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5 <br /> 1 <br /> 2 A flyer with information about these and other activities will be developed and released <br /> 3 as Earth Day approaches, and this will be shared with the Board and with the public <br /> 4 through a variety of platforms. <br /> 5 <br /> 6 David Stancil, Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced the <br /> 7 item. He said the proclamation is a combination of several things that recognizes Earth Day, <br /> 8 but also specific actions from the Solid Waste Department about steps everyone can take <br /> 9 locally. He said this is the 51st annual Earth Day, and the first Earth Day traced its origins back <br /> 10 to Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring." <br /> 11 David Stancil said the proclamation encourages residents to participate virtually and in <br /> 12 person, and people of all ages can be part of the day. He said there is a strong environmental <br /> 13 ethic in Orange County, with a populace that cares. He said more events are added every day <br /> 14 for Thursday's celebration. He said the Solid Waste Department asked the Board to designate <br /> 15 April as "Skip the Stuff' month and July as "Reduce single use plastics month". He said there <br /> 16 has been an increase in single use items, especially due to the pandemic. He said the <br /> 17 proclamation asks residents to promote reduction and reusable alternatives. He said staff will <br /> 18 post all details to social media many for residents to get involved. <br /> 19 Bruce Woody, Deputy Solid Waste Director, said the "Skip the Stuff" campaign requires <br /> 20 meal deliveries to post a menu of accessories, and customers has to opt in to receive items. He <br /> 21 said this will reduce waste, and allow customers to only receive what they truly need. <br /> 22 Commissioner Fowler read the proclamation: <br /> 23 <br /> 24 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 25 PROCLAMATION <br /> 26 EARTH DAY 2021 <br /> 27 APRIL 2021 — "SKIP THE STUFF MONTH" <br /> 28 JULY 2021 — "REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH" <br /> 29 <br /> 30 WHEREAS, April 22, 2021 is the 515t anniversary of Earth Day, marking a renewed interest in <br /> 31 protecting the natural environment; and <br /> 32 <br /> 33 WHEREAS, overall concern for the environment is increasing due to ongoing degradation and <br /> 34 resource depletion; and <br /> 35 <br /> 36 WHEREAS, a number of community events are being held to recognize Earth Day, including <br /> 37 virtual, interactive and hands-on activities sponsored by Orange County and its towns; and <br /> 38 <br /> 39 WHEREAS, during the pandemic there has been a significant increase in the use of disposable <br /> 40 plastic items; and <br /> 41 <br /> 42 WHEREAS, single-use plastics such as straws, cups, utensils, and most take-out containers <br /> 43 are not recyclable and must be landfilled; and <br /> 44 <br /> 45 WHEREAS, most single use plastics are produced from non-renewable fossil fuel based <br /> 46 resources increasing negative climate impacts; and <br /> 47 <br /> 48 WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are recyclable but still cause harm when disposed <br /> 49 improperly in the environment; and <br /> 50 <br />