NREC revives plastics‑reduction ad hoc; commissioners volunteer for outreach to local businesses

Logan (presenter) told the Natural Resources and Environmental Commission on May 27 that the plastics reduction ad hoc, formed to advance goals in the city’s Green Action Plan, is restarting after two commissioners’ terms expired and a winter storm delayed activity. The ad hoc will focus on outreach to businesses and programs to reduce single‑use plastics.

Logan said the ad hoc’s recent work included a survey of local businesses to gauge awareness of plastic‑use rules and practices, and that staff and commissioners plan occasional, volunteer meetings to pursue next steps. “It’s completely voluntary,” Logan said of committee participation.

Two commissioners volunteered during the meeting to join Commissioner Davila Bork on the ad hoc. Commissioners described the ad hoc as an informal working group that can meet independently and request staff time for coordination, business contacts or to share findings with the full commission.

A public commenter urged the ad hoc to coordinate with the city’s business community and the farmers market to reduce bag use, noting that other cities’ farmers markets use paper bags. The commenter recommended outreach specifically to market organizers and local merchants.

Staff said the survey and past findings are available to the new volunteers and that the ad hoc will return updates to the commission when it has proposals or findings to share.