Morris Township Gets Bronze-Level Certification From Sustainable Jersey

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Morris Township was recently recognized for its commitment to sustainability by the statewide nonprofit organization, Sustainable Jersey.

Morris Township received a bronze-level certification with 175 points for 2022, and is among 81 municipalities that have attained certification for this year.

All certified towns were announced at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon on Nov. 15, 2022, at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City.

According to Sustainable Jersey, certified towns are considered an exceptional group of municipalities that are making significant contributions to the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey and world.

“We are so proud to have earned this certification,” said Deputy Mayor and Green Team member, Cathy Wilson. “We thank Sustainable Jersey for being such a great resource to us. We look forward to continuing to show by our actions the value we place on building a more sustainable future for all.”

Participating communities in Sustainable Jersey account for more than 82% of the municipalities in the state, officials said.

Morris Township submitted documentation demonstrating that it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 150 action points, to become Sustainable Jersey certified.

In addition to achieving 150 points, each certified community was required to form a green team and choose at least two of fourteen priority action options.

The township did three of the fourteen priority actions by completing:

1. Energy efficiency for municipal facilities
2. Prescription drug safety and disposal
3. Sustainable Land Use Pledge

“The Sustainable Jersey certified municipalities demonstrate sustainability excellence. The annual awards event is a celebration of their accomplishments,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing equity divide and environmental pollution, the certified towns exemplify the commitment we need to accelerate the transition to a sustainable New Jersey.”

Certified towns have excelled in areas such as energy efficiency, health and wellness, waste reduction, local economic sustainability, natural resource protection and arts advancement.

Sustainable Jersey has awarded grants totaling more than $7.2 million to municipalities and school districts in New Jersey for community-based projects that promote healthy and sustainable communities.