Greener Ways to Avoid Tick Bites

Contributed by Chris Edwards, Chair, Green Acton Toxics/Pesticides Subcommittee Ticks can bite and cause serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, all year. Although tick infection is commonly assumed to be a summer ailment, the tiny bugs can survive even in near-freezing temperatures, waiting for passengers. Surprisingly, October and November are periods of heightened activity in… Continue reading →

Less Lawn, More Garden: Making Your Yard a Home for Birds and Pollinators

Contributed by Martha Rounds How Do Lawns Affect the Natural Environment? The traditional American lawn is a monoculture that requires consistent mowing, fertilizing, watering, and pesticides. Lawns in the U.S. are estimated by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to cover three times more area than any food crop (e.g., corn or soybeans). More than… Continue reading →

FAQ: Understanding Acton’s Polystyrene Ban

At the May 2022 Annual Town Meeting, Acton voters joined more than 50 other communities in the Commonwealth in approving a new bylaw related to polystyrene (aka Styrofoam™). The goals of the bylaw are protecting residents’ health and reducing a significant source of plastic pollution. The Polystyrene and Disposable Plastic Reduction Bylaw will allow Acton… Continue reading →

Green Acton Supports These 2022 Town Meeting Articles

Acton’s annual Town Meeting takes place on Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17 in the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School auditorium. More information, including comprehensive information on the meeting’s Warrant Articles, is available in the Warrant Booklet The Green Acton Board of Directors has reviewed the Warrant Articles, and has endorsed the following articles: 41,… Continue reading →

Town Meeting Warrant Article #49: Authorizing the Town of Acton to Establish a Minimum Charge for a Checkout Bag

Please attend Acton’s Annual Town Meeting on May 17 and VOTE YES to establish a charge for checkout bags. On May 17, voters at (the second night of) Acton’s Annual Town Meeting — starting at 7pm at ABRHS — will consider two potential new bylaws intended to diminish some of the consequences of living in… Continue reading →

Acton Town Meeting Article #48: Polystyrene and Disposable Plastic Reduction Bylaw

Please attend Acton’s Annual Town Meeting and vote May 17 to reduce polystyrene and plastic utensils. On May 17, voters at (the second night of) Acton’s Annual Town Meeting will consider two potential new bylaws intended to diminish some of the consequences of living in a “use-and-toss” era. Here you can learn more about one… Continue reading →