The Plastics Reduction Bylaw, enacted in April 2023, aims to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use plastics by prohibiting their use in food establishments. However, Mary Vban from the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and other local business representatives voiced concerns over compliance, citing increased costs and operational challenges. Vban emphasized the confusion among businesses about acceptable alternatives to plastic and the economic burden they could face. This echoed sentiments from Jamie Vieira of the Yarmouth Community Partnership, who highlighted that despite businesses’ willingness to reduce plastic usage, the lack of clarity and viable packaging alternatives presented substantial hurdles.

A local bagel shop operator shared with the board how switching to non-plastic alternatives had not only increased costs but also affected product quality and shelf life. This sentiment was reflected by Christina DWI from Stop and Shop, who underscored that compliance with the bylaw would hinder their ability to sell numerous prepared foods, saying, “If we had to be compliant as of January 1, we would probably have to not sell 25% of our packaged goods in prepared foods because we don’t have alternative containers.”

As a solution, there was a proposal to request a pause in the bylaw’s enforcement from the select board, allowing time to revise the regulation with input from the business community and environmental advocates. This pause would provide an opportunity to explore alternatives, such as a phased implementation or rules allowing certain plastics under defined conditions. The board deliberated on these points, acknowledging the necessity for clarity and the potential need for adjustments to the bylaw.

The discussion also touched on the involvement of advocacy groups like Care for the Cape and the Islands, which, while supporting plastic reduction, recognized the need for a balanced approach that allows businesses to operate effectively. The representative from this group mentioned that they had secured a grant to assist in reducing single-use plastics in the hospitality sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders.

In addition to the plastics bylaw, the board addressed the topic of green burials, which revealed complexities in local regulations. A resident’s request for a green burial for his father brought to light the intricacies involved in designating private property as a cemetery. The board discussed the need for compliance with Massachusetts General Law, which mandates that burials occur in recognized cemeteries or mausoleums. This stirred debate among participants about the necessity of creating a cemetery designation, as some argued that this requirement poses an unnecessary hurdle for those wishing to conduct green burials.

Concerns over the need for clear guidelines and the role of the Department of Environmental Protection in the approval process were prominent. The board acknowledged the importance of understanding local versus state regulations.