Beyond Plastics: Former EPA Administrator Judith Enck visits New Paltz, March 3

At a historical moment when aquatic animals are dying with stomachs full of plastic bottles, microplastic particles are turning up in the air we breathe and the food we eat, and plastic production is a leading contributor to massive climate change, SUNY New Paltz is inviting all members of the campus community to help shape the future of single-use plastics at the College.

The Office of Campus Sustainability and Campus Auxiliary Services are hosting back-to-back “Moving Beyond Plastics” events on Tuesday, March 3, designed to spark dialogue and action to help reduce our collective plastic consumption.

Leading the discussion will be Judith Enck, a former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regional administrator, visiting professor at Bennington College, and founder of Beyond Plastics, a nationwide project with a mission to end plastic pollution.

A dynamic community leader who has spent her entire career working to protect public health and the environment, Enck began her career as an environmental advocate and held high-ranking positions in state and federal government prior to her current work teaching at the collegiate level.

She will share insights about the dangers of plastic pollution, and offer ideas for what individuals and communities can do to help our society move beyond plastic. Her talk will begin on March 3 at 5 p.m., and will take place in Lecture Center 102.

Read more about Judith Enck at the Beyond Plastics website.

Immediately following Enck’s talk, the campus Sustainability Ambassadors will host an open forum for students on the future of plastic use at New Paltz, as part of the Campus Auxiliary Services consideration of new vending, beverage and food service practices at the College.

All are welcome to join this discussion about real issues that affect the lives of people who live, work and eat on this campus, at 6 p.m. on March 3, also in Lecture Center 102.

These “Moving Beyond Plastics” events are sponsored by Campus Auxiliary Services and the Office of Campus Sustainability.

If you have accessibility questions or require accommodations to fully participate, please contact the event organizers at sustainability@newpaltz.edu as soon as possible.