Planet Over Plastics

Planet over Plastics

Almost anything and everything can be made from plastics—unquestionably the world's most versatile material. But plastics are made up of synthetic chemicals that are wreaking havoc on our planet.

On June 16, 2022, the Mountain Village Town Council approved an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags and polystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam) takeout food containers and implementing a bag fee of $0.20. This ordinance goes into effect on January 1, 2023. This ordinance builds off the Town's 2019 resolution aimed to drastically reduce single-use plastics voluntarily, beginning with our local merchants, lodgers, restaurants and grocers. The ordinance brings the Town of Mountain Village closer to its ultimate zero waste goal.

In conjunction with the Mountain Village Green Team, the Planet Over Plastics Coalition has been formed to help our businesses make the transition away from single-use plastics.

Plant Over Plastics LEAD THE CHANGE

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Why Limit Plastic Consumption?

The Statistics

  • 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic has been produced since plastic was introduced in the 1950s. (1)
  • 91 percent of plastic isn't recycled. (2)
  • Plastic takes more than 400 years to degrade. (2)
  • 100 billion plastic bags are used by Americans every year. Tied together, they would reach around the Earth’s equator 773 times! (3)
  • There is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way. (4)
  • In 2018, microplastic fell in rain across the Rocky Mountains. (5)
  • If plastic production isn’t curbed, plastic pollution will outweigh fish pound for pound by 2050. (6)
  • $11 Billion spent annually to clean up the plastics in the United States. (6)

Ordinance Timeline

Effective Jan. 1, 2023:

  • Single-use plastic bags are banned at all retailers in Mountain Village.
  • Polystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam) takeout food containers are banned at all grocers and restaurants. This includes products like plates, bowls, cups, and clamshells.
  • A bag fee of $0.20 will be charged for all disposable carryout bags provided to customers at point of sale.
  • Disposable carryout bags are required to be 100% recycled content and 100% recyclable (i.e., no stickers).

Resources:

Want to do more?

Single-use plastics are being restricted throughout the world due to their severe and long-lasting negative impacts. Go a step further by practicing the steps below.

  • All single-use plastics should be given only upon customer request.
  • It is recommended that alternatives (paper straws, for instance) are also only given on customer request. This will minimize waste and cost impact during the transition phase.
  • With support from the coalition, businesses should begin to find alternative replacements for single-use plastic.
  • Direct customers to water bottle refill stations. The Town has three locations: Town Hall, Gondola Station 6: Market Plaza, and by elevator on Gondola Plaza in Mountain Village Center.
  • No single-use plastic (including plant-based) should be used.
  • Alternative and eco-preferred products are encouraged, such as biodegradable or reusable material.

Calculate your plastic footprint.

Other single-use plastics and their alternatives

Consider voluntarily replacing these plastic products with eco-preferred alternatives.

Plastic ProductBest AlternativesBetter Alternatives

Wrappers (candy, chips, etc.)

Bulk purchasing of food in reusable containers

N/A

Bottle Caps (Plastic)

Functional replacement with reusable bottles

“Connect the Cap” technical fix available

Beverage Bottles (Plastic)

Functional replacement with reusables

N/A

Bags (Plastic)

Functional replacement with reusable bags

Natural, bio-based shopping bags (paper)

Straws, Stirrers

Functional replacement with reusable straws/stirrers

Paper or wood straws/stirrers

Lids (Plastic)

Functional replacement with reusable cups

N/A

Utensils

Functional replacement with reusable utensils

Natural, bio-based biodegradable (compostable) utensils (bamboo/wood)

Take Out/Away Containers (Foam)

Functional replacement with reusable take-out containers.

Plant-based biodegradable (compostable) take-out containers

Take Out/Away Containers (Plastic)

Functional replacement with reusable containers

Plant-based biodegradable (compostable) take-out containers

Cups, Plates (Plastic)

Functional replacement with reusable cups

Plant-based biodegradable (compostable) cups

Cups, Plates (Foam)

Functional replacement with reusable cups

Plant-based biodegradable (compostable) cups

Balloons

Cultural alternatives to balloon releases

Plant-based biodegradable (compostable) alternatives