HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4-d - Reduce Single Use Plastics Month & Skip the Straw Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 16, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-d
SUBJECT: Reduce Single Use Plastics Month & Skip the Straw Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste Management
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Williams, 919-968-2788
Proclamation
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation declaring October 2018 as "Reduce Single Use
Plastics Month" and declaring March 2019 as "Skip the Straw Month."
BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2018, Commissioner Penny Rich petitioned that the BOCC
consider implementing a skip the straw program. In reviewing the issue, the Solid Waste
Advisory Group (SWAG), in addition to supporting the Skip the Straw program, proposed
expanding on the program to encourage the reduction of all single use plastics and having the
County and each Town during the month of October issue the proposed proclamation. Each
Town is anticipating considering the proclamation during the month of October.
Hundreds of millions of tons of plastic are produced every year, most of which cannot be
recycled. Petroleum based plastic is not recyclable and usually goes into a landfill where it is
buried or it ends up in storm-water, lakes and eventually the oceans. While plastic will not
biodegrade, it will break down into tiny particles after many years. In the course of breaking
down, it releases toxic chemicals which make their way into the food and water supply.
The National Skip the Straw Day, founded in 2017, is held the fourth Friday in February, and
there is a movement in the greater Triangle area and with coastal counties in North Carolina to
declare March 2019 a state-wide Plastic Straw Free Month. By issuing the proclamation now
declaring March as Skip the Straw Month, staff anticipates being able to call more attention to
the issue and garner widespread community support.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
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• GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes
and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no
group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental
consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or
policies.
Orange County seeks to create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that includes clean
water, clean air, wildlife, important natural lands, and sustainable energy for present and future
generations.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
OCTOBER 2018 - "REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH"
MARCH 2019 - "SKIP THE STRAW MONTH"
WHEREAS, single-use plastics such as straws, cups, utensils, and take-out containers
are not recyclable and must be landfilled; and
WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are recyclable but still cause harm in the
environment; and
WHEREAS, single-use plastics remain in the environment indefinitely, harming wildlife,
impacting water quality, and diminishing the aesthetic character of the County's outdoor
environment; and
WHEREAS, plastics do not biodegrade in the environment, but instead break down into
smaller micro-plastics; and
WHEREAS, single-use plastic pollution presents a danger to public health by increasing
the pathogens and chemicals in animal tissue, waterways and lowering water quality,
requiring significant resources to address; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the Towns therein wish to recognize National Skip the
Straw Month to encourage residents to give up single use plastic straws; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the Towns therein wish to promote the reduction in the
use of ALL single-use plastics by residents and businesses by encouraging reuse and
durable alternatives, refusing single-use plastics when offered, and offering
compostable or reusable alternatives; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the Towns therein are known for and committed to
social and technical innovation, environmental and waste reduction leadership;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do
hereby declare October 2018 as "Reduce Single Use Plastics Month" and declare
March 2019 as "Skip the Straw Month."
This the 16th Day of October 2018.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners