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.

4. The American Lung Association's 2010 State of the Air report ranks Tucson as 6th in the Top 25  for cleanest year-round particle pollution.

A recent partnership 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:

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Hotels, Resorts and B&Bs >>
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Green Events

Broadway Village Farmers' Market - Jul. 30  Tucson's oldest shopping center hosts an indoor/outdoor farmers' market on Fridays with more than 40 local farmers and vendors from all over southern Arizona at Broadway Village.. Add To myTucson Vacation Planner Rainwater Harvesting Workshop - Aug. 28  Tucson Botanical Gardens' hands-on workshop on the fourth Saturday of every month teaches rainwater harvesting basics. 8:30a.m.-10:30a.m. (May-Sept) and 10:30-12:30p.m. (Oct-April)., 520-326-9686. Add To myTucson Vacation Planner

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.