Other Local Events
Below is a listing of upcoming programs from other like minded organizations in the area.
Deep Dialogue. What Makes Up Massachusetts Electric Rates?
Austin Dawson, Deputy Director of Energy Supply and Rates at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), will present on the current status of electric rates in Massachusetts, including what is in electric rates charged to customers and how rates support generating and delivering power to homes and businesses. He'll discuss the various programs that impact the grid and customers. He'll also share how the Massachusetts Interagency Rates Working Group (IRWG), a collaboration between DOER, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and the Attorney General, is addressing near- and long-term electric rate design and ratemaking to align with the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals, by prioritizing the reduction of energy burden while incentivizing electrification.
Ditch gas, cook better with induction cooktops
Did you know cooking with gas might be making your kitchen air worse than outside pollution? Gas stoves release harmful stuff like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can even increase asthma risk in kids. And ventilation only helps if your exhaust fan is strong and you actually use it.
When it’s time to replace your stove, consider going electric or induction. Induction stoves heat faster than gas and are super efficient—plus, they’re safer (you can’t burn your hand on the stove!). And with new rebates and tax credits, switching to induction is more affordable than ever.
Andee Krasner (Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and co-author with Rocky Mountain Institute of a report on gas stoves) will share the facts about gas stove risks and the benefits of induction cooking. We’ll also hear from neighbors using induction cooktops, plus plenty of time for Q&A.
Hot Water, Cool Savings: Heat Pump Water Heater Webinar
Learn how heat pump water heaters can provide an energy-efficient solution for your home, reduce your utility bills, and lower your climate impact. We’ll be joined by Bob Zogg from HeatSmart Alliance and hear from neighbors who have installed these heat pumps. Join us for an evening of information, learning, and community!
Second Annual Conversation with Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer
How is our commonwealth doing in the climate change battle, and what will it mean for you?
Congregation Or Atid is pleased to host Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer as she shares an update and discusses plans to ameliorate climate change in the Commonwealth.
Forests and Carbon Sequestration
Lincoln Land Conservation Trust
Emerson Conrad Rooney, a PhD student at Boston University, will speak about forests, carbon sequestration, and climate change.
Framingham Repair Cafe
Got something that needs fixing or mending? Bring it to the Repair Café! Our volunteers can help fix many things including: clothing, lamps, small appliances, computers/other electronics, bikes, batteries, toys, jewelry, and sewing machines. We will also have a station for sharpening straight knives, scissors, and garden tools.
Impacts of Artificial Light on Insects
With Dr. Avalon Owens. Massachusetts Pollinator Network. Lexington Living Landscapes.
Save Money with Solar
We’ll be joined by Matt Honkonen, from East Coast Solar to learn about this renewable energy alternative to power your home and lower your climate impact!
Co-sponsors: plugIN and Resilient Swampscott.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Can They Meet 2050 Climate Goals?
Much of the research and policy discussion about the future of “sustainable aviation fuels” has been funded by the aviation industry. This webinar features independent researchers who receive no aviation industry support. It may also provide new arguments for future public comments on the Hanscom developers’ SDEIR (Supplementary Draft Environmental Impact Report), once it’s filed.
Panelists: Dan Lashof, Director of World Resources Institute; Chuck Collins, Director of Program on Inequality, Institute for Policy Studies; Neil Rasmussen, Member of MIT governing board, serves on energy and climate committees.
Other Sponsors: Institute for Policy Studies, Program on Inequality; Coalition to Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere; Mass Power Forward; Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN); Center for Biological Diversity
XR Boston Statehouse Standout --
YOU ARE INVITED
To Come and Support a Special Session of the STATEHOUSE STANDOUT
Weds. Jan. 8 at any time between 10 am & 2 pm
As we confront legislators on the first day of the 2025 session. We'll be reminding them of our demands:
NO NEW FOSSIL FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE
HALT HANSCOM'S NEW HANGARS
STOP PROJECT MAPLE
We are currently Standing Out every Tuesday and Thursday In two shifts, 10-12 and 12-2 and we are welcoming all rebels to join us on either an occasional or regular visit.
This is a green protest designed as a regular "in your face" reminder to the Governor, legislators, and public that MORE ACTION IS NEEDED. For more info, you can reach out to fuels.standout.ma@proton.me
Onward!
The SPJE Team
Protecting Urban Forested Natural Areas: Making the Case for Conservation
Urban forested natural areas provide numerous ecosystem services and places for urban residents to recreate, interact with nature, and seek respite from the hustle of urban life. Despite these benefits, forests are often cleared and the consequences are severe. Join this webinar to learn more about the benefits of urban forested natural areas, the threats they face, and what you can do to help conserve these spaces.
Heat Pump Webinar
Learn about community solar and how it saves you money and supports the growth of the clean energy economy here in Massachusetts. It's a month-to-month subscription service with no money down and no cancellation fees.
Driving Through a Winter Wonderland
Green Energy Consumer Alliance
Many people are concerned about the performance of electric vehicles in winter. Electric vehicle (EV) performance does change in winter, but so does that of gas-powered cars. There are thousands of EV drivers who drive through winters in New York and New England (and even colder places like Canada and Norway) with their EVs every year. Here’s what winter weather will do to your EV and tips from other EV owners.
Understanding the Massachusetts MOR-EV Rebate for Electric Cars
Green Energy Consumer Alliance
Massachusetts has had a rebate for electric cars since 2014, called MOR-EV. This year, the rebate underwent some big changes, thanks to last year’s climate law. During this webinar, we’ll go over the rebate in depth.
A second webinar is being offered at 7 PM the same day. Click here to register.
Massachusetts Heat Pump Incentives
Green Energy Consumer Alliance
Considering upgrading your heating system? Get answers to any questions you might have about heat pumps: a super-efficient heating and cooling option, including the rebates available in Massachusetts.
En-ROADS Climate Workshop
The En-ROADS Climate Workshop is an interactive experience that helps build support for strategies to address climate change by running this MIT-developed Climate Simulator. The resulting experience is hopeful, scientifically grounded, action-oriented, and eye-opening. The workshop has been run for thousands of climate leaders, including members of the U.S. Congress, HSBC Bank, the UN Secretary-General’s Office, and many others.
Cooling Your Home Without Warming the Planet
Congregation Or Atid Climate Action Committee
Traditionally, cooling your house has meant warming the planet. Today, however, new technologies give us greener choices. Join geophysicist Beth Ellen Clark Joseph and engineer Jacob Miller, both experts on climate-friendly air conditioning and heating. Learn how you can stay healthy and comfortable—while reducing your carbon footprint.
Click here to register
High Tide and High Time for Climate Action
Beyond Plastics Greater Boston
along with several local climate groups is co-sponsoring this event at Long Wharf in Boston. The next Wicked High King Tide will occur at 1:00 pm. We will gather at 12:15. This event is a call for Climate Action in Massachusetts and will include short speeches, music, dance, puppets, and art. Extinction Rebellion's Red Rebels will also make an appearance. Please join us. Signs will be provided. Climate Change is Scary! Wear all black or black and orange or dress as the dead - ghosts or skeletons. Wear rubber boots or old shoes as the tide floods Long Wharf.
Test Drive an Electric Vehicle
Wayland's Energy and Climate Committee and
Weston's Sustainability Committee.
Test drive an all-new electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid vehicle from BMW, Toyota, Volvo, and more! Talk with EV owners about their experience, get advice, ask questions, and learn why so many residents are making the switch to electric vehicles.
Food trucks will be on site for refreshments. Vendors will be available to answer questions on electric vehicles, installing charge ports, and sign up for a MassSave Energy Audit.
Visit Weston's or Wayland's website for more information and to sign up to test drive an EV
Framingham Repair Cafe
Our volunteers can help fix many things including clothing, lamps, small appliances, computers/other electronics, bikes, batteries, toys, jewelry, and sewing machines. We will also have a station for sharpening straight knives, scissors and garden tools.
Proposed Priorities for the Next U.S. President to Reduce Plastic Pollution
In the run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Beyond Plastics has released a list of 27 priority policy recommendations for the next U.S. president to reduce plastic pollution. These recommendations pave the way to address the plastic pollution crisis by significantly reducing the production of plastics, thereby limiting their negative impacts on environmental justice communities, human health, climate change, fish and wildlife, and our planet.
STOP PRIVATE JET EXPANSION at Hanscom or Anywhere
Webinar with Special Remarks by Susan Solomon
MIT professor, author, & Nobel Prize recipient
About Susan Solomon
Susan Solomon is an atmospheric chemistry professor at MIT, founding director of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative and author of the book Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do It Again, published in June 2024. Solomon is well-known for her pioneering work on the Antarctic ozone layer and played a crucial role in repairing the ozone hole. She co-led the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I which won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
Save Money with Community Solar - No Roof Required
Learn about community solar and how it saves you money and supports the growth of the clean energy economy here in Massachusetts. It's a month-to-month subscription service with no money down and no cancellation fees.
Getting to Zero - Embodied Carbon with Tim Lock
Lincoln Green Energy and CFREE
By making the right choices, we can reduce the carbon "embedded" in our houses, cars, and products we use every day.
Community Gardens as a Resilience Tool
MPAC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council)
Explore the many co-benefits of community gardens, including strengthened community connections and increased accessibility to food growing. You will hear from practitioners who are doing this work on the ground and advancing their community’s climate resilience goals.
Framingham Repair Cafe
In-person event - Our volunteers can help fix many things for FREE including: clean and mendable clothing, lamps, small appliances, computers/other electronics, bicycles, toys, jewelry, and sewing machines. The Café will also feature a sharpening station for knives, scissors, and garden tools. There is no charge and donations are welcome.
The Year to Save the Earth
First Parish of Sudbury - The Sudbury Meetinghouse Concert Series
Mixing powerful songs and beautiful images, Jim Scott's melodies and poetry celebrate what's beautiful, amazing, and fragile on our planet Earth. With Marth Sanderfer, vocals; Tom Petrakes, bass; and Jack Bastante, percussion.
Getting to Zero - Going for Low Hanging Fruit
Lincoln Green Energy and CFREE
How your food choices can lower your carbon footprint.
Heat Pumps with Green Energy Consumers Alliance and EnergySage
Do you need to upgrade your heating system? It might be a good time to consider heat pumps: a super-efficient heating option that also provides cooling in summer. There are big rebates & incentives to install heat pumps, but not every HVAC technician knows how to install them correctly. EnergySage can help you find trusted installers and advice when it comes time to compare their quotes. We'll get you oriented so you can ask the right questions and find the best answers to suit your home.
Site with Love - Transition is certain. Justice is not
The MA Environmental Justice Legislative Table invites you to join us in a vision for justice. This webinar invites all Massachusetts residents to connect, to learn and ultimately take action in implementing environmental solutions that are both effective and equitable this legislative session.
Energy Realities - Time to take a second look at Nuclear Energy
Eco-Nuclear Solutions
UU Lane Lyceum, Needham
Nuclear specialist David Butz invites you to take a second look at the benefit of nuclear energy to quickly reduce CO2 emissions while safely sequestering all by-products. David has studied this dense, efficient, powerful energy source for more than thirty years.
Housing and Land Conservation - It Doesn't have to be Either/Or
Wellesley Conservation Land Trust
Wellesley Free Library
Sustainable Wellesley
A panel discussion to provide a forum for ideas as to how pro-active collaboration between community housing proponents and land conservation advocates can lead to successful outcomes. This is a hybrid event, join us in person at the Wellesley Main Library, Wakelin Room, or via Zoom.