
SUSTAINABLE JERSEY
SUSTAINABLE JERSEY

SUSTAINABLE JERSEY
Programs
Municipal Certification Program
Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization and national leader in the local sustainability movement. Progress continues through a network of municipalities, schools and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey. Acting with state agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, academia and industry, Sustainable Jersey researches best practices for what communities could and should do to contribute to a sustainable future. The program culminates in a prestigious certification award to municipalities that have documented meeting a set of rigorous standards. Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. Several million dollars in grants have been awarded to municipalities in the program. Since the launch of the Sustainable Jersey municipal program in 2009, participants have successfully implemented and documented almost 20,000 discrete actions from our list of best practices. By supporting efforts to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, educate for sustainability, stimulate local economies, increase resiliency and progress toward an equitable society, Sustainable Jersey is empowering communities to build a better world for future generations.GeographiesNew Jersey, USADatesNot indicatedSourceUser-generatedAgriculture, fishing and forestry,Arts and culture,Community and economic development,Education,Environment,Health,Information and communicationsAge groups,Ethnic and racial groups,Economically disadvantaged people9.5M–Sustainable Jersey for Schools
As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing digital equity divide, increasing childhood asthma and environmental pollution, schools need to be a part of the solution to these challenges Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a free, voluntary certification program for pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade public schools in New Jersey. The program provides guidance, support, and recognition to schools that implement steps to be sustainable in their operations and proactive in preparing students for the challenges they will face in the future. Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification actions cover a wide range of topic areas focusing on the three equal, interrelated components of sustainability: 1) People: contribute to a strong civil society that provides opportunity for all, 2) Prosperity: support local economies and wise use of community resources and 3) Planet: practice responsible environmental management and conservation. Issues such as water scarcity, climate change, racism and environmental degradation require broad-based sustainability literacy to ensure that young people are equipped to recognize and respond to critical issues now and in their chosen careers. Sustainable Jersey participating schools serve as learning labs for these issues and the certification program supports educators by identifying authentic learning opportunities for students and staff. Since the launch of the Sustainable Jersey municipal program in 2009 and the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program in 2014, participants have successfully implemented and documented over 18,500 actions from our list of best practices. Nearly six-million dollars in grants have been awarded to municipalities, schools and school districts in the program.GeographiesNew Jersey, USADatesNot indicatedSourceUser-generatedArts and culture,Education,Environment,Health,Information and communicationsChildren and youth9.5M–
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