How to Celebrate Earth Week in Montclair
Note: See the very end for an update on leaf blowers.
Montclair residents live in the real world where we’ve known for a long time that climate change is real and we know that sadly, the climate has already changed. Standing on the shoulders of environmental leaders in Montclair, it’s been my honor to be able to help lead our government to adopting more climate friendly policies around native plants and animal welfare; resulting in national accolades. Led by our new environmental affairs coordinator, Lisa Johnson, we’re also pursuing more composting options, additional energy aggregation, better stormwater retention methods, deploying electric vehicle chargers around town in the next two years, and transitioning our municipal fleet in the years ahead.
We also have so many wonderful people and non profit organizations doing great work in town and we continue to be a leader on so many fronts thanks to all of them.
Below are just some things happening in town in celebration of Earth Day/Week. It all starts with you and the choices you make as a voter, consumer, and resident. Educate yourself, vote, and spend your dollars in an environmentally friendly way when possible.
New Composting Classes Available
| Last year, I suggested to the Adult School at the Library that they offer classes to help Montclair residents better understand composting. I’m delighted to see them doing just that and hope that some of you will consider signing up. |
| Zero Waste 101 NEWThursday, April 20, 6 p.m. at the Montclair Public Library The discussion will focus on zero-waste, our food system and waste management systems with waste reduction strategies to be offered for every citizen and consumer. Registration link here. Facebook Event page: https://fb.me/e/AFuyyHbg Backyard and Community Composting NEWFriday, April 21, 6 p.m. at the Montclair Community Farms Join a hands-on demonstration at Montclair Community Farms about compost and composting, with instruction for those who want to start their own backyard compost as well as those who aren’t able to but would like to reduce their food waste by participating in MCF’s community composting. Registration link here. Facebook Event page: https://fb.me/e/RPnEPy6H |
Earth Day Events – April 22nd
The Northeast Earth Coalition (NEEC), Montclair Climate Action, New Jersey Sierra Club, Green Faith and Bike and Walk Montclair invite you to join thieir 2023 Earth Day Celebration from April 15-22, 2023, for a week of events on the theme of restoring our planet; culminating with a big event at Crane Park on Earth Day, April 22nd. (More on their other events below).
Other Northeast Earth Coalition Events
Monday April 17th (9:30am – 10:30am): Discussion of the Role of Community Gardens at 94 Pine Community Garden, Montclair, NJ 07042.
Wednesday April 19th (9:30am – 10:30am): Presentation: How Does your Garden Grow? at 94 Pine Street Community Garden. Montclair, NJ 07042.
Drive Electric Earth Day Electric Vehicle Showcase
Happening the same time and same place as the above event, is this awesome electric vehicle event. Come check out e-bikes, various cars and even an electric school bus!
Montclair Community Farms Earth Day Event
Get Your Plants!
Get a Free Common Violet Plant
One of our resident environmental champions, Deb Ellis — founder and co-leader of the Essex County chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, has a thought and an offer for up to 100 of you.
“Let’s all try to protect the New Jersey state flower, the common violet! Violet leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of 29 butterflies, including the Great Spangled Fritillary. And humans can eat the blossoms and the leaves too! Violets are blooming now in gardens and lawns.”
If you don’t have one and would like a free one, contact Deb here.
Spring Plant Sale at Van Vleck
It’s a pleasure for me to be able to serve as a Board Member for Van Vleck and the Montclair Foundation. Join us in Van Vleck Gardens for our fabulous annual sale of gorgeous flowers, baskets, fruits, vegetables and herbs that will dazzle in your garden. Curated by our Director of Horticulture, we have a dazzling array of healthy and stunning plants to choose from on our formal lawn. Our plant advisors can help you find what will work in your garden or patio spots. After you find all your plants to make your heart sing, enjoy a walk around lovely Van Vleck Gardens and a moment of springtime zen.
Friday, May 5th, 9am – 4pm
Saturday, May 6th, 9am – 4pm
Sunday, May 7th, 10am – 4pm
Learn more here.
Shred Fest is Back!
Save The Date – Montclair Eco-Fair 2023 – May 13th
Participating groups: Bike and Walk Montclair; NJ Native Plant Society Essex County Chapter; Bonsal Wildlife Preserve Conservancy; Quiet Montclair, Montclair Climate Action, Montclair Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Montclair Environmental Commission, Momentum Solar Power, Montclair League of Women Voters, MOM’s Organic Market, Montclair Backyard Habitat Project, NEEC Community Food Network, Montclair Make Music Day, Pedals for Progress, DollyMoo, Essex Ridge Apiaries, MASN Coop, Green Power Energy, Northeast Pollinator Pathways, Rockland-New Jersey 350.org, and Food and Water Watch and the EmpowerNJ, More Sustainable Consulting LLC, Purple Dragon Coop, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Montclair Community Farm, Montclair Girl Scouts, among others.
The Northeast Earth Coalition is partnering with St. James Episcopal Church to host this important community environment event.
Would your group like to participate? Tabling opportunities! Contact us at Info@neearth.org
Full Ban on Gas Powered Leaf Blowers
Use of gas powered leaf blowers will be banned in Montclair by the end of this year, if not sooner. Residents and commercial properties should begin to plan for this transition and have discussions with your respective service providers.
Part of a successful ban includes ensuring both the school district and the Township can comply so that our largest open spaces in Montclair are covered by this change. My colleagues and I will be seeking to include funding in this year’s budget for the Township to purchase electric blowers this year. Several of us are quite sensitive to the school district’s current budget shortfall and imposing an additional cost on them at this time. We will be reaching out to work with advocates and the district to ensure a smooth transition.
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