How can I get involved?

Talk to Businesses you frequent

If you have a favorite restaurant or coffee shop that still gives out single-use, disposable, non-compostable cups and utensils, ask if they are willing to make a change. Many businesses have switched to greener alternatives just because their customers have asked them to. Be sure to express that you are interested in BPI certified compostables, as these have been independently tested and verified. Also, if they are still handing out paper receipts, ask if they’d be willing to go digital.

Attend a Community Event or join a community group

The Town hosts stream cleanup days in the fall and spring of each year. Volunteers remove litter from the watersheds, including roadways near storm drains that lead to streams. You can find more information on the Stormwater Management page.

Additionally, the annual Arbor Day celebration has been expanded to Arbor Week. In Chapel Hill, Arbor Week is the week leading up to the first Friday after November 15. If you want to help plan the Arbor Week celebrations, join the Community Tree Committee.

Joining or donating to Friends of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation is a great way to get involved if you are passionate about Chapel Hill’s publicly accessible outdoor spaces.

At the annual Advisory Board Breakfast, all board members are invited to hear project updates and celebrate their achievements.

At the annual Advisory Board Breakfast, all board members are invited to hear project updates and celebrate their achievements.

Join a Board or Commission

Be a part of one of the Town’s boards of community volunteers and help advise the Council on a wide range of issues. Advisory boards and commissions are open to Chapel Hill residents with some seats for people living outside Chapel Hill. Board members serve 3 year terms with a 2 consecutive term limit.

These advisory boards and commissions work on issues related to sustainability:

The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Board assists the Chapel Hill Town Council in strengthening environmentally responsible practices that protect, promote and nurture our community and the natural world through advice and program support. Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

The Transportation & Connectivity Advisory Board assists the Chapel Hill Town Council in creating an inclusive connected community by recommending, advocating and planning for comprehensive, safe, effective and sustainable multi-modal transportation and connectivity. Meetings are the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

The Planning Commission assists the Council in achieving the Town’s comprehensive plan for orderly growth and development by analyzing, evaluating and recommending responsible town policies, ordinances and planning standards that manage land use and involving the community in long-range planning. Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM, excluding July.

The Housing Advisory Board assists the Chapel Hill Town Council in promoting and developing a full spectrum of housing opportunities that meet the needs of the Chapel Hill community. Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM.

The Stormwater Management Utility Advisory Board provides recommendations for the planning, identification, and implementation of stormwater management programs. Meetings are the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM, excluding November and December.

Ready to join? Apply to an advisory board now.

Take Action at Home

If you want to start increasing your sustainability at home, take a look at our easy steps toward sustainability and some more in-depth changes like composting.