What you can do

Sustainability is a City priority, but creating a healthy environment, economy, and society is going to take the efforts of all of us.

In the Community

• Join an advisory board
• Attend City Commission, Planning Commission, or Transportation Commission meetings about topics you’re interested in
• Provide feedback on surveys and draft plans. Sign up for notifications here!
• Follow the Sustainability Department on Facebook
• Sign up for Douglas County KSU Extension Programs like Master Gardeners, 4-H programs for kids, and cooking classes
• Volunteer to keep Lawrence parks pesticide free
• Celebrate at the Earth Day Parade and Celebration

At Home

Energy efficiency

• Calculate how much energy you can save in your home, office or school
• Check out these energy saving tips from Westar and Black Hills
• Calculate your carbon footprint

Renewable energy

• Find out more about renewable energy options for your home or business
• Sign up to get your power from renewable sources through Westar or Black Hills

Fuel saving

• Buy a hybrid, CNG, or high fuel efficiency car
• Drive less

Local foods

• Learn more about efforts to promote healthy, nutritious foods in our community by visiting LiveWell Lawrence and the Douglas County Food Policy Council
• Grow your own food. Check out the City’s new Urban Agriculture Guidance to find out what you can grow and where
• Buy local foods from nearby farmers markets:
  • Downtown Lawrence
  • Cottin’s
  • Clinton Parkway
  • Eudora
  • Perry-Lecompton
• Sign up for a community garden plot through Lawrence’s Common Ground program

Recycling

• Learn about “green” lawn care options like mulch mowing and backyard composting
• Recycle your household hazardous wastes like batteries, paints, and cleaning products
• Know your recycling services – from curbside pick up to electronics recycling events
• Compost your yard and kitchen waste

Outdoors and recreation

• Visit one of our City of Lawrence parks
• Explore the City’s bike and walking paths
• Explore our ecosystem at Prairie Park Nature Center

Transportation

• Ride your bike to work, to school, or just for fun
• Ride the Lawrence Transit System to get to campus and around town
• Get out of town – by train! Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route offers daily service through Lawrence at the Santa Fe Station in East Lawrence

Water & Utilities

• Plant a rain garden
• Build a rain barrel
• Understand how you can help prevent stormwater pollution and keep our water clean
• Find out how you can help conserve water