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Rachel Offerdahl

Rachel Offerdahl

Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

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Here's the fourth installment in this series of 96 tips for living greener. This time, we'll tackle green living in the great outdoors. (for Parts 1, 2, and 3, scroll down!)

28. Plant trees, but educate yourself first about native and non-invasive species.

29. Avoid using leaf-blowers, hedge-trimmers, and other energy-burning, dust-producing equipment.

30. Avoid watering grass and don’t cut it frequently. Water plants early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

31. Create a wildlife habitat in your yard. Learn about your local flora and fauna.

32. Instead of using pesticides in your garden, plant marigolds to ward off insects.

33. Compost leaf and grass trimmings.

34. Replant or mulch disturbed soil as soon as possible.

35. Use natural fertilizers or cultivate earthworms.

 

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As Deputy Director of DOER's Green Communities Division, Lisa helps lead a team devoted to working with Massachusetts cities and towns to realize environmental and cost benefits of municipal energy efficiency and renewable energy. Prior to joining DOER, Lisa worked in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs from 2007 to 2012, first as Press Secretary and then as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Public Affairs. Her previous communications and public relations experience includes both government and the private sector, where, as principal of upWrite Communications, she served clients such as The Trustees of Reservations, The Nature Conservancy, and Partners Health Care/North Shore Medical Center. She began her career as a journalist, covering Beacon Hill for the State House News Service, and later wrote for a variety of other publications including The Boston Globe, Teacher Magazine, Animals Magazine, and The Gulf of Maine Times. The author of two books, Lisa serves on the board of the Saugus River Watershed Council and resides with her family in Melrose.

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Community Adoption of Energy Efficient Building Codes Stretches to 143 posted on Jul 2

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Eight more municipalities (Dalton, Goshen, Halifax, Holliston, Upton, Wellfleet, Lanesborough, and Stoughton) recently adopted the Stretch Energy Code, criterion five for Green Community designation, and will now work to ensure that new construction and major renovations are more energy efficient. With these additions, the total number of participating municipalities has reached 143.

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Reducing greenhouse gas emissions isn’t just about installing solar panels on your roof or buying an electric car. While some actions to reduce your carbon footprint are too costly for most, saving energy is certainly something that everyone can do. There are many ways to   …Continue Reading DOER Staff Picks: What We Do To Save Energy