Sustainability in Action: 5 Success Stories

Red Bank Borough: A Leader in Complete and Green Streets for All (Monmouth County)

Red Bank Borough continues to set the standard for creating safe, accessible and sustainable streets for all users. Since adopting its initial Complete Streets Policy in 2010 and updating it in 2018, Red Bank has made significant strides toward ensuring that roadways accommodate the needs of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, emergency responders and goods movement based on local conditions and context.

From Garbage to Garden: Paramus High School Transforms Cafeteria Scraps (Bergen County)

Have you ever wondered if the food scraps tossed in the trash at your school cafeteria could be put to better use? At Paramus High School, a group of students and teacher set out to find a solution and spark a change. With support from a Sustainable Jersey grant funded by the PSEG Foundation, the school launched a pilot program to track food waste, test composting methods and gauge the enthusiasm of students, teachers and staff to compost.

Sustainable States Network: Shared Vision. Local Impact.

In March 2025, 40 attendees gathered in Maryland for the Sustainable States Network annual meeting, harnessing the power of collaboration in advancing sustainability efforts. Network members represent 17 states located across both coasts as well as the center of the nation. These state-level programs support local governments as change agents for progress on sustainability, resiliency and climate readiness. The results impact more than 218 million people in communities across the United States.

A Decade of Impact: Roxbury Public Schools Use Grants to Grow Aeroponic Gardens and Support Certification (Morris County)

Never underestimate the power of a grant to inspire enthusiasm and action for sustainability programs. For a decade, the Sustainable Jersey Grants Program has served as a vital source of funding for sustainability initiatives in New Jersey schools and districts. With over $3.5 million in grants distributed, 56% of participating school districts have received at least one grant to support their sustainability efforts.

New Resource Helps Municipalities and Schools Make Smart, Sustainable Purchasing Decisions

Transitioning to a green fleet by investing in alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a powerful way for school districts and municipalities to save money while reducing their environmental footprint. However, navigating the complexities of green purchasing—understanding various options, identifying reliable suppliers, and managing cooperative purchasing agreements—can be daunting.