Electrifying the Future

SRP rewards electric vehicle purchases with $1,000 rebate

BY KYLEY WARREN

IIn March of this year, Salt River Project (SRP) introduced the “Plug in and Save Rebate,” which aims to offer a $1,000 rebate to residential customers who are purchasing or leasing a new plug-in electric vehicle (EV) from a Valley dealership.

The pilot program is a part of SRP’s greater mission to drive Arizona towards a more sustainable future by increasing the number of EVs on the road. The utility company is working under an ambitious sustainability goal to support the adoption of 500,000 EVs on the road by 2035—a large increase from the reported 20,000 EVs that are currently registered in SRP service territory in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Catherine O’Brien, electric vehicle lead in SRP's Sustainability Policy & Programs department, says that the inspiration for the pilot campaign was born out of a mission to help restart Arizona’s local economy off on the right foot. “Over this last year, there was a huge hit to the economy. And while we [SRP] already had certain customer programs in place, we wanted to look at the ways that we could help the economy recover faster by identifying different types of potential EV initiatives that tied in with our EV strategy and corporate goals,” says O’Brien. Only residential customers who purchase or lease a qualified new plug-in EV on or after February 15, 2021 from Valleybased car dealerships are eligible for the rebate. In an effort to truly incentivize the company’s EV push for the future, SRP is also offering $250 off of a Level 2 charger when it’s purchased from SRP's marketplace. And according to O’Brien, the EV rebate is set to be available through the end of the year, or at least until program funds have been depleted. “We plan to survey and really understand what the motivations are for any customers who participate in this rebate program. And hopefully this type of incentive will provide a lot of opportunity for us to learn what factors a customer considers when choosing to either purchase or not purchase an electric vehicle.” Looking ahead, EV strategies and initiatives will undoubtedly be a central priority for SRP in the coming years. “This is really a great time to start adopting electric vehicles— there's been a lot of different studies which have reported a huge improvement in air quality when this pandemic first happened, and there were less cars traveling on the road. I think, because of that, this is really a great time to ask: 'Why should we bring those pollution levels back up, when we can just move forward in trying to maintain it or make it better with the reduction in tailpipe emissions from from the adoption of electric vehicles?'" For more information, visit www.srpnet.com/ev.

GREENShe’s GREENHe’s

BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART

We love that there are so many organic food options in our local grocery stores nowadays! The best is when you find great-tasting food in a store brand, because who doesn't love to save money? Well, this month we decided to grab organic store-brand food items, from five different stores. We present... the Supermarket Showcase!

Good & Gather Organic (Target)

london fog tea latte

He said: The fog in London tastes like this?! Pack up the house—we’re moving. I've always loved a good English Earl Grey, with that malty black tea and citrus bergamot flavors… mmm-mmm. The lavender in this London fog pushes this from tasty to heavenly. Heat it piping hot, add a splash of cream, grab a pastry and a book, and you'll know what I mean.

She said: Oh my, what is happening here? This has the potential to replace my morning coffee! (Did I just say that out loud?) I'm not a huge tea fan, but this one was so delicious mixed with oat milk. I loved the delicate notes of lavender and bergamot. O Organics (Safeway)

mint chocolate chip ice cream

He said: Oh no, they've found my kryptonite! Ice cream is my weakness. It's the one thing that I can't seem to say no to. And, this mint chip was super smooth and minty, with some nice semi-sweet chocolate bits mixed in. Should I have another bowl? Yes, I think I will.

She said: Oooh, super creamy and sweet! And the chocolate chunks actually tasted like the real thing, not the hard-as-rocks, flavorless waxy-bits I've had before. I would have loved a more intense mint flavor, but overall it was still a yummy treat! Natural Grocers

organic popcorn, movie theater butter

He said: What movie theaters have these guys been going to? This was some dollar-theater, been-sitting-there-all-day popcorn. The popcorn was full of shells and hulls, and the flavor was off by a slightly sweet, powdered milk-like taste. I could taste what they were going for, and I'll give them props for attempting it, but this was no movie theater popcorn.

She said: I'll be the first to admit that I love movie theater popcorn. Yep, those (likely) GMO, chemically flavored/colored poofs! I figure it can be an indulgence the 1-2 times a year us parents actually get to see the inside of a movie theater. So, did Natural Grocers really create the organic equivalent? Sadly, no. Loved the real ingredients—didn't love the super salty/ hint of dairy flavor.

Simple Truth Organic (Fred Meyer)

buffalo chicken tenders

He said: This was another Goldilocks food item. We cooked them the max recommended time and they came out soft on the outside. Popped them back in for a minute and they were dry on the inside. Which means there was a 10-30 second window where they were perfect. I thought the buffalo flavor was pretty weak too, but our boys loved them, so I can't knock them down too far.

She said: These were a bit of a let-down. They weren't pieces of chicken, but more of a ground-up and smashed into a “tender” shape. I didn't like the texture of the meat, nor did they crisp up enough (had to broil the crud out of them!) The package said “mild,” and they truly were not spicy at all. I could taste “buffalo” seasoning and garlic, which were both great, but I gotta have some of that hot stuff, baby!

GREENScenes

T. Cook's

BUSINESS May 13-June 24

Restaurant Startup Boot Camp

Join Local First AZ for a six-week Restaurant Startup Boot Camp to learn about starting and growing a career in food entrepreneurship. Participants will learn about food safety, business planning, purchasing, and managing food operations. The program meets once every Thursday from 8-10 a.m., and costs $250. Visit www.localfirstaz.com/events to learn more.

May 20

AZSA Sustainable Food Systems Monthly Meeting

The Arizona Sustainability Alliance is hosting its monthly meeting to discuss food system sustainability. Attendees will hear about some of the work that AZSA is working on its Sustainable Food Systems Priority, and how they can help with the projects. The meeting will be held online. Visit www.azsustainabilityalliance. com/events/?eid=13509 to join the meeting.

May 27

Sip & Connect

Join the Arizona Green Chamber and Green Living magazine for the Sip & Connect networking series. Connect with other business owners throughout Arizona and share your own experiences from your business this year. Bring your favorite beverage for a fun evening of networking and chatting. The event will take place from 5-6:15 p.m. Visit www.azgreenchamber.org/ page-1292644 to register to attend.

May Events Throughout Arizona

CENTRAL ARIZONA May 21-30

Arizona Restaurant Week

Explore your favorite local restaurants or try something new during Arizona Restaurant Association’s Arizona Restaurant Week. Diners can explore the culinary talent that exists throughout the state by feasting on menu items specifically dedicated to the 10-day event. Three-course prix fixe meals are available for $33 or $44. Visit www.arizonarestaurantweek.com for more information and a list of participating restaurants.

May 5

Mariachi Sol de México® de José Hernández

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a lively mariachi performance at the Madison Center for the Arts, featuring the Grammy-nominated mariachi band, Sol de México®. Experience the band’s energizing music, rich cultural expression, and unique rhythms and sounds. The performance begins at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $30. Visit www.themadison.org for more information.

May 5, 12, 19, 26

Volunteer Day at Wonderland

Every Wednesday, Wonderland hosts a volunteer day to welcome community members to its one acre of land in Mesa. Volunteers will learn how to garden by working with the land and will also have the opportunity to grow their own fruit trees. The volunteer days begin at 9 a.m. and end around 5 p.m. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ volunteer-day-at-wonderland-tickets-149237819335?aff=ebdssbd estsearch to sign up.

May 22

Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race

Join Rugged Maniac in this mud-filled fun-for-all with trampolines, water slides, and fire jumps. The 3-mile course is packed with loads of crazy obstacles designed to make everyone have some fun. When not competing on the course, participants, their friends and families can enjoy live DJ music, interactive games, and lots of food. Visit www.ruggedmaniac.com/events/phoenix/ to register.

NORTHERN ARIZONA May 1

Root Camp: Why Organic Gardening?

Join Warner’s Nursery over Zoom or in-person to learn about the benefits of organic gardening and how to start your own organic garden. This hour-long class will teach attendees about sustainability, water conservation, soil health, and eco-friendly fertilizers and pesticides. The class begins at 10 a.m. Visit https:// warnercompanies.com/event/why-organic-gardening/ to register.

May 8 & 22

Bird Walks at the Arboretum at Flagstaff

Beginning May 1, the Arboretum at Flagstaff is opening for the season and is beginning new socially distanced tours on its grounds. The Bird Walks take 10 participants through the arboretum in search of some of the beautiful bird species that call Arizona home. All Bird Walks begin at 7:30 a.m. Make sure to have your camera ready! Make a reservation at https://thearb. org/calendarofevents/.

May 26-30

5-Day Arcosanti Experience Week

Become acquainted with Arcosanti’s unique environment and architecture through this five-day, immersive experience where participants will live among Arcosanti residents. Each day is filled with fun and educational activities that will bring participants closer to nature and the community. Participants will join in on potluck dinners, learn about ceramic silt casting, adventure through the desert on guided nature hikes, learn about Arcosanti’s sustainable technologies, and much more. Visit https://shop.arcosanti.org/products/copy-of-5-day-experienceweek?variant=38275022553267 for more information.

SOUTHERN ARIZONA May 2

Children’s Day Festival

Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson is hosting the annual celebration of the Children’s Day Festival in honor of the Japanese national holiday. This Japanese holiday celebrates the health and happiness of their children. The festival will feature a Taiko Drum performance, Kamishibai storytelling, origami, and fan/lantern painting. Visit www.yumegardens.org/upcomingevents to register to attend.

May 8

Tucson Train Day

The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is celebrating the 141st anniversary of the railroad first arriving in Tucson. The celebration will take place in front of Locomotive #1673, and will include woodworking demonstrations, toy train operations, children’s activities, and visits to the trains. Train souvenirs like T-shirts, books, toy trains, and more will be available for purchase. Visit www.visittucson.org/event/tucson-train-day for more information.

May 15-16

Willcox Wine Country Spring Festival

The Willcox Wine Country Festival, held in the historic railroad park in Willcox, will feature 15 of Arizona’s best wineries and over 30 craft vendors. This weekend-long celebration will bring together people from all over the state with tasty drinks, live music, and good vibes. The event opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Visit https://willcoxwinecountry.org/event/willcoxwine-country-spring-festival/ to purchase tickets.

May 29

4th Annual Wine, Beer & Spirits Fest

Sierra Vista is hosting its 4th annual wine, beer, and spirits fest this month, featuring top wineries, craft breweries, and craft distilleries in Arizona. While there is no charge to enter the event at Veterans Memorial Park, tickets available for purchase include a wine glass and 10 wine tasting tickets. Bring your friends and family for a relaxing and fun-filled day with food, drinks, and music at this grassy venue. More information is available at https://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/wine-fest/.