Vicky Binetti of the environmental commission looks to build on the progress made in 2018
With another year in the rearview mirror, Chair of the Environmental Commission Vicky Binetti looked back on the past year and saw a lot of progress.
Binetti noted the events that connected the commission and the residents were the best experiences. For example, for Earth Day, they held lectures and demonstrations with residents.
Earth Day activities were the tip of the iceberg when it came to being more interactive. The Environmental Commission made it a point to raise awareness to the plight of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
“We launched a monarch rescue project,” Binetti said. “Through a lecture, we tried to raise awareness. On ‘Super Saturday’ we distributed milkweed plants.”
The milkweed plant is the only food source for young monarch caterpillars. They lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed. On Super Saturday, the commission distributed 800 plants to residents to plant in their own backyards. Milkweed was planted at the community garden as well. This is something Binetti wishes to expand upon in 2019.
In 2018, the environmental commission and open space committee teamed with the New Jersey Bluebird Society to erect 10 nesting boxes in public areas. In 2019, they want to expand in both public spaces and residents’ backyards.
In 2019, Binetti looks forward to building on the progress made in 2018 — two collaborative workshops are in the works for the new year. One involves water conservation, using rain barrels as a tool, while the other will focus on composting, using household waste to make fertilizer.
The environmental commission also has plans to continue education. For example, Binetti noted enhancing education about recycling.
“We forget some of the basic rules about recycling,” she said. “Not everything can be recycled so easily. Not every plastic can be recycled. There are other opportunities to reduce waste.”
Binetti added they did an exhibit in April on climate change. She said this is something she wishes to do more of in the new year.
“It’s sometimes hard to appreciate the global issue of climate change in terms of immediate consequences. It’s useful to bring those concepts home to all of us.” she said.
In 2018, the environmental commission, in partnership with the open space committee, employed Rowan University student interns to develop educational materials for the trails at Washington Lake Park. Binetti said these will be tested this year with hopes to expand them.
Taking the events of years past into consideration, Binetti, like many people, conjured a new year’s resolution to protect the environment.
“Exploring ways to conserve energy,” she said. “I want to be more mindful about energy use.”
It doesn’t stop there, the environmental commission is anxious to hear of new year’s resolutions about protecting the environment. If you wish to share, send an email to wtec@twp.washington.nj.us.
The environmental commission is always looking for new members, new ideas and new concerns. Meetings will resume in February on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building.
