Plastic Free Coastside Coalition

 
 

We are a group of community activists…

Working under the Sea Hugger umbrella to facilitate the implementation of plastic free practices in local businesses on the coast while developing a coalition of like minded organizations in San Mateo County. 

Join Us
 

Current Focus:

Helping Local Businesses Understand and Implement the HMB City and SM County Foodware Ordinances

Long Term Focus:

Bring Reusable Takeout Foodware Program to the coast

Did you know:

According to a community survey completed summer 2025:

  • 95% of coastside residents are concerned about plastics effect on the environment

  • 70% are concerned about plastics effect on their personal health

  • 70% said they would avoid shopping at a particular restaurant or store if a nearby, equivalent establishment offered plastic free options.

  • (and it is required in both San Mateo County and the City of HMB)

Plastic packaging affects human health:

  • Nearly half of all plastics manufactured today are single use items and packaging

  • Chemicals harmful to human health migrate from packaging into foods - especially at high temperatures.

  • Plastic packaging never disappears - it just breaks down Into smaller and smaller pieces called Microplastics. Microplastics have been found In our air, drinking water, ocean, streams and lakes, in the soil, in our food, and in the human heart, lungs, kidneys, placenta, blood, brain and more.

  • These chemicals and microplastics are associated with cell damage, chemical leaching, cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurological effects

  • See Beyond Plastics for more information on the effect on human health

Free technical assistance is available for businesses to switch away from plastics!

  • Get help finding products for your suitable for your business, and access a $300 grant to help you switch to reusables for dine in!

  • Email Dharma Bartram 707-408-1093 and let her know Sea Hugger sent you her way or contact foodware@smcgov.org or phone (888-442-2666)

For more information on the current ordinances:

For more information on Reuse:

Join us!