30th Annual Local Environmental Action conference: Sunday, March 5th at Northeastern University, Boston, MA Great way to connect with other towns and see what they are working on, and gain exposure to new ideas and information on climate / clean energy issues Nearly 20 workshops that cover a range of issues and skills – from… Continue reading →
Mass Energy Green Drive Promotion
In effect through end of February 2017, there are deep discounts on electric and plug-in hybrid (EV and gas) vehicles. In addition to dealership discounts, there are potential $7500 federal tax credits and $2500 MA state rebates. Although the MOR-EV State Rebate website shows the funds being almost exhausted, the state just announced they’re putting… Continue reading →
First Lego League Presentation: Microfiber Pollution of Oceans
Acton’s First Lego League 6th grade girls’ team presented to Green Acton on microfiber pollution of the world’s oceans. Members are from different Acton schools. The team’s competition project has three parts: (1) the project they’re presenting today, for which they had to research a problem within the theme of interaction between humans and animals… Continue reading →
Chapter 201 Acts of 1884: Nagog Pond
Nagog Pond is one of the Commonwealth’s “Great Ponds” (greater than 20 acres), thus it is controlled by the State, not by any particular Town. In 1884 the State legislature laid out the rights of Acton, Concord, and Littleton to the withdrawal of water from Nagog Pond.
Water Infrastructure and Regulation
Many complicated things have to happen for safe, drinkable water to travel from nature and arrive at your home. The physical infrastructure involves pipes, wells, and treatment plants. In addition, a web of laws and regulations try to ensure that the water is free of dangerous levels of pollutants, is distributed according to need, and… Continue reading →
Water Quantity
Ninety-five percent of Acton’s households get their water from the Acton Water District. This water comes entirely from shallow water wells from within the boundaries of the Town. Only certain geological settings are suitable for extracting water, and most of the good sites in Acton have been drilled already, or are unavailable for drilling. Conscientious… Continue reading →
Black Lives Matter statements of October 2016
The Green Acton Board of Directors just issued two statements through our social media accounts:
Materials Committee
Mission: The Green Acton Materials Committee monitors material goods in Acton to reduce the use of hazardous substances, promote recycling of materials, and encourage alternative, more environmentally friendly products, production methods, and activities. The Committee engages on these issues with residents, representatives of Town government, and businesses. The Materials Committee includes the Plastics Subcommittee and… Continue reading →
Toxics/Pesticides Subcommittee
Mission: The Toxics/Pesticides Subcommittee works under the auspices of the Materials Committee to monitor toxic activity in Acton and to promote constructive alternatives. The subcommittee covers the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic substances on private and public property. The subcommittee researches issues, educates the public, and engages with the Town of Acton by… Continue reading →
Projects
Individual development projects, proposed by the Town or by developers, are the circumstances in which sustainability priorities can run most strongly counter to the pressures of the profit motive or notions that more growth is helpful to Acton.