Environment

Hemlock Hating Insect: City Removes Killed Trees Along Emerald Necklace

By |

If you've driven along Francis Parkman Drive recently you may have seen a sizable forest area clearcut by the city to remove dead trees, some of which killed by an insect that feeds by sucking sap from hemlocks. The removed trees were between the Francis Parkman Drive and Prince Street, including a hemlock grove and individual trees that were dead or failing, said Margaret Dyson, Director of Historic Parks for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The area looks to be several hundred square feet and is visible from Francis Parkman Drive. The culprit was the hemlock woolly adelgid, which is native to east Asia, where's it not a problem because natural predators keep it in check. But on America's east coast it goes unchecked.

489 Views
City Services

City to Pilot Curbside Food Composting and Textile Recycling Programs, Extend Residential Yard Waste Collection

By |

On Wednesday, the city announced a wide-ranging plan with an eventual goal of having Boston be a zero waste city. The new plan includes launching a food scrap curbside composting program, extending residential yard waste options, increasing environmental education and more. "By implementing Boston's first zero waste plan, we will be a healthier and greener city for future generations to come," said District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley, Chairman of the Council's Environment, Sustainability and Parks Committee. "I am proud to have spearheaded the Council's efforts to institute curbside composting and textile recycling programs in the city of Boston and I look forward to seeing these programs develop even further." O'Malley added that expanding Boston's composting program will improve Boston's recycling rate, reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, while working toward carbon neutrality.

638 Views
Environment

JP Fixit Clinic to Highlight Digital Right to Repair Legislation on June 15

By |

The next JP Fixit Clinic will have an extra facet added to its regular focus on helping people fix their broken household items. Clinic organizers will also be letting people know about the Digital Right to Repair legislation that is currently under consideration at the State House. The JP Fixit Clinic is organized by the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council's Environment, Parks & Energy Committee. The JPNC sent a letter in support of the bill last year, which didn't make it out of committee. This year it has been reintroduced (read the text here). If enacted the bill would require digital electronics manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair businesses with fair access to service information, security updates, and replacement parts.

390 Views
City Services

O’Malley Proposes Curbside Textile Recycling

By |

Jamaica Plain's City Councilor Matt O'Malley has called for a hearing to determine the feasibility of a textile recycling program in Boston. “Curbside textile recycling is another opportunity of sound environmental policy that can generate revenue for the city of Boston. The city of Boston can reduce our waste stream, greenhouse gas emissions and receive payment for the value of the material,” said O'Malley to Jamaica Plain News. Ever the environmental politician of Boston, O'Malley points out that 40 Massachusetts municipalities, including Brookline, Somerville and Natick have implemented curbside textile recycling. Those programs have diverted more than 2.2 million pounds from their waste stream.

697 Views
From the Community

Free Screening of ‘Paris to Pittsburgh’ Doc on Climate Change, Citizen Activism on June 6

By |

Join Mothers Out Front at a free screening of "Paris to Pittsburgh" on June 6 at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.  

“From coastal cities to America’s heartland, Paris to Pittsburgh celebrates how Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act,” describes the documentary's website. The documentary is presented by National Geography, produced by Radical Media, and was created in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. The documentary is being screened at 6 pm at the JP Library (30 South St.).

296 Views