GREEN LIVING your conscious life
SEPTEMBER 2026
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THE ENERGY ISSUE Solar Refuge How one Arizona solar farm has become a haven for displaced burrowing owls
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CONTENTS September 2026 GOOD
12 Finding Calm in the Fight
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels helps children with cancer and their families find dignity, comfort, and moments of peace during treatment.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
14 Nature’s Healing Blooms Explore the therapeutic power of flower elixirs.
STYLE
16 From Arizona to UNESCO
ASU-born performance Anthropocene joins an international conversation about the future of public policy.
SAVOR
28 The Rise of the Electric Kitchen From restaurants to residences, induction cooking is making mealtimes safer and healthier.
32 Recipes
Go green with a verdant take on the brunch favorite, shakshuka, and a seasonably spicy salad.
16 FEATURES
20
Green for Green
24
Home, Sweet Solar Home
TRAVEL
34 Relax, Refresh, Renew
Soak up wellness during Spa Month in Greater Palm Springs.
ARCHITECTURE
38 Imagine That
Wellness enclave to breathe new life into century-old Phoenix houses.
Understanding the real ROI on energy-efficient home investments.
Displaced by development, can Arizona’s burrowing owls find refuge on renewable energy farms?
On the cover: A burrowing owl rests on a perch at Longroad Energy's Sun Streams solar complex. Photo courtesy Wild at Heart
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IN EVERY ISSUE
4 4 6 8 10 40 42
Editor’s Letter Contributors On the Web Trending Green Cool Outrageous Stuff She's Green/He's Green Green Scenes
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SEPTEMBER 2026
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EDITOR'S
Letter
Contributors
Living in Arizona means tolerating months of extreme temperatures. Each year, the summer heat seems to arrive earlier — how could we forget those 90-degree days in February? — and last longer. As I write this, Phoenix remains under an extreme heat warning that’s brought 18 consecutive days of 110-degreeplus temperatures to the Valley, the second-longest warning on record. But tolerating high temps should not mean also having to tolerate high utility costs. No, I’m not suggesting that you turn off the air conditioner — after all, my own husband prefers our home to hover somewhere around “arctic.” There are plenty of things you can do — large and small — that will make your home more energy efficient and save you a few dollars at the same time. And with local utility companies seeking to increase rates as much as 14%, that’s something everyone can appreciate.
Shannon Severson, writer Shannon Severson is a Phoenixbased freelance writer with 14 years of experience covering the Valley. Her work has appeared in Images Arizona Magazine, Phoenix Home & Garden, Luxe, Phoenix New Times, So Scottsdale, and The AZ Insider. She specializes in home and lifestyle, arts and culture, food, and travel stories. She shares content as @livingitwrite on Instagram and TikTok. When not writing, Shannon enjoys time with family, cooking, exercising, and traveling.
Realtor Jan Green understands the value of energy savings. She transformed her own Scottsdale residence into a net zero home, and she teaches other real estate agents about sustainable home features and green property valuations. Writer Shannon Severson spoke with Green about the “dos and don’ts” of home energy upgrades and how they affect the value of your house. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t need to shell out thousands for solar panels or a new HVAC system. Green shares her tips for what steps to take to make the most difference (Page 20). An easy change homeowners can make to improve the health of their home as well as themselves is to switch to induction cooking. Chef Christopher Galarza advocates for the decarbonization and electrification of commercial kitchens — traditionally the domain of gas cooking — and he shares how these same initiatives can be implemented in the home, helping to create healthier, more efficient, and sustainable living (Page 28). He’s joined by Phoenix icon Chef Christopher Gross, who utilizes induction cooking in his Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. Saving energy — and money — is something we can all agree is a good thing.
Rebecca L. Rhoades Managing Editor Got a burning question or comment? Reach out at editor@greenlivingmag.com.
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Teresa K. Traverse, writer Teresa K. Traverse is a Phoenixbased journalist and freelance writer specializing in lifestyle topics including pets, travel, food, home, and health. She writes and edits for Northern Arizona's Sedona Monthly magazine, and her work has appeared in regional outlets such as Phoenix Magazine and national publications, including USA Today, Fast Company, and Weight Watchers.
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SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 5
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
GOOD
SAVOR
The Air We Breathe in Arizona
What Does Overconsumption Mean?
How a Chef Builds Refreshing, FlavorPacked Salads to Beat the Heat
Arizona continues to face serious air quality challenges, with Phoenix ranking among the nation’s worst cities for ozone pollution. Explore the findings of the American Lung Association’s 2026 State of the Air report, the health impacts of ozone and wildfire smoke, and practical ways residents can help improve the air we all breathe.
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Over the past several decades, the U.S. has built an economy that depends not on stability or quality, but instead on constant, accelerating consumption. Americans generate approximately 4.9 pounds of individual municipal solid waste per day and spend $1.2 trillion annually on nonessential goods. What is the environmental cost?
Chef Keith Castro knows that the best salads need to do more than check the “healthy” box. They need to be light enough for hot-weather dining yet still flavorful and hearty enough to satisfy. He shares his top tips for creating a refreshing, balanced salad that’s full of color, texture, and taste.
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SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 7
TRENDING
Green
Human Sweat Could Power the Next Generation of Wearable Tech
Great Barrier Reef’s Microbiome Mapped for the First Time Scientists from The University of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Marine Science have mapped the Great Barrier Reef's microbiome for the first time. The project identified 876 species of bacteria and archaea and more than 360,000 viruses. It also revealed that a virus once thought to exist only in human and animal waste naturally inhabits the open ocean. This breakthrough gives researchers a powerful new tool to better understand how climate change, coral bleaching, pollution, and other environmental stressors affect the health of the world’s largest coral reef system.
Scientists at the Tokyo University of Science in Japan may have found an unexpected power source that will make wearable technology lighter, more efficient, and less dependent on batteries: human sweat. The research focuses on harvesting the small but continuous amount of electrical energy associated with compounds found in perspiration to power wearable devices.
Fresh Start For Climate Information Former staffers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have launched Climate.us, an independent website dedicated to providing science-backed climate information that’s easy to understand. The platform, which replaces the terminated Climate.gov site, aims to make reliable climate data accessible to everyone without the noise of misinformation.
Nature’s Playlist is Good for Your Mind A new experiment out of North Carolina State University suggests that your surroundings can have a powerful impact on your well-being. Participants sat in a restored forest wearing noise-canceling headphones. They spent 10 minutes listening to birdsong and another 10 minutes listening to traffic noise. Listening to birds while surrounded by nature not only reduced the participants’ mental stress compared with hearing traffic, but it also uplifted their moods.
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Brazil Bets on Tropical Fruit to Make Sustainable Jet Fuel A tropical palm fruit in Brazil, called macaúba, could become an unexpected player in the future of sustainable aviation. Researchers are exploring how the oil-rich fruit can be converted into sustainable aviation fuel. Macaúba palms can grow in degraded areas, require fewer agricultural inputs, and produce oil that could help expand the supply of lower-carbon aviation fuels.
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When you recycle your old home goods, you help Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona build more homes in your local community. Learn more at habitatcaz.org/restore
632225_FY23_HealthyForestInitiative_GreenLivingMagazine_3.4375x4.625_PROD1.indd 8/19/22 1 11:13half-page AM ad Green Living 2025-2026.indd 7 SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 9
9/9/25 3:49 PM
CoolOUTRAGEOUS Stuff Power Up! Energy exists in many forms. It is the power that comes out of our home’s wall sockets, the motion of a vehicle as it travels on the road, the beating of our hearts, and the life force that connects all things. And when it comes to energy-related products, there are those that save energy — reducing utility costs, conserving natural resources, and cutting waste — and those that boost it — by working on your mind, body, and spirit. This month, we’ve curated an assortment of eco-friendly items that deliver a high-watt impact.
The Elliptical Collection Sustainability is at the core of Bicycle Glass, a Minneapolisbased lighting company founded by two glass artists in 2016. All products are hand-blown from locally sourced 100% pre- and post-consumer recycled glass. The 951 line of ceiling fixtures showcases a horizontal ellipse shape reminiscent of midcentury design, earning it the nickname of “Saucer” or “UFO.” The style is available in semi-flush, single pendant, and three- and five-pendant chandeliers. Each fixture can be customized with seeded glass with tiny bubbles or clear, untextured glass, both in four stylish hues. www.bicycleglass.com
ALSO TM-B Electric Bike Rivian redefined the electric vehicle market with its offroad-capable SUV. Now, that same DNA can be found in an e-bike. Showcasing Rivian-inspired industrial design and developed by California-based ALSO, a micro-mobility startup spun out of the EV manufacturer, the TM-B is built on a modular frame that can be configured to fit your personal needs. It features a pedal-by-wire digital drivetrain — no chain! — GPS tracking, integrated lighting, pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 mph, and an estimated range of 100 miles on a single charge. www.ridealso.com
Intention Perfume Alchemist Molly Brennan believes that an eco-friendly perfume starts with ingredients sourced from sustainable farms using ethical labor practices. Her new line, House of Sacred Scents, features four plant-based fragrances: Heart Lift, a citrusy floral; Drop In, an earthy balsamic base with citrus notes; Liquid Alter, a warm, woody floral; and Enter the Temple, a fresh citrus with a touch of spice. Each is hand-blended in small batches from plants chosen for their spiritual resonance, and every bottle is crystal and reiki charged for additional support. www.houseofsacredscents.com
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Rosendahl Soft Spot Solar Circular Why settle for a boring flashlight or generic garden lamp when you can illuminate the night with sustainable style. This sleek, portable solar lantern, created by Danish industrial designer Maria Bernsten and produced by Certified B Corp Rosendahl, is crafted from 100% GRS-certified recycled materials. The floating light sphere is encased in a rounded frame that serves as both a stand and a handle and comes in six nature-inspired colors. It features a built-in solar panel and backup USB-C port and lasts for 15 to 18 hours on a full charge. https://comosum.co
Wonder Oven Pro Conventional ovens release a surprising amount of heat into the home. To save on cooling costs, experts recommend using alternative cooking appliances, such as the Wonder Oven Pro from woman-owned brand Our Place. This eight-in-one multicooker is more than just an air-fryer. It also bakes, roasts, toasts, broils, dehydrates, proofs, and reheats using steam-infusion technology. Featuring a fully stainless steel interior and accessories and a PFAS-free ceramic-coated bake pan, the Instagram-worthy mini-oven comes in a selection of fun vintage shades to match any kitchen decor. https://fromourplace.com
Calm Body Salts You train hard, so you deserve a recovery that pampers you. These shower salts by woman-owned artisan brand 8 Elephants soothe sore muscles and support relaxation. Made with high-purity Epsom salts, Himalayan pink salt, nourishing oils, and hand-selected botanicals, they create a spa-like experience at home, at the gym, or while traveling. The mineral-rich blend is free of artificial fragrances, phthalates, synthetic fillers, and dyes or colorants and comes in fully compostable packaging. https://8elephantsbymolly.com
Charge 100 Max Keep your phone, GPS, and camera powered on the go with this portable solar-powered charging bank from B Corpand Climate Label-certified BioLite. Featuring a 25,000 mAh battery, magnetic wireless deck, and high-speed 100W USB-C and USB-A ports, it can charge up to five devices simultaneously, and its small size — 5.5 x 4.5 x 1.3 inches — makes it easy to tuck into a briefcase or backpack. And sales of BioLite products help the company provide access to safe lighting and power to those living in energy poverty around the world. www.bioliteenergy.com
SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 11
GOOD
Lorraine Tallman and her daughter, Amanda Hope
Finding Calm in the Fight Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels helps children with cancer and their families find dignity, comfort, and moments of peace during treatment. BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
C
Cancer treatment can take over a family’s life in ways that are hard to understand from the outside. There are appointments, medications, side effects, sleepless nights, and long stretches of waiting. For children, it can mean feeling tired, exposed, or unlike themselves. For parents and caregivers, it can mean living with a steady undercurrent of fear while trying to keep everyone moving forward.
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels was created for families in that space. The Phoenix-based nonprofit was founded by Lorraine Tallman in memory of her daughter, Amanda Hope, who died from leukemia at age 12 in 2012. Before her death, Amanda dreamed of creating comfortable, stylish clothing for children going through chemotherapy, something that would help them stay warm, feel covered, and hold on to a sense of dignity during treatment.
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That idea became Comfycozy’s for Chemo, the organization’s signature adaptive apparel program. Today, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels also supports children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, along with their families, through financial assistance, counseling, wellness programs, and what Tallman describes as care for “the here-and-now needs every family often is too embarrassed to ask for. “Our mission is to bring dignity and comfort into the harsh world of childhood cancer and other lifethreatening diseases,” she says.
For many families, the strain is not only physical. It is emotional, isolating, and constant. The hardest parts are “the loneliness and never knowing from one day to the next what side effect they will have to deal with next,” Tallman explains. “Life and death is always in the back of their minds.” That is where the organization’s wellness programs come in. Through services such as massage, yoga, aromatherapy, wellness coaching, and sound healing, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels offers children and parents a chance to pause, breathe, and feel cared for, even if just briefly. Tallman says those moments can matter in a hospital room. “Can you imagine, as a parent or a caregiver, having someone who cares about your whole family’s wellbeing walk into your room and help you feel a sense of peace and relaxation for an hour?” she says. For a child, that may include breathing exercises to help with stress and anxiety. For a parent, it may be a massage, a quiet moment, or simply the rare experience of being cared for while caring for someone else. The organization also offers sound therapy for children in the hospital, which Tallman says can visibly change the feeling in a room. “We have amazing sound therapy programs,” she says. “You should see our kids go from nightmares to calm. When your body is at peace, your body heals faster.” None of it takes away the diagnosis or the difficult parts of treatment. But it can make the room feel a little less heavy. It can give a child a moment of serenity or a parent a chance to loosen their shoulders. In a season defined by uncertainty, that kind of care has its own quiet value.
A PLACE FOR HOPE The organization is now preparing for a new chapter. After working toward the goal for about 10 years, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels recently purchased a property for a new wellness center. Tallman describes the 1929 home near the Phoenix Art Museum as a long-held dream finally becoming real. “Amanda is in heaven doing the happy dance,” Tallman says. “Hope and healing is felt the moment you walk through our doors.” The wellness center is expected to give families a dedicated place to receive support, connect with services, and find quietude outside the hospital room. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels plans to celebrate its grand opening Dec. 1, while also collecting Christmas gifts for 300 children. “We would love to make every Christmas dream come true,” Tallman says. For Tallman, the work continues to come back to Amanda’s dream and to the families who are living through childhood cancer Amanda Hope now. They need medical care, but they also need clothing that protects their dignity, help with the costs and fear that come with treatment, and support that makes room for the whole family. Sometimes, they also need an hour of quiet. A soft shirt. A deep breath. A little light in the middle of a very hard day. To learn more, visit www.amandahope.org.
SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 13
HEALTH &
Wellness
Nature’s Healing Blooms Explore the therapeutic power of flower elixirs. BY TERESA K. TRAVERSE
P
People have brought flowers into their homes for centuries, but many are now turning to flower elixirs to help improve their health and well-being. Although this may sound new age-y, it’s not. Some flowers have chemical compounds that offer proven healing properties. Lavender, for instance, often is used to promote relaxation.
“Flowers have been used for healing for thousands of years across many cultures — from chulen pills [traditional preparations made from flowers, herbs, and spices] in the Himalayas, to drinking dew drops off the tops of flowers in 12th-century Germany,” says flower alchemist Katie Hess. “Modern flower elixirs, or flower essences, are ultimately the same remedy.” Hess, a self-described “flower freak” is the founder of Lotus Wei, a flower essence apothecary that uses blossoms to create elixirs, mists, oils, and more. The first modern flower elixirs as we know them today were developed about 100 years ago by Edward Bach. In the 1920s and ’30s, the British physician
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developed a tincture made from plants steeped in water and left in the sunlight and then blended with more water and brandy. He called his elixirs “Bach Flower Remedies.” According to Hess, elixirs are typically made by floating flowers on top of water in a bowl that’s left out in the sunlight. Next, that essence is preserved with alcohol, which creates the “mother tincture.” The tincture is then diluted and processed to make the stock bottles that are available for purchase. The final elixir can be from a single botanical species, or it can be a blend of multiple plants.
It is important to note that flower elixirs are not essential oils, which are distillations of a plant’s oils. They’re also not aromatherapy.
yarrow for vitality, and pink lotus for wisdom is thought to improve clarity and focus, help to induce deep sleep, and reduce overthinking.
“Unlike essential oils or aromatherapy, flower essences do not have a scent. They work on a vibrational level, through the energy lines or meridians of the body,” Hess explains. “They are liquid infusions of a flower or plant’s ‘chi’ or life force. They interact with the human body through our energy meridians and energy fields.”
Need help embracing your inner self? Combining Hong Kong orchid for selfacceptance, fireweed for forgiveness, pink magnolia for self-care, hawkweed for wholeness, white yarrow for vitality, and pink lotus for wisdom can boost feelings of self-love and self-acceptance, increase magnetism and charisma, and help alleviate burnout.
So how are elixirs used? Flower elixirs also are They can be ingested as a thought to help individuals liquid mixed with water or deal with painful emotions, another beverage. They also shed old emotions, and can be bottled and used in embrace new outcomes and Katie Hess extols the transformative benefits of flowers. sprays, oils, serums, and brighter futures. Regular other personal care items. Lotus Wei even sells elixirapplication or consumption helps users turn inward infused chocolates. Hess notes that there’s no notable and tune out the world around them. difference in the effectiveness of external or internal “Taken consistently over time, flower essences modalities. Whether you add it to a tea or spray it accelerate our personal growth, allowing us to see on your body, you’ll typically our blind spots and release experience results within three unserving patterns or selfto five days. limitations,” Hess says. “These “With short-term use, you remedies are a way to bring might notice things like the intelligence and wisdom improved sleep, focus, clarity, of nature into our everyday communication, confidence. lives. They support us in You may notice deeper expanding into our greatest presence, greater ability to potential, which creates a relax, more laughter, ease, ripple effect of positivity — and authenticity — no matter ultimately transforming the what’s happening around you,” world from the inside out. Hess says. The benefits are exponential.” For example, if you have trouble sleeping and can’t turn off your mind, you will want to try a sleep remedy. A specific blend of bird of paradise for connection, dandelion for relaxation, passionflower for healing sleep, brugmansia for balance,
For more information, check out the stunningly photographed guidebook Flowerevolution: Blooming into Your Full Potential with the Magic of Flowers by Hess (Hay House Inc., 2016), or visit www.lotuswei.com.
SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 15
STYLE
From Arizona to UNESCO: The Art and Impact Behind Anthropocene An ASU-born performance is taking climate storytelling from the stage to an international conversation about the future of public policy. BY JOYCE WRIDEN
A
A team of Arizona State University students, guided by visionary professors and united by a goal to change how people see the world, has received the invitation of a lifetime. This fall, the cast of Anthropocene will perform before policymakers, researchers, and global leaders at UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations (MOST) week at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Anthropocene is an original physical theatre production created to highlight the climate crisis in a deeply human format. Using bodies, sound, imagery, and movement, it helps audiences recognize what scientists can spend years trying to explain: Climate change is no longer only a chart, statistic, or distant warning. Through the performance, that message becomes something people can see, hear, and feel.
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Led by ASU School of Music, Dance, and Theatre professors Rachel Bowditch, project director, and Karen Jean Martinson, project dramaturg and ASU theatre artistic director, Anthropocene began in 2019 with undergraduate and graduate students developing theatrical moments, scenes, and vignettes about humanity’s effect on the planet. Over the years, it grew through research labs, design retreats, and
collaborations with sustainability experts. Students explored climate science alongside media, sound, and eco-dramaturgy, a framework for creating theater that considers ecological relationships and sustainable production practices. The work premiered at ASU’s Galvin Playhouse in 2023 before being reimagined as a 360-degree immersive production at the university’s Media and Immersive eXperience Center in January 2025. “We need the forms of expression that the arts bring to bear both in terms of how we conceive of the challenges we’re facing and the different ways in which we can express the difficulties, as well as the potential opportunities for change,” says Steven Hartman, founding executive director of the UNESCO MOST-BRIDGES Sustainability Science Coalition, an international initiative connecting scientific research with the humanities, diverse knowledge systems, and community experience. He described Anthropocene as an evocative presentation that moves beyond the limitations of policy language, making it a fitting complement to the summit’s scientific and policy discussions. There was no open call for the project. Instead, BRIDGES; ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, BRIDGES’ flagship hub and global directorate; and the Club of Rome, an international think tank that examines global issues, considered projects through their existing networks. After a series of final discussions, the partners unanimously supported bringing Anthropocene into the program. At the summit, BRIDGES will present its manifesto and the current policy framework. Anthropocene will serve as a real-world example of the connection the Global Futures Laboratory and BRIDGES are working to create. According to Hartman, ending the forum’s main day with the performance reinforces the importance of drawing upon the full range of human capacities for knowledge, expression, and innovation when confronting sustainability challenges. “We really need all hands on deck right now,” he says. THE PEOPLE TRANSLATING Anthropocene is the product of more than seven years of work by students,
performers, designers, educators, and scientists. It does not replace climate research; instead, it helps people understand it and recognize the urgency of what is happening. Complex systems become movements. Environmental grief becomes a shared emotion. The research becomes a story with which people can connect. “We were very careful to avoid didacticism and blame in our storytelling; we share in the grief of the climate crisis because we are all complicit in it. In fact, with its emphasis on nonlinear storytelling, Anthropocene emphasizes the fact that we travel in behavioral pathways that were carved millenia ago. Present is linked to past not by a straight line, but by repetitions and returns. It will take all of us working together to remake our relationship with the planet,” Martinson says. Regents Professor Sally Kitch, founding director of the Institute for Humanities Research and the Humanities Lab at ASU, is a longtime supporter of the play, most recently through Create the Change, a Global Futures Laboratory initiative that mobilizes the social sciences and humanities to address moral, cultural, and economic challenges to planetary health. She notes that “Anthropocene embodies the power of the arts and humanities to transform humans’ relationship to the planet and to discover anew the value of what we have taken for granted. Scientific knowledge alone has not produced that level of change.” Creating and performing in Anthropocene has changed the students involved. Ensemble member and ASU
alumna Shayna Padjen says she once believed poetry and writing were her only ways to contribute to artistic activism. Anthropocene expanded that understanding.
“What we want to see happening is a continual evolution of these approaches that will allow them to have greater legitimacy [and] greater effectiveness,” he says.
“Climate change transcends spoken word,” Padjen explains. “It’s a language of movement, resilience, collective grief, collective strength, and rebuilding.”
The students’ reflections capture how moving and artistically truthful Anthropocene is at its core. It also offers an accurate representation of what world-changers can look like. They do not always stand behind lab equipment or negotiate at policy tables. Sometimes, they design with repurposed materials, turn research into movement, or step onto a stage carrying a story too urgent to remain abstract.
Ashlyn Truelick, a School of Music, Dance, and Theatre alumna, calls the performance “one of the most powerful and influential pieces I have ever been a part of,” adding that the production gives her a deeper understanding of communities most affected by the climate crisis. Another student pledged to stop purchasing from the fast-fashion industry and described being “completely changed” by the experience. Padjen and Truelick, along with other alumni and current ASU students, comprise the 21-person team of actors, dancers, designers, wardrobe supervisor, and stage manager who will travel to Paris. For many, it will be their first time outside of the U.S. The hope is that the MOST event will produce a similar transformation beyond UNESCO’s walls. BRIDGES and its partners intend to test and adapt the forum’s policy recommendations in communities around the world, allowing local knowledge and experience to shape how those ideas are implemented. Hartman says success would mean seeing changed practices on the ground. Rather than treating the resulting policies as fixed documents, BRIDGES plans to test its recommendations in different communities, learn from their implementation, and continue refining them.
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“Arizona gave Anthropocene its voice,” Padjen says. “Now the world needs to hear it.” Learn more about the cast and crew’s journey and find opportunities to support the production at www.anthropoceneproject.com.
Anthropocene would not have been possible without the generous support of the following backers who have supported the project over the years: • Seize the Moment grant from the ASU Humanities Lab and Leonardo Journal of Art + Science • A Herberger Institute and Humanities Institute Seed (HIRBI) grant • Create the Change grant • UNESCO BRIDGES seed grant • The Mead Family Foundation • The ASU Foundation’s Pitch Funder campaign • Private donors
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WWW.FARMFRESHTOYOU.COM REALTORS® with a green designation are unique in training and ability. The goal is not simply to sell a “green” home. It is to help consumers understand the relationship between home performance, operating costs, comfort, health, durability and environmental impact. REALTOR® since January 2003
2008 - EcoBroker, 2014 GREEN, 2024 Master Certification for High-Performance Homes 2009 - Present - Volunteer - Residential Committee, US Green Building Council, AZ Chapter
2014 - Present - Instructor/Creator - “Fifth Element of Home Ownership” 2017 - Present - Diamond Award Winner, HomeSmart 2018 - Owner - First Pearl Gold Certified home in Arizona (Pearl Agent) 2019 - Presidential Advisory Group, on Climate Resilience National Association of REALTORS®
2018-2020 - Director, Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® 2022 - Master Certification for High Performance Homes
2022 - Evergreen Award - National Association of REALTORS® 2024 - Sustainability Advisor - Monte dei Globe
Jan Green
REALTOR®, EcoBroker, SFR, GREEN, ABR, RSPS HomeSmart 8388 E. Hartford Dr., Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 | 602-620-2699
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Green for Green Discover the real ROI on energy-efficient home investments BY SHANNON SEVERSON
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Summer electricity bills can leave homeowners feeling helpless. And proposed rate hikes in utilities could soon add upward of $240 to the average household’s annual total. While there are plenty of small changes people can make to save energy and money, many owners are turning to large renovations and home improvements — often with the thought that these practical upgrades will bring about solid returns on investment if or when they put their house on the market.
“Everyone wants to save energy,” says Jan Green, a Scottsdale-based real estate agent with multiple green certifications who has been active in the sustainability space since 2008. “I’ve been into sustainability so long that sometimes I forget how much I know.”
When you’re ready to begin making changes and upgrades, “start with an energy audit through your utility provider,” Green says. “That report will show you the ROI on each item that needs improvement. Start with the least expensive ones first.
Green shares knowledge about home energy savings on her website’s blog. And she also instructs fellow agents in marketing and selling high-performance homes, as well as hosts green appraiser courses. She speaks from personal experience, having converted her own 1979 Phoenix home from an energy vampire into a net zero dream — earning Arizona’s first Pearl Gold-certified designation.
“There are many simple changes that don’t cost money and can be particularly helpful for those with low or fixed incomes,” she points out. “You don’t have to buy solar panels. You can really see significant savings through changes in your daily habits.” (See “Small Changes, Big Savings,” Page 23.)
Pearl is an independent standards and ratings organization and Certified B Corp. that provides third-party verification that a home is energy efficient, comfortable, safe, and high performing. It offers four certification tiers: Asset, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Other increasingly popular green building standards that convert environmentally friendly and energysaving improvements into tangible property value assets include HERS (Home Energy Rating Score) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED for Homes uses HERS ratings to measure energy performance.
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The state of Arizona, as well as several counties and cities, offer low-income residents weatherization assistance programs that may further reduce costs. Homeowners should keep detailed records and, when it’s time to sell, find a realtor well versed in the value of energy-efficient upgrades. “Create a list of every feature you’ve added, the date you’ve added it, and how much you spent. Your realtor should pair it with listing documents. An appraiser can’t assign value without knowing what you spent.” This is especially important now, as property appraisal form changes coming in November that document
energy-efficiency measures will affect property values, lending, and the appeal to potential homebuyers. Starting on Nov. 2, all appraisal reports must include the Universal Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6, which details features such as insulation quality, window performance, and solar panels or renewable systems. This will help buyers and investors better assess longterm property value and sustainability. Aaron Chonka is a licensed appraiser and instructor who specializes in green and solar appraisals. He suggests using the Appraisal Institute’s “find a green appraiser” directory to locate an appraiser who has been educated in the valuation of high-performance and energy-efficient residential properties. He says the new UAD 3.6 energy valuation section on appraisal reports will benefit conscientious upgrades. “The onus is on the appraiser to be up to speed on how to properly identify property upgrades and determine how they contribute to value,” he says.
Jan Green
Proper vetting from the lender should ensure appraisers know the methodology to make marketsupported adjustments in the new report structure, which standardizes how these items are cited. “Green features will be more prominent and identifiable,” Chonka explains. “There’s room to note energy-efficient components of the property like solar panels, the ownership status of panels, building certifications like Pearl, or energy-efficiency ratings like LEED or HERS. Previously, an appraiser could miss some of these or dismiss them based on presumption. Now they must address it directly.” PENNIES TO POUNDS: GREENING YOUR HOME FOR MAXIMUM RETURN Both Green and Chonka agree that homeowners should start small when making energy efficient changes. Low-cost upgrades can make a big difference. Chonka suggests regular maintenance of energy-efficient appliances and HVAC units. SEPTEMBER 2026
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Additional inexpensive, easy-to-do changes include: Switch to LED light bulbs. These use 75% to 90% less electricity and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They also emit less heat than halogen or incandescent bulbs. A standard 60-watt LED bulb costs about $5 to $8. Install window sun screens or solar screens. Mesh screens reduce solar heat gain, lower indoor temperatures by upward of 8 degrees to 15 degrees, and reduce the need for air conditioning. This can lower cooling costs by up to 25%, according to the Department of Energy. Prices range from $20 to $50 for DIY versions to between $80 and $280 per window for professional fabrication and installation. Swap out manual or nonprogrammable thermostats with smart models. You may be able to get one free from your utility provider. Connect it for more efficient run schedules. Estimated cost savings of 3% to 5% can yield up to $300 in annual savings. For those willing and able to spend a more substantial amount on upgrades, Green and Chonka suggest these top energy-saving investments: Attic air sealing: Close gaps, cracks, and holes that allow air leaks. Use acrylic latex or silicone caulk for small gaps and expanding spray foam insulation for larger openings. This process may reduce heating and cooling costs by 15% to 25% according to DOE estimates. The average cost for professional installation is $500 to $1,500 with an ROI of two to eight years. Air duct sealing: Just like closing gaps in your attic does, fixing leaks in your heating and cooling system can help regulate room temperature and lower utility bills. Professional methods include Aeroseal, which fills leaks from the inside with a nontoxic expanding aerosol sealant, and closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF). DIYers can use mastic sealant or UL 181-rated aluminum foil tape. Green used Aeroseal, which she recommends, and says she saw immediate savings on her electric bill. Costs range from $100 for a DIY fix to $2,250 for professional installation, with an ROI of two-anda-half to five years for Aeroseal. Replace aging insulation: This is particularly effective in older homes to increase HVAC efficiency, and owners can see a decrease in cooling costs of as much as 35%. The average price
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for installation is $2 to $6 per square foot, with an ROI of two to five years On the flip side, some major upgrades don’t result in the energy savings payoff homeowners expect, Green notes. For example, the benefits of new windows tend to be more aesthetic or comfort-based than energysaving for a high-ticket item with an ROI of 17 to 20 years. Costly battery walls and special EV charging stations can be listed in but don’t add much value to appraisals. Solar panels also make the overhyped list, particularly if they are leased, which renders them a zero-value item on appraisals. “Outside of windows, solar is the last thing you should do,” Green says. “Improve the building before you add solar. The free, low, and median cost upgrades I suggest reduced my energy bill by 71% before I installed solar panels.” While there is an Arizona state tax credit and exemption for solar, the recoup is relatively small for an expenditure of up to $28,000 for a residential system. Consumers can seek out rebates, incentives, and policies through DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency). Once you’ve found an appraiser such as Chonka who is experienced in evaluating solar systems, it’s crucial to retain and present complete system details — permits, size, certifications, energy ratings, and date of installation — to your realtor or lender. REVVING UP VALUE Even when improvements are executed and documented, Chonka says there are still homeowner misconceptions that revolve around the cost of improvements versus what the market is willing to pay. It’s not a dollar-for-dollar situation. “The value of the home doesn’t increase at the same rate as dollars spent,” he explains. “It varies by price point, demographics, and specific neighborhoods. That said, proper, organized documents, especially accompanied by a one-page summary document showing all the improvements, are helpful.” But what if you’re the first on your block to make improvements? When comps are mixed or scarce, Chonka says experienced appraisers can utilize similarly energy-efficient or energy-certified homes in a competing neighborhood. “It’s a matter of expanding your search, and you have that latitude,” he explains. “A few years ago, Pearl hired independent appraisers to study the value
associated with the certifications in four different U.S. markets, and Phoenix was one of them. That supporting information can be presented to a lender.” Chonka points out another important homeowner incentive for amping up energy-saving improvements: Lenders won’t accept an income-only approach for home sale purposes, but upgrades that keep more money in borrowers’ pockets do make a difference.
Small Changes, Big Savings 9 simple (and cheap) things you can do at home to save energy. Our houses use a lot of energy. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook, the amount of energy used to operate homes results in more than a quarter of the world’s planet-heating carbon dioxide pollution. But you don’t need to spend large amounts of money or do major renovations to save dollars and energy. Here are nine easy actions you can take to make your home more energy efficient, according to APS. Pre-cool your home to use less energy during higher-cost peak hours. If you’re on a time-of-use plan, pre-cooling is beneficial. APS peak hours are 4-7 p.m., so set your thermostat a few degrees lower for several hours during the day prior to 4 p.m. Then, between 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, set it a few degrees higher. For every one degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 2% to 3% on energy cooling costs. Use ceiling fans efficiently and switch to counterclockwise rotation. Ceiling fans help circulate air, making a room feel up to 5 degrees cooler. Fans should be set counterclockwise in warm weather to push air down and create a cooling effect. Also, remember to turn off fans when you leave the room to eliminate unnecessary energy usage. Replace or clean your air filter. A dirty filter can make your cooling system work harder than necessary. A clean filter helps improve airflow and system efficiency. Raise the thermostat a few degrees when you are away. Setting your thermostat higher when no one is home can help reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort when you return. A smart thermostat makes this easy to manage. Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
Aaron Chonka
“Studies demonstrate that owners of high-performing energyefficient homes have lower mortgage default rates due to lower monthly expenses,” Chonka says. “Lenders know this, and it factors into qualifications as these homeowners are considered stronger borrowers overall.” Assess, act, and record: With proper documentation and knowledgeable experts, the benefits to homeowners, borrowers, prospective homebuyers, and the environment are numerous. There has never been a better time to green your home at any price point.
It sounds simple because it is. Turning off lights, ceiling fans, and electronics when they’re not needed helps conserve energy. For additional savings, switch to LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Use blinds, curtains, and shades strategically. Keep window coverings closed during the sunniest parts of the day to reduce indoor heat gain. Check weather stripping and seals around doors and windows. Small air leaks can let cool air escape and hot air in. Repairing or adding weatherstripping or caulking helps improve comfort while potentially lowering energy use. Use alternative kitchen appliances for cooking. Ovens add extra heat to the home, making the air conditioner work harder. Try grilling outside, or use an air fryer, slow cooker, or microwave for a few meals each week. Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Have a professional inspect your system annually, ideally in the spring before the temperatures heat up. This not only helps protect against sudden breakdowns, but a clean, well-maintained unit uses less energy.
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Photos courtesy Wild at Heart
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Home, Sweet Solar Home Displaced by development, can Arizona’s burrowing owls find refuge on renewable energy farms? BY REBECCA L. RHOADES
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If you spend any amount of time online, you’re guaranteed to come across videos of pint-size speckled birds with spindly legs and expressive wide-eyed looks chasing each other around like mini loaves of bread on stilts, comically bobbing and weaving their heads and staring inquisitively into the camera.
These curious social media sensations are Western burrowing owls, and they were once common across the open desert and agricultural lands of Arizona. Standing about 8 inches tall and weighing only about 7 ounces, burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are one of the smallest owls in North America and the only owl species to live underground. As their name implies, they make their homes in burrows. They’re widely considered an ecological and cultural symbol of the Southwest. And they’re also protected as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bird of Conservation Concern and a state species of concern. Modern development and the ongoing loss of open desert habitat has threatened the burrowing owl’s existence. Greg Clark first noticed that something was amiss while volunteering for the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas project in the mid-1990s. “We were not finding burrowing owls in historical locations where they were well documented,” he recalls. Burrowing owls have evolved to take over abandoned burrows of small animals, such as prairie dogs and ground squirrels. They were especially widespread in regions of the Kaibab National Forest near Seligman, which is also home to endangered black-footed ferrets, Gunnison’s prairie dogs, and ferruginous hawks.
“Burrowing owls are a sentinel species for other birds and mammals,” Clark explains. “If you lose any one of the three core species, the other ones suffer. If you lose the black-footed ferret, you lose control of the prairie dogs, which would basically eat everything,
and their population would collapse. Then the owls would not get the burrows that would be dug, and they’d have no place to live.” Development, drought, and past extermination campaigns have drastically reduced the number of prairie dogs and ferrets, which in turn has reduced the number of burrows. As such, burrowing owl populations dwindled dramatically in the areas outside Seligman, as well as in parts of Prescott Valley, on the Navajo Nation, and in the grasslands surrounding Douglas. “Once they can’t find burrows, whether natural or artificial, they can get picked off by other predators, especially great horned owls,” Clark notes. “If you don’t have a burrow, you’re at risk. That’s just the bottom line for burrowing owls.” SAVING BURROWING OWLS Since 2001, Clark has served as the burrowing owl habitat coordinator for Cave Creek-based raptor rescue Wild at Heart. The nonprofit organization is a world leader in the relocation of burrowing owls. “The vast majority of owls are at risk because they’re in the wrong place,” Clark explains. The main culprits are the development of housing communities, industrial complexes, and even highways, as well as the loss of croplands. Clark continues, “People always ask me, ‘Why should we care about these birds?’ Well, they’re a marker for successful land use. If you’re trying to recover land that has suffered from overgrazing, invasive species,
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landowners to relocate them to new habitats. That’s where Longroad Energy comes in. UNEXPECTED SANCTUARY Solar farms have not always had the best reputation when it comes to wildlife, especially birds. Early farms used heliostat panels comprising giant mirrors that would concentrate sunlight onto a central receiver tower and create intense heat. These superheated beams of light could singe birds’ feathers, igniting the birds in midair. “They didn’t cause mass-casualty events by any means, but those were not environments in which birds could Concrete blocks are placed around the opened of an artificial burrow, creating a bigger survive if they flew through them,” opening that allows several baby owls to run into the entrance at the same time if threatened. says Deron Lawrence, vice president of Environmental at Longroad Energy. drought — if a burrowing owl is living there, you’re “But no one in the U.S. is building concentrating solar doing a pretty good job. Plus, they’re one of the most at this point.” charismatic of all the raptors. You can admire the prowess of raptors for catching prey or just appreciate how they look. But there are very few owls that will actually make you laugh out loud. Burrowing owls have the attributes of tiny little people.” While Arizona does not require wildlife surveys for all new construction, one may be needed if the project is near open grasslands or desert areas. When owls are found on the land, the developers contact Wild at Heart to trap and remove the birds. The rescue then partners with private and government
Today, clean energy companies use photovoltaic panels, which absorb sunlight instead of reflecting it. These panels are not only more affordable but also safer for the environment. In fact, photovoltaic panels “are excellent perches for birds,” Lawrence says.
Longroad operates the massive Sun Streams Complex near the Palo Verde Generating Station on the outskirts of Tonopah, about 60 miles west of Phoenix. The approximately 10,000-acre complex, of which about 6,000 acres are developed, is divided into four solar facilities. Wild at Heart and Longroad Energy volunteers build an artificial burrow at the Sun Streams solar complex. The open expanses of land are characterized as creosote flats — arid, flat, rocky terrain covered mostly with creosote bushes. “Our solar farms are natural ground and vegetation or desert underneath the panels,” Lawrence explains. “Once the site is built, the ground is largely not disturbed for the life of the project, which is many decades. So the solar farms create really neat habitats for wildlife.” He continues, “People have been studying the sites, and they’re finding that solar farms are actually protecting some of the smaller mammals. And birds, especially ground-nesting birds, will find places to nest at solar farms.”
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Recent studies by the Argonne National Laboratory and the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory support Lawrence’s statements. The research facilities have been analyzing two solar sites in Minnesota and finding that native plants thrive under and around the panels, increasing habitats for animals such as bats and crucial pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beetles.
long as they have a burrow and a steady food supply, they’re going to dig in and make the place their home.” Burrowing owls eat insects, such as spiders, pinacate beetles, and crickets. They’re also a main predator of scorpions, and they’re also known to catch frogs, toads, small snakes, bats, and rodents.
FINDING HOME
Because the solar panels attract insects, there’s a steady supply of food for the owls. “The owls hunt and eat around the base of the panels,” Clark points out. “Sometimes there are so many insects that they look like popcorn in a skillet, bouncing all over the place.”
Longroad set aside 250 acres of land for owl habitat, and in March 2025, Clark and the Wild at Heart team relocated nine owl pairs and one single male from a housing project 50 miles away to the solar site.
The panels also shield the small owls from larger birds of prey, while fencing around the solar farms stops animals such as coyotes and foxes from attacking the burrows.
The owls were placed into a network of artificial burrows, each made from half of a 50-gallon plastic drum that simulates the size of a typical prairie dog burrow, 4-inch flexible irrigation tubes, 6-inch rigid PVC tubes, chicken wire, and concrete blocks.
Within one month of the first relocation, all of the females had laid eggs. Thirty six chicks hatched, and 29 survived. “We had 29 chicks that were fledged that year. We basically created 29 new baby owls out of the 18 or nine pairs that we started with,” Lawrence notes. “What’s really interesting is that the owls stayed all winter long without any supplemental feeding. Then this past spring, the owls started breeding and laying eggs again, so now we’ve got another cohort of new owls that are being raised.”
All of this creates the perfect environment for burrowing owls.
“The owls can’t make their own burrows. The soil is just way too tough,” Clark says. “It turns out that they prefer our burrows to any of the natural ones that are available. In fact, they’ll always leave a natural burrow and move into one of mine.”
While time will tell if this experiment is ultimately successful and can be For the first 30 days, the replicated at other solar burrows are tented. This sites across the state ensures that the owls and country, Clark and According to Wild at Heart's research, owls prefer get acclimated to their everyone at Wild at burrows that have 4-inch diameter openings. new dwellings without Heart and Longroad flying off and allows the rescue team to provide food remain positive. “I’m really happy about the results — frozen mice — to the birds and monitor their health. so far,” Clark says. “The population of juveniles Once the tents are removed, volunteers continue to that are born there outstrips the adults that were the provide food for another seven days while the owls get founding population. And that’s exactly how it’s used to their new hunting grounds. supposed to work.” “Then that’s it,” Clark says. “Burrowing owls are pretty For more information or to volunteer, visit adaptable. They’ll put up with just about anything. www.wildatheartraptors.org and They really only care about things that can catch and www.longroadenergy.com. eat them. Once they understand the risk for a spot, as SEPTEMBER 2026
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SAVOR
The Rise of the Electric Kitchen
From restaurants to residences, induction cooking is making mealtimes safer and healthier. BY SUSAN L. HORNIK
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What will the kitchen of the future look like? Chef Christopher Galarza sees an increasing shift from gas to electric. “For the last 100 years, we've had next to no innovations, and now we have the opportunity to evolve our cuisine in a way that is part of the solution of climate change and do so without sacrificing our cooking traditions,” he says. Galarza is passionate about the electrification of the kitchen. He is the founder of Forward Dining Solutions, a consulting firm that develops and implements commercial electric kitchens, and the co-founder of EcoChef, an electric kitchen rating and certification system.
advances in induction technology, greater interest in building electrification, concerns about energy efficiency, and a new generation of consumers and chefs who want to cook in the best way possible and are ready to question the status quo to accomplish this,” he explains.
According to Galarza, the shift is moving beyond a trend, toward a broader transformation in how chefs design and operate in kitchens
While Galarza’s focus remains on the commercial kitchen, there’s evidence that consumer attitudes are beginning to move, as well.
“We are seeing several things converge at the same time: growing awareness of indoor air quality,
The Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2025 found that 56% of prospective homebuyers preferred
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an electric stove compared with 44% who preferred gas, a slight increase over 2024, with the preference for electric even stronger among younger buyers. And in March, New York launched the “Induction Stove Challenge,” a $32 million initiative to develop and deploy 10,000 battery-integrated induction stoves into public housing. “While induction is still a relatively small portion of overall range sales, there are very real signs of momentum,” Galarza says. “Couple that with the fact that 68% of Americans already cook on electric and that the overwhelming majority of gas stoves are in ’blue’ states, you can see that electrification is no longer an ‘if ’ but rather a ‘when.’” GAS VERSUS ELECTRICITY Gas cooking relies on the direct combustion of a fossil fuel. “Every time a gas burner is used, it produces carbon dioxide and other combustion-related pollutants. Then there are the environmental impacts associated with extracting, processing, and transporting natural gas,” Galarza says. “Methane leakage is another important concern because it is a powerful greenhouse gas. Gas appliances can release small amounts of unburned methane while operating and, in some cases, even while turned off.” Electric cooking doesn’t create combustion emissions at the point of use, he points out. There are two types of electric cooktops: conventional electric and induction. Conventional electric stoves use a series of heat-producing elements that when turned on, generate heat, which is then transferred to the glass cooking surface. Induction, on the other hand, doesn’t actually produce heat. This method generates an electromagnetic field that transfers to your cookware, causing the pan to get hot. Economically, homeowners tend to compare only the price of the appliance itself. They don’t look at the everyday operational costs. “A kitchen is an
interconnected system,” Galarza says. “Heat coming off a gas appliance doesn’t just disappear. It has to be removed. That means ventilation systems work harder, air conditioning works harder, and refrigeration equipment has to reject heat into an already hotter environment.” THE BENEFITS OF ELECTRICITY The clearest benefit of cooking with electricity is that it’s better for your health. “Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found that gas stoves can raise indoor nitrogen dioxide levels to concentrations that in some homes exceed outdoor air quality standards within minutes of use,” Galarza says. Research also shows that homes with gas stoves can experience nitrogen dioxide levels two to five times higher than homes using electric cooking. And gas cooking can produce carbon monoxide and ultrafine particles, both of which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular impacts. The effects of these pollutants are not evenly distributed across the population, Galarza acknowledged. “Children are particularly vulnerable, and studies have associated gas stove use with a roughly 20% increased risk of childhood asthma symptoms in homes with higher exposure levels. Older adults and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions may also experience heightened sensitivity to these pollutants, especially in homes without effective ventilation.” James Beard Award-winning chef Christopher Gross agrees. “With gas, you’re burning fuel right in the kitchen, so you’re putting nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particles into the air that people are breathing,” he explains. “That’s not great for anyone’s lungs.” Gross uses four induction burners in his kitchen at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. SEPTEMBER 2026
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“Induction has changed how we cook at the restaurant because it’s faster, more precise, and cleaner,” he says.
home health, as well as directly contributing to the health of your wallet,” Galarza notes.
Gas burners waste a huge amount of heat — roughly 40% goes straight into the air and ends up heating the room instead of the food,” he continues. “Induction is nearly 100% efficient at putting energy into the pan. That’s especially valuable when you’re reducing a sauce — there’s no flame licking up the side of the pot and scorching the reduction.”
IMPLEMENTING CHANGES AT HOME
These issues are often underestimated in residential settings because exposure is frequent and cumulative. “Even short cooking events repeated daily can contribute to long-term indoor air quality impacts, particularly in tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes where air exchange is limited,” Galarza explains. Electrification removes the source of combustion entirely, eliminating emissions at the point of use. This is especially relevant as households move toward airtight construction for energy efficiency. Uncontrolled air movement can intentionally trap pollutants indoors. “With induction, there’s no combustion, no open flame, and none of those byproducts,” Gross says. “On top of that, induction is far more efficient — almost all the energy goes into the pan instead of heating the kitchen and the air. So you’re using less energy overall, which is better for the environment, and you’re not filling the room with stuff that doesn’t belong in people’s lungs.” From an environmental standpoint, electrification aligns with broader grid decarbonization trends. “In the U.S., the share of electricity generated from zero-carbon sources, including nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar, has increased significantly over the past decade, reaching roughly 40% in recent years,” Galarza says. As this share continues to grow, the climate impact of electric cooking decreases over time, whereas gas combustion emissions remain constant for the lifetime of the appliance. When paired with efficient induction technology, which transfers energy directly into cookware with efficiency rates often greater than 80% to 85% — compared with roughly 30% to 40% for gas at the point of use — households can reduce both indoor air pollution and wasted energy, Galarza explains. “This combination makes electrification not only a long-term environmental strategy but also a direct improvement in everyday indoor air quality and
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Homeowners don’t need to undertake a complete kitchen renovation to begin benefiting from electric cooking. Galarza points to a portable induction burner as an “excellent” entry point. “This allows anyone to experience the speed, control, and efficiency of induction at a relatively low cost. I bought mine for less than $100,” he says. “When it’s time to replace a range or cooktop, you can consider a full induction appliance, rather than purchasing another gas unit that may remain in the home for the next 15 or 20 years.” Gross points to the design flexibility offered with induction cooktops. For a home remodel, he had sketched a kitchen in which the induction burners would fold up against the wall and look like art. Although that particular idea never made it to fruition, Gross did end up with six induction burners to his house. “Everything that made me commit to induction in the professional kitchen — speed, control, cleanliness, safety, and environmental load — applies at home. He continues, “The fold-up induction idea is more realistic in a residence than in a commercial kitchen. You can place cooking zones exactly where they make sense for the flow of the room instead of being locked into a traditional range footprint. The idea still appeals to me: technology that disappears until you need it.” For those who can’t or don’t want to replace their gas stove, Galarza recommends using an externally vented range hood, maintaining the appliance properly, and increasing ventilation. “Ultimately, residential electrification is not about telling people that they have been cooking incorrectly. It is about giving them access to better information and better technology,” he says. In the long run, Galarza sees the kitchen becoming part of the energy system. “The kitchen of the future isn’t simply a collection of appliances,” he says. “It’s connected to the building, the electrical grid, renewable energy, battery storage, demand management, ventilation, refrigeration, and eventually intelligent controls. We’re going to start thinking about kitchens much more holistically.”
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SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 31
SAVOR
Recipes
Dust Cutter’s Hatch Chile Caesar Salad
RECIPE COURTESY OF DUST CUTTER AT THE RENAISSANCE PHOENIX DOWNTOWN HOTEL. WWW.DUSTCUTTERPHX.COM SERVES 3-4
The classic Caesar salad traces its roots to Northern Mexico, where it was invented in Tijuana in 1924. But this version embraces the local flavors found in Arizona and the Southwest. Hatch chiles add gentle heat to the classic Caesar dressing, while manchego cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, locally sourced citrus, and house-made croutons add unique flavors from the region. This salad easily serves as a savory lunch option or a more robust, satisfying dinner when paired with grilled chicken or shrimp. And now is the time to try it, as September is peak season for Hatch chiles. Ingredients Salad 4 quarts romaine lettuce, washed and cut ½ cup manchego cheese, shaved ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes 1 cup ciabatta croutons Dressing ½ cup roasted Hatch green chiles, peeled and seeded 3 tablespoons lime juice 1 ounce anchovy fillets (about 6 to 8 fillets) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 egg yolk 1 cup oil of your choice, such as sunflower or avocado Salt and pepper to taste Directions To make the dressing, add chiles, lime juice, anchovies, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and egg yolk to a blender or food processor. Blend on medium-high speed for 30 to 60 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth. With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the canola oil in a thin, steady stream. Continue blending until the dressing thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. (Keep in mind the anchovies, Parmesan, and Worcestershire already add quite a bit of salt.) If the dressing is thicker than desired, blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold water until preferred consistency is reached. Dressing can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated for up to four days. Now it’s time to make the salad. Place lettuce, manchego cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Add a tablespoon of dressing and toss to coat; if you prefer a more dressed salad, add 1 additional tablespoon at a time. To plate, arrange salad in a serving bowl with ingredients visible. Garnish with croutons.
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Jennifer Caraway’s Green Shakshuka RECIPE COURTESY OF THE JOY BUS DINER, WWW.JOYBUS.ORG. SERVES 4
In recognition of National Brunch Day on September 20, and inspired by the same spirit as Joy Bus Diner’s beloved original shakshuka, this green version brings a fresh perspective to the morning classic. Packed with spinach, asparagus, herbs, and chickpeas, it trades the rich tomato base for bright, earthy flavors and vibrant color. Topped with creamy feta, dill labneh, and Fresno chiles, the dish balances comfort and nutrition in every bite, making it a wholesome meal that's as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Ingredients Shakshuka Base 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 8 cloves garlic, minced 1 shallot, minced 1 bunch leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced 1 bunch asparagus, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 bunch spinach, coarsely chopped 2 cups cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas) 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon pimentón (smoked paprika) 2 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and black pepper to taste
Eggs and Garnishes 8 eggs Sheep's milk feta, crumbled Fresno chiles, thinly sliced Scallions, thinly sliced Fresh cilantro, chopped Fresh parsley, chopped Greek yogurt or labneh mixed with fresh dill
Directions Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic, shallot, and leeks, and cook until the mixture is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in asparagus, cumin, turmeric, pimentón, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Add spinach and garbanzo beans, stirring until the spinach wilts. Remove the pan from the heat. Using the back of a spoon, create eight small wells in the vegetable mixture. Crack one egg into each well. Alternatively, divide the mixture among four mini cast-iron skillets and add two eggs to each skillet. Place the pan (or skillets) under the broiler and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with cilantro, parsley, Fresno chiles, scallions, crumbled feta, and a generous dollop of dill yogurt or labneh. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread, grilled sourdough, or pita for scooping up the greens and runny egg yolks.
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TRAVEL
Relax, Refresh, Renew Soak up wellness during Spa Month in Greater Palm Springs.
The Spa at Séc-he
BY REBECCA L. RHOADES
L
Long before the modern-day concept of wellness existed, people turned to nature for healing. From ancient civilizations to early business tycoons, celebrities, and even presidents, folks seeking to treat illnesses, relieve stress, and promote overall health would head to the desert to experience the dry, arid climate; sunny skies; and quiet wide open spaces. One destination in particular has for centuries seemed to possess an extraordinary power to restore well-being and alleviate miseries, be they physical, mental, or spiritual. Located in the shadows of the San Jacinto Mountains in Southern California, Greater Palm Springs is best known for its innovative and well-preserved midcentury modern architecture, Hollywood history, and vibrant, tolerant culture. But beyond the carefully curated consignment stores, experimental case study homes, and rainbow flags, you’ll find a restorative refuge where sacred Indigenous rituals and modern “me time” collide.
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A DESERT OASIS Located two-and-a-half hours south of Los Angeles and four hours west of Phoenix, Greater Palm Springs comprises nine resort cities: Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. Most visitors head to the region’s best-known city, Palm Springs. It was here, in the mid-20th century, that Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, came to escape the spotlight, and where the country’s top
architects would test out new designs. The city is now a haven for creatives and the LGBTQ+ community.
The centerpiece of the spa is the 22 individual mineral baths in which guests can enjoy a clothingoptional 15-minute private soak in the 105-degree water and experience the soothing power of the hot springs’ distinctive mineral composition.
Nearby Rancho Mirage is known historically as the “Playground of the Presidents.” Nearly every commander-in-chief starting with Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950s has lived in or visited the palm-dotted oasis. These days, it serves as a luxury resort destination. And Indio, the largest city in the Coachella Valley, has become world-famous as the site of the biggest music event on the planet, the annual Coachella Music Festival.
“Our waters here are really great for the skin,” says spa director Daniel Spencer. “It’s very hydrating. It’s great for psoriasis, acne, and eczema, as well as for the joints and inflammation in the body. You’ll notice that even a few days later, your skin still feels nice and hydrated.”
Today, the Greater Palm Springs region attracts travelers and wellness enthusiasts from across the country and the world. It boasts more than 130 major hotels and resorts spread throughout the nine cities, ranging from historic boutique hideaways to golf retreats to luxury five-star properties. And it offers more than 200 spa and wellness experiences.
The bath is part of the Taking the Waters Day Pass, which can be purchased separately or is included with any $200 or more spa treatment. The pass includes access to separate men’s and women’s treatment areas that feature aromatherapy showers, a eucalyptus steam room, a menthol inhalation sauna with cold experience showers, and relaxation rooms with
Wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry. As travelers desire to discover unique treatments and refocus on their health, they’re also willing to spend accordingly. Wellness-related travel expenditures are expected to reach $1.4 billion by 2027, an increase of more than 125% from just 10 years ago. ANCIENT HEALING WATERS While travelers can enjoy an array of spa programming during their visit to the Coachella Valley — here, they’ll find everything from traditional massage and personalized detox retreats to cutting-edge treatments such as cryotherapy and mindfulness practices such as yoga and breathwork — the shining star of the region’s spa industry is a sacred spring buried deep beneath the desert floor. The Spa at Séc-he, part of the 5.8-acre Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, celebrates the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring that flow from a cavern 8,000 feet below the ground. Opened in 2023, the 73,000-square-foot luxury spa was inspired by the natural mineral hot springs — “Séc-he” means “the sound of boiling water.”
The Spa at Desert Springs
acoustic wellness vibrational loungers and acoustic zero-gravity conducive chairs. Pass holders also can enjoy the coed state-of-the-art fitness center, a lounge area with two halotherapy salt caves, and the outdoor pool deck with whirlpool, waterfall pool, and zeroedge mineral pool. Cryotherapy and zero-sensory flotation sessions can be added on for additional fees. Fifteen treatment rooms offer an array of services, including massages, body scrubs and wraps, facials, and nail and hair care, that speak to the culture
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and traditions of the tribe while showcasing the wellness industry’s leading-edge innovations. Specialty Gharieni quartz and water treatment tables use crushed quartz and water cells to create unique sensory experiences. Essential oils, heated gemstones, light therapy, and infrared heat enhance the treatment. Séc-he isn’t just a spa — it’s a destination. And it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Palm Springs. According to Spencer, guests spend an average of six to seven hours at the spa. SPAS OF DISTINCTION An afternoon at Séc-he would be enough to satisfy most travelers, but with so many wellness options available throughout the Valley, it’s worth taking some time to explore the myriad resort spas that are designed to pamper the body and nourish the soul.
The Spa at Desert Springs at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert recently introduced a treatment menu inspired by the world’s Blue Zones. Introduced by author and researcher Dan Buettner in 2005, Blue Zones are regions where people live longer and healthier lives than average. The resort’s Spa Zone program includes a variety of treatments and products that blend local tradition, natural elements, and longevity-focused practices. Offerings range from a Grapeseed Scrub and Olive Oil Massage to a Microgreens Facial. They’re complemented by nutritional bistro fare by Executive
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Chef Michael Klicos. The Mediterranean-influenced menu focuses on plant-forward dishes that emphasize freshness and quality. Over at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Spa Rosa brings the brand’s signature tropical flair to the desert. A day pass will get guests access to a private swimming pool, a nice perk when you want to escape the crowds at the main pools. Signature treatments at Spa Rosa include CBDinfused soaks, scrubs, and massages; an energizing massage and stretching experience tailored to men; and a couples body masque ritual in which you paint your partner with clay and then rinse it away in an open-air shower. Directly across Highway 111 from the Tommy Bahama resort is the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, which offers chic midcentury modern-inspired rooms with private balconies and a large central pool with a real sand beach. The resort is also a Certified Autism Center. Its staff are trained on communicating with and assisting neurodivergent guests, and the property features sensory-sensitive guest activities and enhanced accessibility. At Spa Esmeralda, guests can experience some of the most hightech treatment options available in the Valley. Offerings at its Renew Recovery Lounge include Therabody SmartGoggles, which combine compression massage, heat, and vibration therapies; a HigherDOSE infrared PEMF mat that emits electromagnetic waves to help ease sore muscles and boost energy; and Spa Esmeralda Normatec 3 compression boots and sleeves that use dynamic air compression to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Whether you’re looking for a full day of relaxation and pampering or you simply want to ease your aching muscles after a day on the golf course or the scenic San Jacinto trails, you’re sure to find the perfect spa treatment in Greater Palm Springs. And September is Spa Month! To celebrate, resort spas, wellness centers, day spas, and hot springs are offering special packages and experiences. There’s no better time to treat yourself and reset your body, mind, and spirit.
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SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN L IV I NG 37
DESIGN
Architecture
Imagine That
Wellness enclave to breathe new life into century-old Phoenix houses. BY NORA BURBA TRULSSON
O
On a blistering hot day, Heather Lennon leads a tour through seven bungalows in Phoenix’s Historic Coronado District. The empty homes, built between 1917 and the 1920s, have seen better days. Floor and roof beams sag, front windows are boarded up, and anything metal — including copper piping and air conditioners — has long since been stripped away by enterprising thieves. Despite the stifling heat, Lennon’s enthusiasm is palpable, as she points out details such as fireplaces surrounded by built-in bookcases, French doors, a cellar, and vintage kitchen sinks. “A building will speak to you if you listen,” she says.
Set on a little more than an acre just north of downtown’s Banner University Medical Center, the vintage bungalows, with their garages and sheds, spoke to Lennon so much that she created Imagine Coronado, a planned wellness enclave that will repurpose the bungalows into boutique overnight accommodations with an emphasis on everything from massage and meditation to yoga classes and breath work. The rest of the property will focus on community connections, with possibilities such as gathering places, a healing garden, and perhaps a bar space or coffee shop. “Everything is fluid now,” Lennon explains. “We’ve cleaned up the property and stabilized the houses, but we are listening to what the community wants before we start construction.” This isn’t Lennon’s first rodeo with historic buildings. But her path to adaptive reuse, not to mention
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becoming a general contractor and developer, started traditionally. A University of Arizona alum, Lennon earned a master’s degree in retail store design and consumer behavior. She launched her own design firm with a retail emphasis in 1998, devising everything from luggage stores and dental offices to art galleries and coffee shops. Responding to clients’ needs, Lennon became a licensed general contractor in 2000, then ventured into development several years ago. Through her work, she became enamored with old buildings. “I love adaptive reuse,” she says. “I found that ‘ground-up’ building is very rote.” One of Lennon’s first development projects was a warehouse and auxiliary building in the Warehouse District of Phoenix, which she transformed into an event space and catering kitchen. “You don’t just save a building by restoring it,” she says, summing
up her development philosophy. “You have to ask, ‘What is this historic building going to be?’ You save it by putting it back into use by the community and creating jobs with it.” The Coronado property crossed Lennon’s radar last year. The block-long grouping of structures was set to be razed to make way for a high-density apartment building — a development the neighbors had protested — that fell through. The houses had been rentals that had long since been unoccupied, and the property’s zoning had been changed from single-family residential to include a strip along the back to be commercial, allowing Lennon to consider showcasing local businesses that would cater to both the community and the wellness enclave.
Grant Program, which assists property owners with the rehabilitation of threatened historic buildings. In the meantime, Lennon and her team have set up an office in the one home that could be occupied and are diligently tackling Imagine Coronado, securing the site and using a green approach to the project. “We deconstruct, not demolish,” she says. The strategies include recycling and repurposing salvaged building materials — not only those found on site, but Heather Lennon also materials from a local building supply company with whom Lennon has partnered. Lennon points out that during the site cleanup alone, Imagine Coronado recycled 11,000 pounds of concrete. In the next few months, Lennon will be considering designs for everything from floor plans to landscaping and seeking collaborators for the vision. “We are amplifying what exists here, not changing it completely,” she notes. “We are part of a rung in the evolution of downtown Phoenix. Imagine Coronado will have a ripple effect.”
“The neighborhood and (Phoenix Councilwoman) Laura Pastor fought to save these homes,” Lennon points out. “I want to honor that.” To support the project, Imagine Coronado received $500,000 from the City of Phoenix Phil Gordon Threatened Building
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SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN L I V I NG 39
She’s GREEN He’s GREEN BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART
Less is More
Come with us to experience the restful benefits of restorative yoga. September is National Yoga Month. As such, we thought it was the perfect time to try out a new yoga class. We were surprised by just how many types of classes there are these days. There’s something for all levels of ability. We really wanted to try puppy yoga — yes, that’s really a thing — but sadly that didn’t work out. Which is probably a good thing because we may have died from cuteness overload, anyway. After much research, we landed on a class called “Restorative Yoga; Stress Reduction.” It seemed like a perfect way to hit the pause button on our busy schedules.
She
She Said: When our yoga instructor joked that the class will be like naptime for adults, I knew I was in the right place. I was long overdue for a nap, and admittedly, I find it truly difficult to relax at home. The “to do” list is always there, rudely nagging at me while I doom scroll on the couch. But, get me out of the house and into a very calm space with warm lighting suspended from wood beam ceilings, wooden floors, and chill music, and suddenly I have no problem dozing off. I loved the cozy yoga studio. Our instructor helped us get set up with a mat, bolster, blocks, rubber balls, a sandbag, and a blanket. We got into the first position, lying on the propped-up bolster with the sandbag on our hips. The instructor encouraged us to unwind, focusing on our breathing when our minds wandered. That was the toughest part for me. I had to remind myself to be present — that I didn’t need to do anything but enjoy the experience. Taking deep breaths helped, as did the music. But not in the way you’d think. A few songs had words, and sometimes those songs were playing while the teacher was talking. The combination was a bit much for my strugglingto-relax brain. But it also helped me to refocus on the session. The poses were easy. Each one involved lying down with gentle stretching. Thankfully, we changed positions often enough that I couldn’t actually fall asleep or get bored. Afterward, I was pretty refreshed and rested, and I was even moving a bit easier even though I felt as though I hadn’t done much. Maybe I found my kind of nap, er, yoga.
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He
He Said: I wasn’t entirely sure what restorative yoga was before signing up, but I figured if the class description included words such as “restful” and “passive stretching,” it couldn’t be that strenuous. Turns out I was right. Restorative yoga is all about slowing down, relaxing, and holding just a few gentle poses over the course of an hour. It’s basically yoga for people who look at regular yoga and think, “That seems like a lot of effort.” Walking into the studio, I noticed there were more props than actual exercise equipment. Bolsters, blocks, straps, blankets: The room looked less like a fitness class and more like the world’s coziest sleepover. The instructor handed us item after item until I was pretty sure I was one stuffed animal away from nap time at daycare center. The poses were simple, and we’d settle into each one for several minutes at a time. There was no sweating, no balancing on one leg, and nobody asking me to “feel the burn.” At one point I genuinely wondered if the instructor had quietly gone home. But I wasn’t complaining. It was surprisingly refreshing to spend an hour doing what looked suspiciously like competitive lounging. My only criticism was the music. For a class centered on deep relaxation, the playlist occasionally sounded as though it belonged in a hotel lobby. Every time I started drifting off, an upbeat song reminded me I wasn’t actually supposed to fall asleep. Despite that, by the end of class, my shoulders felt looser, my mind had slowed down, and I’d become emotionally attached to my bolster. Restorative yoga may be the lazy man’s yoga, but sometimes slowing down is exactly what you need. Besides, any workout where you’re encouraged to lie down for an hour can’t be bad.
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SEPTEMBER 2026
| GREEN LI V I NG 41
GREEN
Scenes
Upcoming Events Throughout Arizona ACROSS ARIZONA September 30-November 18 Green Business Boot Camp Learn how to grow your business with an emphasis on equity and sustainability with Local First’s award-winning virtual program for locally owned and operated businesses and nonprofits throughout the state. For seven weeks, you’ll hear from experts about climate, community, and cost-saving solutions and receive one-on-one support to strengthen your business model. Wednesdays 5-6 p.m. In-person cohorts also are available in the Verde Valley and Flagstaff beginning Sept. 19 and Oct. 1, respectively.
CENTRAL ARIZONA September 16-October 16
September 21-25
Scottsdale Water’s Citizen Academy
Clean Currents 2026
Scottsdale residents and business owners are encouraged to join this five-week academy that offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s most advanced municipal water systems. Explore Scottsdale's state-of-the-art water facilities, meet the professionals who keep water flowing 24 hours a day, and learn firsthand how the city plans for the future while protecting one of Arizona's most precious resources. Free; registration is required and limited. Wednesdays 4-7:30 p.m. Scottsdale Water Campus, 8787 E. Hualapai Drive, Scottsdale.
Are you part of a service provider, government agency, educational institution, or conservation organization focused on water power? If so, you won’t want to miss Clean Currents, the official water power conference of the nonprofit National Hydropower Association. Learn how to improve operations, ensure safety, and support environmental sustainability; enjoy in-the-field tours and activities; and help build a clean energy future. Standard registration $1,750; discounted registration available for power producers and NHA members. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix.
September 30 National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools
September 19 Guided Nidra Sound Bath Step into a restorative evening under the desert sky that’s designed to support rest, regulation, and reconnection in the natural, peaceful environment of Dreamcatcher Healing Ranch. A deep rest on luxury air mattresses is followed by a guided yoga nidra practice designed to lead the body into a state of profound relaxation, while an immersive sound bath supports rest and nervous system regulation. $125. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 6095 E. Fleming Springs Road, Cave Creek.
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Join the Heard Museum in honoring and remembering the Native American children taken from their families and placed in residential schools. You’ll hear from former students about life at the Stewart Indian School in Nevada and the Phoenix Indian School. This event includes a tour of the former grounds of Phoenix Indian High School. Guests are encouraged to wear orange as a sign of solidarity. Registration is required. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
NORTHERN ARIZONA
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
September 11-13
September 1-30
Sustaining the Stewards
Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival
The Arizona Association for Environmental Education’s annual conference is designed to help educators; students; and organizations, corporations, government agencies, and others involved in environmental education learn more about the world around them and develop skills and understanding about how to address global challenges. Explore cutting-edge topics, share ideas, and support those new to the field. AAEE member $330; nonmember $410. Flagstaff Elks Lodge #449, 2101 N. San Francisco St., and Northern Arizona University’s du Bois Center, 306 E. Pine Knoll Dr., Flagstaff.
Celebrate dragonflies on the Santa Cruz River during this monthlong festival. Throughout September, the Sonoran Institute is offering many ways to learn and explore, including dragonfly activities and art at Mission Garden, local tours and nature explorations, educational webinars, and even a research-inspired drag and burlesque show. Locations and prices vary.
September 18-20 Prescott Pow Wow Discover the vibrant heritage of Arizona’s Tribal communities at this annual cultural festival that blends traditional dance, music, art, and cuisine. This year’s theme, “Elders Embracing the Youth,” highlights the intergenerational connection that preserves and celebrates Native American culture. $8 adults; $3 kids ages 12-18. Watson Lake Park, 3101 Watson Lake Park, Prescott.
September 26 2026 California Condor Release This year marks three decades since the first California condors were released in Arizona, establishing the Arizona-Utah population that is still monitored today. To celebrate, join The Peregrine Fund as it releases a new cohort of captive-bred condors into the wild. Attendees can talk with condor biologists, learn about the birds, and enjoy a festival-like atmosphere. Free. Activities begin at 10 a.m., with the condor release at 11 a.m. Vermillion National Cliffs Monument.
September 27-29 Chakra Healing Retreat Learn about the powerful connection between movement, breath, and energy during this two-night, three-day experiential program designed for beginners to experienced practitioners. Guided sessions will help you activate and balance your seven chakras, releasing stagnant energy, strengthening your life force, and cultivating a deeper awareness of your energy system. $788; price includes stay and meals. Sedona Mago Retreat & Wellness, 3500 Bill Gray Road, Sedona.
September 3 Nature Journaling Do you enjoy going outside and sketching the world around you? Then join the Southern Arizona Nature Journal Club for this casual meet-up that’s open to all ages and skill levels. Using your own journal and journaling supplies, you’ll explore parts of Tohono Chul and capture its natural beauty through words and images on paper. Free with garden admission of $15. 7-8 a.m. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson.
September 8 Growing Veggie Gardens with Rainwater Are you looking for a way to use your stored water? This class, part of Watershed Management Group’s Sustainable Desert Living Series, will teach you how to start a vegetable garden using harvested rainwater. From choosing the right spot and type of garden bed to understanding irrigation systems, you’ll walk away with the best practices of organic gardening. Optional donation of $10-$20. 5:30-7 p.m. 1137 N. Dodge Blvd., Tucson.
September 12 HungerWalk 2026 Lace up your sneakers and unite with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona for a fun-filled, feel-good walk in support of Hunger Action Month. Join others on a stroll through Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex or along the scenic paths of Historic Canoa Ranch in Green Valley. Or, set your own pace as a virtual walker. Every footstep helps fuel the fight to end hunger. 8 a.m. $30 walkers ages 12 and older; $10 kids ages 6-11.
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