Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee
Hopkinton residents often ask what sustainable practices they should follow - this page introduces what will have the most impact and provides links to help you do them.
You can't do all of them right now but you can do a few, and then work on the rest. Some have no cost, some will save you money in the near term, and all will save you money in the longer term, plus there are incentives to help you.
This website is intended to be the one-stop spot for all your local sustainability needs. It's a work-in-progress and is updated regularly. We welcome your input, too!
See what others in town are doing - they've earned green stars - and let us know about your efforts.
Get a Mass Save audit and implement the recommendations - buildings are the largest contributors to greenhouse gases in town and this one thing will save energy in your home or business and save you money. You need an audit to take advantage of some of the savings and can get one every two years because technology and programs change.
Switch to electric energy when it's time to replace your home HVAC and vehicles:
Get a heat pump in your home or business
Get an electric car, and/or carpool or combine trips or get a higher MPG vehicle.
Install solar panels - get an assessment, or encourage your landlord to do that if you are not the owner
Use this calculator from the non-profit Rewiring America to see what incentives and savings might apply to you. See more resources and guides at their website, RewiringAmerica.org
Reduce your energy use - wear a sweater before turning on the heat, use Energy Star appliances, etc.
Reduce waste - consume less, reuse more, compost your food, and recycle
Eat more plants and less animal-based food: more vegetables, nuts, fruits, beans ~ less meat, poultry, fish, dairy
When making decisions about moving, additions, and having a second home, consider the significant impact that square footage per person has on the environment. A larger space means more greenhouse emissions for heating and for materials produced and transported, and more disturbance of natural habitat. Here's one study on the impact.
Don't use products that harm us and the earth and find alternatives
Learn more and share what you find - use the resources from SGC including this website, our newsletter and social media postings, and also sources you already trust. Talk with people you know, suggest changes to groups you are part of, and volunteer to implement changes.
See how one household, the Simpson's, have been upping their game, and look for testimonials from other local residents in each of the areas of the web site
The mission of the Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee is to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in the Town of Hopkinton. The Committee will assist town government, business and residents to implement sustainable policies and practices in the areas of energy, agriculture, conservation and commerce. The Committee will increase the public's awareness of important environmental issues through education and outreach. By fostering environmentally friendly practices in Hopkinton, the Committee aims to enhance the quality of life for our residents, visitors and future generations.
The Committee was established in 2008 to assist the Town in developing cost effective, sustainable practices that will aid town government, existing and future business, and residents. The Committee reorganized in 2020 with renewed energy and focus. Some of current focus areas include:
- Net zero carbon emissions declaration and climate action plan
- Municipal aggregation plan for the purchase of sustainably produced electricity at reduced group rates
- Improvements in recycling and composting
- Reduction of the use of plastic, styrofoam, and pesticides
- Town-wide cleanup days
- Visibility events and other opportunities for education and advocacy