Suzanne, Congressman Paul Hodes and Nashua Recycling Coordinator Sally Hyland at the August Energy Fair. (Photo by Paul Johnson.)When former Mayor Streeter signed up Nashua to particpate in the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, Suzanne urged that the city actively engage in the agreement's mission. Soon the Green Team (GT) was formed and eventually was made an official city committee by the Board of Aldermen. Its initial task was to "green" city government.
As an original member of the GT, Suzanne suggested that the group sponsor an energy fair to educate residents about the environment and what they could do to make their homes more energy efficient and use less energy. The first fair was held in Greeley Park in the summer of 2006. The third annual Nashua Energy Fair was held in the park again in August 2009 in conjunction with the fiinal Park & Rec's Summer Fun event for the season.
Each year more and more folks stop at the fair's exhibitors' tables to ask questions and gather information about alternative energy and heating systems, such as solar, wind, wood pellets. This year the city was represented by both the recycling and transit offices. A city bus partially powered by biodiesel was popular with the kids, who were allowed to climb inside the bus and sit in the driver's seat. Most booths had handouts for adults and kids.
Look for the fourth annual Nashua Energy Fair next summer!