Rise Above PlasticsHawaii + California Chapters ConferenceSeptember 13, 2014

By Angela T. Howe, Esq.Legal Director

What is Rise Above Plastics?A strategic program with the mission to reduce the impacts of plastics in the marine environment by raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and by advocating for a reduction of single-use plastics and the recycling of all plastics.

Awareness/education

Advocacy/action

Let’s CELEBRATE Accomplishments!!From Maui County’s Foam Ban to California’s Single-Use Bag Legislation, Surfrider’s efforts are showing real results to reduce marine plastic pollution! Surfrider Foundation has racked up 76 RAP victories since 2008!

California Residents can ask Governor Brown to “seal the deal” with a signature on SB 270 before the end of the month

Check out Surfrider’s new action alert page: actnow.surfrider.org

Hawaii has had success with smoking bans and many expanded polystrene foam bans, including Kilauea, with hopefully Honolulu and even the state to follow!

Applaud Amazing Achievements a& Activists!

In June 2014, Manhattan Beach extended their existing ban on polystyrene products to include utensils, straws, cup lids, and foam coolers. They also officially banned outdoor smoking citywide! This was in addition to their 2008 ban on single-use plastic bags.

What’s Next?

Advocating Legislative Changes (Local and/or State)

Expanded Polystyrene Foam

Cigarette Butts Bottles Microbeads Straws

Education and Awareness Sharing Research (e.g. NOAA

Marine Debris Economics Study)

New Beach Clean Up Datacards

Sources of Support

• ChapterNet http://chapternet.surfrider.org – Program Assets/Resources Available

• Toolkit, graphics and more

– Discussion Forums– Chapter to Chapter resources

• Website http://www.surfrider.org/programs/entry/rise-above-plastics – Check out “Resources” tab

• Staff– Chapters Department: Ed, Stuart, Sarah, Nancy– Legal Department: Angela

Questions?• Roundtable Discussion

Coming Up!• Discussion – cutting edge new

campaigns– Best sources of support– More?