Sustainability in Port Jefferson
Small town. Big impact.
Port Jefferson is more than just a beautiful harbor village — it’s a community that cares deeply about its environmental footprint. From banning single-use plastics in the Village Center to building rain gardens and supporting refillable alternatives, we’re working together to protect our shoreline, reduce waste, and promote sustainable living.
Single-Use Plastic Ban in the Village Center
In an effort to reduce litter, plastic pollution, and harm to our marine life, Port Jefferson Village has implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags, straws, and foam containers within the Village Center.
We encourage all businesses and visitors to:
Bring reusable shopping bags
Not distribute plastic cutlery unless the customer requests
Choose reusable or recyclable containers whenever possible
Protecting our harbor starts with what we carry in our hands.
Beach Street Community Garden
Our Beach Street Community Garden is a growing hub of sustainability and education. Launched in 2021, this garden offers raised plots to residents and visitors looking to grow their own herbs, vegetables, and flowers — all while learning about soil health, composting, and low-impact gardening.
Open March–November
Plot lottery held annually
Hosts educational events & workshops
Accessible garden beds for all abilities
Grow something good — and connect with the community while you do.
Rain Gardens to Protect the Harbor
Did you know Port Jefferson has installed several rain gardens throughout the Village? These beautiful, low-maintenance gardens are planted in key stormwater runoff areas to filter pollutants before they reach the harbor.
Naturally reduces flooding
Filters oil, trash, and toxins from stormwater
Adds biodiversity and beauty to public spaces
When it rains, it sustains.
Tree Committee
The Port Jefferson Village Tree Committee is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and enhancing the health, beauty, and ecological vitality of the Village’s urban forest. Through strategic tree management, collaboration with municipal entities, and public education, the Committee fosters a sustainable and resilient village that values the many benefits trees provide, such as clean air, stormwater capture, wildlife habitat, and a sense of natural beauty. With a commitment to native tree species and effective tree-related policies, the Committee works towards a thriving arboreal legacy for current and future generations.
Local Businesses Leading the Way: Simple Good Refillery
Simple Good, located right in the heart of the village, is more than a boutique — it’s a zero-waste destination. Their Refillery invites customers to bring their own containers and refill everything from shampoo and dish soap to laundry detergent and lotion.
Eliminate plastic waste from your routine
Choose clean, non-toxic ingredients
Support an independently women-owned local business
Pay for the product, not the packaging.
What You Can Do
Visitors and residents alike can be part of the solution:
Recycle properly (bins are located throughout the village)
Walk or bike whenever possible
Shop local and support eco-conscious businesses
Say no to single-use plastic — yes to refills, reusables, and refillables
Together, we can keep Port Jeff green and gorgeous — for generations to come.
Climate Resiliency in Action
Community Workshops for Flood Preparedness
Port Jefferson is proactively addressing increasing flood risks through its Climate Resiliency Workshops—public, interactive sessions gathering Village officials, emergency responders, business owners, and residents to develop an action plan for extreme weather events.
Latest Workshop: Held in late November 2024 at Village Hall, the session included firefighters, EMS, business owners (including from Simple Good and Timber & Ties), and local stakeholders. They reviewed lessons from the August 2024 storms, shared flooding experiences, and drafted strategies for improved preparedness
These events are part of a broader resilience program that began with workshops in April and June 2023, funded through a $110,000 NYS grant for flood mitigation studies and climate adaptation planning .
In June 2024, a Pennsylvania-based consultant hosted a Grant Workshop for Climate Resilience, open to the public, with a follow-up comment period concluding August 19, 2024
What Came Out of These Workshops?
Collaborative Action-Planning: Joint efforts between the village, fire district, businesses, and engineers to evaluate protective measures like flood gates, water sensors, and storm-drain upgrades portjeff.com.
Funding & Follow-Up: The Village secured a FEMA grant of ~$300,888 (with a 25% match) for engineering studies focusing on downtown flood hotspots. These workshops lay the groundwork for future county- and state-supported resilience infrastructure
Focus Areas in Planning:
Flood control design for runoff along Main/Barnum
Culvert upgrades and potential daylighting of Old Mill Creek
Stormwater capture within off-street parking and green spaces
Bluff restoration and coastal protection strategies
Why It Matters
Port Jefferson is not just talking about climate resilience — the Village is acting. Through grant-funded engineering, workshops, and strategic planning, official flood preparedness is transforming from concept to reality. With your input, these community-led efforts are guiding smarter, more resilient infrastructure decisions.
Want to Stay Involved?
Attend future public workshops—keep an eye on the Village’s Public Notices page.
Review updates in the Village Voice newsletter or on the Climate Resiliency Plan page of the Village website.
Share feedback during open comment periods or when proposals are displayed at Village Hall.