Town of Wellfleet - Plastic Reduction Actions

• 2016 - Plastic Bag Reduction Bylaw • 2017 - Polystyrene Reduction Bylaw • 2019 - Balloon Reduction Bylaw • 2019 - Municipal Plastic Water Bottle Policy

• Article 23: Commercial Single-Use Plastic Water Bottle Ban

We can led the way - VOTE YES on Article 23 Article 23: Commercial Single-Use Plastic Water Bottle Ban Effective on September 1, 2021, it shall be unlawful to sell non- carbonated, unflavored drinking water in single-use plastic bottles of less than one gallon in the Town of Wellfleet.

Exemption: declaration of emergency affecting the availability and/or quality of drinking water to residents of the Town Why ban single-use plastic bottles?

• 300 million tons of plastic is produced every year • 50 % of plastic is used once, for an average of 12 minutes • Plastics remain on the planet for at least several 100 years • Plastic is a human and environmental health hazard • Creates toxic emissions during production, recycling, disposal • Harmful chemicals in plastic bottles can leach into beverages • Plastic kills millions of sea birds and marine mammals annually • Recycling is not the solution, unpredictable, costly • Estimated 64% of bottled water is filtered tab water Alternatives to single-use water bottles • Tap water – best environmental choice, safer, cheaper • EPA requires municipal water to be tested regularly, FDA does not require bottled water testing • Prefer filtered water? Use low cost carbon filters to enhance taste • Wellfleet water bottle refill stations • Refill stations in Town Hall & COA • Baker’s Field refill station installed 2018, Marina & Town Hall installations on hold during pandemic • Alternative products for businesses • Water in aluminum cans or glass bottles • Reusable metal water bottles, branding opportunity • Stainless Steel water cooler for bottle refills Cape and Islands Plastic Bottle Ban Status • Commercial bans in effect in Nantucket, West Tisbury, Aquinnah, Chilmark • Commercial ban on 11 of 15 Cape Annual Town Meeting (ATM) warrants • Provincetown – Commercial ban, ATM Sept 21 • Truro – Municipal ban, ATM Sept 26 • Eastham - Commercial ban, ATM Sept 26 • Orleans - Commercial ban, postponed until Spring 2021 ATM

We can led the way - VOTE YES on Article 23