The Road to Sustainability
Brigantine Green Team Preaches Importance of Going Green
The importance of going green and practicing sustainability cannot be overstated.
We only have one planet after all, and while as a people we are far from taking part in a real life version of the Disney Pixar post-apocalyptic movie "Wall-E," the point remains that measures need to be taken to preserve life on this planet.
Enter the Brigantine Green Team - a volunteer group appointed by the mayor whose sole purpose is to not only preach sustainability and environmentally-conscious practices, but turn them into reality.
"Our city is a beautiful part of nature," Chairwoman Janette Kessler said. "The Green Team is formed to protect nature so definitely the number one reason [to become involved] is giving back to the community and protecting our community."
One of the many ways of which the Green Team services the community is through the Farmer's Market which runs on Saturdays from 8am to noon from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the community pool parking lot.
"People come out in droves," Janette said. "It's a must-do thing that people do before they hit the beach."
With a laugh, she explained that if you checked TripAdvisor.com, the number one thing to do in Brigantine was go to the beach - and number two was the Farmer's Market.
"It's kind of funny, the best weekends aren't the holiday weekends," she added. "Our best weekends are the ones where it doesn't seem like quite the perfect beach day."
But the Farmer's Market isn't the only thing the Green Team does for the island - in fact it is just one facet of an organization looking to earn Sustainable Jersey Silver Status. Janette explained that the Farmer's Market is good for 10 points on the grading scale that requires at least 350 points to earn Sustainable Jersey's highest honor. Per SustainableJersey. com, a silver certification means a municipality is a leader in sustainability not just in the state, but across the nation.
Part of what makes Janette confident they can achieve this honor is the team's ability to put political differences aside for the greater good.
So, what other Brigantine staples has the Green Team put their stamp on? Around Arbor Day they were responsible for distributing 1,000 tree shrubs and plants. They were behind the prescription drop box that was installed at City Hall. The butterfly garden and mural that spread the importance of pollinators? Green Team.
The community permit-free yard sale, the Cherry Blossom Festival, the nontraditional recycling programs and a community solar project? Check, check, check and check - that's all Janette's team.
Quite possibly the biggest thing they are behind - their second claim to fame, according to Janette - is the community garden. The garden provides food to the Brigantine Meals on Wheels program as well as the produce for the Presbyterian Church
The Brigantine Green Team doesn't just talk the talk, they walk the walk. When Janette speaks on behalf of her vast group, it's clear their actions back up their message.
"Our purpose is for the community"" she said. "Everything we do makes Brigantine a more sustainable community."
The road to sustainability is a never-ending one and Brigantine's Green. Team works tirelessly to make a more sustainable future on the financial front, the food source front and of course, ensuring there will be clean water for all. Basically, there won't be a "Wall-E" situation in Brigantine so long as Janette and the Green Team are around.
