A large desert community like ours really has only one option: incorporate strategies like recycling, energy efficiency and hybrid vehicles wherever and whenever possible.

Given Las Vegas' public image as Sin City -- with a tendency toward excess in everything -- this idea may seem like just more marketing hype.

But over the last few years, dedicated businesses, residents and southern Nevada government agencies have proactively shifted momentum toward embracing  this new Green Age.

And we've made a lot of progress. In spite of the current economic crisis.