Residents at a City of Coconut Creek public comment session expressed support for a newly adopted zero-waste ordinance that restricts the distribution of single-use plastics and changes how restaurants provide utensils and condiments.

Resident 2, a resident (commenter), said, "The city of Coconut Creek has enacted a new ordinance to reduce the consumption of single use plastics in our community. Part of the ordinance addresses food service businesses or restaurants. Effective January 1, the distribution of plastic straws and stirrers is prohibited. There are options available to restaurants. These include wood stirrers, pamper straws, and straws that have been certified bio degradable in the marine environment."

Resident 2 also described operational details: "Additionally, customers must now ask for items such as utensils and condiments. This works to eliminate the unnecessary distribution and waste of these products. Businesses are required to display signage, alerting customers to this policy. Exempt from this portion of the ordinance are restaurants that have self serve locations for these items so the customers can get what they need and certain food items such as soup and salad, which have to be consumed with utensils."

Resident 1, a resident and environmental advocate, framed the ordinance in health and equity terms, saying, "Single use plastics don't just end up on our streets and in our waterways. They break down into microplastics that harm both wildlife and people, especially vulnerable communities. This ordinance shows the city is listening to residents who care about public health, environmental equity, and sustainability."

Resident 1 urged personal action in support of the policy: "Only we can make a real difference in the fight against plastic waste pollution. It's incumbent upon all of us to choose businesses committed to change. So I ask, what can each of us do to help build a healthier, better community? For me, it's about putting my support behind businesses, helping us move in the right direction."

The transcript segments provided were part of the meeting's public comment portion; no formal council vote or additional staff presentation on the ordinance appears in these excerpts.