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
October 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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IRVINGTON HOLDS LOCAL FORUM OF THE
NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON CLIMATE ACTION
The Township of Irvington is holding an environmental forum today as part of the National Conversation on Climate Action, an initiative to focus attention on the issue of global warming and other serious environmental concerns.
Almost 80 municipalities across the nation are hosting events to build local awareness and facilitate community engagement. "We want our citizens to get excited about the environment and to take proactive steps in preserving it," according to Mayor Wayne Smith, who is facilitating the event. "A small, simple act, like switching to energy efficient light bulbs, reaps large rewards," he added.
In addition to global warming, Irvington's event will cover the following issues:
environmental justice
how to lower the higher rates of environmental pollution and its consequential adverse effects in urban communities
the environment and the economy
establishing a new model for the port trucking industry that will increase living wages and clean up the environment. Situated minutes away from Ports Newark and Elizabeth, Irvington is one of several communities impacted by these issues.
recognition of Stuyvesant Press, a 30-year-old printing firm in Irvington that has integrated environmentally-friendly practices into its operation for numerous years. In February 2007, the business expanded with a division called Green Earth Press, which uses only environmentally-conscious products. The proprietor, Michael Roesch, will receive an award for his efforts to protect the environment.
environmental education
In a partnership with the Township of Irvington and the Irvington Public Schools, environmental education courses are included in the fifth-grade science curriculum at Grove Street Elementary School.
Adam Zellner, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, will deliver remarks. The guest speaker is Dr. Nicky Sheats, who will address
the issue of environmental justice. He is the director of the Center for the Urban Environment, John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy at Thomas Edison State College. He will also serve as one of five panelists; the others are as follows:
Aritetsoma "Teste" K. Ukueberuwa, a master's candidate in urban and regional planning at Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs (environmental justice)
Michael Roesch (the environment and the economy)
Fred Potter, president of Teamsters Local 469 in Hazlet and a vice president for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the environment and the economy)
Chad Williams, program coordinator for The Bridge, a family services agency in Irvington (environmental education)
The NCCA initiative recognizes the significant role that mayors and other local government leaders play in creating clean, healthy environments. Irvington has adopted ordinances for the designation of its parks as pesticide-free zones and for the reduction of diesel emissions.
Local governments are increasingly adopting tangible solutions to curb greenhouse gas emissions, putting them in a unique position to significantly reduce global warming pollution. Local government leaders have been spearheading the effort to implement innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while saving money and energy to foster healthier, more livable communities.
The NCCA is sponsored by the Yale University School of Forestry, Local Governments for Sustainability, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
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