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Climate Action
In November 2020, Bainbridge Island City Council approved the first-ever Bainbridge Island Climate Action Plan (CAP). This plan is a culmination of a three-year effort by the Climate Change Advisory Committee working with City staff, community stakeholders and the public.
The CAP has three overarching goals:
- Mitigation: Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2045 compared to 2014 levels with interim milestones of 25% reduction by 2025 and 60% by 2035.
- Adaptation: Ensure that Bainbridge Island is climate savvy and can withstand the impacts of climate change.
- Community Engagement: Inspire community action and partner with local and regional organizations to take meaningful and equitable climate change mitigation and adaptation actions.
Communitywide GHG emissions increased 9% from 2014 to 2018. Achieving the goals outlined in the CAP will depend on everyone in the Bainbridge Island community working towards a clean, healthy and vibrant future.
Learn more about steps you can take to help reduce GHG emissions and prepare for climate change.
News & Current Topics of Interest
Join the new Climate Smart Challenge!
Bainbridge Island is working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2025 and needs your help! The new Climate Smart Challenge is a fun way to identify key actions you and your family can take to help implement our Climate Action Plan. The Challenge encourages you to think critically about your life and changes that you as individuals can make (some small , some big) to reduce your climate impact, save money and improve your health and the comfort of your home. Learn more about the Climate Smart Challenge.
Rebates available through May 31st for Bainbridge Island restaurants removing single-use plastic service ware.
Local food service establishments can get a head start on transitioning to reusable dishes and utensils, as outlined in Ordinance No. 2021-34, which requires reusable food service ware for on-site dining as of January 1, 2023. The West Coast nonprofit, Plastic Free Restaurants, offers reimbursements up to $5/piece to restaurant owners for replacing single-use plastics with reusable metal, ceramic, etc. dishes and utensils. Bainbridge Island food service establishments are eligible through May 31, 2022. Learn more and register at Plastic Free Restaurants.
Learn more about new single-use plastic regulations for Bainbridge Island businesses. Access information about new waste reduction regulations in 2022 and 2023 on the Zero Waste page.
In 2019, the City worked with Cascadia Consulting Group to complete a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory to quantify the amount of climate pollution produced in our community. This information is summarized in a fact sheet (PDF) and will help track progress and inform decisions related to our Climate Action Plan goals.
The majority of community GHG emissions stem from electricity use in homes and commercial buildings and gasoline and diesel fuel use for both on-road vehicles and air travel. Detailed information on sources of emissions can be found in the 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report (PDF), which includes three distinct inventories:
- A community inventory that estimates GHG emissions produced by activities of the Bainbridge Island community, including residents and businesses.
- A municipal inventory that estimates GHG emissions resulting from City of Bainbridge Island government operations.
- A consumption-based inventory that estimates GHG emissions associated with the consumption of food, goods, and services within the community, regardless of their origin.
The report also presents findings from additional analyses, including contribution analyses that identify key drivers of observed trends in emissions, such as changes in weather, population, or economic activity. A carbon sequestration analysis that estimates the amount of carbon dioxide that Bainbridge Island trees absorb—or sequester—from the atmosphere on an annual basis is also included.
Learn more about what the City is doing – and actions you can take – to both reduce GHG emissions and prepare our community for the impacts of climate change by exploring the links on this page.
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).
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