With growing concerns for the environment and problems caused by excess waste, many communities are looking to start initiatives that aim for sustainability. Homeowners Associations (HOAs), through their network of neighbors and resources, can play a large part in helping the environment. If you’re interested in uniting homeowners to create a greener community, but don’t know where to start, here is a helpful guide.
The People
To kickstart an initiative, it is crucial to connect with individuals who share your vision. Talking with neighbors and posting online on community pages can help you reach like-minded people interested in forming a committee or starting a small-scale effort.
The Idea
With a group of like-minded individuals, the possibilities are endless. To get the community on board with your idea, send out a survey to gauge interest and gather more ideas for a recycling policy. These ideas can start small, such as collecting cans, or larger, like creating a bench from plastic bags. Having the support of your community is important to make a program like this get started.
Additionally, consider the costs and effort involved in the project. Initiatives that demand considerable time or a substantial portion of the budget are less likely to receive approval. Be willing to make compromises with the board of your community to keep the costs of this initiative from stopping this before you can get started.
Decision & Implementation
Once the community and committee have reached a consensus, it’s time to put the plan into action. Collaborate with the committee, the board, and external resources to ensure timely and effective implementation of the initiative.
Education
Some homeowners may be reluctant to participate in the initiative. Take the time to consider how homeowners can be brought on board. Homeowners can be educated via email or a meeting on the “why” and “what” of the initiative. This can help persuade homeowners who may otherwise be hesitant.
Starting a recycling initiative may seem challenging at first, but many people share your goals and are eager to see a program like this succeed. There’s always room to reduce our ecological footprint, and what better way than by involving your neighbors? Let’s work together to enhance our local community and the planet we call home!
