Linden Ponds residents support the environment through communitywide initiatives

At Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., residents play a vital role in sustainability efforts by creating initiatives that promote recycling, reduce waste, and encourage environmental stewardship.

At the forefront of these efforts are the resident-run Sustainability, Environmental, and Earth Day Committees, which work diligently to turn ideas into lasting, communitywide practices.

"Sustainability was an important consideration when my husband and I were exploring retirement communities," says Rachel Pike, who cochairs the Earth Day Committee with neighbor Judy Fitzsimmons. "We were impressed when we first visited Linden Ponds, but we didn't fully appreciate the impact of these efforts until we moved in."

Recycle, it's easy!

Damian Curtiss, former chair of the Environmental Committee, spent years finding practical ways to make recycling more accessible within the community.

One of the most effective approaches has been hands-on education. Through interactive "road show"

events, residents examined everyday items, learning what could be recycled and what belonged in the trash.

The committee showed items from the on-campus restaurants and around the community that could be recycled, allowing residents to ask questions about the process.

Since those events, recycling has become more convenient at Linden Ponds. Materials are now collected in residential hallways, and additional drop-off locations across campus accept items such as batteries, light bulbs, and plastics.

"In many places, recycling takes extra effort," Rachel says, "but at Linden Ponds, it's part of the routine."

Composting in action

After learning about the beneficial impact of recycling, residents advocated for the removal of Styrofoam takeout containers, which resulted in the adoption of compostable alternatives in community restaurants.

"Residents pushed for a change, and that led to compostable materials--first here, and then eventually throughout other Erickson Senior Living communities," Damian says.

The community has also introduced residential composting.

Residents can bring compostable materials from their homes to designated weekly collection points. What started as limited access has grown into a system people use regularly.

Reduce and reuse

The commitment to sustainability at Linden Ponds also shapes daily operations and long-term planning.

Energy-efficient improvements, such as installing LED lighting and upgrading windows in original buildings, have reduced energy use across campus.

During Earth Week, the Dining Services team distributed reusable cloth tote bags--a cost-saving, environmentally friendly alternative to restaurants' typical paper bags. Residents have also expanded textile recycling efforts, collecting clothing, shoes, and household fabrics across campus.

"There's a real effort to keep items out of the waste stream here," Rachel says.

Engaging the community

Each year, Linden Ponds' Earth Day activities highlight these efforts and encourage continued engagement.

This year's Earth Day Environmental Forum brought together residents, community leaders, and representatives from Erickson Senior Living to share updates on sustainability initiatives and discuss future priorities.

"We wanted to focus on what we've accomplished and what we can continue to do," Rachel says.

The week of festivities also included an Earth Day Activity Fair, featuring 16 resident groups, such as the Nature Club and the Photography Club, each showcasing their connection to the environment.

"It was interesting to see how many groups found ways to participate," Rachel says. "It showed how many parts of the community sustainability touches."

The week concluded with an electric and hybrid vehicle demonstration, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about emerging technologies and their role in reducing emissions. The goal of each of these programs was to illustrate the various ways to address environmental challenges and the ways residents can take action.

Looking ahead

As Linden Ponds continues to build on its sustainability efforts, residents remain focused on supporting current initiatives and exploring new opportunities.

"We want to keep raising awareness and help people understand how small changes can make a difference," Rachel says.

Discussions about new opportunities include expanding solar energy options and evaluating exterior lighting to reduce light pollution.

"For many of us, this is about our children and grandchildren," Damian says. "It's not just about what we do today, but what we leave behind."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Kelly K. Shue