The 2nd Annual Plastic Free July Expo in Santa Barbara is coming up on July 27th! From 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at 1219 State Street in Santa Barbara, you can learn all about reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable living. It’s a great opportunity to explore eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics and discover ways to reduce your carbon footprint. At the Plastic Free July Expo, you’ll find a variety of exhibits showcasing products and services that can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations that share the same passion for environmental sustainability. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people “be the solution to plastic pollution”. The movement, begun by one woman in Australia in 2011, has since reached over 100 million participants in 190 countries.
The event is sponsored by local nonprofits Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper (SBCK), longtime advocates for Goleta’s own plastic reduction policy, known as Plastic Free Goleta. CEC and SBCK have successfully advocated for eight regional laws (including Goleta’s) reducing distribution of single use plastic items. Both groups also mentor students doing plastic reduction projects and continue to advocate for local regulations.
This Plastic Free July is particularly relevant, as Goleta’s own plastic policy came into full effect at the beginning of June. The policy requires single-use items like utensils and straws to be made from non-plastic materials to reduce the presence of plastic in our community and keep plastic out of our environment. Reusable foodware for dining onsite is required to further prevent the use of single-use plastic. It also prohibits polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) products, which frequently make their way into marine habitat and cause harm to wildlife that mistake them for food, causing injury and death. Balloon releases are regulated for similar reasons – latex balloon and plastic ribbon can entangle wildlife on terrestrial and marine habitats. Mylar balloons are completely banned in Goleta to prevent harm to the environment and avoid damage to power lines.
We welcome the Goleta community to be a part of the solution to plastic pollution and celebrate this latest step in Goleta’s plastic free journey. We hope to see you at the Plastic Free July Expo Thursday July 27!
