While it’s important to be neighborly, it’s also essential that we take care of our surroundings and make our communities a better place to live. There are a lot of things that each of us can do to improve the quality of life in our local neighborhoods. This article contains five small ways you can improve your neighborhood.
Set Up a Local Garden
Urban areas need more trees and lush vegetation. After some research on the local laws and regulations, it’s time to get started. In addition to planting trees, you can encourage your neighbors to help fill the patches of unkept land with flowers and plants. This activity is an excellent way for the entire community to get involved and contribute to the environment.
Shop Local
You can easily find local businesses by taking a look around your home. Not only do they provide jobs, but they also help the community by reducing transportation costs and emissions. Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local businesses, but try supporting establishments such as coffee shops, restaurants, gyms, bike shops, hardware stores, and gift shops.
Create a Neighborhood Library
Several organizations have started programs that provide free books to the public in local areas. You can join this literacy project by setting up a book exchange table in your community. Books can be any genre, including children’s and biographies, and anyone can take them from the collection. This activity is a great way to expand your literary interests and share the experience with others.
Plan a Block Party
A block party is an excellent way for the entire community to get together and celebrate. It can be a great way to introduce the neighbors and provide various activities such as face painting and music. If you live on the Common, you can ask the community to help fund the event.
Start a Community Art Project
Public art can establish a particular community’s cultural identity and make it stand out from the rest. It can also express the community’s values, raising awareness of its members and visitors and making an impression on them.
Conclusion
Most of us don’t know our neighbors very well. In a more digital-oriented culture, it’s easy to forget about the basic connections in our communities. Being able to take pride in your neighborhood and being active can make living there a more enjoyable experience.