Under a new city ordinance that will take effect July 15, Laguna Beach restaurants can no longer use single-use plastic for takeout packaging.
The ban was part of a comprehensive ordinance introduced as part of the Neighborhood and Environmental Protection Plan and was passed by the City Council on May 18 in a 5-0 vote.
The new rules ban items such as Styrofoam or plastic containers, straws, blenders, cups and cutlery from retail food vendors, including not only restaurants but also shops and food markets that sell prepared foods. After discussion, the city council changed the ordinance to include takeaway bags and plastic sleeves. The regulation does not cover plastic beverage caps as there are currently no viable non-plastic alternatives.
The new law, originally drafted by members of the City’s Environmental Sustainability Council in conjunction with the City, is part of a growing campaign to ban single-use plastics to reduce litter on beaches, trails and parks. More broadly, the move will help slow climate change as it shifts to non-oil containers.
City officials noted that this is not a general restriction on all single-use plastic in the city. Residents would not be banned from using single-use plastic on private property, and the proposed regulation would not ban grocery stores from selling single-use items.
According to the law, “anyone who fails to comply with any requirement may constitute a violation or be subject to an administrative agenda.” and seek education. “The ban on glass on beaches has been successful. It will take time to educate and educate the public. If necessary, we will complete the enforcement process with the police department.”
Local environmental groups, including the Surfers Foundation, hailed the ban on single-use plastic food containers as a victory.
“Laguna Beach is a springboard for other cities,” Surfers CEO Chad Nelson said at the May 18 conference. “For those who say it’s hard and it’s killing business, it has repercussions and repercussions for other cities.”
Sawmill owner Cary Redfearn said most restaurateurs are already using eco-friendly takeout containers. Lumberyard uses recycled plastic Bottlebox containers for salads and paper containers for hot meals. He noted that prices for non-plastic goods have risen sharply.
“There is no doubt that the transition is possible,” Redfearn said. “We have learned to take cloth bags to the grocery store. We can do it. We should”.
Multipurpose takeaway containers are the next possible and even greener step. Redfern mentioned that Zuni, a popular restaurant in San Francisco, is running a pilot program that uses reusable metal containers that guests bring into the restaurant.
Lindsey Smith-Rosales, Nirvana owner and chef, said: “I’m glad to see this. My restaurant has been on the Green Business Council for five years. This is exactly what every restaurant should do.”
Moulin business manager Bryn Mohr said: “We love Laguna Beach and will of course do our best to comply with the new city regulation. All of our silverware is made from compostable potato-based material. For our takeaway containers, we use cartons and soup containers.
The resolution will pass the second reading at the council meeting on June 15 and is expected to come into force on July 15.
This move protects and protects our seven-mile coastline from plastic waste and allows us to lead by example. Good move Laguna.