Environment

Creating and sustaining a healthy environment for our region

A healthy environment for our region

MARC's Environment department develops policies, processes and projects that help keep the region’s air and water clean, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, restores green infrastructure and advances climate resilience. 

Environment spotlight

View of downtown with trees in foreground

Regional climate action

MARC collaborates with Climate Action KC, a nonprofit regional compact made up of more than 100 local and state elected officials, to organize strategies to draw down greenhouse gases and improve climate resilience.

An aerial view of a tractor in a landfill

Regional landfill capacity study

MARC concluded a study, led by Burns & McDonnell, to forecast regional landfill capacity. The study is intended to inform solid waste planning, programming and permitting activities, at the state, regional and local levels and to serve as a prelude to a future regional solid waste plan.

Expired packaged produce in a dumpster

Reducing food waste

Food waste has an enormous negative impact on our community, economy and the environment. Kansas City Food Wise is a new regional website that aims to reduce food waste and build a sustainable food system in the metro. 

A girl looks through a cutout of a recycling symbol

Recycle more. Recycle better.

RecycleSpot.org is Kansas City Metro Area’s one-stop spot for recycling, reuse and waste reduction information. Now it has a new look, improved functionality and responsive design.

Green Infrastructure Project at the Shawnee Mission School District

Green infrastructure framework

Green infrastructure integrates nature-based solutions into the built environment in simple but meaningful ways. The Green Infrastructure Framework provides a roadmap for integrated processes and new approaches to protect, preserve and restore natural areas, while meeting social and economic needs at the same time.

Sunflower in front of a blue sky

Carbon reduction program

The carbon reduction program funds projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the on-road transportation system. 

Environmental Outreach and Education

Make informed decisions

Take responsible action

Public education is key to making smarter choices that lead to a healthier environment. MARC's environmental outreach programs provide free resources to keep our communities clean and vibrant.

Student and volunteer reading the Air Quality book

It's Ozone Season

What's the SkyCast?

The SkyCast is the daily ozone forecast for the Kansas City region produced from March 1 through October 31. Similar to a weather forecast, it tells you what air quality conditions are most likely to be for the next day.

Clouds over Kansas City skyline

Environment Committees

By bringing together key decision-makers, we can work together to find and implement solutions to the challenges our region faces.