Irvington, N.J. – Sustainable Jersey representatives announced that Irvington has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification. Irvington is one of 65 municipalities that attained certification in 2021. Sustainable Jersey’s participating communities represent over 81 percent of the state’s municipalities.
“We must plan now for the future of our children and our children’s children through sustainable measures which are both sensible and imperative for our wellbeing”, according to Mayor Tony Vauss. Council 2nd Vice President Charnette Frederic said “This prominent designation was the result of the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of those of us who recognize the value of sustainable living practices. Our future is dependent upon it.”
To become Sustainable Jersey certified, Irvington Township submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 150 action points. In addition to reaching 150 points, each certified community had to create a green team and select at least two out of thirteen priority action options. Irvington Township did a number of actions by completing the following: 1) Energy Efficiency for Municipal Facilities, 2) Energy Tracking and Management, 3) Community Education and Outreach, 4) Emergency Communications Planning, 5) Community Food Pantry/Bank & Soup Kitchen, 6) Farmers Markets, 7) Building Healthier Communities, 8) Safe Routes to School, 9) Sustainable Land Use Pledge, 10) Support Local Businesses, 11) Prescription Drug Safety and Disposal, 12) Community Paper Shredding Day, and 13) Recycling Depot.
“Sustainable Jersey’s certified municipalities are national leaders in implementing solutions to key sustainability challenges,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing equity divide, and environmental pollution, I have hope for the future knowing that municipalities are working to meet these challenges at the local level.” Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency, health and wellness, educing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts.
About Township of Irvington
Township of Irvington founded in 1692. Irvington is a distinctive community that merges the amenities of big-city living with the charm of attractive residential districts. With innovative, energetic leadership and committed partners, Irvington’s future is brighter than ever.
About Sustainable Jersey
Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing equity divide and environmental pollution, municipalities want to be a part of the solution to these challenges. Sustainable Jersey participants (municipalities and schools) have successfully implemented and documented over 20,826 sustainability actions. Sustainable Jersey has provided over $6.5 million in grants to municipalities, school districts and schools for community-based projects that create healthy and sustainable communities in New Jersey. Sustainable Jersey is administered by The Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey.
Website: www.SustainableJersey.com; www.SustainableJerseySchools.com
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Website: https://irvington.net/