Five Ways to Greenup Your Neighborhood

You’ve swapped out your home’s light bulbs, strung a laundry line, and installed a programmable thermostat. Maybe you’ve even replaced your drafty windows. Now you’re ready for more. You’re thinking about reaching out to like-minded souls to see what you can do together to make your community more sustainable. You aren’t alone.

Around the country, loosely organized alliances of green-leaning friends and neighbors are comparing notes and sharing resources. Nobody knows just how many of these eco-coalitions are out there, but they all have something in common: Committed, enthusiastic people who want to make a difference.
Start by finding allies. Consider organizing a block party. Ask your local government if you can close off the street for an afternoon. Share food, drink, and music. Pass around a clipboard and collect emails from attendees who might be interested in working together. Then consider putting one of these ideas into action.