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The Energize Stow newsletter strives to provide you with practical information you can use to make Stow a more sustainable community. We would love to hear from you about what you would be interested in reading or learning about. Please email us at GreenAdvisory@stow-ma.gov with your ideas. Thank you!

Stow created the Green Advisory Committee (GAC) initially to create a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to help guide the town to a sustainable future and to reduce carbon emissions.  The CAP was published and approved by the town Selectboard in 2024.  One of the major focus areas of the plan is carbon emission reduction in the transportation sector.  Over the last several years the town has made significant progress.  Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski said:

"Supporting the transition to sustainable vehicles is a critical investment in public health, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic resilience. I am proud of the progress Stow has made and remain committed to advancing sustainable goals and initiatives that benefit both our community and our residents."

The town has made progress in different areas.  First, the town has purchased several all electric vehicles (EVs) for town departments.  Second, the town has installed electric vehicle charging stations for public use.

The Stow police department has acquired two all-electric Ford Lightning pickups.  And, at the annual town meeting the voters approved the purchase of a Chevrolet Blazer EV in a police pursuit-rated configuration.  The police department has their own charger (not available to the public) to keep the Ford Lightning vehicles ready for their shifts.   

The police department has noticed savings on fuel and maintenance costs such as oil changes and regular engine maintenance.   Police vehicle use is different from private citizen auto use and more experience with other maintenance costs (such as tires and brakes) will lead to a better understanding of these cost differences with gas police vehicles.  Police Chief Sallese says:

"Electric vehicles are a great tool for modern policing and show real savings in maintenance and fuel. Like any tool, they have limitations. A well-rounded fleet ensures we’re ready for any situation, and that’s what public safety demands.

Stow Police Ford Lightning

The building department has two EVs - a Ford E Transit van and the building inspector has a Chevy Equinox all wheel EV sedan for inspection travel.  These vehicles charge at the “old fire station”.

Building Dept Sedan and Van EVs

In 2024 the town received a $83,845 grant to purchase and install four new electric vehicle charging ports. From the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) Public Access Charging Program. The new charging stations have two ports each and are located at the Stow Community Center  (509 Great Road) and Stow Community Park (60 Old Bolton Road).  These charging stations are now installed and ready to be used for vehicle charging.

Stow EV Charging Ports at Pompo Community Center

John Colonna-Romano

The weather is becoming more unpredictable.  Tornados in the Midwest destroying homes and lives.  Fires in the west and Canada are spreading toxic smoke to other states.  Floods and droughts are becoming more frequent.  It seems all so overwhelming.  Yet, we can do something in our home and neighborhoods that can start making a difference.  As Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Here are a few actions that can help while saving time and money.  

Install a Heat Pump Water Heater: Does your water heater need replacing?  Consider a heat pump water heater. You not only get hot water, but it acts like a dehumidifier which can be important if you put it in the basement.  Heat pump water heaters are also much more efficient than other water heaters including those that use electric elements .  You can also get a rebate of $750 from Hudson, Light and Power.  

Consider Increasing the Insulation in Your Home. In the winter are you losing heat through your roof? If you live in an older home, the insulation in your walls may not meet modern energy efficiency standards. An older home most likely has around 250% more air leakage than a home built today. Cold air sweeping into your home makes it uncomfortable and expensive to heat. Properly insulating your home helps reduce the money and energy you may be wasting. This may also apply to poorly constructed new homes.  

Electrify your lawn equipment:  At last month’s library talk our speaker Paul Kampas spoke to the benefits of electrifying the tools you use to manage your yard and gardens – leaf blowers, lawn mowers, string trimmers, and chainsaws. Electric options to these tools dramatically reduce air pollution and are becoming more available and are cheaper to operate than the gas-powered alternative.  You can watch the recording of the talk here. 

Use your yard and garden to protect the environment:  No matter what size, you can use your yard to protect native plants, protect insects and birds, and encourage overall biodiversity. Some simple steps you can take include identifying and removing invasive plants and fill any voids with native plants, avoid using herbicide, pesticide and chemical fertilizer, planting flowering plants in groups of 3-5 to make foraging easy for pollinators, mow every 2-3 weeks, allowing your lawn to get 3-5” high, leaving the clippings, and providing a clean water source for both birds and insects—add small stones to a shallow dish filled with water.

For more information on any of these suggestions as well as others, visit Energize Stow.