NOVA Working Toward Plan to Reduce Plastic Pollution, Solid Waste

In March, the Governor issued Executive Order 77 – Virginia Leading by Example to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Solid Waste. This order directly impacts operations at all State agencies including all community colleges and their vendors and concessionaires.

Of note, the Executive Order includes ceasing the purchasing, selling, and distribution of these items by July 21, 2021:

• Single-use plastic water bottles;
• Disposable plastic bags,
• Single-use plastic and polystyrene food service containers; and
• Plastic straws and cutlery.

This applies to both direct purchases by Colleges and on-site vendors providing services for college functions and events.

VCCS has a team developing a Master Plan to address the plan for all colleges and respond to the DEQ per the timeline.

• Craig Herndon, Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance & Technology, Administrative Services
• Bert Jones, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Management Services
• Shelley Bains, VCCS Capital Outlay Program Manager
• Tiffany Ollie, Shared Services Center
• Cynthia Page, Blue Ridge Community College
• Eve Belote, Eastern Shore Community College
• Rob Johnson, Northern Virginia Community College

The VCCS Team is developing a plan to phase out other single-use plastics as per the Executive Order

DEQ has created a website with more information and Frequently Asked Questions. (DEQ Website link)

As the team continues to get clarification on the process and intent from DEQ, stay tuned for future communications about the plan and timeline. If you have any questions, please reach out to eo77@vccs.edu.

Submitted by:
Rob Johnson, sustainability officer, ROJohnson@nvcc.edu