Change Makes a Difference

Welcome to Reading Public Library's Change Makes a Difference website created to share information, tools, and resources relating to environmental sustainability.

New Environmental Books and DVDs

Green Tips

Looking for ways to save energy, money and resources? Watch these video tips from our local environmental partners.

Walkable Reading|| RMLD||Cities for Climate Protection

Green Topic Spotlights

For a more detailed focus on specific environmental topics, choose one of these links.

Alternative Fuel and Energy || Climate Change|| Home Energy || Living Green

  The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The next best time is now.  ~Chinese Proverb

Be sure to get in on this wonderful opportunity to participate in the town of Reading’s Take Root for the Future shade-tree planning program.  Any person, business, or group may sponsor a tree for $300.00 which will pay for the tree and its planting, as well as a plate on the commemorative plaque displayed in Town Hall.  The trees will be planted in the public way and will not only give much needed shade, but further beautify our town.  Trees improve our environment by improving air quality, reducing green house gases, lessen topsoil erosion, diminish noise levels, improve aesthetics, increase property values, & much more.
Sponsor a tree by filling out a brochure from the Reading Public Works Dept.

I think that I shall never see a billboard lovely as a tree.
Perhaps, unless the billboards fall,I’ll never see a tree at all.
~Ogden Nash, “Song of the Open Road,” 1933

Help keep Reading green!

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Saturday April 21                         10 am to 2 pm

Reading will have a special Earth Day Nature Celebration at the newly renovated Mattera Cabin. Did you know we have a wonderful log cabin for our use right at 1481 Main Street?  This is your chance to discover this hidden gem and the surrounding woods while celebrating our planet.

The Reading Climate Advisory Committee is sponsoring this great day that includes nature walks starting at 11, noon, and 1 pm, and displays by the Reading Garden Club, Girl Scouts, Walkable Reading, and more.

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Whether you want to shine your wing tips, or find body and home care solutions without harmful chemicals, check out the Ask Annie blog on the care2 make a difference website.  Annie B. Bond writes the column where you will find fantastic and easy green tips. She is considered to be one of the top 20 environmental leaders by Body and Soul Magazine, and is the author of multiple books including Better Basics for the Home (one of Librarian Eileen’s favorites).

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Logo adapted from http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/ (Clipart Etc. )The link to the Change Makes a Difference web page has moved from the Main page to the Research and Learning page.  On the left-hand sidebar under “Hot Topics” you will find “Environment”, if you click on this it will get you to the Change Makes a Difference web page where you will find resources, tools, and tips related to environmental sustainability.

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Best wishes for a happy New Year!  Let’s make it a healthier one too, by making a resolution to “reduce, reuse, and recycle” with emphasis on the “reduce”.  According to the, “Think Beyond Plastic” website, “most of our waste today is comprised of plastic”. The manufacturing of plastic creates a multitude of pollutants which contribute to toxics being released into our air and water, and once created are extremely slow to degrade.  In fact, in the Pacific Ocean there exists what is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.  It is “roughly the size of Texas and contains approximately 3.5 million tons of trash – shoes, toys, bags, pacifiers, wrappers, toothbrushes, and bottles too numerous to count are only part of what can be found in this accidental dump floating midway between Hawaii and San Francisco.” To read more, check in New Non-fiction books, Plastic Ocean by Capt. Charles Moore.

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“Over the river and through the woods…”. Wherever you are going this Thanksgiving, it is unlikely it will be by horse and buggy.  Most of us will be driving to our destinations.  There are a few things we can do to maximize our fuel efficiency (any time of year), all of which means saving $$ while reducing our carbon emissions:
1. Keep tires properly inflated
2. Change the oil when necessary
3. Don’t drive aggressively
4. Clean out your car – unnecessary items add weight that reduces fuel efficiency

Discover more fuel economy tips at the U.S. Department of Energy website.

 

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There’s candy everywhere this time of year, and the specialty holiday candies do not stop until Easter! So what does this have to do with the environment and being green? Well, with all that candy it is important to brush your teeth afterward to prevent dental problems. And here is the green tip: you can buy eco-friendly toothbrushes with reusuable handles. Then periodically replace the brush part – which snaps onto the handle. You can find these at most stores that sell toothbrushes. An easy way to keep all that extra plastic out of landfills!

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Take our short environmental quiz for a chance to win a gift basket full of environmentally friendly items. This quiz is based on information presented at Ellen Ruppel Shell’s recent Discount Culture program. The quiz is open to all and will run until September 30. We’ll contact the winner to pick up their basket at the Information Desk.

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Saturday, September 24, 2011

from 9 am – 1 pm
At the DPW Garage,  75 New Crossing Road
Paper Shedding: two boxes per household
Rigid Plastics: plastic toys, chairs, containers, etc.
Styrofoam Collection: new recycling opportunity!

from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
At 60 Farm Street, Wakefield MA:
Household Hazardous Waste Day

For further information go to  Town of Reading DPW Fall Events and www.refoamit.com or call 781-942-9077

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We’ve posted our latest environmental quiz based on information from our Nuclear Energy program. Visit our Alternative Fuel and Energy page.  One lucky winner will receive a gift basket! Quiz open until Sept. 10 – contacted winner can pick up basket at the Information Desk.

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*Materials and programs for the "Change Makes a Difference" initiative are supported by federal LSTA funds from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Logo adapted from http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/ (Clipart Etc. )