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Say So Long to Polystyrene Foodware, Sudbury!

09 • 12 • 2020

Say So Long to Polystyrene Foodware, Sudbury!

The MA Chapter worked to pass a warrant article at Sudbury’s 2020 Annual Town Meeting to adopt a strong polystyrene mitigation bylaw.

The bylaw prohibits retail and food establishments from using, distributing, or selling disposable food service ware made using foam or solid polystyrene. The bylaw also prohibits retail establishments from selling certain items made from unencapsulated foam polystyrene. For more details about the proposed policy, please contact campaigns@ma.surfrider.org.

Volunteers from the Chapter worked closely alongside volunteers from Sustainable Sudbury and the Lincoln-Sudbury High School Environmental Club. The chapter drafted petition language and enough signatures were collected ahead of the 1/31/2020 deadline to ensure inclusion of the proposed article in the town meeting warrant.

A presentation was given to the Sudbury Board of Health on 1/14/2020, and on 2/11/2020 the Board of Health officially voted to endorse the article.

The campaign team then gave a presentation to the Sudbury Select Board virtually on 3/31/2020 (in light of COVID-19). The Select Board voted 4-1 to support this Article. 

Extensive outreach efforts in town were advanced before the Town Meeting, which was held on September 12. Townspeople voted favorably on Article 55, along with the proposed bag and straw bylaws, as Articles 56 and 57, respectively. The bylaw becomes effective on February 1, 2021.

Sudbury residents are urged to contact the MA Chapter to get involved with similar efforts elsewhere.

Thank you!