Energize Acton

Plant-Based Harvest Gathering
2024-11-09 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Acton, MA Homeowner, Address sent upon registration., Acton, Massachusetts, US
Plant-Based Harvest Gathering
An Alternative to the Afternoon Tailgate Party!

Register HERE.

Building on the Energize Acton action, “Eat More Plant-Based Meals,” we invite you to this casual, drop-in event for another take on plant forward dishes, this time with a focus on appetizers. Energize Acton will provide a vegetarian chili and corn bread, plus hot cider and hot chocolate. We ask you to try your hand at a vegetarian/vegan appetizer or dessert. Thank you for considering more plant-based meals in your diet! These dietary changes actually make a big difference for your carbon footprint.

Saturdays are super busy for everyone, so feel free to drop by for 30 minutes . . . or stay for as long as you like! We are pitching the gathering as an alternative “tailgate party.” But instead of coming together for a sporting event, we are coming together to promote a sustainable future. If the weather is wet, we will shift indoors.

This event is at a private residence and the address will be sent upon registration. There is parking for about 13-15 vehicles, with back-up on a neighbor’s driveway. All the details will be sent when you register.

Register HERE.

At our summer community potluck picnic, a number of people asked us to do other plant forward events during the year. This is our first experiment with a non-summer gathering! Please let us know what you think about the idea and the timing. Thanks so much!

EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Town of Acton Sustainability Office and the Acton Climate Coalition. Are you interested in getting involved? Please write us at energizeacton.org@gmail.com. We meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month, but there are other ways to be involved!

Clean Energy Home Tour: Learn about Heat Pumps
2024-10-26 11:00 - 14:15 | South Acton Homeowner, Address sent upon registration., Acton, Massachusetts, US
Clean Energy Home Tour
October Focus on Heat Pumps

“David Martin was top notch! We will be following up with him.” 2023 Clean Energy Tour
“Great range of features and home tours.” 2023 Clean Energy Tour

Are you thinking about replacing your oil or gas furnace with high-efficiency mini-splits/heat pumps? Join in the Energize Acton October Clean Energy Home Tour and see a house currently heated and cooled with cold weather heat pumps. Feel the comfort level for yourself and talk with the homeowner, David Martin, about his experience moving the home from fossil fuel heating and cooling to cleaner energy systems. This home is also unique because it has both a standard mini-split heat pump and and a larger heat pump to hot water system. David is one of Acton’s Clean Energy Coaches and has experience with a variety of clean energy technologies.

Register HERE.

When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 with an 11:00am tour and a 1:00pm tour.
Where: South Acton (Address sent unpon registration.)
The technologies you will see in this home include:

Hydronics whole-house heat pump
Mini-split heat pump
Heat pump dryer
Heat pump water heater
Induction range
EV and Electric car chargers
Battery-electric hard tools (lawn mower, snow blower, chain saw, etc.)

There will be two 1-hour sessions to see the house at 11am and 1pm. Register HERE.
After registration you will receive an email with the house address and specific information about parking, etc. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Also, there will be handouts about state and federal incentives as well as background material about heat pumps.

EnergizeActon.org is co-sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.
Do you have ideas or a talent you would like to contribute? Please contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. The Energize Acton team meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays on each month.

EV Driver Meet-Up
2024-09-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Rapscallion, 5 Strawberry Hill Rd, Room Outdoor Tent, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Come and share notes on Electric Vehicles.
Come and ask EV drivers about their experiences.
Come and celebrate National Drive Electric Week.

The Energize Acton experience with the EV “Petting Zoo” sessions has taught us that EV drivers love to talk about their vehicles! Thank goodness for that! Plus, EV drivers love to hear about other models and to learn about EV advances. This meet-up is a chance for us to share food and talk about our experiences, with our vehicles on hand. And perhaps even share ideas about how to better promote EVs.
We also welcome everyone who might be thinking about purchasing an EV. Feel free to come ask questions and see our vehicles. EV ownership in Acton has shot up over the past two years, from 293 vehicles at the end of 2022 to 674 electric vehicles by June of this year. That is over double the number of electric vehicles in 18 months! Please come and find out what has EV drivers so excited! We will have info available about state and federal incentives as well good resources to help people go EV. While global CO2 rates continue to rise, we can exemplify a path to reduced CO2.

Register HERE or simply join us.

Energize Acton will provide a couple appetizers and Rapscallion invites you to order from the menu. Rapscallion is a long time member of the Acton Climate Coalition, which co-sponsors EnergizeActon.org. We know that this time might be tricky for people, just coming off work and taking children to evening classes, so feel free to drop-in whenever you are able. Or bring the kids and we will have coloring and craft activities for them.
EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. Interested in lending a skill? Contact us HERE. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

2040: A "Carbon CREW" Discussion Group
2024-09-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Acton Memorial Library, 586 Main Street, Room Main Meeting Room, Acton, Massachusetts, US
This book study group is sponsored by Energize Boxbourough and the Acton Memorial Library.
Register HERE.
Wednesdays: September 4th, September 11th, September 18th, and September 25th
6:30 – 7:30pm
Pick up a copy of the book “2040” at the library Circulation Desk, or ask a librarian for help reserving this book in advance of the discussion group.
This study group is led by Boxborough resident Marjorie Kemp of the Carbon C.R.E.W. Project! The Carbon CREW (Carbon Reduction for Earth Renewal) Project started in Long Island and is inspired by the documentary 2040. In the film and this accompanying handbook, Austrailia film maker Damon Gameau looks at inspirational efforts around the world to address climate change and concludes that we have the resources to turn back our heating climate, if only we would implement the needed changes. The Carbon CREW Project takes themes from the book–Transportation, Buildings/Energy, Consumption, Diet, and Drawdown–and looks at how individual households can reduce their carbon footprints.
2040 Discussion: Where Climate Meets Community

Reduce your carbon footprint by 50% in 5 years.
Enjoy community-building – and fun – discussions.
Set goals for your personal vision of the future.
Become action oriented. Make the best decisions for yourself, Acton, and the planet.

Please contact Boxborough resident marjoriek@comcast.net with “2040” in the subject line to sign up, or register through the Acton Memorial Library online CALENDAR.

Travel with Climate Awareness
2024-08-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 586 Main Street, Room Main Meeting Room, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Climate Café: Travel with Climate Awareness
“Hour for hour, flying is the fastest way to heat the planet.”
Kimberly Nicholas, Under the Sky We Make, p, 153

For many North Americans, travel has become a significant and meaningful part of our lives. We travel for business, for adventure, to connect with family, to escape our hectic schedules, and to expand our worldview, amongst other reasons. However, for all the people who are concerned about our changing climate, travel feels increasingly problematic.

This Climate Café conversation will touch on three themes.

What is the actual impact of our travel for the health of our climate? This section will look briefly at some of the statistics related to different forms of travel and the prospects for low-carbon technologies.
Can “regional joy” be an answer to your climate and travel concerns? This element of our conversation emphasizes travel satisfaction and happiness within a manageable distance around our homes.
Can carbon saving tips and contributions help to offset more distant travel? For many local residents, seeing family means going outside the region. In this section, our presenter shares many travel “tweaks” that can reduce the carbon impacts of distance travel.

We hope that this can be a genuine conversation where attendees can share their thoughts and suggestions related to travel. No registration required.

The Climate Café Series 2024 aims to be a helpful, informal gathering place where Acton residents can discuss a fossil fuel free future. Local people who have experience in clean energy technologies and lifestyles will share their insights and answer questions from others who are considering these technologies and who are exploring ways to reduce their carbon footprints.
Many thanks to the Acton Memorial Library for co-hosting this event.

EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. Interested in lending a skill? Contact us HERE. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

A Celebration Of Plant-Based Food
2024-07-24 18:00 - 20:00
This event has been postponed due to a heat advisory!
Instead of July 17th, this event is rescheduled for Wed., July 24th, 6-8pm at NARA.
Climate Café Series 2024
A Celebration of Plant-Based Foods
Community Potluck Picnic

Please register HERE.

We all share one thing that can have a significant impact on climate change: the food we eat. Making changes to your eating habits can be done at your own pace and with little financial investment — but it can have a big climate impact!

This July 24th, EnergizeActon.org will again host the community potluck picnic, A Celebration of Plant-Based Foods, at the NARA Park Pavilions from 6:00-8:00pm. Eating more plant-based food is an immediate and DELICIOUS way to put less CO2 into the atmosphere. Please, you do not need to be a vegetarian or vegan chef. Just bring a plant-based dish that you enjoy. Even a simple bowl of fruit will be appreciated. The idea is to sample favorite plant-based recipes from across the community and to celebrate the wonderful bounty of the plant world.

Besides a dish based on fruit, veg, beans/nuts or grains, we ask you to consider bringing a few additional items that are fun but not required.

A copy of your recipe. (It will be posted for folks to photograph.)
Your favorite cookbook for plant-based recipes. Or, if you have a special book related to food and climate, that is also most welcome. We will create a book display for folks to browse before returning everything at the end of the event.
Your own napkin and cup.

We aim to make this event as low waste as possible. The Church of the Good Shepherd in Acton has agreed to let us borrow plates and cutlery from their plastics-free kitchen; however, your help with napkins and cups is appreciated. We will have all the necessities if you forget.

Finally, please bring your thoughts and your hopes. We would love to hear your ideas about how EnergizeActon.org can better serve the community with climate resources. Energize Acton has a mission—to help people understand our climate emergency and to act. Eating more plant-based meals is one of many potential actions listed on the website. How can we amplify the message about plant-based meals and about a future where our energy needs are not based on fossil fuels?

Most of all, please come, meet your neighbors, taste scrumptious food, and enjoy!
Please register HERE or simply join us!

EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. Interested in lending a skill? Contact us HERE. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

Energy Magic Show
2024-07-23 16:30 - 18:30 | Acton Memorial Library, 586 Main Street, Room Main Meeting Room, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Energy Bills Getting You Down?
Need to Pull a Rabbit Out of the Hat?

Our Massachusetts energy system sometimes feels full of the unexpected–like a magic show! This event is especially designed for renters and income-eligible residents and their families. For the adults, receive information about energy efficiency and energy discount programs. For instance, find out if you might be eligible for discounts on your electicity or gas bills. For the children, enjoy a live magic show, along with other games and activities.

A Mass Save representative will be present, along with reps from Mass LEAN (energy efficiency vendor for multi-family buildings of more than 4 units) and from SMOC (South Middlesex Opportunity Council), which helps facilitate energy bills support.

Come enjoy some pizza and learn about your energy options!

This event is sponsored by the Town of Acton Sustainability Office with funding from the Mass Save Community Education Grant.
For more information, call 978-929-6515 or write sustainability@actonma.gov.

Electric Vehicle Petting Zoo 2024
2024-07-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 586 Main Street, Room Main Meeting Room, Acton, Massachusetts, US
“I love our Chevy Bolt!”
“We purchased a Kia EV6 in June 2023 and we are very happy with the car.”
EnergizeActon.org testimonials

Are you thinking about an electric vehicle (EV)? The EV Petting Zoo* is a chance for you to talk with local EV drivers and see a variety of electric vehicles—not only well-known models like Tesla and the Chevy Bolt, but some newer cars to the market such as the Subaru Solterra and the Kia EV6. We hope to feature some of the Town’s new electric vehicles as well! Look for a short update on the current EV marketplace, including which cars qualify for the federal rebates and the current level of state rebates, along with some special tips and good resources, such as the Drive Green program and others.

(*Last year, to the disappointment of at least one young person, we did not have any animals to pet. This year a couple rabbits will be joining our event, courtesy of the Nature Connectionin Concord, MA. There is also a playground for the kids.)

The Climate Café Series 2024 aims to be a helpful, informal gathering place where Acton residents can discuss a fossil fuel free future. Local people who have experience in clean energy technologies will share their insights and answer questions from others who are considering these technologies and who are exploring ways to reduce their carbon footprints.
Many thanks to the Acton Memorial Library for co-hosting the EV Petting Zoo.

EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. Interested in lending a skill? Contact us HERE. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

June Clean Energy Home(s) of the Month
2024-06-15 11:00 - 14:30 | Address shared upon registration, Strawberry Hill Rd, Acton, MA
Tour the Clean Energy Home(s) of the Month
June Focus: Two Fossil Fuel Free Homes
Register HERE.

Can you picture your home completely disconnected from fossil fuels? Well, come to the June Clean Energy Home Tour and see two households who have done just that! These are NOT swanky LEED certified designer houses. Rather, these are normal homes where the owners have taken steps over time to transition to clean energy. And both households officially capped their natural gas lines this year! The two homes are connected to the electrical grid; however, both households signed up for Acton Power Choice GREEN and both households have solar panels, so their use of the grid relies on renewable sources. The owners look forward to speaking with you about their journeys! Please register HERE.

This event has a special treat. In between these two neighbors are a set of recently installed solar carports. At noon, in between the two sessions, Jim Snyder-Grant, Acton Select Board member and an Acton Clean Energy Coach, will give guests an orientation to these new structures and their contribution to the grid. A light lunch will be served.

House #1 Details
Duplex with 1200 sq feet of area

Solar panels
Air source heat pump mini-splits (Fujitsu—one single head and one multi-head)
Air source heat pump hot water heater (AO Smith 50 gallon)
Air source heat pump clothes dryer (Miele T1)
EV and EV charging
Induction stovetop (Kenmore)
Whole-house electricity monitoring (Emporia)
Electric Lawn Mower

House #2 Details
2400 sq feet built in 1996

Geothermal Heating and Cooling System (2024)
Solar Panels : 10 kW PV array on roof
Solar Battery Storage : 18 kWh Generac battery
Solar hot water panels on roof
Greenhouse heat transfer system
Clivus toilet composting system
4-stage reverse osmosis water filter
Induction Cooktop
EV and shared EV charger
Rechargeable electric mower

The owners write, “Don’t try to do everything at once, but make a plan and follow it (Zero Carbon Over Time). Don’t agonize and try for perfection. Very good and sooner is better than perfect and later.”
Our monthly tours are part of a broader campaign called “PlugIN,” running from February through July 2024 and coordinated with groups across Acton and the region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new movement for electrification—based on renewable energy sources and high-efficiency home heating, cooling, and appliance use—is part of Acton’s commitment to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible. To find out about efforts in other PlugIN towns—Wayland, Framingham, and Natick–click HERE.

Upcoming PlugIN talks and events include the following.
May 2: PlugIN “Our Actions Shape the World—Create a Multi-Year Plan to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint”
June 8: Climate Resilience Festival sponsored by the Acton Sustainability Office
June 15: PlugIN “Clean Energy Home of the Month Tour: Fossil Fuel Free Homes”
June Talk: PlugIN Talk – Homeowner Panel on Heat Pumps: Benefits and Tips
July: PlugIN Clean Energy Home of the Month: Energy Monitoring and Solar
July: PlugIN Picnic: Celebrating Collective Action!

EnergizeActon.org is a joint project of the Town of Acton Sustainability Office and the Acton Climate Coalition.
Interested in joining us? We welcome your involvement in any way, large or small. The team meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at noon. Or just write us to share your ideas. The email address is EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com.

Sustainability Movie Night
2024-06-12 20:00 - 21:30 | NARA Park Amphitheater, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Wednesday, June 12th, at 8 PM, will celebrate warm summer nights at the NARA Park Amphitheatre with a nature film and free popcorn under the stars!
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and come early to enjoy the sunset before showtime at 8:30 PM. No tickets required. We hope to see you there!

Sponsored by the Acton Sustainability Office with a grant from HEET (Home Energy Efficiency Team).

Acton Climate Resilience Festival
2024-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Gardner Park and Playground, 530 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Saturday, June 8th is the Climate Day in Acton!
Visit Gardner Park/Playground from 1:00—4:00pm.
Activities for all ages! Food! Music!

The Acton Climate Resilience Festival will be a day for creative expression, information, and community-building. Please come for snacks, great music—Walter and the Night Owls, Anderson-Gram, and the AB High School Salsa Band—and lots of good conversation about working for a livable future. Many community groups will be tabling and sharing information. But, even more than that, we would love to know what YOU are thinking! There will be ways for everyone to express their opinions and concerns, from kid crafts (Climate Superhero masks) to an art collage board and interactive surveys.

Are rising summer temperatures a big risk in New England?
Can we be prepared for more intense rainstorms? And for periods of drought?
What adaptations are needed to protect Acton residents?
Does your apartment building or home have sufficient air conditioning?
What can we do to help slow climate change?
Are technological and lifestyle changes expensive? Are there incentives and rebates?
What are nature-based solutions? And why are they a part of the climate picture?
Are there signs of hope?

The Acton Climate Resilience Festival 2024 grows out of two efforts, one local and one statewide. The Acton Sustainability Office, in collaboration with key community groups, had hoped to bring residents together this year to share a multitude of resources about how to address the climate emergency. Residents may be aware of outreach efforts through the Acton Climate Coalition member groups, such as Green Acton, Mothers Out Front, and Elder Climate Action, as well as Energize Acton (an education effort jointly sponsored by the Town and the Climate Coalition).

At the same time, the Town received a state grant from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, which helps towns in the process of “planning for climate resiliency and implementing priority projects.” This year’s MVP 2.0 grant actually focuses on more than material preparedness—it stresses building social resilience and making sure that all sectors of our community have a say in preparedness. The idea is to connect across the community and expand “the voices in climate resilience efforts.”

Please come to the Climate Resilience Festival!
Lift your voice! Be part of making a difference!

This event is sponsored by the Town of Acton Sustainability Office with the help of the MVP 2.0 interns and volunteer support from the Acton Climate Coalition, including EnergizeActon.org, Green Acton, and Mothers Out Front.

Our Actions Shape the World
2024-05-02 19:00 - 19:45 | Acton Memorial Library, 586 Main Street, Room Main Meeting Room, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Create a Multi-Year Plan to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
“Every bit of warming matters. Every year matters and every choice matters.”
U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2018

Register HERE.
Many residents are deeply concerned about our changing climate and want to take action to address the climate emergency. However, the transition away from fossil fuels can feel daunting. Some actions are expensive. Many actions involve thought and planning over months and years. Plus, some goals feel downright unattainable. Please take heart! No matter our circumstances, there is something that we can do every year to support the health of our families, our human communities, our ecosystems, and our planet.
This talk is an effort to provide tools for long-term planning and encouragement as we try to create a new and sustaining way of life. What do we hope to achieve in this talk?

Provide a look at regional and national checklists and planning templates.
Think about timing as we consider our household energy equipment.
Address actions we can take now; plus share resources–including info about incentives, rebates, and no-interest loans—to help plan for higher cost, higher impact changes in the future.
Ask how we keep ourselves motivated and supported through this process.

Most of all, we hope to get your input about what YOU feel you need in order to move forward! Making lifestyle changes and embarking on new technologies can feel uncomfortable and complicated. But these changes can also be as rewarding as they are necessary. Everything we do now to reduce our carbon footprint is a gift to the future.
We also want to acknowledge that our actions alone, while significant, are only part of the climate picture. Government policy and corporate priorities are hugely important. If clean energy adoption is not an option for you (for example, if you are a student or a renter), then there is room to have an important impact through political advocacy, conservation, and other community contributions.
This presentation will be short—45 minutes! However, we hope that this conversation can be the beginning of an ongoing reflection about planning for a sustainable future. And, with your input, EnergizeActon.org hopes to develop a template that can help all residents set yearly goals on the journey toward net-zero households and a net-zero Acton!
Register HERE.
Materials will be sent ahead of time. (Though no homeowork required.)

EnergizeActon.org is a community website and education effort co-sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and Town of Acton Sustainability Office.

April Clean Energy Home: A Multi-System Transition Home
2024-04-27 11:00 - 14:00 | April Clean Energy Home, Address available upon registration, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Tour the Clean Energy Home of the Month
April Focus: Multi-System Transition House
Register HERE.

Concerned about the fossil fuels that heat your home? But not be sure how to incorporate unfamiliar renewable technologies? This month’s clean energy home is a great example of homeowners who have decided to address change one step at a time. They began by reviewing their home energy efficiency and doing a thorough project of insulation–with immediate results. Then, rather than redo their entire gas system, they decided the first step was a dual fuel combo of air source heat pump and natural gas furnace. Finally, a change in their tree canopy opened up space for their latest project, rooftop solar. Their experience has been so positive that one of the homeowners has become an Acton Clean Energy Coach!
Very few households have the resources to decarbonize their homes in one fell swoop. Come and talk with these Acton neighbors about creating a multi-year plan for transitioning to clean energy. Forward motion is the key. Perhaps year one is the affordable goal of an in-depth home energy audit and using the clothes dryer less in favor on drying racks. Year two might be another affordable goal of home insulation with great rebates from Mass Save. And so on, planning toward significant change. This home tour will give you good ideas about systems big and small, timeframes, and costs.
Register HERE.
The April Clean Energy Home’s Technologies

Mass Save Insulation Program
Ducted Bosch heat- pump and high efficiency gas furnace combo
Solar panels with majority of panels facing west due to trees on south side
Eco power lawn mower and leaf blower

When: Saturday, April 27, 11am and 1pm
Where: North Acton
There will be two 1-hour sessions to see the house at 11am and 1pm.
After registration you will receive an email with the house address and specific information about parking, etc.

ALSO! Consider attending the EnergizeActon.org program on May 2nd at 7pm, “How to PlugIN? Planning and Paying for Clean Energy.” This virtual talk will look at four different multi-year planning tools to help reduce the carbon footprint for home heating and cooling—the national Rewiring America “calculator,” the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) planning guide, the LexElectrify checklist, and the Carbon CREW personal climate action plan. This presentation will also consider loans, tax credits, rebates, and other tools essential to the planning process. Click HERE to register.
The Energize Acton “Clean Energy Home of the Month” tour will run from February to July 2024. Each month is a different home with a focus on a different technology, although all of the homes have multiple technologies. This is an effort to help Acton residents see firsthand how new clean energy technologies are working out for neighbors who have adopted them.

February 24: Hydronics Whole House Heat Pump
March 16: Solar Panels and Solar Battery Storage
April 27: The Multi-System Transition House
May: Apologies, this home is postponed ’til June due to basement flooding!
June 15: TWO nextdoor houses—Everything ASHP House & Everything Geothermal House
July: Solar and Energy Monitoring

Our monthly tours are part of a broader campaign called “PlugIN,” running from February through July 2024 and coordinated with groups across Acton and the region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new movement for electrification—based on renewable energy sources and high-efficiency home heating, cooling, and appliance use—is part of Acton’s commitment to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible. To find out about regional PlugIN talks and other events, click HERE.
Upcoming PlugIN talks and events include the following.

April 7: Special Panel on Community Solar hosted by Congregation Beth Elohim, JCAN, and Energize Acton
May 2: How to PlugIN? Planning and Paying for Clean Energy
June: PlugIN – Homeowner Panel on Heat Pump Benefits and Challenges
June 8: Climate Resilience Festival sponsored by the Acton Sustainability Office
July: PlugIN – How It All Fits Together
July: PlugIN PICNIC: Celebrating Collective Action!

Nature of Acton and Boxborough 2024 BioBlitz
2024-04-26 10:00 - 2024-04-29 23:45
Help protect and promote healthy, resilient ecosystems!
Celebrate and document biodiversity in Acton and Boxborough. Contribute to the iNaturalist database as a citizen scientist. How to participate? Download the “iNaturalist” app, /www.inaturalist.org, on your smartphone, search for projects and click on our “Nature of Acton and Boxborough April 2024” project. To participate, you must Join the project. For more info, visit BioBlitz 2024.
There are over 2,000 acres of conservation areas in Acton and Boxborough with a variety of habitats, such as cattail marshes, ponds, open fields and dense forests. These habitats host snapping turtles, reptiles, frogs, insects, birds, mammals, and many plant species. Another 3,000 acres of private lands provide habitat for wildlife, including two steps outside your door! What kind of wildlife lives here? Let’s find out this April!
If you participated last year, your account is still active and you are already a member of the Nature of Acton and Boxborough April 2024 project. When ready, snap away at any plant, animal or fungus you see and get it on our list. Can we break 500 species this year? Who can ID the most? Taking observations of wildlife helps advance science too! According to National Geographic, “High quality data uploaded to iNaturalist become part of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an open source database used by scientists and policy makers around the world.”

The Boston Area City Nature Challenge will count all observations from April 26 to 29. For more information about the Boston Area CNC, visit: https://www.bostoncnc.org/
The 2023 BioBlitz was a collaboration of people from Acton Conservation Trust, Green Acton, Acton PIP Stem, Acton Men’s Outdoor Club, Energize Acton, Acton Discovery Museum and Boxborough Conservation Trust.
There were two articles published about the Bioblitz:
https://actonconservationtrust.org/nature-of-acton-and-boxborough-june-2023/
https://www.actonexchange.org/acton-boxborough-bioblitz-identified-514-species-of-plants-and-animals/
EnergizeActon.org is a joint project of the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.
We meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month at noon. If you would like to volunteer in any capacity, please email us at energizeacton.org@gmail.com.

Gardening for Climate Resilience
2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Room Room 204, Acton, Massachusetts, US
“A Part of Nature, Not Apart from Nature”
Register HERE.
From drought to overwhelming rain, the last two years have been tough on the New England region. Though we have not been hit as hard as some parts of the country and of the globe, the reality of our changing climate is evident in our own gardens and open spaces. Is there anything we can do to keep our home and local landscapes healthy and thriving? The answer is YES!
Join Trevor Smith for this talk about how to garden and manage landscapes for resilience. Trevor is the Design and Education Manager for Weston Nurseries, but he also has long experience in regenerative land care, from addressing urban heat islands with greening projects to designing rain gardens and managing stormwater runoff. A part of Trevor’s presentation will look at the key element of water extremes, i.e., what can we do about too much or too little rain? In addition, Trevor will address the living systems in our yards. How can we keep soils intact and vigorous? What plant species are most adaptable? And which species are key for maintaining the biodiversity on which our land depends?
Trevor’s joy in the natural world is as deep as his commitment to ecological principles. Please bring your questions as he shares his hope for gardeners in a warming world.
This event is FREE and in-person at the Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St., Acton, MA, Room 204, on Wed., April 24th at 7pm. However, there is a zoom option for those who cannot attend in person. When you register, you can indicate whether you plan to attend in person or whether you need a zoom link. EnergizeActon.org thanks our co-sponsors—the Acton Conservation Trust and the Acton Garden Club Shirley Towle Lecture Fund—for their generosity and their vision.
Register HERE.
EnergizeActon.org is a joint project of the Town of Acton Sustainability Office and the Acton Climate Coalition.

Community Solar Forum
2024-04-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect St, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Please join the Congregation Beth Elohim community as they celebrate the Department of Energy “Sunny Award for Equitable Community Solar”! And learn more about how Community Solar helps us meet the state’s ambitious climate goals. Congregation Beth Elohim will hold an additional press event with Rep. Lori Trahan on May 5.
Register HERE for the Community Solar Panel.
The April Panel of Speakers begins at 9:30am* and includes

State Senator Jamie Eldridge, Marlborough
Barry Nyer, Congregation Beth Elohim Solar Team
Sean Howe, Sunwealth Investors
After the breakfast forum, Bob Clarke, 621 Energy will lead a tour

Congregation Beth Elohim is an independent egalitarian community synagogue in Acton, MA. For more information and to register, please visit the CBE website at: https://www.bethelohim.org/event/breakfast-solar-forum.
*This event is part of Congregation Beth Elohim’s “Brotherhood Breakfast Series.” Breakfast will be served at 9am and all are welcome. This program is partially funded and co-sponsored by the CBE Brotherhood. The fee for the breakfast is $10. There is no fee if you are a member of the CBE Brotherhood.
EnergizeActon.org thanks Congregation Beth Elohim for their amazing example. We are thrilled to co-sponsor this event with them and with the Jewish Climate Action Network.

Home Solar: The Time is NOW!
2024-03-19 19:00 - 20:00
In this virtual PlugIN talk, Sam Kooharian, Energy Advisor for EnergySage, gives a quick overview of solar power and discusses why now is an optimal time for home solar installation, including helpful aspects of the solar market, great financial incentives, and potential future changes that make the present an optimal moment for solar. Also, for renters and condo owners, as well as those with homes not suitable for solar, Sam will touch on community solar efforts and why these developments are essential. Finally, three Acton residents will give brief testimonials about their experiences with solar. Questions welcome!

Register HERE.

Would you like to see solar panels and solar batteries in action? Visit the Clean Energy Home of the Month! The March home tour is on Saturday, March 16th, with two sessions—10:30am and 2:30pm. The homeowners, who are both electrical engineers, are eager to answer your questions about solar power. For more info about this separate event and to register, click HERE.

PlugIN to clean energy: This talk is part of the six-month PlugIN campaign of EnergizeActon.org, in coordination with three other local communities—Framingham, Natick, and Wayland. For more information on this regional effort, go to plugINmetrowest.org. Each month, from February to July 2024, EnergizeActon.org will present the THEORY and the PRACTICE of reducing home greenhouse gas emissions with talks and home tours. We try to give you a different vista each month on how to PlugIN to clean energy, although many of the technologies overlap. For more info on the PlugIN campaign and the monthly events, click HERE.

EnergySage.com is an unbiased platform that connects consumers with vetted solar installers through a standardized free quote process. EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Town of Acton Sustainability Office and the Acton Climate Coalition. Our mission is to address our changing climate by highlighting energy and land use options available to Acton residents to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a renewable energy future as soon as possible.

March Clean Energy Home of the Month--Home Solar
2024-03-16 10:30 - 14:30 | Address Shared, Upon Registration, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Clean Energy Home of the Month
March Focus: Home Solar

“Nothing like the real solutions people choose, making their explanations for various choices feel like you’re getting solid, usable information, even when you know there are new models and options with everything.” Clean Energy Tour feedback, 2023
“Stan and Carol were great and their implementation is fascinating (if unusual).” Clean Energy Tour feedback, 2023

In general, home solar panels are a great way to adopt renewable energy and save money on electricity. However, this house goes above and beyond!! Despite a heavily shaded lot, the homeowners generate a sizeable amount of solar energy with ground mount panels, plus their solar battery storage means that they barely draw electricity from the grid. This home is both unique and inspiring. There will be other homeowners available during the tour to share their experiences with more traditional solar systems. Please come and consider your options. The current year, 2024, is an amazing time to go solar due to market conditions and incentives. The hosts—and their colleagues—are eager to answer your questions.

Register HERE.

The March Clean Energy Home:
Where – Newtown Rd
What technologies –

Solar & Batteries (2021-2022)
Ground Mounted Solar Panels (12 kW)
Tigo Optimizers,
12K Sol-Ark inverter/charger
Battery Storage (4 x 7.5kW KiloVault LiFePO4)
EV Car and EV charger (2022)
Induction Cooktop (2019)
Full Foam insulated house (2019)
Electric lawn mower robot (2019, Husqvarna)
Organic lawn, native flower mini-meadow

When – Saturday, March 16th, with a session at 10:30am and one at 2:30pm.
Please indicate your preference when you register. After registration, you will receive an email with the house address and specific information about parking, etc. Register HERE.
ALSO! Consider attending the EnergizeActon.org PlugIN talk on Tuesday, March 19th, at 7pm, “Home Solar: The Time is NOW.” This virtual talk is an introduction to home solar with EnergySage Advisor Sam Kooharian, who will also outline why 2024 is a great market for solar installations. Click HERE for more information and to register.

The Energize Acton “Clean Energy Home of the Month” tour will run from February to July 2024. Each month is a different home with a focus on a different technology, although all of the homes have multiple technologies. This is an effort to help Acton residents see firsthand how new clean energy technologies are working out for neighbors who have adopted them.
February 24: Hydronics Whole House Heat Pump
March 16: Solar Panels and Solar Battery Storage
April 27: Mini-Splits (i.e. Air Source Heat Pumps) and Solar
May: Geothermal Heating & Cooling (i.e. Ground Source Heat Pumps)
June 15: Everything House and Community Solar
July: Solar and Energy Monitoring
Our monthly tours are part of a broader campaign called “PlugIN,” running from February through July 2024 and coordinated with three other communities—Framingham, Natick, and Wayland—to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new movement for electrification—based on renewable energy sources and high-efficiency home heating, cooling, and appliance use—is part of Acton’s commitment to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible. To find out about the regional PlugIN resources and other events, click HERE.

Community Skate Fundraiser
2024-03-03 14:30 - 16:30 | Nashoba Valley Olympia Rinks, 34 Massachusetts Ave (Rt 111), Room Rink #3, Boxborough, Massachusetts, US
AB Community Skate FUNdraiser
Sunday, March 3 from 2:30-4:30pm at the Nashoba Valley Olympia.
Suggested Donation: $5 Individual or $20 Family
All Donations Benefit:

AB PIP STEAM Activities(Science Technology Engineering ART Math)
Local Food Pantries
Wellness & Eco / Climate Action Programs

Hosted by: AB PIP STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math), now undergoing a re-visioning!
For more information about this community event go to https://www.actonpip.org/join/fundraisers
AB PIP STEM stands for the Acton Boxorough Parent Involvement Project Science Technology Enegineering and Math Program.
Please note that EnergizeActon.org is co-sponsored by the Town of Acton and cannot receive donations. Funds from the above event will not be used for EnergizeActon.org programming.

plugIN to Clean Energy: HEAT PUMPS for Home Heating and Cooling
2024-02-27 19:00 - 20:00
plugIN to Clean Energy:
HEAT PUMPS for Home Heating and Cooling

In this virtual talk, Bob Zogg will introduce homeowners to modern heat pumps and their advantages, including:

Their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
The functions they serve in the home
Available types of heat pumps
Examples of energy costs and emissions comparisons
Available incentives
How to get started with the Acton Clean Energy Coaches

The presentation will leave lots of time for questions and answers.
To REGISTER, CLICK HERE.
Bob Zogg is a founding member of the HeatSmart Alliance, a volunteer organization that promotes clean heating and cooling systems in Massachusetts communities. (The HeatSmart Alliance was an inspiration for Acton’s own Clean Energy Coach Program, which will be highlighted in the program.) Bob retired in 2016, after almost 30 years in energy-related consulting. During his career, Bob led numerous evaluations of residential and commercial building energy use, focusing on space heating and cooling, domestic water heating, and refrigeration. Bob has a BS and MS in mechanical engineering.
Would you like to see heat pumps in action? Visit the Clean Energy Home of the Month! The February home tour is on Saturday, February 24th, with two sessions–11am and 1pm. The homeowner, who is also an Acton Clean Energy Coach, is eager to answer your questions about heat pumps. For more info about this separate event and to register, click HERE.
plugIN: This talk is part of the six-month plugIN campaign of EnergizeActon.org. Each month, from February to July 2024, EnergizeActon.org will present the theory and the PRACTICE of reducing home greenhouse gas emissions with talks and home tours. More information coming soon!
This event is co-sponsored by EnergizeActon.org and the HeatSmart Alliance. EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Town of Acton Sustainability Office and the Acton Climate Coalition. Our mission is to address our changing climate by highlighting energy and land use options available to Acton residents to help us reduce carbon emissions. By signing up with EnergizeActon.org, you can record your climate actions and track your carbon savings.

Clean Energy Home of the Month: Feb Focus on Heat Pumps
2024-02-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Address Shared, Upon Registration, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Tour the Clean Energy Home of the Month
February Focus: HEAT PUMPs

“David Martin was top notch! We will be following up with him.” 2023 Clean Energy Homes Tour
“Great range of features and home tours.” 2023 Clean Energy Homes Tour

Are you thinking about replacing your oil or gas furnace with high-efficiency mini-splits/heat pumps? Join the Energize Acton February “Clean Energy Home of the Month” tour and see for yourself a house currently heated and cooled with cold weather heat pumps. Feel the comfort level for yourself and talk with the homeowner, David Martin, about his experience moving the home from fossil fuel heating and cooling to cleaner energy systems. Our February home is also unique because it is a heat pump to hot water system, though the David is well versed in all heat pump systems.
Register HERE.
The February House Technologies: Hydronics Heat Pump, Water Heater, Dryer, Induction Stove, EV
Where : High Street, South Acton
What:

Hydronics whole-house heat pump
Mini-split heat pump
Heat pump dryer
Heat pump water heater
Induction range EV
Electric car chargers
Battery-electric hard tools (lawn mower, snow blower, chain saw, etc.

When: Saturday, February 24, 11am and 1pm. (There will be two 1-hour sessions to see the house at 11am and 1pm. After registration you will receive an email with the house address and specific information about parking, etc.) Register HERE.

ALSO! Consider attending the EnergizeActon.org talk on February 27, “Clean Heating and Cooling for Your Home.” This virtual talk is an introduction to heat pumps with HeatSmart co-founder Bob Zogg, from neighboring Carlisle. The talk is Tuesday evening, Feb. 27th, at 7pm. Click HERE to register.

SURVEY: Help Create a Healthier Community and Shape Our Climate Actions
2024-01-03 00:00 - 2024-01-31 23:56
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on home energy and climate!

Be part of the solution on climate in 2024! Share your thoughts in the Creating Healthier Communities Together survey to make our community healthier and more climate resilient. EnergizeActon.org is reaching out to you with this request as part of our new ECO (Electrification, Community, & Outreach) Campaign. Together with MassEnergize.org and our partner communities—Wayland, Framingham, and Natick—we need your input to guide upcoming climate actions to create a healthier and more carbon neutral future. The survey takes less than 5 minutes. Your voice matters! Thank you.

Watch for more information coming soon about additional programs and activities as a part of the ECO Campaign running from January to June 2024! The focus will be on the “new electrification,” that is, using solar power and high efficiency heat pumps to transition heating and cooling from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Thank you for your interest!!

RECORDING: Virtual Carbon Free House Tour
2023-12-31 10:00 - 11:00
Come see (online) this traditional New England home that has gone CARBON FREE!
David Martin is an Acton Clean Energy Coach and a member of the Acton, MA Select Board. In addition to many other wonderful contributions to the community, he is a long-time advocate for clean energy technology. He has converted both his house and his parents’ home to heat pumps, despite some fairly significant hurdles, including the fact that his house had a hot water heating system. In the process, David has become a true expert on the range of technologies needed to get to net zero. Not only has David fully electrified his home with new ultra efficient equipment; he has actually disconnected the gas! Click on the link below to hear and see how David has accomplished this, from new heating and hot water systems to induction stovetop, heat pump clothes dryer, and electric lawn equipment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXa8MiDVsRA
If you live in Acton and would like to request a FREE Clean Energy Coach consultation, please click HERE. Or see the Acton Clean Energy Initiatives website for more information. If you live in othet MassEnergize communinities, please contact their websites to find out about coaching options in your area or read about the HEAT SMART program in many towns and cities.

Acton Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program
2023-11-25 01:15 - 23:55 | CONTACT the Acton Sustainability Office, or call 978-929-6515, CONTACT the Acton Sustainability Office, Unit at sustainability@actonma.gov, or call 978-929-6515, Massachusetts, US
APPLY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY SAVINGS FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
Read below or click below to watch this Town of Acton video about the program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-hsO6tXKXI.
Save on energy efficiency upgrades with two exciting opportunities! The first is a 90% discount provided for a limited time, in partnership with AECOM and Eversource; the second is a Town-managed grant of $2,000 to cover any additional energy efficiency upgrades identified in the energy audit. Both are very easy applications! If you have any questions about the process please reach out to the Sustainability Office at 978-929-6515 or by emailing sustainability@actonma.gov.
STEP 1: To qualify for a 90% discount on qualified energy efficiency upgrades, sign up for an energy efficiency audit during the Main Streets program with AECOM between September 11 – November 25th, 2023.* To sign up, visit: bit.ly/AuditReg.
STEP 2: Once you have your audit scheduled, apply for the additional savings of up to $2,000 through the Town by filling out the following form: bit.ly/ABEEGapp. The Town will reach out to notify you if your business is qualified and once you have completed the free audit we will confirm the amount that the Town will contribute. Please note that if you missed the Main Streets program dates, you can still schedule an audit to qualify for up to $2,000 savings through the Town, as long as you schedule an audit by November 25, 2023.
This opportunity is sponsored by the Town of Acton Sustainability Office with the support of the Acton Economic Development Office.
*The Main Street Program deadline has been extended and an energy audit sign-up can happen anytime. It is possible that the other special rate incentives may end before November 25th.

Climate Café After Hours
2023-08-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Acton Memorial Library, Acton, Acton Memorial Library, Unit 486 Main St, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Climate Café “After Hours” 2023
Co-Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Memorial Library

The Climate Café aims to be a helpful, informal gathering where Acton residents can discuss a fossil fuel free future. Local people who have experience in clean energy technologies will share their insights and answer questions from others who are considering these technologies and who are exploring ways to reduce their carbon footprints. Each week in July and August will be a different focus, with a range of technical and environmental topics. Each session will be one hour, 5:00-6:00pm, on Wednesdays. When the weather is good, we will be outside behind the Acton Memorial Library (486 Main St, Acton, MA), so feel free to bring a picnic or grab a slice of pizza and relax while we discuss these positive efforts. If the weather is wet, we will be inside in the Library’s meeting room on the first floor. (Sorry, food is discouraged inside.)

Here are the topics for summer of 2023. Please see specific postings on the Events page for details on each topic.
July 5th – Listening Session: A Drop in the Bucket or Every Action Counts?
July 12th – Meet an Acton Clean Energy Coach
July 19th – Electric Vehicle “Petting Zoo” and EV Update
July 26th – Go Solar! Acton Homeowners Share Their Experiences
Aug 2nd – State and Federal Incentives for Green Technology
Aug 9th – A Celebration of Plant-Based Food! Cookbook Club and Potluck Picnic (at NARA Park! 6-8pm)
Aug 16th – Details coming soon.
Aug 23rd – Details coming soon.
Aug 30th – Details coming soon.

Many thanks to the Acton Memorial Library for co-hosting these sessions. EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. We are committed to education about the climate emergency and to the rapid implementation of clean energy and renewable technologies.

Ready for Winter? Tips for Renters and All Residents
2023-08-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Acton Memorial Library, Acton, Acton Memorial Library, Unit 486 Main St, Acton, Massachusetts, US
How can we be prepared for winter energy needs?

Last winter’s high energy costs were a huge shock to many Acton residents. Renters, in particular, often have fewer options when facing high bills. This Climate Café session will look at strategies to make apartments and homes as energy efficient as possible, including ad hoc tips along with Mass Save resources for homeowners and even for renters (including some hands-on materials). We will also have information about what is happening in the region to address the energy needs of multi-family buildings, along with resources about special fuel assistance programs for income eligible households.
The Climate Café is a fun and informal gathering where Acton residents can discuss a fossil fuel free future. The idea is to provide a forum where people who have experience in certain areas can share their insights and where folks looking to make changes can ask questions about the process. Each week will be a different focus, with a range of technical and environmental topics.
This event is co-sponsored by EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Memorial Library.

SHOWING UP! Elders Act on Climate!
2023-08-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Acton Memorial Library, Acton, Acton Memorial Library, Unit 486 Main St, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Are you wondering what your retirement will look like in this age of climate warming? Are you worried about what your children and grandchildren might face, but thinking that you are too old to make a difference? Come participate in a lively discussion about what the AARP cohort can do and IS DOING about the climate emergency. We will be joined by representatives of two national organizations–Elder Climate Action and Mothers Out Front–who will share what is happening on the personal, social, and political levels as seniors show up to share their voices, their savvy, and their monetary might to address the changing climate. Topics will include household actions, legislative work, investments and forms of community outreach, along with the special challenges of condo living.

The Climate Café is a fun and informal gathering where Acton residents can discuss a fossil fuel free future. The idea is to provide a forum where people who have experience in certain areas can share their insights and where folks looking to make changes can ask questions about the process. Each week will be a different focus, with a range of technical and environmental topics.

These events are co-sponsored by the Acton Memorial Library and EnergizeActon.org.

A Celebration of Plant-Based Food! Cookbook Club and Potluck Picnic
2023-08-09 18:00 - 20:00 | NARA Park Pavilions, Acton, NARA Park Pavilions, Unit 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Eating more plant-based food is an immediate and DELICIOUS way to put less CO2 into the atmosphere.

Please join us at this fun potluck picnic to celebrate plant-based meals. We are not saying that people should give up all meat; rather, we are saying that vegetable dishes are downright yummy (and also good for the environment!). In that spirit, we are offering two cookbook options to inspire your kitchen time. At the reference desk in the Acton Memorial Library, choose a recipe from British chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittinstall’s book, River Cottage VEG. Or, at Kitchen Outfitters, think about purchasing the wonderful local farm’s effort, The Gaining Ground Table, and trying one of their plant-based recipes. Yes, the latter does have meat recipes, but the salad and vegetable dishes are mouth-watering! Best of all, if you already have inspiring vegetarian or vegan recipes in your home repertoire, please bring one of your favorites. Besides your food contribution, please bring two copies of the recipe to the NARA Park Pavilion. We will also have stations at the picnic with local farm info, ideas for minimizing food waste, an intro to composting, and a tempeh cooking demo.

If you are in the area on August 9th, please join us for this special celebration!

Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Memorial Library.

State and Federal Incentives for Green Technology
2023-08-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Acton Memorial Library, Acton, Acton Memorial Library, Unit 486 Main St, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Do not be deterred by this complicated topic!

There are some huge opportunities to save money on clean energy technologies! Drawing on excellent local and national resources (the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and Rewiring America), EnergizeActon.org team members will summarize the tax credits and rebates available on the state and national level, including a breakdown by technology. Easy to decipher charts and resources links will be available.

What is the Climate Café? Local people with experience in clean energy technology and sustainability share their insights and answer questions from others who are considering these technologies or looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints. Each Wednesday through July and August we will consider a different topic with a technical or environmental focus. All sessions are at the Acton Memorial Library, from 5-6pm. Weather permitting, we will be outdoors behind the library, so feel free to bring a picnic or grab a slice of pizza. If it is wet, we will be indoors in the library’s first floor meeting room. (Sorry, food is discouraged indoors.) No registration needed.

Co-sponsored by EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Memorial Library.

Small Businesses Act On Climate! POSTPONED (new date below)
2023-07-28 17:00 - 18:00 | 577 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, 577 Massachusetts Ave, Unit Next to Middlesex Bank, Acton, Massachusetts, US
A “Pop-Up” Climate Café
Hear stories from Acton’s new “Pop-Up” 3 Moms Pop-Up entrepreneurs (The Fluffy Dog Flower Farm, Girly Girl Soaps, and iJewelShop) and other sustainable businesses taking action on climate. The EnergizeActon.org business advocate, Karen (KJ) Herther, calls this a “Pop-Up Climate Café” in honor of these small enterprises. There will be resources for Acton businesses looking to go green. Join us at the “3 Moms and a Pop-Up” Sign. Please stop by and enjoy conversation about Acton business owners’ hopes for the future, both in terms of climate and in terms of their businesses. (Please bring a lawn chair if you would like to sit.)
The Pop-Ups are only open until August 21st. Their merchandise is in a Pop-Up “Opt-Box” made of recycled plastic bottles–14,000 in number!
Visit actonma.gov/business for more information about the Acton “Summer Pop-Up” and local business initiatives.
This event is sponsored by the Acton Economic Development Office, EnergizeActon.org, Project Pop-Up, the Fluffy Dog Flower Farm, Girly Girl Soaps, and iJewelShop.
