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Regional Environmental Council of Central Massachusetts
P.O. Box 255
Worcester, MA 01613
Tel: 508-799-9139
Fax: 508-799-9147
Email: recouncil[at]recworcester.org

Location: 9 Castle St #1
Worcester, MA 01610
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Regional Environmental Council
 
What is the REC?
Since 1971 the Regional Environmental Council (REC) has been working to make central Massachusetts a cleaner and more liveable place. Through local citizens like you, REC has built public awareness and promoted good choices concerning the environment. Most of our efforts focus on Worcester, because we feel that the entire region benefits from having a healthy, sustainable urban center. From the beginning our goals have been:
   
Education and Public Outreach
The common thread passing through everything we do is to raise people's awareness of local environmental issues. Our efforts stem from the belief that if we truly understand the consequences of our actions, we will be motivated to seek out safer and healthier alternatives. Think what might be possible if entire communities made informed choices about the way they live!
 
  • Public Forums:  These timely events bring the issues to the table, giving everyone an opportunity to discuss, debate, and discover effective solutions to environmental challenges. Past forums have covered the topics of air pollution and asthma, public transportation, and toxics in the home.
  • Legislative Report:  This informative report, published twice a year, keeps you up to date on current environmental legislation at the state and federal level as well as REC news and events.
 
Community Empowerment
Sometimes, even when we are aware of the problem, it is difficult to decide where to begin. The easiest place to start is right here ö our backyard, neighborhood, workplace, or school. Through community involvement, we can develop a sense of ownership of the places in which we live. REC programs give people the tools and support they need to start building healthier communities.
 
  • Earth Day Clean-Ups:  This annual city-wide event gives neighbors a chance to roll up their sleeves and take pride in their neighborhoods. More than one thousand people participate by removing tons of trash from over 45 sites.
  • SPIN/Tesh (Safe Products in Neighborhoods/Toxicos en su hogar): Through this initiative, over two hundred low-income, primarily Hispanic households in the Belmont Hill area and at Lakeside apartments receive individual education on how to reduce toxic hazards in their homes.
  • UGROW (Urban Garden Resources of Worcester):  Is there a connection between community gardens and safer, healthier neighborhoods? We think there is. There are now over 200 gardeners working in about two dozen community gardens throughout the city. REC's first annual Harvest Festival (held in the YMCA Family Park on Murray Ave. in September, 2002) was a success!
 
Bringing People Together
Only through collaboration can we make better use of our resources, and increase the difference we make in our communities. As a matter of practice we join forces with neighborhood groups, watershed associations, youth organizations, city agencies, and other environmental non-profits in order to accomplish shared goals.
 
  • Earth Day Festival:  This annual event organized by REC celebrates community, diversity, and this planet we all share. A wide array of exhibitors inform citizens of healthier and more sustainable ways of living, and the free music and entertainment is something everyone can enjoy.
  • Trail Hikes:  Every Spring and Fall, REC leads guided hikes through some of Worcester's wonderful green spaces. All hikes are free and open to the public!
 
With the grassroots support of our committed members, we are able to continue working towards our vision of a healthier, safer, more sustainable Worcester. Can informed citizens promote a cleaner environment and healthier communities? We say yes!
 
"If you have come to help me, you can go home. But if you see my struggle as part of your own survival, perhaps we can work together."

--Australian aboriginal delegate to the Manila Declaration on Peopleâs Participation in Sustainable Development
 
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Last Updated 02/21/08