Reducing Single-use Plastic in the Monterey Bay Area
Pollution from single-use plastic litters our communities and often ends up in waterways harming ecosystems, the wildlife that live in these areas, and can break down and enter the food chain. Production and disposal of disposable foodware also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, disproportionately harming communities of color. For these reasons, many jurisdictions in the Monterey Bay Area are implementing foodware ordinances to switch to reusable and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Understanding these ordinances and what you need to do to be in compliance can be confusing. The Turn the Tide on Plastic program aims to make the switch to reusables and complying with your local foodware ordinance easy by providing resources for food facilities to find compliant foodware, understand what each ordinance requires, access signage to encourage your customers to bring their own cups and containers, and download case studies from businesses that have switched to reusables.
“I like them, they look great. I’ve been telling other restaurants that they will save and it’ll look nicer.”
Red’s Donuts, Seaside CAEricka Perez – Owner
“It makes us proud to know we are making a difference for a better sustainable world. There is still a long road ahead, but taking the initiative is the most important.”
Crispian Bakery, Alameda CABeth Woulfe – Owner
“The switch to reusables has been smooth. It’s not hard and our water use has barely gone up.”
The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea & Cocoa, Culver City CAAJ Barish – Owner
“I have wanted to make these changes for a while now and some of the changes I haven’t even thought of before, so I am glad to have signed up for this program.”
Hang Ten Boiler, Alameda CAMai Wong – Owner
“The changes took some time getting used to. Now staff are adjusting nicely.
We overcame the impact on labor with education, training, and managing.”
New York Pizza, Alameda CAIrvin Mendoza – Owner
“I think this is a good thing. Customers were actually complaining about the plastic utensils. Now we actually get good feedback that people like the changes. I’ve been telling the other New York Pizza locations, and they are interested in doing the same.”
