Gilbert is collaborating with nonprofit Local First Arizona to promote sustainability efforts.

Businesses and nonprofits in the town will be encouraged to take actions that reduce water use and minimize waste.

Jason Lowry is director of sustainability initiatives for Local First.

“We already have begun reaching out to businesses in the Gilbert area. We are really going to be ramping up our outreach to businesses across especially downtown Gilbert and some of those areas," he said. 

In addition to the collective goal of preserving critical resources, participating organizations will receive a Green Business Certification. Local First Arizona previously worked with other cities and towns, like Tempe and Mesa.