This October, Long Beach shoppers are invited to combat the scariest monster of all — single-use plastic waste.
The third annual Bring Your Own (BYO) Month encourages residents to bring their own reusable items such as cups, straws and bags into participating stores to reduce the use of disposable plastics. BYO Month is meant to encourage residents to embrace simple, sustainable habits that over time make a big impact.
As an incentive, the Long Beach Reuses Coalition has created a stamp card that residents can fill up every time they bring their own reusables into a store or restaurant. The stamp card can be downloaded online or picked up at a participating business.
Ways to earn a stamp by reusing include:
- Bringing personal, reusable to-go containers when dining out
- Using a reusable cup, mug or water bottle when dining out
- Bringing a reusable straw
- Bringing your own set of utensils when dining out
- Bringing a reusable bag when shopping
Residents can also receive stamps for attending any of the nine events being held throughout the month, all focused on sustainability. BYO Month will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 30 with a free screening of the documentary “The Story of Plastic” at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Along with the screening, residents will learn about the Long Beach Reuses Coalition and their mission and advocacy efforts. Free tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.
Additional events throughout October include:
- Moore Institute Microplastics Lab Tour – Monday, Oct. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour of one of only two labs in the world accredited to test microplastics in drinking water, at 148 N. Marina Drive.
- Talking Trash with Dr. Win Cowger: From Pollution to Prevention – Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Dr. Cowger will share the lifecycle of plastics and the latest findings of the research lab at the Long Beach Sea Base (5875 E. Appian Way).
- Restoration Friday – Oct. 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Help to restore the native habitat of Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.) by picking up litter, watering plants and pulling invasive species.
- LB Fixit Clinic – Saturday, Oct. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. Work with volunteer coaches and learn how to fix items such as clothing, small appliances, bicycles, toys, jewelry and more at Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.).
- Beach Cleanup – Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Help to beautify Junipero Beach (2100 E. Ocean Blvd.) by cleaning up litter. Tools like grabbers, buckets and gloves will be provided, but attendees can also bring their own.
- Rainwater Harvesting Workshop – Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. Learn about the benefits of collecting rainwater for your garden and see reusable rainwater barrel options at 431 E. First St.
- Reusable Bag Making – Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Make your own reusable tote, grocery and produce bags at Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.) with this sewing workshop.
- 4th Street Farmers Market – Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 8 a.m. to noon. Bring your reusable bags to the 4th Street Farmers Market at 2000 E. Fourth St.
“Bring Your Own Month is a great opportunity for our community to come together to make a real impact,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “By choosing reusable alternatives and supporting local businesses that are doing the same, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable Long Beach.”
This initiative is being run by the Department of Public Works and the Long Beach Reuses Coalition.
Nearly 20 local businesses are participating:
- The Art Theatre
- Alder & Sage
- Benevolent Booch
- Black Ring Coffee Roasters
- Bring Your Own Long Beach
- Cassidy’s Corner Cafe LBX
- Coffee Parlor
- Colossus
- Confidential Coffee
- Ethikli Sustainable Market
- Fine Feather’s Kombucha
- Good Time
- Green Wisdom
- Long Beach Community Compost
- Miss Priss Cupcakes & Such
- Sheldrake Coffee Roasting
- Steel Cup Cafe
- Tiptoe Sustainability
- Twice Baked Gluten Free Baking Company
- Wrigley Coffee
“We are excited to bring the community together this October with no-cost events that inspire action around waste reduction and reuse,” said Eric Lopez, Director of Public Works, in a public statement. “Local businesses play a vital role in BYO Month and we’re proud to spotlight those that make it easier for community members who choose sustainable options every day.”
Follow @LBrecycles on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates, event announcements and business spotlights throughout BYO Month. Participants can use the hashtag #BYOMonth2025 across social platforms to engage with the community and see how their neighbors are celebrating BYO Month.
To learn more about the month and see all details and RSVP information for the special events, visit lbcity.info/BYOmonth.
