The Tompkins County Legislature approved, without dissent, a resolution to limit the purchase of Single-use Plastic and Expanded Polystyrene Foam items in County government. These items include dishes, utensils, straws, cups and water bottles, etc.
Legislator Deborah Dawson says it’s important for County government to reduce purchasing these items in the first place, and lead by example in its efforts toward becoming more sustainable. County Administration will develop an environmental procurement policy to implement the resolution no later than April 30th.
Barbara Eckstrom, the County's Director of Recycling and Materials Management, told the Legislature product stewardship – or holding manufacturers responsible for their products’ end of life - will continue to be a focus at the state level.