The Chathams Earn Awards for Sustainability

Contributed by Kara Sibilia, Chatham Community Partnership

These days, you hear the word “sustainable” a lot - but what does it really mean? Consume less? Recycle more? Be more “green”? The term essentially implies “lasting” or “maintainable.” So, what makes a community genuinely sustainable? The path is different for every town, however taking measurable steps toward waste reduction, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving future environmental equity are common threads. In November 2018, Sustainable Jersey (SJ), a nonprofit organization supporting regions that adopt planet-friendly practices, presented The Chathams with awards for sustainability - proving that this neighborhood is bringing tangible solutions to local, environmental challenges with passion and commitment.

Approximately 448 municipalities in New Jersey (79%) participate in the “Sustainable Community” certification program. Every three years, towns earn points for actions including: protecting natural resources, reducing waste and sustaining local economies. The Chathams have been certified in this program for many years, and in 2018, Chatham Borough re-certified at the Silver level - one of only 11 municipalities in the state - with a whopping 620 points, while Chatham Township re-certified at the Bronze level with 200 points. “I would like to thank Sustainable Jersey for establishing this program and giving people the opportunity to do something positive for the environment,” says Kate Murphy, Chairwoman, Chatham Borough Environmental Commission/Green Team.

Chatham Borough garnered accolades for taking actions outside of the traditional scope, earning a 2018 Sustainability Champion Award, thus becoming one of the highest-ranking medium-sized towns in New Jersey. Innovative projects, completed by Borough committees and volunteers, include:

A “Roots to River” grant received in 2017 to plant 1,000 native saplings along the Passaic river edge.

Another grant awarded in 2017, to plant 750 pollinators by Kelley’s Pond - the area behind Milton Avenue School - as well as shore the pond edges and control mosquitos by introducing carp to the ecosystem.

Electric vehicles were displayed at the Sustainability Fair in September 2018.

Chatham Borough has achieved “Champion” status three times since the awards began in 2009. “I am very proud to be Mayor of a community that is deeply committed to sustainable practices. It’s a tradition that goes back decades, to our first voluntary recycling program, and has continued to this day,” states Chatham Borough Mayor, Bruce A. Harris. “I sincerely hope that our efforts are passed down to future generations so that, wherever they may be, our young people can be ambassadors of sustainable living.”

Chatham Borough, Chatham Township and Madison Borough were recognized with a 2018 Collaboration Award for their role(s) in the Tri-town 55+ Coalition, a nonprofit organization addressing quality of life issues for older adult residents (and their families). The Coalition’s Rides for Seniors Program is an on-demand car service helping those 65+ remain active in the community.

"The (program) now has over 350 registered riders and has provided 2,800 rides since April 2017,” says Madison Borough Mayor, Robert H. Conley. Chatham Township Deputy Mayor, Karen M. Swartz adds, “The success of the Tri-Town 55+ Coalition is indicative of how folks can really pull together! All of us on the Chatham Township Committee congratulate and thank these dedicated volunteers for their hard work!”

The Coalition also works with the Mayors’ Wellness Committee of The Chathams providing health education and volunteer opportunities to residents. These organizations partnered on a “walkable communities” project in 2018, which resulted in the Urban Track - a 3.3-mile loop traversing downtown Chatham Borough and its Historic District.

“(These towns) are a testament to how much we can accomplish toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey,” states Randy Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. With such dedication to sustainability, The Chathams are well on their way to creating and maintaining a healthy and happy community to work and live for years to come.