It’s April, and we’re seeing a lot of great Earth Day events in our communities and social media feeds. These events are wonderful for building awareness. The real challenge is to turn that awareness into action all year long. What does it take to get more people to waste less food, reduce their fossil fuel use, and buy local food? For many of these issues, technology and policy solutions are important, but we also need a shift in societal norms in order to create an avalanche of change.
We believe one of the best ways to make that happen is person-to-person at the community level. For instance, it’s difficult for some people to connect to issues of global food waste and food availability, but when they volunteer with a food rescue group, they see firsthand how food going to waste in their own backyards can help feed their neighbors.
This year, we want to help shine a light on the ways communities are working together to shift norms and make change happen. Through our 2019 community survey, some of you have already told us that you started workplace composting programs, planted backyard gardens, and simply try to talk to friends and family about sustainability issues.
We invite you to tell us more. Use the form on our Contact page to send us stories of what’s happening in your community. Here are some questions to get you thinking:
- What is your community doing to improve sustainability?
- What are you doing to encourage others to be sustainable?
- Do you know a community leader who deserves to be recognized for their sustainability work?
In 2019, we’ll be highlighting the best stories on our blog and on Instagram to inspire others to get to take action in their own communities. Here’s to creating a sustainable future, together!
Want to get started today in your community? Here are a few ideas:
Start a composting program at work.
