WHAT IS PLASTIC FREE JULY?
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. The #1 way to prevent plastic pollution on our beaches is to stop it at the source and transition to a plastic-free community.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY WHILE AVOIDING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS?
As we order more takeout, one way you can keep Ventura’s local businesses strong is by requesting no plastic utensils with your order. This not only saves restaurants money, but it also protects our beautiful beaches and public spaces from being littered with plastic. We also encourage the community to support your local Ocean Friendly and Green Business Restaurants.
Encourage Ventura City Council to pass an expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) ban. In February of 2020, Ventura City Council took the first steps towards a plastics reduction ordinance as Councilmembers unanimously agreed to move forward with a plastics reduction ordinance. Now, we need them to finalize the ordinance. You can take action by signing our Ventura Styrofoam Ban Action Alert.
WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC BAGS?
As of June 24th, the provision in Executive Order N-54-20 suspending portions of the statewide single-use carryout bag ban has expired. This means that stores should no longer be providing single-use plastic bags, and should resume charging for reusable plastic bags. If your local store does not allow for reusable bags yet, the best solution is to bring your grocery cart to your car and load your groceries into your reusable bags there instead. Save any single use plastic bags, bubble wrap etc. for when the cardboard recycle boxes are back in front of stores. These are recycled into Trex decking! More information is available in our recent blog post, Single-Use Plastic Bags During Covid.
WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE TO HELP KEEP OUR BEACHES AND OCEAN HEALTHY?
You can pitch in by doing your own solo beach cleanup and filling out our data-card to help track plastic pollution. Visit Plastic Free Ventura for more info.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network.
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