Sustainability means being able to recycle, reuse and renew things instead of throw them away in landfills. Environmental stability is important to promote in every community, and the work has to start in your own neighborhood. Review 4 ways to advocate for the importance of sustainability where you live.
Many recycling programs have reached thousands of suburban neighborhoods in the U.S. However, there are still some urban and rural areas where recycling programs are not funded. Check if a recycling program is prominent in your community and continue advocating for one. Teach local homeowners about the social, emotional and financial benefits of recycling. Continue your activism until you see a recycling bin near everyone's home in the neighborhood.
After you teach the importance of recycling, highlight the benefits of reusing items instead of throwing them away. Host local charity drives and set up charity stands in stores throughout the community. Encourage people to donate their unwanted items because everyone has outdated clothing, shoes and electronics that they want to replace or discard. These items are still of good value to other individuals and families.
Promote tax incentives given to people who find better, more eco-friendly solutions for their homes and lifestyles. This includes installing solar panels on the roof or replacing traditional water heaters with solar-powered ones. Other tax incentives are given to those who donate to environmental charities that support sustainability along with wildlife and environmental conservation. On a broader scale, there are charities that support global change, such as Sustainability for Life, which fights to reduce climate change. In your community, look for local, citywide organizations that are focused on improving environmental issues nearby.
As part of your community's reuse program, support the practice of yard sales that take place every few months or once a year. Even if it's done infrequently, reselling items encourages people to avoid throwing them away and contributing to unnecessary waste. When homeowners throw away fewer things, there are smaller landfills and less pollution to the air, water and ground in your area.
Trying to teach the world to become sustainable starts with one neighborhood at a time. Look in your own home and yard and decide what you can recycle and reuse. Support local programs in which everyone is active in reducing waste, decreasing pollution and conserving the environment.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.