On Tuesday, June 22, Vista became the first non-coastal city in San Diego County to pass an ordinance addressing plastic pollution.
Starting August 1, restaurants will be required to #SkipTheStuff and distribute foodware takeout accessories - straws, utensils, condiments, etc. - only upon request. The ordinance also phases out EPS foam takeout by July, 2023. Our chapter worked closely with the Vista City Council to pass this ordinance.
background on the ordinance
On Tuesday, January 12 2021, our North County RAP Volunteer Lead, Janis Jones, and Oceana SoCal Campaign Organizer, Brady Bradshaw, gave a presentation on plastic pollution to the Vista City Council at the invitation of Council Member Corinna Contreres (full blog report HERE)
This began the chain of events which led to an ordinance being drafted and considered by the council. The proposed ordinance, if passed, will take the following steps to reduce plastic pollution:
- Beginning on August 1, 2021, no food service provider in the City shall distribute single-use beverage straws, single-use stirrers, single-use cutlery, or accessory food service ware products with prepared food, except upon customer request.
- Beginning as soon as practical, but no later than August 1, 2021, no person shall distribute single-use beverage straws, single-use stirrers, single-use cutlery, or accessory food service ware products with prepared food, except upon customer request, at any City facility or any City-sponsored event.
- Beginning on July 1, 2023, no food service provider in the City shall distribute food service ware products made of polystyrene, known as Styrofoam, with prepared food.
- Beginning as soon as practical, but no later than July 1, 2023, no person shall distribute food service ware products made of polystyrene with prepared food at any City facility or any City-sponsored event.
You can access the full draft ordinance HERE.
Relevant Posts & Updates
Plastic Pollution
Our chapter has multiple committees dedicated to the Surfrider Plastic Pollution Initiative. These include a countywide Beach Cleanup program, the Rise Above Plastics (RAP) committee, the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, and a campaign to end cigarette butt litter - Ban the Butt.
End Plastic Pollution