The DEC Commissioner Visit

On April 26, 2022, the DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos visited SUNY-ESF Center for Sustainable Materials Management to gain first-hand experience of change in action and meet students’ researchers, and leaders behind all of our great work so far. Students discussed topics such as (but, not limited to) compositing non-recyclable paper, bioplastics, and the immigrant experience as “can collectors” who pick up deposit containers from the roadside, dumpsters, and other public locations and take them to redemption centers. Daniel Ricci, one of the student researchers with the Center introduced the Green Purchasing Guide and spoke about the procurement practices statewide. After meeting the DEC Commissioner, he said,” Basil Seggos is extremely welcoming and an open-minded leader. He is also extremely humble.” As for the key takeaways from this day, he said “I always knew the extent of the diversity of projects within the Center as a research aide, but witnessing them all in one single day makes me feel even more grateful to be part of this organization.”

Daniel Ricci aspires to work for the DEC in the future.