Minutes 10-16-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2018, Commissioner Penny Rich petitioned that the BOCC consider implementing a skip the straw program. In reviewing the issue, the Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG), in addition to supporting the Skip the Straw program, proposed expanding on the program to encourage the reduction of all single use plastics and having the County and each Town during the month of October issue the proposed proclamation. Each Town is anticipating considering the proclamation during the month of October. Hundreds of millions of tons of plastic are produced every year, most of which cannot be recycled. Petroleum based plastic is not recyclable and usually goes into a landfill where it is buried or it ends up in storm-water, lakes and eventually the oceans. While plastic will not biodegrade, it will break down into tiny particles after many years. In the course of breaking down, it releases toxic chemicals, which make their way into the food and water supply. The National Skip the Straw Day, founded in 2017, is held the fourth Friday in February, and there is a movement in the greater Triangle area and with coastal counties in North Carolina to declare March 2019 a state-wide Plastic Straw Free Month. By issuing the proclamation now declaring March as Skip the Straw Month, staff anticipates being able to call more attention to the issue and garner widespread community support. PUBLIC COMMENT: Kim Piracci said the connection between consumerism and global warming is an infrequently discussed problem. She said fossil fuel burning is usually divided between industrial, transportation, commercial and residential sectors, but recent studies look at the burning of fossil fuels differently: the consumer lifestyle approach. She said this research shows that 80% of fossil fuel burning occurs to support the direct or indirect consumer activity of our lifestyles. She said and example of direct consumer activity is driving a gas vehicle. She said an indirect example is the process of building the car to begin with. She said it is a hard reality for people to face, but it is an important message to keep repeating. She said the use of plastic is a good start, especially single-use plastics. Commissioner Rich read the proclamation: 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