NJDEP Air, Energy and Materials Sustainability

11/07/2023

Don't forget to get out and vote! 🗳📮

11/06/2023

🚨🚨 CONTEST 🚨🚨 with a prize!
🏆 Enter for a chance to win a DEP swag bag filled with our most coveted items!

WHO'S THAT PERSON?!

How to get in the running:
To “enter” the contest, comment below with your guess as to who is the latest DEP EV owner! Wrong guesses will still be considered as long as you give it your best shot! Tag us and use (the post needs to be public in order for us to see it – if you don’t have a public account, you can also DM us.
⏰ Get your entry in by the end of the contest (you have until 11:59pm on 11/17/2023). We’ll choose the winner at random using a virtual spin wheel & notify them via social media to get their info so that we can mail out the prize!
Any individual, business, organization, or community group can enter, but only one entry per Instagram account will be eligible. Check back at the end of the contest to see if you are a lucky winner!

11/06/2023

Take note of how you can enhance your recycling efforts to reduce recycling contamination by viewing this month's sustainability infographic. Download the Recycle Coach app for recycling guidance.

11/02/2023

Feast for fall this November by cooking with foods that are in season and grown locally. Perishable foods are more likely to spoil the longer they remain in storage and in transit.

To download this month’s Erase Food Waste calendar, visit us online at www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/food-waste/news.html.

10/31/2023

EPA is unveiling the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, providing information on EPA funding opportunities and environmental and climate justice issues. Visit the website to learn, connect, dream & cultivate ideas! https://www.epa.gov/community-equity-resiliency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

10/31/2023

Happy Howl-o-ween! We have a treat for you. PET PICTURES!!!
Share your pets with us, costumes encouraged :)

10/27/2023

Need a last minute day trip or weekend getaway? recently welcomed Madison as NJ's 4th participating town in the program, offering dozens of local businesses and experiences to check out while your EV chargers nearby.

Visit dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/destination-electric to learn more about Madison and our other DE towns (including Jersey City, Princeton, and Red Bank), find out which businesses are participating, and review some sample EV-friendly itineraries.

10/24/2023

We are approaching peak foliage season in the northeast and the crisp air is perfect for a day or weekend road trip. Finding a charging station will be easier than ordering your pumpkin spice chai latte with one pump of white chocolate mocha, whipped cream, and extra pumpkin spice on top.

Check out Destination Electric for major weekend road trip inspiration. Want to explore somewhere new? Destination Electric is a collaboration between the states of New York, Connecticut, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New Jersey. Visit to find your next destination: https://driveelectricus.com/

For more local peeping, Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites has some suggestions for best trails to explore NJ fall foliage. Thank you New Jersey Forest Service for the Foliage updates!

10/23/2023

New Jersey’s single use bag legislation has been quite a success. It is estimated that 8.4 billion single-use bags will be removed from the state’s waste stream each year! So, remember to bring your reusable bags next time you go shopping. Information and educational resources on this initiative are available at dep.nj.gov/get-past-plastic/ and litterfreenj.com/.

Learn more about waste reduction and recycling at recycle.nj.gov.

10/16/2023

Calling all New Jersey county and municipality officials, residents, and community organizations! There's still time to RSVP to NJDEP's hosted virtual event on October 24th! The NJDEP will be hosting a kickoff webinar detailing New Jersey's workplan and priorities for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. This virtual event will provide a chance for organizations and the public to provide feedback on the state's anticipated funding priorities and a look forward on what can be expected throughout the CPRG planning and implementation process. RSVP to the event at www.dep.nj.gov/climatechange/mitigation/cprg/.

10/16/2023

It's gettin' COLD in here 🎶 so take down all these tips....

Chilly mornings are back and sometimes it takes a minute to remember what to do. We want to remind you to . Whether you are getting ready to head into the office, or just going on a morning coffee run, here are some of our favorite cold weather tips! Stay warm out there! 🥶

10/07/2023

Is it possible for a city to curtail or even eliminate automobile use in its downtown business district and survive? The answer to this question is a resounding yes, as proven by Pontevedra, a city in northwestern Spain. Pontevedra, population 80,000, began its transformation in 1999 from a city that saw 52,000 cars driving its ancient streets each day to a walkable city with few or no cars on its streets and a new focus on pedestrians. The city’s pedestrian friendly layout and policies have not only attracted businesses, shops, and restaurants, but they’ve also led to a 67% reduction in carbon dioxide levels and improved the quality of life in the city. In addition, the city has not had a single road traffic death in over a decade. For more information, visit, youtu.be/26BxliVhFGM.

Learn more about sustainability at: www.nj.gov/dep/aqes/sustainability.html.

10/06/2023

What is a 15-minute city?? Learn by viewing this month's environmental infographic.

For this infographic and more visit: www.nj.gov/dep/aqes/sustainability-infographics.html.

10/04/2023

Calling all New Jersey county and municipality officials, residents, and community organizations! On October 24th the NJDEP will be hosting a kickoff webinar detailing New Jersey's workplan and priorities for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. This virtual event will provide a chance for organizations and the public to provide feedback on the state's anticipated funding priorities and a look forward on what can be expected throughout the CPRG planning and implementation process. RSVP to the event at www.dep.nj.gov/climatechange/mitigation/cprg/.

10/03/2023

I saw Regina drive an EV... so I got an EV

dep.nj.gov/drivegreen

10/01/2023

Spooky Season is upon us! This month, we challenge you to utilize all parts of your pumpkin when carving your Halloween decorations! Pumpkins have many health benefits and can serve many purposes. You can even bring your jack-o-lanterns back to life by upcycling them into pumpkin planters!

To download this month’s Erase Food Waste calendar, visit us online at www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/food-waste/news.html.

10/01/2023

To end on a FAST note, we are so excited to have been a part of the Duke Farms ribbon cutting, unveiling a new electric vehicle fast charging station. The charging station is the first fast-charging station in Somerset County, NJ powered by electricity generated from an on-site solar energy system.

That is a mouthful. Basically, Duke Farms is charging on sun power and so can you! The charging station along the 206 corridor can be used by visitors to the property and EV drivers who just need to stretch their legs.

Duke Farms was able to take advantage of incentive programs from their utility company, PSEG , as well as grant funding from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to complete this project. To learn more about what incentives you may qualify for, visit: https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/affordability-incentives/

09/30/2023

Air Toxics- now that's spooky ☠👻

cars, trucks, buses, trains, planes, construction equipment, etc... all produce air toxics, such as diesel particulate matter?

Air toxics are all the other pollutants (that are NOT classified as "criteria pollutants") that can cause health concerns and negatively impact our environment and quality of life.

Urban areas are particularly at risk due to the amount of traffic and industry being within a close proximity to each other and residential zones.

Projects such as GoTrenton! will provide an all-electric on-demand shuttle service for Trenton residents. Projects like these will help lessen the impact of vehicle pollution while still providing equitable and accessible transportation options in these bustling urban areas!

09/29/2023

Learn how the benefits add up at dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/driveelectric

09/29/2023

Dozens of EV models on the market means there’s sure to be an electric vehicle that’s right for you. Check ‘em out in person at a event near you:
https://driveelectricweek.org

Not able to get out to an event? Browse online: https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/explore-electric-vehicles

09/28/2023

IT'S GOIN' DOWN ⬇⬇⬇
..the price of an Electric Vehicle we mean.

From the Alliance for Automotive Innovation: "EV prices declined more than $10,700 from the second quarter of 2022 while the average cost of all new light duty vehicles rose just over $2,000."

In combination with all of New Jersey's incentives, there is now another reason to make the switch!

Learn more: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2023/09/25/ev-sales-grew-to-9-percent-of-car-market-in-second-quarter-ee-00117960

09/28/2023

EVs are about 70% cleaner than gas-powered vehicles in New Jersey…including emissions from the power plants generating electricity to charge the batteries. Driving
electric gets even cleaner as NJ transitions to more renewable energy, like solar and offshore wind.

See the emissions benefits yourself at https://plugstar.com/tools/emissions and catch a
event near you to learn more: https://driveelectricweek.org

09/27/2023

Most new EVs on the market today can go 200-300+ miles on a single charge. With daily travel averaging less than 40 miles for U.S. drivers, you’ll have plenty of range to last you days or more! Plus, most EV owners get the bulk of their charging done at home overnight.

Talk with real EV owners to see how the EV lifestyle can simplify your daily routine at a
event: https://driveelectricweek.org

09/26/2023

Marking Climate Week, DEP, TCNJ and Sustainable Jersey Announce Award of $4.55 Million In Trees For Schools Grants. 34 public schools, colleges and universities receive grants.

Read the release: https://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2023/23_0052.htm

Learn more: https://bit.ly/TreesforSchools

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection The College of New Jersey

09/26/2023

New Jersey has some of the best EV incentives in the country, with thousands available in rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives. The cost of charging an EV is only a fraction of what you pay at the pump. And don’t forget, EVs need less maintenance than gas-powered cars, which means even more savings down the road.

Learn more about how you can save with an EV at a event near you: https://driveelectricweek.org

09/25/2023

The weather may have delayed some events this past weekend, but there are still a bunch coming up for you to check out ⬇

Find an event near you at https://driveelectricweek.org

09/25/2023

Get ready for ! This nationwide celebration runs from Sep 22-Oct 1 this year to raise awareness of the many benefits of electric cars,
trucks, motorcycles, and more.

Are you considering going electric or have questions? Attend a local event to learn EV basics, get a firsthand take on driving electric from real EV owners, browse
EVs on display, or even take a test drive at an EV Ride & Drive! See all the events at https://driveelectricweek.org.

09/24/2023

The results are in! The winners have been selected for the 2022-2023 "Pollution Prevention Works! Storytelling Contest." In this contest students at both the high school and university level were invited to utilize the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory Search Tool to find facilities that have implemented pollution prevention techniques to reduce or eliminate the use and emission of hazardous materials. After receiving submissions from nearly 60 participants a New Jersey student, Arin Harkawat, was selected as one of the third-place winners!

Learn more about the contest and read other winning essays here: www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/pollution-prevention-works-storytelling-challenge-students-0.

Read Arin’s essay: www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/EPA%20Pollution%20Prevention%20Storytelling%20Challenge%20-%20Arin%20Harkawat.pdf. View their video submission: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlUlc5-ZwWY.

09/23/2023

To continue the celebration of P2 Week, let’s review the amazing milestones the Pollution Prevention Program has achieved. From federal regulations to programs created to help individual industries, the Pollution Prevention Program has been helping the United States create healthier communities and businesses since 1990! For a complete timeline of the Pollution Prevention Program, visit: www.epa.gov/p2/pollution-prevention-timeline.

09/22/2023

A Proclamation hath been made! 🥳 Governor Phil Murphy has signed the 2023 Drive Electric Week Proclamation highlighting some of our recent advancements towards a goal of a zero emission future.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Mobile Sources will be staffing events statewide celebrating which runs from Friday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 1. Visit https://driveelectricweek.org to find the complete list of in-person and virtual events nationwide.

See the complete proclamation:https://media.ndew.org/r/2023-proc-usa-NJ-c64k59m6.pdf

09/22/2023

Happy Pollution Prevention Week 2023! Each year the third week of September is Pollution Prevention Week, a week where we reflect on the Pollution Prevention Program and discuss the ways pollution prevention benefits businesses, communities, individuals and the environment! This year the theme of Pollution Prevention week is “Pollution Prevention Works!” Follow along this week as we dive a bit deeper into pollution prevention! You can learn more about pollution prevention here: www.epa.gov/p2.

09/22/2023

Stop by our and tables at the Princeton eCommuter fest tonight from 4-7pm! We'll be available to answer all your clean transportation questions 😄

09/21/2023

Although the Pollution Prevention Program was originally created with industrial facilities in mind, individuals can help prevent pollution every single day in their homes, workplaces, and communities! Activities as simple as walking or biking to destinations instead of driving prevent pollution and keep your community healthy. To learn more about how you can prevent pollution everyday visit: www.epa.gov/p2week.

Learn more about EPA’s Safer Choice: www.epa.gov/saferchoice

Learn more about EPEAT products: www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/electronic-product-environmental-assessment-tool-epeat.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR: www.energystar.gov/about.

09/21/2023

Farmers Against Hunger is a program that works as a bridge between New Jersey's agricultural sector and hunger relief organizations. When farmers have produce to share - whether boxed and ready to go or still out in the fields - Farmers Against Hunger and its volunteers are ready to help. This assistance not only includes harvesting surplus crops in the field (a process known as gleaning), but also transporting the produce to food banks, pantries, churches or other groups engaged in feeding their communities. Through this program, thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be wasted are recovered and shared with those in need. Visit, www.njagsociety.org/volunteer-to-glean.html for details on becoming a gleaning volunteer. Learn more about food waste and recycling at recycle.nj.gov.

09/21/2023

It's that time of year again, National Drive Electric Week is almost here!

Starting tomorrow, come out to local National Drive Electric Week events to chat with EV owners and take a look at available EVs and their features to make your drive as comfortable as it is fun.

Find a NDEW event near you: driveelectricweek.org/attend

09/21/2023

Howell Day & Green Fair
Saturday, September 23, 2023

Due To The Weather, Howell Day & Green Fair Has Been Canceled For Saturday, September 23, 2023. Stay Tuned For Enhanced Special Events And Exciting New Events Coming Up In The Near Future.

We appreciate everyone who put in their time and effort over the past year from the departments, vendors, residents and families. We look forward to making our current events bigger and better and adding new and exciting events for the community!

09/19/2023

Ahoy, matey! September 19th is “International Talk Like a Pirate Day” so don’t forget that when you hear pirates say “aRRR!” they are, of course. referring to the 3 Rs in Sustainability – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We landlubbers should keep in mind that waste reduction, reuse and recycling not only help the environment, but also the economy. Shiver me timbers, sustainable practices are so beneficial! Aye aye matey! So, remember, yo ho ho and a bottle for recycling! Learn more about the 3Rs at recycle.nj.gov

09/18/2023

Tune in tomorrow, September 19, 2023 from 11am to 12pm to join the & .dep webinar for Climate Week 2023! We will be discussing sustainable solutions and new programs. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3R7AaeJ

09/15/2023

**EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER**

We'll be coordinating FREE EV Test Drives at the Howell Day & Green Fair next Saturday from 3-7 p.m.! Stop by to see us and kick off 😄

Howell Day & Green Fair
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Soldier Memorial Park
3:00pm - 8:00pm

Lots Of Activities For Everyone!
* Music With The Howell High School Marching Band, Howell High School MVP Band, Phil Engel Band & Black Ties
* FREE Inflatable & Mechanical Rides
* Face Painting & Mini Golf
* Video Game Truck
* Make Your Own Rocket Ship With Howell Alliance
* Touch-A-Truck
* Demonstrations: K9 Demo & Art Beins Karate
* Vendors & Food Vendors
* Beer & Wine Tent By Howell PBA Local #228. All Proceeds Raised Will Support The NJ Special Olympics!
* Test Drive A Variety of EV Makes & Models From Local Dealerships And Manufacturers By NJ DEP
* Fireworks To End The Evening!!!!!!!!!!

09/14/2023

ANOTHA ONE! *DJ Khaled voice* 🎶

Just in time for we want to congratulate another one of our team members who joined the EV club this month! 👏 🎉

He made the switch to electric with a brand new Chevy Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle). The battery electric car has a range of 247 miles on a full charge!

To learn more about all the incentive programs he was able to qualify for to make the car more affordable, visit: https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/affordability-incentives/