Plastic comprises 60% of the litter found in Santa Clara County creeks.  Plastic bags, foam products, beverage containers, and other plastic debris are carried by wind or through storm drains into creeks, the Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. This litter contributes to the great Pacific Gyre “garbage patch.”

Here’s how you can help reduce plastics in our waterways: 

• Use reusable shopping bags. Need help remembering to bring your own bag for shopping? Visit Bring Your Own Bag Campaign for more information.
• Ask your favorite restaurant vendor to switch from disposable “foam” food containers to recyclable or compostable alternatives
• Use reusable water bottles and travel mugs
• Remove the plastic bag around your newspaper! Request that your local newspaper carrier use a plastic bag only when it rains.  Click here to find out who to contact.

Palo Alto has banned single use checkout bags at the seven large grocery stores as of September 18, 2009.  Palo Alto has also banned the use of single use disposable “foam” (expanded polystyrene) food containers effective Earth Day 2010.  

For more information about the following programs in Palo Alto see:

• Plastic Bag Restriction
• Restriction fo Expanded Polystyrene Disposable Food Service Containers
• Palo Alto's Bring Your Own Bag Program