In 2018, I received a mailer to have my free in-home energy assessment done by Endless Energy, a Mass Save partner. I noticed some condensation on my windows during the colder months so I decided to call and schedule the energy audit. What an interesting process that was! Since my home is under 1,000 sq ft, it was not terribly time-consuming (maybe 90 minutes) and rather non-invasive. On top of providing free LED light bulbs and smart powerstrips, they suggested insulating the attic since it is not used for storage. Aside from conserving energy, one huge perk of the powerstrips is safety. I use a hair straightener and curling iron so I know they are powered off when my master outlet is not in use. For the insulation, I got a high-level estimate which broke down the anticipated out-of-pocket expense after factoring in the Mass Save rebates. I went ahead with the insulation, which the Endless Energy auditor helped schedule for me, and have since noticed more comfortable temperatures (see my Testimonial for insulation, too)! The only downside I found is that Mass Save does not offer any rebates or programs for window insulation or replacements so I have yet to address that issue.

I am an avid gardener and composter! My husband and I spend many delightful hours outside in our perennial, annual, and vegetable beds taking happy care of our front, back, and side yards. We compost year-round. We feed the birds. In the fall I dehydrate herbs, put up jam and chutneys, and make pesto from our garden basil. I am never so happy as when I am knee deep in dirt!! All of it is a joy!

It took me years to finally get a Mass Save assessment (through ClearResult), that determined I needed insulation in my walls and my attic, and improved weather stripping around my doors. I chose Roger’s as a local company with good reviews, and I am glad I did. They were professional from the moment they pulled into my driveway, explaining their work each step of the way, and protecting my home with plastic sheeting and sweeping up every last bit of the cellulose insulation! In addition, in my attic they discovered some issues in some plumbing and electric wiring that could have created some serious problems later on, and suggested I get them taken care of (which I did!) They also sealed up the basement around the foundation, weather stripped my front door, and added a thermal cover for my attic pull down. I felt a difference in my house immediately: It is noticeably warmer and less drafty, and much more comfortable! I only wish I had done it sooner!

I have been composting in my back yard since 2008 and have really loved reducing my trash as well as providing nutrients for my garden. In 2018 when Black Earth Compost began to service Framingham I also joined this service as they take a number of things that I cannot compost in my back yard (meat, dairy, bones, etc.). Black Earth Compost has been extremely reliable and I have been very happy with the service.

I was so excited when I learned about Black Earth Compost, BEC, from a friend using the service! I am very aware of climate change and try to reduce my negative impact on the environment. We are avid recyclers in our home but realized that the majority of our weekly trash was food waste. It would either end up in the garbage bag or down the garbage disposal, using water and electricity. I have wanted to compost for some time but just couldn't seem to execute on my own. BEC is the perfect solution! We collect ALL food waste in their odor-free bin and wheel it to the curb each week. (There are many acceptable items beyond food and the list is entertaining!) BEC whisks the bag away to their facility, avoiding the landfill and turning the waste into useful compost. You can opt to receive an annual delivery of composted soil, but having absolutely no ability to garden, we opt to donate it to a local farm. There is a small fee to pay for their service as it is not yet part of our town's collection, but it is money well spent! Between what we compost and recycle, our family of three now has one bag of "trash" on average each week.

Until I switched to Black Earth Composting, I was dumping all veggie scraps in a hole in the back yard and shoveling dirt over it. Black Earth helped me expand the items I can compost and cut down landfill garbage to one bag a week. Even that is sometimes only 1/2 filled.