Sustainable Belmont

Thursday Dec 2nd @ 7 pm, Sustainable Belmont is hosting Cabell Eames from 350mass.org 

After a few updates on local town affairs, BHS CAC, and upcoming topics/meetings related to sustainability, Cabell Eames from 350mass.org will lead a conversation around two important pieces of legislation with potential to significantly impact (in a positive way) our towns efforts to be a more sustainable community. Hope to see you on Zoom Thursday at 7 pm. Add to Calendar

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Some useful info, links, and reads below, enjoy!

Healthy Lawns Belmont will meet with volunteers seeking thoughtful solutions to guide Belmont towards available safer & quieter alternatives to gas powered leaf blowers and organic lawn care Monday Dec 6th at 7 pm. Sign up here if you would like to join.

Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030 in two formats: Slides or Webinar on YouTube

Climate Science Basics from 350.org

Reasons to be optimistic about the future as we enter the holiday season… we have every tool we need to tackle the climate crisis.

Boston Globe Article highlighting that a concerted push from citizens remains key in climate effort.

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And to finish, some tips for a lower impact (more sustainable) holiday season.

1 Go for the local independent retailers
Support independent retailers where possible. Buy local to save on delivery costs (financial and ecological) and support your community; with small online shops you’re often buying from an individual maker.

2 Avoid plastic 
Instead, look for recycled and recyclable materials: wood, paper, card.

3 Embrace vintage
Charity shops are great sources for one-off presents: look for board games, jewellery, books, handbags and silk scarves. Clean anything that smells a bit fusty, and package it up beautifully.

4 Check for eco credentials 
Websites usually detail a company’s sustainability practices. If it doesn’t, ask about provenance, suppliers, charities they support, use of renewable energy. If nothing else, it might make them think.

5 Have a spending cap 
Take the pressure off and agree to a family limit. Consider buying fewer – but more meaningful – gifts.

6 Packaging 
Be conscious of how much comes with a product, what can be recycled, and what will end up in landfill.

7 Get creative 
Homemade gifts can be wonderful: make food (jam or chutney, sweets, biscuits); get kids to make something for a grandparent; get out the knitting needles.

8 Ask someone what they really want 
Avoids disappointed faces on Christmas Day, as well as piles of unwanted stuff that gets promptly regifted.

9 Forget presents …
… and give vouchers, subscriptions or experiences, particularly to those who have everything or have small homes.

10 It’s a wrap 
Put presents in reusable bags; wrap in fabric and tie with ribbon; or wrap in newspaper or old maps.

(credit to this article for these ideas with minor modifications)