AB 2138 (Chesbro) Plastic Ocean Pollution Reduction, Recycling and Composting Act

Summary.
Requires food providers to use only recyclable or compostable takeoutfood packaging and bags.

Position and Status.
CAW Supports.  AB 2138 was held in Assembly Appropriations committee.  Previously, the bill passed Assembly Natural Resources Committee April 12 and was introduced February 18.

Description.

Single-use packaging is a primary source of urban litter and oceanic litter pollution, according to storm drain and beach cleanup studies.  Polystyrene, plastic bags and other non-recyclable packaging have a high propensity to be littered because they are light and aerodynamic and are consumed away from home.  Up to 80% of ocean pollution is litter from urban runoff, and non-recyclable single-use food packaging is a primary component of urban litter.  Single-use food packaging litter kills wildlife such as birds and endangered sea turtles that become entangled or mistake it for food.  More than 1 million sea birds, 100,000 marine mammals, and countless fish die from ingesting or becoming entangled in marine debris.

The volume of nonrecycled single-use food packaging distributed annually in California is staggering: the fast food sector alone generates 4 million tons of waste annually in California and retailers are currently distributing almost 14 billion plastic bags annually.

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SB 920 (Yee) - Phone Book Opt-Out

Summary. SB 920 will help reduce waste and consumer utility costs while conserving resources and protecting the environment by making it easier for consumers to opt-out of receiving unwanted directories.

Position and Status. CAW Supports. SB 920 died on the senate floor, with a 12-18 vote. It previously passed Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee 4/20/10 and passed Senate Appropriations with 6-4 vote.

Take ACTION! Send a support letter for SB 920

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City of Berkeley Proposes Plastic Bag Ban / Paper Bag Fee

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