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Individual and Community Action
Although the County has made significant strides in creating a sustainable world, we cannot do it alone. Small and impactful actions continue to be made by county citizens and communities that can make a difference. Example Actions that individuals and communities can partake in include:
Participate in the Madison County Buy Local Program. By buying local, you can cut back on your CO2 vehicle emissions and lessen traffic and air pollution!
Install solar panels on roofs: Solar power derives clean energy from the sun. Installing solar panels reduces your home’s greenhouse gas emissions, generates low electricity bills, and can potentially increase the value of your home. Please check your local municipalities zoning code and determine if ground or roof-mounted solar panels are allowed in your district.
A homeowner’s guide answering questions such as whether a house is suitable for solar panels and what type of financing is available is provided in the link below.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar
Participate in a community solar program: Renters and homeowners can save on electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and stimulate the economy without installing solar panels on their property by participating in an off-site community solar system. Participating in a community solar program is beneficial if solar installations are not allowed in your municipality. For more information and to find a local community solar project, please visit, https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/NY-Sun/Solar-for-Your-Home/Community-Solar
Green your homes and businesses: To make a small but substantial impact on the environment, consider backyard composting, recycling, creating a rain garden, or upgrading your residential house or business's heating and cooling system. These are only a few of the many ways to create a resilient and green environment.
Clean Heating and Cooling Link
Take alternative transportation such as Madison County Transit or bike the Old Erie Canal to access services in local municipalities.
Municipalities can participate in the Climate Smart Communities Program and take action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. The program is free and offers grants and technical assistance.
Residents can participate in local sustainability and comprehensive planning that will directly impact municipal actions in the future.