Over the years we have made several improvements to Mead Street in order to make our homes more comfortable, less expensive, more energy efficient, and more earth friendly. Here is a list of some of these improvements:

Energy Conservation

• Zipcars. There are 2 zipcars parked in front of our building on Mead Street. In addition to this convenience, Zipcar offers Mead Street residents a considerable discount from their normal rates. You can reserve a car online or by phone, for just a couple hours or a day. You can learn more at www.zipcar.com (opens in new window).
• New windows. All of the original windows in the building have been replaced with high efficiency Energy Star windows. These will not only look great, but will make your apartment easier and more efficient to heat and cool. Fortunately, the sturdy 1870 construction means that our buildings are naturally efficient.
• High Efficiency Appliances. Every apartment has high efficiency appliances- natural gas furnace and "Energy Miser" hot water heater- no oil or electric heat at Mead Street. We also buy "energy miser" refrigerators.
• Ceiling fans. Ceiling fans allow you to use less air conditioning in the summer, and keep you warmer in the winter (since hot air rises, the fan brings it back down to the living spaces).
• Fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights are used in the kitchen and common areas. They use less energy and last longer.

Water conservation (and energy too!)

• Water savers. Most apartments have water savers installed. These go in the faucets, shower heads, and the toilet tank. If your apartment doesn't, it means that someone took it out and we'd be glad to replace it at your request. (Although you don't pay for water directly, you do pay for the natural gas to heat the hot water.) Boston Water and Sewer is slowly gaining technology, and can now offer graphics showing daily water consumption on the Internet. If you're interested in checking out your building (each meter covers the 3 apartments in your building), I can share it with you.
• Green Laundry. Not only are our machines the best for your clothing, but the laundry machines at Mead Street use less than half the water as the top loaders you'll find at the local laundromats and less energy (most energy in a washer is used to heat the water). The dryers are high efficiency gas and, as some have commented, faster and more efficient that other commercial types.

Recycling

• Curbside recycling. The City of Boston recycles many household items. (see www.cityofboston.gov/) We have a supply of blue buckets, so they are easily obtainable (please remember that they cannot be left on the street until 5:00 Thursday and must be picked up on Friday. Also, please be considerate of your neighbors and do not use hallways to store your refuse).

Green Plants

• Landscaping. Our landscaping is designed as "xeriscape"-- once established, it requires no irrigation beyond the annual rainfall.  It consists of evergreens and flowers that grow and thrive naturally in the Boston climate.  We also have space in the backyard for first floor residents to create their own gardens, and many upper floor residents grow herbs and flowers successfully on the decks and balconies.

• Contact Alix to schedule a tour of our apartments:
  Phone: 781-862-2716
  Email: info@meadstreet.com
  or submit our contact form.