 Join Green Newton for an afternoon of hands-on fun where science, sunshine, and s'mores come together! Kids will design and build their own solar ovens, then harness the sun's energy to make gooey, delicious s'mores. While the ovens do the work, children can enjoy clean-energy-themed games and activities, and parents can get inspired about practical tips on saving energy, lowering utility bills, and reducing their home's carbon footprint. To take this to the next level, Wellesley residents should contact a Wellesley Energy Coach for specifics on incentives here in town. This engaging event is part of a series of fun, memorable ways to explore renewable energy and discover how the power of the sun can make a difference — in this case one s'more at a time.  See what a climate-friendly home looks like—through art.
Discover a striking public art installation that transforms home siding into a powerful visual story of how simple energy upgrades can dramatically reduce a home's carbon emissions. Inspired by research from MIT's Sustainable Design Lab, the installation shows the impact of adding insulation, installing efficient appliances, switching to heat pumps, and generating clean solar power—all on the path to a net-zero home. Experience it at one of these nearby events: Framingham Launch Event Thursday, July 16 Framingham Centre Common, 2 Oak St. Artist Talk Tuesday, July 22 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. Morse Institute Library, 14 E. Central St., Natick Come explore how art, science, and climate solutions come together to imagine a home for future generations. Every colorful shingle tells the story of emissions avoided—and the choices that help build a cleaner, healthier future. Click to learn more about the artists Raquel Fornasaro and Julia Csekö.  Nearly 200 Wellesley residents joined our ice cream social last month to learn about quieter lawn mowers, blowers, etc.., ways to get around town, what Wellesley Green Schools is working on, waste reduction tricks, composting info, how to protect our local watershed, met with energy coaches, signed up for home energy audits, all while enjoying J.P. Licks ice cream and meeting friends and neighbors.
Thanks to all who entered the raffle and though we only could gift to one winner - congrats Jayne - we hope you will all consider electric-powered lawn care equipment at your home. Mass Save offers rebates when you switch to electric lawn equipment, or borrow your neighbors ;-). If you missed the event you can watch Wellesley Media's excellent coverage here. Of course if we can offer any information on any of the topics above, feel free to email us at [email protected]. Have suggestions on how we can improve for next year? Email us too!  A shout-out to the Swellesley Report for breaking the news that Wellesley has received a $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources through the Climate Leader Communities program. The award will help fund solar panel installations at Hunnewell and Hardy Schools, reducing costs for taxpayers while advancing the town's clean energy goals. Of course big thanks to MA DER, our Town's Climate Action Committee, Sustainability Office, School Committee and the Municipal Light Plant for getting us here.
 The gas leak on Linden St. last week synchronized with this Boston Globe article. The article reports on a recent Boston University study of 195 homes in Massachusetts (2 of which were in Wellesley) and Rhode Island which found elevated indoor methane levels exceeding outdoor air in 93% of homes with gas piping. Some reached as high as 20 times above outdoor levels. Levels in all-electric homes were not elevated. An active gas leak was identified in 91% of homes with gas piping. Unburned methane gas contains benzene, a known carcinogen, for which there are no safe limits.
The article omitted a few concerning details including the fact that even those who have good senses of smell many times can not detect the leaks because most people get habituated to the smell of their home. They also didn't mention the fact that not all are able to replace their gas stoves or other appliances. Note that there are steps you can take to mitigate your risk including using a Portable Induction Cooktop and/or borrow one from Wellesley Free Library!. If you are concerned about gas, gas leaks and health there are more articles are below. We share this news as it trends with many newer/renovated buildings in Wellesley that have no gas including Hunnewell and Hardy schools, Town Hall and the Warren Center, The 9s and Fieldstone Way and others. We encourage moving away from building with unhealthy, dangerous and costly fossil fuels.
 3 important issues to consider calling/writing legislators about.
1) Amendment #105 to S3064: Grants and Loans for Green Landscaping. CALL TODAY! This amendment, filed by Representative Michelle Ciccolo of Lexington, creates a state grant and zero-interest loan program to help small landscaping businesses and municipalities replace gas-powered landscaping equipment with quieter, cleaner electric alternatives. The amendment would:
2) Mass Ready Act Here is a message from Gavi Grappo, a 17-year-old with overwhelming concerns about global warming and our environment. Addressing the plastics crisis is important to him because it affects human health, all species of animals & insects, our environment, and our symbiotic relationship with nature's resources. Thus, he is championing the Mass Ready Act (S. 3050) bill. Although this comprehensive bill covers several important issues including environmental protection, infrastructure, food security, and housing, he is encouraged by the strong plastic reduction language contained in the bill. The Mass Ready Act would remove single-use plastic bags from retail stores; allow plastic utensils and straws to be given to consumers only upon request; prohibit single-use plastic bottle purchases by state agencies, except in emergency situations; and require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a statewide bulk plastic recycling program for products such as car seats. More broadly, it aims to strengthen infrastructure, restore natural ecosystems, reform environmental permitting, and prepare communities for extreme weather disasters. You can find more details about the bill here, or you can read the full bill here: Mass Ready Act, S.3050 The bill was passed by the Massachusetts Senate on April 15th, 2026, in a definitive vote of 36-3. It is now in the House of Representatives, waiting to be brought to the floor. Please contact your State Rep and ask them to encourage the Speaker of the House to bring the bill to the floor. 3.) Save Mass Save Come get a free scoop of delicious J.P. Licks ice cream today (Wednesday June 17) 6.30-8.30pm outside of Hunnewell Elementary School and learn more about how to save Mass Save. There is more: talk to experts about healthy, quiet, comfortable, money and energy sustainability inspirational ideas. Plus, activities for children too! Bring friends, neighbors and family to this community family friendly event. Or email us for more at [email protected].  Big thanks to Jenny & Peter Wasserman for sharing their story! Choosing a Car
If you'll often be charging away from home, then range and speed of charge should be a consideration. A long range 800V battery in our Hyundai Ionic 5 charges much faster than the 400V battery that many EVs have. (If you have a 400V battery, you can still go on a long trip, but the charging time will be longer, and depending on the car, the range could be less.) Charging Options Level 1- uses a household plug and can take a day or two to charge. Fine if you don’t drive far very often. Level 2- uses an adaptor attached to a 240 outlet. Great to install in your home if you want a full charge overnight. Level 3- labeled as high speed at commercial charging stations. A necessity when on a long trip Charge ports and Adapters Your car may have a NACS charge port (Tesla originally, but now some other cars such as a Hyundai also come with it). If you have this, you can only use a Tesla charge station unless you have an adaptor. Or your car may have a CCS1 charge port. If you have this, you cannot use a Tesla charge station unless you have an adaptor. It is quite helpful to have an adapter to be able to use either type of commercial charger with your car if you are driving a long distance. In addition, many hotels have a level 2 charger for your use for which you need a J1172 adaptor. Some cars come with both adaptors. Finding a charge station Use multiple apps: Compilation Apps: these will tell you the location of many different chargers along your route
We drove 3500 miles and it cost roughly $550 (we did get 3 hotels out west that had free overnight charging). If we’d had a gas car, we estimate it would have cost $540. So, it was essentially the same. However, driving locally in Maine we drive slower and have a level 2 charger at home. We estimate that for driving 15,000 miles a year, charging at home, our annual cost is about $900. Gas for the same miles would be about $2300 per year. So, the EV costs about 1/3 as much. On the Road PLAN AHEAD! If possible, the night before where you plan to stop- We used ABRP. But watch for factors that lower your expected range and have a plan B of where to charge sooner. Things that lower your milage (similar to gas vehicles) 1) elevation gain 2) hard rain 3) extreme heat or cold 4) speed- especially 75mph + 5) Low tire pressure 6) heavy load 7) open windows (We had most of these affecting us on our first day and almost ran out of power- we arrived at our hotel with 7 miles to spare!) Be relaxed about your timing- use the charging times to get food/drinks, use the bathroom, relax. It’s very doable!  With the high temperatures expected today and tomorrow, Wellesley's Municipal Light Plant would appreciate the community's help in reducing our system peak usage.
You can do this by minimizing the use of your air conditioner(s) and turning off electric vehicle (EV) chargers and other appliances (clothes dryers, dehumidifiers, pool filters), especially between the hours of 5 PM and 8 PM. Turning up your thermostat by just a few degrees will go a long way towards reducing our energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you for your support! Learn more about reducing peak energy demand. Shave the Peak! Note: If you want to receive the Town's peak alerts, please send an email to [email protected].  Sustainable Wellesley's Leadership Team had a great strategy session this week and fun along the way. We...
Have a new mission statement Sustainable Wellesley is an all-volunteer, nonprofit mobilizing the residents, visitors, businesses, and the Town of Wellesley to: reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the Town’s air, land, and water, preserve biodiversity, eliminate waste, and champion environmental justice. Voted in New leaders: Welcome Dawn, Lillian, and Michelle! Said a Warm Bon Voyage Scott Bender, who brought Sustainable Wellesley all together and has influenced the community he has called home nearly his whole life, is leaving town. Strategized Goals for each of our working groups. More on that later. Want to be part of this fun, energizing, get stuff done team? Email us at [email protected].  The list of things to get, learn and do is growing.
Swing by on Wednesday, June 17th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Hunnewell School (on the blacktop if it's nice or inside if it isn't) to Get a Scoop & the Scoop! Bring family, friends and neighbors and enjoy a scoop of J.P. Licks ice cream while you walk around to learn more about:
Thank you to Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee, Natural Resources Commission and our friends at J.P. Licks for sponsoring this event!  Every last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month Weston Nurseries is collecting clean plastic pots to be recycled into new ones! Bins located at every store. They have partnered with industry recyclers like East Jordan Plastics to keep these hard-to-sort plastics out of local landfills. Thanks, folks have asked us about this often.
 We could use your talents to help us finalize our transition from Weebly to Wix. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to be our Techspert/Tech Lead, please email us at [email protected]. This is not a big commitment but would have big impact and you would join a fun, smart team.
 Congratulations to all the Seniors and their families on your upcoming graduation! After all of the festivities, consider donating your gown for reuse for next year. Doing so helps cut down on the production of single-use graduation regalia, and you'll pay it forward for another graduate.
Bring your cap & gown with you to the All Night Party on Friday night - or anytime next week! Collection bins will be in the WHS lobby by the Main Office beginning June 5th- 16th.  Rules of the Ride
The Rules of the Ride bike event for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Wellesley High School parking lot. The Rules of the Ride is a fun, hands-on way to learn bike handling and safely. Participants will learn important bike safety skills and confidence so they can ride safely and legally to school and throughout Wellesley. Instructors will teach critical skills and the Wellesley Police Department will lead a guided ride along the Brook Path. Participants will have helmets and bikes checked for proper fit and safety, followed by brief group instruction and a guided ride. Space is limited; no cost! Register through the Wellesley Rec Department Activity # 231505  Join Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and David Abel, award-winning Boston Globe reporter, for a free talk about the new book, The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late. They will be at Brookline Booksmith Wednesday, June 17 at 7 PM to celebrate her book release. Be sure to register for the event so you can ensure a seat. You can preorder or buy book at the event.
 Thanks to Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility for sharing this.
With recent wildfires in Georgia -- yes the southern state of Georgia -- it evident that our environment is endangered. Of course its more than the unprecedented wildfires, its hurricanes, flooding, droughts, heatwaves, tornados, and climate related health problems. Unfortunately oil companies knew about this and are not interested in paying for the environment, lives, livelihoods, and homes lost. Recently, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep Harriet Hagerman (R-WY) filed bills (S 4340/ H.R. 8330) to block any liability for damages caused by climate change. If passed, these proposed bills would undermine all efforts across the United States to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for their role in catalyzing the climate crisis while they actively sowed denial and confusion about its cause. You can do something by reaching out to your US Congressperson and Senators Markey and Warren today and let them know you are not in favor of oil companies having immunity from all the damages from climate change they knowingly caused. Using this 5 calls tool makes it easy but don’t stop there: Sign the petition! You can also email your US legislator here, but calling is better. If you must use email, please personalize the message. Thanks!  All Commuter Rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August 2026, including Juneteenth and July 3. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. More info here.
50% Discount on Monthly Commuter Rail Passes Calendar month Commuter Rail passes for June, July, and August 2026 will be discounted by 50%. This discount applies to full fare and reduced fare monthly passes for Zones 1 through 10, Interzone 1 through 10, and Commuter Ferry passes. This discount will not apply to Zone 1A passes. All non-calendar month Commuter Rail products (for example, single-ride tickets, 5-Day Flex Passes, and Weekend Passes) will remain at their standard prices. Expanded Weekend Travel for Monthly Pass Holders Monthly Commuter Rail passes will be valid for travel to any zone on weekends. Zone 1 through 10 pass holders may travel through Zone 10, and Interzone pass holders may travel through Interzone 10. This does not apply to Zone 1A passes or ferry service. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. $1 Weekend “Summer Companion” Fare for Commuter Rail Monthly Pass Holders Monthly pass holders may bring one companion on any weekend Commuter Rail trip covered by their pass for $1 each way. This offer is limited to one companion per pass holder. Regular fares will remain in place for Boston Stadium trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxboro. To support increased ridership during the FIFA World Cup, the MBTA will temporarily adjust Commuter Rail schedules in June and July, including expanded service to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers on 14 trains per match day to Boston Stadium. The MBTA recognizes these temporary schedule changes may affect regular riders. These fare discounts are intended to offset those impacts, support regular riders, and encourage more people to choose transit during a busy summer season and beyond.  Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee, Natural Resources Commission invite you to swing by Sustainable Wellesley's "Get a Scoop & the Scoop" event on Wednesday, June 17th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Hunnewell School (on the blacktop if it's nice or inside if it isn't).
Wellesley residents can enjoy a scoop of J.P. Licks ice cream and get the scoop on variety of opportunities happening in town such as:
 Fiske scouts were some of the incredible volunteers at Wellesley Public School's carlines just before school break encouraging folks to be idle free. Winnie the Wellesley Police Department dog was also in attendance at Bates and was a big hit with the kids!
Wellesley Green School's idle free campaign ran in conjunction with National Public Health Week, so volunteers shared the health impacts associated with idling. Drivers were very receptive and many thanked the volunteers for their efforts on behalf of the students. For more information on idling, click here.  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.  There Are A Few Spots Open For Sunday's Learn How To Grow Your Own Food Event
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 3rd 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! 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. |
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