Students and local activists thank board as district phases out single‑use plastics and pilots dishwasher program

At the start of the Sept. 17 meeting, two student speakers representing Transition Town Port Washington thanked the board for efforts to reduce single‑use plastics in school cafeterias and for approving a dishwasher pilot at SUSA Elementary.

"We are so glad to hear that plastics are being phased out from the cafeterias," Bry Bailey, youth leader of the Beyond Plastics division, told the board. Bailey said the change grew from student advocacy and that the pilot program makes long‑held goals attainable.

Edna Kinalei, an intern with Transition Town and a freshman at Shriber, said the district’s move will reduce students’ exposure to microplastics and cut thousands of pounds of plastic waste that otherwise would head to landfills. Both speakers urged the board to continue partnering with student activists and said the initiatives give students tangible opportunities to affect district policy.

Board members acknowledged the comments and welcomed continued partnership with student groups as sustainability pilots proceed.