On a small triangle of land between Bennington and Lawrence Streets stand picnic tables, corrugated metal beds bursting with flowers, and trees in planters of hot pink, lemon yellow, and royal blue. It’s an uplifting treat in this Lawrence, Massachusetts, neighborhood and a considerable contrast to what stood here before – a jumble of parked cars… Continue reading A Cool Place in the Neighborhood
Our transition to a clean energy future must benefit those shouldering the worst burdens of pollution, economic loss, and public health harm
This landmark law aims to clean up how we heat our homes and buildings. Now we need to implement it effectively so that it achieves its goal.
“This award is a testament to the commitment of Manchester to create a more equitable and sustainable urban environment,” said CLF Environmental Justice Advocate Arnold Mikolo. “Urban forests provide critical shade during heatwaves, help control stormwater, and provide a habitat for animals. By maximizing community access to these benefits, this initiative promises to transform the quality of life for residents and enhance the city’s ecological and economic sustainability for years to come.”
“It’s time to finally address the plastics crisis in Massachusetts. From modernizing our antiquated beverage container deposit system, to banning single-use plastic bags at checkout, to making producers of plastic packaging responsible for reducing packaging and managing plastic waste at its end of life, there are several pending bills that will take us in the right direction. We stand with our elected officials and pledge to keep up the momentum because there is no time to waste in taking a bite out of waste.”
“Idling vehicles spread toxic tailpipe pollution into many communities already overburdened with harmful emissions and asthma,” said CLF attorney Erica Kyzmir-McKeon. “Buses are some of the most egregious sources of this pollution, and First Transit will now take the right steps to address the problem. CLF’s settlement will promote healthier communities by reducing excessive idling, supporting urban farming and green spaces, and enhancing air monitoring in environmental justice communities.”
Here are six ways that urban forestry can help our communities if we choose to invest in it.
“Single-use containers are a scourge on our communities and our environment,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “Bottle and can redemption systems are a proven way to reduce plastic pollution and make sure that these materials are recycled into new products. Maine’s updated law will revitalize the state’s most successful recycling program, and ultimately result in a cleaner environment and less litter for our communities.”
Litter is taking a toll on Massachusetts’ health and economy. These three reasons show how an updated bottle bill could help us change that.
