Dutchess S.U.P.P.P. Campaign

The Dutchess County Single-use Plastic Pollution Prevention Campaign (Dutchess S.U.P.P.P.) aims to educate and empower local residents, businesses and communities to take action on single-use plastics pollution issues through a train-the-trainer educational program for Conservation Advisory Committees (CACs), and a focus group for local businesses that identify as food service providers.  The campaign is a partnership with the Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management (DCSWM), and the Dutchess County Environmental Management Council (EMC). Single-use plastics are disposable and intended to be used only once, before being thrown away or recycled. They include plastic straws, plastic wrap, plastic cups, Styrofoam®, plastic bags, plastic cutlery/utensils, and some plastic takeout containers. The Dutchess S.U.P.P.P. logo and slogan "Each tiny piece can make the difference" was designed by Carlos Patino, Dutchess Community College student through the college's Community Based Learning Program.

Single-use Plastics Reduction Focus Groups for Local Food Service Establishments:

In August 2020, the Dutchess S.U.P.P.P. Campaign hosted two virtual focus groups for local businesses to address SUP usage by food service establishments (restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, food trucks, coffee shops, etc), especially with businesses operating more heavily towards take-out orders. An introduction to SUPs environmental effects was provided. Discussion topics included types of SUPs used, current initiatives by local businesses to reduce usage, challenges to reducing usage, and resources and tools available to help businesses navigate reducing and eliminating usage of SUPs. Local business representatives agreed that this is the beginning of a conversation and desired to keep in contact with the Campaign and one another to form a network to address SUPs. View Focus Group presentation here. View invitation for the Focus Groups sent to select businesses here. 

As the NYS Bag Waste Reduction Law enforcement is slated to begin on 10/18 and with neighboring Counties making steps towards other single-use plastic reduction legislation, the focus groups provided proactive planning and helped the Campaign gain insight into a "business perspective" and what tools and resources businesses find most helpful and are of most benefit. A "goody-bag" of resources was shared with participating local businesses. If you are a business interested in learning more about this topic or receiving resources, please see information on this page, or email Michelle Gluck, Campaign Coordinator.

2020 CAC-EMC Roundtable "Train-the-Trainer" Presentation:

The train-the-trainer program for CACs took place in February 2020, and focused on education about single-use plastics pollution and strategies to reduce single-use plastics (SUPs) usage. It also was a debut of the Dutchess S.U.P.P.P. Campaign interpretive display board, created for CACs to borrow and "take on the road" to community events. This campaign is an opportunity for community members to learn together and go “above and beyond” to reduce and eliminate SUP products.

Local stakeholders, community organizations and individuals interested in learning more, or businesses interested in participating in the local business focus group, are encouraged to contact Michelle Gluck, Campaign Coordinator and CCEDC Environment and Energy Resource Educator, at Mg822@cornell.edu or 845-677-8223 ext. 148.

CCEDC received support for the campaign from a New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) 2019-2020 Community Grant award. "Funding provided by the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation." Any opinions, findings, and/or interpretations of data contained herein are the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations or policy of Rochester Institute of Technology and its NYS Pollution Prevention Institute or the State."

The Dutchess S.U.P.P.P. Campaign is administered by CCE Dutchess County is supported by the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) and paid for in part by Dutchess County and other entities. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated December 21, 2020