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

An illustration of people on a busy street

Renew America's Nonprofits Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Energy, through the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, selected MARC as one of nine recipients of a Renew America’s Nonprofits grant to implement energy efficiency building upgrades for nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City region.

View of downtown with trees in foreground

Regional climate action

With input from hundreds of regional community stakeholders, MARC developed a Prioritized Climate Action Plan for the region in 2024, based upon the existing Regional Climate Action Plan. The next phase will expand the initiative into a comprehensive plan for 2025. Learn more about the plan and MARC recognition of climate resilience at the link below.

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.

A collection of EV charging stations in a green area

Regional EV Readiness Plan

MARC is working with a steering committee and regional electric vehicle infrastructure stakeholders to develop the Kansas City Regional EV Readiness Plan. See how you can get involved.

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.