Bloomfield earns 2017 sustainable certification

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The township of Bloomfield has been recognized for its sustainability efforts by Sustainable Jersey, a non-profit organization focused on aiding community efforts to reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions through strengthening community partnerships, as well as providing grant funding for innovative projects.

“Bloomfield is a very forward-thinking town filled with environmental advocates, and I am proud of the work that our various departments have done to keep our parks, roads, and energy sustainable and increasingly environmentally friendly,” said Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia. “We have taken great strides to make our infrastructure more sustainable and carbon neutral in recent years, and are currently exploring possible solar and electric vehicle charging alternatives to continue making Bloomfield greener and healthier. Sustainable Jersey is a key partner in the progress that Bloomfield has made and will continue to make.”

Bloomfield was first recognized by Sustainable Jersey in the non-profit’s first year, 2009, and has been recertified every year since then. Bloomfield is one of 70 municipalities to receive the Sustainable Jersey certification in 2017.

“From cleaning and maintaining the Morris Canal to restoring the Lion Gate Drive property to a community park and education center, there has been a strong movement in Bloomfield to protect and preserve open space. That, coupled with the successful redevelopment of downtown Bloomfield and accompanying improved public transit, has made this community a hub for environmental consciousness,” said Councilman Nicholas Joanow. “There has been a very active level of sensitivity and push from residents for greater sustainability and I am proud to say that the Council has used its municipal resources wisely to help move Bloomfield in the right direction.”

Sustainable Jersey began in 2009 as a collaborative effort between the NJ State League of Municipalities Mayor’s Committee for a Green Future and the Municipal Land Use Center at the College of New Jersey, in partnership with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and NJ Board of Public Utilities.

Its purpose is to provide municipalities training resources and financial incentives as they pursue sustainability initiatives. Bloomfield was scheduled to be honored at the Sustainable Jersey annual luncheon held during the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference on Nov. 14.