1. Set a goal – And turn that goal into a vision for the future that your community wants to achieve. When communities work together to go green, they may start by establishing a green building code for new developments (which use low-flow faucets and energy smart escalators, of course) or retrofitting current spaces (to provide ample bicycle racks and priority parking for hybrids and electric cars). Or they may start by using some of the following suggestions…
2. Recycle – You do it at home, so why shouldn’t it be just as easy when you’re out and about? Truly green communities help make it easier to recycle in public places such as parks, schools, and businesses. Ask your township, school board, and managers of other public areas to provide recycle bins for glass, plastic, aluminum, and paper next to existing trash receptacles.
3. Pass it on – You just finished a great book that you bought last week. Now what? Rather than put it on a shelf next to the others, why not give it to a friend you know would enjoy it or a library that has limited public funding? (Better yet, borrow it from your local library rather than purchase it in the first place). Create a neighborhood exchange group and swap clothes, books, and toys with others…what’s better than getting a new outfit or toy for your child and helping to save the environment at the same time?!
4. Landscape Green – A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. By planting native trees, hearty bushes, and perennial flowers in your community, you not only provide great benefits for the environment, but give a natural habitat for wildlife and help beautify public spaces.
5. Park the car – One pound of carbon dioxide is produced with every mile driven, so talk with your community about ways to reduce dependency on cars. Whether it’s creating a pedestrian-friendly zone, developing links to public transportation, operating a local shuttle service, or providing incentives for carpoolers, every mile not driven is worth a pound of cure for the environment (literally!).
6. Be a role model – Speak at your child’s school, and help teach kids at a young age how to become responsible citizens of the world. Recycle responsibly at work and home, and others will follow your lead. Proudly display your green-side when friends come over by using recycled, earth-friendly and organic products.
7. Pick up the trash – Did you know that Styrofoam can’t be recycled and is dangerous to animals if they eat it? So why let it litter our communities? Organize a “get out and clean” day. Any day can be Earth Day…it will bring together people of all ages and help make your neighborhood cleaner and safer for all its inhabitants.
8. Knock the lights out (well, not literally) – But you can encourage your community to install solar powered lights for traffic signals, trails, parking lots, and streets.
9. Get the word out – Distribute flyers to let your neighbors know how easy it is to get a green home or set up a stand at the local grocery store and sell or give away reusable grocery bags.
10. Give a gift – Donate a Green-kit to non-profit organizations like a local homeless shelter or community center (and you may be able to take a tax deduction while helping others create a green environment).
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