Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 04/14/2023 10:01 AM EDT |
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Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter |
Celebrate Plastic Free Lunch Day On April 19
Have you heard of Plastic Free Lunch Day? Join millions of public school students across the US for this special Earth-month climate action on April 19th! Plastic Free Lunch Day is a day when school lunch is prepared without plastic! School cafeterias serve over 7 billion meals per year that are loaded with single-use plastics. Single-use plastics such as utensils and straws are usually not accepted in many recycling programs because they’re typically too small to be captured by recycling facility equipment. These types of items can end up in a landfill, waste combustion facility, or become litter in the environment. Plastic does not readily biodegrade and breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics that end up in our oceans and other water bodies, soil, and air. Scientists have even found traces of microplastics in the human body. Plastic Free Lunch Day doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and you can also start your school’s plastic-free journey any time. There are many ways to participate and promote plastic free initiatives.
Why bother for just one day? One day of plastic free lunch can lead to another…and another…and another! NYC public schools now have monthly Plastic Free Lunch Days and San Diego public schools will have an April plastic free week. Students can collect before and after data/photos and use them to inform and persuade more plastic free days! Collectively, US school cafeterias have the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste and plastic pollution. New York State is also working to reduce problematic plastic waste and litter through efforts such as:
Together, we can make a difference! NYSAR3 K-12 Green Schools Grant Program Accepting Applications!NYSAR3 is pleased to announce a new round of funds for 2023, for projects implemented during the 2023-2024 school year. The maximum per award is $1,000. The goal of this grant program is to provide funds to develop new programs or support existing programs related to the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle) and composting. There is a limited pool of available funds and not all projects may be awarded and awarded projects may not receive the full funds requested. Special consideration will be given to schools located in an area identified as a disadvantaged community. View a map of the communities. Learn more about the NYSAR3 K-12 Green Schools Grant Program and Apply Today! NYSAR3 New York Recycles! Poster Contest - Now Accepting EntriesThe New York Recycles! poster contest helps New York to achieve our goal of higher excellence in waste reduction, recycling, composting, and buying recycled products and packaging. The New York State winners receive the honor of having their artwork featured in the 2024 New York Recycles! calendar, a framed copy of their winning poster, and other prizes. 2023 Themes
Posters must be received by email for state judging no later than May 26, 2023. Learn more about the New York Recycles! Poster Contest. International Compost Awareness Week Social Media Toolkit
With the start of International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) coming up May 7 - 13, are you looking to post social media, but don't have the time to create it? The ICAW Committee and other volunteers have prepared a simple “plug and play” social media campaign that you can easily copy and paste into your Facebook and Instagram feeds, share through emails, or print to distribute at planned events and activities. Be sure to tag #ICAW2023, #forhealthiersoilhealthierfood, #compost, #NYSCompostAwarenessWeek Learn more about New York State Compost Awareness Week!
Compost Research College Scholarship - Accepting Applications!The Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF) is offering scholarships to undergraduate through PhD students, studying at a college or university in the US, interested in doing a compost-related research project. The scholarship is for $4,000 and also includes an invitation to present research findings at a U.S. Composting Council Annual Conference during a CREF research session. Applications are due April 14, 2023. The goal of this scholarship is to bring assistance to students doing compost-related research and to spark interest in future careers in the composting industry. Learn more about the scholarship requirements and how to apply. Public Events
Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale
Conferences, Workshops & Webinars
Funding/RFP Opportunities & Scholarships - Application Deadlines
We Want To Hear From You!Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about or a public event or workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know more about? E-mail us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter. |
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| Basil Seggos, Commissioner | |