The Alternative Press

CHATHAM, NJ - Chatham held its Fifth Annual Green Fair on Saturday, September 22, 2012, to increase awareness on the part of Chatham residents regarding a variety of “green” initiatives.

Several local small businesses participated in the fair including Safe Shredding LLC, Recyclebank, Solar Energy World and Morris Habitat for Humanity Restore, among others.

The owners of water filtration and purification company, PUR2O, said they came to participate in the green fair because they want to “educate and hydrate.”

Co-owner Mizar Turdiu explained that her goal for the day and that of co-owner Antonio Cernuto was to “educate attendees, serve free water, and pursue those interested” in their state-of- the-art filtration system.

“Pur2O has a twofold mission- safe healthy water and a safe healthy planet,” Turdiu said.  “We want to deliver healthy, filtered water and eliminate bottle usage.”

She also added that the company, located in Randolph, provides systems to the New York Jets as well as other professional athletes.

The Chatham Borough Green Initiatives Committee also had a booth at the fair.  Committee member Marc deMul explained that the group attended the fair because “we’re trying to educate people about what they can do to help the environment and the town.”

DeMul said that as of August, Chatham has become one of ten towns in New Jersey to become “Silver Certified” in the Sustainable Jersey program.

He explained that the certification is awarded through a point system and Chatham had 410 points and four priority actions for accomplishing a variety of “green” initiatives.

“This is a huge achievement because hundreds of towns apply,” deMul said.  “There is no gold [certification] yet, but when it exists, we are going for it,” he added.

The Committee holds a monthly eco-movie series and also provides information for residents regarding environmental tips and facts.

For more information please go to Bit.ly/CBGreen or www.pur2o.com.