Getting involved in a philanthropy project is a great way to help the planet and the people on it. If you’re busy all the time or if you have lots of free time on your schedule, there is always a project you can get involved in that helps your community. Some projects only require a small amount of time, and others can have you working more intensely to help make a difference. Here are eight projects you could start to help both the environment and the people in your neighborhood.

1. Start a Community Garden

One fun and important project you could start in your neighborhood is a community garden. This is a great project idea for the spring. Families, especially, can take advantage of the fun of this type of project and involve their kids in the process. Starting a community garden can give you and your neighbors access to healthy, local produce. Community gardens also help the planet by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels to deliver produce around the world.

2. Pick Up Trash at a Park

Another project that you could try to help the planet and your local population involves cleaning up. Find a popular park, playground area, or natural setting in your town and organize a day to clean up and pick up trash. As you clean up your neighborhood’s outdoor areas, more people will be able to enjoy the space the way it was intended. Removing trash and other debris can also make a positive impact on the wildlife and biodiversity.

3. Educate Others About Reusing Items

Most people well-versed in environmental issues understand how to reuse almost anything. Others in your community may not have as much information about how helpful reusing things can be. Take some time to spread the word about reusing things and repurposing items that normally would go into the trash. This way, you can help your neighbors save resources and money and reduce the number of new materials manufactured.

4. Plant Some Trees

Planting trees is another beneficial activity that could help with the environment and give the community’s residents more enjoyment. One idea is to join up with a tree specialist and to try and get donations of mature trees to plant in your neighborhood. Tree coverage can help a neighborhood stay cooler and more comfortable throughout the year. Trees are also helpful to keep the air clean and fresh.

5. Create a Native Plant Garden

A native plant garden is another type of project to consider taking on if you want to do double duty to help people and the planet. Research the typical native plants that are found in your area and go to your local garden society or store to get plant and seed donations. Then, set aside an area in your neighborhood to create your garden. The people in your local area will appreciate the beauty of a native garden, and the animals and insect population can get even more benefits from native plants in the area.

6. Collect Rainwater

Throughout the country, the availability of drinking water continues to be a problem. Water shortages are becoming more common, even in places that get plenty of rain. You can step up and take some action related to the water availability in your region by focusing on conservation methods and unique collection processes. Consider getting a rain barrel for your home and educating your neighbors about collecting rainwater. This way, you won’t have to feel guilty about watering your plants and your lawn.

7. Build Homes

Another way you can provide support to your community and the land around you is to focus on sustainable building projects. Vista College offers a Habitat for Humanity project linking college students to families in need of housing. Using primarily people power, these projects focus on construction for homes and avoid some of the environmental problems from big corporate construction projects.

8. Volunteer at a Nature Center

Finally, another easy way to help the planet and the future generation of learners is through volunteer work. Most regions have a nature center or conservation education program that could use the support. Volunteers help students understand the impact of pollution on the environment and the native animal population.

It’s possible to make a difference and do something helpful for the planet and your neighbors. Focus on small projects and efforts like these to help bring beauty, information, and improvements to your area.

Have you been involved in philanthropic projects that help the planet and the community?

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