On March 5, 2025, Sustainable Westport hosted an informative webinar all about air- and ground-source heat pump technology. The goal was to help local residents better understand the benefits and considerations of transitioning their homes to this energy-efficient heating and cooling solution.

The webinar featured two expert speakers:

• Matt Corona from the Energize CT Heat Pump Support Team, who shared his extensive experience managing educational programs on heat pumps, weatherization, and other decarbonization measures.
• Brian Gaulzetti, Principal Energy Consultant at Dandelion Energy, who discussed the company’s work helping homeowners across New England transition to renewable geothermal energy.

Attendees gained valuable insights on how heat pump systems work, how they compare to traditional HVAC equipment, and the various incentives and financing options available to support homeowners in making the switch. Watch the recording here:

If you have any follow-up questions about residential energy efficiency and heat pump technology, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Sustainable Westport Residential Energy Ambassadors at info@sustainablewestport.org. You can also contact Matt or Brian directly using the information below, or you can contact Energize CT directly to set up a consultation here.

Brian Gaulzetti
Principal Energy Consultant, Dandelion Energy
bgaulzetti@dandelionenergy.com
914-809-8932

Matt Corona
Abode Energy Management on behalf of the Sponsors of Energize Connecticut℠
matt.corona@abodeenergy.com
860-955-0989

Sustainable Westport was honored to participate in MoCA’s recent community event, “Art, Infrastructure, and the Environment.”Alongside a talented panel of experts, Co-Director Johanna Martell shared insights on the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and community resilience. The discussion explored how art can inspire dialogue on critical environmental challenges, and the role of infrastructure in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.

Jo shared, “Using art as a medium to discuss sustainability and the relationship between the built world and preserving and stewarding the natural environment was inspiring. There are many exciting opportunities for Westport to truly integrate sustainability into our infrastructure and how we live day to day.”

As your kids grow, their sports gear often gets left behind. But instead of letting that perfectly good equipment gather dust or go to waste, Sustainable Westport’s “Play it Forward” program gives your gear a second life and provides you with the opportunity to find gently used equipment for the upcoming season.

Sustainable Westport is collecting used soccer cleats, shin guards, and balls in preparation for the upcoming season. You can drop off your gently-used unwanted soccer gear at the “Play it Forward” bins at the Westport/Weston YMCA between Wednesday, March 5, and Saturday, March 22. 

Then please plan to join us for our first Play it Forward Youth Soccer Donation & Exchange Event on Monday, March 24, from 4-7 p.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, where you can browse the donated items and “shop” for equipment you need. It is not necessary to have donated anything in order to shop — all are welcome to stop by and learn more about our efforts toward sustainability. And if you weren’t able to drop off in advance, you can still bring what you no longer use with you on March 24, and take home what you do! 

Any remaining items will be donated to the Bridgeport Field of Dreams Foundation.

By passing on your unused sports gear, you’re not only keeping perfectly good items out of landfills, but also helping others save money and pay it forward. We hope to expand this program to cover additional sports, so if you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to admin@sustainablewestport.org.

Sustainable Westport invites you to learn all about air- and ground-source heat pumps by joining our experts for an informational webinar. You’ll gain an understanding of the benefits and considerations of heat pump technology, how it could be applied in your home, as well as available incentives. 

Heat Pumps 101 Webinar
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Zoom link to follow

Matt Corona will be joining us from the Energize CT Heat Pump Support Team. Matt is an energy efficiency professional focused on building decarbonization. Through his experience managing educational programs on heat pumps, weatherization, and other decarbonization measures, Matt is proud to have supported thousands of homeowners, renters, and building managers.

Brian Gaulzetti is the Principal Energy Consultant for Dandelion Energy, where he leads the direct consumer division for geothermal heat pump installations across New England. Brian has been instrumental in helping homeowners transition to renewable geothermal energy. He recently presented at the 2024 Yale Clean Energy Conference on the topic “Enhancing Geothermal.” 

Register for this free event to receive the link to attend!

Sustainable Westport recently hosted a captivating event at the Westport Library, where the community gathered to learn about the power of composting. The panel discussion, moderated by Sustainable Westport co-director Gately Ross, featured Westport resident and author Scott Smith, whose book “On Compost: A Year in the Life of a Suburban Garden,” chronicles his personal journey with composting, and Tim O’Connor, the executive director of the Park City Compost Initiative.

Attendees gained valuable insights into the myriad benefits of diverting food waste, from reducing waste and enriching soil to combating climate change. O’Connor used his expertise as a CT DEEP Volume Reduction Facility Operator and Master Composter to share the immense value of food scrap diversion and spoke openly about the need for municipal/community support and the challenges in that quest. Smith’s passion for sustainability shone through, inspiring the audience to embark on their own composting journey – possibly right in their own backyard. 

If you missed the event, please find the recording below. If you are interested in learning more about composting, be sure to visit our composting resources page. We have pulled a wealth of information and resources to help you get started.

Congratulations to Scott Smith on the release of his book, “On Compost,” which is available for purchase on Amazon. And a big thank you to the Park City Compost Initiative for their participation in this informative and engaging event.

Dear Sustainable Westport Community,

The future of our town is in your hands! The Town of Westport is hosting two crucial public meetings, and we’re counting on you to make your voice heard.

Whether or not you joined us for “Walkable Westport” with Urban Planner and Author Jeff Speck, you have a unique perspective to share on how we can transform Westport into a more walkable, bikeable, and sustainable community. 

At the upcoming Traffic & Pedestrian Safety meeting on October 17, you’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas on improving safety for all residents. And on October 23, the Westport Downtown Plan Public Charette will gather community input on the development of Jesup Green, the Imperial Lot, and potential parking solutions.

This is your chance to directly influence the future of our town. Together, we can create a healthier, more accessible Westport that works for everyone. Can’t attend? Scroll down for additional ways to share feedback with town officials.

Save the date, share your ideas, voice your concerns, and let’s work together to create a healthier and safer community for all. 

Sincerely,

Gately Ross & Johanna Martell
Co-Directors of Sustainable Westport

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE YOUR VOICE

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety
Thursday, October 17
7:00 p.m.
Town Hall Auditorium

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Public Meeting. Presentation on the results of the SS4A Safety Action Plan Survey from Tighe and Bond and updates addressing ongoing road, traffic, and pedestrian safety initiatives throughout Westport will be discussed. 

Westport Downtown Plan Public Charette
Wednesday, October 23
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Westport Library, Brooks Room

The public charette will be a two-hour interactive event where people can learn about the project, ask questions, and give feedback. There will be maps and displays to help guide discussions. We will be gathering community ideas and concerns to shape upgrades to Jesup Green, the Imperial Lot, and the potential for structured parking.

CAN’T ATTEND? 

If you can’t attend in person, Sustainable Westport urges residents to use the following channels to share their feedback:

• If you were inspired by ideas from Walkable Westport, including the design of Parker Harding, speak up and share your opinion by emailing the RTM (RTM-DL@Westportct.gov), the Planning and Zoning Commission (PandZ@Westportct.gov), and our First Selectwoman Jen Tooker (JTooker@Westportct.gov).  
• If you want to address traffic and safety issues, Ms. Tooker has a survey on her office’s website or email the head of the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force, Tom Kiely (Tkiely@westportct.gov).
• If you have other ideas about the downtown redevelopment, including the incorporation of parking structures, please share your feedback with the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee (DPIC) here.

With National Drive Electric Week here (Sept. 27-Oct. 6), there’s no better time to start exploring the transition to electric. Are you curious about making the switch but unsure where to start? The EV Club of CT has made the process easier than ever with its comprehensive EV guide that compares all of the current EVs on the market.

Concerned about the upfront cost of an EV? There are currently around 20 incredible electric vehicles that cost less than $50K and nearly 40 that are under 70K.

Worried about range anxiety? The EV guide breaks down the details of over 70 EV models currently available, including battery range, charging speeds for various chargers, and more. You’ll get a clear picture of what today’s EVs can really do.

The guide examines the total cost of EV ownership, explaining how fuel and maintenance savings can offset the higher sticker price. It also offers solutions for charging at home, at work, and on the road so you can feel confident about keeping your EV powered up.

Ready to make the switch to an emissions-free ride? Download the EV Club of CT’s  EV guide now to explore all the exciting electric options on the market. 

Learn the “how” and “why” of composting with Westport-based author Scott Smith, Park City Compost Initiative founder and executive director Tim O’Connor, and Sustainable Westport co-director Gately Ross.

Composting not only benefits a backyard garden; it can be a simple, homemade solution for bigger issues such as reducing waste, improving soil, boosting biodiversity, and combating climate change. Backyard composting also strengthens efforts in making communities more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Whether you have a garden or not, composting can be a small way to make a big change.

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Scott Smith is a longtime Westport resident, avid gardener, and author of On Compost: A Year in the Life of a Suburban Garden. Smith’s book illustrates how composting can reduce waste, enrich soil, and combat climate change. More than just a guide to composting, On Compost is a heartfelt ode to community and connection. Through his narrative, Smith shows how a simple compost heap can bring neighbors together, foster a sense of community, and create shared experiences. Smith’s passion for sustainability is infectious, and his detailed guidance makes it easy for readers to start their own composting journey.

Tim O’Connor is the executive director and certified transfer station/volume reduction facility operator by CT DEEP at Park City Compost. He worked for Scott Paper, Cannondale Associates, and Diageo before starting his own consulting company. He serves on a number of non-profit boards in the arts, education, and community development.

Dr. Gately Ross joined Sustainable Westport as co-director in September 2021, bringing a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation. Throughout her career, she has focused on the health and conservation of wild and domestic animals and their environment. She combines her extensive clinical veterinary practice experience with a deep understanding of ecology and the impact of human activities on populations and ecosystems. Gately uses her expertise to foster sustainable practices, create projects, and build partnerships that engage and inspire Westport residents to join Sustainable Westport’s mission. Gately has called Westport home since 2007, with her husband, their three sons, and their rescue dog.