Skip the Stuff to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Annapolis
Surfrider’s volunteer-led Annapolis Chapter is committed to reducing plastic pollution in Annapolis by passing a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance.
Such a law flips the norm by requiring restaurants to only include single-use plastic items like utensils and condiments upon request — not by default -- for takeout and delivery food orders.
In addition to protecting human health, our ocean and our waterways against plastic pollution, this ordinance will save restaurants money, as nationally, restaurants spend about $20 billion per year on such items. Reducing plastic waste is also an environmental justice issue. Nearly 80% of waste incinerators are located in low-income communities and/or communities of color, and the pollutants produced by incinerating plastic have toxic effects when inhaled.
A Skip the Stuff ordinance honors customer choice. Nearly all – 98% – of online restaurant takeout and delivery orders are eaten at home or in an office, where reusable utensils are available and preferred.
Take a minute and join us by signing our petition supporting a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance. This petition will be shared with City decision makers to showcase widespread community support for this effort. Add your voice today!
TAKE ACTION WITH SURFRIDER
Skip the Stuff to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Annapolis
Sign the Petition
Skip the Stuff to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Annapolis
I support a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance in Annapolis.
Such a law flips the norm by requiring restaurants to only include single-use plastic items like utensils and condiments upon request — not by default -- for takeout and delivery food orders.
In addition to protecting our ocean and waterways against plastic pollution, this ordinance will save restaurants money, as nationally, restaurants spend about $20 billion per year on such items.
The Annapolis Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation hosts bay cleanups, and the single-use items addressed in this ordinance are always some of the most commonly found.
Reducing plastic waste is also an environmental justice issue. Nearly 80% of waste incinerators are located in low-income communities and/or communities of color, and the pollutants produced by incinerating plastic have toxic effects when inhaled.
Plastic exacerbates the plastic pollution human health crisis; plastic particles have been found in drinking water, food, human bodies, and in practically every inch of the globe. Plastic is a petroleum-based product that degrades very slowly in the natural environment, contains toxins, and contributes to the climate crisis.
This ordinance also honors customer choice. Nearly all – 98% – of online restaurant takeout and delivery orders are eaten at home or in an office, where reusable utensils are available and preferred. Most Annapolis residents have a drawer crammed with plastic utensils, chopsticks, and ketchup and mustard packets, which are often included with a meal, even when specifically requested not to be.
I support a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance.
Such a law flips the norm by requiring restaurants to only include single-use plastic items like utensils and condiments upon request — not by default -- for takeout and delivery food orders.
In addition to protecting our ocean and waterways against plastic pollution, this ordinance will save restaurants money, as nationally, restaurants spend about $20 billion per year on such items.
The Annapolis Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation hosts bay cleanups, and the single-use items addressed in this ordinance are always some of the most commonly found.
Reducing plastic waste is also an environmental justice issue. Nearly 80% of waste incinerators are located in low-income communities and/or communities of color, and the pollutants produced by incinerating plastic have toxic effects when inhaled.
Plastic exacerbates the plastic pollution human health crisis; plastic particles have been found in drinking water, food, human bodies, and in practically every inch of the globe. Plastic is a petroleum-based product that degrades very slowly in the natural environment, contains toxins, and contributes to the climate crisis.
This ordinance also honors customer choice. Nearly all – 98% – of online restaurant takeout and delivery orders are eaten at home or in an office, where reusable utensils are available and preferred. Most Annapolis residents have a drawer crammed with plastic utensils, chopsticks, and ketchup and mustard packets, which are often included with a meal, even when specifically requested not to be.
I support a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance.
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Help us reach our goal!
37 people have taken action
Goal: 100 people
Skip the Stuff to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Annapolis
Surfrider’s volunteer-led Annapolis Chapter is committed to reducing plastic pollution in Annapolis by passing a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance.
Such a law flips the norm by requiring restaurants to only include single-use plastic items like utensils and condiments upon request — not by default -- for takeout and delivery food orders.
In addition to protecting human health, our ocean and our waterways against plastic pollution, this ordinance will save restaurants money, as nationally, restaurants spend about $20 billion per year on such items. Reducing plastic waste is also an environmental justice issue. Nearly 80% of waste incinerators are located in low-income communities and/or communities of color, and the pollutants produced by incinerating plastic have toxic effects when inhaled.
A Skip the Stuff ordinance honors customer choice. Nearly all – 98% – of online restaurant takeout and delivery orders are eaten at home or in an office, where reusable utensils are available and preferred.
Take a minute and join us by signing our petition supporting a “Skip the Stuff” ordinance. This petition will be shared with City decision makers to showcase widespread community support for this effort. Add your voice today!
