Pass a Skip the Stuff Ordinance in Sag Harbor

Surfrider’s volunteer-led Eastern Long Island Chapter is working to reduce plastic pollution in Sag Harbor, NY by passing a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance.

“Skip the Stuff” laws seek to change the expectations of restaurant takeout and delivery food customers. Instead of expecting to always receive extra items like utensils and condiments, under Skip the Stuff, customers will expect to not receive those items unless they specifically request them.

In addition to protecting our ocean and beaches against plastic pollution, such an ordinance will save restaurants money, as nationally, restaurants spend about $20 billion per year on such items. 

Surfrider does a lot of beach cleanups, and the single use items addressed in this ordinance are always some of the most commonly found. One trillion disposable foodware items are used in the U.S. each year, generating 9 million tons of waste. Only 5-6% of plastic waste is actually recycled, and it is most often turned into products or materials of lesser value (downcycled). 

Reducing plastic waste is an environmental justice issue. Nearly 80% of waste incinerators are located in low-income communities and/or communities of color and the pollutants produced by incinerating plastic have toxic effects when inhaled. Waste management infrastructure is also disproportionately located in these communities. 

Plastic litter exacerbates the plastic pollution human health crisis; microplastics have been found in the air, drinking water, human blood, breast milk, and placentas. Plastic is a petroleum based product which degrades very slowly in the natural environment, contains toxins, and contributes to the climate crisis. 

This bill also honors customer choice. Nearly all – 98% – of online restaurant takeout and delivery orders are eaten at home or in an office, where reusable utensils are available, and preferred. Most Sag Harbor residents have a drawer crammed with plastic utensils, chopsticks, and ketchup and mustard packets, which are often included with a meal, even when specifically requested not to be. 

Join us and ask your elected official to support this bill! Contact them, their emails are on this website. The Chapter's efforts are being led by volunteer Christine Capelli, working with a small coalition including the Sag Harbor Sustainability Committee and Environmental Advisory Committee.