September 2010 updates from some of Green Needham’s partner organizations Bay Colony Rail Trail The Bay Colony Rail Trail project is an effort to convert seven miles of unused rail corridor between Needham Junction and Medfield to a shared use
Massachusetts Green Communities receive grants
Massachusetts Green Communities receive $8.1 million in grants
Updated Energy Star ratings for Televisions
Increased energy efficiency is finally coming to electronic devices in your home. As of May 1st, 2010, it became harder for TV manufacturers to earn an Energy Star label, which also meant it became easier for consumers to shop for
Collaborative effort nets Needham schools EPA grant for EcoExplorers Project
A collaborative effort involving multiple organizations has resulted in an EPA Environmental Education grant to the Needham Science Center. The two-year grant, totaling $44,500 plus in-kind grants of about $15,000, will be used to implement a collaborative environmental education program
Newton Needham Chamber 2010 Green Business awards luncheon
Needham’s Public Facilities Department was recognized with a Green Business award at the Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Green Business awards luncheon. This annual event, emceed by David Brown, StormTeam5 Meteorologist from WCVB-TV, demonstrates the business benefits and opportunities
Letter to the Board of Selectmen on becoming a Green Community
Last summer, at the Selectmen’s Goals Summit, I urged the board to make becoming a Massachusetts Green Community one of its goals. I pointed out that many of the Selectmen’s existing goals – financial sustainability, energy savings, effective use of resources, increasing town revenue, economic development, improving health and welfare, instituting environmentally sound practices – are Green Community goals. Meeting the requirements to become a Green Community would in fact advance those goals.
Killawatt EZ Usage and Tips
Green Needham Collaborative and NSTAR have donated two Kill-a-Watt EZ meters to the Needham Public Library for loan to library patrons. These handy devices allow you to measure the energy used by the appliances and other electric and electronic devices
Town Meeting approves zoning for Met Tower
Evaluation of the potential for wind power at Needham’s RTS took an important step forward when Town Meeting approved two zoning articles permitting the erection of a temporary Met Tower (“Meteorological Tower”) to measure the wind at the RTS. On
2010 EPA Environmental Merit Award presented at Faneuil Hall Ceremony
The EPA New England Region presented its 2010 Environmental Merit Awards at a ceremony at Faneuil Hall on April 22nd, 2010, the 40th Earth Day. The EPA’s Environmental Merit Awards are presented to individuals and organizations for outstanding efforts in
Needham Times editorial highlights community-wide efforts
The Needham Times’ Earth Day editorial, “Earth Day kudos to Needham people” highlighted some of the accomplishments and efforts underway to make Needham a greener and more sustainable community. It was gracious of the Times to open with Green Needham’s