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Becoming aware of global conservation efforts can greatly improve your own community. While it may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, there are plenty of steps you can take to give back to your neighbors by giving back to the planet.
Volunteer your time or financial means to plant a community garden. Many of your neighbors may enjoy gardening but live in areas where planting isn’t feasible, such as an apartment complex. If you determine there is a need for a community garden in your area, meet with interested people and form a planning committee. Sponsorship for the project could come from those who wish to “rent” space in the garden. You may be surprised to find landowners, schools, or even churches that would be happy to have the garden on their land.
Determine the conditions for membership such as any dues or agreements and assign plots based on family size or by need. If membership dues cover the costs of the garden with money to spare, have a plan as to which local charity the remainder will be donated to. You can even use any extra money for next year’s community garden.
Be sure to make signs for the garden so everyone in the neighborhood will know that this is a community project. And get the neighborhood children involved. You may consider a separate plot to serve as the “children’s garden” and offer these free to parents who have already rented plots in the main garden. It’s the perfect way to pass on to children the value of giving back.
