History

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

In the late 1980’s, Louise Bruyn brought together local environmental activists to form the Green Decade/Newton (now known as Green Newton) to work on global warming issues and the protection of our natural resources.

Louise Bruyn’s longtime activism is a model to all. In 1971, she walked from Newton to Washington, DC to protest the Vietnam War and her journey is recorded in her must-read book She Walked for All of Us. She has been an all star community leader, who also spent much of her time working on issues of peace and justice.

Louise thoughtfully devoted several years to serve as Green Newton’s first president from 1990 to 2000, minus a one-year respite, as co-editor of the Green News for 19 years. Under her inspiring leadership, our organization made a significant difference in our community by educating and motivating hundreds of residents to work with our organization to make steady progress on environmental protections and conservation.

The Bruyn Fund was established in honor of our founder and president emerita, Louise Bruyn. The Bruyn Fund 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.