GCA Advocacy Inspires Founding of Bedford 2020

August 27, 2020

Members of Bedford Garden Club take action on environmental issues

Participation in the GCA's 2008 National Affairs & Legislation Conference provided the inspiration for members of the Bedford Garden Club (BGC) to take action on their town's environmental issues. These BGC members, along with the Town of Bedford’s Energy Advisory Panel (BEAP), organized the Bedford Environmental Summit in 2009. More than 1,000 people participated in the one-day event, resulting in a community of environmental advocates and the adoption of a Climate Action Plan. Building on the summit's success, the Bedford 2020 Coalition was founded.

Residents of the area have readily participated in Bedford 2020’s educational programs and projects, which have been instrumental in the town’s significant environmental improvement. A goal of reducing local greenhouse emissions by 20% by 2020 was surpassed with an announcement of a 70% community-wide reduction in May 2019. 

The work of Bedford 2020 aligns with the GCA purpose to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement. This is an exemplary community project that can be replicated across the country. Read the GCA’s position paper on climate change and reduction of greenhouse emissions. 

Today, Bedford 2020 continues to initiate and run community programs that change the way people process waste, think about food, treat their yards, heat and cool their homes, source energy, recycle, and more. They have strengthened community efforts by forming partnerships with 120 other like-minded organizations. The Greenlight Award Competition involves students who develop and test projects, engaging the next generation in finding solutions to environmental problems.

Visit Bedford 2020's website for more information and inspiration from their "Summit in a Box" designed to help other communities produce similar environmental results.

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