Boxborough Local is a community group focused on energy independence, local food, and sustainable living, based in Boxborough, Massachusetts, USA. We are a grass roots organization seeking local solutions to two major challenges of our times: global climate change and the coming end of cheap fossil fuels. The organization was formed out of a concern for the potentially dramatic changes we will face, along with the belief that we must all be part of the solution. We are a non-partisan, non-profit, non-religious organization.

For the last hundred years, fossil fuel energy, mainly petroleum and natural gas, has brought us the comforts of modern life. It has also brought dramatic environmental risks to our planet and a compromised national foreign policy. Scientists worldwide have reached a consensus that global warming is very likely caused by human activity (see the IPCC Summary [PDF format]) principally by increasing CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. In addition, a growing number of geologists now believe that we may be nearing a global peak in oil production. Meeting future challenges requires actions at all levels of society - international, national, regional, state, and local. The local level is one where every individual can contribute and make a difference.

For such immense problems, why "Local"? Our fossil fuel dependence can be addressed by "re-localizing" much of what we do, being aware of the hidden energy costs in our daily lives, and finding sustainable alternatives. These are actions that will help us both in the transition to a non-oil economy, and in reducing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Boxborough Local is citizens building community solutions. If we will all face similar problems, why not try to solve them together? By changing what we can at the local, grass-roots level we help build a consensus for change at broader regional, national, and global levels.

There is a sense of urgency to our actions. Much that we now depend on could change quickly. Surely, our children's lives will be significantly different from our own, not to mention our grandchildren's. Boxborough Local is motivated to address the future now, while we have time and resources to apply.

Boxborough Local is patterned after two very successful local groups: Harvard Local, and Groton Local. Click on Region above for links to these fine groups.

Photography by Liz West of Boxborough.