Plastic Overload! How Much is Long Island Doing to Cut Back?
Long Island is drowning in a sea of plastic, and statistics don't lie. With single-use bags and delivery packaging, microplastics in Long Island's waterways, its garbage problem can no longer go unaddressed. With an estimated **1.5 million tons of annual plastic garbage** In Nassau and Suffolk counties, communities are in a frenzied search for a solution. But is enough being accomplished, or is plastic pollution spiraling out of control?
The Spread of the Problem
Plastic waste in Long Island isn’t an eyesore in and of itself—plastic trash in Long Island is an environmental and an economic issue. Plastic forms over **90% of marine debris removed off Long Island’s coastlines in terms of items including bottles, straws, and fishing gear** according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Microplastics have even been found in 100% of Long Island waterways with samples, tainting sources of potable water and marine environments. In a study at **Stony Brook University**Long Island’s groundwater contained plastic particles small enough to pass through filtering systems, not only an issue for the environment, but an issue for humans' health.
The cost of dealing with plastic trash is astounding. Municipal governments together pay over $50 million a year for trash disposal, with a big part of that for cleaning up plastic trash. Despite having recycling programs, a mere **9% of plastic trash** actually ends up getting recycled, with the rest winding its way into landfills, burners, or out into the environment. Long Island’s **landfill capacity is predicted to become full in 2026**, putting a critical imperative for alternative trash disposal options in motion.
Legislation & Community Action
Long Island rose in revolt over plastic pollution. The **2019 bag ban in New York State** lowered plastic bag use in specific areas **by over 70%**. Polystyrene foam cups and bowls have been outlawed in most towns, and companies are transitioning towards compost and reuse packaging. Suffolk County recently signed a legislation into law that will require restaurants to serve plastic forks, knives, and sporks **only when specifically requested** in an attempt to stop unnecessary use.
However, enforcement is an issue. Some city governments have yet to implement stricter legislation, and compliance is at best spotty. **A new Suffolk County recycling plant audit** revealed that **over 25% of items collected for recycling are contaminated with non-recyclable plastic**, and thus a considerable portion ends up in a landfill. Plastic forks, knives, and sporks, and plastic straws and packaging, are yet distributed at restaurants and stores, despite growing awareness and demand for environmentally friendly options.
Are Long Islanders On Board?
Consumer habits are changing, but for many, convenience continues to win out over sustainability. According to a survey conducted by **Sustainable Long Island**, **65% of residents favor laws to curtail use of plastic**, but only **40% actually curtail use of plastic** in daily life. Recycling programs at curbside have yet to gain widespread use, with contaminating items (incorrectly sorted) at a high of **30%**, undermining effectiveness and driving increased expense.
One major issue is a lack of awareness. A 2023 survey at Hofstra University found that virtually 50% of Long Islanders have no awareness of what types of plastics can be recycled, and thus, produce high volumes of improperly sorted garbage. Not only will a lack of awareness cost a municipality in terms of processing, but it reduces efficiency in recycling programs, as well.
The Business Reply
Many Long Island companies have taken a proactive stance by converting to biodegradable packaging, providing incentives for use of reusable containers, and abolishing single-use plastics altogether. Leaders in taking a stand have been companies such as **Wild by Nature and North Fork Roasting Co.,** who have replaced plastic cups and straws with compostable options. Yet, most larger chains have moved at a glacial pace to make significant improvements for concern about cost and a lack of legislation.
Retailers that reward reuse bags have seen **a 20% boost in use** and, therefore, incentives in terms of financial reward could possibly act as a behavior-changing tool. Some grocery stores have even begun experimenting with **household goods bulk refill stands** and reduced single-use packaging requirements.
What Needs to Change?
Long Island will have to implement a **multi-faceted** approach in curbing plastic pollution effectively. Harsher legislation will involve extending single-use bans, imposing compliance with existing laws, and imposing a fee for non-recyclable packaging. Augmented recycling infrastructure in terms of citizen awareness about what can and cannot be recycled, added facilities, and providing incentives for increased use will make a significant contribution. Industry will have to act responsibly and transition to sustainable packaging, and incentives through taxes can drive such a transition. Consumers have a role, too—making a switch to reusables, participating in public awareness programs, and participating in community cleanups. Investment in alternative packaging in terms of biodegradable packaging and plant-based plastics will drive a circular economy with no trash in landfills. With no strong actions at any level, Long Island’s problem with plastic will worsen, with even larger repercussions for both environment and economy.
The Bottom Line
Plastic waste will not go away overnight, but Long Island can lead the transition towards a sustainable future. There is seen to be improvement, but a strong intervention at a government, commercial, and individual level is a necessity in having a long-term impact. There needs to be a transition towards **greater education, stricter compliance with policies, and new disposal approaches** in a try to address this problem before it intensifies.
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