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 the Toxics/Pesticides Subcommittee, which work in their respective domains.

More specifically, the Materials Committee:

  • monitors state and local regulations, especially policy changes, informing Actonians about implications for residents and businesses
  • advocates for positive changes in the use of building materials, chemicals, and waste management by residents, businesses, and Town government
  • promotes and develops initiatives to reuse and recycle electronics, clothing, and other goods and materials
  • educates and advocates for organic land management on private and public property

Get Involved:

The Materials Committee meets by Zoom, generally on the first Monday of the month, 7–8:30 pm (double check the Green Acton calendar, however). We also have an active email discussion group. The committee welcomes new participants at our meetings or on our discussion list. For questions or to join the email group, please contact us here.

Recent Accomplishments:

  • helped launch, and continues to help operate, the Swap Shop at the Acton Transfer Station, at which people can bring or take household items at no charge
  • initiated and operates FixIt Clinics at (and in collaboration with) the Acton Memorial Library. At the clinics, coaches help Acton residents repair their furniture, simple electronics, toys, clothing, and other items
  • successfully promoted “ban the bag” efforts to eliminate use of most single-use plastic bags in the Town of Acton, as well as a ban on the use of most polystyrene products
  • published a series of articles on alternatives to pesticide use, organic land management, and soil testing

Materials-related information on the Green Acton website can be found here.