Affiliated Organizations

• Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture
  "a 501c3 non-profit organization working to increase local sustainable food production and marketing in southern Arizona."
• Beantree Farm
  consulting/design services, education, workshops, tours, permaculture, green building, earth/cob/straw/recycled materials building, integrated passive/active low energy/water community design, local/native foods, food security, educational staycations, na
• Canelo Project
  "A small non-profit dedicated to the exploration and education of natural, local and artistic building techniques Workshops in straw bale, earthen and lime plasters...
• Center for Sustainable Environments
  "CSE is a national leader in university-based sustainability science" (Northern Arizona University)
• Community Food Security Center
  "... supporting community organizations, schools and individuals in becoming more food secure through education, advocacy, food production and desert gardening, and providing healthy food access through markets."
• Community Gardens of Tucson
  
• CSA - Tucson's Community Supported Agriculture
  Locally grown produce - weekly shares program, or trade yours
• Desert Harvesters
  Desert Harvesters is a volunteer -run, grassroots organization based in Tucson. We strive to promote, celebrate, and enhance, local food security and production by encouraging the planting of indigenous, food-bearing shade trees (such as the Velvet mesqui
• Food Conspiracy Co-op
  Organic produce, award-winning bulk section, fair trade and local food and items, plus community programs.
• GMO (genetically modified organisms) Free Project of Tucson
  GMO Free Project of Tucson www.gmofreeprojectoftucson.org Vote with your food dollars. Say NO to GMO! Pick up a copy of the non-GMO shopping guide at New Life Health Center - Speedway/Swan or at New Life Health Center - Ajo/Mission Download one from www.g
• Iskashitaa Refugee Harvesting Network
  “We empower refugees by creating opportunities to use their knowledge and skills from Africa to help their families and their own community and to better integrate with the larger Tucson community while gaining life skills that serve them in America.”
• Native Seeds / SEARCH
  
• Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance
  The Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance is an advocate for our region’s valuable heritage. Publishes Local & Heritage Foods Directory
• Slow Food Tucson
  This group holds events exploring the joys of locally-produced--and savored--foods and beverages.
• Sonoran Kitchen Gardens
  "We started Sonoran Kitchen Gardens to make sure every school in the Sonoran bioregion has a drylands kitchen garden linked into our local food economy."
• Sonoran Permaculture Guild
  An excellent resource for all people wanting to design systems guided by ecology, including building, food production and water harvesting. The site also features workshops taught by Tucson's experts in the field.
• Tucson Area Farmers Markets
  
• Tucson Botanical Garden
  
• Tucson Community Food Bank
  
• Tucson Farmers Market
  Tucson Farmer's Market hours, events, favorite vendors, and other info

Other Local Organizations

• Community Food Security Center
  "... supporting community organizations, schools and individuals in becoming more food secure through education, advocacy, food production and desert gardening, and providing healthy food access through markets."
• CSA - Tucson's Community Supported Agriculture
  Locally grown produce - weekly shares program, or trade yours
• GMO (genetically modified organisms) Free Project of Tucson
  GMO Free Project of Tucson www.gmofreeprojectoftucson.org Vote with your food dollars. Say NO to GMO! Pick up a copy of the non-GMO shopping guide at New Life Health Center - Speedway/Swan or at New Life Health Center - Ajo/Mission Download one from www.g
• Native Seeds / SEARCH
  
• Sonoran Kitchen Gardens
  "We started Sonoran Kitchen Gardens to make sure every school in the Sonoran bioregion has a drylands kitchen garden linked into our local food economy."
• Sustainable Seafood Program - Desert Museum
  Resources on sustainable seafood choices (including a downloadable wallet card), with a special focus on the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez).
• Tucson Farmers Market
  Tucson Farmer's Market hours, events, favorite vendors, and other info
• UofA Sustainability Centers
  Various Centers for Sustainability in conjunction with the University of Arizona.

Local Businesses

• Sustainable Bags
  Reusable totes, bioplastic garbage bags, education kits...
• Tucson Farmers Market
  Tucson Farmer's Market hours, events, favorite vendors, and other info

Other Resources

• Beantree Farm
  consulting/design services, education, workshops, tours, permaculture, green building, earth/cob/straw/recycled materials building, integrated passive/active low energy/water community design, local/native foods, food security, educational staycations, na
• Green Drinks Tucson
  Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up for a drink at informal sessions around the world known as Green Drinks.
• Sonoran Permaculture Guild
  An excellent resource for all people wanting to design systems guided by ecology, including building, food production and water harvesting. The site also features workshops taught by Tucson's experts in the field.
• UofA Sustainability Centers
  Various Centers for Sustainability in conjunction with the University of Arizona.

Global Organizations

• Bountiful Backyards (Durham, NC)
  Bountiful Backyards is an edible landscaping collective with a radical vision for the future. It starts with the attainable ideal of transforming the relationship that people have with food and their communities. From kitchen gardens and composting to n
• Community Solution
  Community Service, Inc. (CSI), founded in 1940, is a non-profit organization that educates on the benefits and values of small local community living. We envision a world where people live sustainably and cooperatively in local communities which are diver
• Farm & Garden
  Farm & Garden is an online magazine and community website. We publish news, information and resources related to living in a sustainable fashion with a focus on food, flowers, fiber and families. We publish monthly columns in addition to continually e
• Institute for Responsible Technology
  A leading spokesperson on the risks of genetically modified (GM) foods, Jeffrey Smith started this organization to promote the responsible use of technology, and stop GM foods and crops through both grassroots and national strategies.
• LocalHarvest.org
  Find and connect with locally-focused farmers, CSA, seeds, etc. anywhere in the country.
• Organic Consumers Association
  An online grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability, and on crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children's health, corporate accountability, Fair

Local Discussion Groups

• Green Drinks Tucson
  Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up for a drink at informal sessions around the world known as Green Drinks.
• ST Sustainability Planning Discussion Group - Food
  
• Tucson Permaculture discussion group
  Getting started with projects like growing food, harvesting rainwater, harnessing solar energy? This email discussion group is a good place to post questions, share knowledge, and make connections.

Articles

• Free bike tuneups & more - Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market - Feb 16
  Ride your bike to the Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market and Menlo Bike Mechanics will provide FREE bike tune-ups! You can also enjoy: * Live Music * A Cooking Demo * Bike Accessories * Advice on Bike Maintenance When: Feb. 16th 3-6pm Where: Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida Del Convento, West of 1-10...
• Solar Cooking and Sustainability Event in Taylor AZ - Feb 18
  at Northland Pioneer College, Snowflake, Arizona Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 1 to 4 pm - Free admission We are having a tribute to Barbara Kerr and Sherry Cole who invigorated a solar cooking movement when they lived in Tempe in the 1970's. We've got some great speakers and everyone will have a chance...
• Hot Chile Recipes - Native Seeds / SEARCH - Free Monthly Salon - Feb 20
  at Native Seeds/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Road February 20, Monday 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Free Native Seeds / SEARCH Monthly Salons - A little something for anyone who has ever wielded a fork or pitchfork. Bring your juiciest ideas and appetite for mind-watering conversations. Celia Riddle, owner...
• Mole Recipes - Native Seeds / SEARCH - Free Monthly Salon - March 19
  at Native Seeds/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Road March 19, Monday 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Free Amy Schwemm, owner of the Mano y Metate line of tasty and versatile moles Amy will talk about how she created her moles and ways to use them in your cooking, and of course will provide samples. The varieties...
• Annual Flavors of the Desert - April 28
  at the University of Arizona and Tohono Chul Park ANNUAL FLAVORS OF THE DESERT This year we are celebrating the 1981 landmark gathering of the folks who would become the luminaries of the seed world, with a day of workshops at the University of Arizona, and then in the evening at Tohono Chul Park, we...
• Seed School - Native Seeds / SEARCH - 6-day classes in 2012
  March 4 – 9 in Tucson April 12 – 14 Seed Library School Summer Saturdays: June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14 Oct 28 - Nov 2 in Phoenix Seed School - Native Seeds / SEARCH Six-day trainings in Tucson, Arizona, facilitated by NS/S Executive Director Bill McDorman, author of Basic Seed Saving. Bill is a 30-year...
• ST committee on Food/Water
  The ad hoc committee on Food & Water, we begin to develop a Sustainable Tucson General Meeting for later in the year.  The goal of that meeting will be to initiate some sort of action in the area of food and water.  It is up to the ad hoc committee, working with the Core Team, to determine what...
• Pima County Food Systems Alliance - Meeting & Potluck - January 31
  On January 31st, there will be a meeting of the Pima County Food Systems Alliance, at Tucson Village Farm, 4210 N Campbell Ave The Pima County Food Systems Alliance (PCFSA) is an open membership network comprised of a variety of groups and individuals—including but not limited to farmers, chefs, restaurants,...
• Seed Library of Pima County Public Library - Grand Opening January 28
  10am-5pm at Joel D Valdez Main Library, 101 N Stone Ave, Downtown Tucson Pima County Public Library invites you to the grand opening of its Seed Library and introducing the new Pima County Public Library Bookbike! The Seed Library is a collection of edible, decorative, and herb seed varieties that community...
• Learn to Save Money in the Kitchen and Home! - January 26
  On January 26th, Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market will host 2 DIY workshops to help Tucsonans stretch their dollars with homemade soaps and food preservation techniques. From 3 to 4pm, Joyce Speirs from Dragnass Soaps will lead a workshop on homemade laundry detergent. From 4 to 5pm, Tiffany Rose...
• Ten Good Things About a (Not So) Bad Year
  Ten Good Things About a (Not So) Bad Year Medea Benjamin, CommonDreams I had the privilege of starting out the year witnessing, firsthand, the unfolding of the Egyptian revolution in Tahrir Square. I saw people who had been muzzled their entire lives, especially women, suddenly discovering their collective...
• The 12 most hopeful trends to build on in 2012
  The 12 most hopeful trends to build on in 2012 Published by YES! Magazine on Sat, 12/31/2011 Original article: http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/sarah-van-gelder/12-most-hopeful-trends-to-build-on-in-2012 by Sarah van Gelder Who would have thought that some young people camped out in lower Manhattan...
• ST February Meeting - Climate Change in Tucson and the Southwest - Dr Jonathan Overpeck
  at DuVal Auditorium, University Medical Center, 1501 N Campbell Avenue Sustainable Tucson's February Meeting will be a special public lecture event in collaboration with the Tucson Audubon Society and the Community Water Coalition. University of Arizona climate scientist Dr. Jonathan Overpeck will speak...
• ST January Meeting - Topics and Working Groups for 2012
  at Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone, Downtown (free lower level parking off Alameda St) How do we "green" our homes and neighborhoods? How do we work together and contribute to each other? How do we prepare for climate change? Join us on January 9th to learn of some exciting efforts now underway...
• Greywater Systems - Watershed Technical Training - Feb 6-8
  Early registration ends January 6! Brad Lancaster, Senior Watershed Specialist with Watershed Management Group and author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, will lead this hands-on technical training covering advanced greywater systems. Greywater use is not only allowed by an increasing...
• Community-based Green Infrastructure - Watershed Technical Training - March 29-31
  Introductory webinar: March 20th, 3-5pm (PDT). Hands-on training: March 29-31, 2012, Tucson, Arizona. Watershed Management Group has been working with community members to install neighborhood level Green Infrastructure (GI) projects in Tucson since 2008. Now WMG is offering an in-depth professional...
• Dreaming New Mexico - Peter Warshall - TEDxABQ video
  Dreaming New Mexico has built a map of pragmatic and visionary solutions to create a more localized and green economy with greater local self-reliance and enhanced prosperity. Peter Warshall is Co-Director of the Bioneers' Dreaming New Mexico Project, and a world-renowned water steward, biodiversity...
• Monthly Salon - Native Seeds / SEARCH
  FREE at the Native Seeds/SEARCH Store, 3061 N. Campbell Ave. 85719 Bring your juiciest ideas and appetite for mind-watering conversations. The Salons are held every third Monday of the month, and have a little something for anyone who has ever wielded a fork or pitchfork. Our Salon on January 16, 2012...
• The Great Bean Tasting - Native Seeds / SEARCH
  THE GREAT BEAN TASTING - Bean Appétit! Feel that rumbling? It's your stomach reminding you that Native Seeds/SEARCH's annual Great Bean Tasting is around the corner! Come out on Saturday, December 10 to the NS/S Retail Store for your holiday shopping and sample a smorgasbord of our delectable beans,...
• Holiday Farmers' Market
  December 15th, 3-6 pm, at 100 S. Avenida del Convento, near the corner of Congress and Grande This holiday season, Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market shoppers will find a variety of distinctively southwest gifts to choose from at our weekly Thursday market. Our healthy and locally made gifts include...
• Pima County Food Systems Alliance - Meeting & Potluck - Nov 30
  On November 30th (this Wednesday) from 6-8 pm, there will be a large group meeting of the Pima County Food Systems Alliance (PCFSA) with a potluck at the Sam Lena Library (1607 S. 6th Ave, Tucson; call 520.594.5265 for directions) The Agenda is as follows: Welcome & Introduction (Nick) (5 min; 6:00-6:05) Presentation...
• Local Gardening & Farming - Resources & Contacts
  A Secure Food Supply for Tucson & Southern Arizona Resources & Contacts: Gardening & Farming - Production, Distribution, Education A sampling and an on-going growing list (see this page for updates) Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona - communityfoodbank.com Native Seeds/SEARCH - www.nativeseeds...
• Food Film Festival featuring the Film "Greenhorns"
  Food Film Festival featuring the Film "Greenhorns" and a film short on the locally owned Sleeping Frog Farms Happy Hour Party at Borderlands Brewery to follow Date: Sunday, November 20 Time: 3:00 pm Cost: $15 per person Place: The Screening Room (127 E. Congress St.) & Happy Hour at Borderlands Brewery (119...
• Sustainable Tucson comments on proposed Rosemont Mine
  Sustainable Tucson comments on proposed Rosemont Mine Sustainable Tucson is a non-profit, grass-roots organization that builds regional resilience and sustainability through awareness raising, community engagement and public/private partnerships. We recognize the need to focus on sustainability within...
• UA Professor Walks Away From Empire
  UA Natural Resources Professor Emeritus Guy McPherson and Sustainable Tucson founding coalition member addresses the International Conference on Sustainability, Transition and Culture Change: Vision, Action, Leadership recounting his journey to personal accountability in the current crisis of civilization...
• GMO Free Project Pure Food Happy Hour 11.11.11
  GMO Free Project of Tucson presents Pure Food Happy Hour 11.11.11 Tasty Gluten-Free/Non-GMO/Organic Food that’s good for you - at happy hour prices. Gluten-free/non-GMO info, prizes, mixing & meeting like-minded people. Learn about your gluten free and non-GMO choices in Tucson. Friday, November 11,...
• Introduction to Growing Food at Home - Sonoran Permaculture Guild
  The future of sustainable agriculture will be in small to medium scale organic food gardens grown right in our cities.  In this workshop that includes hands-on work, you will learn how to set up a complete garden system. We will show you how to increase your garden’s health, production, and nutrient...
• Mesquite Milling at Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market
  Many in Tucson are familiar with the shady mesquite trees that fill our neighborhoods, but few may know that these native trees also provide us with an excellent source of food. Mesquite pods are a versatile food that may be ground up into a nutritious flour or processed to make sweeteners. Unfortunately,...
• Garden Mentor Program - Community Food Bank
  Do you grow your own vegetables? Become a Garden Mentor with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and help others learn! Garden Mentors work with a new home or school gardener for two growing seasons, supporting them as they gain the tools to produce their own food. For more information or to...
• Local Foods Event at Antigone Books
  We have an upcoming local foods event at Antigone Books (411 N. 4th Avenue) that we thought you might enjoy. Friday, November 18, 7 PM: Join us for a lively discussion with two experts in local, seasonal and sustainable food, each of whom has a new cookbook: Cooking the Wild Southwest by Carolyn Niethammer...
• Fall Harvest Fest at Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market
  Join us on Thursday Oct. 27th (3pm- 6pm) for family fun at Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market with a veggie scavenger hunt and pumpkin decorating! When you come to the market you can also expect to find a colorful variety of locally grown organic foods including fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, honey and...
• Sustainability Lessons for the United States
  How Germany became Europe’s green leader: A look at four decades of sustainable policymaking by Ralph Buehler, Arne Jungjohann, Melissa Keeley, Michael Mehling In Brief Over the last 40 years, all levels of government in Germany have retooled policies to promote growth that is more environmentally...
• ST November General Meeting - Food Security
  at  Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone, Downtown (free lower level parking off Alameda St) FOOD SECURITY What is it? ... Do we have it? ... What can we do about it? Please join us for the next Sustainable Tucson General Meeting, where we will begin to tackle the issue of creating a secure food...
• Sprouting: The Art of Gardening in a Jar
  Sprouting: The Art of Gardening in a Jar We are all trying to eat healthier, right? Growing organic sprouts in our own kitchen is an easy, cheap way to improve nutrition. You can quickly grow organic food in your own home by sprouting seeds, beans, grains, or nuts. Easy to learn—In one hour, you...
• URBAN CHICKS - Native Seeds/SEARCH
  December 19, 5:30-7:30 P.M. Native Seed/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson Join us at our monthly SALON for a discussion with Pat Foreman, internationally renowned chicken expert and author of CITY CHICKS. Pat will talk about how to employ your family flock's skill sets for insect and...
• Bean Tree Farm Workshops - Fall 2011
  Here are Bean Tree Farm's workshop listings for fall, 2011, plus a special solar energy class we're excited to be hosting.  For more info and any questions, check out www.beantreefarm.com, or email beantreefarm(at)gmail.com --- October 8 ~ Earth Plasters, Paints and Pigments ~ 8am-12noon: Art,...
• Native Seeds/SEARCH Monthly Salon - Native foods for the Holidays
  Join us for a discussion and tasty ideas on Southwest Holiday Fare using native foods, presented by NS/S Board Member Martha Burgess of Flor de Mayo. November 21st 5:30-7:30pm at 3061 N. Campbell. Free. Visit our new Seed Room and Seed Library. www.nativeseeds.org Contact: belle(at)nativeseeds.org...
• Seed Saving for Dummies - Native Seeds/SEARCH
  Join Native Seeds/SEARCH for the next monthly Salon at their Retail Store at 3061 N. Campbell Road, Monday, October 17th from 5:30 - 7:30p. Seed Saving for Dummies! presented by NS/S Executive Director Bill McDorman will convince you that seed saving is 80% inspiration and 20% technical. Come prepared...
• Native Seeds/SEARCH - Janos Harvest Dinner
  Native Seeds/SEARCH presents one of its most celebrated and enduring traditions – the Janos Harvest Dinner. This year's gathering takes place on Tuesday, October 25th at the fabulous Janos Restaurant at the Westin La Paloma at 3770 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson. Chef 
Janos 
Wilder 
cooks 
up...
• Worm Composting Workshop with Linda Leigh
  Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 12 noon; $65 per person, 3061 N. Campbell, Tucson Learn everything that you need to know to successfully compost your household waste using worms! Learn how to maintain the bin, feed the worms, and harvest and use the worm compost. You’ll go home with: A complete...
• ST Sustainability Book Sale
  Sustainable Tucson is offering a very special Book Sale fundraising event at our October  General Meeting. We have more than 150 titles, including some hard-to-find classics. The winter reading season is coming, so come and browse this rich collection of sustainability literature. You can shop with...
• Sustainable Tucson - General Meeting - October 2011
  Sustainable Tucson General Meeting - at Milagro Cohousing Community Monday, October 10th, 5:45 – 8:30 pm, and come early at 5:15 pm for a tour Note: this meeting will be at the Milagro Cohousing Community instead of the library (click here for map). If you can come earlier, there will be a tour of...
• Vegan Potluck / talk about Ecocide
  Hello, My name is Kaylee Farnolli, I'm a senior in the School of Art at the University of Arizona. I've just returned from 6 months living and studying abroad in Mexico City. The people I met there have inspired me to call a community vegan potluck in an effort to spread the word about Polly Higgen's...
• Permaculture Course with Toby Hemenway - 6 weekends starting Nov 12-13
  Permaculture Course with Toby Hemenway author of Gaia's Garden, the best-selling permaculture book in the world at Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S) Conservation Center. One weekend a month for six months beginning November 12 13. $1,000 tuition, $850 early bird if paid by October 21. Proceeds benefit NS/S...
• Seed School - Native Seeds/SEARCH
  October 30th - November 4, 2011 at the NS/S Conservation Center - 3584 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ Join NS/S Executive Director Bill McDorman and special guests for a 6-day immersion into a new regional and sustainable seed production and distribution system. Bill is a 30 year veteran of the seed industry...
• What does a food cooperative do and why is it important?
  Monthly Community Series - Ideas, Conversation, Food - 3rd Monday of every Month Sep. 19, 2011, 5:30-7:30p, Native Seeds/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Ave. Guest Speaker, Coley Ward, Marketing Mgr., Food Conspiracy Cooperative, "What does a food cooperative do and why is it important?" Door...
• ST September General Meeting
  Sustainable Tucson General Meeting Monday, September 12th,  5:45 – 8:00 pm Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone (free lower level parking – off Alameda St September’s General Meeting will include presentations by members of GMO Free Project of Tucson  and...
• SEKEM: A visionary Egyptian desert project
  Learn about an important example of sustainable development in Egypt. SEKEM, founded by Ibrahim Abouleish, winner of the Right Livelihood Award -- the "Alternative Nobel" Sekem: Born of the sun  5:17 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-D23-OjmoM&feature=fvsr Ibrahim Abouleish - Founder Sekem Group  ...
• Mesquite Harvesting Time!
  El Pueblo Farmers’ Market Located at El Pueblo Adult Learning Center Parking Lot, SW corner of Irvington Road and S. Sixth Avenue Mesquite trees are all over Tucson and their pods can be used in variety of foods. Come learn how to: • Identify • Collect • Store • And use mesquite pods!
• Green Market Begins
  Green Market Starts: 9 North Scott -- John Wesley Companies -- will be transformed into a Green Market 2nd Saturdays Downtown features multiple bands, movies and other live entertainment as well as arts, crafts and food booths. Visitors to 2nd Saturdays Downtown also use the opportunity to visit...

Meetings and Events

• Free bike tuneups & more - Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market - Feb 16
  Ride your bike to the Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market and Menlo Bike Mechanics will provide FREE bike tune-ups! You can also enjoy: * Live Music * A Cooking Demo * Bike Accessories * Advice on Bike Maintenance When: Feb. 16th 3-6pm Where: Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida Del Convento, West of 1-10...
• Solar Cooking and Sustainability Event in Taylor AZ - Feb 18
  at Northland Pioneer College, Snowflake, Arizona Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 1 to 4 pm - Free admission We are having a tribute to Barbara Kerr and Sherry Cole who invigorated a solar cooking movement when they lived in Tempe in the 1970's. We've got some great speakers and everyone will have a chance...
• Hot Chile Recipes - Native Seeds / SEARCH - Free Monthly Salon - Feb 20
  at Native Seeds/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Road February 20, Monday 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Free Native Seeds / SEARCH Monthly Salons - A little something for anyone who has ever wielded a fork or pitchfork. Bring your juiciest ideas and appetite for mind-watering conversations. Celia Riddle, owner...
• Mole Recipes - Native Seeds / SEARCH - Free Monthly Salon - March 19
  at Native Seeds/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Road March 19, Monday 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Free Amy Schwemm, owner of the Mano y Metate line of tasty and versatile moles Amy will talk about how she created her moles and ways to use them in your cooking, and of course will provide samples. The varieties...
• Annual Flavors of the Desert - April 28
  at the University of Arizona and Tohono Chul Park ANNUAL FLAVORS OF THE DESERT This year we are celebrating the 1981 landmark gathering of the folks who would become the luminaries of the seed world, with a day of workshops at the University of Arizona, and then in the evening at Tohono Chul Park, we...
• Seed School - Native Seeds / SEARCH - 6-day classes in 2012
  March 4 – 9 in Tucson April 12 – 14 Seed Library School Summer Saturdays: June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14 Oct 28 - Nov 2 in Phoenix Seed School - Native Seeds / SEARCH Six-day trainings in Tucson, Arizona, facilitated by NS/S Executive Director Bill McDorman, author of Basic Seed Saving. Bill is a 30-year...
• ST committee on Food/Water
  The ad hoc committee on Food & Water, we begin to develop a Sustainable Tucson General Meeting for later in the year.  The goal of that meeting will be to initiate some sort of action in the area of food and water.  It is up to the ad hoc committee, working with the Core Team, to determine what...
• Pima County Food Systems Alliance - Meeting & Potluck - January 31
  On January 31st, there will be a meeting of the Pima County Food Systems Alliance, at Tucson Village Farm, 4210 N Campbell Ave The Pima County Food Systems Alliance (PCFSA) is an open membership network comprised of a variety of groups and individuals—including but not limited to farmers, chefs, restaurants,...
• Seed Library of Pima County Public Library - Grand Opening January 28
  10am-5pm at Joel D Valdez Main Library, 101 N Stone Ave, Downtown Tucson Pima County Public Library invites you to the grand opening of its Seed Library and introducing the new Pima County Public Library Bookbike! The Seed Library is a collection of edible, decorative, and herb seed varieties that community...
• Learn to Save Money in the Kitchen and Home! - January 26
  On January 26th, Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market will host 2 DIY workshops to help Tucsonans stretch their dollars with homemade soaps and food preservation techniques. From 3 to 4pm, Joyce Speirs from Dragnass Soaps will lead a workshop on homemade laundry detergent. From 4 to 5pm, Tiffany Rose...
• Ten Good Things About a (Not So) Bad Year
  Ten Good Things About a (Not So) Bad Year Medea Benjamin, CommonDreams I had the privilege of starting out the year witnessing, firsthand, the unfolding of the Egyptian revolution in Tahrir Square. I saw people who had been muzzled their entire lives, especially women, suddenly discovering their collective...
• The 12 most hopeful trends to build on in 2012
  The 12 most hopeful trends to build on in 2012 Published by YES! Magazine on Sat, 12/31/2011 Original article: http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/sarah-van-gelder/12-most-hopeful-trends-to-build-on-in-2012 by Sarah van Gelder Who would have thought that some young people camped out in lower Manhattan...
• ST February Meeting - Climate Change in Tucson and the Southwest - Dr Jonathan Overpeck
  at DuVal Auditorium, University Medical Center, 1501 N Campbell Avenue Sustainable Tucson's February Meeting will be a special public lecture event in collaboration with the Tucson Audubon Society and the Community Water Coalition. University of Arizona climate scientist Dr. Jonathan Overpeck will speak...
• ST January Meeting - Topics and Working Groups for 2012
  at Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone, Downtown (free lower level parking off Alameda St) How do we "green" our homes and neighborhoods? How do we work together and contribute to each other? How do we prepare for climate change? Join us on January 9th to learn of some exciting efforts now underway...
• Greywater Systems - Watershed Technical Training - Feb 6-8
  Early registration ends January 6! Brad Lancaster, Senior Watershed Specialist with Watershed Management Group and author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, will lead this hands-on technical training covering advanced greywater systems. Greywater use is not only allowed by an increasing...
• Community-based Green Infrastructure - Watershed Technical Training - March 29-31
  Introductory webinar: March 20th, 3-5pm (PDT). Hands-on training: March 29-31, 2012, Tucson, Arizona. Watershed Management Group has been working with community members to install neighborhood level Green Infrastructure (GI) projects in Tucson since 2008. Now WMG is offering an in-depth professional...
• Dreaming New Mexico - Peter Warshall - TEDxABQ video
  Dreaming New Mexico has built a map of pragmatic and visionary solutions to create a more localized and green economy with greater local self-reliance and enhanced prosperity. Peter Warshall is Co-Director of the Bioneers' Dreaming New Mexico Project, and a world-renowned water steward, biodiversity...
• Monthly Salon - Native Seeds / SEARCH
  FREE at the Native Seeds/SEARCH Store, 3061 N. Campbell Ave. 85719 Bring your juiciest ideas and appetite for mind-watering conversations. The Salons are held every third Monday of the month, and have a little something for anyone who has ever wielded a fork or pitchfork. Our Salon on January 16, 2012...
• The Great Bean Tasting - Native Seeds / SEARCH
  THE GREAT BEAN TASTING - Bean Appétit! Feel that rumbling? It's your stomach reminding you that Native Seeds/SEARCH's annual Great Bean Tasting is around the corner! Come out on Saturday, December 10 to the NS/S Retail Store for your holiday shopping and sample a smorgasbord of our delectable beans,...
• Holiday Farmers' Market
  December 15th, 3-6 pm, at 100 S. Avenida del Convento, near the corner of Congress and Grande This holiday season, Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market shoppers will find a variety of distinctively southwest gifts to choose from at our weekly Thursday market. Our healthy and locally made gifts include...
• Pima County Food Systems Alliance - Meeting & Potluck - Nov 30
  On November 30th (this Wednesday) from 6-8 pm, there will be a large group meeting of the Pima County Food Systems Alliance (PCFSA) with a potluck at the Sam Lena Library (1607 S. 6th Ave, Tucson; call 520.594.5265 for directions) The Agenda is as follows: Welcome & Introduction (Nick) (5 min; 6:00-6:05) Presentation...
• Local Gardening & Farming - Resources & Contacts
  A Secure Food Supply for Tucson & Southern Arizona Resources & Contacts: Gardening & Farming - Production, Distribution, Education A sampling and an on-going growing list (see this page for updates) Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona - communityfoodbank.com Native Seeds/SEARCH - www.nativeseeds...
• Food Film Festival featuring the Film "Greenhorns"
  Food Film Festival featuring the Film "Greenhorns" and a film short on the locally owned Sleeping Frog Farms Happy Hour Party at Borderlands Brewery to follow Date: Sunday, November 20 Time: 3:00 pm Cost: $15 per person Place: The Screening Room (127 E. Congress St.) & Happy Hour at Borderlands Brewery (119...
• Sustainable Tucson comments on proposed Rosemont Mine
  Sustainable Tucson comments on proposed Rosemont Mine Sustainable Tucson is a non-profit, grass-roots organization that builds regional resilience and sustainability through awareness raising, community engagement and public/private partnerships. We recognize the need to focus on sustainability within...
• UA Professor Walks Away From Empire
  UA Natural Resources Professor Emeritus Guy McPherson and Sustainable Tucson founding coalition member addresses the International Conference on Sustainability, Transition and Culture Change: Vision, Action, Leadership recounting his journey to personal accountability in the current crisis of civilization...
• GMO Free Project Pure Food Happy Hour 11.11.11
  GMO Free Project of Tucson presents Pure Food Happy Hour 11.11.11 Tasty Gluten-Free/Non-GMO/Organic Food that’s good for you - at happy hour prices. Gluten-free/non-GMO info, prizes, mixing & meeting like-minded people. Learn about your gluten free and non-GMO choices in Tucson. Friday, November 11,...
• Introduction to Growing Food at Home - Sonoran Permaculture Guild
  The future of sustainable agriculture will be in small to medium scale organic food gardens grown right in our cities.  In this workshop that includes hands-on work, you will learn how to set up a complete garden system. We will show you how to increase your garden’s health, production, and nutrient...
• Mesquite Milling at Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market
  Many in Tucson are familiar with the shady mesquite trees that fill our neighborhoods, but few may know that these native trees also provide us with an excellent source of food. Mesquite pods are a versatile food that may be ground up into a nutritious flour or processed to make sweeteners. Unfortunately,...
• Garden Mentor Program - Community Food Bank
  Do you grow your own vegetables? Become a Garden Mentor with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and help others learn! Garden Mentors work with a new home or school gardener for two growing seasons, supporting them as they gain the tools to produce their own food. For more information or to...
• Local Foods Event at Antigone Books
  We have an upcoming local foods event at Antigone Books (411 N. 4th Avenue) that we thought you might enjoy. Friday, November 18, 7 PM: Join us for a lively discussion with two experts in local, seasonal and sustainable food, each of whom has a new cookbook: Cooking the Wild Southwest by Carolyn Niethammer...
• Fall Harvest Fest at Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market
  Join us on Thursday Oct. 27th (3pm- 6pm) for family fun at Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market with a veggie scavenger hunt and pumpkin decorating! When you come to the market you can also expect to find a colorful variety of locally grown organic foods including fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, honey and...
• Sustainability Lessons for the United States
  How Germany became Europe’s green leader: A look at four decades of sustainable policymaking by Ralph Buehler, Arne Jungjohann, Melissa Keeley, Michael Mehling In Brief Over the last 40 years, all levels of government in Germany have retooled policies to promote growth that is more environmentally...
• ST November General Meeting - Food Security
  at  Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone, Downtown (free lower level parking off Alameda St) FOOD SECURITY What is it? ... Do we have it? ... What can we do about it? Please join us for the next Sustainable Tucson General Meeting, where we will begin to tackle the issue of creating a secure food...
• Sprouting: The Art of Gardening in a Jar
  Sprouting: The Art of Gardening in a Jar We are all trying to eat healthier, right? Growing organic sprouts in our own kitchen is an easy, cheap way to improve nutrition. You can quickly grow organic food in your own home by sprouting seeds, beans, grains, or nuts. Easy to learn—In one hour, you...
• URBAN CHICKS - Native Seeds/SEARCH
  December 19, 5:30-7:30 P.M. Native Seed/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson Join us at our monthly SALON for a discussion with Pat Foreman, internationally renowned chicken expert and author of CITY CHICKS. Pat will talk about how to employ your family flock's skill sets for insect and...
• Bean Tree Farm Workshops - Fall 2011
  Here are Bean Tree Farm's workshop listings for fall, 2011, plus a special solar energy class we're excited to be hosting.  For more info and any questions, check out www.beantreefarm.com, or email beantreefarm(at)gmail.com --- October 8 ~ Earth Plasters, Paints and Pigments ~ 8am-12noon: Art,...
• Native Seeds/SEARCH Monthly Salon - Native foods for the Holidays
  Join us for a discussion and tasty ideas on Southwest Holiday Fare using native foods, presented by NS/S Board Member Martha Burgess of Flor de Mayo. November 21st 5:30-7:30pm at 3061 N. Campbell. Free. Visit our new Seed Room and Seed Library. www.nativeseeds.org Contact: belle(at)nativeseeds.org...
• Seed Saving for Dummies - Native Seeds/SEARCH
  Join Native Seeds/SEARCH for the next monthly Salon at their Retail Store at 3061 N. Campbell Road, Monday, October 17th from 5:30 - 7:30p. Seed Saving for Dummies! presented by NS/S Executive Director Bill McDorman will convince you that seed saving is 80% inspiration and 20% technical. Come prepared...
• Native Seeds/SEARCH - Janos Harvest Dinner
  Native Seeds/SEARCH presents one of its most celebrated and enduring traditions – the Janos Harvest Dinner. This year's gathering takes place on Tuesday, October 25th at the fabulous Janos Restaurant at the Westin La Paloma at 3770 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson. Chef 
Janos 
Wilder 
cooks 
up...
• Worm Composting Workshop with Linda Leigh
  Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. – 12 noon; $65 per person, 3061 N. Campbell, Tucson Learn everything that you need to know to successfully compost your household waste using worms! Learn how to maintain the bin, feed the worms, and harvest and use the worm compost. You’ll go home with: A complete...
• ST Sustainability Book Sale
  Sustainable Tucson is offering a very special Book Sale fundraising event at our October  General Meeting. We have more than 150 titles, including some hard-to-find classics. The winter reading season is coming, so come and browse this rich collection of sustainability literature. You can shop with...
• Sustainable Tucson - General Meeting - October 2011
  Sustainable Tucson General Meeting - at Milagro Cohousing Community Monday, October 10th, 5:45 – 8:30 pm, and come early at 5:15 pm for a tour Note: this meeting will be at the Milagro Cohousing Community instead of the library (click here for map). If you can come earlier, there will be a tour of...
• Vegan Potluck / talk about Ecocide
  Hello, My name is Kaylee Farnolli, I'm a senior in the School of Art at the University of Arizona. I've just returned from 6 months living and studying abroad in Mexico City. The people I met there have inspired me to call a community vegan potluck in an effort to spread the word about Polly Higgen's...
• Permaculture Course with Toby Hemenway - 6 weekends starting Nov 12-13
  Permaculture Course with Toby Hemenway author of Gaia's Garden, the best-selling permaculture book in the world at Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S) Conservation Center. One weekend a month for six months beginning November 12 13. $1,000 tuition, $850 early bird if paid by October 21. Proceeds benefit NS/S...
• Seed School - Native Seeds/SEARCH
  October 30th - November 4, 2011 at the NS/S Conservation Center - 3584 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ Join NS/S Executive Director Bill McDorman and special guests for a 6-day immersion into a new regional and sustainable seed production and distribution system. Bill is a 30 year veteran of the seed industry...
• What does a food cooperative do and why is it important?
  Monthly Community Series - Ideas, Conversation, Food - 3rd Monday of every Month Sep. 19, 2011, 5:30-7:30p, Native Seeds/SEARCH Retail Store, 3061 N. Campbell Ave. Guest Speaker, Coley Ward, Marketing Mgr., Food Conspiracy Cooperative, "What does a food cooperative do and why is it important?" Door...
• ST September General Meeting
  Sustainable Tucson General Meeting Monday, September 12th,  5:45 – 8:00 pm Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone (free lower level parking – off Alameda St September’s General Meeting will include presentations by members of GMO Free Project of Tucson  and...
• SEKEM: A visionary Egyptian desert project
  Learn about an important example of sustainable development in Egypt. SEKEM, founded by Ibrahim Abouleish, winner of the Right Livelihood Award -- the "Alternative Nobel" Sekem: Born of the sun  5:17 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-D23-OjmoM&feature=fvsr Ibrahim Abouleish - Founder Sekem Group  ...
• Mesquite Harvesting Time!
  El Pueblo Farmers’ Market Located at El Pueblo Adult Learning Center Parking Lot, SW corner of Irvington Road and S. Sixth Avenue Mesquite trees are all over Tucson and their pods can be used in variety of foods. Come learn how to: • Identify • Collect • Store • And use mesquite pods!
• Green Market Begins
  Green Market Starts: 9 North Scott -- John Wesley Companies -- will be transformed into a Green Market 2nd Saturdays Downtown features multiple bands, movies and other live entertainment as well as arts, crafts and food booths. Visitors to 2nd Saturdays Downtown also use the opportunity to visit...

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Transition Initiative

Sustainable Tucson is an official U.S. Transition Initiative

Our Mission and Vision

WORKING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

Top Priorities Community-Wide - Our citizen-driven planning initiative has distilled the Top Priorities necessary for Tucson to become Sustainable.

Individual Actions, large and small - Everyone can take steps to move our community resiliency.

Climate Change: Cool Cities Committee Report (pdf) by the Sierra Club Rincon Group - A starter plan for addressing the urgent issues related to climate change.