Sustainable Jersey Program Eyed in New Milford

The New Milford Mayor and Council recently discussed the possibility of increasing their efforts toward becoming a part of Sustainable Jersey.

Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit that provides tools, training and financial incentives for communities that pursue sustainability programs.

New Jersey is the first state in the nation to have a comprehensive sustainability program for communities that links certification with strong state and private financial incentives, and a fully resourced program of technical support and training.

More than 400 municipalities have registered as part of the program but only 139 have become certified as Sustainable Jersey communities.

To become certified the borough must create a Green Team and earn points by completing actions that are centered around health, wellness, land use, natural resources and, of course, sustainability.

• Holding a “Green Fair”
• Creating Community or School Gardens
• Prescription Drug Safety and Disposal
• Community Paper Shredding Day
• Providing a Recycling Depot
• School-based Energy Conversation Programs

New Milford has registered and has already taken some of the available actions on their own. River Edge, Paramus Bergenfield (recently certified, see above) and Teaneck have all already become Sustainable Jersey certified.

Marlene Casey of Capital Alternatives, the borough’s grant writer, was present for part of the discussion and acknowledged that becoming a part of the program could open the door for more grants and resources.

It was also mentioned that when New Milford previously attempted to create a “Green Team” very few people stepped forward.

Would you be interested in helping New Milford in their efforts toward becoming part of the Sustainable Jersey program? Let us know in the comments section below.