More people are realizing the importance of sustainability efforts. As a result, they expect cities and towns to step up their own attempts at increasing sustainability. Many municipalities are trying to meet this growing demand, but some may still need a gentle reminder from their citizens. Here are seven ways you can make your voice heard in the fight for increased sustainability at the community level. 

Encourage Recycling

Most municipalities have some sort of recycling program in place. They can look drastically different depending on the needs of the community. Some mandate curbside pickup of recyclables while others may require you to take bins to a collection site. Either way, there is an increasing demand for businesses that can help facilitate the recycling process. You might consider starting one yourself to demonstrate the concept's feasibility. Even if you don't have the faintest idea of how to start a recycling business, there are resources available to get you started correctly. 

Start a Community Garden

Community gardens provide a safe and enriching atmosphere for residents while also giving them the opportunity to increase their food independence and enrich their diets. All you really need to get started is a vacant piece of land. If you aren't comfortable talking to property owners about using their space, get government officials involved. The town may own a suitable property that they would be willing to lend out for such a worthwhile project. 

Develop a Composting Program

Composting offers an opportunity to turn food and yard waste into usable material. However, not everyone has space and time to compost at home. That is where municipal composting programs enter the picture. They [provide a convenient and simple way for residents to reduce their household trash while also providing free or low cost finished compost to gardeners. This report, aptly titled "Composting in America," details some of the best practices for incorporating a compost program at the community or government level. 

Advocate for Lower Speed Limits

Leadership is starting to realize the many benefits of reducing speed limits, but they may need a push to understand the full impact of this change. Not only do lower speed limits improve safety, but they also reduce carbon emissions. Vehicles use more fuel to travel at higher speeds, so keeping maximums between 45 and 55 MPH can really reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses produced by traffic. 

Share Plans for Mixed-Use Space

Mixed-use developments offer several advantages to the community. They reduce carbon emissions since residents can live and work within the same area. They also improve health outcomes. Unfortunately, some municipalities have been slow to adopt mixed-use development strategies. This toolbox offers insight and resources to help you advocate for the expanded use of these strategies at the local level. 

Enlist the Faith Community

Churches and other religious-based organizations hold a lot of sway in certain areas. That makes them a powerful ally in your efforts to influence community leaders. Talk to faith leaders and places of worship about how sustainability improves the quality of life. Highlighting its effects on reducing social disparities and empowering individuals may be a good avenue to pursue with those groups. 

Highlight Co-Benefits

Many governments view sustainability efforts as a financial drain. However, that isn't the whole truth. Highlighting the benefits cities will experience can help change that perception. These five cities offer excellent examples of some of the benefits that cities can expect to see when they adopt more eco-friendly policies. 

It is your right as a citizen to have your voice heard. You can share your passion for sustainability and enact change at the community level by implementing a few of these strategies.