The Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC) is a volunteer, citizen-led committee established by the Village of Tarrytown in 1974 to advise the mayor, the Board of Trustees and other local boards on environmental matters. The council is comprised of nine voting members who are appointed by the Board of Trustees and two associate members. TEAC researches, reports and makes recommendations on land use, ecological integrity, environmental consequences, quality of life and public health and safety. The Council also promotes ecological sustainability in Tarrytown through public education, and is committed to working with area businesses, community leaders and neighbors to create a cleaner, greener and safer place to live and work.
Current areas of focus include:
- Mitigating the effects of climate change
- Energy conservation and carbon footprint
- Sustainable development
- Safe and healthy public spaces
- Healthy air, soil and water
- Sustainable landscaping
- Waste, reduction & recycling
TEAC Committees
Community Outreach: The Community Outreach Committee plans events throughout the year to engage the community on environmental topics and help our neighbors reduce their carbon footprint. Head: Jenny O’Connor
Tarrytown Lakes Committee: The Lakes Committee concerns itself with the trails, water quality, recreation, and plant and animal life of the Tarrytown Lakes Park (which includes Wilson Park). A focal initiative is the “Vine Squad,” which works to eradicate and control invasive vines, and prevent them from strangling native trees around the lakes. Head: Catherine Ruhland
TEAC Landscaping Committee: The TEAC Landscaping Committee plants and maintains public pollinator gardens throughout the Village of Tarrytown to create habitat for pollinators, educate our community, and beautify our public spaces. Head: Mai Mai Margules
Zero Waste Committee: The Zero Waste Committee advises and assists the Village on overall waste reduction and effective recycling practices. Initiatives include our “Waste Warriors” at the TaSH farmers market, food scraps recycling, Swaps, and Repair Cafes. Heads: Catherine Ruhland, Rachel Tieger –
Energy and Conservation Committee: The Energy and Conservation Committee advises the Village and residents on best practices to reduce energy use and losses in municipal and residential buildings, and to adopt renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and battery energy storage. Electrification of home appliances, tools, and vehicles to eliminate use of carbon fuels, is a committee focus. Head: Dean Gallea