Getting Started
How TESS Works
Three simple steps to sustainable living in your neighborhood.
Ask Questions
Post sustainability questions for your neighborhood. Get answers from people who have actually tried the solutions.
Share Experiences
Submit Verified User Experiences (VUEs) for solutions you have used. Your honest reviews help neighbors make informed choices.
Take Action
Join local events, campaigns, and challenges. Earn Seeds for contributions and grow your impact alongside your community.
Framework
The ESIM Framework
Every solution maps to one of seven Environmental Sustainability Impact Metrics — the petals of a complete picture of sustainable living.
Energy
Solar, efficiency, renewables
Waste
Composting, recycling, reuse
Soil
Permaculture, gardening, land
Water
Conservation, filtration, rain
Chemical
Non-toxic, natural, clean
Education
Workshops, learning, skills
Habitat
Trees, wildlife, green spaces
Platform
Everything You Need
Tools built for real community-driven sustainability.
Q&A Forum
Ask sustainability questions specific to your neighborhood and get answers from experienced community members.
Verified Experiences
Submit and browse VUEs — real reviews from real people who have used sustainable solutions locally.
Local Events
Discover and host community cleanups, workshops, swap meets, and sustainability gatherings near you.
Campaigns
Join collective action challenges — from plastic-free weeks to neighborhood tree planting goals.
Seed Bank
Earn Seeds by contributing VUEs, answering questions, and attending events. Redeem them for rewards.
Solution Cards
Browse a curated directory of sustainable businesses and services, each with community-verified ratings.
Ready to grow something together?
Join Tess Co-op and connect with your neighbors to make sustainable living easier, verified, and community-owned.