Benefits of Sustainable Jersey

RECYCLING – WASTE MANAGEMENT

Benefits – reduces waste sent to landfills; conserves natural resources, timber and water; prevents pollution and reduces greenhouse gases by reducing the need to process raw materials; the Borough host paper shredding events; provides recycling cans to residents with twice monthly recycle pick up and you may take to DPW located 161 Center Street, Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm and first Saturday of each month 7am-12pm - Click here to go to Freehold Borough's Recycling page -Twice annually the police department runs an Operation Take Back, a program organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration - turning in your unused prescription medicine/drugs reduces risk of accidental poisoning; provides a safe disposal of medicine; reduces pollution and prevents damage to our ecosystems; proper disposal reduces harmful chemicals and pollutants to the water, air and soil; you can contact your local police to find out when they offer Operation Take Back located at 36 Jackson Street..

Composting is another form of recycling, increasing plant growth, provides nutrients in organic form, reduces erosion and conserves water. You can learn more and attend a free composting workshop offered each fall and spring offered by Monmouth County, 732-671-6050 or Click here to go to Monmouth County Parks Website.

Grass cutting Cut it and Leave it, offers many advantages for your lawn and the environment; A natural fertilizer for your lawn - grass clippings decompose and release essential nutrients back into the soil, clippings attract beneficial soil organisms like earthworks; Conserves water, clippings act as a natural mulch layer and help soil retain moisture reducing evaporation; Reducing landfill waste

GARDENING

Benefits – good for the mind and body; good form of exercise; reduces stress; can boost vitamin D; growing your own food, eating healthier; the Borough has a community garden, offering full plots to residents; also provides educational opportunities for all ages to learn about gardening, sustainability and wellness; Environmental benefits - Support pollinators and natural enemies; save water and energy; improve degraded soil for plant health and increased carbon capture; eco-friendly practice, using rainwater harvesting, composting, native plants will help reduce the garden footprint. Located on Lloyd Street. Click here to go to Freehold Borough's Community Garden page

FARMERS MARKET

Benefits – supporting farmers/families; stimulate the local economy; connecting with the community; buying fresh produce, less chemicals if any at all; eating healthier, fresh fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals (produce begins to lose nutritional value after harvest). Location Hall of Records, 1 East Main Street, 11am-4pm every Friday, June - October

LEAD EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Benefits – making our community aware of the harm from lead paint exposure; the Alliance group a joint venture with the Borough and Township and K-8 Borough School District and implemented all the Borough schools involved in a lead screening working with the Health Department; offered home assessments; the Borough recently passed an Ordinance ‘Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention’ and now requires home owners selling to obtain a lead inspection and certification from the board of health prior to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

NATURAL RESOURCES (Trees)

Benefits – add beauty, oxygen and shade; trees contribute to decrease in your energy bills; provide a home for wildlife; research demonstrates exposure to trees has a relaxing effect on people and may reduce stress; enhances economic stability, attracting businesses and people linger and shop longer on tree lined streets; can reduce flooding; prevent soil erosion. Shade Tree USA recognition for approximately 25 years.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Benefits – more than visiting a doctor, it is important to move your body and fuel your body every day with goodness; moving your body is in many forms and not just working out (home or gym) – working in your yard/garden, walking or riding a bike with a friend into town for a concert or farmers market; The Borough received recognition as a “NJ Healthy Town” by the work of The Mayors Wellness Campaign/Committee; offering free yoga weekly at the Court Street School, Tuesdays Walk with the Seniors and other activities and workshops.