A free, new app developed by Scottsdale couple Irina and Igor Ilyinsky introduces a new dimension of storytelling. It’s called ListenUp, and it just launched in January. Local storytellers across multiple communities can record stories about the culture, natural beauty, historic neighborhoods, and destinations in their neighborhoods. Through crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence, users can hear those stories in 22 languages. The free-to-use app also allows local businesses to participate and share stories and details about their locations to attract a passerby for a small fee. It’s an immersive experience the founders hope that visitors will use to learn about the Valley during our busy tourism season. For further information, visit joinlistenup.com.
Optima develops largest private rainwater harvesting system in U.S.
Real estate development firm Optima has verified it’s moving ahead on plans to build a $1 billion sustainable mixed-use residential area with the nation’s largest private rainwater harvesting system. The project is located at the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 Freeway and will be called Optima McDowell Mountain Village. The 1,333 residences are expected to use half as much water as the average Scottsdale multi-family residence, and one-quarter as much water as the average single-family home. The project should provide the City of Scottsdale with 2,759 acre-feet of water that will be deposited into the Scottsdale water system. For more information, visit OptimaMcDowellMountainVillage.com.
Green building codes now required in Scottsdale
The City of Scottsdale continues to invest in sustainability with its recent adoption of the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Green Construction Code. New Scottsdale commercial developments will be required to follow the city’s green building code. Scottsdale is the first city in the state and one of only a few nationwide to implement such guidelines. The change helps Scottsdale clarify code provisions, protect natural resources, and account for new technologies. It’s also expected to cut 20% of each new building’s water use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10%.
Check out FreshJax for pure and organic cooking and baking spices
Florida-based company FreshJax offers pure and organic ingredients from around the world that are also non-GMO, MSG-free, and contain no preservatives, chemicals, or dyes. Additionally, the products are gluten-free, Kosher, and vegan. For every five packs of seasoning purchased, the company donates a meal to a child suffering from food insecurity. To date, the company has donated over 500,000 meals through Hunger Fight, Feed the Children, and Feeding America. For more information, visit freshjax.com
