Riolo 616-822-4247. [email protected].

Wednesday$30 Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-the-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home computer generated results to assess progress. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. For more info visit Integrativenutritionaltherapies.com.

A Course In Miracles (ACIM)- 9:30-11:00 am. Self-study system unique in teaching forgiveness as the road to inner peace and the remembrance of the unconditional love of God. Unity of Greater Grand Rapids. Ada. 616-682-7812.

Essential Oils Education- 1:00-3:00 pm & 6:30-8:30 pm. What are Essential Oils? Why and how would I use them? Enjoy FREE classes with New Subjects each month. Natural Health 4 Today. Grand Rapids. 616-698-6148. [email protected].

Gentle/Basic Yoga Classes: New Session Start-ing- 5:45-6:45 pm. (Every Wednesday April 4-May 23). A new 8-week yoga session to reduce stress and anxiety? Anxiety Resource Center, Inc. Grand Rapids. Learn more by calling 616-356-1614.

Yoga Class- 6:30 pm. Experienced or beginner wel-come. Our instructors will help guide you through your yoga journey at your own pace and comfort level. $12 Drop in or $60 6 class pass card. Sana-tive Yoga. sanativetranquility.com\sanative_yoga.

A Course in Miracles Class- 6:00-8:00 pm. With Cindy Barry. Free will offering. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500.

General Anxiety Support Group- 7:00-8:30 pm. Open to individuals who have any kind of anxiety problem as well as their friends and family members. Anxiety Resource Center, Inc. Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614. anxietyresourcecenter.org.

Center of Self-directed Teens Now Forming- 7:00-8:30 pm. Meeting 1st Wednesday. A progres-sive alternative for teens and existing homeschool-ers who seek a progressive, democratic, challenging learning community. Schuler’s Book & Music. Grand Rapids. 616-550-0371.

ThursdayClasses for the Childbearing Year and Beyond- 6:00 pm. Every 3rd Thursday. Designed to educate & support wholistic parenting & living from preg-nancy through parenting and beyond. Advance reg-istration required. Full Circle Midwifery. Hesperia. 231-861-2535.


BodyworK

WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic, Hot Stone & Matr ix Massage. Cert i f ied Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner, R e c o n n e c t i o n H e a l i n g Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, and a Certified Reflexologist. See ad page 21.

BuildiNG / coNstructioN

DLH CONCEPTSKyle HassLicensed Residential Home [email protected]

Locally owned and operated. Specializing in building custom livable and affordable new homes that are Energy Efficient and utilize Green Building practices. Unmatched efficiencies and uncompromising quality. See ad page 39.

cHiroPrActic cAre

DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTICDr. Ronson Dykstra & Dr. Ronda VanderWall4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville616-531-6050

Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.

thenaturaldirectory

SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPADr. Andrew Schafer 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-301-3000

Tr e a t i n g m u s c u l o s k e l e t a l conditions, but specializing in back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Also offering physical therapy, massage therapy, and pos tu ra l awareness . Mos t insurances accepted. Breton Village area. www.grchirospa.com. See ad page 8.

cleANiNG Products

NATURAL HEALTH4 TODAY, LLCClara VanderZouwen, NORWEX Consultant

616-698-6148 [email protected]

Imagine cleaning with only water! Improve the quality of your life with Norwex products by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning. Save Time & Money.

coloN HydrotHerAPy

HARMONY ’N HEALTH Mary De Lange, CCT., CMT.1003 Maryland Av., N.E.Grand Rapids616-456-5033www.harmonynhealth.net

Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a hol is t ic approach colonics relieve constipation, d ia r rhea , gas , b loa t , poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 6.

TRICIA E. GOSLING Natural Health & Healing Center723 Kenmoor SE Grand Rapids 49546616-481-9074 www.holisticenergytherapies.net

Offering an advanced client-centered dimension of colonics: gentle , safe and effect ive. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 16 years of experience. A l s o o f f e r i n g Q u a n t u m Biofeedback sessions. I-ACT certified Instructor.

...connecting you to the leaders in natural health and green living in West Michi-gan. To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory log-on to www.NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

Spiritual Classes- 6:00-7:30 pm. Astrology, numer-ology, tarot, etc with Gail Brumeister. $15.00. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterO-fLakeview.com. 989-352-6500.

Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 6:15-7:30 pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiv-erYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Oils Classes- 6:30-8:00 pm. Every 3rd Thursday with Barb Huttinga. The Healing Center. Lakeview. TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com. 989-352-6500.

Passage meditation group- 7:00-8:30pm. Helpful for solving life’s problems & spiritual growth. Pas-sage Meditation. Unity Church of Practical Christi-anity, 1711 Walker NW, Grand Rapids. Easwaran.org. 616-636-4023.

SaturdayGentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 9:00-10:15 am & 10:30-11:45 am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for info. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market- 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Every other Saturday. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, Harvey St. 1/2 Mile South of Lakes Mall. Exit US 31 at Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon.Adopt a Healthier, More Active Lifestyle- 9:30 am. Perfect nutritional support for optimal fitness. Ask for Reliv’s Personal Training. Open Presenta-tions Spring Hill Suites, 450 Center NW, Grand Rapids. Deb Riolo 616-822-4247. [email protected].

Miracle of Numbers Workshop- 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Learn how to do Numerology Personality Pro-files & Planetary Numerology. Basic Numerology I. $75. The Coptic Center. Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339 for more information.


HAir color

AMY WORSTOrganic Hair Color Specialist Aesthetica Image Group616-916-1190

Feel good about looking beautiful! Hair services of all kinds for all types. Providing superior results with Organic Color. 8 yrs . experience. Appointment recommended. www.aestheticaig.com/organic.

HeAltH eductioN ceNter

THE WELLNESS FORUM830 Forest Hill AveGrand Rapids, MI 49546616-942-7907www.WellnessForum.com

Educational programs for personal health improvement - Workplace wellness programs - Wellness Forum Foundation focused on school nutrition and children’s health - National conferences.

HeAltH food stores

AFFORDABLE NUTRITIONJoel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner7493 Cottonwood Drive, [email protected]

Affordable, natural approach to b e t t e r h e a l t h . C e r t i f i e d nutritional consultant with 22 years experience. Offering select, high quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, children’s p roduc t s , e s sen t i a l o i l s , homeopathics, weight loss and

more. Everyday discounts and senior pricing. www.affordable-nutrition.com.

HEALTH HUTT Grand Haven 616-846-3026Muskegon 231-739-1568North Muskegon 231-744-0852www.HealthHutt.net

Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, g lu t en f r ee food ,

natural body and homecare products. Open 7 days a week. See ad page 21.

Holistic HeAltH ceNters

THE HEALING CENTERBob Huttinga PA-C & Rev. Barbara Huttinga332 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Physician assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals. Private consultations. Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional

release, iridology, homeopathy, massage therapy, reflexology, cranial sacral, foot detox & more. See ad page 11.

HomeoPAtHy

BOB HUTTINGA332 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

A Physician assistant since 1 9 7 6 , s p e c i a l i z i n g i n naturopathic and homeopathic care and ApoE Gene Diet. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. See ad page 11.

iNterior desiGN services

STANDALE INTERIORS4046 Lake Michigan Dr. NWGrand Rapids, MI 49534616-453-8201www.standaleinteriors.com

Offering environmentally friendly options for cabinetry, flooring, countertops and window t r e a t m e n t s . T h e H o m e c o m i n g

Collection from Kincaid with the Eco3Home designation offers furniture manufactured in an environmentally responsible process. See ad page 7.

KiNesioloGy

WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGYHEALTH SERVICES, LLCBarbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

C e r t i f i e d W h o l i s t i c Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix Energet ics Pract i t ioner, Certified Massage Therapist, R e c o n n e c t i o n H e a l i n g P r a c t i t i o n e r, C e r t i f i e d Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner and Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in

muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 21.

deNtistry / Holistic

DENTAL HEALTH& WELLNESS CENTERDr. Kevin P. Flood DDS616-974-4990www.FloodTheDentist.com

Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement. Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia, Dentistry for Diabetes, TMJ, Chronic Head & Neck pain and Non Surgical Perio. See ad page 48.

eNerGy HeAliNG

AMA~DEUS®Elizabeth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 [email protected]

Ama Deus® healing energy method is a hand mediated technique aligned with love. The energy helps to enhance one’s own and others growth and awareness or physical and emotional healing. See ad page 31.

MATRIX ENERGETICS Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Matrix Energetics is a system used to heal, transform and create new possibilities in your life. Using the principles of quantum physics and subtle energy dur ing a Matr ix Energetics session we are able to enter into different realties and download new possibilities

for your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual selves. See ad page 21.

esseNtiAl oils

BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILSClara VanderZouwen [email protected]

Learn how to address issues of Pain, Stress, Hormone Imbalance, Weight Management, A D D , A l l e r g i e s ,

Diabetes & more with Essential Oils, Ionic Foot Baths, Bio-Energy scans, Nutritional & NEW Earthing products! Free monthly classes.


scHool / educAtioN

INSTITUTE OFSANATIVE ARTS0-11279 Tallmadge Woods Dr.,Grand Rapids, MI 49534616-791-0472Sanative.isa@sbcglobal.netwww.sanativetranquility.com

State licensed school for massage and bodywork. High quality, affordable 6 month certification course with small class sizes. NCBTMB CE courses in B a m b o o - F u s i o n ® ,

cupping and more. Convenient to Grand Rapids, Standale, Walker and Allendale areas.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION503 E. Broadway St Mt. Pleasant, MI. 48858989-773-1714www.nite-mtp.com

Educational Programs: Natural Health 1-4 Years (one weekend per month), Holistic Labor Companion –

Doula 6 months (1 weekend per month), Massage Therapy 1 Year (2 weekends per month), Individual Classes available. Over 15 years of excellence. See ad page 2.

mAssAGe tHerAPy

DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC& MASSAGE THERAPYErin Kieffer, MT4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville, MI 49418616-531-6050

I offer Swedish massage w i t h I n t e g r a t e d Te c h n i q u e s , c h o s e n specifically to your unique body. Relieve those tired and sore muscles and rejuvenate! Call for on-

going monthly specials and discounts. www.DynamicChiro.com

SCHAFER CHIROPRACTICAND HEALING SPASheri Beth Schafer, CMT,Ayurvedic Bodyworker, Reiki Master1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-301-3000

We have multiple certified massage therapists offering relaxation, prenatal, deep tissue massage, and medical massage. We also offer Reiki, chak ra ba l anc ing , and Ayurvedic bodywork. Breton Village area. www.grchirospa.com. See ad page 8 & 32.

midwifery

BIRTH SONGMIDWIFERY SERVICESYolanda Visser CM, CPMGrand Rapids: 616-458-8144www.BirthSongGR.com

Homebirth services s i n c e 1 9 8 2 . C o m m i t t e d t o facilitating natural b i r t h , b o n d i n g ,

strengthening the family, informed active participation, and lending dignity to women through their birthing experience.

FULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERYSERVICE, INC.Patrice Bobier CM, CPMHesperia: 231-861-2234 www.FullCircleMidwifery.com

In private practice since 1982 - specializing in homebirth. Over 1200 b i r ths a t tended. Offering midwifery care that maintains a

family-centered safe birth experience. Empowering women to stay healthy during pregnancy, give birth naturally and parent in the best ways.

quANtum BiofeedBAcKTRICIA E. GOSLINGNatural Health & Healing Center723 Kenmoor SE Grand Rapids 49546616-481-9074

This highly complex device is a non-invasive technology that energetically scans & harmonizes the body’s stresses and imbalances, reducing those imbalances that make us uncomfortable. Visit www.holisticenergytherapies.net

classifiedsto place a classified listing: Email listing to [email protected]. Must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. $1.00 per word; must be pre-paid.

for reNt

Condo in Aruba located at the beautiful Playa Linda Resort. First floor studio with full kitchen, balcony and sleeps four. Available November 25 through December 9th. Cost for two weeks is only $1280.00. Call 616-299-5815 or email [email protected] for further details.

for sAle

Log Cabin Home - 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath on Campau Kettle Lake in Caledonia. Plenty of storage in the new 4 Stall Garage. Asking $168,000. Located at 8810 66th Street SE in Caledonia. Call for details 616-292-6762.

oPPortuNities

Holistic & Green Business Owners Wanted for Health Network - NAN, the Natural Awakenings Network, is a green and healthy living network that will allow members to enjoy discounts on products & services focused on wellness, green/sustainable living and healthy lifestyles. If you are interested in becoming a provider (a business or organization that offers discounts to members) in this innovative network or want more details, contact Natural Awakenings at 616-656-9232 or [email protected]. Participating as a Provider is FREE for the 1st year.

M-20, Beautiful 80 Acre Farm, outbuildings, barn, garage. East of White Cloud. Home insulated, vinyl siding. Six bedrooms, enclosed front porch. Rob Breen. 231-652-1100.

HelP wANted

Openings for Acupuncturist, Naturopath, Chiropractor, Holistic Physician etc. Please contact Dr. Greg Ling at Healing Harmony in Muskegon 231-755-3214 or 231-740-3904 (cell).

natural awakenings magazine april 2012

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