Hopatcong Council Restructures Its Eco-Focused 'Green Team'

Continuing with its goal of making Hopatcong sustainable, The Hopatcong Borough Council approved a resolution at its meeting last Wednesday to restructure its "Green Team," which is part of the Sustainable Jersey program. The NJ Herald reports that the body now includes a new member, Borough Administrator Robert Elia, and that adding reinforcement to the team is in an effort to make life in Hopatcong more environmentally friendly for the long term.

Sustainable Jersey is a certification program for New Jersey municipalities seeking to become more environmentally responsible, create a more sustainable quality of life, and accomplish these goals in the most efficient and economical way. 

The borough's Green Team, which consists of residents, council members, municipal department heads and members of the Hopatcong Environmental Commission, coordinatea events and other environmental projects and put them into writing for certification by Sustainable Jersey. The body was formed in 2012.

Green Team efforts already up and running, according to Mayor Sylvia Petillo, include her wellness campaign, the borough's farmer's market, Fireman's Park (an eco-focused rain garden) and energy audits.

Hopatcong is one of 13 Sussex County municipalities involved in Sustainable Jersey; Sparta is the only town in the county that has earned enough points for certification, the article said. Points are earned by making positive environmental actions—having a Green Team earns 10 points. A town that earns 150 points wins bronze certification and the right to apply for Sustainable Jersey grants. Silver certification comes with 200 points.