Syracuse Sun

The University, in collaboration with the Student Association, has unveiled its Plastic Reduction Plan. This initiative is a component of the recently updated Climate Action Plan and signifies one of the sustainability-related goals that the University has pledged to achieve. The plan delineates how the institution aims to significantly decrease the usage of single-use plastics by the 2027-28 academic year.

The strategies outlined in the plan include quantifying types of single-use plastics used on campus and identifying technically feasible replacements or elimination of single-use items. The University also plans to collaborate with vendors to incorporate clauses in vendor/franchise agreements aimed at eliminating single-use plastics in vending and food service contracts. Other initiatives involve expanding compost capabilities to ensure alternative products can be disposed of correctly and educating campus constituents on proper disposal methods while communicating progress via the University’s Sustainability Management website.

The plan acknowledges areas where advancements have already been made and outlines future initiatives. It also provides a timeline for each plastic category, indicating when it will be phased out or reduced. A significant part of this plan involves heightening awareness about reducing plastic use and promoting responsible disposal methods.

Melissa Cadwell, sustainability coordinator, emphasized the importance of education in achieving these goals. "Empowering our campus community with knowledge is key to fostering a culture of sustainability," she stated. She further added that through peer-to-peer educators, they are eager to introduce this vital initiative as part of their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

Student peer-to-peer educators have already had opportunities to contribute to this project. Over the next several years, there is an aim to broaden education and outreach across all campus constituencies.

Cadwell issued a call-to-action for the entire campus community: “Together, let’s champion sustainable practices, reduce plastic waste and safeguard our planet for generations to come.”

The full details of the plan can be accessed on the Sustainability Management website. In addition, over the coming months, a dashboard showing progress towards the goals outlined in the plan will be added to the website.