Pittsburgh Logo
Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Bookmark and Share
File #: 2019-1265    Version: 1
Type: Proclamation Status: Adopted
File created: 1/3/2019 In control: City Council
On agenda: 1/3/2019 Final action: 1/3/2019
Enactment date: 1/3/2019 Enactment #: 2
Effective date: 1/3/2019    
Title: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby encourage residents to do their part in replacing single use plastic with sustainable alternatives when possible by saying "no plastic please" at stores and restaurants and calls on businesses to offer sustainable alternatives to single use plastic.
Sponsors: Erika Strassburger, All Members
Indexes: PROCLAMATION - MRS. STRASSBURGER
body
WHEREAS, plastic waste can be found everywhere, affecting not only the aesthetic beauty of our planet, but the health and well-being of humans and animals alike; and,

WHEREAS, despite an increase in recycling programs and education on the hazards of plastic usage, 91% of all plastic produced ends up in our oceans and landfills; and,

WHEREAS, over time, when exposed to the elements, plastic can release methane and ethylene, which are two powerful greenhouse gases that can exacerbate climate change; and,

WHEREAS, each year, around 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the world's oceans, which is equivalent to dumping a rubbish truck full of plastic in the water every single minute; and,

WHEREAS, the average American deposits 65 pounds of plastic into landfills annually; and,

WHEREAS, countries like Australia, Kenya, France, Taiwan, U.K., Canada, and India, and many U.S. cities and states, now have long term strategies and laws in effect to eliminate single use plastic; and,

WHEREAS, one of the key tenets of the City of Pittsburgh's 2030 Goals is to divert 100% of materials from the landfill. Reducing single-use plastic items is a key avenue through which to achieve this goal; and,

WHEREAS, HUMANE ACTION Pittsburgh's "no plastic please" campaign works to eliminate single-use plastics wherever possible to safeguard communities' health, wildlife, and environment; and,

WHEREAS, educating our residents to say "no plastic please" in everyday business transactions and replace single use plastic, such as plastic straws and plastic bags, with sustainable alternatives is critical to ending our reliance on plastic, improving our environment, and combatting climate change; and,

WHEREAS, Pittsburgh and its leadership are committed to protecting our children and future generations with a vision for sustainability; and,

title
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby encourage residents to do their part in replacing sin...

Click here for full text