A California Assemblyman is trying to make it more difficult for sit-down restaurants to offer plastic straws to customers. Ian Calderon, D-Whittier (Los Angeles County), introduced AB 1884, which would make it illegal for restaurant servers to give guests plastic straws unless requested.Unfortunately, the bill does not affect takeout restaurants, but it is a step in the right direction. Some local restaurants have already moved to using paper straws, which are compostable.
“We need to create awareness around the issue of one-time use plastic straws and its detrimental effects on our landfills, waterways, and oceans,” stated Majority Leader Calderon in a January 18 press release. “AB-1884 is not ban on plastic straws. It is a small step towards curbing our reliance on these convenience products, which will hopefully contribute to a change in consumer attitudes and usage.”
Know of any restaurants that are still using plastic straws? Think of writing a polite letter or talking to the owner about switching to paper straws, or no straws at all. Also, show your gratitude for those who have pioneered reduction in plastic straw use on the individual or state level. Find out more about the bill here>>, or see Calderon’s press release here>>.
