US Cities Banning Single-Use Plastics
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the United States generated 35.4 million tons of plastic in 2017. Less than 10% of plastic waste generated by the United States is even recycled, and it can take 500 years for plastic items to even decompose in landfills.
In recent years, many cities in the United States have recognized the negative effects that single-use plastics can have on the environment and have enacted either restrictions or bans on them. Below is a list of ten major cities that have done this and are actively working to better our planet.
1. Seattle
Seattle was the first US city to outright ban both plastic straws and single-use plastic utensils. The ban started on July 1, 2018, but the city ran a “Strawless in Seattle” campaign the year prior.
2. Malibu
The coastal California city’s ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and plastic cutlery started on June 1, 2018.
3. San Luis Obispo
The city of San Luis Obispo is currently tackling the environmental issue of single-use plastics by restricting the usage of single-use plastics. If a customer in a restaurant or any sort of business wants a plastic straw, they must request it.
4. Los Angeles
In the city of Los Angeles, plastic straws are currently restricted. Additionally, within Los Angeles County, all restaurants must ask if customers want a straw.
5. Portland
Portland, Oregon began its restriction on both plastic straws and cutlery on July 1, 2019. Similar to other cities that have adopted this restriction, if a customer wants a plastic straw, they must request it.
6. San Francisco
San Francisco has taken a slightly different approach to banning single-use plastics. On July 1, 2019, San Francisco enacted an ordinance entitled the Single-Use Foodware Plastics, Toxics, and Litter Reduction Ordinance, which prohibits the use of both plastic straws and takeout containers. On January 1, 2020, the city took the ordinance a step further and banned all containers and wrappers with toxic fluorinated chemicals. In addition, all straws and compostable containers must be approved by the Biodegradable Products Institute.
7. Santa Monica
The city of Santa Monica started its ban on all single-use plastic on January 1, 2019. Beginning on January 1, 2020, the city also banned plastic cups and cup lids.
8. Santa Barbara
Another California city that has banned plastic straws and stirrers is Santa Barbara. Plastic silverware is available upon request.
9. Del Mar
The city of Del Mar completely banned both plastic straws and stirrers in April 2019. The city even took it a step further and customers must now request even a reusable or biodegradable straw.
10. Davis
On September 1, 2017, the city of Davis, located in Northern California, restricted the use of plastic straws and only has them available upon request. However, fast-food restaurants, delis, and takeout orders were not affected by the restriction.
Lead the change in your city and switch to a stronger, longer-lasting paper straw that your customers will love!