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5 <br /> https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/public- <br /> works/stormwater-management/public-education-and-participation/annual- <br /> cleanup-with-carrboro#ad-image-0, and <br /> • Other activities and opportunities that are being created by many partners (to be <br /> announced) <br /> A flyer with information about these and other activities will be developed and released <br /> as Earth Day approaches, and this will be shared with the Board and with the public <br /> through a variety of platforms. <br /> David Stancil, Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced the <br /> item. He said the proclamation is a combination of several things that recognizes Earth Day, <br /> but also specific actions from the Solid Waste Department about steps everyone can take <br /> locally. He said this is the 51s' annual Earth Day, and the first Earth Day traced its origins back <br /> to Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring." <br /> David Stancil said the proclamation encourages residents to participate virtually and in <br /> person, and people of all ages can be part of the day. He said there is a strong environmental <br /> ethic in Orange County, with a populace that cares. He said more events are added every day <br /> for Thursday's celebration. He said the Solid Waste Department asked the Board to designate <br /> April as "Skip the Stuff" month and July as "Reduce single use plastics month". He said there <br /> has been an increase in single use items, especially due to the pandemic. He said the <br /> proclamation asks residents to promote reduction and reusable alternatives. He said staff will <br /> post all details to social media many for residents to get involved. <br /> Bruce Woody, Deputy Solid Waste Director, said the "Skip the Stuff" campaign requires <br /> meal deliveries to post a menu of accessories, and customers has to opt in to receive items. <br /> He said this will reduce waste, and allow customers to only receive what they truly need. <br /> Commissioner Fowler read the proclamation: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> EARTH DAY 2021 <br /> APRIL 2021 — "SKIP THE STUFF MONTH" <br /> JULY 2021 — "REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH" <br /> WHEREAS, April 22, 2021 is the 51St anniversary of Earth Day, marking a renewed interest in <br /> protecting the natural environment; and <br /> WHEREAS, overall concern for the environment is increasing due to ongoing degradation and <br /> resource depletion; and <br /> WHEREAS, a number of community events are being held to recognize Earth Day, including <br /> virtual, interactive and hands-on activities sponsored by Orange County and its towns; and <br /> WHEREAS, during the pandemic there has been a significant increase in the use of disposable <br /> plastic items; and <br /> WHEREAS, single-use plastics such as straws, cups, utensils, and most take-out containers <br /> are not recyclable and must be landfilled; and <br />