Ana Cabas, an employee at this Jackson Heights restaurant, says she always makes sure to give her customers the option of bringing plastic utensils.
“We have deliverieswe have people come to pick up orders and we ask people if they want plastic utensils or not. But soon it could be the customer’s responsibility to ask for these utensils when buying food, ”he says.
This Thursday, the City Council voted in favor of a bill that seeks to restrict the use of plastic utensils in establishments that offer take-out and home delivery, unless the customer requests it.
Marjorie Velázquez, president of the Municipal Council’s Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, showed her support for this new legislative initiative.
The purpose of this bill called, Skip The Stuff, is to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills to reduce environmental pollution.
According to municipal government data, New York City produces more than 14 million tons of trash each year.
Much of this trash travels to landfills or incinerators, which is why Velázquez urges New Yorkers to avoid plastic cutlery, which takes decades and even centuries to decompose.
An initiative that many support, such as Jesús Ríos, a restaurant customer:
“I am aware of the decision I made. If I have cutlery at home I don’t ask for the utensils, if I’m going to eat out I know I’m going to need them myself I ask them…
…When they put extra one comes home, finds them and what do I do with them, I put them away and finished putting them and that’s when we pollute more. Anything to take care of this planet. Let’s do it.”
Councilor Velázquez stressed that this legislation would also help business owners save money.
Alondra Rodríguez, a restaurant employee, sees that this is positive for them too:
“There are people who don’t use them and that way it can be a saving for us”, he indicates.
The proposal also received the support of the industry organization, NYC Hospitality Alliance. Its chief executive said in a statement that, and we quote:
“The ‘Skip the Stuff’ bill is a win-win that will help restaurants save money by reducing the number of often unused plastic utensils and condiment packets.”
Any violation that occurs before July 1, 2024 will receive a warning instead of a financial penalty. The fines would be from 100 to 300 dollars.
This proposal is now pending Adams’ signature to go into effect.
