Bainbridge Islanders,
My parents are children of the Great Depression. The failed economy of the 1930s formed their view of the world. One of the enduring legacies from growing up during the Great Depression was everything was reused, and nothing was thrown away. Food products came in reusable containers, and if the containers were not used for food, they were used as storage containers. Machinery was repaired and reused. Clothing was patched up. Their generation did not need to be told to reduce, reuse, recycle. It was embedded into their lifestyle.
Sometime after the end of the Depression, society began to assume that resources would last forever, and disposable became the new standard. Now, as we look to reduce waste in the environment and our dependence upon plastics, we are again returning to establishing a culture of reuse.
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On January 1, a new Bainbridge Island Ordinance to reduce waste will become effective. This ordinance requires a charge of 25 cents for beverages provided in disposable cups. This fee is waived if consumers use a reusable container. The goal is to incentivize the use of reusable beverage containers.
It is anticipated that it will take time for people to become accustomed to bringing their own clean reusable beverage container with them. However, some businesses have already established and encouraged their patrons to use their own reusable containers.
I have several favorite insulated beverage containers. I use them at work. However, I am not into the practice of bringing my insulated tumbler with me into restaurants or stores, but noting the importance of reducing waste, and wanting to save myself a quarter, I’m going to focus on bringing my reusable beverage container everyplace, including my favorite sandwich restaurant.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
(Image by Paje Victoria)
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On this week's
City Update
check out last Saturday's
Festive Nights and Holiday Lights
and so much more!
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Second BI Reads for Justice Event on December 5 |
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The City of Bainbridge Island, with its Race Equity Advisory Committee, and in partnership with the Bainbridge Public Library and Eagle Harbor Book Co., launched BI Reads for Justice in October, a six-month, all-community reads program running through March 2023.
The community is invited to read the first book in the program, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.
Join BI Reads for Justice in the second event of the program, "Let's Practice Talking About Race," on Mon. Dec. 5 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Bainbridge Public Library. This will be an open, respectful community conversation led in the format of "Living Room Conversations."
All are welcome to attend (even if you haven't finished or started the book yet), but space for this event is limited, please be sure to sign up for a spot HERE.
Come open and compassionate as we engage in respectful conversations.
Questions? Reach out to: bireadsforjustice@gmail.com.
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New and Upgraded Listening Devices at City Hall |
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New and improved Assisted Listening Devices have arrived for the City Council Chambers. The new devices operate at a higher frequency allowing for the latest noise reduction technology to provide listeners with a clearer, more reliable signal. The devices can be used during City Council and other meetings in the Chambers.
What headphones can I use? There are four universal ear speakers that allow the listener to plug any 3.5mm headphone jack (standard jack) directly into the device. Listeners can also use one of two Listen Technologies Intelligent Ear Phone/Neck Loop Lanyards.
What’s different from the former system? Although the new units look very similar to the former devices, there are significant changes internally allowing for lower background noise and reduced interference.
Where can I access these devices? The units are available on the table to the left, as you walk into the Council Chambers. The devices will be sitting in their charging cradle. Simply select a device, plug in headphones and the device will automatically power-up and default to the correct channel.
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Last Saturday's Festive Night at Town Square |
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Thank you to all who could attend "Festive Nights and Holiday Lights" on Sat., Nov. 26 sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association and the City. It was a wonderful community event! The tree and Menorah will be up through December. |
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The 2023 waste reduction regulations will go into effect Jan. 1. The regulations include new requirements to reduce single-use plastic waste from onsite dining, to-go food orders and packaging for personal care products at lodging establishments.
It also includes a 25 cent increase to customers on all beverages ordered in disposable cups. The ordinance will help reduce waste in our environment, protect public health and reduce our dependence on plastics.
Show us your mug!
Is your reusable mug ready to go? Show islanders your favorite tumbler, coffee mug or reusable cup at #ClimateSmartBainbridge. Snap a photo of you and your mug and post it on Facebook with #ClimateSmartBainbridge. We are all making changes today for a sustainable tomorrow. We got this!
(Image by Jasmine Sessler)
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Vendor Fair for Waste Reduction Requirements December 12 |
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Learn more about the new 2023 Waste Reduction Requirements and compliant products for businesses at the City's sponsored Vendor Fair on Dec. 12 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at City Hall. The fair is open to the public.
Residents and local food and lodging businesses can talk with City staff and vendors that provide home compostable products. Vendors will have samples of compliant products and can answer questions about unique product needs, pricing, and availability for local businesses.
City staff will also be available to answer any questions about the new waste reduction requirements (including the 25-cent increase to customers on all beverages ordered in disposable cups) and how residents can help support local business.
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New Climate Smart Business Leader! |
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A Climate Smart Business Leader pledges to Erase the Waste before the 2023 waste reduction regulations go into effect. Thank you for your leadership! |
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Project and Other Updates |
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WSDOT Traffic Stops on SR 305 continue |
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Construction continues on SR 305 for WSDOT work related to the fish barrier removal project at Murden Creek. Please continue to plan for extra travel time approaching North Madison Avenue Northeast and Sportsman Club Road Northeast. Traffic stops should not last more than 10 minutes.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on Dec. 13. Key topics include:
- Setting a Public Hearing for an Islandwide Speed Limit Ordinance
- Consider a moratorium on Inns in designated Neighborhood Centers
- Proposed Construction Contract Award for the Rockaway Beach Road/Eagle Harbor Phase II/Halls Hill Road Vegetation Project
- Confirmation of the use of Monetary Citations for Parking Enforcement
Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers
-
City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts)
- BKAT (Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE)
The public is invited to contact members of the City Council to express concerns, questions and praise. Some council members are holding virtual office hours and others are available to meet upon request.
Please visit the City Council page for more information on individual City Council members.
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