From Zero to Hero

Coronado was the last beach city in San Diego County to take action against plastic pollution, but when they did, they went from zero to hero!

In April 2024, Concilmember Duncan (now Mayor Duncan) placed single-use plastics on the agenda for discussion. With Amy Steward—founder and past president of Emerald Keepers, now a newly elected City Council member—leading the charge, and with advocacy from Emerald Keepers' student interns and Surfrider San Diego volunteers rallying in support, the city didn’t just step up; they set a new standard. Coronado now leads the county with the most comprehensive single-use plastic reduction ordinance— a transformation worth celebrating!

From left to right: Jody Esquer (Night and Day Cafe); Gary Franza (Emerald Keepers volunteer); and Amy Steward with tubs of debris collected during a beach cleanup in Coronado.

Coronado’s bold action can now serve as a model for the eight cities in San Diego that have yet to take action, as well as for municipalities looking to strengthen existing ordinances.

So, what makes this ordinance stand out? Here’s what it includes:

• A citywide prohibition on single-use plastic and polystyrene foodware and foodware accessories
  •  Disposable foodware accessories can be provided only when requested
• Restrictions on retail sale of single-use polystyrene foodware and coolers 
• A citywide prohibition on the sale, distribution, and release of helium-filled balloons
• A citywide restriction on plastic carryout bags provided by businesses to customers at point of sale. If customers forget to bring a reusable bag, they can purchase a recyclable paper carryout bag only for a minimum fee 10-cents or purchase a reusable bag elsewhere in the store, if offered. 
• No single-use plastic bottled beverages will be distributed at City facilities or at City-sponsored events. 
• A requirement for food service providers to accept reusable cups, mugs, and bottles for beverages as long as they are clean. Great news to help us move towards refill and reuse. 

You can read the full ordinance HERE.

You can read our comment letter HERE

Students urged the Coronado City Council to adopt a plastic reduction ordinance at a meeting on March 19. From left to right: Sienna Pearson, Cate Gregory, Abigail Pearson, Hannah Cohen, Charlotte Kuite, Liza Delach, Maria Laguna, Lily Enrico. Photo: Maria Laguna/The Coronado Times

Surfrider San Diego applauds Coronado city staff for their attention to detail when drafting the ordinance and is grateful to the City Council for voting to enact the ordinance. We are also thankful for all the volunteers who sent emails and attended the council meetings to speak in person. We wouldn’t be celebrating this success without your support!

Coronado’s ordinance in the news: