New York plans to banish single-use plastic from hotel bathrooms
New York is planning to ban hotels from providing toiletries in single-use plastic containers. New York single-use plastic
Led by Long Island Democrat Senator Todd Kaminsky, a group of lawmakers is proposing the ban for hotels of 50 rooms or more from 2023. The ban would be extended to smaller hotels in 2024.
It would eliminate 27.4 million plastic bottles every year from the Big Apple’s hospitality industry.
The move is part of a wider plan to reduce plastic pollution state-wide, which includes the banning of plastic bags, and it follows a similar move in California, which is also looking to introduce a ban on single-use plastic in hotel bathrooms from 2023.
Hotels would be allowed to replace the single-use bottles with wall-mounted dispensers, larger, multi-use bottles or recyclable non-plastic single-use containers.
“By barring hotels from giving single-use plastic toiletries to customers, we are safeguarding our environment, and mitigating plastic waste and waterway pollution,” the senator said. New York single-use plastic
Single-use plastic has become a major environmental concern around the world, including in the hospitality and tourism industries. Hotels and tourism businesses often generate large amounts of plastic waste, such as single-use water bottles, plastic straws, and plastic packaging for toiletries and amenities. This waste can contribute to environmental pollution, harm wildlife, and damage ecosystems.
Many hotels and tourism businesses have taken steps to reduce their plastic use and minimize their environmental impact.
Some examples include:
- Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles and providing refillable water stations or glass bottles instead.
- Replacing plastic straws with biodegradable or reusable alternatives, or eliminating straws altogether.
- Using refillable dispensers for toiletries and amenities instead of single-use plastic packaging.
- Encouraging guests to bring their own reusable bags, containers, and water bottles.
- Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs to minimize plastic waste and increase sustainability.
Several countries and regions have also implemented regulations to reduce plastic waste in the tourism industry. For example, the European Union has banned single-use plastic items such as plastic cutlery, plates, and straws starting in 2021. Thailand has also implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags in some provinces.
Reducing single-use plastic in the hospitality and tourism industries can not only have a positive impact on the environment, but can also improve the image and reputation of businesses as environmentally conscious and responsible.