University of California Commits to Phase Out Single-Use Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The University of California (UC) announced a new policy, by which it plans to Phase out plastic waste, as part of its efforts to achieve zero waste goals. The move aims to phase out use of single-use plastics at all of its ten campuses. Incidentally, uncontrolled use of single-use plastics poses major threat to the environment.

As part of the new policy, single-use plastic bags will be phased out in retail and dining locations across various campuses. The next phase promises to eliminate use of food service items made of plastics and plastic bottles. The new policy is expected to encourage vendors to develop reusable or compostable packaging for their products.

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In support of the above cause, the University has been organizing various campaigns across its campuses under the leadership of students. For instance, the Plastic-Free Seas Campaign organized by non-profit organization CALPIRG had managed to collect more than 12,000 student signatures in support of phasing out non-essential single-use plastic.

By Jan 1, 2021, plastic bags in retail and food service establishments will be eliminated. In the next phase, single-use plastic dining accessories will be eliminated by July 1, 2021. Dine-in facilities will provide only reusable food service items effective July 1, 2022. By Jan 1, 2023, the campuses will phase out use of single-use plastic beverage bottles.