Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Protecting Environmental Quality

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What do we mean by environmental quality? Environmental quality is a measure of the health of the environment itself (including the plants and animals it supports), and of the effects it has on the health, comfort, and psychological state of the people that inhabit it.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why protect environmental quality? To preserve the health of the community and its members. To preserve community resources. To create a more pleasant and better quality of life. To enhance the aesthetic character of the community. To attract new, environmentally-friendly business and sustain economic health.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why protect environmental quality? To attract visitors and new residents. To preserve community history. To protect the community from environmental disaster. To prevent people from taking actions they’ll later regret. To protect endangered species. To maintain ecosystems. To be good stewards of the planet.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas When should you act to protect environmental quality? When it’s specifically threatened. When there’s a community development initiative. When there’s a new commercial, industrial, or housing development beginning. When there’s an environmental crisis. When there’s a publication or media event that calls attention to the environment. When money is available.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Who should be involved in protecting environmental quality? Local, state, and federal officials. Local and national and international environmental organizations. Community activists. Those directly affected by environmental quality. Businesses and corporations. Anyone who is conscious of the effects of environmental quality – or the lack of it – on their lives.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you protect environmental quality? Make yourself aware of what elements of the environment you should be paying attention to: Air Water Land Plants Animals Natural resources The built environment Recreation Aesthetics

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you protect environmental quality? Decide on the issues you can most effectively tackle. Learn what you need to know about the scientific, social, economic, legal, and political realities of the situation. Recruit allies.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you protect environmental quality? Create, with as broad a range of allies as possible, a strategic plan, and prioritize both the actions you want to take and those you feel you must take. Implement your plan. Evaluate your efforts. Maintain your gains, and do it again.