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6 <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 smaller <br /> micro-plastics thereby presenting a danger to public health by increasing the pathogens and <br /> chemicals in animal tissue and in waterways, lowering water quality, that requiring significant <br /> 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 single-use <br /> plastics by residents and businesses - by encouraging those selling food to ask customers if <br /> they want the single-use plastic utensils, straws, napkins and extra products rather than <br /> including them with all orders, refusing single-use plastics when offered, and offering <br /> compostable or reusable alternatives; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County and the towns therein are known for and committed to social and <br /> technical innovation, environmental and waste reduction leadership; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County <br /> Commissioners does hereby recognize April 22, 2021 as Earth Day 2021, encourage residents <br /> to celebrate Earth Day by participating in planned local activities and events, and declare April <br /> 2021 as "Skip the Stuff Month" and further declare July 2021 as "Reduce Single Use Plastics <br /> Month." <br /> This, the 20th Day of April 2021. <br /> Renee Price, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> ATTEST: <br /> Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to <br /> approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br />