The ‘Keep-This’ Simple, Smart, Sustainable Handbook to Martha’s Vineyard

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Borrow, Share + Repair
Buy Secondhand + Reuse
Grow + Eat + Buy Local
Harvest From the Land + Sea
Compost + Reduce Food Waste
Recycling + Waste Disposal
Green Homes
Wildlife, Beach + Nature Safety
Get Involved: Volunteer + Stewardship
Transportation + EVs
Sustainable Travel
Advocate for Change

BORROW, SHARE + REPAIR

Libraries + Libraries of Things 

Borrowing from our local libraries reduces waste, saves money, and keeps rarely-used items in circulation. 

What you can borrow across most MV libraries (even if you’re just visiting): 

  • Tools (home repair, bike repair, gardening)
  • Kitchen appliances + dehydrators 
  • Wi-Fi hotspots + Chromebooks 
  • Musical instruments 
  • Birding, fishing + outdoor gear
  • Seed libraries + soil test kits 
  • Energy-use and radon detectors 
  • For kids: audio options (Tonies, Yoto Cards) and backpack adventure packs
  • Books! Check out the Island’s Little Free Libraries, too. (bit.ly/little-free-library-mv)

Library of Things (by town) 

  • Chilmark – power tools, gardening kits, memory care kits 
  • Edgartown – Wi-Fi hotspots, instruments, slow cookers
  • Oak Bluffs – beach gear, sewing machines, induction cooktops, food dehydrators 
  • West Tisbury – energy detective kits, bike tools, shredders, art kits 

For full, up-to-date lists, visit each town’s library website. (Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury) 

Libraries as Community Climate Hubs 

  • Climate Book Club Meets monthly at the West Tisbury Library, which provides free copies of books on the club’s reading list and access to audiobooks. For more info, contact Nicola Blake (nblake64@gmail.com).
  • Community Seed Library At the OB and West Tisbury libraries, guests can “borrow” seeds from the library and they can save seeds as they harvest their bounty to “return” their loan to the library. More info at bit.ly/seed-library-mv.
  • Community fridges The West Tisbury Library’s “Freedge” (free fridge) is located in the main lobby and is open to all. Drop off fresh, uncut produce, or unexpired canned goods, and take what you’d like. 
  • Environmental talks, foraging workshops, and more At the OB library, the OB Climate & Energy Advisory Committee regularly hosts Community Climate Discussions; Alexis Nikole Nelson (@blackforager) hosts foraging workshops. In September, the Maritime Month honors local Mariner Gordon Goodwin, and features programs like oyster shucking and shell recycling.  Check the calendar at oakbluffslibrary.org/events.

BUY SECONDHAND + REUSE

Buying secondhand keeps usable goods out of the waste stream and reduces demand for new production. Martha’s Vineyard has a robust network of thrift shops, resale stores, and online swap groups. 

Thrift Shops + Resale Stores 

Act Two Second Hand Store

66 Main Street, Vineyard Haven | 508-338-2124

Chicken Alley Thrift Shop

38 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven

Frankie’s Revival

27 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Instagram: @frankies.revival

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Accepts donations of building materials, appliances, and household goods. Purchases support Habitat for Humanity projects.

Island Vintage & Designer Apparel

43B Main Street, Vineyard Haven | 401-829-7148

MV Clothes to Go

United Methodist Church of Martha
Instagram: @mvclothestogo

MV Family Center Swap Shop

35 Greenwood Ave., Vineyard Haven | 508-687-9182
Donate or pick up gently-used baby gear, children’s clothing, toys, and books.

Pyewacket’s

135 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven | 508-696-7766
Vintage, antiques, and eclectic finds.

Second Treasures MV

8 Uncas Avenue, Oak Bluffs | 850-293-4345

The “Dumptique”

West Tisbury Transfer Station, 46 Old Stage Rd.
Accepts donations of clean clothing, shoes, books, and small household items (no furniture or appliances). 

Online Swap + Free Groups

These community-run groups are great places to find used items or give things away locally.

Building Materials + Donations

Planning a renovation or demolition? Usable materials, including appliances, cabinetry, fixtures, and lumber, can often be donated rather than discarded. Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard accepts a wide range of items and works to reuse materials in local building projects. Find out more at habitatforhumanitymv.org.

GROW + EAT + BUY LOCAL

Farmers + Community Markets

West Tisbury Farmers Market

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 am – noon
MV Agricultural Hall, 35 Panhandle Rd.
June 6 through Oct. 31

Chilmark Flea Market

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm
Chilmark Community Church, 9 Menemsha Rd.
June 27 through Sept. 12

Edgartown Village Market 

Tuesdays, 10 am – 2 pm
Daniel Fisher House lawn, 99 Main St.
June 16 through August 25

First Friday Vineyard Haven 

10 am – 2 pm; 5 pm – 11 pm
Downtown Vineyard Haven and Owen Park
June 5; July 3; August 7; Sept. 4; Oct. 2; Dec. 4

Oak Bluffs Open Market

Sundays, 10 am – 2 pm
Washington Park 
Memorial Day through Columbus Day

Vineyard Artisans Festival 

10 am – 2 pm
Grange Hall, 1059 State Rd., West Tisbury
Memorial Day weekend; Sundays in June/Sept.; Sundays + Thursdays in July/August

Island Farms + Farm Stands

Many Vineyard farms operate seasonal farmstands and/or offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares. These programs allow residents to purchase a share of a farm’s harvest throughout the growing season. See our roundup of CSAs on page 20.

MV Agricultural Society

Check out the Martha Vineyard Agricultural Society's farm map (marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/local-farms), for a comprehensive list of the Island's 40+ farms, aquaculture operations, farmers markets, and agricultural nonprofits. The farm map is available for free at the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, all Island libraries, and many farm markets and stores.

If you'd like to win a prize for visiting Island farm stands, stores, and markets, please also pick up a copy of the Ag Society's farm passport (info will soon be available on their farm map page), available for free at Island libraries and farmers markets between June and September. Stamp your passport at 6 of the listed farmstands and show it at an Island library for a prize from the Agricultural Society — or visit all listed farmstands for a special prize!

If you'd like to learn how to grow more of your own food this summer, check out the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society's workshops and events (marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org/upcoming-events)! The Ag Society offers programs taught by Island farmers and gardeners on every part of the growing process, from seeding to compost. Most events are totally free to attend.

The Ag Society also holds monthly meetings of the Island's Homegrown Club, a club for backyard growers interested in leveling up their food production.

Want to hear about these workshops and everything else happening in local agriculture? Sign up for the Ag Society community newsletter.

Organizations Supporting Island Agriculture and Fishing 

Island Grown Initiative 

Building a regenerative and equitable food system. Offers CSAs, workshops, and gleaning programs.

Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society 

Hosts the West Tisbury Farmers Market and provides workshops and resources for farmers. 

Slough Farm

A nonprofit working farm focused on regenerative agriculture, food equity, and community programming. 

The FARM Institute

A teaching farm offering educational programs and youth camps. 

MV Shellfish Group

Hatchery and restoration programs for oysters, quahogs, and bay scallops. 

MV Fishermen’s Preservation Trust 

Supports local fishermen and the Island seafood economy.

Community Gardening

  • IGI Community Garden Islanders of all ages and skill levels can rent plots to grow their own food or flowers. A space to garden, share knowledge, and connect with the community. Learn more: igimv.org/community-garden
  • MV Community Greenhouse Cultivating vegetables, flowers, and community since 1983. A shared space where Islanders can learn, volunteer, and grow. Members can also harvest greens from the greenhouse. Learn more: marthasvineyardgreenhouse.org
  • MV Garden Club Members learn and and share knowledge about gardening, floral design, and horticulture. Annual Plant Sale: May 23–25, 2026. Learn more: marthasvineyardgardenclub.org
  • Second Bloom MV Repurpose flowers from events or weddings instead of throwing them away. A great way to reduce waste and support local floral sustainability. Contact: secondbloommv@gmail.com
  • Plant Local MV A collective of conservation groups, botanists, and landscaping practitioners who encourage the use of native plants to foster climate resilience. thevineyardway.org/plant-local-mv
  • MV Community Seed Library Offers free seeds and educational resources to promote local gardening and seed saving. bit.ly/seed-library-mv

HARVEST FROM THE LAND + SEA

Foraging Resources 

Martha’s Vineyard is home to a wide range of wild edible plants, mushrooms, berries, and coastal foods. Responsible foraging can deepen your connection to the Island’s ecosystems, but it’s important to harvest carefully and follow local land-use rules. 

Before foraging, confirm whether harvesting is permitted where you are. Many conservation lands restrict plant collection to protect native species. 

Land Bank Properties

Low-impact harvesting, such as berry picking, herb snipping, and seaweed gathering is permitted on many Land Bank properties, provided no endangered species are taken and plants are not uprooted.

Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

Foraging for wild berries and mushrooms is generally allowed for personal use, as the forest is home to species like wild blueberries and blackberries.

Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation Properties

Foraging of mushrooms, berries, nuts, leaves, seaweed, and herbs for personal use is allowed.

Note: Foraging is not permitted at Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and is generally prohibited on Trustees of Reservations properties. 

Rebecca Gilbert of Native Earth Teaching Farm in Chilmark is an expert on Vineyard foraging. Learn more about her book on local edible plants and find information on foraging walks and classes.

Connect with fellow foragers online.

Hunting + Fishing Permits 

On Martha’s Vineyard, hunting is one tool used to manage deer populations in the absence of natural predators. Responsible harvesting helps protect native vegetation, reduce tick-born disease risk, and support overall ecosystem health. 

In 2026, the state extended deer season on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Hunting with archery or primitive firearms is now permitted during a winter season (Jan. 1–Feb. 14) and an early fall season (Sept. 21–Oct. 1). 

Massachusetts hunting, trapping, and fishing permits — including freshwater, saltwater, and lobster permits — can be obtained online. (Dukes County is Zone 13). 

For current regulations, seasons, and limits, click here.

Where Hunting Is Allowed 

Hunting is permitted in designated areas across the Island, including: 

*Hikers are encouraged to wear orange so they can easily be seen by hunters.

Hunters Share the Harvest

This MassWildlife program allows hunters to donate venison to families in need while helping manage the Island’s deer population.

MV Hunt Club 

The MV Hunt Club works with local landowners to expand access for archery deer hunters and support deer population management.

MV Rod & Gun Club

Private nonprofit promoting safety in fishing, hunting, and archery.

Shellfishing Permits 

Recreational shellfishing permits are issued by each town on Martha’s Vineyard. Because seasons, limits, and prices vary, check town websites for current regulations. 

Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative

Established by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, the Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative supports local fishermen and aquaculture farmers by purchasing, marketing, and wholesaling their catch. Find their booth at the West Tisbury Farmers Market.

MV Surfcasters Association 

A group for anglers of all levels. Promotes conservation, stewardship, and protects public access to fishing areas.

COMPOST + REDUCE FOOD WASTE

Reducing food waste saves money, conserves resources, and prevents organic material from ending up in landfills, where it produces methane. 

Donate Edible Food

Island Food Pantry

114 Dukes County Ave., Oak Bluffs

Good Shepherd Parish Food Pantry

55 School St., Oak Bluffs

Edgartown Council on Aging Food Pantry 

10 Daggett Ave., Edgartown 
By appointment. Contact Donna at 508-627-4268 for more information.

Free Little Pantry at Grace Church

Woodlawn Ave, Vineyard Haven
A bright purple Island Food Pantry collection box in the Parish Hall is ready to be filled with donations. 

Community Food Sharing 

West Tisbury Library Freedge 

Community fridge where anyone can give or take fresh food. 

IGI Gleaning Program

Volunteers harvest surplus crops from farms for Island food access programs. 

Composting + Food Waste

Island Grown Initiative is partnering with Island towns and schools to install several small food waste recyclers across the Vineyard. Click here for more info.

Backyard Composting 

IGI offers workshops and guides for composting at home, including: 

  • Take a course on how to effectively compost at home
  • Buy a compost tumbler or home composting unit
  • Try worm composting (vermicomposting) 
  • Countertop compost systems

Learn more.

RECYCLING + WASTE DISPOSAL

Recycling helps reduce landfill waste and conserve resources. All six Vineyard towns follow similar recycling guidelines, though transfer station sorting systems may vary. 

Recyclable Materials 

Clean and empty containers only. 

  • Metal cans
  • Glass bottles and jars 
  • Plastic containers (bottles, jugs, tubs — no flower pots) 
  • Paper and cardboard (flattened)
Includes
  • Office paper
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Junk mail 
  • Paperboard boxes 
Not Recyclable 
  • Plastic bags or plastic wrap
  • Styrofoam 
  • Ceramics or window glass 
  • Lids, caps
  • Shredded paper
  • Food or liquid 
  • Clothing or linens 
  • Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords) 

Transfer Stations 

Island residents bring household waste and recyclables to their town transfer stations: MV Refuse District serves Edgartown, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah; and the Oak Bluffs landfill serves OB and Tisbury. There are local drop-offs in each Island town. 

Sorting requirements vary by town:

  • Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, West Tisbury: Paper and cardboard must be separated from containers (glass, metal, and plastics). 
  • Oak Bluffs and Tisbury: These towns handle mixed paper and cardboard differently — they are sent to other facilities for processing. Residents should check their town guidelines before recycling.

Private haulers like Harvey Waste & Recycling and Bruno’s offer curbside pickup.

Household Hazardous Waste

The MV Refuse District facilities collects certain hazardous materials, including: 

  • Mercury thermometers
  • Fluorescent bulbs
  • Watch and hearing aid batteries

Additional hazardous waste collections (motor oil, oil-based paint, solvents) occur several times each year. 2026 collection dates: May 16, July 18, Oct. 17; 9am–12pm. All Island residents can bring hazardous waste to the MV Refuse District, free of charge. Visit mvrefusedistrict.com/ for more info.

Electronics Disposal Day: Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Textile Recycling

Recycle unsalvageable clothing, shoes, underwear, socks and other fabric through donateyourclothing.us. Red Cross drop-off bins are located at: OB Transfer Station, VFW, Shell VH, Cronig’s VH, Nick’s Airport Laundry, Edgartown Transfer Station, West Tisbury School, Chilmark Community Center, Chilmark Landfill at Tabor House Rd.

Recycle Your Shells

Drop off oyster, clam, scallop, and mussel shells (no crustaceans) at the MV Shellfish Group shell toter at the John T. Hughes Hatchery & Research Station, 57 Shirley Ave., Oak Bluffs. Recycled shells support oyster habitat restoration and pond health.

GREEN HOMES

Energy Efficiency + Audits 

Vineyard Power partners with Cape Light Compact to offer energy efficiency programs and services to Island residents and small businesses. Book an appointment with a local energy coach to assess your home and get personalized recommendations. vineyardpower.org/energy-coach. Check their FAQ page for more info. 

Home Energy Assessments (Mass Save/Eversource) 

Through Eversource, Mass Save, and Cape Light Compact, you can get a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. An energy specialist will evaluate your home and identify opportunities to save energy. You may qualify for:

  • No-cost air sealing to reduce drafts and improve comfort
  • 75-100% off approved insulation upgrades to maintain consistent temperatures, control moisture, and reduce allergens
  • Rebates on heating, cooling, and water heating equipment
  • Incentives to address barriers to weatherization, such as knob-and-tube wiring 
  • Access to 0% financing for qualifying improvements

Click here for more info.

Solar + Community Solar

Solar power is a way for Island residents and businesses to cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and support a resilient local grid. There are more than 1,500 solar arrays on MV, generating about 10% of electricity, and more to come via offshore wind.

Community Solar Projects

  • Aquinnah Landfill Array — Powers much of Aquinnah’s municipal load
  • Cronig’s Parking Canopy Array – Produces about 25% of Cronig’s electricity
  • Chilmark Landfill Array — Powers much of Chilmark’s municipal usage
  • Boys & Girls Club Rooftop Array — Offsets 100% of the building’s electricity

Residential Options

  • Vineyard Power supports residents and small businesses interested in rooftop solar.
  • The Resiliency Affordability Program, funded through Vineyard Power’s Community Benefits Agreement with Vineyard Wind, helps:
    • Critical facilities get solar and battery storage
    • Income-eligible household access solar program

Energy upgrades on the Island not only reduce costs but help the community reach its goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2040. Learn more about solar and incentives.

Native Landscaping for Homeowners 

Landscaping with native plants reduces water use, supports pollinators, and protects Vineyard ecosystems. 

  • Plant shrubs, trees, and flowers that are native to Martha’s Vineyard. 
  • Replace turf with pollinator-friendly gardens or wildflower meadows.
  • Minimize lawn mowing during No Mow May to support early pollinators.

Local Resources: 

  • Polly Hill Arboretum – Plant guides and seasonal workshops.
  • Deep Roots MV – Landscaping services and education focused on sustainable, biodiverse habitats.
  • Martha’s Vineyard Commission/The Vineyard Way – Guides on plant selection and eco-conscious landscaping. Check out the Plant Local MV guide.

WILDLIFE, BEACH + NATURE SAFETY

Beach Sustainability

Beach-Friendly Practices

  • Carry In, Carry Out: Take everything you bring to the beach with you — trash, recyclables, and compostables. Leave nothing behind. 
  • Use reusable water bottles, utensils, and containers; skip single-use plastics.
  • Choose reef-safe sunscreen.

Respect Wildlife + Habitat 

  • Stay off dunes, nesting areas, and cordoned-off sections.
  • Leash your dogs on the beach April 1 – Sept. 15; clean up after them. 
  • Give shorebirds 150 ft. of space and respect fencing.
  • Do not fly drones within 150 yards of nesting birds.

Oversand Vehicle + Vehicle Sticker Info

  • Only drive on the beach if permitted and with a valid oversand vehicle (OSV) permit.
  • Check your town’s rules for walk-on passes, parking, and OSV access. 

Community Engagement

  • Participate in beach cleanups with local groups, including the Vineyard Conservation Society, Beach BeFrienders, Friends of Sengekontacket, and the Wampanoag Tribe’s Natural Resources Department.
  • MV Environmental Film Festival: An annual MV Film Center event showcasing films about climate change and sustainability over Memorial Day weekend.

Who to Call for Sick or Stranded Wildlife

  • Stranded marine mammals or sea turtles: Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-349-2615, option 2; Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) Natural Resources Department, 866-755-6622; NOAA: 866-755-NOAA
  • Injured or sick land animals: MassWildlife rehabilitator database. Massachusetts Environmental Police sometimes transport injured hawks, falcons, or owls (800-632-8075).

Tick Safety + Prevention

  • Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes in wooded or bushy areas. Walk in the center of trails. 
  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
  • Clothing + gear: treat with 0.5% permethrin or buy permethrin-treated clothing. 
  • Daily checks: inspect skin, hair, and pets after being outdoors.
  • If bitten:
    • Remove tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers (pull straight up, no twisting)
    • Clean bite area and hands with soap, water, or alcohol
    • Monitor for rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms and contact a healthcare provider (e.g., MV Hospital, MV Medical does same-day tests.) 

Resources

GET INVOLVED: VOLUNTEER + STEWARDSHIP

Support the Island’s ecosystems and community by volunteering your time. Many organizations offer opportunities ranging from farming to habitat restoration and planting. 

Martha’s Vineyard is the ancestral homeland of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), who continue to lead efforts to preserve and steward Island land and coastal waters through conservation, restoration, and cultural practices. Learn more here.

TRANSPORTATION + EVs

Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA)

  • The Island’s public bus system is now free for all riders (through Sept. 2026), making it easier to reduce car trips. Check vineyardtransit.com/fares-passes for updates as to whether the legislature can continue fare-free funding.
  • VTA is electrifying its fleet of buses, powered in part by solar carports and a large battery storage system. 
  • For schedules and routes: vineyardtransit.com

EV Chargers 

  • EV infrastructure is growing across the Island for residents, second homeowners, and visitors.
  • A full map of public charging stations.
  • Homeowners can install chargers at their property and even participate in programs like SMART 3.0 and Connected Solutions to earn incentives while supporting the Island grid.
  • See the full guide on EVs.

Tips for Residents + Visitors

  • Consider biking, walking, or taking public transit whenever possible.
  • If driving, consider an EV or car-sharing options to reduce emissions.
  • Even second homeowners can contribute: installing solar panels, using EVs while visiting, or donating energy credits to neighbors or nonprofits. 
  • Electric bikes are permitted with caveats:
    • Only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (as defined under MGL c.90 §1) are allowed on paved bike paths. These models have pedals and motors that stop assisting at 20 mph. 
    • Motorized bikes and e-dirt bikes (with no pedals or faster speeds) are not allowed in most public areas unless registered as off-road vehicles or motorcycles. See full guide.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Hosteling International MV 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.

ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE

Support a healthier, resilient, more sustainable Vineyard by staying informed and speaking up.

  • Island Climate Action Network (ICAN) Coordinates climate initiatives, educational events, and policy advocacy.
  • The Vineyard Way Martha’s Vineyard comprehensive plan for climate resilience and sustainability. Learn about Island goals and strategies for clean energy, waste reduction, and ecosystem protection. View the full Climate Action Plan. Learn more.
  • Contact your elected officials Reach out to your town, state, or federal representatives to support clean energy, wildlife protection, and sustainable development. 

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

    Bluedot Living
    Bluedot Living
    Bluedot Living Magazine is a sustainable living magazine and website with locations throughout North America.

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