Name: Michelle Bradley
Where do you live? West Orange, the Gregory Section
When did you move there? We moved here in 2015. Before that we were in Maplewood, and before that the Lower East Side.
Where did you grow up? West Village, Manhattan.
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion? I own and operate a residential and commercial composting pickup service with my husband, Java’s Compost.
Coffee, tea or … ? Tea – iced, hot, chai. However it’s made, I’ll drink it!
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? Anything that involves being outside with some physical activity mixed with some relaxation time. Being by the water never fails to put me in a good mood.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? I recently went plant-based, so I’m always on the look out for vegan or vegetarian options, and am just beginning to explore what’s in our area. The avocado toast and salads at Harper’s Cafe in West Orange are pretty amazing.
What’s on your nightstand? Water, lip balm, and a book that I have been trying to read for a year.
What are you listening to? I mostly listen to podcasts that focus on small business topics and how to live a plant-based lifestyle.
What are your current indulgences? Homemade plant-based cookie dough. My consumption of it is becoming a problem.
What talent you would most like to have? I’d love to be able to sing. I have zero ability to hold a tune, like zero. It actually hurts my own ears to hear myself sing, so having that talent would be awesome.
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about your town? All the nature reservations that are around and are so easily accessible.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? Hopefully, I will be remembered as a kind and loyal friend and a loving mother and wife who spread the joy of composting wherever she went!