Last Updated
California has banned hotels from giving guests small plastic shampoo bottles under a new law.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that he had signed a law banning hotels from giving guests any plastic bottles filled with soap, shampoo or conditioner. The law will take effect in 2023 for hotels with more than 50 rooms and 2024 for hotels with less than 50 rooms.
The law follows similar actions that have already been taken by some of the world's top hotel chains. IHG, which owns Holiday Inn and other brands, said it will eliminate around 200 million small bottles by 2021. Marriott International said it plans to stop using plastic bottles in all of its hotel rooms by December 2020.
Violators of the new law could be fined $500 for a first offense and $2,000 for additional violations.
Last Year, Walt Disney Co. announced that it would be removing all small plastic shampoo bottles from its cruise ships and resorts.
California continues to lead the way on reducing the use of plastic in the United States. Grocery stores have been banned from handing out single use plastic bags without charging a fee. Another law was enacted recently that customers at restaurants will only receive a plastic straw upon request.
In September, the state of California tried to pass a bill that would ban the production or sale of any non-recyclable single-use packaging containers in the state by 2030.
The LA Times reported that the bills were blocked by industry lobbyists.
Looking to reduce your envrionmental impact while traveling? Check out our guide on how to build your own sustainable travel kit.
Source: The Associated Press
Have a travel related news story you want us to cover? Contact us
Follow us on Facebook below for all the latest travel news and tips!