Austin, TX Eliminate Purchase of Disposable Plastic Water Bottles

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 5/22/08

Source File: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/downloads/res20080522-024.pdf

Text:

RESOLUTION NO. 20080522-024

WHEREAS, the city of Austin consistently earns top marks for the quality and the purity of the drinking water from taps, attracting residents and industries like computer chip manufacturers, microbreweries, and brew pubs; and

WHEREAS, the distribution of bottled water involves plastic water bottles made from petroleum, the production of which contributes to global warming and poses a unique and pernicious problem for citizens, the environment, and wildlife; and

WHEREAS, plastic bottles that are not recycled make up a substantial and growing part of the city's waste stream and consume a lot of energy in the waste management process; and

WHEREAS, the successful reduction of plastic bottles entering the city's solid waste stream will help the city achieve its goal of "Zero Waste" by the year 2040;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN:
That the City Council directs the City Manager to eliminate the purchase by the City of disposable plastic water bottles for use within governmental facilities within City Hall and to evaluate and recommend strategies for reducing plastic bottle use in all City operations within 120 days.