WELCOME TO THE
MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB
10 Milk Street, Ste 632, Boston, MA 02108-4621 | Ph:617.423.5775 | Fax:617.890.0338
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ACTION
WHAT'S NEW
Update the
Bottle Bill
The Bottle
Bill is the state's most successful recycling and litter prevention program.
Since the Bottle Bill’s inception in 1983, over 30 billion containers have
been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer
communities, and a stronger economy. But to keep up with the times and
consumer’s tastes, the bottle bill must be updated.
An Updated Bottle Bill would expand our container deposit system to
include "new age" drinks such as non-carbonated beverages, water, iced tea,
and sports drinks. It would add approximately $15 million to state revenue via projected unclaimed deposits. It would
decrease litter - and increase recycling. An estimated 20 billion "new-age" beverages are consumed annually in the
US, and this number is only expected to increase. As consumers purchase more
of these beverages, an increasing number of containers are finding their way
to landfills -- an estimated 69,000 tons nationwide.
Click here for more information and for materials to
help pass the Bottle Bill Update.
ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGNS
Cape
Wind Energy Project The Sierra Club has announced its conditional support for a
130 wind turbine renewable energy project off Cape Cod. The Club is
calling for completion of the permitting process and an end to
congressional attempts to undermine the project. More information:
press release -
Sierra Club position statement
Silver
Line - or Silver Lie?
The Sierra Club report shows the MBTA is spending millions of
dollars on an inefficient replacement bus service for Washington Street
when light rail would attract more riders and cost less money.
More...
North–South
Rail Link
Hi-Speed Rail could be the solution to our
sprawl and transportation woes... but Massachusetts has the only gap in
the entire Northeast Rail Corridor. The North–South Rail Link could
close that gap, alleviating airport and highway expansion throughout the
region. The MBTA says the project would "would result in the largest
absolute travel time savings of any commuter rail project." So why is
the state backtracking on its commitment to build the Rail Link?
More...
Saving
Energy Tips Home energy saving tips from our Energy Outreach
Committee. Features ten simple tips to save energy and cut down on your
monthly bills. Click
here.
Greylock
Glen
... is a lovely area nestled at the foot of the State's highest peak.
The Glen is home to many rare species and old trees. We're working to
ensure that Greylock is not inappropriately developed. More...
Northern
Right Whale Endangered Species Listing Turns 35
Despite 35 years of protections, the Northern Right Whale continues to
decline and now numbers about 300 animals, making it the world's most
endangered large whale. The Sierra Club has called for increased
habitat protections off Massachusetts for the whale.
More...
Help Preserve our Open Spaces!
Protect Our State's Parks
The Sierra Club is supporting legislation to protect old growth
forests, prevent the closure of neighborhood parks, and preserve our
historic parkways.
More...
Upcoming Events Many exciting outings are scheduled! Visit the
Events
section of the website.
Volunteer
Opportunities If
you have a few hours free on a regular basis, you can help the
environment by volunteering with the Sierra Club!
Click
here for more.
Support the
Mass Chapter! Your generous direct donations support our statewide efforts to preserve
public lands and open space, protect marine and coastal habitats,
conserve energy, and work to improve public transportation. Your
support will allow us to file and work to pass important
legislation to help stop global warming, improve air quality, and
protect our natural environment. Click here to
donate!
New Joint Study Highlighting Benefits of Completing the Northeast Rail
System
The Sierra
Club, working with other groups, has just released a joint report titled An integrated regional Rail Network
for New England. The study finds that connecting North and South
Stations - the only one-mile gap in the northeast rail corridor - will
result in significant environmental and economic benefits for the entire
Northeast. The report highlights the significance of completing the
North South Rail link, and includes a significant new financial analysis
of the costs of the project. Click
here to read the report.
Forest
and Park Guardians Join the Forest and Park Guardians!
Please join us to protect our state Forest and Parks. We are inviting
Sierra Club Members to submit photos for this Web site of your favorite
Park or Forest, with a note about the threats to it.
More...