During a recent special meeting of the sustainability committee, members discussed various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the community. The meeting commenced without a quorum, but public comments were welcomed, leading to an engaging introduction from Kimberly Heitinger, who expressed her interest in sustainability and plans to open a bistro focused on low carbon food emissions and waste reduction in the Farmington Valley area.

The committee members acknowledged Heitinger's efforts and encouraged her to stay connected with the group for support and resources. Following this, updates were provided from ex officio boards, including a discussion on the sustainability plan that will be presented to the Board of Education in November. The plan aims to address key sustainability issues such as energy use, waste management, and community engagement.

Lydia, a board member, highlighted a recent meeting with school administrators to discuss food waste initiatives, indicating a growing interest in sustainability within the educational sector. The committee is also planning to present their sustainability vision to the Board of Selectmen, emphasizing the need for collaboration across various community groups to achieve their goals.

In addition, Joe provided an update on the local recycling program, noting that the swap shop will be open for three more Saturdays this season, encouraging residents to participate in recycling efforts.

The meeting concluded with a review of the previous month's minutes, which were approved unanimously, and a commitment to continue advancing the sustainability agenda in the community. The committee remains focused on developing a comprehensive sustainability plan that will involve input from various stakeholders and aim for actionable outcomes in the near future.