Local Resources Last updated or reviewed on August 15, 2022 The City of Asheville works to mitigate the impacts of climate change in City operations and encourages community members to utilize the following resources to help you become more sustainable at home and business. If you are interested in incorporating sustainability practices please consider the following resources below. Reduce Energy Bills The City supports the Blue Horizons Project (BHP) which assists residents in reducing their energy costs by offering free Energy Chats to homes, businesses, or non-profits. Energy Savers Network is a partner program of BHP that provides free energy-efficiency upgrades for qualified low-income households with the help of trained volunteers. And if you want some basic tips on how to reduce your energy consumption at home, please read these Simple Home Energy Saving Tips. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Rebates The City offers residential fee rebates for permits through the Department of Development Services pertaining to: Solar Energy Installations Energy Efficient Homes Shade Trees Eat Local The City has adopted a food policy action plan to increase access to locally grown, healthy foods for the city’s community members. Resources for Eat Local AVL Edibles Map ASAP Farmer’s Markets NC 10% Campaign Local Gardening Interested in gardening but do not have access where you live? The City works with community partners to provide: Community Gardens Adopt-a-Spot Support Pollinators and Edibles Make a positive impact on Asheville through the Adopt-a-Spot program. Did you know that in 2012 the City of Asheville earned its Bee City, USA designation? You can help by planting pollinator plants at your businesses. Promote locally grown food, farmers and fishers, businesses and people who prepare, distribute and sell food grown in North Carolina through the NC 10% Campaign. Reduce Waste Did you know the City has a goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2050? For more information on how you can participate in composting initiatives and recycling visit: Click Here to visit the Sanitation Division. For more information on commercial composting please contact Danny’s Dumpster. Improve Resilience The City recently created the Climate Resilience Resource Guide for property owners to identify best management strategies from threats identified through the climate resilience assessment.