The New Jersey Keep It Green Coalition was honored in the New Jersey Senate on Thursday with a ceremonial resolution recognizing the innovative land preservation work of the 150-member coalition. The resolution co-sponsored by Sen. Kip Bateman (R-16) and Sen. Bob Smith (D-17) cites the “vital role” of the coalition in securing long-term preservation funding by dedicating a portion of the corporate business tax specifically to open space, farmland, and historic preservation. http://www.njkeepitgreen.org/nj_keep_it_green_receives_recognition_from_nj_senate

You can help keep the environment clean and green on Saturday, Oct. 20, by participating in the Household Hazardous Waste Collection drive-through event at the Camden County Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Rd, Lindenwold, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Electric vehicles, typically referred to as EVs, are making inroads into the automotive market, making up about 7.6% of current new car sales in the U.S. Merchantville resident Kerry Miller is an EV owner. In this article, she shares her experience as well as those of her neighbors who also drive EVs.

Merchantville Borough is awarding one Clean Communities grant per month. Organizations that are interested will need to complete at least 2 hours of service. You pick a clean up date and the area your group would like to clean. Groups must not have fewer than ten (10) people in the clean up. Your group must have (1) adult for every (5) children. Groups coming to clean up without proper supervision will not be able to participate in the clean up. All groups must sign and return the signature sheet and map. If interested, please complete the application and return to Denise Brouse at Merchantville Borough Hall in the Clerks Office, 1 West Maple Ave. Application

Although a green, golf-course-worthy lawn has been a point of pride for many despite the challenges of irrigation and chemical weed prevention necessary to maintain it, today’s concerns about climate change and chemical exposure shift the focus from manicured lawns to nurtured greenways and drought-resistant native plantings.

The Merchantville School’s Garden Club has been making remarkable strides towards fostering environmental stewardship and education within our community. The group, led by fifth grade teacher Jennifer Smith, has engaged in several hands-on and educational activities.