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Plastics Elimination Exceptions and FAQ

Exceptions

  1. Laboratory and medical instruments and products wrapped in plastic to maintain sanitary state.
  2. Trash bags (waste/garbage can liners) for labs, restroom, kitchenettes, food service, hospitals, and centralized collection areas.
  3. Resealable bags, paper bags with windows, patient belonging bags, specimen bags, cadaver bags and other medical bags required for safe and sanitary healthcare services.
  1. Balloons used for medical procedures.
  2. Balloons used for scientific research procedures.
  3. Balloons used for art installations and performances
  1. Bottled water during a water or medical emergency.
  2. Bottles needed to ensure accessibility.
  3. Bottles other than water and non-water beverage bottles.
  4. Bottles used in patient care settings where such restriction might impair patient care (e.g., individually bottles of nutritional supplements, restricted diets, etc.).
  1. Plastic straws available upon request.
  2. Hospitals: straws, stirrers, and spill plugs/sticks when clinically indicated for patient care.
  3. Specialty straws (shakes, Boba tea, etc.).
  1. Catering services, when reusable is not practical. When reusable is not practical, but composting facilities are available then BPI Certified is preferred.
  2. Hospitals/Health and Wellness Centers.
  1. Food packaging films and wraps (received from vendors) - including but not limited to minimally processed raw ingredients, prepared foods and sauces, prepared dressings and condiments in single serve and bulk packaging, soft drink syrups for use in machines, etc.
  2. Pallet wrap and shipping materials received from vendors, and for outgoing shipments when wrap is necessary for safe containment of the items being moved.
  3. Medical & hygiene products which are sealed in plastic to maintain sanitary state.
  4. Plastic wraps, films and industrial wrap used for medical, scientific, and artistic products and/or purposes.

FAQ

If you are using existing balloons (already purchased) is that OK as long the campus is not buying any new ones from this day forward? 

The date for reductions is 50% reduction by August 2024 and 100% reduction by August 2025. Since everything will be measured based on purchases, those already in stock can be used but should be collected and disposed of properly, though campuses should consider potential criticism from students faculty and staff in light of the new policy and procedure. 

What about instructional material such as plastic pipettes, and plastic slips for their glass slides?

While the goal of the policy is to reduce the use of single use plastics, the instructional and research materials used in labs are not included in any of the current categories for reduction and elimination.   

What about hazardous waste streams, many labs collect waste in plastic containers, is this an issue even if it goes in the garbage? 

Similar to the question above, while the goal of the policy is to reduce the use of single use plastics, the containers used to collect hazardous waste are not included in any of the current categories for reduction and elimination. 

Is there any grant funding going along with this initiative? 

SUNY has not identified any grant funding to assist with this effort, but campuses are encouraged to look for potential funding and to share information with other campuses as any opportunities arise.

Will there be any efforts to purchase across SUNY in bulk to lower the cost of the non-plastic items? 

SUNY is working with NYS DEC and other agencies through the Green NY Council to increase the availability of plastic free or compostable plastic products on OGS procurement contracts. OGS maintains an extensive Green Procurement selection. 

Are there any particular alternatives SUNY System or others have identified?

At this time SUNY System Administration has not identified any alternatives but encourages others to share alternatives as they are discovered.

How can we get students involved?

The Office for Sustainability will be working with Student Activities and existing student organizations to help get student support and advocacy for the policy. Students that are interested in working with the Office for Sustainability can also help in testing and evaluating solutions. 

Where and when will the baseline reports be submitted?

Data will be collected annually via a Microsoft Form that will be sent out to relevant departments.

What is the penalty for noncompliance & who is going to enforce compliance?

No specific penalties will be imposed by SUNY, though campuses will be reviewed for progress and questioned in areas where sufficient progress is not happening, especially if other campuses are making significant progress.

What is the threshold (if not listed in contractual agreements) that determines what is too expensive to move forward? For example, if switching from plastic beverage bottles to cans/cardboard increases the cost 295% - 400% does the campus make a self-determination that it is not affordable? 

This will need to be determined collaboratively by the campus purchasing, sustainability, and administrative departments.  At this time no specific threshold is being established. 

How should a campus handle campus community member with Celiac disease who needs to be cautious about certain alternatives to plastic, as some may contain gluten?

Plant based or bio-plastics may contain gluten as they are made from plant sources. Products like wheat straw, bamboo fiber, rice husks, sugar cane and corn starch are being used to make bio-plastics. While information about potential gluten content is not completely clear for these products, those with Celiac disease may need to avoid them until more research is done. Campuses should allow a medical exemption for these campus members.

Are vending machines included? 

Yes.

Some changes may impact the cost of goods and services for Auxiliary vendors. Are colleges allowed to pass on the cost to students, faculty and staff?

Yes, but only in accordance with the current contract language. Additionally, SUNY Administration should be consulted if extensive increases are required after thorough examination of the options. 

Will childcare center directors and Lab Schools, be responsible for implementing these changes?

Yes.

Are compostable products that are wasted into regular trash cans and going to regular landfills considered as non-compliant under this policy?

Yes, compostables that do not end up being composted are not helping. Only BPI certified compostables which are properly composted can be counted as a reduction in use.

Still could use some help? Email us and we will get back to you shortly.

 

Sustainability

Service Building, 124
934-420-5779
sustainability@farmingdale.edu

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Maia Roseval
Sustainability Manager, Committee Chair

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Michael Cervini
Energy Manager

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Jonathan Goldstein
Senior Director of Marketing

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Marjaneh Issapour
Professor 10 Months

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Zachary Licht
Senior Professional Relations Specialist

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Orla Smyth-LoPiccolo
Professor 10 Months