It’s not easy being green, Kermit the frog says, but Lawrence and its residents are dedicated to the color and what its environmental message means.
With the 41st anniversary of Earth Day approaching, there are signs all over the community to the commitment to environmental sustainability.
On Sunday residents can visit the Home & Energy Expo at Lawrence High School, sponsored by Sustainable Lawrence in conjunction with The Green Team. Now in its third year, the expo is a chance to learn ways to save on heating and cooling costs, information on geothermal and solar installation and financing, how to recycle old appliances and even purchase fresh local food.
Speakers will offer updates on Sustainable Lawrence’s initiatives, information about the state’s Clean Energy policies and rebates, and an update on the Lawrence school district’s solar energy sales.
And this is just the first of six events planned to help Lawrence, its residents and the surrounding communities adopt the principles of environmental sustainability.
The Township Council has also been active in a green way, approving the details to the proposed route of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail through the township-owned Carson Road Woods. The trail is a 22-mile loop that connects the two townships which has been in the works since 2001. The trail’s nonprofit corporate parent has raised $5.8 million so that taxpayers do not have to bear the burden of completing this green swath through the two towns.
And, over at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library, there’s a special art show on display until the end of the month that features pieces made from at lease 75 percent recycled material.
”I thought it was a unique way to use garbage,” reference librarian Karen Serach said of 82-year-old Lawrence resident Jean Lyndall-O’Donnell’s piece. “I like how she collected stuff from everywhere and made it look like it was supposed to be there.”
Ms. Lyndall-O’Donnell’s piece, along with the others, are on display every day at the library.
Yet another way that the township expresses itself as a green community.
So, Kermit, here in Lawrence it’s not only getting easier by the day to be green, but it’s proving to be great fun. And don’t be surprised if it finds ways to grow even greener.

