UCSB CALPIRG advocates for plastic-free 2028 LA Olympics

UC Santa Barbara’s chapter of California Public Interest Research Group is participating in a state-wide campaign calling for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games to eliminate single-use plastic from its venues. 

The campaign, titled “Don’t Waste the Games,” calls on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) organizers and food and beverage providers to eliminate single-use plastic cups, bottles and food containers in favor of alternatives. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of the games, which are expected to bring millions of visitors to Los Angeles. 

Second-year environmental studies major and UCSB California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) Chapter Chair Diana Ruvalcaba Nunez said the campaign began at UC Los Angeles before expanding into a state-wide effort. According to Ruvalcaba Nunez, all eight UC chapters are participating in the initiative. She explained the campaign was motivated by concerns over the amount of plastic waste that could be produced by the millions of expected attendees. 

During the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games, approximately 6,000 metric tons of waste were generated. Ruvalcaba Nunez expressed concerns over the amount of disposable plastic waste that could accumulate in landfills and potentially enter waterways — contributing to pollution along the California coastline. 

“If done right, we could actually set a model for sustainability moving forward,” Ruvalcaba Nunez said. 

The campaign is specifically pushing for eliminating single-use plastic at all Olympic venues, fan zones and dining areas within the Olympic Village, which will be hosted at UCLA.

CALPIRG is also advocating for the use of reusable cups and access to water refill stations. The group is requesting Olympic organizers to educate attendees about sustainability and include incentives in bringing reusable containers. Ruvalcaba Nunez referenced existing sustainability initiatives at venues, such as the Santa Barbara Bowl, as examples of how organizers can reduce their reliance on disposable plastic. 

According to Ruvalcaba Nunez, the UCSB chapter has been conducting their pledge drive and has already received 772 new dues-paying members. The fees students pledge go toward CALPIRG’s advocacy efforts by funding campaign materials, staff training and lobbying. Currently, the chapter has around 30 active members. 

“We can’t outspend them down to the dollar, but we can raise enough money to collectively organize and build people’s power to go up against that,” Ruvalcaba Nunez said.

CALPIRG aims to collect 10,000 petition signatures across all its chapters. Ruvalcaba Nunez estimated that the organization had gathered approximately 4,500 signatures during the campaign’s first two weeks. She highlighted that the UCSB chapter plans to go to a press conference on Dec. 1 alongside other UC campuses to present the public support collected for the campaign.

LA28 has begun making plans for sustainability in its venues; however, CALPIRG is pushing for it to do more. In August 2025, LA28 released an Impact and Sustainability Plan outlining several environmental commitments; it includes purchasing 100% renewable electricity for its venues and reusing or recycling at least 90% of materials used for temporary infrastructure. 

Ruvalcaba Nunez said one of the campaign’s biggest challenges will be securing cooperation with companies involved in the Olympics, specifically Coca-Cola — a longtime Olympic sponsor and the Games’ worldwide non-alcoholic beverage partner. 

“I believe that the most challenging aspect will be to get our oppositions on board with just actually taking the extra step to make the Olympics single-use plastic free,” Ruvalcaba Nunez said. 

A version of this article appeared on p. 5 of the Nov. 12 print edition of the Daily Nexus.