03/12/2026 SWG Minutes

“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 continuing results of CET’s waste assessments of Bethlehem food establishments and the Littleton Co-Op. He noted that Rek lis has implemented a composting program. The Colonial Theatre had also entered into a contract with Waste Management to provide single-stream recycling.

Bruce reported on the on-going partnering with the Littleton Co-Op in promoting sustainable items. The Group is currently sharing in a dollar to two-dollar coupon, providing a 10% to 25% discount from plant-based food wrap made from beeswax, depending on the product.

There was a discussion on our research concerning an alternative to temporary plastic lane markers by DOT. Our best option currently appears to be temporary paint markers. Paul will do some further research on this and draft a letter to DOT for our review.

Paul provided an update on the solar presentation at Above the Notch on March 10th. He and Barry were pleased at the turnout, which was somewhat challenged by the fact that there was also municipal voting going on during the same date. The persons who did attend appeared to be enthusiastic about looking into solar options. Paul suggested that we should continue to have similar presentations every 3 to 4 months. We talked about the possibility of a heat pump presentation for the next presentation, since New Hampshire agencies should have a discount program in operation by then. We also agreed to provide the owner of Above the Notch, Angela, with a gift for allowing her business as a forum. Bruce stated that he would put together a sustainability package as a gift.

Bruce suggested that the Group may also want to look into inviting Windowdressers for a presentation to promote building your own window inserts for greater energy efficiency. He will look into this possibility.

Bruce stated that we have been granted a placeholder for the Farmers’ Market for our bicycle repair presentation, during the first Sunday that the Market reopens.

Bruce reported that our social media presence on Instagram is gaining followers – perhaps 150 presently. We have also been putting on Instagram a letter per week from Bruce’s A-Z list of sustainability options.

Bruce has sent an email to Mary Moritz about setting up a site for the Group on the Town website. She has previously indicated that this subject should be explored after the Town election.

Barry brought up the subject of reaching out to our State Representative, Jared Sullivan, for assistance in obtaining a meeting with Tri County Transit to bring some local bus service to Bethlehem. Tri County Transit had previously indicated a willingness to consider this option, but there has been difficulty in setting up a meeting. Bruce indicated that he has a good relationship with Representative Sullivan, and will contact him. Barry will send Bruce an email with some thoughts to address with his contact.

The minutes of the Group’s February meeting were approved and Barry will send it to Nicole.

The next meeting date was set for April 14, 2026 at 5PM.

The meeting adjourned at 5:29PM.