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Newton Group puts Solar on Schools with matching funds

Mass Energy receives a $5,000 contribution from Green Decade Coalition/Newton .

Green Decade Coalition/Newton has made a generous contribution to the New England Wind Fund.  The Green Decade Coalition/Newton is a grassroots volunteer environmental non-profit, working to implement measurable improvements in the use of environmental resources in Newton since 1990. On August 8th, Newton's Whole Foods stores had a Community 5% Day supporting the Green Decade. On designated days throughout the year, 5% of the day's net sales are donated to local non-profit organizations.

This year’s contribution to Green Decade Coalition/Newton was $7,735, according to Pirjo Silen, Marketing and Community Affairs Team Leader, who coordinated the event with Lynay Smith at the Four Corners store and with Ana Zarina Asuaje Solon, Dan Ruben and Margaret Ford of the Green Decade.

Green Decade will donate the $5,000 to Mass Energy Consumers Alliance New England Wind Fund.  The donation will support solar panels for Oak Hill Middle School, which will be installed in early 2007. Contributions to the fund will work to support more wind power in Massachusetts and in turn, support solar power in local communities. The Mass Technology Collaborative (MTC), which oversees the state-mandated Renewable Energy Trust Fund, financed by a small surcharge on all electric bills matches these donated funds. When the Green Decade or any other Newton-based organization or household contributes to the New England Wind Fund, MTC will match these funds twice. In this case, $5,000 will go to the solar panels for Newton Schools and another $5,000 will go to projects benefiting low-income people in Massachusetts.

Mayor Cohen of Newton receives a $5,000 grant from Martha Broad of MTC. The matching funds will go towards solar panels on Oak Hill Middle School.

On September 19th Whole Foods presented Green Decade with their check. In turn Mass Energy and Newton's Mayor Cohen were presented with $5,000 checks. Check back for news on the installations of solar panels at the Oak Hill Middle school expected to be online in January 2007!

To learn how your town can benefit from matching grants contact Janna or call 800-287-3950 X129.