The announcement follows the recent finalization by GSA of rules for reducing “single-use, unrecyclable, difficult to recycle, or frequently littered” plastics. Image: photka/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe White House has set a goal of phasing out single-use plastics from federal food service operations, events and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035.
The goal is part of a broader initiative against single-use plastics in general under a 2021 executive order and the administration’s Federal Sustainability Plan, which directs the federal government to achieve net-zero procurement by 2050, including by phasing out procurement of single-use plastic products.
“Meeting the new goal by selecting reusable, compostable, and highly recyclable products in lieu of single-use plastics in food service will further agencies’ obligations under the Executive Order,” an announcement said.
It also cited agency initiatives including “advancing work to explore alternative materials and processing methods”; “introducing more environmentally friendly systems like water refill stations as a substitute for single-use plastic bottles”; “leading efforts to clean up existing plastic pollution and prevent additional plastic pollution from entering the environment, including the ocean”; and “investing in infrastructure to improve reuse, recycling and composting.”
The announcement follows the recent finalization by GSA of rules for reducing “single-use, unrecyclable, difficult to recycle, or frequently littered” plastics in purchases under the Federal Supply Schedules. Also, the White House recently cited the Interior Department with a Presidential Sustainability Award for increasing recycling and reducing plastics waste at national parks and other facilities.
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