Peter Corn is owner of Peter’s Cornucopia, a health food store he opened more than 30 years ago. It’s a shop with natural and organic goods, offering many earth-friendly and chemical-free options, as well as everyday products.
“The customers that come in here are very receptive. To say that it hits all the masses, some people aren’t into it or aren’t aware of it as much,” Corn said.
What You Need To Know
- Recent studies have detected plastic pieces in humans and animals
- Avoiding plastic altogether would be a challenge, but there are ways to cut back
- Recycling experts say people should focus on reusing durable products
As more studies come out about the concerns of plastic consumption, it may be helpful to know there are options that can help people cut back on plastic usage.
“Probably four or five years ago, we started getting rid of all the plastics that we could, or get anything that we could find that would recycle,” Corn said.
And that goes for their cafe, too, from biodegradable utensils to plant-based cups that Corn said are durable.
“With the coffee cups, it’s not so much the coffee cups, it’s the plastic covers that are 100% recyclable and biodegradable,” he said.
Corn said the items they buy and sell do cost a bit more than plastic alternatives, but he said it’s worth it.
Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority Recycling Coordinator Samantha Brown said reusing items is better for the environment than recycling.
She suggests using a durable water bottle rather than plastic bottles, also bringing along reusable utensils for lunch at work and skipping on condiment packets at fast food locations if you’re going to eat at home and have condiments there.
Brown said plastics break down into smaller pieces rather than composting, so avoiding them altogether by reusing other items is better for the environment than recycling.
Not to mention, many items are not recyclable. The little triangle symbol doesn’t mean your local recycling plant accepts an item.
“It’s convenient, and when you’re buying something you assume that it’s safe, and if they’re saying right on the bottle that it’s recyclable, you would assume that it’s recyclable, which is what is challenging about these types of issues because all of local recycling centers are having to combat this marketing, this imagery,” Brown said.
Brown reminded Oneida-Herkimer residents that the Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority does accept a lot of items for recycling.
Community members are encouraged to call their local recycling facility and see what is accepted.