A BROAD DEFINITION
- Community wellness is a broad definition that encompasses physical, mental, spiritual, and community wellbeing.
- Part of community wellbeing means making sure your municipality preserves open space, recycles, is walkable, reduces waste, and promotes a healthy environment that supports the health and prosperity of your residents.
- The environment can influence health behaviors and cause stressors that can affect health.
- Be proactive and improve the environment for your community!
FOLLOW THEIR LEAD!
Camden County Board of Freeholders introduced the county’s first long-range Sustainability Plan. Each municipality of Camden County actively participates in the county-wide Green Initiative. “Living Clean & Green!” is a series of programs and workshops designed to inform the public and improve the local environment. To learn more, click here.
ACTION STEPS
Create a Community Sustainability Initiative
- Having a sustainability program provides a road map to conserving resources, promoting innovation, and saving money.
- An important resource of information and funding can be found at Sustainable Jersey.
Start a Recycling Program
- Distribute reusable cloth bags to community members to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags.
- Host educational workshops on residential backyard composting.
Protect Open Space
- Maintain preservation of green space, host anti-idling education and enforcement programs, and create a water conservation ordinance.
Promote Sustainable Living
- Create and advertise community education events to promote state programs such as “Direct Install” and “Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.”
MORE RESOURCES
Sustainable Jersey Actions
New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program
NJ Department of Environmental Protection: Office of Sustainability
World Health Organization: Impact of the Environment on Health
Healthy People: Environmental Health