July 1st marks the start of Plastic Free July, a global movement to help people around the world reduce plastic waste through simple, everyday choices that create cleaner streets, communities, and environments. Plastic waste is a prominent source of local pollution in Goleta, with many pieces winding up in landfills or polluting beaches and waterways, threatening local wildlife.
The City of Goleta has its own Plastic Free Goleta program, which began with a plastic reduction ordinance adopted in 2022. These regulations help protect our communities from the impacts of single-use plastic waste and do our part to contribute to keeping the environment clean and healthy for our wildlife.
Key components of the policy include:
- Food-related products made of expanded or rigid polystyrene (e.g. Styrofoam) such as red solo cups, plates, egg cartons, are prohibited for sale and distribution in the City, along with polystyrene packing materials like peanuts.
- Single-use utensils and straws sold and distributed in the City can’t be made of plastic, including bioplastics (often labeled as “compostable) which cannot be processed in our local waste facilities. Single-use utensils should be made of reusable or fiber-based materials including wood, paper, or even edible materials.
- The City also bans releasing balloons, as well as the sale of Mylar/foil balloons.
If you want to learn or do more to help keep Goleta and our local community Plastic Free, check out these upcoming events:
- The City of Goleta is holding a Plastic Free July Beautify Goleta Cleanup event on Saturday, July 18 in Old Town Goleta. Volunteers are welcome to participate from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., meeting up on the front lawn of the Goleta Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue, while a free bulky item drop-off will take place at the Community Center’s rear parking lot from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Check the Beautify Goleta website for upcoming event details.
- The Community Environmental Council (CEC) will hold a Climate Fridays event: Plastic-Free Policies and Ways to Take Action on Friday, July 10 at 4:00 p.m. at the CEC Environmental Hub at 1219 State Street in Santa Barbara. CEC will be joined by the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper non-profit organization to present on local and statewide legislation to reduce plastic pollution.
- Throughout July, check back at the Plastic Free Foundation website to learn about new plastic-focused events taking place around Goleta and Santa Barbara, and explore the website further to learn more about the Plastic Free campaign and other ways you can get involved.
Thanks for doing your part to keep Goleta plastic free!
