Get Involved & Volunteer

Active involvement of residents with their city representatives on environmental issues is crucial for promoting sustainability and ensuring a healthy and livable community for present and future generations. If you have environmental concerns that you would like to see addressed, it's important to contact your city councilor.

To get your hands on free SWAG such as stickers, totes, or a T-shirt, reach out to us HERE

City Council

As concerned citizens, we all have a stake in ensuring that our environment is safe and healthy. One way to make our voices heard is by reaching out to our city council and advocating for policies that prioritize environmental protection. By engaging with our elected officials and working together as a community, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for ourselves and future generations.

Homewood is divided into 5 "wards" with 2 "places" within each ward. Each "place" has a council representative, so there are 10 councilors. There is also one council president elected at large. The mayor, council president and councilors are elected every four years. The city's next election will be in 2025.

If you have environmental concerns that you would like to see addressed, it's important to contact your city councilor. They are responsible for representing your interests and advocating for policies that promote a safe and healthy environment. By speaking up and engaging with your local government, you can make a positive impact on your community and the planet. To find out who your councilor is, click the button above.

Council meetings are on the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at city hall on the 2nd floor. Anyone can attend.

Recycling

Recycling is an important environmental issue that can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the planet. Despite its benefits, many communities still struggle with low recycling rates and contamination issues. According to the EPA, in 2018, only 32.1% of the total waste generated in the United States was recycled, while the rest ended up in landfills or incinerators. This highlights the need for increased education and awareness about recycling practices and the impact of waste on the environment.

Recycling also plays a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as it requires less energy to recycle materials than to extract new ones. Additionally, recycling can create jobs and support local economies through the development of recycling facilities and the sale of recycled materials.

How does Homewood’s Recycling work? Watch the video below!

Parks

Public parks play an important role in promoting public health, sustainability, and community engagement in Homewood, Alabama. Parks provide a variety of benefits, including:

  • Physical activity: Parks offer opportunities for exercise, such as walking, running, cycling, and playing sports, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve mental health.

  • Access to nature: Parks provide access to green spaces and natural environments, which have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being.

  • Social connections: Parks are often used for community events and gatherings, which can help foster social connections and a sense of belonging.

  • Environmental sustainability: Parks can help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air and water quality, and supporting biodiversity.

In Homewood, parks such as Sims Garden and Patriot Park provide residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and engage with their community. By investing in and maintaining public parks, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Help keep out parks, waterways, and sidewalks clean and maintained.

The Power of Trees

Trees play a vital role in promoting public health, sustainability, and quality of life in Homewood, Alabama. Homewood, AL is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, in recognition of its commitment to maintaining and expanding its urban forest. The city's efforts to preserve and promote trees help to enhance the natural beauty of the community and provide numerous environmental and social benefits. Trees provide a variety of benefits, including:

  • Air quality: Trees absorb pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter, and produce oxygen, which can improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses.

  • Climate resilience: Trees help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the urban heat island effect, which can lower energy consumption and improve the livability of cities.

  • Water management: Trees absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and prevent soil erosion, which can improve water quality and reduce the risk of flooding.

  • Economic benefits: Trees provide economic benefits by increasing property values, reducing energy costs, and attracting businesses and tourists.

In Homewood, trees are a defining feature of the city's landscape, providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. By planting and preserving trees, we can enhance the quality of life for residents, support local ecosystems, and create a more sustainable and resilient future for our community.

Homewood, AL has a tree ordinance in place to regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees in the city, ensuring that the benefits of trees are preserved and protected for future generations. The ordinance requires property owners to obtain a permit before removing or pruning certain types of trees and encourages the planting of new trees to replace those that are removed.

To Report a Violation or Concern regarding trees, contact City Hall or your City Councilor.

Trash

Residents in Homewood can find information about trash and recycling on the city's website, which includes details about what items are accepted and not accepted in the curbside program. The website also provides guidance on the difference between garbage and trash, as well as pick-up days and schedules for both curbside and bulk waste. For residents who have questions or issues with their trash service, the city's public works department can be contacted for assistance. Click the button above to learn more.

Speak Up

It is important to voice your concerns about the environment to city officials because they are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the community, and your input can help shape policies and decisions related to environmental protection and sustainability. Additionally, contacting city officials can help raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action from the city government to address them.

  • When you have a specific environmental concern or issue that affects the community, such as pollution, waste management, or conservation, you can reach out to the mayor, department heads, or council members to voice your concerns and seek solutions.

  • Contacting the city officials can help raise awareness about environmental and sustainability issues and encourage action from the city government to address them. Your input can also help shape policies and decisions related to environmental protection and sustainability in the city.

  • If you are interested in supporting or advocating for a particular environmental cause or initiative, such as promoting green energy or reducing carbon emissions, you can contact the city officials to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

  • City officials are responsible for ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of the community, including the environmental health of the city. Contacting them with environmental concerns and issues can help hold them accountable for their responsibilities and foster transparency and accountability in the city's decision-making process.