Climate actions that work – custom-built for Ashland
Do you feel overwhelmed when you hear the words “climate change”? We hear you — and we want to change that.
Welcome to the Ashland Climate Collaborative — a nonpartisan organization working to empower our community to do what we can about climate pollution. We know what causes the most climate pollution in our town — AND the moves that make a difference!
Moves that reduce climate pollution:
1. Clean transportation – walking, biking, taking the bus, driving an EV
2. Clean home energy – shifting from natural gas to Ashland’s clean hydro-electricity
3. Reducing food waste and composting food scraps
4. Using electric landscaping tools – clean and quiet mowers and blowers
Moves that help us adapt to a changing climate:
5. Protecting our homes from wildfire – clear growth from around your home, insert metal panels in fencing that attaches to your home
6. Preparing for emergencies – know your evacuation zone, pack a bag, create a plan
7. Conserving water – in your yard and inside your home
Moves that connect us:
8. Join or start a climate club – get to know our neighbors and be there for each other
Making the Moves
Ashland Climate has several projects, led by local volunteers, that help you take meaningful action now. These climate-positive actions ripple into big results!
Which of these actions could you try this year?
1. Clean Transportation
Our Streets for Everyone team promotes clean transportation. Here’s what you can do:
- Swap a couple of car trips each week with a walk or bike ride
- Show your support for clean transportation by joining our First Friday Bike Rides and other organized rides
- Sign up for Bicycle Benefits and get shop-by-bike discounts at participating local businesses.
- Help kids learn to ride bikes safely. Volunteer for “PedalPower” a bike safety education for 4th- and 5th-graders at Ashland public schools.
- Volunteer to lead a Bike Bus
- Write letters and/or testify when we alert you about opportunities to advocate for safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Buy an ebike or an electric vehicle and get money back from the City of Ashland
2. Clean Home Energy
Our Electrify Ashland Now team helps you on your path to clean home energy — by switching from climate-warming “natural” gas to high-efficiency electric appliances and improving your home’s energy efficiency. Whether you own or rent your home, here are some moves you can take:
- Sign up for a free Home Energy Score to learn your best next steps toward cleaner home energy – just email us at HomeEnergy@AshlandClimate.org or call 541-646-2641.
- Button up your home with caulk and insulation, and upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances. Contact us to get started.
- Share your support for clean energy by displaying a free “We’re Going Electric” yard sign.
- Learn about City of Ashland rebates and incentives for renters, landlords, and homeowners.
3. Composting
Our Community Compost team helps you reduce methane pollution by keeping your food scraps out of the landfill. Donate your food scraps back to the land! Farmers will love you, and you’ll reduce climate-warming methane in our landfill. Here’s what you can do:
- Reduce food waste.
- Compost at home.
- Swing by the Tuesday Ashland Growers Market between March and November to drop off your food scraps for free.
- Sign up for a food scrap pick-up service.
4. Using Electric Lawn Tools
Toxic emissions from gas-powered tools are hundreds of times more polluting than automobiles. Here are some moves you can take:
- Use electric landscaping tools to mow and blow—quietly without pollution.
- Hire a professional local electric landscaper
- Ask your yard care contractor if they have considered electric tools
- Work to eliminate gas leaf blowers – email City Council sharing your support council@ashland.or.us
5. Protecting Homes from Wildfire
6. Preparing for Emergencies
Ashland’s Wildfire Experts encourage you to protect your home from wildfire and prepare for emergencies. Here’s what you can do:
- Check out the 2025 Better Prepared Wildfire Series
- Take steps to harden your home against wildfire
- Create an emergency plan – know your evacuation zone and pack a Go Bag
- Connect with family, friends, and neighbors about your evacuation plans – meet your neighbors so you can work together
7. Conserving Water
Our Water Conservation team promotes using water wisely, especially outside in your yard. Here’s what you can do:
- Replace your grass with water-wise plants
- Check out the City’s water conservation rebates
- Add mulch to your yard – Rogue Fine Compost retains moisture and is fire-resistant
8. Connecting with Neighbors
Our Neighborhood Climate Action Network helps you connect with your neighbors – which is great for feeling connected and helpful in emergencies too. Here’s what you can do:
- Join an existing climate club
- Start a new club in your neighborhood, school, church, or social group
- Help your neighborhood organize to prepare for emergencies
Learn about ALL of these moves on our website — home energy, transportation, electric landscape tools, compost, water, wildfire, and climate clubs.
Where did these moves come from?
They come directly from our town’s 2017 Climate and Energy Action Plan and ongoing review of the latest climate research. Each community contributes to climate warming in its own way—through agriculture, manufacturing, data centers, businesses, and households.
As a residential community, the vast majority of climate-warming gases we create in Ashland come from our residential choices.
In other words, we have power. We have choices. And we have future generations to protect. So that 50 years from now, our grandkids can ski down Mt. A, ice skate at the rink, and enjoy smoke-free summers.
Ashland Climate was formed to help our community mobilize and implement the moves that will actually make a difference. We are building a joyous community of people who care about protecting future generations.
How will we know it’s working?
- Watch for throngs of people biking around town.
- Look for “We’re Going Electric” signs in yards.
- Check out the Tuesday Market crowds at the compost bins (free drop off).
You will actually SEE your community taking action and making a difference!
Ways to get involved
- Sign up for our mailing list! (1200+ people and growing!)
- Cheer for us on Instagram, Facebook, + LinkedIn.
- Volunteer with us.
- Become a Business Sponsor.
- Donate to help us keep going strong.
- Share the moves you’re making – even if it’s one – YOU are making a difference!
Each choice we make, big or small, can be a catalyst for broader change. Here’s to hope, possibility, solutions, inspiring each other, and thinking about our kids and grandkids!
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”