addressing the issue at the source

Breaking our reliance on single-use plastic is a complicated issue requiring multiple solutions. Although we encourage the individual to reduce their plastic consumption, the problem ultimately needs to be fixed at the government and manufacturing level. Sea Hugger is working with innovators and activists to stop the plastic tide!

Solution

We are working with Dispatch Reusables on a pilot project in the San Francisco Bay Area to offer a reusable takeout program for restaurants. Single-use plastic consumption has sky rocketed because of Covid-19, and Dispatch Reusables has a proven solution that not only reduces the amount single-use plastic, it saves restaurants money. We are striving for a Circular Economy.

Our friends at Cruz Foam have developed a polystyrene alternative made from the protein discarded crustacean shells (it’s cruelty-free!). We believe this is the type of innovation that’s necessary to break our reliance on plastic and petrochemicals. The entire plastic production process - from oil refineries to landfills - is toxic for both the Earth and humans. Cruz Foam’s creative solution is Earth-friendly from beginning to end.

Donating helps us continue this necessary work!

Bills we support

Senate Bill S1185C

(We worked against its passing)

With Beyond Plastics, we succeeded in blocking a deeply flawed Extended Producer Responsibility proposal in New York State. Although we support the goals of Extended Producer Responsibility, it must be done right. This flawed proposal would have established a very bad precedent for other states and delayed meaningful progress by years.

Bill 40

(Passed!)

Phases out the use of plastic bags, polystyrene foodware (“Styrofoam”, plastic containers, cups, lids, and single-use plastic servicewear like straws, stirrers and utensils). Businesses in Hawaii will have to move towards using paper and plant-based compostable products, many of which look and feel like plastic.

SB 343

(pending presentation to governor)

Prohibits packaging from including the “chasing arrows” or other recyclability claims unless approved by CalRecycle standards; prompts CalRecycle to produce list of commonly recycled items.

AB 881

(Enrolled and presented to governor)

California would no longer be allowed to count most exported plastic scrap toward its state recycling goals and most future exports are prohibited

AJR 4

(Chaptered by Secretary of State)

Urges President Biden to sign on to Basel Convention

AB 1201

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Updates the state's requirements for labeling certain compostable plastic packaging and requires it to be free of intentionally-added PFAS

SB 619

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Ensures municipalities won't yet be subject to fines in 2022 if they have not fully complied with new organics recycling regulations under SB 1383

AB 962

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Allows refillable beverage containers to be returned and washed for reuse as part of the state's redemption program, instead of being crushed

AB 818 (Bloom)

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Requires correct labeling of flushable wipes

AB 1311

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Allows certified bottle bill redemption centers to change hours based on community need; also allows container bag drops and pays customers electronically

AB 1371

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Prohibits online sales shipping in or into CA from using single-use plastic packaging

AB 478

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Requires rigid plastic containers to be made of 25% post-consumer plastic

AB 1276

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws or foodservice ware unless the customer requests it

AB 622

(Enrolled, pending presentation to governor)

Requires microfiber filtration system on washing machines

SB 54

(Approved by the goveenor )

Requires all single-use disposable packaging, including food service packaging, to be recyclable or compostable by January 2032. Was originally the California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Act.

AB 661

(Approved by the governor in 2022!)

Updates the State Agency Buy Recycle Campaign with new recycled content standards for materials purchased by the state of California

SB 289

(Held in committee; advocates anticipate bill could return in 2022)

Requires producers of batteries and battery-embedded products to establish a stewardship program for collection, transportation and recycling

California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act,

(2022 ballot)

To reduce plastic pollution through statewide law to reduce single-use plastic and promote recycling of existing plastic.