This is the introduction to a three-part series that takes a deep dive into the world of Natural Building. We explore what makes a natural building, ways that natural buildings can have a profound and lasting impact on human well-being and the environment, and how natural building may hold the key to sustaining healthy and resilient communities here 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.

The Town of Camp Verde has a sustained partnership with its energy provider, Arizona Public Service (APS), to assist with community and economic development efforts. The next step of this program - Focused on Success - is a more targeted strategic planning effort focused on driving responsible and sustainable growth, utilizing both traditional and non-traditional development initiatives.

Young professionals in Kingman have expressed that they feel disconnected from their community, especially for those who relocated to Kingman during Covid-19. Outside of meeting people through work, connecting to other young professionals in the area has been a challenge. This is creating high turn-over rates for many local employers as young professionals are leaving due to the inability to connect with their new community outside of the workplace.

It’s adventure season and we’re kicking it off with National Road Trip day! What better way to explore Arizona than with a plan that keeps your passions and interests in mind? Check out this Local First Arizona approved road-trip guide that aligns with your devotion to supporting small businesses, diverse communities, local food producers, and environmental action across the state. We’ll see you out on the road!

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!

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and that presents a great opportunity to learn more about #StopAsianHate and how to be a better ally.

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce was experiencing pressure from a variety of angles. Members were struggling to stay afloat and a Chamber membership did not rank as a high priority when facing workforce challenges, added costs safety and wellness precautions, past due utilities and rents, and lost revenue for almost a year.

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.

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!

It’s getting warmer and warmer outside and that only means one thing...outdoor dining! It’s prime weather for getting a bite to eat on a patio or grabbing a drink outside with friends on a spring night (and hello St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th!) And for those who are ready to get out of the house but not dine in, then patios (or a picnic) are a perfect way to support local restaurants and bars. Arizona has an outstanding selection of outdoor patio dining options so take some time to explore, get outside, and enjoy some of the best that local Arizona has to offer.

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.

February is Black History Month; it’s a time to educate ourselves about the deep-rooted racism in our country’s history, and more importantly, commit ourselves to build a more just and equal world for all. This year’s BHM comes after a year of protest and a public health crisis that disproportionately affected businesses and people of color. So we’ve put together a guide to help you honor black history, build awareness, and find your role in the local movement.

The Haunted Group has done it again; The Clinkscale Hotel, Bar and Grill is now open for business in Jerome. The Haunted Group is credited with putting Jerome and Cottonwood on the map by introducing fresh concepts to these beloved historical towns. The Haunted Group is known for local favorites like the Haunted Hamburger, the Tavern Hotel and Pizzeria Bocce and has created destinations that are loved by Phoenicians, out-of-state travelers and locals alike.

Native Women Entrepreneurs of Arizona is a supportive social network for native women business owners. NWEAZ Indigenous women business owners acknowledge their accomplishments and with their collective voices bring to attention the concerns of their business communities. LFA is proud to be a sponsor of this new organization and work together to serve our diverse business community. Every day is a great day to learn about and celebrate Native American and Indigenous heritage! There are 22 sovereign Native nations that call Arizona home, and NWEAZ is a great resource to discover native business owners across the state and learn more about their heritage.

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.

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.

Small business owners throughout the state have kept their eyes on the newest COVID-19 relief bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, with hopes that it would address their needs, the needs of their employees, and those of their communities. $288 billion has been allocated to aid small businesses and applications are set to open in early January 2021. Local First AZ Members, Aniles & Co., CPA Firm and Ironwood Ventures have provided a breakdown of the relief package and highlighted the most important information for small businesses

The New Year is always used as a time to resolve ourselves to do something different; whether that be to start a new hobby, pick up a new habit, or change something in our lives. As January first comes and goes, we hope that you make supporting local a part of your new year's resolutions and keep up with it all year long! With the ramifications of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to support Arizona small business owners. Check out this easy, 6-step guide to help you live like a ”Localist”. You can do one or all of them; even the smallest changes make a huge difference.