March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Begins Zero Waste Campaign:

It is said the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. In Santa Monica, the journey to zero also begins with a single step. Indeed, by 2030, Santa Monica aims to be a zero waste city. A lofty plan, no doubt, yet City Hall hopes to instill the seeds of change now so the first steps can be taken in executing an ambitious vision.

If realized, the City hopes 95 percent of waste would be diverted away from landfill – and instead recycled or composted – by 2030. City Hall also hopes to reduce Santa Monica’s contribution of greenhouse gas by 50 percent by 2022 and, in the near future, increase by 20 percent the number of local jobs dedicated to recycling and waste prevention.

The grand vision was presented March 19 by City staff to Council members. Referred to as the Zero Waste Strategic Operations Plan, there are six goal areas City Hall will focus on in executing its vision: waste reduction; environmental benefits; economic benefits; city leadership; producer responsibility; and Culture Change.

Some specific short-term goals included diverting 80 percent of waste and reducing greenhouse gas contributions by 30 percent by 2015.

City staff identified several priorities in realizing the plan, including: policy decisions to be guided by community and environmental health; discarded materials will be managed in the following order or “hierarchy:” reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery; there can be no zero waste plan without incorporating economic and social benefits; City Hall should lead by example; create regional partnerships; educate the public and perform outreach to inform how zero waste is achievable; research and develop new technologies “to maximize diversion of discarded materials;” and develop the local market for recyclable and reusable materials to ensure sustainability.

Policies under the Zero Waste Strategic Operations Plan would be guided by options within six categories.

For example, meeting diversion requirements or enforcing the plastic bag ban would fall under “Mandatory” policies.

Zero waste policies would also be guided by collections, rate-setting, and programs supporting “re-design strategies to reduce the volume and toxicity of discarded products and materials” as well as promoting “low-impact or reduced consumption lifestyles.”

Just the same, City Hall would be looking to create policies and programs to address reuse, recycling and composting of end-of-life products and materials to ensure their highest and best use” while also ensuring “local and regional, existing and new, resource recovery facilities for processing recyclables, residuals, and other materials for beneficial use and energy recovery” are available and accessible to residents.

According to City Hall, Santa Monica disposed of 82,997 tons of materials to landfills or processed at waste-to-energy facilities in 2011. About 50 percent of that waste was sourced from commercial operations; 25 percent of that waste came from multi-unit residences, while only eight percent was sourced from single-family residents.

City staff is expected to solicit public input on the plan before bringing it back to the council for adoption.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...