EWING, NJ — Feb. 2, 2017, Sustainable Jersey for Schools announced the fifty New Jersey schools and school districts selected to receive Sustainable Jersey for Schools small grants funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Ten $10,000 grants and forty $2,000 grants were distributed to fund a variety of projects including physical activity and wellness programs, an aeroponic greenhouse, school vegetable and rain gardens, food waste composting, mobile environmental carts, student green team capacity building, the greening of school festivals, bicycle racks, a creation station, an outdoor classroom, energy efficiency programs, enhanced recycling efforts and more.
Cape May City Elementary School in Cape May City School District and Upper Township Middle School in Upper Township School District both received $2,000 grants.
Cape May City Elementary School received a $2,000 grant for the project “Composting Makes Cents.” Through increased composting education and improved composting systems, students and staff will compost food waste. The school will save money by reducing waste and by using the finished compost as a free, natural soil amendment.
Upper Township Middle School received a $2,000 grant for the project “Water Bottle Filling Stations.” Two water-bottle filling stations and reusable water bottles will be purchased for the students and staff. The goal is to reduce waste from single-use plastic bottles and offer purified water.
With the total contributions, NJEA has provided $500,000 to support a sustainable future for children across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program.
“NJEA is proud to continue to work with Sustainable Jersey on this important program that directs resources into our schools,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Sean Spiller. “It is our job to help create a new generation of engaged citizens and leaders. By emphasizing the value of sustainability, we also help ensure that we leave a better world for our students.”
In addition to the grant funding, NJEA supports Sustainable Jersey for Schools as a program underwriter.
“Sustainable Jersey grantees help advance our continued goal to create a more sustainable New Jersey and world,” said Donna Drewes, co-director of Sustainable Jersey. “We look forward to the innovative projects and work that these schools and school districts will accomplish and we will share the tools, models and activities with other schools across the state.”
Proposals were judged by an independent Blue Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants are intended to help school districts and schools make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.
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