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Residents urge 'skip the stuff' plastics restriction as conservation committee flags pesticide and textile‑recycling issues
Summary
Paula Jones described resident concerns about neonicotinoid pesticide use and waste‑reduction work; public commenter Brad Huskinson urged the subcommittee to draft a local 'skip the stuff' ordinance to limit automatic provision of single‑use utensils, condiments and straws.
Paula Jones, a member of the subcommittee’s conservation, energy and environment group, told the committee that residents — particularly in Seabury — have raised concerns about town pesticide use and the impacts on pollinators, specifically neonicotinoids.
"We're planning all these pollinator gardens, but then we're spraying with neonicotinoids," Jones said, and the committee said it will look further into town pesticide practices and the contractors used by Public Works.
Jones also described the town’s textile‑recycling program run by Baystate Textiles, which places collection bins at Town Hall, 330 Park Avenue and Whittenberry Library. She said the program diverted over a ton of material and generated $137.40 in May, providing cost avoidance by reducing tipping fees even though direct revenue is modest.
During public comment, Brad Huskinson, an ally of the CEEC speaking on behalf of the nonprofit group Beyond Plastics, urged the town to pursue a local ordinance often called a "skip the stuff" law, which would require food‑service establishments offering takeout or delivery to provide plastic utensils, condiment packets and straws only on request.
"My plan is to work with the CEC and Nick Debusda in drafting a proposed law, bring that proposal to this subcommittee for discussion, then having it passed by town council," Huskinson said. Committee members thanked him and asked staff to coordinate on potential drafting and next steps.
Councilors asked follow‑up questions about the textile‑recycling program’s revenue and whether material is sorted; Jones said the program is working well and linked the environmental benefit to cost avoidance from reduced waste tonnage.
The subcommittee did not take formal action on a plastics ordinance at the meeting but agreed to include related materials and staff follow‑up in future agendas.
