Sustainable Jersey evolved out of the “green Mayors” group at the NJLM working in partnership with others, including the NJDEP. The program was launched in 2009 and became a non-profit in 2012. Since then 464 of NJ’s 564 municipalities have registered, including Eastampton, Lumberton, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Holly and Mount Laurel, and the program has given out over $5M in grants.
Hainesport was registered as a participant by a resolution at the March 2023 Township meeting. The Green Team was established at the Reorganization Meeting in January 2024, and consists of:
Governing Body Member, Committeewoman Anna Evans (Chair)
Official of the Municipality, Paula Kosko
Environmental Commission Member #1, Janice Ludden
Environmental Commission Member #2, Leila Gilmore
Citizen of the Municipality #1, Paula Uhland
Citizen of the Municipality #2, Samantha Loveman
Citizen of the Municipality #3, Erin Minero
Hainesport Township Achieves Sustainable Jersey Certification
Hainesport, NJ – Hainesport Township has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification at the bronze-level. Certified towns were announced at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon on November 19, 2024, in Atlantic City at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference. Sustainable Jersey’s 466 participating communities represent nearly 83% of the state’s municipalities.
“We are so thrilled that in our very first year of participating in the Sustainable Jersey program we achieved the Bronze Certification Level,” said Mayor Leila Gilmore, “and we would like to commend the members of our newly formed Green Team, as well as our long-standing Environmental Commission, for their incredible efforts in obtaining 175 points, well over the 150 required. We can’t wait to start working toward Silver Certification!”
For the 2024 Sustainable Jersey application cycle, 50 towns earned certification at the bronze-level to make a total of 208 towns that are bronze-certified in the program. Bronze-level certification requires that a town submit documentation to show it has completed a balance of the program’s sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 150 points.
“It is an honor to take time to recognize these impressive municipalities and the work they are doing to create a healthy environment for all,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “From advancing energy efficiency to reducing waste and increasing climate resiliency, these towns have demonstrated their relentless commitment to creating a more sustainable future. We will continue to provide the tools, training and financial incentives they need to make progress.”
In 2024, Hainesport earned Sustainable Jersey points for creating a Community Equity and Diversity Profile, developing a Community Asset Map, passing a Tree Protection Ordinance, and for making improvements to its Recycling Depot, among other actions.
