Happy 2026, Ashland! Now is the perfect time to set goals and plan for the future.
At the Ashland Climate Collaborative, we have our eye on the grand prize: coming together to protect future generations from the effects of climate change. We know that when we act together to reduce pollution, it makes a difference and fuels us with hope and possibility.
Here are 6 resolutions to consider!
1) Take the first steps on your electrification journey
One of the most powerful moves we can make is to use clean electricity in our homes (instead of natural gas). That includes our heating/cooling system, water heater, dryer, stove, and fireplace.
The home energy experts at Electrify Ashland Now can help. Just email us at HomeEnergy@ashlandclimate.org to sign up for a free energy review. In partnership with the City of Ashland, we are also offering free Home Energy Scores and assistance in planning your next steps. Get a free yard sign to show you’re on the path to clean energy. (While you’re at it – give electric landscaping tools a try!)
2) Walk, bike, or bus for more in-town trips
Need to pick up a few things at the store? Meeting friends for a walk through Lithia Park? Dropping the kids off at school? Consider swapping out a car trip for a walk, bike, or bus ride.
Start a bike bus to bike with your kids to school. Come to a First Friday Bike Ride (meet on the plaza every First Friday at 5pm) and get a free Bicycle Benefits sticker for your helmet – just bike, shop, and save at participating Ashland businesses. Can’t wait to see you walking and pedaling around town!
3) Start composting
Composting food scraps is a super-easy way to eliminate climate pollution. Start composting at home, hire a pick-up service, or drop your food scraps off at the Ashland Tuesday Growers Market (re-opens March 4). Visit Community Compost to learn more!
4) Conserve water in your yard
Prioritize climate-friendly landscaping at home. Replace your grass with water-wise plants, plant drought-resistant plants and trees, mulch your garden, water your lawn overnight when it’s cool, and wash your car at the car wash (not with your garden hose). Here’s a treasure trove of water conservation ideas.
5) Launch or join a climate club in your neighborhood
Who’s on your block? Start or join a climate club to find out! Climate clubs are a wonderful way to bond with your neighbors, prepare for emergencies like wildfire, and help each other in times of need. Visit Climate Clubs to get involved.
6) Plan ahead for wildfire season
Winter is a great time to take steps to protect your home and loved ones from the dangers of fire season. Here is expert advice from Ashland wildfire professionals. Learn how to pack a Go Bag, make an emergency plan for your family, and protect your yard and home from the threat of wildfire. You can also view recordings from the 2025 Better Prepared Wildfire Series.
Here’s to inspiring each other and making 2026 a year of connection, community and hope!
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”
The Ashland Climate Collaborative is a hub for community collaboration to reduce our climate impact and build a more equitable and resilient Ashland. We empower, energize, and engage Ashland to accelerate meaningful and scalable climate solutions. Get involved at ashlandclimate.org.