October 30, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mayor Benjamin D. Florsheim, 860-638-4801

City of Middletown Honored with Sustainable CT Certification

Middletown is among sixteen Connecticut municipalities recognized by Sustainable CT for achieving 2023 certification.  

Sustainable CT, a statewide non-profit initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, inclusive, and equitable, celebrated this year’s certified communities at a ceremony held on October 17 at the American Mural Project in Winsted CT.  

Middletown met high standards in a broad range of sustainability endeavors to qualify for the prestigious Silver-level certification. 

“We are thrilled to be recognized for all our sustainability efforts in the City of Middletown,” said Mayor Ben Florsheim. “It truly takes a team effort and strong City partnerships with residents, organizations, and businesses to reach Sustainable CT’s ambitious goals. We look forward to keeping Middletown focused on being a leader in the state and beyond.” 

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Middletown demonstrated significant accomplishments in twelve impact areas. These range from enhancing community inclusivity, promoting a thriving local economy, supporting vibrant arts and culture, improving transportation options, and encouraging diverse forms of housing. Middletown successfully completed actions such as promoting pollinator-friendly plantings, reducing waste and encouraging additional recycling, conducting an energy-efficiency campaign for homeowners, and providing space for small-scale urban farming that furthers environmental and social justice.   

“The Sustainable CT process motivated us to take stock of what we had achieved since our 2019 certification, to redouble our efforts on current initiatives, and to set demanding goals for the future. I can’t say enough in praise of the members of our small team for their hard work, creativity, and unwavering dedication to putting sustainability front and center in all our undertakings,” said Krishna Winston, Chair of Middletown’s Resource Recycling Commission.

“Congratulations to our certified communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are all inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all of us.” 

Sustainable CT’s action roadmap offers guidance that is especially helpful as towns seek to develop practices and find resources to promote racial justice and respond to climate change and economic uncertainty.  

Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, the Common Sense Fund, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.  

For more information about Middletown’s Sustainable CT certification, contact the Middletown Recycling Coordinator at recycling@middletownct.gov or 860-638-4855.  

For information on Sustainable CT, contact Jim Hunt, Communications Director, Sustainable CT, at jamesh@sustainablect.org or 860-259-4732.