Bigelow Tea Honored with 2026 Aquarion Environmental Champion Award

Recognizing Sustainability Efforts

Bigelow Tea was honored with the 2026 Aquarion Environmental Champion Award during a ceremony held on June 6, 2026, at the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut. This prestigious award recognizes the company's long-standing commitment to sustainability in the Large Business category.

This marks the second time Bigelow Tea received this accolade, having previously won in 2018. The award highlights the company’s operations that adhere to Zero-Waste-to-Landfill principles since 2012 and its commitment to renewable energy certified by Green-e®.

Making Positive Impacts

In its announcement, Aquarion Water Company praised Bigelow Tea for its conscientious waste management practices. The company has successfully maintained Zero-Waste-to-Landfill facilities, diverting over 95% of its waste through recycling and composting initiatives. Furthermore, Bigelow achieved Green-e® certification in 2020 and proudly boasts a B Impact Score of 103.1, showcasing its continued commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

During the award ceremony, representatives from Bigelow Tea, including Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Rachael Ristau and members of the Green Team, accepted the honor. This year, the $5,000 grant that accompanies the award was donated to the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, supporting various nonprofits across Connecticut.

Commitment to Sustainability

Cindi Bigelow, the company’s third-generation president and CEO, expressed pride in the collective efforts of her team. "Our recognition from Aquarion for a second time reflects a deep commitment to sustainable practices woven into our company culture. From our Zero-Waste-to-Landfill operations to our investments in renewable energy, our mission goes beyond profit; it’s about making a difference," she stated.

Bigelow Tea operates as a 100% woman-owned and family-run business that prioritizes sustainability. The company has been a Certified B Corporation since 2019, successfully recertifying in both 2022 and 2025, establishing itself as a leader in environmental consciousness in the tea industry.

Impactful Initiatives

Various initiatives led by the Bigelow Green Team exemplify the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship. From organizing community clean-up events to maintaining educational programs that promote pollinator health, Bigelow employees actively engage with local ecosystems. Their community garden donates fresh produce to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, furthering their commitment to local impact.

Additionally, Bigelow Tea is dedicated to preserving the Charleston Tea Garden in South Carolina, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15. This garden, home to over 320 tea varieties, operates sustainably and embodies the company’s ethos of land preservation.

Continuing the Legacy

Bigelow’s sustainability journey is more than just a series of initiatives; it is a legacy. With every effort driven by the Bigelow Green Team, the company strives not only to minimize its ecological footprint but also to inspire its employees and community members to adopt greener practices.

"Every day is Earth Day at Bigelow Tea," Cindi Bigelow added, emphasizing a lifestyle of sustainability that is part of the company's identity. As the company looks to the future, its blend of innovation and tradition ensures its mission to be environmentally responsible continues to thrive.