The Skinny >>

Money may not buy happiness, but community just might conjure it. In her book, Slow is Beautiful, Cecile Andrews examines the research about what makes us happy and answers the question with this: “It’s warm, caring relationships with other people.” By forging community ties, we not only create more vibrant, joyful places to live, we can also cut down on stuff, pool resources to save money and make a difference.

There’s already a movement afoot. Here’s how to join the ranks.

Work It >>

Sharing isn’t just for kindergartners. And it’s green! One thing used by more than one person means less stuff cluttering landfills later on and less money drained from our wallets. It also encourages interdependence and smart use of resources. Got a power tool? Lend it. Got some extra lemons in your backyard? Pass ‘em around. Then get something in return and everybody wins. You can spread the sharing by word of mouth, by an email list in your neighborhood or with the help of sites like these from our guide on sharing the love:

• Neighborgoods

• Share Some Sugar

• Freecycle

• Veggie Trader

Beautify your block, together.

• Start plucking litter from your streets and others just might follow your lead. (Eco-runners do this while getting in shape at the same time.)

• Help kids with an awareness campaign about picking up dog doo or another particular problem in your hood.

• Start a carpool for workdays or nights on the town.

• Carry a bag, lend a hand, say hello to someone you don’t yet know.

• If you live in an apartment building, check out how to make sure it’s set up for recycling.

• Host a potluck where neighbors rub elbows, eat fresh, local food and serve up ideas for community improvement.

• Organize a tree planting on your street. In L.A., TreePeople will help you do it.

• Plan an e-waste drive, shoe recycling drive for Nike’s Reuse a Shoe, canned food drive, or relief effort for another community in need.

Earn Your Stripes >>

If you have a city council (or neighborhood council, like in L.A.), attend the meetings. Make your voice heard about issues that matter to you and your community be they water, parks, playgrounds, bike lanes or anything else. If it’s true all politics are local, by getting in on the action where you live, you just might learn that you and yours can accomplish more than you thought possible.

And be inspired by Shareable.net where you can learn how to start your own neighborhood skillshare or work group to take community spirit to the next level.

Image via Tree People

Related Content >>

• Share the Love

• Playground and  Sneakers: A Natural Fit

• La Gran Limpieza: The Great Los Angeles River Clean-Up

• Green Apartment Dwellers, Yes We Can!

• Share Your Drive With Your Ride Amigo

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