Mt. Laurel: Yard Trees 13.9

This picture depicts the principle of yard trees. Trees are excellent way to minimize urban heat islands. They reduce heating and cooling costs. They also increase the value of a home and they are inexpensive. Trees are extremely useful in a neighborhood and preserving them is vital in the neighborhood setting. With the construction systems used in suburbia, the land is leveled to build new homes and trees are uprooted without any consideration. In a smart growth system, homes are built to accommodate trees as best possible. They are recognized to be a vital part of the neighborhood. Mt. Laurel also recognizes this and is very conscious of the location of the houses it builds. It takes great consideration the location of trees in order to build a house. Mt. Laurel residents recognize this and make a conscious effort in preserving the environment.

Mt. Laurel: Sustainable Building Materials 13.5

This picture depicts the principle of Sustainable Building Materials. This is a picture of the Town Center of Mt. Laurel where all the houses are sold. This building is made up of limestone and rocks that came straight off of the Mountain of Mt. Laurel. The fact that this building was made from material within close range is very environmentally conscious. If construction of buildings can be done with conserving resources then all the better. This building is successful because the material came from closer than a 500 mile radius minimizing transportation. Also, as a result it also allowed for minimal energy use. The fact that stone was used is also a very environmental choice. The town of Mt. Laurel shows that they were fully aware of the resources around them and decided to utilize them to the fullest. The building they created also gives Mt. Laurel an identity. This building not only makes Mt. Laurel unique but also conserves precious resources.

Mt. Laurel: Pavement Materials 9.5

This picture depicts the principle of Pavement Materials. This is a picture of a sidewalk in Mt. Laurel near a park. The pavement on this sidewalk is a mix of concrete and gravel. The purpose of this mix is to provide run off for stormwater. This pervious concrete is also more attractive than just plain concrete sidewalks. Mt. Laurel utilizes this pervious concrete in a very successful way because it makes the walk to the park memorable and it also helps with runoff. The residents of Mt. Laurel understand the need for aesthetically pleasing surroundings including the very sidewalk on which people walk on. It also provides excellent storm water protection. A win win situation.

Mt. Laurel: Rear Alleys and Lanes 8.12

This picture depicts the principle of Rear Alleys and Lanes. In this picture, an alley way is shown with the garbage can, mailbox, and garage in display. The idea behind having an alley way is to have the car and other services such as garbage hidden from the main sidewalk. This discreet access allows the sidewalk to be used by pedestrians and not be wasted by having cars and smelly garbage on the sidewalk. The alley way not only hides trash cans and parking but also hides ugly things such as transformers and fuse boxes. The community of Mt. Laurel utilizes these alleys very effectively. There are no houses with driveways and definitely no houses with garages in the very front of the house. The residents of Mt. Laurel understand the need for clear streets in order for pedestrians to use them. The result of having alleyways is the interaction between neighbors on the now clear sidewalk.

Mt. Laurel: Complete Streets 8.1

This picture depicts the principle of Complete Streets. This is a picture of a bike lane designated to a neighborhood road. The roads in Mt. Laurel are complete streets in that they are shared by all; pedestrians, bikers, and cars. They enable everyone to enjoy and utilize the road. In addition, biking is a good way to get around because it does not consume any gas therefore saving money, is good exercise, and does not cause traffic. The effectiveness of this street is shown by a person utilizing the sidewalk in this picture. The community of Mt. Laurel shows that they care about not just automobile needs as in suburbia. They understand the design of pedestrian, automobile, and bicyclist interaction on the road.

Mt. Laurel: Retail Distribution 5.4

This picture shows the principle of Retail Distribution. This is a corner grocery store in the community of Mt. Laurel. The effectiveness of this grocery store is the fact that it is within a 5 minute walk of residents living in Mt. Laurel. People living in Mt. Laurel do not need to drive to a walmart 15 minutes away when they have this grocery store within walking distance. The residents of Mt. Laurel show that a business such as a corner grocery store can thrive in a community like this because of the convenience and centered location.

Mt. Laurel: Reducing Cut and Fill 4.5

This picture represents the principle of Reducing Cut and Fill. This house in Mt. Laurel is a house that has steps leading up to the front door and this is because the topography of the land in this part of Mt. Laurel is of rolling hills. This house is elevated because no bulldozers were used to level the land. The tree in the front would most likely be gone if this approach had not been taken. Although more expensive, this "working with the land" approach shows that people are very concerned in the environment. In addition to helping the environment, this rolling hills topography helps make this place memorable and unique.