California, USA: Launching a Tough Battle Against Plastic Pollution

California, USA, has always been at the forefront of environmental policy - making. Recently, it has taken new actions in plastic pollution governance. Given that California generates a large amount of plastic waste every year, and a considerable part of it flows into the ocean, causing serious damage to the marine ecosystem, the California government has introduced a series of strict plastic pollution control policies.



On the one hand, it has strengthened the control of single - use plastic products. Since the beginning of this year, the use of some non - biodegradable single - use plastic tableware in the catering industry has been prohibited, and businesses that violate the regulations will face high fines. This measure has prompted many catering enterprises to seek biodegradable alternatives, promoting the development of related environmental protection industries. For example, a chain restaurant in Los Angeles quickly switched to paper tableware and biodegradable plastic bags after the policy was implemented. Although the cost increased in the short term, with the increase in market demand for environmentally friendly products, its brand image has been significantly enhanced, attracting more environmentally conscious consumers.



On the other hand, it has actively improved the plastic recycling system. The government has invested a large amount of funds to build plastic recycling facilities and cooperated with enterprises to encourage the public to participate in plastic recycling. By setting up a recycling reward mechanism, such as the public can get corresponding shopping coupons or points for every certain amount of plastic recycled, the plastic recycling volume has been effectively increased. In San Francisco, through this mechanism, the plastic recycling volume has increased by 25% within half a year.

The person in charge of the California Environmental Protection Department said that governing plastic pollution is a long - term and arduous task that requires the joint efforts of the government, enterprises, and the public. In the future, California will continue to explore more effective governance measures to contribute to the protection of the ecological environment.