SDG #11 - Sustainable cities and communities

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Welcome to 1000 Ways Green! The show where we give busy people like you easy ways to help save the planet for our future generations, and try to save you money along the way.

I’m Patrick Shipway and I want to welcome you to this week’s episode where we’ll be talking about how individuals can make their cities and communities more sustainable. I also want to apologize for the fact that I didn’t miss just one week, but multiple weeks in the chaos of life. We’ll see what the future brings, but I appreciate you staying green in my absence as you’re the reason I do this.

• Mint Green level: For your mint green level challenge this week, let's talk about transportation. Instead of driving everywhere, try biking, walking, or taking public transportation. This reduces your carbon footprint and saves you money on gas and parking. This is one of the easiest and biggest wins of living in a city, you’re close to everything! If you have to drive, carpool with friends or coworkers to reduce the number of cars on the road. And if you're in the market for a new car, consider buying an electric vehicle to reduce your emissions even further.

• Shamrock Green level: For your shamrock green level challenge this week, let's talk about water harvesting. Water harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. This is especially important in cities and communities where water resources may be scarce. You can install rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater from your roof, or create a rain garden to capture and filter runoff from your property. This can help reduce the strain on municipal water supplies and save you money on your water bill.

• Forest Green level: For this week's forest green challenge, let's focus on community engagement. Attend local city council meetings or town hall meetings to voice your support for sustainability initiatives. Advocate for more bike lanes, green spaces, and public transportation options. Get involved in local environmental groups or volunteer for local clean-up efforts. And if you're a business owner, consider implementing sustainable practices in your operations, such as using renewable energy or reducing packaging waste.

That's all for this week's episode. Remember, every small action counts when it comes to making our cities and communities more sustainable. Until next time, be green and be seen.