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 →
Nashoba Brook Has Been Growing Saltier for 50 Years
by Kim Kastens, Katarina Spasojevic, and Brewster Conant, Jr. Over the last 50 years, Nashoba Brook in Acton has grown saltier and saltier, according to data collected by the US Geological Survey and OARS (the Organization for the Assabet, Sudbury & Concord Rivers). This trend aligns with a global pattern, called Freshwater Salinization Syndrome, which… Continue reading →
Q&A with 2024 Candidate for Acton Water District Commissioner
This year, there is one candidate running for the position of Commissioner of the Acton Water District (AWD): Erika Amir-Lin. This post contains Ms. Amir-Lin’s answers to questions prepared by the Green Acton Water Committee. The goal is to inform voters about some current issues and opportunities facing the District, and the candidate’s thoughts on how to address them.
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 Recommendations for Select Board 2023 Annual Goal Setting
At the Green Acton meeting of May 9, 2023, Green Acton directors (and assembled members) agreed to draft and send a statement supporting two goals for the Select Board annual goal-setting process: (1) Understanding PFAS Pathways and Reducing Exposure Risks and (2) Creating Land/Tree Clearing Limits. What follows is the recommendations memo that was sent… Continue reading →
A Whole-of-Government Approach to Tackling PFAS in Acton
by Kim Kastens, Chair, Green Acton Water Committee PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — comprise a family of harmful chemicals that is found in tap water and in many consumer and industrial products. This post suggests that a whole-of-government approach — one that enacts collaborative efforts across municipal departments and boards toward a shared… Continue reading →
Q&A with 2023 Candidate for Acton Water District Commissioner
This year, there is one candidate running for the position of Commissioner of the Acton Water District (AWD): Stephen C. Stuntz. This post contains Mr. Stuntz’s answers to questions prepared by the Green Acton Water Committee; the goal is to inform voters about some current issues and opportunities facing the District, and the candidate’s thoughts on how to address… Continue reading →
Green Acton Supports Water Rate Study Article for AWD Annual Meeting
The warrant for the Acton Water District (AWD) 2023 annual meeting includes an article asking the district to commission an external expert study of water rates. Green Acton Directors voted to support this article because it has the potential to support Green Acton’s mission by conserving water resources and advancing environmental justice.
Road Salt Threatens Aquatic Ecosystems in Acton
Contributed by Kim Kastens and the Green Acton Water Committee As part of a study by OARS of road salt pollution across the Sudbury/Assabet/Concord (SuAsCo) watershed, the Green Acton Water Committee measured electrical conductivity in brooks and rivers at 29 sites throughout the Fort Pond Brook tributary system. High conductivity is typically, although not always,… Continue reading →