WESTBOROUGH – It was a place to learn about composting, e-bikes and live chickens.
On Saturday, May 13, Sustainable Westborough sponsored an Environmental Action Fair at the high school.
“I’m very pleased with the vendors and student participants,” said Peter Dunbeck, the chairman of Sustainable Westborough.
In the auditorium, speakers lectured on warming loops and the plight of pollinators; a panel of students from Mill Pond Elementary School provided perspectives on climate change.
Students from Mill Pond and other schools joined more than 40 vendors in the gym. The students presented information on climate change, wind turbines, species preservation and more.
There were also exhibits on solar developers, heat pumps, vegetarian dining, reading materials and sustainable household products.
In the lobby, members of the Westborough and Northborough clubs collected rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The Westborough Rotary Club also held a raffle for a sweet gum tree; the tree was on display, and if a Westborough resident won the raffle, the Department of Public Works would plant it for free.
Interested in e-bikes? Landry’s Bicycles had several on display just outside the school, and Officer John Sweeney of Westborough Police showed the e-bike he uses while on patrol.
The specially-made bike, which the department purchased about four years ago for $5,000, can go up to 30 miles per hour.
Sustainable Westborough also had a display on electric vehicles, including the cost for several models.
A representative from Plymouth County 4-H had an exhibit on how to raise chickens for their eggs and meat. The exhibit included two live chickens – a bantam rooster named Scruffy and a hen named Honey.
The Westborough Lions offered information on the club’s tree planting and flower box program, while the Westborough Garden Club publicized its plant sale happening on Saturday, May 20.
The Westborough Girl Scouts had information on its free textile recycling program. On the last Saturday of the month at the high school (front entrance), the Scouts accept clean and dry materials, including coats, linens and accessories.
Over the past 12 months, the Scouts have collected more than 56,000 pounds of textiles.
The next collection is scheduled for Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Education is a key part of our mission,” said Dunbeck.
For information on programs and events sponsored by Sustainable Westborough, visit www.sustainablewestborough.org.
