Letter: Applauds Styro Ban
Oct 14th, 2011 | By Greg Hazley | Category: On tap, OpinionThe following is a letter from Secaucus resident April Daly.
To the editor:
Since my daughter could talk I’ve been educating her on the harmful effects that the use of Styrofoam has on our planet (a non biodegradable material), atmosphere (emits toxic chemicals when burned) and our bodies (harmful effects on the nervous system by ingesting the toxic chemicals that are emitted when hot food is placed in each Styrofoam container).
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By attending the town council meeting this past Tuesday, a personal dream was realized when, I learned that Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the town council have passed an impressive agenda to ban the use of Styrofoam here in Secaucus.
Secaucus, evidently, will be the very first town in the state of New Jersey to begin this intelligent, brave and productive environmental act.
Along with the growing usage of solar energy and continued initiatives for recycling, and now banning the use of Styrofoam, it seems that Secaucus New Jersey is leading the way in this State for conscious awareness of how we can better care for the environment where we live.
I hope that we all can support this initiative by not buying the product from any store that uses this product, or at least ask for a non Styrofoam packaging. I am proud to be a Secaucus resident.
Bravo and many thanks to Mayor Gonnelli and Secaucus Town Council.
Sincerely,
April Daly
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I don’t see how this is possible. There is really no way to fairly enforce this ban and it is more of a “suggestion” than a “ban.
Places like Dunkin Donuts have no choice but to serve the coffee in the cups provided by the Franchise.
The same holds true for Wendy’s, Sams Club, Walmart, Blimpie, Subway, and everyplace else that is a corporate franchise that serves hot beverages.
The take out containers in places like Cheeseburger in Paradise, Outback, Houlihan’s, etc are established by the corporate offices and purchased in bulk by the corporation. I just don’t see this panning out to anything more than a statement and suggestion.
Bravo. I’ve heard cities and towns also ban things like plastic bags, perhaps that can be next.
Also, watching the council meeting on tv I notice they always have bottled water. They should set an example and drink out of glass pitchers and glasses.
Is there an environmental committee?
I agree with James. It is a nice gesture, but an impossible task. All the places in town that are owned by corporations are bound by what the corporation wants them to use or sends them. And what about things that are shipped? Will it be against the law to accept a package packed in styrofam packing peanuts?
Let’s come up with a better way to start saving the environment.
Going Green
Just two short months ago a Secaucus born woman with very deep roots in the community was refused a variance to build the first GREEN HOME in Secaucus on Fairview Terr. The reason for her denial was “the house is too large her”, so how committed to going green are we? I’m sure if the town wanted to be “Green” they could have gotten involved and made this work. This Styrofoam is just a publicity stunt. When you drive around town all you see are beautiful tree being cut down.
This is what our Mayor and his administration is about. They will tell people what they want to hear, and then do the opposite. Just ask any of his close friends who he USED for support. He screwed them once he got what he needed. It is the way Gonnelli has always operated. Now everyone can see it.
Typical,
What does this even mean? Is Mayor Gonnelli saying that the town will put a ban on styrofoam use and then he will pave the town with styrofoam? Will he be secretly using styrofoam in his personal life? Will he demand that employees drink out of styrofoam cups while banning it for residents? How is this ban “using” anyone to get what “he needs”?
We all clearly see that you are a disgruntled person with a chip on your shoulder about Mayor Gonnelli, but please make some sense and choose your arguments. You are beginning to sound just like Lone Ranger, Half Story and………………………………………………ooooooooooooooo yes, I see.
Regarding Dunkin Donuts:
“The company plans to test an in-store foam cup recycling program in 2013 and offers a reusable mug program to its franchisees as an option to reduce packaging waste.” More informative reading at: http://earth911.com/news/2011/08/31/dunkin-donuts-wants-a-greener-coffee-cup/
What would have been good, is all those recycling boxes that had been put around town had a slot for polystyrene, as that material is also recyclable, though not many companies do it….
OMG, my post was in response to gangreen’s post. It proves a valid point that Gonnelli and his administration are hypocrites that are looking for publicity. They denied a variance for a Green Home. What does that tell you? Call me disgruntled if you wish. Many are disappointed with much good reason. I guess that’s what happens when you’re loyal to someone then they lie to you.
The Town Of Secaucus wants to Go Green. The ban on styrofoam is an effort to be certified with Sustainable Jersey. Sytrofoam is a health issue as well as an environmental issue. Aside from the fact that styrofoam can never biodegrade, it is made up of polystyrene that can potentially contaminate foods which affects the central nervous system. It is about time that our society starts to think long term.
Our new Chairwoman to the Environmental Committee and Green Team, Amanda Nesheiwat, is an energetic, educated and optimistic young woman. She is an environmental scientist and the state leader for the Energy Action Coalition. She is equipped with the knowledge to create a more sustainable community and hopes to make Secaucus the greenest community in the state.
Maybe she can stop the sewerage from going into the river via the storm sewer system.How long has the sanitary sewers at the animal shelter been going into the ground ?10 -15 years? Do we pick and choose when we want to be environmentaly friendly?
Mr. Gonnelli,
Can you explain how the ban will be enforced? What will be the penalties for business who use styrofoam, and what will law enforcement do about the chain establishments? What about private parties held at town facilities? Where can residents read the full regulation on the ban?
I guess people are always going to complain about SOMETHING. I think the town’s gotta start somewhere. This could get other towns to do the same. We are setting an example. Why are there so many negative comments on an action that we should all be proud of? If you don’t have something nice to say then please, do not try to crush the hopes of people that actually want to make a difference.