Happy Earth Month, Dunedin!
Published on January 13, 2022
Sustainability for All
April is Earth Month
As we celebrate Earth Month, we need to take a moment to reflect on the impact we have on the environment and consider the ways we can make a more positive change.
Standing Together Against Climate Change
One of the most pressing issues facing our world today is climate change. It’s something that affects us all, but not equally. The most vulnerable populations who have contributed the least to environmental degradation are usually the most at risk and negatively affected. In efforts to combat this, we must act individually and as one. Governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals must all do their part. The City of Dunedin partners with regional partners through sustainability and resilience networks and works locally with businesses, organizations, and residents.
The City adopted Dunedin’s Resilient Environmental Action Master Plan (DREAM) in March 2022. This plan addresses sustainable action holistically and organizes the robust list of 150 action items into City Operations, Community Collaboration, and Citizen Engagement. Over the next ten years, Dunedin will implement these programs, projects, and policies. The City is working to reduce greenhouse gases, has goals for a 100% clean energy transition, and is proud to be the Home City of the Florida Gulf Coast Hope Spot to promote ocean conservation.
What should I do to help the environment?
We all want to know what we can do to protect our planet, and the question has been posed to many environmentalists over the years. The best answer I’ve ever heard to this question is, “All that you can do.” While people may want a single answer – one thing we can all do to help, it’s not that simple. The speaker continued that everyone should do everything they have the power, time, or funds to do.
Sustainable action will look drastically different from one person to the next. Some will have funds to purchase an electric vehicle or install solar on their home, others will walk or bike instead of using a car to save money, and some will bring reusable bags to the grocery store and work to reduce plastic use. Some will grow vegetables and share them with neighbors or those in need. Some will shop at thrift stores, and others will curate sustainable fashion brands. Some will run for office, participate in a climate rally, or head up an eco-group in their neighborhood. Some will become scientists, and others will be patient as their child asks for the hundredth time why the sky is blue and why plants are green so as not to dampen their child’s curiosity about the world they live in. People will encounter nature in various ways by studying, writing, reading, singing, painting, or walking within it. Some will stay true to the same three actions, and others will switch up their actions daily. Some will encourage sustainability in the home, and others will encourage their company to reduce printing, save water, and switch to solar power.
No matter who we are or what we do, we can incorporate more sustainable actions into our personal lives and workplaces. It takes all of us working and acting together. Sustainability also requires respect, generosity, sacrifice, and a judge-free space where people can learn and grow. Only some people are savvy about the environmental culture so those who are newer to these concepts should be encouraged instead of judged. Kindness goes a long way and makes people more open to change, making this a sustainable movement – in both essences. We may be acting individually, but we should all support each other collectively.
The City calls on its residents and business to do their part and encourages everyone to make more sustainable choices. If you’re unsure where to start, look around and get others involved. If you’d like inspiration, check out this list of 50 action items from the DREAM Citizen Engagement section. This list can act as a catalyst for change and help transform our world into a sustainable place to live. As the famous saying goes, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”