Parks Committee Advances Proposal to Eliminate Single-Use ‘Forever Plastics’
MILWAUKEE – The Committee on Parks, Energy, and Environment unanimously recommended for adoption a proposal to phase out single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable products from Milwaukee County facilities and parks.
“Eliminating single-use plastics in county-owned facilities is essential in our commitment to sustainability,” said Chairwoman Nicholson. “It also sets an example for our partners across government bodies and in the private sector. We must all take steps to ensure a clean planet for generations to come.”
The resolution requests that the County’s Director of Sustainability draft contract language directing Milwaukee County vendors and contractors to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic and polystyrene foam products in County facilities. This contract language would have to be approved by the County Board.
It also sets a goal for the Parks Department to eliminate the provision of single-use plastic and polystyrene foam in 2022.
“This is about protecting our planet, which is polluted with plastic,” said Supervisor Shea. “Plastic can take centuries to degrade, and litters our parks, trails, and waterways. We must end our dependence on plastic. This resolution is a move towards that.”
The proposal was first introduced in February 2020 by then-County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic, who is now on the Milwaukee Common Council. The item was laid over at the May 2020 Parks Committee meeting. Chairwoman Nicholson re-introduced the item with Supervisor Shea.
“Thank you to my former colleagues on the Milwaukee County Board for unanimously approving a resolution I authored near the end of my term which seeks to eliminate forever plastics in the county,” said Alderwoman Dimitrijevic. “Our children and future generations will benefit from our work to keep our waterways clean.”
The County Board will consider the resolution on Thursday, April 22, which is Earth Day.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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