Our list of climate actions is full of discovery and hope. |
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We LOVE the British organization JUMP, which believes a sustainable life should make you jump for joy. Its ideas, like its graphics below, are decidedly upbeat. |
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Eat Well, Fight Climate Change
The Morristown Winter Market, at the Convent Station train lot, is a snap. In 15 minutes, you can stock up on baked goods, eggs and organic veggies, plus meat and grains from regenerative farmers who sequester carbon on their land.
You'll head home with fresh, great-tasting food, knowing you're supporting farmers on the frontlines of climate actin.
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Shop Plastic-Free
Treat yourself to a zero-waste shopping adventure at these innovative bulk stores that reduce packaging. Bring your own, reusable container (or get one there).
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In just one hour, native plant hero Doug Tallamy ( Nature's Best Hope),will change your perspective on the suburban ecosystem.
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Start Composting
Surely you don't want to send food waste to the landfill where it will emit methane. Sign up for Java's Compost for curbside pickup, or choose a monthly drop-off option at the Madison Department of Public Works' Recycling Center.
Later, if you want to switch to backyard composting, we'll be selling discounted composters in partnership with Morris Township. |
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Expand Your Walking and Biking Horizons With This App
We just discovered AllTrails, an app that specializes in local hiking and biking trails.
(PS: Here's the petition link to Save the Drew Forest, if you haven't signed it yet.) |
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ACTION ALERT:
Help Preserve NJ's Forests
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Register for this critical forum—and hop on for as much time as your schedule affords. Robust interest will send a signal to New Jersey Legislators that it's time to:
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Stop cutting old trees to make room for “young forests”
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Recognize that forests thrive when ecosystems are intact
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Understand that old trees sequester far more carbon than young trees; they are frontline fighters against climate change
The speakers are stellar and they include Dr. Sara Webb, Professor Emerita of Biology and Environmental Studies at Drew University.
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We're cheered by news about legislation and native plants. |
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LOCAL NEWS:
Madison Passes a Climate Action Resolution
Three huge cheers! On January 10, the Borough Council voted unanimously to take climate action, starting with new climate goals —including carbon emissions and energy efficiency—for the budgeting process. Learn more here.
STATE CLIMATE NEWS
NJ recently passed a number of excellent bills, including:
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FREE WEBINAR:
Jersey-Friendly Yards:
Landscaping for a Healthy Environment
Hosted by Great Swamp Watershed Association
Tuesday, January 25, 7:00 PM
Learn how plants native to northern New Jersey not only add beauty and interest to home landscapes, but also—and importantly—create a healthy foundation of soil, conserve water, and support wildlife.
Becky Laboy, from the Ocean County Soil Conservation District and the Jersey-Friendly Yards initiative, will give advice on how to landscape for a healthy environment and how to make it easy and successful—whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced gardener or landscaper.
This is the first in a series of three webinars to help you get ready for the Great Swamp Watershed Associations second Native Plants for Pollinators Sale, happening online April 1 to 22! The sale will offer a full selection of attractively priced native perennials and grasses with simple guidance for planting delightfully alive pollinator gardens that will thrive with minimal care. |
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Native Plants of the Month |
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Even in winter, it's hard to choose just one!
Local resident Lydia Chambers shared this photo of Common Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) in her yard. In winter, this shrub bears bright red berries that birds love. Some tips from Lydia: "The berries are on females, and to get berries you need a male plant that will bloom at the same time, to fertilize the female flowers. Put the less visually interesting male in an unobtrusive spot. They love wet conditions (you'll often see them by lakes and streams), and can tolerate clay. I put a mass of straight-species winterberry shrubs together to create a nice splash of color in the corner of my property. Last year, all the berries were eaten by the birds by Thanksgiving. This year, they've hardly been touched yet!" |
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Take a walk in the Drew Forest, Loantaka Reservation, or other woods and you'll see American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) trees are one of the few species that still have leaves. Madison Environmental Commission member Joan Maccari points out that unlike most trees, they don't lose their leaves until new buds appear in spring. You can also recognize beech by its beautiful, smooth, gray bark. American Beech trees can live for 300 to 400 years. A slow grower, it can reach heights of 80 feet and diameters of 3 feet or more.
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Winter sowing now is a fun, simple, and inexpensive way to get native pollinator pants started for next season!
Illustration by Jada Fitch for Wild Seed Project.
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What native plant would you like to see highlighted? Email us!
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Zoom Into an Environmental Commission Meeting |
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Got ideas?
We want to hear them.
Zoom into our next Environmental Commission meeting:
January 27 @ 7:30 pm
You don't need to volunteer, just share your thoughts and ideas.
We all need community. Especially now.
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Do you know someone who'd be interested in receiving Madison Environmental Commission's newsletter?
If so, please forward this email and let them know they can sign up here to receive future issues. |
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Follow @GreenMadisonNJ on social media for the latest eco-tips, events, discussion & more.
We want to hear your thoughts there, too!
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