Greening of Events — original pdf

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Parkland Events Task Force Draft Policy Recommendation 19 July 2016 DRAFT Page 1 of 1 Issue: Greening of Events & Parkland The Parkland Events Task Force (PETF) received draft proposals for reducing the environmental impact of special events that are held on City of Austin property and was asked to consider a policy recommendation that supports these proposals. 1. Background Data: The Greening of Events proposals are expressed in an undated draft document titled “Green Event Planning for Community Events at COA Venues or on COA Right-of-Way” (hereinafter referred to as Greening Document 1) and an undated , untitled draft document that addresses generators and hand-held equipment such as leaf blowers (hereinafter referred to as Greening Document 2). Greening Document 1 proposes a process for event producers to choose from a “menu” of environmental improvement measures, with follow-up scoring and reporting, for events of 149-499 participants. Greening Document 2 proposes additional focus and requirements for gasoline- or diesel-powered generators, carts, and hand-held equipment such as leaf blowers for events with >500 participants. Neither of these documents provides details of the cost estimates for compliance by the event organizers, staff resources required for implementation and oversight, or quantifies the benefits that could be realized. Policy Proposal:  In regard to the proposals found in Greening Document 1 and 2, the PETF recommends that these proposals be pursued within context of the existing adopted policies outlined by the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan (approved by City Council on Dec 15, 2011) and the Austin Community Climate Plan (approved on June 4, 2015). 2. Background Data: The Parks & Recreation Department is far behind in achieving the City goal of Zero Waste by 2040. Although this policy directs the City Manager to “Lead by Example” in the implementation of waste diversion programs, only 1 of the City’s 300 parks has recycling containers and only 2 of 51 public pools have on-site recycling (per Austin Monitor July 15, 2016 article “Why don’t Austin parks have recycling bins?”) Policy Proposal:  The City/PARD should provide on-site recycling containers within all city parks, pools, and recreation centers that have at least 100 visitors a day by October 2017. 3. Background Data: The review of 1 major event contract provided to the PETF indicates that the event organizer is required to provide for and actively promote recycling of all plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard. Glass and Styrofoam are prohibited per City ordinance. Policy Proposal:  The PETF supports contractually requiring all event producers to provide on-site recycling services sufficient to divert waste generated by participants and activities at any event held on public property.