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Commission endorses voluntary 'SkipTheStuff' outreach instead of ordinance; will work with Chamber and health department
Summary
After discussing enforcement challenges tied to an ordinance, Franklin commissioners favored a voluntary SkipTheStuff program using a business logo, Chamber outreach and Somerset County Health Department inspection flyers as the primary strategy.
Franklin Township Environmental Commission members discussed a townwide program to reduce single-use cutlery and other disposable items on Feb. 24 and favored a voluntary certification and outreach approach rather than pursuing an ordinance that would require enforcement staffing.
Commission member Robin described how Montgomery Township pursued a voluntary SkipTheStuff program: participating restaurants adopt voluntary practices, receive a logo to display and are promoted through local business networks. “They didn’t go through an ordinance because the holdup is enforcement — who would staff it and follow up,” Robin said.
Commissioners proposed a three-part local rollout: (1) work through the Chamber of Commerce to recruit participating restaurants and businesses; (2) produce a small flyer or half-sheet the Somerset County Health Department could hand to restaurants during routine inspections; and (3) maintain an online listing of recognized businesses and periodic mentions in the Franklin Times to make participation visible to consumers.
Members discussed concerns about an honor system. They proposed verification steps (inspections by the county health department as part of routine reviews) and a public listing so consumers can check which businesses are recognized. The commission also suggested a logo or signage that restaurants could display at the door and an online directory for verified participants.
The commission did not vote to adopt an ordinance. Instead, the communications committee and staff will draft outreach materials (logo, flyer, and a proposed online listing) and coordinate next steps with the Chamber of Commerce and county health department.
Commissioner Ted suggested a soft, voluntary approach similar to dispensers used at large stores and some food courts, where utensils are available but not automatically placed in orders, and members endorsed outreach rather than immediate regulation.
