Earth Day Show & Tell Around Town

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Events were held in 2022 & 2023. These events offered the opportunity for residents to meet and talk with fellow residents who have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint through actions small and large.

Harvard’s Climate Initiative, with assistance from Harvard’s Energy Advisory Committee, held “Earth Day Show and Tell Around Town” events in 2022 and 2023. The unique feature of these and future “Show & Tell” events is the opportunity for residents to meet and talk with fellow residents (at any combination of numerous locations around town) who have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint through actions small and large, for example:

  • Open Houses – many of your neighbors throughout town invited participants to their homes to learn about their experience with advances like efficient heating and cooling systems (mini-splits, ducted air source, geothermal), solar systems, battery storage systems, induction stoves, air source hot water systems, net zero home construction and more. Several of these homeowners also have electric vehicles and showed their charging systems.
  • Organic & Regenerative Farming Practice Open Houses – farms & homes showcased a variety of organic fruit and vegetable gardens, pollinator gardens, planting and growing techniques, composting systems, solar fencing, and electric lawn equipment, mobile chicken coop, rainwater harvesting and more. Some hosted talks in their areas of expertise.
  • American Chestnut Restoration Project – participants joined an educational walking tour of this important project, right here in Harvard.
  • Participants also found things of interest for Kids at two of our host locations: Good Spirits Farm and Porchside Farmstand’s operation location.

In addition, there were HUBs in the center of town where participants interacted with vendors, individuals and organizations who provide and/or have experience with various types of equipment and practices.

  • Electric Vehicle Petting Zoo – there was a variety of electric cars, an F150 truck, and electric bikes/tricycles. Their owners were present to talk about their experiences and answer questions. Our police chief stopped in with the hybrid cruiser.
  • New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s Land Steward gave a presentation about the garden’s sustainable practices that earned them the AGZA Green Zone Certification. They were the first botanical garden to receive this certification.
  • Community Organizations – gave presentations about how organizations are tackling areas of concern to many residents: recycling, conservation, composting, light pollution, wetlands, invasive plant & weed clean-up, pond health, watershed, and more.
  • Vendors – participants had the opportunity to meet vendors who sell air and ground source heat pump systems, solar installations, landscaping services, electric power equipment and MassSave energy audits.
  • Kids’ Activities – in addition to the playground for kids, the Boy Scouts and Bromfield’s Green Team offered activities for kids with an environmental education twist.