By Klea Gjergji ’23
Beverly has consistently been recognized for outstanding sustainability efforts and climate work over the past few years. Our Mayor, Mike Cahill, has addressed his focus on making Beverly a more eco-friendly place since he was elected in 2013. Green Beverly is a community of Beverly residents and business owners helping each other live more sustainably to support our region’s climate resilience. Their primary mission is to help Beverly Residents lead more sustainable lifestyles through information, inspiration, and education.
According to data from a report by the Trustees of Reservations, unchecked climate-changing factors could result in the submerging of Beverly’s coastal marshes and tidal flats by 2050. Furthermore, flooding would become a constant risk in developed areas of Beverly. In addition, individual households in Beverly are responsible for 65-85% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. Green Beverly states that if just one in every four households were to increase their sustainability efforts and reduce their “environmental footprints,” we could achieve a 10% reduction in GHG emissions.
How does Green Beverly suggest we fix our environmental footprints?
The organization recommends:
-Create a shopping list and buy only what you need to prevent overconsumption
-Use our cars one less day per week
-Stop using single-serve items (chip bags, plastic water bottles, etc.)
-Start composting and signing up for curbside pickup
-Only run the dishwasher, washer, and clothes dryer when you have a full load
Green Beverly has organized events in the past such as ‘The Great Pumpkin Smash’ in order to compost Halloween pumpkins, as well as Earth Fest and frequent electronic recycling days. On January 14th, they are hosting a free styrofoam recycling event in the Beverly High School parking lot at 10 A.M.
Image credit/website: https://www.greenbeverly.org/what-are-green-actions
