Resolution to Ban Single Use Plastic Bags

A resolution of the Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County supporting initiatives by local municipalities to lessen the impact of single use plastic bags on our environment.

WHEREAS, The Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County is diligent in its efforts to preserve the beautiful environment that supports the tourism industry which is so vital for the economy of The City of Vero Beach and the state of Florida; and

WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are detrimental to the environment as they do not fully degrade in our oceans or our land and introduce unsafe chemicals into the environment; and

WHEREAS, the expansive use of single-use shopping bags and their method of disposal creates an impediment to the City’s waste reduction and its recycling goals while creating unsightly litter, and

WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are difficult to recycle and frequently contaminate material that is processed through the City’s curbside recycling and compost programs; and

WHEREAS, reusable bags are considered the best option to reduce waste and litter, and for protecting wildlife while conserving resources, and

WHEREAS, the Committee acknowledges some business have affirmatively undertaken steps to accomplish this goal and the committee applauds their proactive efforts.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

SECTION 1. The Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County is committed to the long-term goal of reducing the harm from single-use plastic bags pose on our fragile environment and is committed to ensuring a thriving, attractive and safe environment for residents, tourists, and our precious wildlife such sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and other species that ingest discarded plastic bags, thereby, killing them.

SECTION 2. The Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County does hereby support an Ordinance prohibiting the use of single-use plastic bags in all Retail Establishments and that promotes the use of reusable shopping bags as a better alternative to single-use plastic bags.

SECTION 3. The Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County supports the State Legislature’s decision to let all local municipalities in the State of Florida regulate their own communities to alleviate the harms caused by single-use shopping bags; and therefore, The Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County opposes any statewide preemption of local efforts to determine for themselves the best course of action to protect the local environment and tourism.

Adopted this 21st day of 2017

This resolution will take effect on the 22nd day of September 2017.