In 2025, Newton became one of 191 New Jersey towns with the distinction of being deemed Sustainable Jersey certified. The town was classified as bronze level in sustainability. So, what does this all mean? Well, there is a non-profit called Sustainable Jersey, who received their 501(c3) status in 2011. Sustainable Jersey’s mission is to: empower New Jersey communities to build a better world for future generations with the tools, training and financial incentives necessary to pursue critical sustainability initiatives.

So what makes a sustainable community? As their website states, “A sustainable community is one that can continue to provide what people need and value—now and for generations to come. That means caring for the natural environment that sustains us, supporting strong and resilient local economies, and making thoughtful choices about priorities, trade-offs, and impacts rather than allowing decisions to be shaped only by power or circumstance.”

Sustainable Jersey also defines three pillars of sustainability.

· Environment – protecting our natural resources, most of what we think of when we talk about sustainability

· Economy – allows for long term growth in a community / town

· Equity – equitable access to resources and everyone having a voice in the decision making

All of these pillars and actions result in a long term healthy community for many generations to come. Let’s all do our part in maintaining and growing Newton’s sustainability status as well as other communities we call home.