Resources

Resources for homes, businesses, and transportation

There are lots of ways we can reduce our impact upon the environment, such as energy conservation, renewable energy production, carbon emissions reduction, and waste reduction. Many programs exist to help us do just that by offering financial incentives or guidance. We hope you'll click the underlined links below to explore actions we can take to live more sustainably.

RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOME

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  • Mass Save for residences: The best way to get started on reducing your energy usage is to schedule a home energy assessment. Check out this state-wide program that puts you in touch with opportunities to save money when you reduce your energy consumption. You'll find information about financial incentives in your area, home energy assessments, and smart ways to conserve energy on this helpful site.
  • Mass Clean Energy Center - Follow this link to find information on state clean energy programs and incentives.
  • Center for EcoTechnology - Homes: Want to go green but not sure how to start? This non-profit organization based in western Mass can help you with practical solutions to positively impact our environment and community.
  • Energy Financing and Tax Incentives for Homeowners: Looking to install solar panels or other renewable or efficient energy technology at home? First check out these incentives from the federal and state governments.
  • Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture: Buying locally grown or produced food strengthens the local economy and reduces fossil fuel-dependent transportation required to get food from its source to you. Visit CISA's site for information about the food that comes from our area, listings of local CSAs, recipes, workshops, and ways to get involved.
  • Longmeadow Recycling Guidelines: Follow this link to learn about the town's guidelines for recycling.
  • Hot Water Tank Rebate Offer: Massachusetts offers a $600 rebate for the construction or replacement of an older electric, propane. or oil water heater. 

RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS


  • Mass Save for businesses:  This state-wide program works for businesses too, putting you in touch with opportunities to save money while reducing your energy consumption. Here you'll find information about energy-saving upgrades, financial incentives, technical assistance, and building energy assessments.
  • Center for EcoTechnology - Businesses and Farms: This non-profit organization based in western Mass can help your business become more environmentally and economically sustainable.
  • Energy Financing and Tax Incentives for Businesses & Institutions: Look here for ways to save money by taking advantage of state and federal financial opportunities when you install renewable or efficient energy technology at your business or institution.

TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES

  • Pioneer Valley Transit Authority: Did you know that every year, public transportation saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline? Taking public transportation instead of driving saves you money and reduces your impact on the environment. The PVTA's website allows you to plan your route and buy passes online. Also, click hereTransportation Resources to read more about how the PVTA protects the environment.
  • MassRIDES is the Massachusetts statewide travel options program, helping you move smarter with information about carpooling, bicycling, walking, public transportation, teleworking, and vanpooling. MassRIDES connects you to NuRide, a membership program that rewards you for choosing to travel more greenly.
  • Fuel Savings Calculator and Carbon Savings Calculator: Use these calculators from the American Public Transportation Association to figure out how much gas or emissions you can save by taking public transportation instead of driving.