Township Of Morris
Environmental Commission
Newsletter
MARCH 2022
Morris Township Focuses on Residential Composting With Two Upcoming Events
Composting your kitchen and garden waste is a simple daily practice you can use to help reduce warming due to human activity. To encourage our community to compost at home, the Morris Township Environmental Commission is sponsoring two upcoming events.

The first event is a sale on composters, with proceeds benefiting local non-profit Morristown Grow It Green. The second event is a special webinar with a Rutgers Master Gardener. Read on to learn more...
Why Is Composting Important Anyway?
When we throw away our biodegrade waste -- everything from peels and coffee grinds to grass and garden clippings -- it ends up in a landfill, where it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) and releases methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas.

Aerobic composting is the decomposition of organic matter using microorganisms that require oxygen. This process converts this same waste to a useful soil amendment while reducing greenhouse gas equivalent emissions by more than 50 percent!
Backyard Composters at 22% Off Retail, with Profits to Charity
If you have outdoor space, backyard composting is the best way to go. For the second year running, the Environmental Commission has partnered with neighboring communities to use our purchasing power to lower the cost of a composter and pass the savings along to you.

The Compost Wizard Eco Square is a passive composter that turns food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer. It normally retails for $127, but your cost is only $99. One-day pick-up is on May 14th at the Grow It Green Urban Farm behind the Lafayette Learning Center. Learn more.
"Black Gold: Composting Simplified" Webinar on March 28 at 7pm
Do you think composting is too complicated? Not sure what can and cannot be composted? Or maybe you've been composting for years, but have some questions about the finer points.

Now you can learn how to compost from Cheri Wilczek, a Rutgers Master Gardener, during a one-hour webinar, followed by a question-and-answer session. This event is hosted by the Environmental Commissions of Morris Township, Madison, Florham Park, and the Chathams. Register here.
Native Pollinator Plant Sale Begins April 1
Bee on Butterfly Weed
The solution to a healthy environment lies right in your own backyard. Planting native species supports the pollinators that fertilize our crops, provides food for birds and wildlife, and protects our water resources.

Running April 1-22, The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) Native Plant Sale provides a full selection of attractively priced native perennials, as well as guidance for planting pollinator gardens that will thrive with minimal care.

To get started, browse the four plant kits and 28 individual species add-ons in the catalog. Then explore the curated information in the Native Landscaping Resources section to start getting ready for spring.

Make Way for Pollinators is the GSMA's newsletter, which we highly recommend reading.

This second annual native plant sale is directly supported by the Morris Township Environmental Commission, as well as nearly two dozen other community partners.
Five Tips for the Plastic Bag Ban
In about four weeks, plastic bags will no longer be available from grocery stores, retailers, and restaurants throughout the state of New Jersey.

Many of our readers have been bringing their own bags for years. But others need to start building a new habit.

Here are five tips:
  1. Don't wait until May 4. Get into the habit of bringing reusable bags today.
  2. Always keep a few bags in the trunk or backseat of your vehicle(s).
  3. Write the word "Bags" on top of your shopping list.
  4. Bring your bags to every retailer you visit, not just grocery stores.
  5. Keep a lightweight, foldable bag in your purse, backpack, or pocket, in case of unexpected errands.

Most of your questions about this new state law can be found in this comprehensive Q&A from the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection.
Get a Free Check-up of Your Home's Energy Efficiency
Identify energy-saving opportunities in your home with PSE&G’s Quick Home Energy Check-up Program.

Appointments are typically about an hour and can be performed in-home or virtually via video chat on your smartphone.

A few days later, you’ll receive a customized report with recommended actions you can take to further reduce your energy use. Schedule online or call 1-855-846-2895.

All Clean Energy programs are mandated and funded by the NJ Board of Public Utilities.
Upcoming Local Events
GSWA Plant Sale Webinar begins April 1
Join Hazel England, GSWA Director of Education, Outreach, and Land Stewardship, on Zoom for an overview of the native plants and plant kits available at the 2nd annual online Native Pollinator Plant Sale. Register here.

Annual Tree Giveaway on April 23, 9am to Noon
The Parks and Recreation Department will distribute saplings at Frelinghuysen Middle School. Past native species have included Black Gum, White Flowering Dogwood, Persimmon, Pin Oak, and Red Maple. A mature tree will absorb about 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. First come, first served.

BioBlitz Morris Nature Festival on June 4, 10am to 4pm
The BioBlitz Morris Nature Festival will be held at Russ Myers Field located in Lewis Morris County Park. Planned activities include birding, wildlife, and invasive species; stream water assessments; and nature shows by Grand Falloons and Rizzo's Reptiles. Snacks and water will be provided. Sponsored by the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee. Please register If interested in attending.
Source: “Gardening With Climate Smart Native Plants in the Northeast” Management Challenge, North East Regional Invasives Species and Climate Change (NERISCC), Creative Commons License
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