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3 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> OCTOBER 2018 - "REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH" <br /> MARCH 2019 - "SKIP THE STRAW MONTH" <br /> WHEREAS, single-use plastics such as straws, cups, utensils, and take-out containers <br /> are not recyclable and must be landfilled; and <br /> WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are recyclable but still cause harm in the <br /> environment; and <br /> WHEREAS, single-use plastics remain in the environment indefinitely, harming wildlife, <br /> impacting water quality, and diminishing the aesthetic character of the County's outdoor <br /> environment; and <br /> WHEREAS, plastics do not biodegrade in the environment, but instead break down into <br /> smaller micro-plastics; and <br /> WHEREAS, single-use plastic pollution presents a danger to public health by increasing <br /> the pathogens and chemicals in animal tissue, waterways and lowering water quality, <br /> requiring significant resources to address; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County and the Towns therein wish to recognize National Skip the <br /> Straw Month to encourage residents to give up single use plastic straws; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County and the Towns therein wish to promote the reduction in the <br /> use of ALL single-use plastics by residents and businesses by encouraging reuse and <br /> durable alternatives, refusing single-use plastics when offered, and offering <br /> compostable or reusable alternatives; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County and the Towns therein are known for and committed to <br /> social and technical innovation, environmental and waste reduction leadership; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do <br /> hereby declare October 2018 as "Reduce Single Use Plastics Month" and declare <br /> March 2019 as "Skip the Straw Month." <br /> This the 16th Day of October 2018. <br /> Mark Dorosin, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />