Single-Use Plastic Bag Policy

This policy aims to reduce LMU Westchester’s environmental impact by decreasing the use of single-use plastic bags on campus. Recognizing the harm they cause to ecosystems and communities, the policy aligns with Los Angeles City Ordinances 182604 and 187716, which seek to eliminate single-use carryout bags citywide. Many universities, including UCLA and George Washington University, have already implemented similar measures. The policy will apply to all stores on campus, including those in food, retail, and hardware sectors. Existing contracts allowing plastic bags will remain unchanged, but future contracts will exclude the purchase of single-use plastic bags. This initiative supports broader efforts to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainability.

Policy Statement

2.1. Single Use Plastic Bag Policy description

Loyola Marymount University's Westchester campus will discontinue the use and sale of single-use plastic bags at all apparel stores, shops, and food & beverage facilities. This policy applies to vendors and shops under contract with LMU that operate on a semi-permanent or permanent basis. Current plastic bags will be used until supplies run out, and future orders will consist of either paper, recyclable paper, or reusable bags. After current plastic bag supplies are depleted, all campus vendors must distribute one of these three approved alternatives.

2.1. How the policy extends to the community of the university

The university community will continue its activities without interruption and can still purchase single-use plastic bags off-campus for personal use. This policy does not apply to LMU faculty, staff, or students in their personal actions, but it does govern the practices of permanent vendors on the Westchester campus. It may influence the actions of LMU faculty, staff, or students working with or collaborating with vendors, but their actions outside of this context will not be regulated by the policy.

2.2. Who should follow the ban

This policy applies to vendors with a permanent location on LMU Westchester campus. Vendors without a permanent structure, such as mobile food trucks, farmers market vendors, and student or faculty vendors, are not subject to this policy. Mobile food orders and package deliveries are also exempt due to the nature of their service. External vendors may not be aware of the plastic bag ban unless explicitly informed by the person placing the order. This exemption acknowledges the unique challenges of mobile food services while still supporting sustainability efforts elsewhere on campus.

2.2.1. When the ban applies

Upon publication of this policy, all Westchester campus vendors must create a plan to phase out plastic single-use carryout bags within six months. While current contracts with third-party or internal vendors will not be immediately affected, new contracts must align with the plastic bag ban once existing agreements expire. If a new order or contract contradicts the policy, vendors will be held accountable and subject to enforcement.