LAX Bans Plastic Bottles

Plastic water bottles are noticeably absent from the shelves, offering a sustainable alternative for travellers.

In a significant change for the approximately 6.8 million passengers who pass through the checkpoints of Los Angeles International Airport every month, the habit of drinking water is set to undergo a transformation.

In a significant move towards sustainability, the airport has recently implemented a ban on the sale of single-use water bottles. This progressive decision aligns with the airport's commitment to reducing waste and achieving a net-zero status by 2045. However, bottles of water supplied on air-planes are not included in the project.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has emphasized the significance of addressing the climate crisis. In a statement, she highlighted the importance of taking action to reduce the environmental impact and safeguard the well-being and livelihoods of all citizens. Bass specifically mentioned the phased elimination of single-use plastic water bottles at LA World Airports facilities as a crucial step towards achieving these goals. Moreover, this type of water bottles has been banned at the non-commercial Van Nuys Airport, which falls under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles World Airports.

The recent initiative is aligned with the city's ambitious Green New Deal, a comprehensive program launched in 2019 aimed at propelling Los Angeles towards a low-carbon, green-energy future. The ultimate goal of this city-wide action is to reduce plastic waste, promote sustainable practices in the aviation industry and ultimately achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050.

All businesses operating at the two airports have commenced a transitional period that has been put in place to enable companies to fulfil or make necessary adjustments to their purchasing contracts, as they transition towards adopting more sustainable alternatives.

San Francisco International Airport made history in 2019 by becoming the world's first airport to ban the retailing of single-use water bottles. And now, Los Angeles follows its steps.

The bottles will soon become a thing of the past at vending machines, lounges, restaurants, and concessions in the bustling premises of LAX. However, as the airport authorities have taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition towards a more sustainable future, to facilitate this shift, an increased number of hydration stations will be added throughout the airport, making it easier for travellers to switch to reusable water bottles.

In a recent statement, Justin Erbacci, CEO at Los Angeles World Airports, has urged guests to actively contribute towards the airport's ambitious objective of eradicating plastic waste. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, Erbacci encouraged travellers to bring their own reusable water bottles and make use of the numerous hydration stations available throughout the airport. By adopting this eco-friendly approach, guests can play a significant role in helping the airport achieve its environmental goals.

In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, water bottles made from recyclable materials such as glass or aluminium are now readily available for purchase in order to minimize each traveller's environmental impact.

 

Source: eu.usatoday.com