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eon <br /> Li � . v <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> c <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> EARTH DAY 2021 <br /> i <br /> APRIL 2021 - " SKIP THE STUFF MONTH " <br /> DULY 2021 - " REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH " <br /> WHEREAS , April 22 , 2021 is the 51st anniversary of Earth Day , marking a renewed <br /> interest in protecting the natural environment ; and <br /> WHEREAS , overall concern for the environment is increasing due to ongoing degradation <br /> and resource depletion ; and <br /> WHEREAS , a number of community events are being held to recognize Earth Day , <br /> including virtual , interactive and hands - on activities sponsored by Orange County and its <br /> towns ; and <br /> WHEREAS , during the pandemic there has been a significant increase in the use of <br /> disposable plastic items ; and <br /> WHEREAS , single - use plastics such as straws , cups , utensils , and most take - out <br /> containers are not recyclable and must be landfilled ; and <br /> WHEREAS , most single use plastics are produced from non - renewable fossil fuel based <br /> resources increasing negative climate impacts ; and <br /> WHEREAS , single - use plastic bags are recyclable but still cause harm when disposed <br /> improperly in the 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 thereby presenting a danger to public health by increasing the <br /> pathogens and chemicals in animal tissue and in waterways , lowering water quality , that <br /> requiring significant resources to address ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Orange County wishes to recognize Earth Day this year and promote its <br /> celebration by all County residents ; and <br /> WHEREAS , one effort to protect natural resources is the reduction in the use of ALL <br /> single - use plastics by residents and businesses - by encouraging those selling food to <br /> ask customers if they want the single - use plastic utensils , straws , napkins and extra <br />