SUSTAINABLE WELLESLEY
  • About
    • Our Mission and Who We Are
  • Take Action
    • So Much You Can Do
    • Buildings (Home/Office)
    • Donate
    • Food
    • Gas Leaks- Get off of Gas
    • IdleFree
    • Land Care
    • Run For Office
    • Solar
    • Transportation
    • Volunteer
    • Vote!
    • Waste >
      • Alternatives to Plastic
      • Gift Wrap
      • Reduce Plastic
  • News
  • Calendar
  • Green Schools
    • Mission and Who We Are
    • Green Team Representatives >
      • Food Waste Diversion
      • Environmental Education
      • Smart Event Guide
      • Borrow Free Supplies for Your Event!
    • Families >
      • End of year Locker Cleanout Tips
      • School Supply list

Learn How To Grow Your Own Veggies, Fruits & FLowers!

4/16/2025

 
Picture
Learn from some incredible gardeners at Wellesley’s Community Gardens on Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00 - 11:30 at Wellesley’s Community Garden on Weston Road. The program - co-sponsored by Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, and Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission - will cover site selection, crop suggestions, growing tips, and more. RSVP today! 

Longtime gardener, John Spencer will launch the event with tips on how to start a garden.  Michael Tobin --  a 15 year Weston Road Community Gardener whose specialty is growing enough garlic to last his family and friends through the entire year, plus use the seed for the next year's crop -- will talk about techniques for minimizing maintenance. Then, Lisa Moore -- Environmental Education, Outreach and Compliance Coordinator for the Wellesley Natural Resources Commission -- who enjoys learning new gardening techniques will offer an opportunity for the community to dip their toes into gardening.  Thomas Engle will share information about the 4C garden as well. Side conversations may include pruning and growing flowers.

This community, in-person event is open to anyone interested in starting a garden, including those who already have plots. All attendees will be gifted strawberry starter plants.
Please click here to register for the event. See you in the garden!

​Rain date is May 4th at 1pm.


Thank you to our co-sponsors:
The Wellesley Conservation Land Trust is Wellesley’s local 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust that protects 14 sanctuaries across more than 45 acres of natural land in Wellesley and bordering lands in Needham and Weston. More information about our mission, the sanctuaries and membership can be found at WellesleyConservationLandTrust.org.

The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission (NRC) oversees the use, preservation and protection of the town’s parks and conservation areas, serves as tree warden, sets policies for insect control and pesticide use, and protects the town watershed areas.  The Commission also appoints the Wetlands Protection Committee and Trails Committee. The NRC serves as administrator for two community gardens in Wellesley that provide rental plots to residents. 

the Pan-Mass Challenge Needs Wellesley  Volunteers For Their Green Team! Yes, You!

4/16/2025

 
Picture
Help keep the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) clean and green!

They are looking for Green Team volunteers who will play a key role in the Pan-Mass Challenge's sustainability efforts by:
  • Setting up and organizing trash and recycling stations
  • Keeping the site clean by monitoring barrels and transporting waste to dumpsters
  • Helping us sort recyclables and reduce our environmental footprint

The PMC will provide gloves and all necessary supplies—you bring the energy and commitment to making a difference! It’s a hands-on, high-impact way to support the riders and the shared mission. 

Register here https://www.pmc.org/volunteer. Please create a profile> then add a job> select Hubsites from the Dropdown > Wellesley - Babson College > them select any time on the Green Team that works best for your schedule.

WHS Alum Ceilia Is Fueled by Purpose:  Tackles Marathon to Fight Climate Change

4/7/2025

 
Picture
WHS alum Celia Sanabria will run the Boston Marathon (her first) in support of Sustainable Wellesley.  As a lifelong Wellesley resident, Celia has seen firsthand how the community comes together to tackle climate change, reduce waste, and promote clean energy and wants to be part of the solution.

"Running 26.2 miles is a big challenge, but knowing each step supports a cleaner more resilient future makes it all the more meaningful," said Celia.
​

Celia’s goal is to raise $5,000 to help fund programs like:

  • Energy coaching, which helps residents reduce their household emissions
  • Waste reduction initiatives, including efforts like Save the Stuff
  • Educational campaigns to engage students and the local community in environmental action
  • Food recovery programs, working to get food to those in need

The funds raised will directly support our efforts to help the town meet its emissions reduction goal in a variety of ways.

Thanks for donating today and help us achieve even more in 2025!

Things YOU Can Do: 5 Take Aways From Plastic People Film

4/3/2025

 
Picture
Picture
We were thrilled with the turnout for our recent showing of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics. Many attendees have asked us: What’s next? How can you make an impact on what may feel like an insurmountable problem? Here are five actions you can take to make a difference:

Advocate
Email, call, or write to your elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to let them know that plastic reduction is important to you and to ask them what they are doing to address the problem.  MA is woefully behind many other states when it comes to plastic-reduction legislation. Governor Healey will consider an Environmental Bond Bill in mid-April.  Call her office today and let her know you support plastic reduction.

Educate
Become more informed.  There are numerous books, articles, lectures, and websites about plastics and their impact on the environment and human health.  Bennington College offers online classes.  Beyond Plastics Boston holds a monthly meeting (virtual) with expert speakers.  Wellesley’s Unitarian Universalist Church is offering a community read of How to Give Up Plastics on April 10 (Register here for a virtual discussion from 7-8 PM).

Participate
Knowledge is power, and we can be very powerful together.  Humans are creative, innovative, and resilient, and we can take steps together to reduce plastic production and pollution.  Participate in organizations like Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Green Schools and introduce green collaboratives in community groups. 

Communicate
Motivate others to learn about the issue.  Speak up and share your concerns with the owners and managers of your favorite restaurants and encourage them to move away from plastic. They are listening to their customers!

Eliminate
This image shows the 5 R’s of Sustainability.  Note that recycling is in the last spot!

Analyze your plastic consumption and integrate alternative behaviors into your daily routine.
As a consumer, harness your purchasing power. Choose items with alternative packaging. Visit bulk food stores, like Fulfilled Goods in Newton, that offer products package free.  You can refill your own container from home.

Uncertain about where to begin?  Here is a handy checklist to get you started!  Resolve to make small changes in your everyday life. While these may seem like small steps, it is a start in changing behavior and making us more conscious of our consumption.

Missed the movie?  If you were unable to join us, or if you want all of your friends to see the movie, it is playing at the following locations and times:

April 17th @ 5:30 PM at the Jamaica Plain Public Library 
April 29th @ 7:00 PM at the Lexington Venue

A Neighborly Earth Day Invite

4/3/2025

 
Picture
Wellesley residents are invited to Green Newton's Annual Earth Day Festival, a celebration of all things green for the whole family on Sunday, April 27th from 12:00-4:00pm in the Newton North High School Parking Lot!

​Groove to live music and savor delicious food while discovering countless ways to make a positive impact. Explore booths hosted by local businesses and nonprofits, offering guidance on everything from going solar and choosing electric vehicles to home insulation and composting.


Earn a cookie by completing our Eco-Trivia Treat Trail, and discover hidden gems thrifting at our Conscious Closet Corner. Plus, equip yourself with sustainable tools and tips at the Green Tool Garage, featuring battery-powered lawn care and more. Little ones will love the petting zoo, face painting, and engaging nature-themed activities, making this Earth Day a memorable and educational experience for everyone.


This event is sponsored by Revision Energy, Lucid, Junkluggers, Lavallee, Forge, and Fulfilled Goods.

Trash Talk. Survey & Spring Updates

4/1/2025

 
Picture
The Town of Wellesley seeks input on residential waste practices. Take a DPW survey; your responses will help shape the Town’s solid waste management model. Take the survey here.

In other trash talk...
The Wellesley Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF)'s Spring 2025 schedule is (drum roll!)... 
  • Paint Collection - begins on Thursday, April 3 from 3 p.m. to  6 p.m. and continues on the first Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every month until October. 
  • Sunday Hours - resume on Sunday, April 6. The RDF is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the summer and fall. 
  • Reusables Area reopens - expected mid-April, stay tuned for specific date and hours.
  • Download the RDF App (On a smartphone, search for "Wellesley RDF" in your App Store and download this tool) to help simplify strategies for reducing, reusing, and recycling which keeps trash out of landfills and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions  
  • Use the Wellesley RDF App to learn the do's and don'ts of waste management, and get RDF information at your fingertips  to help you maximize your use
  • Food Waste Curbside Collection - Have your food waste picked up curbside and turned into compost! The Department of Public Works has partnered with Black Earth Compost to offer curbside composting to help divert more food waste from the trash stream.  Residents who sign up for this program will have food waste picked up on a weekly basis at their home for a fee. Pricing is based on a tiered fee structure and requires a six-month initial commitment.  The first 250 residents who sign up for Black Earth Compost will receive a free toter bin (a $36 value). The more households that sign up, the lover the monthly subscription fee. To sign up, go to www.blackearthcompost.com 

For questions or more information about the RDF or DPW, email [email protected]. 

Wondering about recycling in Wellesley? HeAr from The RDF Superintendent April 24th

3/21/2025

 
Picture
Wellesley's Recycling and Disposal Facility Superintendent, James Manzolini, will be speaking in the Parish Hall of the UU Society of Wellesley Hills at 309 Washington St, on Thursday, April 24·7:00 – 8:30pm. Desserts served at 7pm and program to follow. For more information contact [email protected].

Get To Logan (or Boston In General) Without Traffic and At A Fraction of the Cost

3/6/2025

 
Picture
Wellesley residents "B&P" stepped out of their home last week at 8:10am and walked to the catch the 8:29 am commuter rail train to Boston.  They were pleased to see the new accessible Mini-High Platforms in Wellesley Square, which meant no lifting of their luggage.  Their relaxing ride allowed them to do some emails and texts on the train.

Once arriving at South Station they switched inside the station to the Silver Line which took them right into Terminal B by 9:35. They wrote in to share about their no stress, door to door experience that cost them only $6 for both the train and the Silver Line. They admitted that this was the senior price - and something to look forward to - but shared the non senior price is just $10.40 which is a lot less than paying to park in the economy lot and a great deal less than Uber or Lyft. 

Not only are the fully accessible Mini-High Platforms in Wellesley Square new, there are also new message boards informing riders when the train is coming and on which track.  Additional work on the commuter rail parking lots and sidewalks will be completed this spring to make the route between the two platforms easier to travel. These improvements are the result of $500,000 in federal funding secured by Massachusetts Congresswoman Clark, and nearly 10 years of advocacy by Wellesley residents who need accessible platforms to board the train.  We thank them!

Maybe its time to give the commuter rail another try.

What Streets/Intersections Make You Nervous?

3/6/2025

 
Picture
Wellesley is updating its Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and wants public feedback on areas where safety for walkers, cyclists, and drivers is a concern.
 
Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing and building streets that provide safe access for all users of our roadways, trails and transit systems. 

This approach contributes to the safety, health, economy, and quality of life of our community by enabling individuals of all ages and abilities to get where they want to go.

Projects can be very large - full road reconstruction, intersection redesign, new sidewalk construction and bicycle paths or lanes, or can be small -  new crosswalks, curb extensions, line paint, or trees to shade streets for pedestrian comfort. 

The Town wants to hear from you!
They are gathering input on where improvements are needed and what criteria should be used to prioritize needs. Share your experiences, ideas, and knowledge and map your roadway safety concerns on our interactive map. 

And take their Complete Streets survey to let them know how they should prioritize needs. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, March 28, 2025. 

Complete Streets Public Meeting
Join a public discussion about Complete Streets on Monday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Hall at Town Hall (525 Washington Street).  Hear from Town staff about survey feedback, ask questions, and share additional concerns. The meeting is open to all. 

For additional information or questions on Complete Streets, contact Wellesley Mobility Manager Sheila Page at [email protected]. 

Take a Leak (Detection) Test!

3/6/2025

 
Picture
The Wellesley Water & Sewer Division want you to check your homes for water leaks. These leaks can be undetectable to the eye but can drive up water bills and waste gallons of water.

From March 17 - May 17 the public can pick up water leak detection tablets to use in home toilets as part of the DPW’s leak detection initiative. The tablets are free and available at:
  • The DPW Engineering desk (20 Municipal Way)
  • Wellesley MLP lobby (4 Municipal Way)
  • Tolles Parsons Center (500 Washington Street)
  • Wellesley Free Library main branch lobby (530 Washington Street)
  • The Refundable Bottle & Can shed (169 Great Plain Avenue).

Each tablet pack comes with two leak detection tablets and test instructions. Results are available in 15 minutes. If blue dye appears, there is a toilet leak.

Common sources of toilet leaks are:
  • Deteriorated or corroded flapper valve and valve seat
  • Improperly working flushing arm and lift chain
  • Toilet tank water level is too high
  • Corroded float rod, ballcock and/or float ball

In some instances, these issues can be fixed by homeowners, while other issues may require a plumber.  While the leak detection tablets are specifically used to check for toilet leaks, homeowners can use the Water Customer Portal to check for and monitor other potential water leaks resulting from damaged sprinklers, cracked pipes, or other issues.

To learn more, visit the Town's Water Customer Portal webpages.

Curious About Plastics? Join Us for a Special Film Screening & Thought-Provoking Discussion

3/6/2025

 
Picture
Join us for a special screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, an award-winning 2024 documentary investigating our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health.  Since its premier at the SXSW film festival, it has only been screened at film festivals and community sponsored events like this one.  Tickets are free.  Click here to register.

Thursday, March 27, 2025
​
Newman Elementary School Auditorium
1155 Central Avenue Needham, MA 02492
(From Wellesley's RDF: continue for a mile on Route 135 and turn right on Central Avenue)  

6:30 to 7:00 p.m. - Poster Session
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - Film Screening
8:30 to 9:00 p.m. - Moderated Discussion 

We encourage you to come early for a poster session and/or stay for a moderated discussion to learn more about local initiatives and how you can become involved in solutions.

We are proud to co-sponsor this event with Wellesley's Climate Action Committee, Wellesley Health Department, Green Needham, Needham Board of Health, Needham League of Women Voters, Needham High School Environmental Action Club.

Join Wellesley Green Schools Zoom 3/13 @7.30pm

3/3/2025

 
Picture
Have a student in the schools?

Wondering what is happening in the schools to help the town meet its emissions reduction goals and make a better future for our students?

Join the Wellesley Green Schools meeting next Thursday, March 13th via Zoom at 7.30 pm to hear about ways caregivers, students and staff are working together to reduce Wellesley schools' ecological footprint and to create a healthy, sustainable world.  Topics include: waste reduction, transportation, healthy buildings, anti idling initiatives, biking, student projects, school gardens and more!
​
Save the date for the last Wellesley Green Schools meeting of the school year on 5/15.
​

Email [email protected] with questions and ideas for the Wellesley Green Schools team.

Bring Hazardous Waste & Documents to Destroy To RDF "Dump" This Saturday

3/3/2025

 
Picture
This Saturday, March 8, from 9am - 3pm is Spring 2025 Collection Day at the Wellesley Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF/Dump).

Bring your:
1) H
azardous household waste (listed below) so as not to integrate it into the general solid waste management
2) Documents to be destructed- bring sensitive documents to be safely shredded
3) The recyclable of the month is glass. It is 100% recyclable -  Learn more here


Here is the scoop on hazardous materials:
  • Any materials not in original containers must be labeled.
  • Waste will only be accepted from pickup truck beds, trunks, and the back of SUVs.
  • Containers will not be returned – this includes but is not limited to gas containers and storage totes.
  • Residents may not exit their vehicle.

If you ONLY need to dispose of PAINT, do not bring it to this event. You may dispose of paint during the RDF paint collections.

You may contact the below companies at any time throughout the year to dispose of hazardous waste for a fee at their facilities.  Please contact them for the latest information.
Clean Harbors - Phone: 800-444-4244
New England Disposal Technologies Inc. (NEDT)-  Phone: 866-769-1621

Accepted 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
Lawn and Garden Materials
  • Cesspool cleaners (corrosives)
  • Flammable liquids/gasoline
  • Fire starters
  • Fungicides
  • Herbicides
  • Insecticides
  • Pesticides
  • Poisons
  • Pool chemicals
Automotive Products
  • Brake fluid
  • Carburetor cleaner
  • Solvents and degreasers
  • Waste fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.)
Other Materials
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Drain cleaners
  • Hair dye
  • Lighter fluids
  • Oven cleaners
  • Toilet cleaners
Unaccepted Items
  • Ammunitions (call police dept)
  • Commercial hazardous waste
  • Construction waste/building materials
  • Explosives (call fire dept)
  • Gas cylinders-empty ok
  • Infectious or biological wastes
  • Medications (call health dept)
  • Radioactive materials
  • Syringes (fire dept)
Do not bring non-hazardous items for disposal or recycling
  • Bulky plastic items
  • Televisions
  • Tires
  • Latex Paint

* Contact the Fire Department for disposal advice.
General Business: 781-235-1300
**Contact the Police Department for disposal advice.
Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1
General RDF Business: 781-235-1212

Here is the scoop on documentation destruction:
  • The vehicle must have a valid RDF sticker, or be driven by a Wellesley resident.
  • Vehicle occupants should stay in the car. 
  • Documents to be shredded must be clearly marked or distinguished (in a brown paper bag or disposable cardboard box) and placed in the trunk of the car, if possible. Documents may also be placed in the bed of a pickup, in a trailer, or in the rear most section of a van.
  • Residents can bring in any documents they would like to have destroyed. NO binders, plastic folders or metal can go through the shredding machine.
  • The documents will be removed by RDF staff and/or staff of the shredding company.
  • Documents are securely destroyed on-site in a mobile shredding truck. Please note: Residents may NOT bring home the material after it is shredded.

maximize the environmental benefits of Planting A tree On Your Property

3/3/2025

 
Picture
Interested in how to maximize the environmental benefits of tree planting on your property?  It’s easy using iTree Design.  All you need to know is the year your house was built, and whether it is cooled and heated.  Reach out to the NRC if you would like a new tree on your property, and they can provide information about where on your property is best to plant it. See the NRC website for more information. 

Which Ones & How Will Candidates Work For Our Climate?

2/27/2025

 
Picture
Lots of good {electrified - pun intended} energy last night at Sustainable Wellesley's 7th annual Conversation With The Candidates Night. If you missed it you can watch it here thanks to Wellesley Media.  Thank you to the candidates in contested races for sharing their visions on ways to meet Wellesley greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal.  These candidates, as well as others in non contested races, generously took time to respond to some pointed questions we posed. We thank them for their time and enthusiasm. You can read all of their responses regarding how they will work for our climate here. Make sure you make time to vote on Tuesday and vote your values! 

Short on time {like, who isn't}, simply read what Select board and Recreation candidates wrote.

See You Wednesday Night @7pm - It's Your Town So Have Someone With Your Values At The Table Where Decisions Are Made

2/18/2025

 
Picture
Join Sustainable Wellesley’s annual event: A Conversation with the Candidates on Wednesday, February 26th from 7-9pm. 

Meet the candidates running for the many important town positions and hear where candidates stand on issues specifically related to meeting Wellesley's climate goals and prioritizing resiliency. Local issues matter and these folks will be at the table making decisions.  

Representative Alice Peisch will kick off the meeting.


Mark your calendars for this event as well as Election Day which is on Tuesday, March 4th. Be sure to get your ballots and vote in this election.

Confirm your attendance by emailing [email protected]​.

If you can not attend, please note that Wellesley Media will broadcast this event live on Comcast 9/Verizon 39 beginning at 7:00pm.

6 Ways to Save $ & Energy = Watch The Recording

2/17/2025

 
Picture
In case you missed the 6 Ways You Can Save Money and the Climate event earlier this month, brought to you by Town of Wellesley's Climate Action Committee, you can find the recording here and the slides here.

Feel free to visit the Town’s “Be part of it!” website to learn more about:
  • Weatherize your home
  • Heat and cool with heat pumps
  • Go solar
  • Get around sustainably
  • Reduce waste
  • Landscape sustainably
 
Additional helpful links:
  • Incentives
  • Contact an energy coach
  • No-cost home energy assessment
  • Trees for planting

Learn How You Can Reduce Your Plastic Waste

2/17/2025

 
Picture
Learn How You Can Reduce Your Plastic Waste: Join the Spring Common Read with UU Wellesley Hills

Thursday, April 10, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, via Zoom
UU Wellesley Hills invites everyone to join a discussion of our spring common read, How to Give Up Plastic, A Guide to Changing the World One Plastic Bottle at a Time, by Will McCallum. We'll discuss concrete actions everyone can take to reduce plastics usage and help the environment. Plastic pollution poses one of the greatest threats to human health and the health of our oceans. This book is a straightforward guide that will help you make small changes to eliminate plastic waste from your life.

​To receive the Zoom link, RSVP to [email protected].  

'Fix It' Clinic

2/14/2025

 
Picture
​Do you have a broken item in your home that you know you could fix with the right guidance? Fix-It Clinics empower folks to fix for themselves, and are No-Cost! Bring in a broken household item and a Repair Coach will help guide you through diagnosing and repair.

Newton's next Fix-It Clinic will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 1:15 pm - 4:00 pm at the Newton Free Library at 330 Homer Street, Newton, MA 02459. You can sign up for a time slot to get an item repaired at this link.  If the repair category you need is missing or full, check back in a few days - openings may be created as more Repair Coaches volunteer. 
 
Outdoor repair events (bike repair and knife sharpening) will not be available at the March event.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

Fix It Clinic is sponsored by the Newton Recycling Committee, City of Newton Sustainable Materials Management Division, and Newton Free Library.

February 13th, 2025

2/13/2025

 
Picture
Wondering who to vote for? 
Candidates sit on town boards and make decisions on things you care about so its good to have someone at the table who aligns with your values. 

​Meet and hear from the candidates at  Sustainable Wellesley's Conversation with the Candidates event on Wednesday, February 26th at the Wakelin Room in the Wellesley Free Library from 7-9pm. RSVP and more information here. 

Wondering when/how to vote?
Vote by Mail ballots for Wellesley's Annual Town Elections have been mailed to all registered voters who requested them.  Election Day is Tuesday, March 4, and all Vote by Mail ballots must be received at Town Hall (525 Washington Street) no later than 8:00 PM on Election Day. Vote by Mail ballots may NOT be dropped off at polling locations.  Voters who have received a Vote by Mail ballot may change their mind and vote in-person only if they have NOT returned their ballot. Only the first ballot submitted will be counted.  Voters may track their vote by mail ballot status online here.   The last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot for the March 4 Annual Town Elections is Tuesday February 25, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.


What If We Thought About a Clean Energy Home Like College Savings

2/2/2025

 
Picture
Reshared with permission from Brian Hodgson, a Green Newton board member.

As a parent of five, I think a lot about the kind of world my children have grown up in. Like most parents, I want to give them every opportunity for a bright future. For many of us, that means making significant investments in their education—college tuition, room, board, and other expenses that can easily exceed $200,000 for a four-year degree. But while education is essential, I’ve come to realize that there’s another investment that’s just as critical: doing everything we can to address climate change today, for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

We’re all feeling the effects of climate change, and while no one can predict exactly what the future holds, one thing is certain—our reliance on fossil fuels is making the world harder for the next generation. By reducing my home’s carbon footprint, I’m not just saving on energy costs; I’m actively contributing to a healthier planet for my children and generations to come. That’s why I’ve almost fully electrified my home.

We have an old Victorian that had an oil furnace and steam radiators. We recently upgraded our insulation and invested in geothermal heating. The work in an old home is complicated and can be stressful. These changes have made a big difference, both in reducing our energy use and in making our home more comfortable year-round. My children are mostly grown and almost all through college. With this in mind, I wanted to make sure that in 20 years I could look myself in the eye and say I tried my best to ensure they have a better world to live in, and raise their children in.

If you’re thinking about starting your own journey toward a clean energy home, the best place to begin is with a MassSave Home Energy Assessment. It’s free and provides personalized recommendations for improving your home’s efficiency, such as air sealing and weatherization. These simple steps alone can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20%, and there are great incentives available to make weatherization upgrades even more affordable.

Once you have an assessment and weatherization, there are smaller steps and bigger investments homeowners can make. One of the prerequisites to further electrification is ensuring your home is the right electrical service level. This may require an upgrade to your electrical panel. This is best to discuss with your electrician, although there are also incentives introduced as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Some of the smaller steps include replacing your gas stove with an induction stove, or upgrading appliances to more efficient models. Luckily there are also many incentives to help the costs.

More significant projects include installing heat pumps or solar panels. While these are major projects and do take reasonable capital, they can have concrete paybacks. To get a quick estimate of payback there are a number of tools: For solar you can use Project Sunroof, for heat pumps Mass Save | Heating Comparison Calculator. Ultimately, these projects are best taken on as part of other initiatives. That might be a major home renovation, the end of life of your current heating systems, or when you need a new roof. While these investments are more complex and expensive, planning the time and allocating budget is critical. Finally, the incentives for heat pumps and solar are significant, and can offset a good portion of the costs. If you are looking for advice, a great place to start are WELLESLEY energy coaches. They have a tremendous amount of knowledge and scheduling an appointment is straightforward. Another excellent resource is Green Newton’s Green Pages, a directory of green service providers.

Last year was a major year for us, as we completed our geothermal installation, which was the last of a number of investments over the years including new windows, upgraded electrical panel, and an induction stove. Cooling in the summer is way more efficient. We used to have only a few window units in the children’s rooms. Now for about the same electricity costs, everyone in the house is much more comfortable. The heating is almost much more consistent throughout the house, and each bedroom can control their own temperature. We’re still measuring savings, so more precise payback calculations will have to wait. But in the meantime, we know these investments will, over time, pay for themselves and then some…and the energy saved will be available for our kids’ generation.

Wondering what is happening on climate at the State level?

2/2/2025

 
Picture
Photo credit: Sen. Creem's Office. Here she met with the Wellesley Select Board to answer questions and discuss legislative activity on Beacon Hill as we begin the 194th General Session.
As the new legislative session begins, below are some of the climate related bills that were filed by our Senator, Cynthia Creem. Hear more from her and Rep. Alice Peisch at Sustainable Wellesley's Conversation with the Candidates on Wednesday, February 26th at 7pm at the Wellesley Free Library.
 
SD.1924, An Act relative to a tactical transition to affordable, clean thermal energy: This bill builds on the DPU’s groundbreaking 20-80 order and the gas provisions included in the climate law that was passed last session. It would require gas companies to spend a gradually increasing percentage of GSEP funds on networked geothermal and other alternatives to gas pipe replacement. In addition, it would require gas and electric companies that share territory to develop joint tactical thermal transition plans detailing how the utilities will meet emissions reduction mandates by moving customers from gas to clean forms of heating.

SD.802, An Act to expand the Bottle Bill: The bill expands the types of containers covered by the deposit system to include water bottles, juice drinks and more, raising the deposit from 5 cents up to 10 cents, similarly inline with other states.

SD.764, An Act establishing the Municipal Reforestation Program: Trees are essential pieces of climate resilience and environmental justice infrastructure. They clean the air, sequester carbon, reduce ground temperatures on scorching hot days, and absorb stormwater—among other benefits. This bill creates a program through which participating cities and towns will receive funding to implement local plans to rebuild their tree canopies.

SD.1327, An Act aligning the Commonwealth's transportation plans with its mandates and goals for reducing emissions and vehicle miles traveled: This bill requires that the Commonwealth's Department of Transportation (DOT) strategies and plans be aligned with emissions reduction mandates and new vehicles miles traveled goals. Additionally, this bill creates interagency council on reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to further support these efforts.

SD.753, An Act to incentivize the adoption of local climate resilience policies: This bill creates the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Plus program, which would give cities and towns access to a guaranteed stream of climate adaptation funding in exchange for adopting a suite of local  resilience policies, including adopting a stretch resilience code, incorporating green stormwater infrastructure into municipal projects, creating a floodplain overlay district, and more.


Have Extra blankets, sheets, towels, plates, bowls, silverware, small appliances?

1/31/2025

 
Picture
The Wellesley community has a long-standing and strong commitment to service. One way to combine your wish to help others and your sense of sustainability is to donate your like-new household items to families experiencing hardship. 

Luckily in our backyard there is a 
Newton nonprofit organization called Welcome Home that does just that.  Welcome Home strives to provide families experiencing hardship with basic household items they need to live with dignity.  Any items that they cannot use are repurposed or recycled appropriately.

With a waiting list of almost four months for families who have requested goods, the organization is low on the basics:
  • blankets/sheets (all sizes, especially queen/king)
  • towels (all sizes)
  • plates, bowls, silverware
  • small appliances (coffee pots, blenders, food processors, microwaves)

If you have extras of these items at home, please consider dropping off the items during a drop off shift held 3x per week. The items will be in their new homes by the end of the week, and these days, often by the end of the day. Make an appointment to drop off here.  

Welcome Home served more than 10,000 people in 2024.

If you are looking for more opportunities to c
ombine your wish to help others and your sense of sustainability email us at [email protected].

6 Ways YOU can Save Money & the Climate. Join The Pizza Party Feb. 11th @ 6.30pm

1/21/2025

 
Picture
You Are Invited to This Town Event 
Tuesday, February 11th 
Wakelin
 Room at the Wellesley Free Library 
6:30 p.m. - pizza and socializing
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. - program 
 
Register HERE to Learn how you can:  
  • Weatherize your home
  • Heat and cool with heat pumps
  • Go solar 
  • Get around sustainably 
  • Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Landscape sustainably 
Plus!
  • Provide input on Wellesley street safety. What improvements would make driving, biking, and walking in Wellesley safer for you?
 
Town representatives will discuss financial incentives for decarbonizing buildings and vehicles; no-cost, one-on-one energy coaching; traversing Wellesley without a car; resources for sustainable landscaping; and more. 
  
To REGISTER please click here and click here for more information.

Info On Stormwater Management Program & new Town tax fee

1/20/2025

 
Picture
Wondering how to prevent stormwater pollution and reduce your stormwater tax fee? Click here to see the stormwater runoff video that the Town of Wellesley's Natural Resources Commission, Department of Public Works and Wellesley Public Media created. Learn:
  • How to install a stormwater best management practice on your property
  • New federal regulations the Town must follow to manage the stormwater runoff entering the Charles River from the Town of Wellesley
  • New tax fee residents are paying to support this program
 
<<Previous
Forward>>

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    11th Hour
    2022
    350.org
    5 Minutes
    Action
    #ActioninWellesley
    Actions
    Add To Your Resume
    Air Conditioning
    Air Quality
    Air Source Heat Pumps
    All Ages
    Apartment
    Appliances
    Art
    Attorney General
    Author
    Award
    Babson
    Banking
    Banks
    Beacon Hill
    Becca Rausch
    Bike
    Bikes
    Biking
    Bill McKibben
    Biodegradable
    Boards And Committees
    Book
    Book Club
    Book Group
    Books
    Borrow
    Boston
    Build
    Builders
    Building
    Buildings
    Bus
    Business
    Buy Nothing
    Cabell Eames
    Call
    Cancer Causing
    Candidate
    Candidates
    Car
    Car Free
    Car Line
    Cars
    Catalog
    Catch Connect
    Children
    Christmas Tree
    Clean
    Clean Energy
    Clean Heat
    Clean Heating And Cooling
    Clean Up
    Climate Actin
    Climate Action
    Climate Action Committee
    Climate Action MA
    Climate Action Plan
    Climate Angst
    Climate Bill
    #climatechange
    Climate Distress
    CLimate Justice
    Climate Matters
    Clothing
    Coach
    Cold
    Comfort
    Commonwealth
    Community Service
    Commute
    Compost
    Composting
    Conservation
    Conservation Land Trust
    Conserve
    Construction
    Conversation
    Cook
    Cooking
    Cooking Technology
    Cool
    Coping
    Corporate Responsibility
    Council On Aging
    Create
    Cycling
    Cynthia Creem
    Dana Hall
    Dave Becker
    Decarbonize
    Demonstration
    Dems
    Department Of Public Utilities
    Design
    Dine
    Distress
    Donate
    Donation
    Drive
    Drought
    Dryer
    Dump
    Earth Day
    Easier
    Easy
    Eco Anxiety
    Efficient
    Elect
    Election
    Elections
    Electric
    Electric Appliances
    Electric Car
    Electric Experience
    Electricity
    Electricity V
    Electric Lawn Care
    Electric Vehicle
    Electric Vehicle Event
    Electric Vehicles
    Electrificatino
    Electrification
    Electrify
    Electronic Waste
    Energy
    Energy Assesment
    Energy Audit
    Energy Efficiency
    Energy Efficient
    Energy Price
    Energy Savings
    Energy Use
    Environment
    Environmental Justice
    Environmental Voters Projct
    Equitable
    EV
    Ev Car
    EV Charging
    Events
    Evolutions
    Ewaste
    Experts
    Fall
    Family
    Family Friendly
    Farm Animals
    Fashion
    Fast Fashion
    Fathers Day
    Feel Good
    Fields
    Finance
    Food
    Food Pantry
    Food Waste
    Foodwaste
    Free
    Fridays For Future
    Fun
    Fund
    Future
    Garage Sale
    Garden
    Gardening
    Gardens
    Gas
    Gas Leak
    Gas Leaks
    Get Involved
    Get Off Gas
    Get Together
    GHG
    Global Climate Strike
    Goals
    Go Green
    Grass
    Green Building
    Green Consumer Alliance
    Green Schools
    Grow Food
    Guests
    Hardy School
    Healey Administration
    Health
    Healthy
    Healthy Family
    Heat
    Heater
    Heating And Cooling
    Heating System
    Heat Pump
    Heat Pumps
    Help Others
    High Efficiency
    High Performance
    Historic Home
    Holiday
    Holiday Lights
    Holidays
    Home
    Home Renovation
    Homes
    Hope
    Hot Water
    House
    Housing
    Hunnewell School
    HVAC
    Hybird
    Ideas
    Idle
    Idling
    Incentives
    Indiction
    Induction
    Inspiration
    Inspire
    Internship
    Investment
    Job
    Join Us
    July Jubilation
    Junk Mail
    Jupiter
    Kelsey Hudson PhD
    Kids
    Landcare
    Land Conservation
    Landscape
    Landscaping
    Lawn
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Mower
    Lawnmower
    Lawns
    Leadership
    Leadership Team
    Lead On Climate
    Leaf Blower
    Leaf Blowre
    League Of Women Voters
    Leaves
    LEED
    Legislation
    Legislators
    Library
    Library Of Things
    Lighting
    Light Plant
    Lights
    Lincoln
    Living Sustainably
    Lobby
    Local Government
    Local Politics
    Make Change
    Marathon
    Marine Pollution
    Masks
    Mass Climate Action
    Mass Save
    MCAN
    Meatless Monday
    Meet
    Meet Goals
    Meet New People
    Meet People
    Middle School
    Mindy Domb
    Mini
    MIT
    Mobility
    Mobility Plan
    Money
    Mopo
    Mother's Out Front
    Mower
    Municipal Light Plants
    Mustang
    Natick
    Natick Mall
    Native
    Native Garden
    Native Palnts
    Native Plants
    Natural Resources
    Natural Resources Commission
    Nature
    Neighbor
    Net Zero
    New Construction
    Newton
    New Year
    No Cost
    Noise
    Oil
    Olin
    Opportunity
    Organize
    Parade
    Parenting
    Partner
    Party
    Passive Home
    Passive Homes
    Passive House
    Peabody
    Peak
    Pension
    Pets
    Pfas
    Picnic
    Pipe Lines
    Pizza
    Plants
    Plastic
    Polestar
    Police
    Politics
    Pollinate
    Pollution
    Power Plant
    Pre Loved
    Pre School
    Printer
    Psychologist
    PUBLIC TRANSIT
    Questions?
    Quiet
    Rainwater
    RDF
    Reach Goa
    Reach Our Goals
    Read
    Realtors
    Rebate
    Rebates
    Recycle
    Recycling
    Recycling Facility
    Reduce Costs
    Register To Vote
    Renew
    Renewable Energy
    Renovate
    Renovation
    Renovations
    Residential
    Reslience
    Retro Fit
    Retrofit
    Reusable
    Re-use
    Reuse
    Rev. Vernon K. Walker
    Ride
    Rides
    Rummage
    Rummage Sale
    Run
    Run For Office
    Safe Streets
    Safety
    Save
    Save Energy
    Save Money
    Saving Us
    School
    School Food
    Schools
    Science
    Scoot
    Scouts
    Sen Creem
    Sen Mike Barret
    Share
    Share Inputt
    Shave The Peak
    Shop
    Show
    Sierra Club
    Smart Heating And Cooling
    Snow Blower
    Social And Family Event
    Solar
    State House
    State Of Mass.
    Statewide
    Stay Warm
    St. John's School
    Stormwater
    Story
    Stove
    Student
    Students
    Summer
    Supplies
    Support Climate Action
    Survey
    Take Action
    Talk
    Tax
    Teachers
    Test Drive
    Thanks
    Thanksgiving
    Thank You
    TikTok
    Tiny Home
    Tips
    Tonight
    Town Goverment
    Town Government
    Town Hall
    Town Meeting
    Town Of Wellesley
    Town Politics
    Toxins
    Train
    Transit
    Translate
    Transportation
    Tree Planting
    Trees
    Try
    TV
    Use Less
    Vacation
    Vehicles
    Virtual Event
    Volunteer
    Vote
    Vote Your Values
    Walk
    Washing Machine
    Waste
    Waste Reduction
    Water
    Water Conservation
    Watering Restrictions
    Wayland
    Weatherize
    WeCare
    WEF
    Wellesley
    Wellesley College Student
    Wellesley Free LIbrary
    Wellesley Green Schools
    Wellesley High School
    Wellesley League Of Women Voters
    Wellesley Middle School
    Wellesley Police
    Wellesley Police Department
    Wellesley Public Schools
    Wellesley RDF
    Wellesley Students
    Wellesley Town Hall
    Wellesley Water
    Wellesley Wonderful Weekend
    Weston
    WhatsApp
    What's Is New
    Whs
    Winter
    WMS
    Work
    Wrap
    Write
    Yard Sale
    Year End Charitable Giving Wellesley
    You Are Invited
    #YouCanDoIt
    Your Talents
    Your Values
    Your Voice
    Your Voice Heard
    Zero Emissions

    RSS Feed

Sign up for updates!

Get Our Newsletter

Contact us!

[email protected]
75 Emerson Road
Tel: 508-353-6964

Support us!

Volunteer
Donate

Follow us!

Copyright © 2025 By Sustainable Wellesley
Photos from Rennett Stowe, Fan.D & Dav.C Photgraphy, Ivan Radic, KOMUnews, focusonmore.com, Ivan Radic, shixart1985, vwcampin, shixart1985, Scrap Pile, garlandcannon, Ivan Radic, We Like Sharing, Ruth and Dave, Ivan Radic, REM Photo, Images_of_Money, Raed Mansour, comedy_nose, Ivan Radic, RLHyde, aqua.mech, dc_gardens, mbkestell, EpicTop10.com, Consumerist Dot Com, THE Holy Hand Grenade!, Robert Couse-Baker, portland general, pedrosimoes7, /\ \/\/ /\, valentinapowers, Bob Klannukarn
  • About
    • Our Mission and Who We Are
  • Take Action
    • So Much You Can Do
    • Buildings (Home/Office)
    • Donate
    • Food
    • Gas Leaks- Get off of Gas
    • IdleFree
    • Land Care
    • Run For Office
    • Solar
    • Transportation
    • Volunteer
    • Vote!
    • Waste >
      • Alternatives to Plastic
      • Gift Wrap
      • Reduce Plastic
  • News
  • Calendar
  • Green Schools
    • Mission and Who We Are
    • Green Team Representatives >
      • Food Waste Diversion
      • Environmental Education
      • Smart Event Guide
      • Borrow Free Supplies for Your Event!
    • Families >
      • End of year Locker Cleanout Tips
      • School Supply list