Moving Pasadena to Zero Waste
Pasadena joined 90 other cities by enacting the Polystyrene Food Packaging Ordinance that bans Styrofoam take-out containers. The Ordinance is in accord with Pasadena’s Zero Waste Strategic Plan, enacted in 2014, which outlined 19 program initiatives to achieve the goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2040.
We are grateful for the support for this from City Council, Mayor Tornek, and the staff of the Public Works Department. We also thank all who participated in the “Good to Go” campaign to bring this success.
We realize this is the beginning of a transition that will impact our entire community. That is why the “Good To-Go” campaign continues focusing its energies on implementing the Ordinance. Ginko Lee made a public statement to this effect to City Council, and we intend to support this effort.
To this end, Ginko Lee and January Nordman met with theEnvironmental Programs Manager, who has been overseeing the campaign to roll out the polystyrene ban. Municipal Services intends to put information regarding the ordinance and compliance in business license renewal packets, health certificate applications, and other, to be determined, forms of outreach. They have developed several information cards and brochures:
We are grateful for the support for this from City Council, Mayor Tornek, and the staff of the Public Works Department. We also thank all who participated in the “Good to Go” campaign to bring this success.
We realize this is the beginning of a transition that will impact our entire community. That is why the “Good To-Go” campaign continues focusing its energies on implementing the Ordinance. Ginko Lee made a public statement to this effect to City Council, and we intend to support this effort.
To this end, Ginko Lee and January Nordman met with theEnvironmental Programs Manager, who has been overseeing the campaign to roll out the polystyrene ban. Municipal Services intends to put information regarding the ordinance and compliance in business license renewal packets, health certificate applications, and other, to be determined, forms of outreach. They have developed several information cards and brochures:
Excerpt from Pasadena Public Works' Polystyrene Ban Bill Insert.
Here’s where we can help. Pasadena is viewing this ordinance as a ban; a negative that figures more on prohibitions than possibilities. One way to get better compliance is to focus not on the negative, but on the positive. Ginko has offered the following:
We are gratified to work with the city on this important step towards Zero Waste.
— January Nordman
Good To-Go Campaign on Facebook
- Develop a “care package” of information, resources, and trends that would be delivered to all food establishments.
- Develop a “feel good” campaign that puts a positive message on using alternatives to Styrofoam. This could include posters and stickers indicating the use of compostable or recyclable containers. This would have attractive, branded graphics, with simple slogans.
- Perhaps a “green seal” campaign, similar to what is being done in Santa Monica.
- Develop, promote, and demonstrate Zero Waste take-out containers, a bring your own container approach. This would be done under Health Department guidelines. Michiko Lynch demonstrates how to make your own containers every Wednesday at Altadena Farmers’ Market at Loma Alta Park. This program may be expanded.
We are gratified to work with the city on this important step towards Zero Waste.
— January Nordman
Good To-Go Campaign on Facebook
