HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-20-2021; 4-a - Earth Day 2021 Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 20, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Earth Day 2021 Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste, DEAPR
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Robert Williams, 919-918-2788
David Stancil, 919-245-2510
PURPOSE: To consider adoption of a proclamation related to Earth Day and environmental
protection actions, including declaring April 2021 as "Skip the Stuff Month," July 2021 as "Reduce
Single Use Plastics Month," and recognizing April 22 as Earth Day 2021 - encouraging County
residents to participate in planned Earth Day activities.
BACKGROUND: Thursday, April 22, 2021 is the 51st celebration of Earth Day, which was first
identified and acknowledged in 1970 to give voice to a growing awareness of the importance of
the planet's finite resources and public consciousness about the state of the planet.
A number of events will be occurring locally during April and beyon, to celebrate Earth Day and
promote efforts to protect and conserve natural resources.
Related to these efforts a proclamation has developed for the Board's consideration.
The proclamation includes:
• A request from the Solid Waste Department to declare "Skip the Stuff Month" for April 2021
and "Reduce Single Use Plastics Month" for July 2021. These efforts are focused on
reducing the reliance on non-recyclable plastics such as straws, cups, utensils and
containers. Since the Covid pandemic of the last year, there has been a significant increase
in the use of disposable plastic items. Non-reusable plastics have a myriad of negative
effects, from harming wildlife to degrading water quality, and creating public health
concerns. The proclamation encourages County residents and businesses — in the spirit of
Earth Day — to promote the reduction of single-use plastics by not purveying or accepting
these products when offered, and offering compostable or reusable alternatives.
• Recognition of April 22 as Earth Day 2021, encouraging residents to participate in a
number of planned activities designed to celebrate the planet and the natural resources
that sustain us, including local efforts such as:
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• A daylong Orange County Facebook "Earth Day Blitz", streaming live and including
interactive children's games and other opportunities for action - both locally and
nationally,
• Shred-A-Thons for recycling of confidential papers, Saturdays, April 24 and May 1,
• The second annual Creek Cleanup sponsored by Carrboro and Chapel Hill
Stormwater (more info at:
https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/public-
works/stormwater-management/public-education-and-participation/annual-
cleanup-with-carrboro#ad-image-0, and
• Other activities and opportunities that are being created by many partners (to be
announced)
A flyer with information about these and other activities will be developed and released as
Earth Day approaches, and this will be shared with the Board and with the public through
a variety of platforms.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with adoption of the proclamation
related to Earth Day 2021.
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.
The proclamation focuses on protecting the local environment and celebrating and acknowledging
the shared sustaining natural resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact is applicable to this item:
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE REDUCTION
Initiate policies and programs that: 1) conserve energy; 2) reduce resource consumption;
3) increase the use of recycled and renewable resources; and 4) minimize waste stream
impacts on the environment.
The proclamation promotes waste reduction, promotes the purchase of recyclable and eco-
friendly food containers and products, protecting and conserving natural resources by reducing
the amount of harmful plastic products introduced into the land, air and water; and take actions
for Earth Day to help conserve and protect natural resources.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation declaring April 2021 to be "Skip the Stuff Month;" July 2021 to be
"Reduce Single Use Plastics Month;" and April 22, 2021 as Earth Day 2021; and encourage
County residents to participate in events and activities throughout the community to celebrate this
day and the planet.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
EARTH DAY 2021
APRIL 2021 — "SKIP THE STUFF MONTH"
JULY 2021 — "REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH"
WHEREAS, April 22, 2021 is the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, marking a renewed
interest in protecting the natural environment; and
WHEREAS, overall concern for the environment is increasing due to ongoing degradation
and resource depletion; and
WHEREAS, a number of community events are being held to recognize Earth Day,
including virtual, interactive and hands-on activities sponsored by Orange County and its
towns; and
WHEREAS, during the pandemic there has been a significant increase in the use of
disposable plastic items; and
WHEREAS, single-use plastics such as straws, cups, utensils, and most take-out
containers are not recyclable and must be landfilled; and
WHEREAS, most single use plastics are produced from non-renewable fossil fuel based
resources increasing negative climate impacts; and
WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are recyclable but still cause harm when disposed
improperly 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 thereby presenting a danger to public health by increasing the
pathogens and chemicals in animal tissue and in waterways, lowering water quality, that
requiring significant resources to address; and
WHEREAS, Orange County wishes to recognize Earth Day this year and promote its
celebration by all County residents; and
WHEREAS, one effort to protect natural resources is the reduction in the use of ALL
single-use plastics by residents and businesses - by encouraging those selling food to
ask customers if they want the single-use plastic utensils, straws, napkins and extra
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products rather than including them with all orders, 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, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners does hereby recognize April 22, 2021 as Earth Day 2021, encourage
residents to celebrate Earth Day by participating in planned local activities and events,
and declare April 2021 as "Skip the Stuff Month" and further declare July 2021 as "Reduce
Single Use Plastics Month."
This, the 20th Day of April 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board