Events
The following sustainability-related events are in/near Hopkinton, and sponsored by the SGC or community organizations
Help make pollinator gardens in town - Jul. 22, 24, and to October
Shaurya and Suhani Patni, high schoolers in town, are conducting a community project to plant pollinator gardens at the Hughes property at 192 Hayden Rowe and at the Pratt property between 108 and 126 Fruit St. These types of gardens are crucial, helping restore native habitats and providing valuable resources for bees, birds, and more. Most importantly, they are intended to convey the need for them and how you can create your own at your home or another facility. Trevor Smith, Weston Nurseries director of design and education, is graciously shepherding this project and will be on hand to share his wisdom.
Use the signup sheets to schedule when you can help plant and/or water. We also welcome you to come to watch the work or visit to gardens anytime to learn more.
July 22, 5 to 8pm - planting at Hughes property, 192 Hayden Rowe - bring a shovel and gloves to help plant - SIGN UP HERE. Celebration at 7:30 pm.
July 24, 5 to 8pm - planting at Pratt property, between 108 and 126 Fruit St. - bring a shovel and gloves to help plant - SIGN UP HERE.
July 25 - rain date - check back here to see if it's needed
July 23 through October - help water the plants. Sign up for a slot(s) at Hughes or at the Pratt field.
Spring 2025 - clean up beds - details provided next year, but you can let us know if you're interested: email hopgreenma@gmail.com.
More info ... about the project and what you can do!
Every Sunday, 1 to 5 pm, on the Common
Come get your locally-produced goods including fresh veggies, honey, eggs, wine, flowers, crafts, and more plus live music and food trucks. Make it a weekly habit, through Oct. 13. Details at hopkintonfarmersmarket.com.
Shopping locally means less gas emissions from transporting food - get your berries from a few miles away instead of a few thousand miles away! Many of the vendors follow organic practices. It also means less packaging. And you're buying from your neighbors.
The Town of Hopkinton is seeking input from homeowners to inform the Town’s first climate action plan. Apply now to participate in a series of three one hour focus groups.
Approximately 10 participants will be selected based on social resilience evaluation criteria.The first focus group will be held in late June, with subsequent sessions occurring from June to October. Participants will be compensated for their time and insights.
Apply here. Please email jchun@hopkintonma.gov with any questions.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection - Sat. Aug. 3, 8am to 1pm, 83 Wood St.
The Department of Public Works accepts hazardous waste from Hopkinton residents. It's important to dispose of these items with the DPW - putting them down your drain or in your trash will harm the environment and ultimately all of us. See this flyer from the DPW for details.
AND next time you are considering buying an insecticide or a hazardous household cleaning product, etc. look for an alternative. For cleaning, you can easily find safer alternatives online. For your lawn and garden, use organic treatments and consider replacing parts of your lawn and garden with native plants. Even though the hazardous waste is being more safely disposed of, it's still hazardous and is still going somewhere, so it's best to avoid using it as much as possible.
See also current intiatives:
Black Earth curbside composting promotional drive - get a free bin and liners with signup
Latest EV data for Hopkinton shows over 25% of residents who bought a new car the past couple of years chose an EV
From Recent Events
From "Get the Dirt on Composting" at the Library, June 2024
If you couldn't attend, visit the composting page of our website, which includes all the good dirt on composting including slides from the event and more about the current Black Earth curbside composting incentive.
Town Meeting - May 8, 7pm, Middle School
The specialized energy code PASSED by nearly a 2/3 margin.
Learn more about the specialized code at hopspecialized.org
Herbcide treatment for lake weeds - we're not fans
The Sustainble Green Committee advises against using herbicides to treat unwanted plant growth on Lake Maspenock - read the full statement here, including a list of resources to learn more.
Annual Update to the Select Board
Watch the Video on HCAM YouTube (starts ~1hr in)
Eco-Friendly Living in Hopkinton - a talk as part of the Women's Club speaker series by Linda Chuss from the Sustainable Green Committee
Slides are here
Checklists are here:
Save Energy & Money - Mass Save, Heat Pumps, and 0% Loans - Watch the Video
0:00 - Introduction
2:25 - Mass Save with Dan Russo
23:30 - Heat Smart Alliance with Steve Breit (note there is no audio for this segment but the slides are useful)
58:20 - 0% Financing with Estela Singleton from Webster First FCU
This is a way you can increase your impact - affecting not just yourself or your own household but many people at once, who will in turn start following some of the practices in their lives too. Learn more here.
Get the Dirt on Composting event at the Library in June 2024
Many hands pitch in to plant a pollinator garden at the YMCA for Shaurya Patni's Eagle Scout project
Spreading the word about composting, native plants and organic gardening at the Hopkinton Garden Club plant sale in May 2024
Residents responsibly recycled clothing, household items, and dehumidifiers at the May 2024 recycling day
Volunteers from Faith Community Church cleaned up a very trashy spot in town - kudos!
Know Your Vote - the committee answered questions about the Specialized Energy Code in advance of Town Meeting
Residents volunteered to help clean up litter on a cold day in April, before the marathon. Photo by John Cardillo from the Hopkinton Independent.
The Town held a Climate Action Plan Workshop in April, where residents could learn, ask questions, and provide input
Farmers Market July 2023
Recycling Drive June 2023
Garden Club Plant Sale
Repair Cafe - Apr 2023
HCA Sustainability Summit - Nov 2022
Women's Club Climate Change Talk - Oct 2022
Regional EV Expo - Oct 2022
Green Team Junk Removal - Sep 2022
Lion's Club Repair Cafe at Senior Center - Sep 2022
Polyarts - Sep 2022
Hop 101 - May 2022
Mon. Apr. 29, 7 to 8:30pm - eHop - Learn about the specialized code and more
Watch or attend in person at HCAM studos to hear more about or ask about the specialized code and other topics at the eHop know your vote event - details here