HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2018-012 Proclamation for Reduce Single user Plastics Month and Skip the Straw Month 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 2013 as "Reduce Single Use Plastics Month" and declare
March 2019 as "Skip the Straw Month."
This the 16th Day of October 2013. 4A 15
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners