Events

The following sustainability-related events & activities are in/near Hopkinton, and sponsored by the SGC or community organizations

We've got a "green" hole on the "green"

The Sustainable Green Committee is pleased to be sponsoring a "hole" at the Library's annual mini golf game. Come play - see our creative obstacle that promotes a greener world and helps to support our town's essential library.

Reuse is Green for your Wallet & the Planet

Donations for HopSwap will be accepted on Friday, March 14th from 3-8 PM at the Hopkinton Middle School. NO STUFFED ANIMALS WILL BE ACCEPTED THIS YEAR!

Then come shop the swap on Saturday, March 15th from 9-Noon in the Middle School Gym/Caf. Cash or check only.

All proceeds benefit the Hopkinton Moms Group and the HPTO, therefore supporting our town and schools!

Garden Design for Wildlife - Wed. Mar. 26, 6:30 at the Library

Regenerative landscape designer Trevor Smith of Weston Nurseries will explain everything we need to think about when it comes to designing and gardening for wildlife. He'll also cover how your garden can play a substantial role in rebuilding the local ecosystem and helping create climate resilience.

This program is co-sponsored by the Hopkinton Area Land Trust.

Visit hopkintonlibrary.org/calendar for more information!

Join this Day of Environmental Awareness and Action!

Westborough is excited to invite you to the Annual Westborough Environmental Action Fair! This event brings together professionals, town employees, students, and artists to showcase their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. For more info, visit the website.

What to Expect:

Exhibitors: Meet local professionals and town employees dedicated to environmental initiatives.

Student Exhibitors: Discover innovative projects and ideas from our talented students.

Art Showcase: Enjoy a display of creative works that highlight the beauty of our environment and the importance of conservation.

Games: Play games related to sustainability and the environment

Senior Center Program - Mon. Apr. 7, 1pm

Native Plants, Organic Gardening, and Composting - Our Sustainable Green Committee is excited to be able to discuss these important topics with the seniors in our community. Some seniors probably have followed these green practices and no doubt will share their tips. This program will encourage sharing with their families, prompt those who've stopped following the methods to take them up again, and provide information to those who never knew about the importance of sustainable gardening. And you don't HAVE to be a senior to attend. 28 Mayhew St - see you then.

Sat. Apr. 12, 10am to 2pm - Annual Recycling and Reuse Day

Save the date - details coming soon. An easy way to bring all your stuff at one time to be responsibly redistributed. New this year will be shredding and plastic film collection, plus Ashland residents will be joining us. At the Marathon School.

Native and Pollinator Garden Projects

Help plant a raised bed garden at the library - prep work on Thurs. evening May 29, planting Saturday morning May 31. All welcome - no experience needed - kids will love it. Details coming soon.

We'll need people to water the pollinator gardens in town at Hughes Farm & Pratt Field. Stay tuned to sign up for a slot.

Sun. Apr. 27 - EV Expo in Hopkinton

Save the date for an Electric Vehicle Expo. EV owners can sign up now to bring their vehicles to show and tell with neighbors from around town. Anyone who wants to learn more about EVs and get the REAL scoop from owners will appreciate this event. It's at the High School parking lot and is FREE!

Sat. May 10 - Garden Club Plant Sale - 8 to noon on the Common

Save the date - details coming soon.

Video series about composting

Watch the series of short videos by Hopkinton residents about our trash problem and composting as a way to help address it. And check out the incentive to use the Black Earth service - it won't last forever.

#4 with Linda Chuss - it's easy and cheap to compost in your backyard

#3 with Diane Hayward - The Black Earth cubrside pickup service is easy to use

#2 with Deena Baker-Nel - Scraps as trash or resource?

#1 with Christine Coffman - Hopkinton's Trash Opportunity - the why and the how.

MORE about Composting

Winter Market Starting Nov. 3

Come get your locally-produced goods including fresh veggies, honey, eggs, wine, flowers, crafts, and more. Make it a weekly habit. Details at hopkintonfarmersmarket.com. The market is being held in winter at Weston Nurseries, 93 E Main St. every Sunday from 10 to 2.

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. Plus, you're buying from your neighbors, not a multinational conglomerate.

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)
See PDF of the slides

Eco-Friendly Living in Hopkinton - a talk as part of the Women's Club speaker series by Linda Chuss from the Sustainable Green Committee

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

Make all the events you hold or attend more sustainable using these guidelines

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.