Climate Smart Campaign: Big Change Starts Small

Montgomery County is taking bold steps to fight climate change with the launch of its new Climate Smart Campaign. This innovative initiative is designed to inspire and inform residents on how to make climate-smart decisions in their everyday lives. The campaign encourages individuals to take a simple yet impactful “pledge” to be more climate-conscious, with the catchy slogan “BIG CHANGE starts small” underscoring the importance of small actions that can lead to big, meaningful change.

A Call to Action from County Leaders

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling climate change. “In Montgomery County, we’ve set ambitious goals to tackle climate change, but we know we can’t achieve them alone,” he said. “The Climate Smart Campaign is about empowering every resident to be part of the solution. ‘BIG CHANGE starts small’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a reminder that collective action starts with individual choices. Together, we can make Montgomery County a leader in sustainability and create a healthier, more resilient future for everyone.”

The Climate Smart Campaign highlights five key areas where residents can reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.

Five Areas to Make a Difference

1. Food: Be mindful of your food choices. Plan meals before shopping, compost food scraps, and support local farmers by purchasing seasonal produce.
2. Emergency Preparedness: Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts from Alert Montgomery, create a family emergency plan, assess your flood risk, and take steps to protect your home and belongings.
3. Transportation: Opt for greener modes of travel. Use public transportation, download the Ride On app, walk or bike more often, and consider joining the Electric Vehicle Purchasing Co-Op.
4. Energy: Reduce your energy consumption by scheduling a free Quick Home Energy Checkup, switching to LED lightbulbs, and adjusting your thermostat to be more energy-efficient.
5. Plants: Trees do wonders for the environment. Plant a tree to help remove carbon from the air, provide habitat for wildlife, and add beauty to your neighborhood.

The Power of the Pledge

One of the standout features of the Climate Smart Campaign is the ability for residents to take a pledge, committing to adopt climate-friendly behaviors. Scanning a QR code on social media and Ride On buses will lead you directly to the Climate Smart Campaign pledge. You can join others in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and make a real impact on the county’s sustainability efforts.

Sarah Kogel-Smucker, Montgomery County’s Climate Change Officer, expressed her optimism about the campaign’s potential to spark change: “Whether it’s choosing public transit or planting native trees, each small action can help us reach our goal of reducing carbon pollution and making Montgomery County a model for other jurisdictions.”

Spreading the Word Across Montgomery County

To expand it’s reach, the County will be sharing information through local media outlets, social media and on Ride On buses. The goal is to make it easy and convenient for residents to get involved, wherever they are.

“Simple everyday choices—like taking public transit—can make a significant difference in a County as large as ours,” said Chris Conklin, Director of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. With 42% of the County’s GHG emissions coming from the transportation sector, even small shifts in behavior can lead to big reductions in emissions.

A Key Part of Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan

The Climate Smart Campaign is part of the broader Montgomery County Climate Action Plan, which was finalized in June 2021. The plan sets ambitious targets to cut GHG emissions by 80% by 2027 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. The launch of this new campaign aligns perfectly with these goals, further pushing the County toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Join the Movement

Montgomery County is counting on its residents to be part of the climate solution. Every small action counts, and together, we can create the big change our planet needs.

“The Climate Smart Campaign engages and empowers residents where they are, whether they are riding the bus, scrolling through social media or reading the local news,” said Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Director Jon Monger. “Our goal is to make it easy for each member of our community to take small, meaningful steps that add up to big changes for our climate.”

If you’re ready to make a change, don’t wait! Take the Climate Smart pledge today and start making a difference—because, as the campaign reminds us, Big Change starts small.