More "Green Region" actions

Of course there are always more things you can do to help Greater Kansas City become more sustainable and green.

Get involved or learn more about these local projects.

You can:

Get involved in planning issues at the state, regional, and local levels (i.e. lobby for changes to policies and ordinances to support greener practices, attend City/County Commission meetings, and write letters to the editor).

Vote for candidates who support these issues.

Lobby for net metering laws in Kansas – Missouri recently adopted net metering legislation. Net metering is compensation for excess renewable energy generated by homeowners.

When replacing appliances, purchase those with the Energy Star label.

When replacing light bulbs, use compact fluorescents.

Have an energy audit conducted on your home or business.

Investigate the possibility of installing a wind turbine or solar panels for your home or business.

Install a programmable thermostat.

Build a rain garden, install a rain barrel, and plant native plants/grasses in your yard.

Use fewer lawn chemicals and fertilizers – Or, even better, consider going chemical free.

Combine errands when traveling via car.

If you don’t already, replace at least one vehicle trip a week with a trip via transit, walking, biking, or carpooling. Start small and see what works best for you.

Start recycling. If you already recycle at home, organize a recycling effort at your workplace.

Support your local farmers’ markets.

Organize a neighborhood garden, whereby neighborhood residents can plant and harvest their own vegetables.