Effective, Efficient Living On Display In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A sustainability center in Gloucester Township is putting Camden County ahead of the curve in environmentally-friendly living, a Camden County Commissioner said.

"This center is one of the first of its kind in the state and we’re so proud to be putting Camden County on the map to lead New Jersey to a more sustainable future," said Camden County Commissioner Jon Young.

It is to date, perhaps the most visible example of the Sustainability Plan that Camden County adopted in 2018.

Such plans conserve resources, promote innovation, save money and — with events like Superstorm Sandy seemingly increasingly more frequently — are very important, Camden County Freeholders Jeff Nash and Michelle Gentek wrote in the plan.

"Practices such as water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, vehicle fleet management, green purchasing, green building design and investments in innovative
technologies, such as renewable energy generation, are all part of a sustainability plan and need to be measured so we can track our progress against our goals," they said.

"A sustainability plan will help us do that in the most effective, efficient and transparent way," Nash and Gentek continued.

The center’s design includes a farmer's market, an auditorium/educational space and a full kitchen. Some center features include:

• Recyclable stainless steel cookware
• Single-use cups, plates, straws and flatware made from recyclable or compostable materials
• Napkins made from 100 percent recycled fiber
• Hydroponically-grown vegetables
• Bird-friendly glass
• Motion sensor/LED lighting
• Waterless urinals
• Low-flow water fixture

The center opened to the public in April and has resources for municipal governments, schools, organizations and residents, according to Camden County's website.

It is located at 508 Lakeland Road in Blackwood.

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