We are excited to announce that after a year's worth of advocacy and programmatic efforts, with the support of over a hundred business partners and motivated individuals, Ditch the Straw is headed for a policy recommendation at City Council on Wednesday, November 14th! Without your hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible. We want to thank all of the business leaders, community groups, and volunteers that continue to be a part of this campaign.
The proposed ordinance, if passed, will require that straws are by-request in dine-in situations citywide. It would also put into place an ask-first policy for plastic utensils and condiments in take-out and delivery situations. These rules would take effect July 1, 2019 after further outreach by the City starting in January of 2019. The ordinance can be viewed in full here.
The Portland Chapter of Surfrider will be testifying in front of City Council that this policy is a meaningful first step. It creates a solid foundation for furthering more comprehensive plastic reduction goals and strategies. While we appreciate the value created by the proposed ordinance, we believe that a more far-reaching single-use plastic policy is in the best interest of the people of Portland, local industry, and future generations. We support this policy, hoping that through its implementation we will be able to refine our city’s single-use plastic reduction strategies.
We are interested in hearing your feedback at our chapter meeting on November 13th from 7-9pm at Up North (1229 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217). If you can't make the meeting, please email ditchthestraw@portland.surfrider.org with your thoughts/testimony. Thank you again for your time and support.