Home & Garden

Free Seedling Trees for Earth Day, April 21 at SP Municipal Building

Seedling trees are being provided to Scotch Plains residents at no cost to help replenish those lost in Hurricane Sandy.

Dear Friends,

 

Earth Day is Monday, April 22nd and serves as an excellent reminder that we all have the potential to limit our carbon footprint during our time spent on the Earth. It is our responsibility to our community as well as to all future generations. There are so many easy ways to make a difference, many of which have positive personal health and finance implications as well. This Spring I would encourage each of you to consider planting some of the fresh vegetables you and your family enjoy and to consider composting leaves and grass clippings as you begin your spring cleanups. We could all benefit from walking to school and to sports practices and games. Much can be gained by shopping locally to limit your time in cars, and by walking to our downtown when you dine outside of your home. To that end, I hope to see many of you at our Farmer’s Market throughout the coming months. As Scotch Plains residents, we are fortunate to benefit from regular curbside pickup of our recyclables as well as access to a recycling center in nearby Fanwood. So much of the garbage we generate is recyclable. I would encourage each of you to toss your trash carefully. Every little bit makes a difference.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Debris on our streets and in our parking lots takes away from the beauty and character of our community. Talk to your kids about litter, and teach them from a young age that they can keep our town looking its best by putting garbage in its place. While Earth Day is a fabulous opportunity to do our part, it is only one of the 365 days we are responsible for the World we live in. Making and teaching environmentally sound decisions to future generations is our responsibility as adults.  To further that effort, I will be asking the Mayor and Council to consider a smoking ban on all municipal property, including our fields and playgrounds. Cigarette smoking is not only unhealthy for the individual, it creates pollution and debris throughout our township.

In celebration of Earth Day, and in reaction to the many trees lost and damaged after Super Storm Sandy, the Scotch Plains Recreation Commission will be sponsoring the Township’s first seedling giveaway. The event is being held in front of the municipal building tomorrow, Sunday April 21st from 3 to 5 o’clock. Members of local Daisy Troops will be on hand to provide other information on how residents can do their part to help the Earth. We’ve ordered four hundred seedlings and are looking forward to seeing each of them grow to become strong, healthy sources of clean air for many years to come. I am asking those of you who have the time, to stop by tomorrow to support this effort.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Very Truly Yours,

Colleen

Deputy Mayor, Scotch Plains Township


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