2024 4B
BANS
RESEARCH
RESULTS
MARKET
RESEARCH
GOALS
Help the City understand the potential fiscal impact of the proposed restrictions
Gauge how the restrictions will affect consumer purchases, as well as overall level of support
01 02
Economic Impact
Community Sentiments
● English & Spanish
● Audiences: Culver City residents and
businesses
● August - October, 2024
Online
Surveys
In-person
Surveys&
1068 surveys conducted
905 Residential | 163 Commercial
Citywide Online Survey
819,633 impressions
12,217 clicks
72 businesses contacted
36 in-person visits
4 virtual meetings
5 in-person & 9 phone
surveys/interviews
Citywide In-Person Survey
SINGLE USE
PLASTIC
BEVERAGE
BOTTLES
BOTTLES: CONSUMER PURCHASING
93% of residents buy drinks in single-use plastic bottles Surveys = 841 English Spanish All
Daily or weekly 29% 31%
Monthly 27% 16%
Rarely 37% 47%
Never 7% 6%
The majority of residents are buying water in SMALL BOTTLES (20 oz or less)
All
20 oz or smaller 62%
Mixed Sizes 23%
2 Liter 2.6%
1 Gallon 2.7%
5 Gallons 0.05%
1 Liter 10%
20 oz or
smaller
Mixed
1 Liter
BOTTLES: CONSUMER PURCHASING
GROCERY STORES are the
most popular place to buy
single-use plastic
beverage bottles
Grocery
Stores
Convenience
stores
Vending
machines
Online
retailers
Membership
warehouses
Cafes or
restaurants
All 76% 37% 11% 5% 30% 16%
BOTTLES: CONSUMER PURCHASING
47% would shop outside of Culver City
30% would buy drinks in glass, aluminum, or cardboard when available
14% would opt for reusable, refillable bottles or at-home water filtering
9% were unsure/undecided
POSSIBLE CONSUMER PURCHASING CHANGES
RESIDENT LIKELIHOOD TO SUPPORT THE BAN
● Environmental Benefits
Example Response: “Plastic is hurting us and our natural environment. It takes chemicals to make plastics which does not degrade. There are plenty of alternatives to plastic.” Example Response: “I want to do what's best for the environment.” ● Cleaner Spaces
Example Response: “Plastic bags, bottles, balloons, and cigarette butts are causing major problems with trash in this city.”
● Long-term Sustainability Progress
Example Response: “On a larger scale, bans like this could create pressure to drive innovation.” COMMON THEMES: RESIDENT SUPPORT FOR BOTTLE BAN
COMMON THEMES: RESIDENT CONCERNS FOR BOTTLE BAN
● Water Accessibility & Emergency Preparedness
Example Response: “We carry reusable water bottles daily, but there is still a need for one use water bottles, such as emergency/earthquake stockpile, extras in the car, etc.” Example Response: “I am a senior unable to lift heavy objects like a gallon water bottle.” ● Practicality and Convenience
Example Response: “I would be highly inconvenienced with the plastic bottle ban as many items I purchase for my home are in that category. I’ll likely go outside of the city or purchase products online.” ● Lack of Alternatives
Example Response: “There are no alternatives for certain beverages that are only offered in plastic so it would eliminate a lot of products offered in stores.”
Frequency of single-use plastic beverage bottles purchases
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLE RETAILERS
11% are considering offering alternative
products like drinks in glass bottles or
aluminum cans
62% currently sell alternative products
Alternatives to single-use plastic beverage bottles
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLE RETAILERS
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLE RETAILERS
Percentage of revenue from single-use plastic beverage bottles All Retailers
(N = 37)
Retailers that Offer Alternatives
(N = 23 of the 37 retailers)
Plastic Alts
Less than 10% 60% 52% 76%
More than 10% 40% 48% 24%
How Retailers Anticipate
the Ban will Impact their
Business
Retailers’ Likelihood to
Support the Ban
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLE RETAILERS
COMMON THEMES: RETAILER SUPPORT FOR BOTTLE BAN
● Minimal, but some support due to environmental benefits Example Response: “I’m fine with the bans if it helps the environment.” ● Financial Impact Concerns
Example Response: “There are no suitable alternatives. It will cost us more and give the customers a bad experience. It will also increase our costs when alternatives fail and we have to replace/remake items.” ● Accessibility Concerns
Example Response: “I am very unlikely to support the ban of single use plastic bottles as I provide water to my salon clients as required by State Board Regulations and I cannot lift the heavier 3-5 gallon bottles to have a water dispenser.”
● Widespread desire for the City to prioritize/address other issues ”
COMMON THEMES: RETAILER CONCERNS FOR BOTTLE BAN
BALLOONS
BALLOONS: CONSUMER PURCHASING
45% of residents buy balloons occasionally
Survey = 405 English Spanish All
Daily or weekly 0% 0%
Monthly 2% 6%
Rarely 42% 53%
Never 56% 41%
BIRTHDAYS are the main reason for purchase
All
English
(N = 386)
Spanish
(N = 19)
1 Birthdays 92% 92% 95%
2 Anniversaries 18% 18% 26%
3 Holidays 13% 13% 11%
4 Other Celebrations 18% 18% 0%
BALLOONS: CONSUMER PURCHASING
PARTY SUPPLY STORES are the preferred retailers
All
English
(N = 386)
Spanish
(N = 19)
1 Party supply stores 80% 79% 89%
2 Grocery stores 37% 37% 32%
3 Online retailers 14% 14% 16%
4 Balloon Specialty 12% 12% 16%
5 Other 10% 10% 5%
BALLOONS: CONSUMER PURCHASING
43% would shop outside of Culver City
37% would stop using all decorations, including balloons 10% would use paper decorations, flowers, or other alternatives for their celebrations
10% were unsure/undecided
POSSIBLE CONSUMER PURCHASING CHANGES
33% residents would host events elsewhere
POSSIBLE CONSUMER PURCHASING CHANGES
RESIDENT LIKELIHOOD TO SUPPORT THE BAN
● Lack of necessity for balloons
Example Response: “Balloons are frivolous.”
Example Response: “I don't think balloons are required for livings” ● Environmental Benefits
Example Response: “Balloons are a legitimate environmental hazard to wildlife.” Example Response: “I don't really mind either way, so I'm all for it if it's better for the environment.” COMMON THEMES: RESIDENT SUPPORT FOR BALLOON BAN
● Impact on experiences for children
Example Response: “Balloons are a source of so much joy for kids.” Example Response: “They are a part of childhood.”
● Losing a traditional part of joyful celebrations
Example Response: “Balloons are important part of my families celebrations and would be difficult to celebrate any occasion in our community, without balloons.”
● Perceived Non-issue
Example Response: “Since when have balloons become an issue for the City?” Example Response: “Astroturf and balloons aren’t common plastic problems.” COMMON THEMES: RESIDENT CONCERNS FOR BALLOON BAN
● Low-priority compared to other citywide issues
Example Response: “I’d much rather you focus your efforts on having cleaner public areas than worrying about balloons.”
Example Response: “There’s so many serious things going on. Why are we worrying about balloons?” COMMON THEMES: RESIDENT CONCERNS FOR BALLOON BAN
All Retailers
(N = 7)
Retailers that Offer Alternatives
(N = 4 of the 7)
Balloons Alts
Less than 5% 44% 75% 100%
5-10% 11% 25% 0%
10-20% 33% 0% 0%
20% or more 0% 0% 0%
BALLOON RETAILERS
Percentage of revenue from balloon sales
Those that do not aren’t currently considering offering alternative products like paper decorations
57% currently sell alternative products
BALLOON RETAILERS
BALLOON RETAILERS
Revenue from alternatives to balloons
% of Balloon
Alternative Retailers
Revenue from balloon alternative sales (% of total revenue) How Balloon
Retailers Anticipate
the Ban will Impact
their Business
Balloon Retailers’
Likelihood to
Support the Ban
BALLOON RETAILERS
● Financial impact on retailers and their customers
Example Response: “Would significantly impact decorators whose livelihood depend on creating beautiful and memorable events…typically women and minority-owned business.” Example Response: “An outright balloon ban would have unintended consequences for business like ours and on the community members who rely on affordable products to celebrate important life events.” ● General opposition & shock (e.g. “why would they do this???”) ● Financial impact on the City
Example Response: “In 2021 Party City remitted $275,000 to the city in sales tax, $298,000 in 2022, and $273,000 in 2023.”
COMMON THEMES: RETAILER CONCERNS FOR BALLOON BAN
OUTDOOR
SMOKING
RESIDENT LIKELIHOOD TO SUPPORT THE BAN
10% of all residents, or someone in their household, smoke outdoors
● Human Health
Example Response: “I wish that outdoor smoking was banned, period. It's a hazard to everyone's health… Having to inhale secondhand cigarette smoke impacts my allergies and affects my respiratory system . ” Example Response: “One smoker can adversely affect dozens of people.” ● Litter Reduction
Example Response: “A ban would help eliminate littering by people discarding their cigarette butts on the street.” Example Response “I see cigarette butts all over the streets and sidewalks.” ● Enjoyment of Public Spaces
Example Response: “I hate smell of smoking and less likely go to event or area where there was smoking.” COMMON THEMES: RESIDENTS SUPPORT FOR OUTDOOR SMOKING BAN ● Frustration over restrictions in open-air environments.
Example Response: “Smoking: I’m not a smoker but people have to smoke somewhere. This seems like overreach and impossible to enforce.”
● Safety & Practicality
Example Response: “Smoking indoors is dangerous and impractical… Unknown if children will be harmed by this ban.
Outdoors is safest when done responsibly. “
Example Response: “It sounds difficult to enforce and would only drive people to risky alternatives.” ● Perceived unfairness and concerns over personal choice Example Response: “Compassion for people addicted to nicotine seems important to me.” Example Response: “I never smoked, but it often seems like they're being discriminated against... Just keep the "perimeter rules" in place?”
COMMON THEMES: RESIDENTS CONCERNS FOR OUTDOOR SMOKING BAN
OUTDOOR SMOKING
20% of retailers are considering offering
alternative products like e-cigarettes or vape
pens.
50% currently sell alternative products
All Retailers
(N = 10)
Retailers that Offer Alternatives
(N = 5)
Cigarettes Alts
Less than 5% 20% 20% 40%
5-10% 40% 40% 60%
10-20% 20% 20% 0%
20% or more 20% 20% 0%
Percent of revenue from cigarettes
OUTDOOR SMOKING
How Cigarette Retailers
Anticipate the Ban will
Impact their Business
Cigarette Retailers’
Likelihood to Support the
Ban
OUTDOOR SMOKING
● Minimal, but some support due to environmental benefits Example Response: “I’m fine with the bans if it helps the environment” COMMON THEMES: RETAILERS SUPPORT FOR OUTDOOR SMOKING BAN ● Financial Impact vs Perceived Benefit
Example Response: “Banning cigarettes is useless considering we don’t ban marijuana or alcohol in the city. Bad for businesses and bad for adult consumers.”
● Freedom of choice
Example Response: “People have the right to choose. This is America.” COMMON THEMES: RETAILERS CONCERNS FOR OUTDOOR SMOKING BAN
ASTROTURF
12% of residents currently use Astroturf
3% are planning on using it in their home or garden
For Landscaping For Sports Surface For Indoor Decoration Other 98% 11% 5% 14%
ASTROTURF
27% of residents would use grass instead
21% were unsure/undecided
19% would use alternative landscaping like gravel, decomposed granite, dirt, or cement
9% would still use Astroturf
The remaining responses expressed general opposition to the ban, like “don’t ban it”
POSSIBLE CONSUMER PURCHASING CHANGES
RESIDENT LIKELIHOOD TO SUPPORT THE BAN
● Heat and Environmental Impact:
Example Response: “Astroturf is terrible for the environment on a mass scale. It also can reach extremely high temperatures that can be dangerous for kids or athletes playing on the turf.” Example Response: “After being in the sun for so long, Astroturf starts to flake and tiny bits of plastic end up everywhere outdoors. This would be way to control micro plastics that end up in our waterways, but making sure there are alternatives would be key.“
Example Response: “I used to be okay with Astroturf, but have come to realize that it's harmful because of the materials and process to install it. Wildlife gets no benefit from it. And it's HOT.” ● General Dislike for Astroturf
Example Response: “I hate astroturf, it's ugly, smelly and unnatural.” COMMON THEMES: RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT FOR ASTROTURF BAN
● Water Saving
Example Response: “Astroturf is better than grass for water conservation and offers an aesthetic alternative.” ● Durability and Functionality, particularly for pet-owners Example Response: “Astroturf is a viable option for owners of high activity pets. I use much less water and no pesticides as a result.”
Example Response: “I don't have astroturf but I hear it's a nice way to keep a yard for a dog without the water consumption or muddy mess of real grass.”
● Cost & Effort
Example Response: “I don’t think the astroturf one will go over well because people are already struggling financially and to make them redo their lawn to be astroturf seems unlikely.” Example Response: “Astroturf is good if you can't afford a gardener, or can't grow grass.” COMMON THEMES: RESIDENTIAL CONCERNS FOR ASTROTURF BAN
● Widespread confusion around environmental impact of Astroturf and water conservation best practices for landscaping
Example Response: “We are expected to conserve water which is required for traditional grass but are now being asked to potentially also not use astroturf/fake grass. I have young kids who need somewhere to play, it's not clear what we are supposed to be doing.”
Example Response: “I was surprised to see astroturf included in this list. I have not been aware of how it harms the environment.”
● Desire to know whether the ban will apply to already-installed astroturf, particularly at schools, like the Culver City High School’s athletic complex COMMON THEMES: RESIDENTIAL NEED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
ASTROTURF BANS
Those that do not aren’t currently considering
offering alternative landscaping options
65% currently sell alternative products
ASTROTURF
All Retailers
(N = 17)
Retailers that Offer Alternatives
(N = 11)
Astroturf Alternatives
Less than 5% 76% 100% 100%
5-10% 6% 0% 0%
10-20% 0% 0% 0%
20% or more 18% 0% 0%
Percent of revenue from astroturf
ASTROTURF
How Astroturf Retailers
Anticipate the Ban will
Impact their Business
Astroturf Retailers’
Likelihood to Support the
Ban
ASTROTURF
● Benefits of Astroturf
Example Response: “Leave astroturf alone, it saves water and I know that most companies have lab reports of those materials being pfa and lead free.”
● Cost of Alternatives
Example Response: “The alternatives are more expensive and cost will rise further and be out of control. People will just go to LA or Inglewood and spend money there.” Example Response: “In this economy, a potential astroturf ban will force people to make property cost go up.
Many people just don’t have the finances for this kind of change, even if the ban goes into effect in a year. ” COMMON THEMES: RETAILER CONCERNS FOR ASTROTURF BAN
SINGLE USE
PLASTIC BAGS
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
87% of residents buy or receive single-use plastic bags Surveys = 841 English Spanish All
Daily or weekly 34% 50% 35%
Monthly 15% 0% 14%
Rarely 38% 50% 38%
Never 14% 0% 14%
GROCERY STORES and FOOD
DELIVERIES are the most
common sources of single-
use plastic bags
Grocery
Stores
Takeout or Food
Delivery Retail stores Pharmacies Liquor Stores
All 60% 52% 31% 13% 7%
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
Among residents who buy or receive single-use plastic bags, most bring reusable bags OFTEN or ALWAYS
Surveys = 841 English Spanish All
Never 3% 0% 3%
Rarely or Sometimes 23% 25% 23%
Often or Always 74% 75% 74%
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
59% would use their own reusable bags
35% would use paper bags or whatever was available
5% would shop outside of Culver City
2% were unsure/undecided
POSSIBLE CONSUMER PURCHASING CHANGES
Resident Likelihood To Support The Ban
● Environmental Benefits
Example Response: “I hate balloons and plastic bags and plastic. They are all so terrible for the environment and people use them like it’s no big deal. ”
Example Response: “I want to do what's best for the environment.” ● Viewing bags as unnecessary
Example Response: “Single-use plastic bags are an unnecessary convenience. ” ● Social norms around reusable bags
Example Response: “By now, everyone should have a supply of recyclable bags or should be incentivized to reuse their existing stash of single use bags!”
COMMON THEMES: RESIDENT SUPPORT FOR BAG BAN
COMMON THEMES: RESIDENT CONCERNS FOR BAG BAN
● Convenience
Example Response: “When I go to the store on the way home that's not planned… I may need an additional bag at the store which causes me to have to purchase one in addition to using my reusable bags.” Example Response: “I buy a lot of groceries and having so many reusable bags requires a lot of washing them, and I don't think they are sanitary to hold purchases of raw meat/fish/poultry.” ● Perceived benefits of recycling
Example Response: “As we recycle all of our plastic bottles and reuse most of our plastic bags, we feel that banning them would be unreasonable overkill.”
● Reusing plastic bags as trash bags at home
Example Response: “I use plastic bags to line my home trash cans. I use plastic bags to pick up my dogs poop. I use plastic bags to put wet bathing suits on. I reuse my plastic bags. I'd do my grocery shopping in another city…”
Percent of revenue associated with the sale or use of single-use plastic bags (e.g. food delivery or takeout orders, retail sales) All Retailers
(N = 39)
Less than 5% 23%
5-10% 18%
10-20% 13%
20% or more 48%
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
5% are considering offering alternative
products like paper or reusable tote bags
53% currently offer alternative products
Alternatives to single-use plastic bags
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
How Retailers Anticipate the
Ban will Impact their Business
Retailers’ Likelihood to
Support the Ban
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
● Financial Impact Concerns - Cost of Alternatives
Example Response: “We use plastic bags for merch sales. Will the city reimburse higher costs for other bags?” Example Response: “Please do not ban plastic for restaurants-- we have no other affordable solutions, and we will all go out of business. “
● Desire for the City to prioritize/address other issues Example Response: “There are more important things to be concerned with than takeout bags and smoking.” COMMON THEMES: RETAILER CONCERNS FOR BAG BAN
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
RESIDENTIAL RESULTS OVERARCHING THEMES
These themes highlight a split between residents who prioritize environmental and health benefits and those who are concerned about the practicality, cost, and convenience of adapting to the proposed bans.
Dependency on Banned Items
Emergency Preparedness and Accessibility: Many residents depend on certain banned items, such as plastic water bottles, for essential needs like emergency preparedness and quick, affordable access to water. Similarly, restrictions on smoking areas raise accessibility concerns for residents who rely on designated spaces for smoking.
Economic Impacts and Encouragement to Shop Elsewhere
● Local Economic Impact: Some residents indicate they would likely shop in neighboring cities without such restrictions, potentially affecting local businesses and Culver City's economy. ● Perceived Lack of Viable Alternatives
● Availability and Practicality: Many residents feel there are insufficient or impractical alternatives to certain items, such as plastic bags and single-use bottles, which they believe are essential for daily convenience.
RESIDENTIAL RESULTS OVERARCHING THEMES
General Inconvenience
Daily Life Disruptions: The bans are viewed as adding inconvenience or inefficiencies to daily routines, especially for residents who would need to travel to other areas or make additional efforts to adapt.
Increased Costs for Residents
Financial Burden: Residents express concerns over the higher costs associated with alternatives and potential additional expenses from shopping elsewhere, making these bans financially burdensome for some.
Support for Reducing Plastic Use
Commitment to Sustainability: A strong segment of residents supports the bans for the opportunity to reduce single-use plastics, reflecting a collective desire to reduce environmental waste and unsustainable consumption patterns.
Environmental Protection
Environmental Advocacy: Many residents cite the detrimental effects of plastic on ecosystems, pollution, and long-term sustainability, underscoring environmental protection as a primary motivation for supporting the bans.
RESIDENTIAL RESULTS OVERARCHING THEMES
Health Concerns
Toxicity and Public Health: Health-related motivations are significant for some residents, with a focus on reducing exposure to potentially toxic materials and improving overall community health through reduced plastic and smoking.
COMMERCIAL RESULTS OVERARCHING THEMES
These themes reflect businesses' concerns about the economic impact, logistical feasibility, and customer satisfaction challenges posed by the bans, alongside a desire for more thoughtful, supportive implementation.
Financial Impact Concerns
● Increased Operational Costs: Businesses, particularly small ones, are concerned about the high costs associated with switching to alternatives, which may be significantly more expensive than the banned items.
● Customer Loss and Economic Impact: Many anticipate losing customers to neighboring cities without such restrictions, potentially reducing sales and impacting local revenue. ● Risk of Relocation: Some businesses fear that the increased costs and reduced customer base might ultimately force them to consider relocating to areas with less restrictive regulations.
Operational and Logistical Challenges
Supply Chain and Stocking Issues: Larger chains and franchises foresee logistical difficulties in sourcing and managing inventory with compliant alternatives, especially when products are normally supplied at scale across multiple locations.
COMMERCIAL RESULTS OVERARCHING THEMES
Preference for Gradual Implementation and Support
Phased Approach and City Assistance: Many businesses suggest that a gradual transition would allow them more time to adapt, and they express a desire for city support, such as financial assistance, resources, or incentives, to help manage the shift to alternatives.
Perception of Misplaced Priorities
Focus on Higher-Priority Issues: A number of businesses feel frustrated by the focus on these bans, which they see as less critical compared to other community challenges, and they advocate for city resources to address what they perceive as more pressing issues.
APPENDIX
OF SURVEY
OUTREACH
MATERIALS
SOCIAL MEDIA/EMAIL
IN-PERSON SURVEY
Improve
commercial
participation
1. Utilize existing contacts from Economic Development
2. Email retailers to schedule meetings
3. Conduct phone calls, virtual meetings, and/or in-person visits to conduct survey
4. Leave survey postcard or FAQ with QR code (if unable to reach business) Address data
gaps
(as needed)
1. Collect survey responses from businesses that haven’t taken the online survey
2. Collect additional qualitative data through open-ended conversation with store owners, managers, or relevant personnel
*Beverages in s ingle-us e plas tic bottles , balloons , cigarettes , and/or As troturf Ensure
accessibility &
reach
1. Visit businesses on varying days of the week and at times managers/owners are likely to be on-site and available (e.g. Tues - Thurs AM)
2. Collect contact details and follow-up with those who could not participate in person