By Morwen Two Feathers, from Musketaquid and Concord Conserves
Upon hearing about this spring's upcoming initiative, "Concord Conserves," perhaps you are thinking, "Of course, Concord conserves!" After all, Concord is populated with responsible citizens who care about the environment. We have an exemplary town-wide recycling program, a municipal light plant that gives rebates for energy-efficient appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs, and a water conservation program administered by the Town. We have the legacy of Thoreau and Emerson, reminding us of our intimate connection with nature around us. What else could we do?
This is the question that Ann Dorfman, coordinator of the Town's recycling program, was asking herself. She knew that part of being a good environmental citizen is finding the room for improvement, and then improving. And, she thought, if we all do it together as a Town, we can encourage each other to do even better. Together with John Odell from the Light Plant and Joanne Bisetta from the Water Department, Ann brainstormed the idea of an ongoing initiative that would raise awareness of conservation issues and inspire action. That initiative is Concord Conserves.
Knowing that Town government can't do it all alone, Ann pulled together a diverse group of people, including business owners, artists, recycling volunteers, people working with youth, community energy activists, librarians, and more, to discuss how the initiative will work. The group quickly agreed that the theme of Concord Conserves is "Action with Awareness," the goal to understand the need to protect the environment and become even better at conserving than we already are. Specific goals for this year include selling 10,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (that's just two per household!), increasing the town recycling rate from 45% to 50%, and getting at least one water-saving device into each household in town. Look for rebates and coupons that will make reaching these goals inexpensive and easy! Since the initiative will be ongoing, goals will be set and evaluated each year.
Activities connected with Concord Conserves will be many and varied. Concord already has an established Earth Day celebration, sponsored by the Musketaquid Arts and Environment Program at the Emerson Umbrella. The Concord Conserves committee decided to time the start of its month-long initiative to coincide with the opening of Musketaquid's Earth Month Exhibit on Friday, April 21, and to end on the May 20 Drop Off- Swap Off day. Between those dates (which encompass National Earth Day on April 22), there are many activities planned -- for example, workshops on bicycling to work, foraging for edible plants, back yard composting, and vernal pools.
Watch for a display of environmental books at the Concord Free Public Library, and a list of recommended books on the library web site (you'll even be able to make your own recommendations of good books). Many local businesses will have energy-saving devices and/or environmentally sensitive products on sale during the month, and will post a display in their windows telling the story of how they conserve. A number of events are planned, including, of course, the Earth Day parade and Environmental Expo on April 29; watch for speakers and films on environmental issues to be offered during the month.
How can you get involved? Watch for the town-wide mailing that will appear in your mailbox soon. The Concord Conserves committee will be distributing checklists that you can use to survey your home or business to find your own room for improvement. Young people and teens are invited to help sell conservation devices around town during Concord Conserves month. Join the Musketaquid Earth Day parade on April 29, and come to the Environmental Expo to find out about what local organizations are doing and how you can participate. Join sculptor Bill Turville on DO-SO day to make public art from cast-off and recycled materials. Do you have other ideas? If you or your family, church group, or neighborhood would like to get more involved, please contact Ann Dorfman at 978-381-3240 or email her here.
Drawings: Art Today.
Backgrounds: Word of Mouth Web Design.
