Frisco Town Council Unanimously Approves First Reading of Ordinance Banning Single-Use Plastics
The Frisco Town Council has taken a significant step toward reducing plastic waste and consumption by unanimously approving the first reading of an ordinance aimed at banning certain single-use plastics. If approved on a second reading, the ordinance will ban the sale of water in single-use plastic bottles less than one gallon and also prohibit restaurants from using containers made of expanded polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam). Additionally, restaurants will be required to provide single-use products like plastic cutlery and napkins only upon customer request.
The main goal of this ordinance is to reduce unnecessary consumption of single-use plastics, which have harmful impacts from their production to disposal. Frisco's environmental programs coordinator, Hilary Sueoka, highlighted that the efforts to reduce single-use plastics will be complemented by a grant program to support small businesses through the transition. However, the bans are not set to take effect until 2024.
The ban on water sold in single-use plastic bottles garnered the most attention and debate during the council meeting. While some residents spoke in opposition to the ban, citing concerns about its impact on local small businesses and access to water, others supported it, emphasizing the environmental benefits and promoting the use of more sustainable alternatives like aluminum cans. Town Council members seemed to favor the ban, arguing that it wouldn't hinder access to water, as there are various options available.
The ordinance's successful implementation will likely require a marketing campaign to inform residents, businesses, and visitors about the plastic-reduction measures and the reasons behind them. Some council members also suggested installing outdoor water-filling stations for people with reusable water bottles, as Frisco's tap water is considered pure, sourced from snow just three months ago.
Overall, the Frisco Town Council's move reflects the growing awareness of the environmental impacts of single-use plastics and their commitment to reducing plastic waste in the community.
