Mar 08, 2021

What Not to Do with Food Waste: A Cautionary Tale

Cambridge partnered with a local composter in 2018 to start a curbside compost program. But as more residents signed-up, the volume of food scraps increased. Cambridge accommodated the growth by finding a new partner. It signed with Waste Management – a partnership that has put the City’s food scraps to waste.

lemon and orange food scraps
Mar 05, 2021

What You Need to Know About Zero Waste

Is the systemic idea of Zero Waste actually possible? Yes! But to do so, we need to stop looking at Zero Waste as just a lifestyle and start looking at it as a strategic concept for managing our waste – and tackling the trash crisis.

zero waste refill shop
Mar 02, 2021

Devens Clean Water Act Lawsuit Settled

“This settlement means the owners of the Devens site are addressing stormwater pollution at Devens in compliance with the Clean Water Act,” said Christopher Kilian, Vice President of Strategic Litigation at CLF. “MassDevelopment now has a legally enforceable permit that ensures it will follow Clean Water Act pollution requirements. MassDevelopment’s and Devens Enterprise Commission’s commitment to green improvements to the site’s stormwater system will result in a healthier Nashua River and surrounding waters.”

Mar 01, 2021

Massachusetts Power Grid Vulnerable to Climate Impacts

“The tragedy in Texas is just the latest example of the climate crisis threatening critical infrastructure and endangering lives,” said Deanna Moran, Director of Environmental Planning at CLF. “To protect the public from these catastrophic impacts, investor-owned utilities must prepare for extreme temperatures, extreme precipitation, storms, and sea-level rise now. Taking the right steps now will avoid disaster down the road.”

transmission lines
Feb 22, 2021

State Approves East Boston Substation Despite Widespread Opposition

“Approving the construction of this substation is a slap in the face to the East Boston community,” said CLF staff attorney Erica Kyzmir-McKeon. “State officials did everything they could to silence community input on this project, calling necessary translation services ‘disruptive.’ This project will impact the neighborhood for decades to come and it never should have been approved.”

The waterfront site near the dangerous electric substation proposed by Eversource in the Eagle Hill community in East Boston. The jet fuel tanks and other infrastructure in the background highlight the need for climate justice in this community.
Feb 22, 2021

Eileen Marks

Eileen Marks is Chief Financial Officer for CLF, where she oversees finance, human resources, and operations.  Her experience prior to joining CLF in 2020 includes work in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in publishing, management consulting, and commercial banking. As treasurer and vice president of the board of El Hogar Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit serving… Continue reading Eileen Marks

Feb 17, 2021

CLF sues Barnstable over pollution in Lewis Bay

CLF is asking the court to rule that Barnstable is in violation of the Clean Water Act: This would trigger the requirement of a federal permit, which comes with stricter limits on nutrients and other contaminants.

Feb 16, 2021

Hyannis Wastewater Plant Polluting Cape Cod Waters

“Sewage and harmful pollutants are leaking from this wastewater plant directly into nearby estuaries, bays, and streams,” said Christopher Kilian, Vice President of Strategic Litigation at CLF. “For too long, Town officials have skirted legal requirements and taken no action to prevent nitrogen pollution and protect the Cape’s waters. The area’s water pollution crisis demands action now.”