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July 2026 - Happy #PlasticFreeJuly!

This month, we're calling on Los Angeles to stand up for the right to reuse.

Single-use plastics don't just pollute our beaches and neighborhoods; they expose people to harmful chemicals and microplastics and create unnecessary waste. Everyone deserves access to safe, reusable options. Reuse isn't a luxury. It's a right.

And with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, LA has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to show the world what's possible. While other global sporting events have doubled down on disposables, LA can choose a different path by making reuse the norm at restaurants, stadiums, and venues across the city.

Take Action

Sign the petition and tell LA City leaders to pass a local reuse policy this year! Together, we can protect our health, reduce plastic pollution, support local businesses, and build a legacy that lasts long after the Games are over.

SIGN THE PETITION

Upcoming Events

Beach Cleanup with Heal the Bay
Saturday, July 18 @ 10am-12pm
Redondo Beach

Cleanup with LA Waterkeeper
Saturday, July 18 @ 9am-11am
North Atwater Park

Webinar: “Solution Series: Reuse Wins in Food Service, Stadiums, and Beyond” with Plastic Pollution Coalition
Tuesday, July 21 @ 2pm-3pm
Virtual

Mindfulness and Dune Restoration with The Bay Foundation
Saturday, July 25 @ 8:30am-11am
Santa Monica Dunes

Beach Cleanup with Surfrider LA
Sunday, July 26 @ 10am-12pm
Santa Monica Tower 28

Sketch, Restore, Connect: Discover the Manhattan Beach Dunes Through Art with The Bay Foundation
Saturday, August 8 @ 9am-11am
Manhattan Beach

Videos: Reuse in Action

Check out these short videos from The Story of Stuff Project showing reuse in action, at coffee shops, on college campuses, in elementary schools, and more.

WATCH

June 2026

FIFA Gives Reusable Bottles the Boot

FIFA has banned reusable water bottles at the 2026 World Cup matches. Reusable bottles are a simple, proven way to hydrate affordably while reducing waste, cutting pollution, and decreasing exposure to the chemicals commonly found in single-use plastics. Read more and share on Instagram.

With Los Angeles also set to host the Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028, we cannot afford to repeat this mistake. Major events should showcase the best available sustainability solutions, including refill systems and reusable containers, rather than create new barriers to their use.

Take action and tell FIFA to allow reusable bottles at the World Cup!

Sign the petition with Story of Stuff:

ADD YOUR NAME

Sign the petition with CALPIRG:

ADD YOUR NAME

A Global Symbol for Reuse

You know the symbol for recycling. What about reusing? PR3 has launched a new Global Reuse Symbol designed to help people quickly identify reusable packaging and reuse systems wherever they encounter them. The symbol is already being adopted by reuse leaders worldwide. Keep an eye out for it!

Upcoming Events

International Surfing Day Paddle Out Against Offshore Drilling
June 20
Join Surfrider Foundation and community members for a paddle out on International Surfing Day to stand up for our coast and oppose offshore oil drilling.

Nothin' But Sand Pride Month Beach Cleanup
June 20
Join Heal the Bay for a beach cleanup at Ginger Rogers Beach! Celebrate Pride Month and help remove trash and debris before it washes out to the ocean.

Morning of Mindfulness and Dune Restoration
June 27
Join The Bay Foundation for a morning of yoga, mindfulness, and hands-on dune restoration work supporting one of Southern California's most important coastal habitats.

Post–July 4 Beach Cleanup
July 5
Help tackle one of the biggest litter days of the year by joining Surfrider Foundation's post–July 4 cleanup. Your participation helps protect beaches, waterways, and wildlife from holiday-generated waste.

Reuse Changemaker Bootcamp
July 7 or July 9
Join Story of Stuff for a free, virtual training that is designed to turn your concerns about health and plastic pollution into real-world action. Learn about why reuse is the solution and build your advocacy skills alongside likeminded Changemakers.

April 2026

New Tool: Searching Local Plastic Laws

We know local laws can be a lot to keep track of - Culver City requires reusables for dining-in, Long Beach bans plastic foam (aka styrofoam), and the entire state of California has banned plastic bags. These laws vary across LA’s cities, county, and unincorporated areas, and it gets confusing. But after a few years (yes, years!) of work, we’re excited to finally share a freshly upgraded feature on ReusableLA.org.

Now you can easily look up local plastic reduction laws anywhere in LA County just by typing in an address or the name of your favorite spot. That’s it. No confusion, no legal jargon, no “wait, does this apply here?”. Just clear, easy-to-understand info about what’s required where so we can help Angelenos and businesses reduce single-use plastic waste and pollution.

SEARCH LOCAL LAWS

This new feature is also linked to a QR code on our tip cards, so when you hand one to your local coffee shop or favorite takeout spot, you’re not just starting the conversation, you’re pointing them to the exact info that they need.

And now that it’s Earth Month, there’s no better time to put it to use. We’re getting tip cards into more hands all month long! Pass these out to your favorite eateries and help them reduce plastic and save money.

GET TIP CARDS