Ordinary people are building an emissions-free future in the Hudson Valley community of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; one heat pump, solar installation, electric school bus — and much more — at a time. Croton has been recognized as New York State’s #1 Clean Energy Community. Croton100, a climate group, celebrates their little town’s decarbonizing momentum with a series of beautifully crafted quilts depicting sustainability actions by government, businesses, public facilities and households. From Emmy-winning, Academy Award–nominated filmmakers Susan Todd and Andrew Young (Backyard Wilderness, Netflix; Lives in Hazard, NBC).
“The Little Town That Could is a fantastic demonstration of what a community can achieve when engaged residents work alongside their local government to create a more sustainable future.”
— New York State Senator Pete Harckham
“When the headlines say it’s hopeless, watch this film. The Little Town That Could shows a whole community pulling every lever it has: village hall, schools, local businesses, kitchen tables, from grandparents to grandkids. That’s how every movement for justice has been won: people deciding together that the future belongs to all of us. At Our Children’s Trust, we tell governments every day that they have a duty to protect young people’s right to a stable climate and a livable future. Croton-on-Hudson shows what it looks like when a government says“Yes!” It’s joyful and moving, and it proves that climate justice isn’t a far-off dream. It’s being stitched together right now by neighbors, one quilt square at a time. I’m still smiling.”
— Mat Dos Santos, Co-Executive Director of Our Children’s Trust
“The Little Town That Could is an inspiring, beautifully told film – and an important reminder that big change happens one community, one household, one device, one person at a time. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when people work together toward a common goal, and a reminder that all of us have a role to play in climate action. We were honored to screen it as part of our NYC Climate Week programming, and we’ll continue to cheer on the work happening in Croton-on-Hudson.”
— Julie Potyraj, Director of Brand and Content Marketing, EnergyHub
“I was surprised to learn that Croton received the #1 clean energy status in New York State, but not at all surprised that Susan Todd and Andy Young [principals of Archipelago Films] made yet another charming and beautiful film. Don’t miss it!”
— Kathleen Williamson, Films on Purpose
The Little Town’s spirit is lifted by Americana artists, The New Students, offering a reprisal from Greta’s Song, “we are the change and change is coming.”