Long before it became vogue to go green and minimize an environmental footprint, Arizona Raft Adventures was setting a standard. Founder Rob Elliott, who has been a river guide for more than 40 years, set some high ecological principles for the company, said AzRA’s Dennis Smoldt. The company’s finance and development manager said they purchased solar panels in the 1980s which are still powering the company today.

“The businesses I’m in contact with, going green is the norm,” said Smoldt. But investing in the alternative energy systems can be expensive, he added.

The company also serves organic food on river trips and has used a biodiesel fuel mix for its trucks. And, AzRA contributes a portion of their sales to environmental education.

Across the street from Arizona Raft Adventures is another longtime family-owned business with a green history: Northern Arizona Wind and Sun. The customers have changed a lot since David Lauzon became vice president of the company in 1994. “Fifteen years ago, people were just moving out in the middle of the woods and they needed power,” said Lauzon. “Now, people want to go green and they want to save on their utility bills.”

Business is up about 20 percent at Northern Arizona Wind and Sun whose most popular product is solar panels. Lauzon estimates business will stay strong because he says many of his customers around the world are not affected too much by the economy. Lauzon would like to see more Flagstaff companies install alternative energy systems.

So would Flagstaff’s City Council. Earlier this year, they unanimously passed an ordinance amending the land development code for businesses that can now put wind turbines on their properties. Vice Mayor Al White said it’s a good decision for Flagstaff. “I think anything that reduces our dependence on foreign fuels and fossil fuels and finite fuels is a good move toward sustainability for the future.”

Southwest Windpower co-founder Andy Kruse says both the city and Coconino County have stepped forward and developed friendly standards for wind turbines. He calls it part of a larger trend. “There’s very little resistance anymore and little worry about a wind turbine in someone’s back yard,” said Kruse.

He also believes sustainable energy practices will increase following President Barack Obama’s recent signing of the Reinvestment Act. Kruse spends a lot of time working on policy in Washington DC as well as at the state and local levels. He calls the stimulus plan more inclusive and generous.

In the past, people who installed solar panels would receive a $2,000 tax credit. Now, people who install alternative energy systems can apply to the Department of Energy for a 30 percent reimbursement. “You invest in wind turbines, you invest in solar panels, you invest in energy efficient devices,” said Kruse, “and you will be able to get that money back as a check so it actually becomes a rebate if you will.”

This could be good news for Flagstaff businesses, Kruse said, including Southwest Windpower. The company’s sales are up between 100 and 150 percent. Kruse predicts Southwest Windpower, the world’s largest producer of small windmills, might need to add to their workforce of 107 in Flagstaff and four people in Germany.