Tanger Atlantic City launches rooftop sustainable garden

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Tanger Atlantic City is furthering its commitment to becoming more eco-friendly by adding a sustainable garden on the roof of the popular shopping destination.

In partnership with rooftop farming leader Up Top Acres, the recently installed garden transforms a previously underutilized area into a productive space that will not only help reduce carbon emissions, but also provide the local community with nutritious food options, according to Tanger.

All aspects of The Gardens at Tanger will be maintained by Washington, D.C.-based Up Top Acres, including planting and maintenance of two 30-foot-long planters filled with a variety of vegetable crops – like kale, chard, peppers and eggplant – as well as popular pollinator herbs, such as lavender, chives, thyme, sage and rosemary.

During the June through October growing season, Up Top Acres will harvest the garden on a weekly basis to provide fresh produce for donation to C.R.O.P.S. (Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Space), a Linwood nonprofit working to create more sustainable and equitable food systems.

In commenting on the rooftop garden’s launch, Tanger Atlantic City General Manager Kevin Saldana said, “By taking advantage of this unique available space, we’ll be able to provide a nourishing food source for the community and contribute to a more eco-friendly environment.”

He also noted it’s “the latest step in Tanger’s mission to implement sustainable practices throughout the center.”

Other initiatives at Tanger Atlantic City include a two-year-old partnership with urban beekeeping company Alvéole to house rooftop beehives to help increase the greater bee population locally and around the globe.

Tanger, whose portfolio includes 37 upscale open-air outlet centers, has made several other moves as part of its dedication to environmental responsibility and stewardship. Some of those programs include installing electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels as well as pursuing LEED Gold certification at many of its properties.

Up Top Acres is also partnering to open rooftop gardens at two other Tanger properties in Maryland and Georgia.