Zero Waste Ithaca Press Release
For immediate release, November 1, 2023
Ithaca, New York – Under the guidance of Beth Krause, the Nutritional Director of the Ithaca City School District, Ithaca schools are embarking on a journey towards sustainability this academic year by transitioning from single-use foodware to reusable alternatives. This initiative begins with the introduction of high-quality stainless steel sporks, replacing a staggering 268,740 plastic utensils annually sent to the Ontario County Landfill by the school district. This demonstrates the district’s commitment to four vital aspects: student well-being, environmental justice, conservation, and financial responsibility.
Zero Waste Ithaca, in collaboration with Plastic Free Restaurants , secured funding last March for 3,200 shiny, high-quality, stainless steel sporks for the school district. LACS (Lehman Alternative Community School), a district pioneer of reusable practices was the first to receive the sporks. Since early September, Zero Waste Ithaca members have organized educational lunch hours for LACS and Boynton Middle School. Local artist Susanne Jensen contributed a special artwork with the message “Sporks Are Happy when Returned,” to encourage students to return the sporks for washing and reuse. The hope is that students will take pride in caring for these unique sporks, passing them down to future generations of students.
The sporks were originally acquired by the family of Inshik Lee, a local Korean American resident, in the 1970s. Her father envisioned a versatile utensil combining a spoon, knife, and fork, but the plastic era disrupted his plans so they lay dormant in her family’s barns for over half a century until Zero Waste Ithaca members learned of them. With the support of Beth Krause and the administrative officer Daniel Breiman, Zero Waste Ithaca obtained funding to launch the district-wide transition to reusable utensils.
The switch from single-use to reusable foodware supports public health, environmental conservation, environmental justice, and cost reductions for schools. Recent studies have revealed the presence of toxic chemicals, such as PFAS, in single-use foodware, including those made of so-called “compostable” or “biodegradable” bioplastics, posing risks to human health and the environment. Zero Waste Ithaca commends Beth Krause, the ICSD cafeteria workers, and the facilities department for prioritizing student health.
This community effort is one that fosters a sense of responsibility in students as they practice caring for the utensils so that future students can use them. It also is a model for students on how to move away from a single-use disposable society. Zero Waste Ithaca welcomes ICSD students and community members to create art, photos, and videos celebrating the sporks. Please send your creations or inquiries to: info@zerowasteithaca.org.
Plastics and bioplastics are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to CO2 and methane emissions. According to a Beyond Plastics report, by 2030, emissions from the U.S. plastics industry are projected to exceed those of the coal industry, further exacerbating climate change.
Many people may not realize that plastic production and waste disposal also disproportionately affects marginalized communities where these facilities are. Phasing out single-use products supports justice for these vulnerable communities.
The long-term cost savings for the school district is supported by case studies conducted by the Center for Environmental Health.
The switch to reusables promises a brighter and more sustainable future for Ithaca students and the greater community.