In a bid to combat excessive waste and its environmental impact, the Big Apple has implemented a new measure called the “Skip the Stuff” law, which requires customers to make specific requests for condiments, utensils, napkins, and extra containers when placing takeout and delivery orders. Starting this week, restaurants and delivery services will no longer automatically include these items, unless requested by the customer.
The Department of Sanitation revealed in a press release that the move is part of an effort to curb the staggering amount of single-use plastics discarded daily in the US. Bronx Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez, who introduced the bill, said that over $40 billion worth of plastic utensils are thrown away every day.
The legislation aims to reduce the unnecessary plastic and other disposables provided by food establishments. The excessive plastic waste often ends up in landfills, posing a threat to ecosystems and water systems.
The Council’s Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection found that only 14% of single-use plastics are recycled, making the legislation a step towards a greener city for future generations.
Under the “Skip the Stuff” law, New York City businesses found in violation will face penalties, starting with a $50 charge for the first offense, $150 for the second, and $250 for three or more offenses, effective from July 1, 2024. However, eateries will have a grace period until June 30, 2024, during which they will receive warnings instead of fines.
New York’s initiative has sparked interest in neighboring states. New Jersey is reportedly considering a similar ban on disposable items.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
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8 Responses
They keep making the air and water cleaner. Yet global warming is becoming warmer. Am I missing something?
gota eat with your handes from now on….
But heroine and crack, perfectly legal
You forgot to mention food recycling as of Oct 13 …imagine Yom Tov , having to separate !!! Insane place !!!Insane Mayor . Right up there with DeBlasio the crook !!!!
BH the 5 towns are in Nassau County
Since when does common sense get confused for insanity?
The problem with the woke, progressive, liberals, is in one word selfish. But its more then just thinking about themselvs. Its the self righteousness, holier than thou attitude that makes it difficult to fight. When they say ban plastic whether its plastic bags or this case, cutting speed limits to unreasonable levels, passing laws that benefit criminals, or banning gas stoves. they claim we’re saving the environment, global warning they don’t care how it affects the population at large as long as they can push their agenda and the truth is they are no different then many despots who will do anything to stay in power. So, if in their self-righteousness they can get some other silly people to vote for them they couldn’t care less if most people suffer.
All this while crowding the city with a bunch of illegal (oops, I mean undocumented) migrants. They’re busy with this nonsense and pretend it makes a difference while they make the city an impossible place to live for anyone interested in quality of life.