def #319 11/26/08
COUNTY PLANS A “GO GREEN” EVENING AT MALL
TOMS RIVER – Calling its first Go Green day a success, Ocean County officials and department representatives
will again provide displays and information on environmentally friendly energy alternatives as part of a “Go
Green” evening at the County Connection.
“We were able to provide information and talk to more than 200 people during our first Go Green event in
October,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who has been championing energy alternatives for county
facilities. “We want to continue to educate and raise awareness and this is a good time of year to do it.
“We hope Christmas shoppers will stop by for a few minutes to see what Ocean County is doing to help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and take care of the environment,” Vicari said.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8 at the County Connection near JC Penney in the Ocean
County Mall, Hooper Avenue, here.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by to learn about solar tubes, harvesting sunlight, solar panels,
energy efficient Christmas bulbs, and a host of other topics. In addition, “green” products from cleaning
fluids to paper products being used by the county’s Department of Buildings and Grounds will be on display.
And, environmentally friendly grocery bags will again be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
Vicari noted that information on Ocean County’s award winning recycling programs also will be available.
“The County Connection serves as a perfect venue for this event,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves
as liaison to the County Connection. “This storefront allows our residents to easily access their county
government and acting as stewards of our environment is a big part of what we do.”
Vicari noted that the county earlier this year completed a comprehensive energy master plan that outlines some
very ambitious projects that will help the county implement alternative energy sources and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
“This event at the mall however is to simply raise awareness and educate our residents about just how important
the environment is and how we can take some simple steps to take care of it,” Vicari said. “We encourage
everyone to take a few minutes and stop by the County Connection on Dec. 8.”
For additional information on the Go Green evening contact Donna Flynn, Ocean County Public Information
Director, at 732-929-2089.
