• Shop local and support local suppliers – Shopping local is the act of everyday consumers, like you and me, making the choice to buy your produce, clothing and day-to-day items from local businesses instead of larger retailers. By supporting local, you’re helping create jobs, fund public infrastructure and build a stronger, healthier community.

Shutterstock / Arina P Habich Shutterstock / Arina P Habich / Arina P Habich

• Form a community garden - Green space within communities is so important, and some areas, particularly urban areas, don’t always offer that to the community. By reaching out to members of your community, pooling resources, and starting a group gardening project, you’re not only bringing people together, but you’re contributing to the future of the community. In order to do this you may need to do your research on permission and grants. You can find out all you need to know at Community Gardens Ireland.
• Think differently about commuting - We know that encouraging non-motorised modes of transport like walking, cycling, and scooters with dedicated lanes, while discouraging the frequent use of cars is the gold standard for sustainable transport within communities. However, this is not always possible in smaller towns and villages across Ireland, there is a growing interest in carpooling across Ireland, with some carpool options, that allow you to register, locate trips and drivers. This is also an opportunity to meet like-minded people who care about their personal impact on the environment. 

Shutterstock / Matthew Reeves Shutterstock / Matthew Reeves / Matthew Reeves

• Start a sustainable-focused group – Think of it as a book club, with a higher purpose! This is a great way for people to connect with their community and focus in on important environmental matters. Finding out that there are others in your community who care about sustainability is the first step in driving change. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland have fantastic resources available on working together as a group and can offer some helpful tips to get the conversation started.

Government and organisations can also play a role in building sustainable communities. An Post is one such organisation that has worked hard to support communities, leveraging their presence in every community within Ireland. From offering extensive cash and community banking services in Post Offices nationwide to zero emission delivery in every major city in Ireland, ensuring no nasty tailpipe for you and your community. They have also demonstrated their commitment to  improving literacy in communities is second to none and the work they do with the National Adult Literacy Agency is changing lives in communities across the country.

Check out more of the work An Post do to make sustainable living commonplace in Ireland below and take a look at their journey so far. 

Credit: An Post

Over the next few weeks we’ll be covering a multitude of sustainability topics with An
Post. Check out more information on the An Post sustainable journey here. 

For more about zero emission deliveries from An Post visit anpost.com/sustainability

An Post is authorised by the Minister for Finance to provide payment services and is
regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland in the provision of such services.