Chatham Towns Grab ‘Silver’ Sustainable Jersey Certification

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Borough and Township were among seven towns in Morris County that recently received 2021 Sustainable Jersey Certifications.

Statewide, each of the Chatham towns was recognized as 52 towns in New Jersey that have achieved 2021 Sustainable Jersey certification, with 24 of them - including Chatham Borough and Township - reaching the silver level.

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Sustainable Jersey is a program that municipalities can take part in voluntarily and at no cost, showing that they’ve made strides in becoming sustainable. Towns must have reached a minimum of 350 points for the silver level, demonstrating to the organization their achievements through special programs, ordinances, establishing a Green Team and other activities. Once certified, a municipality keeps their certification for three years, according to Sustainable Jersey.

The towns were recognized during the 2021 League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City in mid-November.

The award winners and certified towns exemplify the commitment we need to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world,” said Randall Solomon, the organization’s executive director, in a news release about the honor. “As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing equity divide and environmental pollution, it is essential that we support municipalities as they do the hard work to meet these challenges at the local level.”

In Morris County, the Chathams ranked in the top three that achieved certification in 2021, in terms of their points toward certification, with Madison having received top honors for Morris County with a “Sustainability Champion” award statewide for medium size towns - or towns with 5,000 to 40,000 residents - with 850 points.

After Madison’s silver ranking and place as the county’s top point-getter, Chatham Borough was in second with 535 points, followed by the township with 380.

Chatham Borough was first registered with the organization in 2009, having achieved certification in October 2015, 2018 and 2021. Among Chatham Borough’s accolades are their “animals in the community” program, having established a creative arts team, having held green fairs, the community garden, the borough Farmers Market and their support of local businesses with a dining pavilion, Spring Serenade concerts. See the full list here.

Chatham Township was registered as well in 2009, having also earned its certifications in October 2015, 2018 and 2021. Along with an “animals in the community program,” the township hosted a month-long pollinator plant drive sale and Zoom webinar, held green fairs, has a community garden, replaced lighting at Nash Field, has instituted a plastic bag ban, hosted their 1,000 mask challenge and has a composting program. She the township’s full list here.

Morristown and Mountain Lakes each achieved silver status in 2021 with 350 points, with Parsippany earning a Bronze Award and 250 points.

“These communities are helping New Jersey build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic and it is our honor to work with them as we strive for a better tomorrow,” Solomon said of all those honored.

Click here for the full list of the 52 towns that achieved Sustainable Jersey Certification statewide in 2021.

See the map with all towns registered statewide, including those that previously certified, here.

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