Support for Article 17 Clean Heat at Hartwell Ave.

Here is the statement from LexZeroWaste in response to the upcoming Article 17 to be voted on at Lexington’s Special Town Meeting this month.

“In line with our mission to raise awareness and take action to address the impacts of our consumption choices on the well-being of the Earth and all life on it, LexZeroWaste is proud to publicly support Article 17 “Clean Heat for Hartwell Ave” in the upcoming Lexington Special Town Meeting.

Article 17 seeks to add “incentive zoning” for lab buildings in the new commercial district on Hartwell Avenue. 

This zoning initiative, if passed, will incentivize new lab buildings–currently exempted from having to use alternatives to fossil fuels–to adopt hybrid HVAC systems. This is projected to reduce harmful emissions by 60 – 90% from what would otherwise be produced by new lab buildings in the district.

Consuming fossil fuels produces waste that is harmful to our environment and human health and emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global heating, undermining our ability to avert a climate catastrophe for future generations.

We applaud the work and effort of the Sustainable Lexington Committee, the Clean Heat Alliance, and all sponsors of Article 17 who are offering a tool for commercial developers to do their part to change course and move towards a future built on zero waste. “

Zero Waste Conversation: 10/28

Reusable Containers soon to be available for bulk foods in Concord

Concord’s Board of Health just approved a variance to the Food Code allowing customers to use containers from home for purchasing bulk foods. This is a significant win for the world of reuse and we look forward to the possibility for this in Lexington…

From Debra’s Natural Gourmet in Concord, who led the effort: “One of the points we tried to make was that nothing in the food system is 100% risk free and that the question to ask, “Is the risk reasonable?” There is a track record of safety and acceptance for returnables in industrialized, well-regulated countries around the world. Here, now, we allow people to squeeze peaches to see if they are ripe, we sell sushi, chicken, unpasteurized apple cider, and allow people to refill their own coffee cups at gas stations – we accept self-serve salad bars. Since we do accept that risk, why should a mason jar from home be banned as dangerous?”

Great work, Debra and all those who supported the effort!

Low-Waste Shopping with Cleenland at LFM 10/5!

Are you looking for a way to reduce your household plastic consumption? If so, join Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative and Cleenland at this refill event at the Lexington Farmers Market for Sustainability Day.

Bring along any of your empty containers and Cleenland will be happy to refill them for you with their eco-friendly household and personal care products. For the list of low-waste and refill items available, see products.

Lexington Farmers Market

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

 2:00–6:30 pm

Membership!

Become a Zero Waste Hero!

We’re very excited to launch the LexZeroWaste membership program and hope all who are interested in supporting Zero Waste initiatives in our community will join us as a member.

With a membership of $25 or more, you can:

• Enable new Zero Waste programs and practices in the community

• Meet, collaborate and take action with other members who share your desire for less waste

• Support environmental justice initiatives in communities impacted by Lexington’s waste.

… and more!

New Members through December 31, 2021 will be recognized as “Charter” members for the life of their LexZeroWaste membership.

Please visit our Membership page to learn more and consider joining us as a Zero Waste Hero!

Annual Meeting on 9/9

Please join us for our first annual meeting on Thursday, September 9, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Lexington Community Center.

Thursday, September 9
6:00 – 7:30 pm

Lexington Community Center
(under the tent in the back parking lot)

We’re looking forward to sharing our accomplishments over this past year, including some special thanks,  bringing everyone up to speed with our exciting programs in the works.

We’ll have lots of opportunity for “social distance mingling“, seeing old friends, making new acquaintances, and even joining together with a fun activity to help name our reusable takeout program. (Start thinking now!)

Due to Covid-19, we have decided not to offer refreshments. However, we hope you will bring your own food and drinks in your own reusable containers! And to celebrate the launch of LexSORT, we will provide a bin for composting any food waste you have!

Thank you again for your time, dedication, and support. 

We hope you can attend. Please let us know if you can attend with this RSVP link!

Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative Board