Helen Comba, Chairperson 2026 – 2027
The Environmental Committee is committed to protecting LBI and surrounding areas through environmental education and hands-on participation.This committee keeps Garden Club members and the local community up-to-date on important topics, such as our growing plastic pollution problems, and protecting our island ecosystem with suggestions for environmentally friendly garden solutions. Committee members participate in a variety of community events to share information about reducing one-time plastic use, avoiding straws or plastic cutlery, and seeking alternatives to balloon releases. The Committee also shares information and strategies to help everyone protect our local wildlife, including butterflies, bees and other pollinators. The Environmental Committee invites Garden Club members to participate with other non-profit organizations at beach clean-ups and other events throughout the year.
The Environmental Committee has invited Daniel Krupinski, The Health Officer of Long Beach Island, to speak at our next Environmental meeting, which will be held on November 9th at the Surf City Library. Mr. Krupinski was on the panel for the April 2026 showing of the movie, We Are All Plastic People Now. I have asked Mr. Krupinski to offer his thoughts on microplastics and the impact on health. Garden Club members are invited to arrive at 10:00 a.m. for this 45 minute presentation followed by Q & A. Please email Helen Comba at [email protected] if you plan to attend.
Environmental Committee Meets
The Environmental Committee met at Tilly’s Empanadas on Monday October 19th. Pictured here (l to r) Helen Comba (Committee Chair), Mary Wilding. Marge Girardo, Judy Bouton, Suzanne Hoosack, Marge Selfridge, Teri Mascuch, Judy Lipman, Doris McKee, Gail McGrattan, Linda Kragie.
Barnegat Bay Day
Submitted by Helen Comba Environmental Chair
On Wednesday, July 8, 2026 the Environmental Committee participated in the 20th annual Barnegat Bay Day event sponsored by the LBI Foundation of Arts & Sciences For this hands-on family friendly event, our committee provided a display of resources focused on our concerns about single use plastics, as well as environmentally friendly gardening tips. With the new Skip the Stuff Law going into effect on August 1st, we continue to encourage participants to go the extra step by packing cutlery in their cars as an alternative to asking for “the stuff.†Samples of cutlery wrapped in cloth napkins inside small bags with our Garden Club Stickers were one of the giveaways at our first table. Resources also included information about native plants, ways to make environmentally safe weed killer and how to make a bee bath for your garden.
At our second table, children were given the opportunity to make two crafts, The first was a pirate ship made out of corks tied together with rubber bands. Some children even chose to put popsicle stick planks on their boats. A second craft provided children with the opportunity to create ocean scenes with fish delivering dire messages about the impact plastic has on them. As it turns out, most children opted to do both activities!
While our young participants worked on the projects, conversations shared with us revealed that many of these young families do their own beach clean-up walks where they live on the island. Many also expressed their appreciation for the opportunity given by our small committee for them to continue to promote the importance of protecting our natural resources at a family friendly event.
