Connecticut businesses, organizations, and individuals recognized for dedication to environmental protection and stewardship
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (June 10, 2026) – On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Aquarion Water Company (“Aquarion”) hosted its 16th annual Environmental Champions award ceremony at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, where the company celebrated the accomplishments of Connecticut’s environmental leaders.
Each year, Aquarion selects a large business, a small business, a non-profit organization, and an adult to receive a $5,000 grant, which is donated in the winner’s name to an environmental non-profit of their choice. Additionally, Aquarion selects a student to receive a $1,000 award. Winners of the annual award program also earn a plaque and statewide recognition of their efforts toward environmental conservation and sustainability.
“We’re incredibly proud to honor the tireless efforts of this year’s winners, who perfectly embody what it means to be an Environmental Champion,” said Lucy Teixeira, President of Aquarion Water Company. “As a fellow environmental steward, Aquarion understands the dedication and zeal it takes to make meaningful change in our local ecosystems. We commend this year’s Environmental Champions for advocating for our shared natural resources and inspiring others to do the same. We look forward to seeing the great things they continue to accomplish.”
The winners of the 2026 Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards are:
Bigelow Tea Company – Fairfield, CT (Large Business)
Established in 1945, Bigelow Tea Company is committed to delivering flavorful, high-quality teas using sustainable practices. Through recycling, composting, and material reuse programs, Bigelow Tea has maintained Zero-Waste-to-Landfill operations since 2012, and its commitment to renewable energy was recognized in 2020 when it became Green-e certified for carbon-footprint reduction. In 2019, 2022, and 2025, the company achieved and maintained its Certified B Corporation status with a high score of 103.1. Headquartered in Fairfield, CT, Bigelow Tea has remained an active participant in its community and demonstrated a deep commitment to the local environment by organizing clean-up events and hosting educational sessions on the importance of protecting pollinators. These combined efforts have demonstrated Bigelow Tea’s unyielding commitment to the environment and sustainability in Connecticut and beyond.
PHOTO (left to right): Lucy Teixeira, President of Aquarion Water Company; Rachel Ristau, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Bigelow Tea; and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
Reboot Eco – Middletown, CT (Small Business)
Reboot Eco, which was founded in 2021, offers sustainable home essentials and a realistic, community-centered approach to low-waste living. By enabling customers to reuse their own containers, the business directly reduces single-use plastic waste, helping to protect waterways, soil health, and overall ecosystem integrity. Based in Middletown, CT, Reboot Eco also plays an active role in community programming, including Repair Cafes, mending circles, and the Swap Studio, to extend its impact beyond waste reduction. These programs work to reduce the number of textiles and household items in landfills and help people build practical skills to implement environmental stewardship into their daily lives. Reboot Eco’s mission demonstrates how easily environmentally responsible habits can be integrated into routines without sacrificing convenience or affordability.
Trumbull Nature & Arts Center – Trumbull, CT (Non-Profit)
For over 15 years, the Trumbull Nature & Arts Center (TNAC) has served as a leader in environmental education in its community. TNAC is located on more than 11 acres of land, which hosts 15 educational programs for students, and provides nature-rich experiences to people of all ages. By providing grant-funded, no-cost field trips, TNAC has provided a foundation in environmental education to more than 13,000 Bridgeport elementary students. The Center’s commitment to accessibility also extends to seniors with memory impairment, students with special needs, and high schoolers preparing to become environmental leaders. TNAC is currently developing an interactive environmental educational display within its Nature & Arts Center, focused on the Pequonnock River watershed. TNAC continues to inspire sustainable actions that benefit both the local community and the environment.
PHOTO (left to right): George Logan, Director of Community Relations at Aquarion Water Company; Ashley Gaudiano, Trumbull Town Council Chair; Sheryl Baumann, Director of the Trumbull Nature & Arts Center; and Lucy Teixeira, President of Aquarion Water Company.
Maggie Favretti – Mystic, CT (Adult)
Maggie Favretti, co-founder of the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed, is a retired educator, author, and environmental advocate skilled at bringing people together. Notably, she assembled a co-leadership team uniting six communities across the watershed in a shared commitment to clean water, healthy ecosystems, and environmental resilience. She also secured significant funding, including a $115,000 grant from the Long Island Sound Resilience Planning Support Program, to assess flooding, heat, and drought risks to the watershed. Her involvement in multiple Youth Climate Action Summits demonstrates her commitment to raising the next generation of environmental leaders. Maggie’s work is grounded in the idea that true environmental stewardship is a community effort, and only by working together can we make a difference.
PHOTO (left to right): U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal; Maggie Favretti, Co-Founder of the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed; Lucy Teixeira, President of Aquarion Water Company; and Carolyn Giampe, Director of Watershed & Environmental Management at Aquarion Water Company.
Tomás Gutiérrez – Brooklyn, CT (Student)
Tomás Gutiérrez, a Junior at Killingly High School, identified that a foundation of public understanding is required for meaningful policy change. He then designed and launched his project, Biodiversity: Survival Through Education, through which he delivered biodiversity workshops to approximately 180 middle school students, clearly communicating complex ecological concepts. His efforts resulted in a 41–43% increase in students’ confidence in understanding biodiversity and taking action in their communities. He is the founder and president of the Killingly High School Environmental Club and actively contributes to youth organizations supporting environmental justice, while demonstrating strong leadership by positioning himself at the forefront of environmental stewardship and protection. Tomás was awarded the Klinck Scholarship to pursue a degree in Natural Resources, which he plans to accomplish at the University of Connecticut.
PHOTO (left to right): Lucy Teixeira, President of Aquarion Water Company; Peter Fazekas, Director of Corporate Communications at Aquarion Water Company; and Tomás Gutiérrez and his family.
To learn more about Aquarion’s 2026 Environmental Champion Award winners, please visit www.aquarionwater.com/awards.