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When it comes to climate change, Winchester residents are working hard to do their part to help the environment. And events like Climate Solutions Week raise awareness, educate and hopefully inspire those who might not know exactly what their part is — but are happy to see their community making progress towards meeting the goals of its Climate Action Plan.
Ken Pruitt came up with the idea for the event four years ago when he took on the job of sustainability director for the town.
“I had twin goals,” Pruitt said, of the idea. “I wanted to raise awareness of climate change and that the town was doing a lot of things to combat climate change, like promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, tree planting and more.”
Pruitt said the idea of climate change can be a bit depressing and overwhelming for a lot of people.
“I wanted to emphasize that there are actual solutions the town is engaging in, as well as the state,” he said. “Most importantly, I wanted residents to know that there are things they can do themselves that will make a difference.”
Pruitt said over the past several years, there has been a lot of participation in the events he plans for the Climate Solutions Week. And, he added, there are 425 people on the newsletter list he sends out.
While he added he knows not everyone can attend every event, Pruitt said the daily email that goes out to residents during Climate Solutions Week has sustainability tips and ideas for something they can do in their own lives.
And even if you don’t open the email, Pruitt said having it sitting in your inbox is like having a to do list you can turn to in time.
Pruitt said residents have told him how much they like Climate Solutions Week and when he’s asked what they particularly liked, he’s been told nothing.
“They’ve said they didn’t attend anything,” he said. “But they were excited to read the email. A lot of people say they get a lot out of that, even if they don’t go.”
But he wants residents to know one thing about the planned events.
“The events are awesome, so I hope everyone attends!” he said, laughing.
Pruitt said ideas he has for events can just pop into his head or from brainstorming with the Climate Action Advisory Committee. Some ideas, he added, just lend themselves to the week, such as having the town’s first net zero school (the Lynch) just open its doors.
Pruitt said if there’s one thing he’d like people to know about Climate Solutions Week it’s that he wants the event to be uplifting.
“I want to give people practical tips on things they can do,” he said. “People do feel overwhelmed. I heard this quote once on NPR [that sums it up]: ‘Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.’”
Grab your calendar for Climate Solutions Week
Winchester’s Climate Solutions Week will take place from Sunday, Sept. 21 to Saturday, Sept. 27. Some events require pre-registration so start planning your Climate Solutions Week now!
Schedule of Events
Daily
Keep an eye out for a daily Climate Solutions Week email with upcoming events and one key thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.
Climate Solutions Week is also Walk and Roll to School week at all Winchester public schools. Walk and Roll to School is a national movement to encourage walking and bicycling to reduce carbon pollution and improve health. Each school will provide details in its own parent / student newsletter.
Sunday, Sept. 21
3–4 p.m.: All-Electric Home Tour
Come tour an all-electric home in Winchester. The home has a ducted cold climate heat pump, heat pump water heater, heat pump dryer, induction stove, electric vehicles, and rooftop solar. The homeowner will be on hand to go through the systems and answer any questions about the process of electrifying and getting off of fossil fuels.
For more information and to RSVP (optional), click here.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
12–1 p.m.: Understanding the Massachusetts MOR-EV Rebate for Electric Cars
Join the well-regarded Green Energy Consumers Alliance for this free webinar about the MOR-EV rebate, which provides rebates of $3,500 - $6,000 for the purchase of an electric vehicle.
For more information and to register, click here.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
12–1 p.m.: Nature Walk in the Middlesex Fells Reservation
Join Jeff Adams, a volunteer leader from the Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, and Ken Pruitt, Winchester sustainability director, for a one-hour leisurely hike from the Long Pond Parking Lot entrance, located on South Border Road in Winchester near Alice Lane. Wear sturdy shoes.
RSVPs appreciated but not required (email Ken Pruitt (Kpruitt@winchester.us) with the number in your party).
Thursday, Sept. 25
4–7 p.m.: Climate Fresk Workshop
Climate Fresk is a fun, interactive, and collaborative workshop that helps participants understand the science behind climate change and explore meaningful solutions.
Using a series of illustrated cards based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, the workshop guides participants through the causes and consequences of climate change in a way that is accessible, engaging, and solutions-oriented.
The workshop lasts about three (3) hours and is open to all — no prior knowledge required! The facilitator is Winchester resident and Climate Action Advisory Committee member Damien Thiery.
The workshop will be held in the Mystic Valley Room, ground floor of Town Hall. RSVP here.
Friday, Sept. 26
12–1 p.m.: Zoom presentation: All About Trees in Winchester
Whether you want information on the best trees to plant in your yard and where to purchase them, what is happening to Winchester’s tree canopy over time, or what is being done to increase Winchester’s tree canopy, this presentation is for you.
Sponsored by Winchester’s Tree Committee and Climate Action Advisory Committee. Zoom registration required, click here to pre-register for this presentation.
Saturday, Sept. 27
10–11 a.m.: Transfer Station Tour with Transfer Station Director Nick Parlee (arrive 9:45 to sign tour waiver; tour starts 10 a.m. sharp).
Tour will include the Transfer Station’s new aerobic food waste digester, composting and recycling facilities, areas for yard waste disposal and recycling, the Swap Shop, clothing drop boxes, air conditioners, electronic waste and more.
Location: 15 McKay Ave. Park just outside the Transfer Station gate in the parking lot between the transfer station gate and the Sons of Italy. No pets allowed, and children must be closely supervised.
2–3 p.m.: Tour of New All-Electric, Net Zero Lynch Elementary School
The newly-opened Lynch Elementary School is Winchester's first all-electric, net zero energy school building. Join us for a tour that will feature the rooftop and parking canopy solar arrays, electric vehicle charging stations, heat pump heating and air conditioning system, and more.
Tour starts outside front entrance at 2 p.m. Electric Vehicle showcase in parking lot after tour.
For schedule updates, visit the Climate Solutions Week Web page by clicking here.
Sustainability resources for residents and businesses
• Sustainability Department Website
• WinPower - Winchester's Community Electricity Program (sign-up for 100% carbon-free electricity and green your home!)
