This earth day be mindful of the natural balance of our planet by asking yourself these 5 questions.
1. Do you reduce, reuse, and recycle?
Start today by reducing your paper use, reducing your waste, and invest in a reusable water bottle.
Here at Miraval we recycle as much as possible and encourage our guests as well as all of our employees to do so.
2. Do you engage in energy conservation efforts?
It’s so easy! Turn off the lights in rooms that are not in use, take advantage of natural light, use energy efficient appliances and lightbulbs, and maybe even turn off the air conditioning or heat when you are away from home.
Here at Miraval we practice LEED certification, using sustainable natural and recycled materials, conserving water and being resource-efficient. Being located in Arizona we have taken full advantage of solar power by installing solar hot water heaters.
3. Do you engage in water conservation efforts?
This doesn’t require you to install an entirely new water system, take baby steps. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or doing dishes, take shorter showers, and monitor water leaks (this could also save you money!)
Miraval recently invested in building a state-of-the-art; multi-million dollar water reclamation facility which will treat up to 50,000 gallons of waste water per day into potable drinking water with a A+ quality standards rating. This water is released back into the natural aquifer as a reparation project for the habitat that resides here and Sonoran desert environment. This accounts for treating up to 99% of Miraval’s water usage.
4. Are you actively engaged in efforts to monitor your carbon footprint to reduce negative impacts on climate change?
All of the above will help you reduce your carbon footprint but also start riding your bike, take advantage of public transportation, or carpool to work!
Since 2005, we are proud to say that Miraval has reduced its carbon footprint by 23%. Here at Miraval we use natural and traditional materials in a new and innovative way to create healthy, high performance buildings such as rammed earth walls, locally harvested adobe block walls or insulated Styrofoam block and high albedo roof coating which deflects solar energy. A majority of the resort transportation is based on electric golf carts.
5. Do you shop locally to support the local economy?
Supporting your local economy is as easy as attending a farmer’s market. Not only will you see so many crafts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and pastries (many of which are 100% organic) but you will become more familiar with what is going on in your community. Knowing where your food comes from is very important. Food is your body’s source of fuel!
Miraval strives to purchase local produce and products whenever possible within a 100 mile range from the resort. Examples include tomatoes from Wilcox, AZ; greens and mushrooms from northern Phoenix; and honey from a local bee farmer.
More about Earth Day & Green Efforts>
