COARE: Los Angeles becomes largest city to ban plastic bags

Los Angeles Plastic Bag Ban Press Release . . .
(you may download this press release as a PDF document.)
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 May 2012



 CITY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY MAKES HISTORIC CONSERVATION DECISION


    City Council Votes to Make City Largest to Ban Single-use Plastic Bags


Oakland, California – 24 May 2012 -- The Center for
Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education (COARE),
applauds the Los Angeles City Council for its decision
yesterday to ban single-use plastic carryout bags within
city limits.

Since its inception, COARE has been actively addressing
plastic pollution and attempting to reduce single-use
plastic consumption in the U.S. and worldwide.

With an overwhelming 13-1 vote, the Los Angeles City
Council made a clear statement and is poised to save an
estimated 2.7 billion single-use bags.  Comprising more
than four million people, this is the largest
municipality in the country to ban plastic bags.

Annually, U.S. consumers use 100 billion plastic bags,
all of which are derived from fossil fuels.  In
California alone, consumers use more than 19 billion
plastic grocery and merchandise bags each year.

"This is a fantastic decision, and proves that
California is really ready to make a difference.  This
vote is consistent with current trends and further
encourages similar efforts throughout the State," said
Christopher Chin, COARE's Executive Director.  "The
message is loud and clear.  We're telling the world that
we've had enough plastic bags." 

Through its "Enough with the plastic already!" campaign,
COARE seeks to reduce the amount of oceanbound waste by
helping people become more aware of how their habits
affect the world around them. COARE raises public
awareness of some very commonly overlooked sources of
trash, and encourages people everywhere to examine their
choices.


About COARE
The Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and
Education, Inc. (COARE) is a tax-exempt nonprofit
organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Its
purpose is to study our oceans and increase public
awareness of the earth's marine environment through
educational programs and outreach.  COARE seeks to
enlighten people, young and old, to the plight of the
oceans, to change the way they think and act, and to
encourage them to create positive and lasting change.
For more information about COARE, visit http://www.coare.org.

Media Contact
Christopher Chin, media@coare.org, +1-510-495-7875

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