(WHITE TWP., NJ) – Warren County residents and elected officials filled the Commissioners Meeting Room of the Wayne Dumont, Jr. Administrative Building in White Township on October 16 to participate in a forum held by Commissioner Director James R. Kern III and the Warren County Environmental Advisory Committee to discuss the municipal certification program through Sustainable Jersey. 

Randy Solomon, the Executive Director of Sustainable Jersey, was present to share the work being done by the organization and the many different grant opportunities and technical assistance they offer to participating municipalities.

Sustainable Jersey refers to themselves as "a network and movement of municipalities, schools, and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey". The organization works with state agencies, other non-profit organizations, foundations, academia, and multiple industries to research best practices for what communities can do to become more environmentally and economically sustainable and resilient. The program culminates in a prestigious certification award to municipalities and schools that have documented meeting a set of rigorous standards.

Since the launch of the Sustainable Jersey municipal program in 2009 and the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program in 2014, participants have successfully implemented and documented over 25,000 discrete actions from Sustainable Jersey's list of best practices and more than $7 million in grants have been awarded to municipalities, schools, and school districts in the program. Sustainable Jersey also provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs and projects. By supporting efforts to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, educate for sustainability, stimulate local economies, and increase resiliency, Sustainable Jersey helps to empower communities to build a better world for future generations.

There are 466 municipalities across New Jersey participating in the program, which is roughly 83 percent of municipalities in the state and 91 percent of New Jersey's population lives in these communities. Currently only two municipalities in Warren County are certified, Hope Township and Washington Borough. During the forum Hope Mayor Timothy McDonough briefly discussed what they have done in Hope Township with their Green Team, successfully developing programs that will help improve the quality of life in the community as well as obtain grants.

During the forum the Warren County Director of Public Works Emily Hammer also discussed the County's carbon footprint reduction program, which seeks to make the Warren County government more energy efficient, use more renewable energy, build with more sustainable materials and design standards, and use more smart growth planning and preservation.

“Thank you to our Environmental Committee, specifically Matt Polsky, Randy Solomon and Mayor Tim McDonough for making this a successful and informative event,” Commissioner Kern said.

Pictured, (left): Hope Township Mayor Timothy McDonough discusses the importance of municipalities forming green teams or environmental commissions and the benefit Sustainable Jersey has had on the quality of life in Hope. (L to r) Timothy McDonough, Randy Solomon, Erik Purasson, and Clairanne Arcaro.

Center: Warren County Public Works Director Emily A. Hammer discusses Warren County's carbon footprint reduction program during the Warren County Environmental Advisory Committee's forum.

Right: Randy Solomon discusses Sustainable Jersey's municipal certification program during the Warren County Environmental Advisory Committee's forum.

To learn more about Sustainable Jersey, visit their website: Sustainable Jersey

The Warren County Environmental Advisory Committee advises the Board of Commissioners on policy as it pertains to the environment, planning, and sustainable growth within the county. It also serves the general public in order to protect and restore Warren County’s natural resources and to increase environmental awareness, ensuring that both residents and visitors alike can enjoy a healthy environment and improved quality of life. Meetings are typically held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Wayne Dumont, Jr. Administration Building, 165 County Route 519, Belvidere, New Jersey if you are interested in attending.

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