18-08RESOLUTION NO. 18-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER,
FLORIDA, SUPPORTING INITIATIVES TO LESSEN THE
NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SINGLE -USE PLASTIC AND
STYROFOAM PRODUCTS BY ENCOURAGING
CLEARWATER BUSINESSES TO PARTICPATE IN AN
OCEAN FRIENDLY BUSINESS PROGRAM; PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Clearwater declares that it is in the
best interest of public health, safety and welfare of its residents and visitors to reduce
litter and pollutants on the land and in the waters of the City; and
WHEREAS, the distribution of single -use plastics, including but not limited to,
plastic carry bags, straws, cups and other containers, styrofoam and polystyrene
products have a detrimental effect on the environment of the City, County and State;
and
WHEREAS, these discarded single -use plastic and styrofoam items contribute to
an overburdened waste stream, threaten wildlife and marine life and degrade the
beaches and waters off the Florida coast, which includes areas within the City; and
WHEREAS, these single -use plastics break down into smaller pieces which can
make their way into the food chain via endangered sea turtles, fish and other marine
life; and
WHEREAS, plastic bags constitute a portion of the litter on the City's streets,
parks, public places and waterways; and
WHEREAS, as an environmental leader and stewards for sustainable efforts, the
goal of the City is to eventually replace all single -use plastic with renewable alternatives
whenever possible; and
WHEREAS, retail establishments including ALDI and Whole Foods have
successfully incorporated programs that encourage the use of reusable and/or
recyclable alternatives; and
WHEREAS, the City's Environmental Advisory Board has voted to support this
resolution/program; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to join neighboring beach towns such as Madeira
Beach and Treasure Island in lending support to the business community, including the
Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Regional Chamber of
Commerce, to encourage and promote a voluntary Ocean Friendly Business Program
that would reduce these items from the waste stream.
Resolution No. 18-08
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The City of Clearwater is committed to the long-term goal of reducing
the harms of plastic pollution on our fragile environment and ensuring a thriving,
attractive and safe environment for residents, guests and tourists, and to that end
hereby supports the Ocean Friendly Business Program, and the City will endeavor to be
ocean friendly with its events. Clearwater encourages businesses to participate
voluntarily in an Ocean Friendly Business Program as set forth below:
The Ocean Friendly Business Program:
Businesses participating in the voluntary Ocean Friendly Business Program
MUST follow these five criteria:
1. Plastic straws are provided only upon request.
2. No plastic bags offered for takeout or to -go orders.
3. No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam).
4. Proper recycling practices are followed.
5. Only reusable tableware is used for onsite dining and utensils for to -go food are
provided only upon request.
And choose a minimum of three of the following criteria:
6. No beverages sold in plastic bottles.
7. Discount offered for customers with reusable cup, mug,
bag, etc.
8. Organic, local, and/or vegetarian/vegan food options are
offered on a regular basis. All seafood must be a 'Best
Choice' or 'Good Alternative' as defined by Seafood Watch.
9. Energy efficiency implementation.
10. Use paper straws.
11. Compost food waste.
12. Host or sponsor an annual beach clean-up.
13. Provide information on website or bulletin board about the damage caused by
plastic pollution.
14.Offer digital receipts for paper reduction practices, or PBA paper receipts.
[GM 18-1313-104/220454/1 ]
2 Resolution No. 18-08
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 11` day of
Approved as to form:
Laura Mahony
Assistant City Attorney
, 2018.
ckeo'te•\cre ttos
George N. Cretekos
Mayor
Attest:
Tor = Rosemarie Call
City Clerk
[GM 18-1313-104/220454/ 11
3 Resolution No. 18-08