Sunrise Vista Suite is now a Certified Sustainable Business at the Innovator/Silver level from the Sustainability Alliance.
Sedona AZ (May 2, 2020) – Sunrise Vista Suite is a rental unit run by Aileen Smart from her home in Clarkdale. She’s also the owner of home-based Smart Window Creations. This means the same structure serves three functions: Two businesses and a personal residence. A very effective use of space!
The house gets electricity from rooftop solar panels and is energy efficient. Smart installed a new HVAC for the entire house, and replaced appliances in the rental unit in 2017. She also added an induction cooktop in 2019 and a new low-flow toilet. The lower level of the house with the rental stays cool in summer. “For several months of the year I don’t even need to run the HVAC,” Smart explains.
Smart is focused on using non-toxic products for cleaning and pest control. For example, she uses Zen Spaces Conscious Cleaning and Alternative Pest Control. “We only spray the perimeter of house and I pull weeds so we don’t need herbicides. I don’t use any pest chemicals inside because of my cats.”
There is a recycling bin for guests and Smart takes the materials to Sedona Recycles in either Cornville or Sedona. She uses mattress and pillow protectors made with bamboo, which grows fast and doesn’t have the environmental footprint of cotton. Retired linens are donated to Angie’s House in Cottonwood. While she does provide snacks for guests, Smart does not stock anything perishable that might spoil before being consumed. “I never want to waste anything!”
She actively educates her guests about the area. “I believe in doing as much as I can to help the environment. I tell them about our solar panels and the importance of conserving energy and water.” During the pandemic, she is guiding guests toward businesses that are still open to support the local economy. See who else is certified.