March 1, 2023
Approximately one million single-use plastics will be eliminated from Lake County government operations this year as part of a new policy promoting sustainability and supporting the environment.
The policy went into effect at the start of 2023, ceasing single-use plastics from being purchased, sold, or distributed within county government operations, including the cafeteria, coffee kiosk, and vending machines. This consists of single-use plastics associated with service ware for eating and drinking, such as cutlery, coated paper plates, beverage bottles, to-go containers, lids, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, shopping or storage bags, and plastic wrap.
The new policy applies only to what Lake County government can purchase and sell and does not apply to Lake County businesses and residents. Plastics can still be brought to Lake County government facilities by the public and employees.
“It is shocking how many single-use plastics we use each day without even thinking about it, said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “We are preventing one million plastic items per year from being sent to landfills that could take hundreds of years to break down. And all it took was one policy.”
In some Lake County government buildings, aluminum cans have replaced single-use plastic bottles in vending machines. Multiple vending machines containing single use plastic-wrapped items also have been removed from some facilities.
To provide the public who come to county facilities more sustainable food options, the County has entered into a trial contract with a company that will install refrigerated self-serve vending machines. The machines will provide fresh, healthy meal options in reusable, recyclable containers.
County departments also are encouraged to make every effort to reduce purchasing single-use and multi-use plastic in all forms, including packaging and utilize reasonable alternatives when available.
“The County Board, staff, and vendors all worked together toward this instrumental change,” said Jessica Vealitzek, chair of the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee. “This program is a testament to what is possible and serves as a model to encourage other communities to follow Lake County’s lead.”
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