City of Goleta Receives Ocean Ecology Award

Santa Barbara, CA / For release September 22, 2023 — The City of Goleta was recognized for their leadership in reducing plastic waste with the Marine Watchdogs Ocean Ecology Award following the City's Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations.

A certified Blue City as of September 2023, the City of Goleta is committed to reducing the prevalence of single use plastics within the community.

"Plastics sit in the environment for decades or longer," said Dana Murray, the City of Goleta's sustainability manager, who made a brief video about the City's efforts. "It's a serious problem facing our planet."

14 million tons of plastic trash are added to the ocean every year.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, at least 14 million tons of plastic are added to the ocean every year.

"We view the current plastic cycle and the accumulation of plastic in the ocean as a potentially irreversible ecological disaster," said Marine Watchdogs Science Director Judah Sanders.

Presented to the Council Members at the September 19 City Council meeting, the Ocean Ecology Award is given to organizations that take a leadership role in eliminating unnecessary plastic waste.

"The City of Goleta is helping to reduce plastic trash locally, but also promoting awareness of the need to change our disposable plastic habits," said Sanders. "We hope other cities follow."

About Marine Watchdogs

Marine Watchdogs is a nonprofit environmental action company with the mission of protecting and preserving ocean ecosystems. More about us

The Ocean Ecology Award recognizes environmental leadership. (Download large image)

Left to right: Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards , Council Member James Kyriaco, Mayor Paula Perotte, Council Member Stuart Kasdin and Council Member Luz Reyes-Martín   (Download large image)