Sustainability in Action

Located along the Delaware River, and known for boating and access to nature trails—including Fort Mott State Park—Pennsville’s waterfront is an important recreational asset. Riviera Drive connects residents to the riverfront multi-use trail, but narrow roadways, speeding, and traffic volumes have made safety improvements a priority.

Through a competitive process, Pennsville Township was selected to receive assistance through the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program. SJTPO funds the program and partners with the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University, Cross County Connection Transportation Management Association (CCCTMA), and Sustainable Jersey to provide technical expertise.

In fall 2025, traffic-calming features—including painted curb extensions, high-visibility crosswalks, signage, and flexible delineator posts—were installed along Riviera Drive. These low-cost, temporary materials are designed to slow traffic and increase pedestrian visibility. The work was accomplished thanks to the hands-on efforts of staff from Pennsville Township, the Pennsville School District, CCCTMA, and SJTPO.

“This demonstration project gives Pennsville the opportunity to test safety improvements in real-world conditions before committing to permanent changes,” said Stephen Krough, the Pennsville Emergency Management Office Coordinator who helped secure the grant. “We’re focused on improving driver awareness and reducing failures to yield so pedestrians and cyclists can move safely through our community.” A lifelong Pennsville resident and 26-year veteran of the Pennsville Police Department, Krough has made it his mission to pursue grant funding that benefits the town he calls home.

The Complete Streets demonstration project is part of a broader Pennsville Bicycle Network Plan focused on improving connections between Riverview Beach Park and Fort Mott State Park, with the long-term goal of linking to the seasonal ferry at Fort Mott. The ferry carries passengers between Delaware City, Fort Delaware, and Fort Mott, places that connect to Delaware’s trail network.

To evaluate the project’s impact, the team conducted a speed study—supported by the Salem County Engineer’s Office, which processed pre- and post-installation data—along with direct observations and a public feedback survey. Flyers posted near the site directed residents to an online questionnaire and generated more than 330 responses thus far. This active public engagement will help guide next steps and ensure future improvements reflect community priorities. Later this year, the team will present long-term recommendations to improve safety and bicycling connectivity in Pennsville.

CCCTMA also promoted the project through social media, including a creative reel inspired by The Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover. To further support municipalities, SJTPO and CCCTMA created a Complete Streets Demonstration Library—a lending library of materials communities can borrow for temporary roadway projects. This project was the inaugural use of the Demonstration Library. By lowering financial barriers and providing technical expertise, the library helps towns test ideas, build public support, and pursue funding for permanent improvements.

The project demonstrates how temporary, data-driven pilot projects can turn local safety concerns into meaningful, community-supported action.

Students at Nicolaus Copernicus Elementary School (Public School #25) in Jersey City became energy-saving champions through the EmPowered Schools’ EmPowered at Home Epic Pizza Challenge.

The challenge encouraged students to share energy-saving tips with their families and collect pledges to reduce energy use at home. The school with the highest percentage of pledges would earn an epic pizza party for the entire student body. Public School #25 rose to the challenge, collecting an impressive 3,693 pledges—the highest participation rate among 46 participating schools.

Fifth-grade teacher Kayon Wallace, who helped lead the effort, said the students quickly carried the challenge throughout the school and community. Wallace shared that the students went above and beyond, going door-to-door to other classrooms, announcing updates over the loudspeaker, and encouraging not just their families but neighbors and community members to participate. Their enthusiasm created a ripple effect throughout the school and into the broader community. Wallace, a dedicated and hands-on science teacher, is known for inspiring students through engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) lessons that spark curiosity and excitement in the classroom.

Nicolaus Copernicus Elementary School is one of 100 schools in the PSE&G service territory participating in the EmPowered Schools program, an Alliance to Save Energy initiative. The program provides free resources to help students learn about energy efficiency while saving energy in their schools and homes. Through project-based activities, students become ambassadors for energy conservation in their classrooms and communities. The school has also achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. Participation in EmPowered Schools can help schools earn points toward certification with the Behavior Based Energy Conservation Programs action among others.

Programs like EmPowered Schools benefit everyone involved. Students gain hands-on STEAM learning and leadership skills, schools see increased engagement and energy savings, and communities benefit from lower energy costs and reduced environmental impacts. New Jersey schools interested in submitting an application to participate in the program visit the Sustainable Jersey for Schools webpage: EmPowered Schools.

Prioritizing the health of the pollinator ecosystem was a goal of the Bordentown City Green Team and the Bordentown City Environmental Commission when they hosted a successful community workshop, “Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping,” as part of their Pollinator Pathways series.

The event drew 37 engaged participants, eager to learn how they can support pollinators right from their own backyards. Leading the session was Yasmin Qazilbash of the Central New Jersey Beekeepers Association, who is also well known locally as the former co-manager of the Bordentown City Farmers Market.

Qazilbash provided a comprehensive introduction to backyard beekeeping, beginning with the environmental importance of honeybees and their role in pollination, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Participants learned about honeybee biology and colony structure, including the roles of the queen, workers, and drones. Practical guidance covered selecting hive equipment and protective gear, choosing an ideal hive location, and understanding seasonal responsibilities such as feeding, pest management, and harvesting honey. The workshop also included tips for creating bee-friendly gardens to support pollinators year-round.

Cathy Elliott-Shaw, chair of the Bordentown Green Team and Environmental Commission, said, “When residents understand how closely food security, biodiversity, and pollinator health are connected, it changes the way they think about their own yards and gardens. More and more, residents are creating and maintaining outdoor spaces in a manner that is consistent with these principles.” Backyard beekeepers can play a significant role in supporting local pollination by maintaining healthy managed honeybee colonies and planting native, bee-friendly flora that strengthens the entire pollinator ecosystem.

“This was a lively event. Attendees were actively participating in discussion and asking thoughtful questions,” said Anna Hart, of the Bordentown Green Team. “Many expressed strong interest in starting backyard hives and expanding pollinator-friendly practices at home.”

The program aligns strongly with local sustainability initiatives and is part of Bordentown’s broader Pollinator Pathways effort, which includes workshops, garden tours, and community projects designed to raise awareness about pollinator conservation. The City of Bordentown, a silver-certified participant in the Sustainable Jersey program, earned points toward certification with this event by completing the Sustainable Jersey action: Community Education and Outreach.

Green teams and environmental commissions are powered by dedicated volunteers who juggle full schedules, and with so many programs and initiatives underway, communicating that work to residents can be a challenge.

The Morris Township Environmental Commission has found a way to bridge that gap — and it is doing so exceptionally well. Since 2021, the commission has produced Environmental News You Can Use, an email newsletter published nine times per year. The publication consistently achieves high open and click-through rates, reflecting strong engagement, and its subscriber list continues to grow steadily.

True to its name, the newsletter delivers actionable guidance residents can apply in their daily lives. Over the past several years, the commission has researched, written, and shared content on more than 100 environmental topics. Seasonal editions provide information on sustainable home landscaping, snow removal best practices, weatherproofing, native planting and invasive species management, anti-idling, pollinator protection, and “leave the leaves” campaigns. Other features have explored how to maximize indoor air quality during winter months, reduce light pollution, celebrate the holidays more sustainably, and limit waste. The newsletter also serves as a central hub for promoting local environmental events, including plant sales, recycling events, cleanup days, special presentations, tree giveaways, community energy aggregation information sessions, and the Fall Festival on the Green.

“I continue to be amazed at how much this volunteer group of residents is able to accomplish,” said Brian Morgan, chair of the Morris Township Environmental Commission. “We’re endlessly thankful to a supporting Township Committee and administration. As residents of the township, state and planet, we all have a responsibility to protect our surrounding environment in a sustainable and equitable manner. There is no better way than to start locally. The newsletter is a good example of how we try to do this.”

The impact extends beyond education. Promotion through the newsletter has helped increase attendance at in-person events and strengthen participation in township sustainability programs. In addition to an Environmental Committee specific distribution list, the newsletter is included in the Township’s monthly Municipal Messenger, which reaches more than 3,800 residents, further expanding the newsletter’s visibility and reach. Morris Township is certified at the bronze level with Sustainable Jersey, and the newsletter plays an important role in advancing that commitment by increasing awareness of environmental concerns and encouraging sustainable practices at the household level. Morris Township earned points toward certification with this publication by completing the Sustainable Jersey action: Community Education and Outreach.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is continuing its Quarterly Business Breakfast Summit series to connect businesses, schools, non-profits, and government entities with cost-saving programs available through New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program.

Designed to foster collaboration and increase awareness of available incentives, the series provides practical guidance on how organizations can reduce energy use and lower utility costs while advancing clean energy goals. In 2025, NJBPU hosted four summits across the state, bringing together more than 700 leaders to learn how existing programs can support their businesses, municipalities, and non-profits.

“Our Business Breakfast Summits are an essential part of our continuing commitment to building strong partnerships with businesses and helping them connect with each other,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the NJBPU. “The Summits empower businesses and organizations to take full advantage of available programs and resources that can help them save money and reduce energy consumption.”

Held in a different region each quarter, the next Quarterly Business Breakfast Summit will take place in Central Jersey on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Middlesex College. The event will feature a networking breakfast with tabling opportunities from state agencies, utilities, and regional business organizations, along with four informational breakout sessions. Topics include energy efficiency programs for large and small businesses; clean energy priorities under the Governor Mikie Sherrill administration; incentives for county and municipal governments and school boards; and a Triennium 3 update. Breakout sessions will cover: Building Efficiency at Scale: Unlocking Grants and Incentives for Large Energy Users & New Construction; Leading by Example: Energy Efficiency Solutions for Municipalities, Counties, and Schools; Small But Mighty: Clean Energy Incentives for Main Street Enterprises & Family Businesses; and a Triennium 3 Update.

Attendees will gain insight into clean energy programs that reduce utility costs, as well as available incentives and technical assistance. The series is designed to ensure participants understand how to take full advantage of New Jersey Clean Energy Program initiatives while building valuable cross-sector connections. To register for the March 20 Business Breakfast Summit, visit: https://bit.ly/3ZsrwKC.