Q: What is Green Acton’s mission?

Green Acton works to protect and enhance Acton’s natural environment and resources and to help resolve the urgent environmental issues that transcend Acton’s boundaries. We inform Acton residents, town government, and local industry about these issues and selectively take positions about environmental concerns. Our mission is fully stated here: https://greenacton.org/mission. We have updated it at least twice and can do so again. 

Q: What are the achievements that Green Acton is proudest of? 

  • execution of the Solarize Acton campaign
  • adoption of the Pay as You Throw system at the Transfer Station
  • multi-year sponsorship of Acton Clean-up Day (now Week)
  • establishment (and ongoing oversight) of the Transfer Station Swap Shop
  • successful advocacy for two bylaws: a single-use plastic bag ban and a polystyrene ban
  • assistance with the development and promotion of the Acton Power Choice program
  • improvement in how Acton protects public shade trees
  • monitoring of Acton’s water for issues that affect the environment or public health
  • establishment (in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library) of several FixIt Clinics each year  
  • co-founding of the Acton Climate Coalition; two directors currently serve as members of its Steering Committee
  • influence on the Town of Acton to create the Green Advisory Board
  • co-sponsorship of public forums on sustainable lawns, PFAS, Acton Power Choice, etc.

Q: How did Green Acton get started?

In the early 2000s, a dozen or so folks gathered in the living room of Acton residents Ann Sussman and Christopher Shaffner in response to a request from the (then) Board of Selectmen for advice on addressing environmental issues. The group made some initial recommendations to the board, including a suggestion to create an official Town advisory committee; the board ultimately created the Green Advisory Board. Many of those involved in creating these recommendations wanted to continue to meet as a non-governmental group for environmental education and advocacy. After extended discussion, they decided to call this new group “Green Acton.”

Some years later, as the group grew, there was interest in becoming a federally designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through a 2017 merger with the long-standing (but increasingly inactive) Acton Citizens for Environmental Safety (ACES), a nonprofit that originally organized in the 1970s to bird-dog the WR Grace Superfund site in Acton. ACES voted in new directors from Green Acton and voted to change its name — becoming Green Acton, Inc.  

Q: How many people are in the Green Acton community, and how many are active?

As of January 1, 2025:

Q: Who runs Green Acton, and what are their backgrounds? I don’t see any bios on the site.

We are committee-based, and no one person or small group runs Green Acton. Officers, Directors, and other members have backgrounds in environmental (and other) sciences, engineering, social justice, government policy, technology, the arts, education, media, and more. Please come to a meeting to get to know us and let us get to know you!

Q: How is Green Acton structured, and how does it decide on its major policy positions?

Green Acton currently has four primary committees focused on areas of environmental concern: Energy, Land Use, Materials, and Water; these groups meet monthly. (New committees can be created when there is a critical mass of people interested in a particular area; for example, there is a current effort to launch a Biodiversity Committee.) In addition, a committee may present a policy or position proposal, which would typically be discussed, perhaps amended, and perhaps passed. It is noteworthy that Green Acton makes decisions via consensus. We also have committees that do functional work, such as fundraising, budgeting, reviewing communications, and working on agendas for the monthly meetings.

Q: What is the relationship between Green Acton and the Town of Acton?

There’s a healthy need for private groups to act as “watchdogs” that pay attention to what’s happening in the municipality, the school district, and the Acton Water District. In that function, Green Acton sometimes determines that a specific policy or development merits support or opposition, but there’s also a strong motivation to collaborate on initiatives. Green Acton tries to find a balance.

Q: Where and when do you meet?

There is a general monthly meeting of Green Acton Directors and other members (and anyone who is interested in attending) on the second Tuesday of every month (except August). Much information on committees’ work and emerging issues is shared at the monthly meetings. Individual committees meet monthly at other times (see Calendar). Meetings are held primarily via Zoom, with occasional hybrid or “in real life” formats.

Q: Does Green Acton have a 5–10 year plan?

Green Acton does not have such a plan in place. Committees plan annually for the projects or initiatives they want to undertake in the coming year. It is worth noting that some of the issues Green Acton committees take up can emerge at any point in the year, so the “best-laid plans” may give way to more urgent matters that unexpectedly arise.

Q: I noticed that some environmental concerns in Acton overlap between committees (e.g., phosphate fertilizers and water quality). How do you split up these topics or work together between committees?

We decide based on members’ interests, expertise, and availability. Committee members attend each other’s meetings if necessary, and we collaborate whenever possible. 

Q: Are you open to exploring new areas for committee work, such as public health or air quality?

Yes. Every committee was created because of the interest and enthusiasm of volunteers. We tend to be very supportive of initiatives that are supported by a group of volunteers and align with Green Acton’s mission. Consideration usually starts with a proposal from a Green Acton member, who would share their idea and thinking; if an existing committee were not appropriate or able to take on the idea, directors would consider whether to form a new committee.

Q: How do you communicate with people in Acton (and the area)?  Do you post on any social media? If so, where can I find you?

Green Acton maintains two listservs: the Announcements and Discussion lists. It also uses Facebook [Facebook.com/GreenActon], and may soon include other social media platform(s) to broadcast or amplify messaging. 

Q: How do you work with other environmental groups in the Acton area, if at all? Do you endorse their positions?

We consider endorsing positions of another group on a case-by-case basis. We are developing a policy and a process for evaluating requests for collaboration, endorsement, or amplification of other groups’ events, campaigns, or other activities. Green Acton is also on the Steering Committee of the Acton Climate Coalition, which includes all or most of  the environmentally minded organizations in Acton. The coalition has primarily worked on Town Meeting resolutions and on supporting the work of Energize Acton, a joint project between the Coalition and the Town.  

Q: As a member of Green Acton, what are my responsibilities?

There are no formal responsibilities. We encourage you to attend meetings in areas of interest and volunteer your time and expertise. There are no membership dues either, but we welcome donations that support our work.

Q: Can teenagers join Green Acton? Do you have relationships with environmental groups in the Acton schools?

Yes. We have a relationship with the Resource Force at the AB Regional High School and have student members and volunteers.

Q: I would like to go to meetings. Should I start with a monthly meeting or a committee meeting?

Both! Or either! Or attend a Green Acton 101 session to learn more. Come join the fun!  Click here to find the next meeting.

Q: If I join Green Acton, can I identify myself as a member when I publicly voice my opinions on environmental issues?

Unless the directors have explicitly agreed that you can speak for Green Acton, you may not represent Green Acton. It is OK to say that you are a member of Green Acton but are speaking only for yourself in certain circumstances; you should consult with the Board or the Admin Committee beforehand.

Q: How does Green Acton sustain itself financially?

Our annual fundraising drive brings in funds to support our activities.

Q: Are my donations to Green Acton tax deductible?

Yes.  Green Acton is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation.

Q: Would you take donations from green businesses or nonprofits?

Green Acton may generally accept such donations. That said, we have a policy that can trigger Board review based on the size or source of the donation.