Earth Month is Your Chance to Join the Movement
A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
March 26, 2021
We’re planning to make a strong sustainability statement during Earth Month, and you can be a part of it. On April 1, we’re launching web resources with links to actions you can take – such as getting on board with home recycling, volunteering or promoting Sedona’s sustainability drive on your social networks. Our external communications will educate visitors on their part, such as taking the Sedona Cares Pledge, learning the Leave No Trace Seven Principles of responsible outdoor recreation, and being mindful of their impact on our environment and lifestyle.
We also want to get them involved with voluntourism by encouraging sign ups for activities such as trash cleanups or volunteering at the food bank. Connecting with Sedonans through voluntourism creates personal bonds that can last for years and helps visitors commit to our sustainability mission. Travelers in a post-COVID world say they want more experiences like these, so the time is right.
As Earth Month unfolds, I will share how some Sedona businesses earned their sustainability certification. From a hotel that replaced plug-in air fresheners with houseplants to a local juice company that installed onsite glass recycling equipment, you’ll be amazed and, I hope, inspired.
Sharing Your Thoughts is one way to Get Involved
My top strategic communications goal is to bring all Sedonans into the sustainability mix. I am producing a brief video each month (thanks to our partners at Red Rock TV ) to keep you up to date; my first video is already up at sedonachamber.com. I also want the benefit of your insights, so I hope you join me for my next Walk and Talk on the Big Park Loop Trail Wednesday, April 7 at 4 p.m. Let’s walk together while you share your ideas on sustainability issues such as traffic, trash and our precious trails.
Ramping Up Nonprofit Impact
The chamber gained ten new members in February, and I am excited about our growth. Did you know we have 130 nonprofits among our partners? I see incredible potential in bringing our nonprofit leaders together to leverage resources and multiply their impact, so I have organized an initial meeting of the new Nonprofit Leadership Roundtable, on Wednesday, March 31 at 8:30 a.m. I’ll keep you posted!
Farewell, Steve DeVol, a Community Champion
I want to acknowledge the passing of Steve DeVol, former President of Keep Sedona Beautiful. Steve was an advocate for community betterment for more than 30 years, and received the Norman McGee Award, KSB’s highest recognition of individual contribution over many years. He was a talented photographer and videographer, and championed Sedona’s designation as a National Scenic Area. We are better for having had Steve among us, and we miss him.
–Candace Carr Strauss,
President/CEO