As a mountain town dependent on snowpack, thriving outdoor recreation, and tourism-based economy, the Town of Crested Butte community views climate change as one of the most important issues we face today. The Crested Butte Town Council set a 5-year goal in 2018 to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Town’s operations by 50% and reduce community GHG emissions by 25%, versus 2017 levels to face this challenge.
Contact Information
Dannah Leeman Gore, Sustainability Coordinator
Climate Action Plan: The Town began developing its 2030 Climate Action Plan in 2024. This new plan outlines goals and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Sustainability Cash-Back Programs: These programs offer cash-back for electrification and waste reduction at events. Incentives include electric equipment and EV chargers.
GreenDeed Program: This program funds energy assessments and upgrades for deed-restricted homes. In 2024, funding expanded to support more energy-saving projects.
Readiness for Electric Vehicles (REV) Plan: The REV Plan supports growing EV use in the Gunnison Valley. It builds regional readiness and flexibility for a changing EV market.
Plastic Pollution
Crested Butte is proud to be a leader in reducing plastic waste. Our community has had a plastic bag ban in place since 2018—and now statewide legislation is helping extend those efforts across Colorado. Here’s what you need to know about Crested Butte’s rules and Colorado’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (PPRA).
What Is Colorado’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (PPRA)?
The PPRA (HB21-1162) is a statewide law aimed at reducing single-use plastics, like plastic bags and polystyrene (Styrofoam®) containers.
The polystyrene ban applies to all retail food establishments—businesses that prepare or package food for consumption on or off-site—including restaurants, fast food outlets, cafeterias, schools*, and prisons.
*Schools are encouraged to comply, but enforcement is not permitted under the PPRA. For more information and exemptions visit Ecocycle guidelines.
The Plastic Pollution Reduction Act will roll out in two phases:
Phase 1 (January 1, 2023): Retailers with more than 3 locations in Colorado (or 1+ location outside Colorado) had to:
- Stop purchasing plastic bags to hand out at checkout
- Charge a $0.10 fee for each plastic and paper bag they provide
Retailers were allowed to use up their remaining stock of plastic bags until January 1, 2024
Phase 2 (January 1, 2024):
- Plastic bag ban: Retailers meeting the same size requirements can no longer purchase or distribute plastic bags
- Styrofoam® ban: Food establishments can no longer give out polystyrene food or drink containers
What’s Happening in Crested Butte?
Even before the state law, Crested Butte was ahead of the curve:
- Since September 1, 2018, plastic bags have been banned within town limits
- Only approved paper bags are allowed, and they:
- Must be at least 40% recycled content
- Must be 100% recyclable
- A $0.10 fee is required for every paper bag, per the PPRA
- You can find the full ordinance in Chapter 7 of the Town Code
As of July 1st, 2024, local governments are able to enact more stringent laws to manage or restrict plastics. The Town of Crested Butte will be exploring potential opportunities to further reduce plastic pollution within town limits.
Need some helpful tips on implementing the Styrofoam ban?
EcoCycle has developed a toolkit to help businesses understand the ban and make the shift away from polystyrene.