Green Living Magazine - May 2025 Preview

GREEN LIVING your conscious life

MAY 2025

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The Travel Issue Sustainable Adventures Down Under 5 Yoga Postures to Ease Travel Tension Spring Gives Birth to Baby Wildlife in Wyoming

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CoolOUTRAGEOUS Stuff

BY ANNA DORL

As summer begins to greet us again, so does the travel bug. No matter where you might be off to this season, you’re probably looking for a few eco-conscious ideas to incorporate into your travel routine. And whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at a few of our favorite ideas to make travel a little easier — and more sustainable — this summer.

Eco-Friendly Facial & Body Cleansing Sponges by Purple Plumeria Purple Plumeria offers a selection of several cleansing sponges for the face and body that help both your skin and the planet.

The line’s Compressed Cellulose and Konjac Sponges (made from 100% natural vegetable fiber for face and body) are free from microplastics and chemicals, safe for sensitive skin, and ideal for cleansing skin from makeup and daily grime. The best part?

Both cellulose and konjac are naturally biodegradable and easily compostable! www.purpleplumeria.com

CauseMedic Travel Gift Set CauseMedic is focused on crafting high quality CBD wellness products to improve your skin. The brand employs a “farm to bottle” process in Colorado utilizing the company’s natural, organic, and full-spectrum hemp. CauseMedic’s Travel Gift Set includes some of its most popular products in a conveniently sized case for travel.

Each of the 3.4-ounce CBD products are vegan, free from THC and come in recyclable packaging. The soft green bag included with the gift set contains CBD Relief Cream, CBD Body Oil, and CBD Body Crème. CauseMedic is currently pending B Corp certification and is also a part of 1% for the Planet. www.causemedic.com

Solgaard Duo Hanging Toiletry Kit Hanging toiletry kits may look similar to each other, but they aren’t all created equal — especially when it comes to sustainability. The Duo Hanging Toiletry Kit by Solgaard is made from Shore-Tex® fabric, which makes use of 100% recycled content in the bag’s construction. The bag itself has a sturdy hook, a carrying handle, and a clamshell design, encasing an outside zipper pocket and three interior ones. It’s water-resistant and includes a spill-proof coated mesh interior. In partnership with its impact network and the Solgaard Nyx Foundation, each purchase of this product contributes to the clean-up of six pounds of ocean-bound plastic. www.solgaard.co

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Evolution Earth Neck Pillow by Cabeau Cabeau’s Evolution Earth Neck Pillow presents a sustainable solution to uncomfortable sleep during travel. Combining RPET fabric from recycled water bottles and recycled ergonomic memory foam, the pillow comes from a company that went plastic-neutral in 2022. Cabeau partners with global nonprofit Clean Hub to pull 25,000 kg of plastic waste out of the ocean annually – an amount the company says is equal to the amount of materials it uses in its products. Advertised as the brand’s first sustainable neck pillow, it includes HeadCatch Technology — a design offering 360º head support. Its four ultra soft washable cover color options – Terra, Wind, Water, and Fire – allow you to pick the vibe that fits you best. www.cabeau.com

Eco Packable Sling Carrier

by Maxbone The Eco Packable Sling Carrier by Maxbone is a green dream for dogs on the go. This bestselling bag was created from recycled water bottles and recycled nylon. It was recently revamped to include better durability and an improved design. It fits small and toy breed dogs under 10 pounds, keeping them close to you on your adventures together. The bag comes with two zippered pockets on the outside to stash treats, waste bags, and more. The carrier is available in six colors and also includes a safety latch to ensure your pup stays put safely inside. www.maxbone.com

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Australia's Eco-Conscious Corner

Sustainable adventures await in Sydney and New South Wales

BY ANGELA FAIRHURST

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Sydney and its home state of New South Wales offer abundant opportunities for meaningful adventures that protect and enhance the places you visit. Dive into these eco-experiences, enriching your travels while contributing positively to the environment.

GARDENS IN THE SKY Explore Sydney’s innovative rooftop farms, lush vertical gardens, and hidden green sanctuaries perched above the bustling city streets.

One Central Park in Chippendale features a worldrenowned vertical garden designed by Patrick Blanc, showcasing over 35,000 plants cascading down nearly 17 stories (164 feet) of lush greenery. It's a living tapestry that beautifully merges architecture with nature, transforming the building’s façade into a striking urban landmark. You can’t climb it — but it’s definitely worth craning your neck upward for a better view. Pro tip: The best photos of the garden are taken looking up from street level. www.centralparksydney.com

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Sydney Opera House.

Photo by Richie Chan

Barangaroo’s Rooftop Bees and Native Gardens sit atop Sydney’s newest eco-friendly precinct, where bees happily produce fresh honey that you can taste in the local cafés below (and treat yourself to amazing pastries and dishes). Native plants are carefully arranged to boost biodiversity and keep buildings cool naturally. Even though you can’t visit the rooftops directly, just knowing that humming hives and flourishing gardens exist above the city streets makes exploring Barangaroo feel a bit sweeter. www.barangaroo.com Paddington Reservoir Gardens feels like you've stumbled onto a hidden oasis tucked among historic sandstone arches and weathered brick walls. What

used to be a forgotten reservoir is now a rooftop garden lush with greenery and native plants. You'll hear leaves rustle gently, water softly trickling nearby, and you might find yourself running your fingers across the cool stone walls. It's an unexpected sanctuary in the heart of east Sydney — a spot locals love but most visitors never discover. Grab a snack and unwind in the gardens for a peaceful afternoon outdoors.

Entry is free. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/ parks/paddington-reservoir-gardens Additionally, Sydney’s iconic clifftop paths offer sea views and salty air, with many trails highlighting local environmental efforts, like native plant restoration and marine protection zones. Some guided walks even include beach clean-ups or ecoeducation stops along the way, making your hike feel like part of something bigger.

One Central Park.

making your morning pick-me-up eco-friendly and guilt-free. www.singleo.com.au

ECO-FRIENDLY CULINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT

Yellow in Potts Point is a modern vegetarian restaurant that skews plant-based and proudly Discover Sydney’s delicious zero-waste eateries and showcases seasonal produce from local farms. The markets, where sustainability meets culinary creativity. multi-course tasting menu is elegant and thoughtfully crafted — designed not just to satisfy, but to highlight The Australian Food Culture Walking Tour from sustainability and low-waste cooking. The warm, Ultimately Sydney takes you through Sydney’s lively minimalist dining room offers an neighborhoods, exploring Barista at Single O in Surry Hills. upscale, relaxed experience that eateries and markets that still feels in tune with Sydney’s prioritize sustainable practices eco-conscious food scene. and support local small www.yellowsydney.com.au businesses. Along the way,

you'll learn about Australia's vibrant food culture and how the city creatively embraces sustainability, from farm-to-table dining to reducing food waste. www.ultimatelysydney.com.au Single O in Surry Hills is a buzzing café serving coffee with a twist — edible coffee cups made from oat bran and wheat flour. You can sip your flat white (rich espresso topped with velvety steamed milk — an Australian favorite), then snack on the cup itself, turning your coffee break into a zero-waste moment. Even better, leftover coffee grounds here find new life in community gardens,

The Source Bulk Foods (multiple locations) invites you to ditch packaging altogether.

Fill your reusable jars or bags from bins overflowing with everything from granola and gourmet chocolates to locally roasted nuts. Shopping here is a sensory delight — the rich aroma of spices, the satisfying clink of jars, and the joy of knowing you’ve left no waste behind. www. thesourcebulkfoods.com.au Carriageworks Farmers Market in Eveleigh is a Saturday morning staple for locals who care about where their food comes from. Housed MAY 2025

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in a beautifully restored rail yard, the market features organic produce, smallbatch condiments, zero-waste pantry goods, and plant-based treats. It's also a great place to chat with farmers, meet local makers, and support businesses that keep sustainability at the core of everything they do. www.carriageworks.com.au ECO-FRIENDLY ESCAPES If adventure and wilderness are more your speed, venture beyond Sydney and into other cities in New South Wales to relax in sustainable style, staying at eco-friendly accommodations nestled in some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay offers luxurious safari-style tents hidden within eucalyptus trees and native bushland, just minutes from pristine beaches on the south coast of New South Wales. Wake to the sounds of bird calls, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and enjoy gourmet meals featuring local produce. Solar-powered and thoughtfully designed, this camp beautifully blends indulgence and sustainability. www.paperbarkcamp.com.au Bubbletent Australia in Capertree Valley lets you sleep beneath the stars in unique, transparent domes.

Set within a peaceful valley near the Blue Mountains, these eco-friendly bubble tents offer spectacular views and minimal impact on the environment. It's the kind of unforgettable night where you drift asleep counting stars and wake gently to sunrise spreading across the valley. www.bubbletentaustralia.com Bubbletent Australia.

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Paperbark Camp.

Nightfall wilderness camp in Queensland — New South Wales’ neighbor to the north — is the perfect escape for nature-lovers who crave comfort. This solarpowered eco-camp features elegant tents positioned to immerse you in ancient rainforest scenery. Relax on your private deck listening to the gentle rush of the creek, spot wildlife on guided nature walks, and unwind knowing you’re leaving the smallest possible footprint behind. www.nightfall.com.au Wherever your destination, make sure to choose eco-certified lodging options to ensure sustainable practices, and check with potential accommodations about their sustainability initiatives before booking.

SYDNEY’S SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT Sydney and New South Wales are committed to ambitious sustainability goals, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the cities while minimizing their environmental impact. Sydney aims to become carbon-neutral by 2035, investing heavily in renewable energy sources like solar and wind farms.

Electric ferries now quietly glide across Sydney Harbor, providing scenic rides without noise or emissions. Public transportation is also getting greener, with an expanding fleet of electric buses and new metro lines helping visitors explore sustainably.

You'll find refillable water stations and community composting hubs throughout the city as part of Sydney’s circular economy efforts to reduce waste.

Additionally, wildlife conservation is a key focus in New South Wales, with programs and eco-tours offering travelers meaningful ways to get involved and support local ecosystems.

GOOD

Building Better

CHASSE Building Team takes time, effort to elevate sustainability statewide

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

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As one of Arizona’s most sustainability-driven construction firms, CHASSE Building Team is helping reshape how the built environment impacts communities across the state.

Founded in 2007, CHASSE Building Team is a 100% employee-owned general contracting company that has grown to more than 260 team members. The firm currently manages an average of $600 million in construction projects annually — exclusively within Arizona.

Leading the charge is chief executive officer Barry Chasse, a past president and Life Director of the Arizona Builders Alliance and a proud member of the Sun Devil 100. Chasse’s leadership has helped

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define the firm’s purpose-driven culture and deeprooted commitment to sustainable, communityfocused construction.

A key driver of CHASSE’s success is its dedication to building affordable, energy-efficient spaces — a philosophy that was fully embraced during the design and construction of its Tempe-based office.

THE HEADQUARTERS “We expanded to a larger headquarters in 2019

and approached the design and construction effort with sustainability at the forefront,” said Chasse. “Our vision was to ‘make something new again,’ which began with selecting an existing structure to repurpose and salvaging as many materials as possible.”

The team chose a 1970s warehouse in Tempe and retained over 70% of the original building components, blending them with a fresh, modern industrial design.

“In doing so, we were able to recycle 75% of our construction waste,” Chasse added. “Every aspect of our space is not only environmentally responsible but also takes into consideration team member comfort and operational protocols.”

The building also incorporates cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing energy use. For example, CHASSE installed a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, which lowers energy consumption by more than 30% compared to conventional systems. The fully automated Energy Management Systems are programmed to shut down when spaces are unoccupied.

“To passively cool our office, we rely on mechanical economizers and low-velocity ceiling fans that circulate fresh air throughout the space,” said Chasse. “Our high-performing building envelope keeps the heat out and the cool air in. We use low SHG glass, radiant heat barriers, natural plant shading, and rigid insulation in the building’s facade. Even our landscaping is xeriscape.”

In support of sustainable commuting and convenience, CHASSE provides bikes and scooters for team members to use during lunch breaks and errands.

BEYOND BUILDING THEIR HOME Beyond creating its own sustainable headquarters, CHASSE has spent more than 18 years leading the charge in environmentally responsible construction practices across Arizona.

“We are always looking to identify sustainable opportunities within our industry, navigating clients through the process, and educating everyone involved on how sustainability can be affordable,” said Scott Hufford, president of CHASSE Building Team.

“We are dedicated advocates of green building. In fact, our multifamily division has created an industry-wide LEED standard.”

According to Hufford, his team has completed over two dozen LEED Certified projects across Greater Phoenix and Tucson in recent years—eight of which have achieved LEED Platinum certification. Among their notable green building achievements: Urban Living On 2nd Avenue: A LEED Platinum Certified redevelopment of an existing downtown Phoenix office complex into a 70-unit LowIncome Housing Tax Credit MAY 2025

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(LIHTC) multifamily, mixed-income rental project.

AVIVA: An amenityrich, smart apartment community and the first multifamily development in the area to be built to National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

Patina Wellness Center: A LEED Silver facility offering substance abuse and co-occurring treatment services focused on the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley Compadre Branch: A LEED Silver project utilizing local sourcing, recycled content materials, low-flow fixtures, and salvaged demo materials.

Cedar Crossing: A LEED Platinum affordable housing development recognized with the Housing Hero Award by the Arizona Department of Housing.

Mesa Artspace: A LEED Platinum housing development for low-income artists that earned LEED for Homes Midrise Platinum status by incorporating

high-efficiency systems, including LED lighting and low-flow water fixtures.

CHASSE recently completed the Child Crisis Arizona Center for Family & Child Wellness — a first-of-its-kind, 38,000-square-foot, climate-friendly, net-zero campus —a recipient of the prestigious Living Building Challenge certification, which means it doesn’t just reduce environmental harm, it actively contributes to a healthier planet. Achieving this level of performance required innovative systems like solar energy, greywater reuse, and composting, as well as close collaboration among the project team, extensive documentation, and ongoing performance monitoring.

Named the 2024 Best Place to Work in the Valley and honored as one of Arizona’s Champions of Change, CHASSE isn’t just building projects — it's setting the standard for what’s possible when innovation, sustainability, and community come together.

Visit www.chasse.us for more information.

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