12.14.18 Volunteer of the Month Announced
Sylvia Rabacchi was honored as the first “Volunteer of the Month,” for her years of service to Glen Rock, most recently as the co-chair of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission. She coordinated the Sustainable Jersey re-certification actions, which resulted in the first ever Silver certification for Glen Rock.
Sylvia Rabacchi was honored as the first “Volunteer of the Month,” for her years of service to Glen Rock, most recently as the co-chair of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission. She coordinated the Sustainable Jersey re-certification actions, which resulted in the first ever Silver certification for Glen Rock.
12.14.18 Glen Rock Green Team Interns Commended for Service
At the last Council Meeting of the year, the Summer and Fall Green Team Interns we recognized for their service!
The proclamation that was read at the meeting can be found below:
WHEREAS, The Glen Rock Green Team interns are a group of 30 change-makers between the ages of 12 and 22, who have shown exceptional community spirit and leadership; and
WHEREAS, over the last seven months, The Green Team interns launched comprehensive public information and outreach campaigns and successfully educated our community about the harmful effects of plastic pollution to our environment, using all the tools at their disposal, including social media outreach, the power of the pen and multimedia approaches; and
WHEREAS, The Green Team interns anchored these efforts with face to face discussions offering alternatives to plastic with Glen Rock residents, our religious communities, local businesses, the Borough departments, committees, commissions, and the Mayor and Council; and
WHEREAS, the Green Team interns created tangible changes in reducing plastic consumption in multiple areas of our community, from persuading Borough employees and visitors to use refillable non-plastic water bottles and reusable cups at Borough Hall, to influencing our religious communities and motivating four local businesses to switch to non-plastic reusable stirrers and straws; and
WHEREAS, Glen Rock has become a more sustainable community because of the leadership and service shown by the Green Team interns and their supervisor, Laura Occhipinti.
NOW, THEREFORE, I BRUCE J. PACKER, Mayor of the Borough of Glen Rock, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the Borough Council, do hereby proclaim:
That the Green Team interns are to be hereby officially commended for their service to the Borough of Glen Rock and encouraged to maintain their efforts for environmental protection.
That a copy of this Proclamation be made part of the official records of the Borough of Glen Rock.
At the last Council Meeting of the year, the Summer and Fall Green Team Interns we recognized for their service!
The proclamation that was read at the meeting can be found below:
WHEREAS, The Glen Rock Green Team interns are a group of 30 change-makers between the ages of 12 and 22, who have shown exceptional community spirit and leadership; and
WHEREAS, over the last seven months, The Green Team interns launched comprehensive public information and outreach campaigns and successfully educated our community about the harmful effects of plastic pollution to our environment, using all the tools at their disposal, including social media outreach, the power of the pen and multimedia approaches; and
WHEREAS, The Green Team interns anchored these efforts with face to face discussions offering alternatives to plastic with Glen Rock residents, our religious communities, local businesses, the Borough departments, committees, commissions, and the Mayor and Council; and
WHEREAS, the Green Team interns created tangible changes in reducing plastic consumption in multiple areas of our community, from persuading Borough employees and visitors to use refillable non-plastic water bottles and reusable cups at Borough Hall, to influencing our religious communities and motivating four local businesses to switch to non-plastic reusable stirrers and straws; and
WHEREAS, Glen Rock has become a more sustainable community because of the leadership and service shown by the Green Team interns and their supervisor, Laura Occhipinti.
NOW, THEREFORE, I BRUCE J. PACKER, Mayor of the Borough of Glen Rock, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the Borough Council, do hereby proclaim:
That the Green Team interns are to be hereby officially commended for their service to the Borough of Glen Rock and encouraged to maintain their efforts for environmental protection.
That a copy of this Proclamation be made part of the official records of the Borough of Glen Rock.
Photo credit: Sara Froikin Gordon
12.4.18 Glen Rock Unveils Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
GLEN ROCK, NJ – The Glen Rock Environmental Commission unveiled two public electric vehicle charging stations during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Glen Rock Main Line Station parking lot on Sunday, December 2. The mayor of Glen Rock, Bruce Packer, members of the Borough Council, Assembly member Chris Tully (LD38), and former Assembly member Tim Eustace were on hand to participate in the event.
The installation of the charging stations was paid for in part by a grant from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (“It Pay$ to Plug In”). Tesla Motors donated the chargers (1 Tesla and 1 universal) through their Destination Charger Program and provided addition funds to offset the cost of installation. Architectural drawings were kindly provided by the local firm of Paredes-Grube Architecture.
The need for EV charging stations downtown was recognized by members of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) that oversaw the design and installation of the chargers. Resident and GREC commissioner Ken Jones explained, “many potential buyers of electric cars have ‘range anxiety’, and charging stations located in a destination area like downtown Glen Rock might make people feel more comfortable with a purchase”. Sales of electric cars are sharply up this year according to industry reports and these chargers will make it easier for new car owners to adapt to the new technology.
Ben Meyer, co-chair of GREC added, “there are very few Level 2 charging stations in this area of Bergen County, and none of them are located in a publicly accessible, downtown area with access to restaurants, shops, and public transportation”. Glen Rock Council member and GREC liaison Arati Kreibich further explained, “the EV charging stations are good for Glen Rock and good for the environment. My hope is that these stations will attract more residents and visitors to our town to charge their cars while shopping and dining here.”
Street signs directing motorists to the EV charging station have been placed along Rock Rd and Maple Ave leading to the parking lot, and additional signs were placed at the entrance of the lot. The two chargers, one for Tesla cars and the other usable by all other brands, are registered on the Plug-Share and Tesla directories.
Early next year, GREC has plans to organize an EV show for new owners of these cars and others considering to purchase to raise awareness and share the benefits of clean transportation.
About GREC:
GREC consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of GREC is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit https://glenrocknj.net/GREC and http://www.greenupglenrock.com.
GLEN ROCK, NJ – The Glen Rock Environmental Commission unveiled two public electric vehicle charging stations during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Glen Rock Main Line Station parking lot on Sunday, December 2. The mayor of Glen Rock, Bruce Packer, members of the Borough Council, Assembly member Chris Tully (LD38), and former Assembly member Tim Eustace were on hand to participate in the event.
The installation of the charging stations was paid for in part by a grant from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (“It Pay$ to Plug In”). Tesla Motors donated the chargers (1 Tesla and 1 universal) through their Destination Charger Program and provided addition funds to offset the cost of installation. Architectural drawings were kindly provided by the local firm of Paredes-Grube Architecture.
The need for EV charging stations downtown was recognized by members of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) that oversaw the design and installation of the chargers. Resident and GREC commissioner Ken Jones explained, “many potential buyers of electric cars have ‘range anxiety’, and charging stations located in a destination area like downtown Glen Rock might make people feel more comfortable with a purchase”. Sales of electric cars are sharply up this year according to industry reports and these chargers will make it easier for new car owners to adapt to the new technology.
Ben Meyer, co-chair of GREC added, “there are very few Level 2 charging stations in this area of Bergen County, and none of them are located in a publicly accessible, downtown area with access to restaurants, shops, and public transportation”. Glen Rock Council member and GREC liaison Arati Kreibich further explained, “the EV charging stations are good for Glen Rock and good for the environment. My hope is that these stations will attract more residents and visitors to our town to charge their cars while shopping and dining here.”
Street signs directing motorists to the EV charging station have been placed along Rock Rd and Maple Ave leading to the parking lot, and additional signs were placed at the entrance of the lot. The two chargers, one for Tesla cars and the other usable by all other brands, are registered on the Plug-Share and Tesla directories.
Early next year, GREC has plans to organize an EV show for new owners of these cars and others considering to purchase to raise awareness and share the benefits of clean transportation.
About GREC:
GREC consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of GREC is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit https://glenrocknj.net/GREC and http://www.greenupglenrock.com.
11.15.18 Mayor Packer receives 2018 Sustainable Jersey Leadership Award
Glen Rock, NJ – Sustainable Jersey has selected Mayor Bruce J Packer to receive the 2018 Mayor Art Ondish Leadership Award.
Per Sustainable Jersey, “This award recognizes the leader of a model Sustainable Jersey town for providing its green team with ideas, policy support and the necessary resources to achieve significant success towards sustainability at the local level and to contribute to the statewide movement.
The award was given to Mayor Packer earlier this week, during the annual New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City, NJ.
Mayor Packer said, “I am honored to have been chosen to receive this year's Sustainable Jersey Leadership Award. I am not being modest when I say that this award is the direct result of the incredibly hard work being done by the Glen Rock Environmental Commission and Green Team. While much of what we do follows the greatly appreciated guidelines and actions suggested by Sustainable Jersey, our team has shown a repeated ability to innovate and to bring things to a higher level thus creating a model that others can follow. With every accomplishment is a feeling that we can do even more as we understand that that is the only way to truly make a difference in the fight for long term environmental sustainability.”
Glen Rock, NJ – Sustainable Jersey has selected Mayor Bruce J Packer to receive the 2018 Mayor Art Ondish Leadership Award.
Per Sustainable Jersey, “This award recognizes the leader of a model Sustainable Jersey town for providing its green team with ideas, policy support and the necessary resources to achieve significant success towards sustainability at the local level and to contribute to the statewide movement.
The award was given to Mayor Packer earlier this week, during the annual New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City, NJ.
Mayor Packer said, “I am honored to have been chosen to receive this year's Sustainable Jersey Leadership Award. I am not being modest when I say that this award is the direct result of the incredibly hard work being done by the Glen Rock Environmental Commission and Green Team. While much of what we do follows the greatly appreciated guidelines and actions suggested by Sustainable Jersey, our team has shown a repeated ability to innovate and to bring things to a higher level thus creating a model that others can follow. With every accomplishment is a feeling that we can do even more as we understand that that is the only way to truly make a difference in the fight for long term environmental sustainability.”
Glen Rock Environmental Commission and GREC Liaison Arati Kreibich (missing is Lesley Elton)
11.28.18 Glen Rock awarded Silver certification from Sustainable Jersey
By Sylvia Rabacchi
(GLEN ROCK, NJ) – Thanks to the work of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) and Green Team, the borough was recently recognized by Sustainable Jersey with the Silver Certification award in recognition of its efforts to create a community which is healthy for residents and the environment.
Glen Rock was honored at the Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, November 13, in Atlantic City with Mayor Packer accepting the Silver Certification award. In addition to receiving the award for the Borough of Glen Rock, Mayor Packer also received a Mayor Leadership award.
“I am so proud of this achievement which demonstrates Glen Rock’s commitment to reducing our impact on the environment and at the same time creating a healthier environment for the next generations to come,” said Sylvia Rabacchi, co-chair of GREC. “This accomplishment has only been possible thanks to a fruitful collaboration among GREC and Green team members along with passionate residents, and a very supportive mayor and council.”
This is the first time that Glen Rock achieves Silver Certification, joining Wyckoff and Ridgewood as the only Silver-Certified municipalities in Bergen County. Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. Co-chair Ben Meyer added, “Glen Rock previously achieved Bronze-level certifications, requiring 150 or more points, in 2012 and 2015. This achievement demonstrates the commitment of Glen Rock to improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, and protecting natural resources.”
“Congratulations to the municipal staff, green team volunteers and community members who have worked hard to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification,” said Randy Solomon, the executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “The Sustainable Jersey certified towns demonstrate leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.” Collectively, 79% (448) of New Jersey towns are currently participating in Sustainable Jersey. Of these 210 towns have achieved certification (159 at the bronze-level and 51 at the silver-level).
To become certified at the silver-level, GREC submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 350 action points. Glen Rock reached 495 points which included six priority actions (energy efficiency for municipal facilities, fleet inventory, sustainable land use pledge, municipal carbon footprint, prescription drug safety and disposal, and natural resource inventory). Additional actions that contributed to the Silver Award comprised the installation of EV charging stations at the Main line train station parking lot, the community carbon footprint calculation, recycling materials beyond those mandated by the county, material re-use program (Free-cycle), reusable bag education, water conservation education, improving engagement in municipal government, buy local, support local businesses, backyard composting program etc. Furthermore, points were gathered by various projects run collaboratively with students from Glen Rock public schools in the last few years (plastic bottle reduction, elimination of cafeteria styrofoam trays, promoting healthy food, cafeteria composting pilot project, revamping recycling).
About GREC:
The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) consists of 7-9 volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of GREC is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit https://glenrocknj.net/GREC and http://www.greenupglenrock.com.
About Sustainable Jersey:
Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs and progress towards Sustainable Jersey certification. Sustainable Jersey’s partners include the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program.
To get involved with GREC/Green team and sustainability initiatives, contact GREC@glenrocknj.net
By Sylvia Rabacchi
(GLEN ROCK, NJ) – Thanks to the work of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) and Green Team, the borough was recently recognized by Sustainable Jersey with the Silver Certification award in recognition of its efforts to create a community which is healthy for residents and the environment.
Glen Rock was honored at the Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, November 13, in Atlantic City with Mayor Packer accepting the Silver Certification award. In addition to receiving the award for the Borough of Glen Rock, Mayor Packer also received a Mayor Leadership award.
“I am so proud of this achievement which demonstrates Glen Rock’s commitment to reducing our impact on the environment and at the same time creating a healthier environment for the next generations to come,” said Sylvia Rabacchi, co-chair of GREC. “This accomplishment has only been possible thanks to a fruitful collaboration among GREC and Green team members along with passionate residents, and a very supportive mayor and council.”
This is the first time that Glen Rock achieves Silver Certification, joining Wyckoff and Ridgewood as the only Silver-Certified municipalities in Bergen County. Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. Co-chair Ben Meyer added, “Glen Rock previously achieved Bronze-level certifications, requiring 150 or more points, in 2012 and 2015. This achievement demonstrates the commitment of Glen Rock to improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, and protecting natural resources.”
“Congratulations to the municipal staff, green team volunteers and community members who have worked hard to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification,” said Randy Solomon, the executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “The Sustainable Jersey certified towns demonstrate leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.” Collectively, 79% (448) of New Jersey towns are currently participating in Sustainable Jersey. Of these 210 towns have achieved certification (159 at the bronze-level and 51 at the silver-level).
To become certified at the silver-level, GREC submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 350 action points. Glen Rock reached 495 points which included six priority actions (energy efficiency for municipal facilities, fleet inventory, sustainable land use pledge, municipal carbon footprint, prescription drug safety and disposal, and natural resource inventory). Additional actions that contributed to the Silver Award comprised the installation of EV charging stations at the Main line train station parking lot, the community carbon footprint calculation, recycling materials beyond those mandated by the county, material re-use program (Free-cycle), reusable bag education, water conservation education, improving engagement in municipal government, buy local, support local businesses, backyard composting program etc. Furthermore, points were gathered by various projects run collaboratively with students from Glen Rock public schools in the last few years (plastic bottle reduction, elimination of cafeteria styrofoam trays, promoting healthy food, cafeteria composting pilot project, revamping recycling).
About GREC:
The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) consists of 7-9 volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of GREC is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit https://glenrocknj.net/GREC and http://www.greenupglenrock.com.
About Sustainable Jersey:
Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs and progress towards Sustainable Jersey certification. Sustainable Jersey’s partners include the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program.
To get involved with GREC/Green team and sustainability initiatives, contact GREC@glenrocknj.net
Pictured Left to Right: Ann Marie Brennan (Glen Rock Environmental Commissioner), Laura Occhipinti (Glen Rock Environmental Commissioner), Arati Kreibich (Glen Rock Council Member), Jennifer M. Coffey (ANJEC Executive Director)
10.28.18 GREC and Green Team Receive Environmental Achievement Award
By Candace Lynch
(GLEN ROCK, N.J.) – The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) and the Glen Rock Green Team were recognized by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) for programs focused on reduction and recycling of single-use plastics. The project titled “Glen Rock Refuses Plastic” was selected to receive a 2018 Environmental Achievement Award at ANJEC's 45th Annual Environmental Congress at Mercer County College in West Windsor on Friday, October 12th. The nonprofit’s prestigious award recognizes exceptional projects that protect natural resources, health, and open spaces in their towns.
The “Glen Rock Refuses Plastic” campaign, coordinated by GREC and the Green Team, declared war on plastic in 2018. An outreach campaign promoted the recycling of single-use plastic bags and film and collected over 800 pounds of the film in less than two months, winning an award of a composite bench from Trex Company, Inc. that will be placed in a borough public park. The Green Team Interns organized a viewing of the film “Plastic Ocean” with over 150 in attendance. The groups won a grant and installed a filtered water system at Borough Hall, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles at municipal meetings. A campaign led by student interns convinced four local restaurants to switch from plastic to paper straws. These programs succeeded at building substantial community and student engagement and raised the visibility of the threat posed by plastic waste while demonstrating the positive impact of local reduction and recycling efforts.
“These groups have been working so hard to educate Glen Rock residents about plastic pollution,” said Laura Occhipinti, GREC Commissioner and Green Team Internship Supervisor. “It is so nice to be recognized by an organization as respected as ANJEC.”
“I am so proud of this achievement that demonstrates how a relatively small group of committed and well-coordinated people can have a strong and positive impact on the community,” said Sylvia Rabacchi, GREC co-chair. “Witnessing the successful initiatives of the Green team middle and high school interns gives us hope that the new generation will be more mindful of the precious resources we need to preserve on our planet!”
The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of GREC is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit https://glenrocknj.net/GREC and http://www.greenupglenrock.com.
By Candace Lynch
(GLEN ROCK, N.J.) – The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) and the Glen Rock Green Team were recognized by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) for programs focused on reduction and recycling of single-use plastics. The project titled “Glen Rock Refuses Plastic” was selected to receive a 2018 Environmental Achievement Award at ANJEC's 45th Annual Environmental Congress at Mercer County College in West Windsor on Friday, October 12th. The nonprofit’s prestigious award recognizes exceptional projects that protect natural resources, health, and open spaces in their towns.
The “Glen Rock Refuses Plastic” campaign, coordinated by GREC and the Green Team, declared war on plastic in 2018. An outreach campaign promoted the recycling of single-use plastic bags and film and collected over 800 pounds of the film in less than two months, winning an award of a composite bench from Trex Company, Inc. that will be placed in a borough public park. The Green Team Interns organized a viewing of the film “Plastic Ocean” with over 150 in attendance. The groups won a grant and installed a filtered water system at Borough Hall, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles at municipal meetings. A campaign led by student interns convinced four local restaurants to switch from plastic to paper straws. These programs succeeded at building substantial community and student engagement and raised the visibility of the threat posed by plastic waste while demonstrating the positive impact of local reduction and recycling efforts.
“These groups have been working so hard to educate Glen Rock residents about plastic pollution,” said Laura Occhipinti, GREC Commissioner and Green Team Internship Supervisor. “It is so nice to be recognized by an organization as respected as ANJEC.”
“I am so proud of this achievement that demonstrates how a relatively small group of committed and well-coordinated people can have a strong and positive impact on the community,” said Sylvia Rabacchi, GREC co-chair. “Witnessing the successful initiatives of the Green team middle and high school interns gives us hope that the new generation will be more mindful of the precious resources we need to preserve on our planet!”
The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of GREC is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit https://glenrocknj.net/GREC and http://www.greenupglenrock.com.
10.8.18 Refuse the Straw during Glen Rock’s Strawless Saturday on October 27
By Lauren Massaro and Emma Mangino (Green Team Interns)
(GLEN ROCK, N.J) – The Green Team Interns have declared Oct 27, 2018 to be “Strawless Saturday”. On this day, all Glen Rock residents are encouraged to refuse plastic straws. The initiative to ban single-use plastics is gaining global attention and by hosting this event, the interns hope that residents will become more conscious of their own waste and the detrimental environmental effects of straws.
The Green Team Interns have created this event as plastic straws never degrade, but instead break down into micro plastics which are tiny pieces of toxic plastic debris. Already, due to the interns’ efforts, four restaurants in Glen Rock switched from plastic straws to paper straws. The Glen Rock Green Team hopes more join the movement.
To participate, just refuse the straw on Strawless Saturday and remind other residents to do the same. Go to www.GreenUpGlenRock.com for more information.
By Lauren Massaro and Emma Mangino (Green Team Interns)
(GLEN ROCK, N.J) – The Green Team Interns have declared Oct 27, 2018 to be “Strawless Saturday”. On this day, all Glen Rock residents are encouraged to refuse plastic straws. The initiative to ban single-use plastics is gaining global attention and by hosting this event, the interns hope that residents will become more conscious of their own waste and the detrimental environmental effects of straws.
The Green Team Interns have created this event as plastic straws never degrade, but instead break down into micro plastics which are tiny pieces of toxic plastic debris. Already, due to the interns’ efforts, four restaurants in Glen Rock switched from plastic straws to paper straws. The Glen Rock Green Team hopes more join the movement.
To participate, just refuse the straw on Strawless Saturday and remind other residents to do the same. Go to www.GreenUpGlenRock.com for more information.
10.3.18 Residents from 15 Bergen County Towns Fill 17 Foot Box Truck with Styrofoam at Glen Rock Recycling Center Styrofoam Drive
(GLEN ROCK, N.J.) – The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) and Glen Rock Green Team held a Styrofoam recycling drive on Sunday, September 23 that received a large turnout of residents from fifteen different Bergen County towns, including Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, and Oradell. Participants brought Styrofoam coolers and packaging materials and filled a 17 foot box truck. The truck was then driven to Foam Pack in Springfield, NJ, where Styrofoam is recycled for use in producing polystyrene goods such as architectural moldings and picture frames. Six youth volunteers, aged fourth grade to high school, assisted six adult volunteers. At the drive, participants learned about Styrofoam recycling feasibility and signed petitions in support of a Bergen County ban on Styrofoam food containers and a Glen Rock Ordinance to ban single use plastic bags, straws, and foam containers.
“We were thrilled with the response from the community: over the course of three hours we filled a 17 foot truck with Styrofoam! Participants came from around the corner and from miles away, eager to avoid dumping this non-biodegradable pollutant in a landfill,” said Candace Lynch, a GREC Commissioner. “The feedback has been excellent and we’re already getting requests for the date of the next Styrofoam recycling drive.”
Glen Rock Council Member Arati Kreibich commented, “I am so proud of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission and the Green Team for hosting this Styrofoam drive, since this material cannot easily be recycled otherwise. The enthusiastic community response to the drive clearly shows that there is a need to reduce our use of Styrofoam and to have more frequent opportunities to recycle Styrofoam in Bergen County.”
Styrofoam is not recyclable in Glen Rock and must be placed in the trash. GREC and the Green Team have a goal of reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill from Glen Rock. This recycling event, held in conjunction with the Sustainable Jersey Bergen Hub, aimed to increase awareness of Styrofoam waste and demonstrate the feasibility of recycling. The local environmental groups are encouraging County authorities to create opportunities for recycling of Styrofoam packaging material in conjunction with a ban on food-use Styrofoam, which is not typically accepted for recycling.
The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit www.GreenUpGlenRock.com.
TAPINTO ARTICLE
(GLEN ROCK, N.J.) – The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) and Glen Rock Green Team held a Styrofoam recycling drive on Sunday, September 23 that received a large turnout of residents from fifteen different Bergen County towns, including Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, and Oradell. Participants brought Styrofoam coolers and packaging materials and filled a 17 foot box truck. The truck was then driven to Foam Pack in Springfield, NJ, where Styrofoam is recycled for use in producing polystyrene goods such as architectural moldings and picture frames. Six youth volunteers, aged fourth grade to high school, assisted six adult volunteers. At the drive, participants learned about Styrofoam recycling feasibility and signed petitions in support of a Bergen County ban on Styrofoam food containers and a Glen Rock Ordinance to ban single use plastic bags, straws, and foam containers.
“We were thrilled with the response from the community: over the course of three hours we filled a 17 foot truck with Styrofoam! Participants came from around the corner and from miles away, eager to avoid dumping this non-biodegradable pollutant in a landfill,” said Candace Lynch, a GREC Commissioner. “The feedback has been excellent and we’re already getting requests for the date of the next Styrofoam recycling drive.”
Glen Rock Council Member Arati Kreibich commented, “I am so proud of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission and the Green Team for hosting this Styrofoam drive, since this material cannot easily be recycled otherwise. The enthusiastic community response to the drive clearly shows that there is a need to reduce our use of Styrofoam and to have more frequent opportunities to recycle Styrofoam in Bergen County.”
Styrofoam is not recyclable in Glen Rock and must be placed in the trash. GREC and the Green Team have a goal of reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill from Glen Rock. This recycling event, held in conjunction with the Sustainable Jersey Bergen Hub, aimed to increase awareness of Styrofoam waste and demonstrate the feasibility of recycling. The local environmental groups are encouraging County authorities to create opportunities for recycling of Styrofoam packaging material in conjunction with a ban on food-use Styrofoam, which is not typically accepted for recycling.
The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor, and the Green Team consists of volunteer residents who work with GREC. The role of the Glen Rock Environmental Commission is to inform residents about environmental matters and ways to help protect the environment, advise governing bodies on a variety of environmental issues, help explain programs and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, investigate environmental problems and offer solutions. For more information visit www.GreenUpGlenRock.com.
TAPINTO ARTICLE
8.13.18 Huge Turnout for the “A Plastic Ocean” Documentary Screening
The Glen Rock Green Team Interns hosted “A Plastic Ocean” documentary screening on July 31st in the Glen Rock Borough Hall Chambers. The event brought more than 150 people from Glen Rock and neighboring municipalities together for a discussion on the damage that single use plastic has on our environment. The documentary was extremely well received, and provided eye- opening visuals on where plastic goes once we are finished using it.
Mayor Bruce Packer was in attendance to support the Glen Rock Green Team interns. "Every now and again you read or watch something so powerful that it changes the way that you view the world in a significant way. It is no exaggeration to say that the recent screening of ‘A Plastic Ocean’, did just that for me. Like the other 150 people in the room, I was absolutely shocked and moved as I learned the impact of our careless attitude toward using and disposing of plastic. Every piece of plastic ever used is still sitting in an ocean, landfill, or somewhere on the planet and while the plastic never dies, the animals that ingest it, and the humans who breathe in the air impacted by it, do. I strongly suggest that people watch this movie and learn how our overuse of plastic is impacting the planet.”
The interns also organized a panel discussion after the screening with Lisa Swain (Congresswoman LD-38) and Arati Kreibich (Councilmember, Borough of Glen Rock). The discussion was focused on what citizens could do locally to reduce the epidemic of plastic waste.
“I was so impressed and moved by the efforts of our Green Team interns in raising our collective community awareness about plastic pollution,” said Arati Kreibich, Glen Rock Councilmemeber. “I hope all 150 of us who watched this movie will urge others to do the same, and importantly act —individually, as a community, and legislatively to change our behavior and drastically reduce our plastic consumption! Banning single use plastic bags in our communities and our state is a small but significant step that we can take.”.
Among the attendees was Green Team Intern Himashri Badarvada. “I am amazed by the amount of people that showed up. The questions people asked the panel were very smart. I’m happy that I was a part of this”. Intern Tal Ledeniov was impressed by the enthusiasm and large attendance. “I’m so proud of how many people turned up to see this life changing movie. I really hope people took as much away from this movie as I did”.
The Glen Rock Green Team offers internship programs that provide students and recent college graduates the opportunity to collaborate with others who are concerned about the future of our environment. Projects include organizing a plastic bag ban, local business outreach, familiarizing others with plastic straw alternatives, and encouraging community members to avoid styrofoam usage.
The Glen Rock Green Team and Glen Rock Environmental Commission encourage you to refuse single use plastic when possible (straws, cups, bags, etc) and reuse these items when appropriate. To join the Green Team, to apply for a Fall Internship, or to help support a Plastic Bag Ban go to www.GreenUpGlenRock.com
The Glen Rock Green Team Interns hosted “A Plastic Ocean” documentary screening on July 31st in the Glen Rock Borough Hall Chambers. The event brought more than 150 people from Glen Rock and neighboring municipalities together for a discussion on the damage that single use plastic has on our environment. The documentary was extremely well received, and provided eye- opening visuals on where plastic goes once we are finished using it.
Mayor Bruce Packer was in attendance to support the Glen Rock Green Team interns. "Every now and again you read or watch something so powerful that it changes the way that you view the world in a significant way. It is no exaggeration to say that the recent screening of ‘A Plastic Ocean’, did just that for me. Like the other 150 people in the room, I was absolutely shocked and moved as I learned the impact of our careless attitude toward using and disposing of plastic. Every piece of plastic ever used is still sitting in an ocean, landfill, or somewhere on the planet and while the plastic never dies, the animals that ingest it, and the humans who breathe in the air impacted by it, do. I strongly suggest that people watch this movie and learn how our overuse of plastic is impacting the planet.”
The interns also organized a panel discussion after the screening with Lisa Swain (Congresswoman LD-38) and Arati Kreibich (Councilmember, Borough of Glen Rock). The discussion was focused on what citizens could do locally to reduce the epidemic of plastic waste.
“I was so impressed and moved by the efforts of our Green Team interns in raising our collective community awareness about plastic pollution,” said Arati Kreibich, Glen Rock Councilmemeber. “I hope all 150 of us who watched this movie will urge others to do the same, and importantly act —individually, as a community, and legislatively to change our behavior and drastically reduce our plastic consumption! Banning single use plastic bags in our communities and our state is a small but significant step that we can take.”.
Among the attendees was Green Team Intern Himashri Badarvada. “I am amazed by the amount of people that showed up. The questions people asked the panel were very smart. I’m happy that I was a part of this”. Intern Tal Ledeniov was impressed by the enthusiasm and large attendance. “I’m so proud of how many people turned up to see this life changing movie. I really hope people took as much away from this movie as I did”.
The Glen Rock Green Team offers internship programs that provide students and recent college graduates the opportunity to collaborate with others who are concerned about the future of our environment. Projects include organizing a plastic bag ban, local business outreach, familiarizing others with plastic straw alternatives, and encouraging community members to avoid styrofoam usage.
The Glen Rock Green Team and Glen Rock Environmental Commission encourage you to refuse single use plastic when possible (straws, cups, bags, etc) and reuse these items when appropriate. To join the Green Team, to apply for a Fall Internship, or to help support a Plastic Bag Ban go to www.GreenUpGlenRock.com
4.21.18 PLASTIC FILM CHALLENGE REVEALS THAT RESIDENTS NEED TO REDUCE PLASTIC BAG USAGE
Last month, the Glen Rock Environmental Commission asked residents to begin collecting plastic film as part of the Trex challenge to lessen the amount of waste we generate and encourage residents to explore environmentally friendly alternatives. Reusable shopping bags, as an example, would greatly reduce our plastic contribution and addiction. Residents were instructed to bring items including plastic grocery bags, product packaging, food storage bags and more to designated collection locations around town.
Trex, a company that creates wood-alternative outdoor living products like decking, outdoor furniture, and fencing, offers awards for communities that enroll in their recycling programs. The challenge to collect 500 lbs of plastic film in order to earn a free bench for the town began March 1, 2018 and was to run until September 1, 2018, giving Glen Rockers six full months to contribute. Instead, 550 lbs was collected in just the first six weeks of the program.
“The response of the Glen Rock community to the Trex Challenge was phenomenal!” said organizer and resident Candace Lynch, “We expected the collection of 500 pounds of plastic within 6 months to be the difficult part; instead, residents participated in large numbers and our challenge became logistical.”
For the challenge, volunteers picked up items from the collections points around town and delivered them to a Glen Rock residence, where the plastic was weighed and then later taken to a local grocery store. Lynch says, “The success of the program can be credited to the willingness of residents and community members to join in and help out. It was inspirational to see the network of volunteers who assisted by hosting collection bins, transporting the plastic film, or advertising the program.”
Although the challenge is now complete, the Plastic Challenge Team will continue to manage plastic pick-ups from Boro Hall until the message gets out. The Plastic Challenge team is also researching companies that could take over picking up the plastic film which would keep it out of the garbage stream, easing the impact on the environment and saving Glen Rock money.
“The magnitude of plastic film collected in such a short time has been eye-opening for many of us,” said Lynch, “I hope we can work together to reduce our use of plastic bags and film, because recycling is only a small part of the solution.”
Last month, the Glen Rock Environmental Commission asked residents to begin collecting plastic film as part of the Trex challenge to lessen the amount of waste we generate and encourage residents to explore environmentally friendly alternatives. Reusable shopping bags, as an example, would greatly reduce our plastic contribution and addiction. Residents were instructed to bring items including plastic grocery bags, product packaging, food storage bags and more to designated collection locations around town.
Trex, a company that creates wood-alternative outdoor living products like decking, outdoor furniture, and fencing, offers awards for communities that enroll in their recycling programs. The challenge to collect 500 lbs of plastic film in order to earn a free bench for the town began March 1, 2018 and was to run until September 1, 2018, giving Glen Rockers six full months to contribute. Instead, 550 lbs was collected in just the first six weeks of the program.
“The response of the Glen Rock community to the Trex Challenge was phenomenal!” said organizer and resident Candace Lynch, “We expected the collection of 500 pounds of plastic within 6 months to be the difficult part; instead, residents participated in large numbers and our challenge became logistical.”
For the challenge, volunteers picked up items from the collections points around town and delivered them to a Glen Rock residence, where the plastic was weighed and then later taken to a local grocery store. Lynch says, “The success of the program can be credited to the willingness of residents and community members to join in and help out. It was inspirational to see the network of volunteers who assisted by hosting collection bins, transporting the plastic film, or advertising the program.”
Although the challenge is now complete, the Plastic Challenge Team will continue to manage plastic pick-ups from Boro Hall until the message gets out. The Plastic Challenge team is also researching companies that could take over picking up the plastic film which would keep it out of the garbage stream, easing the impact on the environment and saving Glen Rock money.
“The magnitude of plastic film collected in such a short time has been eye-opening for many of us,” said Lynch, “I hope we can work together to reduce our use of plastic bags and film, because recycling is only a small part of the solution.”
