The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced that an effort is now underway to have food providers switch from using plastic-ware, plastic bags and straws and switch to compostable, paper, wooden or plant fiber alternatives.
The orders are part of an effort to reduce the use of waste and plastics connected with concession stands in the parks. Representatives say that fewer plastic pieces that wind up in the trash mean fewer pieces in landfills and a reduction in emissions generated through plastic production.
Yellow Creek State Park and 14 other state parks are set to make the changes as the parks update their contracts with their concession providers in 2022. Keystone Park’s updates are expected to start at the beginning of the 2022 park season. Other contracts are expected to be updated as the agreements expire.
Officials are also encouraging picnickers to make the switch as well as anything that is thrown away eventually makes its way to a landfill site.
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