By Steve Garone & Margie Lee
Wayland Town Green came alive on Sunday, May 4 celebrating Earth Day with a festive banner and multiple kiosks. A colorful banner along the ridge next to the Green depicted the rise in global average temperatures over the decades, and fifteen informational kiosks formed a ring around the perimeter. Each kiosk educated attendees by offering a variety of suggestions to take better care of the planet.
One theme running through the day was the role each individual can play in saving energy. Governments play a role, but in Wayland about 79% of greenhouse gas emissions are from homes and vehicles. The festival highlighted available knowledge and technology that each individual can tap into to reduce emissions and, in many cases, save money.
Representatives at each kiosk engaged attendees in conversations on a variety of topics, including growing native plants, climate justice and more sustainable technologies. Volunteers ranged from grandchildren to grandparents and included a contingent of concerned high school students. Stop & Shop donated snacks and beverages and The Bagel Table set up a small tent full of delectable treats.
Wayland students and librarians entertained children with face painting and a variety of games in the middle of the kiosk ring.
“It was great to be able to explain our free coaching help for those exploring solar energy, heat pumps and other technologies,” said Paul Dale, one of Wayland’s heat pump coaches, said
Wayland’s Assistant Director of Facilities and Sustainability, Abigail Shute, was also present at the festival. “It was wonderful to see everyone at the Earth Day event! Thanks to the proactive efforts of dedicated community volunteers who championed early investments in solar energy, high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting, and other clean technologies, Wayland is proudly on track to meet the town’s ambitious goal it set in its Climate Action Mobilization Plan.”
Information is available on the Energize Wayland website at https://community.massenergize.org/Wayland/. Volunteer coaches help residents navigate through the process of selecting a heat pump, solar panels, or an electric vehicle. The website provides information and workshops, many by Zoom. They are hosting a webinar on heat pumps on May 20.
