Climate Action


Climate means “the usual condition of the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall, and other meteorological elements in an area of the Earth’s surface for a long time. In simple terms climate is the average condition for about thirty years.”

The measures of climate change are seen all around us, in rising sea levels, melting glaciers, regional droughts, and increasingly volatile weather events. Yet, it’s hard to think of a topic that has generated more political division. While debates continue over the cause(s) and what, if anything, to do about preserving threatened ecosystems, climate scientists tell us we are nearing a tipping point.

It’s encouraging that one of the most common questions we are asked is “What can I do?”

Local Action for Ecosystem Conservation

Your Yard Green Infrastructure (YYGI) – a MidMEAC partnership

Reduce lawn size. Lawns are the largest mono-crop on the globe, necessitating the use of harmful chemicals and gas- or electric-powered mowers, leaf-blowers, edgers, etc.

Reduce or eliminate pesticide use, especially neonicotinoids that are linked with the decline of pollinator populations

Increase use of native plants, shrubs and trees (ask the nursery/outlet if neonicotinoids were used on their plants); increase habitat for bees, butterflies and birds

Plant a rain garden to collect rain water from a roof or driveway. Plant with native grasses and flowering perennials to help filter pollutants while providing food and shelter for butterflies, song birds and other wildlife. Rain Garden resources

Use permeable pavers for paths and drives

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time to plant a tree is now.” Plant a tree; plant lots of trees and shrubs as habitat and for carbon sequestration

More Climate Action Steps

Energy Waste Reduction; Resource: Board of Water & Light Hometown Energy Savers

Install Solar / buy a community solar panel Resource: micommunitysolar.org

Buy local, especially food; reduce your carbon footprint through community supported agriculture

Use public transportation, non-motorized transportation; consider investing in electric or hybrid vehicles

Walk or bike more

Recycle; curbside, regional recycling facilities or events

Properly dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) and medicines; Resource: Ingham County Health Department 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing; HHW collections Tuesdays & Thursdays from May through September, 2p-6p

Use less; eat what you buy, buy what you eat

Eat meatless once a week

No plastic forks or straws; avoid throwaway bags, plates and cups.

Pick up after your pets (prevent E.coli from entering surface waters)

Report dumping and polluting