After spending time learning about environmental topics, you might be wondering, how can I apply what I’ve learned and take action with my community for the good of the environment? In this post we’ll be looking at five ways you can get involved.
Environmental community action can take many forms, from individual lifestyle changes to large-scale advocacy campaigns. Here are some examples of environmental community action.
1. Volunteer at community gardens and urban farms
These projects provide fresh, local produce to residents while also greening neighborhoods, providing green infrastructure to the neighborhood, and promoting sustainable food practices. One example of a local community garden is McCarren Park Demonstration Garden in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The 6,000-square foot garden space features raised beds for growing vegetables and plants, a 200-gallon rainwater harvesting system, and intensive and extensive green roofs built on shipping containers.
The space is stewarded by a neighborhood group who also run community events and donate the food they grow to community fridges in North Brooklyn. The garden also serves as a gathering area for workshops and volunteer days. Past volunteer events included constructing garden beds and benches that were donated to NYC Parks GreenThumb and school gardens all across New York City.
2. Participate in recycling and composting programs
These programs turn your food scraps and plant waste into compost while reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. NYC has drop-off composting sites across the city, they can be found here. The city’s composting sites include smart composting bins, which can be opened 24/7 with the NYC Compost app, as well as community composting drop-off sites which are scheduled on certain days of the week.
Community drop-off sites accept most food scraps, including fruits and vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds and tea bags, grains, and plant waste, but do not accept meat, bones, or dairy. Smart composting bins accept the same things as community compost drop-off sites and also meat, bones, dairy, prepared foods, food-soiled paper, greasy uncoated paper plates, and pizza boxes.
3. Take action in clean water campaigns
These campaigns work to protect local waterways from pollution and ensure that everyone has access to clean drinking water. For example, Clean Water Action is a national organization focused on lobbying and grassroots activism to influence policy decisions for cleaner water. They advocate for stricter regulations on polluters, funding for infrastructure improvements, and equitable access to safe drinking water for all communities.
4. Volunteer with tree planting and park restoration projects
Tree planting and park restoration projects help to improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife. NYC has a number of volunteer groups that work with parks, including Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, the Central Park Conservancy in Manhattan, and more. Check out a full list of park volunteer groups here.
5. Help advocate for environmental policies
Members of the community can get in contact with local government officials to bring awareness to local environmental conditions. By working together to bring attention to local issues with the environment, the community can encourage officials to enact policies that protect the environment.
Environmental community action can be a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment. By working together, communities can create a more sustainable future for everyone.
Are you interested in helping your community take environmental action? We’d love to talk! Please contact us to learn how we can help!
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