UPCOMING EVENTS HOSTED BY STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Striving for Sustainability administered a survey over the course of two months between September 19 and November 19, 2024. The goal of the survey was to assess our local population’s interest in, engagement with, and challenges in adopting sustainable lifestyles, or “going green,” in Rowley, Massachusetts. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED! The results have helped us to better understand community needs, preferences, and barriers to sustainable practices to inform future local initiatives, resources, and projects aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in town.

The results showed that the community would like SFS to focus on the following projects:

  • Organized swaps or sales (i.e. children’s toys, sports equipment)
  • Recycling of items that cannot go in curbside bins (i.e. film plastics)
  • Grant-funded projects around town
  • Community events
  • Assisting local businesses with sustainable lifestyles

We listed! And we are planning a 2025 packed with all sorts of sustainable events, recycling projects, grant applications, and business visits.

Keep on eye on this page to see what’s to come!

GRANT-FUNDED PROJECTS

On December 18, 2024, Striving for Sustainability received a seed grant from New England Grassroots Environment Fund to support the start-up of our community-developed organization as it grows into a sustainability staple for all residents and businesses of Rowley, Massachusetts and its surrounding communities. We are so thrilled with and grateful for the generous work of the Grassroots Fund.

More on this exciting development soon!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN ROWLEY

Saturday, January 25 @ 9:30 am: Sieglinde Aigner-Crooks is hosting a Mend Something Café in the large conference room of the Rowley Public Library. The event is intended to bring together members of the community to keep fixable items out of the landfill. Bring something from your house that needs mending and the supplies you might need for the repair. Extra needles and scissors will be provided.

Saturday, January 25 @ 11:00 am: Think you’ve got what it takes to build the best tower out of recycled material? Join the Rowley Public Library at the Great Tower Build-Off and find out! You’ll work in teams of up to 5 people to build as best and fast as you can from the materials given. Winners get a prize! Register here.

PAST EVENTS

Check out past events that have been supported or sponsored by Striving for Sustainability.

Striving for Sustainability hosted a Kids Upcycled Holiday Shop at the Rowley Public Library on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The event allowed children to “shop” a selection of donated goods for everyone on their holiday shopping list! All shop items were donated or upcycled, and there was no cost for participation.

The event was well attended and we hope to do it again in 2025!

This annual event in May gets neighbors together to remove litter from the sides of our roads and in our public spaces.

The first annual Mass Eco Fest was hosted by Unpacked Living on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The event supported businesses who champion sustainability through practices such as pre-cycling, using natural materials, and upcycling existing resources!

PAST WORKSHOPS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 AT 6:30 PM – HEAT PUMPS 101: Presentation hosted by the Hamilton-Wenham Climate Action Team at the Hamilton-Wenham Library

The Hamilton Wenham Climate Action Team (HWCAT) invites you to their Heat Pumps 101 Presentation where you can learn all about using electricity to heat and cool your home efficiently. Expertise on the most recent rebates and incentives for purchasing heat pumps will be provided. Hamilton and Wenham residents who own heat pumps will also be available to chat about their experiences.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 AT 12:00 PMFOOD RESCUE IN MASSACHUESTTS: Online webinar hosted by Recycle Smart, with speakers Chris Foote (Wegmans), Liz Miller (Spoonfuls), and Gabriella Snyder Stelmack (Bread of Life in Malden)

Ever wonder what happens to all the excess food at grocery stores? Does it get trashed? Is it going to people in need? We’ve got answers! Join us as we explore the fascinating story of food rescue in MA. You’ll hear from three organizations – a grocery store, a food rescue organization, and a food security organization – working together to distribute excess food to people in need. And bonus: Keep it out of the trash!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 AT 12:00 PMBATTERIES ARE EVERYWHERE! HANDLE WITH CARE! Online webinar hosted by Recycle Smart

Batteries are in everything these days! Not sure how to safely dispose of them? You’re not alone. Come learn from a Call2Recycle battery expert who will help you identify different types of batteries and show you the right way to get rid of them. We’ve also called in a recycling expert to explain how dangerous they can be if you put them in the trash or recycling. Spoiler: They can cause huge fires!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 AT 12:00 PMASK ME ANYTHING ABOUT RECYCLING IN MASSACHUSETTS Online webinar hosted by Recycle Smart

Ever wonder how clean your recyclables need to be? Unsure what to do with loose bottle caps? Overwhelmed by recycling numbers? This is the webinar for you! The Recycle Smart team is excited to host this year’s Ask Me Anything about Recycling in MA. We’ll give a refresher on what makes something recyclable, dig into why smart recycling still matters, and share some rules of thumb before jumping into Q&A.