You can’t open a newspaper or flip on the television without seeing a story on global warming, environmental concerns, or energy issues. In recent weeks, reporters have latched on to the “right to dry” movement, pitting HOA rules against those residents who want to conserve energy by hanging their laundry on clotheslines. Regardless of your political affiliation or stance on the issue of global warming, I think we can all admit that we could be better stewards of our planet and our, ultimately, limited resources.
And while each of us as individuals can contribute to conserving energy and reducing pollution in a number of ways, communities working together can do even more. And many have already begun to do so. Across the country, communities have implemented water recycling and reuse systems, energy management plans, and even green space/wildlife conservation initiatives. Nor is CAI new to these issues. Several years ago, the Foundation for Community Association Research worked with the U.S. Department of Energy to publish Energy Efficiency, a free best practices report explaining how homeowners and associations can reduce energy consumption and costs.
So we would like to hear your ideas. How has your community taken steps to manage resources more efficiently and reduce your environmental footprint? What has worked and what hasn't in your community? How have you gotten your residents engaged in the process? How have you partnered with government, schools, or other groups?
Just click on the comment button below and share your stories.
