Welcome to The PEG Center
Our Mission: To inspire change in social and environmental justice
through art education and advocacy.
The Future We Choose: A Community-Wide Book Read and Climate Action Initiative
Uniting Hearts and Minds for Lasting Change Along the Merrimack River
Update February 25, 2026
The PEG Center is proud to announce the following ongoing Climate Action Now Teams, put in place over the past several months of meetings:
Mindful Consumerism Team
Contact: Paula Estey
paula.estey@yahoo.com to join anytime
We have Consumer Log reports for everyone, either electronically or by hard copy. Email me. After our first post launch meeting, we each got going on our Consumer Logs and planned a FIELD TRIP that all are welcome to join! On Tuesday, March 17th, we will be gathering at THE GREEN HOUSE in Market Square in Newburyport, from 10-11AM. Owner, Gina Digiovanni, will lead us through bulk goods and possibilities for eliminating single use plastic through the products we use in our homes. Very informative! Refreshments. Must RSVP to Paula above.
Green Canopies and Pollinator Gardens
Contact: Ellie Volckhausen at ellievee10@gmail.com or
Paula Estey at paula.estey@yahoo.com
We are excited to announce our first gathering on Tuesday, March 10th, from 9:30-11AM at 3 Pine Street, PEG Headquarters. All are welcome--even if this is your first time with our team! Must RSVP above. We will be starting planning for the pollinator garden at Cushing Park. Bring your interest, knowledge and wisdom, as we begin this exciting new project. Refreshments will be served.
Civic Waste Reduction Initiatives
Contacts: Jessica Pierce, Sustainability Assistant jpierce@newburyportma.gov,
Tom Szabo, Restaurant Organic Disposal: tiszabo@bu.edu
Ben Iacono: Waste Ambassadors: biacono@comcast.net
Project 1: Restaurant Organics Disposal and Composting
Contact: Tom Szabo: tiszabo@bu.edu
For those interested in helping us reach, educate, and train food establishments/restaurants to compost, please contact Tom Szabo. His email is tlszabo@bu.edu
Project 2: Waste Ambassadors:
Contact: Ben Iocono, biacono@comcast.net
For those interested in helping to expand composting, reducing single use plastics in public buildings, and implementing zero waste events in Newburyport.
News from Ben:
The annual celebration in April of Earth Day on the 22nd and the International Compost Awareness Week on May 3-9th was the one of the subjects and discussions of today's agenda at the monthly meeting of the Waste Ambassadors Team. TO JOIN, PLEASE CONTACT BEN.
In that discussion and brainstorming session, it was a consensus that, given all the initiatives that have recently taken place, that we as a collaborative team must take advantage of that 5 week period to drive the message home to our region.
A variety of ideas were suggested:
an Environmental Film weekly film series
discussion groups on related books and topics for each week
demonstration of best practices for the home, business and restaurants
importance and use of compost .. demonstrations and participations by garden clubs
information/education boots
Displays of where all the trash goes and how it is handled
Community ECO Conversation both during the day and evenings at different regional locations
fun and informative games, competitive activities within the 8 cities/tows
student run "Compost Fair"
displays of the regional competitive and collaborative spirit
Our Shared Beginning: The Future We Choose
At its heart, "The Future We Choose" is more than merely a reading initiative. It’s a movement—a rallying call for every resident, student, artist, advocate, civic leader, spiritual leader, school and neighbor to come together, imagine our brightest possibilities, and commit to building a flourishing, just, and resilient future. By reading together, sharing ideas, and taking bold steps, we are choosing, as a community, to shape our destiny.
The Book That Inspires Us
Our journey begins with reading "The Future We Choose, The Stubborn Optimist’s Guide to the Climate Crisis" by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, a landmark book that compels us to reflect on the choices before humanity in the face of climate change. Through discussions and collective reflection, we will unravel stories of resilience, hope, and the power of united action. This book is not just a blueprint for climate response—it is an invitation to each of us to shape the narrative of our own community.
The PEG Pioneers: Our Guiding Team
Launching any significant endeavor requires visionaries—those willing to step into the unknown, learn, lead, and uplift others. Our pilot programs will be steered by the newly forming leadership team, "The PEG Pioneers." These dedicated individuals will facilitate conversations, support climate actions, and ensure every participant feels heard and connected. As the project unfolds, The PEG Pioneers will serve as both guides and companions, helping us all navigate the challenges and joys of working together for lasting change.
What Comes Next?
The launch event is only the first step on our shared path. In the weeks and months ahead, "The Future We Choose" will invite the community to:
· Participate in facilitated book discussions
· Engage in climate action projects, large and small
· Attend workshops on advocacy, sustainability, and resilience
· Share their own stories, visions, and solutions for the Merrimack River region
Whether you’re passionate about activism or simply building a better future for your neighbors and loved ones, there is a place for you in this movement.
Join Us—Choose the Future
Every community has the power to shape its own destiny, and every voice matters. "The Future We Choose" is an invitation to dream together, act together, and build a legacy of justice, beauty, and resilience along the Merrimack River.
Our Next Activist Leaders
Who Are the PEG Pioneers?
A team of people who are passionate about social and environmental justice and are committed to doing something about it, while helping others do the same. Together we create an active and accountable community for change, and nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators and activists in social and climate justice.
The PEG Center will provide organization, resources, ideas, people, fundraising. Our goal is to spread the ideas—and therefore the impact—of essential justice projects TOGETHER, so that as a community, we can both instigate change, and reflect on the results of those changes, TOGETHER.
Twice each month we will have brief zoom check-ins to keep us all on the paths to right action!
The First Pioneer’s Project
A community wide READ of the climate action book
The Future We Choose: A Stubborn Optimist’s Guide to Climate Change by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac.
This book offers actions for individuals and communities toward a Net Zero 2050. It inspires working together, at all levels, from committing to less consumerism, to initiating specific actions to improve the quality of our environment.
The book will be made available by Jabberwocky and Illume Books in Newburyport at discounted prices.
After the READ
Led by the Pioneers, these will be the 4 top initiatives to consider, with the PIONEERS to suggest more. We will be working in teams.
Aggressive tree planting to offset carbon footprints, working with Groundwork Lawrence (www.groundworklawrence.org) as our model.
Develop composting programs in all local communities.
Work towards eliminating single use plastics and institute reusable bags at all retail outlets
Green roofs on all city and town buildings
And SO many other possibilities!