Summer may be over, but this is no time to stop thinking about ways to stay "green" in our daily lives. Chris Poulsen, director of health and human services for the township, offers tips for staying green during this Labor Day weekend: Send out electronic invitations or invitations on recycled paper for barbecues and parties. Use natural charcoal for your barbecue. Encourage friends to walk, bike or car pool to your party. Serve local seasonal foods. Serve foods on bio-degradable plates made from corn fiber. Try natural insect control with citronella candles. Create delectable desserts from …

We may be in the middle of a heat wave, but that doesn't mean you can't stay green in the process. Chris Poulsen, director of health and human services for the township, offers 10 tips for staying green while doing what is necessary to beat the heat: Drink Plenty of Water—Cold drinks lower your body’s core temperature and cool you down in a quick fashion. Turn off Unnecessary Heat Producing Devices—Light bulbs can be a big heat generator. Shut down electronic equipment like computers, monitors, televisions, video games and home entertainment systems when not in use. Launder Clothes When the …

The Bridgewater Environmental Commission has offered the following “Sustainable” tips, all compiled from suggestions from residents around the township. Be Part of the Solution To Prevent Stormwater Pollution Stormwater pollution is one of New Jersey’s greatest threats to a clean and sufficient water supply. Materials from common daily activities can be washed by rain into storm drains that discharge to our waterways. These materials including fertilizers, motor oil, pesticides, detergents, pet wastes and grass clippings can then end up in our water. The Environmental Commission reminds all …

The Bridgewater Township Environmental Fair attracted residents to the municipal complex Saturday as they came to celebrate the art of going green and taking care of the Earth. With booths from several local environmental organizations, as well as the Hillside Intermediate School Roots and Shoots program, residents learned about methods of going green, while children had the chance to make birdhouses and participate in other games and crafts.

The Bridgewater Environmental Commission has offered the following “Sustainable” tips, all compiled from suggestions from residents around the township. Spring is here and thoughts turn to home gardens and lush and healthy lawns. The tips below will offer an eco-friendly perspective to seasonal lawn maintenance. Testing Soil—Testing the pH of your soil is always a good first step for your seasonal lawn care plans. Consult the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service (RCE) of Somerset County for recommendations through the Master Gardner’s Program Helpline. Questions may be directed to the …

She is the driving force behind her family’s green practices, and it is all about reducing their carbon footprints. “It has been a gradual process over the years as we add a little bit at a time,” said Bridgewater resident Sue Dorward of the work she has done with her husband and two kids to keep a green home. “We have really worked to reduce our carbon footprints.” But Dorward initial foray into going green began just after her oldest child was born and she began making baby food because she didn’t like what was offered in stores. “Then the stores started selling organic baby food, so we …

In celebration of Earth Day at the end of April, the Somerset County Recycling Center, on Polhemus Lane, offered tours to residents, allowing them to see the different items that are recycled and how the machinery works. A guided tour took residents throughout the center, and allowed them to see all the different machines, and how glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard and other materials are separated. The plant has been open since 1993. Melissa Harvey, recycling coordinator, said there are about 150 workers at the center, and, last year, the county brought in $3.5 million for all the material …

It is just logical for Bridgewater resident Jim Rokosny to be “green”—and it is something he has been doing since he was a young boy. “When I was a child, my parents used to recycle all the bottles and cans in our house, and you used to have to separate the brown, green and clear bottles,” he said. “My father used to walk around the house turning off the lights left on in rooms, counting ‘one, two, three’ out loud as he did it. And then he told us we were wasting electricity and money.” “We were little kids, but I guess it stuck,” he added. It definitely did, as Rokosny now does all he can in…

It's April, which means the flowers are supposed to start growing, the weather is supposed to start warming...and we will be celebrating the Earth at the end of the month. Earth Day is specifically scheduled for April 22, but, to get you thinking about it, here is a list of five activities you can take part in in celebration of the planet we call home. The Bridgewater Township Library will be holding its Earth Day "Invention Convention!" April 25 for ages 5 to 11. Children will have the chance to celebrate Earth Day by making new items out of old materials. Participants are asked to bring in …

The Bridgewater Environmental Commission has offered the following “Sustainable” tips, all compiled from suggestions from residents around the township. Save Energy  Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher's drying cycle. Check and lower the temperature setting on the hot water heater to 120 degrees fahrenheit. Slow Down. Save Gasoline. Aggressive driving—speeding, rapid acceleration and breaking—can waste gasoline. Conserve Water Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Use water collected from the dehumidifier to water house plants. Use USEPA “Energy Star” appliances and products …