Welcome to the Energize Stow Newsletter!

Welcome to the Energize Stow newsletter! The newsletter is a joint effort of Stow’s Green Advisory Committee and Sustainable Stow – the town’s volunteer sustainability group. Energize Stow will be a monthly newsletter with practical advice about steps you can take to make Stow a more sustainable and climate friendly community. There will also be news about initiatives by town residents and government as well as upcoming events.

Sustainable Stow was established twelve years ago and has headed up town-wide initiatives such as the Stow Solar Challenge and the HeatSmart campaign. Sustainable Stow working with Randal Library also sponsors monthly climate talks and publishes the monthly “Green Corner” in the Stow Independent.

Stow’s Green Advisory Committee was established in 2021. Working with town residents and government, it has published Stow’s Climate Action Plan, sponsored the article for the adoption of the new Specialized Building Code, and works with the state’s Green Communities division to help Stow achieve its sustainability goals through grants and technical assistance.

Please tell your friends and neighbors about Energize Stow. At the bottom of the newsletter are links to local groups, initiatives, and a subscription to this newsletter.

Stow Climate Action Plan

In 2021 the state passed landmark climate legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. As a result, the Stow Select Board created the Green Advisory Committee to develop and oversee a plan to align the town with the new state law.

The Green Advisory Committee, with input from residents and town government, developed the Stow Climate Action Plan which was adopted by the Select Board in June 2024.

Please review the plan. Success depends on all of us!

Comments are welcome. Send yours to GreenAdvisory@stow-ma.gov.

Energize Stow

Energize Stow is a dynamic new website created to help town residents learn about impactful actions they can take now to preserve a healthy environment for future generations. Part of the MassEnergize network, Energize Stow has been customized for the Stow community by Stow’s Green Advisory Committee and Sustainable Stow. The website has detailed descriptions, steps you can take, resources, and testimonials from neighbors, on 17 different actions that help reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and help our environment. Some examples of these actions include installing heat pumps, creating a pollinator garden, using rain barrels, and driving an electric vehicle. Each action includes a detailed explanation, as well as available incentives and rebates. When you join Energize Stow, you will also benefit from notifications of local events that you can attend that will provide you with more information. Click the link above to check it out and join!

Library Climate Talk

Stow is a Climate Leader! But more Work Ahead

Join us on Sept 18 at 7PM on zoom to learn about Stow’s progress towards becoming a more sustainable and climate friendly community. That progress includes many homes installing solar on their roofs and installing heat pumps. Over 350 residents drive all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles and another 420 drive hybrids. Stow has received over $900,000 in Green Communities Grants. Both the Stow Police and Building Department have acquired all-electric vehicles. We were awarded a $1.1 million grant to help with the restoration of over 100 acres of Stow Acres.

But there is much more to do. To find out more about our climate goals and the actions you can take, attend the virtual Climate Talk from Randall Library and Sustainable Stow on Wednesday, September 18th at 7pm. Our speakers include Town Administrator, Denise Dembkoski, Chair of Stow Green Advisory Committee, Arnie Epstein, and members of Sustainable Stow.

Get Engaged!

Achieving our sustainability goals is up to each of us. Consider participating through these local groups and activities.

Tell your friends and neighbors to subscribe to the Energize Stow Newsletter here
Visit the Energize Stow website for ideas and information about actions you and your neighbors can take.
Join the Sustainable Stow volunteer group.
Read Stow's Climate Action Plan.
Watch the Sustainable Stow video series.

If you have questions or comments, send them to GreenAdvisory@stow-ma.gov.