In Fall 2021, SCALE UP Cohorts 5 and 6 came together to participate in the 6-week sustainability project planning series to share knowledge and resources to help each of them achieve efficiency savings and add to our growing network of green businesses. After coming together, each participant is launching a unique project that addresses energy, water, waste, and/or transportation in their operations alongside commitments to environmental and community stewardship. Here is a sneak peek of the participants and the projects they are launching here in Arizona!

United States consumers spent $12.7 billion on gift wrap in 2017, and it’s estimated that 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper ends up in the nation’s landfills. For something that looks pretty for a short time and then gets ripped up, gift wrap has a big impact. This holiday season, get creative with reusable wrapping ideas and keep the joy without the environmental burden.

The new episode of Project Greenprint focused on Conservation by Social Television Network is available on the free STN App starting November 3rd. In this episode, host Kristen Keogh introduces several advocates for conservation in Arizona who offer opportunities to get involved and speak up for our few remaining wild spaces.

We are excited to announce the latest businesses to become certified through the Arizona Green Business Program. Read on to discover Local First Arizona members SWIYYAH, LLC and Wok This Way; two businesses whose sourcing and operating standards prioritize clean air, zero waste, water conservation, and sustaining livable communities for generations to come.

Water – Plant It Wisely is your handy resource to provide landscaping guidance, advice, and ideas on what to plant. What you plant affects more than your yard; it helps create a more sustainable future. By selecting low-water-use plants, you help conserve our precious water supply for generations to come.

The Sustainability Team at Local First Arizona is committed to connecting local businesses to more advocacy opportunities and to telling the stories of those across the state who are advocating for beneficial environmental policies. Read about some of the ways LFA has gotten involved in environmental advocacy.

This summer has brought a much-needed monsoon season to quench our parched ecosystems and communities across the state. Luckily, more and more businesses across the state have made conserving water and other sustainable practices a part of the way they do business. This month, three new businesses have become certified through the Arizona Green Business Program. Steady Glow Digital, Ivan Martinez Photography, and The Nile Theater + Coffee Shop.

The Local First Arizona Sustainability team is now accepting applications for the next four cohorts starting in September 2021, November 2021, January 2022, and March 2022 from businesses and nonprofits seeking to develop the knowledge and skills to implement a sustainability project that reduces their impact, benefits their community, and gets them recognized for building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable local economy in Arizona.

The first-ever cohort of the YWCA Green Business Program will be wrapping up in September! Through LFA Sustainability’s partnership with the Women’s Business Center and the YWCA of Southern Arizona, several Tucson businesses have had the opportunity to receive one-on-one support for all their sustainability and business planning needs. The YWCA and LFA Sustainability along with the Tucson Mayor's Office will host a graduation event on September 9th to recognize these businesses for their green leadership.

Natural buildings are becoming a popular alternative to traditional construction. Local First Arizona sat down with a diverse group of local experts and professionals to get an in-depth perspective.

Urban heat, water supply, environmental injustice, and clean energy are just a few of Arizona’s unique environmental challenges that will be explored in Project Greenprint, a new video series from Social Television Network (stnTV) in partnership with LFA Sustainability.

Now in its second year, Scale Up is accepting early applications from businesses and nonprofits seeking to develop the knowledge and skills to implement a sustainability project that reduces their impact, benefits their community, and gets them recognized for building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable economy in Arizona.

As the Valley's water conservation campaign, Water – Use It Wisely reminds you that July is typically the month of peak water demand for landscapes in Arizona. The following tips can help you save money, save water and see better results.

LFA Sustainability is embarking on a major update of our programs and has a lot of news to share! First, we are celebrating the latest business to become certified through the Arizona Green Business Program: OneOhOne Gallery in Mesa.

June 5th is World Environment Day, designated by the United Nations as an opportunity to focus on ecosystem restoration and protection. The UN’s Ecosystem Restoration Playbook highlights the importance of different ecosystems and actions that can be taken on restoration projects. Fortunately, Arizona is home to amazing groups doing incredible work to help combat the issues outlined in the playbook. Check out some LFA members that are restoring the state’s varied ecosystems.

In support of the State of Arizona’s sustainability goals, Local First Arizona’s sustainability team will advance electric vehicle charging stations as demonstration projects in Arizona in 2021

The seven businesses and organizations that came together to participate in the 7-week sustainability project planning series share an important ideal: collaboration is necessary for sustained and equitable systems change and to create healthy communities. After coming together, each participant is launching a unique project that addresses energy, water, waste, and/or transportation in their operations alongside commitments to environmental and community stewardship. Here is a sneak peek of the participants and the projects they are launching here in Arizona!

The newest businesses to be certified through the Local First Arizona Green Business Program and the Southern Arizona Green Leaders Program are springing forward into sustainability and enhancing their respective communities through their organizational missions. Meet the Arizona Heritage Center, Stardust Building Supplies, Literacy Connects, and K. Newby Gallery and learn all about what they’re doing to be more green.

For Women’s History Month we’re celebrating the women that we have come to know and love through our sustainability programs. These women are dedicated to environmental action and working hard to make sure everyone can enjoy Arizona for generations to come. Come meet the incredible women who are part of Arizona’s green businesses and maybe add some things to your own green to-do list!