PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jane Selden, Chair of Committee on Waste Reduction at 350 NYC, on Intro 900
3:28:57
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147 sec
Jane Selden, representing 350 NYC, testifies in support of Intro 900, which aims to install new public drinking fountains in New York City. She emphasizes the environmental impact of single-use plastic water bottles and the benefits of providing accessible public water sources.
- Highlights the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production
- Discusses the problems of plastic waste in NYC, including litter and its impact on drainage systems
- Recommends installing freeze-proof water fountains to ensure year-round availability
- Argues that public water fountains will encourage New Yorkers to reduce bottled water consumption
Jane Selden
3:28:57
Thank you, Chair, Gianaro, for giving me the opportunity to speak today.
3:29:01
My name is Jane Salden.
3:29:03
I retired CUNY Leck and share of 350 NYC's waste reduction committing.
3:29:09
As a climate activist group, we recognize that the world can't achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals without seriously addressing the cradle to grave environmental impact single use plastic.
3:29:22
If plastics were a country, it would be the 5th largest demand.
3:29:26
Yeah.
James F. Gennaro
3:29:26
I mean, that's not the topic of today's hearing.
3:29:28
No.
3:29:29
Can you can you tie it into today's hearing?
3:29:31
Absolutely.
Jane Selden
3:29:32
Sure.
3:29:32
I'm sorry.
3:29:33
Yeah.
3:29:33
If plastics for a country, it would be the 5th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world.
3:29:39
The key to reducing the production of single use plastic is to reduce demand for it.
3:29:46
Which is why we fully support intro 900.
James F. Gennaro
3:29:50
No.
3:29:50
You did.
3:29:51
Okay.
3:29:51
You tied it.
3:29:52
You tied it.
3:29:52
Good.
Jane Selden
3:29:53
New Yorkers purchased and discarded approximately 5,000,000,000,000 with a b bottles of water a year.
3:29:59
Only a fraction is recycled.
3:30:01
Most end up exported to landfill and incinerators at great expense to the city or is litter on our streets.
3:30:08
More than just an eyesore.
3:30:10
This litter clogs our drainage system exacerbating the flooding on our streets and in our subways from torrential rainfalls, which will continue to increase in frequency because of climate change.
3:30:22
In addition, nobody should be paying for water, especially in a city that enjoys some of the highest quality tap water in the world.
3:30:29
On the other hand, bottled water contains significantly significant levels of nano and microplastics containing chemicals that threaten our health and contribute to the microplastics that have been found in our lungs, our hearts, our intestine, bloodstream, and in human placenta.
3:30:46
This is a great bill, and we're fully behind it.
3:30:49
But for the bill to be fully effective, we recommend that the city install freeze proof water fountains.
3:30:57
Can I just What
James F. Gennaro
3:30:58
was that?
3:30:58
Yeah.
3:30:58
Just just finish your thought, but also that last word.
3:31:01
But Peace
Jane Selden
3:31:01
proof.
3:31:02
It means the the pipes won't freeze right now, the war Oh,
James F. Gennaro
3:31:05
oh, got it.
3:31:06
Yeah.
3:31:06
Got it.
3:31:07
Okay.
Jane Selden
3:31:08
So that their availability isn't limited to the warmer months.
3:31:11
Year round access to public water fountains with refill stations will motivate New Yorkers to break the bottled water habit by providing them with a convenient, healthier eco friendly alternative.
3:31:24
Thank you.
