09/25/2025 SWG Minutes

Minutes of the September 25, 2025

Meeting of the Sustainability Working Group

 

The meeting commenced at 5:33 PM at Town Hall. Bruce Caplain and Paul Karpawich were present, and Barry Zitser conferenced via video.

 

Barry read the Mission Statement

 

The purpose of the Sustainability Working Group (“Group”) is to facilitate, educate and enable residents, businesses and municipal entities on economic, environmental, and socially sustainable practices so humans and nature can exist in productive harmony for present and future generations, while collaborating with others when appropriate.

There was no public input.

Barry provided an update on the planned October 21, 2025 visit by the Center for Eco-Technology (CET) to provide free food and plastic waste assessments to Bethlehem food establishments and the Littleton Food Co-Op.  The Co-Op is on board. While Barry has spoken to the new manager of Rek lis, he has not yet gotten a firm commitment. Bruce suggested that I send him some material so that he could contact Marlena at Rek lis, who would likely be more desirous of a free assessment. Paul mentioned that his emails to Profile School’s principal on whether the School would be interested in such a free assessment has remained unanswered. Paul also noted that Bethlehem Elementary School is so far ahead on the issue of waste reduction that it might be best to provide the limited assessments to other establishments. Barry indicated that the limit for free assessments might consist of 7 businesses. Since CET’s representative will be staying at the Wayside Inn on October 20^th, CET could do an assessment of the Inn at 4 PM on that evening. Barry will contact Rosa Flamingo’s and the Village Store. It was suggested that Cold Mountain Café and The Colonial should also be contacted. The Group concluded that Super Secret Ice Cream is pretty on top of sustainability and that we should look elsewhere for the limited assessments.

Bruce noted that the Group’s partnering with the Littleton Co-Op in promoting a non-plastic laundry detergent is going well. The Co-Op is planning for 100 sales or more with the $5 coupon that is shared by the Group and the Co-Op. Barry suggested that Bruce might want to ask the Co-Op whether the Group’s $2.50 contribution should be limited to the first 100 sales, since the Co-Op would still be making a profit above this amount without our contribution. Paul also stated that he would look into how the Lebanon Co-Op is approaching sustainability. Barry stated that Chris Jensen had agreed to put an article about our partnership with the Littleton Co-Op in Our Town News, but that he did not see it in the last edition. Barry will get in touch with Chris.

On the issue of membership, Paul suggested that the best way to attract volunteers is by getting our name out there as frequently as possible. Paul noted the successful example of a group called Herei in Hillsborough County, with whom he is collaborating. They have workshop meetings on the installation of solar, and have the ability to install solar panels to a home in just a few hours. Eversource also provides up to $3,000 to encourage the installation of solar batteries.

On the continued discussion concerning the development of a conversational group meeting, Bruce mentioned that he has contacted The Place Above the Notch and they are very willing to host such a meeting. It was decided that it would be best to have this meeting in the winter. Bruce stated he would reach out to Rachelle Lyons to see if she knew of a speaker/facilitator. Barry inquired whether Herei might be interested in coming to Bethlehem to discuss solar. Paul will check on this. Barry also noted that there is a New England program, which is accelerating heat pump adoption. While the coalition is led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, he believes that the New Hampshire participant might be the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). Barry will contact the NHDES to see whether there is a possibility that this program could be part of a conversational group meeting. The Group sees great promise in the role of heat pumps in sustainability.

There was a continued discussion on encouraging a bike repair shop/service at the Littleton Farmers’ Market for next year. Bruce stated that we need to apply in January to reserve a booth, and he will follow up on this issue.

Bruce has prepared a comprehensive article on A through Z ways to promote sustainability. He is working with Jess to post it on social media along with graphics.

On other business, Barry noted that annual reports by committees for publication in the Town’s Annual Report are due by March. He volunteered to draft a report for the Group prior to the end of the year for review. Barry also noted that there is an October 22^nd free event sponsored by New Hampshire Recycles, where persons will meet at the Rock’s Estate at 8 AM for a trip to the Mt. Carberry recycling facility. He plans to attend.

The August minutes were approved and Barry will forward them to Nicole.

The next meeting was set for October 28^th at 5:30.

The meeting adjourned at 6:19 PM.