Promote
You Can Help!
Homewood residents can promote environmental issues by participating in local events, spreading the word, contacting department heads and your councilors, and making sustainable choices in their daily lives. This can include reducing waste, using public transportation, supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability, and advocating for environmentally-friendly policies in the community. By working together, Homewood residents can make a positive impact on the environment and promote a healthier, more sustainable community for all. more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. You can also receive our
Newsletter to stay up to date with what’s currently going on with the Homewood Environmental Committee. Click here to sign up: THE HOMEWOOD GREEN
Ways You Can Help
Sustainability is defined by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development as development that meets present needs without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own. The UN Sustainable Development Goals serve as a guide to achieving a more sustainable and equitable future. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emphasizes the importance of sustainability in maintaining the conditions necessary for the survival and well-being of humans and nature, emphasizing the need for productive harmony between the two for the benefit of current and future generations.
10 Easy Ways you can Help
Contact local government officials to voice concerns and support initiatives that promote sustainability and protect the environment.
Implement recycling habits by sorting materials properly and reducing waste through composting.
Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, and turn off electronics when not in use to conserve energy.
Reduce water usage by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using drought-resistant plants in landscaping.
Use alternative modes of transportation such as biking or walking, carpooling, or using public transit.
Plant trees and native plants to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
Shop locally and support sustainable businesses that prioritize environmental practices.
Reduce single-use plastic consumption by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
Participate in community cleanup events and volunteer for environmental organizations.
Educate others on the importance of environmental sustainability and encourage sustainable practices.
Get Started!
-
Understand your baseline and track your transportation network’s carbon footprint over time
-
We use Google Earth imagery to analyze your roof shape and local weather patterns to create a personalized solar plan.
-
-
-
Safe Bike Trails with No Cars
-
Go Green as a Family. Click the link to get started:
-
Stay away from planting these invasive plants
The tree ordinance requires that trees be protected during any construction activities.
Top 6 Invasive Plants:
Take a look at our Top 6 Most Wanted Invasive Plants! Find out more about these plants and what you can do about them:
1. English Ivy: Highly aggressive, non-native, spreading vine. Known to damage supporting plants or structures. Avoid using when possible. Cut vine at base and remove root completely if possible. Can be replaced with more native vines. (eg: Cross Vine, trumpet creeper)
2. Chinese Wisteria: Highly aggressive, non-native vine. Avoid using when possible. Vine is known for damaging supporting plants or structures. Cut vine at base and remove root completely if possible. Can be replaced with native (Wisteria Sinensis) variety or native vine alternative.
3. Chinese Privet: Highly aggressive, non-native, understory tree. Seeds are spread through animal deposits, via creek/river transportation and spreading roots. Best to clear in winter when evergreen foliage is clearly visible/distinguishable. Opt or replace with native tree or shrub species. (eg: Wax Myrtle, Yaupon Holly, Sweet Spire, Serviceberry, Fringe tree, Osmanthus)
4. Taro: Aggressive, non-native, spreading plant threatening our waterways, like the Cahaba River. It escapes urban planting and makes its way into rivers, replacing native species. Wild Taro is particularly invasive, spreading by underground rhizomes and stems. When disposing of Taro, be sure no rhizomes are able to make it into storm drains. Replace with native arrowhead leaf instead.
Residential Tree Planting Initiative
We live in the shade of trees we did not plant. And, many of these old friends are coming down. You can do your part by replanting.
Check out our list of suggested native trees and get a $75 discount from a local landscape company!
Recycling
No doubt, the do's and don'ts of recycling are complex. But, if you “wishcycle” then all the stuff goes in the trash. Help us promote GOOD recycling by asking for one of our stickers for your bin, or your neighbor’s bin, or every bin on your street!
Here’s a list of recyclables for Homewood, and follow us on Facebook for more recycling opportunities.
For detailed information regarding Trash and Recycling, visit: https://www.cityofhomewood.com/garbage-trash-recycle
Do even more for the planet by creating less waste!
Photos from Community Events
Community Education
Love Your Trees! HEC gives away free trees!
Lakeshore Tree Planting
Tree Planting with Samford University students
Tree City USA
Lakeshore Tree Planting
Educational speakers at annual Love Your Trees event
Community involvement at the annual Love Your Trees event.
Enjoy Homewood Parks
Help preserve the natural beauty of Homewood's parks by properly disposing of trash and recyclables in designated receptacles, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife habitats. Together, we can ensure that our parks remain a vibrant and sustainable resource for generations to come.
