Assembly Resolution No. 268

BY: M. of A. Glick

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 30, 2025, as Day of Zero Waste in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body acknowledges the significant threat
that waste poses to public health and the environment, recognizing the
urgent need for decisive action to reduce waste as part of the ongoing
battle against climate change; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 30, 2025, as Day of Zero Waste
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
International Day of Zero Waste; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations declared March 30th as International Day
of Zero Waste, with the goal to address the unsustainable production and
consumption practices that are killing the planet; and

WHEREAS, New York produces 37 million tons of waste a year, with
only 38 percent of this being recycled; Seneca Meadows landfill, the
largest landfill in the state, receives over 10 million pounds of
garbage daily; landfills release methane gas into the atmosphere
damaging the ozone layer and human health; and

WHEREAS, In the United States only five percent of plastic is
recycled; New Yorkers alone use 23 billion plastic bags annually;
plastic bags do not biodegrade, they stay in our environment, damaging
wildlife and releasing chemicals into the environment; other plastics
can be broken down but can take up to 500 years to biodegrade; and

WHEREAS, International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote zero waste
initiatives, highlighting the benefits of reducing consumption,
recycling and composting instead of throwing things away; and

WHEREAS, Zero waste initiatives redistribute unwanted food to
underprivileged communities and food banks, ensuring all New Yorkers are
fed; and

WHEREAS, Reducing waste conserves resources, putting less strain on
the environment as demand for new raw materials is reduced; and

WHEREAS, Effective waste management is crucial in protecting public
health, mitigating the spread of disease and improving air and water
quality; and

WHEREAS, A zero-waste ethos empowers sustainable resource management
through the entire production chain, beginning at product design and
throughout the entire manufacturing process; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local,
state and national levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 30, 2025, as Day of
Zero Waste in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.