eco community seeds, summer 2010 issue

SUMMER 2010

Eco-Magazine

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Community Seeds

FREE

www.communityseeds.com

Hanging AroundHanging Around

Out and AboutThe Gateway Science Museum

Out and AboutThe Gateway Science Museum

Staying Home For the SummerStaying Home For the Summer

Following Your FoodFrom the Source to the Final Meal

Following Your FoodFrom the Source to the Final Meal

Not Using Pesticides?You May be Surprised to Find You Are

Electric MotorcyclesAn Earth Friendly Way to Ride

Electric MotorcyclesAn Earth Friendly Way to Ride

Not Using Pesticides?You May be Surprised to Find You Are

Community Seeds . Summer 20102

MagazineECOCommunity Seeds

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questions and photos to:[email protected].

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Send all mail to:Community Seeds Eco Magazine

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Call to make an appointment and/or leave a message: (530) 570-5581

Vol. 3, No. 1Summer 2010

Issue 9Community Seeds Eco Magazine is published quarterly, exclusively

online; at no cost to readers. Copyright

Community Seeds Eco Publishing, ©2009-2010

All Rights Reserved.May be printed for personal use only.

Editor-In-ChiefDeAnna Holman

Associate EditorAmy Behlke

Environmental Advisor/Contributing EditorGreg Holman

Staff WritersAmy Behlke

DeAnna HolmanGreg Holman

Staff PhotographersTracy Lynn Cahn of Tracy Lynn Photography

DeAnna HolmanGreg Holman

Proof EditorCarrollAnn Davis

InternsBryce Main

Collin ChavezEddie Sherman

Jamie DannoTegan Peterson

Welcome

All articles, photos, advertising, words, design and images are the property of Community Seeds and Community Seeds Publishing as published and may not be reproduced without permission. Community Seeds Publishing reserves the right to edit all content submitted. Although property of Community Seeds, no division of the company may be held liable for its specific content.

Cover Taken at Paradise Lake, Paradise, CA By Tracy Lynn Cahn of Tracy Lynn Photography

Promoting Sustainabilit y

TheCommunity Seeds Foundation

Promoting Sustainabilit ywww.communityseeds.org

CSF is managed, in part, by:

w w w. c o m m u n i t ys e e d s. c o m 3

A Note From the EditorHello Summer!

Summer is a great time to get organized, start new projects and spend time with friends and family. This summer I will be doing those things, as well as working with five new interns. They are a wonderful group and they compliment each other well as a team. Having five new perspectives on the magazine will be great for the readers and for Community Seeds! As we teach them things about the business, they will provide a youthful insight that we may not have seen otherwise. In addition to the wonderful contributors’ submissions, the interns will provide fresh content for the fall issue. A few of them have contributed to this summer issue; they jumped right on board and went to work. Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of young adults as they are heading out into the world, gives me great hope for the future!

Another exciting addition to Community Seeds is the Community Seeds Foundation! The Community Seeds Foundation (CSF) is the non-profit, philanthropic [501(c)(3)], arm of Community Seeds. It is dedicated to providing information, resources, and Community Seeds Eco Magazine, to promote sustainability. With reader support, we can continue to educate and inspire the local community (and world communities) through our innovative publication and community outreach. Here is the direct link to get more information on donating to CSF. http://www.communityseeds.org/CommunitySeedsFoundation.html.

The outpour of support from our readers has been terrific and having over 25,000 readers is no small feat. As we get new readers, we hope to get financial support and in turn, we can continue to build, publish and share the magazine. We can also continue to work with CSU, Chico, by providing valuable work experience for interns and we can continue our work in the community and with fellow non-profits.

We are excited about the encouraging feedback that we continuously get from readers. This is our ninth issue and I have had a great experience donating my time while being a part of providing readers with a unique, educational, forum in which to share ideas on how we can all do something to better the world.

This summer, enjoy yourself and Community Seeds Eco Magazine while thinking of ways you would like to make a difference, and please share your ideas with us!

Here’s to a happy, healthy, summer of sustainable living!

DeAnna HolmanEditor-in-Chief

From the Editor


Features12 I Don’t Use Pesticides, Do I? The Dirty Truth About Hidden Pesticides

22 Electric Transportation The Future is Now

40 Out and About Gateway Science Museum

58 Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods Know the Hidden Dangers

True Life16 Another Look at Our Food

Michael Pollan’s, The Omnivore’s Dilemma

44 Summer Family Philanthropy Helping Others, As a Family

38 28 22

Summer 2010Contents

2 Magazine Information

3 Note From the Editor

6 Issue Contributors

30 Crafts

38 Summer Fun Photos

47 Calendar Links

54 Community Photos

68 Advertisers Index

69 Be in the Fall Issue!


Features12 I Don’t Use Pesticides, Do I? The Dirty Truth About Hidden Pesticides

22 Electric Transportation The Future is Now

40 Out and About Gateway Science Museum

58 Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods Know the Hidden Dangers

True Life16 Another Look at Our Food

Michael Pollan’s, The Omnivore’s Dilemma

44 Summer Family Philanthropy Helping Others, As a Family

Easy Being Greener 9 Looking Ahead: My Sustainable Future

10 Composting 101: It’s So Easy!

20 Earth Friendly Finds: Products We Love

36 Going Full Circle: Dryer Lint Urn

Healthy Living56 Golfing With Kids: Having Healthy Fun

62 Easy Organic: Container Garden

65 Drink to Our Health: Choose Wisely

66 Cook’s Corner: Summer Selections

Green Crafts30 Green Crafts: Easy Summer Ideas

33 Easy Note Cards: Creative Reusing

34 Rock Memories: Water-Wise Gardens

Green Business26 CVS/Pharmacy: Eco Consciousness

28 No Wire Hangers: The Eco-Friendly Way to Organize

Making a Difference48 TOMS Shoes: One For One

52 No Excuses: Shut Up & Sweat!

10

Departments

10

4040

1616

1212

Contributors: Summer 2010DeAnna Holman Editor-in-Chief, Owner, Publisher, Web Designer, Mother of Three & Wife.DeAnna holds a BS Degree in Gerontology from USC, a California Teaching Credential and Science Supplement From CSU, Chico, and an AA Degree in Liberal Studies/Photo Journalism from Grossmont College in San Diego.

Amy Behlke Associate Editor, Writer, Links Coordinator, Mother of Two, and Wife. Amy holds a BA Degree in Liberal Studies from CSU, Chico, a California Teaching Credential From CSU, Chico, works full time teaching 6th grade and writes grants.

Greg Holman Writer, Environmental Advisor, Father of Three, Husband. Greg is a Science Teacher, Writer for EnergySeeds.com, Grant Writer, Workshop Facilitator for the National Energy Education Development Project, who holds a BA and CA Teaching Credential from CSU, Chico.

Julie Naylon Julie is the founder of No Wire Hangers. Her Los Angeles based, green home organizing business helps people clean out the clutter while being environmentally conscious. Julie won The Green Award for most Eco-friendly Organizing Service at the 2009 Los Angeles Organizing Awards.

Tracy Cahn Tracy is a professional photographer who enjoys photographing families, weddings, pets, and events. She has joined the staff of Community Seeds Eco Magazine as a photographer. A Paradise, CA resident, Tracy is a Mom, a Wife and the Owner of Tracy Lynn Photography.

Bryce Main Writer, Photographer, and Graphics Designer. Bryce is a graduating student from CSU, Chico with a degree in Communication Studies in Public Affairs and a minor in Applied Computer Graphics. Bryce has joined Community Seeds Eco Magazine bringing his own writing and visual design.

Jamie Danno Daughter, sister, aunt, and optimist. Jamie studies Organizational Communication and Recreation Administration at CSU, Chico. She is very active on campus and in her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. She has a passion for event planning, catering, and maintaining a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Tegan Peterson Tegan is currently a student at CSU, Chico. She will be graduating next year with a degree in English. She has joined the Community Seeds team as an intern, bringing her eye for editing and talent for writing. She enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying nature and taking walks with her dog.

Julia Murphy Julia Murphy is a project assistant with the Butte Environmental Council, Butte County’s education and advocacy leader for environmental issues. BEC has protected Butte County’s land, air, and water for 35 years.

Community Seeds eco Magazine

Contributors


Contributors

*If you would like to send an article for the next issue of Community Seeds, please include a short bio, along with your photo and photos to go with your article.

Send articles (doc) and photos (jpg) to [email protected]. For additional guidelines, please go to www.communityseeds.com or send us an email.

Community Seeds eco Magazine

Elizabeth Fournier Elizabeth is affectionately known as The Green Reaper in her tiny community of Boring, Oregon. She is the owner of Cornerstone Funeral Services and works as a green burial funeral director, educator and advocate who is always ready to lend a hand, or a shovel.

Susan Burke March Registered and Licensed Dietitian Susan Burke March, MS, CDE, is a dynamic speaker, accomplished author, enthusiastic media representative, and committed professional counselor dedicated to helping people learn strategies to improve their health and accomplish their weight goals.

Mary Portis Dr. Portis is a professor and department chairperson in the Health and Community Services Department at California State University, Chico. She has worked with youth of various ages, promoting health and wellness with such projects as the Health Academy, and Read Across America.

CarrollAnn Davis CarrollAnn works with Community Seeds Eco Magazine as a Proof Editor and Writer. She is the Editor’s mom, a math tutor, Stampin” Up! Demonstrator, Vice President of her local PTA, mother of six and grandmother of ten.

Contributors - Not Pictured

Danae Dominichi Writer and Chef Extraordinare, Danae works for Paradise Unified School District at Evergreen 6. She has a son and is involved in 4-H in Paradise, CA.

Melissa Studzinski Melissa is the Director of Relationship Marketing for CVS/pharmacy. Melissa plays a strategic role in the leadership of the ExtraCare Program, which is the nation’s largest retail rewards program.

All contributors are named on their corresponding article

Contributors: Summer 2010

Mike Dudley Mike and wife, Nancy, own NO EXCUSES WEAR Athletic Workout Apparel, a company generating college scholarships for underprivileged high school student athletes, while providing quality workout wear through size XXXL. Their clothing has been worn by professional athletes and celebrities.



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It’s not Easy Being GreenerEveryone can do a little something....

My Sustainable FutureBy Tegan Peterson

With our polar ice caps melting and the Earth getting warmer, we, as inhabitants of this planet, have an obligation to try and preserve our planet as long as we can for future generations. While we cannot prevent the Earth from heating up, we can do things to postpone the inevitable. Our planet should be conserved for as long as possible so life can be sustained for many more generations to come.

“Sustainability,” “Going green.” For about a year now, these words have been an important part of my life. Living sustainably only takes a little bit of effort and after awhile, it just becomes a lifestyle choice. For me, it started off with the little things. I converted all the light bulbs in my house to CFLs. I bought eco friendly cleaning products. I unplugged chargers and electronics that were not being used. I started recycling. I even stared driving the car less often in order to reduce my contribution to global smog, and I have always turned the lights out when leaving a room. Conserving energy and using fewer resources

seem like such little things, but they can have a great impact if more people started doing it. While I do not have kids yet, I plan on it someday and when I do have kids, I want them to have clean air to breathe, free from pollutants. I want them to know that the planet will be around for many more generations, even

long after I’m gone.

Reducing one’s carbon footprint is very important for the continued life of this planet. Becoming eco friendly will help the planet thrive longer. Less smog emissions from cars will slow the heating of the planet and the amount of pollutants that go into the air we breathe. Using biodegradable products will help replenish our fossil fuels and maintain the Earth’s natural

resources. We are not the only species on the planet. We share the Earth with every other living thing on it, including plants. The more we take for ourselves, the less the animals have to live on. If the animals have less, it leads to a chain reaction that ripples throughout the food chain which can disrupt our symbiotic

relationship with them.

What I can do now, to help the planet later, I will. If our race were to become extinct, it is not going to be over something like a meteor shower or something out of our control. It would be because of us; because of our

lifestyles and habits. The Earth gives us so much, and still we cannot give back nearly as much in return. If we continue to take, without giving back, pretty soon we will have taken everything. There will be no more water to drink, no more clean air to breathe, no more animals. If we consume everything the Earth has to offer, life as we know it will cease to exist. That is why I want to do what I can now to help the planet, for all it has done for me.



DO NOT CompostFats

Diseased PlantsAnimal Products (meat, bones, fatty waste)

CoalCharcoal Ashes

Citrus or Onions (if worm composting)Chemically Treated Wood or Sawdust

Human or Pet WasteWeeds (unless they are dead and dry)

DO CompostDryer Lint

Cotton RagsCoffee Grounds

CardboardTea bags

Hair (from a brush)Nut Shells

Egg Shells (unless you are worm composting)Clean PaperNewspaper

Toilet Paper RollsFruit/Vegetable Scraps


Composting 101Summer

Summer is the perfect time to compost. The warmer temperatures speed up the composting process and people are more

likely to pack their piles when they are outdoors more often. Composting has many benefits, including saving money on fertilizers and soil, generating higher yields of garden crops, and suppressing plant disease (by using the compost). Compost also captures and destroys volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, in the air.

There are plenty of composters out there that you can purchase; even Costco carries one. Many people choose to make theirs

according to a plan and others use wooden pallets for their compost piles, use recyclable bins, or make composters from chicken wire. Any composter will work and in 6 months to a year (depending on temperatures), you can enjoy the benefits of the new soil.

Be sure to shoot for a 50/50 combination of green waste and brown waste. The Green waste provides carbon for the composting

process. Green materials include grass, green leaves, food scraps, and coffee grounds (even though they are brown in color). Brown materials supply nitrogen to the composting process. Brown waste materials include hay, wood chips

(non-chemically treated), shredded newspaper, and dead leaves.

Compost piles should be slightly damp at all times. If your compost pile seems

smelly, adding cardboard may help, as well as turning the compost to aerate. Compost is great for the lawn or garden, but wait until your compost is completely finished before using it for indoor plants to avoid burning any tender stems or roots.

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I Don’t Use Pesticides! (Do I??)By Julia Murphy

You may be thinking, “I’m not a farmer—I don’t use pesticides!,” but as the definition below shows, ‘pesticide’ actually applies to a wide range of subjects, not just crop-eating insects.

From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for:1) preventing,2) destroying,3) repelling, or4) mitigating any pest.

Though often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests. Under United States law, a pesticide is also any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. So ‘pesticide’ is a broad term for chemicals that are used to kill unwanted life forms—plants and fungi, as well as insects. Wood preservatives are also technically pesticides. The most commonly used pesticide in


the world is 2,4-D (Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). It is the third most common pesticide in the United States, and is used to kill broadleaf weeds. Over 1,500 herbicide products contain 2,4-D as an active ingredient, and if you have weed-killer for your lawn, odds are that it contains this chemical. The chemical is also among those most commonly detected in wetlands and rivers, where it bio-accumulates in fish (meaning, it stays in the food chain, from insects to fish to fish eaters, including humans). It can also cause birth defects and reduce hatching success in birds. 2,4-D is an ingredient in the defoliant Agent Orange, widely used during the Vietnam War; and both of these products contain dioxin. Dioxin is one of the most persistent and carcinogenic chemicals in our atmosphere. One of the by-products of 2,4-D as it breaks down, 2,4-Dichlorophenol, is extremely toxic to earthworms, and 2,4-D itself can harm the reproduction of many beneficial insects. 2,4-Dichlorophenol can affect human hormones, and is a possible carcinogen. We know that earthworms and beneficial insects are valuable allies in the health of our soil and the vigor of our plants. Is it worth it to adopt such a scorched-earth policy towards ‘pests’ in our yards—and such a short-sighted attitude towards our own health? White vinegar used as a spot-weed killer works, as does the old-fashioned method of pulling the weed out. If you garden, you might battle the ever-present slug with store-bought slug bait. Most conventional slug baits contain metaldehyde; the pellets are sugary, like antifreeze, and are just as attractive to pets. Many pets are poisoned each year from either eating the bait, or eating poisoned slugs and snails. Alternatives to metaldehyde are iron phosphate snail baits, or the “death by beer” trick. Dig a shallow hole and put a plastic

tub or dish in the hole so the rim is level with the ground; fill it with beer and the slugs and snails crawl in to their doom. Not a bad way to go compared to other poisons! Of course, you may have to keep your pets off the beer, too; but there won’t be a costly vet bill if they drink a bowl of beer. On the topic of pet health: Not a pesticide, but harmful to pets, is a type of mulch called ‘cocoa mulch’ which is made from cocoa shells. This mulch contains the same toxic substance that is found in chocolate (methylxanthines). Avoid this type of mulch if you have pets! Another pesticide that you may have is bee/wasp killer. These sprays are oil-based and break down slowly. Some contain chlorpyrifos, which is a suspected endocrine, reproductive, and neuro-toxicant. Less harmful choices include non-toxic hormone traps, and other products which are made from naturally derived ingredients. Pyrethrin is a pesticide found in roach and ant sprays, flea collars, and lice shampoos. It is linked to nervous system



I Don’t Use Pesticides! Continued

impacts, and people with asthma and allergies are particularly sensitive to this chemical. Less harmful choices for bug control include homemade recipes made from boric acid and Borax. These must be used with caution, as they are toxic to pets and children as well, but break down more quickly and do not have persistent impacts on ecosystems and waterways. Our homes are where we go to relax and recharge, but using toxic products in your house can create indoor air pollution, and possibly

Visit www.scorecard.org for profiles and health information on many common industrial chemicals and www.ecosmart.com for less-toxic products for your home.

make you and your family sick. One place where you might find pesticides in your home is in your closet, where you store your clothes. If you use mothballs, you are using a pesticide. Originally made with naphthalene, most mothballs are now made with paradicholorobenzene (PDBE), which is less toxic, but is still classified as a possible carcinogen. One source reviewed for this article warned readers to “avoid using mothballs in an enclosed space”—like, perhaps, a closet?

Less harmful alternatives to mothballs are sealing clothes completely in bags, boxes, or chests. If you see an article of clothing that has moths on it, put it in the freezer for two days. Make sachets of cloves, lavender, pennyroyal and tansy. These are non-toxic herbs with moth-repellent powers. Cedar chests and blocks also help repel moths. Remember that air circulating in your house lessens indoor pollution as well. Try to keep windows open in nice weather. House plants, like spider plants and golden pothos, are a beautiful way to reduce formaldehyde (present in some construction materials) and carbon monoxide from your home! Try using fewer store-bought cleaners and pesticides. Check out the recipes for homemade, less-toxic cleaning products at www.becnet.org –the Alternatives to Toxics link. Another great link for less-toxic alternatives is http://www.pesticide.org/factsheets.html#alternatives . If you decide to get rid of your old chemical pesticides, remember to dispose of them properly at your local Hazardous Waste Dump.


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A Review of Michael Pollan’s, The Omnivore’s Dilemma

By Bryce Main

Another Look at Our Food

If you’ve ever found yourself caring about what you eat

and how it could possibly affect you, then Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, is for you. Humans, with innovations brought to them by agriculture and modern industry, have the ability to decide exactly what it is that they should have for dinner. With the availability of fast food, grocery superstores, and natural food farmers markets, this is the question that Michael Pollan tackles in his book.

Pollan’s book does not tell us how to eat, but explains

that the way we eat represents our most profound engagement with the natural world. To do this, Pollan looks at the three principal food chains of importance within America. First, a McDonald’s repast consumed by Pollan with his wife and son in a freeway drive-through. Second, the organic food movement which uses two vehicles for Pollan‘s examination: a “Big Organic” meal of ingredients purchased at the up-market chain, Whole Foods, and a beyond-organic chicken dinner whose main course and side dishes come from a wondrously self-


sustaining Virginia farm that uses no pesticides, antibiotics or synthetic fertilizers. Finally, he examines a “hunter-gatherer” feast consisting almost entirely of ingredients that Pollan has shot and killed, or has foraged himself.

The conclusions that Pollan comes to do not come as a

huge surprise thanks to previous hits from other books such as, Fast Food Nation that criticize the fast food industry: the McDonald’s meal is wanting in terms of nutrition and eco-sustainability; the Whole Foods meal is decent, but tainted with the compromise between business and health; the Virginia farm meal is mouth-watering; and the hunter-gatherer meal is an organic and raw feast of wild boar and morels, complete with guilt and a further recognition of what exactly we are eating.

For Pollan, nonetheless, the final outcome is less

important than the meal’s journey from the environment to the plate. His extremely detailed writing is the book’s greatest boon. It is difficult to find fault with Pollan‘s findings which are both in-depth and easy to understand; especially when

the first quarter of his book is focused on exposing one of the most seemingly innocent vegetable crops as the culprit of agricultural food surplus: corn.

Corn and its surplus have the United States right

where it wants it. The reason its distributors want to keep it inexpensive and available, Pollan explains, is that it has value as a cheap industrial raw material. Corn can be optimized to be any number of useful items, from gasoline ethanol to many edible and possibly nutritional foodstuffs, like milkshakes, margarine, and, unfortunately, the unhealthy sweetener known as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Though it did not reach the American market until 1980, HFCS has insinuated itself into almost every fast food product twenty years later. In Pollan’s McDonald’s meal, he references HFCS not only in his soda, but also in the condiments and the entirety of his cheeseburger. It is no surprise that Pollan finds corn in the fast food industry as the major cause of American obesity today.

Pollan even writes grittily about corn’s place in the

meat industry and its treatment


Another Look at Our Food, Continued

while their excrement enriches the pasture with nitrogen, allowing it to recover in a matter of weeks for the cows to revisit.

The final meal was about as close as one could come

to the hunter-gatherer model. Pollan hunted mushrooms, wild pigs, random greens and fruits to make a dinner focused on things that he “found” himself. Although there is not as much in-depth information compared to the fast food or organic fields, once again Pollan does an excellent job of integrating many aspects of the experience, hunting, foraging, etc., that are easy to get sucked into. In this experience Pollan really brings home the idea that food is not just something to eat, but it is also a symbolic connection to the natural environment.

Pollan’s sense of steady observation is a pleasure

to read in his writing. When he talks about killing animals, either in a slaughterhouse or in the forest of northern California, he describes his experiences thoroughly, but does not overdo it. That is a tough balance to strike and it is easy to slip down either side. In the end, the book is not so much about what you should do, but more about how you should think about food. It has something to offer everyone and I cannot recommend it enough. The Omnivore’s Dilemma is a book that will change how you look at food that goes on the table and how to better appreciate it.

of chicken and cattle. Since it fattens up a beef steer more quickly than pasture does, corn is the primary ingredient in the feed given to cattle to help it grow to provide the right sized steak, though at a cost to ourselves and cattle. Steer have not evolved to digest corn, and are thus fed antibiotics to offset the stresses caused by their unhealthy diet to their digestions. According to Pollan, this treatment is extremely harmful to the cow and also as a result, affects the nutrition obtained from the beef. After seeing such amazing findings simply from looking into the examination of corn, this reviewer thought twice about eating such an ingredient.

Despite finding so much to criticize with the industrial

food market, Pollan also meets Joel Salatin, a grass farmer who is also a “hero” in Virginia who will sell his goods only to local customers and more importantly, not to any big industrial businesses. Salatin has made use of a natural cycle of grass farming to produce a plentiful bounty of food from his hundred acres. For example, his cattle graze a plot of grass for a day or two and are then succeeded by several hundred laying hens which not only nibble on the clipped grass, but pick grubs and larvae from the cowpats, thereby spreading the manure and eliminating parasites. The chickens’ bug-laden, high-protein diet results in fantastically flavorful eggs,

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These washable, quick-drying cotton filters come in five styles to fit your coffee maker.

They come in packs of three or four.Available at GreenHome.com.

$13-$17



The Write StuffThe Paper Mate Biodegradable pen is made with components that are biodegradable in your own backyard within about a year. The biodegradable components are made from an exclusive corn based material, an earth friendly and renewable resource, producing less waste and more compost. They come in sets of 2 up to 12. Available at Amazon.com, Office Depot, Office Max and Sears.$4-$20

Surfer ApprovedCool and comfortable, these flip-flops, or “Splaff-Flopps,” are made

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Eco BeautyAnyone looking to reduce

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Cleaner Teeth, Cleaner EarthPreserve’s new Mail-Back Pack is the first of its kind. The package

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replacement subscription service is available. Made in the USAAvailable at PreserveProducts.com , Trader Joe’s and Target.

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TEElectric Transportation

The Future is Now!


Being green does not mean you need to convert an old VW diesel to run on waste oil and take your house “off the grid.” There are some new technologies

that can make being green downright fun. Here, we will take a brief look at three American made electric vehicles (in alphabetical order) that can replace your automobile, or at least allow you to park it a lot more.

The Future is Now!

By Greg Holman

Continued on page 24



Brammo Enertia:http://www.brammo.com


Electric Transportation, Continued

Brammo Enertia:http://www.brammo.comMade in Ashland, OregonPrice: starting at $7995. It is eligible for a 10% federal tax rebate, and soon there may be a rebate from the California Air Resources Board.Available online and at select Best Buy stores.

Range: 20-40 milesMax Speed: 60+ mphWeight: 324 pounds

Very classy, simple and elegant in design, this is the cheapest of the three in our review. With regular commuting and errands, the Enertia would be a fun way to fight global warming!

Optibike:http://optibike.com

Made in Boulder, ColoradoPrice: $5995-$14,000+, depending on options.

Available online and at select retailers.

Range: 20-57 miles, depending on weight, terrain, pedaling and model; Extended battery packs are available to increase this.

Max Speed: 20mph electric alone, over 30mph with “getting on it” pedaling.Weight: 58 pounds

This is a true green hybrid. It is “Human-Electric:” If you happen to run out of battery, just pedal like a regular bike. This is an awesome alternative vehicle to get you out and pedaling (and parking your car). High price: yes; high-end components and customized to you: yes! I have seen an Optibike

in person and I have a small fund slowly building in hopes of purchasing one someday. There is a very active and loyal Optibike Google group online.



ZERO Motorcycle:http://zeromotorcycles.comMade in Scott’s Valley, CA (Between Santa Cruz and San Jose)Price: $9995 It is eligible for a 10% federal tax rebate, and a rebate from the California Air Resources Board. Available online and from select retailers.

Range: Up to 50 milesMax Speed: 67mphWeight: 273 pounds

What started as a dirt bike only company has recently expanded to include street and dualsport models. The Zero Motorcycle is very aggressive looking and is made locally, compared to the other bikes reviewed, if you live in Chico. Hey, if Jay Leno owns one, it must be unique!

This is by no means “the” list for alternative vehicles, but a good start in American-made electric transportation. Unfortunately, the two local electric vehicle dealers in Chico have since downsized. Both still have websites active, but seem to have entered the market at the same time the economy seemed to tank. Ironically, it will take a huge change in our transportation habits to help secure our future energy independence and make our economy more fundamentally strong; but now I am starting to sound political…

The future of transportation is available now!


FOCUS on Green Business

By Melissa Studzinski

CVS/pharmacyMaking it Easier to Be Eco-Conscious

In the past year, drugstore chain CVS/pharmacy, home to the largest retail rewards program

in the country, has introduced a number of new products that make it very easy for consumers to adopt eco-conscious behaviors. In fact, CVS/pharmacy has even expanded its popular ExtraCare rewards program with an initiative that rewards customers for taking smalls steps toward making a large impact on the environment. Designed for the average consumer, these products

and programs provide shoppers with simple, convenient and cost effective options to make green

decisions in their everyday life.

In October 2009, CVS/pharmacy

rolled out a program called GreenBagTag

which pays ExtraCare cardholders $1 back for every four shopping trips where they decline a plastic bag. By simply opting to use a reusable shopping bag or carrying out their purchases, cardholders can get paid to pass on plastic. CVS/pharmacy developed the initiative as a way to enhance their existing rewards program, which boasts more than 64 million active members. Many people want to go green, but are concerned

about saving money and can sometimes forget just how easy it is to develop eco-friendly habits in small ways that make a big impact. Participating in the GreenBagTag program is a simple way shoppers can earn cash while also helping to reduce plastic bag waste. The GreenBagTag itself only costs 99 cents – it’s a green, leaf-shaped tag made with 100 percent recycled and renewable materials that you can hang from your favorite reusable bag, purse, knapsack, or even attach to your key ring. Since the program’s introduction, CVS/pharmacy customers have already earned more than $1 million in Extra Bucks by declining plastic bags.

Starting this past April, CVS/pharmacy gave consumers one more reason to pick

up a GreenBagTag by pledging to donate 5 cents from every GreenBagTag sold to World Wildlife Fund, to help protect the future of nature around the world. World Wildlife Fund will receive a minimum of $100,000 and up to $125,000 through March 31, 2011. For more information, visit www.cvs.com/greenbagtag.

In response to the growing demand for practical, green, household items,

CVS/pharmacy also recently expanded its line of eco-friendly, innovative and affordable household products line called Earth Essentials. These products include Glass & Surface cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, All Purpose Cleaners, Paper Towels, fully biodegradable Extra-Strong Kitchen Bags, Sugarcane Bowls and Plates, and more. The Paper Towels and Napkins included in the line have been recommended by Greenpeace and are made with 100% recycled fibers. All Earth Essentials products are manufactured using an ecologically-aware process with natural renewable ingredients and are packaged in recyclable bottles. None have been tested on animals. Earth Essentials products are priced from $3.99 to $8.99 and are available exclusively at CVS/pharmacy; they can be found in the household aisle at locations nationwide and www.cvs.com.

Continued


Create time to relax....Take art lessons!

Painting and drawing instruction for children (7+) and adults

Taught by Janet Lombardi BlixtVoted best local artist by Chico News & Review 2008 & 2009

Small class settings, located downtown at 336 Broadway, Ste. 20

(above House of Rice)

email [email protected] or call 570-3985

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Some people are born to shop or born to win. Me, I was born to

organize.

When I was a kid, I preferred to organize my toy box rather

than play with my toys. When I was invited over to a friend’s house, if her room was messy, I would ask her if I could clean it for her. I wouldn’t even demand a cut of her allowance; I did it for fun. Needless to say, I was pretty popular and looked upon as a little strange. Even as a kid, I got a high off of organizing and I liked the praise that came along with being as organized as I was.

My knack for organizing was definitely a result of having two

parents that liked things a certain way, but it was my mother who taught me not to be wasteful and to be considerate of the environment. We lived in a home that recycled and we appreciated and respected nature. We never bought stuff just to buy it; we bought only what we needed. I treated my belongings with respect and cherished them, so they lasted for years. In fact, I’m still driving the car I got on my eighteenth birthday and it looks almost as good as it did then.

In the seventh grade, I developed a passion for film. After completing

film school, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment

FOCUS on Green Business

By Julie Naylon



industry. I was immediately hired as an assistant to a very high-profile producer. Suddenly, I was organizing again, and working for high-level executives honed my skill for organizing even more.

I was living my dream, but I felt like something was missing; I wanted to

do more. In between movies, I began to organize people’s homes. At first, it began as a side job, but then, I realized what an impact I was having on the way people lived. I was hooked. Not only that, but I was helping the environment, too. When I de-cluttered my clients’ homes, I made sure everything they decided to part with did not end up in a landfill. I researched

charities and non-profit organizations so I could give the unwanted items to people who really needed them. That felt good. I also taught my clients about what they could recycle and ways that they could cut back on what they were consuming. Now, the organizing high that I had felt as a kid was combined with the new satisfaction I got from helping to save the environment, and I was ecstatic!

In February, 2008, I formed my very own green home organizing business, No Wire Hangers. Many

people laugh when they hear my business name because they know it refers to the classic line from the 1980’s film, Mommie Dearest, in which Faye Dunaway played Joan Crawford. It seems that Ms. Crawford was something of a neat freak and liked things organized. She also had a thing against wire hangers. In the film, she gets a little angry when she finds a wire hanger in her daughter’s closet. She might have not been the best mom, but she was an environmentalist without even realizing it!

Nearly 3.5 billion wire hangers end up in landfills every year and a central message of my

business is encouraging my clients to return them to the dry cleaner. It’s a simple thing we all can do to help save the planet. When I first started organizing homes, you could hear me saying the line, “No Wire Hangers!” as I ripped wire hangers out of my client’s closets. Two years later, it’s still my rallying cry for both organizing and environmental activism.

Winner of “The Green Award for most Eco-Friendly Organizing Service” -The Los Angeles Organizing Awards 2009

For more information, visit:www.nowirehangersbiz.comORContact:No Wire Hangers, Inc.Los Angeles CAPhone: 323.388.9131Email:[email protected]



Easy Eco-Friendly Crafts

Reuse and Make Great CardsUse fabric scraps, buttons, card stock, old cards and even kids’ art to make quick, easy and adorable cards that anyone will appreciate; you can whip them up in no time at all!

Crafting is a hobby many people enjoy. One simple way to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is by taking all that creative energy and spending some time on a few great “green” crafts.

Easy Note Cards

Create a Water-Wise Rock GardenCreate works of art that can be collected to make a rock garden, the most water-conscious garden of all. Have friends paint some and keep them as memories of fun times!

Memory Rocks

GreenCraftsSummer


Easy Note Cards

Green www.tracylynnphotography.com

Community Seeds “I’m a Chico Seed” and “I’m a Paradise Seed”

baby onesies, youth, and adult shirts are on sale now!

We are also pre ordering“I’m an Eco Seed” shirts!

These soft, organic cotton shirts, are made in the U.S.A. and sell for $14

(shipping is $2).

To order any seed shirt, please e-mail your request [email protected] specify quantity and size.

The Seeds shirts may also be purchased at Eco in Chico and

Apple Blossom Baby!




Easy Note Cards

Directions: Cut the cardstock to the size you would like your 1. finished card to be and fold it in half. I recommend 5 ½” x 8 ½”, so that when you fold it, you will have a finished card measuring about 5 ½” x 4 ¼”. Choose a scrap of fabric, a piece of art drawn by a child, 2. or an interesting scrap from a magazine. Cut interesting media to just a bit smaller than 3. the folded cardstock. If using the recommended measurements, cut media into a 5” x 3 ¾” rectangle. Center the media on the front of the card and secure 4. with a small piece of double-stick tape. If you choose, use a small amount of a brightly colored cardstock behind the media to provide contrast and make it stand out on the card. Stitch the media to the card using any color thread you 5. like. Use a ¼” seam to make a cute stitch around the edge of the front of the card. Write your message inside and you’re done! 6.

Have you ever found yourself needing stationary or a unique card for a special note to someone? Making cards by hand can be time consuming and it can sometimes be hard to get to a store to buy a card. My friend Kristin loves to sew and often gives her sewn items as gifts. She always includes an adorable handmade card with her gifts in a fabric that matches the gift that she’s made. Use these ideas to make quick, easy and adorable cards that anyone will appreciate; and you can whip them up in no time at all!

Materials: Cardstock: plain, brown, or even used • Fabric Scraps, scraps of children’s art, magazine • pages, or any interesting media Double-stick tape • Sewing machine • Any color thread•

By Amy Behlke

Summer

GREENCrafts The Most Water-Wise Garden of All

By Mary Portis

It didn’t start as a way to reduce water usage while creating a beautiful garden, but in the

end, the large planter around our deck was filled with color and memories; and we didn’t need water, maintenance, fertilizer or pesticides. It started as a group art activity to fill a sunny spring afternoon. We hunted for smooth, flat river rocks to paint. We set them in the dirt of a large planter to dry. A week later, some guests saw the rocks and wanted to paint some of their own. Once those were done, they were set next to the original rocks. Throughout the summer, as people came to visit, they were drawn to the rocks and wanted to contribute. It wasn’t long before we realized we had a beautiful piece of artwork that reflected the imaginations of all of our friends and reminded us of good times.

Materials:Water-base acrylic paint in a variety of colorsA variety pack of inexpensive, synthetic paint brushesContainer for waterPaper towelsAluminum foil Newspaper or other covering for work tableSmooth, flat river rocks


Directions: Take a hike along a river or creek and collect smooth, flat rocks. Wash the rocks so that all of the dirt is removed. Cover a work table with newspaper. Fill cups with water to wash the paint brushes. Encourage your painters to wash their brushes after they use them rather than let the paint dry on them. Rocks are rough on brushes so synthetic paintbrushes in an economy pack are the best choice. Give each person a piece of aluminum foil with small amounts of paint in the colors they want to use. While any type of paint can be used, acrylic paint is the best. It is durable, washes off with water, and it has a quick drying time. Then, paint. If you don’t like what you painted, paint over it.

Young children paint with abandon, but older children and adults can get stumped or express the opinion that they “can’t paint.” For those that need a nudge, here are a few ideas: Your nameFlowersBugsButterfliesAmerican flagHeartsA sunA peace signA message or quoteA pattern or designThe holiday or occasion you are celebrating (birthday, 4th of July, etc.)

Once the painting is done, set your rocks where you would plant flowers or shrubs. Enjoy the beauty and ease of your new garden.


Summer Crafts



And The Lint Goes OnMaking an Eco-Lint Urn From Dryer Lint

By Elizabeth Fournier

Many of us have heard of Earth Day but aren’t really “picking up what is being

laid down.” Some have described Earth Day as a birthday of sorts for the planet. Of course, it is not the date that the planet was actually born, but it is a celebration of the planet on which we live that provides for us in so many ways. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, and it has continued to be celebrated on that date in the United States ever since. Since that day, people around the world have learned they cannot take the environment for granted and that there is something they can do. Earth Day teaches people they can help prevent pollution in the air and water, they can conserve water and electricity, and that they can control the litter on the streets and in the landfills.

If you did the math, you observed that this year marked the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

What did I do, as a mortician, in anticipation of this day? I launched a line of papier-mâché urns made with dryer lint. That’s right. I reached into my clothing tumbler, scooped out the clingy bits of fiber and fluff, sautéed them in water in a large saucepan, and stirred well. Slowly adding flour, I cooked my dryer dust dregs over medium heat, rousing constantly until the mixture held together, forming peaks. It was then poured out onto several layers of newspaper to cool.

My first foray with dryer lint was an enlightening afternoon, looking on as

Portland artist Marliese Franklin used pond water as the sluice through which she separated the mere

sludge from the golden nuggets. She stuck her hand in the cloudy goo while I snapped photos.

Our cooked pulp later tanned in the afternoon sun as we ventured downtown to check out

non-toxin paint and rice paper. By evening we were slapping the mash over a myriad of molds, such as a boxes, balloons, and bottles.

Many of the urns were made with a type of paper with seeds embedded in it. Once

the urn breaks down, it can actually create new living things, and that is a great way to honor the memory of a loved one.

So why did two saucy broads spend their glorious Sunday mucking in the muck? It was

for green burial education, my friend, to create awareness about the Earth, and for a chance to meet the neighbors. Case in point: The good folks at the Estacada Coin-Op Laundromat called and were happy to donate 20 pounds of public lint to the cause. Aren’t small towns something?

Benefits of an Eco-Lint Urn

Why make your own urn from lint? The first and most obvious advantage is that

they are environmentally friendly, as one would expect a biodegradable urn to be. It is a natural demonstration of the cycle of life: we are born, we die, we replenish the Earth, and the cycle begins again.

Another advantage to the eco-lint prototype is they are substantially cheaper than traditional


Laundry Lint Urn Recipe

Laundry Lint Urn RecipeIngredients: 3 cups of dryer lint (especially pieces with pet or human hair) 2 cups of water2/3 cup of flour (works as a glue when mixed with the water)

Preparation:1. Mix water and lint together in a large saucepan, stirring well.2. Slowly add flour, mixing well.3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture holds together, forming peaks.4. Pour out onto several layers of newspaper to cool. Use mixture over a base, such as a box, balloon or bottle, spreading like papier-mâché. 5. Dry four to five days. As it dries, it hardens over whatever mold you form it on. 6. Carefully cut open the dried urn so that you can remove the object it’s been molded onto.7. Glue together the dried pieces with non-toxic glue, sew them together with biodegradable thread, or adhere them to eco-friendly paper and, once dried, the hardened forms can be folded into shape. 8. The final product can be painted, decoupaged or decorated.

urns made of rich hardwoods, stone, marble, or metal. Is free a great price or what? This is a great option for those who are on a budget. Sometimes when we lose a loved one, it is very sudden and it can lead to families scrambling to afford the cost of a funeral. Biodegradable lint is obviously very reasonably priced, so this can take some of the stress off a family who already has to endure a loss, on top of thousands of dollars for a funeral. With average funeral costs being close to what a new economy car costs, every little bit of savings can help.

Papier-mâché has many merits; it is lightweight, economical, durable,

and pliable. All you need is something to operate as a form. Papier-mâché is made from a variety of sustainable bits and pieces: fiber is combined with a binder, then molded and baked. It becomes very hard and can be painted with toxic-free paints.

Summer Fun

Out and About

Gateway Science Museum

Chico, California

Adventures for those of any age, for fun and education

By Amy Behlke

Out and About

Gateway Science Museum opened its doors to the public this past February and now Chico is home to its very own hands-on natural history and science museum. Built and managed by

California State University, Chico, it is the mission of the museum to create a learning environment that celebrates the natural history of Northern California’s present and past and to provide hands-on opportunities for visitors to become excited about “doing science.” The museum is small, made up of three main rooms connected by a wide hall, but it is packed with interesting and interactive exhibits and displays. Five distinct eco-regions also surround the outer areas of the museum, each representing different plant species and landscapes Community Seeds . Summer 201040

By Amy Behlke

Out and About


TracyLynn Photography

display behind a large and easy to access window. Stools are available to sit and view activities occurring in the live science lab inside the museum. A whole wall of shelves and cupboards packed with specimens and artifacts allow visitors to explore the museum’s collection up close and personal. Two impressive photographic displays are featured in the museum. Organized by the California Academy of Sciences, “Witness: Endangered Species of North America,” is a collection of photographic portraits by Susan Middleton and David Liittschwager. These stunning photographs provide visitors the opportunity to learn about local creatures on the Endangered Species List of North America. The second photography exhibit highlights seven large panels by photographer Geoff Fricker, documenting the varied landscapes and cultures that exist along the Sacramento River and celebrating this important local watershed.

from throughout Northern California. Upon entering the main hall of the museum, visitors are greeted by two Ice Age skeletons. Both types of Pleistocene skeletons were commonly found in Northern California between one and two million years ago. Children and adults alike are drawn to gaze at the impressive size of the short-faced bear skeleton, towering close to 11-feet tall. The saber-tooth cat is equally impressive with its 8-inch canines and broad frame. The two rooms on either end of the main hall are dedicated to the current exhibits. These rooms are filled with exciting and interesting displays. There are plenty of hands-on opportunities for learning and experimenting with the exhibits. Children are invited to create pencil rubbings, build complicated puzzles, or settle into a cozy nook for reading and exploring a variety of high-interest books. The middle room, named “The Discovery Room,” is a clear favorite for visitors. Live insects and animals are on

Adventures for those of any age, for fun and education

Gateway Museum, Continued

42 Community Seeds . Summer 2010

The museum is located at 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA. Museum Hours are Wednesday – Friday

from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the

museum’s gift shop. Memberships are also available for very reasonable yearly rates and offer free unlimited entrance to the museum. Admission

is $5 for adults and $3 for children and museum members are free.

Parking is very difficult to find, as there is only one small row of spots available for museum guests at $1 per hour or $5 for the day. Do not park in any of the Bidwell Mansion parking spots, as tickets in those

spots can cost up to $60. Metered spots are available on the street just a short walk from the museum. For

more information visit: www.csuchico.edu/gateway/.


G AT E W AYS C I E N C EM U S E U MC A L I F O R N I A S TAT EU N I V E R S I T Y, C H I C O


Simple Ideas for Summer Family

Philanthropy By Mary Portis

Summer is synonymous with sun, fun and free time to enjoy the long days. It is also the season with the least giving

and volunteering. In fact, across the nation, the months surrounding the winter holidays are the time of greatest giving. While much wonderful community service is completed throughout the year, the summer months are the time when agencies who strive to meet constant human needs are desperate for help. Can you fit a little community action into your summer schedule? Two agencies that could use your help are food banks and blood banks. In addition, our environment can use all the help it can get. Children learn compassion, caring, and their responsibility as community members

through giving and volunteering. Incorporating some philanthropy into your family’s summer plans is an excellent way to provide valuable learning and character development for your children, as well as a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment for your whole family. Here are some simple ideas…

Food for the Hungry:

Most food drives occur during the time period around Thanksgiving. Some food banks are able to collect enough food during that time to make it through the year but most food banks are only sustained for a few months. Having a family or neighborhood food drive can help your local


food bank serve those less fortunate.

Children throughout time have enjoyed making money selling lemonade at a roadside stand. Set your children up with a stand selling lemonade, cookies, brownies, fruit from your trees, or anything else you think neighbors would buy and use the money to buy food for the food bank, or contribute it to any other community cause.

Clean up your house and garage and have a yard sale. Donate the proceeds, or a portion of the proceeds, to your favorite charity or skip the yard sale and bring your gently used items to a local second hand store so others can buy necessities at a low cost. Many of these second hand stores are run by charities and provide employment for those who would otherwise have difficulty finding it.

Blood for Victims of Accidents and Illness:

At the age of 16, youth can begin giving blood. Every day in America approximately 40,000

pints of blood are used. Blood only lasts 42 days after it is donated and the summer months are a time of extra need because people are so much more active and traveling more

miles in cars, resulting in more accidents requiring blood. The full donation process takes about 30 minutes, but the actual donation of blood only takes 5 to 7 minutes. Giving one pint of blood can help save the lives of up to 3 people. As long as the donor weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good health, the donation process has no negative impact on the donor’s energy or well-being. Starting your teens, and yourself, on a commitment to give blood is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference – you literally save lives!

Elbow Grease for the Environment:

Every community has environmental needs. Local park districts and environmental agencies regularly create community clean ups, trail restoration projects, and tree planting activities. These programs welcome volunteers of all ages. If you’d rather work according to your own schedule, become an activist in your own neighborhood. Start by eradicating invasive plant species. These are plants that are not native to your region, but have been introduced. They grow fast, reproduce rapidly, disperse widely and can dominate other naturally occurring plants. In the Durham/Chico area, yellow starthistle is one of our most vicious invaders. A team of families could easily eradicate invaders from their neighborhood yards, gardens and parks.

Clean up your neighborhood. Grab large garbage bags and pick up trash on your streets, parks and common areas. Take a picture of your trash collection to document the difference you made. If possible, weigh your trash and write the weight on your photo. Celebrate with watermelon and start a compost pile.

Plant berries and fruit bearing trees to feed yourselves, the local birds and small mammals. Build bird houses and post them in areas where birds will feel safe. As our environment gets more developed, birds cannot find natural houses. Create a bird bath. Birds are able to find food in the summer months, but water is harder for them to find.

These are just a few easy ways to make a difference in the summer while enjoying quality time with your family and neighbors. I bet you thought of many more as you read these suggestions. Summer days are long and bright; Take action!

Making a Difference


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Durham’s Community WebsiteBusiness Links•Durham Business Directory•

Durham Community CalendarSchool Events•Community Events•Durham Recreation Events•Interactive•

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Making a Difference, One Pair of Shoes at a TimeTOMS Shoes

By Jamie Danno

communities all around the world. These partners share TOMS understanding of the need for shoes, and are able to determine where the giving of shoes can have the greatest impact on children’s lives. Their giving partners work in health, education and holistic services for children such as: a health organization in Haiti, a non-profit working in Rwanda, and Podoconiosis (a disease that causes swelling, repeated ulcers, and deformity, especially in the legs) treatment programs in Ethiopia.

Not only is TOMS working with many partnerships, but TOMS is also inspiring other companies to join the positive One for One

movement. For example, Ralph Lauren is making their mark by selling co-branded Polo Rugby TOMS, giving a matched pair with every pair sold. Element Skateboards has also joined the movement and issues limited edition TOMS plus Element shoes, and a One for One skateboard. With every skateboard purchased,

TOMS is an organization that was developed by American traveler Blake Mycoskie through a 2006 excursion in Argentina. Along his travels, Blake befriended the children

living in Argentina and discovered that they had no shoes to protect their feet. In his efforts to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted disease. Shoes can prevent these diseases that penetrate the skin through bare feet. The One for One movement was put into action and has

continued on, giving over 600,000 pairs of shoes to children in need through

the purchases of caring customers.

TOMS works with giving partnerships associated with children and

Making a Difference


Making a Difference, One Pair of Shoes at a Time

Making a Difference


one will be given to a child at the Indigo Skate Camp in Durban, South Africa.

TOMS is constantly discovering innovative ways to spread awareness

to people across the globe by helping them become smart consumers. Through campus clubs, internship programs, and annual shoe drops, TOMS makes it easy to create your own “Eco-Footprint” in the world. They believe that using the purchasing power of individuals to better the good, and to transform their customers into benefactors, will ensure a sustainable business.

Making a Difference


There is an intense need for solar cooking and water purification in Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are homeless and many are in camps that provide food and shelter for Haiti’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Plans are under way to provide Sun Ovens to the IDPs in Haiti. We are partnering with the Friends of Haiti Organization (FOHO) to send as many Sun Ovens as we can to Haiti.

Donations will be forwarded to FOHO. FOHO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so all donations will be tax deductible. 100% of all donations will go directly to sending Sun Ovens to Haiti. No administrative expenses will be deducted. FOHO has been working in Haiti for 45 years and has sent over 1,400 Global Sun Ovens and 12 Villager Sun Ovens to Haiti.

Click Here To Donate

Making a Difference

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NO EXCUSES WEAR Athletic Workout Apparel (www.noexcuseswear.com) is a company generating college scholarships for underprivileged high school student athletes, while also providing quality workout clothing for Men and Women (Sizes Small-XXXL). Our first slogan, “Shut Up & Sweat”, tells all those negative influences that keep us from working out to “Shut Up & Sweat!” Response around the country has been huge. We are currently in 48 states, 5 countries, and growing.

NO EXCUSES WEAR/Shut Up & Sweat is currently being supported and worn by nearly fifty previous winners, finalists, and contestants from NBC’s television show, The Biggest Loser. NO EXCUSES WEAR was recently invited to Hollywood for the

Finale of the show. NO EXCUSES WEAR apparel is also being worn by professional football players, NHL, and world class athletes, who are wearing the clothing and supporting the scholarship cause.

The company was the brainchild of myself, Mike Dudley, and my wife, Nancy. We live in San Jose, California, where I am a local high school track & field and cross-country coach who has always promoted academics as well as athletics. We have seen our share of underprivileged kids who handle their grades through high school, yet have little or no opportunity to attend college after they graduate. These kids come from one parent, no parent, grandparent, or foster-parent situations, yet still manage to handle their responsibilities in the

NO EXCUSES!Helping Underprivileged Student Athletes Achieve Their Dreams

By Mike Dudley

Making a Difference


1-800-RED CROSS | redcrossblood.org

We need you now more than ever.

Donate blood today. Visit redcrossblood.org.

Hope.

When Heartbreak Turns to Hope, You’re There.

Down the street, across the country, around the world—you help save the day. Every day.

When you give blood or provide a hot meal to

a disaster victim, train in fi rst aid or help a

member of our military, you reach out your hand.

It’s at that moment—when heartbreak

turns to hope—that you’re there through the

American Red Cross.

H20771.36948.3.375x10.indd 1 3/31/10 11:44:50 AM

classroom. We felt that if we could find a vehicle to generate scholarships, my wife, Nancy, and I could truly make a difference and change the hope and direction of numerous graduating underprivileged student athletes forever.

Earlier this year, we decided to put everything we had on the line to take what we believed may be our one chance to see others’ dreams come true. So far, things look incredible! The support from everyone everywhere has been amazing. Once people realize this is an opportunity to help young student athletes, they will realize it ultimately helps us all.

We may have found the perfect vehicle to make our dream come true: A great company name, NO EXCUSES WEAR; a great motivational slogan, “Shut Up & Sweat;” a great cause, to support college scholarships; and a high quality line of workout clothing.

Anyone can visit the NO EXCUSES WEAR website at: www.noexcuseswear.com and nominate someone for the annual scholarships. There is no purchase necessary to nominate someone. At the end of the year, based on company sales, nominations will be reviewed and scholarships will be distributed by the NO EXCUSES WEAR Scholarship Committee.

NO EXCUSES WEAR Athletic Workout Apparel believes that, whether it be taking responsibility for your own personal health and wellness or taking responsibility for helping our youth get where they need to go, there are NO EXCUSES.

Faces of the Community


Healthy Family Fun: Golfing With Your Kids

By Amy Behlke

July is “Family Golf Month.” Golfing with kids, or family golf, is a trend growing in popularity. Getting outside for 18 holes with the family this summer is a great way to be healthier and spend some quality time with the kids.

Golf should not be counted out as being a heart healthy sport just because it is

considered a leisurely activity. Walking is one of the best activities for the heart and even with the use of a cart, the average 18 hole course requires 6 miles of walking.

Golf is also the perfect sport to play with your kids. Most courses are very

supportive of young golfers, allowing young children to play with their parents for a very low fee or even free of charge. Golfing with your children provides rare one-on-one time in a beautiful outdoor setting.

When children golf, it is important that children play with age-appropriate

clubs, which can often be rented from the golf course clubhouse. To purchase junior clubs, check local used sporting equipment stores for quality used clubs.

Start by taking your kids to the driving range. Get a few buckets of balls

and show the kids the fundamentals of holding a club and swinging it. There are few things more fun for kids than hitting a bucket of balls at a driving range! Once they have the hang of swinging the club, try a few holes at a local course.

Healthy Living


By Amy Behlke

The best thing about golfing with

kids is that you do not have to be an expert golfer to have a good time! The slower pace of golfing with kids will allow the adults to get in some good practice time while teaching the kids the basic fundamentals of the sport. A beautiful, sunny morning of golfing is the perfect way to be active and spend quality time with your family this summer!

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Healthy Living


Healthy Living

Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods:

What to Choose Instead!By Susan Burke March, MS, RD/LD, CDE

Photography by Tracy Cahn of Tracy Lynn Photography

Food Label Foolishness

There is much confusion for consumers who rely on the front of food packages to make their choices. Although “natural” should mean no artificial colors or ingredients, the term “natural” is not a guarantee that the product contains whole wheat—or any fruits or vegetables at all. Cut through the confusion and read the package from back to front - Read the ingredient label first! Heed these tips to shop smart:

--Natural: In your quest to find foods that nourish, do you purchase foods labeled “100% Natural,” “Healthy,” or “No Artificial Ingredients” without actually reading the ingredients? We’re at a disadvantage compared with countries such as Canada where labeling laws are more stringent and specific. The USDA says that the “natural” claim means that the food does not contain any artificial ingredients, coloring ingredients, or chemical preservatives, and, in the case of meat and poultry, is minimally processed. However, the meat may be full of “natural flavors,” and “naturally raised” does not mean the animal is not raised

hat to eat? Seems like a simple question, but it’s one that can vex even the most savvy eater, especially when trying to make sense of food packaging. How many times do you browse the grocery aisles trying to discern the “best” pasta, cereal or bread? Most concerned healthy eaters know the obvious, like there is no fruit in “Froot Loops.” But what about “grown up foods?” You know, those labeled as “whole grain,” “all natural” or “healthy?” W


Healthy Living

--Low Glycemic Index: Where “low carb” left off, the “low glycemic index” has taken over. The glycemic index ranks foods based on how quickly they elevate blood sugar levels compared to the same quantity of a reference food (pure glucose or white bread). In addition to not considering the amount of food usually eaten, the GI doesn’t include the amount of fiber in the food. A medium baked potato has a higher GI (85) than a Snickers bar (55), and who’d say a candy bar is better than a baked potato? The quantity of food represented by that ranking is always 50 grams, regardless of how much food (volume) it takes to eat 50 grams; it’s really easy to eat 50 carbohydrate grams of cookies (7 small cookies) but much tougher to eat 50 carbohydrate grams of carrots (5 cups of carrots) in one sitting! In the context of “healthy” ignore the glycemic index and focus on whole foods, with fiber, in portions that are right for you.

--Organic: The truth is, if it’s sugar, it’s sugar—organic or not, high fructose corn syrup, honey, cane sugar or white, maple syrup, or agave nectar—all nutritive sweeteners have approximately 16-20 calories per teaspoon, and negligible nutrition—said differently, they are empty calories. I took a cruise through the breakfast aisle, and found “organic toaster pastries” but compared to conventional toaster pastries,

on a factory farm. It also does not mean that the animal has access to the outdoors. A can of iced tea can read “100% Natural Tea,” however the ingredients include filtered water, high fructose corn syrup and lemon flavoring. That’s not natural to me.

--Multi-Grain: From breads to crackers to hot and cold cereals, “multi-grain” does not mean whole grain—it means just about nothing at all, except that the product contains an undefined amount of different types of grains. What you really want to look for is “100% whole grain,” so you’re assured that you’re getting all of the good nutrition from that grain’s kernel—the nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. Some packages distract the consumer by touting impressive amounts of vitamins and minerals, even fiber, but be a savvy consumer and look at the ingredients first if you’re interested in buying products without artificial colorings, flavors, excessive sugar and salt. Be sure the first ingredient is “100% whole,” either wheat or other grain, and remember, a teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams. To know what you’re eating, read the serving size first, then the calories per serving, how much fiber and then how much sugar per serving (for example, a serving of shredded wheat and bran mini wheats is 1 ¼ cup, has 200 calories, 7 grams of fiber and less than 1 gram of sugar!).

there’s just as much sugar, and making it “organic” doesn’t make it lower in calories or higher in fiber. If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast that’s convenient and portable, choose a toaster waffle with whole grains.

--“Free” Foods: Yes, we want to be free to eat what we like, and for many, that means fake food that imitates sweets and desserts; however, food labeled “low fat” or “fat free” does not make it calorie free.—Manufacturers add sugar to add texture and bulk lost from removing fat. A “sugar free” cookie may have a similar calorie count compared to the regular, so the most important thing to look at when you’re reading a label is not the calories, fat or sugar, but always, it’s the serving size that must be read first.

Note: “Fat Free” means less than a half a gram of fat per serving, “low fat” or “light” means less than 3 grams of fat per serving, and “reduced fat” means 25% less than the reference food. For example, Mayonnaise illustrates this perfectly. The “reference” or original mayo has 10 grams of fat per one tablespoon serving. The reduced fat version has 25% less fat, or 7.5 grams of fat per serving- still is not a low fat food. Choose a “low fat” or “light” version that has 3 grams or less of fat per serving which is a better choice.


Surprisingly Unhealthy Foods, Continued

Buyer Beware! Seemingly healthy foods such as yogurt and oatmeal may contain copious amounts of added sugars; breads and crackers are often made with heart-unhealthy hydrogenated oils (trans fat). “Miracle” juices and “energy” bars, touted as healthful, are usually just vehicles for added sugars and excessive calories. Consider this representative list of some surprisingly unhealthy foods:

--Yogurt: Plain, low fat or nonfat yogurt is such a healthy food because it’s a delicious low fat source of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and protein, but many manufacturers have taken liberties with yogurt! They have loaded it up with excess, unwanted calories. Consumers are distracted by words like “organic” and “natural,” but even these words cannot undo nutritional damage from added sugars, “granola,” nuts—and more. Yogurt should have but two ingredients: milk and live cultures. Stay wholesome by staying simple, and that goes for kids’ yogurts too.

--Tortilla and Taco Shells: Generally low in fat, tortillas are usually made from corn or wheat, or both. Read the ingredient label first because many brands are quite high in fat, and are often made with hydrogenated fat,

or trans fat (hydrogenated oils). Trans fat can raise bad cholesterol but also lower “good” HDL cholesterol. Search out better-for-you whole-wheat tortilla and taco shells made with canola or other vegetable oils.

--Instant Oatmeal: Looking for convenience and nutrition, we make the mistake of reading the front of the package for descriptors such as “wholesome” and “nutritious.” We know not to choose sugary cold cereals, but convenience packages of instant oatmeal are no exception. Read the ingredient label first—one teaspoon of sugar equals four grams: some of the “maple” or other flavors have more than 12 grams per serving. Buy whole oats, microwave for a minute in a glass dish, stir in a quarter-cup of raisins, cook one more minute, and sweet!

--Granola: It may be “natural,” but granola is also a typically calorie-dense food, not nutritionally desirable if it’s full of oil and sugar. Do a little label reading in the grocery store—most flaked or “twig” cereals such as Kashi GoLean list the serving size as 3/4 – 1 cup, for about 150 calories per cup. There is no standardized serving size for cereals, and most packaged granolas list the serving size as a mere quarter-cup, with about 160 calories per serving. No one is satisfied with just a quarter-cup of


Healthy Living

Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Susan Burke March, author of Making Weight Control Second Nature: Living Thin Naturally, offers a wealth of practical information, tips and strategies for people who are serious about taking control of their health, fad-free, for life. Look for some of her tips and advice in

Community Seeds Eco Magazine and check out Susan’s Website at www.SusanBurkeMarch.com.

cereal and usually will pour their usual cup—multiplied by four, that’s 640 calories, plus milk! Granola typically features a good amount of oil plus a number of different sweet ingredients, some which may sound healthful, but again, sugar is sugar, and all of it, maple syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, agave nectar, honey—are recognized similarly by your body, and are all different ways to say, “more calories!” Stick with a high fiber, lower sugar cereal, and if you like granola, use as a topping on a yogurt and fruit parfait (nonfat Greek yogurt and berries).

--“Miracle” Juices: The front of the package appeals to your quest for good health with words like “immune promoting” and “antioxidants.” The front label shows appealing photos of fresh fruit, but like all juice, the proof is in the fiber—and reading the nutrition facts label shows that juice contains just about none. There are no studies that show that drinking juice will prevent disease, and people who are watching their weight need to remember that calories in fruit juice are equivalent to soda—no fiber here, and a very quick way to get excess calories. Eat whole fruit, for more energy and fiber, and save your calories for fullness.

--”Energy” Bars: Another name for “energy” is “calorie,” and most bars are more akin to candy bars than nutritious snacks. The first ingredient is usually refined flour (not whole grain), then sugar, sugar, and more sugar, in a myriad of guises, including corn syrup, molasses, honey and more. For sustainable energy, grab a cup of 100-calorie yogurt and stir a cup of crunchy low-sugar cereal into the yogurt; make a fresh-fruit smoothie with nonfat yogurt, milk and berries, or pack a tuna sandwich on whole wheat with an orange (who says you have to have cereal for breakfast? Have lunch for breakfast and breakfast for lunch).

--Microwave Popcorn: Popcorn is a great snack, but not when it’s loaded with hydrogenated fat (trans fat), artificial flavors and preservatives. Additives make it high in fat calories relative to volume, and often the microwave popcorn is loaded with hydrogenated fat. Make it better! It’s so easy, with an air-popper: pop up a few cups and enjoy. For a heartier snack, toss the hot popcorn with some grated cheddar cheese.

--Rice Cakes: Although they’re somewhat lower in calories than potato or ‘Doritos’ chips, rice cakes offer little in nutritional value, certainly little fiber, and they’re often high in sodium and sugar (if they’re flavored). Better: whole-wheat pita chips (make your own: slice into quarters, spray with cooking spray and toast) with some hummus or peanut butter.

Shop armed with information to help you read beyond the packaging and make weight-wise choices. Of course, always shop with a list, never shop when you’re hungry, and read the ingredient label first. These three smart strategies help you keep the focus on healthy, good for you foods (that taste good, too). Making weight control second nature means shopping purposely, refusing to be swayed by advertising, and taking the time to enjoy the flavor of real food! Your payoff will be better taste, improved nutrition and good health.


Easy Organic Container Mini-Garden This simple container garden idea is a cinch. Even if you do not have a green thumb or space for a garden, with this project, you

can enjoy fresh vegetables all year long.By Amy Behlke

Healthy Living

I’ve got all the excuses: I’m short on space, I have no time, and I do not have a green

thumb. In fact, I kill just about any plant I get near. Despite these challenges and my depressing gardening history, I decided I wanted to make at least one little green change that would also help our family eat healthier. Last summer, we found some used containers and planted our very own organic mini-kitchen garden.

This being our first real venture into gardening, we wanted to start small and try

a variety of plants we knew we’d use. Since this was kind of an experiment for our family, we started some of the plants from seeds ourselves and bought some from local nurseries. Starting the plants from seeds turned out to be much easier than we had anticipated, and we managed to give some plants away since we sprouted far more little seedlings than we needed. We found that the plastic containers that apples are sold in at Costco make wonderful little greenhouses for the seedlings.

Once our seedlings were big enough to be planted outside, we collected a variety

of containers and began planting. Where we live, we have a pretty severe deer and raccoon problem, which is part of the reason we haven’t tried gardening before. We decided the safest place for our container garden would be on our second-story deck. The space is small, but it gets good sun and the animals cannot get to it.

We arranged the containers so we could access all of the plants for watering. We

planted what we started from seeds right next to the plants we purchased at the local nursery. About six-yards of organic potting soil was all it took to fill all of our containers.

Strawberries, several varieties of tomatoes, sugar snap peas, jalapeno peppers, bell

peppers, radishes, several herbs and blueberries were all a part of our very first garden. We watched in pride as the plants we had started with tiny seeds began to grow, fill out, and produce food for our family. All summer long,


Container Garden



we enjoyed fresh tomatoes in our salads, pesto made from basil we harvested, and sweet bell peppers we had started from seed.

We learned so much from our little garden. It was exciting watching something

grow that we had planted with our own hands. Knowing that we could provide healthy, organic produce for our family in such a small space with minimal cost, we have vowed to plant a mini-kitchen garden every season. This summer

we are adding a few varieties of squash and zucchini and trying herbs in pots that we can transfer indoors when summer is over so we can enjoy their fresh flavors all year long.

We do not have a lot of time or money, we have very little space, and we sure are not

experienced gardeners; but that just makes the food we harvest from our organic, mini-kitchen container garden more enjoyable!

Container Garden, Continued


Soft Drink

Serving Size

Grams of Sugar

Teaspoons of Sugar Calories

Mnt. Dew 12 oz 46 11.5 170

Capri Sun 11.25 oz 44 11 170

Pepsi 12 oz 41 10.3 150

Coca-Cola 12 oz 39 9.8 140

7-UP 12 oz 39 9.8 140

Hi-C 8 oz 26 6.5 100

Gatorade 8 oz 14 3.4 50

Healthy Living

The USDA has reported that the consumption of “soft drinks” has increased 250% over the last 25 years. The serving size has gone from 6.5 ounces in 1950, to the 12 ounce and 20 ounce cans and bottles of today. When we say, “soft drinks,” we include soda, sports drinks, “fruit flavored” drinks and drinks that are not 100% juice. Did you know that popular drinks like Sunny Delight have almost as much sugar in them as soda? An 8 ounce bottle of “Sunny D” has 27g of sugar, or 6.75 teaspoons! Advertising may try to convince us that sports drinks and partial fruit juice drinks are good for us, but the facts may shock you.

According to the School Nutrition Action Committee, the following table can give you an idea of the sugar content of certain soft drinks.

Let’s Drink to Our Health!By DeAnna Holman

Health.com suggests we drink water, green tea, and organic, 100% juices (apple, orange, pomegranate, blueberry, acai, concord grape, cranberry and black cherry juices). Watch for the high calorie content of some juices and if you can squeeze your own juice, do it!


Cook’s Corner

Bountiful SummerCook’s Corner

in half and frozen. Roast them and then freeze or you can make my favorite Pepper Jelly recipe which I will share with you. If you have zucchini, cut it into tooth pick shaped fries and sauté with sliced onion, garlic and fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless. You can discover your own recipes while experimenting or look to the internet for a magnitude of recipes. Try cutting those fresh grown vegetables in different shapes and sizes. Maybe even thread cubed veggies on a skewer to serve with a homemade dip for dinner or an afternoon snack. Make those vegetables fun. If the kids still won’t eat them, chop them up so small they cannot see what they are eating. Many of us are trying to eat healthier. Some of us have newly found food allergies and are trying to substitute ingredients. Summer gives us great opportunities to eat lower fat, lower sodium, and more natural sugars and seasonings. Take a moment or two to carefully read labels for foods you want to buy. Let’s make dips and dressings from scratch with the fresh herbs, or grab the salt-free seasonings. Use healthier oils than a recipe may call for. Even try making dips with half plain yogurt and low, non-fat sour cream, or cream cheese and leave the mayonnaise out of your recipes. Here’s to safe, healthy and enjoyable summer adventures.

“Danny D”

Wow! It has been over two years since I wrote my first cooking article for Community Seeds Eco Magazine! CHEERS to DeAnna Holman and her crew, for

achieving their goal. Great job; I am so excited! Hopefully, the last cold rain storms have passed and our gardens are growing fast in the sunshine. What may not be ripe yet in your garden may be purchased at the local Farmers Market. I hope this is a bumper crop year and the abundance of fruit keeps the prices down. I love to use fruit in many recipes and just have them set on the counter. I believe, if the healthy food is ready to go and out to be seen and grabbed, the family will eat it. Speaking of out on the counter, tomatoes are much better tasting if you leave them on the counter and strawberries are much sweeter if kept at room temperature. Try having your kids experiment with this idea. You may trick them into eating as they experiment. We like to freeze fruit (like berries, melon, and grapes) to add to drinks, or poke sticks in them to make fresh fruit frozen popsicles. Do not be overwhelmed with an abundance of produce. Stop and think about the many ways you can use things. Let’s start with tomatoes. You can dry them, make a sauce, roast and freeze them, make a spicy juice, and even make a jam. Peppers (bell or chili) can be washed, dried, cut


Pesto SauceIngredients:3 cups fresh basil2 tsp lemon juice 1/8-1/4 cup olive oil**4-8 cloves of peeled garlic1/4-1/2 tsp saltOptional: 1/4 cup of walnuts or pine nuts

Directions:In a food processor or blender, add a portion (the amount you feel your blender can process) of basil leaves, lemon juice and 1/8 cup olive oil and blend. To that, add additional basil, garlic and salt. The consistency will be a like a puree or thick sauce. If you are having trouble blending the mix, add additional olive oil or **you can add small amounts of water. When the mixture is sauce-like, you can blend in nuts or just stir them in (I prefer adding the nuts and some Parmesan cheese when tossing with my pasta).

To freeze: I like to pour into ice tray molds and place in the freezer. When they are frozen, remove from trays and place in freezer bags for future use.

NOTE: Pesto can be made with any herb or a mixture of herbs. I recently came across a recipe using 1 lb. of fresh asparagus with 3-6 basil leaves. This made me think, “Here is another way to hide a vegetable in a meal!”

Sun Dried TomatoesWash tomatoes. Cut them in half, or thirds. Place, cut side up, on a screen or a rack and place outside in sun. If you have a food dryer, put them in an electric food dryer, set at 120˚ F for 24 hours. Bring the tomatoes in at night; the drying process will take a few days. Tomatoes should be leathery, but pliable. Store the dried tomatoes in air tight jar or container. When you are ready to use your sun dried tomatoes you can make them soft and chewy by pouring a mixture of equal parts vinegar and boiling water over them. Let stand until they are the desired texture. Drain off the liquid and cover with seasoned olive oil. Refrigerate for 24 hours before sampling. They will keep like this for a few months.

Healthy Eating

Pepper JellyIngredients:1½ - 2 cups peppers (You can use bell, jalapeño, or both, but do not mix colors of peppers), finely dice or coarsely chop in a food processor3/4 cup water5 cups organic sugar1 packet liquid pectin2 cups grape or cranberry juice, or red or white wine1 cup apple cider vinegar5-6 sterilized half pint or smaller jars, flat metal lids, and threaded bands

Directions:Wash peppers, cut off stem and remove membrane and seeds (you can leave a few seeds if you want a hot kick to the jelly). Coarsely chop in a food processor (this can be done by hand). In medium sauce pan, combine peppers and water. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add juice or wine. Add vinegar and sugar, stirring constantly, over high heat to a full rolling boil. Stir in pectin and return to boil. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with a metal spoon. Pour mixture into jars, leaving 1/4” head space. Wipe rims if necessary and place hot, flat lid on and screw threaded bands on tightly. Cool the jars away from drafts. After some time, you may hear a pop from each jar as it seals. When the jars have completely cooled, press lids with your finger. If they stay down, they are sealed and you can store in a cool dark area. If not, place in refrigerator and use first.

Roasted TomatoesWash tomatoes, remove stem, and place them on a large baking sheet. If you like, you can drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper (Optional: add sliced onions, fresh peppers, wedges of zucchini or other squash, even eggplant). Bake in a 350° oven until the tomatoes look as if they were a deflated balloon. At this point, you can season to taste and toss with hot or cold pasta, on toasted bread, or on a pizza crust. The tomatoes can also be frozen, in usable amounts, in a freezer bag for later use.


Ace HardwareAdvanced Inspection Services, Mold InspectionAmerican Red CrossApple Blossom Baby Buy the BookCare Free PoolsChampions for Change/Network For a Healthy CaliforniaChico Art School and GalleryThe Chico Connection.com Chico/Paradise Seed ShirtsChico Green SchoolColdwell Banker, Rhonda Maehl, RealtorThe Community Seeds FoundationThe Durham Community WebsiteEco in Chico, A Baby’s BoutiqueGreen Baby ExpoGreen CleanGrowing Up Chico Magazine In Motion FitnessMichael C. Cooper, Attorney at LawMidway Mini StorageMythic Low VOC PaintNO EXCUSES Athletic ApparelThe Paradise Connection Community SiteSun Ovens InternationalStay Vocal.comTracy Lynn Photography William Watt Construction

Special Thanks To: In Motion Fitness ------------------------------------------------------------ www.InMotionFitness.comColdwell Banker, Rhonda Maehl, Realtor --------------------------- www.HelpMeRhondaM.com

Additional Thanks To: Susan Burke March, MS, RD/LD, CDE ---------------------------------------- www.SusanBurkeMarch.com

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