Built Environment

Economy

Energy

Food & Urban Agriculture

Discover Utility SavingS

Explore potential utility savings for your school, workplace, or community center through Thriving Buildings, a utility benchmarking program designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Stay Updated about Energy and Water Efficiencies

Sign up for updates from Thriving Buildings to help you identify ways to reduce energy and water use while improving building performance and sustainability.

Become A KIB Adopt-A-Block Captain

Join Keep Indianapolis Beautiful by committing to keep your street clean. Become an Adopt-a-Block captain to help build a cleaner, greener community one block at a time.

Volunteer with KIB

Plant trees, enhance green spaces, and beautify your neighborhood by volunteering with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Create a lasting impact in your community.

 Plant A Rain Garden

Create a rain garden with native plants to absorb stormwater, reduce flooding, and replenish aquifers. Marion County Solid and Water Conservation District shares various resources on rain gardens, including how to design and install one.

Replace Your Shingles

Switch to a “cool roof” with light-colored shingles to reflect sunlight, lower cooling costs, and improve energy efficiency during hot summer months. Learn more at Energy.gov.

Take advantage of Rebates

Take advantage of rebates offered by AES Indiana and weatherize your home to protect the interior from the elements (as well as reduce your energy bills!).

Apply for an AES Indiana Project Greenspace

Apply for an AES Indiana Project GreenSpace. Turn a vacant lot into a vibrant community space such as a park, orchard, or outdoor classroom.

Make Use of Windows

Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds. In warmer months, open windows and use fans to maintain comfort without relying on air conditioning.

Shop at small, locally owned businesses

Support small, locally owned businesses to strengthen your community and keep dollars circulating in the local economy.

Support businesses with transparent, sustainable practices

Choose businesses with transparent, sustainable practices to promote environmentally friendly and ethical operations. See this list of Hoosier Environmental Council Green Businesses.

mentor a new generation

Guide young people by sharing your expertise and helping them build skills to succeed in school and their careers.

teach your children about sustainability

Empower future generations by teaching kids how small actions can contribute to a more sustainable world.

help young people gain job experience and skills

Encourage the young people in your life to gain job experience and skills development through EmployIndy’s initiatives and programs including Project Indy and Job Ready Indy.

Turn off or unplug lights

Know when to turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use. Many devices draw power even when turned off, wasting energy and increasing costs.

Switch to LED Lights

Replace outdated bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. They use less energy, last longer, and lower your electricity bills. See instant rebates on energy-saving products from AES Indiana.

Use energy star certified products

Choose Energy Star-certified appliances for better energy efficiency, saving money while reducing your environmental footprint.

Adjust the thermostat or get a smart one

Turn your heat down and A/C up by two degrees. Smart thermostats optimize energy use and let you control settings remotely for even more savings.

Adjust the water heater or go electric

Set your water heater to 130°F to cut energy use without sacrificing comfort. Explore electric water heaters for greater efficiency in your home. Heat pump water heaters use ambient heat to warm the water, making them a particularly energy-efficient option.

Schedule a Free Home Energy Assesment

Schedule a free Home Energy Assessment through AES Indiana to learn of opportunities for energy efficiency and weatherization.

Enroll in Green Power Options

Enroll in AES Indiana’s Green Power Option to support renewable energy for an additional $2.50 in your electric bill on average. 

Seal Air Leaks and Insulate Windows

Seal air leaks and properly insulate windows to save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills, while also increasing the comfort of your home. Learn more about where to insulate in your home.

Have Gas Appliances Inspected and Maintained

Schedule regular inspections and maintenance for gas appliances to ensure safety, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of leaks or malfunctions.

Consider Solar Panels and Home Battery Storage

Explore solar panels and home battery storage to reduce utility reliance and emissions. Evaluate your home, discover tax credits, and explore financing options to make solar energy accessible and affordable. Explore the Office of Sustainability’s guide to solar energy. 

Use Battery-Powered Lawn Equipment

Swap gas-powered mowers and blowers for electric or battery-powered versions to reduce emissions, save energy, and lower noise pollution.

Consider Electric Home Appliances

Electric appliances, like ovens and heat pump dryers, are energy-efficient and reduce indoor air pollution by eliminating natural gas. Choose Energy Star-certified models for maximum efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Drive Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are an eco-friendly transportation choice. Pair your EV with home solar panels for even greener energy. Learn more about EVs at Be Highly Evolved’s website.

EAT MORE PLANTS

Reduce your carbon footprint by eating more plant-based meals. Start small with “Meatless Mondays” or one plant-based meal a day.

Choose Food That Is In Season

Opt for foods in season to reduce the energy and resources needed for long-distance transportation.

Buy Ethically Grown and Harvested FOod

Choose foods that are ethically grown and harvested—like coffee and chocolate—to support fair practices and a more sustainable planet.

Use environmentally friendly containers

Bring your lunch to work or school? Try reusable or biodegradable containers to cut down on single-use waste.

Only purchase food you will actually consume

You’ll help prevent the unnecessary use of energy in food production and reduce waste.

Support local community gardens

Grow your own produce or support local community gardens for fresh, sustainable food. See more of these urban agriculture resources.

Purchase Locally Grown Food

Purchase locally grown food and support local farmers markets to minimize transportation energy and boost our community’s economy.

Support Stores that Sell Locally Grown Food

Support restaurants and grocery stores that use and sell locally-grown food. 

Support Local Farmers Markets

Shop at local farmers markets to support nearby growers, enjoy fresh, seasonal produce, and connect with your Indy community.

Support locally owned Restaurants

Enjoy a meal at locally owned restaurants to support your community and savor unique, homegrown flavors.

Avoid Vehicle Idling

Turn off your car if idling for more than 10 seconds to reduce emissions.

Refuel When It’s COol

Refuel your car or mow your lawn after 7 p.m. to help prevent ground-level ozone. Avoid overfilling or dripping fuel at the gas station.

Participate on Knozone Action Days

Take steps to improve air quality when Ozone and PM2.5 levels are high. Take action on Knozone Action Days.

Make Smart use of lawn equipment

Mow after 7 p.m. Keep equipment well-maintained for efficiency. Consider using a reel mower or electric-powered tools, and swap leaf blowers for rakes or brooms.

Purchase an environmental LIcense Plate

Support Indiana’s natural resources by purchasing an environmental license plate. Proceeds protect the state’s land, water, and wildlife. Learn more about Indiana's Environmental License Plate. 

Be prepared to avoid littering

Keep a bag in your car to collect trash and avoid littering.

Collect Rainwater

Use rain barrels to collect water for lawns or plants. Check out Express Yourself Rain Barrels for more resources.

CHOOSE water-efficient fixtures

Upgrade to low-flow showerheads and faucets to conserve water.

Run cleaning appliances when full

Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to save water. Learn more abut how to save water at home with Citizens Energy Group.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Prepare your household for emergencies with a customized kit. Visit Ready.gov for guidance.

Join CERT

Help make Indianapolis safer by joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and assisting during emergencies.

Join Exercise classes and health programs

Stay active with free exercise classes and health programs offered at 11 local parks through Indy in Motion.

Safely store Prescriptions

Store your prescription drugs in a safe location, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands.

Check in on community members

Reach out to neighbors, elderly family members, and those facing mental health challenges to show your care and support.

Practice Mindfulness

Boost your mental and physical health with mindfulness activities like yoga, walking, or simply taking deep breaths.

Use Public Transit to COmmute

Take the IndyGo bus to work—whether it’s once a week or every day, every ride makes a difference.

Warm Your Vehicle by Driving it

Skip idling to warm up your car. Driving it is faster and more efficient, with just 30 seconds of idling needed.

Properly Maintain Your Vehicle

Save up to 20% on gasoline by keeping your car tuned up and tires properly inflated.

Use a Bike Share system

Choose Pacers Bikeshare for short trips around the city—it’s convenient and eco-friendly.

Drive Cleaner Vehicles

Switch to an electric, hybrid, or low-emission vehicle to reduce your environmental impact.

Combine Trips

Plan errands in one trip and drive efficiently, avoiding sudden stops and starts.

Carpool

Share the ride with CIRTA Commuter Connect to save money and reduce emissions.

Walk when possible

Walk to your destination using different trails and paths around the city.

Replace Grass Lawns

Transform your lawn with native plants that support pollinators, conserve resources, and eliminate mowing.

Plant and protect native trees

Enhance your property by planting and preserving native trees. Learn more at Indiana Native Plant Society and Indiana Wildlife Federation.

Use reusable bags

Bring your own reusable produce and tote bags when grocery shopping to avoid using plastic bags. 

Use reusable containers and utensils

Purchase reusable goods like durable water bottles, cutlery, and to-go containers to avoid using single-use plastics.

Dispose of hazardous household waste properly

Never throw hazardous household waste, like batteries and chemicals, in the trash. Dispose of them in an environmentally responsible way, like through ToxDrop.

Avoid styrofoam containers

Avoid getting food “to-go” to prevent the use of Styrofoam containers, single-use plastics utensils and plastic bags.

Wash and wipe recycling

Make sure to wash and wipe dry your recyclable goods, so as to lower contamination in recycling streams.

avoid fast fashion

Shop second-hand and choose quality over quantity to reduce the environmental toll of “fast fashion.”

minimize food waste

Minimize your food waste by first eating what you already have in your fridge. Meal planning and making grocery lists can also reduce your food waste.