Single Use Plastic Bans

In the winter my husband, dog and I travel south to Mulege, in Baja California Sur Mexico for about 6 months. Inevitably we spend a fair amount of time picking up garbage, primarily single use plastics, from the beaches whether its through an organized cleanup day or spontaneously as we enjoy a day at the beach. Despite our love for our charming little town, in our experience small town Mexico tends to be decidedly behind the times both when it comes to sanitation and disposal and when it comes to using biodegradable products. To a certain extent it’s attributable to a tough financial situation, and to a certain extent to our willingness to look the other way. It is the norm when taking food to go for it to come in Styrofoam container.

This is why I’m so encouraged to hear that the states of Baja Ca Sur and Baja Ca (Norte) have taken the lead in Mexico in banning single use plastics. Admittedly, I first heard about this legislation I thought to myself, ok another law in Mexico that that will have no enforcement[MS1] . But I am optimistic and encouraged as a read Facebook posts from local businesses in my town who are responding positively to the legislation and getting on board with removing single use plastics from their offerings. Baja CA Sur is just one of many examples of governments deciding to do something about the issue of single use plastics. By 2021 both the EU and Canada have vowed to ban single use plastics.

So what can you do? If you’re a hotelier, it’s time to take a hard look at the amenities you provide to your guests. If your bath products come in single use packaging what alternative might you explore? Refillable bulk containers are one option as are alternative biodegradable packing such as the Beekind brand offers for its travel size products. If you provide bottled water in your guest rooms can you switch to glass or metal bottles or better yet provide a reusable bottle filling station in your lobby? If you’re an individual be prepared with your own container if you are going to take food to go. Decline a straw or bring your own. Bring your own reusable water container rather than ordering a bottled water. It takes all of us: government, business and individuals to make the switch from single use plastics.

---