How Towns Can Be More Sustainable
In the struggle to protect Earth from the effects of climate change, it will take the efforts of cities everywhere to create a more eco-friendly future. It is important to get as many municipalities on board as possible to have a larger impact. While it is easy to dismiss the problem as too big for a small city to worry about, everybody must do their part. Here are some tips on how towns can be more sustainable.
New Lanes of Traffic
Installing and encouraging the use of bike lanes is a fantastic way to start the town on the path to sustainability. Bike lanes encourage good health and keep cars off the road. This cuts down on traffic congestion and air pollution from the cars that are now sitting at home.
Going (Almost) Paperless
While it will be almost impossible to go completely paperless, there are some simple ways a city can reduce paper consumption. Instead of memos, communicate via email. Save reports as a digital copy instead of a printed version unless specifically requested. Keep an updated website and create an email list for city news and events. All these things can cut down on paper consumption as well as costs.
Drop-Off Spots
Install waste receptacles around the city to discourage littering. Putting out recycling bins in town parks creates an easy way for visitors to get involved. Hosting regular recycling drives where residents can bring old electronics or other items that they cannot place at the curb can also help prevent waste.
Update Infrastructure
Finally, it can be environmentally and budget-friendly to update the infrastructure in the city. This can include simple steps, such as changing light bulbs to be more energy-efficient and installing electric vehicle charging stations. It can also include more drastic efforts such as installing roundabouts and retrofitting buildings to current standards. If possible, take advantage of renewable energy sources like solar and wind farms. No matter the budget, any steps you take will be in the right direction.
There are many ways that towns can be more sustainable, and each one will be necessary as we move towards a more environmentally friendly future.
