I'm lucky to be one of 200 shareholders in Powisset Farm's Community Supported Agriculture program. Today, I attended the orientation session and got a quick tour of the farm along with many other people excited by the prospect of fresh, locally-grown produce all summer.

The way a CSA works is each "shareholder" purchases a share in what the farm produces. So, for about $600 you get to go to the farm weekly and pick up...whatever they have available. This adds an "adventure" element to the experience. Will it save money? I doubt it, but what we are really doing is signing up to get a steady stream of good, quality, local food during the growing season--and to support the model which encourages sustainable practices. I blogged about this in more detail several months ago on davewrites.

We are lucky to have this farm so nearby--just follow Dover Road up past Hale Reservation and High Rock, into Dover and past the Dover Transfer station. Many of the people I saw today are coming from Medfield, Holliston, etc., whereas for us, it is a 10 minute drive...or, if you're feeling really environmental, a bike+trailer ride. But I don't know where we'd put the three kids for that excursion.

The CSA program is full for this year, but the farm is open to visitors and I belive they will be selling and/or donating some surplus. The official opening day is Sunday, June 8 at 1pm where everyone is welcome to visit the farm.

One item that came up during the approval of the town budget was something related to metal recycling. I believe the resident who rose to speak on this issue said the town lacks the facilities to process small metal items or something like that, so metal is no longer being recycled? If anyone knows more, please comment here.

I've been really impressed with the recycling capabilities in town. Although we have to wait 2 weeks, they take almost anything it seems.

Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. This means that over one million plastic bags are used per minute. Billions of bags end up as litter each year. You can reduce the number of plastic bags you consume by using a reusable bag when shopping.

To help reduce the amount of plastic bags used by Westwood residents, the Westwood Young Women’s Club is selling reusable Westwood multi-purpose tote bags. "Small everyday changes can add up to a big impact," said Mary Ellen LaRose, President of the Westwood Young Women’s Club. "If every Westwood resident used one less plastic bag a week for a year we would save over 728,000 plastic bags."

Printed with the Westwood town seal and "Keep Westwood Green," the ECOBAGS EveryDay Tote is the reusable bag you are looking for. Made from natural cotton canvas (unbleached and untreated) the bag is 19" wide by 15.5" tall with full 5" flat bottom gusset and 22" length carry handles/straps. All the seams and stress points are double-stitched for durability. Generously sized, the EveryDay Tote will hold as much as a full grocery bag.

The bags are priced as follows:

• 1 bag for $10
• 2 bags for $18
• 3 bags for $25
• 6 bags for $50

Proceeds from the sales of the bags will go towards environmentally-friendly initiatives in Westwood. To order bags download an order form from the Club’s web site at www.wywc.org.

That town meeting was an emotional drain. There will be plenty of time here to talk more about Westwood Station, but I'd like to point out a couple of events that are coming up related to environmental and sustainability issues.

• On Saturday, May 10, from 10am to 2pm, the Westwood Environmental Action Committee is hosting an Energy Fair at First Parish Hall to highlight ways we can save money and promote conservation and sustainability.
• The first annual Lowell Woods Day will happen on the same day, from 10am to 2pm, across the street from me at the Hanlon School.

Why not make a "Green Day" of it? The Environmental Action Committe has quickly organized and is working to make a difference in town. And Keep Our Town Clean has a beautiful website with stunning photos of parts of town that make us love this place and want to keep it clean. Their website will allow you to volunteer to help clean up a part of town that needs your help.

Please join your fellow citizens clearing trash from public spaces throughout the town. Participate individually or with a group (family, friends, scouts, sports teams, civic groups, religious groups, etc.). This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while contributing to your community.

The Keep Our Town Clean website uses a google maps mashup to help residents volunteer and coordinate cleanup efforts. To volunteer, simply view the map and click on an identified location; you will then be able to sign up to help!

More info at the keepourtownclean website

Join us for a fun-filled day!

Saturday, April 26th, 2008
from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
at the Hanlon School Entrance

• Learn about camping and emergency preparedness
• Go on a guided nature walk
• Join our Ultimate Frisbee game
• Play Punt, Pass and Kick
• Eat and talk with friends
• Join the Westwood Police and Fire Departments for demonstrations