Calling Hoboken Business Owners: Protect Your Local Environment With This Pledge

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken officials are inviting local business owners to join them in a city-wide effort to keep green and be environmentally friendly.

According to a recent city news release, the City of Hoboken Green Team has launched the “Green Business Recognition Program” to distinguish local businesses that are advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility.

“Doing business and doing business right go hand in hand,” city officials stated. “Integrating responsible environmental practices and business strategy can benefit Hoboken businesses, customers, our community, our city and our planet.”

According to the Green Team, some things that local businesses can do to help protect the environment include:

• Bags: increase the use and accessibility of reusable bags over plastic, disposable options
• Reusable: choose reusable utensils, dishware and cups over disposable options
• Eco-friendly packaging: biodegradable, eco-friendly options over Styrofoam and plastic
• Food waste: reduce water by donating unused food to shelters and composting
• Recycling: recycling & composting receptacles equal in number and visibility as trash bins
• Transportation: for short trips use a bike share program, walk or use public transport
• Take action: participate in environmental causes (fairs, cleanups, green foundations, etc.)

In order to qualify for the Green Business Recognition Program, businesses can complete the Green Business Pledge here. The pledge “takes less than five minutes” and should be completed by Feb. 15 for recognition in March 2017.

Businesses that take the green business pledge and are approved by the Green Team as a Hoboken Green Business will receive an official Hoboken Green Business branded sticker to display in their storefront and on their website to communicate their commitment to green values, Hoboken Green Businesses will also be highlighted in various forms of city media, officials said.

To learn more about the Hoboken Green Team, visit www.hobokennj.gov/greenteam.

Photo: City of Hoboken

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com