SWM at Autumn Lights Festival The 2006 Autumn Lights Festival was the first event we attended as a group. There was educational information about the principles of sustainability, effectively using rain barrels, using solar energy, and using efficient light bulbs. We had organic reusable cotton shopping bags available for people to purchase. We conducted a survey to find out what people were already doing and to encourage people to think about things they could do to live more sustainably. Over 40 people signed up to get involved and on our mailing list. It was a very successful day!

Free Tire Pressure Check November 18, 2006 Several members gathered on a chilly but sunny day at the Mountain Lakes Car wash to provide a free Tire Pressure Check to residents that were getting their car washed. As each vehicle drove up volunteers checked the tire pressure. Drivers were given a card that showed what the tire pressure was. Many people learned where the information about their correct tire pressure was located in their car and our team added or removed air from their tires as needed. Each person received a free tire pressure gage donated from Lakeland Auto Parts. Over 85 residents had their tires checked and learned about how to save gas and tire damage by having tires inflated correctly.

Green and Sustainable Household Cleaners Workshops February 27, 2007  Have you ever wondered how things got clean before we created things like Windex and Clorox? Many of the household cleaners we use now are very toxic to our health and the environment. Kate Hayes ran two workshops early in 2007 to help people learn about the natural and inexpensive cleaners that work as well if not better than toxic cleaners! Look for this workshop again next year!

Highlander Drive Cleanup - March 31, 2007 and Cleanup Day Picnic - April 21, 2007 The mess on Highlander drive had gotten out of control. Several old dumpsters at the middle school were constantly ravaged by local bears and the trash pulled into the forest on this beautiful road that winds around the schools. In addition to looking unsightly, the situation had become dangerous with children on the road every day practicing for track and other sports while bears ate trash in the forest. A group of 64 residents came out to help clean up the problem and took over 2 tons of trash out of the roadside forest. Once the clean up was done, several members worked with the school administration and the department of fish and wildlife to insure that the dumpsters were secured. A great win for all!

Pizza Tasting Contest Fundraiser Our first fundraiser of 2007 was a Pizza Tasting Challenge that had 7 professional pizza stores participate along with 4 home made entries from local residents. 160 residents came out on Sunday, July 22 to taste all of the wonderful pies that we have in our town. There were many categories to win in so every pizza place was a winner. Over $300 in raffle prizes were donated by 9 local businesses. Over $800 was raised to assist Sustainable West Milford in their ongoing educational and project efforts. Our project leader, Elena Valentino learned how this was done in Nutley, NJ where they have been holding this type of contest for 11 years, improved on it, and helped us create a wonderful fun and filling event!

Green Elements Healthy Design & Building Center is open! They held a Sustainable West Milford shopping day fundraiser. Five percent of all sales on Saturday, August 18th, 2007 were donated to Sustainable West Milford.

Buy Local - Be Local Campaign Ever wonder what difference you make when you spend your money at a local store or go to the mall? Our local economy and uniqueness depend on your dollars. We can't always get what we need locally, but we ask you to Think Local FIRST to keep our towns beautiful and vibrant!

Highlands GreenFest May 3, 2008 The festival included presentations and exhibits by experts in green building, organic foods, clean energy, alternative fuel vehicles, and sustainable living.   Local environmental groups and outdoor clubs provided information on protecting the environment and hands-on demonstrations on how to enjoy it.  Activities for children included environmental games, pony rides and face painting. Local artist performed music at the gazebo throughout the day.  Environmental movies were screened, and discussions facilitated, on the pressing environmental issues of the day. The NJ Prius Club hosted a Green-Prix Rally that crossed the finish line at Highlands Greenfest.

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