Environmental groups argue that stricter plastic regulations are necessary because decades of attempts to recycle plastics have failed miserably.Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.California became the first state last year to require that sit-down restaurants give plastic straws only to customers who request them.
Despite opposition from restaurant and industry groups, progress on banning straws and other single-use plastics won’t be stopped, Kate Melges, who leads the anti-plastics campaign for Greenpeace, said via email. Straws are seen by some activists as a “gateway plastic” — highly visible but not essential to many consumers — that is a good target for initial legislation.
Oregon environmental groups don’t like a law that would prevent cities from experimenting with straw bans. “It’s never been implemented anywhere in the state of Oregon,”said, “thus prescribing the statewide solution, definitively with pre-emption, is poor policy before we’ve implemented on the ground in at least one city.”
“In the climate we are in today, cities very much understand they can be at the forefront of policy on toxics or plastics or climate change,” Raphael said. “These pre-emptive actions by states strike at the heart of our ability to have an engaged, democratic system.
Have any of you protestors read anything about the pollution in our oceans. My guess would be a big NO! or is it the almighty $ that is your motivation?
Shocking California leads the way with this.
Ignorant liberals
“Litterbug”- The Corporate Conspiracy to Blame You for “Their” Litter [
I sneak in my own plastic straws and hope I don’t get busted by the straw police.
Pasta straws - no excuse now.
We are a throw away consumer society. We do it without even thinking. It's shameful
I'm not a hippie but...
Plastic is poisoning the earth. The only people fighting to keep it are the same people profiting off of its use. Meaning they're profiting off poisoning the planet. This material doesn't degrade. Idc who says it's not necessary. They're just mad we're messing with their $$$.
People use plastic to make stuff. Banning plastic won't fix anything.
Homeless vets and people illegal immigration but CA took care of straws ! Good job there .
Californianas are such cry baby’s, they whine about the stupidest things. How about do something about the homeless, welfare, and the ugly roads.
Straw fight.
Is that something to be proud of? The first, huh? Lol
Only very elderly people may be need a straw. The rest don't need it.
I’m just now getting into the habit of adding “no straw” when I order a drink. Like everything new, it takes a little bit to get used to.
Umm yeah I would rather use a straw because just better.
Not rocket science, if you want a straw ask for one. I'm tired of receiving them, not using it, and it still gets thrown out. Stupidity! When did it become standard for aduts to use straws to begin with?
They worried about plastic straws, but they ignore the fact that their streets are covered in plastic needles. This is the reality of the lefts far out views about what is important in their world. They need to pay more attention to the people dying in their streets, not straws.
I'm not buying them anymore. Nope. If we need them in the future, I will buy paper straws.
If this news is ruining your day and making you upset, can we please change lives? You obviously have nothing else important going on to be stressing over some plastic straws.
straws bad, needles good
We are jumping on the plastic straw campaign but the bigger problem is those plastic bottles and bags. I hate it when they put 2 things in a bag. They could do it with 4 to 5 bags and you come home with 8 to 10 bags.
Yes! Completely agree. I have been a reusable straw user for a few months now. You wont even believe the amount of restaurants that put the straw in the cup when served. Extremely wasteful. nostraws
Ridiculous
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time DevinNunes
We should ban them all over the world.
If you don't use a straw when your home, then why do you need one when your out someplace. What did people use before there was plastic straws? Think about it.
You know you're triggering poor Devin Nunes. He has straw issues.
Meanwhile California lets rapists, thieves, murderers, drug dealers all run free..
Does anybyuse a straw when drinking at home? If no than you don't need one ate restaurant. If you really want one you can ask for one pretty simple to me.
Stupid as the pollution from the oceans comes from Asia and Africa.
Look man! If they put a straw on every table and only one of those straws are used all of them go in the trash! You simply have to ask for one! Give it a rest
If the thought of asking for a straw at a restaurant fills you with rage maybe rethink all of your life’s decisions. Straws should not trigger anyone. Protecting the planet isn’t a “liberal” issue. It’s a global issue. The climate change ignorance needs to end.
Good news!
California is run by the “insanity” of the Democratic Party ! They have ruined this great state !
It’s not that hard folks. Really. 🙏🌎🇺🇸🏳️🌈✊🏻✊🏼✊✊🏾✊🏿🐝🌲🐾
Californians have much bigger problems than straws. Why is NBC News chasing this down? Get real.
People, just carry a washable metal straw or use a damn sippy cup...it’s not a socialist conspiracy, really, it’s not. savethemarinelife Then there’s this funny guy...not 👇...such a waste of air. DevinNunes
How business groups care more about money than the environment...
I own a resto and I won't give them even if they ask!
Complications include opposition from business and free enterprise groups, and a fight over which level of government should be able to regulate single-use plastics. Disability advocates have also pointed out that some people need straws to drink. (2/7)
Come on folks, we don’t need straws at all, just drink out of the glass like a grown up!!!!
Big Straw has its grips everywhere
Paper straws are terrible. They fall apart pretty quickly.
Good move. The US used over 8 billion plastic straws a year. Most end up in land fills or the oceans.
Firstworldproblems fighting over straws
They should check out the tableware Mexico has started manufacturing made from avocado pots that is biodegradeable.
Plastic cups, forks, knives and spoons still fine. Stupid
In the store yesterday....they are selling paper straws!! Yay!!
I don’t mind being asked. I use a straw, my husband does not. Why give us more than we need? Just don’t take them completely away. Not so sure changing to paper is good, because that uses up more trees.
Remember when smoking bans were going to ruin restaurants?
The world is saved! Next probmem please.
Maybe require your garbage not be thrown in the ocean...
How stupid.