Many people feel strongly about caring for the environment, but don’t know what to do about it or where to start to get involved with sustainability. This can make you feel hopeless or frustrated—and for good reason. Climate change and waste issues are too big for us to solve alone, so oftentimes it’s tempting to give up or do nothing. But there are many things that we can do and should do, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
This was originally published in October, 2017, and updated on August 16th, 2021 for updated links and context.
Forming and joining community groups centered on eco-friendly living and sustainability (both online and locally) can make a big difference, both in terms of your impact on the local environment, and the sense that you’re part of a much greater cause and initiative.
Let’s explore different methods for getting involved with sustainability in your community, and even globally.
1. Let Your Voice be Heard by Local Government Officials
Perhaps the most powerful way to get involved is through your local government! Many changes and movements happen from the ground up, and if more people talk to their local officials, more light can be shed on local environmental causes, and hence more support and budget for initiatives.
The first step is to find out who the best person to reach out to about climate change issues in your more immediate area/state is. If you’re located in the US, this database will help you locate your local state representative(s).
Then, brief yourself on what exactly is going on in their world. This might include climate change and sustainability-related initiatives they have supported or no supported, and what changes they’ve proposed to plans.
Once you feel like you have a good background on what is going on and where they stand (or better, what they have actually not done or proposed to do or not do), draft an email to the representative. A few tips on what to include:
- A brief explanation of who you are — Make it personal. Explain that you are a constituent.
- Name drop the initiative and/or legislation or specific issue that you are writing about.
- Explain HOW this specific issue/legislation impacts you.
- Write what you’d like to see happen and what your rep can do for you.
A couple additional ideas and resources to help you get involved:
- Show up at town hall meetings – Look up when your town hall has meetings that are open to the general public, and show up. Think of questions related to causes you care about ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to speak up! Bring a group and make it fun.
- Learn how to contact your local Congresspeople — check out this great article on the specifics. Your voice matters! A letter or email can go a long way.
2. Join a Local Environmentally-Minded Meetup Group
Meetup was built to help people discover local meetups for things they love. Search your area for meetups related to the environment and sustainability. If you love gardening or the outdoors there are lots of meetups for that as well.
Not finding what you’re looking for in your area? It’s easy to start your own Meetup, and can be a lot of fun and a great way to kick off a greater local movement with other like-minded people. Learn how to start your own Meetup group.
3. Facebook Groups Focused on Sustainability
If you’re not part of Facebook Groups for your passions and causes, I highly recommend it. There are many incredibly active, international and local groups for a variety of causes and interests, including sustainability and zero waste. Below are a few examples of ones that I frequent:
- Zero Waste Heroes: In this group we discuss making better use of our resources and wasting less. Join the Zero Waste Movement!
- Journey to Zero Waste: This group is for people that are trying to reduce the amount of waste they produce.
- Slow Fashion World: Digital platform gathering a collaborative and engaging community sharing their stories, tips and resources to create and grow a social, sustainable and ethical businesses.The community is open for those willing to take one step forward and collaborate, we make forces to slow down the fashion conventional business model and promote a circular economy.
- Global Goals for Sustainable Development: This is the United Nations’ official Facebook page about the Sustainable Development Goals. On January 1, 2016, the 17 Global Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Per their page, over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
4. Local Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities often have organizations, classes, and events related to sustainability. Many universities make an effort to include the local community in events and initiatives. Below are just a few ideas of how you can get involved or take advantage of opportunities:
- Attend events or speaker sessions on sustainability – Oftentimes, events at schools are open to the public and are free.
- Meet with professors who teach subjects like ecology and environmental science – You can see if professors want to get their class involved with a project or cause you want to support, or see what they have planned (maybe they already do local cleanups and other sustainability-focused activities that you can join).
- Reach out to campus organizations that focus on sustainability or green living – See how you can support them or get involved with their events or initiatives.
- Many campuses have an Office of Sustainability – Reach out, see what events or initiatives they’re doing, and get involved.
5. Attend Events at Your Local Community Garden
If you’re looking to get involved with sustainability in your community, check out what’s going on at your local community garden. If your area has a community garden, this is a great place to meet local, like-minded people who have similar values. Sometimes they do free workshops on container gardening, permaculture, composting, and other topics. If you’re open to it, you could even look into presenting on a zero waste or sustainability topic that you are passionate about.
Bonus… You might also be able to compost your food scraps and/or yard waste at your community garden if they offer a drop-off program.
6. Get Involved with Sustainability by Setting an Example
Leading by example is one of the best ways to influence change. Even by doing the little things, like bringing your own reusable mug to the coffee shop, or bringing your own reusable bags at the grocery store matter and make an impression on the people around you. Live your values, and people will start to notice. Sometimes, it will make them stop and think—and maybe even change their habits in the long run.
A few useful articles on how to change your own habits are below:
- Eco Friendly Products: A Green Alternative for Everything in Your Life
- Zero Waste Kitchen: Tips for Reducing Your Kitchen Waste
- The Easiest Natural Beauty Recipes: From Toothpaste to Lip Balm
What do you think? Which methods are you going to try? Any ways to get involved with sustainability and eco-friendly living in your community and beyond that I missed?
Quick Links:
8-Step Guide to Going Zero Waste for Beginners
Eco Friendly Products: A Green Alternative for Everything in Your Life
I will have to check out the Hydro flask – thanks for your comment Jo!