How communities can take action
on climate change in WA
Western Australia is an extremely vast and diverse state, and while there are many projects happening to take action against climate change, it is very important that communities contribute too.
Communities can find local solutions to climate change by reducing emissions, becoming more resilient and creating opportunities for new jobs and industries.
6 things communities can do to work together
and contribute
to climate action.
1. Reduce community carbon footprint together
Communities can create a greater impact on minimising our carbon footprint by promoting sustainability and reducing emissions.
Implement waste management programs to lower the amount of waste sent to landfills by reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Promote plastic-free communities by reducing the use of single-use plastics. Encourage your community to bring refillable water bottles rather than buying bottles of water.
Save your 10 cent containers from landfill and return them through Containers for Change. You’re not only helping the environment, but also creating fundraising opportunities for charities and community groups.
Join up with your neighbours and carpool to community events, sporting games, or meetings. You can also walk or bike together as active forms of transport.
Use reusable cutlery and plates at events or use biodegradable options if reusable items aren't available.
Replace lighting fixtures at facilities with more energy efficient options, such as LED lights, and switch off electronics when not in use.
2. Start a community project and organise events
Community projects are a great way to bring people together and create a positive impact on the environment. This could be with your local sporting, hobby, religious, community or neighbourhood groups. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Host community events such as tree planting to enhance local natural biodiversity. You could also start local ‘Buy Nothing or Swap/Trade’ group events to not only save money, but also reduce waste.
- Sign up for Clean Up Australia Day and organise a clean-up any day of the year to keep your community beautiful and free of litter.
- Involve your community or club members in managing a worm farm to reduce food waste in a fun and interactive way.
- Launch a community bike-share program to encourage sustainable transport.
- Organise workshops and information sessions to educate community members on sustainability and ways to reduce energy consumption.
3. Volunteer in a climate action cause
Volunteer and get involved in local organisations advocating for climate action to make a difference in your community.
By volunteering your time and expertise to an environmental cause, you can contribute to climate action while connecting with like-minded people who are also passionate about the environment.
You can offer your skills to promote sustainable practices within your community. Some examples of volunteer roles include:
- Repairing items that would otherwise be discarded and sent to landfill.
- Getting hands on to help sort, count, and serve the community with recycling containers.
- Caring for natural environment such as weed control, rubbish clean up and planting native species.
Head to Volunteering WA to find opportunities around environment and conservation.
4. Promote local food and start a community garden
Visit the farmers market and buy locally grown produce to lower carbon emissions while also promoting sustainable agriculture. Buying locally can reduce the environmental impact of food production associated with the transportation and storage of food.
Additionally, it supports the local economy and ensures the produce you eat is fresher and tastes better. Supporting local farmers is also a great way to connect with the community and learn more about where your food comes from.
Starting a community garden is another great opportunity for education on sustainable food systems and inspiring a sense of community spirit. The produce can be sold locally or donated to food banks, providing access to healthy and fresh produce to everyone in the community.
5. Prepare and adapt to climate impacts
While action is crucial to slow down the rate of climate change, it’s important to recognise some of the impacts cannot be avoided entirely.
Communities must prepare and adapt to these impacts. We’re working with local governments and communities to enhance our climate resilience. Here are some proactive steps to help build climate resilient communities:
The Australian climate is prone to bushfires and climate change is increasing the risk of fires. Make sure you have your bushfire plan ready to keep you and your family safe.
Stay connected to your community, build networks and plan for disasters and emergencies. This is especially important for vulnerable community members.
Prepare for other emergencies such as floods, storms, and cyclones, and make sure you have an emergency kit handy.
Talk to your local council on creating communities with more green spaces, shade trees, and reflective surfaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect and help residents cope with rising temperatures and hotter days.
6. Find out what's happening in your local area
Get in touch with your local council to find out how you can get involved in environmental or climate action projects in your community.
You can participate in local events and consultations to share your ideas and help shape sustainability initiatives.
Make sure to check your local council website, newsletter, and social media channels for any upcoming events or programs related to climate action.
By working together, communities can make a greater impact on reducing carbon emissions and build a stronger, more resilient future for everyone.
Our Projects
Find out what projects are in place in WA to take action against climate change.
What projects happening in WA