FREEHOLD – Monmouth County’s lunchtime series on the environment continues July 17 with guest  speaker John Batinsey, former chairman of the New Jersey Lighting Pollution Study Commission. Batinsey is a recognized expert on proper lighting techniques.

This is the third of six planned lunchtime sessions designed to facilitate a “green” dialogue among government entities. It starts at noon and pre-registration is required.

“Everywhere you look ‘going green’ is gaining momentum,” Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. “This is a fun and poductive way for various public entities, their representatives and local elected officials to tap into those ideas and perhaps start ‘go green’ initiatives in their towns.”

Last month, the series hosted an informative presentation by Andrew Topinka of Technical Group Services, who spoke about making older buildings more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and healthy for workers. In May, Middlesex County Freeholder James H. Polos kicked off the series with a recap of  Middlesex County’s efforts to adopt “green” technologies.

Polos is chairman of the Middlesex County Showroom of Environmental Technology (MCSET), which is a partnership between Middlesex County, the state Department of Envionmental Protection and the state Board of Public Utilities.

For example, Middlesex County offers rebates to towns that purchase hybrid vehicles, which reduce auto emissions. The county has more than 40 hybrid vehicles in its vehicle fleet. Middlesex also offers an economic development grant of up to $100,000 per community for green building initiatives such as the installation of solar panels or solar-powered pedestrian crosswalks.

Batinsey has written numerous articles about light pollution and has been published in the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions’ quarterly journal, the ANJEC Report, as well as in New Jersey Municipalities magazine and several newspapers. He will discuss ways to save money by employing proper lighting techniques.  

Many area governmental entities are “going green” by choosing alternative building materials, utlizing renewable energy and embracing green water management techniques. Coastal counties such as Monmouth are particularly vulnerable to changes that will accompany a rise in sea level, increased rain and flooding and the loss of protective natural barrier areas. Steps that are being taken in townships and counties across New Jersey are making news every week – steps that involve building, transportation, land use, renewable energy choices, purchasing, water management and recycling.

“This lunchtime forum has been very well received and focuses on sharing ideas for a cleaner environment,” said Freeholder John D’Amico Jr., who is co-hosting the series with Freeholder McMorrow. “By empowering people with some basic information on green alternatives we can make a lasting difference.”

The lunchtime series is being held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at the Hall of Records, Freehold.

The series is free and a light lunch will be served, but registration by July 14 is necessary due to space limitations. If you are a state, municipal or county employee – or a member of your municipal Planning Board or Environmental Commission –and wish to attend the free lunchtime series, please R.S.V.P. by e-mail to freeholdermcmorrow@gmail.com, or by calling 732-683-8837.

 

Save the Date
• August 21 –  Tony MacDonald, director of the Urban Coast Institute, will discuss issues regarding watershed management, including our lakes and streams.

 

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