Over 120 Marshfield and Plainfield residents came together through the Model Communities program to consider the future of their two towns and how they can collectively rally to maintain the vibrancy of both places while also tackling climate change. From this process, the residents created Revitalizing All Marshfield and Plainfield,” or RAMP, consisting of four Task Forces that are working to build a farm and food network, strengthen the two village centers, improve and promote different transportation choices, and transform energy usage.
On October 9th, the RAMP Energy Task Force hosted a workshop and launched a campaign to promote modern wood heating. Efficiency Vermont helped to promote the event as part of this fall’s “Button Up” campaign. The Task Force even negotiated special discounts from area wood and pellet stove dealers, and these are on top of great incentives already available from Efficiency Vermont, the Clean Energy Development Fund, and Washington Electric Coop. This effort captures the strength of the Model Communities program – bringing motivated local residents together with partners like Efficiency Vermont, Clean Energy Development Fund, and VT Forest, Parks, and Recreation to effectively engage communities about opportunities in the climate economy. Stay tuned as we prepare to recruit more participation for a new and improved Model Communities Program for 2020!