ICA is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. To accomplish this goal we've taken several steps that will impact this year's conference in Phoenix. You may have noticed the question at the end of your registration asking whether you came by plane, train, automobile, or bus. The Task Force on the Greening of ICA will use this information to measure the conference's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), which will allow ICA to better assess its carbon footprint. This measurement will provide us with a baseline from which to compare in future years. Ideally, we will see a reduction in year-to-year emissions, but at the very least, this measurement will allow us to keep conservation at the forefront, raising our collective level of consciousness.

While this will measure our emissions as we travel, it does not cover our stay at the hotel. The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown has recycling available throughout the hotel and also features high-efficiency lighting, water-conserving fixtures, and the "Make A Green Choice" program in all of its guest rooms. Additionally, they will provide us with a detailed report on ICA's energy consumption during our stay!

To do your part in being eco-friendly while in Phoenix, consider taking public transportation while sightseeing and travelling to and from the airport, as opposed to taxis. Public transportation and other details can be found below. If you are going out to eat, you can dine at one of Phoenix's green restaurants (listed on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=greens+restaurant&find_loc=Phoenix%2C+AZ) Also, if you are interested in the academic side of this topic, consider attending some of ICA's new Environmental Communication Interest Group's sessions while at conference!

Getting Around

Many exciting sites are within walking distance of the conference hotel, including Chase Field, the Arizona Science Center, and the Phoenix Symphony Hall. For sites a bit further away, Phoenix's Light Rail is an excellent and easy way to get around.  Tickets on the Light Rail are inexpensive: A one-way pass costs $1.75; an all-day pass is $3.50; and a 3-day pass is $10.50. During the week, trains generally run every 12 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. On weekends, they run every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. until 2 a.m. You can learn more about schedules and stations on the Valley Metro's website: http://www.valleymetro.org/

The closest Light Rail stations to the conference hotel are 3rd Street/Washington Station (to travel northwest) and 3rd St. / Jefferson St. Station (to travel southeast).  Below are directions on how to get to some of the sites that have been highlighted in the ICA Newsletter over the past several months:

• To visit Papago Park:
  Take the Light Rail towards "Sycamore/Main,"  exit at the "Center Pkwy/Washington" stop (~20 minutes)
• To visit the Heard Museum:
  Take the Light Rail towards "19th Ave/Montebello," exit at the "Encanto/Central Ave" Station (~6 minutes)
• To visit the Phoenix Art Museum:
  Take the Light Rail towards "19th Ave/Montebello," exit at "McDowell/Central Ave" Station (~5 minutes)
• To visit Downtown Tempe:
  Take the Light Rail towards "Sycamore/Main," exit at "Mill Ave/Third Street" Station (~22 minutes)
• Getting to the Conference Hotel from the Airport:
  Via Light Rail
  Take the Airport Shuttle to the "44th St. / Washington St." Station, then take the Light Rail towards "19th Ave/Montebello," exit at "3rd Street/Washington" Station (~40 minutes)
  Via  Car-Sharing
  Super Shuttle is one such service that will transport you and others to your destinations. For $14, you can be delivered right from the airport to the hotel’s doorstep! Learn more on their website at https://reservations.supershuttle.com/default.aspx

Did You Know?

Since 2009, the "Green Phoenix" project, launched by Mayor Phil Gordon, has embarked on an ambitious 17-point plan to "green" Phoenix. According to the City of Phoenix’s website, the project "strives to transform Phoenix into the most sustainable city in America. The intent of Green Phoenix is to leverage current city efforts and resources, build partnerships, create jobs and stimulate the local economy, and sustain quality of life for Phoenix residents." The Green Phoenix projects encompasses everything from installing high efficiency lighting in public traffic lights and street lamps to bringing public buildings up to LEED retrofit standards. Learn more about the efforts Phoenix is making towards sustainability here on their website: http://phoenix.gov/greenphoenix/greenphx/index.html