In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, Arizona’s commitment to sustainability is more important than ever. Our 2025 Best of Arizona Awards highlight the innovative companies working to make a tangible difference, as well as individuals who inspire us to be our best selves. By showcasing the achievements of these leaders in their fields, we hope to inspire others to join the movement towards a more sustainable future.
BEST VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN RESTAURANT
ChocolaTree Organic Oasis
Founded in 2008 by Jen Marie and her father, David Warr, ChocolaTree Organic Oasis was
born from a vision of love and a passion for food as medicine. Celebrated for its diverse, house-made vegetarian menu, patrons are especially drawn to the café’s natural sodas, ayurvedic shots, and teas, in addition to its stunning array of desserts, and of course, signature chocolates. The on-site garden and curated marketplace — stocked with goods from local artisans — are also popular draws.
ChocolaTree’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of its operation. It has sourced 100% organic ingredients since day one, primarily from regenerative farms, and recently partnered with a like-minded local roaster, Freeform Roasters. The company is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and is nearly zero-waste, with an active composting program. Beyond its daily operations, ChocolaTree actively works to preserve the environment, partnering with the Mother Earth Restoration Trust to safeguard the Verde River Headwaters, a vital water source for Arizona’s unique ecosystem. www.chocolatree.com
BEST SUSTAINABLY MINDED RESTAURANT & BEST SUSTAINABLE BREWER
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.
Founded in 2013 by Jon Buford and Pat Ware, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. has grown into a community staple celebrated for its experimental, locally inspired beers. With three locations, the company is most recognized for crafting delicious brews through its partnership with Sinagua Malt, which works with local farmers to conserve water by growing barley instead of water-intensive crops. Through this collaboration, every pint of Wilderness beer helps save over 50 gallons of water.
In 2024, these efforts generated significant results, including a remarkable 66 million gallons of water saved in the Verde River. Last year, the company also composted over 165,000 pounds of food waste and repurposed more than 215,000 pounds of spent grain as feed for local farms.
As for its from-scratch food menu, Arizona Wilderness sources ingredients from local farmers and food partners — so whether you’re visiting for the pint or the plate, you’ll get a true taste of Arizona ingredients at their best. www.azwbeer.com
BEST FARMERS MARKET OR NATURAL GROCER
Sprouts Farmers Market
From a single store in Chandler, Arizona, in 2002, to now over 450 locations nationwide, Sprouts Farmers Market was created with an open-air market feel and a mission to make natural and organic foods accessible to everyone.
A key to Sprouts’ success is its commitment to healthy, organic offerings, with produce from over 170 local farmers being a top draw for customers. Shoppers also enjoy a wide selection of organic meats, dairy, and a popular bulk foods section that reduces packaging and food waste. Sprouts is also proud to offer 100% cage-free eggs, many of which are sourced from pasture-raised or free-range farms.
Sprouts is committed to sustainability at every level, from responsible sourcing and eco-friendly store operations to advancing sustainable packaging and reducing its carbon footprint. The company actively fights food waste by donating unsold food to local banks and diverting other food to farms for animal feed. Through the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, the company also supports school gardens, empowering the next generation to learn about nutrition and sustainability. www.sprouts.com
BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PROGRAM
R.City
R.City offers a seamless way to bring the best of the local harvest to the table with its Farm Box subscription service. The company’s commitment to a circular food system is central to its offerings, providing options that integrate with their popular compost bucket pickup service or in partnership with Mill for food recyclers.
R.City simplifies the process by combining farm-fresh produce with a free compost bucket. Customers can choose from two distinct sizes: the $10 Farm Box, offering 3-4 seasonal items, or the more abundant $30 Farm Box, which contains 7-10 items. Both subscriptions are available for monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly delivery, offering flexibility to fit a variety of lifestyles.
The contents of every box are curated to reflect the freshest offerings of the season, ensuring each delivery is a delightful and delicious surprise. By diverting food scraps to compost, R.City helps nourish the very farm that grows its produce, creating a circular food economy that minimizes waste and maximizes local resources. www.recycledcity.com
BEST SMOOTHIE OR JUICE JOINT
Nékter Juice Bar
Nékter Juice Bar has become a familiar and welcomed presence across Arizona. Its growth reflects a commitment to clean, transparent nutrition, crafting each juice, smoothie, and açaí bowl from whole, natural ingredients with no hidden fillers or artificial flavors.
What gives Nékter an edge is its approach to sustainable, health-forward living. The brand encourages small, impactful habits. Their Keep It Real challenge encourages guests to begin with a Nékter cleanse and then adopt one small, healthy habit — like eating more fruits, moving more, or practicing mindfulness — to nurture wellness from the inside out.
Guests love Nékter for its handcrafted, nutrient-rich menu: juices packed with three pounds of produce, house‑made cashew milk smoothies, refreshing açaí and pitaya bowls, and cold‑pressed bottled juices. Whether you’re grabbing a wellness boost, a clean snack, or something to sip on the go, Nékter makes healthy feel easy and refreshing. www.nekterjuicebar.com
BEST SUSTAINABLE WINE GROWER
Page Springs Cellars
Since its founding in 2004, Page Springs Cellars has been an Arizona leader in sustainable winemaking, driven by a guiding principle: to create exceptional wines while minimizing environmental impact. For founding winemaker Eric Glomski, this commitment is not a side project; it’s a constant journey woven into every daily choice.
At Page Springs, electricity comes from a 125-kilowatt solar system, now backed by new Tesla batteries for added resilience. The team also operates a robust wastewater treatment system to protect local water sources and a comprehensive composting program that diverts kitchen scraps and winemaking byproducts from the landfill.
Over the past year, Page Springs has introduced new solutions like bird-deterrent lasers in the vineyard, which protect fruit without harming wildlife. By consistently finding better ways to farm and make wine that respects the land, Page Springs Cellars proves that environmental responsibility can be both a mission and a success.
“We’re not chasing perfection; we’re just trying to find better ways to farm and make wine that respects the land and community around us,” said Glomski.
BEST GREEN REALTOR
Tammy Bosse
For more than two decades, Tammy Bosse has helped clients buy and sell homes across the Valley while championing eco-friendly real estate practices. As the founder of Boss Properties, she specializes in marketing homes with solar, energy efficiency, and other sustainable features — guiding clients through audits, consulting, and education to make the most of their investment.
Tammy’s leadership in the field is reflected in her credentials, including the National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation, EcoBroker certification, and Certified Sustainable Building Advisor training. Her work extends beyond transactions: she educates fellow Realtors, collaborates with sustainability groups, and co-organizes Keep Scottsdale Livable, a community initiative focused on green living.
Now a four-time recipient of Green Living’s “Best Green Realtor” award, Tammy continues to merge her passion for real estate with her commitment to the planet — helping clients find homes that are efficient, healthy, and designed for long-term livability. www.bossproperties.com
BEST SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR HOME DESIGNER
down2earth Interior Design West | Stephanie Ebner
When Stephanie Ebner expanded down2earth Interior Design to Arizona, she brought with her a fresh approach: spaces shaped by collaboration and guided by function. With a background in model home design and years of experience with the firm’s Philadelphia team, Stephanie knows how to take a project from vision to reality while honoring each client’s unique style.
Her design philosophy is rooted in lasting choices. She helps clients create homes that evolve gracefully with life — whether that means accommodating pets, children, or new routines — so the spaces remain beautiful and useful for years. Whenever possible, Stephanie refreshes furniture, art, and décor clients already own. When new pieces are needed, she turns to responsibly sourced, durable options that reflect both quality and care for the planet.
Clients are drawn to her flexible services. From space planning to furniture and finish selections, Stephanie’s clear process keeps projects personal, practical, and environmentally thoughtful. https://down2earthinteriordesignwest.com
BEST ARCHITECT | RESIDENTIAL
Clint Miller
For more than four decades, Clint Miller has designed homes that feel timeless, inviting, and elegant. While his career began in commercial architecture, it was designing an adobe home for his family that shifted his focus to residential work. His home earned him an American Institute of Architects award and sparked a career devoted to creating spaces that reflect a blend of rural European influences and the Upper Sonoran Desert.
By embracing adobe construction, sustainability is woven into thoughtful designs that are both artful and green. Thick walls, high-performance insulation, and solar integration create homes that naturally breathe with their environment, thanks to using locally sourced materials and careful consideration of the climate and sun’s orientation.
Collaboration is central to Clint’s success. He partners with trusted interior designers, engineers, and landscape architects. Together, they craft residences that are not just houses, but living, breathing structures: warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to their sites. www.clintmillerarchitect.com
BEST ARCHITECT | COMMERCIAL
Studio Ma
Phoenix-based Studio Ma has built a reputation for design that is both imaginative and environmentally aware. The firm takes inspiration from the Japanese concept of “ma,” the thoughtful space between things, which guides their approach to balance and harmony in the built environment.
The team brings together architects, planners, and climate visionaries who share a common goal: to create buildings that enrich communities and connect people to place. Their portfolio spans campus spaces to cultural and commercial projects, each grounded in purpose. Studio Ma sees extreme heat, water scarcity, and resource limits not as constraints but as generative forces that spawn passive systems, regenerative strategies, and net-zero goals. That vision has earned recognition from the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council for leadership in sustainable design.
From learning spaces to cultural hubs, Studio Ma crafts architecture that is built to last for generations, elevating the daily lives of its inhabitants while gracefully harmonizing with the environment. www.studioma.com
BEST SUSTAINABLE HOME BUILDER
Lawler Construction
Lawler Construction is built on relationships as much as on craftsmanship. Founded by Jim and Cindy Lawler and now joined by their son Patrick, the company is a true family business that brings together project coordinators, superintendents, designers, and staff who share a commitment to guiding clients with care and integrity. Every home is a collaborative effort, where the Lawlers listen closely and work side by side with each family to bring their vision to life.
Their dedication to healthy, efficient, and enduring homes is reflected in their work as ENERGY STAR® Partners and participants in the EPA’s Indoor AirPlus program. Jim and Patrick also advanced their expertise through ProBuild’s ProEarth University, ensuring each project incorporates green materials and smart building practices.
From custom homes to major remodels, Lawler Construction crafts living spaces that respect the environment while reflecting the unique needs of the people who call them home. www.lawlerconstructionaz.com
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY MULTI-HOUSING PROJECT
Culdesac Tempe
Founded in 2018, Culdesac set out to reimagine how neighborhoods could make walkable living the norm in the US. That vision came to life in 2023 with Culdesac Tempe, the nation’s first car-free neighborhood. Co-founder and CEO Ryan Johnson, along with a dedicated team of designers, developers, and local partners, have shaped a thriving community that places people — not cars — at its center.
Culdesac Tempe replaces asphalt and parking lots with shaded courtyards, tree-lined walkways, and community spaces designed for connection. Energy- and water-efficient buildings fit the desert climate, while compact, mixed-use design reduces sprawl and supports more than 23 local businesses on-site. Direct access to the Valley Metro light rail and partnerships with Lyft, Envoy, and Bird give residents transportation freedom without the environmental impact of car ownership.
Today, the residents of Culdesac Tempe enjoy a vibrant lifestyle where green spaces, local shops, and walkability define daily life. www.culdesac.com
BEST SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
ZebraScapes
What began as a small family yard-care service in Prescott has grown into ZebraScapes, a landscape company serving the Quad Cities of Northern Arizona. Founded by Rodney and Denise Steidinger, the business built its name one job at a time. Today, Rodney still leads in the field while Denise steers operations, backed by a team that includes certified arborists and landscaping specialists.
Conservation drives every plan. Drought-tolerant plants, artificial turf, and smart irrigation systems help conserve water. Rainwater harvesting and sourcing local and recycled materials lowers impacts, and defensible-space landscaping helps properties resist wildfire while supporting healthier habitats.
Clients choose ZebraScapes for functional landscapes that invite time spent outside. Expert tree care keeps canopies thriving. Firewise maintenance and water-wise plantings add safety and resilience. Custom outdoor living spaces — shaded patios, kitchens, pergolas — create places to gather, entertain, and relax in settings that feel as good for the planet as they do for everyday life. www.zebrascapes.com
BEST CLEAN BEAUTY OR PERSONAL-CARE BRAND
Strawberry Hedgehog
In 2003, founder Tracy Perkins began making her own skin care products as a hobby due to her own extreme sensitivity to conventional products. By 2009, Strawberry Hedgehog soaps had found their way to shelves at Whole Foods stores in Arizona, and by 2016, the company’s organic success allowed the company to expand into a bustling Phoenix factory and storefront. Today, the Soap Shop & Vegan Boutique in Phoenix is home not only to Strawberry Hedgehog’s creations but also those of dozens of local makers and artists.
Sustainability is paramount at Strawberry Hedgehog. Every brick of soap is handcrafted in small batches, packaged with minimal waste, and made without animal byproducts. Committed to minimizing its environmental impact, the shop offsets its energy use with APS renewables, manages climate control with eco-friendly thermostats, and reduces waste through minimal packaging. www.strawberryhedgehog.com
BEST ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS PRACTITIONER OR COACH
Sam Harper
As a three-time winner for Best Alternative Wellness Practitioner, Sam Harper has had a year of epic proportions. The sound healer and conscious leadership coach has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, speaking on stages about sound healing, conscious leadership, and how to build high-frequency businesses.
This period of growth has culminated in a new venture — the co-founding of a new bio-intelligent, prescriptive sound healing app called Sensry that will be available in the app store this November. In addition to the app, Harper has been back in the recording studio to create twelve new zodiac-themed tracks for her Sound Vault membership (available through Kajabi), and has added a highly requested manifesting masterclass to her website. Fueled by a mission to push the edges of alternative wellness, Harper is driven by the core belief that one person’s energy can elevate another’s. Her mantra is simple: “I rise, YOU rise.” www.samanthaharper.com
BEST FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS PRACTITIONER
Jodi Stokes
With more than 25 years of experience in fitness and wellness, Jodi Stokes has built a career dedicated to helping people create lasting health. Her skills have been honed at world-class resorts including Canyon Ranch and the Scottsdale Princess. Over the years, she has directed fitness clubs, launched award-winning training programs, and authored “Water Exercise by Jodi”.
Through Jodi Stokes Fitness, she now offers concierge-style coaching designed to meet clients where they are — literally. Sessions take place at homes, pools, trails, or gyms. Each program is customized with exercise, nutrition, and mental health strategies for a holistic approach that creates lasting results.
Jodi’s philosophy centers on making sustainable wellness and mindful practices accessible to everyone by removing common barriers like time, equipment, and expensive gym memberships.The result: fitness that is flexible and designed to support her clients for the long term. www.jodistokes.com
BEST ARIZONA DAY TRIP DESTINATION
Sedona
Sedona charms travelers year-round with its iconic red‑rock backdrop and mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and spiritual flair. Just a scenic two‑hour drive from Phoenix, its dramatic landscapes set the stage for a day of fun — whether you’re hiking Cathedral Rock, exploring Bell Rock, or winding along the All‑American Road‑rated Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Sedona’s Sustainable Tourism Plan, launched in 2019, responds to growing visitation by balancing environmental health, quality of life, visitor experience, and the local economy through community‑driven actions. Tactics include supporting Leave‑No‑Trace principles, managing traffic through education, and protecting trails with controlled access and the Sedona Trail Keepers program.
Today’s Sedona invites you to step into meaningful exploration. From sunrise hikes to sunset art strolls, every trail, gallery, and guided experience reflects the area’s commitment to authenticity, preservation, and connection. www.visitsedona.com
BEST SUSTAINABLE CITY IN ARIZONA
Flagstaff
Flagstaff stands apart not just for its natural beauty, but for its community-powered approach to sustainability. Led by the Sustainability Office, the city runs major programs in climate action, energy, food systems, waste, and community stewardship. Together, they’re shaping a city built on engagement and resilience.
Every year, Flagstaff hosts over 100 hands-on events — from Fix‑It Clinics that teach repair skills to watershed clean‑ups through the Stream Stewards program — inviting residents to roll up their sleeves and care for the land. Meanwhile, grants like the Sustainability Grant Program (formerly Neighborhood Sustainability Grants) fund locally driven green projects, and programs such as green‑business boot camps and flood‑prevention initiatives help communities prepare for tomorrow.
Flagstaff’s vision goes beyond today. It’s pursuing carbon neutrality by 2030, launching initiatives like the Wildfire Resilient Home plan, libraries for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), and code reform to build lasting, equitable livability in a changing climate. www.flagstaff.az.gov
Best Dealership or Retail Location for a Hybrid or EV
Lucid Studio Scottsdale Fashion Square
Lucid Studio Scottsdale Fashion Square is a leader in luxury electric vehicles, offering an exceptional retail experience for EV enthusiasts. Assembled in the brand’s world-class, vertically integrated facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, Lucid’s award-winning Lucid Air sedan and new Lucid Gravity SUV help address fundamental obstacles to widespread EV adoption by delivering best-in-class performance, sophisticated design, expansive interior space, and unrivaled energy efficiency.
Lucid’s highly praised Scottsdale retail studio delivers exceptional service for discerning EV buyers. Located conveniently inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, the studio provides an innovative and technology-forward retail experience that focuses on sustainability and revolutionary design.
The company’s relentless pursuit of efficiency and sophisticated design sets it apart, proving that luxury and a greener future are not mutually exclusive but, in fact, perfectly aligned. www.lucidmotors.com
Best Solar Company
Powur
Powur stands out as an exceptional solar company through its proven track record and mission-driven approach. With more than 30,000 successful installations, this investor-backed, member-owned company has earned recognition as an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America and holds full B-Corp certification, demonstrating its commitment to doing business responsibly.
What sets Powur apart is its focus on reducing environmental impact. Money from every installation contributes to preserving the Amazon rainforest through its partnership with The Pachamama Alliance, and the company states that it is the first solar company to offset 100% of emissions from the solar manufacturing process.
Powur’s comprehensive approach includes designing custom savings proposals based on individual utility bills and providing diverse energy solutions that reduce both costs and carbon footprints. Its Powur Promise also ensures best value pricing, honest communication, family-like treatment, and ongoing post-installation support. www.powur.com
Best Destination for Upcycled Goods
Treasures 4 Teachers of Tucson
Founded in 2015, Treasures 4 Teachers of Tucson transforms surplus community materials into valuable classroom supplies, supporting teachers and students throughout Southern Arizona. The volunteer-run organization addresses a critical need, recognizing that most educators pay out of pocket for basic classroom items.
“From first-hand experience in the classroom, we saw how vital supplies are needed — not just for learning but for keeping students engaged, curious, and excited,” says Adrienne Ledford, director of Treasures 4 Teachers of Tucson.
Under her leadership, which has guided the organization since inception, Treasures 4 Teachers bridges the gap between student needs and available resources. The organization’s commitment extends beyond education to environmental sustainability.
“Every repurposed item means less waste in our environment and more inspiration in the classroom,” Ledford says.
Through innovative reuse strategies, responsible recycling programs, and creative upcycling initiatives, the organization empowers teachers with resourceful solutions while promoting environmental stewardship in Southern Arizona schools. www.t4teachers.org
Best Location for Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings
Ironwood Mills
From humble roots, Ironwood Mills has carved a niche as a purveyor of exceptional, handcrafted furniture with a conscience. What began in 2016 as a simple mission to save Phoenix’s downed trees from the landfill has flourished into a refined, full-scale custom furniture company, complete with a 4,000-square-foot workshop and showroom.
Led by the creative vision of Scott Mills and the business acumen of his wife, Leah Bosworth, the company transforms reclaimed urban timber — such as eucalyptus, mesquite, and olive — into sophisticated, heirloom-quality pieces. Each dining table, mantel, and architectural element is a testament to sustainable craftsmanship, created by a team of skilled artisans dedicated to preserving the story of our desert city.
By diverting local hardwoods from waste and processing them in-house, Ironwood Mills not only reduces its environmental impact but also creates works of enduring beauty. Every piece, from a grand conference table to a simple charcuterie board, is a powerful statement of art and a commitment to a greener future. www.ironwoodmills.com
Best Eco-Conscious or Zero-Waste Store
Desert Refillery
Desert Refillery is redefining sustainability by eliminating single-use plastic and making waste reduction a lifestyle choice. The company offers more than 100 refillable home and personal care essentials alongside convenient eco-swaps for common single-use items.
With a strong commitment to local commerce, more than 60% of its products are Arizona-made. Desert Refillery prioritizes accessibility by providing package-free, clean, and biodegradable options for consumers throughout the Valley.
The company operates on a closed-loop economy model, partnering with carefully selected brands to reimagine packaging and reduce consumption of non-essentials. Products arrive in reusable containers that are returned to brands for sanitization and reuse after purchase. This collaborative approach with hand-selected partners aims to minimize the environmental footprint of consumerism while delivering convenient, sustainable solutions to the community. www.desertrefillery.com
Best Nursery for Native Plants
Whitfill Nursery
Family-owned and operated for more than six decades, Whitfill Nursery stands out as Arizona’s premier destination for native and desert-adapted plants. What makes this nursery exceptional is its deep specialization in desert trees from diverse global regions, including the deserts of Arizona, Mexico, Australia, and Africa.
As the Valley’s original grower-direct plant nursery since 1946, Whitfill distinguishes itself through extensive on-site cultivation. The company’s 300+ acres of growing grounds ensure quality trees — from 15- to 96-gallon sizes — that transplant effortlessly. The nursery’s commitment to locally grown plants also reflects the staff’s extensive knowledge of desert Southwest landscaping — especially drought-tolerant species perfectly suited to Arizona’s challenging climate.
Whitfill Nursery continues advancing the field through its own hybridization and cultivar production, offering both beloved traditional varieties and exciting new introductions. This combination of heritage expertise, local growing practices, and innovative plant development makes Whitfill an invaluable resource for native plant enthusiasts. www.whitfillnursery.com
Best Sustainably Minded Non-Profit Organization
Desert Botanical Garden
For more than 85 years, Desert Botanical Garden has been a global leader in desert plant conservation and research. Located in Phoenix, the garden features five thematic trails showcasing 50,000 plants from deserts worldwide, with special emphasis on the Sonoran Desert.
The garden recently broke ground on phase two of the Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science, a $15 million project set to advance the organization’s vision as the Southwest’s most sophisticated center for cactus and agave horticulture, conservation, and research. Full completion is expected by 2028.
Desert Botanical Garden’s research staff collaborates internationally across five continents, discovering new plant species and addressing critical threats including climate change, illegal poaching, and invasive species. The organization’s scientists bring decades of experience to protecting Earth’s deserts through science, conservation, and education. www.dbg.org
Best Community Awareness Campaign
Water — Use It Wisely
Water — Use It Wisely stands as an exemplary community awareness campaign, demonstrating exceptional longevity and effectiveness since 1999. What makes this Arizona-based water conservation initiative truly outstanding is its innovative approach of transforming ordinary household objects — like toothbrushes, brooms, and tuna cans — into unexpected water-saving devices and educational tools.
The campaign’s brilliance lies in its practice of community engagement: rather than simply telling people to conserve water, it shows them how through practical, actionable methods. With more than 100 water-saving tips and resources, the initiative makes conservation accessible and engaging for everyone.
Backed by 22 statewide partners, the campaign successfully maintains water conservation awareness through a colorful and fun approach. Its core message — “There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you” — empowers individual responsibility while providing concrete solutions. This comprehensive strategy has sustained public engagement for more than 25 years, proving that effective community awareness campaigns combine creativity, practicality, and collaborative partnerships. www.wateruseitwisely.com
Best Eco-Friendly Entertainment Event
WM Phoenix Open
WM (formerly Waste Management) has transformed the WM Phoenix Open into a model for sustainable sporting events, marking 13 consecutive years of zero-waste operations through innovative recycling, composting, donation, and energy recovery programs.
The 2025 tournament showcased cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, including water conservation through hand sanitizer stations and ice-melt capture systems for portable toilet reuse. And to reduce plastic waste, WM provided free water refill stations at its Green Scene venue and piloted reusable cup programs at the 16th and 18th holes, with plans to expand this initiative in 2026.
Looking ahead, WM will enhance fan engagement through interactive educational games focused on recycling, composting, and environmental impact reduction. This collaborative effort between WM and The Thunderbirds demonstrates how sporting events can drive both community benefit and environmental stewardship, with the 2025 tournament raising a record-breaking $18.1 million for Arizona charities. www.wmphoenixopen.com
Best Sustainability Curriculum
Arizona State University
Arizona State University established the world’s first School of Sustainability in 2006. The school, which resides within the College of Global Futures, offers degrees focused on sustainability, sustainable food systems, sustainable leadership, sustainable solutions, sustainable energy, and more.
Offering a transdisciplinary approach in its curriculum, the School of Sustainability addresses global challenges including energy, materials and technology; water quality and scarcity; international development; ecosystems; social transformations; food and food systems; and policy and governance.
“The school has been hard at work refining and expanding [its] curriculum,” says Matt Oxford, assistant director of strategic marketing and communications.
Recent additions include a new course in Data Management and Reporting Skills for Sustainability, available online to both advanced undergraduate and masters students.
A standout initiative is the new Global Futures Impact Scholars program, providing students funding of up to $5,000 for projects related to positive change.
“We are continuously adapting our curriculum to ensure that our students are building the skills today to be the changemakers of tomorrow,” Oxford says. www.asu.edu
Best Arizona Company Doing Good for the Planet | Over 250 Employees
Salt River Project
Salt River Project has made significant strides in sustainability over the past year, adding 500 MW of solar and 161 MW of wind generation to power approximately 148,000 homes. The utility also commissioned new energy storage capacity to capture excess carbon-free energy and expanded its electric vehicle fleet to 304 electrified assets, one of Arizona’s largest.
SRP’s conservation efforts include partnerships with municipalities like Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe for grass-to-xeriscape conversions, saving more than 300,000 gallons of water. The company also has increased food waste composting by almost 133% year-over-year at its corporate headquarters.
Notable achievements include supporting more than 20,500 customer efficiency projects, thinning nearly 13,000 acres through its Healthy Forest Initiative, and certifying a record 9,500 ENERGY STAR homes. SRP also provided rebates for more than 4,000 EV chargers to customers.
Looking ahead, SRP has partnered with Water—Use It Wisely to distribute free water-saving devices to communities in need across Arizona, with each kit potentially saving 20,000 gallons annually. www.srpnet.com
Best Eco-Friendly Service or Tech for Your Home & Best Arizona Company
Doing Good for the Planet | Up to 250 Employees
In January 2018, Kathleen Ventura and her husband, Brock Delinski, launched Compost Crowd with humble beginnings and a mission to offer Northern Arizona residents a sustainable alternative to sending food scraps to landfills.
The environmental impact of their work extends beyond waste reduction. By diverting organic waste from landfills, Compost Crowd not only reduces harmful methane gas emissions from releasing into the atmosphere, but also returns valuable nutrients to the earth — decreasing erosion, water usage, and the need for synthetic fertilizers in agriculture.
After establishing success in West Sedona, the company expanded collection services to the Village of Oak Creek, then broadened its scope to serve restaurants and events pursuing zero-waste goals. In 2019, Compost Crowd announced a pilot program for residential collection in Flagstaff. As of last year, the company had diverted nearly 600 tons of organic material from the landfill.
Most recently, Compost Crowd partnered with Mill to extend combined services to office spaces throughout Northern Arizona, with the City of Sedona becoming the first to adopt this program. The company also has diversified its commercial clientele beyond traditional food-based operations to include unique businesses like Four Sisters Floral and Flagstaff Fruit Creations, and continues to support ongoing partnerships with local municipalities to provide waste diversion at city events. www.compostcrowd.com
Arizona’s Best Green Leader | Business
Kathleen Ventura
Kathleen Ventura exercises environmental leadership through both her business ventures and personal lifestyle. As co-owner of Compost Crowd with her husband Brock Delinski, she has built a food-scraps collection service that earned two “Green Living” Best Of Awards this year and three in 2024. Her company demonstrates commitment to sustainability by reclaiming water, using eco-friendly soap, optimizing collection routes for fuel efficiency, choosing used vehicles over new, and much more.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Ventura serves as executive director of Sedona Recycles, a full-scale nonprofit recycling facility. Her recognition as Best Green Leader in Business reflects her comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.
Ventura’s commitment to her professional values extends to her personal life. She embraces a sustainable and active lifestyle, cooks vegan meals, enjoys camping, and takes pride in contributing positively to her community. She makes everyday choices to address the climate crisis through intentional actions like growing her own food, shopping at thrift stores, limiting air travel, and prioritizing reusable items in as many forms as possible. www.compostcrowd.com
Arizona’s Best Green Leader | Public Service
Thomas Torres
For more than three decades, Thomas Torres has dedicated his career to protecting Arizona’s forests and communities. Beginning as a civil engineer with the U.S. Forest Service, he built expertise across six Western states before being appointed Arizona’s state forester and director of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management in 2023. Torres now oversees more than nine million acres of State Trust Lands and coordinates fire suppression on 22 million acres statewide.
His sustainability leadership spans from rural forest restoration and large-scale thinning projects to urban forestry programs that plant shade trees in underserved neighborhoods. Torres led response efforts during major wildfires including the Bush and Telegraph Fires and was deeply impacted by the 2013 Yarnell Hill tragedy.
“Leadership in this field isn’t only about managing fire or restoring forests — it’s about trust, compassion, and being there for people in their most difficult moments,” Torres says, emphasizing his people-centered approach to environmental stewardship. www.dffm.az.gov
We also wish to recognize the runners-up of the 2025 Best of Arizona contest:
