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Sustainable Jersey
The Township of Union is a Sustainable Jersey certified community - out of 21 municipalities in Union County, one of only six.
Union achieved Sustainable Jersey certification at the bronze level, demonstrating that the township has made a commitment to sustainability and succeeded in implementing the first significant steps. Certified towns are an outstanding group of municipalities that are making important contributions toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey and world.
Sustainable Jersey certification is a prestigious designation for municipal governments in New Jersey. Municipalities that achieve the certification are considered by their peers, by state government and by the experts and civic organizations in New Jersey, to be among the leading municipalities. For more information on Sustainable Jersey, click here.
The certification is a rigorous and meaningful designation. All actions taken by municipalities to score points toward certification must be accompanied by documentary evidence and is reviewed. The certification is free and completely voluntary.
There are two levels of certification, bronze and silver. Bronze certification means a municipality has made a commitment to sustainability and succeeded in implementing the first significant steps. Silver certification means a municipality has made significant progress in a number of categories toward sustainability and is a state-wide and national leader.
The Township of Union has achieved BRONZE CERTIFICATION.
On April 22, Earth Day the Township teamed up with residents to “Think Union, Think Green and Keep it CLEAN!” featuring Touch-A-Truck, a Waterway Clean-up, a Seedling Giveaway and Tree Planting demonstration, tours of the Community Garden, as well as a screening of the environmental documentary- “The 11th Hour.” We also held an Earth Day Poster Contest where the winner had their poster on a permanent display in our local parks!
Our Annual "Operation Clean Sweep" program, dedicated to beautifying and maintaining the cleanliness of the Town. Community members dispatch to different local parks cleaning litter and debris. Participants are all treated to a picnic at Rabkin Park afterwards.
The mission of the Township of Union’s Environmental Commission is to foster, enhance, and conserve the natural environment of the Township for present and future generations of residents and visitors. The Township recognizes that man-made and natural resources enhance the quality of life for our residents therefore; the Environmental Commission‘s priorities are to; advocate for the long term protection and regeneration of the Township’s resources, support the Townships quest for sustainability and resilience, and to be a source of education and information for the residents. Click here for more information.
The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 15th at 2PM.
Green Team Advisory Board
- Lou Ulrich, Superintendent DPW
- Tammie Kopin-Espinoza. Assistant Administrator
- Cliff Pietrucha, Recycling Coordinator DPW
- Adrienne Kubicz, Community Garden Chair
- Veronica Doll, Garden Club President
- Natalie Pineiro, Public Information Officer
- Natalie DaSilva, TV34 Media Tech
- Kelly Scanlon, Executive Asssitant DPW
To become Sustainable Jersey certified, Union had to complete a balance of the rigorous program's sustainability actions like the ones listed below. For a complete list of action items please click here.
Diversity & Equity
Action: Diversity on Boards & Commissions
Health & Wellness
Action: Anti-Idling Education & Enforcement Program
Action: Building Healthier Communities Action: Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Public Places
Food
Action: Community or School Gardens
Animals in the Community
Action: Animals in the Community Education
Arts & Creative Culture
Action: Municipal Commitments to Support Arts & Culture *New*
Operations & Maintenance
Action: Vehicle Conversions
Action: Driver Training
Action: Fleet Inventory
Action: Adopt Behavioral Policies
Waste Management
Action: Recycling and Waste Reduction Education and Compliance Action: Commercial & Institutional Recycling Action: Recycling Depot Action: Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal
Here are some green tips for businesses
- Print less – use less paper
- Pull the plug – unplug computers, printers, appliances
- Change from incandescent bulbs to energy efficient lighting
- Use green cleaning supplies
- Provide recyclable bins next to regular garbage bins
- Use recyclable containers
- Upgrade your equipment
- Buy environmentally friendly supplies
- Use recyclable paper
- Use biodegradable packaging
Contact Us
-
Joseph A. Graziano Sr.
CPWM. CRP.
Supt. of Public Works
dpw@uniontownship.comDept. of Public Works
1 Swanstrom Place East
Union, NJ 07083Office: 908.686.1922
Fax: 908.687.7624Hours | Open to Public
Mon. - Fri. 8am to 3pmNot accepted at the Facility (collected at curbside) cardboard & cardboard-related products.