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Decatur's sustainability board pushes event pilots and business outreach to curb single‑use plastics
Summary
The Environmental Sustainability Board outlined awards, waste‑reduction campaigns, and pilot alternatives to single‑use plastics for city events and restaurants, citing state preemption on bans and proposing education, sponsorships and subsidized alternatives.
The Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) presented a package of outreach and pilot ideas on May 19 aimed at reducing single‑use plastics at city events and within the local business community.
"We're thinking about the to‑go beverage cup program," ESB Chair Alex Stewart said, describing a proposal to replace single‑use plastic cups at Decatur events with reusable or infinitely recyclable aluminum cups that could carry sponsor logos. Stewart framed sponsorship as a way to underwrite adoption and recycling.
Board members discussed practical pilots for the upcoming World Cup viewing events and Decatur FC matches, including durable aluminum cups, compostable packaging, and stronger recycling education. Allison Erickson, the city's urban naturalist, said student research is informing alternatives that would be recyclable or compostable and workable for large crowds.
Members noted a legal constraint: a speaker reminded the group that Georgia law limits local bans on single‑use plastics, so the ESB and staff are emphasizing incentives, substitutes and event‑level requirements rather than prohibitions.
The board also highlighted the new Hometown Habitat Awards (quarterly) to showcase sustainable yards and encourage neighborhood adoption of native plantings and pollinator‑friendly landscapes. ESB members said the award will be publicized through Decatur Focus and QR code nominations.
The ESB requested staff support to pilot event cup sponsorships and develop a restaurant sustainability outreach program to document feasible steps local businesses can take to reduce packaging and food‑service waste.
Commissioners asked staff to return with legal guidance and program details to implement pilots and identify possible budget or sponsorship models for alternatives.
