Out With Plastic: East Brunswick Sets Sustainability Goals

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Mayor Brad Cohen and the Council proclaimed that they will continue to work with the East Brunswick Sustainability Task Force to “get past plastic one bottle at a time.”

During Monday’s Council meeting, the East Brunswick Sustainability Task Force and their partners - East Brunswick Hadassah, and Alpha Delta Kappa – were presented with a proclamation.

The Township committed to working with the team to stop the use of plastic bags, straws and bottles, encourage recycling and “freecycling,” increase the number of water filling stations in the schools and get township residents to be part of the solution.

“This was a targeted campaign that these groups are working towards that we clearly know is an area we have to work in if we’re going to improve the environment,” Cohen said.

Present during the proclamation were Assistant Superintendent Joyce Boley, science teacher Melissa Novak, student panel participant Eliza King among others. The Sub Scouts Pack 501 was also in attendance.

Cohen said it was great to have children involved in the initiative.

“It starts with the youngsters. I know that because I’ve raised kids myself. Kids look to us as role models,” Cohen said. “It’s great that we have kids involved in this initiative.”

The East Brunswick School District will be adopting sustainable policies in the coming years, Cohen said.

To learn more join Sustainable East Brunswick Area (& Beyond) Group on Facebook.

Here’s the proclamation:

By Mayor and Council - Township of East Brunswick

WHEREAS, the Township of East Brunswick recognizes the leadership of the Environmental Commission and the Sustainability Task Force, East Brunswick Hadassah, and Alpha Delta Kappa in launching a campaign to Get Past Plastic One Bottle at a Time and other recycling, reusing and refusing goals.

WHEREAS, the Township of East Brunswick agrees to work together with the Task Force Partners to educate and help solve the difficult problems facing a disposable culture, caused by excessive single-use and end-use plastic, a growing landfill, and climate change.

WHEREAS, the Township of East Brunswick commits to being a partner in the Task Force Action Plan of persuasive letter writing to governments and businesses, to advertise advantages in refusing single-use plastic and stopping the use of plastic bags, straws and bottles, to encourage even greater township recycling, to increase the number of water filling stations in the schools, to encourage “free cycling,” and to encourage every township member to be part of the solution.

WHEREAS, the Township of East Brunswick takes pride in being at the nations’s forefront of cleaning up our environment, of being a changemaking town and empowering the next generation to continue to take proper care of our Township and our world.

NOW THEREFORE, WE the Mayor and Council of the Township of East Brunswick, Do Hereby Proclaim the respect and admiration of the Task Force Partners and look forward to working with them for continued success in all efforts and to be a model for other townships.

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