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SUNY Phase Out of Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics such as bags, balloons, bottles, food service items, cutlery, and plastic wrap will no longer be used under the SUNY system. Research showing the substantial and long-lasting harm that these plastics cause to the environment is the basis for this strategy.

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On March 5, 2024, SUNY launched its Phase Out initiative, emphasizing the responsibility of each campus to actively participate and drive awareness campaigns. This initiative stems from Policy 5201, and aligns with the adoption of Executive Order 22, which establishes clear procedures for SUNY campuses to follow. These guidelines not only ensure uniform action across all campuses but also foster collaboration and communication, reinforcing a collective commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Our Campaign:

Intern Zandyr Meakin and Director Kate Spector standing with a poster pertaining to single use plastic phase out

In April 2024, Katherine Spector, Sustainability Director, reached out to Donna Greene, a now retired Graphic Design professor from SUNY Oswego, for expert guidance on enhancing the campus awareness campaign. This collaboration led to Donna working alongside Zandyr Meakin, OOS Graphic Designer, to create an eight-poster campaign series. Donna provided valuable critique and direction to help refine and professionalize the initiative. The result is a dynamic campaign, with posters displayed across campus, complemented by infographics and zines distributed and displayed at tabling events, all designed to engage and inform the campus community about sustainability efforts towards the Phase Out of Single-Use Plastics.

Poster Series


 

Pileated Woodpecker flying skywards with wings spread open on a poster about single use plastics
Northern Pike caught up in a plastic bag on a poster about single use bags
Eastern Garter Snake constricting a single use plastic bottle on a poster about single use bottles
Spotted turtle intrigued by a red balloon floating away on a poster about single use balloons
Eastern Cottontail inspecting a single use plastic container on a poster about single use plastic containers
Eastern Gray Squirrel holding a single use plastic fork on a poster about single use plastic utensils
Buck, Male Deer with plastic wrap stuck in its mouth on a poster about single use plastic wrap
Canada Goose holding a single use plastic straw on a poster about single use plastic straws

The Policies:

The main two policies we strictly follow at SUNY Oswego are Policy 5201 of NYS, and Executive Order 22(E.O.22). These policies provide us with a procedure and rules to regulate as a campus thriving to be clean of all Single-Use Plastics in the coming years.

Seal of SUNY Oswego

Policy 5201

At SUNY Oswego, the Office of Sustainability is committed to advancing the goals of New York State Policy 5201, which calls for a significant reduction in single-use plastics across SUNY campuses. Rooted in the state’s broader sustainability initiatives, this policy provides a clear framework for campuses to phase out non-essential plastic items and transition to eco-friendly alternatives. SUNY Oswego has fully adopted these guidelines, integrating them into campus operations and awareness campaigns to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

New York State Governor's Seal

Executive Order 22

Policy 5201 builds on the foundation set by Executive Order 22, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in January 2022, which mandates the elimination of non-essential single-use plastics in state institutions. This landmark order underscores the urgency of combating plastic pollution and protecting ecosystems. At SUNY Oswego, the Office of Sustainability has embraced this directive by aligning its initiatives with the order’s goals, driving meaningful change through education, campus-wide collaboration, and sustainable practices.

Procedure 5200,

related to policy 5201, details timelines for phase out of specific single use plastic products.

Listed below are the specified products and their upcoming phase out dates and current phaseout status.

Bags

Grocery/takeout bags: 100% eliminated

Resealable, loose product, individual bags (Ziploc, cellophane window, plastic lined): 50% Eliminated, 100% When possible

Trash bags for individual offices, & classrooms: 50% by 8/1/2025, 100% When possible

Balloons

Celebration - balloon releases: 100% Eliminated

Celebration - other than balloon releases: 100% Eliminated

Signage or wayfinding: 100% by 8/1/2025

Beverage Bottles

Water bottles: Individual servings and up to 5 gallons per container (Retail, dining, catering, and office purchases): 100% by 8/1/2027

Water bottles: Individual servings and up to 5 gallons per container (Resident dining - pay one price dining): 100% by 8/1/2025

Non-water beverage bottles (ex: soda, juice, dairy, tea, etc.): Individual servings and up to 3-liter containers (Retail, dining, catering, and office purchases): 100% by 8/1/2027

Non-water beverage bottles (ex: soda, juice, dairy, tea, etc.): Individual servings and up to 3-liter containers (Resident dining - pay one price dining): 100% by 8/1/2025

Food Service Products

Food Service containers in Dining halls (Resident dining - pay one price dining): 50% by 8/1/2025, 100% by 8/1/2026

Cafes, snack bars, and grab-and go: 100% by 8/1/2027

Fast food restaurants and branded restaurant chains, including those at athletic facilities, theaters, and other campus venues: 100% by 8/1/2027

Stirrers, Straws, and Spill Plugs/Sticks

Straws for dine-in and take-out drinks: 100% Eliminated

Stirrers for dine-in and take out: 100% Eliminated

Plastic spill plug/ splash stick for dine-in and take out: 100% Eliminated

Utensils

Dine-in: 100% by 8/1/2025

Take-out: 100% by 8/1/2027

Wraps and Packaging Films

Food preparation and storage (internally generated as the result of campus food service operations - includes 3rd party vendor operations on campus): 100% by 8/1/2027

Manufacturer product packaging such as plastic wrapping of individual items such as take-out utensils, paper towel rolls, books, scientific instruments, etc.: 100% by 8/1/2027

Industrial wrap generated internally to manage warehouse goods, shipping materials for outgoing packages: 25% by 8/1/2025, 50% by 8/1/2026, 75% by 8/1/2027, 100% Whenever possible

Related Sustainability Initiatives:

Shining Waters logo

Shining Waters

This program emphasizes protecting and preserving Lake Ontario and its watershed, addressing water quality, pollution prevention, and ecosystem health. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce plastic waste that often ends up in waterways.

PLL Logo

Permaculture Living Lab

The Permaculture Living Laboratory (PLL), SUNY Oswego’s Campus Garden, directly supports the reduction of single-use plastics by promoting local food production that eliminates the need for plastic packaging. By fostering sustainable food practices, the PLL strengthens the campus’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

blue recycling logo

Recycling Rooms

These designated spaces located in Dormitory Halls on campus, provide convenient access for students, faculty, and staff to properly sort and recycle materials, reducing waste and minimizing the impact of plastics on the environment.

25 Sheldon Ave
Oswego, NY 13126
315-312-6601
[email protected]

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