Eliminate Single-use Plastic Beverage Bottles at State Agencies!
Pass AB 2648 to phase out the purchase and sale of single-use plastic beverage bottles by state agencies!
The Problem
Single-use plastic beverage bottles are consistently in the top ten items collected during Surfrider’s beach cleanups. Once plastics enter the environment, plastics continue to break down into smaller and smaller particles, or microplastics. Because they are so small, microplastics can travel in the air and water, and can be easily absorbed by living things and accumulate up the food chain.
Not only are microplastics harming our environment, it’s harming us. Studies have found microplastics in our blood and that humans may be consuming and inhaling up to 121,000 microplastic particles each year. Some of these chemicals have been linked to health problems such as metabolic disorders, cancers, and reduced lung capacity.
It’s also an environmental justice issue. Plastic pollution and the impacts of microplastics on human health fall disproportionately on marginalized communities.
The Solution
AB 2648 (Bennett) would reduce single-use beverage bottle consumption by state agencies and encourages each state agency to install and maintain at least one, or maintain at least one existing, water bottle refill station.
The State of California has enormous purchasing power and phasing out the purchase of bottled beverage will make significant impacts.