[ECO]Simple Ways to Make Your Community More Eco-Friendly

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Simple Ways to Make Your Community More Eco-Friendly

Do you feel powerless when it comes to making the world a greener place? Dramatic effects from climate change and corporate pollution can make it seem like there’s no hope, but you can start an eco-conscious movement in your own community easily. The best way to make meaningful environmental change is to start small and learn what changes you can make in your immediate neighborhood. The most impactful strategies may even surprise you.

Start a Recycling Program

If your town lacks an organized recycling program, you can be the change you want to see. Visit your local government offices and waste disposal companies and inquire about placing recycling bins in common areas. You can look for nearby recycling centers to see if they are willing to lend help and resources. If you’re unable to host the program yourself, you can also provide education on recycling dumpster locations, recycling companies, and how to recycle common items. Many people don’t recycle because they don’t know about local resources or what items are recyclable; you can change that for them, making your community a cleaner place.

Organize Trash Cleanup Days

Pollution is common in most cities; litterbugs or corporations can be careless with their waste disposal. There may be parts of the city that have an excessive amount of litter polluting the environment. As long as you’re on public property, you can organize a trash cleanup day to help pick up excessive litter in your town. You’ll need trash bags along with dumpsters or dump trucks to help dispose of the waste you collect. Alternatively, trash bags can fit in the trunks of cars, but you may be limited to trunk space. If you do bring along a dumpster, make sure you have a way to haul the trash away. Dump trucks are excellent for this, but make sure your truck is working properly; get repairs done before the cleanup day, including

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to ensure the dumping mechanism is in working order. Grabber tools can also come in handy to reduce back strain when reaching for litter.

Plant Native Trees and Flora

Meaningful change can start in your backyard. Consider planting some trees and plants native to your area to provide harmony and balance to the ecosystem. Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and reduce temperatures, especially in major urban areas. Visit your local Parks and Recreation Department or Department of Agriculture to see where you may be able to plant trees and native plants on public property. Gather friends, family, or eco-conscious citizens to join the effort. Planting days can become a neighborhood routine, and you can start a community garden and provide local food to those who need it.

Lead By Example

You can show your friends, neighbors, and fellow community members how easy it is to live a greener life by simply doing so. Show off your thriving edible garden, and keep your recycling bin prominent and proud. Walk, bike, use public transit, or

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. Switch to a cleaner source of energy like solar or wind power. Support local businesses and do your part to pick up trash. Many people who commit to litter cleanup are often joined by others. You can show others what an eco-friendly lifestyle looks like, and even provide education if desired.

Attend City Council and Community Meetings

Your community will invite citizen input, feedback, and requests at a city council meeting. These meetings are a perfect opportunity to request environmentally friendly infrastructure and policies. You can request solar-powered electricity, water conservation practices,

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, and green infrastructure to lower temperatures and improve air quality. You can also inquire about hosting or attending cleanup or tree planting days. The more involved you are with city council meetings and elections, the more you can make a difference.

Support Local and Eco-Friendly Businesses

When you support nationwide big-box retailers, you’re supporting their massive carbon emissions from transporting their goods to you. When you go local with your grocery stores, you’re supporting fewer carbon emissions and home-grown foods. Try to prioritize shopping at eco-conscious local businesses as well, such as secondhand goods and zero waste stores. Farmer’s markets and other events are great ways to learn about local farmers, grocers, and artisans.

Provide Education

Sometimes, the most powerful way to contribute to a greener community is by education. Host eco-friendly workshops to help others contribute to a healthier world. You can teach them how native plants are less likely to be harmful and invasive to the local wildlife, or how plastics don’t naturally break down in landfills. The more educated people are, the more likely they are to think about ways they can reduce environmental harm in their lives.

Conclusion

When you want to improve your community, you’ll need to start smaller. The smaller steps can often lead to major overhauls, but for the most success, keep your first goals short, sweet, and easily attainable. Leading by example is a great option, though it may not feel as impactful at first. Some of the most eco-friendly habits start with a simple conversation. Tour your community and note areas where it can be improved as a first step.

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