Residents can learn more about ways to make their homes more sustainable and also enjoy activities for all ages at the City of Watertown’s first Resilient Watertown Eco Fest.
Eco Fest will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave., Watertown, said Laurel Schwab, Watertown’s Sustainability Manager.
“We wanted this to be a really family-friendly event, so things for people of all ages to learn about the City’s sustainability programs and learn about things that they can do in their own lives, all while also having fun,” Schwab said.
The event is part of the City’s efforts to meet the goals of the Resilient Watertown Climate and Energy Plan. The plan covers a range of areas including energy, waste, transportation, natural resources such as plants and trees, social resilience, and emergency preparedness, Schwab said.
There are goals for the City of Watertown, as well as for residents.
“We certainly have City goals that we are working hard on when it comes to reducing emissions from our public buildings, electrifying our fleet vehicles, things like that,” Schwab said. “But when it comes to our residential buildings and things like that, we can’t and aren’t going to require people to do X, Y and Z, because it’s private property. But we can encourage and educate and incentivize changes that will ultimately reduce, for example, our community’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
At Eco Fest residents can learn about ways to make their homes, and other parts of their lives, more sustainable, such as weatherizing their homes, electrifying their home heating system, and switching from a gas stove to electric or induction electric stove, Schwab said.
Businesses, local nonprofits, advocacy groups, and City committees that work on sustainability issues will have tables at Eco Fest.
“People can come and talk to different rooftop solar vendors, they can learn about the City’s curbside composting program, which is not just for homeowners. That’s for anyone, renters, too,” she said.
There will also be information about rebate programs available to cover a portion of the cost of some projects.
Eco Fest will also feature fun activities for the whole family, including eco-friendly craft making with Hatch Makerspace, test riding e-bikes, and taking a look around (but not test driving) electric vehicles.
“There will also be food, music, a bouncy castle, as well. So, we’re hoping it’ll be fun and engaging for people,” Schwab said.
The City seeks sponsors for the event. See how to become a sponsor or apply to be a vendor here. Deadline is April 25.
See a list of the vendors, and find out more about Resilient Watertown Eco Fest at www.watertownecofest.com.