Executive Order No. 417 to establish a Zero Disposable Plastic Policy

Tommy E Remengesau, Jr. ~~ Republic of Palau Office al die 'f::Presi'iJent EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 417 To establish a "Zero Disposable Plastic" Policy P.O. Box 6051, Palau, PW 96940 Tel.(6801767-2403/ 2828 Fax. (6801767 -2424/ 1662 Email: rop.presid-t@'palaunet.com WHEREAS, in this, the Year of Good Health, the Government of the Republic of Palau ts dedicatedto promoting the health of our citizens, and of our environment as well; and WHEREAS, disposable plastic products, such as water bottles and eating utensils, and Styrofoam items, such as plates and cups, are causing unnecessary and increasingly more substantial pollution of our pristine paradise; and WHEREAS, the Republic is dedicated to dramatically reducing its dependence on disposable plastic products, and to its overreliance on environmentally destructive polystyrene items; and WHEREAS, in order to reduce the environmental toll taken by these disposable plastic and polystyrene products, a "Zero Disposable Plastic" policy needs to be implemented, which will focus on disposable plastic and polystyrene food and beverage containers; NOW THEREFORE, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by Article Vlll of the Constitution of the Republic of Palau and by Title 13 of the Palau National Code, it is hereby ordered that a "Zero Disposable Plastic" policy ("Policy") is hereby implemented in all Executive Branch offices, as follows: Policy. All government offices and agencies shall immediately stop the practice of providing disposable plastic and polystyrene beverage containers to employees and guests. This includes, but is not limited to, disposable plastic water bottles and polystyrene cups. Implementation. ln order to implement the Policy, each office in the Executive Branch shall purchase water dispensers, which shall be regularly maintained and made available for staff and visitors to access. Disposable plastic and polystyrene bottles and cups should not be provided; instead, guests should be provided with reusable drink ware, and employees should be encouraged to bring their own reusable containers. Similarly, when providing meals of any sort, plastic and polystyrene dishes should not be used; instead, reusable dishes should be provided whenever feasible. Incentive Program. It is encouraged that each office implement an incentive program, whereby employees are encouraged to bring their own cups, dishes, and utensils, as necessary. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this the 8th day of August, 2018, in N gerulmud, Republic of Palau.