Hello Earthwatchers (and potential Community Project category entrants)! So, you want to make a difference in your community. But, do you know how you're going to? Below are some great examples of environmental projects (which might help you decide on how to do your own in your local community):
Moreland City Council's Community Planting Days
Moreland City Council regularly host planting days where 'residents come together to plant trees, shrubs and groundcovers and do maintenance work to improve creek environments and parks'. This project not only helps to replenish natural resources and better the environment, it also helps to encourage native wildlife to return and promotes a great sense of community and well-being. Doesn't sound too bad as a community project, does it?
The City of Melbourne's 'Urban Water' Project
The City of Melbourne's project 'Urban Water' is an initiative in the city that works to create sustainable and natural water systems that support our basic human need for water and aims to promote a reduction in water pollution. Take a look at some of their current projects and maybe you'll come up with ways to conserve natural water sources for your own community.
Brisbane's Community Garden Scheme
In Brisbane (and many other locations across Australia), organic community gardens are starting to pop up more and more. The implementation of such projects reduces plastic and packaging waste from buying your fruit and veg from the store. It also helps reduce pesticide use where possible, as well as lowering CO2 levels and replenishing natural resources - and, as with the tree planting - it's also a great way to encourage community thinking.
Brighton & Hove's Wood Recycling Project
Take inspiration from across the pond: The Wood Store over in Brighton & Hove in the UK was originally a community project where unwanted timber was taken in and recycled or re-purposed to prevent it from becoming waste. Now, people can go in and use pieces of timber that would otherwise be burned or rot away, or even buy furniture made from recycled wood on-site. Now that's practical and sustainable.
Further Examples and Project Ideas:
'Learning How to Recycle'
Renewable Energies
Waste Management
Soil Quality
Pollution (Noise, Water, Air, etc.)