Agenda - 04-20-2021; 4-a - Earth Day 2021 Proclamation

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3 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