Statewide Program Identifies Lyme’s Composting, Conservation Initiatives as Success Stories

LYME, CT – The town’s bronze-level certification from Sustainable CT has been extended for three years in recognition of efforts to be more efficient, resilient and inclusive.

Sustainable CT is a statewide program that recognizes Connecticut communities for work in areas including energy, natural resources, transportation, local economies and community health.

There are currently 41 bronze-certified communities in the state, according to Sustainable CT. Eighteen communities have attained silver status and 14 have secured gold.

The town in a news release said several actions taken by the town have been identified as “success stories” by Sustainable CT. The measures reflect best practices that the organization believes can serve as examples for other communities.

Of 22 actions submitted by the town for recertification, five were recognized as exemplary: resident outreach for the Plan of Conservation and Development, invasive species management, Lyme Pollinator Pathways, composting organic waste in the schools and through Long Table Farm, and efforts to raise public awareness of and support for addressing homelessness.

Reviewers awarded full points for Lyme’s composting efforts, calling the school and Long Table Farm programs “a really comprehensive way to involve students, families and other residents in reducing the food waste in the trash system in Lyme.”

Long Table Farm, where owner Baylee Drown was honored earlier this year as Connecticut’s Outstanding Young Farmer, collects food scraps from Lyme residents and Lyme Consolidated School to turn into nutrient-rich compost for use on the farm. The program keeps food waste out of the town’s trash stream while producing a valuable agricultural resource.

The town’s resident outreach for the Plan of Conservation and Development was also singled out. Reviewers noted that the plan connects natural resource protection, agriculture, housing, infrastructure, economic vitality and quality of life through recommendations for the town’s future.

Sustainable CT’s certification program is based on a list of actions municipalities can choose to implement as they earn points toward bronze, silver or gold certification.

Kristina White, chair of the Sustainable Lyme Committee, said recertification isn’t the end goal.

“We’re already looking ahead to what we can accomplish next, and we invite everyone in Lyme to get involved,” she said.

First Selectwoman Christy Zelek said the work being done by volunteers, town staff members, students, farmers and residents will ensure Lyme remains sustainable for generations.

“Earning recertification shows that sustainability isn’t a one-time project in Lyme. It’s part of how we govern and how we live,” she said.

The recertification will last through Dec. 31, 2029. The town was first certified in 2020.

Lyme will be recognized with other 2026 certified communities at Sustainable CT’s Annual Awards Celebration Nov. 10 at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford.

To learn more about the Sustainable Lyme Committee or get involved, contact White at 860-304-0431. Information on previous certifications, including actions that earned points, is available on the Sustainable CT website.