Benefits of Sustainable Jersey

RECYCLING – WASTE MANAGEMENT

Benefits – reduces waste sent to landfills; conserves natural resources, timber and water; prevents pollution and reduces greenhouse gases by reducing the need to process raw materials; the Borough host paper shredding events; provides recycling cans to residents with twice monthly recycle pick up and you may take to DPW located 161 Center Street, Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm and first Saturday of each month 7am-12pm - https://www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/community/trash -Twice annually the police department runs an Operation Take Back, a program organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration - turning in your unused prescription medicine/drugs reduces risk of accidental poisoning; provides a safe disposal of medicine; reduces pollution and prevents damage to our ecosystems; proper disposal reduces harmful chemicals and pollutants to the water, air and soil; you can contact your local police to find out when they offer Operation Take Back located at 36 Jackson Street; Composting is another form of recycling, increasing plant growth, provides nutrients in organic form, reduces erosion and conserves water.

GARDENING

Benefits – good for the mind and body; good form of exercise; reduces stress; can boost vitamin D; growing your own food, eating healthier; the Borough has a community garden, offering full plots to residents; also provides educational opportunities for all ages to learn about gardening, sustainability and wellness; Environmental benefits - Support pollinators and natural enemies; save water and energy; improve degraded soil for plant health and increased carbon capture; eco-friendly practice, using rainwater harvesting, composting, native plants will help reduce the garden footprint. Located on Lloyd Street. https://www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/resident/community-garden

FARMERS MARKET

Benefits – supporting farmers/families; stimulate the local economy; connecting with the community; buying fresh produce, less chemicals if any at all; eating healthier, fresh fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals (produce begins to lose nutritional value after harvest). Location Hall of Records, 1 East Main Street, 11am-4pm every Friday, June - October

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Benefits – more than visiting a doctor, it is important to move your body and fuel your body every day with goodness; moving your body is in many forms and not just working out (home or gym) – working in your yard/garden, walking or riding a bike with a friend into town for a concert or farmers market; The Borough received recognition as a “NJ Healthy Town” by the work of The Mayors Wellness Campaign/Committee; offering free yoga weekly at the Court Street School, Tuesdays Walk with the Mayor; partnered with Bethel AME Church to hold a comedy night, (laughter can reduce stress) and; a Line Dancing event.

LEAD EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Benefits – making our community aware of the harm from lead paint exposure; the Alliance group a joint venture with the Borough and Township and K-8 Borough School District and implemented all the Borough schools involved in a lead screening working with the Health Department; offered home assessments; the Borough recently passed an Ordinance ‘Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention’ and now requires home owners selling to obtain a lead inspection and certification from the board of health prior to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

NATURAL RESOURCES (Trees)

Benefits – add beauty, oxygen and shade; trees contribute to decrease in your energy bills; provide a home for wildlife; research demonstrates exposure to trees has a relaxing effect on people and may reduce stress; enhances economic stability, attracting businesses and people linger and shop longer on tree lined streets; can reduce flooding; prevent soil erosion. Shade Tree USA recognition for approximately 25 years.

Benefits of Sustainable Jersey

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