Living Desert Alliance

Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving

August 13, 2026 Having trouble viewing this newsletter? View as Webpage

EXTRA ... EXTRA ...



The LDA news and editorial staff will be taking a short break returning the first week of September.


In the meantime, visit our Community Partners Connections Page to stay engaged with upcoming events, community updates, and ways to stay involved.

See ya soon!

Arizona Steps Up:


ADEQ Recycling Grants

Power New Recycling Innovation

A powerful opportunity for government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to collaborate!


Arizona’s recycling landscape is gaining momentum thanks to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) renewed Recycling Grant Program. Returning in FY2027, the program will offer $1 million for projects that reduce landfill waste and strengthen the state’s circular economy.


ADEQ’s 2023 relaunch—after a decade‑long pause—generated overwhelming demand, revealing how urgently communities, nonprofits, schools, and local governments need support to expand recycling infrastructure and education.


 Last year, ADEQ awarded nearly $1 million to 16 organizations, including Borderlands Produce Rescue, whose PAC Program diverted more than one million pounds of methane‑producing waste from landfills. Their success shows how targeted investment can transform local systems, create jobs, and keep valuable materials in circulation.


FY2027 applicants can seek funding in Waste Reduction Assistance, WRITE education initiatives, and Recycling Research & Development. ADEQ will also host workshops to guide applicants through the process.


SPREAD THE WORD

This program is a powerful opportunity for government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to collaborate, innovate, and build long‑term recycling solutions. By sharing this information, encouraging applications, and supporting local initiatives, stakeholders can help accelerate Arizona’s shift toward a cleaner, more resilient circular economy.


Click here for more information. Applications are due Sept. 29 at 3 p.m.

City of Tucson

Master Recycler Program

(Fall Session)



Interested in learning how to recycle correctly and help Tucson move toward zero waste? The City of Tucson’s Master Recycler Program offers a series of Wednesday evening workshops beginning in September. Participants learn practical recycling skills, local sustainability practices, and ways to reduce waste in their homes and communities.


Graduates become Master Recyclers—equipped to share accurate recycling information with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, strengthening Tucson’s citywide sustainability goals.

This program is offered in partnership with Tucson Clean & Beautiful and the Environmental Education Exchange.


So, join in, meet fellow recycling enthusiasts, and help lead Tucson and surrounding communities toward a zero‑waste future.


RSVP Here

Smart Energy Savings Rebate Programs


Did you know that TEP and other utilities offer Rebates and Energy Programs?


Tucson Electric Power (TEP) offers several rebates and discounts to help residential customers lower energy use and reduce monthly bills.

Through their marketplace, customers can shop for vetted, energy‑efficient products at discounted prices.


Here are a few TEP Rebates & Programs: Click here for details.

  • Smart Thermostats – Rebates on devices that cut heating and cooling costs.
  • Smart Rewards – Earn bill credits for reducing energy use during peak times.
  • Energy Storage Reward – Incentives for home battery systems.
  • Trees for You – Discounted shade trees to reduce cooling needs.
  • Efficient Water Heating – Rebates for high‑efficiency water heaters.
  • Energy Smart Homes – Support for new homes built to efficiency standards.
  • Home Insulation Rebates – Savings on insulation upgrades that improve comfort and reduce energy waste.


More Ways to Save: Other local utilities also offer incentives:


These programs make it easier for households to cut costs, improve comfort, and support a more sustainable community helping to Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving. Check them out!


Special thanks to LDA member Daniel Mettenberg, Energy Advisor, TEP Energy Solutions/Franklin Energy.com for assisting in assembling this information.

Border Wall Update

Tohono O’odham

Tribal Leaders

Issue New Warning


In our July 16th newsletter we shared information about The Tohono O’odham Nation's defense of tribal lands and the moves they are making to preserve the sovereignty of their nation from the illegal encroachment of the US Department of Homeland Security border wall.


In a recent development the Tohono O'odham Nation has installed “No Trespassing” signs across its lands amid concerns that federal contractors may attempt to enter the reservation without authorization to advance border wall construction.


Tribal leaders stated they were notified that contractors involved in building the wall or conducting related activities might try to access tribal territory without prior approval, an action the Nation considers unlawful.


These restrictions do not affect Tohono O’odham citizens, whose travel remains unrestricted. According to tribal officials, unauthorized construction could result in the loss of tribal land, destruction of sacred cultural sites, environmental damage, and further fragmentation of border communities. 


Click here for additional information and to hear Tohono O’odham Chairman Vernon M. Jose objections to building US-Mexico border wall.


Click here for the latest animal sightings near new border wall construction including Cinco the Jaguar. This wall will do more to stop animals than humans.


This condensed information originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'No Trespassing': Tohono O'odham Nation warns border wall contractors.

Now For Some Fum

Green Drinks Tucson

August Meetup

Thursday, August 20th • 5:30–7:30 PM MotoSonora Brewing Company

1015 S. Park Ave


Join Tucson’s environmental community for a lively Green Drinks gathering at MotoSonora Brewing Company.


This month’s hosts—the team behind the Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival—will share all the exciting ways you can explore the river and the tiny invertebrates that inspired a one‑day event to grow into a month‑long celebration.


Come meet fellow environmental enthusiasts,

enjoy great conversation, and get the inside scoop on this year’s festival.

Food and drinks available, good vibes guaranteed.

STOP I‑11

Yard Signs are Still Available.

Our Desert Needs Every Voice!


The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection continues its major STOP I‑11 yard‑sign effort to boost community visibility ahead of the upcoming federal Draft Environmental Impact Statement.


How you can help:


Your yard sign is a visible stand for the future of our desert home.

Help support our mission to

Keep our Desert and Community

Livable and Thriving.

 

Your tax-deductible gift helps us protect water resources, assist community partners, and empower members to advocate for our environment.

Donations also fund newsletters, speaker events, and public forums.

Every contribution makes a difference!

Thank you for your support.


Living Desert Alliance