A way to contribute to your community and start movements to fight the climate crisis locally is bringing issues up to your city council, or proposing changes you want to see. All forms of systemic change, even if it’s in a small town or large city, matters when fighting the climate crisis. Your government officials work for you and your community, and have an obligation to protect and care for their citizens. To find who your city council members are, search “(your town) city council” or look up a directory on your city hall’s website.
Below I’ve included an email template for writing to your city council either through a physical letter or email.
Template
Dear Councilwoman/man, I have been a resident of (YOUR CITY) for (HOW LONG), and love this city for (A REASON). However, I would like to express my frustration and concern that (YOUR CONCERN). I am aware that (WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE OR RESOURCES AVAILABLE IF ANYTHING-optional), but I feel that (CONCERN ABOUT CURRENT RESOURCES/OPTIONS).
Because (YOUR CITY) is (SHORTCOMING YOUR CITY HAS IN CLIMATE POLICY), I feel this would be an effective way to (GOAL OF PROPOSED CHANGE).
Due to the climate crisis, I believe this (SERVICE/POLICY) would be an excellent way to do our part, considering (SHORTCOMING YOUR CITY HAS IN CLIMATE POLICY). Our community has already been affected by the climate crisis through (HOW YOU HAVE OR WILL BE AFFECTED).
While I would love to see my local officials (LARGE SCALE CHANGE TO ASK FOR LATER OR REJECTED POLICY), this would also be an improvement for our city and the world.
Thank you for your time.
(YOUR NAME)
Sample
Dear Councilman Hinterlong,
I have been a resident of Naperville my entire life, and I love this city for the options to enjoy the outdoors in a suburban environment. However, I would like to express my frustration and concern that there are no city-wide compost drop off locations for food waste for our residents. I am aware that there is one private compost pickup service in the area, Our Sustainable Journey, but I feel this service should be widely and publicly available.
Because Naperville is still 89% powered by coal, I believe this would be an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as food waste does not decompose aerobically in landfill and instead releases methane which is 84x more potent than CO2. I am aware that farmers in our community have already been affected by irregular weather patterns and growing seasons.
Due to the climate crisis, I believe this service would be an excellent way to do our part, considering we are locked into a contract with IMEA for the time being. While I would also love to see my local officials demand renewable energy sources, this would also be an improvement for our city and the world.
Thank you for your time.
Marissa Burch
