Waste subcommittee favors promoting reusable bottles over a ban

A Palm Springs Sustainability Commission subcommittee is leaning toward promoting reusable water bottles at events rather than banning single-use bottles, members said Tuesday at the group’s first meeting since June.

The Subcommittee on Waste Reduction has three goals: a standard against single-use bottles at city events, a “path to compliance” program to improve composting and recycling in multifamily housing, and a “resource smart” badge for short-term rentals.

Commissioners agreed that promoting alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles is a more practical approach than pursuing a ban, particularly because the city and commission are not prepared to enforce one.

They noted that outside groups often control how water is distributed at events, attendees rarely bring reusable bottles, and some seniors have difficulty holding cups offered as alternatives.

Metal water cans distributed by Desert Water Agency at the One PS picnic were cited as one possible solution, although their cost compared with plastic bottles remains unclear. The subcommittee has not yet developed a promotion plan.

For the short-term rental badge, members said they should begin talking with relevant organizations and make a list of them, including a group that represents short-term rental owners. They also plan to talk with Palm Springs Pride about collaborating.

Members said they would like a future agenda item featuring other cities that have adopted single-use plastic restrictions or badge programs, ideally with a presenter explaining how they work. The group agreed to keep the multifamily compliance goal on its list as a possibility.

In other news: Sustainability Director Jasmine Fields told the subcommittee that an Oct. 17 shredding event drew 594 vehicles, including 326 for shredding only and 268 for cleanup items. Desert Arc reported 6.75 tons of shredded paper. Fields said the city holds shredding events in April and October and plans to continue.

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