Client Success Story
Lake Tahoe Community Eliminates Single-Use Plastic
With a deep commitment to sustainability, Lake Tahoe has taken a bold step to reduce plastic waste and protect its iconic landscapes. Recognizing the threat of single-use plastic pollution, South Lake Tahoe’s city council decided to ban single-use plastic water bottles at city facilities, events, and commercial vendors.
This positive change not only reduced waste but also set a new environmental standard. The ban highlights the community’s dedication to modeling sustainable choices, all of which aim to protect their pristine waters and natural surroundings
“With increased visitation to Lake Tahoe in recent years, we’re working to address the challenges that arise with so many people here in the basin, both as residents and visitors. By encouraging reusable products, like the water bottles we purchased through Fill it Forward, we stop litter at the source and reduce waste.”
Ryn Muat,
Communications & Community Outreach Manager
To drive this effort, the city launched the “Let’s Leave Less” campaign as part of their “Rules to Lake By” initiative. The campaign inspired residents and visitors to reduce waste and make environmentally conscious choices.
Sara Letton, South Lake Tahoe’s Sustainability Coordinator, shared, “We’re seeing close to 100% compliance among businesses.”
Lake Tahoe partnered with Fill it Forward to distribute 35,000 Cupanion Aluminum Bottles to residents and visitors, providing a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. Visit Lake Tahoe further supported the effort by ensuring 48 refill stations were installed around town at hotels and public spaces. Local businesses, hotels and restaurants supported the initiative by handing out the bottles and sharing Lake Tahoe’s mission.
In tandem with the bottle distribution, Lake Tahoe created a Private Group with Fill it Forward, tracking the collective impact of bottle refills. Each refill reduced waste and unlocked donations for The Sugar Pine Foundation, a local charity focused on preserving Tahoe’s forests. They will also be supporting Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, Clean Up The Lake, and Tahoe Rim Trail Association.
Lake Tahoe’s single-use plastic water bottle ban is one of the first in the U.S., inspiring communities like Truckee, CA, and Breckenridge, CO, to follow suit. By taking bold action and partnering with organizations like Fill it Forward, Lake Tahoe is leading the way in sustainability, setting an example for others to emulate.
Aiming to make an even bigger impact, Lake Tahoe sponsored Fill it Forward’s Zero Waste Challenge, rewarding its global app community of reusers for its efforts in reducing single-use plastic and reusing.
To Learn more about Visit Lake Tahoe’s sustainability efforts click here.
