Local business and government leaders will gather on Friday, March 7th, for the second annual Sustainable Newtown Square—Green Business Coalition Leaders Mini-Conference. The event will be held at Dunwoody Village, a continuing-care retirement community located in Newtown
Square, offering residents unparalleled comfort, award-winning, high-quality healthcare and rehabilitation and a vibrant lifestyle.
Hosted by the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors, the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and endorsed by the Newtown Square Business Association (NSBA), the mini-conference serves to recognize the sustainability efforts of local businesses, to educate attendees on how our commu-
nity can get involved and to network with other businesses and government leaders.
Sheila O’Sullivan-Feeney leads the initiative and is the Chair of the EAC. “Last year’s conference was held at Boiron, USA, the world’s leader in homeopathic medicines headquartered right here in Newtown Square,” Sheila explained. “The event was a huge success, and attendees had the opportunity to learn about being environmentally responsible and see what steps they could take to make their businesses more sustainable.”
When asked why Dunwoody Village was selected to host this year’s mini-conference, Sheila explained their commitment to our community and our environment is very strong and worthy of recognition. “Dunwoody Village was among the first businesses to pledge to incorporate green initiatives into its business practices as part of Sustainable Newtown Square,” Sheila said. “Dunwoody’s leadership is committed to being environmentally responsible, and its residents also play a key role, not only at Dunwoody but through serving the Township as well.”
Among the program’s featured speakers will be representatives from Newtown Township, leaders from Dunwoody Village, executives from the Delaware County Conservation District and notable local business owners who are committed to this mission.
The morning will begin with some words from Newtown Square Board of Supervisors Chairman Leonard Altieri and Newtown Township Manager Stephen Nease. They will review their practices currently in place for working together towards the common goal of bringing businesses and government together for a better future. Stephen will address how our public works department plays a role in sustainability by reusing materials and repurposing equipment that otherwise would be discarded.
Dunwoody Village and its Leadership Team will discuss and present some of the amazing things they are doing every day to be a more sustainable and active continuing-care retirement community. Sheila said she is very excited to have our business leaders see how easily it can be done with simple changes. “Attendees will be inspired by Dunwoody’s commitment to helping make our world better for everyone!”
Karen Wilwol, who serves as Conservation District Manager for the Delaware County Conservation District, will speak on empowering communities to conserve natural resources through collaborative partnerships and on-the-ground project implementation. The mission of the Conservation District is to ensure the wise use of Delaware County’s natural resources and to protect and restore the natural environment through the conservation of its soil, water and related resources.
The invitation to attend the Sustainable Newtown Square Green Business mini-conference is extended to all current members of the Newtown Square Business Association as well as local business owners who are interested in joining the association and implementing sustainability practices. Those interested in attending should send an email to President@NSBPA.com. Sheila is looking forward to an enjoyable and informative meeting. “Our goal is to have the attendees walk out of the mini-conference with new knowledge, practical tips and a firm commitment to be more ecofriendly in their own businesses.”
The Sustainable Newtown Square—Green Business Coalition is a free program sponsored by Newtown Township for businesses that pledge to environmentally sustainable practices and give back to the community. Sheila said, “This is a 100% voluntary and non-binding program that helps to educate businesses on environmentally sustainable practices and reward and recognize those businesses who have taken steps to be good stewards of their community and environment.” In addition, their goals include encouraging residents to buy locally and consume responsibly.
Sheila explained that once businesses make the “pledge” they will receive a free decal for their business, digital signage for their website and social channels and inclusion in township communications. “Many businesses are already demonstrating sustainability, and this can be an opportunity to share best practices across the community,” Sheila added. “Additionally, each year, one business that has championed sustainability and has gone above and beyond its commitments will be eligible for an award.”
Some ways we can all participate are by:
• Reducing or eliminating single-use plastic (including takeout containers, plastic bags, straws, etc.)
• Volunteering each year in township-sponsored park or stream cleanups and tree plantings
• Making every effort to recycle all eligible materials (i.e. boxes, paper, glass, and plastic)
• Evaluating and implementing ways to reduce electric usage and move to renewable electric sources (Electric fleet, LED and/or motion-sensing lighting, Solar)
• Landscaping your home or business using native plants and trees
• Communicating your sustainable efforts and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do the same
• Evaluating and implementing water conservation efforts and managing stormwater runoff best practices
There are many ways residents and businesses can impact the community, and through short-term and long-term planning, we can make Newtown Square a healthier, more beautiful, and more sustainable place to live, work, and play.
If you own or represent a business that operates within Newtown Township, you can sign up by visiting Newtowntownship.org and making the pledge. The form can be found by clicking on the Government tab, then the Boards and Commissions. If you are interested in getting involved with the EAC, you are welcome to attend their monthly meetings which are held at 5pm on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings take place at Newtown Township’s Municipal Building, 209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square.