Last Wednesday August 9, under the large pavilion at NARA park on a lovely cool evening, over 40 people gathered for a free potluck dinner to celebrate plant-based meals. The event, hosted by Energize Acton (a collaboration between Town and Acton Climate Coalition), Acton Memorial Library, and the Acton Sustainability Office, was the latest of the summer’s Climate Cafes, most of which were conducted at Acton Memorial Library. Climate Cafes’ focus is on energy savings and the climate. Topics have included solar panels, electric vehicles, heating and cooling with heat pumps, and incentives from the State and Federal government to help businesses and residents make choices towards a healthier climate and environment.
Karen Root-Watkins, the event organizer, welcomed everyone and folks quickly began to peruse the two tables filled with over two dozen homemade plant-based dishes, including rice, quinoa, sweet potato quesadillas, chickpeas, zucchini, tomatoes, watermelon salad, zucchini, eggplant, lentils, kale, and beets. The event promotion made it clear that they were not saying that people should give up all meat; rather, they were saying that vegetable dishes are delicious and also good for the environment.
A number of people walking by joined in the festive event. One person in attendance was overheard saying, “We should do this every week”.
At the potluck there were additional presentations by residents. Adam Parker cooked a delicious quick tempeh dish on an environmentally safer portable induction cooktop. (Induction cook kits are available to borrow from the Acton Memorial Library.) Ram Prakash conducted a presentation of composting and of an anaerobic process he developed which involves bio enzymes.
The Boston Area Gleaners had an information table explaining their work growing and distributing food at the former Stonefield Farm in South Acton. Gleaners harvest and pack food donated from local farms for communities across the region. Through their distribution program, they deliver fresh food to a network of local food pantries, food banks, and meal programs, and provide trucking support to partner non-profits and farms in need of resources.
Visit EnergizeActon.org to learn more about future events and explore resources to help you with your carbon saving future.
