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About Us

About Sustainable Winchester 122223.jpg

​Sustainable Winchester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for our community. We aim to inspire Winchester residents to actively participate in sustainability. Our focus areas include renewable energy, waste management, construction and building use, transportation, land use, water and air resources, biodiversity and sustainable landscaping.​

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We serve as a catalyst and a connector, linking residents with individuals, community groups, and resources that can help turn sustainability ideas into reality. This could be within your civic organization, faith community, or at a town-wide level.

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Additionally, we provide resources to help residents reduce their carbon footprint and improve sustainability in their own homes. Together, we work toward a sustainable future.

Leadership

Carolyn Starrett Founder of Sutainable Winchester

Founded in 2005 by Carolyn Starrett, who is still president today.

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Serving on the Sustainable Winchester Board of Directors are Randell Drane, Todd Kosterman and Fred Yen. 

Accomplishments

For nearly two decades, Sustainable Winchester has been a partner and resource for Winchester residents, community groups, and town leaders seeking to realize sustainability goals. Our role varies with each initiative, providing guidance as an advisor or taking the helm as a leader. Our track record of accomplishments is a reflection of the many people in Winchester who are dedicated to sustainability.

  1. Helped launch Cool Winchester

  2. Partnered with Cool Winchester to engage 140 households in Eco Teams to learn ways to reduce their carbon footprint

  3. Encouraged development of a Winchester Climate Action Plan

  4. Helped carry out Winchester’s first Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Climate Action Plan

  5. Served as a driving force behind creation of Winchester’s Climate Action Task Force

  6. Participated on Rethink Plastics team that ensured passage of Winchester’s Plastic Bag Bylaw

  7. Initiated recycling at En Ka Fair and Town Day

  8. Helped launch the Winchester Farmers Market

  9. Initiated WinPower, Winchester’s Community Electricity Aggregation program

  10. Served as a pilot community project for Solarize Mass

  11. Carried out the Massachusetts Solar Challenge, earning twice the number of solar panels for the high school as other communities

  12. Teamed with Council on Aging and Winchester Co-op Bank to create the Green Energy Grant for Seniors

  13. Supported Heat Smart program with Cool Winchester and the Town of Arlington to coach homeowners on clean heating and cooling solutions

  14. Carried out WinSaves, a community outreach campaign for residential MassSave audits

  15. Served as a catalyst for the Director of Sustainability position at Town Hall

Over the years, Sustainable Winchester has teamed with various partners on town-wide events, including:

  1. Recycling Day events

  2. Gas lawn equipment Take Back events

  3. Environmental Networking meetings

  4. Residential Energy forums

  5. EcoFestival events

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