Category: Plastic Straw Ban

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February 6, 2020

California Plastic Waste Vote this 2020.

Post By Bryan Perry Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Sustainability

We know California plastic waste affects everyone here on the West Coast. People want change, but what happens when the politicians can’t seem to take action? Petitions go out, signatures come in, and the people exercise their right to vote. When it comes to reducing single-use plastics, we might see a reduction in California Plastic Waste.

 

A Bay Area waste hauler and several environmental groups are aiming to put target plastics reduction on the California ballot. Citing Sacramento’s failure to act, they hope voters choose to finally cut down on California’s plastic waste. At OkStraw Paper Straws, we know nothing wakes up politicians quite like a public referendum. 

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California Plastic Waste Bill Get’s A Third Vote  

This year, California’s plastic waste situation had the opportunity to pass bills to limit single-use plastics. The bills required manufacturers to take responsibility for plastics they produce. Manufacturers need to make fully recyclable or compostable materials, and limit single-use plastics. These two bills, however, failed to get the necessary votes, and died at the state capitol.

Solving The Single-Use Plastic Waste Problem

That’s where this new bill comes in, and it goes further than those two dead California plastic waste bills. Under the proposed bill, all plastic packaging and single-use foodware items must be recyclable or compostable by 2030. There will also be up to a 1 cent manufacturer fee for making plastic items and packaging. This fee goes to building composting and recycling facilities and to pay for beach cleanups. 

At OkStraw Paper Straws, we like seeing legislation that both addresses single-use plastics and waste issues. A California plastic waste bill must have 623,212 signatures by April 2020, in order to be on the November ballot. Behind this ballot effort is Recology, a waste hauling company based in San Francisco. Recology focuses on sustainable waste management practices, and supporting this initiative demonstrates their corporate social responsibility. 

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Men Behind California’s Plastic Waste Problem!

OkStraw welcomes this initiative, here’s our warning to fellow Californians. If the initiative gets on the ballot, then get ready for a PR onslaught from plastic companies. Plastic industry lobbyist groups will try to kill a plastic recycling bill, just like they did in Sacramento. One of these lobbyist groups is Californians for Recycling and the Environment (CRE). 

During the debate in Sacramento, CRE warned that the two recycling bills would hurt Californians.  How?  By banning products like dog food and toothpaste. These were nothing but scare tactics. But the damage was done. Misinformed lawmakers feared backlash from their constituents and killed the bills. California residents need to know the truth about our plastic waste problem.  That’s why we are hear talking about it.

Paper Product Solution For a Sustainable California

Don’t believe the scary stories plastics companies tell you. This recycling bill will not take away your toothpaste nor your dog food. In fact, it will hold plastic companies accountable. This bill strikes at the heart of California’s plastic waste problem.  Healing our oceans starts here. Fighting climate change begins on a local level. Our fight against single-use plastics starts everyday with our choices.

Fortunately, there are great biodegradable alternatives to plastic are out there.  Indeed, our paper straws are one of these eco-friendly solutions.  By decomposing in 90 days, these products solve part of California’s plastic waste problem. So California, get to the polls, voice your support for recycling, and join the Cause for Paper Straws!

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October 4, 2019

Italian Island of Capri Bans Plastic Straws

Post By Bryan Perry Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Sustainability , , ,

The global war on plastic waste keeps roaring on, and this Spring marked yet another victory. With mayoral approval, Capri’s local government banned single-use plastics from the island, including plastic straws. 

This tiny Mediterranean island joins other world-famous beachfront destinations that gave plastic the boot. With Capri banning items like plastic straws, the island’s visitors will soon get a taste of a plastic-free lifestyle. At atOkStraw Paper Straws, we’re elated to hear Capri say arriederci to single use plastics in favor for ecofriendly alternatives like paper straws!

Capri's Plastic Waste Problem

Located off the coast of Naples, Italy, Capri is legendary destination for international tourists and movie stars alike. Cliffside villages, designer boutiques and a sea cave adorn this Mediterranean gem. However, lurking beneath this beguiling surface lies a serious problem.

 

Capri hosts 2.3 million tourists every year, and every one of them leaves their plastic waste behind. With a population equivalent to Chicago visiting this tiny island every year, Capri is struggling to manage this plastic waste. As a result, Mayor Giovanni De Martino just approved a ban on all-single use plastics from the island. 

For a Sustainable Capritian Future

Capri’s single-use plastics ban covers plastic straws, water bottles, bags, cutlery, and stirrers. From now on, all single-use materials on Capri Island must be biodegradable. Otherwise, violators of the single-use plastics ban face fines of up to €500. Although the ban took effect on 1 May, Capri’s government gave local businesses a 90 days to comply

 

While it’s great to hear Capri reject single-use plastics, they would still be covered by another plastics ban. Capri is part of the European Union, which already pledged to phase out single-use plastics in all countries by 2021. Nevertheless, we at OkStraw Paper Straws believe Capri made the right decision to ban single-use plastics. 

Paper Straws for Capri Island

We at OkStraw Paper Straws share much in common with Capri’s residents. Much like Capri, our hometown San Diego is a world-famous destination. Likewise, hosting millions of visitors means we both have to deal with plastic waste. So rather than worry about dealing with plastic waste, why not do away with it? We think so, and that’s why San Diego banned single-use plastics.

 

Thanks to innovative companies like OkStraw Paper Straws, single-use plastic alternatives are here better than ever. OkStraw’s paper straws are fully biodegradable, making them compliant with Capri’s single-use plastics ban. OkStraw paper straws degrade naturally, and never contain harmful chemicals. Once an OkStraw Paper Straw does its job, it returns to the planet that bore it. On the island today, back to nature tomorrow, OkStraw’s paper straws are Capri’s newest ecotourists. 

 

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July 26, 2019

Washington, D.C.’s Plastic Straw Ban Now in Effect

Post By admin Government Responsibility, Plastic Straw Ban , ,

Washington, D.C. has become the latest in a growing number of cities to outlaw plastic straws. The ban’s grace period ban officially ended on July 1st, and follows a 9-year-old nickel bag tax, and a 3-year-old ban on plastic food containers. Businesses in the District will now have to switch from plastic straws to biodegradable alternatives such as paper straws, or face fines ranging from $100 to $800.

This plastic straw ban took effect over a three-step process. The first step came when the ban became law on October 1st last year, whereby the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) gave a January 1st deadline for businesses to get rid of plastic straws. The second step took place on January 1st, when the DOEE issued warnings for noncompliance. The third and final process began on July 1st, when DC began issuing fines for violations.

So far, D.C. 's plastic straw ban seems to succeed in accommodating people with disabilities.

In order to enforce this ban, the DOEE will conduct inspections at businesses throughout the District; the DOEE conducted similar inspections following the District’s polystyrene takeout container ban. These compliance inspections will occur throughout the year. Customers can tip the DOEE about businesses regularly serving plastic straws instead of legal alternatives like paper straws.

DC will however allow restaurants to carry a limited supply of plastic straws, in order to serve disabled customers who still need to use these straws. These plastic straws will be handed out only by request, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Soon, this exception won’t be necessary, because companies like OkStraw already make paper straw for everyone’s needs.

Washington D.C’s single-use plastic straw ban has so far been met with positive feedback from local businesses

Washington, D.C. has a long history with the drinks straw. It was in the District where in 1888, Marvin Chester Stone received the first patent for a paper straw design, and made the product locally. Over time however, Stone’s biodegradable paper straw became the bendable plastic straw that cannot decompose. Stone’s invention deserves the spotlight, and OkStraw Paper Straws hopes to do him proud.

Washington D.C’s single-use plastic straw ban has so far been met with positive feedback from local businesses. In fact, a number of D.C. businesses phased out plastic straws before the ban went into effect. Establishments like the Greek chain Cava used paper straws for over a year. OkStraw is excited to hear about these early adopters, and their push to take the initiative by switching to paper straws.

paper straw inventor

Paper Straws Compliant with D.C.'s Ban

For businesses and residents in the District, finding a legal alternative is easy as can be. That’s because OkStraw Paper Straws is ready to serve D.C. with our high quality, DOEE-compliant paper straws. OkStraw’s paper straws are certified biodegradable, and are made from foodgrade, organic paper dyes, paper and glue. Our catalog includes ADA-compliant bendy paper straws, Boba Tea paper straws, spoon paper straws and in any custom print option you want. An OkStraw Paper Straw will be the object of envy for every DOEE straw inspector. 

Washington, D.C.’s plastic straw ban follows cities such as Monmouth Beach, New Jersey; Miami Beach, Florida; Seattle, Washington, and a number of coastal cities in California and Florida. A plastic straw ban in the U.S.’s capital city carries the powerful message that the fight against plastic waste is a thoroughly American fight. We at OkStraw welcome our fellow Americans in Washington, D.C. to the Cause for Paper Straws!

July 24, 2019

Madison, Wisconsin Could Be the Newest City to Restrict Plastic Straws

Post By Bryan Perry Government Responsibility, Plastic Straw Ban , , , , ,

Madison, Wisconsin may soon be the latest city to ban or restrict plastic straws. Alderman Syed Abbas plans to introduce a bill to City Council, which would limit restaurants from handing out plastic straws. The law won’t ban plastic straws outright, but it’s a greater reason to make the switch to paper straws.

Under Ald, Abbas’s proposed law, customers in dine-in restaurants will need to specifically ask for a straw. Take-out and drive-thru restaurants will still be allowed to serve plastic straws, however. The proposed law doesn’t restrict paper straws, so restaurants will have plenty of alternatives. OkStraw is excited to see Madison making the switch to paper straws, and kicking plastic straws.

Ald. Abbas seeks mutually beneficial outcome for sustainability advocates, local businesses, and disability rights representatives.

Restaurants in other US cities are already switching to paper straws

Abbas explains that his plastic straw restriction aims to encourage people to be more cognizant about their straw use. If people don’t need a straw, then restaurants won’t simply hand them one. Once restaurants switch to paper straws, though, handing them out won’t be a problem.

Madison businesses and disability rights advocates so far support Ald. Abbas’ plan. Ald. Abbas has been working closely with people with disabilities, so they can have the straws they need. This won’t be an issue, however, thanks to OkStraw’s new ADA-compliant bendy paper straws. Our paper bendy straws are truly usable alternatives to plastic bendy straws, a huge leap forward for people with disabilities.

Madison's Plastic Straw Restriction is Part of a Truly American Fight

With more cities and states banning plastic straws, it’s time for Madison, Wisconsin to pass Ald. Abbas’ bill. This is no longer just a West and East Coast issue. Madison’s plastic straw restriction is part of a truly a American fight. With proposed bans in Minnesota and Chicago, now’s the perfect time for Madison to take the lead the Midwest battle against plastic straws. The next time you go to Madison, you might just see a paper straw served up in your glass of pop.

We at OkStraw are here to fight this fight with our biodegradable paper straws. Our inventory includes Boba Tea Paper Straws, ADA-compliant bendy paper straws, paper spoon straws, and any custom print you want. Thanks to OkStraw, Madison, Wisconsin will never want for high quality paper straws.

July 24, 2019

July Marks the 1-Year Anniversary of Seattle’s Plastic Straw Ban

Post By Bryan Perry Government Responsibility, Plastic Straw Ban , , ,

This month marks the one-year anniversary of Seattle, Washington’s ban on single-use plastic straws. The ban took effect on July 1st, 2018, and was the first law of its kind implemented by a large metropolitan city in the US. Since then, more cities across the country have passed similar bans. 

Seattle’s plastic straw ban followed a 2008 ordinance that requires restaurants and food-service businesses to find biodegradable alternatives to plastic and polystyrene cups, plates, utensils, and takeout containers. With more than 5,000 businesses operating within the city limits required to make the switch from plastic to eco-friendly alternatives like paper straws, Seattle’s ban demonstrates that laws like this can work in larger cities.

Marine Pollution, Plastic Straws
Paper straws help prevent waste like this from polluting our shores

Seattle was until this month the most populated city to ban single-use plastic straws.

So far, most cities that passed plastic straw bans are smaller, such as Miami Beach, Florida and Santa Monica, California. The California cities of Los Angeles and San Diego voted to limit plastic straws from being freely handed out to customers at restaurants. These cities have not banned plastic straws outright, however, they simply limit access. Restaurants that want to hand out straws freely must use eco-friendly options like paper straws.

Seattle was until this month the most populated city in the US to ban single-use plastic straws, however it has now been surpassed by San Francisco, whose plastic straw ban took effect on July 1st. Last November, Chicago voted yes to a ballot asking whether the city should ban plastic straws. If Chicago’s City Council votes and approves a plastic straw ban, then the city of 2.7 million people will be the biggest in the country by far to implement such a law. Chicago could become America’s number one eco-friendly paper straw using metropolis.  

In the year following Seattle’s plastic straw ban, the US has seen a dramatic shift in public opinion against plastic straws.

Not only is Seattle’s 2018 single-use plastic straw ban leading the push for other cities to pass their own bans, it may even lead to the first full ban on plastic straws at the state level. Washington’s State Senator Patty Kuderer plans to introduce her bill, which will outlaw single-use plastic straws statewide by July 1st, 2020. If Olympia votes Senator Kuderer’s bill into law, then Washington will follow Oregon and California, making the entire West Coast of the United States plastic straw restrictive. “Paper Straw Belt” could soon be the new nickname for this part of the country. 

In the year following Seattle’s plastic straw ban, the US has seen a dramatic shift in public opinion against plastic straws. More cities are in the process of restricting plastic straws, including America’s three biggest cities: Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. With more states and cities passing bans and restrictions in the last few months, Seattle’s plastic straw ban has so far proven to be a successful major step in the fight against plastic waste.

July 23, 2019

Oregon Plastic Straw Ban – Oregon Passes Single-Use Plastic Straw Law

Post By Bryan Perry Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Sustainability , , , , , , , ,

2020 Plastic Straw Ban is Here

Starting in January 2020, Oregon has banned restaurants and bars from using plastic straws. Paper Straws are an alternative.

Oregon has followed California in becoming the second US state to enact restrictions on single use plastic straws. The measure was passed by the Oregon House of Representatives on May 29th, 2019, with a winning margin of 48-12. The new law will ban restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless customers request one, similar to California’s law. Restaurants can still provide customers with paper strawsr.

Drive-thru restaurants and pharmacies will still be allowed to offer straws, however. Addressing reporters, Oregon governor Kate Brown voiced her support for the new ban, citing a need to raise public awareness of the effects single-use plastics have on the environment, and encourage people to make sustainable changes to their lifestyles. 

As residents of an eco-conscious destination like Oregon, we at OkStraw Paper Straws know plastic waste is an economic disaster. After all, who wants to go to an Oregon beach  or forest if it’s littered with plastic?

Paper Straws are Ecofriendly Alternative to Plastic
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Oregon Capital Building

These new restrictions on single-use plastic straws are the start of Oregon’s fight to reduce plastic waste.

Paper straws are a far safer option for protecting marine animals
Support Sea Animals with this fun Variety Pack!

Plastic Straw Ban Measure Passed Both Houses in Oregon

On the floor of the Oregon House, lawmakers discussed a widely viewed YouTube video from 2015, which shows scientists removing a plastic straw lodged in a sea turtle’s nostril. Republican lawmakers in the House however opposed the measure, arguing that there was no evidence that proved plastic straws used by Oregon residents were harming birds and sea turtles, and that the ban would simply introduce more bureaucracy. 

Other Oregon House Republicans did not oppose the ban, however, arguing that it does not outright prohibit customers from requesting plastic straws. They also supported a clause in the legislation that prevents cities such as Portland from passing plastic straw bans that go further than the new state law. 

A number of environmentalists however did not support these two exceptions to the new plastic straw law. As a result, some groups withdrew their support for the bill. These new restrictions on single-use plastic straws are the start of Oregon’s fight to reduce plastic waste. In the weeks following the plastic straw bill, the State Senate passed a new ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, with a 5-cent fee on reusable plastic and paper bags.

 

 

Plastic straw bans can encourage people to make more sustainable adjustments to their lives

Oregon’s new partial ban on plastic straws comes at a pivotal time in the fight for sustainability. The World Economic Forum has projected that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in Earth’s oceans than fish. 

Laws such as California’s and now Oregon’s can serve to make residents more cognizant of using any plastic item only once, and then throwing it away without thought. For businesses serving single-use foodware, paper straws, paper plates and paper takeout containers are a far more sustainable alternative to their plastic counterparts.

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While they may seem small in impact at first, plastic straw bans can encourage people to make more sustainable adjustments to their lives. When more people take small steps like switching from single-use plastic straws to eco-friendly alternatives like paper straws, they can make bigger changes to their lifestyles that will lead to a healthier planet. 

At OkStraw Paper Straws, we encourage everyone to follow our lead, and ditch single-use plastics for biodegradable alternatives. We only use biodegradable, food grade materials to make our paper straws. From cocktails to bendy straws and boba bubble tea, there’s an OkStraw Paper Straw for every drink and everyone. So whether you’re out for drinks in Portland or sipping tea in Bend, ditch the plastic, and join the Cause for Paper Straws!

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July 23, 2019

South Australia Seeks New Single-Use Plastics Ban

Post By Bryan Perry Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban , , , , ,

 

The state of South Australia will soon lead the country’s fight against single-use plastic waste, with a new piece of legislation being proposed. Environment minister David Speirs announced on July 6th that the state’s ruling Liberal Party will draft a bill to ban plastic straws, cutlery and drink stirrers before the end of 2019. The party aims to submit the bill to the state’s parliament by 2020, where it can then be voted into law. If this bill becomes law, South Australia will be the first state in Australia to ban such single-use plastic items.

In addition to banning plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery, South Australia’s government is also looking to phase out plastic cups, polystyrene takeout containers and cups, and thicker reusable plastic bags. These proposed new bans are not South Australia’s first efforts at limiting single-use plastic waste. The state banned lightweight plastic bags in 2009, and since then, all but one Australian state has enacted the same bans. If passed, South Australia’s proposed restrictions on heavier reusable plastic bags will be the strictest in the country.

South Australia’s proposed bans on plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery is drawing praise from across the political aisle. Sarah Hanson-Young, a federal senator representing the Australian Greens, voiced her support for this legislation, citing the need to confront the country’s plastic waste problem. Senator Hanson-Young announced that her party plans to introduce a nationwide plastics ban to the Australian federal Senate in Canberra within the next few months. 

 

Australia has previously avoided dealing with its recycling problem by simply sending its trash and plastics to countries in East Asia

This newest legislation comes at a time when Australia is contending with a looming plastic crisis. South Australia’s Green Industries department estimates that 8 million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans each year, or the equivalent of the contents of one fully loaded garbage truck every minute. If this amount of plastic waste dumped does not change, the department estimates that by the year 2050, there will be more plastics in our oceans than fish.

Adding to this global plastic crisis is Australia’s badly inadequate recycling program. A study by the University of Technology Sydney estimates that only one third of plastic packaging waste in Australia gets recycled. In 2018, an estimated 600,000 of Australia’s 900,000 tons of plastic waste went unrecycled. Australia has previously avoided dealing with its recycling problem by simply sending its trash and plastics to countries in East Asia. More countries however have decided that they no longer want to take in Australia’s trash.

An Indonesian customers officer displays a tabloid newspaper among the trash imported from Australia

With an inadequate recycling system and fewer countries willing to accept its trash, Australia must take swift and decisive action to limit the amount of plastic it uses.

Malaysia recently announced that it was sending back 100 tons of Australia’s waste, because it was falsely labelled as being recyclable, it was rotten, or it was too contaminated to be safely recycled. China is also refusing to take in any more of Australia’s trash. China previously bought 50 percent of recyclables Australia collected, but a new law passed by Beijing means that 99 percent of these materials can no longer be imported into the country. 

India and Indonesia have also refused to allow Australia to send its trash to them. Indonesia announced this month that it is sending back 8 shipping containers full of recyclable material, after government inspectors declared the material too contaminated. India’s new plastic imports ban will also effectively stop Australia sending any more of its plastic waste to the country. With more countries refusing to accept its garbage, Australia is facing the consequences of its poor recycling performance.

 

With a poor recycling record and less countries willing to accept its trash, Australia must take swift and decisive action to limit the amount of plastic it uses. South Australia’s proposed ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery is a much-needed initiative to take in leading the country’s fight against plastic waste, and embracing more sustainable alternatives. 

July 18, 2019

Dubai Airports to Ban Single-Use Plastics by 2020

Post By Bryan Perry Corporate Responsibility, Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Sustainability , , , , , , , , , ,

On June 10th, Dubai Airports Company announced its plan to ban single-use plastics from its facilities by January 1st, 2020. The United Arab Emirates-based firm is responsible for managing both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. Under the ban, single use plastic straws, forks, cutlery, and plastic shopping bags will no longer be allowed in shops, food courts, and restaurants. This ban follows the company’s recent push toward sustainability. Dubai Airports has already recycled over 43 thousand tons of paper and glass every year, and disposed of 16 tons of plastic water bottles. On World Environmental Day at the beginning of June, the company worked with more than 100 businesses at Dubai International Airport to stop handing out 150 thousand single-use plastic straws.

As massive as the buildings and construction projects are in the UAE, the amount of single-use plastic on Earth to  contends with is far greater. It has been estimated that more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste has been produced worldwide since 1950. In other words, it would take 16,600 Burj Khalifas, the world’s tallest skyscraper located in Dubai, to fill the same space occupied by plastic. Chair of the Emirates Group Hababi Al Mar’ashi stated that banning single use plastics at Dubai International Airport will encourage international visitors in Dubai to take the initiative in fighting against single-use plastic pollution. With an estimated 90 million people passing through Dubai International each year, the airport has ranked as the world’s busiest for a 5th year in a row.  

Dubai Airports is not the first institution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ban plastics. The UAE government’s Ministry of Environment and Water enacted bans on a number of non-biodegradable plastic products in 2013. Included in this list are single-use plastic bags, cups, cutlery and plates. Further bans on single-use plastics could have a major impact on the UAE’s waste footprint. The emirate Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency reported that the average UAE resident uses nearly 1,200 single-use plastics per year, or almost triple the global average. In addition, UAE residents use on average 3 billion plastic water bottles a year. A major shift away from single-use plastics to biodegradable materials has the potential of demonstrating to the world that no matter how heavily people rely on plastics, they can still make the switch to more sustainable alternatives.

Public opinion in the UAE is also shifting against single-use plastics. A 2019 poll of 2,700 people in the country’s seven emirates showed a majority supported paying a fee for single-use plastics. UAE citizens and the numerous expatriate workers living in the Emirates are already making their own personal changes, such as shopping with reusable bags, and bringing their own water bottles and beverage cups. Enterprises operating in the UAE are also doing their part to curb single-use plastics, with more than 50 businesses pledging in 2018 to stop using plastic straws. When January 1st, 2020 arrives, Dubai Airports will become the largest business in the UAE to ban single-use plastics at its establishments. In a country known the world over for its impressive list of human-made monoliths and achievements, ending plastic waste may yet be its most important. 

July 12, 2019

Businesses in San Diego Moving Away from Single-Use Plastic Straws

Post By Bryan Perry Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Restaurant Supplies, Trash Cleanups ,

The City of San Diego is putting the brakes on enforcing a new set of laws on single-use plastics, after being sued by the California Restaurant Association. Under the new laws, most restaurants will no longer be allowed to hand out plastic straws to customers, unless requested. In addition, all people and businesses within San Diego city limits will be prohibited from handing out polystyrene (Styrofoam) foodware items in buildings or at special events run by the City. This list of items includes takeout containers, foam egg cartons, and foam plates. The ban on polystyrene foodware was set to take effect on May 24th, and the restriction on straws was to begin on February 23rd.

High quality paper straws are an excellent sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.

Despite these laws being put on hold, businesses in San Diego are moving forward with their switch from single-use plastics straws to biodegradable alternatives, such as paper straws. Some of these local business owners are already acquainted with plastic straw bans.  Woodstock’s Pizza owners Laura Ambrose and her husband are have complied with local bans on plastic straws in other California cities, where they operate a number of restaurants. With more cities California banning or restricting single-use plastic straws, the demand for biodegradable paper straws has shot up dramatically. As a result, paper straw companies are struggling to keep up production, and deliver orders to their customers on time. 

The City of San Diego states on its website that these new restrictions on single-use plastic straws and polystyrene foodware are part of its Zero Waste goals. Volunteers in 2017 picked up more than 20,000 pieces of plastic from San Diego’s beaches, according to the non-profit Surfrider Foundation. The Surfrider Foundation states that single-use plastic straws are one of the most frequently picked up items during beach cleanups. Because they are small and flimsy, most plastic straws are difficult if not impossible to recycle. These plastic straws can enter the ocean, where they pose a serious threat to marine animals. Turtles, birds and fish often ingest plastic straws by mistake, causing injury or death.

Although San Diego’s new single-use plastic straw ordinance has been put on hold, businesses in the city are nevertheless taking the steps to phase out this non-biodegradable item from their premises. With another major city in the US getting rid of single-use plastic straws and foodware, companies selling paper straws and eco-friendly takeout containers will be facing a bigger demand than ever before. As a renowned destination city for visitors from across the world, San Diego has the potential of making an impact far greater than the boundaries of its city limits.

July 11, 2019

Chicago Voters Say “Yes” to a Single-Use Plastic Straw Ban

Post By OkStraw Paper Straws Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Sustainability , , , ,

On November 2018, Chicago residents voted “yes” to a measure asking them whether the city should ban single-use plastic straws, passing by an 11-point margin. Following the Election Day results, 15th ward Alderman Raymond Lopez announced his plan to introduce an ordinance for the Chicago City Council to vote on the ban. Businesses are taking notice, with Illinois Restaurants Association CEO and president Sam Toia expressing his members’ lack of surprise in the results.

Chicago-based restaurants, venues, museums and colleges have already switched from plastic straws to biodegradable alternatives like bamboo and paper straws. The Chicago White Sox banned plastic straws from their stadium, Guaranteed Rate Field, becoming the first Major League Baseball team in the country to do so. California-based food service company Bon Appetit announced that it will no longer offer plastic straws in its cafes and restaurants. Bon Appetit operates sites at the Art Institute of Chicago, suburban Wheaton College, and the University of Chicago. 

If the Chicago City Council follows up on the public’s vote and passes a ban, the city will become the third of America’s three biggest cities to restrict single-use plastics. The City Council of Los Angeles recently voted to prohibit restaurants from handing out plastic straws unless requested, and the municipal government of New York City will no longer purchase single-use plastics. New York’s Mayor Bill DeBlasio has backed a bill by City Council to prohibit plastic cutlery and other non-biodegradable, single-use foodware from restaurants located in the city. Chicago is a major hub for the agricultural and restaurant industry. Among these corporations is McDonald’s, whose headquarters are located in the city. A voter-supported ban on plastic straws in Chicago could send out a strong message to the food and beverage industry that opposition to single-use plastics is gaining more ground with each day, and major changes are inevitable.

How soon Chicago’s new Mayor Lori Lightfoot pushes for a vote on a plastic straw ban remains to be seen, however a ban seems sooner than later. Chicago struggles in its battle against single-use plastic waste. The Better Government Association reported that Chicago has the worst recycling rate of any U.S. city; just 9 percent of all residential waste collected gets recycled. Chicago is located on the shore of Lake Michigan, which is already littered with unrecycled plastic waste. Unrecycled plastic waste becomes trapped in the lake, where it gets swallowed by fish, and can eventually end up in the drinking water of residents in cities like Chicago. With low recycling rates and the health of Lake Michigan at stake, Chicago has many reasons to move away from single-use plastic straws, and embrace sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. 

July 10, 2019

Two Coastal Israeli Cities to Ban Single-Use Plastic from Their Beaches

Post By OkStraw Paper Straws Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Trash Cleanups , , , , ,

Two of Israel’s coastal cities, Herzliya and Eilat, have announced plans to ban single-use plastics from their beaches. Banned items include but are not limited to plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic cutlery. Both cities will be joining a growing list of countries and municipalities around the world’s coasts that have passed similar bans on single-use plastics, including Peru, Chile, and several US states.

The city of Eilat, located on the Red Sea, intends to tackle plastic waste on its beaches through a two-stage plan. This plan includes educating and discouraging local businesses from using plastics, and then enforcing the ban on single-use plastics from its beaches. Plastic water bottles will be exempt from the ban, however. Eilat’s city hall also plans to organize a campaign to raise awareness among residents and visitors about the harmful effects of plastic on marine life and coral reefs. For Eilat, banning single-use plastics from its beaches will be crucial to preserving its world-famous coral reefs that attract divers from around the world. Eilat’s ban on single-use plastics from its beach also coincides with Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate’s ban on all single-use plastics from its beaches by June. With authorities in two different countries announcing bans on single-use plastics from their beaches, there may be a chance for a more aggressive push to eliminate plastic waste from the Red Sea. Eilat is also collaborating with governmental agencies and organizations to educate visitors, residents and business owners about the harmful effects of plastic waste through social media campaigns and billboards.

Herliya’s ban on single-use plastics from its Mediterranean beaches is part of a joint initiative between its local government and the Israeli environmental organization Zalul (“clear”), launched on January 2018. Herzliya’s mayor Moshe Fadlon intends to make his municipality the starting point for a mission to ban single-use plastics across Israel. Fadlon plans to create a ripple effect by encouraging other cities to follow Herzliya, and eventually introducing a national law in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, which will prohibit single-use plastics from the entire country. Israel’s government has taken notice of the growing concern over the harmful effects of plastic on the world’s waters. The Israeli Environmental Protection Ministry’s data estimates that plastics comprise 90 percent of trash in marine environments, with nearly 60 percent of that waste coming from trash thrown onto beaches. The ministry is also looking into investigating how much of the amount of plastic on Israel’s beaches comes from other countries, and how much of that amount is generated within the country. Plastic waste has a tremendous impact on the environment. Not only does plastic waste hurt or kill marine animals and birds that mistake it for food, but this waste can break down into micro-particles that can migrate through the food chain and end up in human bodies.

The new ban on single-use plastics from the beaches of Herzliya and Eilat shows promise, as both cities are tackling plastic pollution in two major bodies of water, as well as taking the steps of raising national awareness through PR and policy campaigns. Should these efforts succeed, Israel may become a world leader in eliminating single-use plastic waste. Tourists visiting Israeli beaches may soon take out lunch from biodegradable fiber cartons, and enjoy their beverages with paper straws instead of their plastic counterparts.

July 9, 2019

New Challenges to San Francisco Restaurants Serving Boba Drinks

Post By OkStraw Paper Straws Government Responsibility, Plastic Pollution, Plastic Straw Ban, Restaurant Supplies, Sustainability , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shops and restaurants selling boba tea in San Francisco will soon face a new challenge to their businesses from a ban on plastic straws, passed in 2018 by the Board of Supervisors. Starting on July of 2019, shops violating this new ordinance will face fines ranging from 100 to 500 dollars with each offense. In order to stay in compliance, finding an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic straws will be crucial for shops selling boba tea. Boba tea is a Taiwanese drink seeing an increasing popularity in US cities, and consists of a sweet tea filled with large glutinous tapioca marbles. Boba tea straws must be wide enough to allow the tapioca balls to pass through them, while also being sturdy with a sharpened tip capable of punching through a film secured over the top of the drink, which prevents spilling. The challenge for San Francisco-based shops selling boba tea is finding a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic straws that meets all of these requirements.

San Francisco will only permit non-plastic alternatives such as bamboo, metal, or paper straws. Plant-based PLA plastic straws will be prohibited in San Francisco, as although they can be readily recycled, they are too small to be caught and sorted by the city’s PLA composting facilities. PLA plastic is also not safe for the waters surrounding San Francisco, as the cold temperatures prevent the material from biodegrading, making PLA straws just as harmful to marine animals as normal plastic straws. Reusable metal and bamboo straws are an alternative, however they are far more expensive to buy than single-use straws, and many tourists visiting San Francisco may balk at the prospect of spending as much as two dollars or more in order to enjoy their drinks. With metal and bamboo straws an expensive and likely unappealing prospect, and single-use PLA straws not being an option for boba drinks, San Francisco business will likely navigate to paper straws as single-use biodegradable alternatives. 

There are a handful of paper straw companies that offer boba straws wide enough to be used, however many of these straws do not come with sharp angled tips capable of piercing the container tops, meaning shops selling boba tea will need to spend the time and laborious effort of cutting the tips of each straw themselves. Cost will also be a concern, with most paper boba straws on the market today costing up to 19 cents a piece, adding a greater business expense to San Francisco businesses purchasing large quantities to keep up with customer demand in a competitive business market with high rent costs. As many of these local stores are family owned with far less wealth than larger franchise businesses, they may have no other option than to place the price of these biodegradable straws on their patrons. For eco-friendly straw producers, the challenge will be to offer small businesses in San Francisco with a paper straw that not only has all the capabilities they expect from a boba straw, but can also be manufactured and sold at an affordable price.