In recognition of Earth Month, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has launched a new initiative encouraging residents to reduce their use of single-use plastics — starting at the dry cleaners.
During a visit to Hyde Park Cleaners, Serino announced the Say No to Plastic campaign, which urges residents to forgo the standard plastic wrap placed over dry-cleaned clothes. “Sometimes it’s the small changes that can make the biggest impact,” Serino said in a press release. “As someone who’s been skipping the plastic bag at the dry cleaners for years, I know how easy it is – and how quickly it adds up. By just saying ‘no’ to the plastic, we can each do our part to protect the environment for future generations and help make Dutchess County a little greener, one choice at a time.”
The campaign will work with dry cleaners throughout the county to provide signage that reminds customers to opt out of plastic coverings. Reusable garment bags — which are washable and offer longer-term protection — are recommended for customers who may leave clothing at the cleaners for extended periods.
Single-use plastics, including straws, bags, wraps, and foam containers, often end up in landfills or waterways. They can take centuries to decompose and are a major source of microplastic pollution. Plastics in the environment are linked to serious health hazards for humans.
Dutchess County has been a state leader in tackling plastic waste, passing a polystyrene foam ban and Local Law No. 6 of 2018, which regulated the use of plastic bags — both enacted before New York’s Bag Waste Reduction Act took effect in 2020.
While officials said no new county legislation is planned, the focus remains on promoting “reduce, reuse, recycle” principles and educating residents on how to shrink the overall solid waste stream.
The county’s environmental messaging also includes broader tips for reducing plastic use, such as using reusable bottles, declining takeout utensils, and shopping at local refilleries.
Dutchess is one of just six counties in New York designated as Silver Certified Climate Smart Communities. Silver Certification is the highest level in New York’s Climate Smart Communities program, awarded to local governments that complete at least 10 priority actions and earn a minimum of 300 points for implementing measurable climate and sustainability initiatives.
Upcoming events aimed at promoting sustainability include a free Earth Day celebration on April 26 at Vassar Barns in Poughkeepsie, and composting and food waste reduction workshops throughout the county beginning April 29 in Stanford.