Last year, 79% of energy consumption in the U.S. originated from fossil fuels, according to the Energy Information Administration. The burning of fossil fuels is a primary contributor to climate change, the release of large amounts of greenhouse gases into the environment, and pollution of our air and oceans. Moving to cleaner, renewable energy sources will reduce our reliance on and use of fossil fuel.

This issue of the Westfield Green Team’s quarterly newsletter focuses on energy-related topics and local opportunities to take the next step toward a greener future.

October 1 Green Energy Fair

Join us on Saturday, October 1, between 12:00 and 4:00 PM for the Green Energy Fair at the South Avenue train station lot. Residents of all ages can learn about alternative energy options through hands-on experiences, demonstrations, and more:

• Drive Greener: View and test drive the latest electric vehicles (EVs) and meet with local EV owners to hear practical tips.
• Bike Greener: Test drive e-bikes and e-scooters on the Green Energy Fair course.
• Play Greener: Kids ages 8-15 can start building their own solar-powered derby car in advance of the fair, bringing their completed car to compete for various prizes (pre-registration required).
• Garden Greener: Demo battery-operated yard equipment with a chance to win an electric snowblower kit valued at $749.

There will be live music, giveaways (while supplies last), food for purchase, and more!
 
For more details, including links to RSVP for EV test drives, registration for the kids’ Solar Car Derby, and tips for building a derby car, visit our website.

Energy Audit for Westfield Residents

Improve the comfort and energy-efficiency of your home through an energy audit offered by the Westfield Home Energy Savings Program at a discounted rate of $49. Through the program, Ciel Power specialists evaluate the energy efficiency of your home and offer suggestions for improvements to save on your energy bills, while providing information on potential cash-back incentives and rebates.
 
Visit www.cielpower.com/westfield to schedule your energy audit!

Westfield Wins Community Energy Plan Grant

Westfield was among 46 municipalities in the state to receive a grant from the Board of Public Utilities toward the formulation of its Community Energy Plan. As a result, the Town now has $10,000 to explore measures related to energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy that can be undertaken by residential, commercial, and municipal energy users in Westfield.

These grant funds will be used to conduct a feasibility survey for a residential energy improvement program that will address not only energy efficiency, but also the electrification/net zero status of homes and renewable energy installation. It will also be utilized to create an Energy Management Plan (EMP) for Westfield Memorial Library. The ultimate goals are to reduce energy use, air pollution, greenhouse gas generation, and operating costs!

An Alternative Way to Heat and Cool Your Home

Are you familiar with heat pumps? They’re becoming increasingly popular, offer an energy-efficient alternative to heating and cooling your home, and can help you save on your utility bills. For example, a heat pump can use approximately 50% less electricity when compared to traditional furnace and baseboard heaters.
 
During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the outdoors into your home. During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your house into the outdoors.
 
Residents with an old water heater might consider replacing it with a heat pump water heater. For those planning a small addition or those without central air conditioning, ductless mini-splits can also offer an energy-efficient solution. Both options offer the potential for significant rebates.
 
Learn more about a variety of energy-efficient, heat pump options. 

Local Volunteer Opportunities

Storm Drain Clean-Up Volunteer Day
Sunday, October 2

Did you know we have more than 3,000 storm drains throughout Westfield? As we experience more severe storms, keeping our storm drains clear of debris and pollution is more important than ever. The Town of Westfield has a comprehensive storm drain maintenance system, which includes ongoing clearing efforts and street sweeping by the DPW. But residents and businesses can also help keep our local watershed clean by taking simple steps to prevent trash and other waste from getting into storm drains.

Join us for a town-wide volunteer storm drain clean-up on Sunday, October 2 – it’s easy to do with garden tools you already own and only takes a few minutes. No registration is required; simply pick a drain that is convenient for you in Westfield, and drop off the organic debris at the South Avenue train station lot from 10:00 - 2:00, where DPW employees will be available, or at the Conservation Center from 9:00 - 2:00.

If you would like to help keep our storm drains clear year-round, consider Westfield’s Adopt-a-Drain program, which allows residents to select a nearby storm drain and volunteer to clear the surface of any lingering debris that would cause ongoing flooding issues. Of course, our dedicated DPW team continues to perform regular maintenance of these drains, but with over 3,000 of them throughout Town, this volunteer program aims to supplement their efforts as needed. For full details, visit our website.



Second Chance Toys Quarterly Clean-Up
Sunday, November 13, 3:30 - 5:30
Westfield Conservation Center
Did you know Westfield residents can bring gently used plastic toys (no plush toys or childcare items) to the toy collection bin at the Westfield Conservation Center instead of throwing them away? In August, approximately 750 toys were cleaned and donated – that’s about 3,000 pounds of plastic diverted from landfills.

Join the Westfield Green Team and Second Chance Toys volunteers to help clean and sort the toys before they’re picked up by an accredited recipient organization and distributed to local children and families in need before the holidays. Email greenteam@westfieldnj.gov to volunteer.

Share the Green

Encourage family and friends who may be interested in hearing about local green opportunities to sign up for our quarterly newsletter. It’s easy:

• Visit westfieldnj.gov/townupdates.
• Enter your email address, and click "Sign in."
• Select the email or text icon for the Green Team under "Notify Me," as well as for any other topics of interest to you. 
• Confirm your selection(s) by clicking the confirmation link sent to your email.