West Orange Receives Sustainable Success on the Path to a Greener Future

West Orange Receives Sustainable Success on the Path to a Greener Future  

When Mayor McCartney began her tenure in office last January, she pledged to continue the momentum of her campaign slogan by moving West Orange forward. She advised Department Heads at her first Town Hall staff meeting to reevaluate operations within their individual departments. She issued a directive with a strong emphasis on finding ways to maintain points or earn more towards Sustainable Jersey certification. 

These efforts proved successful as Mayor McCartney was notified last Friday that West Orange has achieved Sustainable Jersey bronze recertification. The notification came in an email from Sustainable Jersey Program Coordinator Maureen Jones. “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. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement,” stated Jones. 

Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support communities in achieving their sustainability goals. Communities typically apply for recertification annually in order to track their progress to work toward the next measure of achievement with a silver level certification. A Sustainable Jersey certification will better leverage the township’s standing to increase a more favorable status in receiving future grant considerations.  

“West Orange Township demonstrates its strong commitment to sustainability through its various initiatives, programs, and efforts that include green initiatives, community engagement projects, and programs promoting environmental stewardship. Addressing key sustainability challenges is always a priority and this recertification from Sustainable Jersey is testimony to the efforts of many within the Township who share the vision of our goals,” Mayor McCartney commented on after receiving the news. 

“The volunteer members of the West Orange Environmental Commission also work with the community to implement the Sustainability Jersey Management Plan. It has been prepared for West Orange by Stevens Institute graduate students and the Township will continue to work to accrue Sustainable Jersey certification points thanks to a combined team effort from everyone involved,” further noted Mayor McCartney. 

A Sustainable Jersey certification will better leverage the township’s standing to increase a more favorable status in receiving future grant considerations. West Orange typically competes with other communities around New Jersey for State and Federal grants for funding on projects affecting quality of life issues. Some of these expenditures would not be possible but if for grant money. Acting proactively with Sustainable Jersey will move West Orange forward toward a better future tomorrow. West Orange Township will be honored at the upcoming Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon held during the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) Conference this November 14, 2023.