Check out the City of Boston’s website for recycling rules, community clean-up dates, and ways to nominate climate leaders. | Photo via Canva
It’s easy being green in Boston, just ask the Celtics or look to Fenway Park.
More specifically, eco-friendly efforts in Boston + Massachusetts are putting us on the map. Numerous polls have been released this year and they all point to one thing: Our local strive to be sustainable is paying off.
Boston in the rankings
Boston was ranked the No. 24 most eco-friendly city in the US by online financial service WalletHub. The study looked at the overall environment, transportation options, energy sources, and lifestyle + policy. In those categories, Boston’s environment was nationally ranked at No. 11, and No. 10 for transportation options.
Speaking of transportation, Boston earned the No. 8 ranking for top eco-friendly cities for car-free transit by Realtor.com. Cambridge came in at No. 2, followed by Brookline at No. 3, and Somerville at No. 7.
“With nearly 58% of locals commuting without a car, Boston shows that older cities can still lead on modern mobility.” — Realtor.com.
The Light in the Piazza | Through Sunday, June 15 | Times vary | Huntington Theatre | $29+ | Take a trip back to 1950s Florence, Italy to watch a story about a mother, a daughter, and the many meanings of love.
Community Art Night | 6-8 p.m. | Boston Public Market | $13 | Pick up a pre-sketched outline from Logan from Laurel Greenfield Art, and then watch “Uptown Girls” while painting at this brand-new event.
Friday, May 16
Dillon Francis| 10 p.m. | The Grand | $40+ | Dance all night to this popular Los Angeles-based DJ with chart-topping hits like “Get Low” and “Say Less.”
Saturday, May 17
FitFest | 8 a.m. | Harpoon Brewery | $28+ | This is more than a workout for your liver — join this all-day fitness event featuring yoga, saunas, cold tubs, and plenty of local food + beer.
The Peoples Party | 12-7 p.m. | Harvard Square | $20 | It’s a block party and you’re invited, featuring 100+ local vendors, DIY stations, and music from DJs.
Sunday, May 18
Lo-Fi Sundays | 8 a.m. | Lamplighter Broadway + Pepita | Escape the buzz of the city in a “secret” backroom cafe with fresh coffee, ambient music, and minimal talking.
Monday, May 19
New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox | Monday, May 19-Tuesday, May 20 | 6:45 p.m. | Fenway Park | $48+ | The Mets may be one of the hottest teams in baseball, but we’re sure Boston will cool them down in this two-game series.
Tuesday, May 20
2nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Breakfast | 7:30-9 a.m. | Fenway Park | $215+ | Join a tribute to exceptional women of color who have profoundly impacted our lives as leaders and achievers.
Wednesday, May 21
Good CRAFTernoon at West | 2-4 p.m. | Somerville Public Library | Free | Bring the kids by for an afternoon crafting play date where all supplies are provided.
Thursday, May 29
John Williams’ Playlist | Thursday, May 29 + Saturday, May 31 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Symphony Hall | $46+ | Join Keith Lockhart as he leads a special program curated by John Williams, featuring iconic film scores by Williams and the music of the composers who have inspired him.*
Friday, June 6
The Keith Lockhart 30th Anniversary Concert | 7:30-10 p.m. | Symphony Hall | Celebrate 30 years of Keith Lockhart leading the Boston Pops with special guests Michael Feinstein, Mandy Gonzalez, and Jason Danieley.*
The 88 Club, a new piano bar, is now open at 50 Dalton St., featuring small bites, strong drinks, and great tunes. It will rotate through a cast of performers, ranging from pop music to showtunes. (MassLive)
Tech
Driver-less cars could be coming to Boston. Waymo, an autonomous taxi service, is reportedly mapping out various parts of the city in preparation for the company’s visit this month. Don’t worry — the current mapping cars are operated by humans... for now. (MassLive)
Drink
Koko Coffee wants you to get comfy and stay awhile at its first-ever sit-down cafe. It’s now open at 226 Causeway St. from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Coming Soon
Ballers, a 30,000-sqft outdoor pickleball court, is opening in the Seaport this July. The massive facility will also serve drinks from its bar + transition into an ice rink during winter months. (Boston.com)
State
We’re raising a flag on this call for artists. The state is seeking submissions for a new Massachusetts seal, flag, and motto. Submissions must be made by Wednesday, June 18.
Sports
The Boston Celtics are still fighting in the NBA Playoffs. They defeated New York last night to bring the series to 3-2. There’s still plenty of work to be done, and the next game is tomorrow, May 16.
Health
Our hearts go out to Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum who suffered a major injury during Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs. Tatum is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season as his recovery process is expected to take roughly a year. (NBC 10)
Number
48 million. That’s how many Americans hear so poorly that their quality of life suffers — think: missing out on convos, concerts, and un-captioned movies. Fortunately, this hearing aid changes the game. Try out its dual processing technology for yourself with a free 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Wellness
Weight loss is a personal experience —and so is treating it.Hers takes a comprehensive approach that combines customized medication with ongoing access to medical providers, 100% online. Explore your options.‡‡*
Learn
1440 analyzes 100+ sources to create one fact-centric, concise newsletter that lands in your inbox each morning. Become the smartest person in the room by subscribing for free.*
Multiple low cost options are served at Gene’s. | Photo by @jimkhaw87
Looking for lunch in Boston? What about a burrito or sandwich? Don’t compromise — or break the bank. We’ve got the best lunch deals around town (including some of our favorites) and because we know proximity is key when it comes to a midday meal, we’ve broken up these spots into their respective sides of town.
Cambridge
Charlie’s Kitchen | For $12, try the open-faced Charlie’s double cheeseburger “Straight Up,” two 4-ounce patties served with fries and lettuce, tomato, a pickle on the side.
Downtown/Financial District
Gene’s Flatbread Cafe | The $11.95 House Noodle Soup is made with thin, hand-rolled noodles in chicken broth with pork + vegetables — and it’s even got a little spice.
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
Happy Thursday, Boston. I’ve been up since 5 a.m., drinking Dunkin iced coffee and watching vintage Celtics highlights. I may have lost faith after Game 3, but I’m fully locked in after Game 4. We got this.
‡‡Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
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