USA. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has banned the use of single-use plastic water bottles at Los Angeles International and Van Nuys airports. The initiative marks another step towards achieving its ambitious sustainability goals of eliminating plastic and transitioning to zero waste in its facilities.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said: “The climate crisis is a great challenge facing our city, and phasing out single-use plastic water bottles at LAWA facilities is an important step to reducing our environmental footprint and protecting the health and livelihood of all Angelenos.
“I want to thank LAWA for serving as a leader among airports around the world working to achieve a more sustainable future.”
In June 2021, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners unanimously approved phasing out single-use plastic water bottles by 30 June 2023 as part of L.A.’s Green New Deal.
During the two-year phase-out period, airport retailers were allowed to use up their stocks of single-use plastic water bottles and modify purchasing contracts before switching to compliant products.
The new policy requires LAWA and businesses with lease or concession agreements at LAX and VNY to replace disposable plastic water bottles with containers made from eco-friendly alternatives, including recyclable aluminium or glass.
The policy also applies to vending machine providers and airport events.
Pre-packaged single-use plastic bottles of all sizes containing non-carbonated and unflavoured purified water, spring water, mineral water, artesian water, well water, tap water and electrolyte-
enhanced water are subject to the policy. The ban does not include bottled water served inflight.
In preparation for this, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power partnered with the airport operator to install additional water refilling stations throughout Los Angeles International Airport terminals. These are currently maintained by the LAWA Facilities Management Division and are inspected and repaired as part of a regular maintenance programme.
LAWA Chief Executive Officer Justin Erbacci said: “We encourage our guests to help us reach our goal of eliminating plastic waste at the airport by bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at one of our many hydration stations.
“Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles is essential to improving our environment and enhancing sustainability across our airports.”
Waste reduction and water management are among the key focus of LAWA’s Sustainability Action Plan. The strategy also includes plans for LAX and VNY to achieve net zero in the following areas by the year 2045: no potable water consumed for non-potable uses and zero carbon emissions from its airport operations.
The company is also committed to using 100% renewable electricity by 2045. ✈
