NEWS from the
TOWNSHIP OF IRVINGTON

"It is the goal of this administration to investigate and implement any initiative that will improve life in Irvington, and to do so with all due care, commitment and concern."
MAYOR WAYNE SMITH

The Township of Irvington is teaming up with a popular local eatery to raise environmental awareness with the launch of a litter abatement program, Mayor Wayne Smith announced today.

Patrons of the Dunkin' Donuts establishment located at 857 Springfield Avenue-one of two in the township-will receive a 20% discount each time they bring in a travel mug to buy coffee. The store will accept mugs from home, another Dunkin' Donuts franchise or another business altogether. In addition, customers who return cardboard cup holders for the purchase of tea or coffee will get two free Munchkins per visit. The store was chosen for its prominent location-on Irvington's main thoroughfare-and high customer traffic.

"This is a great incentive for people to recycle and help keep Irvington clean," the mayor said. "With everyone's participation and cooperation, this program will be a slam dunk for the environment," he added.

The campaign is part of Irvington's pledge to become a Cleaner & Greener community through expanded educational and outreach programs. Critical issues such as global warming have thrust environmental consciousness at the forefront of public discourse the past few years.

"We want to increase the usage of plastic mugs, as styrofoam cups are not biodegradable," according to Aubrey Malvasio, Irvington's clean communities and recycling coordinator. She explained that non-biodegradables remain in landfills for about 50 years-the time required for disintegration-and release carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming.

"We are not asking for people to become experts on the environment," Malvasio said. It's simply about "making a personal commitment to a sustainable lifestyle change," like switching to plastic containers, she continued.

In addition to the discounted products, the Dunkin' Donuts franchise will have recycling containers on site, since it also sells bottled beverages. "Recycling is something that's a big part of our family life," according to Maria Marchigiano, who, with her husband, Tony, has owned the store for 26 years. "We're privileged to work with the Township of Irvington on this exciting project."

The store is a long-time contributor to Irvington's annual community clean-up programs.

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