Those answers — part of a video shot against a backdrop of water — form the heart of the environmental organization’s Community Giving Challenge.
The goal is to inspire 250 residents to invest “invest in the town we all want to live in,” and make the vision expressed by our neighbors in the video a reality.
“Every single Westporter has a role to play in shaping Westport’s future,” Sustainable Westport says.
“Your gift, no matter the amount, will power our mission to inspire, support and connect residents, organizations, and the town of Westport in making both small changes and big commitments toward a healthier, more sustainable future.”
The fund drive kicks off December 1. But you can “seed” it now. Click here to give.
Check below, for this great (today only) offer from WEST (117 Post Road East):
(Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
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Want another chance to weigh in on Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot and “structured parking”?
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s new survey is now live.
It’s open through Monday, November 11. Click here, then follow the prompts.
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Veterans Day is an important — and often overlooked — holiday.
Westport’s ceremony is always meaningful, and well worth attending.
The Town of Westport and VFW Post 399 will host Veterans Day services next Monday, November 11 (Town Hall auditorium).
At 10:30 a.m., the Westport Community Band will perform marches and patriotic tunes.
The services begin at 11 a.m. The time and date are significant. The armistice ending World War I — “the war to end all wars” — began at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.
After the ceremony, all veterans and other community members are invited to VFW Post 399 for food and drinks.
Donations will help pay for refreshments (click here; then click “Donate”). Extra funds will help pay for permanent flag stands on graves throughout town.
The VFW has already decorated 500, at Assumption Cemetery. There are 700 more to go in Westport.
The Doughboy statue honors Westporters who served and sacrificed in World War I. It’s at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall where Veterans Day ceremonies are held. (Photo/Topsy Siderowf)
Donate your “pre-loved Lego, Duplo, Technic, mini-figure and/or baseplate pieces.” Sustainable Westport volunteers will package and send them to Lego Replay — and arm of the Danish company — to ensure they find their way out of landfill, and into the hands of kids who need them most.
Full collections, partial sets, random pieces — nearly all are welcome. For information about accepted pieces and how to prepare your bricks for donation, click here.
Donations can be dropped off at:
MoCA Holiday Artisan Marketplace (November 15 and 16, noon to 4 p.m.).
Wakeman Town Farm(November 22 through December 8, when open)
Earthplace(December 9 through 15, when open)
Westport Moms Holiday Event at Birchwood Country Club(December 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Westport Weston Family YMCA(December 13 through 22, when open).
The 84th annual Candlelight Concert is set for Staples High School Friday, December 13 (8 p.m.), and Saturday, December 14 (3 and 8 p.m.). Tickets will be available soon (keep reading “06880” for details!).
Meanwhile, the Staples High School — which offers the beloved event as a gift to the town — welcomes businesses and individuals to purchase ads in the program, to help offset costs (and fund the Music Department’s programs for over 300 students).
The National Charity League fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6-year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
The Westport chapter has more than 275 members — women and their daughters in grades 7-12 — and provides volunteer support to over 30 non-profits.
Rising saxophone star Sarah Hanahan brings her talent to this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (November 7, 7:30 and 8:45, VFW Post 399; dinner service at 6:45 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students; click here for show tickets).
Hanahan — named one of NPR Jazz Night in America’s “30 under 30 Youngbloods” — will be joined by bassist Mikey Migliore, guitarist Tony Davis and drummer Mike Camacho.
After touring the 4 homes on Sunday’s “Historic Homes of 06880” tour, Nicholas Eisenberger thought he’d seen it all.
But passing Nyala Farm, he saw something else fascinating:
“What a beautiful sight, place, and day!” Nico says, of the bobcat (and tour) — and today’s captivating “Westport … Naturally” image.
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And finally …
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Pippa Bell Ader is a co-leader of Sustainable Westport’s Zero Food Waste Challenge. She is a frequent contributor to “06880,” on environmental issues.
Today’s piece is not one she wanted to write. She says:
What do the Connecticut towns of Bristol, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Old Saybrook and West Hartford have that Westport doesn’t?
They all have earned Gold Certification from Sustainable CT. Certification recognizes sustainability best practices in Connecticut municipalities.
Westport achieved Bronze in 2018 (the first year certification was awarded), and Silver in 2021.
But in 2023, when it was time to begin recertification (good for 3 years), our town administration chose not to.
Our Silver Certification expired. Westport has been sidelined in our pursuit of higher sustainability standards for our community.
As someone who dedicated time and energy to Westport’s prior 2 certification processes, I was deeply disappointed by the town’s decision. This is not the Westport I know and love.
The Westport I know is a climate leader, as evidenced by our town resolution to use best efforts to become a Net Zero Community by 2050. Without stronger advocacy by the town administration, I fear that this resolution will become meaningless.
Yes, achieving Sustainable CT certification is a lot of work. But the certification process can serve as a guide and impetus for the town.
The 13 action areas focus on the most impactful measures and steps a municipality can take toward sustainability, from ensuring well-stewarded natural resources and installing renewable and efficient energy infrastructure, to promoting the local economy, resilience and equity.
Composting is one key element of sustainability. (Photo/Scott Smith)
Westport is already doing a lot of good work. But there is more we must do if we want to ensure a sustainable Westport, and honor our town resolution. Right now, we are a far cry from using our best efforts.
Let’s recommit to our goals of becoming a Net Zero Community, and diligently work towards Gold Certification.
Even if we don’t complete all of the requirements for Gold Certification, we can meaningfully move the needle toward improved sustainability.
Non-profit groups such as Sustainable Westport cannot do it alone. The town must be a partner. Certification requires town administrative leadership, and support and engagement by residents, organizations and businesses.
Westport must not settle for watching from the sidelines as other towns surpass us. The Westport we love is a leader, not a non-participant.
To see the comprehensive list of the actions Westport could be taking toward certification — and in many cases, has already completed — click here.
It’s time to get in the game. Let our town leaders know that you want Westport on a level playing field with the other Connecticut Gold Certified towns.
Let’s go for gold!
(“06880” often covers the environment. And our “Opinion” pages are open to all readers. If you appreciate those missions — or any other part of this blog — please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Since its inception a dozen year ago, LobsterFest has become one of the biggest, most beloved and fun parties in town.
This Saturday, 1,500 folks of all ages will celebrate at Compo Beach. (Don’t have a ticket? You’re out of luck. They sold out in hours, in July.)
LobsterFesters will eat lobster and steak (plus a lot more). They’ll drink beer and soda. They’ll dance to a great band. They’ll rock the town.
They’ll also generate tons — literally — of waste.
All those people will leave behind lots of lobster tails, food scraps, beer cups, cutlery, napkins, even peppermint patty wrappers.
Lots of food at LobsterFest. (Photo/Dan Woog)
But it won’t be left for long. The Westport Rotary Club — sponsors of the bash, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthy organizations here and around the world — puts as much effort into cleaning up as they do to organizing LobsterFest, and handing out grants.
Which is to say: a lot.
Yet for all its trash, LobsterFest might be the most sustainable big event in Westport.
For several years the Rotary Club has partnered with Sustainable Westport to reduce waste, protect natural resources, and encourage environmental practices at the party, and long after.
Last year, for example, the groups worked with Curbside Compost to divert 1.5 tons — yes, tons — of waste.
Recycling, at the 2023 LobsterFest. (Photo/Dan Woog)
They’ll do the same this Saturday — but even better. They’ll put 300 bins everywhere, to collect small items like the rubber bands from lobsters, candy wrappers, empty butter tubs, cole slaw containers and the rest, ensuring it’s separated from compost scraps.
That’s huge. In the past, any lobsters put in compost with rubber bands still attached contaminated the entire bin.
Look for — and use — these 300 bins.
Also new: compostable utensils and cutlery. All those knives, forks and more will be accepted by Curbside Compost, along with food.
And for the first time, LobsterFest will have on-site recycling, for aluminum cans and bottles. They’ll be redeemed by Scout Troops 39 and 139, who as reward for their work will receive 10 cents each.
But none of those ideas will work without our help.
Westport Rotary and Sustainable Westport advise LobsterFest-goers:
Take only what you truly need. If you know you won’t eat 2 lobsters, don’t take 2!
Use proper receptacles for your waste. Food, paper napkins and cardboard trays can all be composted. Separate them correctly! (Put cans and bottles in the right ones too.)
If you get another beer, bring the same cup back for a refill. Better yet, bring your own from home.
And what about all that leftover food?
It does not go to waste. Extra lobster and steak is sold by the Rotary Club at the end of the day (7 p.m.). Anyone is welcome to purchase dinner for the week.
Lobsters for all.
The green initiative started several years ago, with Tony McDowell. The executive director of Earthplace and a Rotarian, he was also a member of the Green Task Force — the predecessor of Sustainable Westport.
Alex Cohen is the Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest chair. “I have 2 little kids,” he says. “My goal is help Westport be as green and nice as it can be. This is a great way to help.”
Pippa Bell Ader and Alex Cohen, with their reusable mugs. (Photo/Dan Woog)
He is always looking for new ideas.
For example, they’d love to get rid of their generators. Last year, McMahon Ford lent a Lightning electric truck, to power the band.
Sustainable Westport co-leader Pippa Bell Ader adds, “A lot of events in town don’t recycle. They just throw their garbage out. Westport Rotary really takes this to heart.”
She hopes LobsterFest can be a model for other organizations. To help compost, Sustainable Westport lends out zero-waste composting stations.
This Saturday afternoon will be another great LobsterFest.
And on Sunday morning, you won’t see a stray lobster claw, tray or peppermint patty anywhere on Compo Beach.
NOTE: All of that recycling — and every other element of LobsterFest — takes work. Volunteers are still needed. To help, click here.
(To learn more about composting, recycling, and how to make your at-home event even more sustainable, click here.
Posted onMay 11, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Northern Lights, Library Book Sale, Walkable Westport, …
The Northern Lights — a rarity over Westport — were visible early this morning.
A geomagnetic storm caused the show, for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Amateur astronomer Franco Fellah captured the celestial magic over Elmwood Lane:
Staples High School senior Charlie Scott captured this image, near Clinton Avenue:
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The Westport Library’s Big Spring Book Sale starts next Friday (May 17), and runs through Monday, May 20.
There are thousands for children and adults in more than 50 categories of nonfiction and fiction, children’s and antiquarian books, vinyl, CDs, movie and television DVDs, plus ephemera and artwork.
Hours are: Friday, May 17 (noon-6 p.m.); Saturday, May 18 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.); Sunday, May 19 (11 a.m.-4 p.m. — half-price day); Monday, May 20 (9 am.- 5 p.m. — fill the Library’s logo bag for $10, fill your own same-sized bag for $8, or buy items at half price).
On Friday May 17, the Book Sale will be open from 8:45 a.m. to noon only to people who buy an early access ticket in advance. Click here to purchase.
“Walkable cities” are environmentally, socially and economically vibrant.
Can Westport become a “walkable town”?
Sustainable Westport thinks so.
On June 4, the non-profit group brings urban planner Jeff Speck to Bedford Middle School (6 p.m. reception, 6:30 presentation).
Offering firsthand observations of Westport, he’ll share his thoughts on how we can become more walkable, bikeable and sustainable. He’ll also provide suggestions on short- and long-term efforts we can take toward those goals.
Rhone — the men’s clothing store on Main Street and a longtime champion of mental fitness — is hosting an evening dedicated to the topic.
The May 30 event (Westport Woman’s Club, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) includes inspirational speakers, a silent auction, and a “Mind & Muscle” experience led by Eric Johnson. It combines dynamic workouts with mental health discussions, combining physical and mental well-being.
Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts will deliver the keynote.
Rhone will donate 10% of proceeds from all purchases between May 31 and June 2 to Westport-based Positive Directions.
Westport-based singer Sophie B Hawkins is on a spring tour.
She won’t have to travel far next Saturday (May 18). She’s booked for a 7:45 p.m. show at Fairfield Theatre Company’s Stage One.
She’ll perform a collection from her new album. Each tells a own powerful story. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Best-selling “Cork Dork” author Bianca Bosker returns to the Westport Library June 11 (7 p.m.), for a chat with artist/author Miggs Burroughs. They’ll talk about her book “Get the Picture” — a fascinating journey into the secretive world of art and artists, from cave paintings to Instagram.
Bosker threw herself into that milieu: gallerists, collectors, curators, and artists themselves. Her research even included a stint as a museum security guard.
Just added to the Westport Country Playhouse calendar: a screening of the film “When My Sleeping Dragon Woke,” followed by a Q-and-A with writer Sharon Washington and director/producer Chuck Schultz (June 14, 7 p.m.).
Washington shares intimate moments that strengthened her as she grew from a little girl in a library, to a young woman embracing new opportunities and breaking down barriers.
Following the screening of the film will be a discussion in the theatre with Sharon Washington herself and director/producer Chuck Schultz.
Westporter Stephen Rappoport — CEO of Lamy America — was honored this week at the Night for Sight gala at New York’s Chelsea Piers. The event benefited the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Lamy America donates a portion of sales of its Two Blind Brothers optical products toward finding a cure for blindness. (Hat tip: Avi and Liz Kaner)
Stephen Rappoport
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Julie Conti, a 30-year resident of Westport, died Thursday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport. Born on July 4, she was 74.
Her daughter Gabi writes: “She used to scream ‘I love this town! out the window while driving over the Cribari Bridge.
“She lived so many extraordinary lives. She was the only one in her family to get out of Brooklyn. She became an American Airlines flight attendant in the 1970s despite being 5-foot, brunette and Italian (the competition was tall, blonde and from Texas).
“She thought she found her happily ever after at 27 when she met a first-class passenger, but when that relationship crumbled she packed up a trailer and drove back to Brooklyn.
“She didn’t give up. She started working at Doyle Dane Bernbach in New York, where she met her soulmate, Paul Conti. Together they started Big Time Productions, producing commercials and music.
“In the mid-’90s she was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. After an exhaustive pre-internet search, my dad found the one doctor who could save her life. She was cancer-free ever since.
“Julie was involved in New Neighbors, Green’s Farms Church, Westport Country Playhouse, PTAs and Staples Players.
“When I went off to college she started working for Meridith Baer, a home staging company. She convinced them to bring their business to Westport.
“She always loved the theater. As a girl she auditioned for “The Sound of Music” on Broadway. She didn’t get the part, but in her 60s she decided to follow her love of performing by taking acting classes at Staples with Al Pia.
“My mom was a fighter who never gave up, and lived so largely until it was her time. Her favorite activity was walking along Compo Beach, which she did every day until she couldn’t walk anymore.
“The day she died we went to the beach and felt her walking along beside us, as a ray of sunshine that followed us along the Sound.
“All are welcome to celebrate her life, this Friday (May 17, 11 a.m., Greens Farms Church.”
Julie Conti
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Paul Delano found a host of beautiful birds, all around town. Here’s one for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: an orchard oriole.
Ans finally … in honor of both the “Walkable Westport” and shoe collection stories (both above):
(If it’s happening in Westport, you’ll read about it here. If you enjoy reading about it, please consider a contribution to your hyper-local blog. Just click here — and thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Northern Lights, Library Book Sale, Walkable Westport, …
The kind of stuff that we usually already have at hand, and probably don’t need,
Do you really need all that stuff?
Sustainable Westport, the Town of Westport, Westport Farmers’ Market, Westport Downtown Association and the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce all say: Enough!
They’ve banded together to encourage Westport to #SkipTheStuff. The goal is to reduce unnecessary takeout waste from local restaurants.
#SkipTheStuff is part of a national campaign to enact legislation requiring restaurants to ask before adding unnecessary “stuff” to orders.
Good news! We’re head of the game. Westport already has an ordinance prohibiting food service establishments from including “stuff” in orders without request.
Westport’s #SkipTheStuff campaign encourages residents to only ask for the single-use or disposable items you truly need.
At the same time, don’t expect food service establishments to provide you with “extras” or “stuff.” By law, they should be included in your order only if you specifically ask for them.
Westporters should invest in reusable “travel utensils” to carry with you, if you won’t be eating your takeout meal at home.
For more information about #SkipTheStuff, click here.
(“06880” supports a sustainable Westport. And we hope readers will support — and sustain — “06880.” To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
The Long Lots Elementary School project moved one important step forward last night.
The Board of Finance voted unanimously to appropriate $6.8 million, for the design phase.
As reported in the Westport Journal, the funds include $6.2 million for a design consultant, architect, engineers and other professionals; $190,000 for a construction manager; $175,000 for a town project managers; $195,000 for testing, studies and borings, and $40,000 for printing and miscellaneous.
The cost per square foot is projected to be $727. Geothermal heating and cooling could raise that to $777 per square foot.
The appropriation request now goes to the Representative Town Meeting.
The Finance Board pushed 2 other requests to its next meeting, the Journal reports: $630,000 in design money to upgrade the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, and $110,000 to update conceptual plans for a new Fire Department headquarters, to possibly include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service.
A replacement for 70-year-old Long Lots School moved closer to reality last night.
The Westport Rotary Club turns 100 years old this year.
And on March 7 — 100 years to the day that they received their charter from Rotary International — the civic-and-service-and-more organization will celebrate.
Their “First 100 Years” Centennial Gala (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) includes cocktails, a great meal, and entertainment, with a multimedia presentation of that first century (photos by Dave Matlow, a new video, and MC Jeff Wieser).
Everyone receives a commemorative book too, highlighting Rotary’s 100 years.
You don’t have to be a Rotarian to attend. The event is open to all.
Tickets are $100 (Venmo @Thomas-Carey-73046, or mail checks to Westport Rotary PO Box 743, Westport, CT 06881). Email: rsvp.WestportRotary@gmail.com.
The Centennial Gala is not the only way for Rotary to mark their milestone. They’re also the lead sponsor for the Compo Beach playground renovation project. It’s planned for late September — just a few days after their annual LobsterFest.
Meanwhile, members of Westport’s other Rotary — the Sunrise Club — will be out in force this Saturday (February 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stop & Shop) for their annual “Souper Bowl Food Drive.”
It’s a team effort, with the Westport Police Department and others. They’ll collect non-perishable food and personal care items — and cash donations — to support Homes with Hope’s food pantry at the Gillespie Center.
Among the items needed: canned tuna, chicken, meat, vegetables and fruit; hearty soup, beef stew and chili; pasta and pasta sauce; peanut butter and jelly; crackers; granola and protein bars; rice; mac and cheese; cereal; shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 31 and February 7.
A man was arrested for evading responsibility (hit and run), driving under the influence and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, following a crash near M&T Bank. The suspect was found passed out behind the wheel, in the bank parking lot.
A man was arrested for assault with serious injury, strangulation/suffocation and unlawful restraint. Following a traffic stop for no headlights and a bumper dragging on the ground, the officer observed the driver and passengers with injuries, blood and scratches. The man had gone through the female’s phone, found messages he believed to be suspicious, assaulted her, and refused to let her get out of the car.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
School zone violation: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Traveling at unreasonable speed: 1
Passing a motor vehicle stopped in a crosswalk: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Driving with a foreign license for more than 60 days: 1
Improper turn/no signal: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Homebuyers comparing counties know that the downside to Westchester’s closer proximity to New York City is its much higher property taxes.
But there’s another element of Westchester real estate that buyers may not realize: higher closing costs too.
Refinance costs for mortgages are much higher too.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say that the reason is differences in state and county regulations and requirements, along with added taxes and fees.
New York state imposes a mansion tax of 1% on purchases over $1,000,000. There is also a mortgage tax of roughly 1% in Westchester County.
Today (Thursday, February 8, 2 to 4 p.m.), they offer a “Blossom + Stem Floral Design Workshop.”
The local florists will help you design your own centerpiece, for you to take home. Bring your own vase (up to 6 inches wide and 1 foot tall), or purchase a Blossom + Stem vase on-site for $25. All other supplies are covered. Click here to register.
On Saturday (February 10, 5 to 6 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.m.), there’s a “Romantic Evening” chocolate workshop.
Couples can create treats under the guidance of Le Rouge by Aarti chocolatiers — while sipping their signature hot cocoa, Champagne or a BYO beverage. Click here to register.
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Immerse yourself in the art of chocolate-making with your loved one in a romantic setting. Create delectable treats under the guidance of expert chocolatiers from Le Rouge Chocolates while sipping on Le Rouge’s signature hot cocoa, a glass of champagne, or a byo beverage.
The Westport Representative Town Meeting is seeking candidates from District 3 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Lyn Hogan. I
No party affiliation is required, as Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 18, 2025.
Residents of RTM District 3 interested in being considered for vacancy should invited to send a resume by February 21 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
Sustainable Westport co-directors Gately Ross and Johanna Martell attended the recent Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Environmental Summit in Hartford.
They joined environmental leaders, lawmakers and policy experts to discuss priorities and challenges for the 2024 legislative session, and better understand their impact on Westport.
Sustainable Westport’s Gately Ross and Johanna Martell flank State Representative Jonathan Steinberg at the environmental summit in Hartford.
Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “food left by a tree along the Library Riverwalk, for ducks, geese and seagulls.”
And, we’re sure, any other creature that comes along.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … James Dean was born on this day, in 1931. He died in a car crash in 1955, age 24. Had he lived, the star of “Rebel Without a Cause” would be celebrating his 93rd birthday.
LOCAL CONNECTION: Phil Ochs was giving a concert in Westport on March 31, 1968. He was handed a note on stage — and told the audience that President Johnson had just announced he would not seek re-election that fall.
(“06880” is your place for hyper-local news, upcoming events — and weekly Police Reports. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
On January 1, Connecticut’s “Bottle Bill” doubled its deposit to 10 cents.
Sustainable Westport says: “The bottle bill aims to incentivize recycling and proper disposal of beverage containers by attributing a cash value to each container, making it more likely that the containers will be recycled.
“States with bottle bills (we are one of only 10 in the US) have much higher recycling rates for containers than non-bottle bill states.
“The redemption process — separate from curbside recycling — results in less contamination, contributing to higher-quality recycled materials, particularly for plastics.
“Eligible containers include most metal, glass, and plastic beverage containers within specific size ranges for carbonated and non-carbonated drinks. The program covers various beverages, but excludes certain items like paper cartons, pouches, milk, wine and liquor.
“Consumers can redeem containers at stores selling the deposited beverages, including those equipped with self-service reverse vending machines (RVMs). Two near locations to redeem bottles and cans are Stop & Shop and Stew Leonard’s.
“Connecticut’s Bottle Bill laws contribute to the creation of a circular economy by ensuring that valuable resources within these containers are efficiently recycled and reused. This conserves raw materials, and reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing new containers from scratch.
“Beyond its environmental benefits, this legislation fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness regarding waste management. For more information about the new bottle bill and to learn about other redemption options, check out our recent blog.
(“06880” is your go-to local blog, for environmental news and notes. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Michael Friedman’s pop-up photography gallery — featuring intimate images he took more than 50 years ago, of the Rolling Stones, Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and more — was slated to close over the holidays.
But the Staples High school graduate is staying on for a while, at 31 Church Lane.
He’s open weekends from noon to 5, and other times “by chance.”
If you’d prefer more certainty than that ’60s-type vibe, call or text 203-247-6869.
It’s worth the, um, trip.’
Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.
‘The third — and final — session in Sustainable Westport’s Residential Energy Learning Series is “Everything Solar.”
Set for January 23 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), it features Westport architect John Rountree and Aegis Solar consultant Nathan Hernandez.
They’ll offer ideas on how to transition your home or business to solar energy, including how solar panels work, how to choose a solar installation company, key design and installation considerations, the expected ROI from going solar, and financing options (with federal and state incentives).
Westporter Jim Wolf, who recently installed solar, will also speak.
Panelists will answer audience questions too. Click here to register.
John Rountree — who will speak on January 23 — added solar panels to his house, and a nearby garage.
“We did it! We have reached our goal of inspiring (over) 150 Westporters to make a gift in support of Sustainable Westport.
“We deeply appreciate every individual who participated in our first-ever Community Giving Challenge.
“Your support helped us raise money to expand our programming in 2024, demonstrated our community’s continued commitment to sustainability, and helped us unlock an additional $10,000 challenge grant from a generous Sustainable Westport donor. When we come together, even small actions have an incredible impact! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Jake Thaw is going to the College Football Playoff championship.
His University of Michigan Wolverines edged Alabama 27-20 in overtime yesterday, at the Rose Bowl. They’ll face the University of Washington next Monday in Houston (January 8, 8:15 p.m., ESPN).
It almost didn’t happen, though. The only punt that came the 2020 Staples High School graduate’s way was muffed, at the 5-yard line. Thaw did a great job of avoiding a safety, under intense pressure.
Jay Harbaugh — the UM special teams coordinator, and son of head coach Jim Harbaugh — was heavily criticized on social media for allowing Thaw to attempt the catch inside the 10, and not simply letting it bounce.
Bridgewater Associates — the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund, and the object of so much interest and mystery in that world — is under the media microscope again.
Not long after the publication of Rob Copeland’s tell-almost-all book “The Fund,” a Bloomberg story examines charges against the company of favoritism, age and sex discrimination.
The article includes this description of what goes on inside the office:
Because many employees at Bridgewater are in their 20s and 30s and work long hours in the Connecticut suburbs far outside New York City, romantic relationships are common, people who have worked there said….
And the togetherness extends beyond work. There are almost 100 clubs where employees can do everything from play softball to rescue pets.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
Bridgewater’s Nyala Farm headquarters, where romance blooms. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)
Bassist/composer/producer Harvie S and guitarist Sheryl Bailey kick off the 2024 Jazz at the Post year this Thursday (January 4, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:30 p.m. on).
The two highly regarded musicians will be joined by saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall and drummer Steve Johns.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
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