Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona. Credit: Bob Wick, BLM for My Public Lands, Bureau of Land Management on Flickr Creative Commons) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mypubliclands/page51) under Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/).

At Optima®, sustainability and environmental stewardship have always been at the heart of our values. We are deeply committed to reducing our carbon footprint and making conscious decisions to protect the natural world. Our Arizona properties, including Optima Sonoran Village®,, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, our communities thrive amidst stunning desert landscapes, and it’s more important than ever to ensure that the land we call home is protected for generations to come. That’s why we’re proud to align with initiatives like the AppreciateAZprogram.

What is the AppreciateAZ Program?
The AppreciateAZ initiative, launched by the Arizona Office of Tourism, is a call to action aimed at promoting responsible recreation and conservation of Arizona’s unique environments. Arizona is known for its breathtaking national parks, picturesque landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. From the Grand Canyon to the Sonoran Desert, these natural wonders draw millions of visitors every year. However, with increased tourism comes the need for greater responsibility in preserving these ecosystems.

AppreciateAZ encourages residents and visitors to follow seven key principles designed to help reduce environmental impact while ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the state’s stunning landscapes:

Plan Ahead and Prepare:
Ensuring that visitors are informed about the area they are exploring is critical. From checking local regulations to understanding the weather, the program emphasizes preparedness for all who wish to immerse themselves in Arizona’s natural beauty.

Stick to Trails:
To protect fragile ecosystems and wildlife, the program encourages hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to stay on designated trails. This helps minimize erosion and prevent damage to native plants and habitats.

Dispose of Waste Properly:
This principle promotes a “leave no trace” mentality, ensuring that trash and waste are properly disposed of. Carrying out what you carry in is a key aspect of preserving the pristine beauty of natural areas.

Leave What You Find:
In a state as biodiverse as Arizona, it’s important to leave natural and cultural resources undisturbed. Appreciate AZ encourages visitors not to remove rocks, plants, or artifacts, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the state’s wonders.

Be Careful with Fire:
Fire safety is a pressing concern, particularly in the dry desert climates of Arizona. AppreciateAZ asks visitors to take precautions when dealing with campfires and to follow fire restrictions to prevent wildfires.

Respect Wildlife:
Arizona is home to many unique species, from desert tortoises to mountain lions. Respecting wildlife means observing animals from a distance and ensuring that human activity does not disturb their natural behavior.

Be Kind and Respectful to Others:
Arizona’s natural spaces are for everyone. Showing respect to other visitors and maintaining a positive attitude while exploring is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

Recreate Responsibly
In addition to AppreciateAZ, Arizona State Parks has developed the Recreate Responsibly guidelines, which serve as a companion initiative to ensure that people can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing their environmental footprint. Recreate Responsibly encourages practices such as picking up after pets, avoiding overcrowded areas, and respecting park hours and regulations.

The synergy between AppreciateAZ and Recreate Responsibly strengthens the movement toward sustainable tourism in Arizona. Both programs highlight the importance of individual actions in safeguarding natural resources, promoting conservation efforts, and encouraging visitors to think critically about their interactions with the environment.

How Optima® Supports Sustainability
By supporting initiatives like AppreciateAZ and Recreate Responsibly, we can further our mission to integrate sustainable practices into everyday living. Together, we can ensure that Arizona’s breathtaking landscapes remain healthy, vibrant, and accessible for generations to come.

For more information on how you can get involved in preserving Arizona’s natural beauty, visit the official Appreciate AZ website website or Recreate Responsibly. Let’s continue to enjoy, appreciate, and protect the environment that makes Arizona such a special place to live.