Green Good Guardians

Njdep Rising Star Award-2025

Green Good Guardians Wins NJDEP
“Rising Star” Recycling Award

Youth-led nonprofit from East Brunswick honored for the SecondVerse Initiative at statewide ceremony in Neptune, NJ.

  • October 22, 2025 – Neptune, New Jersey
On a brilliant autumn afternoon at the Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune, Green Good Guardians (GGG) was awarded the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) “Rising Star” Award for outstanding achievement in recycling and waste reduction.
The award was presented during NJDEP’s annual Recycling Awards Program, hosted in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR). The ballroom setting overlooked the golf course as leaders from municipalities, universities, and the recycling industry gathered to celebrate innovation and impact across New Jersey.
Introducing the Rising Star honoree, NJDEP Bureau of Sustainability Director Mr. Rinaldi said,

“I find it very encouraging to read about this youth-led initiative as it gives me hope for the future.”

Why GGG Was Recognized

GGG’s SecondVerse Initiative transforms partially used notebooks into newly bound, high-quality notebooks for students in need. What began in East Brunswick has grown to a multi-state effort with 65+ drop-off and partner locations across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. To date, volunteers have:

Collected

6,000+ used
notebooks

Saved

156,000 clean pages from the waste stream

Donated

3,500+ refurbished notebooks to under-resourced students

In the Room: Partners Across the Recycling Ecosystem

The ceremony highlighted the breadth of recycling stakeholders supporting New Jersey’s sustainability goals. In attendance were corporations and organizations such as Atlantic Coast Recycling, Waste Management, Mazza Recycling, Village Office Supply, GreenChip, Bayshore Family of Companies, and representatives from municipalities including Lakewood Township, among others.

Founder’s Remarks

Accepting the award, GGG Founder Persis Garg thanked the people who help make SecondVerse possible:

“This recognition belongs to our East Brunswick Sustainability Task Force mentors, my parents for their unwavering support, and the many volunteers who collect, sort, rebind, and deliver notebooks every week. SecondVerse proves that small acts—done together—create big impact.”

Fast Facts

Award

NJDEP Recycling Awards – Rising Star

Presenter

NJDEP (in partnership with ANJR)

Event:

Recycling Awards & Symposium

Date/Location

October 22, 2025 – Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune, NJ

Program Honored

SecondVerse Initiative (notebook reuse & donation)

About

Green Good Guardians

Green Good Guardians is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in East Brunswick, NJ. We design hands-on programs that reduce waste, promote reuse, and educate students and families about practical sustainability. Our flagship SecondVerse Initiative turns partially used notebooks into new school supplies for students who need them most.
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Join SecondVerse

  • Donate: Gently used notebooks with clean, unused pages
  • Host a Drive: Schools, libraries, offices, and community groups welcome
  • Volunteer: Sorting, trimming, binding, and delivery help needed
  • Partner: Sponsor materials, logistics, or student distribution
  • Get involved: Contact us • Start a SecondVerse drive • Find drop-off locations
Join Now

External Source

Read the NJDEP news release: https://dep.nj.gov/newsrel/25_0047/

Call to Action

Join SecondVerse

  • Donate: Gently used notebooks with clean, unused pages
  • Host a Drive: Schools, libraries, offices, and community groups welcome
  • Volunteer: Sorting, trimming, binding, and delivery help needed
  • Partner: Sponsor materials, logistics, or student distribution

👉 Get involved: Contact us • Start a SecondVerse drive • Find drop-off  locations

Click Here

Founder’s Remarks

Accepting the award, GGG Founder Persis Garg thanked the people who help make SecondVerse possible:
“This recognition belongs to our East Brunswick Sustainability Task Force mentors, my parents for their unwavering support, and the many volunteers who collect, sort, rebind, and deliver notebooks every week. SecondVerse proves that small acts—done together—create big impact.”