Ewing Earns Prestigious Sustainable Jersey SILVER Certification Once Again

On October 5, 2022, Ewing Township was notified that they once again met the stringent requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey’s prestigious Silver certification for 2022.  

Municipalities that earn this certification are considered by their peers, State government, experts, and civic organizations in New Jersey to be among the leading communities in the state for meeting this rigorous and meaningful standard. This award continues the Township’s progression in the program from its first BRONZE certification in 2013 and its SILVER certifications in 2016 and 2019.   In 2016 Ewing was also named a Sustainability Champion for medium-sized municipalities. 

To become Sustainable Jersey certified, Ewing had to complete a balance of the rigorous program sustainability actions. Ewing’s application was spear-headed by the Township’s Green Team in conjunction with Township staff and numerous municipal boards and approved for 43 actions in 16 categories for a total of 465 points, well over the required 350 points for SILVER certification! The award will be accepted by Green Team members and Township representatives at the NJ League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City in November.

A sampling of the actions for which Ewing received credit include the Township’s work to protect our natural resources through its Environmental Resource Inventory, a recently passed tree ordinance, tree plantings around town, a proactive approach in regards to replanning and redevelopment of Brownfields in the community, promotion of gardening for wildlife through the National Wildlife Federation’s program, the Ewing Community Gardens, a Green Business Recognition program, support for local businesses with initiatives such as Restaurant Week and the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and much more.

Sustainable Jersey certification is a prestigious designation for municipal governments in New Jersey. Certification is a rigorous process and once certified, Sustainable Jersey towns have access to incentives and grants; training and guidance towards the development of a sustainable community; and are promoted on the Sustainable Jersey website as a town that is doing its part for the environment.   For more information about the Sustainable Jersey program, visit their website at sustainablejersey.com.

Of the 565 registered municipalities in New Jersey, Ewing is one of only 218 New Jersey towns that are Sustainable Jersey certified and, only 65 towns that have attained recognition at this level.  By becoming a Sustainable Jersey certified town, Ewing Township reinforces its commitment to saving resources, the environment and the planet.   

“Ewing’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in virtually all municipal departments and operations,” said Mayor Bert Steinmann who lauded the progress Ewing has made in becoming more sustainable.  “I wish to acknowledge the contributions of the Ewing Green Team which led the certification effort in cooperation with Township Administration, Township Council which supported the certification with the passage of numerous actions/resolutions, and Township Planner Chuck Latini, members of other Township boards and commissions such as the Environmental Commission, the Arts Commission, Historic Preservation, and the Planning and Zoning Boards.  Also contributing were the Health and Technology departments, as well as the Office of Emergency Management, the Code Enforcement office, Public Works, and Community Affairs and the office of the Clerk and Ewing Police.  We would also be remiss if we did not recognize the actions of the many volunteers in Ewing Township who contributed, not only to this outstanding achievement, but to many other volunteer efforts that have helped to make Ewing a better place for residents to call home. “

“Ewing has been able to achieve SILVER certification because of Sustainable Jersey’s leadership in promoting municipal ideals of sustainability and because of our commitment to implementing actions that reflect them,” he continued.  “We are extremely proud our accomplishments, but there is still much work to be done.  Municipalities are increasingly on the front lines of finding solutions and working to mitigate the many challenges caused by climate change.   We are continuing our efforts to build a more resilient community and look forward to continuing to work with Sustainable Jersey to build a better New Jersey for future generations.”