Following the debate held by the Environmental Concerns Coalition (ECC), Genevieve announced today an initiative to help "green" our city. Within the first few weeks of taking office, Genevieve will work to implement her "Triple R Campaign," based on the famous mantra; "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle."

She was joined for the announcement by State Representatives Barbara Lambert and Richard Roy. Roy, who is Chairman of the Environmental Committee in the State Legislature, is also a candidate for Milford City Clerk.

Full press release and photos below:

October 7, 2009 – Democratic mayoral candidate Genevieve Salvatore announced a new environmental initiative today. In an announcement held at Silver Sands State Park, she spoke of the need for Milford to improve its environmental record. Milford’s recycling rate is currently 6% - one of the lowest in the state of Connecticut.

“Milford’s low recycling rate represents a failure of leadership by the current administration. I will not allow this trend to continue,” Salvatore said. “In my administration, preserving our environment will never be an afterthought. Milford citizens care about our environment, and they deserve an administration that speaks to their concerns.”

Salvatore’s initiative – dubbed the “Triple R Campaign” – is based on the three familiar themes: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Reduce: Currently, the average Connecticut resident produces over four pounds of garbage every day. As a community, Milford’s government should encourage everyone to reduce the amount of waste produced. Salvatore’s plan calls for an expanded recycling program. Many communities in Connecticut recycle boxboard (cardboard like cereal boxes, etc.), there is no reason Milford can’t as well. The more citizens recycle, the less we throw away. Salvatore also promised to raise awareness of the need to reduce waste. An educational campaign could encourage waste reduction across the city.

Reuse: Salvatore’s initiative would create a Milford Reuse Exchange, which would allow citizens to leave large, reusable items at a central location. Residents could list their items online so that other Milford citizens would be able to pick them up from the Exchange at no cost. This would reduce bulk trash piles as well as the need for “garbage-picking.”

Recycle: As mentioned above, this initiative would seek to broaden Milford’s ability to recycle. Milford citizens should be able to recycle a broader array of plastics as well as boxboard. Implementing single-stream recycling would simultaneously make recycling easier. An easier process encourages more participation, helping improve the recycling rate. Additionally, increased recycling saves our town money by reducing tipping fees.

Salvatore gave a sneak peak of her plans last night to a packed room at the Environmental Concerns Coalition-sponsored Mayoral Debate, where she emphasized that green governance can also help save money.

Salvatore also pledged that her administration would lead by example. Municipal buildings need to recycle and reduce waste just as much as residents need to. “We need a mayor who will lead by example,” she said. “I intend to be that type of mayor.”