Location

Phoenix, AZ

Birthday:

June 3

About Me:

In 2010, in collaboration with Western Resource Advocates and Sierra Club-Grand Canyon Chapter, Valley Permaculture Alliance (VPA) spearheaded Phoenix Green, a progressive energy reduction program for Phoenix and the surrounding communities. The objective is to plant 100,000 drought tolerant shade trees over the next ten years. Shade trees planted on the west, east or south side of a residential building can reduce air conditioning load, resulting in an average savings of 214 kwH per mature tree each year. By planting shade trees near homes, not only can participants save money on their electricity bills as they save energy, but over 30 years, carbon dioxide emissions from power plants would decline about 15,000 metric tons for each 10,000 shade trees planted.[1] Other values associated with shade trees include: improvements in air quality due to absorption of air pollutants and sequestration of carbon dioxide, prevention of water runoff into storm sewers, localized cooling through evapo-transpiration, and aesthetic benefits which lead to higher property values.[2] By planting shade trees, you are not only helping yourself, you are improving the community you live in!