Orlando's green Community Action Plan calls for air quality monitors, bans on Styrofoam and straws

ORLANDO - Orlando residents could soon see air quality monitors perched atop light poles along with bans on Styrofoam containers, plastic bags and straws at city facilities and events as well as a return of the residential rain-barrel program.

These proposals are listed in a five-year update of Orlando’s Community Action Plan, which serves as its roadmap of environmentally friendly policies and programs.

The update is expected to be heard and potentially adopted Sept. 17 by the City Council.

“This is the next evolution of Green Works,” Director of Sustainability Chris Castro said, referring to the city’s name for its sustainability department.