The annual Bargain Haul at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church will be held Saturday, May 4th from 8:00am – 12pm. Bag sale 11:15. 79 Denton Rd., corner of Washington St. (Rt 16) and Weston Road, Wellesley. The enormous selection includes jewelry, clothes, toys, housewares, books, electronics and more! Admission is $2. RAIN OR SHINE!
Volante's home field is now Certified USDA Organic! This certification is a rolling one, meaning the field will be certified piece by piece. By the end of the 2024 growing season, their entire home field will be certified. They also grow on two other fields in Needham where they will continue to use their sustainable IPM farming methods.
They will begin to harvest their first organic veggies over the next few weeks. First up are organic "garlic scallions" (a new crop for the farm), organic mint, organic lettuce and organic radishes, with more to come as the season progresses. They have posted a great deal of information on their website. Organic farming practices lower the risk of pollution in soils and waterways and capture and store more carbon. In addition by prohibiting the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, organic farms have lower emissions and use less energy. Not only is April Earth month but it is also poetry month. In that spirit, we would like to share a poem from an incredible Wellesley College student who has been at the Wellesley Climate Coalition demonstrations on Friday's in front of Town Hall for nearly her entire college career. She is about to graduate and continue to do impressive things for this planet. Thank you Suzanna for being who you are, committed to climate action, and for sharing your many talents with all of us.
Her poem may inspire you to swing by one Friday afternoon (3-4pm) and enjoy an hour on the lawn. Wellesley Climate Coalition Poem A space for friends to discuss all that ails them, A place to feel renewed and not alone, Every Friday, strong and true, We create this space together, A community- A home. I worry for what comes next, The disastrous floods and droughts, Weather events we cannot escape, Society caving in as conflict exasperates, No one is safe- This is known. At school, we discuss what is wrong. Systemic pressures Common action problems Corporations taking advantage of communities, Exploiting both people and environment. And it weighs on us, the next generation, Knowing our future and the places we come from will not be promised. So we fight, As we watch those around burn out and tire from all this grief and pain. And still every Friday, no matter what’s going on campus or in the world We come to this hill, We say hello, and question how our weeks went. Colleagues quickly become friends, Friends quickly become a family of activists, All fighting for tomorrow. In the hopeless of nights and days and weeks and years, You all still remain, Here, in this moment, where things slow down Where taking action has meaning. So from the bottom of my heart, Thank you for all that you have taught me That hope exists, and has great meaning. For in the darkest of nights, there is always light, A star that shows us the future, And here we come, Daring to dream. The Town of Wellesley seeks a part-time Waste Reduction Coordinator (up to 19 hours/week) to
coordinate waste reduction for Town of Wellesley buildings and potentially coordinate waste reduction in other contexts, depending on Town needs and time availability, to include Wellesley Public Schools and other educational institutions, Town-led programs, and Town sponsored events. The incumbent will build on existing and new pilot programs to develop and implement standardized waste reduction programs across the Town. The work requires a strong understanding of the recycling and solid waste industry, strong project management and problem-solving skills, experience leading teams and working with a variety of stakeholders and excellent communication skills. The incumbent works with minimal supervision and must be able to effectively collaborate and build consensus among stakeholders. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to environmental studies, public policy, economics, engineering, education, or science; strong understanding of the recycling and solid waste industry; strong project management and problem-solving skills; experience leading teams and working with a variety of stakeholders; excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work independently and prioritize projects; ability to effectively collaborate and build consensus among stakeholders; proficient with computers and computer software. Preferred: non-profit or government experience; public speaking and presentation skills; valid driver’s license and regular access to a car; experience with graphic design; and experience putting together surveys and reports. The salary range is between $30 - $40 per hour depending upon qualifications. Flexible schedule available up to 19 hours per week. To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter or a Town of Wellesley application to the Human Resources Department, Town Hall, 525 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 or e-mail as a Word or PDF document to dpwhr@wellesleyma.gov by Monday, May 13, 2024. AA/EOE What a great community event yesterday at Wellesley’s Community Gardens. Our gardeners shared their green thumb expertise with lots of good tips on site selection, crop suggestions, growing tips, and more.
Although there is a wait list to have your own plot at either of Wellesley’s Community Gardens, you can always help out by volunteering at the Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission plot who donates their crop to the Wellesley Food Pantry. Learn, play in the dirt and do something for others is a win-win. Email lmoore@wellesleyma.gov for more information on helping and wait list. A last minute surprise was free tree saplings and there are extra's! If you would like to plant a tree in your yard, send an email to info@sustainablewellesley.com. Thanks to all that came to and organized this event. Make Your Next Car an EV to Take Advantage of Federal Tax Credits and State Rebates
Are you thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV)? Register now for a free event where you can test drive up to two dealer EVs and chat with Wellesley residents who already own EVs and hybrids. Now is an ideal time to buy an EV, because federal tax credits, state rebates, and a Wellesley off-peak charging electric bill credit are available. The Wellesley EV Test Drive and Showcase takes place Thursday, May 9th, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot across from MassBay Community College at 50 Oakland Street in Wellesley. The rain date is Thursday May 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. People who live, work, or attend school in Wellesley are invited, and test drives are available based on order of registration. A valid driver’s license is required. As of April 17, the following makes and models are expected to be available for test drive:
The initial purchase cost for eligible EVs vehicles can be offset by a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 at the time of purchase. In addition, the state of Massachusetts offers up to a $3,500 rebate (and an additional $1,500 for income-qualified applicants.) Massachusetts EV buyers who trade-in an eligible internal combustion engine, or gas-powered, vehicle qualify for an additional $1,000 rebate. The Wellesley Municipal Light Plant also offers a $96 annual electric bill credit for EV owners who charge their vehicles during off-peak hours. To learn more about sustainable mobility, including EVs, visit Get Around Sustainably. Vehicle exhaust accounts for nearly 40% of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Driving an EV is one way you can take personal action to reduce the emissions that lead to climate change asEVs do not produce tailpipe emissions. This event is hosted by the Town of Wellesley’s Municipal Light Plant, Climate Action Committee, and Sustainable Wellesley. About Climate Action in Wellesley The Climate Action Committee fosters awareness and mobilizes the collective action of residents, businesses, educational institutions, and town employees in Wellesley to combat the existential crisis of climate change. Through education and advocacy, we strive to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and cultivate a resilient environment for present and future generations. The Town’s Climate Action and Sustainable Mobility Plans provide roadmaps for reaching the Town of Wellesley’s goal to reduce the town’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by 2050, in concert with the state of Massachusetts and the nation’s carbon neutrality goals. Wellesley Drives Electric, offered by the Municipal Light Plant, offers information about the savings and benefits of driving an electric car and one-on-one EV advice to residents. Sustainable Wellesley, is a nonprofit organization that engages Wellesley residents, businesses, and the Town of Wellesley to take sustainable actions to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice. About MassBay Community College MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. To learn more about MassBay, visit www.massbay.edu. Wellesley Energy Coaches are here to help you move to electric in your home, your car and your office. At NO COST.
They can offer advice about:
Get Started Here An energy coach will reach out within 48 hours to schedule a consultation. The local volunteers trained in clean energy technologies help residents explore, plan for, and initiate actions associated with home/building weatherization, efficient electric heat pump systems, solar power, electric vehicles, and other energy adaptations to save money, make our homes healthier and more comfortable, and address climate change. Questions? Email EnergyCoach@wellesleyma.gov Having a municipal utility in town, Wellesley is better positioned than other communities to transition to clean electricity. Two thirds of the Town of Wellesley's energy is from non-emitting sources, making moving to electric in our community, the healthy way to go. Transitioning away from gas is critical to meet the Town's, State's and Federal emissions reduction goals. Please try something new and do better for the next generation. Happy Earth Day, Month, Year!
Collectively our high impact actions help increase clean and healthy air, protect our families, community and nature, while creating jobs and national security. This is the decisive moment for action, so please try something new. We can do better for the next generation. There is a lot of support in this community, so feel free to reach out to info@sustainableWellesley.com. Let us know all you are accomplishing, big and small. SAVE THE DATE:
Monday, May 13, 7:00-8:30p Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library Please join a community forum – "Housing and Land Conservation – It Doesn't Have to Be Either/Or" – a panel discussion organized by the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust and co-sponsored by Wellesley Free Library, Building a Better Wellesley, and Sustainable Wellesley. Since in-person attendance is limited to 150 (Zoom is also available), please register at the bottom of the library's announcement page at https://wellesleyfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/12381780 The objective of the panel is to provide a forum for ideas as to how pro-active collaboration between community housing proponents and land conservation advocates can lead to successful outcomes. To start the panel, three individuals – one each from a land trust, a housing interest group, and a planning perspective – will describe their experiences along the way to a successful collaborative project. Each will describe their specific project and lessons learned. After the presentation of the examples, we will have three local responders – one each from our housing, land trust, and planning communities – respond to these examples. What lessons can be applied to pro-active planning for Wellesley's community housing and land conservation needs. Questions from the audience are welcomed. Since attendance is limited to 150, please register at the bottom of the library's announcement page at https://wellesleyfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/12381780 Thanks Green Needham for this story!
Right down the street in Needham there is another example of net energy home. These super energy efficient houses generate enough solar power to provide all the electricity needed for the home’s heating, cooling, hot water, cooking, and other electrical systems. Green Needham has already profiled one family’s process of deciding to build a zero net energy home and condo neighbors who retrofitted their 1860-sq.-ft units to drastically reduce the carbon footprints. Now let’s take a look at another Needham home and learn more about the building techniques that create a home with no carbon emissions and no utility bills. The construction of this home, which uses the most energy-efficient technology currently available, differs from traditional construction methods in several important ways. It’s all in the envelope! The builder is paying great attention to the “envelope” of the house, the exterior shell that separates the home from the outside world. Energy efficient houses have tight envelopes to minimize the flow of air and moisture between the home and the outside. When the airflow in and out is minimized, a house needs much less heating and cooling, which saves energy and reduces costs. To achieve a tight envelope, the builder has created a continuous exterior wrap of foam over the house studs and foundation, to keep heat from migrating through the framing to the outside world. The wall framing uses a special stud called a T-stud. T-studs have spaces in the center to allow spray foam insulation to flow through the stud itself, which further helps to keep heat from leaking to the outside. In addition, the builder has installed triple pane windows that open like casement windows and provide a tight seal when closed. But won’t the house be too tight? Haven’t we been hearing about the importance of fresh air and ventilation? But no, an envelope cannot be too tight. A home with a tight envelope keeps the air quality healthy using ventilation and air filtration systems. A leaky house allows heat to escape and moisture and air contaminants to enter the home. A tight house manages the flow of air and filters it as it enters the home to ensure that the air is as healthy as possible. No fossil fuels! The house is powered entirely by electricity. Most, if not all, of the home’s electricity will come from a rooftop solar system. Because the house has a tight envelope, its energy needs will be modest for its size, and the electricity generated by the solar panels is likely to be sufficient. The home’s HVAC system will be a geothermal heat pump, powered, like the rest of the house, by the solar panels. In a geothermal system, water circulates in underground pipes, capturing the constant temperature of the earth below, and transferring the warmth or cooling to the building. Geothermal is the most efficient HVAC system currently available, and it has the lowest carbon footprint of any HVAC system. Energy Efficient Details. Finally, the home has many interior features that will increase its energy efficiency and the comfort of the family members. The house uses radiant floor heat in all living areas and the HVAC system has separate controls for each major room. The interior walls are well-insulated, which keeps the house quiet and allows the family to heat and cool only the areas that are in use. The plumbing drain incorporates a heat exchanger called a Power Pipe. This ingenious device captures some of the heat energy that goes down the drain when you are doing laundry or taking a shower. The captured energy, which is normally wasted, is used to preheat the water flowing into the water heater so the heater doesn’t have to work as hard. This beautiful home is large, but the same technology can be used in a house of any size. The advanced construction techniques and HVAC system allow any house to use less energy for heating and cooling. And the low energy use makes it much easier, in turn, to install a solar system that is large enough to power the home. The upfront costs to build this energy-efficient home are slightly higher than traditional construction, but the additional cost will be recouped over time, as an energy efficient building is economical to run. Think of your monthly utility bills. The goal for this home is to reduce that monthly expense to zero. These technologies are easier to install when a home is first built, but some of them, such as solar panels and electric HVAC systems, can be added during renovations or when systems need to be replaced. Moving toward net-zero housing is beneficial for both the homeowner and the environment! |
Categories
All
|