3rd-grade class project leads to foam cup ban

Six months ago, a third-grade class in Pleasant Valley learned about the negative environmental impact caused by a foam used in a common type of cup in restaurants across the country.

The students presented their research on polystyrene foam to older classes at Joseph D’Aquanni West Road Intermediate School, wrote letters to government leaders and ultimately addressed the Dutchess County Legislature.

“It really took off,” Barbara Kurdziel, the class’ teacher, said. “They were so engaged and outraged about the effects of polystyrene.”

The result of that advocacy took shape Friday, as Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro signed a law prohibiting the use of polystyrene foam cups and food containers in chain restaurants and county facilities.

Now in fourth grade, the students responsible for bringing the issue to the Legislature attended the signing and received proclamations from the county honoring their advocacy.

The environmental concerns surrounding polystyrene foam were the driving force behind the law. The resolution referenced the material’s poor biodegradability, carcinogenic properties and toxicity when burned, according to the resolution.

“We wanted to send a signal of environmental sensitivity while taking this product out of our waste stream,” Molinaro said.

Legislators Don Sagliano and Gregg Pulver worked to draft the resolution for the ban.

The Dutchess County Legislature approved the resolution at its Oct. 10 meeting, voting 23-1. During the meeting, the students were able to make their case for the ban to the legislators as they did with Molinaro.

Legislator Angela Flesland voted against the resolution, saying the scope of the law was too limited.

The law impacts chain restaurants, which the county defined as businesses with 15 or more locations in the state, said Kyle Ketcham, Dutchess County research analyst. The goal was to target fast-food and grocery store chains, rather than local eateries and small restaurant groups.

The bill will go into full effect in January 2019, Ketcham said.

FRANK BECERRA JR./POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL VIA USA TODAY NETWORK Students whose research inspired a polystyrene ban attend the signing of the law by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro on Friday.