Ocean acidification endangers local aquaculture
The rise in ocean acidification is disproportionately affecting marine economies and ecosystems in Massachusetts — particularly those of mollusks, which have a higher mortality rate based on the acidity of the water.
In order to...
Climate Solutions: Converting our Steamship fleet
Ferry fuel makes up 11 percent of our Island's transportation energy use; 1,290,723 gallons of diesel fuel were used in 2018. We need to transition to a cleaner way to travel. Scandinavia and Washington...
South Mountain: Green technologies becoming ‘commonplace’
The overarching focus of South Mountain Co.’s work for the past 30 years has been on bolstering environmental sustainability on-Island, while making sure their building projects are positive and uplifting experiences for all participants.
South...
Climate Solutions: Make way for EV trucks – they’re coming and they’re cool!
2021 will see the beginning of electric pickup trucks being introduced into the market.
Governor Baker has mandated that by 2035, all "light-duty vehicles" sold in Massachusetts will need to be zero emissions. This means...
Stormtide study will map Island inundation pathways
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is working with the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) and the town of Oak Bluffs to identify stormtide pathways on-Island caused by sea level rise and storm surge.
The project...
MVC provides climate resilience update
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) climate resilience committee (CRC) provided an update to the community about its current initiatives during a Zoom presentation hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was led by...
Island companies lead the way in sustainable home energy
Locally owned design and engineering firms are offering sustainable alternatives for home energy, and are working to educate the Island community about the financial and environmental benefits of reducing their carbon footprint.
When Brian Nelson...
Climate Solutions: For your next car, buy or lease an EV!
The electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding as battery technology improves. The newer models have greater range, and there are more vehicle choices.
At the top of the line, Teslas get more than 300 miles...
The cleaning power of oysters
Oysters are a delicious shellfish that folks on Martha’s Vineyard are lucky enough to have grown fresh, practically in their backyard. But some are unaware of the benefits these bivalves can have on marine...
Climate Solutions: Juicing up our transportation!
Forty-five percent of our energy use is for transportation. That’s higher than other communities because of the fuel used for ferry service.
In 2018, 22,191 automobiles and light trucks were registered on the Vineyard at the...
Climate Solutions: Make the switch to heat pump water heating
We all use hot water. One of the easiest ways to decrease your fossil-fuel use is to switch to a hybrid electric water heater. It's an easy switch because you already have a water...
Climate Solution: Air-Source Heat Pumps Are THE Way!
You have seen them: metal boxes sitting outside houses with a grill on the front, and "mini-splits" inside houses that deliver heat or cool. Now that there are cold-climate units available, this is the...
Climate Solutions: Air-Source Heat Pumps Are THE Way!
You have seen them: metal boxes sitting outside houses with a grill on the front, and "mini-splits" inside houses that deliver heat or cool. Now that there are cold-climate units available, this is the...
‘A spectrum of services for a spectrum of needs’
The eighth annual Food Is Medicine Symposium invites Islanders to educate themselves about the myriad ways nutrition can benefit those who are at risk or living with chronic illness.
But Food Is Medicine Massachusetts (FIMMA)...
Climate Solutions: Make it tight, build it right!
We have 17,500 houses on the Island now. Some that were seasonal are now being used year-round. We have 1,100 nonresidential buildings.
Many of these buildings will still be around in 2050. If we are...
Bringing climate action back home
There are so many ways to support our environment and advocate for sustainable practices, in both our individual and collective lives.
The three-part climate change course offered by the West Tisbury library provides a wealth...
Climate Solutions: We need to switch to electricity for ALL our building energy needs
Currently, one-third of our buildings are heated with oil, and two-thirds with propane. All our buildings use electricity.
How does that fuel and electricity get here?
Our propane and oil come over on the boats or on...
Climate Solutions: The easiest switch to make … get your electricity from a renewable...
One of the simplest ways to help with the goal of a 100% Renewable MV by 2040 is to join the Cape Light Compact's Local Green.
You may not be ready to install solar at...
Climate change course seeks to educate and inspire
The West Tisbury library is offering a three-session course for those interested in learning more about climate change, and how to use that knowledge to combat the devastating impacts it has on society.
The first...
Climate Solutions: Now is the time for us to address climate change!
“ The decade ahead will be one of the most crucial breakdown or breakthrough moments in the history of our species.”
– Terry Tempest Williams, environmental thinker & advocate
RIGHT NOW, HERE IS HOW WE USE...