Efficient Use of Natural Resources

Definition: Includes conservation of resources and use of sustainable energy sources

• "Less consumption, more recycling."
• "Get serious about water conservation. We are living beyond our means."
• "Ground water should never be used when effluent could be used."
• "We cannot continue to depend on groundwater for supply - the price will be paid when its too late to avoid serious problems."
• "Alternative building techniques (straw bale, rammed earth, etc.)."
• "Educate people on environmental stewardship."
• "We must invest in protecting our environment - make it easy but a requirement that we do such things as recycle and conserve."

• Environmental Management – performing environmental site assessments on real estate proposed for acquisition and redevelopment, providing technical assistance for projects such as Brownfields Redevelopment Project
• Special Projects – overseeing the Midtown Green Retrofit project and the Civano development which both have a primary goal of energy conservation
• Procurement – purchasing waste-stream reducing products and environmentally friendly products and collaborating with other departments on various environmental projects
• Operations – designing and implementing energy management and conservation programs in city facilities
• Solid Waste Management – converting methane from landfills into electricity and administering waste reduction and recycling programs
• Tucson Water – conserving groundwater and ensuring the efficient use of alternative water sources, such as reclaimed water, administering the Zanjero Program which recommends water saving measures for individual homeowners and businesses, and administering the water conservation program

1. Ratio of protected natural desert to total developed land The amount of unspoiled desert that we are protecting, as compared to the amount used for development, is one measure of the use of our natural resources. Aerial photographs and computer-aided mapping can provide this information.

Staff is researching the best way to collect and report the data for this Indicator.

2. Per capita water consumption The average number of gallons of water consumed daily by local residents shows how well the community is conserving this precious resource. Comparison with other data can create a balance sheet of supply and demand. Tucson Water computes this figure annually.

Tucson Water computes this figure annually .



3. Recycling as a percentage of total waste The amount that our community recycles reflects the importance we place on the efficient use of our resources. This information is available from the various solid waste and recycling organizations.

The City collects 290,000 tons of waste and recycles 15,240 tons; therefore, 5.25% of total waste is recycled.

Source: City of Tucson Solid Waste Management Department

4. Renewable energy as a percentage of total energy use in the region As natural resources dwindle, smart communities will shift their use toward renewable sources, such as solar, methane, and wind power. Producing such power locally would also stimulate the local economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to less dependence on foreign sources of energy. This indicator should also estimate the amount of energy used by each individual, to determine increases in efficiency. Local utilities and public agencies can supply data.

Source: Staff is researching this; the Metropolitan Energy Commission could be tasked with this analysis.

What YOU Can Do

• Reduce the amount of products you buy that have a lot of packaging or are not recycled or recyclable
• Reuse containers, refinish old furniture and fix broken items
• Recycle glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, tin/steel cans, magazines, phone books, newspaper, polystyrene, plastic #2, plastic #1
• Utilize the Household Hazardous Waste program (740-3340) to recycle batteries, antifreeze, pesticides, paints, medicine, pesticides, and other household chemicals
• Conserve water: plant low-water-use vegetation, use drip irrigation, run your washing machine and dishwasher only with full loads, turn the faucet off while you brush your teeth
• Be energy efficient: turn lights off when you’re not in the room, insulate your home, combine several errands in one trip, take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Be fair with the natural environment