Community Solutions

In addition to the individual actions we can all take to help keep our air clean, we can have a big impact when we work together as a community. Neighborhood associations, parks and recreation departments, and city and county governments can help reduce pollution with native plants and natural landscapes that require less mowing and maintenance. Community recycling programs can help reduce the energy used to produce new goods. Learn what you can do to help your community breathe easier.

Landscaping

Creating and Maintaining Native Landscapes

Inviting Native Plants Into Your Community

Managing Sensitive Landscapes

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Native Plants

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Reduce or reuse

It takes energy to make, transport and dispose of the products we use. Buying products with minimal packaging and reusing products whenever possible lets you reduce the number of trips garbage trucks must make to the landfill. Because some waste is disposed of by burning, by creating less trash, you will also reduce incineration emissions.

Recycle what’s left!

At work, at home or at special events, recycling reuses valuable materials and saves energy by rescuing them from landfills. It takes less energy and creates less pollution to recycle many products than it does to make new ones from raw materials. By recycling and buying recycled items, you reduce the need to manufacture and ship new products.

Properly dispose of household hazardous waste.

We all have hazardous waste in our households in the form of cleaning, home-repair, and lawn and garden products. These materials can release fumes which cause indoor and outdoor air pollution. By disposing of them properly at household hazardous waste collection sites or at collection events, you can keep them from entering the waste stream. To find out more about proper household hazardous waste disposal, visit www.RecycleSpot.org.