Policy Order O-3
Councillor Cheung, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that many Cambridge residents have unwittingly become subscribed to weekly direct advertising circulars from Globe Direct; and
WHEREAS: The advertising circulars are typically delivered in plastic red bags that are made from #4 Low Density Polyethylene, which is not biodegradable and, if not properly recycled, creates a serious environmental hazard that has been reported to last for 500 to 1,000 years or longer; and
WHEREAS: Plastic bags such as the kind used by Globe Direct never truly decompose. Instead they degrade into small fragments that are often washed into our oceans, displacing food supplies and endangering the survival of countless species of marine animals; and
WHEREAS: Although many residents have made numerous attempts to opt-out of the circulars and have repeatedly confirmed that they have been unsubscribed with Globe Direct staff, they continue to receive the circulars on a weekly basis; and
WHEREAS: In some cases, the circular is delivered even when a written notice is posted in front of the dwelling to indicate that the resident does not want to receive it; and
WHEREAS: Residents also complain that the red bags are often found on the sidewalks and, in some cases, in the middle of the street; and
WHEREAS: Continued delivery of unwanted circulars does not promote the City of Cambridge's expressed goal of environmental sustainability; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with all relevant city departments and engage with the leadership of Globe Direct to ensure that Cambridge residents who have not subscribed to weekly Globe Direct circulars and have indicated that they do not wish to receive more are promptly removed from further distribution lists and report back to the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this order to the president and distribution managers of Globe Direct on behalf of the entire City Council.