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 Ypartnership survey found that 85 percent of Americans consider themselves "environmentally conscious," and four in 10 would consider switching their patronage to travel suppliers that demonstrate environmental responsibility.
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:
Attractions >>
Hotels, Resorts and B&Bs >>
Other >> Green Events
Rainwater Harvesting Workshop - Oct. 24 - Apr. 24 Tucson Botanical Gardens offers a workshop on the fourth Saturday of every month that teaches how rainwater harvesting works. Come prepared to do some digging and gain experience to do your own rainwater harvesting. 10:30a.m.-12:30p.m., 520-326-9686.
La Vida Verde (The Green Life) Picnic - Nov. 7 Sustainable Tucson presents a potluck picnic and open-space event at Reid Park to discuss how to unite the Tucson community toward a more sustainable future. 11a.m.-3p.m., 520-770-9861.
GABA Fall Bike Swap Meet - Nov. 14 Greater Arizona Bicycling Association presents a bike swap-meet, with everything about or for bikes: clothing, gear, bicycles, parts, staged along Fourth Avenue., 520-624-5004 (Fourth Ave Merchants Assoc.
BICAS 14th Annual Art Auction Fundraiser - Dec. 6 BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art & Salvage)presents an art auction and celebration at The Art Gallery. Featured art includes sculptures, paintings, assemblages, jewelry, and functional art, all made using recycled bicycle parts or with bicycle themes. 6-9p.m. Click on title for details, 628-7950 OR john.salgado@bicas.org.
Sabino Canyon Giant Reed Removal - Dec. 6 - Mar. 7 Volunteers are needed on the first Sunday of every month through March 7 to help remove Giant Reed invasive plants from Sabino Cayon Recreation Area, 7:45 a.m.-noon., 520-971-2385.
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Tucson Clean and Beautiful
Volunteer with the Tucson Clean and Beautiful agency on a one-time or ongoing basis to adopt a park, street, wash, desert and other public area and help manage litter in Metroplitan Tucson and keep our community clean and safe.
Help With Harvesting
Help out with harvesting, planting, and running the new farm stand at the Community Food Bank's organic farm in Marana, or volunteer at the Farmer's Market. |  | Top Green Tourism Options Attractions
Reid Park Zoo
Mercado San Agustin
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Tohono Chul Park Hotels, Resorts and B&Bs
Alta Vista Bed & Breakfast
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
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
Hilton El Conquistador
Westward Look Resort
Big Blue House
Other
Tucson International Airport
Arizona Lithographers
SAHBA
Sonoran Adventures
Rammed Earth Development
Cowboy Copies
Rocks & Ropes
Helpful Links greenpueblomap.org
Farmers' Markets in Tucson
Green Tuesdays on 92.9
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
Who's Green? greenisuniversal.com
thedailygreen.com
Top of page photo courtesy of John Wesley Miller Companies, Tucson, AZ. |
