Sustainable Essex is the Town of Essex committee that is part of the statewide initiative Sustainable CT.

Sustainable CT works to promote a broad menu of sustainable practices which aim to ensure the health and well-being of current and future residents while respecting the finite capacity of the natural environment.

The Sustainable Essex Committee focuses on strategies to balance environmental protection, economic development, and social objectives to meet the needs of today without compromising the quality of life for future generations of Essex residents.


Sustainable Essex initiatives include:

  • Sustainable lawncare promotion through the  Quiet Lawns campaign
  • EnergyWise Essex campaign to promote Home Energy Solutions energy assessments
  • Installation of public EV charging stations in Essex and Ivoryton
  • Community cleanup events, such as the annual  Source To Sea event that takes place each fall
  • Community swap and repair events, such as the fall Toy Swap and semi-annual repair cafe
  • Implementation and adoption of  municipal composting, including Region 4 schools
  • Other local sustainable events and efforts

With all projects we strive to build and strengthen municipal processes to be more inclusive, cohesive, and representative of all community members, now and in the future. These system-wide, structural changes are an important step to creating open and equitable communities.


2025 Events
January 30: All American Murphy Road Recycling Facility Tour in Berlin
March 8: Volunteer Expo at Essex Library
March 22: Essex Go Bragh Parade
April 1 – 30: Tri-Town Take 5 Trash Collection Campaign
April 5: Repair Cafe in Middletown
April 22 – July 31: Solarize Essex and Friends Campaign
April 27: Earth Day Event in Chester
May 10: Essex Garden Club May Market
May 14: Solar 101 Presentation at Essex Town Hall
June 1: Junk in the Trunk Event at Essex Town Hall Parking Lot
June 14: Repair Cafe in Middletown
June 15: Sunday Market in Chester
July 8: Virtual Solar Workshop
September 27: Essex 3-Villages Source 2 Sea Cleanup Event
October 5: Harvest Festival at Essex Elementary School
November 5: SEED (Sustainable Essex Environmental Discussion) on Reducing Waste at Essex Library
November 15: Toy Swap in front of Essex Elementary School