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NEWSLETTER OF GREEN DECADE / NEWTON Over 20 Years of Environmental Leadership 1990 - 2013 VOL.23 - NO. 2 MAR/APRIL 2013

At the Newton Free Library Greening Our Community Series 330 Homer St, Newton 02459

Annual meeting

Home energy success stories

direct from Newton homeowners
Over the years, lms, speakers, and solar home tours hosted by Green Decade forums have inspired, and in turn been inspired by Newton residents who have taken on the challenge of shrinking their environmental footprint. About ve years ago, Newton Centre resident Rachel White decided she needed to act, and so began a journey that has resulted in sharply reduced energy use at her familys home, and a new career path. Come hear about the ways Rachel and her husband managed step by step to curtail energy use at their lovely 1895 home. Based on many lessons learned, Rachel now advises others how to begin, what to expect, and how to measure results.

Monday, March 18 - 7pm:

On Monday, March 18th at 6:30 p.m , Green Decades annual meeting will be held in the Druker Auditorium of the Newton Free Library, just prior to our Greening our Community Program. During the meeting, there will be a vote on Green Decades slate of nominees to serve on the Board of Directors for three year terms: Jessica Avery, Jack Chang, Sharon Cushing, Lucia Dolan, Eric Olson and Paul Eldrenkamp. Members of the community are welcome to join us and vote. If you would like to nominate a candidate to serve on our Board of Directors, please contact info@greendecade.org

Green Decade/Newton supports overrides

Monday, April 22 - 7pm:

Everything Youve Always Wanted to Know About Trash

and Recycling , But Were Afraid to Ask!

Join us for a presentation by Courtney Forrester and Elaine Gentile from Newtons Department of Public Works to learn what goes in those blue and green bins, what happens once it leaves the curb, what the City is doing to expand waste reduction and recycling programs, and how residents can help. Elaine is the Director of Environmental Affairs, a division of Public Works that was created in 2003. She holds a BS in Biology from Regis College and a MPA from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Courtney is the Citys Recycling Manager. She holds a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Delaware and a MS in Environmental Education from Antioch University New England. Co-sponsored by the Newton League of Women Voters.

Green Decade/Newton represents over 350 Newton households who pay taxes and are concerned about our environment. We strongly support the Citys Climate Plan and we support the Mayors proposed overrides. The City is doing many good things to save energy in our municipal buildings, promote sustainable transportation, and protect water quality. There are over 300 needed projects in the Citys Capital Improvement Program, but only a small share of these projects can go forward each year within the operating budget. In addition to the environmental benets of many of these projects, they also represent good stewardship of our public assets and save taxpayer dollars in the long run. The Citys operating budget limits the capability to perform benecial projects both due to the capacity to pay debt service and the ability of city staff to manage more projects. The overrides would expand the Citys capacity to maintain and improve roads and sidewalks and make bicycling and walking safer. They would enable needed improvements to Zervas School and Fire Station #3. And they would make it possible to step up the pace of the work the Building Department has been doing to improve other schools and municipal buildings. These projects all save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. The specic debt exclusions for a new Angier and Cabot School would result in modern energy efcient buildings as well as bring these school buildings up to educational standards. There are many reasons to pass the overrides. Green Decade supports them for their environmental benets. by Jim Purdy

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MAR/APRIL 2013

GD/N Supports Science Program

Newtons Environmental Science Program has become widely known, to the point that the enrollment lls up by early spring. The program enrolls approximately 40 students entering grades 7 - 10 in September. It allows students to enjoy the wilderness and learn about the science of the environment in a hands-on way. Groups may go on hikes, bicycle rides, or trips to museums, Boston harbor islands, or Audubon preserves. Students enjoy a canoe trip on the Charles River, as well as service projects for the City of Newton, such as trail improvements, or environmental cleanup work. There is an invasive species removal day in which students learn about plant species that can severely damage an ecosystem, and then work to remove unwanted plants. This year, the program has received a generous grant from Green Decade/Newton that will be used to establish an internship for a leader, who will teach bird research techniques to the students that can help preserve and protect bird populations. For more info: contact@newtonenvisci.org or call 617-447-9317. by David Backer, Executive Director

Understanding chemicals

A couple of resources have come to our attention that could help you to understand the chemicals in our environment and their potential impact. ChemHAT (Chemical Hazards and Alternatives Toolbox) launched at www.chemhat.org , is a free tool designed make it easier to learn about chemicals. A searchable database lets users read about the scientic ndings on the short and long-term health effects of over 10,000 commonly used chemicals. The goal is to enable individuals to work with others to develop their own chemicals policy reforms by guring out the hazard of chemicals they come in contact with and how to move to the use of safer alternatives. Another tool, the CHE Toxicant and Disease Database (http://www.healthandenvironment.org/tddb) summarizes links between chemical contaminants and approximately 180 human diseases or conditions. Diseases and or toxicants can be viewed by clicking on the diseases or by using a search engine. See a full description of the database and its limitations. Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (www. saferchemicals.org/), a national effort to protect families from toxic chemicals, also offers a wealth of information on toxics and their impact. by Ellie Goldberg

Newton Reps co-sponsor toxics-reduction legislation

Green Decade/Newton thanks Representatives Kay Khan and Ruth Balser for co-sponsoring the Healthy Families and Businesses Act (HD2891/SD998). This bill is a new version of the Safer Alternatives Bill that designs a program to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives wherever feasible. As the evidence continues to grow that toxic chemicals are linked to cancer, asthma, learning disabilities, birth defects, and other devastating health problems, we need this legislation to protect our health and reduce health care costs. Knowledgeable consumers are demanding safer products and the majority of small businesses are in favor of strong legislation to reduce the use of toxic materials. The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow encourages Newton residents to express their thanks to Representatives Khan and Balser for supporting the Healthy Families and Businesses Act. For more information go to www.healthytomorrow.org. by Ellie Goldberg

Prepare your yard for Spring

Introduction to Organic Lawns and Yards is a beautiful 55-page booklet aimed at homeowners with new lawns, old lawns and alternative landscapes. It is a Quick-Start guide to organic practices written by Sarah Little, Ph.D., for the Northeast Organic Farming Association Organic Land Care Program. The booklet includes solid how-to information about everything from conserving water and energy and promoting soil fertility, to controlling invasive plants and pests without pesticides. The book includes gorgeous photos, checklists, inspiring quotes and lists of resources. Great for gifts. $3 from Green Decade/Newton (info@greendecade.org) or Order online from NOFA ($5): http://www.organiclandcare.net/store/publications

Mayors State of the City

Earth Day Event: Charles River Cleanup

Want to make a difference in your community? Join us Saturday, April 20th from 9am-12pm for the 14th annual Charles River Cleanup! Last year over 4,000 volunteers worked to remove 40 tons of trash along the 80 miles of the Charles River from Boston to Bellingham! All clean-up supplies will be provided. Please join us for this years event! For more information about the cleanup please visit www.charlesriver.org, or call 781-788-0007 x303

... under the umbrella of our energy smart Newton program and in collaboration with community organizations like the Energy Commission, Green Decade, the High Performance Building Commission, the honorable Board and the Patrick administration weve reduced municipal energy consumption a total of 26% since 2008 baseline, resulting in energy consumption costs down $2.1 million dollars.

NEWSLETTER OF THE GREEN DECADE / NEWTON

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Diagnose your homes energy use

Sign up for a no-cost home energy assessment (a $300+ value) as part of the MASS SAVE NSTAR Program and you may qualify for 75 percent off (up to $2000) on insulation and air sealing for your home. Renters, homeowners and landlords living in 1-4 unit buildings with MA NSTAR and/ or National Grid accounts are eligible. Our local partner, Next Step Living, will make a $10 donation to Green Decade/ Newton to support our work after the assessment is completed. Visit: http://nextsteplivinginc.com/gdn/ or call 866-867-8729. Please mention Green Decade!

SGWs Taylor Yeracaris (L) and Hilary Brumberg(R) demonstrate global warming to SSDS Extended Day students.

Students for a Greener World

Greening Newtons Kids
Since October 2012, Students for a Greener World (SGW) has been working with Hope Rathnam, art specialist at Solomon Schechter Day Schools (SSDS) Extended Day Program, to lead environmental projects for SSDS K-3 after-school groups. SGWs Outreach Committee and Hope came up with a pilot series of three activities focusing on Recycling (Dec. 2012), Energy (Jan. 2013) and Wildlife (Mar. 2013). SGW lead a successful program at Solomon Schecther in December about Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, with SGWs Magic Recycled Box Workshop and Recycled Obstacle Course. In January, SGW returned to SSDS to teach an enthusiastic group of K-3s about energy. The program opened with a cute claymation video created by Burr Elementary school students, which the SSDS 3rd graders proudly narrated. Then the students were divided into 3 teams named after renewable energy sources. As the K-3s rotated around the stations, SGWs energetically shared their knowledge of energy sources. SSDS students pedaled the Magic Energy Bike, voted on ice cube melting rates based on the greenhouse effect and participated in a skit on renewable energy vs. fossil fuels. In March, SGW will return to SSDS to lead a nature walk to teach students about ecology around their school. Newton Unplugged & Connected is also in March. SGW will lead Spring in My Backyard on the 15th and a Recycled Obstacle Course and Recycled Crafts Workshop on March 20. On the 28 of April and May, SGW will have a NewtonSERVES project and its annual program at the library, respectively. SGW meets bimonthly at Newton North and the Newton Cultural Center. Newton middle or high school students, interested in environmental issues and/or free cookies are welcome to stop by and join. Find out more at http://www.greendecade.org/sgw.html! by Hilary Brumberg, SGW/Newton North 2013

Thanks for donations go to:

(for contributions received Jan-Feb) FRIENDS: Karen Albert, Jessica Avery, Martha M. Babcock & Harvey Seigel, Peter Barrer & Judith Nichols, Diane & Al Becker, Beth Brooks & Hankus Netsky, Louise Bruyn, Tanya Chapsky, Alan Cody, Nancy & Cris Criscitiello, Barney & Eileen Freiberg-Dale, Richard & Diana Gomberg, Mary-Ann F. Greene, Esther & Alan Greif, Jill Hahn, Joan & Charles Hawley, Paul Holt, Virginia Inglis, Christina Jameson, Ted Kaplan, Lois Levin & Helen Rittenberg, Ald. Stephen M. Linsky & Martine Vanpe, Marianne & Terry Louderback, George & Margaret Manseld, Brooks Mathewson, Louise OBrien, David Perloff & Maria Barbarino, Robyn & Nathan Phillips, Frank & Edie Propp, Lisa &Roman Schumann, Sharon & Howard Sholkin, Jim & Carole Slattery, Karen & Jon Slote, Eleanor Thayer, Susan & Keith Tornheim, Robert Triest, Dede Vittori & Jeffrey Baker, Robert Warren & Meg Wilcox, Sally & Robert Wyner, Mary Jane & Richard Young DONORS: Phil Bannatyne & Cara Feldberg, Gail Bolte, Alison Conant & Richard Frank, Bev & Tom Droz, Kevin Dutt & Toni Hicks, Janet & Mark Fagan, Henry Finch & Patricia Robinson, Margaret Ford & Tom Boyd, Kim & Andy Gluck, Michael & Susan Goldman, Betsy Harper & David Persampieri, Richard & Tracey Hornby, Katherine Howard, Karen & Marty Kafka, Kay & Nasser Khan, Betsy & Bill Leitch, Brooke & Paul Lipsitt, Ken & Margaret Mallory, Kim Shanks, Miles Smith & Jane Pipik, Rachel White & Jonathan Mansbach PATRONS: Ann & Don Berwick, Sheila & James Purdy, Kathy Read & John Houston BUSINESS DONOR: Byggmeister Associates, Inc. BUSINESS PATRON: United Parish of Auburndale BUSINESS BENEFACTORS: Next Step Living, NSTAR ART CONTEST SPONSORS: NSTAR, Village Bank

Thanks ! and next newsletter deadline

For the next newsletter, please send submissions by e-mail to Ira Krepchin, irapk@alum.mit.edu, by Mon, Mar 18, 2013. Thanks for making this newsletter possible to Managing Editor Ira Krepchin, Editor Peter Smith and article authors. Many thanks to our mailing volunteers Marcia Cooper, Shirlee Isenberg, Polly Kalman, Naomi Osher, Frank & Edie Propp.

Our mission is to create an environment in better balance with the natural world by making signicant, measurable improvements in the way we use resources. Goals include helping households, businesses and institutions to: Increase energy efciency & seek alternatives to fossil/nuclear fuels; Use IPM and organic alternatives to pesticides; Promote high performance (green) building measures; Prevent pollution through source reduction and reduced consumption; Promote reuse and recycling practices; Improve waste disposal practices; Conserve water and other resources. Our programs are designed to build awarness, promote opportunities for public dialogue and educate and empower citizens to take personal and civic action.

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MAR/APRIL 2013

Eco-Project applies for Solarize Mass Program

The Newton Eco-Project is collaborating with the City of Newton and the Newton Citizens Energy Commission to apply to the Solarize Mass Program from the CEC, Clean Energy Center, which is part of the Green Communities Division of the DOER. The program provides a small grant for outreach to promote PV solar panel installations on residential properties. Solarize Mass works with selected communities to review and select a PV installer who works through the program and offer residents discounts based on a tiered pricing structure. This pricing structure offers larger discounts to homeowner as more Newton residents enter the program. The application deadline was February 20th with notication of award the rst week of April.

Students for a Greener World Cork Team: We learned that it takes approximately 1,000 corks to ll one of the big boxes.the rst two boxes are full, but were still working on the last one. Kids (L-R) are Kaya, Julian and Zahra -- with their magic wands!

Organic Lawn & Garden Classes

offered by Newton Community Ed
Organic Gardening and Lawn Care for Dummies - David Gordon, Instructor April 3-24 from 7:30-9:00pm Learn how to care for your lawn organically and explore how to design and grow your own vegetable garden Growing a lush green lawn - John Elicone, Instructor May 6 from 7:00-8:30pm Techniques for keeping a lawn weed and insect free The Garden Coach- Brian Karlsson-Barnes, Instructor May 7-21 from 6:30-8:30pm Bring dimensions and pictures of your garden space and leave with ideas of how to design your garden. Compost Workshop - John Elicone, Instructor May 20 from 6:30-8:00pm How to build a compost system and how to avoid common mistakes. The Shrub Within: A Pruning Workshop - Tom Strangfeld, Instructor May 29 from 6:00-7:30pm Prune properly and Learn how to enhance your shrubs and plants For info & registration: www.newtoncommunityed.org

These corks get reused for cork ooring! Bring your real wine corks to the Farmers market this week - ll the box.

Please join or renew for 2013!

online @: www.greendecade.org
Green Decade is proud of its 22 year history and our organizations efforts to help residences, businesses and public facilities become more sustainable. You may also send a $25 payment for a basic membership to Green Decade/Newton, P.O. Box 590242, Newton, MA 02459

Green Decade sponsors swap & trade clothing event

This event is part of NewtonSERVES to be held on Sunday, April 28th at The Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada St. All of the leftover items will be donated to a nonprot organization, called Bay State Textiles. To sign up as a volunteer on our community service project, please visit: www.newtoncommunitypride.org/NewtonSERVES.html
Printed with soy-based ink on 100% post-consumer waste unbleached recycled paper that is made without a chemical separation process.

Jessica Avery, at large Ann Berwick, at large Eric Bobby, at large Al Calderone, at large Jack Cheng, at large Marcia Cooper, President Sharon Cushing, Treasurer Michele Davis, Energy Lucia Dolan, Clerk, Transportation Paul Eldrenkamp, at large Ira Krepchin, Newsletter Lois Levin, Transp; EnvEditorTAB Ken Mallory, at large Eric Olson, at large Jim Purdy, Vice Pres, Energy Myron Rosenberg, Development Dan Ruben, Chairperson Mindy Sieber, at large Peter Smith, Newsletter; Chamber Elaine Vildzius, at large

Board of Directors

Advisory Board
Karen Albert Ana Zarina Asuaje Solon, Louise Bruyn, Past Pres. Sheila Clawson David & Elva Del Porto Bev Droz, Past President Dianne Dumanoski Kevin Dutt, Public Affairs Katherine Gekas Bonnie Glickman,EcoTeams Ellie Goldberg Fred Gordon, MCAN Bd. Barbara Herson, Past Pres. Sunwoo Kahng Francoise LaMonica,NewTV Brooke Lipsitt Jean MacRae Matt Pawa Annabelle Ship Rohna Shoul Heather Tausig Maeve Ward

617 965-1995

e-mail: info@greendecade.org

www.greendecade.org

An Easy Way to Support Renewable Power

Its easy! REC stands for Renewable Energy Certificate. When purchasing renewable power you are actually purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates equal to the amount of power that you used. One REC = 1000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of generated renewable power. In doing this you are encouraging the market for renewable power. RECs help the renewable power facilities remain economically viable in comparison with fossil fuel power plants. RECs are tracked and audited to ensure against double counting and fraud. Often renewable energy certificates are certified by an organization, such as Green-e. To read more, visit: http://www.greene.org/getcert_re_stan. shtml For a more detailed explanation of Renewable Energy Certificates go to: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/gpmar ket/rec.htm

What are RECs and how do they work?

How Do I Switch?

A new initiative of Green Decade Newton is to encourage Newton residents to switch from NSTAR's default package, which contains 7 percent of its supply from renewable sources, to an option that supplies a greater percentage. Several companies offer options with 100% renewable power.

Several alternative suppliers are available. They are listed at a link on NSTAR's website. http://www.nstaronline.com/residential/ competitive_supply/about.asp . Click on Competitive Suppliers in the menu on the left side. Enter 01 for residential in the Rate Number box. Hit Submit to see all the options. Not all these suppliers offer a renewable power option. See the chart on the reverse side for a list of the renewable power options for NSTAR customers in the Newton area. After choosing the option that is right for you, go to that companys website to sign up on line. (You will need your NSTAR bill to do this.)

Under Massachusetts regulations it is easy to switch the supplier of your power to another source without cost. You continue to get the same electric bill from NSTAR it simply lists the new supplier you chose. You continue to pay the same charges to NSTAR for delivering the power. And you can switch back if you're not satisfied.

If you believe, as we do, that it's essential to shift our electric power generation away from fossil fuel if we are to mitigate climate change, then changing to an alternative supplier is the easiest way to follow through.

Renewable Power Options for NSTAR Customers

Supplier/ Renewable Energy Program

Price Information
wind wind NY, ME Public Utility None NY, ME Public Utility None

Sources of Power Business Model

Location of Power Source

Charitable Aspect

Nstar/ Green 50%

http://www.nstar.com/business/rates_tariffs/nstar_gr een/nstar_green.asp

Nstar/ Green 100%

http://www.nstar.com/business/rates_tariffs/nstar_gr een/nstar_green.asp

Easy Energy/ MASS Energy Green Start New England Small energy company based in MA. Purchases their portfolio from Mass Energy.

http://easyenergyllc.com/renewable-energy/

100% green energy from wind, solar, digester gas, low-impact hydro

2.7 cent premium paid above NSTAR fixed basic price is tax deductible.

Easy Energy/ MASS Energy Wind Start 100% wind 100% wind OK, IA, SD MA same as above

http://easyenergyllc.com/renewable-energy/

4.1 cent premium paid above NSTAR fixed basic price is tax deductible. None

EnergyPlus Green Option

http://www.energypluscompany.com/care/care.php

Began in 2007, serves several states, offers rewards similar to credit card companies.

First Point Power/ 100% Green Option wind, solar, hydro, clean energy generators National

http://www.firstpointpower.com/green_energy.aspx

Began 2010, operates in RI, DE and MA.

None

Just Energy/ Just Green 100% wind TX

http://www.justenergy.com/

Large national company based in Texas.

None

Viridian/ Everyday Green 20% not yet published wind Northeast Northeast

http://www.viridian.com/

Green-e certified RECs, Operates in several states. same as above

Benefits upstream charities if consumer signs up through a charity. same as above

Viridian/ Pure Green 100%

http://www.viridian.com/

XOOM Energy/ Simple Clean 35% varies

http://xoomenergy.com/en/residential

National

$2.99 monthly charge for variable rate plans, $110 charge for early termination of fixed rate plans.

None

XOOM Energy/ Tru Clean 100% varies

http://xoomenergy.com/en/residential

National

same as above

None

NSTAR/ Basic (Brown)

http://www.nstar.com/business/rates_tariffs/basic_s ervice.asp

Disclaimer: Prices change monthly in some cases. Some options have monthly fees. Know the terms of the contract before deciding on your supplier. Know the length of the contract, any fees or penalties for early termination.