By ops@our-hometown.com | on July 21, 2022

ARCATA – The City of Arcata encourages community members to participate in the worldwide initiative known as Plastic Free July.®

When plastics and their byproducts pollute cities, oceans and waterways, it causes health problems for us all. Most plastic waste in the United States is landfilled, downcycled, incinerated or exported to other countries, and while recycling plastic helps, it is not a solution for plastic pollution.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that just 8.7 percent of plastics generated are recycled.

The best way to decrease plastic pollution is to avoid the use of disposable plastic as often as possible, and Plastic Free July® encourages households to use less plastic, adopt long-term environmentally friendly habits and make the world a cleaner place.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of plastic, making it even more important to be mindful about how much plastic we use. Experts have determined that clean and dry reusables are able to be safely used during the COVID-19 pandemic (tinyurl.com/reusablesafety).

The City of Arcata Environmental Services Department has some tips for community members on how to reduce the use of disposable plastics:

• Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying single use plastic water bottles.

• Buy in bulk to avoid single-use plastic packaging.

• Take reusable bags to grocery stores.

• When placing orders to-go, ask if you can provide your own reusable take-out container (whether it be a to-go coffee mug or reusable clamshell) to place your order in!

• When placing orders to-go, also remember to opt-out of accessory foodware that you may not need such as straws, utensils, and napkins.

• Say no to plastic wrap. There are many excellent substitutes such as cloth or beeswax wrap.

• Encourage family and friends to take part in the Plastic Free July® challenge.

For more information about Plastic Free July,® visit plasticfreejuly.org, and for more information on the City of Arcata’s zero waste initiatives visit cityofarcata.org/275/Zero-Waste or contact the Environmental Services Department at (707) 822-8184.

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