green news

NEWSLETTER OF GREEN DECADE / NEWTON Over 20 Years of Environmental Leadership 1990 - 2012 VOL.22 - NO. 5

Newton joins Green Streets

SEPT/OCT 2012

Mayor Warren has signed Newton up for Green Streets. This non-profit program encourages all residents of a city or employees of an organization to get to work or school one day a month without driving the whole way alone. It is already in full swing in many of our neighboring communitiesand it means prizes and discounts for everyone who participates. The Green Streets program is another step toward promoting a healthy lifestyle and alternative modes of transportation, Mayor Warren said. I encourage all residents to join me in participating in the Green Streets program. But even if you work outside of Newton, you can participate as an individual resident. All you have to do is get to work (or school) without driving to the door of your destination alone on the last Friday of the month. If you take transit, walk to school, carpool, walk to work, park several blocks away from work and walk, work from homeall of this counts! Dori Zaleznik, MD, Newtons Commissioner of Health and Human Services says youll feel better if you do. In conjunction with Michelle Obamas Lets Move initiative, our department supports efforts to encourage walking and biking to school and work, she said. The health benefits of moderate physical activity, especially for curbing obesity, are well-established. Dont forget the goodies and discounts. Anyone taking part in walk/ride Fridays collects by clicking on the Green Streets website (gogreenstreets.org). Fill in the form, get a QR codethat box-like bar-code thingand take it to local retailers to get the good stuff. A full list of retailers is at (gogreenstreets.org/retailers ). And it gets better. Members of Newtons Transportation Advisory Group and Economic Development Commission are currently talking to Newton businesses about participatingeither entering the corporate challenge or offering deals for Green Streeters. Well be publishing the names of participating businesses as they come in. If you want your business to be on that first list, contact Aaron Goldman at 617-796-1110, or agoldman@newtonma.gov. See you on the sidewalks.
Excerpt from the Newton TAB 5/24/12 - by Lois Levin who is Newtons Bicycle Coordinator and by Alicia Bowman who is Newtons Pedestrian Coordinator. They were appointed this year by the Mayor to help develop the infrastructure and policies required to have safe pedestrian and bicycle routes across the city.

Environment groups meet with Newton TAB: from left to right: (seated) Helen Rittenberg, President of Bike Newton; Marcia Cooper, President of Green Decade/Newton; Emily Costello, Editor of Newton Tab; Alicia Bowman, Newtons Pedestrian Coordinator (standing) Beth Wilkinson, Board member of Newton Conservators, Crystal Lake Conservancy and Newton Tree Conservancy; Ken Mallory, Green Decade Chair of Greening Our Community Series; Janice Bourque, Co-President of the Crystal Lake Conservancy; Peter Smith, Chair of the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce Environment Committee; Jonathan Kantar, Chair of Newtons High Performance Building Coalition; Ellie Goldberg, Environmental Health Advocate; Jim Purdy, Vice President of Green Decade; Lois Levin, Newtons Bicycle Coordinator; Brent Whelan, the Charles River Conservancy and Amy Rothe from the Charles River Watershed Association.

Environment groups meet the TAB

Green Decade organized a meeting in June 2012 with many of the areas environmental groups to learn from the new TAB editor Emily Costello how to get good coverage of environmental issues. We appreciated Emilys recommendation of submissions from our groups for Environment Perspective op ed pieces that may be featured on a monthly basis. Newton is a community that prides itself on every step taken to protect our environment and make it a more sustainable place to live. Green Decade alone has nearly 400 individual and business members. The total combined membership of all of Newtons environmental groups is substantial. Without a doubt, there is strong local interest for residents to be kept informed about our communitys efforts to address climate issues and the steps being taken to protect our air, land and water quality. Each group looks forward to maintaining good communication with the Newton TAB in the coming months. (One example is a guest column that was published in the Aug 16th TAB - Cooper and Leary: Rest in peace for the updated bottle bill (again). Lois Levin agreed to coordinate articles from our groups.

Photographer TAB staff

PAGE 2

SEPT/OCT 2012

Tracking energy use in Newton homes: how are we doing?

Americans use a lot of energy in the form of electricity and natural gas, and some homes still use fuel oil for winter-time heating. Newtons relative affluence and our large older homes ensures that most of us are above average in our energy consumption. Of course, its not energy use per se that is the problem, its the use of fossil fuels we seek to curtail, since combustion of carbon-rich fuels produces greenhouse gases and other pollutants. A first step in becoming more efficient is to simply measure how much we use. Every home, business, house of worship, etc., can easily do this via their energy bills, but how about across the whole community? Mayor Setti Warren has announced a challenge, urging a 20% reduction in energy use by 2020. How to assess progress toward this goal? Heres how: Newtons Energy Commission has been analyzing community-level energy use for over a decade now. Student interns are hired every few years to organize energy information for the residential, commercial/institutional, and municipal sectors, and to create charts and graphs showing where we stand. The results for electricity are relatively easy to interpret, because NSTAR delivers electricity to all customers in town, and is willing to share aggregate data by sector. What these show is that electricity use by homeowners and businesses rose steadily from 1998 2008, but has at least plateaued and appears to have come down in the commercial/ institutional sector. Lets keep it up! By changing light bulbs and appliances and being more energy efficient in general we can use less energy without going back to candle power. The results for the municipal sector are even more encouraging: use of electricity declined from 1998 to 2008 in our schools, libraries, fire stations, and other town buildings. The Energy Commission salutes our elected leaders and city staff for leading by example, and taking good advantage of cost-effective energy efficiency programs offered over the years. More can be done, and city staff is working on it. The story for our wintertime heating fuels, natural gas and fuel oil, is not as easy to interpret. Natural gas consumption is on the rise, partly because for many years the natural gas utility (Keyspan, now National Grid) has offered incentives to property owners using fuel oil to switch to gas. Then, in recent years oil has become relatively more expensive, so the switch to gas has accelerated. The result is a sharp increase in gas consumption since about 2006. National Grid is willing to share aggregate data, so we can track gas use readily, but fuel oil is delivered by small private companies that compete for customers and do not welcome inquiries about their sales. We need more information about numbers of customers and gas consumption trends per customer from National Grid, and the Energy

Commission is in discussion with NGRID about this. In the short term though, we can celebrate the change from oil to gas because gas is a cleaner-burning fuel than oil. Of course, extracting and transporting any fossil fuel can cause environmental harms at the well head, or at the mine in the case of coal. The best approach is always to use less of any fossil fuel, and this certainly goes for natural gas too. Can Newton homes and businesses become even more efficient? Theres simply no doubt -- a 2009 study by consulting firm McKinsey and Company found costeffective potential savings in US homes and businesses totaling $1.2 trillion, and theres no reason to believe Newton is exceptional. Even people who had an energy audit years ago keep finding news ways to save. Monitor your own energy use closely, participate in Green Decade supported energy audits, and lets work toward Mayor Warrens 2020 goal. by Eric Olson, Chair, Newton Energy Commission

Rally for the Bottle Bill at Newton Farmers Market: Marcio from Next Step Living, Alison Leary, Newton LWV, Melissa Sullivan, Students for a Greener World, Sharyn Roberts (dressed as Bottle Bill), Judy Dore, Ellie Goldberg, Maeve Ward, Kunal Jasty from the Coalition for the Updated Bottle Bill. Later, Alderman Ted Hess-Mahan stated on NewTV he hoped reps voted for the bill.

State House bottle bill rally

Sharon Cushing, Michele Davis and Peter Smith attended a press event at the State House to represent Green Decade in support of the updated bottle bill. The bottle bill expansion had been included in the Senate as an amendment to the jobs bill, but it was scrapped in a joint conference committee from the final version. The bill would have added non-carbonated water and other drinks to the bottles that would be returnable. There were about 100-125 people who were asked to get our representatives to sign a commitment to support the bill. Of course, our reps are already on board. Senator Creem was the bills primary sponsor and Kay Kahn was at the event. In spite of 70%+ of the citizens in favor and 208 Cities and towns supporting the bill, the house voted it down. Its been on hold for 14 years. It could have generated $7 million per year in revenue and saved cities and towns the cost of collection and disposals of billions of bottles littering streets and parks. We will have to try again next year. by Peter Smith

NEWSLETTER OF THE GREEN DECADE / NEWTON

Cork Recycling!

PAGE 3

Students for a Greener World and Whole Foods Market are partnering to collect wine bottle corks to recycle into cork flooring! Please bring real corks (not plastic) and add them to our basket at both Farmers Markets. In November, Whole Foods will send them to the Cork Forest Conservation Alliance www.corkharvest.org

Volunteer opportunities!

Even if you only have an hour or two to spare, you are welcome to help staff Green Decades booth at Newtons Farmers Market, where we provide environmental literature and feature our Magic energy bike, along with other fun activities. Tuesdays until October 30th, 1:30-6 pm in Cold Spring Park on Beacon St. and Fridays from 12-5pm at Post 440 on California St in Nonantum. To volunteer, please contact info@greendecade.org Free bicycle valet parking sponsored by Bike Newton at Newtons Farmers Market at Cold Spring Park on Tuesdays. To volunteer, call Bike Newton (617) 527-1239. Monday evening bike rides meet at the Newton Free Library on Homer St. at 5:45 PM and ride to an interesting Newton destination. For more specifics, nathan.aronow@verizon.net

In July the Citys Energy Smart Newton initiative celebrated acheiving 750 free home energy assessments in Newton through NSTARs Mass Save program. The event was held at the home of Al Calderone, a GD board member and resident who, with a 75% subsidy from NSTAR, up-graded his attic insulation. From the left: Al Calderone, Josh Lynch, Next Step Living, Mayor Setti Warren, Jay Walter, Newton Eco-project and John McElduff, a neighbor who also gave a testimonial about how the Mass Save program helped him save on his home energy up-grades.

No-cost home energy assessment

With Mass Save NSTAR Program, you may qualify for 75% - up to $2,000 off insulation and air sealing for your home. Our partner, Next Step Living, will make a $10 donation to support Green Decades work after your assessment. Visit: http://nextsteplivinginc.com/gdn/ or call 866-867-8729. Mention Green Decade! Renters, homeowners and landlords living in 1-4 unit buildings are eligible.

2012 office crew

Farmers Market 2012: Friends, Food + Fun

Lucky us to have 3 new high school graduates volunteering at the Green Decade office this summer L-R: Ally, Julie and Carmiya before they head off to college! Carmiya Gale from Gann Academy and Newton Souths Ally Helbert and Julie Woo teamed up to produce new flyers and resources for the Farmers Market and organized the office for our fall activities. Among their contributions: Illustrated Companion Plants guide to deter pests from gardens and homes Updated guide to environmentally friendly lighting comparing LED and CFL to incandescent Ride A Bike Save the Planet: How generator-powered Magic Energy Bikes are used around the world: pumping water, grinding maize, laptop/mobile phone chargers, sustainable gyms and more Information on our caterpillar friends! Many thanks to all three for their excellent work and good cheer, and we wish them all the best as they head off to college.

Once again, kids and adults pedaled the Magic Energy Bike to learn about energy conservation. Visitors appreciated the wonders of nature through our caterpillars, moths, butterflies and other insects. Friends bring us lots of corks for the cork recycling project in partnership with Whole Foods and the Rainforest Alliance-endorsed nonprofit Cork ReHarvest.
Many thanks to our volunteers (below) and especially to Judy Dore, Farmers Market Manager and Mary Flynn, Assistant Manager. We couldnt do it without you! *Roz Aronow, Marcia Cooper, Sharon Cushing,*Deyar Dashti, Lucia, *Sophie and *Dorothy Dolan and Venus the Wonder Dog,*Peter Erickson,*Eliana Gevelber, Ellie Goldberg,*Emily Ho, Sunwoo Kahng,*Mehdi Khalfallah, Alison Leary,*Olivia Mooradian and Sammi the Friendly Dog,*Sophie Magidson, Eric Olson, Naomi Osher,* Julian Singh,*Melissa Sullivan, Maeve Ward,*Julie and Lindsey Woo, and*Leora (*student volunteers)

Thank you Margaret!

A very special thanks to Margaret Ford for loading up your car twice weekly with everything needed for Green Decades Farmers Market booth all through the summer and fall months. Green Decade appreciates all your enthusiastic volunteer service to set up the booth and make it such a fun and worthwhile activity for our friends who stop by to visit.

Thanks ! and next newsletter deadline

For the next newsletter, please send submissions by e-mail to Ira Krepchin, irapk@alum.mit.edu, by Mon, Sept 24, 2012. Thanks for making this newsletter possible to Managing Editor Ira Krepchin, Editor Peter Smith, Copy Editor Susan Tornheim and article authors. Many thanks to our newsletter mailing chairs Marcia Cooper and Frank Propp, and their team for the last issue: Sarah Barnett, Marcia Cooper, Polly Kalman, the Propp family (Edie, Frank & Greta) and Fran Seasholes.

Our mission is to create an environment in better balance with the natural world by making significant, measurable improvements in the way we use resources. Goals include helping households, businesses and institutions to: Increase energy efficiency & seek alternatives to fossil/nuclear fuels; Use IPM and organic alternatives to pesticides; Promote high performance (green) building measures; Prevent pollution through source reduction and reduced consumption; Promote reuse and recycling practices; Improve waste disposal practices; Conserve water and other resources. Our programs are designed to build awarness, promote opportunities for public dialogue and educate and empower citizens to take personal and civic action.

PAGE 4

CALENDAR

SEPT/OCT 2012 To volunteer for these events contact info@greendecade.org

Mondays 5:45pm & return by 7:15 Bike rides meet at

the Newton Library, Homer St. at (7-10 miles). For people who can keep a pace of 5 - 10 mi. per hour. Children are welcome with an adult. Helmets are required. Check routes and when rides move to a weekend day as days grow shorter on bikenewton.org Sept. 6 (Thurs) 7pm Biking for everyone: Urban Cycling Workshop at Newton City Hall, Rm 202, 1000 Com. Ave. Free one hour workshop on bike gear, route planning, safety and rules of the road. RSVP: Price@MassBike.org email to: Price@MassBike.org or 617-542-2453 Sept. 9 (Sun) 12:30-5pm Tour life friendly gardens hosted by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment. Enjoy a self-guided tour to see how vegetables and flowers are thriving without pesticides. Visit www.watertowncitizens.org <http://www. watertowncitizens.org/> Sept 15 (Sat) -10am-4pm 8th Anniversary Open House at the Newton Cultural Center 225 Nevada St, Newton. A day of celebrating with activities for kids and families - all free! Green Decade (2-4pm) will host a Magic Recycled Box workshop, a recycled obstacle race course, the Magic Energy Bike and more! Sept 23 (Sun) - 11am-3pm Newton Community Farm Fall Festival, Free - 303 Nahanton St., Newton Food, produce, jams, and beverages for sale. Proceeds benefit education program. Live music, childrens crafts and games, pumpkin decorating, cooking demonstrations, and more! Visit www.newtoncommunityfarm.org

at Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Rd, Newton (held rain or shine) Come ride our Magic Energy Bike ! Sept. 29 (Sat) 10-5pm & 6-10pm Newtonville Village Day Visit Green Decades booth at this event featuring crafts, jazz, dance. Walnut St. will close in the evening and restaurants will open their doors, jazz and ballroom dancing will commence for a family night on the town! Sept 30 (Sun) - 3-5pm Clean Water Action 40th Celebration at the Garden in the Woods, Framingham. Go to www.cleanwateraction.org/ma to buy tickets.

Sept 23 (Sun) - 10am-1pm Newton Touch-a-Truck Event

Eco-Project helps homeowners replace old boilers

The Newton Eco-project is working with Next Step Living to help Newton residents take advantage of a new boiler replacement program. NSTAR and National Grid are offering large subsidies, between $1750-$4000, for boiler replacements in homes with boilers at least 30 years old. Since a typical boiler replacement costs between $7,000-$10,000 this program offers major cost savings for homeowners. Residents must apply for the program by Sept. 30th and install new equipment by Oct. 30th. Call 866 867-8729 and mention Green Decade! They will determine your boilers eligibility.

Please join or renew for 2012!

Green Decade is proud of its 21 year history and our organizations efforts to help residences, businesses and public facilities become more sustainable. You may also send a $25 payment for a basic membership to Green Decade/Newton, P.O. Box 590242, Newton, MA 02459
Ann Berwick, at large Eric Bobby, at large Al Calderone, at large Jack Cheng, at large Marcia Cooper, President Sharon Cushing, Treasurer Ed Cunningham, at large Michele Davis, Energy Lucia Dolan, Clerk, Transportation Paul Eldrenkamp, at large Ira Krepchin, Newsletter Lois Levin, Transp; EnvEditorTAB Jean MacRae, at large Ken Mallory, at large Eric Olson, at large Jim Purdy, Vice Pres, Energy Myron Rosenberg, Development Dan Ruben, Chairperson Mindy Sieber, at large Peter Smith, Newsletter; Chamber Elaine Vildzius, at large

online @: www.greendecade.org

Green Solutions EXPO

This Newton/Needham Chamber of Commerce EXPO showcases solutions you can use to reduce your carbon footprint and over 60 exhibitors & workshops in one area. It will be held from 115pm in Newton Centre during the Newton Harvest Fair which also features continuous entertainment, food and games for the kids. Get tips on how to live a green life style. See exhibitors with green products, services and ideas. Find out how you can convert to solar electricity and reduce your electric bills without spending thousands. Have a green lawn all summer without watering and only cut once a month. Look for more of Green Solutions EXPO on www.greendecade.org
Printed with soy-based ink on 100% post-consumer waste unbleached recycled paper that is made without a chemical separation process.

11am-5pm - Sunday, October 14

Board of Directors

Advisory Board

Karen Albert Ana Zarina Asuaje Solon, Louise Bruyn, Past Pres. Sheila Clawson David & Elva Del Porto Bev Droz, Past President Dianne Dumanoski Kevin Dutt, Public Affairs Katherine Gekas Bonnie Glickman,EcoTeams Ellie Goldberg Fred Gordon, MCAN Bd. Barbara Herson, Past Pres. Sunwoo Kahng Francoise LaMonica,NewTV Brooke Lipsitt Matt Pawa Fran Seasholes Annabelle Ship Rohna Shoul Heather Tausig Maeve Ward

617 965-1995

e-mail: info@greendecade.org

www.greendecade.org