 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.  This photo is a sneak peak of Wellesley's Halloween Costume Swap set up at the Recycling and Disposal Facility (dump). Drop off your pre-loved costumes and pick up new ones at the Take and Leave at the dump or on the Facebook groups Wellesley Give and Take and/or Buy Nothing Wellesley, MA.
For more Halloween ideas, check out what Beyond Plastics suggests below to make your Halloween celebrations fun and spooky without contributing to the avalanche of single-use plastic pollution this fall. Costumes Try to avoid buying new costumes in one of those desperate last-minute trips to the seasonal Halloween Stores that pop up like mushrooms in October because they are cheaply made and are almost always made entirely from plastic. Instead, plan ahead and visit your local thrift store to find they key elements you need to make your own costumes. Most thrift stores also have pre-loved costumes for sale and you may find a great ready-made costume that way if you start looking early enough. You can also try to borrow either a whole costume or the key elements you need to create your own from a friend or family member. I’ve found that social media can be a big help in crowdsourcing costume ideas, entire costumes, or just certain “ingredients” for them. Likewise, if you have costumes your kids have outgrown or that you’ve grown tired of, snap a few photos of them and invite your friends to use them this year. Hopefully, they’ll return the favor and you can all save some time, money, and material from the landfill this way. Decorations If you want to deck out your house, go for it! But do your best to steer clear of single-use and cheap plastic items that are likely to end up in the trash after a single use. Fortunately, nature makes a gorgeous line of non-toxic, fully compostable Halloween decorations in the form of pumpkins and other decorative gourds along with hay bales, reeds, and ornamental corn. Here are a few ideas to try, all of which are great activities to do with kids:
Candy is the trickiest (pun intended) place to avoid single-use plastic as many Halloween favorites come wrapped in impossible to recycle combo foil and plastic wrappers or just straight up plastic wrappers, all of which will end up in the trash or littered on the ground in your building, neighborhood, or town. Here are a few suggestions for ways to avoid plastic wrappers.
 Thinking about ways to reduce your plastic usage?
Check out Fulfilled Goods, the area's first low-waste market offering package-free pantry staples, dry goods, personal care items and sustainable cleaning products. They are opening their second store, located in Newton Center inside Derby Farm Flowers this Saturday September 20th! Come on by between 11-6 for a day of deals and discounts, product samples, raffles, and giveaways! It’s also the third anniversary of the opening of Fulfilled Goods’ original Newtonville location. Fulfilled Goods - Newton Centre / Derby Farm Flowers are located at 1280 Centre Street and open 11-6 Tuesday - Saturday Fulfilled Goods Newtonville is located at 612 Washington Street and open 12-6 Wednesday / Thursday and 11-5 Friday / Saturday / Sunday  The runoff collected by Wellesley's storm drains goes directly into our watershed. Any materials on the surfaces of storm drains, such as pesticides and fertilizers, oil or gas from car exhausts and trash can all be washed into our watershed during a rain event.
Jeffrey Peng, a senior student in Wellesley High School wants our community to know about this and how they can take action. He, with the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout in the Wellesley Troop 185, led a group of more than 20 scouts and 9 adult volunteers, working for more than 6 hours to execute his Eagle Project on Saturday in Wellesley. They successfully accomplished his Eagle Scout Project - labeling/painting signs of "No Dumping Drains to River" reminders for more than 200 Wellesley Storm Drains near Wellesley Fuller Brook Watershed area, which is one of the most populated living spaces. This Eagle Project is done to create a public service announcement explaining about storm drains and how they impact our watershed. The accomplishment of this Eagle Project will help educate town residents about the need to decrease pesticide and fertilizer use, clean up trash, and not dump anything into the storm drains. Thank you and congratulations to Jeffrey for this big achievement!  Wellesley is still facing significant drought conditions.
The Town reports our drought status is at Level 1. Level 1 drought restrictions allow limited non-essential outdoor water use before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Odd numbered address may water on Tuesdays and even numbered addresses may water on Fridays. If the Massachusetts Drought Management Task Force declares a drought advisory (Level 3 or higher), non-essential outdoor water use will be banned entirely unless an exemption is provided by DPW. As part of the Town of Wellesley's ongoing conservation efforts the Water Division encourages prudent watering and lawn irrigation. Watering deeply and less frequently helps promote healthy root growth for a drought tolerant lawn. Check out the Natural Resources Commission webpage here for more information and tips for healthy lawns and landscaping. For more information about the drought status in Massachusetts, check out the State’s website here.  Get this on your calendar!
Curious about heat pumps? Interested in financial incentives and lower energy bills? Motivated to take climate action right in your own home? You are invited to Wellesley's Heat Pump Pizza Party Info Session on October 16th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Wellesley Free Library. Hear from heat pump experts and installers, Town staff, and neighbors about how heating and cooling with heat pumps can lower your energy bills and carbon footprint. Participants will hear presentations, ask questions, and leave with a basic understanding of: How heat pumps work How heat pumps benefit human health and the environment How to navigate contracting and installation, and How to take advantage of financial incentives RSVP Here Event Schedule: 6:30-7:00 PM: Pizza and Socializing 7:00-8:30 PM: Presentations and Q&A This event is hosted by the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant in partnership with Wellesley Climate Action. Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Location: Wellesley Free Library – Main Branch 530 Washington St  Resurrect your favorite shirt, jeans or sweaters.
Art Wellesley is partnering with HipStitch Wellesley, for this fun workshop where you will learn the art of Creative Mending. Creative mending is a technique that transforms damaged or worn clothing into unique, artistic pieces. Instead of hiding repairs, creative mending highlights them with visible stitches, patches, or other decorative elements. This approach not only extends the life of clothing but also adds a personal touch and reduces textile waste. Bring in a favorite worn item for repair. Hipstitch and Art Wellesley will provide fabric, thread and direction to guide you through the process of creative mending. Fee: $40 per person. REGISTER HERE Please join us for the kick off Wellesley Green Schools meeting of they year on Thursday, September 18th at 10am in the Common Area at The Wellesley Free Library.
Find out what is in store for the school year and share what is important to you/your school community. This collaborative group works together to reduce Wellesley schools' footprint and inspire students to create a healthy sustainable world. At this meeting we will brainstorm on priorities of the year, share Green Team/PTO Partnership Guide, the SMART Event Guide, the Anti-idling Tent Card and talk about the Halloween Costume Swap. Learn more about Wellesley Green Schools here. In order for Wellesley Green Schools to make a difference we need you!!! Maybe you have a child that just started school or maybe your kids have graduated; either way, the time commitment is low and we would love to work with you. Consider joining our meeting or reach out with any questions [email protected]. |
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