green decade greennews jul-aug 2013

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green newsNEWSLETTER OF GREEN DECADE / NEWTON

VOL.23 - NO. 4 JULY/AUGUST 2013

Over 20 Years of Environmental Leadership 1990 - 2013

In Newton roughly a third of our carbon footprint isdue to the way we travel: commuting to work, shopping,social visits, etc. Many of us drive relatively fuel-efcientcars thats a good rst step and some of us try to chainour trips to save miles driven e.g., stop at the library onthe way to buy groceries.

But what about taking trips without driving at all?Unlike much of the U.S., Newton is relatively compact,

has sidewalks and bikeable streets, and enjoys very goodpublic transportation three Green Line branches, expressbuses, crosstown buses, and commuter rail. (And the Tsreduced fares for seniors, students, children under 12, andpeople with disabilities are a terric value.)

In addition to reducing carbon emissions, using thesemodes of travel promotes our families health. Supposeyou commute to a downtown job. You walk 10 minutesto the T and another 10 minutes from the T to your ofcedowntown. That amounts to walking a mile twice a day

Students show their projects at library presentationStudents for a Greener World (alias the Wild Boars) & their guests presented what they learned about theenvironment in 2012/13 programs sponsored by Green Decade/Newton, Newton Schools & Newton Free Library.

for a total of 10 miles a weekan amount of exercise thathas been shown to signicantly promote good health.

Within Newton, a large number of shops, restaurants,and cafes are within a 10 minute walk. Even more arewithin a short bike ride. BikeNewtons map of the cityshows biking routes that you can use to plan trips to des-tinations you usually drive to. Visit www.walkscore.comto nd walkable and bikeable destinations near your home

with distances and routes shown on a map.It is not an all-or-nothing thing to green your commuteand travel to local destinations. Set achievable goalsfor non-auto travel. Start with shorter walking andbiking trips and make them a habit when the weather isgood. Before long you may nd that youre expandingyour walking and biking radius and leaving the car athome even on days when the weather isnt perfect.

Chances are youll enjoy it, feel better, save money, andhave the satisfaction of reducing your carbon footprint!

by Jim Purdy

How green is your transportation? How green can it be?

Presenting the Wild Boar award to Diane Jaquith fromFranklin Elementary School - Art; with her students

Wild Boar award to Greengineers & Newton Northteacher Steve Chinosi, accepted by SGW/Greengineer

Michael Han

Honoring EnviroArt Contest Green Medalist AudreyGagnon (Margaret Ford holding 4th Grade winning art)

Presenting the Wild Boar awards to Hope Ratham andElise Blanken from Solomon Schechter Day School

Honoring hard work of SGW graduating seniors, MaliniGandhi,Zachary Rosenof, Hilary Brumberg & Jay Feinstein

Wild Boar award to Ellen Meyers, Program Directorfrom the Newton Free Library with SGW students
http://www.walkscore.com/http://www.walkscore.com/http://www.walkscore.com/


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PAGE 2 JULY/AUGUST 2013

The Crystal Lake Conservancy has made an outstanding

environmental contribution in Newton by preserving andprotecting the quality of the water in Crystal Lake for thebenet of the public. They work to reduce the algae bloomthat closed the lake to swimmng in 2012.

The Conservancy works to increase community aware-ness of issues related to the Lake by providing informationon its web site and by printing information concerning theLake. One of their highest priorities is to develop a set ofrecommended best practices for the protection and preser-vation of the Lake. They also promote environmentallysustainable uses for Crystal Lake and surrounding publiclands among those who utilize the Lake for recreation.

The Conservancy relies on expert research and recommen-

dations to determine the impact of the overuse of nutrientsin lawn fertilizer within the Lakes watershed, the effects ofpolluted storm water drainage into the lake and the environ-mental impact of activities associated with the use of the Lake.They are encouraging residents to use organic lawn care.They are widely distributing the results of assessments andthis resource provides guidance in the development of a longrange plan for physical, natural and aesthetic improvements,as well as maintenance of the Lake. Green Decade is grate-ful for their outstanding effort to promote and support theunique natural beauty and recreational enjoyment of theLake, while preserving and protecting it as one of ourcommunitys most valuable natural resources.

Big Belly Solars stout-looking trash receptacles with

a solar panel on top was selected for the front of NewtonCity Hall early in the companys start up process. Whenthe can lls up about half-way with trash, a compactormechanism smashes it down, using solar power that hasbeen stored up in a battery.

As a result, BigBelly compactors can hold four to vetimes the amount of garbage as a typical trash can and thus, they dont need to be emptied as often. Thatcan save cities serious money and reduce the CO2 thattrucks belch picking up the trash and now recycling andcompost. More than 12,000 of the cans are all over Boston,Philadelphia, Chicago, and the campuses of MIT and BostonUniversity.

Realizing that recurring revenues are better than onetime sales, The company is repositioning itself as a soft-ware-as-a-service company that also happens to sell hard-ware. BigBelly is integrating wireless connectivity into itstrash and recycling cans, which allow them to report theirstatus to a Web-based software system.

By sending crews out to empty only the receptaclesthat need it, they estimate cities can eliminate at least 7of every 10 pick-up trips that trash vehicles make today.In Philly, for instance, the sanitation department used toswing by some trash cans 17 times a week; now, the aver-age is 2.5 times a week. They have deployed close to 1000BigBelly cans around eastern Massachusetts.

Annual Green Decade environmental leadership awards

Organization Business

Peter Smith presents award to Big Belly Solar VP of Engineering Michael FeldmanMarcia Cooper presents award to Crystal Lake organizers: Janice Bourque,Schuyler Larrabee, Barbara Wales and Srdjan Nedeljkovic

Newton Community Farmsummer youth programsLooking for summer programs for your children,preschool to grade 9? If so, check out Newton CommunityFarms offerings at www.newtoncommunityfarm.org.Back by popular demand, NCF will again offer FarmSprouts, Little Diggers, Farmer in Training, and SociallyAware Young Farmers. Preregistration is required for allclasses. Registration closes one week before class start date.

Summer volunteers welcome!If you are looking for a great way to support Green Decadesefforts, please consider volunteering at our Newton FarmersMarket booth, where we distribute environmental literatureand feature our popularMagic Energy Bike, as well as othercool nature-based activities. Even if you have only an hour ortwo on an occasional basis, your help will be much appre-ciated on Tuesdays, 1:30-6 pm in Cold Spring Park on BeaconSt. Contact [email protected] or call 617-965-1995.
http://www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/


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NEWSLETTER OF THE GREEN DECADE / NEWTON PAGE 5

Green Decade transportationmission statement

Green Decades mission is to create an environmentin better balance with the natural world by makingsignicant, measurable improvements in the way we useresources.

The Transportation Committee works for thismission by supporting infrastructure, policies andeducational programs designed to reduce pollution andtrafc congestion while enhancing safety, promotingpublic health and making Newton a more livable city.Transportation accounts for at least 1/3 of Newtonscarbon dioxide emissions. Newton can have a majorimpact on carbon emissions by reducing the numberof vehicle trip miles driven and encouraging a rangeof transportation options for people traveling in andthrough our city.

Green Decade transportationpolicy statementThe City of Newton has recently been paying

increased attention to Transportation. This policystatement delineates our common goals with the Cityrelated to Transportation and expresses support forspecic policies endorsed by the Mayors TransportationAdvisory Group. The transportation sector is the fastestgrowing carbon dioxide source in the United States withemission rates rising 2 percent per year.

Projections show that more efcient vehicles andclean fuels wont be enough to offset the projected 59

percent increase in driving by 2030. Even with expectedimprovements in vehicle and fuel economy, carbon

emissions from transportation would be 41 percent abovetoday. Therefore, we must encourage walking, transituse and bicycling as alternatives to our heavy reliance onmotor vehicles.

In addition to reducing emissions and improving publichealth, there are social and civic benets to getting out ofour cars more. When we walk, bike or use public transit

we are more aware of our surroundings; we make moreeye contact with people and can hear and feel things thatelude us when we are inside a car. These transportationalternatives enhance opportunities for community involve-ment while fostering awareness of the natural world.

Green Decades stated goals can be furthered throughour support of specic City of Newton policies. Theseinclude: the Newton Bicycle Network Plan, the NewtonPedestrian Plan (under development), the expansion ofHubway (Bostons regional bicycle-sharing program) intoNewton, plans for improved and expanded MBTA servicein Newton, and the adoption of a city-wide Parking Plan.

We also support greater enforcement of our trafc laws,

safety education and programs that encourage children twalk and bike to school. Many Newton residents alreadembrace alternatives to driving, and many more will jointhem when they feel that our roads are safer and moreaccessible for bicyclists and pedestrians. The resourcesdedicated to alternative transportation reap increasingdividends by creating a virtuous circle; as biking becomesafer and more socially accepted, more residents will bikand the more bicyclists there are on the streets, the saferand more accepted biking becomes.

By increasing awareness of transportation alternativesand thereby reducing the number of motor vehicletrip miles driven in Newton, Green Decade will make

signicant, measurable improvements in the way we useresources. by Lois Levin & Jack Cheng

At the Mayors prayer breakfast many of the Green Decade board of directors sat at a table and sang along at the closing. Shown here are Sharon Cushing (Treasurer),Jim Purdy (Vice President), Peter Smith (Green News), Mindy Sieber (Membership), Jay Walter (EcoProject), Tom Boyd (Webmaster), Louise Bruyn (Founder),Marcia Cooper (President), Bev Droz (Past President) and Jack Cheng (Transportation & Newsletter).


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JULY/AUGUST 2013PAGE 6

Mayors Sustainability Month Announcement: Chamber Pres. Greg Reibman; EcoProject Chair, Jay Walter; Mayor Setti Warren; Sec. of Energy & Environment,Sullivan; CEO of Mass CEC, Alicia Barton; Commisioner of Mass DOER, Mark Sylvia.;

Mayor Warren declared June is sustainability month in Newton

Energy Smart Newton Challenge offers gift certicatesOn May 1st, Green Decade Newton, the City of

Newton, the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce

and Next Step Living launched the Energy SmartNewton Challenge with a goal of 500 no-cost homeenergy assessments and 120 heating and coolingassessments by December 31, 2013. Next Step Livingwill provide $10 and $25 gift certicates for participatingNewton restaurants to Newton residents who completea home energy assessment or heating and coolingassessment with Next Step Living during the Challenge.Participating restaurants include OHaras, Paddys,Roxs Diner, Terry OReillys Pub and The Local.

Next Step Living will also contribute $400 to supportenvironmental education projects of Green Decade and

award a $100 Whole Foods rafe prize to one winner forevery 100 Newton Home Energy Assessments completedby December 31, 2013. For every 50 Newton heatingand cooling system assessments completed during theEnergy Smart Newton Challenge, Next Step Livingwill contribute an additional $400 to Green Decade andanother $100 rafe prize for a lucky participant to use atWhole Foods.

As one of several initiatives during Mayor WarrensSustainability Month in June, the City of Newton incollaboration with the Newton Eco-project and the Newton

Citizens Energy Commission has launched SolarizeNewton. The City has received a grant from SolarizeMass, a program from the Mass Clean Energy Center topromote PV solar panel installations on residential andsmall commercial properties. PV or photovoltaic solarpanels can generate enough electricity to meet 100% of theelectricity needed of an average Newton residence. UntilSeptember 30, 2013, the Solarize program offers residents

solar panel installations for as much as 20% less thancurrent market rates.

If you would like to nd out if your house is a good

candidate for solar panels go to www.solarair.com andthen to the Solarize Newton link to sign up for a freesatellite image analysis. If your house is solar readywith good roof orientation, area and minimal shadingour partners from Solarair will contact you to arrange ameeting to review how solar panels could work on yourhouse. If you have questions call 617 527-8383 or [email protected] by Jay Walter

Sign-up for a no-cost home energy assessment(a$300+ value) as part of the Mass Save Program and you

may qualify for 75% - up to $2,000 off - insulation andair sealing for your home. Renters, homeowners andlandlords living in 1-4 unit buildings with MassachusettsNSTAR and/or National Grid accounts are eligible.Next Step Living, will make a $10 donation to supportour work after each assessment is completed. Visit:www.nextsteplivinginc.com/gdn or call 866-867-8729.Please mention Green Decade Newton! by Marcia Cooper

Tee-Shirts(youth sizes only)

with the EnergySmart Newton logoimprinted on thefront are availablefor sale from GreenDecade at $18 perorganic cotton shirt.

A CommunityPartnership

Energy

SmartNew

ton

Please contact [email protected] or617 965-1995 to place your order.
http://www.solarflair.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nextsteplivinginc.com/gdnhttp://www.nextsteplivinginc.com/gdnmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nextsteplivinginc.com/gdnmailto:[email protected]://www.solarflair.com/


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PAGE 8 MAY/JUNE 2013

617 965-1995 e-mail: [email protected] www.greendecade.org

Printed with soy-based ink on 100% post-consumer waste unbleached

recycled paper that is made without a chemical separation process.

Board of Directors Advisory BoardJessica Avery, RecyclingAnn Berwick, at largeEric Bobby, School OutreachAl Calderone, at large

Jack Cheng, TransportationMarcia Cooper, PresidentSharon Cushing, TreasurerMichele Davis, RecyclingLucia Dolan, Clerk, TransportationPaul Eldrenkamp, at large

Paul Holt, at largeIra Krepchin, NewsletterLois Levin, TransportationKen Mallory, Library SpeakersEric Olson, at large

Jim Purdy, Vice Pres, EnergyMyron Rosenberg, DevelopmentDan Ruben, ChairpersonMindy Sieber,MembershipPeter Smith, Newsletter; ChamberElaine Vildzius, Energy

Karen AlbertAna Zarina Asuaje Solon,Louise Bruyn, Past Pres.Sheila ClawsonDavid & Elva Del PortoBev Droz, Past PresidentDianne DumanoskiKevin DuttKatherine GekasBonnie Glickman,EcoTeams

Ellie Goldberg, New TVFred Gordon,MCAN Bd.Barbara Herson, Past Pres.Sunwoo KahngFrancoise LaMonicaBrooke Lipsitt

Jean MacRaeMatt PawaAnnabelle ShipRohna ShoulHeather TausigMaeve Ward

Please join !online atwww.greendecade.org

Green Decade is proud of its 23 year history and ourorganizations efforts to help residences, businesses and

public facilities become more sustainable. You may alsosend a $25 payment for a basic membership to GreenDecade/Newton, P.O. Box 590242, Newton, MA 02459

ELM honors Green DecadeThe Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM),

the oldest statewide environmental advocacy group inthe Commonwealth, honored Green Decade Newton fortheir Outstanding Community Leadership protectingthe environment.

The award was presented by ELM President GeorgeBachrach, a former Mass. state senator, to MarciaCooper, President of the Board of Directors of GreenDecade Newton, at a reception at the home of Newtonresident and ELM board chair Seth Jaffe and GeniaLong on Grove Street, Auburndale on June 13th.Attendees included Newton Aldermen Scott Lennonand Deb Crossley as well as leaders of Green Decade/

Newton, the Crystal Lake Conservancy, the NewtonConservators, among others. Mayor Setti Warren,unable to attend, offered his congratulations.

Green Decade Newton has been a leader incommunity outreach encouraging residents andbusinesses alike to improve their energy efciency,increase recycling, seek alternative transportation anddecrease the use of pesticides. These are all criticalelements of efforts to make Newton a healthier andmore livable community. Bachrach noted. They area role-model for other community groups across theCommonwealth.

Accepting the award for Green Decade Newton,Marcia Cooper commended ELM for their statewideleadership and noted: Green Decade Newton iscommitted to increasing community awareness onsustainability issues and particularly working withstudents and young people to increase their efforts toght global warming. This is a grassroots effort opento all concerned citizens of Newton.

Newton Alderman, Scott Lennon, Marcia Cooper, Green Decade President,George Bachrach, ELM President, and Alderman Deb Crossley at theOutstanding Community Leadership award ceremony in Auburndale.

L-R: Marcia Cooper, Anndy Dannenberg, Beverly Droz, look on while Peter Smithhands students Malini Gandhi & Eliana Gevelber checks from Green Decade and

Meredith Managment for expenses of trip to the national Envirothon competition

Chamber green breakfastbrings funds for students

Attorney General Martha Coakley gave the keynote talkunder a beautiful riverside tent at the Marriott Hotel inAuburndale to 150 guests at this Newton Needham Chamberof Commerce Environmental Committee awards event.

Five businesses were honored for their green contributions.But Newton students attracted much of the attention sincethey won the state Envirothon and were invited to sit at

the Meredith Management Corp Newton Green Businessof the Year table. Meredith Management and GreenDecade presented checks to help with the studentsexpenses to go to the national competition representingMassachusetts in August. If you would like to support theirtrip, contact their teacher Anndy Dannenberg at 617 527-4613.
mailto:[email protected]://www.greendecade.org/http://www.greendecade.org/http://www.greendecade.org/http://www.greendecade.org/mailto:[email protected]

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