In a robust display of corporate citizenship, South Jersey Industries (SJI) and its primary subsidiaries, South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas, celebrated Earth Day 2026 by deploying volunteer teams across the state and committing significant financial resources to New Jersey’s natural landscapes.
The efforts, led by the company’s “Green Team” employee resource group, blended hands-on environmental restoration with a push for digital and residential energy efficiency.
SJI’s environmental campaign kicked off on April 16 at the Nature Center of Cape May. Volunteers worked alongside New Jersey Audubon stewardship staff to remove invasive plant species and restore the shoreline with native vegetation. The team also assisted in a wildlife education effort, locating a horseshoe crab that will temporarily reside at the center to help visitors learn about the species’ importance to the local ecosystem.
The celebrations continued on Earth Day, April 22, with unique “Petals in Pipes” events at the company’s Folsom and Atlantic City offices. The initiative repurposes retired natural gas pipes from South Jersey Gas as planters for new greenery. Additionally, SJI employees joined municipal cleanup efforts in the City of Elizabeth.
Beyond physical labor, SJI announced that its employees have pledged over $40,000 to The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This total includes a dollar-for-dollar corporate match from SJI as part of its annual Employee Giving Campaign.
“The Nature Conservancy is grateful to SJI and their employees for supporting our important work to safeguard critical lands and waters in New Jersey,” said Dr. Barbara Brummer, TNC’s New Jersey State Director. She noted that such conservation efforts provide tangible benefits, including cleaner air, reduced flooding, and improved mental health for residents.
SJI is also using Earth Day to educate consumers on reducing their carbon footprint through the Conserve platform, a dedicated resource for South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas customers.
“Energy efficiency is one of the most powerful ways to help customers take control of their energy use and improve overall affordability,” Maureen Minkel, SJI’s senior director of Marketing & Energy Efficiency said.
Top Spring Energy-Saving Tips from SJI:
- Manage Airflow: Turn off fans in empty rooms and close shades during the day to block solar heat.
- Go Natural: Use natural sunlight indoors and consider solar-powered lighting for outdoor spaces.
- Kill “Vampire” Power: Unplug chargers and small appliances when they are not in use.
- Smart Cooling: Utilize a smart thermostat to keep the home warmer while you are away, lowering the temperature only when you return.
In an innovative twist on traditional spring cleaning, SJI encouraged its workforce to participate in a Digital Cleanup Day. By deleting redundant emails, duplicate files, and cloud-based “trash,” employees help reduce the energy consumption of the massive data centers required to store digital waste, further supporting the company’s sustainability goals.
