GREEN PROGRAMS
Collingswood was certified as "Bronze" earning points from Sustainable Jersey in November 2016. The certification is good for three years and we are working towards a Silver Certification for the next cycle.
What We Do
We work on a variety of programs that focus on implementing sustainable practices in town. We also focus on community engagement and education to encourage residents to incorporate green living into their everyday lives. Outreach activities include the development of topics and materials to engage the public through attendance at regular borough events, hosting green events, and communications through social media and in the Town Crier newspaper.
Green Team Program Highlights:
Need a Bike? Visit the Collingswood Bike Share! Reduce. Reuse. Recycle...A bike! - Adult (18+) Collingswood residents may rent a bike for the year for $25. Membership cost includes unlimited parts and repairs throughout the year, and the option to exchange the bike at any time for no additional cost. Bikeshare bikes are made from donated bikes of varying size, style, and vintage. Each one is unique, like Bike Share members themselves. The Bike Share is located at 707 N. Atlantic and is open through November 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 5:00 p.m-8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Go to the bike-share page for more information.
Community Gardens - A collaborative effort between the borough and local volunteers Collingswood has developed two community gardens, creating a place for residents to work collaboratively and experience the rewards of gardening. The land is borough owned property and has water access at each location. The goal of the gardens is to further cultivate community interest in gardening by providing exposure to historical, artistic, technical and cultural aspects of horticulture. Environmental benefits include the production of local food, the encouragement of organic gardening practices, maintaining open space, and creating a habitat for native species. The Washington Avenue garden was certified in the Spring of 2017 as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Washington Avenue Garden, est. 2010
Features: 48 plots, shed with attached greenhouse, compost bins, beneficial insect habitat / native plant gardens, donation gardens, community herb garden
Cattell Avenue Garden, est. 2016
Features: 14 plots (additional plots to be built), shed, greenhouse, community herb garden
To become a member of the Community Garden or to learn more - email them here!
Habitat Certification - The green team has worked to register Collingswood with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat. To achieve this distinction, we need 175 points, which are awarded by registering both residential and public community spaces as certified wildlife habitat gardens. Public or community spaces can include schools, places of worship, businesses, parks, and public properties. What is a habitat garden? It is a garden that supports birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife and provides people with a daily connection to the natural world, literally right outside their door.
The green team is working on getting the public spaces certified and we need residents and businesses to participate. Anyone can create a welcoming haven for local wildlife. Turning your yard, balcony or patio container garden or place of business landscape is fun, easy and makes a significant difference for neighborhood wildlife. Go to http://www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife/Certify.aspx to download a checklist of elements to get started. You can also visit the Collingswood Habitat Garden website for a wealth of information at http://collingswoodhabitat.com
Green Day - Each Spring the Collingswood Green Team holds a Green Day to highlight all things green and provide our residents with the tools to incorporate green practices into their lives and homes. The event is attended by thousands and is held just off Haddon Avenue on Irvin Avenue near the PATCO train-line. At the festival, residents are encouraged to explore local sustainable food, organic gardening, water conservation, renewable energy, environmentally-friendly construction, tree planting, recycling and more from local activists and experts. The festival is fun too with live music, fresh local food and games for the kids and grown-ups!
Bring Life to our Community, Plant Trees! - Did you know that Collingswood is a Tree City USA! The Borough of Collingswood actively replaces and plants trees in parks and public spaces throughout the year in cooperation with our Shade Tree Commission and other community volunteers. In addition, we sell low-cost trees each year at our Green Festival to encourage homeowners to plant trees on individual properties. Studies show that trees clean air and water, slow climate change, ease poverty and hunger, prevent species loss, and feed the human soul. All we need to do is plant and care for them!
Top Reasons We Need Trees:
Trees reduce pollution of our air, waterways and sewer systems: Trees help purify the air we breathe by absorbing pollutants, reduce the amount of water-borne pollutants that reach our streams and rivers, and reduce the number of pollutants in sewer systems.
Trees impact our economy: Trees increase property values and improve neighborhood appeal, attracting businesses, shoppers, and homeowners; cool our cities by reducing heat generated by buildings and paved surfaces, and can save homeowners energy costs by providing shade in the right areas.
Trees protect wildlife: Trees provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, maintaining a balance with nature, even in urban areas.
For guidance on what trees to plant on your property go to https://www.arborday.org and enter your zip code. 
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