How to Reduce Plastic Use in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city known for its vibrant beaches, bustling harbor, and thriving local culture. But beneath its scenic surface lies a growing environmental challenge: plastic pollution. Every year, millions of single-use plastic items—bottles, bags, straws, food containers, and packaging—end up in Long Beach’s waterways, beaches, and marine ecosystems. This pollution harms wildlife, degrades natural habitats, and threatens public health. Reducing plastic use in Long Beach isn’t just an environmental ideal; it’s a necessary action for the city’s future resilience and quality of life.

The good news? Long Beach residents, businesses, and community organizations are already leading the way in sustainable practices. From citywide ordinances to grassroots initiatives, there are proven, actionable strategies anyone can adopt to significantly cut plastic consumption. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for individuals and families in Long Beach to reduce plastic use—practically, affordably, and sustainably. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a small business owner, or a lifelong resident, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to make a real difference.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Audit Your Plastic Consumption

Before you can reduce plastic use, you need to understand where it’s coming from. Spend one week tracking every plastic item you bring into your home or use daily. Keep a simple log: note the item, how often you use it, and whether it’s disposable or reusable. Common culprits include grocery bags, bottled water, takeout containers, plastic-wrapped produce, and single-use coffee cups.

Use this audit to identify patterns. Do you always grab a plastic bag at the grocery store? Do you buy bottled water because you think tap water is unsafe? Do you order takeout multiple times a week? Awareness is the first step toward change. Once you’ve identified your top three plastic sources, you can target them with specific alternatives.

2. Switch to Reusable Shopping Bags

Long Beach banned single-use plastic bags in 2017 under the city’s Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance. However, many residents still use plastic bags out of habit or convenience. To fully comply with the spirit of the law—and protect marine life—carry reusable bags every time you shop.

Keep a few foldable canvas or recycled polyester bags in your car, backpack, or by the door. Choose bags with sturdy handles and wash them regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. Many local retailers, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and the Long Beach Public Library, offer free or low-cost reusable bags. Support local vendors who sell eco-friendly bags made by Long Beach artists or small businesses to boost the circular economy.

3. Ditch Single-Use Bottled Water

Long Beach tap water meets or exceeds all state and federal safety standards. In fact, it’s sourced from the Colorado River and local groundwater, treated to high quality, and regularly tested. Yet, many residents still buy bottled water, contributing to over 10 million plastic bottles discarded annually in the region.

Invest in a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Keep one in your car, another at your desk, and a third in your gym bag. Consider installing a home filtration system if you’re concerned about taste or mineral content—activated carbon filters are affordable and effective. Many Long Beach parks, libraries, and public buildings now have water refill stations. Use the free “Refill My Bottle” app to locate them.

4. Choose Bulk and Package-Free Shopping

Supermarkets often wrap produce in plastic film, sell snacks in individual pouches, and stock cleaning products in plastic containers. Break this cycle by shopping at bulk stores and farmers markets where packaging is minimal or absent.

Visit the Long Beach Farmers Market (held every Saturday at the Long Beach Convention Center) or the Belmont Shore Farmers Market. Bring your own jars, cloth produce bags, and containers. Many vendors welcome customers who bring their own packaging and may even offer discounts. For household goods, check out Zero Waste Long Beach, a local store offering shampoo bars, refillable cleaners, and bulk grains, nuts, and spices with no plastic packaging.

5. Avoid Plastic Cutlery, Straws, and Takeout Containers

Plastic utensils and straws are among the top 10 items found in beach cleanups worldwide. In Long Beach, restaurants are required by city ordinance to provide plastic utensils and straws only upon request. Take advantage of this policy.

Carry a compact reusable cutlery set in your bag or car. Look for bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone options. If you order takeout, select “no utensils” or “no straw” when placing your order. Opt for restaurants that use compostable packaging made from plant-based materials like sugarcane or bamboo fiber. Support eateries that participate in the City of Long Beach’s Green Business Program—they’re held to higher environmental standards.

6. Say No to Plastic Wrap and Ziploc Bags

Plastic wrap and sandwich bags are ubiquitous in home kitchens. Replace them with beeswax wraps, silicone lids, glass containers with airtight seals, or reusable silicone food bags. These alternatives are durable, washable, and can last for years.

For lunch prep, use stainless steel bento boxes or stainless steel containers from brands like LunchBots or U-Konserve. Freeze meals in glass Pyrex containers instead of plastic freezer bags. These changes may require a small upfront investment, but they pay off over time—both financially and environmentally.

7. Support Plastic-Free Personal Care Products

Toothpaste tubes, shampoo bottles, and cotton swabs are often made of plastic and non-recyclable. Transition to plastic-free personal care items:

• Use toothpaste tablets in glass jars instead of tubes.
• Switch to bar shampoo and conditioner—many are sold without packaging or in compostable paper.
• Choose bamboo toothbrushes and refillable deodorant sticks.
• Use washable cloth pads or menstrual cups instead of disposable feminine products wrapped in plastic.

Local shops like The Green Collective in Long Beach offer a curated selection of zero-waste personal care products. You can also order online from eco-conscious brands that ship in minimal or compostable packaging.

8. Reduce Plastic in Your Yard and Garden

Plastic pots, ties, mulch bags, and garden hoses contribute to landfill waste. Choose alternatives:

• Use biodegradable pots made from coconut coir or peat.
• Repurpose glass jars, tin cans, or wooden crates as planters.
• Buy compostable garden twine made from jute or cotton.
• Use a metal or rubber hose instead of plastic ones that crack and break.

Long Beach’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine offers free workshops on sustainable gardening. Attend one to learn how to compost kitchen scraps and reduce reliance on plastic-packaged fertilizers and soils.

9. Participate in Community Cleanups

Volunteering in beach and neighborhood cleanups reinforces your commitment and connects you with others who share your values. Organizations like Heal the Bay, Surfrider Foundation’s Long Beach Chapter, and the Long Beach Ocean Conservancy host monthly cleanups.

Bring reusable gloves, a bucket, and a bag. Record the types of plastic you collect—this data helps advocacy groups push for policy changes. Many events provide refreshments in compostable containers, so you can practice what you preach. Participation also helps normalize plastic-free behavior in your social circle.

10. Advocate for Systemic Change

Individual actions matter, but lasting change requires policy. Support Long Beach’s efforts to expand plastic reduction ordinances. Attend City Council meetings and speak in favor of bans on plastic foam containers, polystyrene packaging, and single-use plastic lids.

Sign petitions from local environmental groups. Write letters to local businesses urging them to eliminate plastic packaging. Encourage your workplace, school, or place of worship to adopt a plastic-free policy. When residents speak up, decision-makers listen. Your voice can help turn Long Beach into a national model for urban plastic reduction.

Best Practices

Start Small, Think Long-Term

Don’t try to eliminate all plastic overnight. That approach leads to burnout. Instead, pick one area—like switching from bottled water to a reusable bottle—and make it a habit. Once that’s automatic, move to the next. Small, consistent changes compound over time and become part of your identity.

Make It Convenient

Convenience drives behavior. If your reusable bags are always in your car, you’ll use them. If your water bottle is always on your desk, you’ll drink more water. Keep your sustainable tools visible and accessible. Set reminders on your phone: “Grab reusable bags before leaving for groceries.”

Involve Your Household

Plastic reduction is more effective—and more fun—when it’s a family effort. Assign roles: one person handles grocery shopping with reusable bags, another manages the kitchen’s food storage, and a third organizes weekly cleanups. Kids can track progress on a chart. Celebrate milestones: “We went 30 days without buying bottled water!”

Choose Quality Over Quantity

Invest in durable, long-lasting items—even if they cost more upfront. A stainless steel water bottle that lasts 10 years saves hundreds of plastic bottles. A well-made cloth bag lasts longer than 500 disposable ones. Quality reduces waste and saves money over time.

Embrace Imperfection

You won’t be 100% plastic-free. That’s okay. If you forget your bag at the store, buy the item and bring your own bag next time. If you accidentally use a plastic straw, don’t feel guilty—just resolve to do better. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

Support Local Businesses Leading the Way

Long Beach is home to dozens of eco-conscious businesses that prioritize sustainability. Choose them over chains that rely on plastic packaging. Examples include:

• Plant Power Kitchen – Uses compostable containers and offers discounts for bringing your own.
• Long Beach Coffee Roasters – Serves coffee in ceramic mugs and offers discounts for reusable cups.
• Green Grocer Long Beach – Offers 100% package-free produce and bulk goods.

When you support these businesses, you vote with your wallet for a plastic-free future.

Track and Celebrate Progress

Keep a journal or use a simple app to record how many plastic items you’ve avoided each month. Notice the savings: fewer trips to the store, lower grocery bills, less trash. Share your wins on social media to inspire others. Use hashtags like

LongBeachPlasticFree or #NoPlasticLB to build community.

Educate Without Judging

When you see someone using a plastic bag or straw, don’t shame them. Offer a friendly reminder: “Have you tried the refill station at the library? It’s super convenient!” Education is more powerful than criticism. Lead by example, and others will follow.

Tools and Resources

Apps for Plastic Reduction

• Refill My Bottle – Locates water refill stations across Long Beach and Southern California.
• Think Dirty – Scans personal care products to identify hidden plastics and toxins.
• Good On You – Rates fashion brands on sustainability, helping you avoid plastic-heavy clothing.
• My Plastic-Free Life – Offers daily tips, challenges, and community forums.

Local Organizations and Initiatives

• Surfrider Foundation – Long Beach Chapter – Hosts beach cleanups, advocates for plastic bans, and runs educational programs in schools.
• Heal the Bay – Provides free educational materials and organizes the annual “Beach Cleanup Day.”
• Zero Waste Long Beach – A nonprofit store and community hub offering workshops, bulk goods, and zero-waste starter kits.
• Long Beach Green Business Program – Certifies businesses that meet sustainability benchmarks, including plastic reduction.
• City of Long Beach Waste Management – Offers free composting workshops and recycling guides tailored to residents.

Free Educational Materials

Download the City of Long Beach’s “Plastic Reduction Toolkit” from their official website. It includes:

• A printable plastic audit checklist
• A map of all public water refill stations
• A guide to compostable packaging labels
• Sample letters to local businesses requesting plastic-free options

Libraries across Long Beach also offer free lending libraries for reusable items: cloth napkins, beeswax wraps, and even reusable grocery bags.

Workshops and Events

Attend monthly events like:

• Zero Waste Wednesdays – Held at the Long Beach Public Library, featuring DIY soap-making and plastic-free living tips.
• Plastic-Free July Challenge – A global movement with local meetups in Long Beach to track plastic reduction.
• Green Living Expo – An annual event showcasing sustainable products, local vendors, and expert panels on waste reduction.

Check the City of Long Beach Events Calendar or follow @LongBeachSustainability on Instagram for updates.

Shopping Resources

• The Green Collective – 1120 E 2nd St, Long Beach – Zero-waste store with refill stations and local products.
• Whole Foods Market – Long Beach – Offers bulk bins, produce without plastic, and reusable container discounts.
• Belmont Shore Farmers Market – Every Sunday, 9am–2pm – 100+ vendors, many plastic-free.
• Long Beach Farmers Market – Every Saturday, 8am–2pm – One of the largest in Southern California.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Garcia Family – From Plastic Reliant to Plastic-Free

The Garcia family of Lakewood, just outside Long Beach, used to go through 20 plastic water bottles a week and 30 plastic grocery bags a month. Their 8-year-old daughter, Sofia, learned about ocean pollution in school and asked her parents to change.

They started with one change: reusable water bottles. Then they began shopping at the Long Beach Farmers Market with cloth bags. Within six months, they eliminated all single-use plastics from their home. They now use glass containers for storage, buy in bulk, and even make their own cleaning products with vinegar and essential oils.

“We used to feel overwhelmed,” says Maria Garcia. “But now it’s just normal. We save money, our home is cleaner, and Sofia’s proud of her ‘plastic-free mission.’”

Case Study 2: The Coffee Shop That Went Plastic-Free

Long Beach Coffee Roasters, a local favorite on 4th Street, used to give out 500 plastic cups and 300 plastic lids daily. After attending a city sustainability workshop, owner Daniel Reyes decided to go all-in on change.

He switched to compostable paper cups with plant-based linings. He offered a $1 discount for customers who brought their own mug. He removed plastic stirrers and switched to wooden ones. He partnered with a local composting company to collect all used cups.

Within a year, the shop reduced its plastic waste by 92%. Customer loyalty increased. Local media covered the story, inspiring other cafes to follow suit. Today, 70% of customers bring their own mugs.

Case Study 3: The School District’s Plastic-Free Lunch Initiative

Long Beach Unified School District partnered with the nonprofit Green Schools Alliance to eliminate plastic from student lunches. They replaced plastic utensils with bamboo ones, switched to reusable trays, and began serving fruits and vegetables without plastic wrap.

Students were involved in designing the new system. They created posters, led assemblies, and even tracked waste reduction in math class. Within two years, the district eliminated over 1.2 million plastic items annually.

“The kids didn’t just learn about sustainability—they became leaders,” said district sustainability coordinator Luisa Mendez. “Now they ask their parents to stop buying plastic at home.”

Case Study 4: The Beach Cleanup That Sparked Policy Change

In 2022, a group of high school students from Wilson High School organized a beach cleanup at Shoreline Village. They collected over 2,000 plastic items in just three hours—80% of which were food packaging from nearby vendors.

They presented their findings to the Long Beach City Council, complete with photos and data. The Council responded by expanding the plastic foam ban to include all food containers, not just takeout. The ordinance passed unanimously in 2023.

“We didn’t think our voices mattered,” said student leader Javier Mendoza. “But when we showed the numbers, people listened.”

FAQs

Is it really possible to live without plastic in Long Beach?

Yes. While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate plastic entirely—due to its presence in electronics, medical devices, and infrastructure—you can drastically reduce single-use plastic in daily life. Many Long Beach residents live with 90% less plastic than they did five years ago. It’s about choosing alternatives, not achieving perfection.

What plastic items are banned in Long Beach?

Long Beach prohibits single-use plastic bags, plastic foam food containers (polystyrene), plastic straws (unless requested), and plastic stirrers. Restaurants must provide plastic utensils only upon request. The city is currently considering a ban on plastic water bottles in city-owned facilities.

Where can I recycle plastic in Long Beach?

Recycling is limited for most plastics—only

1 and #2 containers are widely accepted. Always rinse containers before recycling. Drop-off locations include the City of Long Beach Recycling Center at 5400 E. 3rd St. and the Recycle Across America kiosks at select libraries. But remember: recycling isn’t the solution. Reduction is.

Are compostable plastics better?

Compostable plastics require industrial composting facilities to break down—most home compost bins won’t work. In Long Beach, industrial composting is available through GreenWaste, but contamination from non-compostable items is a problem. The best option is to avoid packaging entirely.

How can I encourage my workplace to reduce plastic?

Start small: suggest installing a water filter and providing reusable mugs. Propose eliminating plastic utensils from meetings. Share data from this guide or local success stories. Form a green team with coworkers. Many employers are receptive—especially when it saves money on disposables.

What if I can’t afford reusable alternatives?

Start with what you have. Reuse glass jars for storage. Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels. Borrow reusable bags from a friend. Many items can be found secondhand at thrift stores or community swap events. The Long Beach Public Library even lends out reusable kitchen items.

Does plastic reduction really help marine life?

Yes. Plastic pollution kills over 100,000 marine animals annually worldwide. In Long Beach, sea turtles, seabirds, and fish often mistake plastic for food. Reducing plastic use directly reduces the amount entering the ocean through storm drains and wind. Every bottle not bought is one less threat to marine life.

Can I make money by reducing plastic?

Absolutely. A reusable water bottle saves $10–$20 per month on bottled water. Reusable bags eliminate the 10-cent fee at stores. Buying in bulk reduces packaging costs. Over a year, most households save $300–$600. Plus, you’ll spend less on trash bags—less waste means fewer trash pickups.

Conclusion

Reducing plastic use in Long Beach isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. As a coastal city, Long Beach bears the visible consequences of plastic pollution: tangled marine life, littered shorelines, and contaminated water. But it also holds the power to lead the way in solutions.

This guide has shown you how—from simple daily swaps to community advocacy. You don’t need to be an environmental expert. You just need to start. Replace one plastic item today. Bring your own bag tomorrow. Attend a cleanup next weekend. Talk to your neighbor about it.

Every action ripples outward. When you choose a reusable bottle, you inspire your child. When your café stops using plastic straws, it encourages others to follow. When your neighborhood cleans its streets, the city takes notice.

Long Beach has the people, the resources, and the spirit to become a national model for plastic reduction. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being persistent. It’s about showing up—for your beach, your bay, your community, and your future.

Join the movement. Reduce plastic. Protect Long Beach.