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Plastic Straw Bans are Becoming Widespread

May 23, 2018

If you’re a Golden State resident, you may have gotten used to bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. It’s been over a year since California banned retailers from handing out single-use plastic bags to customers due to environmental concerns. Numerous cities have taken it a step further by imposing restrictions on restaurants giving out plastic straws such as Malibu, Seattle, Miami Beach and San Luis Obispo.

These restrictions make sense. According to ecocycle.org, 500 million straws are used in the US every day which contribute significantly to plastic pollution, especially in our oceans. In the UK, a ban on sales of single-use plastics, including plastic straws will be in effect as early as next year.

 

 

steel straw
Reusable straws from ECO Vessel

 

Even major brands are taking notice. As part of McDonald’s effort to make their stores more environmentally friendly, 1,300 locations across the U.K. will be phasing out plastic straws and testing paper straws.

Is your city next? As a restaurant owner, it is ever-important to not only keep abreast of new legislation that can affect your operation, but to also be fully prepared! Paper, wood or bamboo are good alternatives to plastic straws and cutlery. There are numerous options on the market that are easily ordered online or through your local supplier. Even if your restaurant hasn’t been banned from using plastic straws, it doesn’t hurt to be more mindful and eco-friendly.