Sustainable New Jersey Certification

Bordentown City
A Legacy of Sustainability and a Vision for the Future

Bordentown City is proud to be a leader in environmental stewardship through its ongoing participation in the Sustainable Jersey Program. This statewide initiative recognizes municipalities for their efforts to create greener, healthier, and more equitable communities. Bordentown City’s commitment to sustainability dates back over a decade, and the city continues to achieve excellence in this critical mission.

A History of Excellence

Bordentown City first joined the Sustainable Jersey program in 2010, achieving Bronze Certification in the same year. This milestone marked the beginning of a longstanding commitment to sustainability. The city has since earned Silver Certification in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022.

In addition to these certifications, Bordentown City has been honored as a Sustainability Champion five times in the “Small Communities” category, which includes municipalities with populations under 5,000. The city received this prestigious award in 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022. Bordentown is one of only three municipalities in New Jersey to earn the Sustainability Champion award in 2022, joining Woodbridge Township (Large Communities category) and Madison Borough (Medium Communities category).

2022: A Milestone Year

Bordentown City’s 2022 Silver Certification (Click here to view the report) and Sustainability Champion award were celebrated at the New Jersey League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City. Mayor Jennifer Sciortino and Cathy Elliott-Shaw, a member of the Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC), accepted the award on behalf of the city.

“Sustainable Jersey provides a great playbook to help us strive for good governance in everything we do, and receiving silver recertification is an acknowledgment of those efforts,” said Mayor Sciortino. “I want to thank Cathy Elliott-Shaw for spearheading this year’s application and our volunteers for all they do to create not just a sustainable future, but a more livable present for our residents.”

Cathy Elliott-Shaw emphasized the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. “The Green Team’s philosophy builds upon Margaret Mead’s belief that ‘a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.’ Our hope is that our collective and incremental steps toward sustainability will produce real, tangible results over the long term.”

(source: TapInto Bordentown: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bordentown/sections/green/articles/bordentown-city-honored-as-sustainability-champion-with-statewide-award)

2022 Certification Achievements

As part of the 2022 Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification, Bordentown City earned points for a wide range of impactful sustainability actions. Highlights include:

  • Animals in the Community Education: Outreach on humane and sustainable animal control methods, led by Bordentown City Cats (BCC).
  • Pledge Supporting NJ Wildlife Action Plan: Habitat restoration projects at Hilltop Park and maintenance of pollinator gardens at Lime Kiln Alley Park and the Community Garden.
  • Green Team: Ongoing projects like the Community Garden, Shade Tree planting, pollinator gardens, Rain Barrel workshops, and Paper Shredding events.
  • Community Education & Outreach: Programs including social media campaigns, newsletters, and spotted lanternfly education.
  • Green Fair: Annual event promoting sustainable practices with vendors, exhibits, and recycling opportunities.
  • Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Installation of dual-port EV charging stations funded by a grant, located at Point Breeze, 101 Park St, Bordentown, NJ 08505.
  • Fleet Inventory: Up-to-date inventory of city vehicles focusing on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
  • Community Garden: Improvements to the Ellen Wehrman Community Garden and produce donations to local food banks.
  • Anti-Idling Education & Enforcement Program: Installation of “No Idling” signs and distribution of educational materials.
  • Rain Barrel Workshops: Teaching residents how to conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff.
  • Plastic Reduction Challenge: Encouraging public engagement to reduce plastic use.
  • Farmers’ Market: Weekly market promoting local produce and sustainable practices.
  • Pollinator Gardens: Establishment and maintenance of native plant gardens in public spaces.
  • Electric Vehicle Policy: Supporting and promoting the use of electric vehicles in the community.

These initiatives demonstrate Bordentown City’s dedication to fostering sustainability through education, outreach, and community-driven projects.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Bordentown City prepares to renew its Sustainable Jersey certification in 2025, the focus remains on building a more sustainable and livable community. Key goals include:

  • Monthly Invasive Species Remediation: Ongoing efforts every second Sunday of the month to tackle invasive species and restore native ecosystems.
  • Light Pollution Outreach: Raising awareness to protect the night sky.
  • Noise Pollution Solutions: Developing initiatives to create quieter neighborhoods.
  • Native Plant Habitat Restoration: Expanding biodiversity in city parks and open spaces.
  • Pedestrian Trails: Creating more connected and walkable spaces.
  • Water Conservation: Enhancing sustainable water use practices.
  • Family Support Programs: Expanding initiatives like the Toy Library and Costume Swap.
  • Recycling Expansion: Growing collection programs for items like plastic bags, cigarette butts, and other non-mandated materials.
  • And more…

Get Involved!

Bordentown City’s environmental efforts are driven by volunteers and community participation. The BCEC is made up of residents appointed by the Mayor, while the Green Team is open to anyone interested in creating a more sustainable community.

Interested in joining? Contact the Green Team at bordentowncitygreenteam@gmail.com to learn how you can make a difference.