Cranford's Green Team's community garden and green fair programs are moving the Township towards its goal of being certified by Sustainable Jersey. They expect to have Cranford fully certified by September 2010.

Sustainable Jersey is a program that encourages New Jersey towns to commit to conservation and responsible ecological stewardship for potential funding for more green projects. According to its Web site, "the certification is a prestigious designation for municipal governments in New Jersey. Municipalities that achieve the certification are considered by their peers, by state government, and by the experts and civic organizations in New Jersey, to be among the leading municipalities." Townships get points for successful completion or implementation of various initiatives. 150 points are required for certification.

The remainder of April will be busy for the Green Team. April 24 is the Big Dig at Walnut Avenue School, which will mark the beginning of the team's community garden project. Eight small plots will be available to grow vegetables for consumption within the community. Apartment residents and anyone looking to save money on produce should consider applying for a plot. Bartlett's will donate the soil and fertilizer and Dryer Farms will provide the vegetable plant seeds. Part of gardeners' responsibilities will be to maintain the school's garden over the summer, so kids will be ready to grow vegetables at the start of the school year. To apply for a plot, contact Gregg Spadaro at gspadaro@landidentity.com.

Also in April, the Green Team is sponsoring a Green Fair at Union County College in Cranford in partnership with UCC's Green Revolution club. The aim is to introduce local environmentally-friendly businesses, such as a company that makes soy-based insulation, to students. There will also be a used eyeglass drive. Jennifer Ebert, UCC physics professor and Green Team member, is organizing the event, and predicts 16-20 tables of local businesses set up on the student commons. The event will take place between 3 and 7 p.m. on April 29.

The Green Team was formed in July of 2009. The team, like many of the programs it sponsors, is worth points toward Sustainable Jersey certification, and was formed as a direct response to Sustainable Jersey. But its scope, like that of its initiatives and programs, goes beyond certification.

"There's the letter, and there's the spirit," said chairperson Mary Reilly. "The letter is getting the points," but the spirit is raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting smart township growth and responsible land use.

"I sincerely believe we need to make changes for future generations to enjoy similar things (that we enjoy today)," said Reilly. "People think that sustainability is a spectator sport, but everyone needs to do their parts."