Bridgewater, NJ April 2021 by City Lifestyle

A P R I L 2 02 1

ROCKIN' ECO ISSUE WI T H THE GREEN PLANET BAND

FOOD + DRINK T U RF, SU RF, AN D E AR T H: FO O D YO U CAN F EEL G O O D AB O U T LI F E + C U LTU R E S O M ERSE T C O U N T Y G O ES G REEN ! S T Y LE + B E AUT Y RECYC L ED FASH I O N: H O T T REN D S AT T H E ALT ERNAT IVE

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@lifestylepubs.com Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@lifestylepubs.com

We Do Not Inherit the Earth From Our Ancestors—We Borrow it From Our Children

EDITOR

Patti Zielinski | patti.verbanas@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

BRIDGEWATER, WHAT A WONDERFUL MONTH TO RECONNECT WITH THE

Emily Lisenbee

EARTH AND SPEND SOME TIME OUTSIDE. If you ever needed an excuse to buy

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

yourself a new raincoat and matching boots, you have one now. Even better, stop by a

Amanda Castleman, Brenda Esler & Lauren Johnson

local consignment shop, like The Alternative, and pick from their "once loved" options.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Then go out and explore—maybe get some new Instagram shots a la Singing in the Rain?

Kennette Productions & Rachel Gallic Photography

While you’re out, take a moment to appreciate the gifts our planet gives us each day. How can you show your thanks? Maybe you join a neighborhood cleanup or check out some new, sustainable brands popping up. Bridgewater's Green Planet Band has upcoming shows that can help get you and your family in the Earth Day spirit. We can’t wait to see how you decide to celebrate. Be sure to share your photos with us! This April we ask you to be mindful of our beautiful Earth. “Going green” means embracing a way of life that helps preserve the environment by reducing, reusing, and recycling items. The “going green” concept is learning and practicing an environmentally-mindful lifestyle that contributes towards protecting the environment and preservation and conservation of the natural resources, habitats, and biodiversity. In "Add Water & Clean," Norwex Independent Consultant, Jessica Skakum, teaches our readers about the benefits of cleaning with a reusable cloth that is both good for the environment and for your health.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

We're sure you've heard the saying, "You are what you eat." Turf, Surf, and Earth in downtown Somerville creates all of their dishes with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

This reduces the carbon footprint of their menu while maximizing taste. Check out this month's Culinary Creation to replicate their delicious chicken tacos at home. Thank you for all you do to keep Bridgewater clean and healthy. We wouldn’t be this wonderful community without each and every one of you doing your part. Happy Earth Day!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater ON THE COVER The Green Planet Band PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY 6

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Bridgewater Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Bridgewater areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Bridgewater Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 16 Recycling Rock The Green Planet Band Believes That Change Begins Local and Grows Global

22 Feel-Good Food Turf, Surf, and Earth Offers More Than Just Garden-variety Fare

28 Benefits of “Going Green” Environmental Advocate Ed Seliga Discusses How Eco-friendly Initiatives Can Save the Planet — and Money

34 Fashionable Alternatives Consignment Shop and

16 28

Boutique Owner Leslie Calo Repurposes Fashion

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Back Stage

22 Culinary Creations 34 Locally Owned 40 Healthy Lifestyle 44 DIY 47 Realty Report

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GOOD TIMES

It's Snow Joke Outside! Spring is upon us now, but we certainly had a snowy winter here in Bridgewater! We asked our readers to submit photos of their families having fun in the snow, and with over 150 photo submissions, it was hard to pick our favorite pictures to feature. Head over to our Facebook page (@bridgewaterlifestyle) to see more pics of our littlest residents enjoying the fresh air.

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

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Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

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Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

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BACK STAGE

Recycling Rock

THE GREEN PLANET BAND BELIEVES THAT CHANGE BEGINS LOCAL AND GROWS GLOBAL

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE AMANDA CASTLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY

" W e're t he next generation. People will be looking up t o us soon." - K ylee R app GROOVE IS IN THE HEART. And some-

pros, they’ll still jump back in front of the

times it’s just full of heart, especially when

camera for distanced gigs. “When we do

The Green Planet Band takes the stage to

Facebook Live concerts, the phone is far

spread joy with an eco-friendly backbeat.

away from us, so we can get the whole band

The Green Planet Band delights crowds

in the picture,” Kylee says. “We don’t have

by “Recycling Rock ‘n’ Roll One Song at a

any audience feedback. It’s very different.”

Time.” The band, which plays classic rock,

“Yeah, you have to stare at the camera the

consists of Kylee Rapp (15, guitar and lead

whole time,” Tyler adds. “I’m used to looking

singer), Tyler Rapp (13, drums and vocals),

around at all the people!”

Anna Rapp (13, bass and vocals) and Mama Lisa (lead guitar). Tyler longs to sing like Sam Cooke, while

Person of the Year. “She shows that not

his twin, Anna, digs the bassline of Janis

only adults can make changes in the world,”

Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.” Kylee draws

Kylee says. “More people like her should

inspiration from sources as diverse as

speak out and get children interested, adults

Queen, Nirvana and Linda Ronstadt.

interested, everyone interested in trying to

The Green Planet Band started its groove singing along to the hits of Mama Lisa’s youth

save the planet. We’re the next generation. People will be looking up to us soon.”

from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. They first per-

“It will be your world!” Mama Lisa interjects.

formed at an elementary school talent show,

“That’s right,” Tyler replies. “We need to

then quickly scaled up to cafes, Earth Day

Anna Rapp, Tyler Rapp and Kylee Rapp of The Green Planet Band

For ecological inspiration, the group looks to heroes like Greta Thunberg, TIME’s 2019

keep it nice and running for everyone!”

fairs, the Somerset County Environmental

The musicians are also fans of trailblazing

Education Center, the Bridgewater Eco-

scientist and activist Dr. Jane Goodall, who

Blast Fair and the Electric Ride Car Show.

believes today’s kids are the most compas-

“This was a big deal as we’re very into

sionate, creative change-makers our world

saving the planet, and electric cars can

has ever seen. She once said: “I do have rea-

play a big role in that since they don’t have

sons for hope… Above all, the commitment

exhaust fumes,” Kylee says.

of young people when they’re empowered

“We’re also really big fans of Elon Musk

to take action.” To help that along, the Jane

and Tesla,” Anna chimes in. “Hopefully, we

Goodall Institute created a program called

can get one soon!”

Roots & Shoots. It encourages young peo-

All three student-musicians are suffering

ple to build a better world by standing up for

from screen-overload from virtual schooling

their beliefs and affecting positive change in

during the pandemic. But as consummate

their communities.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED) Goodall visited the kids’ former intermediate school, Hillside, twice:

Kylee Rapp, guitar and lead vocals

first to attend the annual Forest Fest in 2001 and then to establish it as America’s first Roots & Shoots elementary school in 2004. One of the school’s teachers — science expert Katrina Berdo Macht — was even able to inspire her students from Panama. For four years, she teleconferenced during a weeklong visit to Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake, a reserve prized by biologists. From there, she shared stories of monkeys and working as a mammalogist at a field station operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Inspired by such environmental education, Tyler believes music is an especially good medium for eco-friendly messaging. “It’s joyful and can get people pumped up. Sometimes when you’re talking, you might not get across the right emotion or feeling. But when you’re singing, it really comes across.” The young Rapps hope to spin music and making a difference into lifelong habits. “We want to pursue this for the rest of our lives,” Anna says, “as long as our fingers can move!” To find their upcoming gigs, visit thegreenplanetband.com.

Anna Rapp, bass guitar and vocals

Tyler Rapp, drums and vocals 18

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

Tyler Rapp, Kylee Rapp, Anna Rapp

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

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CULINARY CREATIONS

FeelG ood Food

ARTICLE LAUREN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY

IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE CHOICES WE MAKE IMPACT THE WORLD AROUND US, AND FOR TURF, SURF, AND EARTH IN DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE, IT ALL STARTS WITH FRESH, CREATIVE AND LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS. “It’s more sustainable to source locally, and it feels better to support the community you’re a part of,” says chef Byron Salazar, who owns the restaurant alongside his partner, Mackenzie Stahl. “It’s important to build relationships by working directly with people.” Salazar, who graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School and studied accounting at Penn State, knew from the beginning that he wanted to own a business. To support his schooling, he cooked in nearby restaurants. Before long, it became clear that the restaurant business was his calling, and he opened Turf, Surf, and Earth in 2019. As far as style, Salazar draws inspiration from the foods he loves best, which includes nutritious, plantbased meals. “I found that with plant-based meals, there are endless opportunities to be creative,” he says. “It’s wonderful to realize you can turn any meal into one that’s plant-based and not sacrifice taste. Using ingredients that taste good as well as make you feel good has a double advantage — just like owning a business that lines up with your own personal values.” Some of their signature plant-based menu items include a spin on the classic turkey club, created with house-made seitan. Other items include their version of a po’ boy, which is typically made with shrimp or oysters, but theirs is made with lightly battered and fried oyster mushrooms. Another popular menu item is the nachos, enrobed with rich, creamy “cheese” made from cashews.

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

Turf, Surf, and Earth Owners Mackenzie Stahl and Byron Salazar

TURF, SURF, AND EARTH OFFERS MORE THAN JUST GARDEN-VARIETY FARE

Chicken Taco

About a third of the menu is plant-derived. The rest (as their name implies) comes from the land and sea—offering something for everyone. “We have grass-fed burgers, chicken and seafood that you can order grilled, sautéed or fried, because we want to give people a chance to try something new and not be excluded because of their food preferences or dietary restrictions,” he says. Just as the restaurant showcases creativity in their culinary offerings, the same goes for their efforts to remain successful during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant offers the convenience of online ordering and takeout options, has limited indoor seating and will be offering casual outdoor dining as the weather gets warmer. “Our goal is to create community through the food,” Salazar says. “It is what connects, feeds and sustains us in more ways than one.” Order online at turfsurfandearth.com. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

Simple Chicken Taco

+ 1 chicken breast + 2 tbsp tomato sauce + 2 tbsp onion powder + 1 tbsp minced garlic + 1 tbsp salt + 1 packet achiote seasoning + 3 tbsp lime juice + 1 small bunch of cilantro + 1 tbsp cayenne pepper + 1 cup water Cook chicken breast in a medium pan with tomato sauce and water covering the chicken. Add onion powder, minced garlic, salt, achiote seasoning, lime juice, cilantro and cayenne pepper and cook until chicken is tender and fragrant. Pull chicken out of the pot and let it cool for about 20 minutes, then shred it. Put it on your favorite corn tortilla. Top with avocado, onion, cilantro, tomato and your favorite sauce. Our favorite topping is chipotle mayo: This is just mayo mixed with well-blended chipotle peppers.

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

“Ou r goa l is to create com mun it y th roug h the food. It is what con nects, feeds a nd susta i ns us i n more ways tha n one.” — By ron Sa la za r, Ow ner of Su r f, T u r f, a nd Ea r th

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

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A R T I C L E PA TT IZ

IE L INSK I

BENEFITS OF “GOING GREEN”

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE ED SELIGA DISCUSSES HOW ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES SUCH AS SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS CAN SAVE THE PLANET — AND MONEY

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

become a leader in combining solar systems with battery storage, which is an essential step in creating the electric grid of the future: one that moves beyond deriving power from conventional power plants, Seliga says. “Power will become decentralized,” he explains. “It will be made in many places, stored and used elsewhere when needed. This system will help the electric grid work better and will produce clean energy to address our air quality issues as well as climate change.” GROWING UP IN COAL COUNTRY ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the amount of sunlight

PITTSBURGH, ED SELIGA WITNESSED THE RAVAGES OF

that strikes the earth’s surface in 90 minutes is enough to handle the

POLLUTION AT AN EARLY AGE. “I saw huge clouds of smoke and

entire world’s energy consumption for a full year. Solar vendors can help

toxic materials rising into the sky from the plants along the rivers and

residents and businesses calculate how much they’re saving the planet

waste material dumped onto the ground,” he says. “The rivers and

through the emissions they are avoiding. “For example, the solar system

creeks were often strangely discolored because of contamination.”

I use on my home prevents the burning of enough fossil fuel to eliminate

Realizing that society could do better, Seliga participated in the

about five tons of carbon dioxide annually,” Seliga says.

first Earth Day in 1970 at the local campus of Penn State in western

Homeowners and businesses that convert to solar power now

Pennsylvania. “This event took an important step in environmental

realize a substantial financial savings as well and may not need to

awareness by getting people to recognize that these materials were

invest their own funds. The Community Solar Energy Pilot Program is

poisonous and causing illness. It made people acknowledge that

a new state initiative from the New Jersey Clean Energy Program that

something would have to be done,” he says.

will enable residents and commercial facilities to purchase their elec-

Motivated to make a difference, Seliga relocated to New Jersey

tricity from local solar projects. “This is an exciting opportunity that

and enrolled at Princeton University to study civil engineering. Upon

should be available in Bridgewater in the coming year,” Seliga says.

graduation, he made Central New Jersey his home and embarked

CONTINUED >

on a decades-long mission to bring environmental change and consciousness to the state and beyond. Today, Seliga serves as chief operating officer and co-owner of

Ed Seliga, Chief Operating Officer and Co-owner of Advanced Solar Products

Advanced Solar Products in Flemington. Founded in 1991, it is one of the leading solar design and construction companies on the East Coast. He operates the venture with his partner, Lyle Rawlings, who serves as president and chief executive officer. “Like me, Lyle also grew up in coal country, in nearby West Virginia. We both saw a lot of visible pollution, were sensitive to these issues and wanted to do something about them,” he says. Together, they built some of the first functioning solar projects in the state. “In the beginning, we were contacted mostly by people who had a strong environmental motive, but over time, people have increasingly seen the economic and health benefits of using solar energy,” he says. Advanced Solar — which specializes in solar electric systems for commercial and utility companies, not residential clients — has worked with close to 100 public schools in New Jersey and has installed solar systems on roofs and solar fields for a variety of companies, office buildings and warehouses. “I especially enjoy working with schools on solar projects because it saves taxpayer dollars and helps create the presence of a new technology in an educational setting,” Seliga says. “Having solar systems in schools makes kids aware of green employment as the jobs and businesses of the future.” Advanced Solar’s work and influence extends far and wide: In 2011, it installed one of the largest solar fields in the Northeast to serve a data center in East Windsor and in 2016 and again in 2017 built the largest solar projects in Maine. The company also has CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

BENEFITS OF “GOING GREEN” (CONTINUED) “The target is to provide a discount of about 20 percent as compared to conventional utilities. This will be a noticeable savings on utility bills, plus people will have the satisfaction that they are doing their part to keep the air clean. We need to get away from fossil fuels and move toward non-polluting renewable sources that will not create carbon dioxide as we produce the power.” WORKING TOWARD A GREENER GARDEN STATE Over the years, Seliga has joined and led a number of initiatives that are striving to make New Jersey a more eco-friendly and sustainable place to live, work, play and learn. Since joining the board of the New Jersey chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council in 2004, he has seen the power of helping companies create, operate and maintain high-performance, energy-efficient and healthy buildings. The council’s goal is to eliminate toxic materials through better building construction, operation and maintenance. For example, it educates businesses on the importance and value of carefully selecting products like paint and carpeting that use fewer noxious chemicals and about prudent design approaches such as day lighting, which saves money by using less electricity. The council teaches businesses how to reduce the amount of energy they need. “A little investment in a building’s construction phase — like buying the right windows and heating and cooling systems, using the most efficient LED lighting and having proper insulation — can mean a huge payoff in energy savings over the lifetime of a building,” Seliga says. “Many improvements can also be made to existing buildings, and New Jersey offers funding to help with the process.” In addition to the state initiatives, there are a number of programs that are helping to make Somerset County more eco-friendly. Sustainable Somerset, which is part of the Somerset County Business Partnership, plans and develops programs focused on clean energy, energy audits, the legal aspects of “going green” and other subjects promoting a brighter, cleaner future, says Seliga, who launched the program and serves as co-chair. Other area programs include The Somerset County Energy Council, which works with the county government to advocate for energy efficiency and conservation and to educate the public on choices regarding energy issues, and RideWise, which promotes safe, sustainable transportation (including electric vehicles) to help reduce the county’s carbon footprint. Fifty years after participating in the first Earth Day, Seliga helped lead the event’s anniversary celebration in 2020 at Raritan Valley Community College — and now his outlook is brighter. “New Jersey is putting a strong push on addressing climate change, which includes an Energy Master Plan that outlines key strategies to reach the administration’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050. There is also a growing movement in the state to reduce and ultimately eliminate natural gas in facilities,” he says. “It’s encouraging, too, that today many structures are being built to standards requiring green features. When it comes to saving the environment, we can see what needs to be done, and every little bit helps.” Learn more at advancedsolarproducts.com. 30

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

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Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

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LOCALLY OWNED

Owner of The Alternative, Leslie Calo, with daughters Rachel and Jenna

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

A L T E R N A T I V E S

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF THE 80/20 RULE APPLIED TO WARDROBES: THE THEORY THAT PEOPLE TEND TO WEAR THE SAME TWENTY PERCENT OF THEIR CLOTHING EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE TIME. Selecting

people can still wear. Women want what they’re selling right

what to wear in the morning has become quite a different

now in the stores and they don’t want to pay full price.”

experience for many who have been working from home

The Alternative carries current fashions and specializes in

over the past year. Once-loved items may have fallen out of

high-end brands such as Chico’s, Ralph Lauren, Talbots and

circulation, pushed to the back of the closet, or mysteriously

Lucky Brand. Over the years, Calo has seen fashion trends

shrunken and don’t seem to fit the way they once did.

become increasingly casual, with designer jeans and cash-

If this sounds familiar, The Alternative, a consignment shop housed in a modest ranch on Route 202/206 in

mere sweaters replacing the business attire and suits that were more popular when she first started out.

Bridgewater provides a solution. The upscale shop carries

Calo asks that interested consignors contact her in

women’s and infants’ clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry

advance before bringing in their items. With the experience

and handbags as well as some furniture and household

under her (fashionable) belt, she knows what her customers

items. Owner Leslie Calo has been running the shop for 33

are looking for and can tell right away which items are a

years and is savvy in knowing what sells and how to price

good fit for her shop.

the items that come through her door.

Once items are accepted into her inventory, Calo has a

Calo says that the most common misconception peo-

highly organized color-coded tagging system with a dif-

ple have about consignment shops is confusing them

ferent color for each month. New items arrive in the shop

with thrift stores — two very different things. Thrift stores

every day, many of them brand-new with tags. The cloth-

typically take anything and everything, while consignment

ing she accepts has to be from the last couple of years, in

shops are more selective.

style and in excellent condition.

“So many people don’t really know what consigning is,”

Consigned items remain in the collection for two

she says. “It’s not just clothing that’s in good shape that

months and are marked down at four and six weeks CONTINUED >

CONSIGNMENT SHOP AND BOUTIQUE OWNER LESLIE CALO REPURPOSES FASHION ARTICLE BRENDA ESLER PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL GALLIC PHOTOGRAPHY CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED) Owner of The Alternative, Leslie Calo

THE A LT E R N AT I V E 105 Highland Ave., Rte. 202/206 Bridgewater 908-722-4407 the-alternative-consignment-shop.business.site Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. to Fri., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

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er-ticket items like expensive jewelry or handbags, Calo often negotiates a higher rate in favor of the consignor. Calo manages the flow of inventory and business transactions singlehandedly, with some assistance from her adult daughters, Jenna and Rachel. She was first introduced to the business by her mother, Jeanne Mancini, who owned and operated The Attic Trunk in Pluckemin. When her mother retired, she continued the business that has since flourished into a successful career. “I’ve been doing this twice as long as when my mother had her store, which is so shocking,” Calo says. “Knowing and doing it forever, I just feel like I was meant to do this.” Calo says that she has had several regulars over the decades, some consigning and shopping with her for up to 30 years.

Ages 6 Weeks to 6 Years Open daily from 6:30AM - 6:30PM

Many people check in weekly for new arrivals and opt to reinvest their consignment earnings into shopping. “Instead of receiving a check they will buy new clothing. Of course, I don’t mind,” Calo says. “Sell your items and buy new

1940 US 22 East • Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (732) 646-6540 www.TheLearningExperience.com

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE PATTI ZIELINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY KENNETTE PRODUCTIONS

Norwex Independent Consultant Jessica Skakum

r e t a w n d a d le a c &

NORWEX’S NATURAL APPROACH HAS CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANING DOWN TO A SCIENCE

JESSICA SKAKUM APPRECIATES A SUPER-CLEAN HOME. For years, she relied on bleach, which left her nose burning and eyes watering. When she moved to Bridgewater, a neighbor introduced her to the natural Norex cleaning system. She was instantly hooked. Norwex — short for “the Norwegian experience” — offers a line of cleaning and personal care products designed to reduce the number of chemicals used in the home. Founded in 1994, the Norwegian company has been steadily expanding globally. You may have seen social media posts about these natural products, but how do they work? The Norwex cloths rely on only water and tiny microfibers to clean surfaces. The power comes from a self-purifying element called BacLock, a technology that uses a silver-based antibacterial agent embedded inside the microfibers that is designed to inhibit bacterial odor and mold and mildew growth within the cloth.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

“After using the cloths, you rinse them out and hang them on a hook. In 24 hours, the cloth will self-purify,” says Skakum, who educates people on how the products work in her role as a Norwex Independent Consultant. Every two weeks, she machine-washes and dries the cloths with a chemical-free detergent and no dryer sheets. The microfiber in the Dusting Mitt and Dry Superior Mop Pads uses static electricity to draw, lift and trap the tiniest of particles. The Tile and Wet Mop Pads can remove up to 99 percent of bacteria from floors with water when proper care and use instructions are followed. Like a “clean” smell? Skakum recommends adding natural essential oils to the water. Beyond the microfiber cloths, the cleaning products use enzymes, which are proteins that break down dirt, grease and stains naturally. “It’s a real time-saver. It used to take my mother five hours to clean her house; she now can do it in three-and-a-half,” Skakum says. “I feel like I have so much energy now — and I don’t have to take a breath after cleaning my bathroom.” Learn more about the microfiber cloth and other products at norwex.biz.

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Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

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DIY ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

A Chemical-Free Home

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

Bridgewater Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

BRIDGEWATER REALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

2103 DOOLITTLE DRIVE

$246,900

$238,000

96%

2501 LINDSLEY ROAD

$268,000

$270,000

101%

53 WAUGH COURT

$339,000

100%

2606 PINHORN DRIVE

$344,900

$330,000

96%

2.1

770 ROUTE 202

$355,000

100%

111 BONNEY COURT

$364,900

$350,000

96%

2.2

1404 STECH DRIVE

$385,000

$390,000

101%

2.1

1895 WASHINGTON VALLEY RD

$399,900

$365,000

91%

128

2020 WASHINGTON VALLEY RD

$475,000

$500,000

105%

209

1277 CRIM ROAD

$475,000

100%

2.1

551 JUNIPER LANE

$524,900

$505,000

96%

102

2.1

1348 ROGER AVENUE

$525,000

100%

2.1

267 OLD YORK ROAD

$569,000

$565,000

99%

2.1

634 FOOTHILL ROAD

$569,900

$590,000

104%

12 STELLA DRIVE

$570,000

100%

444 STONY BROOK DRIVE

$589,000

100%

273

697 RED LION WAY

$649,000

$675,000

104%

1081 WASHINGTON VALLEY RD

$649,999

$640,000

98%

3.1

26 REINHART WAY

$650,000

$635,000

98%

173

2.1

501 ROLLING HILLS ROAD

$665,000

$667,000

100%

3.1

4 LINVALE LANE

$724,950

$715,000

99%

2.1

813 MILLER LANE

$775,000

$813,000

105%

3.1

65 HILLCREST ROAD

$795,000

$750,000

94%

3.1

1942 FIELDSTONE ROAD

$1,075,000

$999,000

93%

3.1

11 TOWER ROAD

$1,150,000

$1,100,000

96%

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Garden State Multiple Listing Service (GSMLS), LLC which does not guarantee nor is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data provided by the GSMLS, LLC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. This data is a sampling of sales from 1/26/2021 – 2/25/2021. DOM is Days on Market.

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Michele Klug Sales Associate ® Cell Phone: 908-672-2055 Office: 908-766-0085 michele@micheleklug.com www.micheleklug.com CityLifestyle.com/Bridgewater