A presentation on MassSave opened my eyes to all the incentives for moving off fossil fuels.  I had only been aware of tax credits.  The first step to participate is to have MassSave evaluate your home’s needs.  In my first year of home ownership, I installed a heat pump system and replaced my gas stove with an induction range.  There are generous rebates for both and other investments. 

Since then, I have replaced my gas water heater with a heat pump water heater and invested in a solar system.  The water heater also received a MassSave rebate, and both qualify for large tax credits that cover almost a third of my investment. 

Today I am completely fossil fuel free in my home.  I did retain my old gas furnace as backup, but after only using it one day last winter, I anticipate being able to decommission it soon. 

Our panels were installed on our rooftop in 2013 and we have had a smooth experience. They have performed reliably and we no longer pay an electric bill 10 or 11 months of the year thanks to net metering. We have more than recouped the cost. I wish everyone could have solar! 

My favorite things about composting and separating all my food waste is the way it reduces my overall volume of trash, and my trash is so much easier to store and transport (not stinky or drippy). I can put ALL food waste in with my compost and take it to the tranfer station anytime. I can also compost certain paper waste which his great (e.g., carboard tubes from toilet paper). It's a win win! AND while I compost certain foodwaste at home during the summer, it's great I now have the option to compost all my food waste year round as meat, dairy, bones, etc are accepted at the transfer station. Hooray!