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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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PROCLAMATION
EARTH DAY 2021
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APRIL 2021 - " SKIP THE STUFF MONTH "
DULY 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
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 :
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Laura Jense , Clerk to the Board
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