A group of left-leaning politicians in New York City, including Councilman Erik Bottcher and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, have introduced legislation that would ban city agencies from purchasing single-use plastic water bottles for their workforce of over 330,000 employees. The proposed bill aims to promote the use of tap water, sourced from the Catskills Mountains, as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bottled water for city workers.
Councilman Bottcher highlighted the high quality of New York City’s tap water and emphasized the importance of setting an example by using tap water instead of single-use plastic bottles. He also pointed out the irony of New Yorkers purchasing bottled water from faraway locations like Fiji, while the city’s tap water is considered among the best in the world. The bill would prevent the city from contracting with outside vendors to purchase individual plastic bottles containing less than a gallon of water, except in cases of public health emergencies.
The city currently buys more than a million disposable plastic water bottles annually for its agencies, contributing to the 742 million single-use plastic bottles that New Yorkers discard each year. During a rally at City Hall, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stressed the importance of making changes to reduce the normalization of single-use plastics, and expressed hope that the bill would lead to a citywide ban on water in plastic bottles. He emphasized the need for city workers to lead by example and opt for reusable water bottles instead.
Mayor Eric Adams’ office has stated that they will review the bill, but have already been encouraging city workers to bring reusable water bottles to work as a way to promote sustainability. However, the proposed legislation has faced criticism from Councilwoman Joann Ariola, who raised concerns about government overreach and infringements on individuals’ right to choose. She acknowledged the issue of single-use plastics but highlighted potential job losses for those involved in the water bottling industry if a shift to tap water reliance occurs.
Supporters of the bill believe that it is imperative to take steps towards reducing the use of single-use plastics, which pose a significant environmental threat. The legislation seeks to address the issue of plastic waste and promote the use of more sustainable alternatives like tap water. By prohibiting the purchase of single-use plastic water bottles for city agencies, the bill aims to set a positive example for city workers and encourage the adoption of more eco-friendly practices in New York City. The debate over the legislation highlights the ongoing tension between environmental concerns and considerations related to individual choice and economic implications.
