Fort Collins residents advocate for ban on single-use plastic water bottles

The Fort Collins City Council held a regular meeting on February 4, 2025, where significant discussions centered on addressing plastic pollution in the community. The meeting featured multiple public comments advocating for the city to align its regulations with the Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act and to consider a ban on single-use plastic water bottles under one gallon.

The first speaker, a resident from La Porte, emphasized the urgency of tackling plastic pollution, citing their extensive experience in waste reduction initiatives. They argued that recycling alone cannot resolve the crisis, as the volume of plastic produced far exceeds the capacity of recycling systems. The speaker proposed various actions the city could take, including educational outreach and updating building codes to incorporate refill stations in new commercial developments.

Roxanne Griffin, a member of the Persisters and FOCO Trash Mob, reiterated support for ordinance 013, which aims to align local codes with state legislation. Griffin highlighted community engagement efforts, including petitions that have garnered nearly 600 signatures advocating for a ban on single-use plastic water bottles. She noted the overwhelming positive feedback from residents and emphasized the need for environmental regulations to combat plastic pollution.

Mary Anderson, another resident, presented alarming statistics about microplastics and their health implications, urging the council to adopt measures that would minimize public exposure. She pointed out that eliminating single-use plastic water bottles would not only protect public health but also save taxpayer dollars on litter cleanup.

Guy Tureen, a retired forester, shared insights from his volunteer work in fisheries management, linking microplastics to environmental contamination and health risks. He called for the council's support of ordinance 013, framing the proposed ban as a necessary step towards reducing plastic waste.

Siki Stangler, a long-time resident, echoed the sentiments of previous speakers, advocating for a phased approach to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles. Stangler highlighted the environmental impact of plastic production and waste, urging the council to take decisive action.

Kim Miller concluded the public comments by praising the city's previous successes in reducing plastic bag usage and advocating for similar measures regarding plastic water bottles. She emphasized the health risks associated with plastic and the potential for Fort Collins to lead by example in sustainable practices.

The meeting underscored a collective call for action against plastic pollution, with community members urging the council to adopt policies that align with environmental sustainability goals. The council is expected to consider these proposals in future discussions, reflecting a growing commitment to addressing plastic waste in Fort Collins.