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. This pandemic has revealed the need for a more modern, universal reuse system to be put into place to ensure our shopping, dining and takeout experiences put both us and the environment at minimal risk.
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 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.
When it comes to public health, the real concern should be focused on microplastics, phthalates, and the slew of harmful side effects that come with consuming products out of plastic. It is our goal to provide up-to-date guidance based on facts and science while pointing to real-world models as examples.
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. We also encourage the community to send us photos of styrofoam (EPS), plastic, and PPE that you see around town to RAP@ventura.surfrider.org . Visit Plastic Free Ventura for more info.
MORE RESOURCES FOR HOW TO TRANSITION TO A PLASTIC FREE LIFESTYLE
Check out the Sustainable Ventura blog for eco-friendly tips, recipes for DIY home goods, and information on how to properly dispose of single-use plastics you may have at home
Sign up for the plastic-free july challenge through the Plastic Free Foundation and receive weekly emails with additional resources and plastic-free ideas
Sign up for the Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquarium’s Plastic-Free Eco Challenge and use their website to chip away at specific plastic-free action categories including plastic-free food, personal care, lifestyle, pets, and commit to getting involved in your community to fight against single-use plastic
Where to get plastic-free fruits and vegetables locally:
Documentaries and Short Films to watch to fuel your plastic-free month:
Local stores that have eco-friendly household products to buy in bulk:
Local stores providing bulk bins *many modified bulk bins due to COVID-19, some not currently providing bulk options: