MASSACHUSETTS SIERRA CLUB
10 Milk Street, Ste 632, Boston, MA 02108-4621 • Tel:(617)423-5775 • Fax:(617)890-0338 •

Welcome to the Massachusetts Chapter!

The Boston Harbor Islands
A Treasure at Our Doorstep!

The Boston Harbor Islands are a local treasure. Today they thrive, but their history has been filled with numerous environmental challenges. Over the years, the islands have battled the persistent threat of development and at times even blatant misuse. But thanks to the efforts of the Sierra Club and other conservationists, they have overcome and remain a unique local resource for the Boston area. Click here for more.

Support the Bottle Bill Update

Did you miss the event at the State House on July 7? You can view the video here: http://vimeo.com/album/252646

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, juice, and sports drinks.It would decrease litter - and increase recycling. With just a few weeks before the end of the legislative session, we need to show our legislators that there is strong public support for it. Please contact your State Representative and State Senator TODAY and ask them to tell leadership that they are in favor of passage of the Updated Bottle Bill, H3515/S1480. If you know who your legislators are, click here to contact them: www.mass.gov/legis/memmenu.htm. If you're unsure, click here: www.wheredoivotema.com. Or call 617-722-2000. Click here for more

Cape Wind Gets the Green Light!

The Cape Wind project will be a major step forward for a cleaner and greener energy future for America. The alternative is an increased reliance on fossil fuels and dirty polluting energy sources that threaten our nation’s sensitive natural areas, while coastal areas like Cape Cod will suffer major impacts from climate change. Instead, Cape Wind will provide clean, renewable energy capable of replacing 2.5 million barrels of oil per year. Click here for more  

Biomass Energy: Good or Bad for the Environment?

Biomass energy is the production of energy (electricity; liquid, solid, and gaseous fuels; and heat) from biomass. Biomass may be any organic matter including dedicated energy crops and trees, agricultural food and feed crop residues, aquatic plants, wood and wood residues, animal wastes and other organic waste, and construction and demolition debris. Currently in Massachusetts most biomass that is proposed to be burned is either from forest and timber products (woody biomass) or construction and demolition debris. Click here for more.

Plastic Bags:
The Gift from the Plastics Industry that Keeps on Killing

Plastic bags are so aerodynamic that even when properly disposed of, they can still blow away and become litter. But not only are they a visible eye-sore, plastic bags can be dangerous to wildlife. They are often mistaken as food by animals, many of which die each year by ingesting them . The UN estimates that 1 billion animals are killed every year by plastic bags. These animals suffer a painful death, the plastic wraps around their intestines or they choke to death. Click here for more.

Zero Waste:
Fueling the Economy, Not the Incinerators

Zero Waste is a design principle and planning approach for the environmental management of resources. It aims to prevent waste rather than manage it after the fact. Sierra Club’s Zero Waste policy addresses not only the quantity of waste we generate, but also its toxicity, its contribution to climate change, and the important links between waste reduction and corporate responsibility. 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...

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...

Sierra Club Inner City Outings (ICO) is a community outreach program that provides opportunities for urban youth to explore, enjoy and protect the natural world. The program provides safe, fun, and educational outdoor experiences to youth that would not otherwise have access to these opportunities. The adventures are provided at no cost to the participants, their families or the volunteers. Some of our most common adventures include: Maple sugaring, nature walks and photography in the spring; Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, biking, berry picking and sailing in the summer; Camping, hiking, apple picking, and farm visits in the fall; and Snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and cross country skiing in the winter. There is increasing awareness that positive outdoor experiences are an important part of a healthy childhood. More...