Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Getting Takeout In LA? You'll Have To Ask For That Plastic Spoon
Single-use plastic utensils often wash up on beaches as litter.
(
Brian Yurasits/Unsplash
)
When you order takeout in the city of Los Angeles from now on, you will no longer received plastic forks, spoons or napkins unless you ask.
A new city ordinance, which went into effect Monday, also bans single-use utensil dispensers at businesses with more than 26 employees.
City Councilmember Paul Koretz pushed for the rule, saying it will reduce the city's carbon footprint.
"There are so many people that ordered take out and delivery, especially during the last year of the pandemic, and when they do they get all kinds of stuff that they don't need," Koretz said.
This type of waste is estimated to have increased by as much as 300% during the pandemic.
Koretz says withholding plastic utensils and condiments is a win-win because restaurants can save money and customers don't end up with a drawer full of stuff.
The rule expands to all food and beverage facilities in April.
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
