Congratulations to the 10 businesses and organizations that have just graduated as the first 2021 cohort of Scale Up! This is the third cohort to have completed the award-winning sustainability project planning series where participants develop their own plans to reduce energy, water, waste, and/or transportation in their business operations with a commitment to social equity and environmental justice. Here is an overview of their projects and what they plan to do next!

Some of you might have spent a little more time at home in 2020. More hand washing, cooking, washing dishes, and home renovation projects means increased water use and higher bills. With the arrival of the spring season that we in Arizona so enjoy, higher temperatures mean thirstier people, animals, and plants. Fortunately, there are groups like Water - Use it Wisely (WUIW) that exist to help you maximize your water savings inside and outside your home or business.

Mesa businesses that are looking to improve their eco-footprint and get recognized for their efforts have a new way to do so! The Arizona Green Business Program is launching in Mesa, thanks to the support of the City of Mesa Environmental Services team and city leadership. This certification program is open to independently owned businesses of all types and focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, pollution prevention, transportation efficiency, and general sustainability in the workplace. The goal is to seek ways businesses can reduce environmental impact with an eye toward cost savings and recognition.

As a continuation of the GLOCULL Pilot Projects series, where we explore projects aimed at moving the needle toward a thriving local and sustainable food economy with both local and global support. Through ongoing partnerships with ASU’s School of Sustainability and School for the Future of Innovation in Society, City of Phoenix, and City of Tempe, we will review the next installment of the series. Explore the united efforts behind supporting small, locally owned businesses, like Huss Brewing Company in their journey to make a sustainable shift.

Local First Arizona recently introduced an ongoing series about GLOCULL Pilot Projects, a series of projects aimed at moving the needle toward a thriving local and sustainable food economy with both local and global support. With ongoing partnerships with ASU’s School of Sustainability and School for the Future of Innovation in Society, City of Phoenix, and City of Tempe, we will continue to explore these innovative projects. The first project was a Coalition of Farmland Preservation.

Make your 2021 more eco-friendly by checking out the services of these newly certified green businesses! In a time of adversity, these businesses and nonprofits are creating positive change and building toward a more sustainable future. Support them by frequenting their business, engaging with them on social media, and sharing the word with your friends and family.

Food Systems sit at the intersection of water, energy, and food—we need each of these components to produce the other components- they are interdependent industries. Diving into this Food-Water-Energy (FWE) nexus to address social, environmental, and economic issues, while ensuring there is enough healthy and affordable food to feed our community, is a complex endeavor.

Congratulations to the 12 incredible businesses and nonprofits that completed the second 2020 cohort of SCALE UP! Each participant developed a unique project plan to reduce energy, water usage, waste, and/or transportation in their business. Here is a quick overview of some of the inspiring projects!

In the United States, agricultural land is being lost at an alarming rate—over 1.5 million acres per year. This dramatic decline in farmland reflects a nationwide expansion of urban development that is putting high-quality farmland at risk. Arizona and Maricopa County face similar issues with farmland loss. Between 1997 and 2017, 36% of all farmland in Maricopa County was lost, and rapid urban development and the high cost of land continues to threaten the security of community farmers and the local food system. 

The holidays are fast approaching and we know exactly what that means; lots and lots and lots of food. We wanted to provide you with an easy guide on what to do with the food waste in your home and how you can help reduce how much food is wasted.  

We’ve got some new local businesses in our Certified Green family! Meet the businesses that are doing their part for the environment and show your appreciation by choosing them for your purchases, sending a note of thanks or engaging with them on social media.

While being sustainable is incredibly important, many business owners believe that it demands too high a cost; there are thousands of articles about the “True Cost” of sustainability. It is important for business owners to know that going green is absolutely possible and, at times, can actually be less expensive than the alternative. A great local example is Wist Business Supplies; Wist is dedicated to improving the environment and provides cost-effective options that are sustainable.