 If you missed the tour you can still watch the recording of the Town of Wellesley Climate Action Committee and Wellesley Village Church's "Geothermal Solutions for Affordable Heating and Cooling" event from last week.
More than 130 people from commercial development companies, colleges, houses of worship, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations throughout greater Boston gathered to hear from scientists, architects, and engineers who presented varied applications of geothermal technology in networked, commercial, municipal, and institutional settings. Attendees not only got the tour of Wellesley Village Church’s new geothermal system, they learned about about the benefits of geothermal systems including predictability, low operating costs; resiliency; and healthy indoor environments.  Drought Status Update
Drought conditions in Wellesley have improved and the Board of Public Works has rescinded mandatory outdoor watering restrictions. However, the Wellesley Water & Sewer Division is encouraging customers to voluntarily limit outdoor watering to no more than two days per week. If possible, water before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to reduce water loss from evaporation. To help remember watering days, odd numbered addresses should water on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and even numbered addresses should water on Thursdays and Sundays. Less frequent and deeper watering helps promote deep root growth and healthier lawns that are more resistant to drought conditions. Less frequent watering also saves money. Check the Water & Sewer webpages to learn Water Conservation tips and how to check water usage using the Water Customer Portal. Reusables Area Re-Opens on April 22 The RDF Reusables area will reopen this Wednesday, April 22. Swing by: Wednesdays - 7:00 a.m.to 11:00 a.m. Thursdays - Saturdays - 7:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. Sunday -Tuesday - CLOSED Please note:
 Climate Action Committee, Municipal Light Plant Board, Townwide Capital Planning Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, etc....
Wellesley Town government relies heavily on volunteers like you. If you are interested in volunteering for a Select Board-appointed position, please explore the list of Town boards and committees with vacancies or term expirations. If you're interested in volunteering, complete the Town of Wellesley volunteer form.  Do you want…
Funding for climate solutions? A clean and healthy Massachusetts? A just transition to renewable energy? For corporate polluters to pay for the damage they’ve caused? Join Wellesley College Environmental Action (EnAct) in supporting Make Polluters Pay! Make Polluters Pay (MPP) or Bill S.588 & H.1014, “An Act Establishing a Climate Change Superfund,” is a bill that would require the biggest corporate greenhouse gas emitters in Massachusetts to pay for the damages associated with the climate crisis, along with necessary climate mitigation infrastructure, and move these costs away from the taxpayers. By establishing a “superfund,” the state of Massachusetts could raise an estimated $75 billion over the next 25 years. Massachusetts currently has no statewide plan to fund necessary climate infrastructure or the increasing costs associated with natural disasters. MPP would make this possible, while demonstrating to fossil fuel companies that we won’t let them get away with the damages they’ve caused to our communities and our future generations. New York and Vermont have already passed similar bills, with California and other states close behind. Sustainable Wellesley is part of the coalition of over 40 state organizations that have endorsed MPP. The bill was “sent to study” in the last legislative session, which means that although it wasn’t passed, there’s an opportunity to revive it in the upcoming session. It is crucial that we demonstrate widespread support for MPP ahead of this session. Many cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Northampton, Medford, and Malden, have already shown their support for MPP by passing municipal resolutions. A municipal resolution in Wellesley would send a clear signal (along with a literal letter) to the statehouse that Wellesley residents believe in and want climate equity and resilience. Here are some things you can do to show your support:
 Wellesley has the 5th lowest electricity rates across the Commonwealth. Meaning residents, the municipality and businesses are highly incentivized to move to heat pumps to heat and cool our homes and offices, drive electric vehicles, cook on induction stoves and more.
If you want to read more about how and why our rates are so low, read Sabrina Shankman's article from the Globe. Want to learn about how to take advantage of this opportunity and start electrifying your home or business? Email us at [email protected], reach out to the Town's Climate Action Committee, or fill out this form to connect with a no cost energy coach from the Municipal Light Plant.  April 15, 8:30 a.m. to Noon- Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central St. Wellesley
Geothermal Solutions for Affordable Heating & Cooling Property owners, developers, & residents hear about future proof technology w/ low predictable operating costs. Register for this forum organized by the Town of Wellesley and the Village Church. At the event they will explore the basics of geothermal and networked geothermal technologies; share where they make sense; offer strategies for implementation; and showcase real-world case studies from commercial, institutional, and mixed-use settings. Learn about ownership models, incentives, their resiliency, and health benefits. REGISTER HERE. April 20th mid day, Boston Marathon Route Help Greg Reach His Fundraising Goal- He is Running the Marathon for Us! Greg's commitment to the environment was shaped by witnessing worsening wildfires in California, which led him to pivot into climate technology. He now works on developing zero-CO₂ cement, aiming to address one of the largest sources of global emissions. He is running the marathon for Sustainable Wellesley as a way to think global and act local. Please donate here. April 23rd, 2-3.30 pm at Newton Free Library, Drucker Auditorium The Sweetest Way to Learn About Induction Cooking Dip into melted chocolate, and have a cup of tea to get a taste of how induction cooktops work. Learn how this cooking appliance avoids the emissions from gas stoves and allows for faster heating, precise temperature control, and increased energy efficiency. Bring your questions and your sweet tooth! Inspired to try out an induction cooktop yourself? You can borrow one from Wellesley's Library of Things collection. This program is in partnership between Green Newton, Mothers Out Front, the Newton Free Library, and the City of Newton. Thanks Newton for all you do! April 25 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm in Jamaica Plain The Plastic Detox Film Screening JPZero Waste and Greater Boston Beyond Plastic invite all to "Plastic Detox" Movie with a community discussion afterwards. They will discuss the movie, the growing knowledge about the toxicity of plastic, and what we can do individually and as a community. Register and learn about accessibility options here. April 26 1- 3:00PM @ Weston Road Community Garden Learn How to Grow Your Own Veggies, Fruits & Flowers Join Wellesley Natural Resources Commission, Wellesley Conservation Land Trust and Sustainable Wellesley for an afternoon at the Weston Road Community Garden. Learn how to start a garden, proper site selection, crop suggestions, growing tips, how to minimize maintenance, pruning techniques, pest management practices and more. Rain date:May 3, 2026 1-3PM. REGISTER HERE as space is limited.  The Town of Wellesley is continuing to promote Black Earth Compost to help residents keep more food waste out of the trash. With convenient curbside pickup, it’s never been easier to divert the yuck to the truck and turn scraps into something good for the planet. By diverting food scraps from the waste stream, residents not only help extend the life of the landfills, but they help to create nutrient-rich soil to give back to the earth.
In celebration of Earth Month, Black Earth Compost is offering a discount through May 8 to any customer that may have been hesitant about signing up. New customers will get 20% off their first invoice. Use the code EARTHDAY2026. A few regional exclusions apply. Sign up for Curbside Composting. Don't need the pick up, you can also bring your food waste to the RDF/dump. Look for the green bins by the garbage area at the end.  On February 1, 2026, the State declared a Level 2 - Significant Drought for our region. This limits outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans only. Sprinkler systems should not be used at this time. The State reviews drought conditions monthly, and the Wellesley Department of Public Works will notify customers through social media, their website, and the Town’s News and Announcements when restrictions change. Additional information and updates are also available on the State’s drought status webpage.
 Wellesley Public Schools, Health Department, Climate Action Committee, Natural Resources Commission and Police Department as well as Wellesley Green Schools and Sustainable Wellesley invite the community to Pledge With Me To Go Idle Free!
Starting April 6th during National Public Health Week, you will see signs, volunteers and other promotions asking drivers to turn off their engines while in school carlines as idling is unhealthy, expensive and illegal. Unhealthy Did you know that more than 30% of Wellesley's greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation? Monitoring at schools has shown elevated levels of benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other air toxins during the afternoon hour coinciding with student pick-up. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that these air toxins from idling emissions are known to cause cancer, respiratory effects like asthma and other serious health effects. The US Dept. Of Energy adds that vehicle emissions are more concentrated near the ground, where children breathe. And not only can auto exhaust from idling pollute the air in and around vehicles; it can also enter school buildings through air intakes, doors and windows. This is especially dangerous to children because their developing lungs have a smaller surface area and a higher inhalation rate (can be over 3x that of adults), which means greater exposure and potentially permanent damage to lung function. Expensive Idling is also expensive. From passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks, the US Dept. of Energy estimates that more than 6 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel combined are lost to idling every year. Even when gas prices were at $2 per gallon, that wasted fuel translated into more than $11 billion annually. Now, with higher gas prices, this means idling is wasting even more money. Illegal Idling can also cost you money in fines. In Wellesley, there is a $15 fine for idling which is modeled after the state's anti-idling fine which can cost up to $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for each subsequent offense. Please reconsider habits and try something new! Pledge With Me to Go Idle Free!  This is your year to learn how to grow your own vegetables, fruits and flowers from folks that know how. Register here to hold your spot for the third annual event on April 26th from 1-3pm at Wellesley's Community Garden on Weston Rd. Space is limited, so register for this popular event soon. Sustainable Wellesley is proud to co-sponsor this now annual event with the incredible folks at Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, and the Wellesley Natural Resources Commission.
Note the rain date is May 3rd also 1-3pm. Expert gardeners will share tips and tricks on • Starting a garden • Site selection • Crop suggesions • Growing tips • Minimizing maintenance • Pest management • Pruning • & More!  WHS graduate Charlotte E. came back to the High School to share her passion for junk journaling with WHS students during the fascinating, annual Seminar Day. For those of us "a few years out of high school :-)" this craze is the modern version of scrapbooking and very sustainable.
Got some unharnessed craftiness in you? Need to get your thoughts and visions down on paper? Start collecting scraps and pieces of "junk" from your everyday life, and glue them into a notebook for memory keeping. Use your individual flair to launch your junk journals, and make sure to leave space to write about moments -- big and small -- alongside the junk. Thanks for the inspiration Charlotte!  Frustrated about rising gas bills? Wondering why a majority of the costs isn’t even for gas?
Join the Mothers Out Front Boston West Chapter for a timely conversation about what’s driving up costs and what families can do about it. The event is on March 21, from 1- 2 pm at the Roslindale Branch of the Boston Public Library at 4246 Washington Street in Roslindale. They will tackle the big questions: How can ratepayers control costs when so much of their bill goes to maintaining the gas system itself? And as more and more people switch to cleaner all-electric living, who gets left holding the bill for an aging, oversized, and leaky system? Come ready with your questions.  HAZARDOUS DROP OFF IS SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH 9 AM – 3 PM
WELLESLEY RDF - 169 Great Plain Ave. Are you unsure if your materials are hazardous? Visit here and click on Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products. Rules: ● This is for Wellesley residents only ~ NO commercial contractors ● Stay in your vehicle ● Any materials not in original containers must be labeled ● Place items in recyclable containers (containers will not be returned – including gas cans/storage totes) ● Place items in the back seat, trunk or truck bed ● They reserve the right to refuse unidentified materials and large amounts of hazardous waste. What they take and don't take: *ACCEPTABLE ITEMS* General Household Materials Acids (corrosives) Chemistry set (labeled hazardous) Fiberglass resins Furniture, floor, and/or metal polish Hobby supplies (flammable/labeled hazardous) Photography chemicals Solvent adhesives Wood preservatives/Oil-based stains Lawn and Garden Materials Cesspool cleaners (corrosives) Flammable liquids/gasoline & Fire starters Fungicides/Herbicides/Pesticides/Insecticides Poisons Pool chemicals Automotive Products Brake fluid / Carburetor cleaner Solvents and degreasers Waste fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.) Other Materials Chlorine bleach Drain/Toilet/Oven cleaners Lighter fluids Hair dye *UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS* Ammunitions (call police dept) Explosives (call fire dept) Gas cylinders (return to supplier) Commercial hazardous waste Radioactive materials Infectious or biological wastes Medications (call heath dept) Syringes (fire dept) *NO LATEX PAINT* - Please bring latex paint on dedicated paint collection days April thru October. Also, documentation shredding day is on Sunday, April 26 10am-3pm. They will take all documents placed in brown bags/cardboard boxes. They will not take binders, plastic folders or binders/papers clips (small staples ok). QUESTIONS? Call the RDF office at 781-235-7600 X3345.  This year, as an option for their class gift, the Hunnewell 5th graders found an opportunity that promotes sustainable thinking, cultivating friendships & increases functionality of their playground for students, staff & caregivers.
The gift would be the installation of a buddy bench on the Hunnewell playground. Currently, many schools in our district and across the nation, are incorporating buddy benches to foster a culture of kindness & inclusion. The bench serves as a tool to normalize the act of needing a friend and encourages empathy, as other students are prompted to reach out and invite someone to join them. Hunnewell School has partnered with a non-profit to provide discounted benches to schools that participate in their recycling program. With the collection of 1000 pieces of #2 HDPE plastic, like milk jugs and shampoo bottles, they will be able to get a 60% discount on the bench (savings of almost $600). The students are very excited to be the first class to gift a bench to their new playground! If you have any of these plastics that you would like to donate to their cause, email [email protected]. Thanks!  WHS student Sadie Smith contributed this article. Thanks Sadie! Greg Williams is combining endurance with environmental advocacy as he prepares to run the 130th Boston Marathon in support of Sustainable Wellesley. A passionate member of the organization and a professional working in climate technology, Williams sees the marathon as an opportunity to raise awareness about the urgent environmental challenges facing communities locally and globally.
From pole vaulting in his Wisconsin high school and in college in upstate New York, to running trail races, half marathons, and half Ironman triathlons while living in California and in Wellesley, athletics have always been part of his life. Running has a deep personal meaning for Williams. His father ran marathons, and one of Greg’s milestones has been the opportunity to do the same–not just as a physical challenge, but as a chance to support the cause he believes in. “I’m excited that my kids get to see me run a marathon,” he says, “just like I used to watch my dad”. His environmental commitment was shaped in part by his time in California. He witnessed wildfire seasons grow significantly worse–expanding from roughly three months to nearly five months each year–-and saw firsthand the devastation in wine country. Faced with the question, “What can I do?”, Williams made a professional pivot into climate technology. He now works at a startup developing a new way to manufacture cement that produces zero CO2 emissions. Cement production is one of the largest contributors to to global carbon emissions, and he believes innovation in this space is critical to meaningful climate progress. When discussing today’s most pressing environmental issues, Williams points to both urgent and gradual threats. Wildfire and rising CO2 levels demand immediate attention, but he also emphasizes ecosystem destruction. For example, the deterioration of places like the Great Barrier Reef. His philosophy is simple: ”Think globally, act locally”. While climate change is a global challenge, he believes meaningful action begins in communities. Voting, getting involved locally, and taking practical steps at the town level are what individuals can contribute to broader situations. He is very excited to run a marathon for Sustainable Wellesley, and raising awareness to pressing environmental issues that affect our world today. Please consider making a donation here. If you see Greg on Marathon Monday, make sure to give him a shout!  Register for this forum organized by the Town of Wellesley and the Village Church.
They will explore the basics of geothermal and networked geothermal technologies, where they make sense, and strategies for implementation, showcasing real-world case studies from commercial, institutional, and mixed-use settings. WHEN: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. to Noon 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Check-in, Tabling, Coffee & Light Breakfast 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Program 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Geothermal System Tours & Tabling WHERE: Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central Street, Wellesley, MA WHY: LEARN ABOUT:
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Please feel free to share this invite.  The Rotary Club of Wellesley is bringing back the Repair Café Event. It will be held on Saturday March 21st from 9:00 AM to Noon at the Wellesley Recreation Center Room 008. Register here in advance so all supplies to repair are on hand.
 Snow is melting!
As you start thinking of spring and plan for your yard consider electric equipment this year. Many companies use quiet, battery-powered equipment for mowing, trimming, and blowing. Their clients appreciate the reduced noise, absence of exhaust fumes, and overall lighter environmental footprint compared to traditional gas equipment. Many also offer fully electric spring and fall cleanups using battery-powered blowers and hand rakes for properties that prefer a completely electric service approach. Check our our list of electric and some organic land care companies here.  Since less than 1/3 of the mail ballots have been returned, YOUR VOTE REALLY MATTERS. Local politics is accessible to you and where you can make an impression. Make your voice heard and vote.
Please drop off your mail in ballots in the drop box at Town Hall (don't use US mail at this late date) or go to the polls on Tuesday March 3. Polls will be open 7am-8pm and remember Precincts A & C polling stations are now at Upham Elementary School, 35 Wynnewood Road. See Map. Also, the Accessible Electronic Voting System is available to voters who are unable to independently read, write or physically manipulate or mark paper ballots because of a disability. As you determine who shares your values and who you want to vote for, watch Wellesley Media's recording of our Conversation with the Candidates event here AND to get even more specifics, read their responses to the written questions we posed to them here. Want more info? Watch some of the Select Board and Planning Board public meetings to see for yourself if they are greenwashing or not.  Looking for ways to take action(s) - small or large? Join us for our the next Wellesley Green Schools Meeting Thursday, March 12th @ 10am in the Bates Cafeteria.
Wellesley Green Schools is collaborative group of caregivers, students and staff working together to reduce Wellesley schools' ecological footprints, and inspire students to create a healthy sustainable world. Hear what is happening in your school community already, whats coming up and share what is important to you. Connect with others who can help make your school events less expensive and low/no waste. Yes, we are talking about the SMART EVENT GUIDE. Brainstorm with us on ways our school community can help Wellesley meet its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with the knowledge that buildings (municipal, residential and commercial) represent 53% of our greenhouse gas emissions in town, followed by transportation at 46%. Save the Date for Upcoming Meeting on 5/14.  In 2019 the Association of Professional Landscape Designers published a report entitled “Plastic Pots and the Green Industry: Production, Use, Disposal, and Environmental Impacts.” Marie Chieppo, the researcher and author of the report, concluded that approximately 98% of plastic horticultural containers are not recycled but go to landfills. The conclusion created an urgency with little resolve. A fair amount of progress with alternative materials has been made, but why aren’t we seeing them in nurseries?
Join Marie to learn about the obstacles facing manufacturers, recyclers, growers, consumers and lawmakers. As head of the alternative materials committee on the Horticultural Research Institute’s Plastic Task Force, Marie will also share with you the amazing progress being made on many fronts, including by Native Plant Trust. The event is sponsored by Native Plant Trust. Register here.  Thanks Green Newton for this story!
When Bev moved from sunny California in 2013 and purchased a condo in a two-family home in Newton, one of the first things she noticed was how cold and drafty her new living space could get. Bev was determined to upgrade and worked at the rate of one home improvement project every year. She slowly modernized her over-100-year-old condo to the point where it uses nearly two-thirds less energy, and all utilities plus two EVs are fully powered by solar electricity generated onsite. Get a tour of Bev’s improvements and hear how she did it here. Once you are inspired, be sure to reach out to the Town of Wellesley's Energy Coaches. These coaches help residents at no cost explore, plan for, and initiate actions associated with home/building weatherization, efficient electric heat pump systems, solar, etc...  The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is seeking applications from Wellesley residents to fill Wetlands Protection Committee positions, including full and associate members. Feel free to forward this information to anyone you know who might be interested in becoming an associate member.
Residents with experience in environmental science, natural resource management, science, botany, ecology, conservation, forestry, engineering, land use and law, and those with bilingual skills, or a strong interest in environmental protection, are especially encouraged to apply. The Wellesley Wetlands Protection Committee (often referred to as the Conservation Commission in other towns) is a 5-member board of volunteers who are appointed by Wellesley’s NRC. The NRC, having the powers and duties of a Conservation Commission, has delegated to the Wetlands Protection Committee the power and authority to administer and enforce the provisions of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch. 131 §40) and the Wellesley Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Article 44). With this authority, the Wetlands Protection Committee is responsible for reviewing and permitting any proposed work within a Wetland Buffer Zone, a Riverfront Area, or a Wetland Resource Area. The Committee meets on a 21-day schedule on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm. More information about the work of the Committee can be found on the Wetlands webpage, and past Wetlands Protection Committee meetings can be viewed on Wellesley Media. Interested residents should submit a letter and/or resume detailing qualifications, interests, and any additional information they deem relevant to [email protected]. Please include “Wetlands Position” in the email title bar. Questions? Contact NRC Director Brandon Schmitt, as above.  Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Wellesley Village Church, Central St, Wellesley, MA 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Check-in, Tabling, Coffee and Light Breakfast 9: 00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Program 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tours of the Village Church Geothermal System and Tabling REGISTER HERE Learn about: • Geothermal technologies for heating and cooling and how/where they work • Low, predictable operating costs • Financing structures, ownership models, and incentives • Resilient, low-carbon heating and cooling systems • Healthy, quiet, and comfortable indoor environments This forum will feature real-word case studies from institutional, commercial, and mixed-use settings, expert speakers, and opportunities to explore geothermal possibilities for Wellesley and beyond.  Sure, the white snow looks amazing after so long without it, but if you’re dealing with icy gutters, mystery drafts, or heating bills that make you gasp, it’s time to stop guessing and get an energy audit. Mass Save practically rolls out the red carpet, offering you an assessment that shows exactly where your home is leaking heat (and money). It’s fast, it’s smart, and it’s the first move toward a warmer, tighter, more comfy house. Plus, the Town of Wellesley has no cost Energy Coaches that can help.
Insulation can seal up sneaky gaps in attics and walls so heat stays where it belongs: thus, not escaping, melting and refreezing—aka the recipe for nasty ice dams. Mass Save offers rebates and incentives that make upgrades way more affordable than going it alone. So instead of throwing cash at emergency repairs or sky-high energy bills, you invest once and chill (comfortably) for years. Get the audit. Tap the incentives. Blow in the insulation. Your roof, your wallet, and your future self will all thank you. |
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