By: Oladele Olamide John
July 3, 2025
Small actions are usually seemingly trivial things that people do in their everyday lives. From minor actions such as greeting a person to substantial actions such as reducing one’s carbon footprint whether through recycling, planting trees, advocating for sustainable culture, or picking litter across the road. While individually, these actions may seem trivial, communally they have the potential to shape and develop our communities from an environmental and sustainable perspective.
Examples of Impactful Actions by Small Groups:
- Tree Planting and Green Spaces: Small groups participate in projects that promote the creation and maintenance of green spaces (i.e., wetlands), benefiting urban biodiversity and offering residents areas for recreation.
- Advocacy for Sustainable Practices: Through efforts such as climate strikes and policy presentation these small groups influence municipal decisions and promote eco-friendly habits.
- Educational Workshops and Community Engagement: Through workshops, community events, and content shared via blogs, YouTube, and social media, these groups educate the public about environmental issues. Many host climate discussions & conversations with stakeholders to raise awareness. Others share blog content, research reports, fact sheets, and policy briefs to promote and foster sustainable culture and action.
These small groups are playing a critical role whether through reducing plastic waste, supporting eco-friendly businesses, or advocating for sustainable farming practices, they are inspiring individuals to make informed, responsible choices. As people become more aware of the interconnectedness of their actions and the environment, they become more conscious of their habits, opting for reusable products, reducing energy consumption, or shifting to a plant-based diet. Through this approach, it is becoming evident that even the smallest organizations can spark widespread change and foster a deep, collective commitment toward our environment.
Environmental grassroots groups operate on a smaller scale usually comprising 15 – 20 members in a group dedicated to promoting ecological balance and responsible resource management. Such groups aim to reduce environmental degradation and advocate for sustainable practices. Practices range from protecting vulnerable wetlands to raising awareness about renewable resources and promoting sustainable lifestyles. All in the effort to inspire others in the community to join their cause in creating a more sustainable future for themselves as well as for their future generations.
Local sustainable and environmental groups, though often small, are powerful catalysts for change in both their communities and the wider world. Take, for example, a small neighborhood group that organizes monthly clean-up drives in their local park. While it may seem like a modest effort, the cumulative impact of these regular clean-ups not only creates a butterfly effect whereby there is improvement in the local environment over time but also inspires surrounding neighborhoods to act. By sharing their success stories, they spark a ripple effect, encouraging local governments to fund more green initiatives, educating individuals about reducing waste, and ultimately contributing to a broader movement toward sustainability.
The Rise of Local Sustainability Efforts
Local environmental movements have significantly increased in recent years as communities all over the world have come to understand the significance of sustainability at the local level. In Manitoba for instance, there exists several environmental locally led groups such as Sustainable Brandon, Green Business Recognition, and Manitoba Eco-Network to name a few. These groups serve as promoters for programs such as community recycling campaigns or composting initiatives. Furthermore, neighborhood cleanup initiatives, whether focused on a park, beach, or street, are gaining traction, demonstrating that even small activities can have a big environmental impact.
These movements are not only growing in number but also in influence. Local organizations are making noticeable improvements in their areas that larger, more bureaucratic organizations often take years to accomplish due to their capacity to act swiftly and directly. They frequently set an example for others to follow, demonstrating to companies, neighbors, and even local governments the value of teamwork and collaboration. Through social media, community events (i.e., clean-up drives, tree planting, educational seminars, and skits), and word-of-mouth, these programs create a chance for people to interact with one another, talk about their differing perspectives on the environment, and exchange ideas for future environmental protection initiatives. In the process fostering a sense of environmental stewardship on local culture and identity.
The Impact on the Environment
These small organizations play pivotal roles in fostering environmental sustainability through localized initiatives that collectively contribute to global environmental health. The majority of grassroots environmental organizations actively engage and collaborate with local authorities and community members to extend their influence in implementing sustainable practices. The majority have even worked with the Riverbank Discovery Centre to install solar panels on one of their buildings, demonstrating their commitment to renewable energy.
Other groups take a different approach by focusing on community-driven projects that address rural environmental challenges from a research perspective. Exploring environmental stewardship strategies in municipalities across Manitoba, by identifying gaps in municipal planning and helping municipalities better align their environmental and sustainable objectives ultimately strengthening local resilience.
Challenges Faced by Local Environmental Groups
Despite small groups’ significant impact, they face numerous challenges. Due to their limited size, many of these groups operate with scarce resources and rely heavily on volunteers, donations, and fundraising. With inconsistent funding and unofficial backing, it can be difficult to maintain long-term sustainability.
These groups also struggle to expand their reach beyond their immediate communities. Without large marketing budgets or widespread media coverage, it becomes difficult to raise awareness despite their successes. This lack of exposure hinders their growth and reduces their overall impact.
Conclusion
Small groups with their small actions are demonstrating that even trivial efforts can result in significant, long-lasting impact. These organizations are bringing people together and promoting sustainable behaviors that have an impact on entire communities, whether it is through tree planting, community clean-ups, or educational programs. But to develop and prosper, they require our assistance.
Now is the time to get involved. Every action count, whether you’re launching an effort in your community, volunteering your time or resources, or joining a local environmental club. No one needs to wait for big movements or top-down legislation. One community at a time, we can work together to create a more sustainable future.
Keep in mind that the smallest endeavors can result in significant, constructive change that will help the environment and future generations if we band together.
References:
Editor, Q. W. (2024, April 4). Sustainable Brandon by Yensy López. The Quill. https://www.thequill.ca/features/2024/4/4/sustainable-brandon-by-yensy-lpez
Eskins, J. (2024, August 27). Meet the surfers who are pushing new boundaries in ocean conservation. Condé Nast Traveler. https://www.cntraveler.com/story/surfers-pushing-new-boundaries-in-ocean-conservation?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Schlanger, Z. (2024, September 30). America needs a Disaster Corps. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/09/hurricane-helene-america-needs-disaster-corps/680082/
McDougall, M. (2025, February 5). Non-profit seeks inputs for Brandon’s sustainable future. Brandon Sun. https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2025/02/05/non-profit-seeks-inputs-for-brandons-sustainable-future