Dublin Declares War on Single-use Plastic Bottles and Styrofoam Products
Dublin’s City Council recently passed a ban on the purchase of single-use plastic bottles and all Styrofoam products at City-sponsored events and City Hall. According to City Staff, only 17% of all single-use plastic bottles are recycled, so the City of Dublin would be doing its part to help eliminate waste. While this ban currently applies only to City purchases, Mayor Tim Sbranti noted that the City of Dublin may begin an outreach campaign to encourage local businesses and restaurants to follow the City’s lead and switch to using reusable containers. “It’s all about setting a good example,” said Councilmember Kasie Hildenbrand.
This recent ban does not preclude businesses from selling single-use plastic bottle products at City events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at this time, but the City Council may consider broadening the scope of the ban in the future.
The City of Dublin’s self-imposed ban on the purchase of single-use plastic bottles and all Styrofoam products has drawn some criticisms. “I’m not convinced that we’re going to rid the world of Styrofoam by banning it at City Hall,” said Councilmember Kevin Hart. “I think that this is premature until all the resources are available (to accommodate the lack of disposable containers).”
Ryan Kenny of the D.C.-based American Chemistry Council also expressed concern that the City of Dublin was singling out Styrofoam products in the ban’s resolution. The American Chemistry Council believes that the City of Dublin is arbitrarily creating “winners” and “losers” by singularly focusing on Styrofoam products rather than on all disposable products. Kenny went on to note that simply modifying the resolution to require the use of compostable or recyclable disposable products would be far more effective than an outright ban of Styrofoam products.
Many companies dedicated to the development and sale of tableware made from food items such as potatoes, wheat, and corn have emerged in recent years. The availability of these green alternatives will help many municipalities, government agencies, and businesses make the transition from plastic and Styrofoam products to sustainably designed products made from organic materials. Bishop Ranch Business Park in San Ramon, for example, already stocks the kitchens of its tenants with utensils made from corn starch and cups made from biodegradable paper.
Dublin’s recent ban on single-use plastic bottles and Styrofoam products is another example of the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
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6:35 AM on October 5th, 2010
I read the other day that it takes five times the amount of water to make the plastic bottle than is in these single use bottles.
Also, last spring, the City Council sponsored the Green Initiatives Task Force who explored and prioritize a good number of changes we all could make (most at no cost) to create a more sustainable community.
We certainly will look at these initiatives as we review future land use projects. For example, the Planning Commission recently asked to move a rear garage wall 1.5 feet out to accommodate all three recycle bins. Easy to do but over looked initially.
4:50 PM on October 30th, 2010
My parents and grandparents didn’t waste resources- I don’t know what happened to our generation.
I applaud the City Council for thinking about the future. Bottled water is about as uncool as smoking.
We don’t all live on our own ranches anymore- we live really close to each other and what you do effects me, the planet and my kids future. We need regulations because of over population. There’s just too many of us consuming. It can’t go on.
Thank you City Council for your leadership, that’s what we elected you to do.
7:16 AM on October 5th, 2010
Ugh. And so begins the city’s descent into controlling people’s lives in the name of environmental responsibility. I know my opinion is not going to be popular, but I see this new ban as a slippery slope. Soon the city will want to ban businesses from selling these items, and then eventually they will ban households from using them, if possible. While I am completely for recycling, (we do it at home and I do it when I am out as much as possible), and also being conscientious about what I use (ie I specifically do not purchase single-use water at the store because it IS such a waste of plastic), I hate when governments get the idea that they know best and need to impose their will on their constituents. Let people make their own choices, stop telling us what to do. And Councilwoman Hildebrand, I do not agree, the city doesn’t need to be an example in this case. How about focusing on getting the city’s budget back on track?
1:45 PM on October 5th, 2010
Sbranti is a liberal. Taking control of people’s lives is what liberals do. Look at the McDonald’s fiasco in SF.
7:22 PM on October 5th, 2010
yeah. I doubt the McDs thing will happen. The mayor already said he’d veto it.
10:38 AM on October 7th, 2010
Environmental Fascism is alive and well.
Wait until they ban Happy Meal toys like they did in Santa Clara or start charging us for the plastic shopping bags or charge extra fees/taxes on sugary drinks. This area really is the land of fruits and nuts.