YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TO JOIN CITY OFFICIALS FOR CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF PLASTIC STRAW FREE LEGISLATION

Starting March 1, Food & Beverage Establishments in Yonkers Prohibited from Providing Single-Use Plastic Straws

 

Yonkers Public School students will join Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and City Council President Mike Khader Thursday, February 27 at 1 PM at Paideia School 15as they sign a new city ordinance prohibiting food and beverage establishments in Yonkers from providing single-use plastic straws, unless requested by customers.

Last year, Paideia School 15 students advocated city officials to move forward with the ban of plastic straws in an effort to combat the negative environmental impacts of the manufacturing and disposal of the straws. Yonkers City Council approved the legislation in recent weeks resulting in the plastic straw ban, effective March 1, 2020.

Plastic drinking straws are among the top 10 contributors to marine debris pollution. Most plastic straws are not biodegradable and instead break down over years into smaller microplastics, releasing chemicals into the soil, air, and water that are harmful to animals, plants, people, and the environment.

***Interviews and Photo Opps***

WHO:            Mike Spano, City of Yonkers Mayor

                        Yonkers City Council

                        Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools

                        Paideia School 15 students, teachers and staff

WHAT:         Signing of Plastic Straw Free Yonkers Legislation

WHERE:        Paideia School 15

                        175 Westchester Ave.

                        Yonkers, NY