♻️ Living Sustainability on Martha's Vineyard
local sustainability efforts all in one place - big list of orgs, initiatives, events, groups + more focusing on a greener MV
Martha’s Vineyard is home to many organizations and initiatives working towards sustainability, but they often operate in silos. I created this resource to bring them all together in one place, helping you explore and support local efforts to make sustainable choices on the island.
🍽️ Food + Dining
Island Eats - Offers reusable, returnable stainless steel bowls for takeout from partner restaurants.
Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative - Promotes sustainable fishing practices and educates about local seafood choices.
Fork to Pork - Uses surplus food to sustainably raise pigs, reducing food waste on the island.
Island Grown Initiative - Among other efforts, supports local agriculture through regenerative farming techniques and education.
MV Agricultural Society - Encourages and supports local farming through community programs, events, and agricultural education.
The Northeast Native Network of Kinship and Healing - Promotes indigenous knowledge and practices to support food sovereignty and environmental stewardship.
Fisherman’s Preservation Trust - Advocates for the local fishing industry and supports sustainable fisheries on Martha's Vineyard.
MV Table to Farm / Martha's Vineyard Organics Recovery Committee- Organizes farm-to-table experiences connecting the community with local farmers and sustainable food practices on Martha’s Vineyard.
🌱Land Conservation
Vineyard Conservation Society - Works to protect the island's natural resources through land acquisition, advocacy, and conservation education.
The Trustees of Reservations - Aims to preserve the island’s natural and historical spaces.
MV Land Bank - Acquires and manages land for public use and enjoyment.
Sheriff's Meadow Foundation - Dedicated to conserving Martha’s Vineyard's rural landscapes.
Mass Audubon Felix Neck - Focuses on wildlife conservation and nature-based education.
Polly Hill Arboretum - A horticultural institution conserving rare plant species.
Native Earth Teaching Farm - A community farm providing education on sustainable living.
BiodiversityWorks - Engages in wildlife research to maintain the island's biodiversity.
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah's Natural Resources Department - Manages conservation initiatives for tribal natural resources.
🌿Gardening and Farming
MV Agricultural Society - Promotes local agriculture through community support, annual events like the Agricultural Fair, youth programs, scholarships, and educational initiatives for sustainable farming.
Plant Local MV - Encourages the use of native plants to foster climate resilience.
MV Garden Club - Focuses on gardening and the preservation of the island’s natural beauty.
MV Community Seed Library - Offers free seeds and educational resources to promote local gardening and seed saving.
♻️ Recycling, Cleanup and Re-Use
Recycling on Martha’s Vineyard is particularly challenging due to the island's location. Transporting waste back to the mainland for reuse and processing is both expensive and difficult. The local refuse district emphasizes the importance of clean, well-sorted materials. Each year, the island has to ship about ~37,000 tons of waste, including recyclables, increasing costs and environmental concerns. There's ongoing debate about the best management strategies, underscoring the importance of mindful consumption given the complexities of recycling.
Island-wide Composting - this system is currently in flux, but I’ll have an update once a new system is announced.
Beach BeFrienders - Organizes beach cleanups and promotes coastal conservation through community involvement.
Plastic-Free MV - An initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics on Martha’s Vineyard.
Sustainable Shopping Options below:
⚡💧Energy and Water Quality
Vineyard Sustainable Energy Committee - Works toward the island's transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040.
Vineyard Power - A community-owned energy cooperative working toward sustainable, renewable energy solutions.
Vineyard Wind - Provides renewable energy through offshore wind farms.
Cape Light Compact - Offers energy efficiency programs and services to homes and businesses on the island.
MV Commission’s Energy Committee - Leads efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy on Martha's Vineyard.
Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Technology Center - Researches alternative septic technologies to reduce pollution.
MVC Water Quality - Oversees initiatives aimed at improving the island’s water quality.
MV Shellfish Group - Works to preserve and expand the island's shellfish populations.
🤝 Community Action
Interfaith Climate Action Committee - Faith communities collaborating on climate education and action.
Vineyard FutureWorks - Creates job opportunities and programs focusing on climate resiliency and sustainability.
Ace MV - Provides adult education and career training programs, including those related to sustainability and climate action.
MV Library Association - Offers programming and resources to engage the community in environmental education.
Bluedot Living - A media platform dedicated to promoting sustainable living and climate solutions.
The Vineyard Way - A community-driven initiative promoting sustainable living and environmental stewardship on Martha's Vineyard.
For Youth
Protect Your Environment Club - A youth-led organization focused on environmental education and local conservation efforts on Martha's Vineyard.
Martha's Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative - Empowers the next generation of island leaders through programs focused on building a more sustainable world.
Climate Action - Promotes climate resilience on the island through policy advocacy and community engagement.
Education - Offers environmental education programs in local schools and community events.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation - Supports initiatives that promote a sound quality of life, create a rich cultural community, and protect healthy and sustainable environments on the island.
Martha's Vineyard Climate Action Plan - A collaborative community effort by the island's towns and partners to develop a comprehensive plan for climate resilience.
🎭Entertainment and Events
KG Events - An event planning company that emphasizes sustainability practices in all aspects of event management on Martha’s Vineyard.
Climate Action Fair - Provides resources and education on sustainability for local businesses and residents.
Little Free Libraries - Provides six locations on the island for free 24/7 book exchanges.
Island Libraries - Offers entertainment and programming options focused on environmental organizations.
Environmental Film Festival - An annual event showcasing films about climate change and sustainability.
🏨 Sustainable Hotels + Travel
Hostelling International Martha’s Vineyard - A budget-friendly accommodation option promoting sustainable travel and eco-conscious living.
Nobnocket Boutique Inn - A luxury inn implementing sustainability initiatives such as energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly amenities, and waste reduction practices to support environmentally responsible travel.
Harbor View Hotel, Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Summercamp Hotel, The Charlotte Inn, Lambert’s Cove Inn, and Faraway Hotel all boast sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient systems, water conservation, eco-friendly amenities, waste reduction practices, and support for local food sources.
Electric Public Transport - The Vineyard Transportation Authority (VTA) is moving towards a fully electric bus fleet to reduce carbon emissions.
Biking - of course, biking is a great alternative to driving whenever possible.
I hope this roundup helps you dive into the incredible sustainability efforts happening around MV. Use it to find ways to get involved and make choices that keep our island thriving for years to come!
Do you have an addition to this post? Please send me a kind note at info@mvacay.com and I’m happy to add new initiatives!