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.)
For example: Fill one side of the composter with food scraps and some “browns” (leaves, strips of newspaper, etc.). Once that side is full, fill the other side. By the time you have filled the second side, the first should be full of compost material.
