Promote Collaboration

The Sustainable Jersey for Schools program was modelled after Sustainable Jersey’s very successful municipal certification program. Over 80% of all New Jersey municipalities are participating in the Sustainable Jersey program. In the most active communities municipal and school green teams work together to advance sustainability initiatives. They recognize that the most important component of sustainability is preparing the next generation to recognize and respond to the challenges that lie ahead including:

• Addressing climate change and other environmental management and conservation issues
• Strengthening local economies and protecting community resources
• Pursuing equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities for all

There are many actions that are included in BOTH municipal and school certification programs. Green teams collaborate on these initiatives or innovative community projects can each receive credit on their certification applications. Example collaboration actions include:

• Green Fair
• Community Education & Outreach
• Civic & Stewardship Initiatives
• Community Asset Mapping
• Green Challenges
• Non-Mandated Materials Recycling
• Materials Reuse
• Waste Audit
• Outdoor Air Quality/Anti-Idling Education & Enforcement
• Safe Routes to School
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Promotion Initiatives

Visit the sustainablejersey.com and view Participating Municipalities Map to see if municipalities served by your school district are participating in Sustainable Jersey and view their profiles to see what they are doing and who you can contact to connect with their green teams.

Green Team Collaboration Award

This award recognizes Green Teams from Sustainable Jersey certified schools and Sustainable Jersey certified municipalities who undertake substantial projects together to advance sustainability.

Regional Hubs

The power of collaboration is also realized through Sustainable Jersey's Regional Hubs. Regional Hubs have formed across New Jersey and are comprised of municipal and school green team members, environmental commission members, municipal and county representatives, and business, community, and nonprofit leaders. Participants gain the opportunity to learn from each other and partner on projects with neighboring towns and schools.

While each hub is structured differently and focuses on topics specific to the needs of its region's green teams, the opportunities that are provided to participate are the same:

• Peer mentoring
• Regular hub events which bring expert speakers, training on issues, updates on Sustainable Jersey municipal and school program actions, and opportunities to socialize and network with other sustainability-minded people in your region
• Project collaboration which helps build green team capacity and have a greater impact
• Online communication platform to foster sharing and collaboration between events
• Technical assistance and administration support by Sustainable Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools staff and partners

Questions? Do you want to start a hub? Contact Lauren Skowronski at 609-771-3129 or skowronl@tcnj.edu.