HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-07-2019 4-b - Update on Skip the Straw Month 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 7, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Update on Skip the Straw Month
DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste Management
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Williams, 919-968-2788
October 16, 2018 Proclamation Blair Pollock, 919-918-4910
PURPOSE: To receive an update on efforts related to "Skip the Straw Month."
BACKGROUND: In October 2018, based on a petition by Commissioner Penny Rich, the
BOCC proclaimed March 2019 as "Skip the Straw Month" to recognize and reduce the
environmental damage that single use plastic straws cause. Staff will provide an update and
progress report on staff and community engagement in follow-up to that proclamation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving the update.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• 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 receive the information on
Skip the Straw Month.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
OCTOBER 2018 - "REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH"
MARCH 2O19 - "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 16t" Day of October 2018.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners