The Plastic Fight: Why Showing Up Matters

Last November, Irvine captured statewide attention for its decision to nix a proposed plastics ban despite overwhelming community support. As a longtime activist at the city hall, even I was surprised that the city council voted down the ordinance in its entirety. 

Derived from fossil fuels, plastic poses significant environmental challenges including environmental injustice. Exxon, being the No.1 contributor to single-use plastic waste generation, has actively lobbied against plastic legislation from DC to Sacramento. Noteworthy is Irvine's decisive move to divest from fossil fuel companies following a heated debate regarding Exxon at a city council meeting.  

A difference between the divestment decision and the plastics ban decision is the absence of the fossil fuel industry versus the conspicuous presence of the plastic industry and its allies.  

As an individual lacking the wealth and influence of industry lobbyists, I feel very lucky to know many individuals who continue to inspire me to show up at the city hall to push accountability. Persistent advocacy is all we can do. See what we’ve done in Orange County and at the state level during my advocacy for Irvine's plastics ban - though not as much as we should have achieved amid the escalating plastic crisis, we remain resilient. 2024 brings new hope with four bills aimed at some of the very issues Irvine tried to address. Together, we have the power to inspire change. 

On March 16, we’ll have an opportunity to share insights on our next steps. Thanks to Councilmember Kathleen Treseder for inviting us to co-host the Plastic Waste Reduction Town Hall. And we’re grateful to have Raj Thairani of Gutride Safier LLP representing the Sierra Club, Andrea De Vizcaya Ruiz PhD of UC Irvine, and Chris McGuire of Amis de la Terre Zero-Waste Market as panelists. Join us for a meaningful discussion in person or online.  

Hoiyin Ip is the co-chair of Sierra Club California Zero Waste Committee.