In 2015 California lawmakers approved a measure banning the sale of personal care products that contain plastic microbeads, such as facial scrubs, soaps and toothpaste. Companies producing products with microbeads will have until 2020 to phase them out.

Microbeads create pollution in the ocean, rivers and lakes. In addition, microbeads are not biodegradable and are harmful to fish and wildlife, if ingested.

Although Western is not currently having issues with microbeads, the District supports the state’s ban of microbeads in products in order to protect water quality.