By Kathy Brown.
In September 2018, Haddam registered the town as a “participating community” in Sustainable CT. According to the minutes of the Sept. 10, 2018 Board of Selectmen meeting, “This resolution is an ongoing process looking at recycling, infrastructure, energy savings, within our community [to] help make Connecticut sustainable on many different levels . . . Sustainable CT is a comprehensive, statewide, action-oriented voluntary certification program, built by and for municipalities, with the vision that Sustainable CT communities strive to be thriving, resilient, collaborative, and forward looking. They build community and local economy. They equitably promote the health and well-being of current and future residents. And they respect the finite capacity of the natural environment.” To learn more about Sustainable CT, click HERE.
The committee hit the ground running. In just a few short months:
- the plastic bag recycling initiative which was started in November has been very successful. More information HERE.
- The committee is working on getting paint recycling at the Haddam Transfer Station.
- the committee started spotlighting different areas of the Haddam Transfer Station to increase recycling. See the first article HERE.
- A compost bin was installed at the Haddam Town Office Building. Another, more centrally located bin, is in the works.
“If we all take a small part, it is much easier,” said Kristin Battistoni, committee member and Haddam Tax Collector. She advises that if a company uses packaging that isn’t recyclable, contact them by Tweet, Facebook, or Instagram. “We have gotten some positive responses but we need help with this,” said Ms. Battistoni.
You are invited to attend a community gathering on March 6, 2019 to explore other opportunities within Haddam to strive to be thriving, resilient, healthy, and economically strong. There will be a guest speaker, Jessica LeClair of Sustainable CT. The event will be held at the Haddam Firehouse (439 Saybrook Road, Higganum) starting at 6:30 p.m. Town, Service, & Community Organizations are encouraged to attend; all ages welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to edccoordinator@haddam.org or 860-345-8531 x202.
