CC_01282025_Public_Comments_8d — Glendale City Council, January 28, 2025

January 26, 2025

The Honorable Mayor and City Council

City of Glendale CA

633 E. Broadway

Glendale CA 91206

RE: Agenda Item 8d: Management Services, re: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, Title 8 Chapter 8.42 To Amend and Restate the City's Adopted Prohibitions on the Use of Polystyrene Products and Single Use Plastics.

Dear Mayor and City Council:

We ask for your support of the amended ordinance and both motions. Moving from disposable to compostable and reusable foodware will reduce trash and support local restaurants.

The Glendale Environmental Coalition (GEC) would like to thank Glendale staff f or developing an excellent report
on polystyrene products and single
-
use plastics. The proposed phased
-
in approach, combined with the financial
and other assistance that is described, will facilitate businesses moving to a more sustainable business model p
redicated upon reuse versus disposal. This, in turn, should result in savings to businesses and reduce pressure upon landfills.

We commend staff for the extensive outreach undertaken upon Council direction, with local restaurants of all sizes. The quantity of establishments involved, the repeated connections and the depth of feedback and information shared is notable.

GEC offers comments on the following elements of the proposed amendment:

➢

Disposable Foodware Standards

1. Effective January 1, 2026, no to
-
go or delivery food or beverage facility may distribute disposable foodware that is not compostable or recyclable. 2. Effective January 1, 2027, no to -
go or delivery food or beverage facility
may distribute disposable fo
odware that is not compostable.
“Recyclable” foodware made of plastics is banned
effective on the same date.

GEC recommends adding the highlighted text: Plastic containers that are clean (empty) and dry are recycled
-

but this is almost never the case, so these containers are typically disposed as trash. When taken home, these containers add to the waste stream t
hat is managed by the City.

2. Reusable Foodware: This program may focus on providing financial assistance to help dine -
in restaurants and
cafes buy reusable foodware and utensils to replace single -
use disposable items. Staff recommends allocating up
to $50,000 per year for the incen
tive program with up to $500 available for 50 establishments per year for two

years after adopting the proposed regulations. Staff recommends that 80% of these funds be directed to purchasing reusable items for dine
-
in.

GEC recommends that the City investigate the feasibility of offering its assistance to establish a reusable foodware “purchasing cooperative” open to participation of restaurants/food vendors headquartered in Glendale. Each participant would be treated as
one customer, but would benefit from the larger
-
volume
or purchases made by all participants. Office Depot has offered a similar program to nonprofit organizations for many years. Multiple Great Lake states established a cooperative purchasing for products

made in the region, including motor oil and paper goods.

➢
Incentive Programs Options
–

Capital Improvement:

1. This program may focus on those businesses classified as small food and beverage providers to assist with the capital improvements to accommodate dishwashers. The program shall be open to food and beverage providers with less than 26 employees who are n
ot chains located in Glendale.

2. The City may develop a dishwasher rebate program modeled on the California Foodservice Instant Rebate program. In this program, customers can get valuable instant rebates on qualifying energy -
efficient dishwashers
for their businesses. The program may p
rovide businesses $750 to help them comply with this new ordinance.

The program shall be open to food and beverage providers with less than 26 employees who are not chains located in the City of Glendale.

GEC recommends that the City examine codes pertaining to space and other requirements for buildings.

Unless restaurants use third
-
party services for their reusable foodware, they need space and connections for dishwashers or multi
-
compartment sinks. In mal
ls, common dishwashing areas could be
considered. And space for on
-
site equipment that processes or pre
-
processes food waste (to
significantly reduce the volume and weight of the food waste, and trash and organics service and bills), would be financially b
eneficial to the businesses. The equipment could be shared by multiple restaurants; this is especially relevant for malls and airports. By providing reusable foodware, restaurants can brand themselves as “green.”

➢
Compliant Product Lists: The City will post a list of compliant disposable foodware on the City's Office of Sustainability website. City staff shall update the list as frequently as necessary to include compliant foodware; however, the list shall be update
d at least annually. For 2 years, the City may hire an expert consultant to help businesses evaluate their processes, provide reuse recommendations, and assist in identifying appropriate foodware alternatives or equipment recommendations.

GEC appreciates the benefits of aligning compliance dates with Burbank’s. GEC suggests that Glendale utilize the
City of Los Angeles’ Product Alternatives Guide for Single -
Use Expanded Polystyrene
-
EPS

rather than developing its own. This would avoid the expenditure of funds for a consultant and allow more staff time for direct assistance.

➢

NEW:

AB 619 (Chiu) as a cost
-
savings mechanism for restaurants.

AB 619 makes it clear to restaurants that they may serve beverages and good in reusable, clean containers provided by their customers; it’s the restaurant's choice. This also applies to temporary food facilities at community events. AB 619 is one of the si
mplest methods for restaurants to save money by
not

providing every
container.

GEC believes that outreach and assistance to restaurants should always include AB 619
.

Thank you for this opportunity to submit comments and for your consideration of this important ordinance amendment.

Sincerely,

Glendale Environmental Coalition Board

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From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: in SUPPORT of Motions to reduce single use plastics Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:21:16 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:21 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Adjemian, Aram <[email protected]>; Cortes, Karen <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: in SUPPORT of Motions to reduce single use plastics

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Dear Mayor Asatryan and Council Members,

I am writing in support of proposed amendments to the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance, agenda item 8D, to be reviewed at the City Council meeting on January 28.

I believe that the measures included in an updated ordinance will help make our Jewel City a more beautiful, sustainable, and environmental place to live.

Kind regards,

Mark H. Corden, MD, CM
Attending Physician, Division of Hospital Medicine
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator) Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (o) 323-361-6177 | (c) 301-385-4144

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From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Please support the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:23:17 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:23 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Adjemian, Aram <[email protected]>; Cortes, Karen <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Please support the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance

Vladimir Soghomonyan | Executive Assistant
Management Services
613 E. Broadway, Room 200, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-3343
[email protected] | GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us! -----Original Message-----
From: Till Nowak <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2025 4:41 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]
>
Subject: Please support the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance [Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender.

Dear Mayor Asatryan and dear Council Members,
as a Citizen of Glendale I am writing to you to strongly emphasize the importance of supporting the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance. The excessive use of single-use plastic has long been a depressing reality and is one of the worst examples of a wasteful lifestyle, especially because most of the time using single-use plastic is not a necessity or something difficult to replace, it's simply about convenience, laziness or pure negligence. To produce and discard plastic the way it's done everywhere around us is a harmful absurdity, so I am thankful and amazed to see the Ordinance as a chance to change that. I can't urge you enough to support it! Let's make Glendale once more an example for a sustainable and intelligent lifestyle. It would make me proud as a Citizen of Glendale! Thank you,
Till Nowak
from Adams Hill
+1 - 310 - 804.0540

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Please vote "yes" on agenda item 8d
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:23:05 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:22 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Adjemian, Aram <[email protected]>; Cortes, Karen <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Please vote "yes" on agenda item 8d

Vladimir Soghomonyan | Executive Assistant
Management Services
613 E. Broadway, Room 200, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-3343
[email protected] | GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us! -----Original Message-----
From: King Reilly <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2025 5:54 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]
>
Subject: Please vote "yes" on agenda item 8d
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Dear Mayor & Council,
Please vote "yes" on agenda item 8d, which promotes reusable, recyclable & compostable foodware. I actively look for restaurants which use such foodware.

I live in your sister area of Los Feliz.

William King Reilly
2227 Observatory Ave., Los Feliz, CA 90027

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Vote YES on Item 8D, 1/28/25
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:22:48 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Vladimir Soghomonyan | Executive Assistant
Management Services
613 E. Broadway, Room 200, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-3343
[email protected] | GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us! -----Original Message-----
From: diana matsushima <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2025 8:47 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]
>
Subject: Vote YES on Item 8D, 1/28/25
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Dear Mayor Asatryan and City Council members and staff, I urge you to vote Yes on Item 8D, that amends and restates the City's Adopted Prohibitions on the Use of Polystyrene Products and Single Use Plastics. It's important that all three related items are approved: 1) introducing the revised ordinance, 2) developing incentive programs and 3) engaging the service of a consultant to provide education and support. As you know, single-use plastics litter our streets, parks, and school campuses and it's expensive to manage this waste. litter cleanup, hauling fees, etc., Better to spend the money on preventing the waste before it needs to be cleaned up. Respectfully yours,
Diana S. Matsushima

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From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Vote Yes on Item 8D
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:22:55 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:22 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Adjemian, Aram <[email protected]>; Cortes, Karen <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Vote Yes on Item 8D

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Dear Mayor Ellen and City Council Members

As a Glendale resident, I urge you to vote in favour of reusable, recyclable and compostable food ware in Glendale, i.e. item 8D on the agenda for the meeting on 28 Jan 2025.

I would request all city council members to vote yes on introducing the revised ordinance, developing incentive programs and engaging the services of a consultant to provide continued education and support to organisations impacted by the Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations ordinance.

Thank you
Khushnam Joshi
91203

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From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Waste Reduction Ordinance
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:21:42 PM
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image001.png

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Dear Mayor Asatryan and Council Members,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed Waste Reduction Ordinance and urge you to vote “Yes” on introducing the revised ordinance and developing incentive programs for business to reduce waste and eliminate harmful products from our environment. I also support the city in engaging a consultant to educate and support organizations on the benefits of waste reduction and use of compostable products.

Thank you for your work and commitment to creating a healthier community for all.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Moss
V.P. and C.O.O.

T: 818.551.1932 Ext. 113
M: 818.636.8910
F: 818.844.8381
505 N. Brand Blvd.

Suite 1000
Glendale, CA 91203
pegasushomecare.com

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: YES on Item 8D - Ordinance to reduce plastic waste Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:22:59 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:22 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Adjemian, Aram <[email protected]>; Cortes, Karen <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: YES on Item 8D - Ordinance to reduce plastic waste

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Dear Councilman and women of Glendale,

My name is Diana da Costa and I have been a resident of Glendale since 2020. I am writing to express my support for the ordinance that reduces plastic waste and usage. By approving this ordinance, we are hopeful to see progress in terms of reducing our carbon footprint in the environment and align with our neighbors in Burbank.

Amid the catastrophic fires that raged at our neighbors in Altadena this month, it is imperative that Glendale must step up its efforts to reduce plastic waste. I urge Glendale's councilman, councilwomen and mayor Asatryan to approve this ordinance.

Thank you,
Diana da Costa

From: Abajian, Suzie
To: Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Yes on single use plastic ordinance
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:21:34 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

Suzie Abajian | City Clerk
City Clerk
613 E. Broadway, Room 110, Glendale, CA 91206
P: +1 (818) 548-2090
[email protected] |
GlendaleCA.gov | Follow us!
From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 27, 2025 5:20 PM
To: Abajian, Suzie <[email protected]>; Adjemian, Aram <[email protected]>; Cortes, Karen <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Yes on single use plastic ordinance

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Hi,

Just a note confirming my support of the expansion of the single use plastic ordinance.

Our landfills are overflowing with plastic and our bodies are filling with microplastics.

We need to get plastics out of our trash stream and our food supply. Reducing single use plastic waste is a great way to accomplish both of these goals.

Thanks!
Burt Culver
Montrose, CA

From: Hank Schlinger
To: City Council
Subject: Yes on 8D!
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 10:50:31 AM
Attachments: attachment.tiff
hschling_nametag.png
I am strongly urging the city council to vote yes on item 8D and promote reusable, recyclable, and compostable foodware as described in the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance.

It's not too late to try to turn this problem around, although the clock is ticking closer to disaster.

Thank you,
Dr. Hank Schlinger
Henry D. Schlinger, Jr., Ph.D.
1755 W. Mountain St.

Glendale, CA 91201
Author of :

Follow me on Instagram

Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir
To: Abajian, Suzie; Adjemian, Aram; Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Please show us you care about us and our future in the city of Glendale Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 8:25:00 AM
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Please don't fall behind and not care about the residents of Glendale.

PLEASE VOTE YES ON: (1) introducing the revised ordinance, (2) developing incentive programs and (3) engaging the services of a consultant to provide continued education and support to organizations impacted by the Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations ordinance.

Joanna Hovland, Glendale resident for 55+ years
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From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir
To: Abajian, Suzie; Adjemian, Aram; Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Proposed amendments to the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 8:24:23 AM
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Hello,

I am writing in support of the proposed amendments to the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance,
(1) introducing the revised ordinance to the businesses that will be affected, (2) developing incentive programs and (3) engaging the services of a consultant to provide continued education and support to organizations impacted by the Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations ordinance.

I love this planet I share with all of you and think it is in the best interest of the community to support changes that will improve our environment and our health. I hope the Council considers the long sighted view being mindful of future generations. I am extremely disappointed in and stand opposed to the Federal Government's focus on extraction of resources at the expense of the environment and often causing harm to indigenous communities first and then all of us in the long run.The administration's lack of acknowledgement of the clear science on climate change is dangerous and irresponsible. The way they ignore people's lived experience with severe natural disasters unparalleled in history from Puerto Rico with Hurricane Maria to Lahiana, Maui and most recently right here in a neighboring community and in other areas across SoCal is a slap in the face to millions of average Americans. Their dismissal of science in general should be of deep concern to everyone. I sincerely hope locally the Council will set a better example of stewardship of our planet and make decisions that protect the planet and people instead of harming them.

Here are the reasons I hope the proposed amendments to the Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance are approved:
· Plastic pollution (and the associated proliferation of micro plastics in the environment) is an urgent global crisis that affects our bodies, our waterways, our soil, our food, even the air we breathe.
· The vast majority of plastic is derived from fossil fuels. Its production, transportation, and disposal all generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to global warming.
· SIngle-use plastic litters our streets, parks and school campuses and pollutes our waste streams, causing headaches for composting and recycling facilities. · Managing this waste also hits our pocketbooks. The city and, by extension, Glendale taxpayers, pay a great deal to manage this waste (litter cleanup, hauling fees, and potential hefty impact fees that can be levied on municipalities, by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, for example.
· A shocking 44% of plastic litter in the ocean is composed of takeout food and drink containers, according to this survey published in the journal Nature Sustainability.

I understand that regulations like this have impacts on businesses and appreciate that there is support, both practical and financial built into the plan moving forward. This will ensure that the changes can be made in ways that allow time to adapt and build scaffolding for success.

Once more, I encourage each member of the City Council to vote in support of the proposed amendments to the plastic waste reduction act.

Thank you,

Alison Brett

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From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir
To: Abajian, Suzie; Adjemian, Aram; Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Single use plastic ordinance
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 8:24:44 AM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

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Hello,
I am writing to encourage you to vote yes on item 8d, ending single use plastic in take m- out and dining establishments. The amount of plastic in our waste stream is overwhelming with not enough of it actually getting recycled, much of it ends up as litter, in landfills where it will never degrade, or in our oceans. It is also produced from fossil fuels contributing to significant greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. We see firsthand now the effects of our climate crisis with the recent wildfires. There are so many options for compostable food containers and straws, there is no reason for them not to be used. And if restaurants are concerned with an added cost associated with using renewable resources, I encourage them to consider that they are losing conscientious customers due to using single use plastic. When I go to a food establishment with on site dining that does not use reusable, washable plates, table and drinkware, regardless of how much I like the food, I will not return. This has happened many times. Likewise I am much less likely to order from restaurants that have excessive plastic or worse, styrofoam take out containers. I would rather support businesses doing their part for the environment and I am willing to pay more for that as a customer. Neighboring cities are making similar ordinances and Glendale is falling behind. We can do better to protect the future of our beautiful city.

Thank you,
Diana Fishman,
Concerned resident of the Glenwood area of Glendale

Diana Fishman, ACE
Editor • Running Point
lemurvillage.com

From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir
To: Abajian, Suzie; Adjemian, Aram; Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Support for Proposed Amendments to Glendale"s Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance (Item 8D) Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 9:05:22 AM
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Dear Mayor Asatryan and Esteemed Council Members,

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed amendments to Glendale's Plastic Waste Reduction Ordinance, including Motion 1 for financial assistance and Motion 2 for continued education and support.

These thoughtful amendments will help our city take meaningful action against plastic pollution while providing crucial support to affected businesses.

The proposed timeline for implementation is both ambitious and achievable:

Requiring fiber-based compostable straws, stirrers, and utensils by July 2025
Mandating compostable or recyclable to-go foodware by January 2026, transitioning to fully compostable by January 2027 Implementing reusable foodware requirements for large facilities by January 2026 and all dining facilities by July 2026
These changes are urgently needed. Recent studies have shown that 44% of ocean plastic pollution comes from takeout food and drink containers alone and with part of the Los Angeles River passing through our City, we must remain responsible stewards of this vital resource that empties directly into the Pacific Ocean.

Plastic pollution affects every aspect of our lives – from the water we drink to the air we breathe – while contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions through its production, transportation, and disposal.

I particularly commend the Council's consideration of Motion 1, which would allocate up to $150,000 annually to help businesses transition through product incentives and capital improvements. This demonstrates our city's commitment to supporting local businesses while advancing environmental protection. Similarly, Motion 2's provision for expert consultation and education will be crucial for successful implementation.

The financial impact of managing plastic waste affects all Glendale taxpayers through cleanup costs, hauling fees, and potential regulatory penalties. By taking action now, we can reduce these costs while aligning with neighboring Burbank's ordinance and positioning Glendale as a regional leader in sustainability.

I applaud the thorough outreach conducted by Sustainability Officer David Jones, City staff, and ReCreate Waste Collaborative in preparing these amendments. Their engagement with the restaurant community shows a commitment to creating practical, effective solutions.

I strongly urge you to vote YES on:

1. Introducing the revised ordinance

2. Developing the proposed incentive programs

3. Engaging consultant services for continued education and support

This comprehensive approach will allow Glendale residents to support local restaurants while knowing we're protecting our environment for future generations.

Thank you for your consideration of this crucial initiative.

Sincerely,
rr

Rae Ridgway
Instructor of Geology & Oceanography
Physical Sciences Division
Tel: (818) 240-1000, Ext.5768
www.glendale.edu

Do you want to learn more about the classes I teach? Check out my liquid syllabus: sites.google.com/view/oceanrocks/home
Do you want to learn more about GCC's Team Internships? Check out the website: glendale.edu/teaminternships

Do you want resources for Contextualized Teaching & Learning? Enroll in the Canvas shell: gcc.instructure.com/enroll/CN9L7F It's easy to get on my calendar: Call/text: (657) 667-3423 or Book a time: https://calendly.com/oceanrocks/

Book time to meet with me

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From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir
To: Abajian, Suzie; Adjemian, Aram; Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Plastic Waste Reduction Regulation
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 2:39:01 PM
Attachments: glendaleca_logo.png

CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links, open attachments, or reply if you are unsure as to the sender. Good afternoon,

I just wanted to express my support for the Plastic Waste Reduction Regulation. This is a good thing for the city. Let's put the environment first!

WHY DOES REDUCING SINGLE USE PLASTIC MATTER?
Plastic pollution (and the associated proliferation of micro plastics in the environment) is an urgent global crisis that affects our bodies, our waterways, our soil, our food, even the air we breathe.

The vast majority of plastic is derived from fossil fuels. Its production, transportation, and disposal all generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to global warming.

SIngle-use plastic litters our streets, parks and school campuses and pollutes our waste streams, causing headaches for composting and recycling facilities.

Managing this waste also hits our pocketbooks. The city and, by extension, Glendale taxpayers, pay a great deal to manage this waste (litter cleanup, hauling fees, and potential hefty impact fees that can be levied on municipalities, by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, for example.

A shocking 44% of plastic litter in the ocean is composed of takeout food and drink containers, according to this surveypublished in the journal Nature Sustainability.

Appreciatively,
Allyson McCullagh
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From: Soghomonyan, Vladimir
To: Abajian, Suzie; Adjemian, Aram; Cortes, Karen
Subject: FW: Item 8D/ January 28 Council meeting
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 10:45:50 AM
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Dear Mayor Asatryan, dear Council members,

as your voter and a resident of Glendale I kindly ask you to please vote Yes on item 8D at tonight's City Council meeting.

It is very important we all do whatever we can to protect our environment and the City Council as our elected representatives should lead the way.

Thank you so much in advance for your consideration and commitment to improve our environment.

Sincerely,

Kristina Kunikova

January 27, 2025 City Council Members City of Glendale 613 E. Broadway Glendale, CA 91206 Subject: Comments on Ordinance to Reduce Plastic Waste Dear Mayor and City Council Members, Introduction Thank you for taking the time to consider my comments on the proposed ordinance to amend the

Glendale

Municipal

Code,

which

aims

reduce

plastic

waste,

promote

sustainability,

and

protect

public

health.

appreciate

your

leadership

this

critical

issue

and

your

commitment

fostering

healthier,

environmentally

conscious

community.

A Deep Connection to Glendale For 15 years, I had the privilege of practicing clinical medicine in South Glendale, while I served as

Co-Director

the

Glendale

Adventist

Family

Medicine

Residency

Program,

Physician

Executive

Glendale

Adventist

Medical

Center,

and

the

Medical

Director

the

Glendale

Adventist

Alcohol

and

Drug

Services.

Working

closely

with

Glendale’s

diverse,

multicultural

communities

gave

firsthand

insight

into

the

challenges

many

residents

face,

particularly

those

from

immigrant

families

and

underserved

populations.

My professional and personal experiences in Glendale have instilled a deep commitment to advancing

public

health

and

environmental

sustainability.

former

mayor

and

councilmember

South

Pasadena,

also

understand

the

complexities

implementing

policies

that

balance

ambitious

goals

with

practical

solutions.

The Urgency of Action Recent studies reveal alarming evidence about the proliferation of microplastics in our environment

and

their

infiltration

into

human

bodies.

These

plastics,

including

polyester

and

polystyrene,

act

endocrine

disruptors,

mimicking

estrogens

and

causing

significant

health

risks,

including

thyroid

dysfunction,

impaired

fertility,

and

increased

rates

cancers

such

testicular

cancer.

Microplastics

have

been

detected

human

bloodstreams,

breast

milk,

and

even

brain

tissues.

For those who wish to explore the scientific research and health impacts of these materials in greater

detail,

have

included

detailed

summary

attachment

this

letter.

Economic and Social Equity Concerns While this ordinance has the potential to position Glendale as a leader in sustainability, it is crucial

ensure

that

its

implementation

does

not

disproportionately

burden

small

businesses,

particularly

those

owned

immigrants

operating

narrow

margins.

Many

businesses

face

challenges

such

language

barriers,

limited

capital

for

equipment

upgrades,

and

the

higher

costs

compliant

alternatives.

Recommendations: • Expand Incentives: I commend the proposed $150,000 allocation for incentives but urge the Council

consider

increasing

funding

for

capital

improvements,

such

energy-efficient

dishwashers,

and

direct

additional

support

small,

independent

establishments.
• Targeted Education: Retaining a consultant to provide multilingual education, workshops, and

technical

support

will

vital.

Glendale’s

diverse

community

requires

culturally

sensitive

outreach

ensure

that

all

businesses

understand

and

comply

with

the

ordinance

without

confusion

fear.
• Phase-In Timelines: The phased approach outlined in the ordinance provides a practical path

for

implementation.

However,

encourage

the

City

monitor

the

socioeconomic

impacts

each

phase

and

adjust

timelines

necessary

avoid

undue

hardships.

Community-Wide Benefits The ordinance reflects a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to reducing plastic waste, including:

1. Prohibitions on single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and utensils by July 1, 2025. 2. Requirements for recyclable or compostable foodware for to-go items by January 1,

2026.

3. Mandates for reusable foodware in dine-in establishments, starting with larger facilities

2026.

These measures will enhance Glendale’s reputation as a forward-thinking city, committed to health,

sustainability,

and

equity.

Partnerships

with

programs

GoGreen

Financing

and

SoCal

Gas

for

energy

efficiency

upgrades

further

demonstrate

the

potential

for

businesses

thrive

economically

while

adapting

these

changes.

A Call to Lead with Compassion and Collaboration I urge the Council to adopt this ordinance while committing to a collaborative implementation strategy

that

ensures

support

for

small

businesses

and

the

diverse

communities

that

call

Glendale

home.

leading

this

issue,

Glendale

can

set

powerful

example

how

environmental

leadership

can

align

with

economic

and

social

equity.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further or provide

additional

input.

Sincerely, Marina Khubesrian, MD Physician | Public Health Policy Advocate Former Mayor and Councilmember, City of South Pasadena Attachment: Health Impacts of Plastics, Including Polyester and Polystyrene Introduction: Understanding Plastics and Their Components Plastics, ubiquitous in modern life, are primarily composed of synthetic polymers such as polyester

and

polystyrene.

These

materials

are

used

extensively

single-use

products

packaging,

food

containers,

and

disposable

utensils.

While

convenient,

they

pose

serious

environmental

and

public

health

risks.

Polyester is a common component in synthetic textiles and microfibers that shed into the environment,

while

polystyrene

widely

used

foam

products,

cups,

and

food

containers.

Both

materials

degrade

into

microplastics,

which

persist

the

environment

and

enter

the

human

body,

causing

widespread

health

concerns.

This summary highlights the health risks associated with these plastics and underscores the urgency

reducing

their

prevalence

our

waste

stream.

1. Endocrine Disruption • Chemicals released by polyester and polystyrene (e.g., phthalates, styrene) mimic estrogens

and

act

endocrine

disruptors.
• Effects include: • Thyroid dysfunction: Impaired metabolism, mood, and energy levels. • Fertility issues: Reduced sperm quality, testicular cancer, and menstrual irregularities. • Hormonal imbalances: Contributing to conditions like PCOS and metabolic disorders. 2. Cancer Risks • Styrene, a component of polystyrene, is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC.
• Microplastics exacerbate inflammation and oxidative stress, which are pathways to carcinogenesis.
• Associations with increased risks of cancers, including testicular, breast, and colorectal cancers.

3. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Effects • Inhalation of microplastics: Linked to chronic inflammation in the lungs, asthma, and fibrosis.
• Microplastics in the bloodstream: May contribute to: • Cardiovascular inflammation. • Atherosclerosis and other heart conditions. 4. Systemic Impacts of Microplastic Exposure • Microplastics have been detected in: • Human blood: Suggesting systemic exposure. • Placenta and breast milk: Potential risks to fetal and infant development. • Gut microbiome: Linked to intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis. 5. Environmental and Public Health Implications • Microplastics from polyester and polystyrene are persistent in the environment, contaminating

air,

water,

and

food.
• Accumulation in ecosystems and humans underscores the urgent need for mitigation strategies.

Glendale City CouncilJanuary 28, 2025

Glendale City Council
January 28, 2025