Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program 

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program (EPP program) helps consumers understand eco-label certifications and what different products are available. You can easily search for products on their website and find more useful information by going to epa.gov/greenerproducts/about-environmentally-preferable-purchasing-program.

Sustainable Food Ware Options 

Visit our Sustainable Food Service Ware Guide page to help you begin your search for single-use products that are more sustainable alternatives for disposable food ware containers. You will find items such as “to go” containers, utensils, cups, plates, and more. 

Green Events 

The Parks & Recreation Department approves all event permits and works with the OSAR to encourage events to reduce single-use plastics, choose sustainable alternatives, and increase recycling efforts.  

 Plastic Straw Ban

As part of the global push to reduce the use of single-use plastics, the Green Implementation Advancement Board (GIAB), unanimously passed a resolution requesting that the City Commission consider an ordinance that would limit the use of single-use plastic straws at food establishments in Delray Beach. The Office of Sustainability partnered with the Sandoway Discovery Center to initially implement a Skip the Straw campaign. In January 2019, the City Commission approved Ordinance 10-19, which requires food and bar establishments to provide single-use plastic straws only upon the customer’s request. Effective January 1 2020, only straws that are not made of plastic can be distributed in food and drink establishments in Delray Beach, unless a plastic straw is requested for medical purposes.

To assist businesses with phasing out plastic straws, Skip the Straw Starter Kits are available now for download!

Starter Kits for businesses about Ordinance 10-19:

1. Ordinance 10-19 Information
2. Starter Kit Letter
3. Table tents
4. Skip the Straw Facts Sheet

Legislative Priorities 

The State of Florida preempts cities from regulating polystyrene products (commonly known as Styrofoam©) and plastic bags (F.S. 403.7033, F.S. 403.708(9), F.S. 500.90). During both the 2020 and 2021 State Legislative sessions, the Delray Beach City Commission has approved resolutions in support of repealing and amending these Florida statutes.