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1. September 13 - GDC Tire Pressure Check for Better Gas Mileage
2. September 14 - Newton Organic Garden Tour
3. EcoTeams for Fall 2008
4. Bike Newton: Transportation Survey online
5. Energy Smackdown
6. September Environment Show: "Energy Policy and Election 2008" with Eric Olson
7. GDC at the Farmers Market: Green Caterpillar Club!
8. New Committees & GDC Website Update
9. Committee Meetings: September
10. Upcoming Events: 7th Annual Solar Tour; Film “Contested Streets”
11. Join GDC Now for 2009!
12. Other Environmental Events: Angino Farm Farm Sprouts Programs; Charles River/Think Swiss; CRWA Boat Trip; Boston GreenFest 2008
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| 1. GDC TIRE PRESSURE CHECK FOR BETTER GAS MILEAGE |
Saturday, September 13
10 am-2 pm
J & S Mobil gas station
1094 Beacon Street (near Whole Foods at Four Corners)
Sponsored by the Green Decade Coalition/Newton
Mark your calendar now for this special Green Decade event at the J & S Mobil gas station, across from the Whole Foods at Newton Four Corners. Improve your gas mileage by making sure that your tire pressure is right for your car! GDC volunteers with signs will be inviting motorists in to:
- Check their tire pressure and make sure they are filled to the optimal level to improve gas mileage.
- Offer Green Decade literature/membership information and inviting them to join GDC.
Volunteers are needed, adults and students, especially in middle, high school and college. We will have a sign-making pizza party this Saturday, Sept. 6 at noon. To volunteer, contact Laura Katleman-Prue at bosbrownie@yahoo.com.
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2. NEWTON ORGANIC GARDEN TOUR
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Sunday, September 14, 2008 1-5 pm
Meet at Newton City Hall at 12:30 pm
$20 per person, $15 for Green Decade members
Sponsored by the Green Decade Coalition/Newton
Join us for an afternoon guided tour of 4-5 organic gardens in Newton, featuring ornamental and edible gardens -- even an organically maintained lawn or two! Each site will highlight a specific aspect of organic gardening, such as composting, watering techniques or plant selection. Learn more about organic gardening and tips for making your garden (or lawn) grow, with alternatives to invasive species and without chemical pesticides! The tour is limited to 25 people; we will meet at City Hall at 12:30 pm and carpool to the gardens.
For additional information, “sneak peeks” of the gardens or advance ticket purchase, visit our Organic Garden Tour page on the website. Questions: contact 617-965-1995 or e-mail contact@greendecade.org.
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| 3. ECOTEAMS FOR FALL 2008 |
The Green Decade is now forming EcoTeams to begin in October. Household EcoTeams help participants to reduce their energy use, garbage, water use, and toxic products. In the process, team members save money on their utility bills. Teams of 5 to 8 meet seven times, about every three weeks, and are guided by a Global Action Plan workbook and a coach. Please sign up by September 20 so programs can begin in October. Join online or contact EcoTeam coordinator Jennifer Kaplan at jkaplan12@rcn.com for more information. Also visit the EcoTeams page on our website.
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4. BIKE NEWTON: TRANSPORTATION SURVEY ONLINE
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Take the first Bike Newton survey online and help improve bicycling in Newton! Bike Newton and Green Decade’s Transportation Committee would like your feedback on priorities for bicycle improvements as well as how and why people use (or don't use) bicycles in Newton.
Bike Newton’s website also has information about the organization plus great photos of the May 18th Ride and Rally as well as useful links, too. For questions or information about the survey, contact Molly Schaeffer at schaeffer.molly@gmail.com. Bike Newton questions or information: Lois Levin at loislevin@comcast.net or 617-527-1237. |
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| 5. ENERGY SMACKDOWN: BRING IT TO NEWTON IN 2009! |
The Energy Smackdown is here -- a series of community building challenges created by the BrainShift Foundation to help households and institutions reduce their carbon footprints. Phase One of the Smackdown was carried out last year in three households in each of the following cities: Medford, Cambridge, and Arlington. Ten cities will be chosen to participate in 2009.
For Newton to be selected, we need a leadership committee of at least five people to be formed by September 30, 2008 to coordinate four challenges that will take place in the course of the year. Also needed: 20 households willing to participate and be televised. The work of the leadership committee will begin early this winter. To volunteer for the leadership committee or for more information, contact Laura Katleman-Prue at bosbrownie@yahoo.com and/or check out www.energysmackdown.com. |
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6. SEPTEMBER ENVIRONMENT SHOW: "ENERGY POLICY AND ELECTION 2008" WITH ERIC OLSON
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Through September 25
Host: Beverly Droz, Green Decade
Guest: Dr. Eric Olson, Brandeis University
In light of the high price of gas at the pumps experienced by all this summer and the general concern this situation has created, the Green Decade revisits the subject of energy policy for the September Environment Show. Host Beverly Droz invited Dr. Eric Olson of Brandeis University, chair of the Green Decade Energy Committee and chair of Newton Energy Commission to clarify the issues prior to the November presidential elections.
After an overview of the different energy sources and their respective merits and drawbacks, Dr. Olson details the positions of the candidates regarding these sources and the role they see their administration playing in their development.
The Environment Show is broadcast on the NewTV Blue channel (Comcast Chan. 10, RCN Chan. 15, Verizon Chan. 34):
Mondays 3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays 1:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 11:30 a.m.
Thursdays: 12:00, 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.
Videos of previous Environment Show programs are now available for viewing online at the GDC website. This monthly show is produced alternatively by the Green Decade and the Newton Conservators. |
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| 7. GDC AT THE NEWTON FARMERS MARKET: GREEN CATERPILLAR CLUB FOR KIDS! |
Tuesdays 1:30-6 pm at Cold Spring Park, Beacon St.
Fridays 1:30-6 pm at Post 440, California St., Nonantum
Sponsored by the Newton Parks & Recreation Department
New at the Green Decade’s red tent at the Farmers Markets in both locations for September: Green Caterpillar Club for children pre-kindergarten through 5th grade! The caterpillars have been so popular this year, our volunteers now invite the younger set to show us how they help the environment, with “good environment deeds” of their own or “green tips” for others, displayed at the tent for all to see!
The Newton Farmers Markets are held twice weekly from July through October. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join us, as always -- contact Margaret Ford, Community Outreach Coordinator, at mford@greendecade.org or 617-964-0606. |
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10. UPCOMING EVENTS (OCTOBER)
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7th Annual Solar Tour
Saturday, October 4, 12-4 PM
Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at door (Space is limited; so reserve early)
Newton Community Service Center
492 Waltham Street, West Newton
For more information about this year’s tour or to buy tickets online: Solar Homes Tour. Mail orders: please make checks out to GDC/N-Solar and send to Green Decade Coalition/Newton , PO Box 590242, Newton, MA 02459.
“Contested Streets” Environmental Film
Monday, October 6, 7 pm
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
Free to the public
Co-sponsored by Bike Newton, Newton Conservators, Newton Free Library and the GDC”s Transportation and Media committees.
Join us for "Contested Streets," a documentary film which will open our eyes as to how European cities have solved the problem of streets clogged with cars and improved the environment for people, and the comparison to what New York City can learn from them. Discussion afterwards with Jeff Rosenblum, LivableStreets Alliance.
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11. JOIN THE GREEN DECADE NOW FOR 2009
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Join the Green Decade now for 2009 and get the rest of 2008 included for free! Become a GDC member for as little as $25 for an individual/family membership, $50 for a business membership or for students, only $10 for the year!
Join or renew on-line and pay by credit card or visit our Membership page to download the membership form and mail with your check made out to GDC/N, to PO Box 590242, Newton, MA 02466. Membership forms are also available in each issue of the Green News. For more information, contact 617-965-1995 or e-mail membership@greendecade.org.
As always, members receive discounts at GDC events and sponsoring businesses, plus the Green News newsletter, published 6 times each year and mailed to our members. If you prefer to receive the Green News on-line, you will help save paper and postage costs. E-mail us at contact@greendecade.org and be sure to include your name and e-mail, along with Green News Online in the subject line. |
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12. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS
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Farm Sprouts Programs for Kids and Parents
Sept 5, Sept. 19
Newton Angino Community Farm
303 Nahanton St., Newton
This summer bring your family to the farm for a farm-based story and activity. These one hour sessions are for 3 to 5 year olds and a parent to enjoy the fun of the farm.
Time: All sessions will be from 10:30 – 11:30am
Limit: 10 pairs of child and adult
Cost: $2.00 per session.
Please register at education@newtoncommunityfarm.org
Additional information: 617/916-9655 or www.newtoncommunityfarm.org
Swiss Beach Day at the Charles
Sunday, September 7, 2:00-5:00 pm
Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge
Sponsored by the Charles River Conservancy and swissnex Boston
In a joint effort to bring swimming back to the Charles River, swissnex Boston is partnering with the Charles River Conservancy for an exhibit coming soon: "Think Swim, Think Swiss: Bringing Swiss Style Swimming to the Charles River". As the water quality of the Charles River continues to improve, it is time to make river swimming in the United States a reality as well. The exhibition, consisting of three dimensional Swiss cross kaleidoscopes, will display examples of Swiss bathing structures to explore the technological, environmental and cultural context of river swimming.
Registration and further information: http://www.thinkswiss.org/thinkswim.html
CRWA: Dinner and Duck Boat Tour
Wednesday, September 24, 5:30 pm
Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge
Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will host “Make Way for Duck Boats,” a dinner and private guided river tour of normally inaccessible sites. From the dual perspective that only amphibious craft can provide, guests will learn more about our waterway and CRWA’s prominent role in ensuring that redevelopment creates a healthier environment. A buffet dinner in the Skyline Room of the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge will kick off the evening with fellowship and a fantastic river view. Then CRWA expert guides will provide guests on the duck boats with commentary on the river’s history and future.
To learn more about CRWA and our upcoming event, contact Peggy Sunshine at psunshine@crwa.org or call 781-788-0007, ext. 235.
Boston GreenFest (2008 formerly AltWheels Festival)
Friday, Sept. 26 & Saturday, Sept. 27
Boston City Hall Plaza, 10 am-5 pm
FREE
Green Decade will be there with our Magic Energy Bike and we need you to volunteer for an hour or two! Or … come with your kids and see all the exhibits, entertainment and food ! Interactive exhibits will include the Museum of Science, Blue Hills Trailside Museum Exhibit with animals, Mass Horticulture’s Plantmobile, and Fun for Kids. Find out about putting solar on your house, learn what we can do to reduce global warming. Learn ways to save money and energy, see a green roof & an organic raised-bed garden and more . . . ALL FREE. More information: www.bostongreenfest.org |
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