Winchester's 2023 Climate Solutions Week was Saturday Sept. 23 through Saturday Sept. 30

For those who want to see the climate crisis solved, action is taking place at the federal, state and town level. With many solutions at hand, it is an exciting time for Winchester residents who want to make a difference. 

• In 2022 President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, a federal law that will invest at least $369 billion in climate measures that will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas pollution 40% by 2030. 
• In 2022 Governor Baker signed An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, a major state climate bill that will green our electricity supply, make electric vehicles more affordable and add charging stations throughout the state, and direct our electric utilities to incentivize clean heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses. 
• In 2020 Winchester adopted a 2020 Climate Action Plan that will reduce our Town's greenhouse gas pollution 80% by 2050. In 2021 Winchester hired a Sustainability Director to implement the Plan. 

This action builds on existing proven technologies like heat pumps, solar power and electric vehicles that are getting more efficient and less expensive to purchase and install, as well as financial incentives that keep getting more generous. Join us during Climate Solutions Week to learn how you can help solve the climate crisis with practical tips and strategies that take advantage of available technology and financial incentives.

Schedule of Events

Daily

• Keep an eye out for a daily Climate Solutions Week email with the day's events and one key thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. If you're not already subscribed to Winchester Sustainability News, just enter your email address here Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events Schedule of Events and select “Sustainability News”. Messages will also be shared on Winchester's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Climate Solutions Week is also Walk and Roll to School week at all Winchester public schools. Walk and Roll to School is a national movement to encourage walking and bicycling to reduce carbon pollution and improve health. Each school will provide details in its own parent / student newsletter.
• Climate Solutions Week is also National Drive Electric Week.

Saturday Sept. 23

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Climate Solutions Week Table at Winchester Farmers Market. Meet Winchester High School Student climate volunteers and learn about Winchester's plans to help solve the climate crisis, including at the High School. 

Sunday Sept. 24

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Electric Vehicle Showcase. Check out a variety of electric vehicles owned by local residents, who will be on hand to answer questions about vehicle range, capabilities, charging systems and more. See Teslas, Chevy Bolts, Ford's Mach-e and 150 Lightning pickup truck and many more makes and models - also on hand will be electric landscaping equipment from Winchester’s two all-electric landscaping companies. Location: Winchester High School parking lot adjacent to the Commuter Rail tracks.

Monday Sept. 25

Noon - 1:00 p.m. Electric Vehicles 101 with Green Energy Consumers Alliance: Join the Green Energy Consumers Alliance (GECA) for an introduction to Electric Vehicles and how to charge their batteries. To register for this Zoom event (required to participate), click on this link.

Tuesday Sept. 26

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Panel Discussion with Sen. Jason Lewis, Sen. Pat Jehlen, and legislative aides to Reps. Mike Day and Michelle Ciccolo on Recent and Upcoming State Climate Legislation. Come hear from Winchester's distinguished state legislators as they discuss major climate legislation under consideration by the Legislature this session. Moderated by Ken Pruitt, Winchester Sustainability Director. Location: Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road.

Wednesday Sept. 27

Noon – 1:00 p.m. Charged Up - Everything You Need to Know about EV Charging with Green Energy Consumers Alliance. To register for this Zoom event (required to participate), click on this link.

Thursday Sept. 28

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Learn How to Mend Clothing and Textiles for All Ages. Button missing? Small tear? Don't toss your clothing, blankets or other items, learn how to repair them! Save money and reduce your environmental impact. Instructor Karen Bellacosa will provide you with a simple sewing repair kit that you can use for a wide variety of repairs. RSVP by emailing Karen, and bring $20 cash or a check payable to Karen Bellacosa to defray the cost of the repair kit. Location: Winchester Public Library, Large Meeting Room.

Saturday Sept. 30

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Transfer Station Tour with Transfer Station Director Nick Parlee. Tons of materials that would otherwise end up burned or sent to landfills are instead recycled and reused, thanks to Winchester's Transfer Station. This tour will include the Transfer Station's composting and recycling facilities, areas for yard waste disposal and recycling, the Swap Shop, clothing drop boxes, air conditioners, electronic waste and more. Location: 15 McKay Ave. Park just outside the Transfer Station gate in the parking lot between the transfer station gate and the Sons of Italy. No pets allowed, and children must be closely supervised because the Transfer Station will be open and in active use during the tour.