Contact: Mayor Nicholas Russo                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telephone: 609.823.2731 ext. 100
E-mail: clerk@longport-nj.us

BOROUGH OF LONGPORT, NJ, ACHIEVES BRONZE-LEVEL CERTIFICATION
IN SUSTAINABLE JERSEY PROGRAM

(LONGPORT, NJ) – The Borough of Longport has achieved bronze-level certification in the Sustainable Jersey program. Members of the governing body and Longport’s green team - Sustainable Longport, will accept a plaque at a luncheon to be held November 15, 2016, in conjunction with the League of Municipalities conference held in Atlantic City.

“Achieving certification in the Sustainable Jersey program is something Longport is very proud of. Our team of local volunteers, officials, and employees is to be commended for all its hard work. So much has been achieved this past year. This summer we hosted our first farmers market behind borough hall. Our community garden is thriving. In fact, this November, Longport will mark the one year anniversary of being the state’s first municipality to implement a carryout bag fee ordinance. With this legislation, Longport is doing its part to keep more plastic bags out of the waste stream, storm drains and the ocean,” said Mayor Nick Russo.

The borough’s application was approved for 16 actions in nine categories for a total of 165 points. Points are awarded based on the completion of various actions in different categories. A total of 150 points are needed to be certified at the bronze level.

Longport’s recent launch of its summer farmers market helped garner 10 points in the certification process. Other actions included adding curbside collection of bulky rigid plastics in conjunction with the traditional recycling of plastics, metals, and paper.

Also included in the list of actions completed by Longport, is the installation of a medical prescription drop box for expired or no longer needed medicine. By disposing of pharmaceuticals in the drop box it helps to protect the environment by keeping these drugs out of landfills and out of the water supply.

Sustainable Longport’s mission is to educate residents and visitors of the borough’s efforts to protect and conserve our natural resources, reduce waste, conserve energy and leave a better tomorrow for future generations to enjoy. 

For more information on the Sustainable Jersey program please visit: www.sustainablejersey.com.