Dear Friends of Sustainable Westport,

On November 7, we will elect the town’s RTM and other officials who will set priorities and objectives for the future of our community. The impact of local government can be profound. An illustrative example is the RTM’s 2017 resolution for the Town of Westport to use its best efforts to become Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. The resolution passed with fanfare but lacked a plan or roadmap on how to reach that objective. It did not include specific goals, the appointment of leaders, a budget, or even a general path on how to move forward. 

To reach the goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050, it is critical that we elect officials that prioritize, understand, and are committed to reducing Westport’s carbon footprint. Over the past two years, Sustainable Westport has worked alongside our partner organizations and impassioned volunteers to support our mission: to inspire, connect, and support the residents, businesses, and government of Westport in reaching our Net Zero goal. However, as an independent non-profit organization, there is only so much we can do to encourage town officials to prioritize sustainability through comprehensive planning, budgeting, and regular assessment of performance against goals. 

This month, Sustainable Westport sent a brief survey to candidates running for the Town of Westport’s RTM, Board of Education, Board of Finance, and Planning & Zoning Commission to better understand their perspectives and priorities as they relate to sustainability. Our response rate was only 36%. Take a moment to see which candidates took the time to respond, and be sure to make a plan to vote on November 7. 

A holistic plan to reach Net Zero plan does not yet exist, but Sustainable Westport will continue to support opportunities to think broadly and more critically about how we can build a greener, healthier future for ourselves and our community. Other than keeping yourself informed, and doing your part to make sustainable choices, voting is one of the most critical ways you can support sustainability. Local elected officials have a major impact on our community, daily life, and our collective future. GET OUT AND VOTE! 

Gately Ross & Johanna Martell

Co-Directors, Sustainable Westport

Congratulations to the Westport Tennis Club for being named a Sustainable Westport Superstar! The Westport Tennis Club recently installed a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on their roof using Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing from the Connecticut Green Bank. The 60.72 kW system is expected to save the facility more than $328,090 in electricity costs over the 20-year financing term. Read more.

Sustainability Win: Westport Lobsterfest Introduces New Sustainable Practices: Sustainable Westport partnered with Lobsterfest organizers to implement eco-friendly event practices to help reduce waste, protect the environment, and preserve natural resources.

Sustainable Swaps: School Lunch & Snack Containers: As you prepare for the upcoming school year, consider breaking up with disposable lunch and snack containers. By switching to eco-friendly alternatives, you can actively reduce plastic waste, protect our environment, and combat climate change.

Long Lots Building Committee: Supporting Our Commitment to Becoming Net Zero by 2050: Please extend your energy and enthusiasm beyond protecting the Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve, a long-standing example of our community’s commitment to sustainability, by also advocating for establishing a school that aligns with the Town’s objective of achieving Net Zero status by 2050.