01 • 11 • 2021
LA County Foodware Accessories Upon Request
Surfrider LA and South Bay Chapters are pushing the LA County Board of Supervisors to end the unnecessary waste of single-use foodware accessories with an Upon-Request ordinance.
Most restaurants currently offer foodware accessories regardless of request, when many customers already have their own reusable utensils, straws and condiments at home. Moving to an on-request model across the board reduces waste and saves businesses money: it is a win-win-win for establishments, their patrons and our communities. Additionally, environmental justice communities disproportionately bear the burden of single-use waste in their neighborhoods.
Coastal Cleanup Month data shows that in September 2020 in LA County, volunteers collected and recorded over 40,000 pieces of trash to total 4,320 pounds. This data shows an increase in food delivery and takeout waste, with foodware accessories the fourth most commonly found item and takeout containers the fifth.
Working with coalition partners at Reusable LA, Surfrider Foundation Los Angeles and South Bay Chapters are lobbying the LA County Board of Supervisors to establish a foodware upon-request ordinance throughout the unincorporated areas of LA County.
