High school students reduce plastic utensil use

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You need to ask for cutlery in your to-go meals in Westchester.

MILLBROOK – The Millbrook High School Environmental Club is collecting metal spoons and forks to reduce the use of plastic utensils in the high school.  A memo distributed by the environmental club listed some facts to help encourage a reduced reliance on plastic utensils.

According to the fact sheet, 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is single-use and more than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans every year.  The sheet also cites a study that only about 9 percent of the world’s plastic has been recycled, 12 percent has been incinerated, and 79 percent remains in the environment.

According to Brian Fried, Millbrook assistant superintendent, the 2018-2019 school year saw the district consume nearly 50,000 plastic forks, 46,000 plastic spoons, and 7,000 plastic knives.  The total cost for plastic cutlery was $587.43.        Of the initiative, Fried said “We are excited about the opportunity to have our MCSD become more sustainable over time, and we appreciate the efforts of our Environmental Club!”  Currently, the cafeteria has the ability to wash and sanitize the metal utensils on a daily basis, once they are placed into use.

Club advisor Colette Watz indicated in the flyer that the metal forks and spoons can be dropped off in the main office of the high school located at 70 Church Street, Millbrook, NY.  Questions can be directed to Ms. Watz at Colette.alonge@millbrookcsd.org




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