Activites in the Community that contribute to Climate Change

Things done in the community are the same things that are done in our homes that contribute to climate change. Activities like not recycling, leaving the lights, television, and water on when not needed contributes to climate change. Here are ways to promote sustainability in your community:

1. RECYCLING- This is one of the easiest way to promote sustainability is by recycling products and use mainly recyclable products. Lessening the amount of what goes into our landfills can help greatly improve a community's sustainability. Use biodegradable products and recyclable materials to help in this effort.
2. WATER CONSERVATION- Promote the use of water drums to store water from rain that can be accumulated from the downspouts connected to the roofs. The water collected can be used for watering plants during dry season. Turn off sprinklers during rainy days to save on water. This saves not only water but money due to lower monthly water bill to pay.
3. USE OF GREEN PRODUCTS- Using green products in our daily lives can be a great way that a city can promote sustainability. Buy organic foods, use recycled products in businesses, for example using recycled paper, using fluorescent lights instead of incandescent, etc.
4. USE OF GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS- Promote the use of energy efficient building materials for new housing or home renovations. Using recycled materials such as roofing, walls, and floor materials can help save our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
5. SOLAR PANEL REBATE PROGRAMS- Some counties have been giving rebates of up to $1,800 for solar panels for homeowners and even some businesses. Check with your own county if this program is being offered then ask for more details. Less use of electricity lowers the carbon emissions that cause air pollution and weakens the earth's ozone layer. The solar panels can help control these emissions and save money in the long run. A lot of people would want to convert to solar energy but it can be hefty. If the government can provide tax breaks and/or rebates, then this is something that would be easier to implement.
6. EDUCATION- It is important to educate the community what sustainability is and why there is a need to promote it. Sustainability is, oftentimes, difficult to explain. There is no one easy word to describe it. According to World Commission on Environment and Development (1987), "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

   Sustainability gears towards solving the fundamental problems facing all of humanity so that a decent life on our planet will be possible for everyone, forever. There should be seminars and promotional materials from the government in each city to help educate the community and to better understand what and how important sustainability is. Knowledge is power, and when people understand the issues at hand, the better people can tackle them head on.