Munster’s first snowfall of the season arrived just in time to mark another first — the inaugural meeting of the town’s new Sustainability Committee. And while this round of snow is quickly disappearing the committee hopes this will be a lasting effort to make Munster a greener, more resilient place to live.
The idea for a sustainability committee began in the fall of 2023 when the Munster Sustainable and Green group proposed the concept to town leaders after Munster’s first Earth Day event, which brought dozens of sustainability groups to town. The concept gained renewed energy last year when students from the Munster High School Environmental Club took up the cause. Senior Cavin McNulty presented the proposal to the Town Council this past spring, and the Council voted unanimously to create the committee,which now includes representatives from the high school, the Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Munster, and interested residents.
Councilman Chuck Gardiner, who helped develop the committee, said the initiative reflects long-standing values shared by many in the community. “We have many residents that believe the popular saying that you should ‘Leave it better than you found it,’” Gardiner said. “The sustainability committee is a partnership of Town businesses, residents, schools, and the Town working together to educate and promote ways in which we can ‘leave it better than we have found it.’ This collaboration creates a very valuable connection and trust among all parties, which results in greater love and respect for the Town of Munster.”
“It’s a good option to have a sustainability committee now in Munster,” added Mike Bakker, the faculty advisor for the high school’s Environmental Club. “If nothing else, it’s important to bring awareness to the community about environmental issues in the community. Too many people go day to day not understanding how little things they do can add up to big environmental problems.”
For Nina Hestjean, one of the three student representatives on the committee, creating awareness is one of the first steps to create positive change. “Munster residents should be aware of these sustainable practices because it is beneficial to their community, promoting health and eco-friendly alternatives. Doing so is just as important for individuals as well since there are many issues such as water contamination that directly impact residents.
Across Indiana and the Midwest, towns like Chesterton, Valparaiso, Michigan City and Bloomington have formed similar committees in recent years, reflecting a growing recognition that sustainability needs to start at the local level. Gardiner noted that this movement is not only about protecting nature, but also about strengthening communities. “I believe many cities and towns recognize the unique natural resources in Northwest Indiana that create a great place to live, work, and play,” he said. “By forming these committees, they can create a unifying vision to protect these resources and promote the economic benefits that these resources create.”
Bakker believes the Munster committee will serve an important role in spreading that kind of practical knowledge. “The committee will be a good resource to getting information out to the community,” he said. “Some people would help if they just knew these things existed. Getting the word out brings people together.”
Grace Wang, another MHS student representative, believes communication and collaboration will be central to the committee’s mission. “I’m looking forward to reaching out to our neighbors and other sustainable organizations,” she said. “I believe there is a lot we can learn from what has already worked for others.”
Ultimately, Wang hopes the committee becomes an integral part of Munster’s civic life. “My goal for the committee is to really make sustainability an integrated part of the community instead of an afterthought,” she said. “My personal goal during my limited time on the commission is to get it to the point where it is known among the community as somewhere to bring their concerns and ideas.”
With three student members joining longtime residents, local businesses, and town officials, the new committee represents a partnership that spans generations and perspectives. And as the first snow of the season quietly fell outside during their first official meeting, it felt like the perfect metaphor: individual flakes coming together to form something larger and lasting. For Munster, that gathering snow may symbolize the start of a community-wide effort — one small step at a time — toward a more sustainable future.
Get Involved
The Munster Sustainability Committee welcomes input and ideas from all residents. Whether you’re curious about local recycling options, want to learn how to make your home more energy-efficient, or simply have ideas to share, the committee wants to hear from you.
Next meeting is at 4pm on December 15th at the Town Hall. Future meetings take place on the second Monday of the month at 4pm at Munster Town Hall.
