Founded in 1990, Green Newton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our members and volunteers work to create sustainable solutions to environmental problems facing our city and our world, often in collaboration with City government and schools, and with other nonprofits across Massachusetts.
Our programs and advocacy build awareness, provide opportunities for public dialogue, and educate about and empower citizens to take personal and civic action to protect our environment.
Our members include people who live or work in Newton and neighboring communities, as well as representatives of community organizations, institutions and businesses.
In 2013, The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM), the oldest statewide environmental advocacy group in the Commonwealth, honored Green Decade Newton for their “Outstanding Community Leadership Protecting the Environment.” Green Newton was also honored to receive a 2015 New England Merit Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).
Founder Louise Bruyn
Recently, Green Newton received sad news of the passing of Louise Bruyn, who founded our organization in 1990. Around that time, Louise brought together local environmental activists who shared her vision to work on global warming issues and the protection of our natural resources. All these years, we’ve remained highly motivated and encouraged by her extraordinary determination to bring about real solutions to environmental challenges that imperil our planet.
Louise thoughtfully served as Green Newton’s first president from 1990 to 2000, minus a one-year respite, and as co-editor of the Green News for 19 years. Under her inspiring and capable leadership, our organization has made a significant difference by informing people of all ages about the steps they can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To this day, we continue to rely on the legacy of her wise guidance, as we work to bolster our educationational initiatives and advocacy for making steady progress on environmental protections and conservation.
Louise Bruyn’s longtime activism was a model to all in so many ways. In 1971, she walked all the way from Newton to Washington, DC to protest the Vietnam War and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The story of her ambitious journey was told in her captivating book She Walked for All of Us.
In 2000, Mayor David B. Cohen created a proclamation to honor Louise Bruyn on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Green Decade Coalition Newton (the group’s original name).
The Bruyn Fund that was established by Green Newton in honor of Louise, encourages and rewards Newton students and teachers who identify and investigate solutions to environmental problems.
To contribute to the Bruyn Fund, go to the ‘Donate’ page and enter ‘Bruyn Fund’ in the ‘Reason for Contribution’ box. Contributions are fully tax-deductible.
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