District 11 Council Member Eric Dinowitz cast his vote to ban single use plastic straws at a recent City Council meeting. The legislation Int. 936-A was brought up through the Council Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing. The bill would ban food service establishments from providing plastic straws unless an individual specifically asks for one. There are also provisions directing the Department of Sanitation to provide education on the use and concerns of single use plastic straws.

 

“Single use straws very often wind up not in the trash but scattered around our streets and in our waterways,” said Dinowitz. “There are reports and clear evidence that our animals have been harmed by these straws when they end up in their habitats, not to mention the energy and resources consumed by producing and shipping these straws.”

 

He added, “This bill moves us toward a more sustainable environment. Importantly, this bill contains protections for people with disabilities. We must continue to reduce our consumption of single use items to make our planet a cleaner and safer place.”

 

Norwood News previously reported on how New Yorkers use an estimated 23 billion plastic bags annually, and separately, how the enforcement of both the plastic bag ban and of mask-wearing in bodegas has been hampered by concerns for the safety of bodega owners and staff, amid threats and attacks from customers.

 

We also reported last year on local initiatives by different Bronx groups to address environmental issues as part of our Bronx Connections feature series, in conjunction with BronxNet and WFUV.