Building a Sustainable Community

Here are ten simple ways you can get involved and make a positive impact on our planet.

With this Sustainability Savings Tip, you can:

Save Up to $1,000/YR
Avoid Emissions of CO₂ : Up to 4,000 lbs./YR

1. Learn What to Do and Share It With Others
   We all want to make a positive impact, especially with the big changes happening in the environment. There's a lot to learn! Once you discover something new, share it with others. Get creative with your family, neighbors, school, or workplace. Teach them about recycling,  planting shade trees, or making homes more energy-efficient. Mesa and SRP offer free desert-adapted shade trees, and SRP has low-cost energy audits for your home.
   
   
2. Look at Things Differently
   What’s stopping you from being more sustainable? We all have excuses. You might say, “Taking the light rail takes too long,” or “I forgot my canvas shopping bag in the car.” Sometimes, being sustainable does require a bit more time and effort. But you can be creative! Use your time on the light rail to get some work done. Put a reminder on your dashboard to grab your canvas bag. Keep recycling bins in easy-to-reach places to make it easier. And remember to slow down and drive smarter for better gas mileage.
   
   
3. Build or Renovate Smarter
   According to the Department of Energy, buildings account for 39% of total energy use, 68% of total electricity use, 16% of total water use, and they contribute 38% of the CO2 emissions or greenhouse gases. These are great reasons to use green building techniques when constructing or renovating. Also, look for Energy Star and WaterSense labels when buying household appliances or fixtures. Some items might cost a bit more at first, but they can save you money on water and energy each month.
   
   
4. Think Permeable Paving
   This might seem like an unusual tip, but it can really help our urban environment. In cities, rooftops, streets, sidewalks, and driveways often send rainwater straight to storm drains, which means less water soaks into the ground. Permeable paving lets rainwater seep into the soil below. This helps reduce erosion, prevent flooding, lower heat buildup, improve water quality, and recharge groundwater.
   
   
5. Read the Labels
   Some chemicals in household products can harm people, animals, and plants. They may pollute the air, water, or soil. From personal care products to lawn and garden goods, be careful what you purchase, bring into your home, or use in your garden and landscape. Educate yourself and look for the active ingredient on the label. Check out our recipes for alternative cleaning products that can be made from simple household items like lemon, vinegar, or baking soda. Safer cleaning options are also available at many retailers. Look for the new Safer Choice label.
   
   
6. Save Water and Energy
   There are so many easy ways to save water and energy. But don’t forget the close link between the two. It takes water to generate energy, and it takes energy to process and deliver water. Save one, and you’ll help a power plant or water treatment plant to save the other, too. Wash dishes and laundry with full loads, unplug charging stations or purchase smart power strips.
   
   
7. Reduce Your Food Miles
   Food miles are the distance your food travels from the grower to your plate. The more food miles, the more fuel used, and the more CO₂ emissions. Start your own garden or shop at local farmers markets. The benefits are that you’ll be eating healthier and fresher foods and supporting your local growers.
   
   
8. Choose Your Fuel
   Our traditional transportation systems use a lot of energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. So, what’s an auto-holic urban dweller to do? While it can be tough, it’s still possible to find jobs close to home. Many people now have the option to work from home. If you need to commute, consider carpooling or exploring other transportation options like public transit. If you can, think about buying a hybrid, an electric, or other fuel-efficient vehicle. And don’t forget that biking or walking is a great way to get exercise, too!
   
   
9. Support a Cause
   Whether you decide to support a local non-profit or one that acts nationally or globally, we have just one planet to share. Extra support to improve our environment can make a world of difference.
   
   
10. Connect With Your Elected Officials
    Elected officials want to know what their community cares about, and they appreciate hearing from their constituents. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts on environmental or sustainability issues. Keep your message brief and clear, share specific ideas, and be respectful. You can also offer to provide more information if they need it.

Start Saving

Start saving on your utility bills, on gasoline, improve your health and more, and do your part for building a sustainable community. Visit Environment & Sustainability to learn more about living green, Mesa's Climate Action Plan (MCAP), events, and other great Sustainability Savings Tips.