California, with over 800 miles of coastline, is keenly aware of the impact single-use plastics have on our oceans. Recent storms have shown the impact of trash on Southern California coasts, dumping loads of refuse onto typically pristine beaches. With such visceral proof of the consequences of plastic litter, it’s little wonder that state legislators are being proactive and working towards limiting how much trash the state creates.

California Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez and state senator Ben Allen have forwarded bills to phase out the sale and distribution of single-use plastics by 2030. Assembly Bill 1080 and Senate Bill 54 would establish a comprehensive framework to dramatically reduce the amount of single-use plastic generated in California while demanding that remaining packaging be 100% recyclable or compostable.

Under these bills single-use plastic packaging and products sold or distributed in California would have to be decreased or recycled by 75% by 2030, and they will incentivize the use of sustainable materials for manufacturers within the state.