Our goal: to reduce household carbon footprints of 25% of Newton households by 25% by 2012. 

The  Newton EcoTeam project is a volunteer effort under the aegis of "Cool Mass", an eleven-community initiative of MCAN  (Massachusetts Climate Action Network) .  Approximately 40% of Newton's total carbon footprint is produced by the residential sector, so we can make a significant contribution to the city's carbon reduction goals while providing real cost savings for the participants.

EcoTeams, groups of 5-8 people from different households, learn how to make lifestyle choices and home improvements that reduce their carbon footprint. Each change they make provides a carbon reduction that is quantified and credited toward a total reduction for the city. These teams typically meet in each other's homes, four times over the course of a month or so.

This program is a grass roots conservation movement that builds community, yields immediate results that address climate change without the need for a major capital investment.

To reach 25% of the city's households we must form approximately 1,000 EcoTeams over the next three years. Major cultural, political, social and religious groups and leading citizens throughout Newton are working with the Green Decade to help form EcoTeams through their organizations. The response has been a resounding affirmation.

Find out more or join a Newton EcoTeam! Contact co-chairs  Bonnie Glickman  bglickman@mindspring.com or Jay Walter entasis@rcn.com.