1. Recycle - We've said it before and we'll say it again, and probably again and again—the greenest thing you can do for your community is to recycle. Not only is it the law, but it just makes good sense. There's only so much space in landfills, and who wouldn't want to turn something old into something new? Best of all, Gloucester Township continues to make it easy for residents to recycle all types of household items. You can now recycle all of your electronic items at the Public Works building, and our new singles-stream recycling program, coming later this year, will make recycling at your home or office easier than ever.

2. Buy local - Buy foods grown locally as much as possible. Buying locally saves energy by reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned to get foods from the farm to your grocer, plus it stimulates and supports the local economy. Purchasing foods that are in season, planting your own garden, and taking advantage of our community garden are all excellent ways to use food as a vehicle for going green here in town.

3. Use reusable bags - Whether you're shopping at the grocery store, wholesale club, or the Blackwood Farmers Market, take along reusable cloth bags on your trip. Most grocery stores sell the bags right by the checkout line for about a dollar. They hold more than plastic shopping bags, and they don't take up space in landfills or in your kitchen cabinet or pantry. If you have an abundance of those plastic bags lying around, most grocers here in town will take them back for recycling.

4. Ditch the disposables - I mention this time and time again, but it is really so simple and so powerful. Use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Use a refillable mug for your coffee or tea. Use cloth rags, towels, and sponges instead of paper towels when cleaning your home. Use cloth napkins instead of disposable napkins and paper towels when possible. Not only will this eliminate massive amounts of waste, but you WILL save money! 

5. Be informed - Visit Gloucester Township's website and read all about the green initiatives going on here in town. Then check out Sustainable Gloucester Township and take their going green pledge.