East Windsor Township has been recertified as a Silver level community by Sustainable Jersey; one of only 11 towns to have earned that distinction in 2018, according to Sustainable Jersey officials.
Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that encourages municipal officials to find ways to become more “green” and environmentally sustainable. Nearly 450 towns have registered with Sustainable Jersey; 213 towns have earned enough points to be certified as “bronze,” which requires 150 points, or “silver,” which requires 350 points.
East Windsor was certified as a bronze level community in 2011 and 2014, and then moved up to silver certification in 2015 by earning 355 points. It was recertified as silver this year by earning 375 points.
East Windsor officials are pleased the township has been recertified at the silver level. Certification is valid for three years, but a town may recertify at any point within that time.
“This certification recognizes the township’s proactive efforts in recycling, environmental resource protection, energy conservation and sustainable land use practices,” Mayor Janice S. Mironov said.
“We are extremely proud of the substantial achievements of our municipality and this prestigious statewide recognition,” Mironov said. ” ‘Green’ programs such as open space and farmland preservation have always been a priority for the township.”
East Windsor earned points toward its silver certification by sponsoring community-based programs such as the annual stream cleanup days at Etra Lake Park and by giving away tree seedlings in celebration of Arbor Day.
The township also earned points for its municipal solar project next to the police/court building on One Mile Road. The solar array provides electricity to the building, which is in use around the clock every day of the year.
Points toward the township’s silver certification were earned through its Green Business Recognition Program, which honors local businesses that make an effort to institute green and sustainable practices.
The township’s open space preservation plan, in conjunction with its farmland preservation plan, accounted for points toward silver certification. More than 2,700 acres have been preserved and are protected from development.
And, East Windsor received points for its participation in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s annual “Operation Medicine Cabinet,” which encourages residents to drop off unused and expired prescription medicine for disposal. A “drop box” for medicine is in the police/court building.
