Action Alerts

College Students: Apply for ANJEC’s 2024 Lechner Scholarship!

ANJEC will award a $1,200 scholarship to a New Jersey college student entering their junior or senior year. The scholarship is granted to encourage qualified students to pursue a career in a field related to environmental protection.

The Lechner Scholarship Fund is a living memorial to Hermia Lechner, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service and contributions to the preservation of open space and natural resources in New Jersey.

Scholarship eligibility:

• New Jersey resident
• Attending an accredited New Jersey four-year college or university
• Entering junior or senior year in the fall of 2024
• Majoring in natural resources, parks and recreation, environmental law, environmental sciences
  or a related field
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Demonstrated activism in the preservation of New Jersey’s open space, wildlife or water
  resources.

Application deadline: April 30, 2024
Application link: https://forms.gle/wdDghoCcekPFny2KA
(Please remember to submit the required documents noted within the Google form.)
The scholarship will be awarded by May 31, 2024. The winner will be honored at ANJEC’s
annual Environmental Congress in the autumn of 2024.

For questions, please contact:
Georgia Madiba, ANJEC Membership Manager
gmadiba@anjec.org

Protect Open Space and Hazardous Site Cleanup Funding

Governor Murphy is threatening to slash $60 million of annual state funding for environmental programs. ANJEC has prepared a resolution for Environmental Commissions and municipalities to adopt to encourage state legislators to support Open Space.

In June, Governor Murphy signed a state budget that plans on cutting approximately $60 million annually for land preservation and cleanup of hazardous polluted sites starting in January 2024. The New Jersey Legislature can correct this in the lame duck session between now and early January 2024.  We ask that Environmental Commissions pass this resolution and then request that your governing body do the same. 
Send a copy to ANJEC at info@anjec.org once adopted.

Say NO to $10+ Billion in state funding for expanding the NJ Turnpike; Say YES to more public transportation.

Resolution Opposing the Expansion of the NJ Turnpike

The Murphy Administration is proposing to spend $10 billion in state funds (at the last estimate) to expand one lane in areas of both north and south Jersey. The Jersey City Environmental Commission is strongly opposed to this, and we are asking for your help standing with them. We argue that these significant state resources should instead be spent on climate-friendly public transportation investments that make common sense in the most densely populated area of the most densely populated state. We ask that Environmental Commissions pass this resolution and then request that your governing body do the same.  Send a copy to ANJEC at info@anjec.org once adopted. You do not need to be located near the turnpike or public-transit area to benefit from passing this resolution.  Our collective stance will create a healthier, better-connected NJ with more options for statewide mobility.  This will create economic opportunities for all and mitigate damage already being done to vulnerable populations.

 

 

Questions? Email ANJEC for more information

Plastic Pollution Reduction Act.

Governor Murphy signed this ground-breaking new legislation in November 2020.

When does this law go into effect?
Starting May 2022, both plastic and paper single-use bags, as well as disposable food containers and cups made out of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam), will be banned, with some exemptions (bags wrapping raw meat, polystyrene butcher trays, produce bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, prescription bags and bags holding fish or insects from pet stores).

• Stores less than 2,500 square feet can still provide paper bags.

• The law also restricts food-service businesses from handing out plastic straws, unless specifically requested by a customer, beginning in November 2021.

Click here  for printable/viewable Fact Sheet on the new law.
For more resources and information  Njnoplastics.org

One of the many coronavirus fears is about the safety of using reusables.  ANJEC has compiled a list of Q&A and resources to share in your community:

1. Are reusables safe?

– Yes, the short answer is that soap and hot water are effective at killing coronavirus, other viruses, and bacteria. Home and commercial dishwashers are more effective than hand-washing because of the added benefit of high temperature and prolonged washing.

– State health codes ensure that commercial dishwashing will kill all pathogens, and the coronavirus is especially sensitive to soap and heat.

–  Virus Spreads Primarily from Inhaling Aerosolized Droplets, Rather than through Contact with Surfaces
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC), “The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person…between people who are in close contact with one another, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks .” While “it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes,” aerosolized droplets are the only documented method of COVID-19 transmission to date. https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5d696bc69fa6c2515873360a/5ef0e189dfa56f4fdf111e83_Health%20Expert%20Statement%20Version%209.pdf

2. Aren’t disposables safer?

– No. Properly washed resuables are safe.

– In addition, according to a recently-released peer-reviewed scientific consensus statement, over 12,000 chemicals are used in food packaging, and many of them are hazardous to human health. Migration of these toxic chemicals out of disposables into our food and drinks is not an issue with non-plastic reusables. ‍

3. Can I use my reusable water bottle or coffee cup?

– Absolutely. Coronavirus mainly spreads through coughs and sneezes, not your reusable water bottle or cup.

– The best water refill options when you’re out and on-the-go are hands-free electronic water refilling stations like you see at the airport. If you don’t have easy access to one of these, then you can use the tap or the water cooler. Just don’t let your water bottle directly touch the spigot, and be mindful about washing your hands after touching communal surfaces.

– The same logic applies to your coffee cup. Just don’t touch your cup directly to the spigot or coffee pot, and wash your hands.

– Also, don’t forget to wash your bottle or cup with soap and water, preferably in a dishwasher.

4.  What are some tips for using a reusable bag?

– Bring clean, washed bags to the grocery store. If possible, sanitize the shopping cart before you put your bags in it. Many stores offer disinfectant wipes at their entrances.

– At checkout, avoid putting your bags on the counter. Rather, keep your bags in the cart as you pack up groceries.

 – Wash your bags after each trip to the grocery store. Soap and hot water are effective at killing coronavirus, other viruses, and bacteria.

5. My local grocer is NOT allowing me to use reusable bags.  What are my options?

– Understanding the employee safety is number one concern, offer to bag your own groceries
– Choose to put your groceries loosely back in the cart or use a box (e.g., Costco)

– Ask your grocer to stop using single-use plastic: https://beyondplastics.org/article/ask-your-grocery-store-to-stop-selling-things-packaged-in-single-use-plastic/

6.  How can local restaurants reduce single-use plastic?

– Skip disposable cutlery and straws – Save some money and prevent waste by simply not providing cutlery with take-out or delivery options, or only provide it on request.

– Hold off on condiment packets – Consider providing condiment sachets or to-go cups only on request to save money and prevent packaging and food waste.

– For pick-up orders, allowing customers to bag their own orders in reusable bags saves staff time and reduces customer contact while preventing waste from disposable bags. For contactless deliveries, bags may not be needed if food can simply be placed (in containers) at a customer’s door.

–If reusables are not an option, choose better single-use take out containers made from naturally occurring materials. Paper-based items, bamboo plates, wooden utensils, straws made completely from paper, hay, pasta, seaweed, bamboo and more.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V14s9afy3M-9a8VT8EjCXypIClYjLOsj/view

7.  What can be done about all the personal protective equipment (PPE) littering our streets and waterways?

– Ask your grocer/retail store if they will put out specially marked trash containers for PPE. Or allow signage asking people to dispose properly

-Post on social media.  Write op-eds.

– On a cleanup, track the amount of PPEs

8. Will coronavirus kill the growing zero waste lifestyle, built on bring-your-own (BYO), reuse, and bulk shopping?

– No, the zero waste lifestyle is here to stay and is gaining more traction every day. While the coronavirus will change many things in our lives for a time, it won’t change our core values like working for healthy people, a healthy planet, and a sustainable economy.

– But just like take-out and food delivery, this crisis is also showing us that we need better systems for BYO and bulk shopping. Hands-free dispensers and methods are part of the solution, as are on-site sanitizing for BYO. In addition, businesses can create new systems to provide clean, sanitized reusable containers for bulk purchasing on deposit – similar to how local dairies are bringing back the reusable milk bottle.

– We have to stay vigilant.  Stay in touch with your township council and community.

Sources

https://www.upstreamsolutions.org/stay-informed

Plastic Reduction Tools for Businesses and Communities

https://www.surfrider.org/programs/ocean-friendly-restaurants

https://beyondplastics.org/take-action/

https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/2020/04/02/coronavirus-nj-dont-frightened-into-using-single-use-plastic-bags-opinion/5088278002/

What is Single Use Plastic Pollution?

Single-use plastics are items that are generally used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. Most common examples are plastic bottles, bags, Styrofoam, straws, cigarette butts, monofilament fishing lines and balloons. New Jersey residents alone go through 4.4 BILLION plastic bags each year.

Plastics have been found in the food we eat and the water we drink and threatens our $44 billion coastal economy and the 838,000 workers employed in the fishing and tourism industries. ANJEC is here to provide guidance and feedback on municipal ordinance.  Please note that the language in the State bill (S864/A1978) continue to fluctuate and we attempt to provide the latest information.    ANJEC is here to provide you with resources and tools to fight plastic pollution in your municipality.

Plastic-Free Resources:

• ANJEC Model Single-use Plastic Pollution Reduction Ordinance
• ·         Stop Plastic Pollution in NJ Fact Sheet

• A guide to Local Plastics Ordinances
• Plastics-Free Community Engagement Ideas

•      Longport Bag Ordinance

• Glen Rock Bag Ordinance
• Hoboken Bag Ordinance
• Sea Isle City Balloon Ordinance
• Leonia Styrofoam Ordinance

 

ANJEC has compiled more tools that can be used at the local level: strategies for public engagement, scientific reports, sample press releases, fact sheets, marketing programs and more.
Email ANJEC or call 973-539-7547 for assistance. 

What We Do

The mission of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) is to promote local action
to protect and restore New Jersey’s natural resources and ensure equitable, healthy communities.
ANJEC advances its mission by engaging in diverse and inclusive practices through leadership, partnerships, education,
advocacy for strong public policy and support of environmental commissions, public officials, and communities throughout New Jersey.

Education Programs and Resources

• Information, guidance, and referrals from our knowledgeable Resource Center staff;
• A wide variety of environmental education courses, workshops and webinars throughout the year;
• The quarterly ANJEC Report, plus the biweekly ANJEC News. a biweekly environmental news digest delivered via email newsletter;
• Handbooks, resource papers and manuals; for local environmentalists;
• The annual Fundamentals for Environmental Commissions Training offered each spring;
• The annual Environmental Congress, our educational conference offered in October;
• The annual Fundamentals for Effective Environmental Commissions training offered in Spring

Advocacy Work

ANJEC advocates for strong environmental policy in New Jersey.  ANJEC takes positions on statewide environmental issues and represents environmental commissions at the regional and state level.  Some recent examples of this work include the successful passage and implementation of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, passage of the Recycled Content bill, and establishment of the Environmental Justice Law.

Open Space Stewardship Grants for Environmental Commissions

Each year, ANJEC offers grants of up to $1,500 to municipal environmental commissions for Open Space Stewardship Projects.  Over 2 million dollars in funds have been granted to approximately 300 municipalities to support countless local projects.  These grants help to empower environmental commissions towards reaching their open space stewardship goals.  Projects often include trail improvements, rain gardens, community education, and much more.  Grant availability and deadlines are announced annually, typically in the spring.

Program Work and Specialized Staff Expertise

ANJEC’s staff leads program efforts in the following top priority areas by providing knowledge and expertise to a variety of collaborative efforts through the state.  Top priority areas and projects include:

• Combatting the Climate Crisis
• Ending Plastic Pollution 
• Advancing Environmental Justice
• Restoring Water Quality and Managing Stormwater Runoff 

Combatting the Climate Crisis

ANJEC supports Environmental Commissions (ECs) to enhance climate resiliency and the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Impact strategies include:

• Encouraging local communities to adopt a Municipal Climate Hazard Vulnerability Assessment to the land use element of the municipal master plan.
• Educating and encouraging the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources such as responsible off-shore wind, community solar, and electric vehicles.
• Educating, encouraging, and supporting communities that are combatting increasing stormwater challenges due to climate change. Strategies include initiating and supporting green infrastructure projects, as well as educating and supporting communities interested in adopting stormwater utility as a dedicated and equitable source of funding for stormwater challenges.
• Teaching environmental commissioners how to get involved in the Master Plan process and help set environmental goals for the community.
• Introducing environmental commissioners to new tools to help protect their communities – NJ Conservation Blueprint, NJDEP Geoweb, NJ Flood Mapper, Municipal Snapshots, NJ Forest Adapt

Ending Plastic Pollution

From generation to disposal, plastics are connected to human/wildlife health, climate and environmental justice concerns.  Approximately 90% of single-use plastics are made from fracked gas and 40% of plastics are used only once. Plastics manufacturing and incinerators emit known carcinogens and are frequently located in communities with a majority of residents who are low-income and minorities.

Impact strategies include:

• Empowering ECs towards successful implementation of Plastic Pollution Reduction Act through education, serves on the State Plastics Advisory Council, and hosts an educational website NJNoPlastics.org
• Advocating and coordinating the implementation the Recycled Content Law by ensuring adequate recycling and access to post-consumer recycled content.
• Educating and advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility bill that will increase recycling rates by holding manufactures responsible with environmental standards for packaging and providing financial relief for taxpayers and consumers.

Advancing Environmental Justice

As defined by the Unites States Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.  ANJEC works to educate environmental commissions about EJ and how fair treatment and meaningful involvement can be achieved in their community through environmental actions.

Impact strategies include:

• Hosting continuous education opportunities on EJ, diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Empowering and educating ECs to examine local zoning and planning and how it contributes to environmental injustice or advances EJ.
• Listening to and amplifying voices of residents from overburdened communities in local decision-making through ANJEC staff leadership in various regional initiatives including, but not limited to: Sewage Free Streets and Rivers, Stormwater Stories, Adopt a Catch Basin work and GI initiatives in Newark and Paterson; green infrastructure work in Delaware River Watershed Coalition (DRWI), and Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI). Working with the Nature Conservancy as lead, our Paterson Flood Fighters group applied for and received a grant for $354,893 to implement a community-based green infrastructure initiative in the City of Paterson. This initiative will result in stormwater management features that will reduce the frequency of combined sewer overflows, sewer backups into private properties, nuisance flooding, as well as decrease the surcharging of sanitary sewers in the city.

Restoring Water Quality and Managing Stormwater Runoff

Non-point source pollution (fertilizer, oil, pesticides, sediment etc) from stormwater runoff is one of the greatest threats to our rivers, streams and drinking water sources.  This is exacerbated with increased frequency and intensity of storms and increased development.  ANJEC supports and works with ECs and municipalities to strengthen their ordinances to better manage stormwater and protect local water quality.

Impact strategies include:

• As a founding member of the Flood Defense NJ coalition, ANJEC advocates, educates, and provides guidance on the establishment of stormwater utilities for communities suffering from inadequate stormwater infrastructure and maintenance.
• Providing education and advocates for green infrastructure, raising community awareness, and supporting local stewardship to improve local water quality.
• Advising on State distribution of Federal Bipartisan Instructure Funds for Lead in drinking line and solder replacement, and green infrastructure funding to reduce the impact of climate change flooding – in alignment with CDRW, asking for 40% of funds to be directed to low-income and minority communities.
• Supporting local communities to increase community education and outreach regarding Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) communities in order for them to have increased public participation in the CSO permitting process and in the development and implementation of the Long Term Control Plans (LTCPs).
• As a member of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, ANJEC is working with our partners to conserve and restore waterways that supply drinking water to 15 million people in NJ, NY, PA and DE.
• Working in South Jersey as part of the DRWI has resulted in the installation of 20 Green Infrastructure projects adverting over 1.9 million gallons of stormwater per year in the Salem and Menantico watersheds.
• Contributing to the South Jersey Landscape Makeover Program, making Green Stormwater Infrastructure installations, such as rain gardens, possible for municipalities across south jersey.