Plastic is everywhere. From takeout containers and shopping bags to beverage cups and utensils, plastic has become woven into our daily lives. Yet many of these items are used for only a few minutes before becoming waste that can persist in the environment for centuries. Across Los Angeles County, communities are taking action to curb unnecessary plastic use and move toward a more sustainable future.
Reusable LA (RULA) is a coalition that works to "resolve the Los Angeles plastic pollution issue by championing a reusable culture and empowering other cities to do the same." Through policy campaigns and community education, the RULA coalition and its member organizations (including Surfrider) play a critical role in mitigating plastic pollution in the County.
From individual city ordinances to countywide regulations and California state laws, a complex network of plastic reduction policies is now in place across the region. However, these laws often vary by jurisdiction, making it difficult for businesses and consumers to understand which requirements apply where they live, work, and shop.
To help businesses and consumers understand what plastic policies apply to their area, RULA created a plastic policy database. By entering an address, users can instantly access a comprehensive list of plastic-related policies that apply to their location, making it easier than ever to navigate local regulations and understand how communities are working to reduce waste.
The Surfrider South Bay Chapter's Policy Coordinator, Craig Cadwallader, played an important role in the development of this project. Drawing on decades of experience advancing plastic reduction policies throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles County, Craig helped inform the database and ensure it serves as a practical resource for residents, businesses, advocates, and policymakers alike.
As communities continue to adopt innovative solutions to plastic pollution, tools like the Plastic Policy Database help improve awareness and compliance with existing policies, ensuring these measures achieve their intended impact while supporting continued progress toward a reusable future.
As Southern California Regional Manager, Michaela supports the six chapters between Los Angeles and San Diego in implementing their community-based programs and policy campaigns. She earned a master's degree in Conservation and Restoration Science from UC Irvine.