Join Shark Stewards supporting our partners the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Surfrider Foundation to reduce ocean plastic in California waters. We need your help to pass AB 1276 by September 10, 2021! This bill would reduce single-use foodware accessories, such as cups, utensils and condiments, to be given to consumers only upon request.
Currently, most restaurants automatically add these items into takeout and delivery food orders. This costs each restaurant money, even though the items are often unwanted. Every year in the United States, an estimated 561 billion disposable foodware items are used, resulting in 4.9 million tons of waste. This amount continues to rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, the use of disposable food accessories has contributed to a 250-300% increase in single-use plastics and a 30% increase in waste. California’s local governments and taxpayers spend over $428 million annually in ongoing efforts to clean up and prevent litter in streets, storm drains, parks, and waterways.
Decreasing unnecessary single-use plastic foodware accessories at the source is a simple win-win solution. It reduces waste, saves businesses money, helps to keep our environment and communities clean and relieves recyclers, composters and local governments from the complications and costs associated with all of this unnecessary extra plastic.
Reducing unnecessary food service ware is a simple solution and a win-win for reducing waste in the first place, saving businesses money, and relieving recyclers, composters, and local governments from the complications and costs associated with it.
Thank you for joining me in adding your voice to demand that our leaders work toward tackling the plastic pollution crisis.
Contact your representatives urging them to support AB 1276!