Sustainable Living in South Jersey: A Complete Guide

South Jersey is home to a growing network of resources for sustainable living. From farmers markets and community gardens to EV charging stations and green businesses, Burlington County offers a wealth of opportunities for residents who want to live more eco-consciously.

Whether you are a lifelong resident or relocating to the area, this guide covers the best sustainable living options in South Jersey. I will share the farmers markets worth visiting, community gardens where you can grow your own food, recycling programs that go beyond the basics, and local businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Where Are the Best Farmers Markets in Burlington County?

Burlington County has an impressive farmers market scene. From spring through fall, markets throughout the county offer fresh local produce, artisan goods, and a chance to connect with local farmers and food producers.

Here are some of the top farmers markets in Burlington County:

• Moorestown Farmers Market: Located at the Moorestown Mall parking lot, this market runs Saturdays from May through November. You will find fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, flowers, and prepared foods from dozens of vendors.
• Medford Farmers Market: Held on Saturdays at the Medford Firehouse, this market features local produce, artisan cheeses, pasture-raised meats, and handmade crafts.
• Mount Laurel Farmers Market: Located at the Mount Laurel Library, this market operates on Wednesdays from June through September with a strong selection of local produce and specialty foods.
• Burlington City Farmers Market: A historic market on High Street with fresh produce, local seafood, and artisan goods. Runs Saturdays from June through October.
• Collingswood Farmers Market: Just outside Burlington County but worth the drive. One of the largest and most popular markets in South Jersey, operating Saturdays year-round.

For a complete list with seasonal schedules, visit our guide to the best farmers markets in South Jersey.

Where Can You Find Community Gardens in South Jersey?

Community gardens are a fantastic way to grow your own food, connect with neighbors, and reduce your carbon footprint. Burlington County has several community garden programs that offer plots to residents at affordable rates.

• Moorestown Community Garden: Located behind the Moorestown Community House, this garden offers individual plots for residents. The season runs from April through October, and all plots are organic.
• Medford Community Garden: Operated by the Medford Township Environmental Commission, this garden provides raised beds for residents at a nominal annual fee.
• Mount Laurel Community Garden: Located at the Mount Laurel Community Center, this garden offers plots for residents and hosts workshops on sustainable gardening practices.
• Burlington County Community Garden Program: The county runs several community garden locations throughout the region. Check the Burlington County website for current availability and registration.
• Rancocas Nature Center Community Garden: Located in Westampton, this garden combines community gardening with environmental education programs.

Most community gardens have waiting lists, so it is a good idea to apply early in the season. Many also offer educational workshops on composting, organic gardening, and water conservation.

What Recycling Programs Are Available in Burlington County?

Burlington County has one of the most comprehensive recycling programs in New Jersey. In addition to standard curbside recycling of paper, plastic, glass, and metal, the county offers several specialized programs:

• Curbside recycling: All municipalities in Burlington County offer single-stream curbside recycling. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1 through #7), glass bottles and jars, and metal cans.
• Electronics recycling: The Burlington County Resource Recovery Complex in Westampton accepts electronics for recycling, including computers, monitors, televisions, printers, and cell phones. Many towns also hold periodic electronic waste collection events.
• Household hazardous waste: The county operates regular household hazardous waste collection days for items like paint, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, and batteries. Check the Burlington County website for the current schedule.
• Textile recycling: Several municipalities offer textile recycling bins at public locations. Donate or recycle old clothing, shoes, linens, and other textiles instead of sending them to the landfill.
• Food waste composting: Some towns in Burlington County are piloting food waste collection programs. Moorestown, Medford, and Mount Laurel are exploring or have implemented programs for residential food waste composting.
• Yard waste: Most municipalities provide curbside yard waste collection, which is composted rather than landfilled. Leaves, grass clippings, and brush are accepted during designated collection periods.

Where Can You Find EV Charging Stations in South Jersey?

Electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly in South Jersey, and the charging infrastructure is expanding to meet demand. Here are the key locations for EV charging in Burlington County:

• Moorestown: Multiple Level 2 chargers at the Moorestown Mall, plus fast chargers at the Wawa on Route 38 and the Moorestown Library.
• Mount Laurel: Several charging stations at the Mount Laurel Wegmans, plus fast chargers at the Wawa on Route 73 and the Centerton Square shopping center.
• Medford: Level 2 chargers at the Medford Town Hall and the Medford Village Shopping Center.
• Marlton: Multiple charging locations including the Marlton Whole Foods, Promenade at Sagemore, and several Wawa locations.
• Burlington City: Chargers at the Burlington Town Center and the Burlington County Library.
• NJ Turnpike and Parkway: All rest stops on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway now have fast-charging stations, making it easy to travel throughout the region.

For homeowners interested in installing a home EV charger, read our complete guide on how to install an EV charger at home.

What Green Businesses Are in Burlington County?

Supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Here are some green businesses in Burlington County worth knowing about:

• Green Planet Solar (Moorestown): A local solar installation company that serves Burlington County homeowners. They offer free consultations and handle the entire installation process from permitting to activation.
• Garden State Energy (Mount Laurel): Specializes in energy efficiency audits, insulation upgrades, and HVAC improvements. They are an approved NJ Clean Energy Program contractor.
• Whole Foods Market (Marlton): This location has strong sustainability practices including food waste composting, energy-efficient refrigeration, and a large selection of local and organic products.
• Moorestown Eco Center: A community resource that offers workshops on sustainable living, composting, and energy efficiency. They also host a tool library where residents can borrow tools instead of buying new ones.
• Medford Village Green: A local business initiative that promotes sustainable practices among downtown merchants, including reduced plastic use, energy-efficient lighting, and waste reduction programs.
• Burlington County Farmers Market Association: Supports local farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture through education, resources, and market access.

How Can You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Day to Day?

Beyond the major home upgrades and community resources, there are many everyday habits that can reduce your environmental impact:

• Shop local: Buying from local farmers and producers reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy. Burlington County's farmers markets make this easy.
• Reduce food waste: Plan meals, compost food scraps, and use leftovers. Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Walk or bike for short trips: Many Burlington County towns have walkable downtowns and bike-friendly roads. Towns like Moorestown, Medford, Collingswood, and Haddonfield are particularly pedestrian-friendly.
• Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers: New Jersey's plastic bag ban has reduced plastic waste significantly. Carry reusable bags for shopping, a reusable water bottle, and a travel mug for coffee.
• Choose energy-efficient appliances: When replacing appliances, look for ENERGY STAR certified models. They use significantly less energy and water than standard models.
• Use public transportation: NJ Transit's River LINE and bus system provide access throughout Burlington County and into Philadelphia. The PATCO Speedline serves nearby Camden County.
• Reduce water usage: Fix leaks promptly, take shorter showers, and use rain barrels for garden watering. Burlington County offers rain barrel workshops at discounted prices.

What Sustainable Living Resources Are Available for New Residents?

If you are relocating to South Jersey and want to prioritize sustainability, here are some resources to help you get started:

• Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation: Offers programs on recycling, water conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental education. Their website has a comprehensive guide to local sustainability resources.
• New Jersey Clean Energy Program: Provides rebates, incentives, and resources for energy efficiency improvements. New homeowners can schedule a home energy audit through the program.
• South Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance: A community organization that advocates for clean air, clean water, and sustainable development in South Jersey. They offer volunteer opportunities and educational events.
• Local sustainability committees: Many Burlington County towns have environmental commissions or sustainability committees that welcome new members. Moorestown, Medford, and Mount Laurel all have active committees.

For more on moving to the area, read our guide to moving to South Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Live Sustainably in Burlington County

Sustainable living is not about being perfect. It is about making better choices when you can. South Jersey offers incredible resources for anyone who wants to reduce their environmental impact, from world-class farmers markets to community gardens, comprehensive recycling programs, and a growing network of EV charging stations.

Whether you are looking for a home in a walkable community with great green spaces, or you want to connect with local sustainability initiatives, I can help you find the right fit in Burlington County. Helping people find the community that aligns with their values is what I do best.

Contact Bob or schedule a call to start your South Jersey home search.