The big headlines in plastics and public policy this week is all about international talks — the latest United Nations global plastics treaty meeting begins today in Busan, South Korea — and national strategy, thanks to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency releasing its National Strategy to Prevent Plastics Pollution on Nov. 21.
But real action is happening far faster at the local and state level. Here are a few examples.
The Miami-Dade Commission voted 10-3 Nov. 19 to eliminate single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene at county-owned venues including the Miami International Airport, PortMiami and parks and office buildings. Instead, vendors at those facilities must use aluminum bottles or cans and use washable or compostable foodservice items. The restrictions will apply to future contracts.
"We're going to be showing America, our residents, the world, whoever visits, that it is possible to transition away from single-use plastics to items that are better for the environment," Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins told The Miami Herald.
The state of Florida does not allow local communities to enact a complete ban on plastics — essentially a ban on bans — but the Florida Legislature failed to a pass a bill that would have forbidden local restrictions in restrict government contracts. That left open the door for the upcoming ban at Miami-Dade facilities.