Two years ago I received an unusual Mother's Day present from my daughter, Maddy. She gave me a portable induction hot plate! I was surprised to get it as I did not ask for it, but it has turned out to be a very successful gift!
Initially I thought I would only use it as an extra hot plate, on special occasions such as Thanksgiving when we could use an extra cooking surface, but it turns out it is my preferred way of stovetop cooking! It is safer, as it doesn't get as hot as a stove, and so it is also cleaner because things that spill (like milk) don't burn. As an induction stove remains cool, it also keeps the room cooler, and there is no need to worry about gas fumes. Furthermore, an induction stove is faster and the heat control is more precise. And lastly, it is more energy efficient! The portable induction hot plate is now the first heat source we tend to use, and it has clearly cut down on our gas usage. I now am a convert from gas and I look forward to purchasing a new induction stove! Better cooking, cleaning, and safety AND better for the environment - a win/win for the modern kitchen! You are invited to the next Wellesley Green Schools meeting next, Thursday May 16 at 9:30 am via Zoom. We will talk about plans for next year so please come share what is important to you and your school community! For those that have never been, feel free to join. Wellesley Green Schools is collaborative group of caregivers, students and staff working together to reduce Wellesley schools' ecological footprint and to inspire students to create a healthy sustainable world.
The annual Bargain Haul at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church will be held Saturday, May 4th from 8:00am – 12pm. Bag sale 11:15. 79 Denton Rd., corner of Washington St. (Rt 16) and Weston Road, Wellesley. The enormous selection includes jewelry, clothes, toys, housewares, books, electronics and more! Admission is $2. RAIN OR SHINE!
Volante's home field is now Certified USDA Organic! This certification is a rolling one, meaning the field will be certified piece by piece. By the end of the 2024 growing season, their entire home field will be certified. They also grow on two other fields in Needham where they will continue to use their sustainable IPM farming methods.
They will begin to harvest their first organic veggies over the next few weeks. First up are organic "garlic scallions" (a new crop for the farm), organic mint, organic lettuce and organic radishes, with more to come as the season progresses. They have posted a great deal of information on their website. Organic farming practices lower the risk of pollution in soils and waterways and capture and store more carbon. In addition by prohibiting the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, organic farms have lower emissions and use less energy. As Wellesley College graduation nears, we would like to share a poem from an incredible Wellesley College student who has been at the Wellesley Climate Coalition demonstrations on Friday's in front of Town Hall for nearly her entire college career. She is about to graduate and continue to do impressive things for this planet. Thank you Suzanna for being who you are, committed to climate action, and for sharing your many talents with all of us.
Her poem may inspire you to swing by one Friday afternoon (3-4pm) and enjoy an hour on the lawn. Wellesley Climate Coalition Poem A space for friends to discuss all that ails them, A place to feel renewed and not alone, Every Friday, strong and true, We create this space together, A community- A home. I worry for what comes next, The disastrous floods and droughts, Weather events we cannot escape, Society caving in as conflict exasperates, No one is safe- This is known. At school, we discuss what is wrong. Systemic pressures Common action problems Corporations taking advantage of communities, Exploiting both people and environment. And it weighs on us, the next generation, Knowing our future and the places we come from will not be promised. So we fight, As we watch those around burn out and tire from all this grief and pain. And still every Friday, no matter what’s going on campus or in the world We come to this hill, We say hello, and question how our weeks went. Colleagues quickly become friends, Friends quickly become a family of activists, All fighting for tomorrow. In the hopeless of nights and days and weeks and years, You all still remain, Here, in this moment, where things slow down Where taking action has meaning. So from the bottom of my heart, Thank you for all that you have taught me That hope exists, and has great meaning. For in the darkest of nights, there is always light, A star that shows us the future, And here we come, Daring to dream. The Town of Wellesley seeks a part-time Waste Reduction Coordinator (up to 19 hours/week) to
coordinate waste reduction for Town of Wellesley buildings and potentially coordinate waste reduction in other contexts, depending on Town needs and time availability, to include Wellesley Public Schools and other educational institutions, Town-led programs, and Town sponsored events. The incumbent will build on existing and new pilot programs to develop and implement standardized waste reduction programs across the Town. The work requires a strong understanding of the recycling and solid waste industry, strong project management and problem-solving skills, experience leading teams and working with a variety of stakeholders and excellent communication skills. The incumbent works with minimal supervision and must be able to effectively collaborate and build consensus among stakeholders. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to environmental studies, public policy, economics, engineering, education, or science; strong understanding of the recycling and solid waste industry; strong project management and problem-solving skills; experience leading teams and working with a variety of stakeholders; excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work independently and prioritize projects; ability to effectively collaborate and build consensus among stakeholders; proficient with computers and computer software. Preferred: non-profit or government experience; public speaking and presentation skills; valid driver’s license and regular access to a car; experience with graphic design; and experience putting together surveys and reports. The salary range is between $30 - $40 per hour depending upon qualifications. Flexible schedule available up to 19 hours per week. To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter or a Town of Wellesley application to the Human Resources Department, Town Hall, 525 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 or e-mail as a Word or PDF document to dpwhr@wellesleyma.gov by Monday, May 13, 2024. AA/EOE What a great community event yesterday at Wellesley’s Community Gardens. Our gardeners shared their green thumb expertise with lots of good tips on site selection, crop suggestions, growing tips, and more.
Although there is a wait list to have your own plot at either of Wellesley’s Community Gardens, you can always help out by volunteering at the Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission plot who donates their crop to the Wellesley Food Pantry. Learn, play in the dirt and do something for others is a win-win. Email lmoore@wellesleyma.gov for more information on helping and wait list. A last minute surprise was free tree saplings and there are extra's! If you would like to plant a tree in your yard, send an email to info@sustainablewellesley.com. Thanks to all that came to and organized this event. Make Your Next Car an EV to Take Advantage of Federal Tax Credits and State Rebates
Are you thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV)? Register now for a free event where you can test drive up to two dealer EVs and chat with Wellesley residents who already own EVs and hybrids. Now is an ideal time to buy an EV, because federal tax credits, state rebates, and a Wellesley off-peak charging electric bill credit are available. The Wellesley EV Test Drive and Showcase takes place Thursday, May 9th, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot across from MassBay Community College at 50 Oakland Street in Wellesley. The rain date is Thursday May 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. You are invited, and test drives are available based on order of registration. A valid driver’s license is required. As of April 17, the following makes and models are expected to be available for test drive:
There are plenty of great reasons to buy an EV beyond the discounted price as a result of federal and state incentives. EV owners save $500 a year to ‘fill it up’ at home because electricity is less costly than gasoline as a fuel source. Second, oil changes are eliminated and EVs require less frequent servicing, so EVs cost on average $8,000 less than a gasoline-powered car in maintenance costs over the life of a car. The initial purchase cost for eligible EVs vehicles can be offset by a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 at the time of purchase. In addition, the state of Massachusetts offers up to a $3,500 rebate (and an additional $1,500 for income-qualified applicants.) Massachusetts EV buyers who trade-in an eligible internal combustion engine, or gas-powered, vehicle qualify for an additional $1,000 rebate. The Wellesley Municipal Light Plant also offers a $96 annual electric bill credit for EV owners who charge their vehicles during off-peak hours. To learn more about sustainable mobility, including EVs, visit Get Around Sustainably. Vehicle exhaust accounts for nearly 40% of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Driving an EV is one way you can take personal action to reduce the emissions that lead to climate change asEVs do not produce tailpipe emissions. This event is hosted by the Town of Wellesley’s Municipal Light Plant, Climate Action Committee, and Sustainable Wellesley. About Climate Action in Wellesley The Climate Action Committee fosters awareness and mobilizes the collective action of residents, businesses, educational institutions, and town employees in Wellesley to combat the existential crisis of climate change. Through education and advocacy, we strive to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and cultivate a resilient environment for present and future generations. The Town’s Climate Action and Sustainable Mobility Plans provide roadmaps for reaching the Town of Wellesley’s goal to reduce the town’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by 2050, in concert with the state of Massachusetts and the nation’s carbon neutrality goals. Wellesley Drives Electric, offered by the Municipal Light Plant, offers information about the savings and benefits of driving an electric car and one-on-one EV advice to residents. Sustainable Wellesley, is a nonprofit organization that engages Wellesley residents, businesses, and the Town of Wellesley to take sustainable actions to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice. About MassBay Community College MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. To learn more about MassBay, visit www.massbay.edu. Wellesley Energy Coaches are here to help you move to electric in your home, your car and your office. At NO COST.
They can offer advice about:
Get Started Here An energy coach will reach out within 48 hours to schedule a consultation. The local volunteers trained in clean energy technologies help residents explore, plan for, and initiate actions associated with home/building weatherization, efficient electric heat pump systems, solar power, electric vehicles, and other energy adaptations to save money, make our homes healthier and more comfortable, and address climate change. Questions? Email EnergyCoach@wellesleyma.gov Having a municipal utility in town, Wellesley is better positioned than other communities to transition to clean electricity. Two thirds of the Town of Wellesley's energy is from non-emitting sources, making moving to electric in our community, the healthy way to go. Transitioning away from gas is critical to meet the Town's, State's and Federal emissions reduction goals. Please try something new and do better for the next generation. |
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