In honor of Earth Day 2017, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the City’s SustainaVille initiative invite all to the first ever SustainaVille Week celebrating sustainability and the environment. The full seven days of programming ranges from outdoor family fun to informative events. Highlights include the Tiny Great Outdoors Festival, the annual Spring Cleanup and BBQ, environmental story time, a discussion on Somerville’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2050 (and how you can help), and an opportunity to experience what it’s like to take part in climate talks at the United Nations. Events kicked off on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, and run through Friday, April 28. See the full schedule below.

“SustainaVille is a very serious effort to reduce our carbon output and develop our city’s ability to weather climate impacts, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun as we learn about sustainability and how we each can help,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “SustainaVille Week is designed to make it easy for you to get involved because if we want to reach our goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, we need as many residents as possible to join the effort. We’re even making sure our littlest environmentalists get a jump start with our special environmental story times for preschoolers at the library.”

SustainaVille Week also marks the relaunch of the SustainaVille website at www.somervillema.gov/SustainaVille. The site includes resources, reports, and information on the City of Somerville’s efforts to address climate change as well as tips for how to get involved and take personal action including those in the City’s new sustainability guide. Or peruse the site for information on sustainability initiatives across the city—from clean energy programs to stormwater management. More information and tips can be found as well on the SustainaVille Facebook page, and the SustainaVille Blog.
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SUSTAINAVILLE WEEK EVENT SCHEDULE
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Monday, April 24

Getting to Net Zero: Carbon Neutrality Pathways Presentation

7:00-8:00 p.m. at Somerville Public Library – Central Branch Auditorium

In 2014, Mayor Curtatone set an ambitious goal for Somerville to become carbon neutral by 2050 to reduce the city’s contribution to climate change. Come learn about this goal and what it would take to achieve net zero carbon emissions across Somerville. Staff from the Office of Sustainability and Environment will present on a recent report that analyzes technology and policy options that could reduce Somerville’s greenhouse gas emissions and move the city to carbon neutrality. During the presentation we will answer questions such as “What does ‘carbon neutral’ actually mean?” “How important is solar power in meeting our goal?” and “What targets do we have to meet before 2050?”  There will be ample time for questions about the analysis as well as information on how you can reduce your own carbon emissions.

Tuesday, April 25

Environmental Preschool Story Time

11:00-11:45 a.m. at Somerville Public Library – West Branch

This week’s story time will feature stories with environmental themes and city staff will be present to speak with parents about residential energy efficiency programs.

Wednesday, April 26

Environmental Preschool Story Time

11:00-11:30 a.m. at Somerville Public Library – East Branch

This week’s story time will feature stories with environmental themes and city staff will be present to speak with parents about residential energy efficiency programs.

Thursday, April 27

World Climate Simulation

6:00-8:00 p.m. at Tufts Administration Building

Think you have what it takes to negotiate a successful international climate agreement? Join other members of the Somerville community for an interactive group negotiation that simulates the UN climate talks. This will be a fun and interactive event to learn about climate change at both the global scale and in Somerville. Everyone is welcome! Whether you are a climate scientist or you are brand new to learning about climate change, there will be plenty to learn and lots of fun to be had.

Friday, April 28

Environmental Preschool Story Time

10:30-11:00 a.m. at Somerville Public Library – Central Branch

This week’s story time will feature stories with environmental themes and city staff will be present to speak with parents about residential energy efficiency programs.

Teen Empowerment Film Screening

2:30-4:30 p.m. at Somerville Public Library – Central Branch Auditorium

Teen Empowerment Library Leaders are hosting a screening and discussion of The Lorax for Somerville teens. Snacks and raffle prizes will be provided.

City of Somerville Walk/ Ride Day

City employees will kick off this year’s Walk/Ride Day Challenge by switching to healthier and more sustainable commutes. Join in by pledging to walk, bike, or ride the T to work or school!

All Week

Somerville Public Libraries

The Somerville Public Libraries will have environmental books and information on display all week. Check out a book and learn something new.

Follow us on Facebook for reminders and updates about events. Share your activities throughout the week and let us know how you contribute to sustainability in Somerville with #WeAreSustainaville

Questions? Email Hannah Payne at hpayne@somervillema.gov.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s Director of Human Services, Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x2250 or NBacci@somervillema.gov.