Irvington, NJ, October 31, 2014: Sustainable Jersey representatives announced today that Irvington has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification. Irvington Township is one of 144 towns out of 417 registered municipalities that have attained bronze certification. Irvington will be honored at the Sustainable Jersey awards luncheon on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 in Atlantic City with Mayor Vauss accepting the award.
“I am pleased that Irvington has received the bronze certification from Sustainable New Jersey,” said Mayor Vauss. “This acknowledgement of the progress of the Township indicates our commitment to do what we can as a community to improve the environment and well-being of the residents of Irvington and New Jersey, now and in the future. This is only the beginning and we look forward to attaining our next certification level.”
“It is an honor to serve as Irvington Green Team’s chair” said Council President Frederic. “Irvington’s Green Team leverages the skills and expertise of team members to develop plans, implement programs, and assist with educational opportunities that support the creation of a sustainable community. Our role is to lead and coordinate the sustainability activities of Irvington Township. Special thank you to Irvington Green Team members, Dr. Atif Nazir, Ms. Muriel Fenton, Mr. Devy Narcisse, Council member Sandra Jones, Mayor Vauss’ Administration and Irvington Council members for making this possible.”
To become Sustainable Jersey certified, Irvington submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 150 action points to be certified at the bronze level. In addition to reaching 150 points, each community had to create a green team and select at least 2 out of 11 priority action options. Irvington did 2 of the 11 priority actions by completing The Sustainable Land Use Pledge and Prescription Drug Safety and Disposal priorities actions. Irvington also fulfilled the following initiatives : 1) Community or School Gardens; 2) Green Building Resolution; 3) Building Healthier Communities; 4) Complete Street Program; 5) Recycling Depot; 6) Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Ordinance; 7) Innovative Community Project: 100% Smoke Free Parks; 8) Animals in the Community Education; 9) Lead Education and Outreach Programs; and, 10) Energy Audit for One Building.
“Becoming Sustainable Jersey certified is a significant achievement,” said Pam Mount, chair of the Sustainable Jersey Board of Trustees. “The certified towns demonstrate tremendous leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish with impressive sustainability initiatives in New Jersey.”
Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources, and addressing diversity and equity. “Collectively the 417 participating Sustainable Jersey towns are a powerful force in New Jersey,” said Donna Drewes co-director of the Sustainable Jersey program. Randall Solomon, co-director of the Sustainable Jersey program congratulated the certified towns. “I commend the towns that have achieved certification for their demonstrated commitment toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.”
For information please contact: Dr. Atif Nazir, Health Officer at anazir@irvingtonnj.org.