HELP SAVE THE PLANET:

Take the “Plastic Free July” Challenge with us!
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By Rachel Tieger, TEAC Co-Chair

I took the “Plastic Free July Challenge” for the first time a few years ago and was shocked to discover how ubiquitous single-use plastic was in my everyday life, particularly in grocery stores and my kitchen. My goal was to bring zero new plastic into my house, and absolutely no single-use plastic…which was easier said than done. It was a great learning experience and I adapted much of my general buying behavior thereafter, although I make daily concessions.

Landmines and Biggest Challenges:

• Most bread is packaged in plastic, even at farmers markets

• Items like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are almost always sold in plastic bottles.

• Everything in the frozen section and snack aisle come in plastic bags

• Some boxed pasta have a hidden inner plastic pouch

• Individually wrapped tea bags 

• Doggie poop bags 

• Online orders have tons of unnecessary inner packaging (ironically, even for  “green” items)

Workable Solutions and Happy Discoveries:

• Bulk bins at Whole Foods and Mom's Organic using cloth reusable bags for grains, cereals, nuts, etc

• Dr. Bronner's Bars for dishes, general cleaning and personal use

• Whole loaves of unwrapped bread at the farmers market to slice at home and store in reusable containers. 

• Refill stations at Mom’s Organic or the Refill Room in Hastings for shampoo, dish soap and cleaning supplies 

• Bring containers if getting take-out (except pizza)

• Travel with a bamboo utensil kit for meals on the run and picnics

The official Plastic Free July July Challenge is to eliminate one type of single use plastic item from your life for the month. Ready to give it a go (albeit a few days late)? View this inspirational video along with other resources to get started. We recommend you engage a few friends or family members to take the challenge with you, to help keep you motivated and make it more fun. Please email us at tarrytownenviro@org to share your experiences and helpful suggestions. Good luck! 👍

CALLING FOR PARTICIPANTS!
TEAC'S ECO FAIR: SEPTEMBER 21, 2024
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By Jenny OConnor, TEAC Member

The Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC) is hosting its annual Eco Fair on September 21, 2024 (rain date Sept 28) at Patriots Park from 10am to 1pm, in collaboration with the TaSH Farmers Market.

The Eco Fair brings together community sustainability organizations and local businesses to educate and share ideas to enrich our Villages and enhance the environment. It is an opportunity for community members to increase awareness and engage on environmental issues. The goal is to highlight things that we can all do at home and in our own neighborhoods.

We’re looking for organizations and companies that would like to be a part of the Eco Fair. Please reach out to tarrytownenviro@gmail.com for more information. 

We also invite everyone to come learn more about zero waste, alternative energy and solar power, food scraps recycling and composting, local sustainability initiatives, home energy savings, sustainable DIY projects, healthy lawns, Pollinator Pathways, healthy lawns, native plants, the Hudson River, local waterways, and more.   

There will be something for the whole family including kids activities, games, amazing live music, and fresh local food vendors at the TaSH farmers market! More information will be in our August Newsletter.
 

PLANTS THAT CAN BEAT THE HEAT
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By Mai Mai Margules, TEAC Landscape Committee Chair

This summer’s relentless heat coupled with weeks of little rainfall, turns our thoughts to drought tolerant plants that will hold up to these conditions without daily watering.

Many native plants have deep root systems that enable them to survive periods of drought all the while supporting wildlife, saving water and sequestering carbon.

Drought tolerance doesn't mean that no watering is necessary.  Any newly transplanted plant needs to acclimate and requires good initial watering for a couple of weeks (approx.1” of water per week). This enables the plant’s root system to establish and grow. After that period watch the plants for signs of wilting and water accordingly. And please don’t forget to leave water out for wildlife. A birdbath or bowls of water can be a lifesaver to animals during heat waves. Changing the water every three days will prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Here are some of the drought tolerant plants currently flourishing in our Tarrytown public gardens on those 90 degree days when the rest of us are wilting! You can view our pollinator gardens at the Metro North Tarrytown Station, Sarah Michaels Park, Neperan Park, Patriots Park (near the Paulding statue), Warner Library (Wildey St. side) and Gracemere on route 9 .

For a comprehensive list of native drought tolerant species including trees and shrubs check out the NYC Greenbelt site: https://www.nycgovparks.org/greening/greenbelt-native-plant-center/garden-species-lists/garden-drought

• Butterflyweed (asclepias tuberosa)

• Liatris (liatris spicata)

• Yarrow (achillea millefolium)

• Black eyed Susan (rudbeckia fulgida)

• Purple poppy mallow (callirhoe involucrata)

• Purple coneflower (echinacea purpurea)

• Native grasses such as Little BlueStem, Switchgrass and Indian grass

• Goldenrods (Solidago)

• Coreopsis 

• Nodding onion (allium cernum)

• Common Milkweed (asclepias syriaca)

Culminating a year-long effort, the Village of Tarrytown Climate Action Planning Institute Task Force has completed a Draft Climate Action Plan for Municipal Operations, and requests public feedback on the Plan. The Draft Plan (PDF link below) will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees for possible adoption on July 15th, so please submit all comments to the Village Administrator prior to that date.

DRAFT MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR REVIEW

Email: administrator@tarrytownny.gov

The Draft Climate Action Plan for Municipal Operations has also been posted to the Village website: https://www.tarrytownny.gov/ClimateActionPlan

KEEPING IT CLEAN:

SWAN LAKE STEWARDSHIP
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On June 17, I joined staff at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve to remove old fishing line and other fishing debris from the shoreline of Swan Lake. 

Discarded fishing line, weights, and hooks pose a danger to fish, birds, turtles and other wildlife.  A large volume of line and lures was extracted from low hanging branches around the lake.  The staff noted that was the first such cleanup in recent memory " 

THE NYMPHS ARE BACK!
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It's that time of year, and there have been many sightings of Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) nymphs in the Village and surrounding areas. Although it may seem hopeless, DEC is still encouraging people to kill them if you can. You can also do your part by inspecting your clothes, shoes, vehicles and other items when leaving an infested area to prevent unwelcome hitchhikers.
On a positive note, scientists have discovered that the pests are attracted to the vibrations in power lines, so research will focus on finding ways to disrupt the mating cycle using vibrations in the future. For general information about the SLF, review this fact sheet  provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Another way to do your part is to properly treat and remove Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven) trees and other invasive host plants on your property. Check out these prevention tips by PennState Extension. Note that simply cutting down Ailanthus trees will only exacerbate the problem, because the distressed tree will send a multitude of stump seeds and root suckers as far as 50 feet away. Before you know it you will have a whole grove!

We have recently witnessed that Porcelain Berry is also acting as a generous host to the nymphs. So be sure to remove that highly invasive vine whenever possible as well. 

CURBING SINGLE USE PLASTICS, ONE FORK AT A TIME:
"UPON REQUEST" Foodware Law
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By Rachel Tieger, TEAC Co-Chair

Westchester’s “Upon Request” Law went into effect last September, but we understand that some local establishments are not adhering to the guidelines. As a quick refresher, here are the key tenets of the law:

• No food service establishment within Westchester County may provide single-use foodware or condiment packets to dine-in or take-away customers unless expressly requested. This pertains to items such as forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, cup sleeves, beverage lids and condiment packets.

• Upon customer request, single-use foodware items or condiment packets must be provided individually, rather than in packages containing multiple items. This initiative is aimed at curbing unnecessary plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to dining.

• The law applies across various ordering methods, including in-person, online and through food delivery apps. Customers are encouraged to ask for single-use items only when needed, fostering responsible consumption.

• Single-use plastic beverage stirrers and "splash sticks" will no longer be permitted within food service establishments. Retail stores may still offer these items for sale to their customers.

• The legislation upholds existing protocols for utensil storage within food service establishments, maintaining standards of cleanliness and sanitation. Utensils available in self-service containers for consumers must be individually wrapped or placed face-down, with single-item dispensers recommended.

• All DoH requirements for health and safety remain in full effect, ensuring that the well-being of patrons is not compromised.

• DEF and DoH Inspectors will collaboratively work to ensure the proper implementation and adherence to the new regulations, promoting a seamless transition for both establishments and customers.

• Food service establishments are required to prominently display a clearly legible sign informing customers that plastic utensils, condiments, and straws are available only upon request. This sign, provided by the County, will serve to increase awareness and encourage responsible plastic use.

If you receive unrequested items, you may want to first call the restaurant and ask to speak to the manager/owner to gently remind them about the law. For repeat offenders, you may call the complaint line at the County Department of Health @ 914.813.5000 to lodge a formal complaint. The County is serious about environmental responsibility and wants the law to be effective, so all of our participation is crucial. Thanks for taking action!

GET OUTSIDE!
GROUP RIDE WITH OUR FRIENDS AT BIKE TARRYTOWN

July 13: Loop Day

• Tarrytown --> Ossining --> Haverstraw --> Nyack --> Tarrytown

• 20 miles of trail riding, eating and drinking:

  • Old Croton Aqueduct, ferry ($4.50), River Trail (dirt path with some hills), Tappan Zee Bridge

• Meet: Sat. July 13, 9:30 am, on the OCA at Bedford Rd (Route 448)

• If you're thinking about coming, email info@biketarrytown.org so we get a sense of how many people are interested.

FREE CONCERTS THIS SUMMER!
PICNICS BY THE RIVER WITH FRIENDS AND MUSIC

Speaking of getting outside, be sure to check out the free Thursday night concerts at Pierson Park presented by the Village of Tarrytown AND the Free Jazz Concerts presented by Jazz Forum Arts in July and August at five Hudson River locations: Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park, Lyndhurst and Pierson Park in Tarrytown, Horan’s Landing in Sleepy Hollow and Henry Gourdine Park in Ossining. Check out the schedule and more information HERE.