Cambridge Energy Alliance debuts Climate Change Art Project
Cambridge, MA (Feb 16, 2010) - The Cambridge Energy Alliance is debuting a poster art exhibit to inform the public about climate change and its impacts, the carbon emissions of Cambridge, and how local citizens can make a difference. Over 80% of Cambridge’s carbon emissions come from residential and commercial buildings, so eliminating wasted energy in our homes and workplaces is a priority.
The Cambridge Energy Alliance art exhibit displays many ways people can conserve energy and get connected to efficiency programs and resources. The Exhibit will be on display from Wednesday, February 16th, 2010 through March 20th, 2010 at the Clear Conscience Café located at 581 Mass Ave in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Following the 4-week showing at the Clear Conscious Café, the CEA art exhibit will be rotated to other locations throughout Cambridge. The 2’ X 3’ color series include 12 posters with educational and pointed messages about what citizens can do to lower their environmental footprint.
Clear Conscience Café is a mission-based business committed to creating an alternative destination with better tasting, healthier, more environmentally friendly and socially responsible products than conventional businesses in the marketplace. To learn more about the Clear Conscious Café visit Link
Cambridge Energy Alliance
The Cambridge Energy Alliance is a non-profit organization working with homeowners, businesses, and institutions across the city to achieve unprecedented levels of energy savings and to expand clean energy sources.
This first-in-the nation initiative is the result of the City of Cambridge's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990. Buildings are responsible for eighty percent of the carbon emissions in Cambridge. For more information on the Cambridge Energy Alliance, please visit CEA’s website at Link
Also visit CEA’s blog, energy 2.0, Link designed to keep the community up to speed on useful clean energy and sustainability news and information.
When: Wednesday 03 March 2010 - 18:30 Ends Wednesday 03 March 2010 - 20:30
Sustainable Milton presents…. “FOOD, INC.” How much do we really know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets and serve to our families?
Date: Weds March 3, 2010 Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM Location: Milton Library, 476 Canton Ave
Join Sustainable Milton for a FREE viewing of this **OSCAR-NOMINATED** documentary followed by a Q&A with Milton’s own local food expert Farmer Judy from Brookwood Farm. The Toronto Sun called it "terrifying" and "frankly riveting".
Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing its highly mechanized underbelly. Featuring interviews with Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) and Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma), FOOD, Inc. reveals surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here. Movie duration: 90 mins
Childcare and refreshments provided, including donations from Stone Hearth Pizza Co. and Flat Black Coffee Co.
For planning purposes, please RSVP if you require childcare: email
When: Wednesday 03 March 2010 - 19:00 Ends Wednesday 03 March 2010 - 21:00
MassRecycle and the Quincy Environmental Network are sponsoring a screening of Garbage Dreams, an award-winning documentary, on Wednesday, March 3 at Atlantic Middle School (86 Hollis Avenue, Quincy, MA). Garbage Dreams follows three teenage boys born into the trash trade who grow up in the world’s largest garbage village on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. The village is home to 60,000 Zaballeen, Arabic for “garbage people”. Far ahead of any modern “green” initiatives, the Zaballeen survive by recycling 80 percent of the trash they collect. When their community is suddenly faced with the globalization of its trade, each of the boys is forced to make a choice that will impact his future and the survival of his community. The film will be followed by brief panel discussions about ways to increase recycling locally and statewide.
Director/Producer Mia Iskander says the purpose of this film is “to encourage people to re-examine the true value of what they throw away each day and the real cost of throwing out the expertise of Zaballeen." She also hopes people will "see a little bit of themselves in the three teenagers of the film." Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore presented the 2009 REEL Current Award to the documentary Garbage Dreams at the Nashville Film Festival. Gore presents the award annually to a film that gives outstanding insight into a contemporary global issue.
Dmitriy Nikolayev, President of MassRecycle, had this to say about the film, “Garbage Dreams is an amazingly touching human story and highlights how much more we can recycle in our own communities. We hope that the story of the Zabbaleen, who recycle 80 percent of the garbage they collect, will inspire Massachusetts residents to support additional recycling initiatives. After all, our own recycling rate is around 33 percent.”
MassRecycle has planned 5 additional screenings of Garbage Dreams and panel discussions across the state (in Burlington, Groton, Holyoke, Lowell and Quincy). Dates and locations will be added throughout the winter and spring. All events are free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested at Link
Community Meeting about Blue Hills Reservation 7:00 pm
When: Thursday 04 March 2010 - 19:00 Ends Thursday 04 March 2010 - 21:00
Ward Four City Councilor Brian Palmucci Hosting Community Meeting about Blue Hills Reservation
On March 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room at City Hall, Councilor Palmucci will be hosting a community meeting with the Friends of Blue Hills to discuss current issues facing the Blue Hills Reservation, as well as ongoing programming.
With 7,000 acres of trails, woods, and wildlife located nearby, the Blue Hills Reservation is enjoyed year-round by tens of thousands of visitors. Friends of the Blue Hills has fought successfully since 1976 to preserve and protect the Reservation, recognizing that we all share responsibility for caring for this precious and irreplaceable resource.
The Blue Hills Reservation makes up approximately 23% of the total land area of the City of Quincy, and 57% of the land area of Ward Four. It has come under threat by recent development plans such as the Lantana land swap and the proposed Milton cell tower.
"The Blue Hills are one of Quincy’s most important natural treasures," says Councilor Palmucci, “protecting it is critical to maintaining the quality of life for residents of Quincy.”
Residents with questions about this or any other matter can contact Councilor Palmucci on his cell phone, (617) 834-3945 or by email at email.
Urban River Restoration Conference, Cambridge, March 7-10
Urban River Restoration 2010 will focus on the role of revitalized urban rivers and waterfronts within the context of two major trends: an increased focus on sustainable practices to benefit the environment, and a population shift back to cities, which leads to a renewed emphasis on a livable urban environment. Boston Marriott Cambridge Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Conference: March 7 – 10, 2010
Cooperating Organizations:
New England Water Environment Association
Water Environment Research Foundation
American Rivers
Environmental & Water Resources Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (EWRI)
American Society of Landscape Architects
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
American Planning Association - Massachusetts Chapter
When: Sunday 07 March 2010 - 09:30 Ends Sunday 07 March 2010 - 11:30
QEN Annual Breakfast Fundraiser
Please join us for this great event and support the hard work the QEN does.
WHEN: Sunday, March 7th, 9:30am to 11:30 am WHERE: Kennedy Senior Center 440 East Squantum Street COST: $25 per person (kids under 10 free) MENU: Scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage/bacon, fruit, coffee/tea/juice. WHY: Because you love the QEN and want to support our work, of course!
FREE Home Weatherization: APPLICATION DEADLINE March 10
Posted by: PeterF Category: celebration Contact: To apply for the audit/weatherization or volunteer: Patti Keville at email or call (617)799-4961
All day event Wednesday 10 March 2010
The Quincy Environmental Network is partnering with Home Depot and HEETMA (Home Energy Efficiency Team of Cambridge) to introduce monthly Weatherization Barn-Raising Parties in Quincy!
Weatherization Parties are like an old-fashioned barn-raising, where neighbors get together to tackle a big project like building a barn. But instead of one big project, QEN volunteers are taught how to complete many low-cost energy efficiency projects around the house. These simple, yet effective, home weatherization tasks have proven to save up to 40% on electric, water, and heating bills each year.
QEN is now looking for a Quincy home to audit on Sunday, March 14th (10am-12:30pm). APPLICATION DEADLINE is March 10. We will also need volunteers for the audit and to help weatherize this home on Sunday, April 18th (12:30pm-4:30pm).
Our lucky Quincy homeowner will be awarded a free energy efficiency home evaluation AND follow-up weatherization work as well. Since our friends at Home Depot will be covering the cost of weatherization materials ($300-$500/home), and HEET will provide the training, this is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed by homeowners or volunteers!
Volunteering requires no previous skills, just a few hours on a Sunday, and the desire to help conserve energy. Training will be given at each event, and pizza and music will be provided at the end of the weatherization day’s work.
If you would like your Quincy home considered for this free energy audit and weatherization (APPLICATION DEADLINE is March 10) - or if you would like to volunteer on either day - please contact Patti Keville at email, or call (617)799-4961.
FREE Home Weatherization: Audit 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Posted by: PeterF Category: celebration Contact: To apply for the audit/weatherization or to volunteer: Patti Keville at email or call (617)799-4961
When: Sunday 14 March 2010 - 10:00 Ends Sunday 14 March 2010 - 12:30
The Quincy Environmental Network is partnering with Home Depot and HEETMA (Home Energy Efficiency Team of Cambridge) to introduce monthly Weatherization Barn-Raising Parties in Quincy!
Weatherization Parties are like an old-fashioned barn-raising, where neighbors get together to tackle a big project like building a barn. But instead of one big project, QEN volunteers are taught how to complete many low-cost energy efficiency projects around the house. These simple, yet effective, home weatherization tasks have proven to save up to 40% on electric, water, and heating bills each year.
We’ve selected our first home to audit and weatherize!
Come join us on Sunday, March 14th, 10am-12:30pm at “Karen & Mike’s”, 55 The Strand in Quincy, and learn how to perform a Home Energy Audit.
If you can’t make the home audit, sign up to learn – hands-on – what it takes to weatherize your home. Then take these skills back to your own home!
Come help to Weatherize Karen & Mike’s home on April 18th, 12:30-4:30pm. We’ll wrap up the day with pizza and music to celebrate our success.
Save Money, Save Energy, Save the Planet - Start with Quincy!
Contact Patti (pkeville@gmail.com) to sign up.
Volunteering requires no previous skills, just a few hours on a Sunday, and the desire to help conserve energy. Training will be given at each event, and pizza and music will be provided at the end of the weatherization day’s work.
Annual Neponset Spring Cycle: Neponset Greenway Event 10:00 AM
Posted by: PeterF Category: Cycling
When: Saturday 20 March 2010 - 10:00 Ends Saturday 20 March 2010 - 14:00
Location: Meet at concession stand at Fort Independence/Castle Island, Day Blvd., South Boston
Annual Neponset Spring Cycle: Neponset Greenway Event 10:00 a.m. Meet at concession stand at Fort Independence/Castle Island, Day Blvd., South Boston
A 20-mile tour of Boston Harbor and the Neponset Greenway will take us from Castle Island to Paul’s Bridge in Hyde Park and back. This will be our first Neponset ride including some of the new Greenway paths along Truman Parkway! The ride is fairly flat, about 60% on-road and 40% on paved paths. Helmets required.
Click here to see a map of this event location
Event Type: Programs and Activities
DCR Blue Hills Reservation: Hikes and Happenings, Signs of Spring 1:00 PM
Posted by: PeterF Category: Walk/Hike Contact: Website: Link
When: Saturday 20 March 2010 - 13:00 Ends Saturday 20 March 2010 - 14:30
Meet at the Shea Rink parking lot at 651 Willard Street in Quincy. Celebrate the start of spring on an easy stroll. We will be looking for skunk cabbage, mourning cloak butterflies and other early signs of spring. 1.5 hours
If weather conditions are questionable, please call the reservation headquarters at 617-698-1802 ext. 3
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR): The Blue Hills Adult Walking Club 1:00 PM
Posted by: PeterF Category: Walk/Hike Contact: Website: Link
When: Sunday 21 March 2010 - 13:00 Ends Sunday 21 March 2010 - 16:00
The Blue Hills Adult Walking Club is a group of adults that meets on a weekly basis for recreational walks. The purpose of these walks is social exercise. There is no fee to join and everyone 16 or older is welcome. Walks are normally 2 to 5 miles and normally take 2-4 hours. For details go to the DCR Blue Hills Reservation website:
The terrain can vary: EASY (mostly level terrain) MODERATE (hilly terrain) and DIFFICULT (strenuous & steep)
Walks will be lead by a park ranger or a Walking Club volunteer leader. Occasionally, the Walking Club meets at other DCR sites or car pools to sites within the Blue Hills Reservation. The rangers recommend wearing hiking boots and bringing drinking water on all hikes.
Enjoy the programs and keep walking!
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR): The Blue Hills Adult Walking Club 1:00 PM
When: Saturday 27 March 2010 - 00:13 Ends Saturday 27 March 2010 - 16:00
The Blue Hills Adult Walking Club is a group of adults that meets on a weekly basis for recreational walks. The purpose of these walks is social exercise. There is no fee to join and everyone 16 or older is welcome. Walks are normally 2 to 5 miles and normally take 2-4 hours. For details go to the DCR Blue Hills Reservation website:
The terrain can vary: EASY (mostly level terrain) MODERATE (hilly terrain) and DIFFICULT (strenuous & steep)
Walks will be lead by a park ranger or a Walking Club volunteer leader. Occasionally, the Walking Club meets at other DCR sites or car pools to sites within the Blue Hills Reservation. The rangers recommend wearing hiking boots and bringing drinking water on all hikes.
When: Saturday 27 March 2010 - 15:00 Ends Saturday 27 March 2010 - 16:30
Join Peter Fifield and Richard Joyce to explore the ecosystems and history of Black's Creek's and Wollaston Beach. Wear shoes or boots for walking on mud flats. Meet at parking lot of Caddy Park at the southern wnd of Wollaston Beach. Co-sposered by the Friends of Wollaston Beach. For more information and rain date call 617-472-0799.
DCR Blue Hills Reservation: Hikes and Happenings, Three Peaks Hike 7:00 AM
Posted by: PeterF Category: Walk/Hike Contact: Website: Link
When: Sunday 28 March 2010 - 07:00 Ends Sunday 28 March 2010 - 09:00
Meet at the Houghton’s Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside St. in Milton Join a DCR ranger on an early morning 3 mile hike up and over some of the most scenic hilltops the Blue Hills Reservation has to offer. This fast paced hike will summit three peaks before the average person has breakfast! Jumpstart your day. 2 hours If weather conditions are questionable, please call the reservation headquarters at 617-698-1802 ext. 3
When: Tuesday 30 March 2010 - 19:00 Ends Tuesday 30 March 2010 - 20:30
Flight of the Woodcock, Westwood, Tues., March 30, 7-8:30PM
The American woodcock, one of our most bizarre and secretive forest-dwelling birds, possesses superior camouflage for its life of obscurity. However, for a short period of time in early spring, males will leave the safety of the forest to strut their stuff in a dazzling courtship display. Join Hale Reservation for this family program. Meet at the Hale Main Office. Pre-registration is required by Fri., March 26. Free. Call 781-326-1770. Hale Reservation is located at 80 Carby St. in Westwood, MA. For more information, visit Link
QEN Breakfast Fundraiser 9:30-10:30 am