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Rise Above Plastics

TAKE ACTION

REDUCE PLASTICS IN LA MESA

On Tuesday, February, 13 at 6:00pm the La Mesa City Council will vote on whether to direct City staff to draft a single-use plastic reduction ordinance. 

We need your support in order to ensure the City Council takes a stand against the plastic waste that pollutes our communities, our watersheds, and our ocean.  

We are grateful to Councilmembers Shu and Dillard for placing single-use plastics on the agenda. Review the agenda HERE (see item #13). The discussion will include whether to institute similar policies adopted by the City of Carlsbad and others:

• A phase out of single-use plastic foodware, including polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)
• An expansion of the California bag law to retail and restaurants (single-use plastic bags will not be allowed)
• A phase out of single-use beverage bottles for City facilities and City-sponsored events
• A ban on helium-filled balloon releases

Nine cities in San Diego County and over 130 cities across California have phased-out foam and other single-use plastics; we can make it happen in La Mesa too!

If you agree, please consider sending a quick email to the City Council in support.

SUBMIT A WRITTEN COMMENT

Subject: In favor of Agenda Item 13: Single-use Plastic Ordinance

Comments: You can be as brief or as detailed as you would like, but please make sure to ask that councilmembers vote in favor of directing staff to draft a single-use plastic reduction ordinance. Even simple statements such as the one below are impactful.

Dear Mayor and City Council, I support directing staff to draft a single-use plastic reduction ordinance that will phase-out unnecessary single-use plastics in La Mesa. 

Additional prewritten templates are linked HERE.

Optional talking points below are below.

Comments via email are due by 6:00pm on Monday, February 12th.

Optional Talking Points

Here are some talking points to consider. Be sure to mention if you live in La Mesa or South County.

• Single-use plastic products are the top items collected during neighborhood and beach cleanups.
• Plastic is everywhere; it has been found on remote mountain tops and in the deepest part of the ocean.
• Single-use plastics break up into harmful microplastics.
• Plastic debris can harm both land and sea animals through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation.
• Plastic pollutes throughout its lifecycle from fossil-fuel extraction to manufacturing, transportation, disposal, and degradation.
• Microplastics and related chemicals present growing human health concerns.

Instantaneous Option for the Super Busy 

This link should open your email app with a pre-written message. Feel free to edit as you see fit, and please add if you live in La Mesa, South County, or San Diego County. 

ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING

We encourage members of the public, especially La Mesa residents, to attend the City Council meeting and make an in-person (or Zoom) comment.  The meeting starts at 6pm. Members of the public receive 3 minutes to speak. However, it may be reduced to two minutes if a lot of people sign up to speak.

The City Council agenda with details can be found HERE.

Additional participation tips are linked HERE.

Please reply to this email if you have any questions!