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In celebration of Earth Month, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has launched the "Say No To Plastic" campaign to promote sustainability and environmental protection. During a visit to Hyde Park Cleaners, Serino encouraged residents to reduce single-use plastic waste by opting out of plastic coverings at dry cleaners.
The initiative builds on the county's existing efforts to prevent single-use plastic pollution. Serino emphasized that "sometimes it’s the small changes that can make the biggest impact." She has personally avoided plastic coverings for years and believes that this simple choice can significantly contribute to environmental protection.
Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and cutlery, are typically used for a short time but take hundreds of years to decompose, often ending up in landfills or waterways. As part of the campaign, Dutchess County will collaborate with local dry cleaners to provide signage encouraging customers to refuse plastic coverings by default.
Residents are also urged to consider reusable garment bags for long-term clothing protection. Serino encourages the community to adopt the mantra: "Refuse it, if you can’t reuse it." The county is a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community and will continue to host programs aimed at reducing single-use plastics throughout April and beyond.
Residents are invited to join the movement by sharing photos of their plastic-free efforts on social media using the hashtag #SayNoToPlasticDC and tagging @DutchessCoGov. More information on upcoming events can be found on the county's website.