Green Needham

Help Needed at the Needham Community Farm's Seedling Sale/Fundraiser
2023-05-20 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Please sign up to help the Needham Community Farm with their Spring Seedling Sale/Fundraiser! Help needed for several tasks.

The Climate Crisis and How to Reduce your Carbon Footprint with Ed Quinlan, Jan and Claire Galkowski
2023-05-30 19:30 - 21:00 | First Parish Church in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Explore what homeowners can do to reduce their home’s carbon footprint in this presentation by Ed Quinlan and Claire Galkowski. They will discuss weatherization, Electric Vehicles, heat pumps, and house solar options The presentation will include an example of an existing home that has been upgraded to make it a “net-zero” home.
Zoom link

Needham Moms Night Out
2023-06-28 18:45 - 20:00 | Needham Town Hall Green, GPA & HIghland Ave, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Let’s bike! Join other local moms who bike (or wish to) for a fun cruise around town. Come enjoy a casual evening bike ride around some Needham neighborhoods. We’ll end at The James in Needham Center. This is a social ride/roll, so organizers are wearing what they wear to go hang out with friends.
Wednesday, June 28th (rain-date Thursday, June 29th)
Meet at the Needham Town Common starting at 6:45 pm, roll at 7:15, gather at The James 8:00 pm. Can’t make it at the start, then still join us after 8 at The James.
Even if you cannot make it, share your email below to learn more about future events like this, including family bike events.
RSVP / Express interest: Needham Moms Night Out (google.com)
Questions / Ideas? Reach out to Beth at Needhambikemoms@gmail.com

Public Hearing on October 10, 2023 to Support Adoption of the Specialized Code
2023-10-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
The Select Board will hold a public hearing on adoption of the Specialized Code during its meeting at Town Hall on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at approximately 6:30 pm. Please plan to attend and show your support for this important change to our building code. If you are not able to attend in person, you can join via Zoom – see below:
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89068374046?pwd=[REDACTED]
Webinar ID: 890 6837 4046
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Needham Housing Coalition (NHC) Co-hosts Open Meeting at the Library
2023-11-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Needham Public Library, 1139 Highland Ave, Needham , 02494
The Needham Housing Coalition (NHC), on behalf of the Needham community, was selected to be part of the Municipal Engagement Initiative program of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), with the support of the Town of Needham. Together, we want to advocate for more housing choice and help Needham build community awareness.
Needham Town Meeting members will be voting on two critical housing issues in 2024:

Zoning and funding for the Needham Housing Authority redevelopment
Rezoning to bring Needham into compliance with the MBTA Communities Law

Now is an excellent time for us to get together to learn and work toward supporting good decisions for our town. This gathering is seeking to expand the outreach and engagement process and bring more people to the table.
At the meeting on November 29, we will briefly introduce CHAPA and NHC, provide background information about housing in Needham, update you on the current housing initiatives – and then open it up for discussion to get your thoughts and ideas on how we can advocate for more housing options in Needham. This is an in-person event, but there will be a Zoom option. Click here to register. Click here to read the flyer.

Single-use Plastic Reduction Team and Landscaping Team Planning Meetings
2023-11-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom Webinar, Online
Green Needham’s Single-use Plastic Reduction team and our Landscaping Equipment team are launching new initiatives to create environmentally focused bylaws for the town to consider at Town Meeting next May.
A planning meeting is taking place on Wednesday, November 29th via zoom at 7:00PM for Single-use Plastic Reduction, and at 8:00PM for a Gas-powered Leaf Blower Ban. If you would like to be part of the effort to make Needham more sustainable, contact Kathy Raiz for the zoom information.

Town Holds Public Hearing on Needham Climate Action Roadmap
2024-01-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Needham Town Hall Select Board Chambers, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492
The Town has announced a public hearing to gather feedback on the Plan during their Tuesday, January 9 meeting (in person and via Zoom). The text below appeared recently in the Town newsletter.
“The Select Board will be holding a public hearing at its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 9th on the Town’s Climate Action Roadmap, a comprehensive plan that outlines Needham’s commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and directed by the Needham Select Board. The roadmap is the result of extensive research, community engagement, and collaboration with various stakeholders and outlines specific targets, milestones, and actionable strategies across all sectors of our community.
The Board is interested in hearing the opinions of residents from a variety of backgrounds and welcomes any resident or interested party to provide testimony. The hearing will be held at 6:05 pm on Tuesday, January 9th at Town Hall in the Select Board Chambers and via Zoom (Webinar ID 890 6837 4046).
How to Provide Feedback at a Public Hearing
You may attend the hearing in person to share your comments or, if you’re attending the meeting by Zoom, please raise your virtual hand to ask to speak. You may also email your comments in advance of the hearing at selectboard@needhamma.gov. Questions about this can be directed to the Town Manager’s office at otm@needhamma.gov.”

Public Hearing on Needham Municipal Aggregation March 14th
2024-03-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom Webinar, Online
Dept. of Public Utilities to Hold Public Hearing on Needham Municipal Aggregation March 14th at 2pm
On February 2, 2024, the Town of Needham filed a request with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities for approval of a municipal aggregation plan pursuant to Mass. General Law 164, § 134. The Department will conduct a virtual public hearing to receive comments on the Town’s filing via Zoom on Thursday, March 14th at 2 pm. Click here for additional information on the hearing as well as the link to join by Zoom.
For additional information on Needham Power Choice and Needham’s municipal energy aggregation program, please visit the Needham Power Choice page on the Town of Needham’s website.

Earth Day Presentation - Environmental Actions Individuals can Take
2024-04-22 13:00 - 15:00 | The Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave, Needham, MA, 02494, United States
Join Green Needham’s Energy Coach (formerly “Ask the Expert”) Ed Quinlan at the Center at the Heights on Monday, April 22nd for a presentation on how individuals can live more sustainably. Topics will focus on energy infrastructure in your home, including heat pumps, solar panels, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and weatherization to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Tim Bulger will also do a presentation on E-bikes.
And Green Needham’s Mass Save partner, HomeWorks Energy, will also be attending, and will be signing up residents for no-cost home energy assessments.

Medfield Environment Action Hosts Electric Vehicle Car and ebike Show
2024-05-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Medfield Center Parking Lot, One Ice House Rd, Medfield, MA, 02052
Electric Vehicle Car and ebike Show, Test drive an EV, Ice Cream Truck and Rail Trail Ride or Walk
Sponsored by the Medfield Energy Committee and Sustainable Medfield
Join fellow drivers and learn about their experiences with their electric cars and trucks. We have an assortment of vehicles including battery-only and hybrid models. Have you checked out the variety of EVs available today? Come on by!
Walk or ride the Rail Trail while you are there. Entrance is on Ice House Rd. Stretch your legs and check out what birds have returned for summer. See what is coming up in the new native plant garden. Enjoy an ice cream!

Wellesley EV Showcase and Test Drive Event
2024-05-09 16:00 - 19:00 | MassBay Community College, 50 Oakland St., wellesley
Test drive two EVs or hybrids: 10+ models available!
Get expert advice on purchase, incentives, charging, & more!
Learn about the owner experience from Wellesley residents.

Sponsored by Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Drives Electric and the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant.
Rain Date: Thursday, May 16th, 4-7pm
Click here for Event flyer

Town of Needham Hosts Meeting to Introduce Climate Action Roadmap
2024-06-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Powers Hall, Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Are you curious about what the Town of Needham is doing to combat climate change? The Climate Action Plan Committee (CAPC) is hosting a meeting to introduce Needham’s first-ever Climate Action Roadmap. The event will include an overview of the Roadmap and the process by which it was developed, and a brief presentation of accomplishments to date, climate hazards, Needham’s greenhouse gas emissions assessment, and identified priority actions. The presenters will also discuss what comes next: How will we use and update the Climate Action Roadmap in the coming months and years? The meeting is open to everyone, and all residents, business owners, Needham Boards and Committees are encouraged to attend. The event will include ample time for questions and discussion. The event will take place at Powers Hall in the Town Hall on June 5th from 6-7 pm. The forum will be in-person only and will be recorded by The Needham Channel for later viewing. If you have any questions about the event, please email gqueenan@needhamma.gov.

Friends Annual Meeting and Program: Emily Norton, “The State of the Charles River”
2024-06-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Needham Public Library Community Room, 1139 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02494, United States
The Charles River flows through Needham and nearby communities, defining and enhancing our lives. Once a fetid waterway clogged with trash and polluted with industrial discharges and raw sewage, this iconic natural feature today is hailed as one of the cleanest urban rivers in America. Still, keeping the river healthy is an ongoing challenge.
Emily Norton, executive director of the Charles River Watershed Association, will present a talk at the Needham Free Public Library entitled “The State of the Charles River.” She will give an update on the river’s ecological health, climate change resiliency, dam removal, public access and the impact of riverside development. She will also discuss legislation aimed at protecting the river.
As director of the Charles River Watershed Association, Ms. Norton oversees a staff of 18 scientists and advocates focused on protecting and preserving the Charles River and its watershed communities. She previously served as Massachusetts chapter director for the Sierra Club. Prior to that she was an environmental consultant and fundraiser for political groups and candidates. Ms. Norton served for 10 years as an elected city councilor in her hometown of Newton. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Vermont and a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.
This Program will be preceded by the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Needham Public Library. Registration is required, as we have a current capacity limit of 100. Click here to register.
***IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL AFTER REGISTERING, PLEASE CALL THE REFERENCE DEPARTMENT (781-455-7559 X2) TO CHECK REGISTRATION STATUS***

Come and Say Hello
2024-06-21 16:30 - 18:30 | Needham Town Common, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Drop by for food and conversation at Green Needham’s TGIF meet-up on Friday, June 21 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on the Town Common in Needham Center (or across the street at First Parish Church in case of rain). All are welcome to stop by our table to say hello and enjoy some snacks/appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages.
Come share your questions and thoughts and meet others who are interested in environmental issues.
Let’s talk about what’s “green” in Needham!

the Town’s new Climate Action Roadmap
Green Needham’s Energy Coach service
the Town’s progress on electricity aggregation
new bylaws on solar power and the possibilities for solar parking canopies
the impact of the new building code on sustainable home design
efforts to cut waste, reduce use of plastics, and electrify landscaping equipment
And more!

In the unlikely event of rain, the meet-up will be held across the street in the church hall at First Parish in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave. (Lincoln St. door).

Needham Housing Coalition Hosts Walking Tour(s) of MBTA Rezoning District
2024-07-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Garden and Chestnut Sts, Needham, MA, 02492
The Needham Housing Coalition Hosts Three Walking Tour(s) of MBTA Rezoning District on the following evenings:
Tuesday, July 16th from 6:00-7:30 pm
Thursday, August 1st from 6:00-7:30 pm
Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00-7:30 pm
Click here to register for the event. Click here to view the event flyer.
If you have any questions, contact: needhamhousingcoalition@gmail.com

Needham Housing Coalition Hosts Walking Tour(s) of MBTA Rezoning District
2024-08-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Needham Center & Highland Ave.
The Needham Housing Coalition Hosts Three Walking Tour(s) of MBTA Rezoning District on the following evenings:
Tuesday, July 16th from 6:00-7:30 pm (Garden & Chestnut Sts.) – PAST EVENT
Thursday, August 1st from 6:00-7:30 pm (Needham Center & Highland Ave.)
Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00-7:30 pm (Needham Heights)
Click here to register for the event. Click here to view the event flyer.
If you have any questions, contact: needhamhousingcoalition@gmail.com

Needham Housing Coalition Hosts Walking Tour(s) of MBTA Rezoning District
2024-08-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Needham Heights, Needham Heights
The Needham Housing Coalition Hosts Three Walking Tour(s) of MBTA Rezoning District on the following evenings:
Tuesday, July 16th from 6:00-7:30 pm (Garden & Chestnut Sts.) – PAST EVENT
Thursday, August 1st from 6:00-7:30 pm (Needham Center & Highland Ave.) – PAST EVENT
Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00-7:30 pm (Needham Heights)
Click here to register for the event. Click here to view the event flyer.
If you have any questions, contact: needhamhousingcoalition@gmail.com

LWV/Needham hosts State Representative Primary Candidate Forum
2024-08-21 19:30 - 20:30 | Powers Hall, Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
The League of Women Voter of Needham and Dover-Sherborn host State Representative Primary Candidate Forum.
In-person forum with zoom attendees and live streamed on the Needham Channel.
Four Democratic candidates are scheduled to participate. There are no Republican primary candidates. LWV will invite the Democratic and Independent nominees to a forum prior to the November 5th general election.
Read more about the event on the LWV/Needham’s website.
Click here to register as a Zoom participant.

Induction Cooking Demo With Melted Chocolate
2024-11-13 15:30 - 17:00 | Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St, Newton, MA, 02459
What’s the sweetest way to learn about induction cooking? Visit the Newton Free Library and dip into melted chocolate to get a taste of how induction cooktops work!
Learn how this cooking appliance avoids the emissions from gas stoves and allows for faster heating, precise temperature control and increased energy efficiency. Stop by anytime between 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm, and bring your questions and your sweet tooth!
This program is part of the Fall Sustainability Series and is co-sponsored by Green Newton, Newton Free Library, and Mothers Out Front.

Needham High School Environmental Club Sponsors Electronics Recycling Drive
2025-01-02 00:00 - 2025-01-23 23:59 | MA
Donate your used small electronics for a good cause! The Needham High School Environmental Club is collecting used small electronics from January 2nd to January 23rd. You can drop off devices such as cell phones, tablets, MP3 players, and watches (no lap tops or monitors) at the Needham Public Library. Devices will be donated to the Zoo New England Electronics Recycling Drive, which supports gorilla conservation.

Charles River Chamber Webinar - Why Businesses Say "YES for Needham"
2025-01-03 10:00 - 11:00 | MA
Local employers explain the need for more housing
Join us for a conversation with Needham business owners explaining why they support a “Yes” vote on the Jan. 14 MBTA Communities referendum and why they believe creating small, multi-family homes in Needham near local shops and restaurants is vital to their success
lt will explain what Needham’s housing plan does and doesn’t do, as well as the potential consequences of being out of compliance with state law.
But our main focus will be an opportunity to hear directly from, and ask questions to, local employers who believe Neighborhood Housing Plan is critical to their ability to hire and retain workers and to a vibrant Needham.
Panelists include:

John Fogarty, president, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham
Jay Spencer, owner, French Press Cafe
Dan Goodman, co-founder, Building36
Steve Stern, owner, FirstLight Home Care
Joseph Frias, president & CEO of North Hill
Steve Volante, owner, Volante Farms

Also with:
Tina Burgos, owner, Covet + Lou (and member of Needham Finance Committee)
Heidi Frail, vice chair Needham Select Board
Click here to register.

Needham Power Choice Public Information Session (In Person)
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-01-30 13:00 - 14:30 | Powers Hall, Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Needham Power Choice is a group electricity buying program for Needham residents and businesses. Using the purchasing power of our community, the program will provide:

More renewable electricity for less than Eversource
Three new electricity supply choices
Stable and consistent pricing

Needham Power Choice will launch in March 2025. More than 200 other Massachusetts communities have similar programs.
Read the official announcement from the Town of Needham. (PDF)
Ask questions and get answers at a public information session:
January 23, 7:00 PM – Powers Hall, Needham Town Hall – in person
January 27, 7:00 PM – Via Zoom – virtual
January 30, 1:00 PM – Center at the Heights – in person

Needham Power Choice Public Information Session (Zoom)
2025-01-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Webinar, Online

March 27th Showing of Award-winning Documentary "Plastic People - the Hidden Crisis of Microplastics"
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Newman School Auditorium, 1155 Central Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Green Needham, in conjunction with Sustainable Wellesley and in partnership with the Needham High School Environmental Action Club, is excited to announce that we will be hosting a viewing of “Plastic People – The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics” on Thursday, March 27th at 7PM at Newman Elementary School Auditorium. This award-winning documentary discusses the threat of microplastics on human health. Following the movie, we will lead an informal discussion. Admission is free, but please register here. Join us early to view informational displays from the event cosponsors and stay for a moderated discussion to learn more about local initiatives and how you can become involved in solutions. Other cosponsors: Needham Public Health Department, Needham League of Women Voters, Wellesley Climate Action Committee, and Wellesley Health Department.
6:30 to 7:00 p.m. – Informational Displays by Cosponsors
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Film Screening
8:30 to 9:00 p.m. – Moderated Discussion
Plastic People Synopsis
The award-winning feature documentary Plastic People investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Almost every bit of plastic ever made breaks down into “microplastics.” These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, and mix into the soil, becoming a permanent part of the environment.
Now, leading scientists are finding these particles in our bodies: organs, blood, brain tissue, and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health? And can anything be done about it?
Acclaimed author and science journalist Ziya Tong takes a personal approach by visiting leading scientists around the world and undergoing experiments in her home, on her food, and her body while collaborating with award-winning director Ben Addelman (Discordia, Bombay Calling, Nollywood Babylon, Kivalina v. Exxon) in an urgent call to action for all of us to rethink our relationship with plastic.

Flood Preparedness and Solutions in Needham
2025-03-31 15:00 - 16:30 | The Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave, Needham, MA, 02494, United States
Concerned about extreme weather and flooding in Needham?
Please join us for an informational event on Monday, March 31 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at The Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave, Needham.
Learn how flooding impacts Needham and steps you can take at home to prepare yourself for extreme weather events. Hear from Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) and Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) about nature-based solutions (e.g. tree planting, removing pavement, rain gardens) that can help Needham adapt to more frequent extreme weather events. Get tips on extreme weather preparedness, connect with neighbors to share your flood solution ideas, and inform Town staff about your priorities to best protect the community. Refreshments will be provided.

Sustainable Wellesley Sponsored Discussion: Healthy Future for Our Children
2025-04-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Hunnewell Elementary School, 28 Cameron St, Wellesley, MA, 02482
Pediatrician and Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Dr. Lindsey Burghardt discusses Climate, Kids and Health (Physical & Mental) with Wellesley parents/caregivers on Wednesday, April 30th at the Hunnewell School at 7pm. Confirm your seat here.
The recent fires in LA (even some in Milton last year) have extreme weather issues on parent’s minds. Dr. Burghardt will cover the connection between allergies, asthma, brain development, heat, pregnancy, low birth weight and preterm birth as well as vector borne diseases with our warming climate. She and others will offer suggestions on ways to mitigate these issues.
Individually and collectively, there are a variety of actions we can do to create a healthier future for our children. Make time for this important discussion.
RSVP as there is limited seating.

Needham Celebrates Race Amity Day & Richard Fry Plaque Dedication
2025-06-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Avery Field, 355 Webster St, Needham, MA, 02494, United States
Join sponsors Needham Diversity Initiative, Needham History Center & Museum, Needham Human Rights Committee, the Town of Needham, and Green Needham at this event, and enjoy live music, food, and crafts. Click here to view event flyer for more information.
Note: Parking is at Temple Beth Shalom, corner of Webster and Highland Sts.

Labor Day Rally for Democracy in NEEDHAM
2025-09-01 15:30 - 17:00 | Needham Center & Highland Ave.
Please consider joining a rally this Monday, September 1st, to show support for our communities currently under attack, and stand up for the principles of our democracy.
The rally will take place in Needham Center from 3:30 – 5:00pm. It will include a brief program midpoint with two guest speakers, former SEIU Labor Organizer, and Needham Resident, Frank Flynn, and MA Governor’s Council member Tamisha Civil.
Registration is not required but it will allow us to reach out to you if any changes are made to the event: Register HERE.

Greater Needham Wellesley Sustainability Summit
2025-10-08 16:00 - 20:00 | Marla Capozzi Rooom, Olin Hall, Babson College
Presented by the Babson-Olin-Wellesley Three College Collaboration.
An inaugural event designed for local sustainability leaders to connect, inspire and take action.
Click here to Register.
