Environment

Creating and sustaining a healthy environment for our region

Air Quality Climate Resilience Energy Plans and Surveys Natural Spaces Recycling and Solid Waste Water

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

Illustration of a man riding a bike in the woods

May is Bike Month

This season, MARC is spotlighting the region’s vast network of paths through its Regional Trails & Bikeways Map, a comprehensive resource that helps cyclists’ chart fresh routes, uncover hidden greenways and plan safe, scenic rides across city and county lines.

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.

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.

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.

Explore resources
Student and volunteer reading the Air Quality book

Environment Websites

MARC's Environment programs, in conjunction with select partner organizations, operate public education websites to explore our environmental work in greater detail and increase public awareness.

AirQKC


The air we breathe should be clean and safe. We all need to do our part to keep it that way. AirQKC provides information that you can use to help keep our air clean.

Visit AirQKC.org
Clean Water


If it's on the ground, it's in our water. Learn about improving our local water quality and keeping our waterways clean and free of pollution with simple tips.

Visit CleanWaterKCMetro.org
RecycleSpot


Learn how to recycle more and recycle better with Kansas City Metro Area’s one-stop spot for recycling, reuse and waste reduction information.

Visit RecycleSpot.org
Kansas City Regional Climate Action Plan


The first-ever KC Regional Climate Action Plan proposes a flexible framework to help mitigate climate change by achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Explore the plan's nine focus areas and the latest news and updates on the plan in action around the region.

Visit KCMetroClimatePlan.org
Download the Climate Action Plan

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.

Learn more
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.

Air Quality Forum Kansas City Environmental Education Network (KCEEN) Solid Waste Management District Executive Board Solid Waste Management District Management Council Water Quality Public Education Committee Climate and Environment Council