Sustainability

City of Paterson: Sustainability Projects

Welcome to the City of Paterson's Sustainability Projects page! Here, you'll find information about our ongoing efforts to create a greener, more sustainable community. From tackling food insecurity to promoting energy efficiency, we are committed to making Paterson a healthier place for all residents to live. Explore our key projects below and see how you can get involved.

Paterson's Silver Certification Under Sustainable Jersey

As of 2023, Paterson is proud to be a Silver-Certified city under Sustainable Jersey. This prestigious certification recognizes our comprehensive efforts in sustainability and environmental stewardship. This certification marks our progression from Bronze Certification in 2022, reflecting the hard work and commitment of our community and leadership in advancing our sustainability goals.

Grants for Youth-Led Climate Change Projects !

UPDATE: October 3rd, 2024: Announcement of 2024 Microgrant Recipients! 

This past spring, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced that  Mayor Andre Sayegh, the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, and the City of Paterson had been selected to launch a local, community-focused Youth Climate Action Fund. Globally, the Fund will activate tens of thousands of young people ages of 15 to 24 years of age to design and produce climate solutions within their communities. We are one of 100 municipalities to receive this grant, 30 of which are in the US. 

We are thrilled to announce the following 8 local winners:

• Brian Princiotta - Implementing Recycling Bins in Paterson- Reduce Emissions

• Eduardo Sivori - Green Acres Community Garden- Community Gardens/Food Insecurity

• A Better Initiative - Urban Farm to Table- Sustainability

• Kayla Wimberly - Green Thumbs and Dirty Hands- Food Insecurity

• Derbney Kelly Fils - Neighborhood Community Garden- Community Gardens/Food Insecurity

• Imahni Meyers - Beautiful Paterson- Beautification 

• Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools Teen Center - Paterson Food Waste Awareness Project- Sustainability

• Jayden Cabrera - Herbal Living- Sustainability/Food Insecurity

For more information, visit NJCDC's website here: https://www.njcdc.org/news-1/grants-for-youth-led-climate-change-projects-available!

Montclair State Green Team: Summer of 2024 Report on Paterson's Food Insecurity

From May to August of 2024, the Montclair State Green Team conducted an in-depth study, focusing on food insecurity within Paterson. An all-female team of five undergraduate students collaborated with the Mayor’s Office to conduct surveys and research.  Their report highlights the challenges residents face in accessing healthy, affordable food and provides actionable recommendations to address these issues. Key findings and proposed solutions will be used to inform future city initiatives aimed at reducing food insecurity and promoting nutritional equity.

•  Final Report: PDF Version 
• Food Resources Map (last updated 2024) 

Power Up Paterson: Energy Efficiency Outreach Campaign

In partnership with PSEG and Sustainable Jersey, Power Up Paterson is an ambitious outreach campaign dedicated to improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses across the city. This initiative offers workshops, resources, and personalized energy audits to help residents and business owners reduce their energy consumption, lower utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable Paterson. Join us in our mission to power up Paterson sustainably!

Visit: https://www.energyoutreachnj.com/paterson/ for more information on Paterson’s Residential Energy Efficiency Program.

The Paterson Green Team and the Annual Paterson Green Fair

The Paterson Green Team is at the forefront of our city's sustainability efforts. Each year since 2021, the team has organized the Annual Paterson Green Fair. The fair is an opportunity for residents to learn about sustainable living practices, connect with local eco-friendly businesses, and participate in fun, family-friendly activities. Join us at the Green Fair and be part of the movement towards a greener, healthier Paterson.

 Be a Part of Paterson's 4th Annual Green Community Resource Fair & City Green Harvest Festival! 

 Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
 Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
 Location: Eastside Park, Paterson, NJ

The City of Paterson invites community partners, organizations, and businesses to join us for this exciting event! This is a fantastic opportunity to share information about your services, connect with residents, and provide valuable resources to our community.

How to Get Involved:
You can register your business or organization by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit https://forms.gle/SHUzNrs7M4MvZtZk8.

For More Info: Call the Mayor's Office at (973) 321-1600 or email Deborah Bravo at DBravo@patersonnj.gov

Solar Trash Receptacles by UEZ

In collaboration with the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), Paterson has installed ninety solar-powered trash receptacles throughout the city. These innovative receptacles use solar energy to compact waste, increasing their capacity and reducing the frequency of collections. This project not only helps keep our streets clean but also reduces carbon emissions associated with waste collection vehicles. Look out for these eco-friendly trash bins around town!

Fair Street Green Street Project

The Fair Street Green Street Project is a transformative initiative aimed at renovating Fair Street with advanced green infrastructure to mitigate flooding and enhance urban resilience. This project includes the installation of rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales designed to manage stormwater effectively. By incorporating these sustainable elements, Fair Street will not only reduce flood risks but also beautify the neighborhood and improve overall environmental health. This green street project serves as a model for urban sustainability and showcases Paterson's commitment to innovative environmental solutions.

Green Acres Public Notices

·         Westside Park Application 2023

o   Click Here to View the Public Hearing Notice

o   Click Here to View the Concept Plan - Westside Park Green Acres

o   Click Here to View the Cost Estimate - Westside Park Green Acres

o   Click Here to View the Environmental Impact Assessment - Westside Park Green Acres

More Initiatives

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond these highlighted projects. The City of Paterson is continuously working on various initiatives to promote environmental stewardship, including:

• Community Gardens: Supporting urban agriculture and providing fresh produce to local neighborhoods.
• Green Infrastructure: Implementing rain gardens, permeable pavements, and other green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce flooding.
• Renewable Energy Projects: Exploring options for solar and wind energy installations to power municipal buildings and facilities.

Join Us in Making Paterson Greener!

We invite all residents to get involved in our sustainability efforts. Whether it's attending a Green Fair, participating in an energy workshop, or volunteering for a community garden, there are many ways to contribute to a greener Paterson. Together, we can create a sustainable future for our city.

For more information about our projects or to get involved, please contact the City of Paterson's Mayor’s Office at 973-321-1600 or email Dbravo@patersonnj.gov