What is Sustainability?
“At its essence, sustainability means ensuring prosperity and environmental protection without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A sustainable world is one where people can escape poverty and enjoy decent work without harming the earth’s essential ecosystems and resources; where people can stay healthy and get the food and water they need; where everyone can access clean energy that doesn’t contribute to climate change; where women and girls are afforded equal rights and equal opportunities.”
Our Members
Jenn Lucas - Chair
A member of Sustainable Maple Shade and the Maple Shade Green Team for more than 10 years, Jenn Lucas is sharing her knowledge and experience with a new team dedicated to making Maple Shade a more eco-friendly town.
As the former editor of the Maple Shade Progress, she was brought on board as the media representative and has blossomed into an eco-warrior. She was instrumental in making the Green Fair an annual event. Thanks to her efforts, projects such as the Costume Swap, the Prescription Drug Drop Off Box, Shredding Day, Town Clean Ups, and the Community Garden have become part of the make-up of the town.
After putting away her pen and notebook when the Progress closed down, she became a stay at home mom, avid gardener and cat lover, volunteering with cat rescue, New Pawsabilites of New Jersey.
Look for her around town or on social media talking about gardening, composting, recycling, animals and other ‘green’ topics. She also gets a good amount of help from her eco-avengers, Lukas, Eloise, Alex and Patrick, a group of kids who help keep her garden green, street trash free and her storm drain clean.
Lynne Carsillo
Lynne Carsillo is a Mom of one who moved to Maple Shade in 2014 with her Husband. She joined Sustainable Maple Shade in 2022 because she wants to do her part to help make Maple Shade more resilient for future generations. Her personal motto is “Lead with Action” and she is hoping to inspire more cooperation and communication across all of Maple Shade’s moving parts for the betterment of our community. She is also currently serving on the newly formed Business and Economic Development Commission.
Join our efforts :)
Heather Talarico - Chair
Heather Talarico is a mom of two who moved to Maple Shade in 1999. She was one of the original founders of Sustainable Maple Shade in 2013 and helped grow this volunteer group to what it is today. Heather has volunteered in Maple Shade since she moved here in many different aspects from being a part of the PTA, member of various sports organizations, Land Use Boards, Democratic committees to running for a council chair. She gives 100% to this town all the time and hopes her efforts make this a better place to live for all. In 2025 Heather was sworn in as the Mayor of Maple Shade. She will continue to advance the collaboration between the township and Sustainable.
Melissa Robert
Melissa Robert is an empty nester who has lived in Maple Shade for over 15 years. Committed to volunteer work, she decided to join Sustainable Maple Shade in 2022. She became involved to empower others and raise awareness about the importance of "going green," in order to reduce the environmental impacts and improve the quality of life in the community. With a passion for building a better future for our children, Melissa is dedicated to helping her community become more sustainable.
Emily Wallace
Resident of Maple Shade since November, 2020. Volunteers with this inspiring group of humans to build a sustainable, healthy, nature filled, & equitable future for Maple Shade.
