The Greenest Desert in the World Whether for business or pleasure, people come from all across the world to visit Tucson's blossoming green landscape. Found in the Sonoran Desert - dubbed "The Greenest of Deserts" - Tucson offers travelers clear skies, fresh air, stunning sunsets and rugged outdoor adventures. The Old Pueblo's eco-friendly stage is already set with clean air and ample sunshine; a variety of farmer's markets offering local foods; hundreds of miles of bike paths; and smart water usage like xeriscaping. But there's more to this Southern Arizona city than meets the typical traveler's eye. Green Tucson Fast Facts:
1. In 2007, Tucson was named one of 13 "Solar Cities" in the United States, and awarded a half-million-dollar grant to better implement solar energy. The three-phase plan includes installation of solar panels and water heaters at large city facilities; readying more facilities for future solar installations; and initiating a solar education program in the community. The program also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 25 percent below 2005 levels, by 2030.
2. In May 2008, Washington DC thinktank The Brookings Institution ranked Tucson the 17th-lowest carbon emitter among the 100 largest metro cities in the country. The study analyzed each city's per-person production of carbon dioxide from household energy use and vehicle traffic.
3. A May 2008 American Lung Association survey listed Tucson as No. 6 in the country for clean air. The survey examined each city's production of particle pollution - ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols. A recent Deloitte survey found that nearly half of all travelers try to be "environmentally friendly" when they're traveling. To accommodate these eco-conscious travelers, Tucson's hospitality industry has stepped up to the plate and gone well beyond simple recycling. Tucson's Top "Green" Tourism Options:
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Accommodations >> Attractions Tucson's Reid Park Zoo is setting Southern Arizona's "green" standard with the opening of its LEED Platinum-certified Conservation Learning Center. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum designation is a rarity, and the Conservation Learning Center will be the first building in Southern Arizona to earn the title (and just the second in Arizona). The zoo's new 10,000-square-foot Learning Center uses 80 percent less energy than the average building, and includes: Shade-rich design and orientation; recycled steel beams; polystyrene and poured concrete walls; solar panels; rammed earth construction; scrap cotton and blue-jeans insulation; clay-based, low-fume and non-toxic paints; rooftop rainwater harvesting; gray water irrigation from sink water; waterless urinals; pervious concrete (porous design allows stormwater to flow through and recharge groundwater supplies); FieldTurf artificial grass; Herman Miller sustainable furniture; bamboo cabinetry and corn-based fabrics; eco-friendly carpet; and recycled glass countertops. In the heart of downtown Tucson, the Mercado San Agustin - an open-air marketplace that will focus on promoting local small businesses - is set to open in 2008. Once completed, the Mercado will include 100 percent solar-powered exterior lighting, plus roof-mounted photovoltaic systems to reduce dependence on electricity. The Mercado will water plants and trees with an innovative rainwater harvesting system, which will collect water in 5,000-gallon underground storage systems powered by solar pumps. Landscaping will include low-water native plants, which will be maintained using a passive subsurface watering system that will reduce irrigation needs by as much as 80 percent. Tucked away in Midtown Tucson, the Tucson Botanical Gardens is a 5-acre oasis of natural beauty, inspiration and desert education. Found on the historic 1920s property of Tucson's Porter family, the Botanical Gardens is "green" by its very nature, using xeriscaping, gray water irrigation and rainwater harvesting to help maintain its flora. Beyond that, TBG recycles a wide range of materials, engages in composting, and participates in Tucson's local community food bank donation program. The Gardens' SAHBA Pavilion - a large, open-air ramada - was recently outfitted with 20 solar panels on its rooftop, to help reduce its carbon footprint, and TBG has also partnered with local eatery Café 54, which serves up a variety of organic produce on biodegradable dishes and utensils. Eco-conscious adrenaline junkies can get a guilt-free fix scaling the walls at Tucson's downtown rock gym, Rocks & Ropes. This earth-friendly climber's haven is on track to become LEED gold or silver certified in 2009. Currently, the gym uses water-efficient fixtures like waterless urinals, as well as recycled paper products. The office has switched to paperless billing, and actively recycles an array of materials. Rocks & Ropes uses CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs for lighting, and chlorine-free paper products. Accommodations
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa works to conserve water through xeriscaping, and recycles most materials. But what makes this luxury resort's "green" efforts stand out is its dedication to promoting local, sustainable agriculture. The resort has committed itself to being 95 percent sustainable by partnering with the Tohono O'odham Nation to produce local, organically grown products for the resort. Located just 15 minutes from the JW, this native American tribe (which has been farming organic, desert-friendly foods for generations) is helping the resort reduce its carbon footprint by producing organic meats and produce, free-range meats and cage-free eggs. JW also participates in Tucson's community food bank food donation program. In the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa boasts eco-friendly efforts that include the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, LED light bulbs and Energy-star appliances. Water-efficient technologies like low-flow toilets and urinals, hot water re-circulation pumps and water-cooled equipment help the resort conserve both water and energy, while towel and linen re-use programs and solar-powered signage lights help reduce energy costs. La Paloma also utilizes a reclaimed water system to help irrigate its lush landscaping. In addition to recycling and using chlorine-free paper products, the resort's restaurants often use organic and native foods, and participate in the community food bank food donation program. Non-toxic and chemical-free cleaning products are available upon request, and La Paloma's Energy Committee is working toward continuing the resort's "green" efforts. Downtown Tucson's historic Hotel Congress is famous as the scene where Tucson police captured notorious 1930s gangster John Dillinger and his gang. In addition to recycling, Hotel Congress helps conserve energy with CFL bulbs and solar-powered outdoor concerts. The hotel's restaurant - Cup Café - buys local produce (Willcox tomatoes) and serves up fresh, organic produce and free-range meats. But this historic hotel really makes its mark with eco-friendly cleaning practices. Congress keeps its pipes clean and running with an earth-friendly, bacteria-based degreaser. And to help conserve water - a precious resource in the desert - the hotel has implemented waterless urinals, which have saved in excess of 100,000 gallons of water per quarter. The newly renovated Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Tucson Airport North is one of the largest convention hotels in Tucson. Holiday Inn uses energy-saving CFL and LED bulbs, as well as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. The hotel's water conservation practices are far-reaching, including use of low-flow toilets, urinals and showerheads, as well as hot water re-circulation pumps. Holiday Inn's beautiful courtyards are kept in top shape using low-water xeriscaping, while a towel and linen re-use program further reduces the hotel's water use. In addition to a comprehensive recycling program, the hotel uses recycled, biodegradable, and post-consumer products, as well as non-toxic and chemical-free cleaning products. La Casita del Sol Bed & Breakfast is a fully restored 1880s working-class adobe rowhouse, located in downtown Tucson's El Presidio Historic Neighborhood. La Casita's "green" efforts include use of CFL bulbs, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and Energy-star appliances. Low-water xeriscaping and towel and linen re-use programs help save water. In addition to recycling, La Casita uses recycled, post-consumer, chlorine-free and biodegradable products. To top off this historic B&B's eco-friendly list, 40 percent of the food at La Casita is locally grown. The award-winning, Spanish-inspired Hacienda del Desierto Bed & Breakfast is found in a peaceful desert setting on 16 acres next to Saguaro National Park East. Hacienda conserves energy with solar-powered entrance gates and high-efficiency zoned heating and cooling systems. This peaceful B&B saves water with low-flow toilets and urinals, high-efficiency front-loading washers and low-water dishwashing practices. Hacienda's water-efficient xeriscaping is kept in bloom with a drip irrigation system and gray water use, while an energy-saving towel and linen re-use program means linens are only replaced for new guests or after a 3-night stay. Hacienda -- a certified wildlife habitat -- has also reduced its consumption of wasteful plastic bottles by serving fresh well water instead of individual water bottles. The Doubletree Hotel Tucson at Reid Park is taking tremendous strides to introduce eco-friendly programs to the Midtown hotel. The Hilton wide program, "Conserve to Preserve," has steadfastly helped to cut back on electricity, gas and water usage. Currently at the Doubletree Hotel Tucson, new dual pane, low E windows and sliding doors are being replaced in all guestrooms, along with installing energy efficient thermostats. Guestroom incandescent and T-12 fluorescent light bulbs are being exchanged with high efficiency CFLs and T-8 fluorescent fixtures to reduce electricity usage and a speedier, paperless checkout is offered to reduce paper waste. Recycle trash cans will be installed in all guest rooms and will be provided for all conferences. Additionally, paper usage is limited via computer file sharing programs and all the paper used throughout the hotel has a minimum of 10% recycled content. The Doubletree Hotel Tucson at Reid Park is a leading innovator in introducing eco-friendly technologies to the hotel and tourism industry. A number of Tucson's hospitality partners are in the process of becoming green-certified and eco-friendly, so be sure to check back frequently for updates and newcomers! |  | Tucson's Top "Green" Tourism Options Attractions
Tucson's Reid Park Zoo
Mercado San Agustin
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Rocks & Ropes Accommodations
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Hotel Congress
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Tucson Airport North
La Casita del Sol Bed & Breakfast
Hacienda del Desierto Bed & Breakfast
Doubletree Hotel Tucson at Reid Park
Helpful Links Farmers' Markets in Tucson
What the Future Holds for Green Meeting & Event Standards
Green Restaurant Association
Sustainable Tucson
Arizona Chapter U.S. Green Building Council
Green Meeting Industry Council
Green Lodging News www.greenisuniversal.com
www.thedailygreen.com
Green Events
Sustainability & Energy EXP09
March 6-7, 2009
Up-to-the-moment solar and energy technologies in Southern Arizona. Hear from the national and regional experts. Learn more about sustainable living.
Visit more than 60 exhibits to gather information about going green and learn more about alternatively fueled vehicles. Top of page photo courtesy of John Wesley Miller Companies, Tucson, AZ. |
