Expansive commercial, agricultural, and residential land development, climate change, and the introduction of non-native and invasive plants have diminished or destroyed many natural habitats that have taken decades to adapt and flourish. Local governments are proposing policy changes and passing legislation to help communities plant with the purpose of reconnecting to their “native plant roots.”
Despite their popularity, leaf blowers can produce ear-piercing levels of noise. And gas-powered versions can emit toxic levels of pollutants. Governments in many areas are taking steps to address these issues by placing stricter regulations on the use of many types of leaf blowers.
As landfills overflow with wasted food and a changing climate depletes fertile land where crops are grown, many communities and government entities are seeing the need and value of rolling out large-scale community composting solutions.
To meet the challenges of climate change, municipalities across the nation are setting goals for greater sustainability, Adopting green building standards and providing an enforceable policy framework is a big step toward achieving these goals.
Communities expanding into desirable natural wildland areas are requiring planners and local governments to adopt new strategies and alliances to help keep residents and property safe.
As permanent bans on plastic bags are enacted, consumers will continue to shift to eco-friendly, reusable bags for carrying groceries and other purchases.
Urban beekeeping is challenging local governments to find a balance between the protection of a vital species and the rights and concerns of urban communities.
