Single-use plastics are causing global problems — and plastic water and beverage bottles are major contributors. Every year billions of tons of plastic waste are landfilled, incinerated, or dumped in the ocean, where they leach pollutants into our water, air, soil, and food. Currently in the U.S., less than 8% of all discarded plastics are recycled. We need systemic change to reduce negative environmental and public health impacts.
To help address the crisis, USC has eliminated single-use plastic beverage bottles from campus. Since July 2022, our ban on single-use plastic beverage bottles has kept over 3 million bottles out of landfills. In support of the zero waste goal in Assignment: Earth, we have eliminated single-use plastic beverage bottles from campus by:
- Transitioning to beverage container alternatives including glass and aluminum which can be more sustainably sourced than plastic and have increased recyclability
- Encouraging the use of hydration stations, water coolers/dispensers, and water fountains instead of single-use plastic water bottles
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