The quality of the environment we live in is an important part of what people often think of in relation to the City of Bainbridge Island. The City has a history of leadership in sustainable practices as noted below.
In November 2021, the Bainbridge Island City Council passed Ordinance No. 2021-34 to reduce plastic waste from food service and lodging businesses.
In June 2021, the Bainbridge Island City Council passed Ordinance 2021-18, which updated the City’s municipal code (BIMC 8.24) to only allow single-use foodservice products to be provided when a customer asks or confirms they would like to use them.
In November 2020, the Bainbridge Island City Council approved the first-ever Bainbridge Island Climate Action Plan (PDF).
In June 2020, Resolution No. 2020-05, declared the existence of a Climate Emergency, reaffirming the City’s commitment to Climate Action.
In January 2020, the charge for a retailer’s paper bags increased from five cents to eight cents to be consistent with the charge in the rest of Kitsap County as authorized by Ordinance 2019-30. In 2012, Ordinance 2012-06, the city approved the Single Use Carry Out Bag Ordinance (commonly known as the "plastic bag ban").
- Single-use plastic carry-out bags are prohibited. This includes all plastic bags less than 2.25-milometers thick provided at check out or point of sale.
- Customers (except those who document federal or state food assistance) must be charged eight cents per large paper bag. Retailers keep the revenue from the eight-cent charge, which is taxable and must be shown on sales receipts.
- Large paper bags requiring the eight-cent charge must be a minimum of 40% post-consumer, recycled fiber, and the fiber content must be marked on the outside.
- Smaller paper bags may be provided with or without charge at the store's discretion.
- Thick plastic bags, 2.25-milometers or greater, are deemed reusable and may be provided with or without charge at the store's discretion.
- Plastic bags used for restaurant take-out foods and meats and produce in grocery stores will still be allowed, because of the public health functions they provide.
In 2019, Resolution 2019-22, the city supported a ban on glyphosate products.
In 2019, Ordinance 2019-21, the city banned the sale and use of consumer fireworks.
In 2019, Resolution 2019-14, the city endorsed the concept of the “Green New Deal”
In 2019, the City joined ICLEI, an international organization of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have committed to sustainable development.
In 2018, Resolution 2018-27, the city endorsed the State of Washington “Clean Air Clean Energy” initiative.
In 2017, Resolution 2017-20, the city expressed its commitment to the Paris Climate Accords.
In 2017, Ordinance 2017-13, the city established a Climate Change Advisory Committee
In 2017, Resolution 2017-04, the city expressed its support for carbon pricing policies
In 2016, Resolution 2016-11, the city acted to reduce the use of neonicotinoid products on Bainbridge Island
In 2014, Resolution 2014-01, the city approved participation in PSE’s Green Power Program
In 2003, Ordinance 2003-15, the city ceased using pesticides
In 1996, the city ceased using chemicals for vegetation control along roadways
In 1991, the city ensured that recycling facilities were available, affordable, and convenient to all residents to encourage reduced waste
In 1989, the city prohibited retail food establishments from using non-biodegradable packaging (Styrofoam).