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Summary

Press release entailing a peaceful protest against vending machines provided by government officials because of the ongoing plastic pollution crisis affecting many colleges in different states all over the U.S. We do our part in moving towards a greener and more sustainable future.

December 11, 2024

The Community Calls for Action to Ban Single-use Plastics 

In Harlem, NY, City College students protested against vending machines making off single-use plastics such as water bottles and plastic chip bags in the second floor cafeteria on Tuesday, November 19th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. CCNY is located at 160 Convent Ave., New York, NY, 10031.

As a society, we are entitled to do better. This does not only include the community as a whole but the government as well. The government holds the most responsibility in ensuring that our community is free from harm, but how can that be if the existence of micro plastics has invaded every space imaginable? In a bold move to address the escalating crisis of plastic pollution, concerned City College students, environmental groups, and public awareness activists are joining forces to launch a new campaign aimed at tackling single-use plastic waste generated by vending machines. The campaign, “Ban the Bottle, Change the Future,” calls out vending machine operators and CCNY supporting corporations profiting from the proliferation of single-use plastic bottles, cups, and packaging, urging them to adopt sustainable practices and prioritize environmental responsibility.

According to recent statistics, over 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year, with single-use plastics contributing significantly to this staggering number. Vending machines alone account for millions of disposable plastic bottles annually, many of which end up polluting oceans, clogging waterways, and littering city streets. The campaign highlights the urgent need to phase out these environmental hazards and replace them with eco-friendly solutions.

The initiative is not just about raising awareness—it’s about action. Protesters are demanding vending machine companies:

  1. Transition to reusable or biodegradable alternatives for packaging and containers.
  2. Install more refill stations for beverages to reduce dependency on single-use plastics.
  3. Commit to transparent, measurable goals to cut plastic waste in their operations.
  4. Educate consumers on the environmental impacts of single-use plastics and promote sustainable choices.

“We can no longer ignore the role that vending machines play in perpetuating the single-use plastic epidemic. Corporations are profiting at the expense of our planet, and it’s time they step up to take responsibility.”

The campaign includes a series of blog posts and social media initiatives to amplify the message. Supporters are encouraged to participate by signing petitions, sharing educational content, and avoiding vending machine purchases of single-use plastic items.

“Ban the Bottle, Change the Future” aims to spark a citywide conversation about the choices we make as consumers and the corporate accountability needed to address the growing plastic pollution crisis. The campaign urges everyone—from policymakers to others not currently enrolled in CCNY—to join the movement and take a stand for a sustainable future!

Please contact Angelika Polanco, Sherlyn Soriano, Shanelle Maksud at apolanc014@citymail.cuny.edu for more information.

References

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/nyregion/20nyu.html

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