Green Businesses

The Cranford Green Team has partnered with the Cranford Chamber of Commerce to develop the Green Business Certification program.  The objective of this program is to recognize and promote local businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by establishing responsible environmental practices. "Going Green" not only helps save money but also helps you attract todays eco-savvy consumer.  Cranford is now one of only three Green Business Teams state-wide!

Joining the recognition program is free. If you would like to be promoted as a Green Business, please contact the Cranford Chamber of Commerce at 908-272-5522 or Debra Walker at 908-721-2624.   You can find the application here.

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Cranford's Green Businesses

Garretson Financial Awarded Green Business Certificate

 

Jamie Miller, Managing Director of Garretson Financial accepted the Cranford Green Business Certificate for environmentally responsible business practices.  Mayor Daniel J. Aschenbach, Edward O’Malley, Councilman and Liaison to the Green Business Team and Debra Walker, Chair, Green Business Team, presented the Certificate at the Township Committee Meeting.

Garretson Financial is a local financial management firm specializing in Portfolio Wealth Management for individuals as well as small business retirement plans.  John Garretson, CFP, and Jamie Miller have over 50 years combined experience in the financial markets.  They are committed to partnering with their clients to help manage their investment risk, preserve wealth and develop strategies to help clients meet their goals. Jamie, Managing Director, states, “Our ability to perceive and manage risk, while striving to preserve our clients’ wealth is of foremost importance at Garretson Financial.  However, client communication is critical, particularly during times like we’ve experienced recently.”  Additional services include college savings plans, College Financial Aid Planning and FAFSA form preparation.  Mr. Miller is also Director of the Cranford Chamber of Commerce.

When asked about the firm’s commitment to green business practices, Jamie said, “As long term planners, it just makes sense that Garretson Financial should embrace a commitment to preserving our natural resources to impact future generations.  We applaud the efforts of all of the members of “My Green Cranford” and encourage other businesses to evaluate their practices.  The Cranford Green Business Team applauds Garretson Financial’s commitment to sustainable business practices.  If you would like more information regarding Garretson Financial’s services, please call them at 908-276-9140 or visit their website at www.GarretsonFinancial.com

 

Cheese… Please! Awarded Green Business Certificate

Maria Tisdall of Cheese…Please!, was awarded a Green Business Certificate at the Township Committee Meeting on Tuesday, May 24th. Officiating at the award ceremony were Mayor Daniel J. Aschenbach, Eugene Matics, President, Cranford Chamber of Commerce, and Edward O’Malley, Councilman and Liason to the Green Business Team.

Cheese…Please! Is a unique cheese store and eatery located at 26 Eastman Street, Cranford. The location houses a cheese shop specializing in hand-cut, artisanal and farmstead cheeses and accompaniments, including scones, ficcells (thin loaf baguettes specifically made for cheese), fig jam and honey. Lovely platters are served for lunch with specially brewed tea for a unique, low-carb treat. Gluten-free crackers are available. Maria will match cheeses with your favorite wine, beer or spirits. Take-out cheeses and catering platters are available for up to 50 people. “It is a place where you can come, learn about cheese and bring your own wine, beer or spirits as an accompaniment. We happily offer samples,” she said.

Cheese…Please! Has a second business named after Maria’s grandmother, Marie O’Neill, now shipping over 115 specialty cheeses internationally from over 8 countries. They are currently erecting an e-commerce site to advance this program. If you would like more information regarding either of Maria’s businesses, please contact Cheese…Please! at 908-272-4500 or visit their website at www.chzplz.com.

As a Green Business, Cheese…Please! keeps energy costs low with motion detectors and timers for lights and equipment, aerators on sinks to conserve water, recycled paper products, green cleaning supplies and diligent recycling of waste. They also work with local suppliers to reduce their Green footprint. The Green Team congratulates Cheese…Please! On their adherence to sustainable practices!

Milk Money Receives Green Business Award

Margaret Sacco, proprietor of Milk Money, located at 6 Eastman Street, Cranford was awarded a Level I Green Business Certificate for responsible environmental practices by Mayor Daniel J. Aschenbach, Eugene Matics, President, Cranford Chamber of Commerce and Edward O’Malley, Councilman, at the Township Committee Meeting on Tuesday, May 24th.

As a consignment shop for children’s clothing from newborn to size 12, toys and accessories, it’s no surprise that Milk Money has qualified as a green business as they are in the recycling business. Awarded “Best Vintage Consignment Shop” by NJ Monthly for the second year in a row, they specialize in high-end children’s clothing, bathing suits, accessories and high chairs at one-third of the retail cost. Many of the items still have the tags. “With prices soaring and children growing, Milk Money appeals to people who are price conscious, brand conscious and environmentally conscious. Many of our clients are grandparents, who like to have spare sets of clothing, high chairs and toys for their grandchildren during visits.” said Margaret, whose business has expanded exponentially, requiring a larger space now being renovated for the fall.

In addition to being a recycling store, Milk Money has qualified as a Green Business by committing to simple, environmentally responsible practices, including: turning off lights and equipment, using a programmable thermostat, recycled paper and bags, and bringing home recyclables for proper disposal. If you would like to consign your children’s gently used clothing or accessories, or would like more information about Milk Money, please contact them at 908-272-5437, or e-mail Margaret at milkmoneycranford@gmail.com


Mr. Wraps Awarded Green Business Certificate

Mayor Daniel J.Aschenbach , Eugene Matics, President, Cranford Chamber of Commerce and Edward O’Malley, Councilman and liaison to the Green Business Team awarded Gregory Ocello, proprietor of Mr. Wraps a Green Business Certificate at the Cranford Township Committee Meeting held on April 12th.

Mr. Wraps, located at 12 North Union Avenue, Cranford, takes pride in providing high quality wraps, subs, hamburgers, hot foods, sandwich platters and offers catering for parties up to 100 people. “We are committed to providing quality food fast, rather than fast food, said Greg, who has run his establishment since 2000, with a second branch in Hoboken, NJ. Mr. Wraps has succeeded in attaining a Level I Green Business Certificate. In keeping with his environmentally responsible business practices, Mr. Ocello uses recycled paper products, energy star appliances, green cleaning supplies, low energy fluorescent bulbs, a programmable thermostat and recycles waste products. In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, local suppliers are used whenever possible. The Green Business Team congratulations Mr. Wraps for their environmentally responsible business practices!

Mr. Wraps is located at12 N. Union Avenu in Cranford. You can call them at 908-272-3600 or visit their web site at http://mr-wraps.com/main/cranford-wraps/

Green Business Team Awards Green Certificate to Back to Nature

On Tuesday, March 29th, The Green Team and Eugene Matics, President of the Cranford Chamber of Commerce awarded a Level I Green Business Certificate to Charles Baniewicz, proprietor of Back to Nature, located at 13 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, NJ.

Back to Nature, a natural foods and products establishment has been in business for over 32 years. Their extensive list of products includes a complete line of vitamin supplements, over 200 homeopathic products, complete gluten free foods, bulk foods, natural snacks, bodybuilding supplements, natural cosmetics, skin care products and natural, eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergents. “Now that Cranford has become certified as a Sustainable New Jersey town, it is more important than ever that natural, environmentally friendly, heath-conscious products are readily available to our community through businesses like Back to Nature,” said Debra Walker, Green Business Chair.

In keeping with their commitment to environmental responsibility, Back to Nature utilizes many energy saving initiatives, including power strips to limit energy waste, compact fluorescent spotlights, natural cleaning products, a programmable thermostat and a committed effort to turn off all electrical devices, including computers, office equipment and lights during non-business hours. If you would like more information about Back to Nature, please contact them at 908-276-4720 or visit their website at http://www.btnature.com/

Fazio, Mannuzza, Roche, Tankel, LaPilusa, LLC Awarded Level II
Green Business Certificate

One of the largest businesses to achieve the Green Certificate, FMRTL employs 60 people, including 10 partners, and has become the consummate blend of traditional accounting practices and state-of-the-art technology with a creative approach to business and tax issues of today.  FMRTL is committed to providing superior service to clients by putting their needs first with a personal approach and “White Glove” service.  Cassandra Cella, Marketing Manager of the company, said, “FMRTL goes out of its way to institute green initiatives. We recognize the importance of sustainability and green business practices and try our best to implement them daily.”  Among a host of green initiatives, FMRTL boasts a paperless office, using GoFileRoom to manage their accounts in a paper-intensive industry.  They recycle all bottles, cans and paper goods, use low energy fluorescent bulbs, recycled paper products, and conserve water consumption with low flow toilets and aerated faucets.  The company also utilizes energy star computers, monitors and other office equipment to reduce energy usage, as well as purchasing from local suppliers when possible to reduce their carbon footprint. 
You can contact Fazio, Mannuzza, Roche, Tankel, LaPilusa, LLC at 908-272-6200 or visit their web site http://www.fmrtl.com/


Spencer Savings Bank Awarded Green Business Certificate

The Spencer Savings Bank is a full-service community bank, located at 213 South Avenue, Cranford. They operate 19 branches in New Jersey, 5 of which are located in Union County. Mr. Spada is an active community member who serves on the Cranford Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. He is also a two-time president of the Cranford Rotary Club. In keep in with their green initiative, the bank encourages paperless banking, promoting electronic banking and bill paying practices. The bank has also sponsored reusable shopping bag promotions, is careful to turn off lights, computers and other machines during non-business hours, uses a programmable thermostat and actively recycles paper and waste products. If you would like more information about Spencer Savings Bank and its services, please contact them at 908-653-1720 or visit their website at SpencerSavings.com

 

Track Three Media Awarded Level II Green Business

 
Track Three Media, owned and operated by Sarah Sniezyk and Ken Buniewski, is a full service video/photography, web development and audiography company servicing both individuals and corporations. Their wide range of expertise includes flash video—moving videos on websites, and media transfer from film to CDs. Additionally, they contract voiceovers for commercials, self-help seminars and radio spots for enterprises such as: CBS, 1010WINS, the NY Firefighters Union and Station 880AM.

 

As a full-service media company, Track Three Media limits their use of paper and utilizes biodegradable cornstarch packaging rather than toxic Styrofoam peanuts.  In an effort to reduce waste disposal, packaging materials are reused and paper products are recycled   The company uses low-flow toilets and aerators to conserve water consumption, and employs a programmable thermostat, making sure to turn off lights and computers during non-business hours to reduce their energy consumption.  Local vendors and green cleaning supplies limit their carbon footprint.

 

 If you would like more information about Track Three Media’s services, please contact them at 908-789-1005 or visit their website at http://www.trackthreemedia.com/

CartridgeWorld Receives Level I Green Business Certificate

Cartridge World of Union provides replacement printer cartridges to individuals and corporations throughout Essex, Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties.  The company refills and remanufactures toner cartridges and provides compatible, generic cartridges to fit almost any make or model printer at 25-50% savings to their customers.  Cartridge World works with individuals, small businesses and corporate accounts, offering free pickup and delivery to corporate clients.  Unusable cartridges are recycled with U.S labor; all ink and toner supplies and parts match the density, consistency and color of their retail counterparts, making the generic products identical to name brands at huge savings.  In addition to their other recycling efforts, Joel is currently developing recycling drop-off stations for used printers and computers in an attempt to recycle the growing mountain of abandoned/outdated electronic equipment.  The Green Team applauds Mr. Kenderdine’s efforts to recycle and dispose of used printing and computer products with responsible, environmentally conscious methods.  If you would like more information about Cartridge World of Union, or have questions regarding their products or services, please contact Joel Kenderdine at 908-688-5601 or e-mail him at refillcartridges@att.net

 

Hynes Jewelers Awarded Green Business Certificate

 

Located at 2 Eastman Street, Cranford, Hynes Jewelers has serviced the town with fine jewelry for over 30 years.  The store has implemented more than 8 out of 10 green initiatives, including the use of programmable thermostats, recycled bags, packaging and paper products.  In addition, Mr. Hynes utilizes green cleaning supplies, low-energy fluorescent bulbs and individual spotlight switches to provide customers with a clear view of the merchandise while minimizing energy consumption.

 

More information about Hynes Jewelers can be found on their web site at http://www.hynesjewelers.com/

 

 



A Toute Heure Awarded  Level III Green Business Certificate

Mayor Daniel J. Aschenbach and Chamber of Commerce President, Gene Matics awarded a Level III Green Business Certificate to Andrea Carbone, owner of A Toute Heure, an award winning Cranford restaurant featuring locally grown ingredients and the Green Team's highest standard for environmentally friendly operations.


Please visit their web site at http://www.atouteheure.com/ or stop by for a great dining experience.




Cranford Green Team Awards Panda Apparel As Level II Green Business

Scott Marino, President of Panda Apparel, located at 70 Jackson Drive, Cranford, was awarded a Level II Green Business Certificate by the Green Team.   


Panda Apparel, a screen printing company specializing in solvent free, earth-friendly, water- based printing of recycled and organic garments, works with local organizations, clubs and businesses to provide custom printing from their online retail website at pandaapparelgroup.com  In keeping with their commitment to sustainability, Panda works with subcontractors who are committed to earth-friendly composition and disposal of dye materials.  All boxes used for shipping are made of recycled materials and use no packaging materials.  “We buy anything we can find with an eco composition, “he said.  Panda also utilizes electric, rather than propane forklifts, florescent lighting, and material sources close to home reduce the company’s carbon footprint.  “We have a commitment to be as green as we possibly can. We follow the ‘Do No Harm’ principles as they apply to our business,” said Scott.


If you, your business or organization would like more information about Panda Apparel’s products and services, please visit their website at http://www.pandaapparelgroup.com/