Sustaining Sedona—Welcome Letter to New Residents
You likely moved here because of the natural beauty and the spirit of
this town. We need your help keeping it that way. This letter contains
a few key pointers we think new residents would like to know.
Leave No Trace—When you’re out on the trails, follow Leave No Trace
guidelines and encourage others to do the same. Pick up litter, pick up
after your dog, stay on the trail (you can kill the fragile soil by walking on it), and don’t write on
the rocks. If you see trail damage or graffiti, note the GPS coordinates and report it.
BTW, the National Forest Senior Pass works at most of the Red Rock trailheads. It’s small
compensation for getting older!
Reduce Waste—Remember the 4 Rs.
Refuse Just say no to single-use products like straws in your drinks or plastic water
bottles.
Reduce Buy timeless things that will last. Simplify your life.
Reuse Use canvas grocery bags, buy in bulk and take your own take out containers to
restaurants. Donate to and buy from thrift stores like Paw Prints, Red Rose
Thriftique which help pets or ReStore, tied to Habitat for Humanity. Silver Linings
supports the Verde Valley Caregivers Alliance and Twice Nice supports the Verde
Valley Sanctuary (re domestic violence.) Compost in your back yard or set up a
pick up service with Sedona Compost
Recycle Take recyclables to Sedona Recycles. The local trash haulers can’t do as good a
job and Sedona Recycles, a non-profit, provides jobs for developmentally
disabled adults. You can also take odd-ball things to their center in West Sedona
(golf balls, packing peanuts, Styrofoam, batteries, etc.) Become a member to
support the cost of recycling your stuff.
Conserve Water—Most water use is outside. So definitely turn off the water when you brush
your teeth and put in low flow fixtures. But it’s even more important to plant native, drought
tolerant plants. Check drip irrigation regularly for leaks and water early or late in the day. Get a
rain barrel.
See the Stars—Our night sky is one of our treasured assets. We are an International Dark Sky
Community. Dark Sky regulations require any new outdoor lights are Dark Sky compliant and
people are encouraged to leave outdoor lights off except when you need them to protect our
night viewing. Don’t leave lights on overnight. Locals get used to carrying flashlights. If you have
a complaint about someone who isn’t following the rules, contact the City, County or Keep
Sedona Beautiful.
Sustainability Alliance
For more information about how you be more sustainable,
go to www.SustainabilityAllianceAZ.org.
