SUMMER 2019 SMART BUSINESS RECYCLING NEWSLETTER
According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, over 380 billion plastic bags and wraps are used yearly in the United States, and less than 5 percent of plastic is recycled. If plastic is ingrained in our everyday lives, how can we escape it? For starters, we can find alternatives to the plastic items we use every day, such as straws and bags, and educate ourselves and others on the proper way of recycling such items. Plastic not only taints the image of our planet, it literally contaminates and kills our wildlife. Plastic pollution also costs us in the taxes we pay, as some urban communities spend over one million dollars annually to remove litter, and plastic bags are a big part of it. So, this summer, make it a goal to live plastic-free to help lessen the amounts of plastics polluting our lands, oceans, and landfills!
Plastic Straw Ban Approved
Have you been questioning why you aren’t automatically receiving straws at restaurants anymore? Here’s why. Effective January 1, 2019, Los Angeles County banned restaurants from distributing disposable straws, unless requested, to help reduce the waste and pollution amplified by disposable straws. Read more on the straw ban here. Follow this link for LA County’s plastic straw-free regulations.
Where are Plastic Bags Banned Around the World?
In the U.S., only TWO states have statewide plastic bag bans. Click here to learn where California stands and more on the plastic ban statistics. Find a drop off location for your plastics bags here.
How Do You Hydrate?
Lonely Whale Foundation is empowering consumers to choose sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles through the campaign “Question How You Hydrate” and the social media challenge, #HydrateLike. Learn more about the campaign here.
All About Plastics
Are you aware that there are seven different types of plastics? Are you unsure if you’re recycling them correctly? Read about the different plastics in detail here and use this “Find a Recycler” tool to locate plastic recyclers near you.
ALDI Reduces Plastic Packaging
Supermarket franchise ALDI commits to reduce plastic packaging and produce reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025. More on ALDI’s commitment to combat the plastics crisis can be found here. Help do your part by taking a reusable bag on your shopping trips and read more about the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment and the benefits of using reusable bags here.
New Laws and Ordinances