“Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” ― Norman Maclean Lake Powell has it all: waterskiing, slot canyons, deep waters, cliff diving and fishing. But did you know that buried beneath the water contained by Glen Canyon Dam is an even greater treasure? The treasure is the ecology ― a habitat for fish, birds and wild game. Not to mention … [Read more...]
Beavers Make a Splash in Utah: Reintroducing Beavers to Restore Watershed in Utah
The resounding “Smack!” of a broad tail on tranquil water is how beavers signal to one another that danger lurks nearby. Beavers confronted their greatest danger in the mid-19th Century, at the time of the early fur trade, when they were hunted and trapped to near-extinction. Highly prized for their water repellency and warmth, beaver skin coats and hats became … [Read more...]
Construction of Northern Corridor Highway Threatens to Decimate Iconic Mojave Desert Tortoises
The desert possesses a special beauty. In these harsh environs, life must fight to persevere, and the desert deserves special protection. In 1995, 4,500 acres in Washington County were set apart as the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. To the north is Pine Mountain and Dixie National Forest. Surrounding the area are the communities of Ivins, Saint George, Washington, and … [Read more...]
Rethinking Reclaimed Wood
With so much air pollution, waste destroying Earth’s oceans and non-recyclable products it can feel like an impossible task to create something without adding to the destruction, but Wind River Timber Company does just that. Wind River Timber Company is located in Hooper, Utah. The northern-based company was founded when Bryce Widdison, the owner, discovered that they already … [Read more...]
“There isn’t any poop fairy”—Bekee Hotze
"There isn't any poop fairy." This observation comes from Bekee Hotze, of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. She was referring to the necessity of dog owners to clean up after their pets AND bring the plastic bags back to trailhead trash sites. But it is also part of the larger interactions between humans and forests. Civilizations depend on forests and deforestation … [Read more...]
Pursuing Sustainability – An Update from Alta Ski Area
Pursuing sustainability is our goal as part of an economic and social foundation at Alta Ski Area. A valid constant to any community is change, which reminds us of the work and balance needed between the environment, business, and its people. This year's annual sustainability report updates readers, stakeholders, and patrons with a glimpse of changes happening at Alta and how … [Read more...]
Utahns Strike for Climate Action
A broad cross-section of Utahns, from schoolchildren to the elderly, braved a drizzly Friday on the north steps of the City and County Building to strike in protest of a warming planet. Peaceful protestors, armed only with signs, banners and chants, joined in a worldwide effort to raise awareness of the growing problem of anthropomorphic (human-caused) increases in planetary … [Read more...]
Would The New Green Deal work for Salt Lake City, Utah? The Mayor Jackie Biskupski Thinks So.
Climate Crisis activism is heating up. “We want a better environment!” “When do we want it!” “NOW!” ...Seems to be the widespread sentiment. The jargon and the social justice warriors are treating climate change as if it were “our World War II” according to newly elected Democratic Socialist Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. Climate activism also appears similar to … [Read more...]
Sustainable Startups: A SLC Entrepreneur Focus
“Am I gonna make it?” All entrepreneurs face this question without always knowing what fate will hold. Too often, entrepreneurs launch their businesses without completely understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their business model. Programs such as Shark Tank allow entrepreneurs to vet their business model to experts and get their feedback. However, community support … [Read more...]
Momentum Recycling: Why Glass Recycling is Important and Easy
Most Utahns recycle their glass in the nearest trash container. The state averages six to ten percent for its glass recovery where the national number is around 34 percent. Momentum Recycling is working on changing all that. Located in the city’s industrial west side, it is the leading glass recycling facility in the state. “Pretty much any glass being recycled in the state … [Read more...]