group

Over the past two years, the impact of climate change has become impossible to ignore, wreaking havoc on ecosystems from wild bushfires to rising sea levels. Impacts related to climate change are apparent around the world and impacting all areas of society.

Many individuals are feeling compelled to take action and are starting locally, in their communities. Though small, local communities can play a vital role in mobilizing grassroots actions and modeling solutions for the larger world. Here are some steps communities are taking today to help fight climate change:

Sustainable Transportation

Carbon pollution from transportation accounts for 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. When we walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation we are limiting vehicle use, making a step towards reducing global emissions. Some communities across the country are now providing electric scooters and bike share programs allowing local residents to check out a scooter or bike when and where they need it. These community sharing programs vary from place to place, but their primary goal is to provide a fun, healthy, low-cost and zero emission transportation for locals and visitors alike.

Tapping into Community Solar

Community solar farms are expanding around the country. The unique benefit of these programs is that they are very community oriented, enabling local job growth and more sustainable forms of generation for the local electricity grid. Here at Nexamp, we take the time to build relationships with the communities where we operate, because we believe community solar is as much about community as it is about clean energy. It’s about giving the power to shape our energy future to community members who know their local needs better than anyone else.

Composting

The benefits of composting are endless! Everyone generates organic waste, and in that “wasted” material are resources that can benefit our planet. Community composting not only prevents methane emissions, but it also helps plants and microorganisms to grow and pull carbon out of the Earth’s atmosphere. In fact, landfills are the nation’s third-largest source of methane, emitting 108 million metric tons of CO2!

The movement towards community-scale composting is growing. Towns and cities across the country are progressively turning to composting programs as a way to cut the amount of waste that gets dumped into landfills. Check out what programs are in your area here.

Community Bans on Single-use Plastic

Cities and some communities have now banned the use of single-use plastic bags at grocery and retail stores. Reducing single-use plastic bags can mitigate harmful impacts to our environment and wildlife. It can also ease pressure on landfills and waste management. Some cities and states are focusing on applying bans or fees on single-use bags as a way to encourage community members to bring reusable bags.

Many of the best ideas start small – so why not start in your community? A more sustainable world, cleaner air, and cleaner water are all possible when we act together.