Push to get NY made flatware on SUNY campuses

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)--- SUNY wants to become more environmentally friendly. To do that, the university system said it will get rid of plastic straws by August, and next year it will be phasing out plastic dine-in utensils. State Senator Joe Griffo believes this is the perfect opportunity to make sure stainless-steel flatware made in New York is used on the campuses instead.

"It’s called Liberty Flatware," said Griffo. "They’re very successful doing great work. It’s the only flatware made in America and it’s right here in New York State. So to me, it’s a win-win."

Liberty Tabletop Flatware is located in the city Sherrill in Oneida County. Back in 2005, Liberty acquired manufacturing assets from the company Oneida Limited, which according to Liberty Tabletop's website, was the largest flatware manufacture in the U.S. Market.

"Oneida went into a lot of different directions and went abroad," explained the senator. "This became a component that remained."

While SUNY hasn’t said whether it will use this flatware, a statement was released saying in-part, “SUNY is reviewing our carbon footprint on many fronts, especially since we operate 40% of the state’s buildings. Moving off of single-use plastics is the latest example... “

Senator Griffo said he has been in communication with the SUNY commissioner and the state Office of General Services to determine the best way to go about incorporating the flatware.

"It may not have to be a statute," said Griffo. "It can be an agency decision order. So, we are gonna look through all this."

He said he is willing to sponsor legislation if necessary.