hydration - lifemap · mild dehydration is simple to fix. the old “8 by 8” advice (eight...

MedicineWhy You Feel Tired

All Of The TimeSandy Lim

Green LivingBokashi Composting: The Do's And Don'ts

Jessie Maguire

Urban MonkWorld Water Conditions

With John LambiePedram Shojai

HYDRATIONHEALTH AND VITALITY

Terms & Conditions

© Vital Origins, LLC All Rights Reserved

LifeMap is not responsible for any content provided by this site; any or all views or opinions presented in BeMore! Magazine are solely those of BeMore! Magazine and its Con-tributors. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers are advised to con-sult a qualified professional about any issue regarding their health and

well-being.Terms & Conditions

Editor: Pedram Shojai — Production Manager: Adam Garfio — Creative Director: Adam Garfio

IN THIS ISSUE:

Why You Feel Tired All Of The Timeby Sandy Lim

Stay Hydrated The Healthy Wayby Sandy Lim

Exercises That HelpShift Energy Blocksby Jessie Maguire

What Is Nutritional Balancing?by Jessie Maguire

What Can I Recycle?by Sandy Lim

Bokashi Composting: The Do's And Don'tsby Jessie Maguire

The Urban Monk: World Water Conditions With Guest John Lambieby Pedram Shojai

The Health Bridge Show

Photo Of The Month

4 7 224

7

10

15

19

22

26

29

28

BeMore! July 2016 © Vital Origins, LLC All Rights Reserved2

MEDICINE

WHY YOU FEEL TIRED ALL THE TIME

How are you today?

If “tired” has become your default answer, there could be more to it than just not getting enough sleep. Lethargy, fatigue or lingering malaise can hint at a variety of other underlying issues stemming from physical, psychological and lifestyle factors that are all too common in modern life.

You’ll already have a handle on your low energy levels if you’re prone to partying all night, looking after young children, or are living with a chronic condition such as sleep apnea, thyroid disease or chronic fatigue syndrome.

But for everyone else, let’s explore a few reasons why we might feel tired all the time.

YOU MAY BE DEHYDRATED

According to studies on the effect of dehydration on the human body, just a mild bout is enough to cause fatigue, moodiness, headaches and impaired cognitive function in both men and women. Water is hardly the first thing that comes to mind when we’re tired. In fact, many of us only think about it when we’re thirsty, but by then, we’re likely to be dehydrated already.

Mild dehydration is simple to fix. The old “8 by 8” advice (eight 8-ounce glasses per day) is easy to remember and comes close enough to the official recommended daily intake (125 oz for men, 91 oz for women). Drink more if it’s warm or if you spend the day in an air-conditioned office. And if you’re not a fan of drinking plain water, make your intake more interesting with lemon infusions and tea.

by s a n dy l i m

BeMore! July 2016 © Vital Origins, LLC All Rights Reserved4 NEXT >

YOUR BLOOD SUGAR MAY BE A FACTOR

When you eat, your digestive system converts food into sugars, which are transported throughout your body to be used for energy. Low blood sugar is similar to having no gas in your car — there’s just not enough fuel to keep you going. If you’re feeling tired despite having had a good night’s sleep, it may be that you’re simply not eating enough.

Interestingly, you can still experience fatigue when your blood sugar is high. In response to the rising glucose levels in your blood, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin, which helps your cells metabolize sugar. Feeling tired with high levels of glucose in your blood could mean that your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or that your insulin isn’t working well enough — both symptoms of diabetes. If in doubt, ask your doctor about testing your blood sugar levels.

YOU MAY BE EATING THE WRONG FOODS

Diets high in sweets and simple starches may give you an immediate energy boost, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself tired again shortly after. High GI carbohydrates like white bread, cereal, cookies and cupcakes break down into glucose quickly once they’re in your body, causing a rapid spike in your blood sugar that is then followed by a blood sugar crash (also known as reactive hypoglycemia), leaving you not only fatigued, but irritable and unfocused too.

shutterstock


Try substituting a few of your high GI ingredients with low glycemic index foods. Whole rye, for example, is a delicious replacement for white wheat bread. Enjoy bircher muesli instead of ordinary cornflakes and Cheerios. Snack on whole fruit and nuts instead of cupcakes and candy. And finally, try mashing yams and sweet potatoes instead of standard white spuds.

YOU MAY BE STRESSED, DEPRESSED OR BURNT OUT

Stress, depression and anxiety are a dark triangle of psychological ails that can leave you feeling exhausted and unhappy. They can influence your mood and behavior in ways that spiral you into worse condition through destructive actions, poor decision-making, or stress-induced illness.

If you can, work on removing or reducing the influence of stressful factors in your life. This could mean quitting a problematic job or spending less time with people who have a toxic effect on you. Where the solution is less simple, it can help to increase the positive factors in your life, like hobbies and leisure, time spent with trusted friends, or a greater focus on your health and well-being.

These efforts will help in many cases, but if you’re dealing with stress arising from long-standing mental health problems or previous experiences of trauma, seek help as soon as possible from your doctor or therapist.

shutterstock


According to the Institute of Medicine, men (on average) need about 3.1 litres (125 ounces) of water per day to stay hydrated, while women (on average) need around 2.7 litres (91 ounces) — not far off the old “eight glasses a day” advice if you’re drinking 8-ounce serves.

Unfortunately, for those who detest drinking plain water, no amount of good advice can make those eight glasses easier to swallow. It can be so tempting to fall back on sodas, bottled teas and sports drinks when you’re thirsty, but without an active lifestyle to back you up, those sugary sips end up contributing to a world of excess calories, inflammation and insulin resistance.

But staying hydrated doesn’t have to be a drag. Give these healthier tricks a shot for maintaining adequate water intake throughout the day.

HAVE IT HOT, COLD OR CARBONATED

Sometimes it’s not the lack of taste, but the lack of texture that makes plain, tepid water seem so unappetizing. Combat this by drinking warm, chilled or carbonated water instead, as the novel temperature and mouthfeel can help make each gulp a little more enticing.

If you’re already a fan of fizzy water, consider investing in an at-home soda maker, like SodaStream, to cut down on the amount of plastic passing through your household.

MAKE A WATER INFUSION

Water infusions can be as simple as a slice of lemon in your glass, or as impressive as an iced pitcher full of herb sprigs and fruit. Best served chilled, the subtle hints of flavour make for a more-ish beverage. Easy, great-tasting combinations include:

STAY HYDRATED THE HEALTHY WAY

s a n d y l i m

...even if you hate drinking waterLemon, cucumber and basil

Lime and peach

Watermelon and mint


Simply toss a handful of leaves and slices into a water jug, half-fill with ice, top up with water and steep in the fridge for an hour.

ENJOY A CUP OF TEA OR COFFEE

Tea and coffee, being mostly water, both count towards your daily intake. And while the caffeine may have a mild diuretic effect (ie. makes you go to the bathroom more), consuming these drinks in moderation won’t dehydrate you.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, however, it may be best to avoid it altogether. Instead, look for non-caffeinated options like white tea, peppermint, lemongrass, rose hip or ginger root.

EAT WHOLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Official recommendations on daily water intake applies to your total water, not just the kind you sip from a cup. Typically, we get approximately 20 percent of our water from food.

Munching moisture-rich solids, such as whole fruits and vegetables, are an easy way to consume hydrating substances, along with other nutrients essential for a fit and functioning body. Not to mention, they’re a far healthier snack than chips and candy to keep you powered through an afternoon.

BLEND VEGETABLES INSTEAD OF JUICING FRUIT

Even without added sugar, fruit juice comes loaded with natural sugars (fructose) that spike your blood glucose levels the same way soda does. The problem is that juice gives you the sugars from fruit without the dietary fiber to slow down your body’s absorption of it.

Aim for a blended smoothie instead of a juice, substituting a few fruits for vegetables (like kale, celery or beetroot). This ensures you get the fiber along with the fructose, while reducing the amount of total sugar in your drink. Remember to keep an eye on portion sizes - blend only the quantities equivalent to a snack or a meal.

DILUTE YOUR JUICES

Finally, if juice is the only palatable option on the menu, treat it like you would a concentrate mix, and dilute it.

It’s certainly less ideal than drinking water by itself, but one part juice to three parts still or sparkling water can add enough of a twang to keep you interested in your daily ounces.


MINDSET

Feeling stuck in a specific area of the body may create a vague, weird sensation and the cause may be unconscious, having an energy block anywhere in the body can lead to a health issue, such as depression or digestive issues.

WHAT IS AN ENERGY BLOCK?

The theory behind this, according to energy worker Barbara Brennan's book Hands of Light, is that energy precedes matter. So negative feelings, the lower vibrations we pick up during our daily lives, and any attitudes that don't align with our highest good will eventually lead to a lack of physical health. They do this by causing a block in the energy that normally nourishes our bodies and creates health.

THE SYMPTOMS OF AN ENERGY BLOCK

Each chakra is associated with a different area of our bodies and lives – and specific psychological and physical symptoms. Here are a few examples:

The root or base chakra. A block can cause you to feel ungrounded, depressed, anxious or lonely. It could also manifest as lower-back pain, varicose veins or water retention.

The sacral chakra. A block can cause low self-confidence, low libido or dependency issues. It may also show up as urinary tract infections, infertility or dysfunctional menstrual cycles.

The heart chakra. A block may lead to being apathetic, unforgiving or detached. Physically, a block could cause asthma, premature aging, upper-back pain or pneumonia.

The throat chakra. Psychological signs of a block include feeling isolated, anxiety and attention deficit disorders. Physical signs of a blockage include thyroid problems, jaw pain and TMJ and a sore throat.

ExercisesThat Help

Shift Energy Blocks

b y J e s s i e M a g u i r e


The third eye or brow chakra. A blockage here could cause headaches and migraines, or hallucinations. Physically, eye problems, hearing difficulties and scalp issues might show up.

The crown chakra. Confusion, loss of faith and depression are associated with a crown chakra block. The physical symptoms include light sensitivity, autoimmune disorders and headaches.

EXERCISES TO SHIFT A BLOCK

We know that practices like kriya yoga, kundalini yoga and tai chi can help keep the human energy system in check. Here are some easy exercises that you can do on a daily basis to liberate blocks and keep everything flowing smoothly that you may not have heard of before. The sequence takes around 15 minutes.

Wear comfortable clothing and use a yoga or pilates mat to carry out the exercises.

THE NECK

This exercise is for your throat chakra. Slowly rotate your head in a circle. Be careful not to roll your head back too much, to protect the spine.

Do 15 seconds of head rolls in each direction.

THE BRIDGE

This exercise targets the front of the sacral and base/root chakras.

Lie on your back, hands at your sides. Scoot your hands towards your shoulders, bending at the elbows. Then push your belly upwards, to form a bridge shape. Hold for 15 seconds. Now lower your buttocks to the floor and stay there for 15 seconds. Raise up once more, and lower.

Continue this sequence for 1-2 minutes.


THE REVERSE BRIDGE

This exercise targets where the sacral and base/root chakras appear at the back of the body.

Begin by lying on your stomach. Place your hands at chest level, ready to push yourself into a plank position. Push up, and hold for 15 seconds if you can. Then raise your buttocks up, so you're in downward-facing dog position, creating a “V” shape with your silhouette. Maintain that position for 15 seconds, then lower to plank. Continue for 1-2 minutes.

THE WHEEL

This exercise is for your heart chakra.

Curl your fingers towards your palms, making a “C” shape with each hand, then interlock them together by turning one hand so one palm is facing forward and the other is facing backwards. Bend your elbows and position your hands at the level of your heart.

Now lower one elbow and raise the other. Hold for a few seconds and then raise the opposite elbow and raise the other. Hold again for a few seconds, repeating this movement for one minute.

THE KEY CRUNCH

This exercise targets the solar plexus.

Lie on your back with your hands by your sides. Bend your legs up so they're as close to 90 degrees to the floor as possible. Tip your tailbone up to protect your back, then grasp your legs and pull yourself up into a crunch position. Extend your arms out, level with the floor. Relax your shoulders completely, then move your ribs one inch towards your public bone. Move back and forth one inch for a count of 20.

shutterstock


THE ENERGY PURGE

This exercise prepares you for the next one, which targets the third eye and crown chakras.

Stand with your arms out to the sides, forming a “T” shape, palms facing down. Imagine all negative energy streaming out of your body and into the floor through your palms. Hold for two minutes.

TWENTY-ONE BREATHS TO CALM

This exercise targets the two highest chakras.

Sit on your mat with legs folded. Interlace all your fingers except the index fingers, which should be pointing upwards. Raise your hands above your head. Close your eyes and take seven deep breaths, and imagine white light entering your body from above and being stored in your spine.

Lower your hands to heart level, and take another seven breaths. Imagine the energy circulating around your body and forming a bubble around you.

Keeping your hands in position, lower your torso to the ground and rest your head on the mat. Take seven more breaths.

That's it! How do you feel?

OTHER RELEASE METHODS

Some other good ways of shifting energy blocks include doing any type of cardiovascular exercise, ecstatic dance, yoga and tai chi. Singing, crying, screaming and various other forms of emotional expression also help release them! Good luck on your journey to wellness.


NUTRITION

What isNutritionalBalancing?

What is the key to heightened health? It's meeting all the body's nutritional needs, detoxing heavy metals and other contaminants and leading a fulfilling life with minimal stress, right? Right.

In the search for health, some have sought to achieve the diet-related aspects of health through raw food, veganism superherbs and superfoods. Others have experimented and enjoyed paleo, raw meat and raw dairy. Increasing amounts of people, however, are turning to Nutritional Balancing (NB) – but what the monkeys is it?!

HB HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL

NB is not new, it's actually about 45 years old. One of the main pioneering practitioners is Dr. Lawrence Wilson, author of Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis and Sauna Therapy for Detoxification and Healing.

However, the founder of NB was Dr. Paul C. Eck, who founded Analytical Research Labs, Inc. in 1974 to carry out tissue mineral analysis.

By Jessie Maguire


He combined various modern biological, physiological and biochemical concepts used by doctors from a range of fields, like the stages of stress, sympathetic and parasympathetic balancing, oxidation types and mineral balancing.

The hair tissue analysis was used to discover tissue mineral levels, ratios and metabolic patterns, including trace mineral deficiencies and excesses and their relationship to the metabolic dysfunctions associated with disease.

Dr. Wilson worked with Dr. Eck for 14 years, and went on to develop NB and spread the word about its benefits.

Another doctor, Dr. Watts, was employed by Dr. Eck during the 1980s, and later founded his own laboratory, Trace Elements Inc.

AN INTEGRATED HOLISTIC SYSTEM

So what's all this about hair analysis? Well, NB is holistic integrated system that is used to heal the body at a very deep level, and various methods to achieve this. One is hair tissue mineral analysis.

The other methods included in the system are supplementation, detoxification, diet and stress reduction. Each one is thought to be an essential piece and the protocol must be followed to the letter if the program is to work properly.

HAIR TISSUE ANALYSIS

The hair is tested because it is one of the areas where the body dumps excess minerals and heavy metals to protect vital organs, according to Wendy Myers, FDN, CHHC. The hair reflects what's going on with your body chemistry. Sampling is also cost-effective, easy and non-invasive. Only 1.1 grams of hair are needed. One inch of hair from the scalp will show what has been occurring in the body during a three-month period.

During the analysis, 37 nutritive and toxic minerals are tested for. The test can reveal heavy metal toxicity levels, mineral deficiencies, oxidation type (metabolic rate), energy levels, carbohydrate tolerance, stage of stress, adrenal and thyroid function, and more, says Myers.

While the test is not thought to be 100% accurate, it can be used to identify the probable causes of issues like digestive disturbance, skin rashes, allergies, emotional problems, and many other health conditions. However, NB doesn't involved the diagnosis of disease, states Dr. Wilson.


SUPPLEMENTATION

Unlike a lot of holistic approaches around right now, NB involves taking good old-fashioned tablets! Many NG programs will include eight to ten nutritional supplements to provide basic nutrients: a multivitamin based on metabolic type, plus calcium, magnesium, zinc, kelp and trimethylglycine. Others, such as a glandular supplement are added on a case-by-case basis.

DETOXIFICATION

Interestingly, this supplementation is combined with daily infrared light sauna therapy. Daily foot reflexology and coffee enemas are also recommended! How relaxing.

DIET

This part of the program also depends on metabolic type. According to Lindsey Dietz, an NB enthusiast, it may include:

Cruciferous vegetables; green, leafy vegetables; root and winter vegetables

Grass-fed lamb; wild, canned sardines; pastured chicken or turkey

Grass-fed beef and bison; wild venison and elk

Pastured soft-cooked eggs; raw dairy

Olive oil and sea salt

Quinoa, rice, millet, amaranth, blue corn tortillas and tortilla chips, stevia, dried beans and lentils

Vegetables are to be eaten in high quantities, with carbohydrates and meats in lower quantities. Foods to be avoided include avocado, wheat and spelt, fruit, processed food, processed dairy, coconut oil, honey and pork.

Carrot and wheatgrass juice are also part of the program, as is high quality water.

shutterstock


GREEN LIVING

WHATCAN IRECYCLE?

In the frenzy of discarding things that “don’t bring joy”, disposing of your possessions thoughtfully is sometimes the trickier aspect of adopting a minimalist or low-waste lifestyle. Most of the time, what you can throw out depends on the waste management services where you live.

Still, understanding a little about recycling can help you make smarter choices about where your garbage goes. Even if it’s impossible to do right by the environment, just doing better is a pretty good start. So let’s look at the things we can recycle, and what to do about the things we can’t.

PAPER AND CARDBOARD

In almost all cases, clean paper and cardboard can be recycled — emphasis on “clean”. Because grease and foodstuff doesn’t dissolve in the paper recycling process, they hang around in the reclaimed pulp, often contaminating whole batches, which then have to be thrown away.

So your soiled products, like pizza boxes stained with grease and cheese, should be composted or discarded along with regular trash. Similarly, paper towels don’t break down easily enough when processed, so can’t be recycled either.

PLASTICS

As a rule of thumb, you can recycle rigid plastics designed to be discarded after use, as in produce trays, drink bottles, shampoo and body wash bottles and detergent bottles. Just separate the bottle from its lid beforehand. Unlike in paper recycle, grease and oil isn’t a problem, so your takeaway containers may be recycled too, once the food scraps have been scraped out.

In theory, it’s possible to recycle most plastics, but most cities tend to only accept certain items. Look for a numbered triangle on your plastic products — usually found on the bottom of bottles and boxes, while toys may only display them on the packaging. This number refers to the type of plastic resin used in the manufacturing. Your local waste management service will be able to tell you which types they can recycle.

BYsandy lim


Soft plastics, like cling film, typically can’t be recycled, as they get caught in the gears of the recycling machinery. Plastic shopping bags may be upcycled at home as plarn crafting material, or retuned to the store you got it from if they run their own recycling program.

CLOTHES, RAGS AND FABRIC TOYS

The best way to recycle fabric goods is to donate to goodwill, but hand-me-downs too tattered for a second life should be saved for curbside pickup. Alternatively, look around for textile recycling companies operating in your area. They’ll reclaim the fibres from your discards for yarn, mattresses, insulation and other industrial uses.

If your clothes still seem too new to donate, consider trading them in swap forums like SwapStyle, or attending in-person swap events. In all cases, ensure your discards are dry and unsoiled, otherwise they may end up in landfill anyway.

GLASS

Ordinary household glass, used in bottles and jars, can be recycled. But window glass, light bulbs, mirrors, drinkware and oven-proof glass must be processed separately, as they melt at a different temperature and sometimes contain other ingredients that can’t be recycled.

Check if your local goodwill centre accepts intact glassware and mirrors. Broken glass products that can’t be reused may find a new life in the construction, garden and landscaping industries. Donate (or sell) these to building material recycling companies.

METALS

Municipal recycling typically covers clean food cans, aerosol cans, aluminium drink cans and aluminium foil. Other metals like saucepans, auto parts and household scrap should be donated, dropped off at metal recycling centres, or saved for curbside collection.


Interestingly, you don’t have to separate metal staples and paper clips from your paper goods, as the machinery at paper recycling centres will do this for you.

APPLIANCES, ELECTRONICS AND BATTERIES

Broken appliances, dead electronics and used batteries belong in neither the recycling bin nor the general waste bin, as they’re either difficult to recycle or contain elements that are hazardous to the environment.

If your appliances are still in good condition, advertise them secondhand or donate them to goodwill. Otherwise, check if the manufacturer will let you return them, or offload them at a spare parts store. Some municipalities have special provisions for larger appliances like refrigerators and washing machines — check with your city or town for details.

Batteries, mobile phones and computers can be disposed of at special e-waste collection bins often found in city centres, community centres, schools and offices. Some electronics stores, like Best Buy and Staples, offer in-store, event and online programs that accept your e-waste for recycling.


B O K A S H I C O M P O S T I N Gt h e d o s a n d d o n t ' sb y j e s s i e m a g u i r e

Bokashi is a composting method that uses anaerobic bacteria in a two-phase process to break down all different types of kitchen scraps, including animal products. It's now widely used in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and can even be used for odor reduction and pet care.

shutterstock


WHERE DID BOKASHI COME FROM?

This awesome composting method was born out of a centuries-old practice Japanese farmers used to decompose food waste quickly, by covering it with dirt that was rich in microorganisms.

Do you remember EMs, or Essential Microorganisms, from the 90s? Well, Dr. Teruo Higa had been very successfully playing around with bacteria and yeasts for decades, trying to find a better approach to plant growth management than using chemicals, when his knowledge was joined with that of Sekai Kyusei Kyo's Bokashi natural farming methods.

EMs were then optimized and cultured in a laboratory to produce a mixture that was consistent in quality and could be manufactured and distributed in large quantities with ease.

HOW TO USE BOKASHI

Many different types of waste can be added to bokashi that you wouldn't normally add to a compost heap or container. The following can all be added with no problems:

Fruit and vegetables

Cooked food

Cooked and raw meats and fish

Dairy

Eggs

Bread

Coffee grinds

Wilted flowers

Tissues

Tea bags

shutterstock


Bokashi tea is the liquid that is produced during the fermentation process inside a bokashi bucket or other container. It can be used to keep drains clear and odor free, and it's great for septic tanks, too. The tea serves as an excellent liquid organic fertilizer when water is added.

MATERIALS NEEDED AND HOW TO GET STARTED

You'll need some basic equipment before you start your bokashi system, including:

Bokashi bran from a retailer – or you can make your own.

A bucket (which can hold 5 gallons, ideally) with a lid that seals well and a tap at the bottom to drain off the liquid. You can buy buckets that are designed for bokashi to make life easier. If there is no drainage system, cut holes in one bucket and place it into another so there is space for the liquid to drain out between the two buckets.

A plate, or something else that handily protects the fermenting materials as you fill your bucket.

Get started by carrying out stage one:

Placing a couple of handfuls of bokashi mix into the bucket.

Add scraps, and cover with a tablespoon of bran. Squash. Add plate or other covering.

Repeat.

Once your bucket is full, leave it undisturbed

for 1-2 weeks. Keep draining it.

Now move onto stage two:

Dig a hole about 8-12 inches deep away from plant roots (bokashi is pretty acidic at this stage).

Empty your bokashi bucket in there and mix it with some soil. Cover with 6-8 inches of dirt. Wait for 2-4 weeks.

Use this earth as regular compost mix.

THE DOS

Cut scraps into small pieces before adding them to your container.

Use enough bokashi bran (or starter) to get your bokashi going and maintain it! You can easily use too little, but you can't use too much. This is the key to fresh-smelling bokashi.

Limit the air flow inside your bokashi bucket or other container. Try not to open it many times per day – just enough times to add a one-inch layer of waste between bokashi mix or newspaper. Close the lid tightly when you're done.

Drain the liquid that accumulates at the bottom of your container every other day.

Press each layer of waste down so there aren't any air pockets, with a potato masher or pot lid.

Wash your bucket well every time you empty it.

If you don't have a garden, donate your bokashi


to a friend, relative or acquaintance.

If you live in an apartment and can't donate your bokashi easily, take one part bokashi and four parts soil and mix in a 25 gallon planter to replace the burial stage.

If your bokashi starts to smell rotten, start again. Bokashi should have a “sweet and sour” odor.

Put bokashi tea into your drains overnight to clear them if you don't need to use it as a fertilizer.

THE DON’TS

Don't use a transparent container that lets light in or let the sun shine directly onto it – bokashi works best in the dark.

Don't add a vat of deep fryer fat. Fried food, cheese and salad dressing are okay, but fryer fat will cause a bokashi disaster.

Don’t add green or black moldy food, as they can overwhelm the good microbes in the mix. White mold is actually okay.

Add too much liquid (like tea) to your bokashi bucket.

Put worms in your bokashi. The acidity make kill them.

Use bokashi tea on plants without diluting it to around 1 part tea to 100 parts water.


WORLD WATER CONDITIONS

Water. We take it for granted, but though it covers 70 percent of our planet, all that water isn’t necessarily accessible — or useable due to poor water conditions. Eleven percent of the global population does not have access to clean and safe water. To put this in perspective, that’s double the population of the United States, Canada and Mexico combined: about one-tenth of all the people on Earth.

World-renowned hydrologist and geologist John Lambie, who has worked with large companies and cities for over 30 years in water research and systems, discusses the current state of water in our world, on both a planetary and personal level.

The larger issue, which factors into the scarcity of available water, is lack of access to sanitation, says Lambie. If you graze your cattle in the same water you use for bathing and drinking, it’s going to be contaminated. In some developing countries, people spend their entire day fetching both water, and the firewood to boil and purify that water.

World WaterConditionsw i t h J o h n L a m b i e

by Pedram Shoja i


WATER AS A UNIFIER

Yet the water crisis can be viewed as a unifying force. “People tend to interact pretty well around water. It’s just so vital. You can go thirty days without eating food but you cannot go three days without drinking water. It is the sustenance of the planet. You see that in Lebanon and Israel: [even when they are] at complete odds with each other, they cooperate around the River Jordan.”

Aquifers — water held in rock — hold possibilities. The beauty of groundwater is that it returns as part of Nature’s hydrologic cycle: back rinse out of the ocean, rain and snow on the mountains. If we’re pulling it out faster than it’s being put back in, that’s when problems arise.

FINDING HOPE IN AQUIFIRS

Again, there’s good news, says Lambie: “People are managing aquifers, they’re utilizing them as storage reservoirs and saying, ‘If we’ve got a surplus of rainwater here in the winter, let’s see if we can catch that and put it in an underground reservoir like our aquifer where it’s not going to evaporate as quickly.'”

Percolation basins that capture excess water are one solution that’s been in use since the 1920s. Some U.S. cities have been reliably harvesting rainwater for more than half a century, in a system now known as aquifer storage and recovery.

Because 85 percent of our water is used for agriculture, one sustainable solution is high water efficiency agriculture that is appropriate for the climactic zone: i.e., growing crops that are more climatically balanced to where you are. “Increased yield, lower pollution and less water used to do it. It’s just a total win,” notes Lambie. “I’m in favor of small, organic, local farming, and that’s where you want to see collectives, cooperatives come together.” This mitigates the cost.

The water issue is central to all our lives. “People have to eat, have to drink water… and we’ve got to grow enough food to feed ourselves and be that exporter of food to the world. As a country, [the United States] has a surplus of water compared to other places, so we really should be exporting food to places that have less water. Then on the urban side, let’s get to people. It’s a lot of social engineering, but it’s really people becoming aware of their impact, and that every little bit counts in terms of use of water.”


photo ofthe month

location: santa barbara, caphotographer: adam garfio

photo submissions: [email protected]


BE WELL

hydration - lifemap · mild dehydration is simple to fix. the old “8 by 8” advice (eight...

Documents