 Make time to join the upcoming webinar, “Plastics: the Mounting Threat to Public Health,” on January 28, at 4pm. Our speaker will be Dr. Philip Landrigan, MD. Register for the webinar here. A recording of the event will be sent to all registrants and will be available afterwards.
About the Speaker Dr. Landrigan is a pediatrician and epidemiologist, and he directs the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College and the Global Observatory on Planetary Health. Dr. Landrigan has collaborated with other scientists to study the health impacts of plastics throughout their life cycles. He will share the study’s results and give his recommendations for taking bold steps now to reduce plastics and mitigate their health impacts. Dr Landrigan will also respond to questions from the webinar audience. The Issue with Microplastics Microplastics pose an increasing threat to our health. They last forever and are everywhere - in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the products we use. More work is needed to fully understand the health impacts of plastics accumulating in our bodies, but scientists have linked the particles to serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, asthma, and disruption of the endocrine and reproductive systems.  SAVE THE DATE
Join Sustainable Wellesley’s Conversation with the Candidates on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00pm at the Library. Meet the candidates running for the many important town positions and hear where candidates stand on issues specifically related to sustainability. Mark your calendars for this event, Election Day on March 3 and be sure to get your ballots and vote in this election. Learn more about where and how to vote here.  Give your Christmas tree a meaningful second life.
Jack, a young Wellesley resident from Holiday Haulaways, specializes in effortlessly and responsibly making it easy for families to recycle trees cleanly and sustainably. He will make sure all non-organic materials such as ornaments, lights, tinsel, wires, plastics, and bags are fully removed (as these materials can harm animals, contaminate soil, etc..) and bring your tree to local farm animals (goats mostly) providing nutritious evergreen, or get it chipped for spring trail restoration. An environmentalist himself, he gives back to Wellesley by supporting the planting of over 700 trees locally. Connect with Jack here.  Looking for ways to take action(s) - small or large? Join us for our the next Wellesley Green Schools Meeting Thursday 1/15 @ 10am via Zoom. We know you are busy, Zoom will make it that much easier for you to join the conversation.
Hear what is happening in your school community already, whats coming up and share what is important to you. Save the Date for Upcoming Meetings: 3/12 and 5/14.  Neighbors in Lexington renovated a 1905 home and moved over to all electric, high performing, high efficiency equipment.
Thinking of renovating and moving off of oil? Want to reduce carbon? Click here to better understand high-performance homes and thoughtful renovation from local builders Byggmeister. You can connect your renovation goals with building codes, climate codes, energy costs, performance targets and carbon reduction strategies. Wellesley Energy Coaches are also available to help.  Starting January 1, 2026, you will start seeing food service establishments in town displaying these Skip the Stuff signs.
What does this mean for you? We are glad you asked. When taking away, if you want single-use articles (i.e. plastic utensils) and/or single-serving condiment packages, you must ask for them from the restaurant. They will be available but only by request by the customer or at a self-service counter. Skip the Stuff was passed by 2025 Annual Town Meeting and is intended to: 1) Reduce the amount of waste generated by single-use articles 2) Change customer habits 3) Help reduce unnecessary costs to food service establishments These items are a growing portion of the waste stream entering landfills and incinerators, and polluting city streets and waterways. This is a collaborative effort between the Health Department, Climate Action Committee, and the RDF. Read more about Skip the Stuff from Wellesley's Health Department here.  Looking for an easier and less expensive way to get to and from Logan Airport?
For only $15 each way, take the new Blue Apple Bus on one of their 13 inbound and 14 outbound daily trips between the Riverside MBTA station and Logan. The company has operated a similar Mansfield–Logan route and the CEO understands transportation so give it a go!  When we think about Thanksgiving, many of us envision tables overflowing with food and refrigerators jam packed with leftovers. But many of us don’t realize the environmental cost of this abundance. A staggering 30-40% of all the food produced globally is wasted.
According to the USDA, food waste accounts for 24% of municipal solid waste in landfills and generates 58% of methane emissions from landfills. This makes landfills the third-largest source of methane emissions from human activities in the U.S. If food waste were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, following the U.S. and China. As we enter into a season celebrating the abundance of the harvest, being mindful of how we buy, store, consume, and dispose of food can significantly impact a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here are 5 Simple Steps to Reduce Food Waste:
 Thank you to all who called and wrote to Rep. Peisch!
Because of your efforts, those in our community and across the state, the House decided not to take up a contentious energy policy bill that would weaken the state’s 2030 climate mandate until after the Legislature’s extended holiday break. To learn more about the Climate Rollback bill, read this article in the Commonwealth Beacon. Your effort helped make this possible. Feel free to follow up, thanking your legislator for listening to you and push them to hold the line for environmental and climate justice in January. If you want to learn more about why natural gas is driving costs up for heating customers (spoiler alert: not only are supply costs volatile, transmission expansion and aging, leak-prone pipes are making it more expensive) click here.  The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is seeking applications from Wellesley residents to fill Wetlands Protection Committee positions, including full and Associate members.
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.  Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the holiday season approaches and we reflect on what truly matters, many in our community are thinking about how they can make a meaningful impact before the end of the year. At Sustainable Wellesley, our mission has always been simple and urgent: to ensure that Wellesley remains a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable place to live—for our families today and for generations to come. If Sustainable Wellesley has inspired you, informed you, or helped you feel more connected to your community, we hope you will include us in your year-end giving. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we depend on the generosity of individuals like you to power our work. This year, your support makes possible the collaborative programs and community initiatives that expand education and advocacy around:
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. Also, consider joining our team. Reach out to us at [email protected] to connect. Together, we can build a healthier, more sustainable future for Wellesley. With gratitude, Sustainable Wellesley  It's your time!
If you are interested in running for a Town Wide Office, nomination papers are available from the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall from Dec. 3- January 9th and are due back signed by January 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Those wanting to run for a Town Meeting Member spot, nomination papers are available from Dec. 3 through January 23, 2026 and are due January 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Election Day is March 3, 2026 Nomination papers for Town Wide Office seats require 50 signatures of registered voters, but for Town Meeting positions, only 10 signatures are required of registered voters in their precinct . Town Wide Office Seats Up For Election Select Board 2 seats - 3 year terms Assessors - 1 seat - 3 year term Health - 1 seat - 3 year term Housing Authority - 2 seat – a 4 year term & a 2 year term Moderator - 1 seat - 1 year term Natural Resources - 2 seats - 3 year terms Library - 2 seats - 3 year terms Planning - 1 seat - 5 year term Public Works - 2 seat - a 3 year term and a 2 year term Recreation - 1 seat - 3 year term School Committee - 2 seats - 3 year terms Town Meeting Member Precinct Precinct A 10 seats - 3 year terms 1 seats - 2 year term Precinct B 10 seats - 3 year terms Precinct C 10 seats -3 year terms 1 seat - 2 year term 1 seat - 1 year term Precinct D 10 seats - 3 year terms Precinct E 10 seats - 3 year terms Precinct F 10 seats - 3 year terms Precinct G 10 seats - 3 year terms Precinct H 10 seats -3 year terms 1 seat - 2 year term To learn about the terms and instructions, click here. You can do it! Action ALert! State Climate Goals Under Attack. Please Call Or Write Before Wednesday 5pm11/11/2025
 Who: You, your friends, neighbors and family in MA
What: Contact your legislator urging them to reject the House energy package Where: From wherever you are When: Right now, or before Wednesday night How: Email or call letting them know you are a constituent of theirs and you want policies that protect affordability, strengthen clean energy investments, and keep Massachusetts a national leader in climate progress. Wellesley residents contact Rep. Peisch at (617) 722-2783 or [email protected]. Live elsewhere? Find your legislator here. Why: Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a new energy bill that would weaken the state’s climate goals, slash funding for clean energy programs, and increase our dependence on expensive fossil fuels. The proposal would make our 2030 emissions targets merely “advisory,” cut hundreds of millions from the successful Mass Save program, reduce renewable energy requirements, and even bring back rebates for gas heating systems. These changes would not only stall progress on clean energy and climate action, but also raise long-term costs for families and businesses by ignoring the real drivers of high energy bills—like volatile gas prices and costly infrastructure spending. We cannot afford to move backward. Massachusetts has proven that clean energy lowers bills, creates jobs, and keeps money in our communities. Weakening our climate laws now would mean higher costs, more pollution, and fewer opportunities for our state. More information here.  Save the date. On Monday, December 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. the Town of Wellesley invites residents to a Community Visioning Workshop at Wellesley High School. This workshop will explore the future development of the 45-acre MassBay Community College property, designated as surplus land for redevelopment under the State’s Affordable Homes Act (Section 122 Surplus Land provisions).
Learn about the State program, review site opportunities and constraints, and share input on housing design, density, and open space priorities. While the workshop will not determine or approve a specific development project, it will help define a community-driven vision that reflects Wellesley’s housing goals, environmental values, and community character. Read more about the Community Visioning Workshop and how to participate."  Don't worry if you missed the Town's Heat Pump Forum last month. Get all the info here on heating and cooling your home with electric heat pumps. The Town has complied information here on how heat pumps work, the benefits to human health and the environment, how to navigate contracting and installation, and of course how to take advantage of financial incentives.
 If you want to make a real impact on your children’s and family’s health — and the planet they’ll inherit — join us for the next Wellesley Green Schools meeting. Together, we’re helping our schools become healthier, more sustainable places for our kids to learn and grow.
Make time next Thursday, November 13th at 10am. Bring a friend or neighbor and meet us in the Common Room at the Wellesley Free Library. You don’t need to be an expert — just someone who cares. Come share your ideas, meet like-minded parents and educators, and see how small actions can create big change. Join us and be part of something good — for your family, our schools, and our future. Message us at [email protected] for more information.  Many residents and visitors to Centennial Reservation assume the entire forest and the trails are part of Centennial Reservation (owned by the Town of Wellesley), but in reality they are owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are at risk in this development.
For those who haven’t followed the local news, Mass Bay Community College has determined that a 45 acre parcel across Oakland Street from the school is surplus land, which has started a process with the Commonwealth to solicit a RFP for developers to develop what could be at least 180 houses on the site under the Affordable Homes Act, a state law designed to use surplus state land to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts, which also avoids many local zoning laws. This parcel consists of a 5 acre parking lot and 40 acres of prime forest land. Mass Bay and DCAMM (the state agency leading the process) have met with the Town of Wellesley and with local groups, including ours, to solicit input for the RFP process. At Sustainable Wellesley, we support the protection of this prime forest land that includes hiking trails and is an amazing natural resource for clean air and water, stormwater capture and a habitat for wildlife. We have written and spoken to the Select Board and others to encourage the protection of the 40 acres of prime forest land as part of this process. As a group dedicated helping the town meet its goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, we have also shared our thoughts on any building that happens anywhere in our community. Since buildings are the number one emitters of GHGs in Wellesley, we requested that if anything is built, that it meets and exceeds the town's sustainable building guidelines (e.g., net zero, near public transportation, friendly to nature, etc.). WHAT CAN YOU DO? If you would like to get involved in protecting this natural resource, please consider signing this petition started by Friends of Brookside. Additional information on this project from Friends of Brookside and the Town of Wellesley is available here and here: It should be possible to responsibility develop Commonwealth lands to address the housing crisis and to protect the 40 acre forest, which is home to hiking trails and wildlife and provides open space and fresh air and water to residents.  Make time tonight (30 seconds) before the midnight deadline to sign this petition asking Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, and Speaker Mariano to pass the Make Polluters Pay bill, H.1014/S.588. This would create a Climate Change Superfund to bolster disaster response across the Commonwealth. The organizers are dropping it at the State House tomorrow and your signature is helpful.
Background: Since 1995, Massachusetts has experienced 35 extreme weather disasters with damages totaling $10 billion, not including loss of life, livelihood, environmental degradation, medical costs, and projected GDP. Cities and towns across Massachusetts have a woefully insufficient average annual budget of $5,000 for disaster response. The State’s piecemeal approach to disaster recovery through one-time appropriations has left our communities increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. And who is carrying the financial burden of these impacts? Taxpayers.  Photo Credit: Charles River Chamber of Commerce Last week Sustainable Wellesley proudly accepted the Charles River Chamber of Commerce's Non Profit Impact Award. Our community nominated us as the the nonprofit organization that has made a significant difference in the lives of others through its programs, initiatives, and advocacy. Thank you to those who nominated Sustainable Wellesley!
"Sustainable Wellesley is a driving force for local climate action — promoting waste reduction, clean energy, and sustainable transportation by engaging residents, businesses, and town leaders," The Chamber said. Captain Marden’s Seafoods received the Business Excellence Award and Peter J. Mongeau President of the Peter J. Mongeau, President of the Wellesley Historical Society won the Community Impact Award.  Wellesley Village Church will host its 82nd Annual Rummage Sale on November 15th 9am-1pm so add it to your calendar!
Early birds will start lining up before 9am outside Wellesley Village Church for the annual Rummage Sale. At 9am, the doors will open and the crowd will start shopping the sale in the church basement. This sale features thousands of gently used items for sale at bargain prices. Items are organized into departments, with dedicated spaces for women’s clothing, accessories and shoes, children's clothing and toys, men’s wear, kitchen and home goods, and more. The Chic Boutique is a perennial favorite, specializing in higher-end women’s designer clothing, purses and shoes. More than 100 volunteers work together to make the sale the “best one day thrifting event in Boston.” For over 80 years, this sale has brought community together, saved lots of volume from the landfill and generated about $400,000 that has been deployed to charities helping children and families nearby and farther away. Shop the sale: November 15th 9am-1pm. $2 entry fee. Find your treasure!  Join Wellesley's Natural Resources Commission, Landscape Interactions, and Sustainable Wellesley at the Wellesley Free Library, for a Fall Seed Collection and Winter Sow Workshop on November 8th, 2025, from 1-4 PM. Bring some clear plastic bottles or jugs like juice or liter sized soda bottles, all other materials will be provided. For more information email questions here. Sign up for the free event here.
Some of the seeds are from Wellesley's Simons Park Habit to Habitat Pollinator Garden which is in it's second growing season. If you have not been by, check out the park, next to the library to see it blooming with native flowering plants that support important local pollinator species. This 10,000 square foot garden is an oasis for birds, rabbits, insects and other animals, including humans who have been enjoying the enriched habitat. Thank you NRC for your work on this!  A message from Wellesley's Natural Resources Commission:
As fall gets underway and leaves fall from the trees, remember leaves are not litter. Leaves play an important role in fall and winter. Leaving leaves where they fall provide overwintering places for many insects and larger animals, as leaves decay they return vital nutrients to the soil and protect plants by forming a natural blanket that protects plants and animals from the cold harsh winter weather. So put away those leaf blowers and rakes and enjoy the beautiful fall colors, and remember to just leave the leaves. Single-use food ware is a huge and growing portion of the waste stream entering landfills and incinerators, and polluting city streets and waterways. In the U.S., 561 billion disposable food service items are used every year, resulting in 4.9 million tons of waste.
Americans use more than 36 billion utensils and as much as 142 billion straws each year. Most restaurants provide these accessories for take-out meals even if the customer doesn’t need them. Thankfully, beginning in January 2026, all food service establishments in Wellesley will provide single-use items ONLY by customer request or at a self-service counter. This new Board of Health bylaw, known as Skip the Stuff, was passed by 2025 Annual Town Meeting and is intended to: 1) Reduce the amount of waste generated by single-use articles, 2) Change customer habits, 3) Help reduce unnecessary costs to food service establishments. Single-use food ware is a huge and growing portion of the waste stream entering landfills and incinerators, and polluting city streets and waterways. Thank you to all food service establishments who will be asking customers if they want utensils or condiments. Watch for much more information on "Skip the Stuff" in the coming months from the Health Department, the Climate Action Committee, and the RDF.  The Town of Wellesley is "leading the charge" toward sustainable land care by replacing noisy, gas-powered landscaping tools with battery-electric equipment. You have probably seen Wellesley’s Department of Public Works and the Park & Tree Division uses a variety electric tools, including battery-powered riding and push mowers, string trimmers and weed whackers, leaf blowers (handheld and backpack), even this self driving one.
Not only are they quieter and easier to maintain, these electric tools produce zero direct emissions, helping the Town meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal. Consider electric lawn care equipment at your home (snow blowers too!) whether you are doing it yourself, or you have a service doing it. Here are some landcare companies that have electric equipment. If you know of others that should be on our list, email us at [email protected]. Enjoy the quiet!  Bring your family to the Wellesley Trails Committee's Morses Pond Kids Trails Day this Saturday, September 27, from 10-11:30 a.m.
This annual family-friendly event invites children to explore nature in the beautiful woods at Morse’s Pond. Participants follow written clues to search for hidden treasure boxes using the activity of letterboxing. Refreshments will be served at the end of the activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. |
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