As 2026 begins, Columbia continues to move forward on the goals laid out in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP): reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions while preparing for climate impacts already affecting our region. Progress depends not only on city programs and infrastructure, but also on everyday choices made by residents, businesses, and organizations across Columbia.
These four climate action resolutions highlight simple, realistic ways individuals can support local goals in the year ahead — by wasting less, using energy more efficiently, choosing cleaner ways to get around, and strengthening community resilience.
1. Waste Less — Reduce, Reuse, Rethink
Reducing waste is one of the easiest and most direct ways residents can lower greenhouse gas emissions. When materials are reused or kept out of the landfill, less energy is required for disposal and replacement — and limited landfill space lasts longer.
2026 resolutions to try:
- Minimize what you throw away. Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers into your daily routine. Thinking before you purchase and prioritizing products with less packaging reduces landfill waste at the source.
- Participate in community recycling events. Watch for electronics and hard-to-recycle materials collection events; these keep dangerous items out of the landfill and reuse what can be reclaimed. The Midwest Recycling Center hosts events locally, check the 2026 schedule: https://mrcrecycling.net/electronics-recycling-events
- Compost at home. Food waste sent to landfill creates methane as it decomposes – a potent greenhouse gas. Start at-home composting with a free Composting Workshop from the City: https://www.como.gov/volunteer/volunteer-programs/recycling-waste-reduction-opportunities/
By focusing on waste reduction first, before disposal, you help extend the life of limited landfill space and reduce emissions from waste processing.
2. Save Energy — Reduce Your Footprint & Your Bills
Energy use is a major contributor to community emissions — and you can make big strides by taking simple actions at home and at work.
2026 resolutions to try:
- Audit your energy use. Try a home energy assessment or take advantage of energy-saving programs offered through Columbia Power Partners and City Utilities to identify ways to cut bills and emissions: https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-power-partners/free-residential-energy-assessment/
- Switch to efficient lighting and insulation. LED bulbs, weather stripping, and added insulation are easy, cost-effective upgrades that immediately lower energy use. Get energy efficiency tips here: https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-power-partners/residential-programs-and-tools/energy-efficiency-tips/
- Consider bigger steps over time. Planning for heat pump installation, solar panels, or efficient HVAC systems contributes to long-term emissions reductions and savings! Take advantage of Utility rebates and incentives: https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-power-partners/residential-programs-and-tools/
- As much as half of the energy used in your home can go to keeping it heated or cooled. City of Columbia Utilities offers rebates on air conditioners and heat pumps. We also offer a special reduced rate for heat pumps. https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-power-partners/residential-programs-and-tools/air-conditioner-and-heat-pump-rebates/
Every kilowatt you save reduces emissions, cuts bills, and helps Columbia move closer to our CAAP goals.
3. Travel Cleaner — Move Smarter Around CoMo
Transportation accounts for a significant portion of our community’s emissions — especially personal vehicle travel — and there’s plenty of momentum around cleaner mobility in Columbia.
2026 resolutions to try:
- Hop on a bike or walk when you can. Not only does this cut emissions, it’s great for your health and helps make our streets safer. Check out our local bike routes and plan your next outing: https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FOR-WEB-_Trail-Guide-Brochure_Revised_Map_14-01-2024.pdf
- Try Go COMO transit. Columbia’s public transit is expanding, including electric buses that reduce air and noise pollution while connecting you to key destinations. Get out of the traffic and try transit for your commute this year: https://www.gocomotransit.com/
- Install a home charger for your EV. Have an EV, or plan to upgrade this year? Take advantage of City rebates for a residential EV charger: https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-power-partners/residential-programs-and-tools/residential-ev-charger-rebates/
Choosing cleaner travel options, even just a few days a week, adds up to fewer emissions community-wide.
4. Stay Resilient — Strengthen CoMo for Climate Impacts
Resilience is about preparing our community for climate change impacts like extreme weather, heat waves, flooding, or infrastructure stress. Columbia’s CAAP emphasizes adaptation as much as mitigation, because resilience ensures people, ecosystems, and services can weather change.
2026 resolutions to try:
- Build community awareness. Educate yourself and neighbors about climate risks in our region and ways to prepare for them: https://comoclimateaction.org/category/health-safety-and-well-being
- Support local efforts that enhance resilience. From tree planting to water efficiency programs and emergency planning, resilience actions reduce vulnerability. Explore the TreeKeepers program: https://www.como.gov/volunteer/volunteer-programs/treekeepers/
- Stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Make sure that you, your family, and your community is aware of CoMo’s income-qualifying programs to help people afford their energy bills and weatherize their homes for harsher weather: https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-power-partners/residential-programs-and-tools/income-qualifying-programs/
Building climate resilience keeps us and our neighbors safer and healthier both today and tomorrow.
The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan provides a clear framework for how Columbia can reduce emissions and adapt to changing conditions, but many of its goals rely on participation at the household and neighborhood level. Small, consistent actions — repeated across the community — can lead to meaningful progress over time.
As you look ahead to 2026, consider choosing one or two of these resolutions to focus on. Whether it’s cutting back on waste, improving energy efficiency, changing how you travel, or learning more about climate resilience, each step helps move Columbia closer to its climate goals.
Stay tuned to this dashboard to further explore programs, track progress, and learn how to get involved: https://comoclimateaction.org
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