Mansfield Township is proud to announce that it has met rigorous sustainability requirements to achieve a Sustainable Jersey bronze certification.

It is one of only 48 towns – and the only one in Warren County – to attain this certification in 2015. The town was honored for its accomplishment at the Sustainable Jersey awards luncheon on Nov. 17 in Atlantic City.

In Mansfield Township, a volunteer-based Green Team acts as part of the Mansfield Township Environmental Commission to help plan and further sustainable initiatives.

“We appreciate the work of our volunteers; a Green Team supports a model of initiatives that benefits our residents that are easily replicated and affordable,” said Mayor Michael Clancy.

“Having a Green Team can have many benefits for the township including grant funding, support of community events, state level recognition and overall community wellness.  The team has introduced conservation events such as rain barrel workshops and backyard composting, our police department has continued to participate in Drug Take Back programs, and we look forward to more ‘green’ initiatives to benefit the community now and in the future.”

To become Sustainable Jersey certified, Mansfield Township submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, acquiring 215 action points. In addition to reaching a minimum of 150 points, each certified community had to create a green team and select at least two out of 11 priority action options.

Mansfield Township recertification included five priority action items: Inventory & upgrade all buildings, municipal carbon footprint, sustainable land use pledge, natural resource inventory, and prescription drug safety and disposal.

There are 430 participating Sustainable Jersey towns, but not all have reached certification status.

“Becoming Sustainable Jersey certified is a significant achievement,” said Randall Solomon, co-director of Sustainable Jersey. “The 189 Sustainable Jersey certified towns demonstrate leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.”

Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts. “Collectively the 430 participating Sustainable Jersey towns are a powerful force in New Jersey,” said Donna Drewes, co-director of Sustainable Jersey.

To help keep Mansfield Township sustainable, residents are invited to become a Green Team volunteer and can assist with initiatives and events throughout the year. The Green Team meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. at the Mansfield Township Municipal Building.