Tag: Plastic Free July

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is promoting the importance of plastic usage for a plastic free July in reducing plastic use & plastic waste during Plastic Free July. More than 430 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, much of it designed to be used once & discarded.

Plastic waste pollution is devastating our marine ecosystems. As part of its commitment to protecting our watersheds, beaches & ocean, the City offers 10 easy steps to empower you to reduce plastic waste.

1. Carry a reusable water bottle – Reusable bottles reduce single-use plastic & prevent plastic waste from getting into the environment.

2. Bring reusable shopping bags – A simple swap that reduces the need for single-use plastic bags.

3. Skip disposable utensils and straws. Say no to unnecessary plastic forks, knives, spoons & straws when ordering takeout. Malibu banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers & cutlery in 2018 as part of its commitment to reducing plastic pollution.

4. Bring your own coffee cup. Even most paper cups come with plastic lids.

5. Pack reusable containers to replace plastic wrap, bags, and single-use containers. Packaging accounts for about 40% of global plastic production.
Source: https://www.oecd.org/environment/plastics/plastics-outlook/

6. Choose products with less packaging. Buying products with minimal packaging or in bulk helps reduce plastic waste.

7. Skip plastic straws, they are among the 10 most commonly collected items during beach cleanups.

8. Choose refillable products. Refill soaps, cleaners, and household products to reuse containers and reduce waste.

9. Pick up plastic litter. Learn how you can volunteer with a beach cleanup: https://healthebay.org/take-part/

10. Share your efforts. Inspire others by posting on social media about your efforts to reduce plastic waste, with the hashtag #PlasticFreeJuly

To learn more visit: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about/impact/.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On July 22, the city of Malibu announced its participation in “Plastic Free July,” a shared global initiative promoting the reduction of plastic waste through simple everyday tips that will help protect the environment.

“Plastic Free July” by Plastic Free Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit charity that advocates for a world free of plastic waste. The foundation’s initiative is to motivate simple everyday solutions that contribute to plastic reduction.

The city of Malibu posted 10 simple steps on its website that include: Carry a reusable water bottle, bring reusable shopping bags, skip disposable utensils, bring your own coffee cup, pack reusable containers, choose products with less packaging, skip plastic straws, choose refillable products, pick up plastic litter, and share your efforts for inspiration.

Malibu started its path to sustainability and plastic reduction long before Wednesday’s announcement. Since 2005, Malibu developed multiple policy initiatives that support its commitment to sustainability.

All of Malibu’s sustainability initiatives are listed on the Los Angeles County Public Works website, following the structure of its Commitment to Sustainable Solid Waste Management report. Malibu’s policies are as follows:

-In 2005, Malibu prohibited the usage of polystyrene foam, with a policy update on January 1st, 2017, marking a citywide ban on sales or distribution of products made, in whole or partially, from polystyrene.

-In 2008, Malibu ceased the distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags, with an amended policy update on March 27th, 2017, noting that paper shopping bags will be an effective substitute.

Effective on June 8, 2017, Malibu placed bans on plastic-based sandbags and substituted them for Burlap materials.

Effective on June 1, 2018, Malibu prohibited the use and distribution of single-use plastic and bioplastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery.

The city is celebrating “Plastic Free July” and is asking others to follow the steps listed above to keep plastic waste out of the environment.

By Megan Hanson