Hawai’i’s Plastic Policies

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time!

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time and the Hawaiian Islands, positioned in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, are particularly vulnerable. With its remote location and the influx of millions of tourists each year, Hawaiʻi has become an unintended recipient of vast amounts of plastic waste.

According to the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, an estimated 15-20 tons of marine trash wash up on Hawaiʻi’s shores annually, with 96% consisting of plastic. This waste poses a serious threat to the environment, as marine species and other wildlife unique to the islands often consume it. Plastic pollution contributes to the deaths of countless fish, seabirds, dolphins, and other marine life, including endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal and Hawaiian green sea turtle.

In response to this urgent issue, Hawaiʻi has enacted a series of groundbreaking laws and initiatives to reduce plastic waste and protect its fragile environment:

 

  • Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags: Enacted in 2015 through Honolulu’s Bill 40, this ban prohibits single-use plastic bags and requires  retailers to provide reusable alternatives or charge customers for paper bags.
  • Ban on Polystyrene Foam (Styrofoam): In 2020, Hawaiʻi implemented a ban on the sale and use of polystyrene foam containers and products, often used in take-out food containers, cups, and plates. Polystyrene foam is non-recyclable and breaks down into tiny, environmentally hazardous particles.
  • Statewide Ban on Plastic Straws: Introduced in 2021, this statewide ban prohibits single-use plastic straws in restaurants, food service establishments, and other commercial entities. It encourages the use of paper, compostable, or reusable alternatives to keep excess plastic out of our waters.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility : Hawaiʻi is also involved in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which hold manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. EPR aims to incentivize companies to design environmentally friendly products and support recycling initiatives, further reducing plastic waste.
  • Plastic Waste Reduction Act (Act 105 of 2021): This pivotal legislation promotes the use of alternative materials, enhances recycling efforts, and aims to reduce dependency on plastics. It also requires the Department of Health to implement educational outreach programs focused on waste reduction and recycling.

 

These policies are crucial for reducing waste across the islands. When combined with individual efforts, we can ensurethat we are doing our part to keep Hawaiʻi’s waters clean and trash-free for generations to come. For more tips, visit our Trash Reduction Resources page.

 

Sources: State of Hawaiʻi DLNR, KHON2, Wild Hawaiʻi

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Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time!