City of Attleboro Sustainability Commission

06/18/2026

We are deep into outdoor celebration season. Let's celebrate in sustainable ways.

Unfortunately, releasing balloons for a celebration is NOT a sustainable solution. This deflated balloon was found in Attleboro. Don't forget about gravity, what goes up, must come down. It usually comes down and pollutes our environment.

Sustainable choices for celebrations include:

1. Bunting or Garlands:
Why It’s Better: Reusable and customizable with fabric, paper, or natural materials.
Eco Benefits: No waste; can be used for multiple events.

2. Paper Decorations (compostable decorations):
Examples: Origami, paper fans, pinwheels, or pom-poms.
Eco Benefits: Made from recyclable or compostable materials.

3. Lanterns:
Why It’s Better: Use paper or fabric lanterns for a festive, elegant look.
Eco Benefits: Reusable and biodegradable options available.

4. Plant-Based Decor:
Examples: Flowers, leaves, or potted plants.
Eco Benefits: 100% compostable and natural.

5. As a LAST resort, biodegradable balloons are available on the market.

source: www.zerowastememoirs.com

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

The City of Attleboro Sustainability Commission unanimously approved a recommendation to expand our wetlands buffer to 50 feet. Please join us in supporting that measure!

"The ultimate climate defense is a healthy wetland!"

06/13/2026

Understanding the importance of wetlands is critical for our water resources.

photo:slideserve.com

06/12/2026

Happy Friday Attleboro! As the plants are popping out the ground, think of these easy ways to be more sustainable. Enjoy the weekend!

06/10/2026

Sustainable Hint of the Day:

The average American purchases 53 new pieces of clothing per year and toss 68 pounds of clothing per year into the trash. Between production and trashing, textiles make up 8-10% of all the carbon emissions.

So, now what? What can you and I do? Here are some tips.
• Buy less. “Do I really need this?” should be part of the purchasing decision.
• Donate. Savers (North Attleboro), Donation boxes (around town), Goodwill (So. Attleboro.
• Clothing consignment shops (Google)
• Sell or give away on several local market sites (Google)
• Attleboro Recycling Center (Textile Recycling | Attleboro, MA)

Filling the trash is the last place to put clothing.

06/09/2026

BIG NEWS!!!

The Sustainability Commission is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Attleboro Beautiful and our beloved Park Zoo to establish a "Pollinator Paradise." !!!

Using a grant from Keep Massachusetts Beautiful, this collaborative effort is expanding a crucial pollinator sanctuary at the zoo. This new garden is designed to significantly enhance local biodiversity and provide a thriving (and sustainable) habitat for native pollinators.

Significant progress has already been made, including clearing a prime viewing area and constructing a boulder retaining wall.

In the coming weeks, diverse native plants will be introduced, offering vital nectar, pollen, and host resources for bees, butterflies, and their young. We are excited to see this initiative blossom into a vibrant ecosystem for our community and its pollinators.

Stay tuned for more progress!

06/09/2026

Sustainable hint of the day:

Rather than buying expensive and toxic non-selective herbicides such as Roundup, Ground Clear, Ranger Pro, Glufosinate, Paraquat, and AXXE, be more economically and environmentally sustainable and make your own!

It’s easy. Just mix the common kitchen ingredients vinegar (1 gallon), salt (2 cups), and dish soap (1/4 cup of Dawn). Spraying these ingredients will dry up the plants, clearing them walkways, patios, driveways, etc., anywhere you do not want plants growing

06/05/2026

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Take a look at our recent article regarding that nasty plant bittersweet.

Have a great weekend!

06/04/2026

We are in the time of year where the sun is strong and will cause skin damage. When thinking about protecting your skin, think about a sustainable choice in sunscreens. Enjoy the weekend!

EWG (Environmental Working Group) verifies that it recommended sunscreens are both safe for people and planet-friendly, meaning they are reef-safe and avoid harmful ingredients. EWG Verified sunscreens ensure broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and are free from chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs.

Here's a more detailed look at what makes EWG-recommended sunscreens safe:

Reef-Safe:
EWG prioritizes sunscreens that do not contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are known to harm coral reefs.

Broad Spectrum Protection:
EWG Verified sunscreens must demonstrate protection from both UVA and UVB rays, exceeding FDA requirements.

No Harmful Ingredients:
EWG Verified sunscreens avoid ingredients with health, ecotoxicity, or contamination concerns.

Transparency:
EWG requires full disclosure of ingredients, including fragrance ingredients, on the label.

Scientific Backing:
EWG's standards and criteria are developed by scientists and formulators.

No Aerosols or Powders:
EWG Verified sunscreens are not available in aerosol or powder form due to inhalation risks.

SPF Range:
EWG limits SPF values to between 15 and 50.

https://www.ewg.org