Green Stories

Whenever someone says, “I wish I could do more or be more eco-friendly,” I always smile inside. It’s such a common comment—and one I deeply relate to.

I think back to when I joined the Evesham Green Team many years ago. My youngest was just two, and I was looking for a way to be more conscious of the environment, volunteer locally, and make a difference. I quickly realized that the solution to “being more eco-friendly” is simple: just do one thing.

If I could choose one small habit to stick with, I figured I could gradually build a more sustainable lifestyle—for my family and for the planet. Trying to reduce waste? I started using washable cleaning towels. Want to buy local? I found a blueberry farmer and froze a bunch. Concerned about cleaning products? I learned to make my own.

Most people don’t wake up and become fully “green” overnight. For me, it’s been a journey of baby steps—supported by a community of volunteers who keep inspiring me.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself: just do one thing.

-- Samantha Hurley

When I moved into my log home in Medford Lakes 17 years ago, I faced something entirely new:  relying on well water for my house and gardens.  My previous high-rise condo in Center City sure didn’t have well water!   I started tuning in to my water usage more keenly, particularly with building out gardens around my home.  Word on the street was that wells can run dry, as a few neighbors confirmed.

I saw a township ad for a rain barrel workshop, which I immediately jumped on and proudly linked up my barrel to a major downspout – happy not to rely as much on my well for water.  That rain barrel provided plenty of water throughout the gardening season and was easy enough to disconnect for the winter.  Though I moved to Marlton 4 years ago and now have EMUA, I still opt to conserve water and use a rain barrel for the bulk of my garden watering.

--Ann Fischer

I purchased my home in Country Farm, a development in Evesham Township, in December 2000 and continue to live here as I write my Green Story in August 2025.  On my quarter acre property were 5 Bartlett Pear trees, 2 Japanese maples, 2 Japanese Yews and 2 Japanese Barberry bushes that I later learned, since non-native to New Jersey, did not contribute to a sustainable landscape. Over the years, I removed the trees and shrubs named here, and began to add NJ native perennials to my landscape.

During Covid, my backyard was transformed by planting only native plants. I witnessed the increase of birds, bees and butterflies.  Three years ago (2023), I reduced my front lawn by two-thirds establishing a sustainable landscape full of native shrubs, perennials and pollinators including a rain garden to attract birds, bees, and butterflies, essential for a healthy sustainable planet.

I owe my passion and knowledge of the importance and benefits of growing native plants from Burlington County Parks Senior Naturalist, Jen Bulava and Entomologist, Ecologist and Conservationist, Doug Tallamy. Doug’s books, Bring Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope have become my blueprint for a sustainable yard. You can find many of his talks on YouTube. You can find Jen’s programs on the Burlington County Parks’ website.

-- Joyce Goldsmith

Over two decades ago, I had the dream of installing solar panels on my home. My motivation for solar was the environment. My husband liked the economic benefits.

My dream hit a snag when my Homeowner’s Association (HOA) did not approve the solar panels on my home for aesthetic reasons. I persevered, advocating for and supporting a bill in the New Jersey legislature that would eventually pass. In 2007, NJ adopted a law requiring HOAs to permit the installation of solar panels.

Since 2012, the solar panels on my home have been generating clean energy, and we have had minimal electric bills except during the summer months. In addition, over the life of our solar system, to date, we have offset 75.7 tons of carbon.  Renewable energy has been good for the environment and good for our pocketbook. 

--Ila Vassallo

I tried for many years to have the perfect lawn and struggled with the slowly creeping moss and the pine needles dropping from my 60-foot White Pines. The grass in the front of the yard was always competing with the Pines for water, even though I have a sprinkler system and mushrooms and moss in the back. 

Finally, I said enough with the chemicals and seed and gave my crab grass permission to mingle with the grass.  They are happily living together, though I think the crab grass is dominating, and my lawn is green (enough). I now have a totally natural lawn, no chemicals and less water. It's wonderful! I even convinced my neighbors on both sides to stop using a mosquito spraying service.

-- Marcy Glantz