2018-04-05 Mayor's Climate Protection Committee MinuCitizens Committee on U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
Mission:
1. Encourage citizens to be a part of the solution
2. Encourage City staff and citizens to conserve current resources
3. Work with the City Council to implement ideas
4. Effectively address the future impacts of climate change
Climate Protection Committee CPC
April 5, 2018 — Meeting Notes
In Attendance: Steve Fisher, Cynthia Pruitt, Hank Landau, Josh Thompson, Larry Pierce,
Nancy Fleck, Janice Freeman, Councilmember Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember Dave Teitzel
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 8:45 AM and the minutes of the March 3
meeting were approved unanimously.
New member: The committee introduced themselves to its newest member Nancy Fleck
who told the group of her interests that led her to apply to the committee. The group also
agreed that Larry will resume the role of note -taker for the meetings.
Research toward a Plastics Ban: Councilmember Dave Teitzel discussed the possible
implementation of a plastic straw ban in Edmonds similar to the one starting in July in Seattle
and already underway or being considered in a other places (Malibu, Santa Cruz, Hawaii,
Taiwan, Scotland). Dave shared a handout discussing relevant information of what entails a
straw ban. The current thinking is to have the Council phase in a ban in steps: first, a
resolution announcing the intent this summer, leading to an ordinance with a possible
effective date of June 2019.
Councilmember Teitzel shared a draft resolution to the members and asked for feedback. It
was noted that besides plastic straws, the resolution also called out plastic utensils and
plastic stirrers to be banned. Steve clarified this resolution is targeted to restaurants, coffee
shops and any business that offers these products to the public as part of food service,
therefore does not include the wholesale or retail sales of such items.
The availability of alternative straw products was discussed and there followed a general
discussion of the cost, media coverage, public forums and involvement with local businesses
that will be part of the phase -in process.
Steve explained the difference between "compostable" and "biodegradable" to the group.
"Compostable" means that it is compatible with the active controlled process of
composting, where the material is shredded mechanically at first and a balance of air,
moisture and temperature accelerates the microbial action necessary to achieve a finished
product.
"Biodegradable" items eventually degrade depending on the material, as they are exposed
to natural elements. For some materials, even organically -based, this process can be of long
duration. Larry asked if there were fixed definitions for "compostable" and
"biodegradable". Steve responded that for purposes of an Edmonds ban, the Cedar Grove
commercial compost facility sets the standard for the material they accept which break down
in their system within a strict time frame. Cedar Grove tests various materials in their facility
before granting "compostable" status.
Councilmember Teitzel further discussed the logistics of implementation, communication,
and enforcement issues and passed out samples of alternative compostable straws and
utensils.
Cynthia noted an appropriate section of the Edmonds Climate Action Plan that is relevant to
the plastic straw ban and discussed how this can fit into the Climate Action Plan, the CPC
agenda, and Edmonds resolution 1389•
Councilmember Buckshnis mentioned that a one-year phase -in might be too aggressive of a
timeline and that it may take longer to use up current inventories of non-compostable
straws, etc. Steve mentioned that the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is already requiring
some compost compliance with their public events and that language encouraging
compliance is also in contracts for festivals on city property.
There was more discussion of plastic food service purchase practices, current inventories of
plastic utensils and the feasibility of timeframes that are possible.
Cynthia asked what the CPC's role is in this. Councilmember Teitzel responded that the CPC
would provide comments, research, and act in an advisory role to council.
Nancy asked about the cost difference between the current plastic straws and the
alternative straws. Councilmember Teitzel stated that alternative straws will cost about 3
times as much per straw over the plastic version. The thought was that by providing the
alternative straws only upon request, that would likely lead to the vendors breaking even.
Councilmember Teitzel was looking for better data to support that statement.
Hank asked if there is a published standard for "compostable" and "biodegradable". Steve
said there is likely some standards but the answer would need to be researched. Janice
mentioned that we should look back to the implementation of the Edmonds Plastic Bag Ban
and review lessons learned from that and apply it to this effort.
Larry asked if there would be any focus on promoting "durables" (metal straws and other
items that would not be classified as "single use"). Nancy stated that metal straws could be
branded with Edmonds city and local business logos and distributed at Taste Edmonds or
other venues. She suggested a tagline "A Sip of Edmonds".
Larry asked about the specific wording and naming conventions in the proposed legislation
(particularly, what is considered compostable and who is allowed to confer that status).
Steve replied that Seattle has been dealing with the same thing and that Edmonds is
conferring with Seattle Solid Waste and the Zero Waste Washington organization to help
craft the correct language and avoid creating any technical loopholes that would allow
vendors to use non -approved materials.
Nancy mentions that we might contact one of the compostable materials vendors to ask if
they might be willing to have a sale or discount to get Edmonds businesses started, although
it would have to be done in a way that the city is not promoting any one vendor over
another.
Further discussion brought up types of businesses other than restaurants that would be
affected by the ban - hospitals, convenience stores (think 7-11 frozen drinks and the like), and
schools are mentioned.
Councilmember Buckshnis asked the members to investigate and review any relevant
literature. Hank added that we should find other cities that have implemented similar bans
and learn their stories in order to anticipate possible objections from various segments of the
community.
Climate Action Plan update follow-up & M8 Priorities: Councilmember Buckshnis noted
that the plastic straw ban can likely be moved to the top of the CPC priority list for 2o18, since
Taming Bigfoot Edmonds was nearing an end. In addition, the Climate Action Plan (CAP)
update should be placed on hold since the impending hiring of a consultant will work on the
implementation of Resolution 1389.
Part of the scope of work for the consultant will be to review the CAP and approach the CPC
with any recommendations and gather feedback. The CPC will have to shelve their own
further review of the CAP until the consultant has weighed in.
Hank said that the CPC should also consider making the initiative for a new carbon fee (from
Governor Inslee) a priority as well. Steve asked Hank to bring some information to the next
CPC meeting on this topic. Hank then shared an article from "Washington Carbon News"
with the group.
The next CPC meeting will be May 3, 2o18.
Adjourn: The meeting is adjourned at 10:03 AM.