No. 16 Vol. 4
www.mypaperonline.com
April 2018
Washington Twp. Gets Greener And Eyes New Bench With Plastic Challenge
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By Cheryl Conway arbage may be bit lighter in Washington Twp. since March with a recycling initiative to collect as much plastic as possible. The Washington Twp. Green Team has entered the TREX Challenge- to collect at least 500 pounds of plastic in a six-month span. Residents are being asked to recycle all plastic and place items in the two cardboard bins located outside the township municipal building and library. Plastic items being collected include all disposable bags such as Ziploc bags, dry cleaning bags, grocery store bags, shopping bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, newspaper sleeves, cereal bags, sandwich and even snack bags, describes Dan Ross of Long Valley, chair of the Washington Twp. Green Team. Trex is a composite decking company known as a leading recycled materials manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railings and other outdoor items. For its TREX Challenge, participants receive a bench made out of Trex material, lifelong material free of rotting. The challenge in Washington Twp. began in March and runs through August. “The competition is to raise 500 pounds of plastic in six months,” says Ross. Almost half way there, 208 pounds was
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collected in the first month, says Ross. The township can get a second bench if it collects 1,000 pounds by March 2019, he adds. Ross hopes to put the bench at the new Pollinator Meadow being established at Harrington Fields in Long Valley. The second bench may go along an interpretative trail inside the meadow, or if there is a need for a bench in another area in town, he says. As first time participants in the TREX Challenge, Ross says there is nothing to lose. “People usually throw these plastic bags out,” Ross says, “so it’s a way to collect the plastic.” Ross learned about the plastic recycling challenge through his involvement with the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program. As part of the 20 week long program, stewards complete an internship. One of the stewards signed on to complete the TREX Challenge as her internship this past winter. “I thought it was a very simple but yet effective project,” says Ross, who works for Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “This is a great fit for our green team to take this on. Trex supplies bins and banners.” Ross says, “We’re finding it easy to do. There’s a lot of disposable plastic in our lives.” The bags have been collected biweekly by Ross’s mom, Paula Ross of Long Valley, another member of the Washington Twp. Green Team. She has been storing the collected bags in her garage, awaiting drop offs at Target to be weighed and collected
by Trex. “We bring it was we go,” says Ross. Anyone in the community, from residents, to schools and businesses, are invited to pitch in to recycle the plastic. All material must be clean, dry and free of food residue, says Ross. An extension of the Washington Twp. Environmental Commission, the Washington Twp. Green Team has been around since 2008, says Ross who is serving his second annual term as chair. Almost disbanded recently, the Green Team was reenacted by Ross and his mom after he was contacted by a township liaison. With five members currently involved, the Green Team is looking to grow. To get involved, go on the Washington Twp. Green Team Facebook page or call 908876-3315.
NorthStar Pet Rescue Adoption Free Event
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he NorthStar Pet Rescue will be hosting a free event on May 5, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Coffee Potter located
at 24 Schooley’s Mountain Rd., Long Valley. Come meet adoptable dogs. Learn about Rescue and fostering.