Gateway Group

Serving Hillside, Elizabeth, and all Essex County communities (except for Livingston, Millburn and Roseland).

The Gateway Group was organized in January 2011. Please contact any of the leaders if you are interested in joining our campaigns to protect the environment. There are several Gateway Group positions open.

The Gateway Group invites YOU to join in the activism and asks your support as we strive to address the many issues facing the urban as well as suburban communities.

Do you ever wonder if the plastic containers you put out at the curb for recycling actually get recycled, or do they end up floating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

In January, the Gateway Group of the Sierra Club published a major study of what actually happens to the bottles, cans, and paper collected from Essex County residents. Danielle Rapsas, a sophomore at Barnard College and a graduate of West Caldwell High School, completed the study as a summer intern with the Gateway Group. She is also a member of the Gateway Group Executive Committee and the political chair for the Group.

Her research found conclusive evidence that recycling is considerably cheaper than sending solid waste to be incinerated in Newark, and includes 9 specific recommendations for Essex County towns and municipalities to follow to increase recycling rates.

Copies of the report are available for download here: Essex County Recycling Report

Gateway Group Events

Ironbound March for Clean Air

Saturday April 20, 12PM
Down bottoms Farms Newark
377-385 Ferry St., Newark
For over 2 years the Ironbound Community has been opposing the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission’s proposed fossil fuel plant in Newark. Join the Ironbound Community Corporation in a march against the PVSC’s harmful plan and to unite our voices to demand that everyone, regardless of race, income or zipcode has the right to breath clean air!

Northeast Earth Coalition Earth Day Celebration

Sunday April 21, 9AM-12PM

Crane Park, Montclair and other locations
Join the Northeast Earth Coalition for a day of fun and environmental awareness at Crane Park in Montclair, NJ, USA! Celebrate Earth Day and be a part of the movement to protect our planet. This in-person event will feature exciting activities, live music, and educational workshops. Learn about sustainable practices, explore eco-friendly products, and connect with like-minded individuals who care about the environment. Bring your friends and family for a day of green fun and inspiration. Let's come together to make a positive impact on our beautiful Earth!

Events Include:

Township Proclamation at Crane Park Demonstration Garden, Spring cleanup, and planting native plants
Stream cleanup (Toney's Brook) Pine Street Train Station and Glenfield Park).
Erie Park Cleanup
Pine Street Community Garden (Community Composting Program & Vegetable Garden planting)
Greenway Trail Cleanup (Montclair & Glen Ridge)
Live Music and environmental displays.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Montclair Earth Fest

Sunday, April 28th, Noon – 4 PM
South Park St between Bloomfield Ave & The Crescent

This year has seen some real push-back against climate change programs, including Electric Cars. Lots of news reports about how sales are dropping, and even an editorial in the New York Times on the theme that Electric Cars are not fun to drive! But the real story is that sales of electric cars in 2024 are continuing to grow, and electric cars are definitely cool to drive!

Come and talk to real EV owners about their experience owning and driving electric cars at the third annual Drive Electric Event sponsored by the Gateway Group. This year, our show is combined with the first Montclair Earth Fest, with lots of information about sustainability options and incentive programs. Enjoy live music and visit the many restaurants in Montclair.

Montclair Interfaith Climate March

Sunday May 5, 1PM
Sponsored by local churches and synagogues, marchers will gather at 4 locations in downtown Montclair where a short program will be held followed by a march through downtown Montclair.
For more information email InterfaithGreenNJ@gmail.com
Register for the March here http://bit.ly/grief2hope

Charles H Bullock School Eco Fair & Repair Café

Saturday May 11, 12-4PM

55 Washington St, Montclair
Designed for elementary school students, there will be science exhibits, learning activities, and arts and crafts.

Montclair Eco-Fair May 25, 2024

May 25, 9:30AM-2PM

St. James Episcopal Church
581 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
Montclair Eco-Fair 2024: This is a community event that you will want to be part of. Join local environmentalists and community activists in an outdoor event with environmental displays. Come and learn about gardening for pollinators and butterflies, native plants, edible landscapes, community gardens, environmental restoration, composting, and volunteer opportunities. Enjoy live music by local performers.

REGISTER HERE