As a leader, I am proud to have initiated the discussion about the need to reduce plastic waste in our community. The time to act is now — each of us must strive to be stewards for our environment. 

I support the many NJ municipalities that have enacted laws to reduce or eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags, cutlery, and drinking straws. A growing list of communities have banned plastic bags altogether.

The time is now to take action to protect our community and planet. I think Bernards Township – known throughout the state as a great place to live and raise a family – can also be respected as a great steward of our environment. Let’s take a pledge to reduce our demand for plastic and handle the disposal of plastics more responsibly.

I’m often impressed by our neighbors at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, Cava at Bridgewater Commons, and Whole Foods, all of whom have implemented compostable plastics and responsible recycling practices. Verizon Wireless, headquartered right here in Bernards Township, also made a pledge just this year to go carbon-neutral by 2035. Bernards Township should be part of that positive change.
Future generations are counting on us.

Sophia Chadda