I promise to always shop using reusable bags.
I promose to walk more and drive less.
I promise to make my family recycle.
Those are some of the promises — public, for all to see — made as part of the Sustainable Westport’s new “Make a Promise” project.
M. Harmon says: “I promise to compost.”
Some of the people making the promises are well known in town: WestportMoms’ Megan Rutstein, Earthplace director Tony McDowell, RTM member Sal Liccione.
Some are less familiar.
Some make big promises. Others’ are smaller scale.
If everyone keeps their promises, the impact could be — not cosmic. After all, we’re just one small community.
But if we don’t start making promises (and keeping them), then the world (including Westport) will continue to — well, let’s not go there.
SW rolled out its “Make a Promise” campaign yesterday. It encourages residents to “commit to small, sustainable actions that can have a big impact on the community and the environment.”
Taking the train can have a big impact — including (with congestion pricing) on your wallet.
Westporters can visit the Sustainable Westport website to share personal sustainability promises — anything from everyday actions to long-term lifestyle changes. Promises will be added to the organization’s website. Some will be featured on Sustainable Westport’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
The campaign includes a video. Westport residents — well-known, less noted, and several youngsters — make their own promises, at scenic (and environmentally important) sites like Old Mill Beach and the Saugatuck River.
Those promises range from bringing a reusable coffee cup everywhere and shrinking their lawn, to “being open to new habits” and “buying less stuff.”
The video ends with this question: “Can you promise to join us?”
In the video, 3rd grader Marlowe promises to pick up trash.
Sustainable Westport co-directors Gately Ross and Johanna Martell say, “We firmly believe that protecting the planet is not a political issue. Now more than ever we need local, community-driven initiatives to lead the way toward positive change.
“Every choice you make sends a powerful message. By making small changes to your daily habits and routines, you can make a difference.
“No matter what you promise to do, give yourself grace. Change is not about being perfect. It is about progress.”
(To make a promise directly, click here. To watch the video, click here.)
If you promise to click here and support “06880,” we promise to continue our hyper-local, 24/7/365 reporting on the environment — and everything going on in this always-interesting town.)
I promise to continue shrinking my lawn.
Not to use leaf blowers.
With the current administration policies of relaxing environmental restrictions and turning away from clean energy how much can Westport accomplish?
The way contemporary Westporters finger-point adds substance to your comment. The questions for Westporters are: Can you do the right thing and act on your own volition? Are you self-motivated or do you need a politician from either party to tell you what’s right or what’s wrong? Do you keep a clean house? Do you use toilet paper or would a bidet be more environmentally sustainable? I credit Sustainable Westport for putting the onus on the individual where it belongs.
we agree. Each person is responsible to do their ethical best
👍🤝
I think the key to this is reflecting and acting on our own ‘sphere of control’ (we CAN create the sustainable town we want to live in) and ‘sphere of influence’ (how many towns can we partner with and inspire). What happens at the national and global level may be in our concern but outside these two spheres. Further thoughts on that here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peterdboyd_connectedleadership-sustainability-activity-7288275916424675328-ZC5z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
and here:
https://lnkd.in/gMcc3Whz
I will continue to pick up trash, tell trucks and autos not to idle for more than three minutes, use only electric outdoor power tools, use a mulching lawn mower, support environmental groups, promote green space, revive the Community Gardens, promote organic foods and dissuade all from thinking Climate Change is a hoax.
One simple tip. When you throw out garbage inside a black plastic trash bag open the bag up and throw into the hopper at the transfer station Take the same bag home and use it again.
Sustainable Westport is a great idea for good and best practices, encouraging others to follow suit. I live in Danville, California. I forwarded today’s blog to Danville’s mayor hoping that my town can emulate Westport’s efforts.
Ahh, Danville. The soon to be the next Tracy CA.
Blackhawk or Diablo?
named after Dan Woog??
No. Katz not Woog.
Supporting the environment is costly. Many large organizations are backing away from their commitments from just a few years ago. If the big organizations won’t do it, we need to. Individually, and as a community. There are many ways to better the environment. Nobody is perfect, but if you do a little every day, it all adds up.