Avalon Attains Recertification in Sustainable Jersey Program

AVALON – Sustainable Jersey representatives announced today that the Borough of Avalon has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification.  Avalon is one of 70 towns that have attained certification in 2017 and will be honored at the Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon Nov. 14 in Atlantic City with members of the Avalon Green Team accepting the award.
“This certification by Sustainable Jersey is supported by Avalon’s proactive management of its environmental assets and by the countless volunteers who offer their time, knowledge and experience to make the Borough a ‘green’ community”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi.  “I would like to thank Michele Petrucci and Nina Ranalli for heading up this comprehensive recertification effort, and the various departments of Borough government who worked cooperatively on this certification achievement”.
To become Sustainable Jersey certified, Avalon submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 150 action points. In addition to reaching 150 points, each certified community had to create a green team and select at least two out of 12 priority action options.
Avalon has supported and created many valuable environmental projects and initiatives since its initial certification.  Among the initiatives are the Avalon Dune and Beach Trail, management of native and invasive species in the Avalon dunes, the planting and fertilization of dune grass, and a new initiative that involves the creation of a Monarch Butterfly Habitat at Armacost Park.  Avalon recently was awarded a State grant for the planting of new trees at key locations through the community.  Avalon’s environmental efforts are supported in part by the Avalon Environmental Commission, the Avalon Garden Club, the Avalon Green Team, and various departments and professionals throughout the Borough.
“Sustainable Jersey is proud of the 70 New Jersey towns that achieved certification this year,” said Randy Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “The 208 Sustainable Jersey certified towns demonstrate leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.” Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts. Collectively, the 445 participating Sustainable Jersey towns are a powerful force in New Jersey.