BEDFORD, N.Y. - Earlier this month, Bedford 2030 was pleased to announce that Gabrielle Bilik has joined the organization as the new Program Administrator.
Bilik had previously worked for United Way and 4Communi-T, and had also been a long-tenured staff member with Halston Media, the parent company of this newspaper.
Now, she will bring her skills as a designer and writer to Bedford 2030’s mission of addressing climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of our natural resources.
“I always enjoy roles where I feel like my work is contributing to the greater good, so working here is a great tool to redirect some of my climate anxiety,” Bilik explains. “Instead of feeling helpless when I watch the news or notice the weather, I can feel like I’m taking some action in my little corner of the world.”
In her new role as Program Administrator, Bilik will support the organization’s community engagement, events, and public relations.
In pursuing their goal of fighting for clean air, water, and land resources by reducing greenhouse gasses, Bedford 2030 has developed deep roots in the community and called on residents to take collective action.
The organization is also looking ahead to their Earth Day Festival, to be held on Sunday, April 21 at the Bedford Hills Train Station. The day will include live music, family activities, local experts who can explain green incentives, and the final student presentations of the Greenlight Award contest.
As she settles into her new role, Bilik has found that Bedford 2030 has already given her plenty to be excited about.
“They're doing so many fun and exciting things,” she concludes. “I'm particularly excited about Bedford 2030's plans and model. Through their work, the Town of Bedford reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 44% and exceeded its 20% by 2020 goal three years ahead of schedule. Their new goal is to reduce GHG emissions 80% by 2030. The Town of Bedford and Bedford 2030 worked together to write an aggressive Climate Action Plan, and this showcases the potential for meaningful change through deliberate efforts. What truly inspires me is the prospect of Bedford's model influencing communities beyond its borders. I'm passionate about encouraging other towns to adopt similar strategies, especially for those hesitant due to immediate financial concerns. It's crucial to acknowledge Bedford's resource advantage and commend their responsible use, setting an example for less resource-endowed communities. In my role, I hope to contribute to making these goals attainable for all.”
For more information on Bedford 2030, visit bedford2030.org, and follow them on social media. (FaceBook: facebook.com/Bedford2030; Instagram: bedford_2030; Twitter: @bedford2030)
]]>HAWTHORNE, NJ - The Green Team is talking about recycling, go figure.
The town is buzzing about the Green Team's 2024 lecture series announcement to be held at the Louis Bay 2nd Library and Community Center. All lectures will start at 7 p.m.
The first green lecture will be on the topic of bees on Tuesday, March 19. Matthew Hoogmoed, beekeeper, will discuss beekeeping
and making of honey in Hawthorne.
The second green lecture will be presented by Hawthorne’s Recycling Coordinator, Maureen Cook, about Hawthorne’s Recycling Program on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
All green lectures are open to the public.
]]>Princeton, NJ – Anyone who has ever had a tree taken down knows the high cost that goes along with the emotional anguish. And you are left with the stump. Getting the stump and the adjacent roots ground out so that you can plant a replacement tree is another carbon-heavy, wallet draining exercise.
But what if you could re-purpose the stump in some way? We have seen people leave the last 10 feet of a tree trunk and convert it into a decorative totem pole or a sturdy platform for bird feeders.
And now the Princeton Recreation Department tells us of a most creative way to re-purpose a fallen tree. According to a Facebook posting, Ed Hornyak of the Recreation Department’s maintenance staff came up with the idea as the department was taking down a large sycamore tree at Greenway Meadows Park.
Instead of taking the tree down to ground level and then employing a stump grinder, the Rec Department workers used a chainsaw to sculpt a useable armchair – and a piece of art – from the lowest three or four feet of the tree trunk.
The crew is planning to add a sealer to it shortly, helping the wood to withstand the elements for as long as possible. Even if you can’t sit under the sycamore tree, you can at least sit in it.
]]>COCONUT CREEK, FL – Coconut Creek residents can now drop off glass at the city’s South Recycling Drop-Off Center behind the police department at 4800 West Copans Road.
That includes soda and beer bottles, juice bottles, mason jars, liquor and wine bottles, condiment bottles, and glassware, according to the city’s website.
City officials said on the website that they’ve found a company, Strategic Materials Inc., that will accept glass recycling.
The company supplies recycled glass to manufacturers of containers, fiberglass, highway beads, glass abrasives, decorative glass, glass fillers, and other specialty glass, according to the website.
Once the glass is dropped off at the center, it will be driven to the company’s office in Sarasota and then processed and supplied to manufacturers.
City residents and businesses can use Coconut Creek Recycle Right Drop-Off Center off NW 22 Street and Lyons Road, Friday to Sunday from 8 – 4 p.m.
Residents must present proof of residency in Coconut Creek, such as a driver’s license, identification card or current utility bill.
All businesses must present a copy of their current business tax receipt.
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]]>TOTOWA, NJ - The Borough of Totowa is seeking financial assistance from the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners to support the Washington Park Playground Project. The municipality aims to enhance public recreational facilities through a grant of $193,763 from the Passaic County Open Space, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
The project, estimated to cost $193,763, aims to revitalize the Washington Park Playground to better serve the community's recreational needs. Totowa's request aligns with the Trust Fund's objective of providing grants for acquisition, development, stewardship, and historic preservation.
“I am pleased to submit our application to the Passaic County Open Space Fund,” Mayor John Coiro said. “We have been upgrading the equipment in a park each year. Hopefully, our request will be looked upon favorably.”
If approved by the County, the grant will contribute significantly to the improvement of recreational spaces in Totowa, benefiting residents of all ages.
]]>SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Somerset County Regional Farmers Market has a new name and will be set up at a new location after eight years at Duke Farms in Hillsborough.
Many of the same vendors who were regulars at the Duke Farms Farmers' Market will be making the move to the new location at the Somerville Middle School. The Grand Opening scheduled for May 5/ The season will run every Sunday through Nov. 29, according to Jamie Kraska, chairman of the Somerville Alliance for Food Education.
SAFE is operating the farmers' market in conjunction with the Somerville Board of Education and the borough's Environmental Commission.
The SAFE Vendor Selection Committee has finalized the list of 32 farmers and other fresh food vendors; most are committed to selling each week, with a few coming every other week, according to Kraska. Hours are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday.
All products to be sold at the market are from New Jersey, from vegetables, fruit and maple sugar to fresh meat, flowers and goat milk. Other products include pickles, olives, soups, wine, butters, jams and jelly, vinegar, pies snd more.
The farmers market will be located at the rear of the school, at the corner of West High Street and Davenport Street.
SAFE, which advocates healthy eating habits and nutrition, plans to feature as many theme weeks as possible, focusing on those vegetables and fruits that are in season, including blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, corn, beans, pumpkins and others.
]]>HAWTHORNE, NJ - The Green Team is hosting a lecture about making honey.
The town is buzzing about the Green Team's announcement about its 2024 lecture series to be held at the Louis Bay 2nd Library and Community Center. All lectures will start at 7 p.m.
The first green lecture will be on the topic of bees on Tuesday, March 19. Matthew Hoogmoed, beekeeper, will discuss beekeeping
and making of honey in Hawthorne.
The second green lecture will be presented by Hawthorne’s Recycling Coordinator, Maureen Cook, about Hawthorne’s Recycling Program on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
All green lectures are open to the public.
]]>BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ — The community is invited to help beautify one of Bordentown Township's parks ahead of an annual event.
The Bordentown Township Environmental Commission is seeking volunteers to participate in a clean-up event at Northern Community Park on Saturday, March 23 starting at 10AM. Volunteers will be cleaning up the park ahead of Bordentown Township's Annual Easter Egg Hunt, which is being held on March 30.
The clean-up event is open to members of the community of all ages, and is an opportunity for students to accumulate community service hours.
Those attending are asked to bring work gloves and to wear clothes they are comfortable getting dirty.
To sign-up to volunteer on March 23, CLICK HERE.
]]>TRENTON, NJ — Woodbridge, Sayreville and Perth Amboy are among Middlesex County communities that will receive a $2.7 million share of new state grants thanks to the volume of waste their residents and businesses annually recycle.
To promote clean communities and sustainability, the Murphy Administration has awarded a total of $16.2 million in grants to communities across New Jersey in an ongoing effort to support waste reduction and municipal recycling programs.
The grants are based on 2021 recycling performance, the most recent year for which data is available, said Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, from the Department of Environmental Protection. Receiving grants in Middlesex County are:
● Woodbridge, $262,237
● Edison, $239,039
● South Brunswick, $173,701
● Perth Amboy, $130,909
● South Plainfield, $123,429
● Old Bridge, $122,875
● Cranbury, $109,556
Municipalities must use the grant money to pay for recycling initiatives, like sponsoring household or hazardous waste collection events, providing recycling receptacles in public places, or maintaining composting operations.
“Reducing, reusing and recycling solid waste remains one of the best ways the public can protect the environment each and every day,” said LaTourette.
“These grants help our municipalities strengthen recycling programs and educate (people) about waste reduction. I strongly encourage residents, businesses, schools, communities and organizations to recommit to recycling to preserve precious resources, divert waste from landfills, save energy and combat climate change,” the commissioner said in a prepared statement.
The grants, awarded through the state Recycling Enhancement Act, are funded through a $3 per-ton surcharge on trash disposed statewide at solid waste facilities. The DEP returns that money to towns based upon how much recycling they do.
]]>LEBANON TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Lebanon Township Environmental & Open Space Commission is once again hosting its annual litter clean up in April. It’s an easy way to make a difference and ensure the community remains clean, green, and a beautiful place to live.
There are many perks to volunteering! Litter negatively impacts wildlife populations. It ruins their habitats and, if ingested, could potentially damage their digestive systems. Picking up litter helps to prevent microplastics from entering the ecosystem.
Volunteering is a great way to socialize and spend time with friends, family or neighbors.
Cleaning up outside is good for your physical health and clearing your mind. Getting fresh air is great for your overall health. It's been proven to improve your mood and reduce stress.
The Lebanon Township Environmental & Open Space Commission is on a mission to clean the Township, and they want their residents and neighbors to be a part of it. Please consider donating hours during the month of April; any amount of time spent is welcome.
To sign up, email Maria Naccarato at LTENV@lebtwp.net with the name of the road you would like to adopt. Trash bags will be provided. Once registered, more information on how to help will be provided.
Help make Lebanon Township a cleaner place for all.
]]>HOBOKEN, NJ - The annual Green Fair is next month and city officials have reminded residents that there is still time to apply to be a vendor.
The fair will be hosted by the City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Green Team and will be held on Saturday, April 13th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Church Square Park.
“The fair aims to raise awareness regarding environmental issues and how consumers can reduce their impact on the earth by selecting sustainable, eco-friendly products and services, reducing energy consumption, conserving water and limiting their dependence on fossil fuels,” a city press release stated.
This year, the fair will also include a toy swap where families can bring and exchange their clean, gently used toys, city officials have announced.
To apply to be a Green Fair vendor and learn more, visit here.
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SOMERVILLE, NJ - It's time to get dirty for a good cause.
Volunteers are needed March 16 and March 23 tfrom 9-11 a.m. each of the two days to help dig up garden beds and move soil as the Somerville Community Garden undergoes a redesign that will expand the number of garden beds from 11 to 20, helping to meet increased demand, according to Rebecca Reitman, chair of the Green Team, which works with the borough's Environmental Commission.
"The want is there, and the will is there," she said.
Volunteers should be in good physical shape, as they will be asked to dig, lift and bend as part of their chores. Bring work gloves, wear a hat and sturdy shoes, and bring a shovel.
The Community Garden plot is behind the Somerville Fire Department building at the corner of East Main Street and Veterans Memorial Drive.
To help with the expansion and improvements, the Green Team has applied to the Somerset Hills Gardem Club for a $1,000 grant, according to Reitman.
"That won't cover everything, but it would be a good catalyst to get us going," she said.
Brendan Nally a retired Somerset County employee with an engineering background helped the Green Team assess the layout of the garden, and without expanding its footprint, almost doubled its capacity.
"The momentum is growing, and it's becoming what we hoped it to be and more," Reitman said. "Our goal is to have community gardens throughout town within the next two years."
Somerville residents are only eligible to apply for a garden plot. Information is available online at www.somervillenj.org/environmentalcommission.com or via email at environmentalcommission@somervillenj.org.
The Green Team expects to announce the names of those selected in a lottery to receive a plot in the garden by the end of April.
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MONTVILLE, NJ – The township will be holding a free paper shredding and electronics recycling event on Saturday, April 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in the Municipal Building parking lot. Please note the ending time change.
The event is rain or shine, and is open to all township residents and businesses. Proof of residency/business in town is required.
NOTE: While the township would like to accommodate every resident/business owner and all of their shredding needs, based on demand, they are limiting the number of boxes per vehicle to a maximum of 10.
ALSO NOTE: The Morris County Sheriff’s Office will also be providing a prescription medication drop off.
Paper shredding guidelines:
All types of paper such as financial and legal documents, receipts, and tax and medical records are acceptable. Papers with staples, paper clips, and small butterfly clips are acceptable. Spiral notebooks, three-ring binders, hard metal, and plastic are not acceptable. If documents are stored in plastic bags and cartons, the contents will be recycled but the plastic bags and cartons will be returned.
Electronics recycling guidelines:
Acceptable items include: computers (desktops, laptops, tablets), servers, scanners, printers, ink/toner cartridges, computer peripherals (mice, keyboards, speakers, webcams, microphones, etc.), LED/LCD monitors, LED/LCD plasma televisions, microwaves, toaster ovens, copy machines, fax machines, typewriters, telephones and answering machines, smart phones, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, battery backups, GPS units, audio equipment (receivers, amplifiers, radios, boom boxes, CD players, ipods, MP3 players, Pro Audio), video equipment (VCRs, Blu-ray players, DVD players, soundboards, projectors), network equipment (modems, switches, hubs, routers), telecommunication equipment, medical equipment, laboratory equipment, electrical & testing equipment, circuit boards (all grades), cables, wires, power cords, power strips, rechargeable dry cell batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries, and ballasts (non-PCB).
Non-acceptable materials include: alkaline batteries, mercury-containing devices (thermostats, medical devices, thermometers), scavenged CRTs (cathode ray tube) TVs & monitors (containing broken glass or broken housing), household hazardous waste, materials containing liquids, radioactive materials, PCB containing materials, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and light bulbs (LED, CFL, incandescent, etc.).
The Municipal Building is located at 195 Changebridge Road.
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]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ – Environmental Commission member Joe Berwin shared a slideshow at the Town Council meeting summarizing a meeting that the commission had in conjunction with town council members to determine what to include in the new Tree Ordinance.
Berwin said, “We brought a lot of data to the table, and we were able to understand that from 2015 through 2022, we've gone from a little over 30% canopy coverage to just over 27%.” He mentioned that, without intervention, the tree canopy will drop to 15% by 2050.
Berwin estimated that residents have cut down $480,000 worth of trees without paying for permits to replace them. The permits cost $600 per tree multiplied by 800 trees, is almost half a million dollars. He reported that the trees that were cut down were mostly healthy.
He noted that the new tree ordinance needs to be strong and include outreach, education and replanting. “It is not a punitive tree ordinance, it's a supportive tree ordinance," Berwin explained. He continued, “The tree ordinance deals with bringing the benefits of a restoration of our tree canopy such that we have a resilient environment and that we get that resilience in the least cost, most economical way.”
He spoke about the accredited township forrester, Walter Kipp, providing a professional opinion and residents replenishing trees that they remove. Berwin mentioned environmental justice and that high resolution satellite imagery shows that many trees have been removed in the last five decades. He commented, “Trees are necessary in order to prevent storm water runoff in neighborhoods, and in those neighborhoods where there are fewer economic resources, this tree ordinance provides a means by which they can be reached out to and educated. They can enjoy replanting, and they can enjoy the benefits of a growing tree canopy.”
Berwin talked about the “moral imperative” as well as the economic and financial imperative of protecting the canopy and remarked, “The township's role in planting and maintenance is also codified.” He touched upon climate change causing an increase in rain and the township needing to act before costs increase to fix the canopy.
“We are drafting and enforcing an effective tree ordinance, and we need to pass it,” he concluded.
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