by Rob GoganReprinted from The Acton Exchange; originally published October 12, 2024 Every day, we use devices powered by batteries — and these batteries contain hazardous materials. This article reviews how Acton residents can dispose of used batteries safely right here in town — and why it is important to do so. Batteries in our… Continue reading →
Sustainable Lawn Care: BLBs + Leaving the Leaves!
Learn about multiple ways to care more sustainably for any lawn you may have. These actions can improve your health and that of your family, neighbors, landscape workers, pets, and the climate — all in a few easy steps! Among those steps are: (1) reducing leaf blowing and cleanups, and reducing lawn size; (2) using… Continue reading →
Perspectives: Local Resources for Lower-Waste Family Living
by Leah Whitehouse As a mom of a toddler, I am keenly aware of the waste even a small family produces. Although books such as Bea Johnson’s Zero-Waste Home and Stephanie Marie Seferian’s Sustainable Minimalism offer great practical guidance on sustainable living, they’re written for a pretty broad audience, so I looked into some local… Continue reading →
Landscaping Services Using Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers in Acton
In Spring 2024, Green Acton supported a Warrant Article at Town Meeting that would have phased out the use of most gas-powered leaf blowers (GLBs). Town Meeting members ultimately voted to send the article to the Acton Select Board for further review and potential revision, and likely, a reappearance at a future Town Meeting. Meanwhile,… Continue reading →
Acton Power Choice: New, Lower Prices in Effect!
The new Acton Power Choice (APC) contract is now in effect, bringing with it prices that are lower — for all three options — than those in the last contract period. APC participants will realize these new, lower prices automatically, and see them reflected in February Eversource bills. These new rates went into effect in… Continue reading →
Green Acton Hosts FREE FixIt Clinics at Acton Memorial Library
Do you have a broken item you think could be fixed, but want some advice on how to do it? Bring it to a Green Acton FixIt Clinic, offered several times a year in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library! (Next FixIt Clinic is Feb. 24; see more below.) FixIt Clinic coaches offer advice, tools,… Continue reading →
Coming Soon: New, Lower Electricity Rates from Acton Power Choice!
Beginning in late December, the new Acton Power Choice (APC) contract will go into effect, bringing with it lower prices for all APC participants (compared to current prices, which end in late December). The new, three-year contract prices will be reflected in January bills from Eversource. APC participants need do nothing to take advantage of… Continue reading →
Thinking about Fertilizing? Test Your Soil First!
Contributed by Christopher Edwards and Martha Rounds, Green Acton Toxics/Pesticides Subcommittee To take good care of a lawn or garden in Acton, simply buying an off-the-shelf fertilizer and spreading it once or twice a year can be tempting. This guide offers great information on fertilizing your yard in a way that is better for your… Continue reading →
Creating a Lush, Healthy Lawn without Synthetic Chemicals
Many people love their lawns. In the post–World War II period, they became a symbol of domestic status and beauty, and at the same time became more uniform and “greener.” And though it may seem odd to think about environmental damage and lawns at the same time, “chemical” lawns actually cause significant damage to the… Continue reading →
Green Acton Recommends Passage of Town Meeting Articles
Green Acton directors and (March and April) monthly meeting attendees heard case presentations on, discussed, and decided to endorse the following articles on the Acton 2023 Town Meeting Warrant. NOTE: Town Meeting begins the evening of May 1, at 7pm, in the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School auditorium; it will very likely run for two nights… Continue reading →