City of Arcata Wants You to “Give Plastic Free July a Try“

Press release from The City of Arcata:

The City of Arcata encourages community members to participate in the worldwide initiative known as Plastic Free July to help reduce waste and pollution this summer!

Plastic Free July is a global movement to help people reduce their use of single-use plastics and improvers cycling practices.

Each July, millions of people around the world take the Plastic Free July challenge anddiscover new habits that protect their health, communities and waterways year-round. Small, everyday choiceslike using reusable containers and bags, finding plastic alternatives and buying package-free products can addup to a meaningful reduction in waste and pollution.

The City of Arcata Environmental Services Department has some tips for community members on how toparticipate in Plastic Free July this month and beyond:

Choose Reusables
• Some reusable items are becoming more popular than their single-use counterparts such as water bottles and shopping bags. Get creative with the disposable items that can be replaced with reusable alternatives.

• Arcata’s Single-Use Disposable Foodware Ordinance allows customers to bring their own clean, durable reusable containers for takeout orders. Learn more at cityofarcata.org/foodwareordinance.

• Consider reusable makeup remover pads instead of wipes, cloth rags instead of paper towels, beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap, reusable menstrual products instead of disposable options and reusable food containers instead of plastic storage bags.

Recycle Right
• Many items people put in recycling bins aren’t actually recyclable. Common contaminants include plastic takeout containers, coffee cups, berry containers (called clamshells) and nearly everything from a drive- through. Avoid using these items when possible and never place them in your recycling bin.

• Never use plastic trash bags for recycling. Place recyclable items loosely in the bin or inside paper bags.Plastic Alternatives

• Many household products, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotions and laundry detergent, are available as concentrated refill tablets or bar form in cardboard packaging instead of plastic bottles.

• Look for products and packaging made of natural fibers such as hemp, wool, silk and linen instead of synthetic materials like acrylic or nylon or opt for no packaging at all when possible.Other Habits

• Opt out of extras. When ordering takeout, decline unnecessary accessory items like plastic utensils, straws, condiment packets and napkins. Use reusable items and bulk options from home instead.

• Shop in bulk. Buy in bulk to avoid single-use plastic packaging. Most grocery stores with a bulk section allow customers to bring their own containers. Ask a store clerk for assistance before filling the container.

• Don’t fall for greenwashing. “Compostable” plastic is still plastic. Certified compostable bioplastics are not accepted in Humboldt County’s recycling or composting programs and will ultimately be landfilled. If these products become litter, they behave much like conventional, petroleum-based plastic.

• Make events zero waste. Whether hosting a small gathering or a large celebration, choose reusable dishware instead of disposable products. Local services like Bright and Green offer reusable dishware rentals and even handle the cleanup.

• Help remove plastic pollution. Spend time this month picking up litter at local beaches, parks or neighborhoods. Organize a cleanup with friends or simply collect litter while out walking. Noticing which plastic items most commonly become litter can inspire lasting behavior changes.

• Make an ecobrick. Turn non-recyclable plastics into durable building blocks for creative or community projects. Learn more at ecobricks.org.

• Spread the word. Invite friends, family and neighbors to join in taking the Plastic Free July challenge.

For more information on the Plastic Free July movement, visit plasticfreejuly.org. To learn more about the City of Arcata’s zero waste efforts and tips for reducing waste year-round, visit cityofarcata.org/790/Waste -Prevention-Resources or contact the Environmental Services Department at (707) 822-8184.